Summer is almost over, but there's still time for one last road trip. Whether you're packing the kids in the car to see the sights before school starts, taking your girlfriend on a romantic getaway or hitting the road with the guys to God knows where, you'll want to consider bringing along more than just gas and food. Drives always start out fun and carefree, then an hour down the road, the going gets tough.
Let's start by looking at a few gadgets that'll help ease your way down the road, then finish up with some accessories that you won't want to be caught without.
gadgets
Portable DVD player
This may not sound like something that a driver would be best advised to use on the road, but a portable DVD player may still be your most valuable pick up. If you're traveling with kids, there is no easier or more effective means of getting some peace on a trip than by letting them watch movies the whole way.Even if you're going solo, a portable player may still be a nice accessory -- it will give you something to do on breaks. You'll discover an additional bonus if you end up spending the night at a hotel: watching your own movies will save you the expense of pay-per-view and provide better options than the best of local TV.
Depending on size and quality, a portable DVD player can run anywhere between $299 and $699 US. It should go without saying, but just remember that it's both illegal and unsafe to install a DVD player or TV screen in the front seat.
Car entertainment system
If you don't want to stop at the DVD player, you can deck out the back seat of your car with a full-blown entertainment system. Audiovox offers an $1800 package that will allow the kids to watch movies and play video games on built-in media players. The package consists of two separate units, which should eliminate any squabbling. It may seem like a lot of money, but you're virtually guaranteed to never hear the dreaded words, "Are we there yet?"Satellite radio
As of the spring of 2004, nearly 1.5 million people had signed up for a satellite radio service. With a monthly subscription fee between $9.95 and $13.95, and the free radio dial right at your fingers, satellite may seem like a waste of money. But here's what you get for your money: No commercials, no talky DJs (unless, of course, you want to listen to a talk channel), and perhaps best of all, service that spans the whole country. That means no more switching channels every few miles to maintain reception with a new signal.Two Satellite providers, Sirius and XM Radio, each offer similar services. XM Radio, however, is cheaper on a monthly basis.
Books on tape
If you're driving solo, getting a book on tape or CD is a nice way to kill the long hours. Plus, you'll get to spend this time learning something new. You can find books on tape for free at your local library, but the selection is usually limited. Truck stops and book retailers sell a wide selection of tapes for about $20. Or rent them for about $10.Walkie-talkies
Everyone has cell phones, and those are the best way to keep in contact while on the road. But a pair of walkie-talkies like the Motorola Talkabout can be a cheap and effective way to keep contact if you're caravanning. The fact that the range isn't great is a bit of a downside. Still, you might think about picking these up if you have kids. They can be fun and will give you a way to keep tabs on the little ones at a crowded rest stop.Portable GPS
Maps are a thing of the past. True, you can always plan out your trip on a site like MapQuest.com, but what if you come across an unexpected detour? The answer to staying updated and current is GPS. There are a wide range of available GPS systems, but a portable system is the way to go. A system like the Magellan RoadMate 700 will set you back about $1300, which, admittedly, is a lot of money. But you'll never get lost again.MP3 player
If you already use an MP3 player, wouldn't you rather take it on the road than waste time trying to sort through your entire CD collection while driving? CDs limit your space (which limits your selection), are hard to keep tidy and require effort to change while driving, which can be dangerous. If you haven't already switched to the MP3 format, here's another reason to consider doing so. With MP3 car kits, you can now use your player on the road. Most kits are simple and easy to use, and run between $11 and $20.accessories
Jumpstart system
We all carry jumper cables, or at least we should. But if you have a dead battery, you'll still need help from a fellow motorists. With a portable jumpstart system, which retails for about $70, you can get yourself back on the road without the hassle of flagging down a Good Samaritan.AC adaptor
We've talked about a lot of gadgets that require juice, so it's worth mentioning a device that will provide some. An AC adaptor lets you run an electronic device off of your car's power, which means portability and freedom from batteries. You can find these anywhere car supplies are sold. They should retail at between $20 and $80, depending on the devices they are designed to power.Cup holder
Most cars come standard with them, but a few either don't have very good ones or don't have holders at all. In either case, refreshments are your fuel for the road, and it's critical to have a place, other than your lap, to place things like coffee and soda.Travel mug
Now that you've got the cup holder, you need the cup. If you're just drinking cold beverages, any old container will do. But if you're drinking coffee, why not go for a thermos-style travel mug that will keep it hot? Travel mugs are also designed to release only small amounts of liquid at a time, which will keep you from getting burned. That may sound trivial, but even a simple burn could lead to a serious accident.Travel mugs range from about $5 to $20 and you can pick them up in any retail store or eatery. While that may sound a bit steep compared to the price of an average cup of java, remember that those with their own cups often get a price break on the coffee.
Sunglasses
This doesn't sound like a car gadget, but sunglasses are crucial for any road trip. Not only is it nice to look cool on the open road, it's important to be able to see with the sun bearing down on you. Highway driving is all about long hauls in the same direction, and if you're heading into the sun, you'll need shades to help your vision and protect your eyes. Pick them up at a local retail or specialty shop. A hot pair of Oakley sunglasses can run you anywhere between $60 and $300.get your motor running
You probably don't need all of these devices. Each man's needs are different. But no matter what your hobbies or interests, there are bound to be a few gadgets on the list that will make your trip far more enjoyable.If you're not sure what to buy, think about the kinds of things that you miss when traveling. Check with friends who've made similar purchases to see what they think of them.
Resources:
http://portabledvdstore.com/pordvdplay.html
http://www.wired.com/news/autotech/0,2554,61859,00.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6466_7-5068442-1.html?tag=fs
http://www.booksontape.com/
http://www.priorityelectronics.com/laptop-ac-adapter.htm
http://eshop.msn.com/marketplace.aspx?pmpType=1&pcId=8268&catId=780
http://www.notesfromtheroad.com/outdoor/general/general_sunglasses_oakley.htm
http://www.buy.com/retail/category.asp?loc=40984
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