It's almost road trip season, so be sure your car is packed with these must-haves

The stars, and your calendar, have aligned, annual leave has been approved, and the open road is calling. The spring long weekend has long been a time for all of us to just leave your emails and your dishes behind, and just bloody unwind for a few days. And no better way to do that than a road trip.

That being said, going on a road trip by just hopping in your car and hooning off is a fool’s game. A long weekend road trip needs some good prep, and good prep means stocking up on good essentials. So, make sure you’ve got these absolute essentials locked and loaded. Trust us, future you will thank you.

Your power bank

Let’s face it, between navigating with your phone, capturing those pics for social media, keeping tunes on highest possible volume, and even the occasional phone call or text back home, your devices are going to take a beating on a road trip. This is why the GP 20Ah 74Wh Li-ion Powerbank, available at Battery World, is a lifesaver. This smart bit of tech can charge everything from your smartphone and tablet to your laptop in an emergency. No need to hunt for power outlets in the middle of nowhere — just pure, portable power.

You can also take it to another level with a Battery World Charger 6v/12v 6amp, perfect for charging your car battery. On top of that, it automatically diagnoses the battery state and delivers the appropriate charge current to maintain optimum performance. How’s that for peace of mind? You can grab that bad boy at your local Battery World (over 110 stores nationwide), while also getting a free battery health check for your car battery just to have as much guarantee that everything will be operating smoothly on the road.

Level up your nav

While your phone's GPS is handy, a dedicated sat-nav is a game-changer for long trips, especially when you hit a dead zone (and Australia’s full of ‘em). The Garmin DriveSmart 66 is a top-tier choice. With a large, clear display and real-time traffic updates, it keeps you on the right path without draining your phone battery. Plus, it has pre-loaded directories for places of interest, like campgrounds and national parks, so you can easily find your next stop.

We said the highest possible volume

A road trip needs a banging soundtrack, it’s literally nothing without it. A dead radio or no speaker? You may as well turn around right now and pack it all up. That being said, you'll want to take the party with you when you stop for a break or a sunset picnic. The JBL Flip 6 is rugged, waterproof, and packs a serious punch for its size. Its long-lasting battery means you can keep the good vibes going all day long, whether you're by the beach or chilling at a rest stop.

The cooler to end all coolers

Warm sandwiches and tepid drinks are not it, so a high-quality cooler is non-negotiable. The Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler is built to last and is pretty much famous for its insane ice retention. It's the perfect size for chucking in the back seat, and its leakproof design means you won't have to worry about a watery mess. It's an investment, but a week of ice-cold drinks and fresh food is priceless.

The first aid hero

Look, you hope you never need it, but a comprehensive first aid kit is an absolute must-have, and should be high on the list of things you stock up on when it comes to prepping. The MAXTRAX Vehicle First Aid Kit is specifically designed for motorists and built to be durable, rugged, and water-resistant. It comes with all the essentials you'd expect, from bandages to antiseptic wipes, and even a CPR card to support your first aid training. It's the one piece of gear you'll be thankful you have in an emergency.

Not all road trips involve a car…

When we think of road trips, we almost always think of cars, but for the bikers among us, you deserve your road trips as well. Luckily, Battery World stocks a huge range of Yuasa and Motobatt batteries — you know, the iconic patented-yellow ones — meaning it’s super easy to find the battery you need to make sure you’re never stuck roadside.