So you’ve planned your next vacation, you’ve got your friends, and you’re ready to hit the road. Going on a road trip can be a fun, unforgettable experience. That said, you have to make sure you’re prepared before you get on the road. Emergencies can happen, and there’s certain things that can make your trip more convenient in general. With that in mind, here five things you need to have for your next road trip.

Spare Tire

This one is fairly obvious, but common sense isn’t always common practice. Accidents can happen, and you need to be prepared for them. And the best way to prepare is to have a spare tire with you at all times. You also want to make sure you know how to change a tire yourself before setting out on the road. You can’t always depend on others to be able to change it for you.

Phone Charger

We use our phones for so much these days. This isn’t just a luxury device anymore. You might need it to get where you’re going, or in case of emergency. That being said, you want to make sure it’s charged at all times. A phone charger for your car is a fairly cheap item and can help ensure your phone stays charged during your trip.

Hand Sanitizer

You’ll be happy you have this with you once you get going. The last thing you want is to get sick on your trip, and having a bottle of hand sanitizer can decrease the odds of that happening. This is especially good to have when you’re eating out or when you have to use a public restroom. It’s an essential item that’ll help you stay healthy while your on the road.

Contact Lenses

This is a common item that people tend to forget. Before you set out on the road, you need to make sure you stock up on contact lenses. You don’t want to reach your destination only to find you’ve run out. This can obviously impair your driving, and it can have a negative effect on your trip in general. Don’t make this mistake. Make sure you have plenty before you leave.

Snacks

Odds are, you’re going to get hungry while you’re on the road. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring some snacks before you leave. This will also help you save money as you won’t have to eat out as often. In addition to this, having some extra water bottles with you is good in case of an emergency. When accidents happen, you want to make sure you stay hydrated. On a similar note, you might also consider bringing a cooler or ice chest in case you have food items that need to stay cold.

Being well-prepared is key to having a safe and memorable road trip. Once you have your essentials items packed and ready to go, you’re free to simply enjoy your trip.