The COVID-19 pandemic has gone on for longer than any of us initially anticipated, and we’re all getting restless – if we weren’t already. Isolation has driven us to cabin fever, and many of us have been finding loopholes to the stay-at-home-and-social-distance caveat. Among those, loopholes are methods of socially distanced mobility. These include road trips and boating excursions, so long as they’re done only with those we’re quarantining with. Here’s a list of impressive and essential car accessories for your next COVID-era road trip, whether you’re using your car or renting an RV.
Hudly Portable Head-Up Display
If you struggle with having to shift your eyes from your mounted phone to the road, it’s time you invest in a portable head-up display (HUD). Hudly is a wireless HUD that projects data from your smartphone, such as GPS maps, onto your windshield. Mount it on your dashboard, and it’ll make it seem as though your car window tint is a smart glass. This beats mounting your phone on your dashboard or having to ask a sleepy companion to talk you through directions.
Halmo CarhandGel Dispenser
This is essential for the time we’re living in. Instead of having to dig through your purse or glove compartment for a bottle of hand sanitizer, you can have it right within your reach. Halmo’s Disinfectant Dispenser was designed to fit into any cup holder for easy access. With a pump or two, your hands are clean.
YI Mirror Dash Camera
If you’re a lover of all things tech, the YI Mirror Dash Camera is for you. It’s a dashcam with two HD cameras, one rear-view and one front-facing, for whether you’re driving forward or in reverse. It also has a touch screen display that allows you to toggle through the controls. As if that isn’t enough, it also provides you with a night vision view for safe night-time driving.
Portable Breathalyzer
One of the unavoidable things about going out to have fun is drinking. Sometimes, even the designated driver won’t be able to resist. For your safety, it’s best to check the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of everyone who had something to drink. A pocket-sized breathalyzer is perfect for this – make sure to clean or replace the mouthpiece when you’re testing your whole crew. Your driver’s BAC should not exceed 0.08.
Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler
If you’re going to be on the road for a few days and not renting an RV, which usually comes equipped with its own mini-fridge, it’s a good idea to bring your own. Cooluli has a Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer for storing temperature-sensitive goods. You can power it using your car or a USB power bank.
Sunsbell Car Kettle Boiler
If you prefer piping-hot beverages or want more options, Sunsbell’s Car Kettle Boiler is the thing that you’re looking for. With 750 mL capacity, plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter and place the boiler in your cup holder. The container is designed to be leak-proof, so you don’t have to worry about boiling water spilling over if you make a sudden stop.
Roav VIVA Alexa-Enabled Car Charger
We’ve all heard of multiple-port USB car chargers, but have you heard of Roav’s Alexa-Enabled Car Charger? While charging your devices, you have your trusty voice assistant Alexa at your beck and call. This car charger comes with 2 USB ports and also provides high-speed charging.
Portable Tire Inflator
Because it’s best to be prepared for whatever circumstances, having a portable tire inflator handy is your best bet for a long road trip. This will save you from having to stop over to replace the tire yourself or head on over to the nearest gas station.
Rooftop Car Tent
By far, the most impressive thing on this list is the iKamper Skycamp 2.0, which transforms your automobile into a makeshift home for your camping trip. The tent mounts on top of your vehicle, so you have to climb the ladder to get into it. Its king-sized mattress allows up to four people to sleep within its breathable but insulating four walls. The set is also customizable, so you can add on a bunch of accessories and even choose the hard shell color.
Inflatable Car Bed
Since the iKamper comes with a hefty price tag, you can always use a standard car air bed as an affordable alternative. Inflatable car beds are priced as low as $30, but if you have room in your budget, the market has more than enough options. Air bed sets typically come with air pumps, so there’s no need to worry about outsourcing.
If the lockdown has got you feeling down, perhaps the best fix is to go on a road trip with the people you’re living with. You’ll be able to have some mobility while staying socially distant from those you aren’t quarantining with. Just be sure to pack the essentials and stay safe.
