Whether you’re tackling the M6 on a bank holiday weekend or embarking on a proper Scottish Highland adventure, a good road trip comes down to preparation. Here at 22Words, we’ve rounded up the essentials, so the only thing you need to worry about is who controls the aux.
No more rogue tins rolling around the boot, this organiser fixes that.
There is nothing more stressful than hearing a loose tin of beans rolling across the boot every time you take a roundabout. This sturdy HOTOR organiser keeps the chaos contained, so your emergency snacks and screen wash actually stay where you put them.
Too hot outside? Roll up the windows and try this Aecooly slim portable fan!
Bum warmers for the rest of us, for only £28!
If your car doesn’t come with built-in bum warmers, don’t suffer in silence. These heated seat cushions are a universal fit, easy to plug in and absolutely essential for anyone braving a Highland adventure or a February commute.
Don’t board the Eurotunnel without this emergency kit!
If you’re heading for the Eurotunnel, this emergency kit is worth throwing in the boot. It includes warning triangles and high-vis vests, ticking the boxes for European driving requirements so you can focus on enjoying the drive.
The festival-ready Coleman cooler for just £45.95!
Whether it’s a weekend at Glastonbury or a picnic in the Peak District, lukewarm drinks are a crime. This Coleman cooler is large, and it even has 2 cup holders on the lid for when the car is stationary, and the party starts.
Blink: the card game that beats three hours of I Spy.
Fun for the whole car, Blink is the kind of card game that turns a service station stop into a highlight of the journey, and it’s competitive enough to spark mild arguments.
Window shades for the ten minutes of sun.
British summer is unpredictable, but when the sun hits, the back seat turns into a greenhouse. These WIN.MAX shades keep the glare off the kids (and the iPad screens). It’s a small price to pay for a nap-friendly, cool interior.
The £12 sanity-saving packing cubes.
Living out of a suitcase in the back of a car is a recipe for a floordrobe. These packing cubes keep your socks away from your snacks. For £12, it’s the easiest way to feel like an organised adult, even if you’re sleeping in a tent.
An electric kettle for the emergency brew.
This compact travel kettle comes with two mugs and spoons for just £18, making it perfect for a proper brew between stops, at a campsite, or anywhere that isn’t a motorway services charging £3.50 for a teabag.
The insurance-approved dashcam for peace of mind for only £35!
This iZEEKER dashcam has night vision and a wide-angle lens, ensuring you have receipts if someone decides to test your bumper.
Inflatable pillows for the passenger nap.
Don’t wake up with a crick-in-the-neck from leaning against a cold window. These inflatable travel pillows are space-saving and come in sizes for the whole family.
Everyone stays happy with the multi-USB cable.
The low battery warning is the fastest way to start a car-wide argument. This multi-device cable ensures that whether they have an iPhone or Android, everyone stays charged, with no bad vibes.
Grab this pocket-sized tyre inflator for only £17!
Checking tyre pressure at a petrol station is a faff. This compact pump is roughly the size of a hand and inflates all four tyres quickly.
Hands-free navigation for under a tenner.
Using your passenger as a human sat-nav usually ends in a wrong turn and an argument. This £9 Blukar mount holds your phone steady on the windshield, so you can keep your eyes on the road and your relationship intact.
A compact first aid kit for every kind of road trip mishap.
From blisters to minor scrapes, this compact kit has the basics covered. It’s well-organised with separate compartments and fits perfectly in the side door.
Never run out of battery on a road trip again with this power bank.
For the moments you wander too far from the car and the signal gets questionable. This lightweight power bank keeps your phone alive long enough to navigate back, call for help or just reassure whoever is waiting that you haven’t got lost.
The leak-proof commuter mug.
For £8.50, you can keep your coffee hot and out of your lap. This travel mug is sturdy and fits into most standard cup holders. It’s a simple, no-fuss essential for the early morning starts when caffeine is the only thing keeping you going.
Handheld fans for the A/C-less moments.
Stuck in traffic on a rare 25°C day? You’ll be glad you have these. These rechargeable fans are powerful for their size and have five speed settings. They’re easy to pass around the car to prevent a full-blown “it’s too hot” meltdown.
The Looxmeer boot liner for muddy walks and zero regrets.
Don’t let a walk in the countryside ruin your car’s interior. This Looxmeer liner covers the whole boot area and is incredibly easy to wipe clean.
The £63 jump starter that could save you a pricey breakdown call out.
A dead battery is a quick way to end the fun. This compact jump starter is a non-negotiable for long remote drives.
A Shark hoover for the chips and cookie crumbs crisis.
Let’s be honest: by day three, the car is 40% crumbs. This cordless Shark hoover is a brilliant little beast that picks up everything and keeps the car as tidy as possible.