road trip supplies checklist

89 Road Trip Packing List Essentials for Hitting the Road

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Long stretches of open highway, a sense of total freedom, good tunes, an epic adventure at your fingertips… the road trip is a classic travel experience for good reason! In this post, you’ll find all the essential items for your road trip packing list to help you plan your trip.

Written in partnership with Toyota

Michael and I have been taking road trips together for nearly a decade—from weekend jaunts to a year-long exploration of North America—so we’ve had thousands of miles to dial in our road trip essentials. 

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If you’re feeling the itch to hit the road, this post is for you! We’re sharing our complete road trip packing list with everything you need for a comfortable, fun, and safe road trip. A little planning and preparation go a long way so that once you start cruising down the highway, all you have to do is let the adventure unfold.

Before you go…

Bring your vehicle to a mechanic for a pre-trip inspection .

If your vehicle has given you, shall we say, “cause for concern” in the past, then it might be worth bringing it to a mechanic for a pre-trip check before embarking on an extended road trip. 

We often bring our vehicles in to our local Les Schwab Tire Center before a big trip to have them check the state of our brake pads. This is offered as a free service and most mechanics will offer something similar. 

Quick Home Maintenance Check: 

• How do the treads on the tires look? 
• Are your tires at the proper pressure? 
• When will you need another oil change?
• Is the windshield wiper fluid topped off?

Clean your car

The cheapest and easiest way to improve the quality of your road trip is to start with a clean car. We’re not kidding, it makes a huge difference! 

Remove all the extra clutter, random receipts, old coffee cups, etc. Vacuum out the interior, Armor-All the plastic surfaces, and clean your windows with vinegar.

It’s easier to try to stay clean and organized if your car starts out that way.

Vehicle essentials

These are the basic items you should keep in your car (regardless of whether or not you’re road-tripping!) 

• License, registration, and insurance cards: Keep these together in an easily accessible place.
• Spare tire + tools: In addition to the tire, you’ll need a jack and a lug wrench. These are usually stored underneath the spare, but it wouldn’t hurt to double-check that they’re still there. Take five minutes to brush up on how to change a spare tire , too! 
• Jumper cables: Forgot to turn off your lights before heading out to explore, and returned to a dead battery? Jumper cables to the rescue! If you’re going to be traveling on lesser-used roads, you might want to consider a jump start battery booster so you don’t have to wait for a friendly traveler to stop to help you.
• Tire pressure gauge: Many cars will have internal pressure monitoring systems, but having a manual tire pressure gauge is still nice so you can quickly and accurately check each tire. 
• 12v tire pump: If you discover a slow leak in a tire, a 12v tire pump can fill the tire back up until you can resolve the problem. 
• Tire patch kit: You can pick up a tire patch kit at any auto store or gas station. If you get a puncture in the middle of your tread (not near the sidewall) you can usually plug the hole yourself using a patch kit. 
• Flashlight or headlamp: If you have car issues after dark, a flashlight or headlamp will help you see what you’re doing as you troubleshoot.
• Windshield sunshade: A sunshade makes a huge difference in keeping the interior of your car cooler while it’s parked.
• AAA membership: Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but the peace of mind that a AAA membership is absolutely invaluable. Unlock your car, jump your battery, or arrange a tow. As people whose campervan stopped running while parked on a desolate forest service road in Wyoming, we really can’t imagine road tripping without it.
• Fix’d device: This is an optional device that can be really helpful in diagnosing potential issues. This plugs into your car’s OBD-II port , and if the check engine light goes on, it will run and diagnose the code for you so you know what you’re dealing with (or know if you have to get to a mechanic pronto ).

In the glove box

• Napkins: Invaluable for soaking up spills, wiping sticky hands, and any number of minor cleaning tasks.
• Extra TP (store in a ziplock bag): Just in case the one bathroom in a 50 mile radius is out of stock!
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues: A small pack of tissues are nice to have in case allergies kick up or you start having deep conversations with your travel partner.
• Quarters: Spare change will come in handy if you encounter toll roads or bridges, old school parking meters, or need to run a load of laundry at a laundromat.

Organization

One of the keys to a comfortable road trip is to keep your vehicle and gear organized and tidy. You don’t want to have wrappers piling up in your drink holders, or have to dig through all your stuff every time you need to find something. You don’t need everything on this list—just pick and choose what will work best for you and the type of things on your road trip packing list.

• Trash bag/bin: A small trash bag or bin in an accessible location will really help in managing wrappers, fruit peels, receipts, etc. We like to use an empty protein powder container because the lid helps prevent spills and smells.
• Over the seat organizer: A small organizer that clips to the back of the front seats is a great way to keep things like maps, headlamps, snacks, kids’ car games, and charging cables organized. If you have kids, this larger organizer has an iPad sleeve.
• Packing cubes: We love packing cubes to keep our clothes organized. Tops go in one cube, shorts or pants in one, socks and underwear in another, and one for miscellaneous items like swimwear and other accessories. We each have our own color to make things easier to find.
• Duffel bag: Large soft-sided duffel bags like the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel or REI Road Tripper Duffel are perfect for storing your packing cubes and bulky items like jackets. These tend to be more space-efficient in your trunk than suitcases since they don’t have a rigid shape.
• Storage bins/action packers: Action packers are great for storing camping equipment, extra snacks, shoes, and other gear.
• Roof cargo box: Very optional, but we are big fans of storing as much of our gear in a roof cargo box as possible, especially items we won’t use daily. This helps free up room for backseat passengers and helps open up space in the car, making it feel a little less like driving a mobile storage unit.
• Day pack: Whether you plan on hiking or are sticking to urban adventures, a comfortable day pack is essential for carrying extra snacks, water bottles, layers, maps or guide books, etc.
• Laundry bag: Having a separate laundry bag means your clean clothes stay fresh in your duffel, and when you’re ready to do laundry, all you have to do is haul the bag in—no more sorting through all your clothes trying to figure out what is clean and what isn’t.
• Reusable grocery bag: Stash a few of these in your glove box or over-the-seat organizer for stops at the grocery store during your trip.

Navigation and electronics

We’ve lumped these categories into one since so much navigation is done electronically. However, cell service isn’t guaranteed in many rural areas of the US, so paper and offline navigation are still a road trip essential.

• Road atlas or paper maps: In case you find yourself turned around in an area without service, you should always be prepared with paper maps. We like the Benchmark Maps Road Atlases and have one for the states we frequently road trip through. Alternatively, you can pick up paper maps for free at AAA locations if you’re a member!
• Offline maps: Maps.me is an awesome offline map that is perfect for creating routes and turn-by-turn driving directions on the fly, even if you’re completely out of service. Download the area maps ahead of time and you’ll be able to access everything—including gas stations, public restrooms, hospitals, points of interest, etc. Before your trip, you can bookmark all your stops or things you’re interested in and create “Lists” so you can pull them up on the road.
• Hands-free phone mount: One of the best car accessories we have ever purchased is a hands-free phone mount . No more interpretive re-telling of the directions from the passenger to the driver. Just plug in the directions, mount the phone in your field of view, and you’re golden. 
• USB Cords: We like to have dedicated USB cords that we leave in our vehicle. This way, we’re not shuttling them in and out and potentially forgetting to bring them.
• Small inverter: A 12v to 120v inverter can plug directly into a cigarette lighter and charge AC items like laptops and camera battery chargers. We’ve used this one for over six years of road trips!
• GasBuddy : We use this app to find gas stations—it has user-aggregated price data, too, so we can save money by price comparing nearby stations.
• Maps.me : As mentioned above, this is our favorite offline map app for driving directions.
• Alltrails : Our favorite app for finding hiking trails. Sort by length, elevation gain, and difficulty.
• The Dyrt : A great app for finding campgrounds (complete with photos, reviews, and amenities). The PRO version allows you to access everything offline, has public land map layers, and includes a great trip planner tool.
• Seek by iNaturalist : Identify plants, animals, and birds, and tracks by using your camera or uploading a photo—the app will identify it for you!
• Merlin Bird ID : Enter bird features like size, color, and environment to generate a list of potential birds—includes sound recordings and photos for easier identification.
• The Outbound : A great app for finding all kinds of outdoor adventures.
• Nativelands : Identify the native tribes that traditionally lived in the area you’re traveling in.
• Sky Guide : Dynamic constellation, planet, and star identification.
• PlugShare : If you’re driving a plug-in hybrid like the Toyota Prius Prime , or an all-electric vehicle, this app will be invaluable in locating charge stations along your route. 

Entertainment

Let’s face it: long stretches of driving can get monotonous, no matter how dynamic the scenery is. This is where some in-car entertainment becomes important. 

Download everything to your phone ahead of time. It’s not a matter of if you’ll lose service, it’s when…   And it is never at a convenient time. Once everything is downloaded, you’ll be able to access it any time.

We loved the CarPlay integration that the Toyota Prius Prime came with—it made it so easy to navigate between our music and podcasts while on the road!

• Audiobooks: Use Libby to download audiobooks from your public library for free, or use Everand which gives you an unlimited reading subscription for less than $10 a month ( try it for 2 months free! )
• Spotify playlists: There are thousands of playlists to choose from, but we think the best place to start is with the “Soundtrack My Ride” feature which will build a custom playlist for you.
• Podcasts: We love bite-sized podcast episodes because they give us lots of new topics to talk about, in addition to (usually) learning something new. Here are some great road trip podcast recommendations from Conde Nast Traveler and AFAR .

Comfort essentials for road trips

This is a list of little items we consider to be road trip essentials simply because they make the trip a little more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Snacks and drinks cooler: Keep a small cooler or insulated lunch tote within reach filled with any perishable road trip snacks and cold drinks.
• Coffee mug or tumbler: Make an extra cup of coffee in the morning and save it in an insulated coffee mug or tumbler . This will not only save money, but we bet you can make a much tastier cup of coffee than what you’ll find at a gas station!
• Water bottle: A reusable water bottle is absolutely essential for road trips! It’s so important to stay hydrated when traveling, and if you have water easily within reach, you’re more likely to sip throughout the day. Cycling through bottled water generates so much waste (of resources and your money), so pack along a durable, reusable bottle to fill up.
• Reusable utensils + straw: While we’re talking about reusables, we’d like to suggest throwing in a set of reusable utensils and drinking straws so you can ditch the plastic stuff when you grab takeout or stop at a food truck.
• Blankets/pillows: Catnaps in the passenger seat are so much more comfortable and restful if you have a pillow and a blanket. These are also nice to have to lay out on the grass at a rest stop for some shut-eye.
• Quick-dry towel/Turkish towel: Quick dry towels are a summer road trip necessity! Personally, we love jumping in lakes and rivers and a quick-dry towel is a way better option than regular bath towels. They are less likely to get mildewy and they’ll dry out before your next stop! A Turkish towel is similarly a great item and can double as a picnic blanket, sarong, or shawl.
• Sunglasses: Squinting into the sun as you drive is a recipe for fatigue, headaches, and it’s just plain bad for your eyes. A good pair of sunglasses with UV protection is a must-have for road trips. We love Sunski sunglasses , which come with a great warranty.
• First aid kit: Backroad Ramblers has a great post on putting together your own road trip first aid kit .

Toiletries and personal items

These are the self-care items that are on our road trip checklist to keep us feeling good throughout the trip.

• Sunscreen: While car side windows block UVB rays, they still allow UVA rays through —the ones that cause deep skin damage (but not sunburns), so it’s important to wear full-spectrum sunscreen, particularly on the side of your body next to the window. 
• Lip balm: Prevent chapped lips by using lip balm, preferably one that has some SPF to it.
• Bug spray: You may not need it in the car, but bug spray is nice to have if you’ll be outdoors hiking or hanging out. This is a good travel-sized spray , and they have a DEET-free version as well. 
• Prescription medications and OTC Med Kit: In addition to any prescription medications, put together a small over-the-counter med kit that includes painkillers for headaches and achy joints, Benadryl or Allegra for allergies, Imodium in case your lunch doesn’t sit well, etc.
• Car/Motion Sickness remedies: Either OTC or a non-medication option like ginger chews or those pressure point bands.
• Body wash/soap
• Wet wipes: These will come in handy in case you need a quick “bath” on the road (see the below section on showering during a road trip for more ideas).
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Wrinkle release spray: Your clothes are going to sit folded up in your luggage for days at a time, so having a travel-size wrinkle release spray can be super helpful on a road trip.
• Tide stain pen: Stains happen, and since you won’t be able to immediately throw your clothes into the wash, having a Tide stain remover pen can help prevent the stains from really setting in.
• Scrubba: Alright, this is totally optional, but this portable wash bag could be useful particularly if you’re traveling with kids and you want to be able to wash out stains and dirt from clothes without spending your time at the laundromat.

What to wear on a road trip

The clothing section of your road trip packing list is going to be pretty personalized based on where you’re going, the time of year and expected weather, and your personal style.

The key to packing clothing for a road trip is to balance comfort and versatility based on your planned activities, while keeping in mind the kind of weather you are likely to encounter. 

Try to choose clothes that will serve multiple purposes, for instance, a warm jacket you can wear in the evening at your campsite but will still look good enough to walk around town on a brisk day. A good tip for pants is to choose ones that are good for hiking but that you’d also grab dinner in. prAna has a lot of good options for versatile pants .

Consider packing clothing that have helpful features while traveling such as antimicrobial or quick-drying fabrics, or UPF clothing that offer built-in sun protection.

Basic road trip packing list

• Short sleeve tops or tanks: one per day in the summer, or fewer in cooler temperatures
• Long sleeve tops: one or two in the summer, or more in cooler temperatures
• Pants, leggings, and shorts
• Activewear for hikes and outdoor exploring
• Warm jacket or sweater: extras if it’s going to be particularly cold
• Rain jacket
• Windbreaker or lightweight jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hiking shoes , if necessary
• Hat (sun hat/warm beanie)
• Activity-specific items (rashguard, water shoes, etc)

Camping basics

If you’ll be camping, there are a few additional things you’ll need to put on your road trip checklist. These are the bare essentials from our weekend camping checklist —we leave some of the “extras” behind knowing that we’re going to pack up and move frequently.

• Sleeping mats
• Sleeping bags
• Camp chairs
• Folding camp table (optional)
• Camp stove and fuel
• Packable camp cookware set
• Spatula / spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Plates, bowls, and utensils
• Camp coffee maker
• Collapsible dishwashing bucket (optional, depending on campsite selection)
• Sponge and campsuds
• Microfiber towel
• Bin to store kitchen items in

Essential road trip planning tips

Route planning.

One of the allures of road tripping is the freedom that comes with the open road. As soon as you get behind the wheel, you feel like everywhere is within your reach and you’re in a real-life “choose your own adventure” story. And while that feeling of freedom is real, it truly is a good idea to spend some time planning out an itinerary (however loose or detailed) before you leave.

At a minimum, it means that your co-pilot will have to spend less time looking up what to do and where to go on the fly, and at best it means you won’t have that post-trip regret of finding out you drove past the best waterfall in the state and you didn’t even know it.

We like to take a “planned spontaneity” philosophy when it comes to planning a road trip. After deciding on how long our road trip will be and choosing a general area for the trip, we start looking into the attractions and activities that we’d be interested in and start saving them to our Map.me bookmarks. Then, we can pull up the map that has all the points on it and see what our basic driving route might be, eliminating any real outlier stops.

From there, we’ll spend a little more time thinking about how long we want to drive per day and the time needed to explore different locations. This is how we determine where we plan to sleep each night, and book campsites or hotels/Airbnbs. 

We might add coffee shops or restaurants we want to check out, or do a little more research into different points of interest once we have a more solid route planned.

That’s usually it. What we end up with is a rough timeline so we don’t get behind, and a lot of ideas to choose from when we’re on the road depending on how we’re feeling that day.

We like to budget extra time instead of planning down to the minute, because the beauty of road trips is that even when you have a plan, you’re likely to stumble on fun, spur of the moment stops and you’ll want to have time to stop for those spontaneous adventures.

Make a budget

To an extent, a road trip can cost as much or as little as you have a budget for. If you make most of your own meals, get savvy at finding free camping , and choose free or inexpensive activities, you can really keep the costs of a road trip down. Or, you can book nights at Airbnbs, eat at local restaurants, and splurge on activities if it’s in your budget! We personally do a blend of both on most of our trips.

While you’re planning your trip, keep a total budget in mind, and then allocate it into different categories based on your priorities. Eating great food might be more important than where you lay your head at night, or perhaps you want to be able to book a fun adventure tour and are happy cooking at your campsite most nights.

Where to sleep

You have a few options for overnight accommodation on your road trip. You can camp, stay at Airbnbs, hotels, or hostels, or stay with friends or family if they are along your route and up to hosting you.

