10 best travel essentials for a road trip in 2022

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The pause on long-haul travel during the pandemic really encouraged me to go on shorter trips to explore cities within Canada by road. The more trips I took, the more I started enjoying the process, and learned a lot along the way about how to pack smart.

Now, since I do a lot of weekend travel, it’s hard to carry a ton of items around. After plenty of trial and error with different products, I’ve made a list of my absolute must-have travel gear that I won’t leave home without.

Ahead, find my favourite travel products that you’ll want to bring along on your next road trip.

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First and foremost, a durable (and chic) travel bag is a must. This is a bag I’ve been using for a year now, and what I love is that I am able to fit all my essentials yet still have room for clothes. It features side pockets that fit footwear, a front opening to fit your other belongings, and a lined sleeve for laptops.

$200 at Lambert

A versatile accessories organizer to neatly and safely tuck away your electronic wires and accessories is so important on any road trip. This one can easily be stored in a purse or carry on for easy access to your tech accessories. I personally like the soft fabric as opposed to hard-shell carrying cases as it makes it more flexible to fit in bags.

From $19 at Amazon

As an individual who loves to be organized, I always use packing cubes for every occasion — whether it’s camping, a beach trip, or business travel. They are easy to store and wash, are super durable, and save space in your luggage. You also get great bang for your buck with this 9-piece set which covers everything from clothing, delicates, shoes and toiletries.

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$33 at Amazon

This memory foam neck pillow really supports your neck and upper body, making for a comfortable sleep just about anywhere. It also comes with a travel bag, so the pillow doesn’t get dirty, as well as an eye mask for when you want to block out light.

From $42 at Amazon

If you want to document memories of your trip, a full battery to shoot photos and videos is essential. This solar powered power bank comes in handy because it’s eco-friendly and will work practically anywhere given that it’s charged under sunlight.

$40 at Amazon

I’m obsessed with portable machines, and this one is perfect for long road trips where you can’t find a coffee shop or don’t want to stop driving. It’s super compact, convenient and easy to use on-the-go: simply add hot water and your favourite coffee capsule.

$80 at Amazon

For all those times you’ve wished there was a table in front of you while eating in the car— this tray is a dream come true. There’s no need to juggle your meal on your lap when you can place it on the adjustable tray. A huge bonus is the built-in phone stand so you can watch a show or movie while eating.

$40 at Amazon

This Stila cocktail palette is small, but a perfect choice for travelling since it has products for eyes, lips, and cheeks all in one. The mirrored interior also makes it easy to touch up your makeup when you’re on the road.

$36 at Shoppers Drug Mart

Hands down poncho capes are the coziest item I’ve taken on any trip. They go with almost every outfit, and as an added bonus can be used as a blanket during long car rides.

$33 at Amazon

Having a good pair of sneakers is essential when travelling, especially ones that are lightweight and comfy. This is why I love the Sorel Kinetics — they’re super light, comfortable to wear for hours, and breathable due to the mesh uppers.

$150 at Amazon

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