The little ones are off school, the sun is shining, and the road is calling. But road trips aren’t as easy as getting into a car, switching on the radio and throwing caution to the wind. Each time you are getting prepared for a trip there are a few important factors to consider: comfort, fun, and readiness.

In case you don’t know where to start here are a few items you should take along for the trip.

A COMFY, LIGHTWEIGHT BLANKET

Depending on the place you’re going, understand that warm summer days may turn out to be not-so-warm summer nights. You most likely won’t require something with down feathers or heavy quilting; however a good-sized blanket will certainly come in handy.

PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGERS

Road trips are all about creating memories, which imply that you’ll most likely use your smartphone to snap plenty of shots and using your phones amounts to faster-draining batteries, if you’re with a group, not everybody can plug their device into the car at a time. But, with a portable charger handy, one passenger could make use of it for a boost while another person plugs straight into the car’s power source.

A PORTABLE JUMP STARTER

It’s great to be equipped for the fun stuff, but you’ll also need to get ready for possible car trouble. With a portable jump starter onboard, you won’t need to depend on the kindness of strangers if you mistakenly drain your car battery.

A SOFT-SIDED COOLER BAG

Big coolers are good for filling with ice and lots of snacks; however they also occupy a lot of space. Soft-sided cooler bags alternatively keep the important things cold without occupying much space. They’re also quite easy to refill at gas station soda machines.

A FEW JUGS OF POTABLE WATER

As an additional safety measure, always have a few jugs of water handy, particularly if your road trip takes you through a very warm and remote part of the country. You can never tell just how far the next drinking fountain or grocery store is—don’t run the risk of dehydration.

SNACKS THAT DON’T REQUIRE REFRIGERATION

Jerky, nuts, along with other foods that will last outside the cooler are usually good to have around as they are good survival staples with hardly any preparation time and are convenient to eat on the move.

A ROLL OF DUCT TAPE

You need to have duct tape handy always. From makeshift repairs to non permanent solutions for injuries, the product can be used for anything.

PLENTY OF WET WIPES

Riding and snacking in a limited space for a long time increases the possibility or crumbs and spills, hence if you value your vehicle (or don’t want to accumulate needless detailing fees at the rental place), stash some wipes in the glovebox or in the center console.

PHYSICAL ROAD MAPS

It very well might seem old-fashioned, but paper road maps are the most effective way to navigate state lines. Your vehicle may have navigational tools integrated in to it and your smartphone could possibly tell you just where to go, but you might probably take a wrong turn if your devices fail.

COINS AND PAPER MONEY

ATM’s and banks don’t exist as often along highways as they do in urban centers, and locations like toll booths don’t take plastic. To steer clear of awkward situations and detours, plan in advance and get the money you need before the road trip starts. However, you must ensure you take just the amount that would be sufficient for you per term and not load plenty of cash in your vehicle.