The road trip has been an American tradition for all ages from young adults in their first cars to senior citizens enjoying their golden years in an RV. Traversing America’s scenic byways is an excellent way to spend time away from school or work. Before you hit the open road, take a few minutes to consider what pieces of technology to take with you. There are several tech products that can make your road trip safer, more successful and certainly more fun.
Road trip tech can be as simple as an audio book to help break up the monotony of long drives. On the other hand, they can be as involved as GPS units to ensure that you don't get lost in an unfamiliar city. Our road trip tech helps you stay connected and avoid speeding tickets. Don’t drive into the sunset without this tech.
1. Car Stereo System JVC KD-A615
Nothing complements the majestic natural scenery and cityscapes like the right music coming through your car’s speakers. Before you set out on your road trip, make sure you have the best car audio system available. A solid, capable in-dash head unit is arguably the most important piece of that puzzle. The unit we recommend is the JVC KD-A615. This car stereo of course plays CDs, but you can also hook it up to your iPod or other MP3 player via its auxiliary jack or USB port. Additionally, this receiver is compatible with satellite and HD Radio. Therefore, no matter where you are across the fruited plain, you can listen to your favorite hometown radio station or talk show.
2. Radar DetectorEscort Passport 9500ix
Nobody wants to drive unsafely. However, perhaps upon occasion there are times that we all need to open up our engines to see just how high our speedometers can climb. The only problem with that is Johnny Law may just be hiding right around the next bend. Radar Detectors eliminate the anxiety that often accompanies the need for speed. If you have a lead foot and are responsible at high speeds, we recommend the Escort Passport 9500ix. This radar detector detects most of the brands of radar guns used by law enforcement. It also identifies laser guns used by some highway patrol departments.
3. Audio BooksAudible
Ten years ago the prospect of getting any reading done on the open road would have ended up with you in a ditch somewhere. Digital audio books allow you to plow through that best-seller you’ve been meaning to read. For long cross-country treks, we recommend getting an Audibleaccount. You can read as many books as your iPod or other MP3 player can hold. Plug that into your stereo and you can finish War and Peace on the roads that lead from New York to San Francisco.
4. Cell Phone Signal AmplifierWilson Electronics Cellular Signal Amplifier Kit
Watch TV long enough and you’re bound to see a commercial that touts one cell phone provider over another. The fact of the matter is that no cell phone provider can cover you everywhere you go. Especially on a road trip. To that end, we recommend picking up the Wilson Electronics Cellular Signal Amplifier Kit. This device helps you extend your cell phone’s range anywhere from the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the searing hot depths of Death Valley. This isn’t only convenient, but it also can help you out of really nasty situation if you happen to break down in the middle of Nowhere, Idaho.
5. Bluetooth Car KitMOTOROKR T505
Multitasking behind the wheel is a dangerous proposition on America’s freeways. Text messages, email and phone calls all make for deadly distractions. But you need to stay connected. That’s why we recommend the MOTOROKR T505 Bluetooth Car Kit. This wireless device clips right onto your visor and connects your phone, even if it's not a high-tech smartphone. It automatically synchronizes all the contacts in your device and routes calls through its voice interface. Additionally, this device can wirelessly play any media contained on your phone. This way you can keep your hands on 10 and 2 and not miss any calls.
6. Reviews and Directions AppYelp
Road trips inevitably take you through unfamiliar cities. While you can usually find fast food chains easily, sometimes you want more than a burger served through a window. If you have an iPhone or Android device, we recommend downloading Yelp. This app enables you to look up points of interest, including restaurants, wherever you happen to be. It also helps you locate bars, banks, gas stations and much more. It even provides reviews and location services so you know where to go and how to get there.
7. iPad MountDBTech Car Headrest Mount
The iPad is great for a lot of things – not the least of which is watching movies and videos. For passengers in your back seat, watching iPad videos on their laps can get a little straining on their necks. And holding it up for all in the back seat to see is annoying. To address this problem we recommend the DBTech Car Headrest Mount. This iPad holder latches onto one of the headrests of your car’s front seats, enabling your passengers to watch their iPads hands free while you drive.
8. Roadside Emergency KitEmergency Kit Warrior Backpack
In the unfortunate event that you find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or, heaven forbid, a seized engine (always check your fluids), you’ll be glad you brought along the Emergency Kit Warrior Backpack. This bag of treats has everything you need to stay safe until rescue arrives. Inside you’ll find a 30-minute, high-intensity light stick, a tow rope, jumper cables, flashlight, solar rescue blanket, reflecting triangle and much more. If you were a boy scout when you were younger, you remember the term "Be Prepared" – this backpack fits that motto perfectly. And if you weren’t a boy scout, you should still be prepared.
9. iPod ChargerGriffin PowerJolt Dual Micro
All the devices and gadgets in the tech world will do you exactly zero good if they run out of power. You can’t make calls on a dead phone and your passengers can’t watch shows on the iPad if it has no juice. Make an investment in an iPod Car Charger to keep your iPods, iPads and iPhones fully charged throughout your whole trip. We recommend theGriffin PowerJolt Dual Micro. This car charger plugs right into your car’s cigarette lighter or other power source. We like the design of the PowerJolt because it sits flush with your power supply, eliminating accidental disconnections. So you can keep your Apple mobile devices charged up through your whole trip.
10. GPS Navigation UnitGarmin Nuvi 755T
Lastly, and arguably most importantly for any road trip is the GPS Navigation unit. It goes without saying that you don’t know the intricacies of all the roads and highways in America. And asking for directions is so embarrassing, and kind of dangerous if you’re in the wrong neighborhood. We recommend the Garmin Nuvi 755T. This little guy has a map of every road in the United States and Canada, provides turn-by-turn directions and is loaded with more than 6 million points of interest in every major American and Canadian city. The Nuvi also directs you around traffic jams and keeps you in the right lane to make sure you don’t miss an exit or freeway junction.
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