During busy travel periods or in popular destinations, you’ll probably want to book everything ahead of time. It sounds free and romantic to go where the wind blows and decide where you want to stay on the fly, but we’ve found that it adds unnecessary stress to our trips.

Campgrounds in particular are important to book in advance because they have limited space and in many cases, if it’s full when you get there there may not be a lot of other camping options nearby.

What to eat

Nothing ruins a road trip quite like a hangry passenger—or worse yet, a hangry driver! Failure to make plans for what and where you’re going to eat means you’re already halfway to Crankytown, so be sure to plan ahead and pack ALL THE SNACKS.

You can opt to eat out for all your meals and not have to worry about cooking at all, in which case, you may want to spend some time looking up interesting restaurants or food trucks along your route so you already have some to choose from when you roll into towns. If you’re camping or staying at Airbnbs or hostels with kitchens, you can make your own meals or pack to-go lunches.

Pack a small cooler or insulated tote with things like fresh veggies and hummus, cheese, sandwich supplies, and cold drinks like sparkling water, iced coffee, or kombucha so they are easy to access during the day.

Stash snacks like peanut butter-filled pretzels, nuts and trail mix , dried fruit, jerky , granola bars , and other non-perishable road trip snacks in your center console or in a bag so there’s always something ready when you start to feel hungry.

If you’re planning on making some of your own meals, it’s a good idea to keep things pretty simple so you can spend more time exploring and less time cooking. Here are some of our favorite road trip meals:

• Overnight oats with a bit of maple syrup and chopped fruit and nuts
• Made-ahead breakfast burritos warmed up on the camp stove
• Granola, milk, and fresh fruit
• Yogurt with berries and granola
• “Charcuterie spread” of sliced cheese and salami, crackers or bread, olive packets , dried fruit, and nuts
• Sliced apple, almond butter, and honey sandwiches
• Avocado, tomato, and hummus sandwiches (perfect with some everything bagel seasoning!)
• Chicken or chickpea salad—make at home and store in your cooler. Serve in wraps, sandwiches, or on crackers.
• Chickpea curry with rice or naan—all can be made ahead of time and reheated at the campsite
• Quick stir fry with noodles
• BBQ chicken quesadillas —you could cook and chop the chicken ahead of time for an even faster meal
• Tacos with store-bought salsa and avocado
• Pasta with fresh veggies and chickpeas or chicken sausage
• Here are a bunch more easy camping recipes and one pot meals

How to shower on a road trip

If you’re going to stay in hotels or at Airbnbs every night, you get to skip this section. But if you’re camping during your road trip, here are a few ideas (from most “civilized” to most “dirtbag”) of how to stay clean during your trip:

• Campgrounds you stay at: Check the amenities ahead of time, but many state and national park campgrounds will have shower facilities. Some will be included with your site fee, while others will require you to use quarters or buy shower tokens, so make sure you have some change on hand.
• Gyms/rec centers: If you have a gym membership to a chain with lots of locations, check to see if there are any along your route. The Planet Fitness Black Card Membership is famous among road-trippers because it’s $20 per month and gives you (and a guest) access to all their locations (and there are a TON of them). If you don’t already have a gym membership, many towns have city rec centers or Y’s where you can buy a day pass and take a shower.
• Sun shower: A sunshower is basically a portable water bag with a hose or spout that you can rinse off with. Leave it in the sun for a bit (or add hot water) and it’s an easy, cheap way to enjoy a warm rinse. We have used the Nemo Helio , which has a foot pump to pressurize the water (great if you want to do more than just have a quick rinse), and the Sea to Summit WatercellX , which we use as our extra water storage but also has a shower hose attachment.
• Jump in a lake: But don’t use soap in it! If you’re spending time near lakes or rivers, a swim with a good ole hand scrub is one way to stay feeling clean. Just please don’t use soap in or near any water source. Even biodegradable soaps can pollute waterways since they need microorganisms to break down properly. If you want to use biodegradable soap , lather up and rinse off at least 200 feet away from the water’s edge
• Wet wipes: When all else fails, wipe down with a couple of wet wipes to get the day’s sweat and grime off you before bed.

What are the best road trips in the USA?

Road trips are a quintessential US travel experience and there are SO many amazing routes to explore. Here are some of the best road trip itineraries on our website as well as others that we’ve done or are on our bucket list!

• 7 Wonders of Oregon Road Trip | Fresh Off The Grid
• Wild Wonderful West Virginia Road Trip | Fresh Off The Grid
• Gem Of The West Idaho Road Trip | Fresh Off The Grid
• Ultimate Teton & Yellowstone National Parks Road Trip | Bearfoot Theory
• Olympic National Park Road Trip | Bearfoot Theory
• 10-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip | Bearfoot Theory
• The Best California Road Trips | She Dreams of Alpine
• Northern California Road Trip Itinerary | The Mandagies
• 10-Day American Southwest Road Trips | The Mandagies
• 7-Day Glacier National Park Road Trip | The Mandagies
• Blue Ridge Mountains Road Trip | AFAR

Made possible by Toyota

We recently had the opportunity to take a Toyota Prius Prime on an epic Oregon road trip . We loved that it’s a plug-in hybrid, so we could charge at any number of charge stations along the way, but since it still has a fuel-efficient gas engine, we never had to worry about range. And, its large cargo space meant that we had plenty of room to pack all of our road trip essentials! Learn more about the Toyota Prius Prime here .

Megan & Michael are the creators of Fresh Off The Grid, a blog dedicated to helping you fuel your adventures by sharing camp cooking recipes, backpacking meals, and outdoor travel guides. Their recipes and outdoor cooking expertise have been featured in Backpacker Magazine, Outside, REI Co-Op Journal, Food & Wine, and New York Times Cooking.

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Outstanding information. Thank you for the great tips!

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Home » Gear » road trip packing list

Your ESSENTIAL Road Trip Packing List for 2024!

Do you feel that? That energy gathering inside of you? That sensation where you can’t stand still? Sounds like you’re getting excited…

Because it’s road trip season, baby! The open country is calling our names, and we must go because it’s been a rough week at work and things are always better out there in the world.

But knowing what to include in your road trip packing list can be a little daunting. You may have a hard time deciding how many clothes you really need to bring. You might not know what it takes to pack an effective kitchen with you.

Enter our road trip packing list for 2024. We’ve condensed all our experience into this one mega-post to make sure you know what to bring on your next adventure.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “what do I need for a cross country road trip?”, well, we’ve got all the answers below, so let’s crack on!

Form first -aid kits to card games, we’ve listed all of the absolute must-haves that will make your trip a full success.

Let’s get to it!

Why you should prepare for a Road Trip

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By now you should kind of know what you’ll see in this guide. These are the most important things to bring on a long journey – the absolute road trip necessities that you shouldn’t ever leave the house without. What you pack into your bag is just as important as planning your trip ahead and we’ve got you covered with this list of essentials for a cross-country road trip.

These tools will bail you out of a sticky situation and are practically mandatory to start ANY epic road trip. Whether you want to do a road trip through the USA or check out the amazing roads on the coast of Australia , you need to be prepared. Whatever you do, don’t leave without these top 10 road trip essentials on your packing list!

Right then, let’s get things going on our cross-country road trip checklist.

1. First Aid Kit

Even if you don’t plan on doing any extreme wilderness adventures on your trip, like hiking, climbing, or other extreme sports, you never know what could happen. You could cut yourself while cooking, smash a finger in a car door, or burn yourself on a hot radiator. A first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations. If you’re wondering what item you should never forget when you’re considering what to bring on a cross-country road trip, well, the first aid kit might just be the most important.

Our team absolutely swears by packing a good quality first aid kit not just for road trips but for any trip. This pack is rugged enough for multiple trips and frequent use, the gear is excellent quality and comes with a kit list that can be checked off when restocking it.

Unless you know the region you’re driving in very well or intend on just asking for directions, a map is an absolutely necessary thing to bring on a road trip. You may settle for just using digital apps, like Google Maps or Maps.me , but having a physical map will always be best even just as a backup in case you lose GPS. When you’re compiling your packing list for a cross-country road trip, a map is pretty essential!

It might seem old school but our team always carries paper maps on them and they’ve been a lifesaver when mobile phone batteries have died or GPS signals have dropped off. We’ve got first-hand experience of how much of a lifesaver they can be. Our main advice here for both digital and paper maps would be to give them a test run beforehand so you know how they work!

3. Aux Cord

One of the only things to do on a long car ride by yourself is to listen to music or a podcast. Since most people use their phones as an MP3 player these days, an auxiliary cord is crucial to preserving your sanity. If there is no auxiliary port in your car, buy a radio transceiver or use a portable speaker.

This humble aux cord might seem like a pretty simple bit of kit, but our team wouldn’t leave for a road trip without one. Not only do they keep the vibes rocking whilst on the road, but on a more serious note they can be a lifesaver when it comes to avoiding falling asleep whilst driving.

4. Phone mount

It’s very dangerous to be looking down at your phone while driving. If you need to have access to your phone, for maps and whatnot, buy a mount for it. This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and your phone won’t be far from your field of view. It might seem like something pretty small, but we think it’s one of the most important cross-country road trip essentials.

Like much of this list, these items so far might seem small and insignificant but trust us when we say, as a team we love the functionality and safety that this phone mount adds to our trips. This particular mount is ideal because it fits all different sizes of phone and easily clips and unclips to the vents in your car.

5. Roadside Emergency Kit

Just like you never know what could happen to yourself , one never knows what can happen to their car . A vehicle can mysteriously fail, break, run into a ditch; all that and even more. Make sure you bring an emergency kit for your car on your road trip – most include a pair of jumper cables, a tow rope, a set of essential tools, and ties. It would also be smart to inform yourself about how to use each vehicle tool so you don’t depend on other people’s help as much.

Our team swears by this roadside emergency kit and it’s saved their arses a good few times on the road! You just never know when you’re dream roadie is going to go from awesome to being stuck in the middle of nowhere! This thing has everything you need in it and it’s all good quality without being too bulky or heavy too.

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6. Driver’s License

Obviously, you shouldn’t even be driving without one. If you happen to be pulled over without a license, you could face a heavy fine. If you’re on an epic road trip abroad, be sure to check and see which countries require an International Driver’s Permit.

7. Roadside Assistance

Unless you plan on including an auto shop’s worth of tools in your road trip packing list, you can’t be prepared for every disaster. If your car suffers catastrophic damage, you’re going to need roadside assistance for towing and repair. A lot of travel insurances offer roadside assistance .

8. Spare Keys

Take it from someone who’s been in this situation – if you lose your keys in the middle of nowhere, you could be screwed royally. You’ll have to get a special locksmith to come out there or even have your car towed.

If it’s a rental, the fees for either of these could be enormous. Consider a spare set a road trip necessity: just in case. And this one might seem obvious, but keep it separate from your main key! If you’re headed to the beach consider getting a lockbox that uses a code to keep your keys safe.

9. Registration or Rental Agreement:

These documents should be in your car at all times, regardless if you’re packing for a last-minute road trip or just going to the grocery store. Make sure they’re there before you leave. It’s also good to have a digital copy with you too.

10. Water bottle

You’re going to be drinking a lot of water on your journey – therefore you’ll need a water bottle. If you’re just buying plastic bottles, not only will you be wasting money, but you will also be creating clutter in your car (plus the environment and shit, man). Invest in a good quality water bottle and fill it periodically. Now go and get your own water bottle – save the environment, save your wallet and stay hydrated.

Our team are massive fans of this Grayl bottle and take it everywhere with them, and we mean that! This bottle will not only see you right on your roadie but it will keep you hydrated on your other travels, at the gym or even sat next to your laptop whilst working!

It’s easy to forget that your actual means of transport needs its own kit when you’re compiling your cross-country road trip packing list. But, it’s just as important!

Your car itself needs to be given just as much attention as yourself or your road trip packing list. To help maintain your vehicle and to fix minor problems, like a flat tire, consider packing these items.

• Spare Tire: One of the most common issues on the road is a flat tire. Most cars, especially rentals, have a spare hidden in the floor of the trunk, just in case such a situation arises. Check to see if you have one and buy one if you don’t.
• Car Jack and Lug Wrench : To change that flat tire, you’re going to need the proper tools. A car jack and lug wrench are all that is required to do this. Be sure to brush up on how to change a tire, yourself.
• Tire Repair Kit : If you’re up to it, you can not only change that flat but fix it as well. It’ll take a couple of extra tools and some resins, but it can be done. When you’re finished, you can rejoice at your own handiness.
• Extra fluids : Running out of fluids like coolant and oil could lead to disaster – trust me, you don’t want your car running with a lack of either. Keep a bottle or two of these tucked away in the trunk. Maybe have some extra windshield wiper fluid as well.
• Gas Can : If for some reason you run out of gas, you’ll need a spare gas can to run and grab more. This is one of the most important things to bring on long rides into the middle of nowhere because you never know where the next gas station may be.
• Sunshade : Nothing sucks more than getting into a car after it’s been baking in the sun. If you sit on a leather seat after it’s been cooking, it can feel like 2nd-degree burns. Keep your car cool with one of these.
• Cable ties : A useful road trip item to have around in case something needs arresting, like a loose bumper (or a rowdy hitchhiker) . Also handy when tying down stuff on the roof or in the bed of a truck.

Things to Bring on a Road Trip in Winter for Car Care

• Chains: Regular tires cannot handle snowy conditions – they do not have enough tread and often spin out on ice or snow. Chains provide traction and can handle snowy conditions. Always have a pair if snow is a possibility. Note that there are different sized chains for different sized wheels.
• Ice Scraper : Speaking of swerving, you need to be able to see to drive. Before starting up your car, use a scraper to clear the ice from the windshield and make sure the defroster is on. If you don’t have a scraper, a credit card can work to (but you may destroy it).
• Shovel : If it dumped snow and your car is buried, you’re going to have to dig it out. A lightweight, portable snow shovel is obviously the best way to go about this. If you’re in a really hairy situation, you can use this winter road trip essential for digging a snow cave as well.

Hygienic Things to Pack on a Road Trip

Unless you want to return home looking like you just came from a weeklong music festival (then again maybe you are actually doing this…) you have to take care of your hygiene while on a road trip. Forget one of these on your road trip packing list and you’ll never miss it so much.

• Toiletries : Gotta keep those teeth and hair healthy, people! Admittedly, I almost always forget to pack these things on a long trip and immediately regret not having them (toothbrush: number one most forgotten travel item). Nothing feels better than having a fresh mouth after a night of camping.
• Deodorant: No one likes your brand of BO, especially when they’re stuck in a car with you. Wear some deodorant for the sake of everyone else.
• Comb/Brush : Hair gets nappy, especially when you’re on a wild road trip and doing all kinds of cool things. Don’t forget to take care of your luscious locks. Otherwise, your hairdresser is going to throw a shit fit when they try to unravel all of those dreadlocks.
• Tote Bag : Unless you wanna deal with a dozen objects haphazardly rolling around in the car, you need to have a bag for them. A tote bag is one of those items that will help you stay organized and improve your life 100% while on a road trip.
• Hand sanitizer : You may have just used a disgusting rest stop bathroom or you may have gotten your hands dirty while camping; either way a bottle of hand sanitizer is extremely convenient road trip item and cheap to buy as well.
• Tissues: Good for blowing your nose, drying your hands, killing bugs in the car, and a whole lot more. These are a family road trip essential to help clean up the kids.

Skin Care on a Road Trip

• Lotion: Car heaters can raise the aridity of the cab over time, which, in turn, causes dry and cracked skin. Have some lotion with you in case your skin begins to dry out and become uncomfortable. You can also use lotion as your lip balm.
• Sunscreen : If you’re planning on being outdoors a lot while on this road trip, you definitely need sunscreen in your road trip packing. On another note, if you’re the type who likes to drive long hours with the window open, you can even get burned and have an increased risk of skin cancer.
• Wet wipes : Ever heard of the wet wipe shower? It’s possible and it’s actually pretty effective. If you’ve been driving non-stop and haven’t had the chance to stay in a proper hotel with a shower, a quick wet-wipe-rinse-off is great for freshening up.

Which Clothing to Bring on a Road Trip

Don’t overlook what you kind of clothing you’re putting in your road trip checklist – you’re about to be limited to whatever you pack. On the other hand, don’t bring your entire closet with you because you need space for the other road trip essentials.

