There’s nothing quite like going on a road trip by yourself or with loved ones. Whether you’re exploring a new country or going to see distant relatives and friends, hitting the road allows room for spontaneity and curiosity. If you see something interesting off the beaten track, no one will stop you from taking that detour. Furthermore, a road trip can be more affordable than a comparable train or flight journey, especially if you’re travelling with a group.

　　In addition to planning where to go, you also need to know what to bring. Here are the gear and gadgets you should bring with you on a road trip.

　　Smartphone Mount

　　Using your phone while driving is dangerous and you should avoid it all costs. The right thing to do when you need to text or call someone is to pull off at the hard shoulder or a rest stop. A smartphone mount is an essential gadget for a road trip as it will provide directions to your destination without you having to touch the phone constantly. You can voice-activate your smartphone to respond to incoming calls and messages in the event that you cannot bring your car to a complete stop. The stable grip of the phone holder also assures drivers of the safety of their phone while on the move.

　　Spare Tyre

　　A compact spare tyre should be in your vehicle at all times. Because of its smaller size than a full-sized spare tyre, you don’t need to devote an excess amount of trunk space to it, and it won’t weigh your car down. However, this type of spare tyre is a temporary fix. It's only designed to be driven for a certain number of kilometres and doesn't have sufficient tread depth to perform well when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Thus, once you get going again, make sure to stop over at a mechanic’s as soon as possible.

　　Clothing

　　When packing for your road trip in India, consider the region and season of your destination. India experiences diverse weather conditions, so it’s essential to pack accordingly. Essentials like lightweight and breathable clothes (cotton shirts and linen pants); warm layers like sweaters, jackets and scarves; comfortable shoes for walking and exploring; swimwear if you intend to hit the beach; a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun; and a raincoat and umbrella for when it rains are just some of the things you should take with you.

　　Snacks And Water

　　Make sure you have plenty of namkeen, sandwiches, nuts, energy bars, biscuits, chips and other snacks packed for your road trip. Similarly, bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter or some water purification tablets to ensure that your water is clean and safe to drink if you top up from lakes and springs.

　　Portable Power Bank

　　Keep all the necessary chargers and cables for your devices, including phones, laptops and digital cameras, in one handy carry bag. Most importantly, pack a power bank as it can be a lifesaver in areas where power outlets are scarce.

　　Car Documentation And Permits

　　Ensure you have all the necessary documents for your vehicle: driver's license, vehicle registration papers, insurance papers and a pollution under control (PUC) certificate. If you're travelling across state borders, check if any additional permits are required. Many places in the northeast of India require permits to enter.

　　Emergency Kit

　　A well-equipped medical kit is a must for a road trip. This includes items like band-aids, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, motion sickness tablets and any prescription medications you might need. Additionally, carry a flat tyre repair kit that includes things like tyre sealants, a tyre inflator and patches.

　　Travel Pillow And Blanket

　　For overnight journeys or extended drives, a comfortable travel pillow and a warm blanket can make a significant difference to your comfort levels. If you get drowsy, pull off at a rest stop and nap before driving again.