The ultimate road trip checklist: Tech edition

It’s 6:00 AM — you’re buckled into your car with a full tank, Spotify Premium (alright, or Apple Music, we’re not discriminating!) and a bag full of munchies. There’s nothing between you and the open road stretching before you like a ribbon of possibility. Road trips are, indeed, legendary. Whether you’re the main character with the wheel and those suave aviators, or the passenger princess who side-hustles as a DJ for the group, journeying by yourself is a liberating feeling.

But the ultimate road trip isn’t just about the destination — it’s about how you plan your journey. And in 2025, having the right tech essentials by your side is the new normal. Thankfully, we have your back with all the tech must-haves for your upcoming journey. Check them out below.

12 tech essentials to keep you charged, chill and (somewhat) sane on your road trip

Before you turn that key in the ignition, make sure you have a good look at our checklist of 12 road trip essential gadgets and accessories to have on your journey.

1) Power bank
2) Headphones
3) AirTag
4) Cameras (action camera/dash camera)
5) Mobile stand or holder
6) Car charger
7) Tyre inflator
8) Car washer
9) Neck pillow
10) Luggage trolley
11) Earplugs
12) Portable chiller

1) Power bank: Because you need enough battery to ignore OOO emails in peace

A dead phone on a road trip is basically a crisis! Whether you’re navigating across the bylanes of Goa, looking up restaurants in an unfamiliar area or taking an urgent phone call with your Japanese clients in the middle of nowhere, your smartphone certainly needs some backup.

This Croma 10000 mAh 22.5W Fast Charging Power Bank is compact yet powerful and keeps your devices alive with fast charging, so you can stay powered up from sunrise to check-in. What’s more, it comes with a 10,000mAh battery capacity, so it is slim enough to slip into your day bag on an excursion as well.

2) Headphones: Because in 2025, we can respectfully tune out of boring conversations

Let’s face it, after the initial excitement of the trip dies down, all you have is the monotonous scenery and the same 12 songs stuck on repeat for the remainder of your journey. But there’s nothing wrong with switching up the content you’re escaping into every now and then. For instance, a riveting podcast or an episode from your favourite sitcom is best enjoyed with a pair of good headphones.

We suggest getting the Sony WH-1000XM5 Bluetooth Headphones that fit snugly on your ears and give you an immersive experience from the backseat of your car. But if that’s not nearly enough, these headphones even come with next-level noise cancellation, which means they are your audio escape hatch for any situation!

3) AirTag: Because losing your car in a complex parking lot is not the core memory you need

Imagine finally reaching your pit stop and then spending 20 minutes trying to remember where you parked. Not ideal. The Apple AirTag is a tiny tracker that pairs with your iPhone to locate anything you attach it to— car keys, backpacks, or even your car itself.

ALSO READ: How to track the location of your luggage with Apple AirTag on Air India flights

The handy little accessory is also useful once you’re back home from your trip, and is a wonderful companion for those absent-minded individuals who often need a technological hand to find their misplaced items.

4) Dash Cameras: Because no one gets to tell you “pics or it didn't happen”

Whether you’re capturing cinematic views or documenting that wild U-turn moment that no one believes happened, an action camera is a must. The GoPro Hero13 delivers crisp video, stellar stabilisation, and is rugged enough to handle bumps, dust, and sudden storms.

And while it is certainly more than a dashcam, it can always double up as one for those scenic, winding Himalayan roads that you encounter on your way. Bonus: You’ll have epic reels ready by the time you reach your destination.

5) Mobile stand: Because maps don’t help when a phone is lying face down in the car

Road trips are not always smooth, and to tackle that bumpy road, you have mobile stands. There’s nothing like propping your phone up, worry-free, while you enjoy a hearty conversation with your friends. Better yet, it also helps for the times you have to do a quick video update for your parents (been there, done that!).

This Croma Dashboard Mobile Holder is built for bumpy car journeys, and it mount-locks your phone into place. This is great when you’re following maps, changing songs, or even taking that hands-free call. It’s secure, stable, and adjusts to your preferred angle — basically, your co-pilot that doesn’t interrupt. We could surely do with that!