Choose your clothing wisely and make sure to bring these key pieces:

• Sunglasses: Driving into the sun and being blinded by it is never fun or particularly safe. Keep a pair of good glasses in your car at all times and have a second pair for walking around.
• Sandals : Wearing sandals feels SO good after you’ve been driving or hiking all day. Taking my shoes off and letting my toes breathe as I slip them into my sandals is one of the greatest highlights of my day. They’re small and flexible too, which means they aren’t hard to pack.
• Shoes: Obviously, you’re going to have to wear shoes at some point. Since you may be stuck in them for hours at a time, you need to make sure they’re extra comfy . Bring the right pair and don’t just settle for some old pair of Converses.
• Hat : I prefer a good bucket hat because they keep my ears protected and can take quite a beating. Any kind of hat will be fine though – just so long it gets the job done and looks good.
• Kaffiyeh : A kaffiyeh is one of the most useful things to bring on a road trip. They’re warm, easy, tough, and, most importantly, can serve multiple purposes. When I’m not using mine as a scarf, I’m using it as a blanket, a pack, a headscarf, and a whole lot more.

Winter Road Trip Essential Clothing

• Beanie : They’re cheap, effective, small, and sometimes stylish. I’d take one even if I was packing for a summer road trip because they’re just so damn easy and convenient to have.
• Rain jackets : Rain can quickly ruin your day if you aren’t ready for it. While most First Aid or Emergency Kits have an emergency poncho included, you should still pack your rain jacket .
• Warm Coat : Down jackets are very lightweight and can sometimes take up next to no room. They can be a bit expensive though. Fleece jackets are quite good at keeping out the cold but you’ll have to layer up if you intend on road-tripping in the winter or in the mountains. A down poncho is also great for cold nights in the tent or around the campfire.

Maybe you intend on sleeping in only hotels and Airbnb apartments on your cross country road trip. Regardless, I highly recommend packing some camping gear . You’ll get to enjoy the outdoors and save a lot of money in the process.

• Air mattress : I personally can’t sleep without having something padded underneath me. Luckily there are some very comfortable and compact sleeping pads out there that are great for camping. If you have a truck, you can also invest in a BIG inflatable mattress and then stick it in the bed of the truck for ultimate comfort.
• Tent : It always pays to have a tent wherever you go . With a tent, you can sleep just about anywhere and cheaply too! If you have a rugged 4×4 vehicle, you can also pimp it out and put a tent on top of it, much like these rooftop tents.
• Sleeping bag : They’re warm, light, come in all shapes and sizes, and are relatively durable. I take a sleeping bag with me whenever I travel and have even gotten to the point where I use it even when there’s a blanket on hand. Check out our favorite sleeping bags .
• Blanket : A blanket is not only useful for staying warm at night, but for keeping an area relatively clean. If I want to avoid getting dirty, I lay one of these on the ground and then use it as a rug. I also use blankets to conceal valuables from curious, would-be car thieves.
• Pillows : One of the things I miss the most when I’m backpacking in the wilderness is a good travel pillow . So when I’m car camping and have the means to pack such luxuries, I always take advantage of it. Nothing is better than a fluffy bag full of goose-down feathers – the ultimate in road trip gear!
• Headlamp : You can invest in a good flashlight if you like, but headlamps are much more useful. They’re hands-free, which then allows you to cook, set up camp, or whatever in the dark. You can opt for a good flashlight if you want, but, honestly, I could never go back to one.

Road Trip Packing List – Kitchen Edition

Unless you plan on eating out every night with greasy spoons or snacking the entire way, you’re going to have to cook eventually. Why not invest in a proper kitchen for yourself so you can cook your own food? You can get creative with your cooking and even involve (here’s a road trip idea) the kids.

• Camping stove : You can invest in a monster stove if you feel so inclined. Or you could get by just fine with a portable backpacking stove.
• Pots and pans : We’re not saying you have to bring the latest and greatest Teflon with you, but you gotta have something. Packing one of each for your road trip should accommodate most of your cooking needs. If you can manage it, cast iron works really well outdoors and adds a lot of flavors.
• Cutlery : I eat with my hands all of the time but my guests may not be so keen on this method.
• Plates : They don’t have to be anything special – just a couple plates and/or bowls. You can buy some collapsible ones, which are very useful when you’re backpacking too.  
• A good knife : Not only is one of these essential for preparing food but it’s also quite handy for small tasks, like cutting rope, twigs, tape, etc. It’s one of the most useful tools in human history and an equally useful thing to bring with you on a road trip.
• Cooking utensils : You’re going to need a spatula, a set of tongs, and a large spoon. I generally stick to plastic or silicone when cooking – wood tends to get grimy after a while and metal can ruin Teflon.
• Coffee press : One thing that adults tend to do on road trips is wake up early – either because they need to get the car ready or to rouse their kids awake. It’s moments like this, when perhaps you had a bit too much to drink around the fire, that having some fresh coffee really pays.
• Camping mugs : These are good for holding everything from coffee to water to wine to whiskey. Invest in a good titanium one and it will last a while for you.

Keeping Your Car Clean and Tidy

• Collapsible bins : By now, we’ve featured a lot if things to bring on a road trip (there’s more to come). Collapsible bins are one of the best road trip items for keeping all that stuff orderly in your trunk. They’re light, flexible, and an essential piece of road trip gear once you’ve used them.
• Compression sacks : These are great for dirty clothes and for packing objects tightly. If you plan on going wilderness backpacking, these are also useful for keeping stuff neat in your backpack.
• Campsuds : This is easily one of my favorite things to pack on a road trip. Campsuds can be used for everything: dishes, upholstery, your body, hair, whatever. It’s also biodegradable and smells pretty damn good.
• Towel: We don’t just mean any kind of towel – we mean you need to get a microfiber one. They absorb more liquid, dry quicker, and are way more portable than cotton ones. All important features when considering what to bring on a road trip.
• Garbage bin: Whether you actually have a dedicated bin or just use a regular old garbage bag, you gotta have something for the litter. While on a road trip, you’ll have to be much better about cleaning up, unless you want to be swimming in trash.
• Air freshener: Being cooped up with the same dirty equipment and same smelly friend is going to make the air a bit stagnant at times. Do yourselves a favor and spray some Febreeze every once in a while.

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What Food to Bring on a Road Trip

When you’re considering what to pack for a cross-country road trip, you don’t want to overlook fuel, and by that, we mean for yourself, not just for your car!

• Nuts: These are a good source of protein and fat. Peanuts are the classic road trip snack but I’ll splurge and get some cashews every once in a while. Avoid sunflower seeds and other nuts with pods as they just make a mess.
• Dried fruit: Raisins are obviously the most popular dry fruit and are practically married to peanuts. You can get just about any fruit dehydrated these days though, including kiwis, mangos, and strawberries. Avoid fruits with too much sugar and banana chips fried in palm oil.
• Jerky: Jerky is pretty expensive and sometimes coated in salt, but it’s a great source of protein. Avoid “fake” jerky, like Slim Jims, and get the natural stuff. Jerky should only have spices, water, salt, and one or two preservatives – stay away from anything with more.
• Canned goods: These can actually be really healthy and delicious if you buy the right ones. Canned tomatoes, vegetables, fruits, and beans are great examples. Preserved meats work in a pinch (love SPAM) but often contain an unhealthy amount of salt.
• Grains: Rice, flour, wheat, cereals, and muesli all have a long shelf life and are great foods to bring on a road trip. Just be sure you keep them in well-sealed bags because they can be a real mess.
• Candied-coated sweets: No road trip packing list is really complete without some sort of candy. Try to avoid raw chocolates, like bars or truffles, as they’ll melt easily. Stick to candy-coated items like M&Ms or fruit snacks.

Food Storage for a Road Trip Packing List

• Cooler : You may end up buying some fresh meat, some dairy products, or you might just want to keep your beers cold. Either way you need to have a cooler in case of these situations. When it’s not occupied by perishables, you can also use the cooler as a storage unit.
• Tupperware : Use these for packing leftover food or random bits in pieces in your car. They’re better than plastic bags because… well… duh.
• Water Jug : This is actually one of the most important things to bring on your road trip because you should ALWAYS have water with you. Keep this in the back and fill it up regularly. Make sure it’s a big one too because you’ll end up going through more water than you expect.

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Camping Road Trip Packing List

One of the best things to do on a road trip cross country is to spend a few days in the wilderness . I always organize my road trip necessities around this activity and have my own ideas on what to bring.

• Wheel lock: Being away from your car for days at a time increases the chances of someone coming along and jacking the whole shebang. While it may seem like overkill to use these, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Backpack : If you are planning on going on a multi-day backpacking trip, you’re going to need a good hiking backpack. If you’re just making little day hikes, maybe consider a smaller day pack instead.
• Hiking boots : While you may enjoy wearing a pair of sandals in the car or some trainers in the cities, you need hiking boots for the adventurous stuff . Make sure they’re sturdy and broken in before using them.
• Trekking poles : If you have bad knees, trekking poles will make your life so much easier. They can also be used to prop up a tarp-style tent or to poke people in the back seat.
• Hiking Essentials : A lot of these essentials have already been spoken about in this road trip checklist, but make sure you have them for hiking as well.
• Dry bag : If you’re going to participating in some sort of water sport on your road trip, you should consider investing in a dry bag. These are designed to keep gear safe from water, but NOTE that they are not totally waterproof.
• Mosquito spray : Fuck mosquitoes.

Packing for a Digital Nomad Road Trip

Some people may actually live and work in their car as a way of life i.e. digital nomads . These people need to be both mobile and efficient, which demands a special road trip essential list. Make sure you have all of the following items so you can work and then play.

• Laptop : Just because you’re mobile, doesn’t mean you can’t get shit done. Today’s best laptops are extremely powerful and can do just about anything you could ask for. Bring yours with you to work remotely.
• Camera : You should never travel without a camera! It doesn’t matter if it’s a professional DSLR or disposable point-and-shoot – having one is always useful. Try out one of these fancy travel cameras or consider something more fun, like an Instax.
• Camera accessories : If you’re serious about photography, don’t forget the proper camera accessories either.
• Power inverter : Use one of these docks to charge different devices in your car. They plug into the cigarette lighter and behave just like a regular outlet. A great item to pack for a long drive or if your laptop is about to die on the road.
• Portable Battery : These work really well in a pinch or if your power inverter seems to be on the fritz. When you need to leave your car for an extended period of time – like hiking – these are often good for a couple of days.
• Hard drive : I put all of my essential digital files on a hard drive e.g. movies, photos, etc. Considering how small these are, they shouldn’t take up too much space and make for useful road trip accessories.
• Multi-cord : USB, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt; who can keep up with the different types of cords these days. Buy an all-in-one package and save yourself the clutter.  

Keep that precious laptop safe and all your accessories organized with our favorite laptop protector, the Nomatic Tech Case . Water-resistant and durable this case offers plenty of protection from daily travel life.

Packing for a Fun Road Trip

What’s a road trip packing list without some entertainment?! Pack these items for those long, quiet rides and for when you’re ready to have some fun.

• Notebook : Some people like to keep a journal, some like a day planner for itineraries, and others just like somewhere to take notes. The Nomatic Planner has been my favorite with its mix of calendars, organization and journalling pages. Check out our round up of the best travel journals out there for more options! 
• Deck of cards: No matter what I do, I ALWAYS bring a set of cards with me. Even if I’m packing for a last-minute road trip and have time to grab one thing, I’ll take these over spare underwear. With a deck, I can happily play of my favorite road trip games, like cribbage, rummy, and bullshit.
• Kindle : While it’s hard to replace a physical book with actual pages, Kindles are just too convenient. These devices can literally store thousands of books and weigh no more 12 ounces. Because of their small size, these are one of my favorite road trip packing hacks.
• Road trip book : Boredom can be disastrous on a long ride and can really sour the mood. To avoid these situations, be sure to pack one some sort of special road trip game book. These provide lots of entertainment and are one of the best things for long road trips with kids.
• Portable speaker : I almost always grab one of these when packing for a weekend trip to the lake. Then, we’ll have good drinks, good company, and good tunes. If your car doesn’t support your MP3 player either, you can use this speaker instead.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Whatever you do, don’t hit the road without travel insurance. I’ve claimed my travel insurance three times. If I hadn’t had insurance, I would have been fucked.

Check out this post for plenty of intel on staying safe whilst traveling.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Check out these additional road trip packing hacks and take your game to the next level!

• Make sure you get a system in place FIRST. Trying to reorganize the car halfway through a trip is a nightmare and probably going to be a huge ordeal.
• Use every little piece of space that you can. If a cooler is empty, fill it with something. Use those coat hangers in your car (if they still exist). Check underneath the floorboards for additional space as well.
• Use a road trip planning app like ViaMichelin . Not only will it list all nearby gas stations and their current prices, but it will also alert you of upcoming tolls and bridges. The app even provides rough estimates for the cost of whole road trips.
• Check relocation services, like immova or Cruise America , to see if someone needs a car moved near you. If you’re lucky, you can actually get paid to take the car on a cross country road trip.
• If you have a truck, seriously consider turning the bed into your sleeping space. I know several friends who do this and swear it’s the most comfortable way of car camping. Just make sure you have a plan B for rain.
• If you’re car camping, master the wet wipe shower. Trust us, you’ll be devoid a real shower more often than nought.
• Take your car to the shop and have it checked before going anywhere. You don’t want to be halfway through your road trip and have your car break. That could potentially ruin your hard-earned vacation.
• Overnight oats are my favorite road trip breakfast because they’re super easy to make and delicious. If you don’t have milk, a dehydrated mix or some condensed milk will do just fine.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

What are some things to do on a long car ride by yourself?

That’s tough because you have to dedicate most of your attention to the road. Aside from contemplating your navel or singing along to music, try listening to an audiobook or a podcast.

What are some family road trip ideas when kids are involved?

Try and limit your time in the car as kids get antsy very quick. Have lots of activities planned and limit drive times. Distract them with mobile games (or even packable travel games ) or have everyone listen to that audiobook together.

How much will a road trip cost?

Road trip expenses add up very quickly, especially if you spend frivolously. It’s possible to spend less $100/day, but you need to have extremely strict habits. This means doing things like camping out as much as possible, being fuel-efficient, and cooking your own food. Having a smart road trip packing list goes a long way!

Is it legal to sleep in parking lots?

While it’s technically illegal in most states, camping in certain public areas – like parking lots – is not always enforced. Wal-Marts are a well-known secret among transients as overnight parking is usually allowed at these. Be sure to check the local laws when travelling internationally.

How often should I take a break?

Taking a breather is one thing you should always do on long drives. The official Highway Code recommends taking a 15-minute break every two hours and I completely agree. Step out of the car, do some stretching, whatever you like.

• Epic California Road Trip
• Epic New Zealand Road Trip
• Epic Alaska Road Trip
• Epic New England Road Trip

Still have some questions about the things you need for a cross-country road trip? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What are the three most important things you need on a road trip packing list?

While there are many things that should be on your packing list, these are the essentials: – First Aid Kit – Driver’s License – Spare Keys

What should I bring on a long road car trip?

A waterbottle is a no-brainer when going on a long road trip. That way, you won’t need to spend extra money on plastic bottles. And of course, the Aux Cord and a Phone mount can’t be missing either.

What do you need to pack on a roadtrip with kids?

Snacks and entertainment . Make sure to bring your kids favorite toys, books or maybe even an iPad.

Should you get an extra car insurance for a roadtrip?

Most definitely, especially if it’s a longer one. Having an extra travel insurance during your trip can be a real life-safer.

There it is, folks: our comprehensive road trip packing list. We hope it works well for y’all!

Get packing for a road trip and get out there! There are a lot of good roads to drive with a lot of good views. There’s nothing quite like a good road trip!

With this road trip packing list in hand (printable for your viewing pleasure) you’ll be sailing – uhh, driving – smoothly. Nothing to fear! Except for maybe a warped head gasket. That will fuck everything up; they’re as bad as mosquitoes.

Did we miss anything, like any family road trip essentials, in this list? Tending to the rugrats is not my speciality.

Please leave a comment if you feel like we missed anything or want to add to this guide! What are your must-haves for a cross-country road trip? We love to listen.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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That’s a good idea to make sure to bring some roadside assistance contact info. I wouldn’t want to have a crash or a breakdown or something and be stuck in the middle of nowhere. That would be bad if we got stuck with no civilization in a hundred miles. That way you could have a way to get some help to tow your car.

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65 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials: Your Complete Packing Checklist

Get organized with our road trip essentials checklist including gear recommendations and a printable packing list to ensure a smooth journey.

Find this post helpful? Learn how you can support Bearfoot Theory’s work here . You can also shop for gear through the affiliate links in this blog post where we get a small commission at no cost to you. It helps keep our team running and the lights on. THANK YOU! -Kristen

There is an undeniable magic to a good road trip: the freedom of the open road, the opportunity to visit unparalleled sights, and the unique experiences that you stumble upon along the way. However, creating these unforgettable moments requires effective planning and smart packing of the right road trip essentials.

