Enhance your road trip sleep with these 13 must-have travel items
Embarking on a road trip is thrilling, but it often comes with the challenge of sleepless nights and long hours on the road. For passengers, catching some rest is crucial to be ready for their turn at the wheel. If you're planning to sleep in your vehicle overnight, having the right gear can transform your car into a cozy sleeping space.
Essential items like neck pillows, soft blankets, sleeping pads, and earplugs are indispensable for long journeys. To cut down on fuel costs, consider joining Amazon Prime, which can save you up to 10 cents per gallon at participating gas stations when you link your Amazon and earnify™ accounts. The earnify™ app can help you find these stations.
For a more comfortable camping experience, consider an SUV tent that attaches to your vehicle, offering a spacious sleeping area. AUNP offers a six-person tent that connects to your car's trunk, allowing you to sleep inside the trunk or the tent. Another option is an SUV tent from Bass Pro Shops that mounts on your car's roof, complete with a fold-out platform and ladder for easy access.
To ensure a restful nap, a sleep mask that blocks out light is essential. Amazon offers a highly effective sleep mask for under $30, while Brooklinen provides a cooling silk option in various colors and patterns.
A weighted blanket can help alleviate travel stress and promote sleep by providing a comforting, grounded feeling. Amazon offers a variety of colors, and Luna Blanket provides bamboo-based options in different weights and sizes.
A double sleeping bag is perfect for sharing warmth during chilly nights in your car. Amazon's queen-size double sleeping bag includes two pillows, and L.L. Bean offers a winter-ready version for extreme cold.
To drown out road noise, Loop earplugs are a popular choice, available in multiple designs to either reduce background noise or provide complete silence. These can be found on Amazon or directly from Loop.
A neck pillow is a travel staple, allowing you to sleep comfortably while sitting upright. Amazon offers a classic neck pillow, while the Cabeau pillow, which attaches to the headrest, provides memory foam support.
For added comfort during long drives, a seat cushion can provide necessary lumbar support. Amazon has affordable options, and Purple offers a travel-friendly version.
If you're traveling in a truck, a trunk bed air mattress allows you to sleep under the stars. The AirBedz mattress inflates via your truck's 12V DC socket and fits snugly in the truck bed. Walmart offers a similar option at a competitive price.
Transform your car's backseat into a sleeping area with a sleeping pad. Amazon has a flexible, easy-to-pack option under $60, and Nemo Equipment offers lightweight, inflatable sleeping pads for each passenger.
Having extra blankets in the car is essential for comfort and emergencies. A wool military blanket from Amazon is compact and available in various colors, while Rumpl offers a range of puffy blankets that are cozy without overheating.
For privacy and to keep your car cool, window shades are a must. Amazon sells a two-pack for rear windows, and Walmart offers blackout curtains to separate the front and back seats.
Instead of a traditional neck pillow, consider a headrest pillow that attaches to the seat, available on Amazon. This option is great for adults, and there are kid-friendly versions that fit around car seats.
During hot summer trips, a car fan can help keep the interior cool. Amazon offers a double fan that attaches to the headrest, while Walmart has a single fan for the front of the car.