Road trip ready: 8 car accessories other drivers really rate
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With only a few weeks of summer left, you may be thinking of taking a last minute trip to the beach or mini staycation.
During the first August 2022 Bank Holiday the AA predicted that 15 million cars took to the roads and with the ongoing train strikes it's safe to say the roads are busier than ever right now.
The roadside rescue firm's advice? Expect delays and plan your travel.
If you've got a long car journey planned, there are ways to make it bearable, so we've found eight products we think are a must if you're heading on a road trip this week - and they're backed up by great reviews, too.
From a portable car bin to keep the space around you tidy, to a travel game and activities set to keep the kids (and adults) entertained, our suggestions will turn traffic jams into a breeze.
Taking the extra time to prepare before a long car journey can make all the difference, so we've added some of our favourite car organisation suggestions in, too. Think car boot storage and seat organisers to keep the little ones entertained.
Make the trip a fun part of the experience and you'll arrive at your destination feeling relaxed, not frazzled.
Our top 8 items for a long car journey
Lamicall Car Tablet Holder | £13.99 (Was £14.99) from Amazon
Sometimes screen time is necessary, especially when on a five hour road trip to the coast.
The Lamicall Car Tablet Holder is universally compatible and 360 rotatable, so your back seat passengers can play or watch their tablets with ease. It fastens to the front seat headrests and fits everything from phones to iPads in it and its rubber casing makes it anti-vibration (aka, not impacted by bumpy roads).
With almost 16,000 reviews, customers call it a "game changer" and "must have" for long journeys with children.
SURDOCA Car Seat Organiser (2 Pack) | £16.99 from Amazon
These car seat organisers with over 9,000 reviews hang on the back of the front seats, so your little ones can grab everything they need, from drinks and snacks to games.
Make it into a fun activity to pack them up with your children to get them excited for the trip. Parents say they're "brilliant" and also help to free up space in the car, keeping all the kids items "tidy and organised".
AA Breakdown & Emergency Kit | £35 from Halfords
Everybody should have a Breakdown & Emergency Kit in their car, especially those embarking on a long journey.
This kit, created by the AA, includes everything you need should you ever breakdown, including; a hazard warning triangle to warn other road users, tow rope and booster cables so that you can be moved off the roadside, foot pump with gauge in case of a puncture, hi-Grip cotton gloves for maximum grip, weatherproof torch & batteries for night time use.
Car Bin Trash Can with Lid | £13.59 (Was £18.19) from Amazon
Whoever invented the Car Bin deserves a medal. From banana peels in the footwell to crisp wrappers shoved between the seats, cars can get messy quickly on long journeys. It's leak-proof, so you don't need to worry if you put a half-finished drink in there and it can be folded away when not in use. One five-star review mentions that every car should have one, and we'd have to agree.
Vinsani Grey Large Anti Slip Car Trunk Boot Storage Organiser | £15.99 from Amazon
This Boot Storage Organiser is a great way to keep the boot tidy on long (and short) journeys. By keeping all your essentials in there (think: reusable shopping bags, emergency tools etc.) you won't have to hunt through a packed boot to get to them, especially when it's filled to the brim.
Personalised Travel Snacks Box | £6 from Melidy Makes on ETSY
Encourage your children to join in and pack their special Personalised Travel Snacks Box with you. Then, when you're at a service station or stop, you can whip them out and watch them enjoy it. We won't judge if you decide to get one for yourself, either.
Boots Little Stories Play / Travel Change Blanket | £14.99 from Boots
Everybody travelling with baby or toddler aged children should have a Travel Change Blanket. If you need to do an emergency change, spread this blanket out in the boot and do it there. Or, if you'd like somewhere for your little one to play while you're stopped for lunch, it's great for that, too.
Travel Activity Pack: Fun-filled Backpack Bursting with Games and Activities | £12.26 from Amazon
Why not try buying a Travel Activity Pack for your child as a surprise to whip out during trying moments? The travel pack is packed with boredom busters from games to puzzles. Anybody with a toddler will also be pleased to hear it contains stickers. That's an hour of travel sorted, right there.