At Bearfoot Theory, we’ve gone on our fair share of road trips and experimented with a plethora of gear – some items have worked well and others not so much. We know that packing for a road trip can easily turn into a stressful part of your journey if organization isn’t your forte – there’s nothing quite as disheartening as realizing you’ve left something important behind.

In this post, we’re excited to share our top selection of road trip gear that will help you optimize your road adventure to its fullest. You won’t need a tricked-out van or struggle with a daily game of Tetris trying to fit everything into your trunk. Keep scrolling for our road trip packing list that covers the gear essentials for ensuring a safe and amazing time on the road.

Download our PDF road trip packing list

When you join our newsletter, road trip essentials at a glance.

Download a printable version here and subscribe to our newsletter while you’re at it!

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Kitchen items, vehicle essentials, clothing, footwear, & accessories, personal care, miscellaneous.

Download a printable version here

Road Trip Navigational Tools

While part of the fun of a good road trip might be getting lost and exploring remote back roads, it is crucial to have reliable navigational tools so you don’t end up utterly lost.

Here are our recommendations for road trip maps and apps:

Paper Map or Atlas

Although we all know Google Maps is essential for directions, I persoanlly like carrying a paper map too. Plus, hopefully some of your itinerary will take you off the grid and out of cell phone service.

For that reason, you’ll want to carry a paper map or road atlas. Paper maps are also better than phone apps for telling the difference between a well-graded gravel road and a gnarly 4×4 road.

My favorite paper maps are the Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlases which also detail public lands, camping areas, National Parks, and more.

Shop Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlases at:

A GPS is handy for navigation when you don’t have cell service. If you don’t want to purchase a GPS, download Google Maps for offline use or use the app maps.me instead. This is a helpful free app that you can use to navigate and find sights and amenities even without cell service.

Just be sure to download the maps.me map for the region you’re going to be traveling in ahead of time so that it will work offline.

Still in the planning phase of your trip? Check out our road trip destination ideas here! And if you’re looking for a car camping checklist, head to our Car Camping Essentials blog post .

Road Trip Apps

Downloading a couple of apps before you head out will make road trip planning easier and will help you find things you’re looking for on the road like campsites, rest stops, amenities, and more.

The Roadtrippers App is a handy one too. It lets you save locations on the go, find destination points along your route, and locate lodging, gas, restaurants, and more.

The iExit App can help you determine the best areas to take a pit stop on major highways while you’re traveling.

Gas Buddy is a helpful road trip app that will help you find the cheapest gas prices so you aren’t wasting money when you fill up.

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Looking for more helpful apps? Check out our post on Must-Have Van Life Apps . Many of them are also great for road trips!

Road Trip Clothing, Footwear, & Accessories

Packing for a road trip means filling your bags with versatile, well-fitting, and durable clothes that allow you to do a little bit of everything.

You’ll want to have clothing, footwear, and accessories that:

While crazy patterns can be fun, I prefer to pack solid prints that will go with everything. That way, you don’t have to really think about packing specific outfits.

Here are a few of my favorite road trip essentials picks for clothing, footwear, and accessories. For more recommendations, check out the links below.

Road Trip Packing Lists

Road trip entertainment packing list.

Road trips are all about having a good time, right? Right. Make the drive fun with the following entertainment essentials. I also recommend keeping your day hiking essentials in your trunk too so you’re always ready for a spur-of-the-moment hike, should you need them.

Music Playlists

What’s a road trip without music? A good playlist will keep your energy up and will help the miles fly by. Load up your phone with plenty of tunes ahead of time in case you’ll be driving through areas with limited service. I’m a HUGE fan of Spotify.

Podcasts & Audiobooks

If music isn’t your thing or you need a break from rockin’ out, download a couple of audiobooks or a bunch of episodes of your favorite podcasts.

For suggestions, check out our favorite outdoor podcasts . The Libby App and Audible are also great resources for downloading audiobooks.

A book or two is always nice to have along on a road trip so you can read in your downtime.

We often like to bring books about the places we’re exploring so we can learn about the area while traveling.

Travel Games

If you’re traveling with kids, games are a great way to keep everyone happy and entertained.

But games aren’t just for kids! Bringing along a deck of cards or your favorite road trip games provides fun for everyone.

A set of headphones or AirPods are nice to bring on a road trip in case you need a little alone time.

Bring a camera to capture the memories on your trip and check out our photography page for tips and tricks for taking great photos.

Not everyone enjoys journaling or sketching, but a notebook is nice to bring along on a road trip for those who want to record their trip.

If you like to journal or make notes about the places you travel to, pack a small weatherproof notebook .

Shop Rite in the Rain Notebook at:

iPad/Laptop

An iPad or laptop is nice to have along for evenings when you just want to Netflix and chill. Download a few movies ahead of time for easy viewing.

Road Trip Snacks & Kitchen Packing List

One of the best parts about a road trip is tasty road trip snacks, wouldn’t you agree? Whether you’re a salty or sweet person, having quick and (mostly) healthy snack options can make or break a long drive.

It’s also a good idea to pack some kitchen and cooking gear even if you’re not camping so you can whip up that impromptu picnic.

Here are our road trip snack and kitchen essentials:

Healthy Snacks

Having healthy snacks easily accessible will stop the hanger from creeping in and help you avoid gas station temptations like chips and candy (no judgment though if you want to indulge!)

Some of our favorite road trip snacks are:

Planning on doing some hiking during your road trip? Don’t forget your favorite hiking snacks (which TBH, I also eat while driving!).

A cooler will keep your fruit, veggies, dips, and other snacks cold so you can eat fresh on the road.

If you’re just packing a few cold drinks and snacks, a small, lightweight cooler like REI’s Cool Haul 24 Soft Cooler is a versatile option.

Shop REI Cool Haul 23 Soft Cooler at:

Reusable Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle is key for staying hydrated and eliminating single-use plastics.

An insulated Hydro Flask will keep your water nice and cold on hot days. I also like their straw lid version which allows you to easily drink one-handed while you drive.

Shop Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottles at:

Read next: How to Reduce Waste on Road Trips

In addition to saving money and avoiding plastic bottles, having a water jug with you makes for a quick and easy fill-up of your water bottle while on the road and before heading out on a hike. It’s also a smart thing to have in case you break down or run out of gas.

The GSI Outdoors Folding Water Cube holds 15 liters of water and has a convenient tap handle that prevents spilling.

Shop the GSI Water Cube at:

Consider bringing an insulated coffee mug for keeping coffee and tea hot on sunrise drives or making sure your beverage stays cold on hot days.

The Hydro Flask 20 oz Tumbler has a splashproof lid and its tapered design allows it to fit into most cup holders.

Shop the Hydro Flask 20 oz Tumbler at:

Muli Tool/ Swiss Army Knife

A multi-tool or versatile knife like this Swiss Army Camper Knife is always good to have along, whether for slicing apples, cutting rope, or opening that nice bottle of wine.

Shop the Swiss Army Camper Knife at:

Utensil Set

Saying no to single-use plastics is easy when you have a reusable utensil set with you.

This To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set comes in a handy holder and is perfect for on-the-go meals whether you’re road-tripping or not. It comes with a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, and a bamboo straw.

Shop the To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set at:

Quick-Dry Towels

A set of small quick-dry towels is a great zero-waste alternative for wiping your hands and cleaning up messes and spills. A roll of paper towels works too.

Shop the REI Quick-Dry Towel Set at:

Reusable Bag

A reusable bag like the REI Stuff Travel Tote will come in handy for those grocery store stops along the way and once you arrive at your destination.

Shop the REI Stuff Travel Tote at:

Read next: Camping instead? Check out our Car Camping Essentials Packing Checklist .

Packing & Organizing Road Trip Essentials

Keep your stuff organized and easy to find with these road trip packing essentials.

Suitcase, Backpack, or Duffel Bag

You likely already have a suitcase, backpack, or duffel bag at home that you can use to pack for your road trip, it doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just something to comfortably hold your clothes and other belongings.

If you don’t own one already, we love the REI Co-op Roadtripper Duffel .

Shop the REI Roadtripper Duffel at:

A day pack for hikes and other outings is always good to bring on a road trip. It doesn’t have to be big, just big enough to hold water, your phone, camera, keys, snacks, and other hiking essentials.

This Osprey Tempest pack has been my go-to for day hikes and adventures for a long time. The Osprey Talon is the men’s version.

Shop the Osprey Tempest Pack at:

Packing Cubes

If you’re like me, your suitcase (or duffel) can be a disaster. I tackle this problem by using packing cubes to keep all of my clothing organized while I’m road-tripping. Underwear in one. Socks in another. Pants. Shirts. Each category of clothing gets its own cube.

Shop REI Packing Cubes at:

Toiletry Bag

Having all your toiletries and smaller essentials in one bag makes it easy to find them when you need them.

This REI Co-op Shower Roll Bag is a favorite that makes it super easy to access all your toiletries in one place.

Shop the REI Shower Roll Bag at:

Road Trip Packing List for Personal Care

Getting out of your normal routine can make it a bit more of a challenge to keep up with personal care, but with these essentials, you’ll find your new road trip routine in no time.

UV rays can come through your windows so bring a tube or two of good mineral-based sunscreen , especially if you’re road-tripping in the summer.

It’s also handy in case you find an exposed viewpoint you want to picnic at or a sunny hike along the way.

Shop Sun Bum Sunscreen at:

Lip balm is always nice to have along in case your lips get extra dry. We prefer lip balm with SPF for sun protection, like this one .

Shop Sun Bum Lip Balm at:

Toothpaste & Toothbrush

Any old toothpaste you have at home will do, but if you want an eco-friendly, travel-size option, Hello toothpaste bites are a great pick.

Shop Hello Toothpaste Bites at:

Bring the toiletries you need from home, like soap or face wash, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant.

If you want to save space, try these refillable 2.5 oz  humangear GoToob+ Medium Squeeze Bottles . 

Simply fill them up with your favorite products and pack them in your toiletry bag.

Shop Humangear GoToob+ Bottles at:

Tissues or Toilet Paper

Tissues or a roll of toilet paper are always handy to have in the car on a road trip in case rest stops are under-equipped or you have to pee in the wild.

Just remember to pack out and dispose of your toilet paper in the trash .

Read next: How to Poop in the Woods and Leave No Trace .

You’ll want a way to tame that windswept hair after a long drive, so throw your hairbrush in with your other personal items.

A small, travel-size version like this one is always nice to have for trips.

Shop travel-sized hairbrush at:

Bandanas can be used in many ways and is sure to come in handy, whether as a napkin or as a headband t keep your hair from blowing in the wind when you’ve got the windows down.

The Nomadix Bandana Towel adds even more versatility with its absorbent microsuede material, SPF 50 protection, and anti-odor properties.

Shop the Nomadix Bandana Towel at:

Sometimes it’s nice to freshen up after a long drive, or maybe you’re hiking and camping on your road trip as well. A pack of wipes is always on our road trip packing list so we have the option to clean up a bit in a pinch.

The  Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes  are our favorite because they’re gentle on the skin and they are compostable (although you still need to dispose of them properly in the trash).

Shop Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes at:

Vitamin C/Immune Boosting Tablets

We like to pack hydration tablets on any adventure, and if they’re immunity-boosting that’s even better.

These NUUN Immunity Hydration tablets are easy to throw into your bag and pop into your water bottle when you need an extra boost.

Shop Nuun Immunity Hydration Tablets at:

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is always good to have readily available, especially these days. We love this all-natural one from Dr. Bronners .

Shop Dr. Bronner’s Hand Sanitizer at:

Advil/Ibuprofen

While you won’t always need something like Advil or Ibuprofin, we like to include it on every road trip packing list since it can be a lifesaver when you get a killer headache and need it.

Read next: Camping Tips for Women: How to Stay Fresh & Clean on the Road

Miscellaneous Road Trip Essentials

These items are necessarily ‘essentials’ but they can make your road trip more comfortable and trouble-free.

I don’t know about you, but I consider a pillow a road trip essential (especially if you’re the passenger)!

Bring a comfy pillow from home or an inflatable pillow if you’re short on space. This NEMO Fillo Pillow is compressible, lightweight, and awesome for camping, backpacking, and napping in the passenger seat.

Shop the NEMO Fillo Pillow at:

Whether you’re reading in bed, going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, or rummaging around your car, you’ll want a headlamp nearby.

The BioLite Headlamp 325 is a go-to piece of nighttime gear that’s ultralight and rechargeable with a USB cable.

Shop the BioLite 325 Headlamp at:

Read next: Looking for more options? Head over to our post on the Best Headlamps for Hiking & Camping

A small blanket is a nice item to have along in case you find the perfect picnic spot or if you just need a little extra warmth at any point on your road trip.

We love Rumpl’s cozy, packable blankets – they won’t take up much space in your car and they come in all kinds of fun colors and patterns.

Shop Rumpl Blankets at:

Quick-dry towel

Be ready for those impromptu swimming hole dips with a lightweight, quick-dry towel like the Nomadix Original Towel . It’s also sand resistant, so if you’re heading to the beach, you don’t have to worry about tracking loads of sand back to your car.

Shop Nomadix Towels at:

First-Aid Kit

Stay safe and be prepared in case of an emergency by having a car first aid kit that has been personalized to your own medical needs.

This  My Medic MyFAK First Aid Kit  is equipped with all kinds of expert-picked first aid and trauma supplies. You can strap it to the back of a headrest for easy storage or just toss it in the back so it’s there when you need it.

We love that it comes with a small tearaway pouch that you can fill up with essentials and take on day hikes, backpacking trips, and other short adventures as well.

It’s more expensive than some other first aid kits, but it also has more supplies and lifesaving equipment than most.

Shop the My Medic MyFAK at:

Phone Charger & USB Cord

You’ll be surprised how quickly your phone battery will drain when using navigation mode and a variety of apps on your phone so it’s good to be able to charge from your vehicle.

If your headlamp and camera come with car-compatible chargers, bring those along too.

GPS Communication Device

I’d argue that the Garmin InReach is a road trip essential if you plan on exploring remote backroads where there is no cell phone service.

If you break down somewhere, the Garmin InReach allows you to send custom text messages no matter where you are or to call for medical help if you are in an emergency situation.

It also has a GPS and some helpful navigation tools for when the navigation apps on your phone won’t load.

My boyfriend Ryan is a Type 1 Diabetic, so when we are in the van or hiking, the Garmin InReach gives me added peace of mind.

Shop the Garmin inReach Mini at:

It’s always handy to have a little bit of cash on hand in case you come across a farmers market or a roadside stall or if you plan on camping at more remote campgrounds, which are typically cash-only.

Vehicle Road Trip Essentials

I won’t go into too much detail in this section because you should really have these basic necessities in your vehicle at all times, whether you’re road-tripping or not.

These include:

• Driver’s License and Registration
• Proof of Insurance and Contact Info
• Your Car Operation Manual
• Spare Tire and Jack
• Roadside Emergency Kit
• Jumper Cables (or a self-starting jumper )

Planning a road trip? Check out our other road trip tips, guides, and essentials:

• Car Camping Packing Checklist
• How to Road Trip with Your Dog
• How to Find Free Campsites
• Campervan Companies for Your US Road Trip
• How to Reduce Waste on Car Camping Trips
• Cheap Road Trip Tips: How to Save Money on the Road

We hope this road trip essentials checklist helps simplify packing for your next epic adventure. Now tell us: where are you headed and what’s on your road trip packing list?

Related Posts

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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16 Comments

Thanks for sharing such a great checklist, I Believe anyone who read this post will be valuable for him for sure. Regards, Team Yugo.pk

I love these lists! As busy as a work week can get, lists like this will help get me outside sooner and more often. I think it would be great if you had a PDF document in the form of a checklist, so I could gather items on the fly and know that I have them ready or loaded into the car/truck/van/camper. Just an idea for this page and great lists.

I like your advice about bringing a spare tire and knowing how to change should be part of the road trip necessities. We won’t know what would happen to us on the road during our trip. One possible problem that might arise would be a flat tire. Having a spare tire will allow us to change it immediately. However, if you’re not capable of doing it on your own you can call someone to assist you. This happened to me a few years ago, good thing I keep the contact details of my roadside assistance service provider which responded to my call immediately. Having this will lessen our worries. You might want to check the blog I’ve read a few weeks ago which provides a list of tips on handling a road trip like a pro. here is the link: https://blog.beepbeep.ph/road-trip-essentials/

I found your article interesting to read the must haves list for the road trip. There are lots of thing which I never remember to bring with me on the road trip. Thank for sharing these checklist.

What a great, comprehensive list. You can also add roadside assistance, it can be a lifesaver when we broke down 9 days into our trip. Loved the roadtrippers app as well. However, we made the rookie mistake of not getting a gas card until halfway through.

What do you normally have in your First-Aid Kit? We are crafting a blog post on our blog and we would definitely mention your website in it.

