I've Road-Tripped Through 49 US States. Here's What I Always Bring for My Rental Car.

New York Times

5 hours ago

Whether you secure it to a dashboard or a windshield, this mount is easy to set up. It has a tight grip, and its strong magnetic mount supports most phones in any position.
When I'm in a new place, I rely on my phone's GPS to get around, and if I'm driving an older rental car that can't display my mapped route, this can quickly become a safety issue. The iOttie iTap 3 Magnetic Dash & Windshield Mount, our favorite smartphone car mount, makes these situations easier to navigate. This mount secures your phone to a car's dashboard or windshield; it uses suction to create a tight seal with the surface. The adhesive suction cup on the bottom of the mount is reusable, so you can transfer this mount from car to car.
I also like that this suction-based mount will work in any car, whereas the air-vent mount we recommend is not compatible with circular air vents, and the CD-slot mount requires a CD player. You never know what kind of car you'll be paired with, so it doesn't hurt to come prepared for all scenarios.
The short, braided cable on this adapter provides just enough flexibility for bridging a USB-A connector to a USB-C port. Plus, you get two of them. $9 from Amazon
(pack of two)
This model can charge phones, tablets, and computers on its USB-C port, and it has a second port for charging USB-A devices. It adheres to USB-C fast-charging standards and includes a quality cable.
Personally, I believe you can never pack too many charging cords. The Belkin BoostCharge 3-in-1 Universal Cable is a great travel cable because it covers all of the bases — this three-in-one cable includes a USB-A cable, a USB-C cable, and a Lightning cable. I also find it helpful to pack a USB-C–to–USB adapter, like our recommended pick from Jsaux. USB-C ports are becoming increasingly more common, and nothing is more frustrating than having the right cord but not being able to plug it in. And since most cars have USB and/or USB-C ports, you likely won't need a USB car charger. Yet I like to bring the Nekteck PD 45W Type-C Car Charger just in case I'm paired with an older car and have only the cigarette lighter port to work with.
This three-speed fan is powerful, lightweight, and blessed with long battery life. Its flexible tripod legs can stand on flat surfaces or wrap around fixtures, such as stroller handles, headboards, or car headrests.
If you're traveling with a group, consider packing the Amacool Battery Operated Fan for the folks in the backseat. Even in the most well-ventilated cars, backseat passengers don't always get the same blast of AC as the folks seated up front. This three-speed handheld fan is powerful, and it has flexible tripod legs that can easily wrap around a headrest to create a hands-free breeze. It also has a long battery life, but in the event it does die, it can be revived by using any USB-C charger (which, if you're following this list, you should already have on hand!).
This lidded, 2-gallon car garbage can hang on the back of a seat, in the footwell of a front passenger seat, or behind a center console. It's also leakproof and easy to wipe clean.
Yes, you could just use a grocery-store bag to stash your road-trip trash. But the inexpensive Hotor Car Trash Can 138 packs down to fit nicely in a carry-on and is a more reliable receptacle. It also holds more garbage than a plastic bag and keeps it out of sight. You can hang the lidded 2-gallon trash can on the back of a seat, in the footwell of the front passenger seat, or behind the center console. This 'carbage' can also has a waterproof lining, so it can hold a wider variety of trash, like not-quite-empty coffee cups. And since it's easy to clean, it can also act as an emergency barf bag for anyone who gets car sick.
This jump-starter has the right safety features, and despite being small, it contains enough juice to start most cars and SUVs.
Thankfully, I've never had to use the Weego Jump Starter 44s on a rental car. But considering how often I disappear into national parks with no cell service, I'm way too cautious to leave this at home. More than anything else, this portable jump-starter is my security blanket, and it provides a boundless amount of comfort simply by sitting nestled in my bags.
TSA allows devices with lithium-ion batteries under 100 Wh in carry-on baggage, so the 27 Wh Weego can fly safely (though you cannot put it in your checked luggage, so if your carry-on gets gate-checked, be sure to grab it). The Weego is exceptionally easy to use, and there are step-by-step instructions printed on a sticker, located right on the body of the slim battery pack. Fortunately, I've yet to use it myself. However, our testers have found that this little jump-starter is powerful enough to start most cars and SUVs, making it indispensable in an emergency.
This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder.
Elissa Sanci
Senior Staff Writer
What I Cover
I cover a little of everything, from travel gadgets and car-organizing tools to label makers and reusable tumblers. I have an affinity for testing the buzzy products you've probably seen clogging your social media feeds—my goal is to figure out which trending items are actually worth your time, and which are a waste of money.