Heading out on the road for a long car ride can be a joy or a nightmare. A lot depends on your perspective and the accessories you have along for the trip. There are some gadgets that can make a journey much more enjoyable if you are driving solo. There are also some options that can really make the miles fly by when your family is along for the fun.

If you are flying solo on a long-distance trip, you will not want any car accessories that might serve as a distraction. You can, however, make your atmosphere more comfortable by considering these items:

• An MP3 device – MP3 players can store a whole lot of driving music and spare you from fiddling with receiver buttons as you head down the road. Wearing ear buds while you drive, however, is never advised. Instead, consider adapters that enable MP3 music to play over a car’s stereo system. If a lower-tech option is desired, a portable speaker mount only costs a few bucks for most players and will run off batteries.

• A GPS system – This can come in handy whether you’re going it alone or the car will be full of passengers. When you’re on your own, however, a GPS can be a lifesaver. There is no reason to fiddle with maps when a GPS is in the car.

• Drink cooler – A drink cooler that plugs into a car’s accessory outlet is a great way to keep stops at a minimum. This can sit in the backseat or next to you on the passenger side for easier access.

If you have family along for the ride, all the above accessories can make a trip more enjoyable. So can things like a portable DVD player, handheld video games and other items to occupy your passengers’ time.

A road trip can be made much more enjoyable when the right accessories are taken along for the ride.