Its Nice., Thank you for your Necessity guides. These are useful to many.

Great checklist! One addition that we were glad to have on our recent road trip was our checkbook. During the Covid era, we prefer not to handle cash, and some campgrounds didn’t take cards, but writing a check and leaving it in the envelope worked great.

That’s a great tip, thanks Tom!

These modules are all great Lots of information and quite a few things i wouldn’t ever have thought of. However, why do i need to resubscribe every time i want one of your checklists? Seems like there one subscription should “do” and there should be a place i can just download what i want.

After requesting 3 or 4, it now tells me my request is successful but wont sent the mail with the download link.

This is irritating for me and would seem to create lot of duplicate ‘subscriptions” for you.

Hi Linda! Thanks for sharing that with us and our apologies for the inconvenience. There’s not a straightforward solution to this unfortunately as it would require us building out some sort of a membership page where people can login and download all the resources they want. At this time the way we have it set up is the easiest way for our readers to get the specific resources they want delivered to their inbox. It doesn’t result in duplicate subscriptions on our end as your email address is only added to our list once, and I am seeing that the emails for the checklists you’ve requested have been sent. Perhaps check your spam folder or try doing a search for Bearfoot Theory? If you’re still having issues please email me at contact (at) bearfoottheory.com and I’ll help get this resolved personally. Thanks again – we’ll keep your feedback in mind and will see if there’s a way we can improve this process 🙂

thank you, it was very helpful.

A night hike, river tubing, or secret single-track – you never know what adventure may arise while traveling. Don’t miss out because you don’t have the gear. Below are gear staples for us on any adventure:

Rain jacket Daypack Headlamp Water bottle Compass Swimsuit Dry bag (waterproof) Bandana or Buff headwear

Great list – you never know what adventure you could find yourself on!

Thanks for your wonderful work! Fun and practical — a breath of fresh air!

I’d like to add two items that simplify and improve road trips for us:

— A small (maybe 8-inch square) “front-seat bin” for each traveller. Keep your small personal items — sunglasses, reading glasses, snacks, medicines, phone, and so — on in one designated place to ensure that you don’t have to root around to find your things.

— Small waterproof duffle for each person’s shoes — hiking shoes, sandals, comfy campsite shoes. Keeps the car cleaner and, again, ensures that things are “where they’re supposed to be”!

Hi Roy, these are great suggestions! We love tips for staying organized. Thanks for sharing!

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41 Things You Need for Your Next Road Trip

Hit the highway in comfort and style with these travel heroes.

Related To:

Before you hit the open road, make sure you have all the essentials you'll need for a stress-free trip. From comfortable good-to-haves (like pillows and blankets) to safety just-in-cases (like first aid and emergency kits), you'll be glad you traveled prepared. Whether you're hitting the road for a day or two weeks, make sure these easy-to-pack items are in tow.

ESSENTIAL GADGETS

Adjustable Car Cup Holder Expander

Long road trips require large water bottles, but many standard car cup holders aren't large enough to fit larger reusable water bottles from popular brands like YETI, Hydroflask, Stanley and more. This adjustable handy gadget from the brand Swigzy allows you to expand the size of your cup holder and works in almost any cup holder and can fit a variety of styles of bottles and mugs, including those with handles.

Phone Mount

Texting and driving is never an option. And in some states, just holding your phone to talk while driving is against the law. If you want to stream a Spotify playlist or run Google Maps, invest in a phone mount to ensure those hands remain at "10 and two."

Car Power Strip

Going on a long road trip with multiple passengers? You need this 200W power inverter that plugs into the cigarette lighter and has four USB ports and two standard plugs. Plus, it features full-protection with short-circuit, low-voltage, over-charge, over-voltage, over-load and over-temperature protection.

Tablet Headrest Mount

There won’t be a peep from the backseat with this tablet headrest mount. It adjusts to fit any size tablet and is compatible with nearly all headrests. The kids (or adults) in the back won’t be asking “are we there yet?” because they’ll be too absorbed in their movie or game.

Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot

This mobile hotspot features super-fast Wi-Fi internet speeds and long-lasting battery life, providing the ultimate internet experience from anywhere right when you need it most.

Flexible Phone Tripod

Roadside photo-ops will be a breeze with this handy mini tripod . This flexible tripod grips to any surface — from a tree to a fence — and has a reliable rubber grip that secures a smartphone.

Portable Phone Charger

You’ll probably bring several gadgets on your road trip, including smartphones, tablets and e-readers. So gather them up, then power them up. There’s nothing worse than getting an hour into an all-day trip and having the iPad in the backseat run out of juice. We suggest bringing one or more portable chargers for the car, and make sure they work with the devices you plan to charge. Despite what’s written on the packaging, not every charger will power up all the devices they claim they can charge.

Emergency Car Kit

Before you plan your road trip itinerary, you should pack your emergency roadside kit. It’s not the fun part of road trip planning, but it’s the most important. A good car kit should include, at the very least, jumper cables, a spare tire, signal flares and a flashlight. Emergency items such as spare socks, a blanket and granola bars are good, too.

Fire Starter

Building a fire just got a lot easier with this handy fire starter that produces sparks in any weather or altitude. It has an ergonomic thumb guard for comfort and an attached emergency whistle, in case you need to call for help.

First Aid Kit

Road trip or not, keeping a first aid kit in the car is always a good idea. This 100-piece kit includes essential wound care supplies, like cleansing wipes, gauze pads, assorted bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch-stopping cream, acetaminophen caplets, an instant cold pack and much more.

You can’t always depend on Google Maps, especially when driving in rural areas. Even popular National Parks and National Forests can have spotty cell service. As a backup, you can download maps to use offline from Google Maps, and tucking an actual map in the backseat pocket isn’t a bad idea either.

Travel Pillow

Never struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position in the car again with the Trtl Travel Pillow. This neck pillow combines hypoallergenic fleece with hidden internal neck support to hold your head and neck in the best position for sleeping, preventing stiff necks and sore shoulders.

Travel Throw

Meet the hardest-working travel throw in the business: Unpacked, it’s a 52-by-75-inch insulated comforter that's lightweight, washable and super cozy.

Travel Hammock

After hours of driving, take a break in this lightweight travel hammock. It’s quick to hang after a long day on the road and packs down into a small pouch for easy storage.

Microfiber Towel

Whether you're washing off at your campsite or at a rest stop, this soft, microfiber towel will dry quickly and can be used over and over during your trip.

Air Freshener

With all due respect to those mysterious rear-view mirror trees, when you plan on spending serious time on the highway, you need a substantial and sustainable air scrubber. The porous activated charcoal in this baby will purify the stale air in your car instead of hitting it with chemicals, and it'll combat the effects of left-behind takeout for up to a year.

Car Window Shades

Block out 97 percent of harmful UV rays on long road trips with window shades that easily attach to your car's windows, keeping backseat riders cool and comfortable the whole trip.

HEALTH + HYGIENE

Car Diffuser

Fill this diffuser with water, add essential oils and plug it in to make your car smell amazing. Featuring automatic shut-off, t he diffuser emits a cool mist that adds moisture to the air, which helps with dry skin, lips, sinuses and coughs.

Nausea-Relief Wristbands

Nip motion sickness in the bud with these acupressure wristbands that provide effective relief from all forms of travel sickness without causing drowsiness or other side effects. There are even Sea-Bands for kids that come in cool patterns and colors.

Foaming Hand Sanitizer

Keep everyone's hands clean with this alcohol-free foaming sanitizer that's safe and gentle enough for babies. We love Babyganics for the whole family because the formula kills 99.9 percent of common bacteria; it's made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances and dyes; and it's dermatologist-tested and non-allergenic.

Essential Oil Towelettes

This assortment of towelettes is a league of essential oil superheroes: Defeat gas-station bathroom germs, freshen up after the A/C kicks out in the middle of nowhere, combat carsickness and wind down at the end of a long day with their aid.

Tissue Holder

Spare yourself the stress and strain of blindly reaching into the backseat, and snag this seriously convenient tissue holder. The chic black case clips right onto your passenger-side visor, so you can reach it without taking your hands off the wheel.

Insect Repellent

Whether you're spending a little time outside or a lot of time outside, it's always smart to keep insect repellent nearby. This 100-percent DEET formula offers more than 10 hours of protection against insect-transmitted diseases, including Zika and West Nile viruses.

Sleeping away from the comforts of home can come with some restless nights. Melatonin helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake up feeling refreshed. And since Natrol is a drug-free sleep aid, you won't wake up feeling groggy.

ORGANIZATION

Car Seat Headrest Hook

Free up seat space and foot room with these handy hooks that attach to the back of headrests. They'll keep purses, lunchboxes, backpacks and more out of the way but still easily accessible.

Car Ceiling Cargo Net Pocket

Out of space? This sleek cargo net adds more packable space to your car's ceiling. Use it to store pillows, blankets, food and more.

Car Trash Bin

Keep your car clean and organized with this hanging trash bin with a 1.85-gallon capacity and leak-proof interior bag.

Packable Daypack

You may not need it, but you'll be happy it's there if you do. This ultra-light packable daypack has a 25-liter capacity, multiple pockets and adjustable, breathable straps for comfortable all-day use. Plus, it can be stuffed into its own zippered pocket for space-saving storage and compact portability.

Laundry Bag

Truth be told, every trip calls for a laundry bag — hunting for clean undies is nobody’s idea of a good time. That said, a pre-sorted discard pile is especially important when you find a laundromat in the middle of nowhere and want to take care of business ASAP. Tuck one of these into your glove compartment and thank us later.

These Genius Items Will Keep Your Car Clean + Organized on Family Road Trips

A clean car? With kids ? Yes, it's possible.

FOOD + DRINK

Saucemoto Dip Clip

Never spill your sauce again! Sometimes, a drive-thru food stop is the highlight of a road trip after hours of driving. Keep your favorite sauce easily accessible and avoid spills with this handy sauce cady. It clips to the car air vent and creates the perfect spot to nest your dipping sauce.

YETI Cooler Bag

A cooler is a road trip must. Instead of a giant cooler out-of-reach in the trunk, keep your drinks in a small cooler bag. YETI’s Hopper Flip 8 is large enough for eight soda cans but small enough to throw around your arm for a pull-off picnic or impromptu hike.

Car Seat Organizer

For a more kid-friendly (and budget) option, this car seat cooler organizer would be the perfect backseat companion. It features an insulated cooler compartment, flat tray table top, two drink holders and side pockets for extra storage. It also features a handy seatbelt strap that holds it in place. The brand recommends using cold packs instead of ice for keeping items cold.

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated on the road with BPA-free Bobble Bottles that filter out impurities on the go, so you can fill up at the campground or rest stop water fountain worry-free. And with so many color options, no one will get their bottle mixed up in the car.

Portable Coffee Press

This portable brewer will brew a delicious cup of coffee, espresso or cold brew right over your mug. The total immersion brewing system means there's less grit than with a French press, and it's super-fast, too.

With double-wall vacuum insulation, the YETI Rambler 20-Ounce Travel Mug keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Plus the leak-resistant lid means bumps in the road are no problem for this traveler.

Collapsible Storage Containers

Useful for storing everything from travel-size toiletries to trail mix, these reusable containers work for jet setters or families always on the go. Not only are they eco-friendly and BPA-free, but these collapsible beauties also help save money on snacks. Fill them up before road-tripping to prevent overspending on pre-packaged goodies at convenience stores.

Kitchen Utensil Set

When fast food isn't your speed, this one-and-done kit — which includes a serving fork, a utility knife, scissors, a cutting board, a spatula, a wine opener, tongs, a ladle, a rice paddle, a carabiner and folding stainless-steel utensils — is ready to turn your roadside-farm-stand haul into the greatest picnic of all time.

BioLite CampStove 2

The eco-friendly BioLite Campstove 2 is pure genius. It doesn’t need fuel, and the heat created from burning just a handful of kindling converts into usable electricity that can be used to recharge your gadgets. Cook dinner, charge your phone and feel good about your carbon footprint — what more could you ask for?

15 Must-Have Items for a Family Road Trip With Kids

Keep kids of all ages happy and entertained while on the road with these gadgets, games and more.

ENTERTAINMENT

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Go on and celebrate reaching your destination with an impromptu dance party. This lightweight Bluetooth speaker fills your space with home-stereo-system-quality sound and claims less real estate in your luggage than a rolled-up pair of jeans.

Scrabble To-Go Board Game

Add some friendly competition in the car or at your destination with this compact Scrabble set. The snap-in letter board ensures tiles stay put while moving, and the zippered case makes it easy to fold up and keep everything in place mid-game.

Kindle Paperwhite

Cut down your packing weight by bringing a Kindle instead of a stack of books for lounging by the fire. The latest generation of Paperwhite Kindles are now hot tub-ready, too; they're waterproof, so they'll survive an accidental dunk.

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Road Trip Packing List

The ultimate packing list including all of the road trip essentials you need to travel by car. We cover it all: men’s and women’s focused items from bags, to clothing and toiletries, to cooking supplies, and more.

The Road Trip Essentials: Gear for An Epic Road Trip

Welcome to the Road Trip Packing List where we’re going to cover everything you need to make your road-tripping adventure worthy of the big screen. While road trips can last anywhere from a weekend to a year or more, we’ve formulated this list to work for trips that span from a week to a month or so. (But you can adapt it to fit your needs.)

Now, it can be tempting to pack a lot of gear for a road trip—you’re not limited by airline restrictions, after all—but we suggest packing the least amount of stuff possible. Beyond ensuring more legroom, we’ve found that packing minimally helps to keep a clear mind. Additionally, you won’t have to go digging through a trunk full of stuff to pull out the few things that you actually use.

On that note, we’ve kept this list as minimal as possible while keeping comfort and convenience in mind. We don’t guarantee that this packing list will prevent misadventures—which are part of the fun, anyway. But we believe this list will help you pack what you need (while staying comfortable) without being burdened down with a bunch of excess gear. That way, you can worry less about rummaging through your stuff and focus more on those classic road trip experiences.

Collectively, our team has driven thousands and thousands of miles. We’ve taken what’s worked and what hasn’t and distilled all the gear you need down into one mega list—with one exception.

We haven’t included a section on vehicle specific items because what you need differs from vehicle to vehicle. Make sure you consider these vehicle-specific essentials before you take off, including tools, battery cables, a spare tire, nice windshield wipers (splurge on these, trust us), windshield washer fluid, etc. Plus, you need to pack your driver’s license, insurance, registration, passport, car manual, and other like items. (And, if you’re going abroad, there may be additional things you need to pack.)

Of course, we know that what works for some isn’t going to work for others (even the Pack Hacker team differs). So, if the items on this list aren’t your thing, don’t worry. We have other packing lists , guides , and reviews to help you find gear that works for you.

We’ve also written up a massive road trip guide to help you navigate all of the other aspects of a road trip (safety, finding accommodations, the best way to pack your car, and more), so check it out if you’re so inclined.

With all of that said, let’s get packing.

Standalone Bags & Organizers

We’ve found that the classic duffle, backpack, and sling bag combo (DBS, for short) is the best for road trips. Duffles are great for hauling the majority of your clothes as they’re typically easy to pack—both in terms of throwing your stuff into one and Tetris-ing in the car. The backpack can act as an overnight bag or daypack while exploring whatever zany attraction you’ve stopped at. And the sling bag is for the essentials and quick stops.

A classic duffle that’s ideal for road trips in its simplicity. It’s easy to dump all of your stuff inside the one compartment—basically a giant, cavernous bucket—so you can spend less time packing and more time enjoying the wind in your hair. Its soft sides will squish into the nooks and crannies leftover in your fully packed car. Plus, you can easily grab the comfortable handles and take the duffle into the laundromat (or the hotel if you’re staying more than overnight). Tom Bihn is also known for the quality of its gear, so while this thing doesn’t have much weather-resistance, it’s highly durable in all other regards.

Versatility is key when it comes to choosing the right backpack for a road trip—and that’s why we’re recommending the Borealis. At 28L, this pack is large enough to hold all of the clothes and toiletries you need for a weekend trip, but small enough to act as a daypack for those longer drives. Plus, its dedicated laptop compartment means it’ll work as a laptop bag if you need to head to the coffee shop to get some work done. It’s also a great bag to take on hikes due to its comfortable harness system and durable, weather-resistant exterior.

A sling bag is a perfect place to stash your wallet, phone, and keys on the road. Not only so you know where all that important stuff is when not directly using them (trust us, there’s nothing worse than losing your keys in a packed car), but so that you can easily throw your sling over your shoulder and go buy a cup of coffee. It’s also nice for day trips and quick hikes. We’re digging the Atom Sling due to its simple, effective organization as well as the soft mesh on the back panel and shoulder strap, which makes it super comfortable to carry. Plus, it’s a great size—large enough to carry the essentials and a water bottle or packable jacket on day trips/hikes.

