Whitney Nic James

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#WNJDrves | Road Trip Essentials + Traveling with the 2015 Kia Optima SX

June 9, 2015 by Whitney 17 Comments

My husband and I are on the road at least two weekends a month. Often, we’re road tripping to Delaware to visit Darrius’ side of the family. That’s exactly where we were this weekend; we had a great time! Our niece graduated from high school Saturday, so of course, we were front and center, cheering her on and showing our support. Without hesitation, we loaded up the 2015 Kia Optima SX, as well as our road trip essentials.

Road Trip Essentials (1)

A reliable and safe car is the #1 must-have when traveling on a road trip. This Remington Red Kia was just that! One of my favorite features was the rear-view camera; it’s beneficial when parking and backing out of a parking space. The power-folding outside mirrors also came in handy while traveling. The mirrors alert you by blinking and making a faint beeping sound to tell you when it’s safe to make a move. This feature is one I’d like to see in all cars; it’s so necessary!

Must have road-trip essentials. #wnjdrives

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Another remarkable feature is the Infinity sound system. Cruising with music while road tripping is a must, and the sound system in the 2015 Optima is on point! From my homemade mix CD’s to the radio to Sirus XM, hubby and I grooved the entire time. The sound pouring from the speakers is crisp, and I could even listen to my iPhone playlists through the speakers.

2015 Kia Optima SX - Road Trip Essentials

2015 Kia Optima SX

Road Trip Essentials - 2015 Kia Optima SX

Road Trip Essentials

Aside from a safe and reliable car and good music, here are my five must-have road trip essentials:

1. Sunglasses | When traveling, sunnies need to be on deck, especially during the summer months. Sun visors in the car can help, but wearing sunnies is better and much more stylish.

2. Hand Sanitizer | Eating and snacking on the road is a must, so be sure to pack some hand sanitizer (or wet wipes) to keep those hands nice and clean. The mini ones are great to keep in your glove compartment!

3. Phone Charger(s) | Separate phone chargers, yes, please! There’s nothing worse than your phone dying while traveling—pack at least two phone chargers, as well as an extra wall charger piece. If you have a portable charger, throw that in the bag too. Charging your phone, iPod, and other electronic devices is a must. You can never be too prepared, so pack extras!

Road Trip Essentials - 2015 Kia Optima SX

Spacious Trunk Space!

Road Trip Essentials - 2015 Kia Optima

Rear-view Camera

4. Cash and Coins | If you don’t have an EZ-Pass, you need change for the tolls. Carrying $1 bills, a few $5’s and $10’s is always a good idea. Also, bring a couple of quarters and some other silver coins too. If you stop at a gas station for gas or snacks, it’s always better to pay with cash. Keep the transactions simple and quick.

5. Feminine Products | Every woman should have a few extra feminine care products to take on a road trip. You never know when you may need them, trust me.


So tell me, what are your road trip essentials? Have you ever driven a Kia? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Drive Shop USA provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *

Comments

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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style, WNJ Travels Tagged With: Car Review, Kia, Road Trip, Travel Style

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Comments

  1. Tracie says

    June 9, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    Great tips and the Kia Optima looks like a cool ride!! We’re headed out on a road trip this summer and I agree with you on the essentials. We have kids so bringing along things to keep them entertained is also critical! Helps minimize the “are we there yet?” moments. Enjoy your summer and safe travels!

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      June 9, 2015 at 2:14 pm

      Thanks, Tracie! And yes to those items to keep the little ones busy. 😉 Hope you have a great summer too!

      Reply
  2. Nicole says

    June 9, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    Excellent tips! Especially the hand sanitizer and Coins. Looks like a lot of fun was in store! #BLMGirls
    Nicole recently posted…Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Oman Hotel ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      June 9, 2015 at 2:14 pm

      Thank you, Nicole! Always keep those coins! 😉

      Reply
  3. Starkey says

    June 9, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    My favorite road trip item is between a root beer (not just any root beer, but Barq’s) or sunflower seeds and music! I am in mid-car shopping so I may be looking at a Kia. Thanks for sharing #BLMGirl
    Starkey recently posted…10 Fun Cheap Things to do this SummerMy Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      June 11, 2015 at 1:45 pm

      Ah, yes. I am a fan of root bear so I like that addition! 😉

      Reply
  4. ADRIENNE says

    June 10, 2015 at 12:10 am

    Awesome post! Such a great experience.
    ADRIENNE recently posted…Switch It Up: Beach WearMy Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      June 11, 2015 at 1:46 pm

      Thanks, girlie!

      Reply
  5. FabEllis says

    June 10, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    Great post! I see you were up there listening to that Rich Homie Quan. LOL!!! My road trip essentials are definitely good music, snacks and magazines.

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      June 11, 2015 at 1:47 pm

      LOL, gotta love Rich Homie! 😉

      Reply
  6. Rachel says

    June 10, 2015 at 7:10 pm

    Adorable car, and lovely features. I am loving your tips and yes back up phone charger wires are a must all the time. Thanks for linking up to “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me”
    Rachel xo

    Garay Treasures
    Rachel recently posted…How I Styled It link up: Basic TeesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      June 11, 2015 at 1:48 pm

      Very affordable and I really had a hard time give it up. Lol! Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  7. Oh to Be a Muse says

    June 11, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    The hubs used to drive a Hyundai, which I believe is part of the Kia family. Both cars have really come a long way!
    Oh to Be a Muse recently posted…Gold AccentsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      June 11, 2015 at 1:50 pm

      YES! They’re sister companies, and I’m actually testing a Hyundai this week Really great car(s)!

      Reply
  8. Rachel says

    June 11, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    I’ve been enjoying your road trip photos through Instagram! The KIA Optima looks pretty cool. I have a Toyota Camry and love the rear-view mirror feature. Love it!!

    Great tips on road trips! I’ve been planning on taking a road trip and will definitely have these essentials on deck.
    Rachel recently posted…Stop and Stare.My Profile

    Reply
  9. Rashida says

    June 12, 2015 at 10:39 am

    I’ve never driven a Kia before but I’d like to! I remember when they first debuted as a company and their vehicles have come a long way since then! #blmgirl
    Rashida recently posted…Review: Crystal Light PURE On The GoMy Profile

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Style | Travel Style + Style Linkup says:
    July 13, 2015 at 11:03 am

    […] ate some really good cookout food! It’s not out of the ordinary that we hop in the car for a weekend or day road trip, so I thought this week I’d talk about some of my travel style outfits/travel must […]

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