25 Products to Get Your Car Road-Trip Ready

If you're ready to embark on a big trip soon, you're not alone: Two-thirds of Americans are busting loose for some form of travel this summer, according to Tripadvisor. If your destination will require hours of driving, you can make them a lot more comfortable with some strategic purchases. From tech gizmos to organizers to emergency kits, here's the gear to consider before you hit the road.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

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$40 from Amazon

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After hours on the road, your lower back and legs may be screaming for relief. This non-slip memory foam seat cushion is designed to reduce pressure on the tailbone. "Your rear end will thank you," proclaims one reviewer. 

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$134 from Amazon

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Sure, you can spend a lot less on a road-worthy pair of sunglasses, but these aviators are classics for a reason. Choose from several colors, all with lenses that gradually change from light to dark depending on their exposure to UV light. 

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$23 from Amazon

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If you're like many folks, your phone is everything from your GPS to your sound system while on the road. Keep those cup holders free by using this easy-to-use adjustable mount, which can stick to both the windshield and the dashboard. 

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$73 from Amazon

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File this comprehensive kit under "better safe than sorry." It has everything you need for common roadside emergencies, including an air compressor and tire inflator, booster cables, various tools, warning triangles, and a 45-piece first-aid kit. 

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$25 from Amazon

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Gimmick or genius? Reviewers say it's the latter. This little neoprene-covered doohickey closes up that annoying gap between your seat and the center console, keeping your cell phone from slipping into oblivion — and keeping your car floor blissfully free of fossilized French fries. 

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$21 from Amazon (2 ct.)

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Whether you're traveling with little ones or just want a place to stow your own items, these backseat organizers might be your new best friend. A huge pocket on the bottom is ideal for books, magazines, and other big items, while smaller pockets are great for chargers, snacks, and other small stuff. Bonus: They keep dirty shoes from marking the upholstery. 

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$13 from Amazon

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On-the-go meals and snack breaks may have your car feeling like a trash can on wheels if you're not careful. Keep the mess contained with this waterproof car trash can that can fasten onto consoles, seat backs, and glove boxes. Owners say it's easy to line with standard shopping bags. 

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$19 from Amazon (3 ct.)

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Mask required? Not required? Rules are murkier than ever these days, but you'll want to be prepared. This highly rated 100% cotton option is lightweight and adjustable. Stow a pack in your glove compartment and be on your way.  

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$13 from Amazon (3 ct.)

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While it's a good idea to give your car a thorough cleaning before you hit the road, these wipes are a convenient way to keep things tidy while en route. The cleaning wipes are safe on most interior surfaces, while the glass wipes can tackle the worst of windshield bird droppings and bug splatters. Protectant wipes help lock in a UV-protectant shine.

$28 from Amazon

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True road warriors know that a good travel mug is worth a splurge. So it is with this Zojirushi mug, beloved by owners for its insanely good temperature retention. It has a convenient flip-top lid with a safety lock that means you can even toss it in your bag without worrying that it will spill.

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$12 from Amazon

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Eating or working in the car is never super comfortable, but hooking this clever, lightweight desk attachment onto your steering wheel can make the experience significantly less awkward.

$225 from Amazon

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Sometimes there's just not enough room in the trunk. This American-made hard-shell rooftop carrier is a safer bet than soft-siders for keeping your stuff dry and secure, and all the mounting hardware you'll need is included. 

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Starting at $15 from Amazon

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When summer heat is off the charts, a sun shade can make the difference between getting back into a warm car or an absolutely sweltering one. This one folds easily into an included storage pouch, and it comes in six sizes to ensure you get just the right fit.

$20 from Amazon

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If you're lucky enough to have someone else who can take the wheel for a few hours, upgrade your next car nap with this customizable memory-foam travel pillow, which can be contorted into whatever position you need to stay comfortable.

$50 from Amazon

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Why not bring Alexa on your next long drive? Echo Auto makes it easy to jam out to your favorite playlists, make hands-free calls, keep up with your to-do list, and even play some games to pass the time. 

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$100 from Amazon

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Sick of fast food? Pack this soft leak-proof cooler with healthier on-the-go meal options. Owners say it's just as good as Yeti for way less, and it can keep ice frozen for days. 

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$11 from Amazon (2 ct.)

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On the other hand, let's say you're not sick of fast food at all: These simple but genius dip clips attach to your vents and can make dunking nuggets, fries, and whatever else you like to slather in condiments into the highlight of your trip. "I will never road-trip again without this miracle of modern science," proclaims one reviewer.

$14 from Amazon (8 ct.)

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You shouldn't need a global pandemic to remind you that a little hand sanitizer is a good idea. The jelly-wrap carriers make these perfect for attaching to a bag or even hanging from your rearview mirror so that you'll bever go without.

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$35 from Amazon

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Keep everything juiced up on the go with this 200-watt inverter, sized to slip right into one of your cupholders. It has two USB ports and two standard outlets, meaning you can keep not only phones but larger devices like laptops charged and ready.

$25 from Amazon
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A messy trunk is annoying enough — spending hours listening to items shifting and rolling around is even worse. This organizer has tie-down straps to keep it and whatever's inside secure, plus it's collapsible, saving space when you don't need it.

$17 from Amazon
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If you're cruising in an older car without Bluetooth, no worries: This adapter plugs right into a standard 3.5 mm audio jack and streams audio from whatever device you're using.

$7 from Amazon (4 ct.)

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Keep purses and other bags up off the floor — and give yourself more legroom in the process — with these simple hooks, capable of supporting up to 13 pounds each.

$22 from Amazon
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Perfect for an impromptu rest-stop picnic, this oversized travel blanket will give you plenty of room to spread out. Made of cozy fleece with a waterproof backing, it's easy to fold up and carry with a built-in handle.

$10 from Amazon

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"Are we there yet?" "Are we there yet?" Take a break from endless questions or staring at phones and tablets with a classic game of auto bingo. Slide each window closed to check it off — it's easy and mess-free.

$14 from Amazon (4 ct.)

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Nothing ruins a road trip faster than mysterious odors. These Febreze air fresheners clip right onto your vents and work for up to 30 days. Users say the scents are pleasant but not overpowering.