6) Car charger: Because there is always that one person that will roll in with 9 per cent

Road trip rule #47: You will have that one person in your group who is notorious for not charging their phone enough. And when they are charging, they’re busy hogging your power bank! Lucky for you, there’s a way to combat this with a car charger.

ALSO READ: Hacks to help you keep your gadgets powered up on a holiday

The Croma 38 Watts Type A and Type C 2-Port Car Charger saves the day and lets two such people power up simultaneously. It comes with one Type-C and other classic USB ports for fast, safe and efficient charging. The best part? You can, in fact, leave it in your car and forget about it!

7) Tyre inflator: Because there should be nothing 'deflating' your road trip vibes

What’s a road trip without a memorable flat tyre story? But while punctures are unavoidable, you can always make sure you dodge them by having a well-inflated tyre. The Qubo Smart Pro 150 psi Tyre Inflator for Cars & Bikes is compact, digital, and easy enough to use even if you’ve never touched one before.

It works on car and bike tyres alike and comes with presets so you don’t overdo it. You can simply pop it into the trunk of your car without worrying about the weight – or the stress of looking for a petrol pump! Sounds like a win-win situation to us.

8) Car washer: Because 'dusty' is not an aesthetic, sorry

Sure, you’re chasing offbeat routes, but your car doesn’t need to look like it survived a level 12 sandstorm. Your journey can be enjoyable just as much with a shiny car. In fact, if you’re a procrastinator who can’t get themselves to dust off their vehicle, the BLACK+DECKER Car Washer for Car wash will do the job for you.

This washer lets you do a quick, satisfying clean-up job on your ride wherever you stop. This means you don’t have to look for a car wash or do it yourself. Let the gadget handle the mess for you. And let’s face it, it is strangely therapeutic to indulge in a little end-of-day car care.

9) Neck pillow: Because your co-passengers deserve better than awkward head bumps

Sure, this isn’t technically ‘tech’. But trust us, you will be grateful for this one when you’re three hours in, your playlist is winding down, and sleep hits hard. The TRAVEL BLUE Inflatable Neck Pillow is an inflatable neck pillow that can be packed easily. It doesn’t even take up the space in your car or trunk, and inflates within seconds.  

Additionally, it supports your head just right, meaning your co-passengers will thank you for not comically flopping on their shoulder (again)!

10) Luggage trolley: Because luggage should not be 'dragging' you down!

Road trips give you the liberty of carrying as much luggage or food as you need, but with a small, underlying clause: you will have to carry (nay, drag) it yourself into motels!  

From car to hotel to that random food stop where you regretted overpacking — this TRAVEL BLUE Deluxe Luggage Trolley helps you roll in like royalty. Sturdy enough to carry heavy bags and compact enough to stash in your boot, it’s the unsung hero of a hassle-free trip. We particularly love how it can be folded when not in use, making it a hassle-free companion indeed.

11) Earplugs: Because one person’s playlist is another person’s nightmare

Hey, we love our friends too, but we don’t have to put up with every sound they make. Whether you’re looking for a quick nap or are fed up of someone taking theirs, these ANOMEO Extreme Noise Silicone and Polypropylene Earplugs are here to rescue you from it all.

Be it snoring, loud munching, or a heated debate about which dhaba has better chai, you can simply pop them into your ears for some peaceful ‘me time’. Small but mighty, they’re your shortcut to serenity.

12) Portable chiller: Because nothing ruins road trip energy like a warm Coke

Lastly, a road trip with your friends is meant to be enjoyed to its fullest. And there’s nothing like a portable chiller that will keep this wonderful little party on wheels going for days.  

For this, you should get the Tropicool PortaChill 5 Litres Single Door Car Portable Chiller and Warmer is certainly a game-changer. It keeps your grub fresh, and your mood chill (pun intended). Whether you’re hitting the beach or the hills, it’s the perfect way to upgrade your in-car munchie game.

So, whether you’re cruising coastal highways or tackling mountain bends, these tech essentials have your back. Now go on, rev that engine, hit play on your playlist, and let the road trip memories begin!