If you’re heading out on the road, you don’t want to leave all your creature comforts behind. Technology can help you stay safe when you’re out on the road, especially if you’re exploring solo travel destinations. Whether it’s a remote countryside or a bustling urban area, having the right tech can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. With so many cutting-edge technologies available, you can customize your next outing to give you just the right amount of security.
This is especially true for those who like to go on solo vacations. Part of being out on the road is taking responsibility for what happens to you and your environment, and technology can help. Whether it’s ensuring your vehicle is secure or planning stops at scenic spots, tech tools can simplify solo travel. Here are a few pieces of tech you won’t want to leave at home.
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GPS tracker
Knowing whether or not you’ll have Wi-Fi in your car is critical when planning a road trip. Fortunately, even if you’ll be in a very remote area, there are GPS trackers to find you and help keep track of your vehicle. Make sure at least two people are aware of where you’ll be, for how long, and schedule some check-ins. However, if you’ll be gone for an extended period. These are the folks who will notify authorities if you or your vehicle seem to go missing. This means they’ll also need to know which GPS tracker you’ll be using.
Phone, chargers, and adapters
In our everyday lives, where would we be without our phones? As vital as it is to have GPS, you’ll definitely want to have a phone. Make sure to have an appropriate charger as a phone is no good if it’s dead. You may also need an adapter depending on the car you’re driving or if you decide to stop at café or hotel.
Phone mount
It’s not wise to fiddle around with your phone on the road in any situation. So strongly consider getting a phone mount. Having your phone sit around eye level is convenient and a lot safer than having to dig in your pocket for it. There are various mounts out there to fit any type of driver’s needs.
Auto tool kit
For any vehicle driver or owner, knowing how to do repairs on your car. For example, changing a tire or air filter can help you out of a real pinch. There’s not an exact standard as to what should be in your tool kit, but you’ll want to have various wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers. Jumper cables are also recommended as no one wants to be stranded in their car on the highway with a dead battery.
Tire pressure gauge
Going hand-in-hand with a tool kit, you’ll want to carry a tire pressure gauge. While your vehicle may have a tire pressure measuring system in place, it may not be able to tell you the specific air pressure in each tire, which comes in handy if you notice your tires are low on air.
Rear-view cameras
It goes without saying, but the road can be a dangerous place. You never know when you might end up traveling through a state like Texas, Arizona, or California and end up in a car accident. A rear-view camera is recommended, especially if you plan on taking a long road trip. The best part is you don’t have to worry about having a rear-view camera built into your car (although it certainly does help). Nowadays, you can buy a rear-view camera and install it yourself.
Water cooler
It’s not exactly fun (or cheap) to consistently eat out on the road. So it helps to have a cooler to store food and beverages. There are many types and sizes of coolers available. All you have to do is pick one that matches your needs.
Solar-powered flashlight
It’s not the most high-tech of devices, but having a flashlight on you that you know will always work is a must. You can also depend on a flashlight app or a traditional battery-powered flashlight. But both of these are dependent on additional resources you might not always have readily available.
Jump-N-Carry Jump Starter
One time, during a road trip, I got in my car to sleep in after a long day of exploring. I turned the key the next morning and heard nothing but silence. I’d left a light on overnight, draining my battery to zero. That feeling of frustration? Yeah, it’s not fun. While jumper cables can save the day, they’re useless if there’s no second car around. That’s why I swear by the Jump-N-Carry Jump Starter. With this, I don’t have to depend on anyone else. Just hook it up, and bam—my car’s alive again. It’s a lifesaver when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Some models even come with an air compressor. You can pump up your tires and check the PSI right on the spot. No gas station is needed.
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E-Readers
Books are great, but let’s be real—they’re heavy and take up way too much space. When I bought an e-reader, my life got ten times easier. Now, I carry hundreds of books in something lighter than a notebook. How awesome is that? The battery lasts forever, and I can read in bright sunlight without straining my eyes. You’ll want to check the storage size, too. The more, the better if you read a lot like me.
Universal Travel Adapter
Ever tried to charge your phone in another country, only to realize your plug doesn’t fit? Yeah, that’s a nightmare. A universal travel adapter? Problem solved. These things work in pretty much any country. The best ones are compact and let you plug in USB devices, too. Surge protection is a must as well. Your gadgets will thank you.
Smart Luggage
Who knew suitcases could be so high-tech? Some even charge your phone! Others have GPS, so you’ll never lose them. I’ve seen ones that follow you around—seriously, like a robotic pet. Make sure it’s durable, though. You don’t want your fancy luggage falling apart mid-trip.
The technology you’ll need in on the road depends entirely on your needs and style. For instance, you would need warm clothes and an auto tool kit when preparing for a road trip in winter. You may need additional essential technology based on how long you’ll be out on the road, your location, and the degree of comfort you want to achieve.