What to pack for a road trip

If you’re planning a road trip this year, there are a few things you’ll need beyond your route itinerary. From something to keep you hydrated to fantastic driving aids, we’ve done the legwork and found some road trip necessities you may have overlooked.

All of the below essentials can be purchased with your miles – or Miles Plus Cash – when you shop with Cathay . If you’re still in the early stages of planning, don’t forget to check out our rental car offers as you can book a vehicle with your Asia Miles .

Sunnies-side up

If you’re driving in the summer months, avoid the sun’s glare with a trusty pair of sunglasses. This season, Prada has released a range of sleek black frames that are sure to bring an edge to any outfit. For ladies, they’ve created a sleek pair of oversized sunglasses , and for men, some timeless sporting frames featuring two-toned arms and a vintage double bridge. You may be able to pick up a pair of sunnies at a petrol station or rest stop while you’re on the road – but with these stylish options available, why risk it? 

Walk and talk

Part of the appeal of a road trip is being able to stop off for any fun detours you see along the way, whether that’s trekking through a stunning national park or exploring a small town on foot. For this reason, we suggest leaving your heels at home and opting for a pair of comfy walking shoes instead. Not only will they make the hours spent in a car more comfortable – and allow for spontaneous pit stops – but they’re also easy to slip on and off if you’re the type of person who likes to kick their feet up on a car journey. Columbia’s range of sturdy PeakFreak shoes toe the line between trainers and hiking boots, and you can find both men's and women's available online with Cathay.

All about the juice

Gone are the days spent poring over giant street atlases and maps in cars, arguing over which route to take and whether you missed a right turn 20 minutes ago. GPS devices and phone maps have become an integral part of any road trip, making navigation easier than ever and saving many a friendship and marriage – until your device runs out of battery, that is. To avoid any unnecessary stress, be sure to add a car charger to your road trip checklist. We have lots of great options available on Cathay, from this minimal Verbatim Dual Port Mini Car Charger to the Belkin Magnetic Wireless Car Charger , which allows you to clip your phone to an aircon vent and view your map app as you drive.  

Bottle it up

It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re busy driving around, but having a refillable water bottle nearby makes it easier to quench your thirst. Staying hydrated is important, whether you’re burning rubber under the blazing sun or crunching through snow on a wintry road trip. Luckily, there is a range of stylish bottles available on Cathay to inspire regular hydration, including a graphic blue Columbia bottle and a limited edition Yayoi Kusama-designed thermo flask : ideal for keeping water cold and coffees blistering hot.

Fresh as a daisy

Having a toiletry bag filled with essentials is a necessity if you’re hitting the road, especially if you’re spending hours on end in a car without a shower in sight. As such, it's a good idea to have a fragrance, such as Maison Louis Marie’s sandalwood-scented No.4 Bois de Balincourt or Diptyque’s unisex floral Eau de Parfum Tam Dao , on hand. It’ll keep you smelling fresh if you’re toiling away behind the wheel and keep the peace among fellow passengers crammed together in the back of the car. 

Glowing all the way

Skincare is often something that gets overlooked while packing for a road trip but keeping your face feeling and looking fresh will transform your road trip experience – especially if you’re snapping selfies for the ‘gram. Extremes such as air-conditioning, dry winter weather and scorching sunshine can have negative impacts on your skin, so be sure to store a face moisturiser in your glove compartment. Malin + Goetz’s best-selling moisturiser is packed full of nourishing Vitamin E and calming chamomile extracts, while Fresh’s Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturiser reduces fine lines.  

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