What are your best road trip tips?

[doyoulikemyyams]

I'm moving internationally next month, and as part of it, I've got a 5-day road trip with my DP and my dad through Spain and France in a rental car.

Everyone gets along well, so I'm not particularly worried about it, but it is quite a symbolic trip for me in a lot of ways, so I'd love to hear your advice and ideas on how to make it as fun and easy (and maybe even special) as possible!

Have you done any big road trips in the past – and what do you wish you'd done differently / been really glad you did?

What do you do to pass the time when driving 8+ hours a day?
What could we bring / make sure we have that will make life easier and nicer?
What might we not have thought of that we should consider?

Any and all ideas and advice welcome!

Snacks - especially anything non sticky - biscuits, breadsticks, nuts, olives, sweeties.
Podcasts downloaded- totally recommend the Post Office one for the real detail and sterling work from the tenacious journalist involved, as well as Mr Bates. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/m000jf7j

Sorry, posted too soon - Ten to the Top, the Friday night comedy, some of the True Crime podcasts eg Love Bombed, are all good and you can join in the quizzes

Noise cancelling headphones and neck pillow for anyone who wants to snooze

Small usb powered fan and blankets so no need to fight about temperature control

Wet wipes and kitchen roll and a bin bag for mess

Phone camera to capture moments en route, maybe a set list of things eg best thing, most surprising thing, best place name, most unusual vehicle, catchphrase of the day, best view etc, make up your own categories and have a daily prize

Snacks and drinks were my first thought also. We always take things like crisps, granola/flapjack-type biscuits, chocolate chip brioche etc,

Toilet roll - some French rural stops don’t always have them.

Good music

Plan stops, if possible in scenic towns or areas, so you can stretch your legs

Don't buy food in service stations. Hi to a supermarket. Oh you don't need fuel stop at the Aires instead. (France). Get a tag for the paeage.

These are great!

Yes, @Defiantlynot41 - I'm building a podcast playlist as we speak... fun!

@longdistanceclaraclara (what an appropriate username!) can you explain more about Aires and this tag? Total newbie to French systems so it'd be helpful to hear about it from someone who knows!