Clothing & Accessories

Road trips frequently involve a variety of scenarios: sitting down to a fancy dinner with your grandpa, camping at a goat farm, or spending the day at the beach to name a few. (And, of course, lots and lots of driving.) We suggest versatile, durable clothing that can keep up with whatever life on the road throws at you. Comfort is also key. Who likes sitting in a cramped car for eight hours wearing skinny jeans? Nobody, that’s who. Additionally, we prefer clothes that feature antimicrobial properties or anti-odor treatments (for what should be obvious reasons).

• Men's Focused
• Women's Focused

You can wear these boxers multiple days in a row without being gross. That in itself makes us like them for life on the road, but they’re also breathable, soft, and moisture-wicking. Plus, the direction of the fabric on the legs runs vertically, so it stretches with your natural movement. Translation: the stretch on these boxers is fantastic. We’re also digging their clean, sophisticated look (no branding on the waistband...yeah, we know!).

These pants are sleek and polished enough for the city, but versatile enough to work for an eight-hour drive, fast food eating session, or day on the trails. Yes, these pants do it all. We’re huge fans of the crotch gusset, which gives these pants extra flexibility and breathability (two must-haves for long days in the car or hot afternoons exploring).

With a techy, almost sweatpants-y vibe, these pants are ideal for long driving days, traipsing through the forest, or lounging at your Airbnb. We like the technical fabric, which is thin enough that you won’t overheat, but still nice and durable. We’re also digging that the pockets zip all the way up, so you’re less likely to have your phone and/or lucky charm slip out of your pocket and get lost between your seat and the middle console (you know what we’re talking about). The waistband is also very forgiving, meaning you can go ahead and order the french fries and the onion rings.

Shorts that double as swim trunks—sometimes it’s awesome to be living in the 21st century. These shorts are also comfortable, breathable, and stretchy. Plus, they’re available in a variety of subdued and stylish colorways, and won’t break the bank.

This tee boasts all of the magical properties of Merino wool, including odor-resistance, temperature-regulation, and a fast drying time. It also feels nice—lightweight and breathable, but not thin. All of these features, paired with its simple aesthetic, mean that it’s quite versatile—wear it driving, hiking, lounging, or bar-hopping.

With a sporty, outdoorsy vibe, this tee may not be perfect for a five-star restaurant, but it’s great for pretty much everything else. It has built-in UPF sun protection and odor-control that’s comparable to Merino wool (not quite, but close). We like that it’s moisture-wicking and lightweight, so you can turn off the air-conditioning and still keep cool. It’s also quick-drying, so you can use it during any water-activities that may arise on your trip. NOTE: Patagonia is in the process of updating the Capilene line to provide 50+ UPF protection, so availability may be limited.

Made from a blend of Merino wool, the Icebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs are ideal for life on the go. They’re breathable, quick-drying, comfortable, soft, and more importantly, odor-resistant, so you can go longer between washes (or opt for a quick sink wash instead). Bring two, so you can let each pair breathe between wears.

These pants offer great versatility. They’re comfortable and lightweight enough to wear on driving days, breathable enough to wear on trails, and polished enough to wear to happy hour. We also like that they’re wrinkle-resistant, so you can crumple them up and toss them in your duffle without worrying how they’ll fare. The only downside is that the pockets aren’t as usable as we would like.

All you need to know about the Encircled Dressy Sweatpant is in the name. These sweats are oh-so-soft and stretchy—perfect for long drives—yet dressy enough you can step out of your car without being embarrassed. They’re also relatively thin, so you’re not likely to get overheated, and feature a secret zippered pocket that’s actually hard to spot (unlike other “secret” pockets out there). So we guess it’s not all in the name, after all.

Breathable and short (without looking excessively short), these lululemon shorts are great for hot days exploring the city, hiking up a mountain, or getting your exercise on. We like that they have two pockets—one zippered, one stash—for extra cash or cards. Plus, they’re available in a range of colors, so you can (hopefully) find one that you like.

The odor-resistant, temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking properties of this Merino wool t-shirt are a must for long days in the car or out exploring—plus it’s nice enough you can get away with wearing it out to dinner. It’s wrinkle-resistant too, so you can pull it out of your duffle, throw it on, and look sharp. Need we say more?

This tank is quick-drying, so you don’t have to sit in discomfort after spilling your water bottle all over yourself when driving over a pothole. Plus, it’s moisture-wicking and has solid odor control. As its name suggests, it’s best for active days on the trails, but all of those aforementioned features mean it's great for driving days too. You can also rock it in the city if you’re going for a sporty look. NOTE: Patagonia is in the process of updating the Capilene line to provide 50+ UPF protection, so availability may be limited.

Perfect for those days when you can’t be bothered to wear separates, this romper is soft, stretchy, and comfortable. It has also been treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) to repel moisture. The small details—like the crisscrossed straps on the back, scalloped hem, and draped waist elevate the romper’s look and make it easy to dress it up. So, you can wear it both on a lazy day at the campground and a night out on the town.

A versatile sports bra that will work for low-impact activities, including hiking, yoga, or a bike tour through the city. You can wear it beneath a tank or on its own. In fact, we think it’s sleek enough that you could get away with wearing it with a jacket and jeans for a night out (of course that depends on your style preferences). It's also double lined for extra support, quick-drying, and has UPF50+ protection.

A headband is a versatile tool to have in your arsenal. It can help out a bad hair day, keep your hair out of your face, and elevate an outfit. We’re digging this one as it can be worn in two ways (more versatility!) and has a soft, silky material. Plus, Breezy Tee uses 100% recycled materials in its packaging, which is a huge plus in our books.

Perfect for stargazing on chilly nights or when sharing a car with someone who loves to blast the air conditioning, this sweater is the epitome of cozy. It’s soft and warm, yet breathable. You’ll likely never want to take it off. And, of course, being from Patagonia, it’s also made from 100% recycled polyester and is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.

Also, make sure to pack:

• Additional pairs of underwear (x 3)
• Pair of jeans
• Nice shirt for fancy dinners with Grandpa, walking through art museums, etc
• Packing cubes
• Hat (baseball cap style)
• Athletic shoes
• Cheap flip flops for showers
• Socks (x 4)
• Rain jacket
• Cold weather clothing—warm jacket, hat, gloves, and long underwear—if you will be driving to chiller climates or camping

Productivity & Tech

Road trips are a great way to unplug and recharge. But a little technology can go a long way in making your time on the road less of a mis adventure and more of an epic adventure.

And, if you’ll be working on the road, check out our Digital Nomad Packing List for all the tech you need to be able to do your job on the go.

While you can hit the road without a phone mount, we don’t suggest it. Not only is it more convenient to follow GPS directions with your phone mounted, it’s safer to boot. We’re digging this magnetic mount, which is pretty universal and will work with most smartphones, cases, and GPS devices. Plus, the magnet is super clean compared to other mount styles: no adhesive to stick to (and damage) your dash, no bulkiness, and easy to use one-handed.

An excellent tripod to keep your phone steady, so you can take photos or videos of your legendary trip. The flexible legs wrap around a variety of surfaces, allowing you to capture moments you would otherwise miss. Plus, it’s so small, you’ll hardly notice it in your car.

We probably don’t need to convince you that a USB car adapter is a useful tool to have on the road. We like this one since it’s small and has two outlets, so you don’t have to fight over who needs to charge their phone the most…Unless there are more than two of you in the car. In which case, may we suggest rock-paper-scissors?

You need a phone cable to go with the car charger—or plug directly into your head unit. Anker is a brand we’ve had good luck with. Three feet is a great size as you don’t want anything too long—all the extra cable will get annoying. Conversely, too short will also be annoying. We like to pack multiple cables, either for sharing with car mates or to keep one in our tech kit and a couple in the car.

If you’re the type of person who likes to put pen to paper, you’ll likely love this travel journal. It helps you plan your trip—with spots to jot down research, keep track of reservations, and budget. Plus, there’s a travel log to memorialize your epic adventures. There’s enough space inside for twelve (!) dedicated trips.

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A headlamp is essential for camping and hiking—unless you have special night-vision magical powers, of course. But it’s also nice-to-have in other situations (say if you want to stay up reading all night, but your roommate wants lights out). We like that this one has a variety of brightness settings, an option for red light, and a “memory” that lets you turn on your chosen brightness without cycling through all the options. Plus—it’s highly water-resistant (rated Rated IPX4), so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in a storm.

A dedicated alarm clock is a weird and specific thing to pack, we know. But you don’t want to leave your phone on at night—say if you’re camping or sleeping in your car—because it will kill the battery (or drain your battery bank). This is a solid workaround. It’s small, somewhat durable, and totally silent (as in you won’t hear it tick, not that the alarm itself is silent).

There are lots of power inverters on the market, but we’re digging this middle of the road option. It has decent wattage—it will charge most things that need charging (laptop, e-reader, phone)—but isn’t overkill. The two outlets and two USB ports are helpful to have, plus there’s a built-in fuse for safety. It’s also relatively compact, so it won’t take up too much space in your car.

• Headphones (noise canceling is clutch)

Toiletries & Personal Care

As far as we’re concerned, smelling of sweat and sunscreen is a part of the fun of road trips (…right?). But your car mates—and grocery store clerks, baristas, park rangers, and everyone else you come in contact with on your travels will thank you if you freshen up from time to time.

Unlike the Toiletries & Personal Care sections in our other packing lists, not everything we list here will fit into your Dopp kit. In fact, we recommend only keeping the toiletries you’ll need for showers and your morning/evening routines in your Dopp kit. Everything else—think toilet paper roll and coconut oil—can and should be tucked out of the way in one of the plastic bins we mention later on in this packing list. That way, you can get to said items when you need them, but you don’t have to sort through them to get to your toothbrush every morning.

Cologne won’t completely mask your haven’t-taken-a-shower-in-a-week odor, but it will help. Fulton & Roark offers several scents to choose from, so you should be able to find a fragrance that suits you. (Check out the full review for our team’s favorite scents.) And, because it’s solid, you don’t have to worry about spills.

If you haven’t used a menstrual cup before, it may take some time to get used to (we suggest trying it out before your road trip). But, once you get used to it, it’s amazing to have on the road. You can use it for up to 12 consecutive hours, so you don’t have to clean it at questionable rest stops. Plus, the Blossom Cup doesn’t use any harmful rubber or plastics and comes in at a super affordable price point.

Perfect for those days you want to smell extra nice (or when your deodorant needs some help in masking your haven’t-taken-a-shower-in-a-week odor). Lush offers several different fragrances, so you should be able to find a smell that works for you. Plus, it’s solid, so you don’t have to worry about spills.

We like this Dopp kit for a couple of reasons. 1) It hangs up, which is an important feature for showering at gyms or campsites, and 2) It has a highly water-resistant pouch that you can take out of the kit and into the shower without worrying about it taking forever to dry. Note that there is a ton of organization inside of this bag, which may be right up your alley or feel limiting, depending on your travel style.

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You don’t need to abide by airline liquid rules, but we still prefer to put our liquids into small containers to save space. These toiletry bottles have been designed to fit perfectly inside the Gravel Toiletry Bag, but their unique shape means they fit together nicely to save space inside of any Dopp kit. We suggest using them for whatever liquids you plan to take with you on the road. Say conditioner and hair gel.

Sure, you don’t need a fancy soap case, but this thing is super nice to have. It’s not rigid like a hard-sided case—so it’s easier to pack—and it’s also way better than a plastic bag. The technical makeup of the case also allows the soap to dry out while being totally watertight, meaning your Dopp Kit and all your gear stays dry. Yeah, it’s basically magic.

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A microfiber, antimicrobial towel is about the most massively useful thing a road tripper might have (any Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fans out there? No?). In all seriousness, this microfiber towel is super handy. It’s necessary if you plan to shower at a campsite or gym, but also nice-to-have in case your Airbnb forgets to supply a towel. It’s also great for beach trips or picnics. The antimicrobial properties of the towel mean that smells are kept to a minimum and that you don’t have to wash it as frequently as other towels. Plus, this towel dries really, really quickly. Additionally, it packs down into a small carrying case that won’t take up much space in your car. There are a few different sizes available, so you can grab what you need—we recommend the XL.

You might not know, but coconut oil is a triple threat. It’s a great way to moisturize your skin after spending all day in the sun. Plus, you can use to strengthen and de-frizz your hair, and, finally, you can cook with it. We like that this one is organic with no added chemicals.

While this first aid kit doesn’t have a bunch of trauma stuff, it should take care of most minor ailments (and if you need trauma supplies, you should probably seek medical attention anyway). We like the extra hand-sanitizer and the addition of the anti-itch ointment. It’s also relatively small, so you can easily keep it in your middle console or glove box.

Stains happen on road trips. Like a lot. Whether it’s dropping melted chocolate onto your shorts while making s’mores around the campfire, spilling coffee on your shirt after hitting the road early, or rubbing dirt into your sweater on a picnic. A Tide to Go Pen won’t alleviate every stain out there, but it gets rid of most stains with just a few pats.

• Toothpaste or powder
• Hand sanitizer
• Shampoo bar
• Powder laundry detergent
• Hair creams or pomades
• Nail clippers
• Lip balm (road trips lead to cracked lips…trust)
• Toilet paper
• Gallon plastic bags

Cooking on the road is a great way to stretch your budget and stay healthy, whether you’ll be road-tripping for a weekend or six months. While the idea of cooking over a campfire is romanticized in that whimsical living-off-the-land kind of way, it’s not practical for a road trip that lasts any length of time. But you also don’t want to take the finest chef’s knife and ceramic pot and pan set from your kitchen either.

Finding the best supplies to spin up tasty meals out of your car—without taking up too much room in your trunk—is a difficult dance. Luckily, through lots of trial and error, we’ve come up with a list of what we find useful, but not overkill (of course, tailor it to your preferences).

YETI made a name for itself by taking the cooler world by storm, so, yeah, we’re going to recommend a YETI cooler. It keeps ice really well—we’re talking days in the right conditions—so you don’t have to continually buy ice. We recommend this soft-sided style as it can kind of expand or contract based on how full it is, can be jammed into places, and has a flat top, so you can throw some stuff on top of it. YETI also offers larger sizes if you think you’ll need that extra space.

You can use this lightweight tea kettle for far more than making tea. Boil water for instant oatmeal, coffee, sanitation purposes, etc. The one-liter size of this kettle is large enough you can boil enough water for the aforementioned activities (you can always fill it and boil it twice if need be), but not so large that it will take up precious space in your car. The coated handle is nice to grip.

This stainless steel bowl is great for eating on the road. First of all, it cleans up ridiculously easily. If you’re in a pinch, you can pour a little water into the bottom, clean off any gunk with your finger, rinse, and you're good to go. It’s also lightweight and small, but deep enough that you can fit a good amount of food inside. And, if you need more than one, they stack into each other nicely. Our only caveat is that it can get hot to the touch when you fill it with hot food, so keep that in mind.

Yes, we’re telling you to pack everything and the kitchen sink (ha!). But, seriously, you can’t actually travel with your sink, so this is the next best thing. You can fill it up with soapy water—or just use it to catch your dirty dishwater—to clean up your cooking mess while at a campground, rest stop, or super cheap Airbnb that doesn’t have a kitchen. Just make sure you properly dispose of the water.

If you’ve spent any time in a kitchen then you probably know why a towel is handy when it comes to cooking. The same is true on the road. (Hint: it’s primarily for drying dishes and your hands. You can also use it as an oven mitt to hold your stainless steel bowl when it’s super hot.) This microfiber towel is perfect for travel as it dries quickly, so you can throw it back in the car after a quick pit-stop without having to worry about weird damp towel smells.

It’s super convenient to have a big ole mixing bowl while cooking on the road. You can use it to store chopped up veggies before sautéing them, to hold giant salads, or do other large mixing bowl activities. We like that this one collapses into a small size, so it won’t take up space whenever not in use.

Plastic and paper grocery bags can make your car dirty in the blink of an eye. Plus, they’re not great for the environment. We’re digging this tote since it packs into a tiny size to stay out of your way when not in use. The included carabiner clip is also handy—you can clip it to your keychain, the exterior of your bag, or wherever else to ensure it doesn’t get lost in the black hole that is your trunk. And it works for far more than groceries—take it to the beach, on a picnic, or wherever else you don’t want to lug your day pack.

Cooking on the road can be a hassle, so it’s important to keep leftovers when you can. Stasher Bags are a great way to do that. First of all, they’re better for the environment than disposable plastic bags. But they also work better—you can throw them in the cooler without worrying about melted ice water penetrating the silicone exterior and turning last night’s dinner into water-logged mush. Additionally, you can eat straight out of them. These bags also work well for snacks—you can partition out serving sizes of trail mix, pretzels, or [insert-your-favorite-snack-here]. Stasher sells a variety of sizes and colorways, so you can find one (or several) that works for you.

