Tis the season for traveling, and with Covid-19 safety regulations slowly lifting, there’s no better time than the present to take a safe (and socially distant) road trip to someplace fun. Before you pack your bags and hit the road, don’t forget that with the right items and a little imagination, you can turn the interior of your car into a soothing sanctuary that will upgrade your entire trip.
Curious how you can transform your car into a zen space for your summer road trips? From comfy seat upgrades to aromatherapy ideas and more, these tips will ensure the drive is every bit as enjoyable as the destination.
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Assemble your travel kit essentials.
Having certain travel essentials on hand is key to creating both a zen car space and a worry-free road trip. Start by investing (or assembling) a compact but comprehensive first aid kit, that includes plenty of bandages, wound-prep pads, ibuprofen, and antibiotic ointment, like the First Aid Kit at Welly.
You’ll also want to make sure you have access to multi-purpose cleaning wipes, such as the Everspring Lavender & Bergamot Multi Surface Cleaning Wipes at Target, so you can quickly cleanup an unexpected spill, as well as hand sanitizing wipes, so you can wash your hands without having to locate the nearest restroom. You should also consider investing in a portable power bank, like the NOCO GB40 at Amazon, that supplies enough juice to jumpstart your car and charge your devices in case of emergency.
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Keep your car interior organized.
Nothing crowds up a tight space faster than unnecessary clutter, which is why it’s crucial to keep your car nice and tidy throughout your next road trip. Fortunately, there’s a slew of car-savvy organizational items, including mini trash cans designed to fit in your cup holder, seat gap storage containers, and headrest hooks for hanging bags and coats, that can help streamline your car space while ensuring your essentials are easy to find on-the-go.
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Consider some comfy seat upgrades.
A little seat cushioning can go a long way on a road trip. Take care to outfit your car with plush seat covers composed of comfy fabrics, like this quilted linen style at Amazon, as well as tailbone-cradling padded seat cushions, such as the Simply Car Seat Cushion at Purple.
For passengers that plan on napping along the way, you can’t go wrong with a couple of travel-friendly car pillows, like the Ostrichpillow Travel Neck Pillow with Memory Foam at Food52 or the Road Trip Pillow at Uncommon Goods. Use one on your headrest while driving for added comfort and support, or keep one in the backseat for sleepy riders.
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Take advantage of trunk space.
Why waste valuable car space on sporadic road trip staples when you can keep them neatly organized in the trunk instead? Portable storage containers, such as the Pop Up Trunk Organizers at Smart Design and the Collapsible Storage Bin and Trunk Caddy at Clever Made allow you to stash everything from groceries to hiking boots in one succinct place, and fold down to a fraction of their original size when not in use.
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Employ some aromatherapy.
The right fragrance can make all the difference when you’re traveling in car for a long distance. Luckily, an assortment of high-end aromatherapy brands offer sleek and stylish car fragrance diffusers, including Diptyque, Vörda, and P.F. Candle Co.
If you prefer to keep the air in your car clean but fragrance-free, consider investing in a portable air purifier. The Eco Quest Smart Car Air Purifier is designed with HEPA filtration and ionization, and boasts an optional aroma feature to boot.
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Decorate the interior.
If you thought car decor was limited to dangling air fresheners and furry steering wheel covers then think again. Cute car accessories, such as mini flower bud vases and handmade tassels that clip onto your air vents, are surprisingly affordable and widely available at Etsy.
There’s also a slew of tiny decor items that you can simply hang from your rearview mirror to instantly liven up the inside of your car. Consider a pint-sized macrame hanging planter or pretty stained glass charms to set a stylish tone for your road trip.
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Maps matter.
When outfitting your car for a relaxing road trip, it pays to be proactive about navigation. Bypass unnecessary stops to ask for directions by investing in a reliable GPS system with traffic alerts and built-in Bluetooth wireless technology, like the Garmin DriveSmart™ 55 & Traffic, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost along the way.
If you’d rather rely on your smartphone for directions, a simple cell phone mount, such as the Swivel Dash Mount at Rok Form or the PopMount 2 Car Vent at PopSockets, can be a huge help. Not only do they ensure your phone is always within arm’s reach, they make it easier to see where you’re going without having to take your eyes off the road.
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Don’t forget Fido.
If you plan on bringing your pooch along for the ride, your car space should feel equally zen for them. Along with collapsible bowls for quick water and food fill-ups, consider picking up a plush car seat for your pet, like the Luxury High-Back Console Dog Car Seat at Keep Doggie Safe or the L.A. Dog Company Rider Turbo Car Seat at Animals Matter, to help keep your dog calm and comfy (and your car seats clean and fuzz-free).
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