The road trip car kit: what to keep in your car

A small kit in the car turns most road trip problems into minor ones. None of this takes much room.

#The restroom kit

• Hand sanitizer
• Pocket tissues, for when the paper's out
• Wipes
• A small trash bag

Most bad restroom moments come down to missing soap, towels, or paper. This covers all three.

#Staying charged

• A car charger and a spare cable
• A small battery pack, for when you're away from the car

Your phone is your map, your music, and your way to call for help. Keep it charged.

#Food and water

• A refillable water bottle for each person
• Snacks that won't melt or crumble everywhere

Having food in the car means you stop when you want to, not when you're desperate.

#Comfort

• A light jacket or blanket, for air conditioning that's too cold or a long wait
• Sunglasses
• A small pillow for passengers

#Just in case

• A basic first aid kit
• A flashlight
• Jumper cables or a jump starter
• A tire pressure gauge
• A paper copy of anything important: insurance card, hotel confirmations, emergency contacts

You'll rarely need these, but when you do, you'll really need them.

#Let the app watch the road

Best Exit's drive screen shows the best stop ahead as you drive, picked for the restroom you use and what you need, and can say it out loud so you don't have to look. After you stop, it asks how the restroom was, so the next driver knows.

How was your stop? Rate the restroom in about ten seconds. Rate

Stopped here? Rate the restroom.

Reviews come from the Best Exit iPhone app. It asks right after you stop, so scores come from people who were just there.

iPhone app coming soon