You may not be able to make intricate, complicated meals with this cook set, but the two pots and pan allow you to cook a good variety of things. They nest inside of each other and tuck into a handy carrying bag, which makes for easy packing. The pots also have a strainer built into the lid, so you can drain pasta (or other things) without having to pack a separate colander.

When it comes to camping stoves, this one from Coleman is luxurious. The two burners allow you to make meals that require cooking multiple things at the same time—think grilling up veggies and cooking rice. It’s also durable, simple to use, and has a range of flame size. Plus, it packs up nicely.

Fuel for your stove—need we say more? Actually, yes, we do have more to say. Make sure you keep an eye out of how much propane you have left, so you don’t roll up to your campsite hangry and tired only to realize you can’t use your stove. Also, be sure to responsibly dispose of empty canisters.

There are several ways to make coffee on the road, but we’re partial to an AeroPress. Sure, it’s not the easiest option out there, but it makes such exceptional coffee that we think the trade-off is worth it. And, yeah, it may not be as easy as a pour over, but it’s also not rocket science.

These plastic bins are a great, affordable option to organize your cooking supplies. You can easily grab them from the backseat of your car and set them on a picnic table whenever you’re ready to fire up the stove. Use one for traditional supplies—think chef’s knife, bowl, spork, lighter, etc. Use the other for bottles—olive oil, soy sauce, etc—and spices that you’ll want handy while cooking (note that if you want to store taller bottles standing up, you won't be able to keep the lid on).

This flat storage bin easily slides into backseats and trunks, so it’s a good place to keep all of your non-perishable food (cans of beans, boxes of pasta, etc). Plus, it’s clear, so you can see what food you have and how much you have left at a glance.

Not only do you need water for drinking, but it’s necessary for cooking and cleaning up too. We like this container because its shape is designed for easy pouring, the spigot makes doing dishes easy (well, easier), and 7L is a great size.

• Titanium spork
• Wooden spatula
• Vegetable peeler
• Lighter and/or box of matches
• Thin, flexible, plastic cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Paper towel roll

Sleeping & Camping

If you’ll be sticking to hotels and Airbnbs then this section doesn’t apply to you. But if you plan to spend some (or all!) of your trip camping and sleeping in your car, then you’re gonna need some stuff to help you get a good night’s sleep.

If you’ll be spending a lot of time in your tent, you’ll probably appreciate the space this tent provides. There’s enough room inside that you can stand up (!)—plus the fly goes all the way down for solid weather protection. That said, it’s going to take up more space in your car than a smaller tent and isn’t going to be great in heavy winds. Based on the length of your trip, how frequently you’ll be camping, and your personality, you can decide if the comfort and hangoutability (not a word, but go with it) of the Grand Hut is worth sacrificing some durability. Or if you would prefer something smaller. And, because REI will likely have REI-branded stuff at most of their locations, you should be able to drop by any REI store and easily get replacement parts or a new tent if your first one fails on you (within the scope of the one-year warranty).

You probably don’t need this technical of a sleeping pad, but it’s one of those things that are nice to have—especially if you’ll be sleeping on it nearly every night. It’s thick (for a sleeping pad) with great insulation to keep the cold from the ground from seeping into your body. Plus, it rolls up into a small size, so it won’t take up too much space in your car.

There’s a variety of highly technical, specialized, expensive sleeping bags on the market. This one is not one of them—but it’s all you (likely) need for basic car camping. It’s rated to 35℉, which is pretty dang cold, especially since most road trips take place in warm weather months (or involve chasing the sun). Plus, it’s not likely to make you too hot. It comes in two sizes (regular and long) and you can pick up a left-handed version if you’re left-handed. We also want to mention that it’s made from 100% recycled fabrics, which is, frankly, awesome.

While you could bring the pillow off of your bed, we suggest packing a specific pillow for camping. Just think of all the dirt and grime that camping involves. We’re digging this pillow since it’s made of soft, comfy, and up-cycled foam—perfect for camping and car naps. Plus, it’s compressible, so it won’t take up much space in your car when not in use. There are a few different sizes to choose from and plenty of colorways.

If you’re sleeping in your car—or even just lounging in it—you’ll want to be able to roll down your windows without inviting mosquitos inside to sleep with you. This netting will get the job done. Simply drape it over your windows and secure it with magnets. You only need one package if you want to cover two windows, but you’ll want two if you have large windows or several you want to cover.

These are the magnets you’ll need if you're draping mosquito netting over your windows. They may look tiny, but they are seriously strong. You may want to wrap these in duct tape before using them because, otherwise, they can rip the paint off of your car. Also, you can create little handles/pull tabs with the duct tape, so you can actually pull off the magnets.

This tarp isn’t durable enough for heavy lifting, but it’s a good all-around tarp to set your tent on to protect it from a wet ground/help extend its life. Additionally, you can tie the tarp over the windows if it’s raining and you need to sleep in your car (so you can keep the windows cracked without worrying about getting wet).

Rope is one of those things that seems to come in handy at random intervals. Say to help you tie your tarp over your windows in the aforementioned it’s-raining-while-you’re-sleeping-in-your-car scenario.

Miscellaneous

Not everything we recommend fits neatly into the above categories. While not as necessary as, say your toothbrush, these miscellaneous items will help you take your road trip to the next level. You know, the kinds of things you’ll be really glad you packed after a few days on the open road.

Road tripping with a reusable water bottle is the way to go (beyond environmentalism, who wants to drink lukewarm or, even, hot water from a plastic disposable bottle that’s been sitting in the car all day?). This bottle has double wall vacuum insulation to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. The 18oz size is big enough that you should be able to quench your thirst, but it still fits inside most cup holders.

If you’re a coffee drinker you’re going to need a separate bottle for the delicious drink (for obvious reasons). This one seals, so you don’t have to worry about spills in between sips. And, because of its trigger-action lid, you can easily drink your coffee one-handed, which is ideal (and necessary) for driving.

This seven-in-one multi-tool isn’t going to be handy for any big things. In fact, we recommend you bring an actual tool kit for that kind of stuff. But the Shard is perfect for quick jobs like opening bottles or tightening the screw on that wobbly Airbnb chair. Plus, this little fella is small and inconspicuous enough to fit nicely on a keychain.

Part carabiner, part clip, the Heroclip is a handy tool to have around. Use it as a clip to hang things up. Or use it as a carabiner, which has a million different uses, from keeping your keys more secure inside of your bag, to clipping your water bottle to your pack. It’s available in a few different sizes and a variety of colorways and patterns.

This travel wallet is a great place to stash and organize your roadside assistance card, insurance, registration, America the Beautiful pass, passport(s), emergency cash, etc. All of the things you may need occasionally on the road, but don’t want to keep in your everyday wallet. And, because the wallet will mostly stay out of sight, you don’t need anything fancy looking. Plus it has a spot for coins (for showers!).

Between stopping for smoothies, enjoying a creamy milkshake, or slurping down ice water at a restaurant, road trips involve a fair amount of straw action. This stainless steel reusable straw is a great alternative to plastic straws. It folds down to a small, packable size, ends up being more fun to drink out of than disposable straws, and will help mitigate your environmental impact. That’s a win, win, win right there.

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This camping chair is a great middle-ground between a traditional big camping chair, which will take up precious space inside of your car, and something ultralight, which usually involves sacrificing comfort. Use it at a campground or sitting around a fire pit in the backyard of your Airbnb.

This thing is only necessary if you’ll be road tripping to a place without easy access to washers and dryers (or sinks). A simple concept, we’ve been impressed with how effective it is at cleaning clothes (the interior washboard makes all the difference). It does leave your clothes sopping wet, but as long as you keep drying time in mind, that’s not a huge problem.

These plastic bins are a great way to keep your stuff organized—whether that be camping stuff, paper towels, coconut oil, plastic bags, and other things of that nature. The lids clip into place, ensuring that whatever you have inside won’t fall out, plus they’re stackable to make for a nicely organized car.

These convenient little tubs work well for storing those random small items you want to take on the road. Say ibuprofen, vitamins, or jewelry. We like to fill a second one with snacks (think almonds) to take on quick hikes or day trips. Plus, they’re available in different sizes, so you can mix and match.

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• Playing cards
• Yoga mat (if you’re in to that sort of thing)
• DSLR camera
• Combination lock

Ready, Set, Drive.

So there you have it—everything we’ve found that you need for a successful road trip after years of trial and error by members of our team. We hope this list has helped ease any of your pre-road trip stress. Remember, this list is more of a guideline. Please adapt it to your trip and preferences ( our reviews may help you find gear that suits your needs).

And don’t forget to check out our Road Trip Guide for more advice, including tips on how to pack your car. Now, crank up that music, roll down your windows, and hit the road.

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54 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials + Packing Checklist

I’ve been learning the ins and outs of road trip essentials and perfecting my packing list since I was old enough to get behind the wheel. The open road had me hooked at a very young age and will continue to draw me in for the rest of my days.

As an eager teenager, I took my first adventure to Las Vegas with a carful of giddy friends. The complete freedom to explore as I pleased was exhilarating.

Since then, I’ve explored thousands of miles of my captivating home state of Colorado , driven the stunning California coastline, navigated the magical Hawaiian islands, and traversed the barren plains of Texas.

I’ve voyaged the sweeping Irish countryside, bumped up and down countless miles of rural Mexican roads, and soaked in the fascinating culture of North Vietnam on a motorbike .

These years of experience have taught me that packing for a long journey on the open road isn’t easy, so I’ve put together a list of my favorite road trip essentials to help you. I’ve also included an interactive checklist list, my top ten road-tripping hacks, and a list of all the lodging, navigation, and travel resources I use when I’m on the road.

Ready? Let’s get into it.

Road Trip Essentials & Packing List

• What Exactly Should You Bring?
• Safety & Repair Accessories
• Tech Gadgets

Food & Drink Must-Haves

Music, entertainment & relaxation, clothing & comfort items.

• Camping & Outdoors Gear

Family Essentials

• Organization & Storage Systems
• Road Trip Packing List + Checklist
• More Road Trip Resources
• Final Thoughts: Road Trip Essentials

What Exactly Should You Bring on a Road Trip?

This is a tough question to answer, I’ll admit. Everyone has specific needs for their road trip, and my setup will look quite different than yours. We’re all likely headed towards separate destinations when we jump in the car for an adventure, so what I throw in the trunk may not work for you.

Keep this all in mind as you look over my road trip essentials, and prepare for your trip as you see fit. Take some of my advice , get your hands on a few pieces of gear you think will help, and leave the rest behind.

If you want to skip past my recommended products and jump straight to my complete packing list, click here . The checklist is interactive, meaning you can click the boxes as you get ready for your adventure and stay organized throughout the packing process.

Safety Gear & Repair Accessories

Alarm System & Remote Start: Viper 5906v

If you’re taking a proper road trip, you’re likely to pack a lot of valuables in your vehicle that are essential to protect. So, arm your car, truck, or camper van with a proper — LOUD! — alarm system that can also auto-start your rig remotely.

VIEW ON AMAZON

Car Jack Kit: Big Red Scissor Lift

Nobody ever plans on getting a flat tire, but they happen regardless. A proper car jack kit will allow you to remove and replace your tire safely without expensive emergency roadside services. Make sure you have a spare tire and a lug wrench as well.

Power Bank Jumper Kit: Hulkman Alpha85

Dead batteries are a morale killer, plain and simple. This high-capacity power bank allows you to bring your car back to life by yourself and has a handy flashlight, compass, and USB charging inputs to boot.

12-Volt Air Digital Compressor: Fortem

Whether you want to fill a tire with a slow leak, need to adjust tire pressure for off-roading, or simply want to avoid paying for air at gas stations, this 12-volt air compressor will get the job done quickly, safely, and efficiently.

One Gallon Gas Container: Garage Boss

Running out of gas in the middle of nowhere is a drag, so get a portable gas container, keep it full, and hit the road with peace of mind. This $14 investment could be the difference between hitchhiking to a gas station and arriving safely by yourself.

Versatile 196-Piece Tool Set: DEKOPRO

Breakdowns and equipment failures are a very unglamorous reality of the road-tripping lifestyle. Keeping a versatile set of tools on hand will allow you to handle minor repairs when they arise and get you back on your way safely.

DIY Windshield Chip Repair Kit: RainX

Windshield chips are a pesky reality of road tripping and can get expensive and dangerous if ignored. This affordable repair kit will fill chips and cracks with a fast-drying resin and prevent them from spreading and ruining your windshield.

Duct Tape: Duck Tape Brand

If all else fails, use duct tape. (That’s what I tell myself at least.) Whether you’re sealing a leaky hose, patching a tear in your tent, or fixing a broken pair of sunglasses, a roll of duct tape is a must-have on your upcoming road trip.

First-Aid Kit: Surviveware

Whether you’re confronted with a minor scrape or an injury far more severe, a fully-stocked first-aid kit will be your ally. Packed with everything from band-aids to a CPR mask, this portable setup will be there when you need it most.

United States Atlas: National Geographic

Digital maps are handy, but a physical road atlas offers an in-depth look at your surroundings without the need for technology. Use this detailed, adventure-focused atlas to plan your US, Mexico, or Canada trip as you go. Traveling Europe? There’s an atlas for that too.

Tech Gadgets & Navigation Accessories

High-Capacity Power Bank: Anker PowerCore

For better or worse, a dead phone can leave us feeling powerless when traveling. Ensure that your devices are always ready for action when you’re away from an outlet with this hefty power bank that will fully recharge an iPhone 8 up to seven times.

Magnetic Phone Mount: Neckteck

If you’re road-tripping without a phone mount, you’re doing it wrong. I love this particular setup because it’s minimalist and reliable. Simply adhere a thin metal disc to the back of your phone case and a powerful magnet within the mount will hold it without fail.

4-Port Car Charger: Amazon Basics

A car charger with four ports is probably overkill on a road trip with a couple of people, but it’s essential for groups of three or more. Four ports means a carful of people can keep their precious devices charged at all times. Don’t forget extra long micro USB or USB-C cables.

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Charge 4

Whether you’re blasting tunes at a campsite or setting the mood in your hotel room, you’ll need a solid Bluetooth speaker to get the job done. The waterproof Charge 4 has mega battery life, powerful sound, and even has a USB output to charge devices when their batteries get low.

Digital Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10

Cell phone photos probably won’t do your trip justice, so get a quality digital camera if you want to capture your adventure properly. My current travel camera is the budget-friendly OM-D E-M10, which is compact, easy to use, and takes great high-res photos.

Powerful Travel Stove: Camp Chef Ranger II

Those who want the option to cook meals on the road can do so with this incredibly powerful 34,000 BTU dual burner stove. The Ranger II can be attached to a standard 5-gallon propane tank or can run off of smaller one-pound camping canisters with an adapter .

Backpack Picnic Kit: Sunflora

If you’re going to cook in style on your road trip, you’d better eat in style as well. This luxurious picnic set not only has full tableware for up to four people, but also includes a blanket, cutting board, corkscrew, insulated food and drink compartment, and salt and pepper shakers.

12-Volt Fridge/Freezer: Alpicool

Keeping your food fresh and your drinks cold is vital during long stretches in the car, and this 12-volt fridge/freezer combo will do just that. It plugs into your cigarette lighter, draws power while the car is running, cools its contents quickly, and is incredibly efficient.

Portable Espresso Maker: WACACO Nanospresso

Of all the road trip gadgets on this list, this is one of my absolute favorites. With this handheld device, you can create restaurant-quality espresso on demand. All you need is boiling water, a Nespresso capsule (or coffee grounds), and your own two hands.

Rapid Water Boiling Stove: Jetboil Flash

If you need to boil water in an instant, the Jetboil Flash is exactly what you’re looking for. This lightweight camping stove takes water from room temperature to boiling in less than two minutes, allowing you to make tea, coffee, instant meals, and more.

Insulated Thermos: Hydro Flask

Whether your beverage is boiling hot or ice cold, the uber-efficient Hydro Flask thermos will retain its temperature for a very long time. My incredible 32 oz vessel has kept ice for over three days before it finally melted, which is a dream on longer trips.

Folding Table & Chairs: REDCAMP

If you’ll be cooking during your road trip, or simply want somewhere comfortable to play cards or eat takeout, a compact folding table will serve you well. This lightweight aluminum set comes with two chairs and weighs in at only two-and-a-half pounds.

Audio Book Subscription: Audible.com

Nothing passes the hours on the road like a good audiobook. An Audible subscription — click here for a free 30-day trial — gives users one free audiobook per month (to keep forever), selected free titles, guided exercises, and newspaper subscriptions from all over the world.

