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These 7 unexpected items will completely change your road trip game: Video

Cody Godwin   Paste BN
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There are a few things to consider when planning a road trip, such as figuring out the route, finding places to stay and bookmarking interesting places to visit along the way.

Next, it's time to decide how to keep everyone occupied while on the road. 

If you're behind the wheel, podcasts and audiobooks can help pass the time faster than music. Meanwhile, passengers can enjoy shows and movies from their favorite streaming platforms by downloading content to watch anytime, anywhere.

Whenever you download content to consume offline, do so before you hit the road and make sure it downloads completely. That way, you're not suddenly stuck on a cliffhanger if you're driving through a dead zone without any service. That's the worst!

Watch this video to see different ways to stay entertained on a long road trip. 

Unexpected things to pack for a road trip

When packing up the car, consider bringing some of these items to make the trip more organized and convenient.

  • A car inverter charger.

An inverter charger lets you plug and charge non-USB or USB-C devices directly into your car. The inverter has an outlet to charge items with a traditional, pronged power cord. 

  • A center console organizer. 

The organizer is a great way to store items out of the way while making them easily accessible when needed.

  • A shower caddy. 

This might sound strange, but the compartments in a shower caddy are great for holding snacks and drinks. Plus, it can fit across a lap.

It can also be used as a road trip kit stocked with napkins, utensils, first aid items and cleaning supplies. 

  • Suction cup organizer. 

Suction one of these to a window and easily store small items, like a cell phone, earbuds or crayons. This keeps things out of the way but still within reach. 

  • Tray or cookie sheet. 

The large, hard, flat surface is great for in-car activities like coloring and crossword puzzles. It can also be used as a food tray.

Extra tip: Bring a tray with a lip around the edge to prevent food and other items from falling on the floor. 

  • Hand towel. 

Seatbelts can become uncomfortable after a long period of use. Wrap a small towel around the strap to provide extra cushioning. 

Plus, it's also useful if there's a spill.

  • Container for trash.

Where there's food, there's trash! A sealable container is great for trash storage, and the lid prevents any potential mess if the container gets tipped over.

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Can you use Google, Apple Maps offline

Whether you're driving through the middle of nowhere or your final destination is off the grid, getting cellular service in these areas can be a struggle. You might enjoy the silence of a phone that can't ring, but your phone might still be a crucial navigation tool.

Popular navigation apps, like Google Maps and Apple Maps, allow you to download maps to use offline. This needs to be done before you go off the grid, so make sure to add this item to your pre-departure checklist.

To download a map in Google Maps: 

  1. Tap download. 
  2. Search the city.
  3. Tap on the name or address. 
  4. Tap the three dots in the corner. 
  5. Tap Download offline map. 
  6. Adjust the window to include the areas you need. 

To download a map in Apple Maps: 

  1. Search the city.
  2. Tap Download. If you don't see the option, tap More then Download Map. 
  3. Adjust the window to include the areas you need. 
  4. Tap Download. 

Offline maps will still allow you to get driving directions, and, depending on the app you use, information about saved places of interest and restaurants on the map may be available.

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