17 Items to Pack on Your Next Road Trip

Packing the right items is key to the perfect summer road trip. In addition to necessities like your wallet, phone, clothes and keys, you'll certainly be glad you brought these 17 items along for the journey.

An emergency roadside assistance kit won't break the bank but it just might save the day in the event of a breakdown or accident. Pick one up from any big-box store and bring it along for long road trips.

Be sure to pack a mobile hotspot so you can connect multiple devices to the Internet if you're traveling with the family or a group.

Water is essential so it's a must for any successful road trip. Consider packing a reusable bottle to fill up at each pitstop to avoid a plastic pileup in your backseat.

A comfortable pair of shades is crucial to combating the summer sun, especially if you're the one doing all of the driving.

Keep a pack of tissues or a stack of fast food restaurant napkins (they're free!) in your glove box for an inevitable runny nose or spill.

Travel farther faster by packing easy-to-eat and energizing snacks like granola bars, nuts and fruit. Snacks are also a great way to keep your younger passengers happy. Plus, stopping for every snack or meal can get awfully expensive.

Keep your favorite drinks and snacks cold and fresh in a travel cooler. Just remember to stop and add ice as needed.

All of those extra plastic bags under your sink are perfect for rounding up dirty laundry or trash that can accumulate over the course of a long road trip so don't leave home without packing a few of them.

Sunburn is no fun so be sure to pack your favorite sunscreen. It's always a good idea to apply some to your arms and face before you hit the road, especially if you're driving a convertible or cruising with the windows down.

You never know when a towel will come in handy. Use it to wipe away sweat, dry off at a rest stop, wipe up a spill or simply roll it up into a pillow for a nap.

Keep yourself dry in the event of a downpour with a collapsible umbrella. This item can store easily and also provide much-needed shade from the sun during the summer months.

A blanket will be useful in and out of your vehicle as it can be used for sleeping as well as an impromptu picnic at the park or beach.

Like a roadside emergency kit, a first aid kit is a worthwhile investment for road trippers. This way you'll be prepared to treat not only nicks and scrapes but also more serious conditions.

All kinds of annoying bugs come out in the summer so make sure you're prepared to keep them at bay and avoid itchy bites by grabbing some bug spray with DEET.

Keep your hands clean after restroom stops with a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer and reduce your chances of coming down with something during your drive.

No one enjoys riding around for hours in a smelly vehicle so spend a couple of dollars on your favorite scented air freshener ahead of your trip to ensure your ride doesn't offend you or your passengers.

Running out of gas is more common than you think and a road trip through uncharted territory means you may not always know where the nearest gas station is located. Magic Tank emergency fuel provides peace of mind in the event you're running low or find yourself out of gas.