Image courtesy of miniseries (iStock).

The toughest part of a road trip? Packing. The key to an amazing adventure is sticking to the essentials and getting creative with maximizing your vehicle space. —Gillian Berner

THINK LIKE A MINIMALIST

Although it’s tempting to bring everything you can think of, less is more on a road trip. Focus on the necessities and resist the urge to overpack. Not only does this ensure less crowding, unobstructed views and more legroom, but it also minimizes the frustration of digging through too much stuff.

Start by prioritizing safety and helpful tech—emergency and first aid kits, a battery jump starter and jumper cables, a car phone charger with extra USB ports and cables, your CAA Card and blankets (which can double as picnic blankets at scenic stops). A power inverter can also come in handy to charge bigger devices that require outlets.

And because not all rest stops are created equal, it pays to bring body wipes and extra toilet paper, along with garbage bags to corral trash and dirty laundry. And don’t overlook hydration. Large, insulated water bottles are crucial, especially in the warm summer months, as are insulated travel mugs for coffee on the go.

GET ORGANIZED

A well-packed car requires systems. Organize the trunk and back seats to keep emergency and “just-in-case” items tucked away, while making your everyday supplies (toiletries, water, snacks, chargers) easy to access. It helps to group similar items together in packing cubes or a car trunk organizer, so you don’t have to unpack everything to find what you’re looking for.

Consider using compression cubes for clothing and pack them in duffel bags rather than hard-shell suitcases that take up more space. If your vehicle is on the smaller side, go with reasonably priced waterproof rooftop cargo carriers for extra storage.

CREATURE COMFORTS

Still have plenty of room left? Consider some nice-to-haves to sweeten the trip. Travel pillows can make the journey more comfortable, as will noise-cancelling headphones. Day bags are a smart idea if you plan to stop for hikes or beach breaks along the way, and a small soft-cover cooler ensures refreshing drinks on hot days.

Minimize fast-food stops and ward off “hangry” moods with sweet, salty and healthy snacks for every craving. And once you tire of podcasts and karaoke, you’ll be glad you brought space-savvy entertainment, such as a deck of cards, online trivia or conversation-starter card games.

Preparing for a road trip isn’t just about packing—you need to find places to stay along the way. CAA partners with top hotels to give Members exclusive access to discounts. For Ontario, visit caasco.com/hotels to learn more. For Manitoba, visit caamanitoba.com/hotels.