Don’t plan another long-distance trip until you read these eight genius road trip hacks. Not only will they make your trip so much easier, it will also be way more fun. Once you learn these tricks, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of them sooner.

Perhaps your first road trip was a disaster. Maybe you got a flat tire, didn’t bring enough activities for the kids, and even took the wrong exit — leading your crew into deep, “no-cell-phone-service” rural areas.

After that trip, you swore you would always be prepared for anything.

That’s when you decided to look into different road trip hacks that would make traveling fun again. In that case, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve found eight car travel hacks we can’t live without.

Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

1. Use A Binder Clip As a Cell Phone Holder

This is so easy to make and use. It takes a large-sized binder clip and one rubber band.

Clip the binder to an air-conditioning vent, then wrap the rubber band around the handles until tight.

After that, you’ll be able to turn your phone horizontally and fit it right in!

2. Change Your Lock Screen

While travelling, this is one of the best road trip tips no one ever thinks about.

Before you leave, type out your contact information:

• Name
• Alternative Phone Number
• Address

Then, take a screen shot of the information and make it your lock screen! That way, you’ll always be prepared in case of an emergency.

3. Sit or Squat?

The SitOrSquat app solves the crisis of going to the bathroom while on the road.

This app lets you know where to find public restrooms around your location. It’s great while travelling through urban areas but it’s not much help out in the middle of nowhere.

Along the same lines, SheWee is a female urination device you can use when you can’t find a public restroom nearby. It’s compact, easy to use, and when you don’t have a place to sit, it doesn’t make you squat.

5. Use a Cereal Container as a Trash Can

Tired of using a flimsy plastic bag for trash during family road trips? Here is something better.

Take an old cereal container, put a small trash bag in and close the lid. Voila!

6. Snack Containers

To prevent screaming children, a ‘hangry’ mom and a messy car, snack containers are the way to go.

Use bead containers for smaller portions and old plastic food containers (i.e. peanut butter jars).

7. Use a Shoe Organizer For Kids Activities

With this hack, just hang one shoe organizer on each seat and fill them up with various activities for the kids to use!

Coloring books, favorites toys, stuffed animals, and a map will be your new favorite way to make a road trip fun.

8. Prepare an Emergency Road Trip Kit

Before you hit the road, make an emergency kit that help prepare you for unexpected mishaps.

Be sure to take the basics:

• Flashlight
• Jumper Cables
• Bottled Water
• Blankets
• Extra car fluids (oil, coolant, etc.)
• First-Aid
• Printed out ‘How-To-Guides’ to change a tire or jump start a car

Also, make sure to download the GasBuddy App so you always know where the nearest gas stations are and where to get the lowest price.

Road Trip Hacks Will Save Your Vacation

Are you ready to head out and see the great outdoors? Take along these road trip hacks to make sure your next family vacation is special, meaningful and fuss-free.

For other travel tips and information visit the Addicted To All Things Pretty Travel Section!