4 Essential Items for Your Next NC Road Trip

Jan 7, 2016

4 Essential Items for Your Next NC Road Trip North Carolina features many scenic highways and byroads, such as the Waterfall Byway and the Nantahala Byway. Therefore, it should come to no one’s surprise that many North Carolinians travel their state at least once or twice a year. If you’re thinking about going on a North Carolina road trip, here are four essential items that you must take with you.

1. Maps

In this day and age, it may seem unnecessary to take a map with you on a road trip. However, if you’ve ever been stranded or lost without signal, you understand the importance of an old-fashioned paper map. When you go on a road trip in North Carolina, your smartphone or GPS unit may not receive service in every area that you visit. Or worse, it could misguide you. Therefore, you need to carry a map, atlas, or a printout of your route with you just in case.

Not only will a paper map come to the rescue if you get lost, but you may be able to use it to find other scenic roads. Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t rely on modern technology while traveling. The GPS has many obvious advantages over the physical map, such as convenience and ease of use. You simply should keep a physical map with you as a backup.

2. Music Playlist

Unfortunately, when there are no gorgeous sites to behold, it can be easy to get bored in the car. Therefore, you should have a long music playlist to keep you entertained while you’re on your way to the next location. A CD collection or a playlist on your iPod or smartphone is sufficient.

Try not to rely on your radio, as radio signals may be sketchy in certain areas. Pick songs that are road trip worthy and from multiple genres, so you don’t get tired of the same style music. You will spend a lot of time listening to these songs, so put in the effort when compiling your playlist.

3. Snacks and Food

Of course, you want to bring an ample amount of snacks and finger foods on your getaway. There’s nothing that will make a road trip more unsatisfying than bad food. Pack healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, crackers, pretzels, and granola bars. In order to accurately gauge food availability on your route, check out your dining options before you leave for your trip. If you know restaurant choices are limited on your North Carolina road trip, you should pack plenty of sandwiches.

4. Electricity Power Inverters

Even on road trips, it can be difficult to function without electronic items like laptops and electronic razors. To keep your electronic items fully charged so they don’t run out of battery on the road, you should bring an electric power inverter with you.

To make sure your road trip is a success, it is essential that you are well-prepared. Therefore, you should take the four essential items discussed above with you on your next North Carolina road trip.

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