Streaming Music Subscription: Amazon Music | Spotify

If you plan on listening to CDs or MP3s on your upcoming adventure, you’re stuck about a decade behind. Get with the modern times and sign up for a streaming music subscription which will allow you to listen to pretty much any song whenever you want. Amazon Music | Spotify

Inflatable 2-Person Kayak: Intex Explorer K2

This durable and portable kayak will give you the freedom to explore lakes, gentle rivers, and other bodies of water as you please. Fully inflatable in just a few minutes, this cushy setup can put you out on the water at a moment’s notice. (Don’t forget to grab some life jackets !)

Frisbee: Innova Big Kahuna

Frisbees provide endless entertainment and will forever be a staple of my road trip packing list. Whether I’m camping, strolling the beach, or relaxing at a park, my Innova disc is a great excuse for me and my girlfriend to run around outdoors and breathe some fresh air.

Hammock: ENO DoubleNest

Leaving my hammock behind would be a huge hit to my relaxation capabilities on my trip, and is thus unacceptable. Thankfully, I’ve never forgotten my DoubleNest, so I can sway in the breeze at will (so long as there are two trees and a nice view).

VIEW ON REI

Waterproof Playing Cards: Kovot

I play cards frequently when I travel — gin rummy is my game of choice — and usually wear out a normal deck within a couple of weeks. Thankfully, I’ve invested in a set of waterproof cards, which stand up to humid environments (and spilled drinks) quite well.

Cornhole Set: GoSports Portable PVC

If frisbees, rafts, hammocks, and playing cards aren’t your thing, then maybe you can find a little entertainment playing cornhole. This lightweight setup — made of PVC and high-quality fabric — includes eight bean bags and packs away conveniently into a carrying case.

Polarized Sunglasses: Knockaround Fast Lanes

I tend to break or lose my sunglasses all the time , which is why I don’t let myself spend much on a pair. Knockaround’s polarized shades have the feel, quality, and style of high-end sunglasses, but only cost $25 a pair. They come with a carrying case, pouch, and cleaning cloth to boot.

VIEW ON KNOCKAROUND

Travel Pillow: Casper

Napping is an essential part of the road trip lifestyle and a comfortable pillow will take your sleep game to the next level. My small Casper Nap Pillow is compact, cozy, and stays cool as I watch the miles go by and fade away into dreamland.

Packable Travel Blanket: BlueHills

While we’re on the subject of car naps, I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend a comfortable and portable blanket to help you get some sleep on the road. This microfleece blanket packs down to the perfect size for cars, and is great for airplanes, camping, and at-home use as well.

Earplugs: Howard Leight by Honeywell

When spending hours in a cramped car, sometimes you need to tune out the background noise. Ear plugs will help you do so, and give you some respite from your fellow passengers. I’ve tried multiple brands of earplugs, and these are by far the most comfortable.

Sandals: Montbell Aqua Gripper

Any road trip wardrobe is incomplete without a good set of sandals, and the Montbell Aqua Grippers are my top choice. They’re lightweight, portable, and versatile enough for hiking, watersports, or any other outdoor activity you might come across during your adventure.

Portable Clothes Washing Kit: Scrubba

If you’re frugal and impatient like me, you’ve got no time for laundromats during your travels. The portable hand-washing bag allows you to clean your clothes in a matter of minutes. All you need is some warm water, laundry detergent, and your own two hands.

Camping & Outdoor Gear

Lightweight 2-Person Tent: REI Half Dome SL 2+

If you do it right, your voyage will lead you to some beautiful camping destinations. Once it does, you’ll want a quality tent to get comfortable in and catch some rest. I recommend the REI Half Dome 2 Plus for couples, or the Half Dome 4 if you’re camping with three or more people.

Sleeping Bag: Hyke and Byke Eulos

Though I’m a bit of an ultralight gear snob and sleep in a $500 quilt, I’ve tested out a friend’s Hyke and Byke Eulos and was very impressed. It’s warm, lightweight, and uses water-resistant 800-fill down. The best thing about it? It costs about one-third of what I spent.

VIEW ON HYKE AND BYKE

Lightweight Sleeping Pad: Sleepingo

To catch some solid sleep in your tent, you’ll need a comfortable sleeping pad to cushion you from the ground below. This particular model has blown me away. It’s comfortable, packs down to the size of a Nalgene, and inflates and deflates as quickly as you could ever ask for.

Pressure Camp Shower: Nemo Helio

Life spent bouncing from campsite to campsite isn’t the cleanest existence, which is why a portable shower is a must-have on your next road trip. This foot pump pressure-powered system allows you to get a strong and refreshing stream of water on demand.

Packable Day Pack: 4Monster

Whether you’re setting off on a day hike or venturing into the city for an afternoon, a packable travel backpack will serve you well. This 24-liter waterproof pack will carry your gear, snacks, and other essentials with ease, and compresses down to the size of a soda can.

Camping Chairs: Moon Lence

Car camping without a comfortable chair is against the unwritten rules of road tripping, so get your hands on one of these if you haven’t already. They weigh only two pounds apiece, fold down into an ultra-compact carrying case, and are as comfortable as they are convenient.

Water Filter: LifeStraw Flex with Gravity Bag

Purifying natural water when you’re camping will save you money, time, and resources. I recommend using the LifeStraw Flex filter system to treat lake and river water safely and conveniently. Simply fill the bag, hang it up, and let gravity do the rest.

Collapsible Water Bottles: Platypus

Clunky metal and polycarbonate water bottles are a thing of the past when it comes to exploring the great outdoors. So, instead of bringing along your Nalgene or HydroFlask, opt for a far more lightweight option like the SoftBottle to store your backcountry beverage.

Multitool: Leatherman Wingman

Keeping your outdoor gear in working order is easy with the right multitool, which is why I recommend packing a Leatherman on your next expedition. Whether you’re prepping fishing line or tightening the screws on your ski bindings, the Wingman has the right tools to get the job done.

Portable Trash Bins: EPAuto

A family packed tightly into a car on a long road trip is a recipe for a mess, but it doesn’t have to be. This handy waterproof trash bin will attach to just about anywhere inside your car and can hold up to two gallons of trash without so much as a leak.

Wet Wipes: Amazon Elements

If you’re a parent to young children, you know quite well that literal sticky situations will arise on your next adventure. Be prepared for anything with this mammoth supply of baby wipes that’ll help keep your car and your children clean until the next backseat disaster.

Tablet: Kindle Fire HD 10

When all of the games, singalongs, and coloring books get old, the kids are going to get bored. That’s when you dazzle them with a tablet loaded full of fun games, apps, movies , and kid’s shows. Boredom will turn to delight, and all in the world will be right again.

Volume-Controlled Headphones: JBL for Kids

At $25 a pop, these just-for-kids headphones are a no-brainer for road-tripping families. These headphones max out at 85 decibels, which is designed to protect its listener’s hearing. They’ll pair up well with a fully loaded tablet to make for the perfect distraction when you need it most.

Family-Friendly Card Game: Kids Against Maturity

If you were to play Cards Against Humanity with your young children, you might just be a bad parent. Instead, play Kids Against Maturity, which is a family-friendly spin-off. It’s entertaining for both children and parents and is a great way for families to goof off on long rides in the car.

Sun-Blocking Window Shades: Enovoe

Children don’t enjoy having the sun shining in their eyes; nobody does actually. So, help them out by shielding the sun’s annoying (and sometimes harmful) rays with window shades. This transparent set won’t block the view out the window or create any blindspots, either.

Helpful Organization & Storage Systems

Rooftop Cargo Storage: Yakima Skybox

Sometimes, there’s just not enough room inside the car for all of your wonderful gear. Don’t worry, though, you can create more space. Slap a Skybox or two on the roof of your car and, just like that, you don’t have to leave any of your precious gear behind.

Trunk Organizer Tote: JACO CargoPro

In the heat of car travel, trunks can turn into a disaster zone in a hurry. Prevent the mayhem by setting up a few helpful organizer totes to keep all of your gear, gadgets, and accessories in order. Or don’t, and prepare yourself for a lawless and chaotic trunk of oblivion.

World Map Laundry Bag: Kikkerland

Stinky, dirty clothes have no business mingling with clean road trip supplies, so stash them in a laundry bag like a civilized human being. This world-map bag packs down into the palm of your hand, and can stash a decent amount of clothing when thrust into action.

Road Trip Packing List + Interactive Checklist

Here’s the exact packing list and interactive checklist I use to get ready for my road trips. Click the ‘+’ sign to expand the category, and use the checkboxes to stay organized as you pack for your trip.

Roadside Emergency Kit

First-Aid Kit

Gas Container

Car Jack Kit

Jumper Cables

Air Compressor

Windshield Chip Repair

Car Charger

Charging Cables

Battery Bank

Lantern/Light

Bluetooth Speaker

Camera Lenses

Camera Batteries

Camping Stove

Cutting Board

Bottle Opener

Coffee Maker

Cooking Oil

Cooler/Refrigerator

Long Sleeve Shirts

Button-Up Shirts

Rain Jacket

Light Jacket

Winter Jacket

Athletic Shorts

Skirts/Dresses

Bathing Suit

Long Underwear

Hiking Boots

Baseball Hat

Soap/Laundry Detergent

Laundry Bag

Clothing Line

Safety Pins

Toiletries Bag

Conditioner

Hair-Styling Product

Dental Floss

Contact Solution/Case

Ear Cleaner/Swabs

Nail Clippers

Advil/Aspirin

Multivitamins

Playing Cards

Sporting Equipment

Journal/Pen

Sleeping Pad

Sleeping Bag

Travel Pillow

Water Filter

Water Bottles

Camping Shower

Folding Table

Camping Chairs

Packing Cubes

Reusable Grocery Bags

Storage Totes

Window Shades

Water Storage

Toilet Paper

Garbage Bin

Lighter/Matches

Windshield Scraper

Medical Insurance

Car Registration

Car Insurance

Helpful Road Trip Resources

Now that you have your essentials and packing list squared away, it’s for some tools to crush your next road trip. Here are a few helpful resources that’ll help your next adventure go smoothly:

• RoadTrippers – Incredibly detailed trip planner to build your dream itinerary
• Hipcamp – Connects users with private landowners who offer camping on their property
• Booking.com – My go-to website for booking affordable hotels, hostels & homestays
• Couchsurfing – Budget-friendly lodging option where hosts offer up a free place to stay
• Turo – Rent private cars at fair prices to avoid going with big-box companies
• RentalCars – Puts users in touch with car rental agencies all over the world
• GasBuddy – Helps users find the most affordable gas prices within a certain radius
• WorldNomads – Widely-trusted travel insurance popular in the backpacking community

Essential Gear + Packing List = Perfect Road Trip 

Well, I’ve divulged about as much info as either of us can handle when it comes to road trip essentials and packing lists. I hope you found some useful gear, hacks, and resources to help you plan your next journey on the great open road.

While you do that, I’ll be busy plotting my next adventure: a 3,000-mile adventure to the Pacific Northwest region of the US. I’ll be booking campsites, gathering a long list of can’t-miss destinations, and piecing together the most scenic route possible. I’m going to get as prepared as I possibly can.

But, if my wild and unpredictable history of car voyages is any indication, few things will go according to plan. At least I’ll have my road trip essentials and packing lists to cling to when life on the go gets dicey.

Stay safe out there, and may the open road lead you to fascinating new places.

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Noel Krasomil

Affiliate Disclosure : Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links help support this website and keep it 100% ad-free.

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41 road trip essentials: what you need on your next road trip.

Add these items to your road trip packing list to help you travel more comfortably.

Road Trip Essentials

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A road trip is a great way to see the country. Consider stocking up on these accessories before you go.

If you're planning a road trip, you're going to have a lot of work to do before you pack the car and head out of town. You'll need to map out a general itinerary, plan your overnight stops and create a list of must-see sights along the way. And don't forget about all the stuff you need to pack to ensure your family is safe, comfortable and entertained.

While you don't necessarily need a lot of things to make a road trip a success, U.S. News searched far and wide to find the best gadgets and gear that will make your time in the car the highlight of your trip. These are all items you'll want to consider adding to your road trip packing list.

As you pack your bags and get ready for an epic road trip, here are a few last-minute road trip essentials you might want to add to your arsenal, organized by category.

Personal care and hygiene

Entertainment, comfort and convenience.

Keeping a reliable flashlight stored in your car is a good rule of thumb for all drivers heading out on a road trip. In roadside emergencies, the Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight can illuminate a distance of nearly 1,000 feet with a battery life of up to six hours. Its durable design makes it ideal for use in inclement weather, and its five settings include an SOS signal and a strobe light. Meanwhile, the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp – which features a 400-lumen beam and red LED night vision – is ideal for when you find yourself changing a tire in the middle of the night. Both products earn rave reviews from consumers for their powerful light.

Portable power bank

Goal Zero's Sherpa 100AC power bank is a portable power bank you can use to recharge tablets, phones, cameras and laptops on the go. It features two USB ports, plus four cables are included and it's lightweight at just 2 pounds. Recent customers loved the power bank's versatility, but recommend charging it every two to three days for the best results.

Jumper cables

Jumper cables from AUTOGEN can easily fit in your trunk and could save the day if your battery dies and you're unable to start your car while out on the road. Many travelers also say you can't go wrong with these heavy-duty cables from Energizer. These 25-foot-long cables are perfect for any car type and come with a travel bag for easy storage – they're a must for any road trip packing list.

Portable tire inflator

A portable tire inflator can be a lifesaver if you find your tires have a slow leak during your trip. The AstroAl Air Compressor Tire Inflator is compact, so it won't take up much space among the other gear in your trunk, and it includes an LED flashlight with independent switch control. It is programmed to stop automatically once it hits the preset tire pressure and it comes with a 36-month warranty. Other travelers prefer the ViAir 88P - 00088 Portable Compressor Kit , noting it works well with a wide variety of vehicles. In addition to a 12-foot air hose and 9-foot power cord, the kit comes with alligator clamps that power your air compressor by attaching to your car's battery.

Jump starter

Picture this: You're having the time of your life on your road trip when your car battery dies in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, a high-quality jump starter is all you need to avoid this disastrous scenario. In addition to being water-resistant and compact, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 comes with a built-in flashlight and a USB port for charging devices like smartphones and tablets. The Hulkman Alpha 85 2000A Jump Starter also comes highly recommended by travelers thanks to its easy-to-use design and powerful battery life (a single charge can hold up to 60 jump starts).

Waking up in the morning to an icy windshield isn't a pretty sight. Prestone AS244 Windshield De-Icer instantly melts ice upon contact, so you don't have to worry about waiting for your car to defrost when you're in a rush. As an added bonus, the can comes with a built-in scraper tool for easy ice removal. Recent customers have called this product a lifesaver during harsh winters.

Bringing a trusty multi-tool on your road trip is a simple way to make sure you're prepared no matter what situation you run into. Leatherman products impress consumers time and time again thanks to the company's high-quality and lightweight multi-tool designs. Customer-favorites include the Leatherman Bond and the Leatherman Wave+ , which offers 18 powerful tools like pliers and wire cutters.

Car charger

Frequent car travelers recommend always staying connected with the TECKNET USB Car Charger . Featuring four fast-charging ports, this adaptor can be used to charge smartphones, tablets and more. If you're hitting the road with the whole family in tow, or you simply want to charge more than one device at a time, travelers say this powerful charging adaptor is a must-buy. Pair it with an extra-long charging cable that can easily reach everyone in the back seat.

Dashboard phone mount

Keep your eyes on the road by installing a dashboard phone mount before your journey starts. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 comes with a telescopic arm, a magnetic cord organizer and a strong-hold suction cup. Plus, its easy one-touch lock-and-release mechanism (a feature that is much appreciated among recent customers) makes taking your phone on and off the holder a breeze. If you don't like the rigidity of traditional dashboard phone mounts, consider choosing a phone mount with a flexible arm instead.

Document holder

Whenever you're hitting the open road, you want to prepare for the worst. In the event that you get into a car accident or are pulled over by the police, having easy access to your car's registration, insurance information and owner's manual is crucial. Recent travelers say that this Samsill car registration holder is great for keeping all your important documents organized.

Roadside emergency kit

To give yourself peace of mind while you're on the road, travelers recommend this STDY car roadside emergency kit from Amazon. Equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, safety gloves, cable ties, a tow rope, tire repair tools, a raincoat and more, this compact kit has everything you need when life throws you an unexpected curve ball.

Extra-large body wipes

Extra-large body wipes from Busy Co make it easy to wash up when you can't take a shower. Cloths are suitable for dry, oily and combination skin types, and address a variety of skincare needs, including clarifying, toning, soothing and nourishing. Recent customers appreciated the large size of the wipes and said using them made them feel refreshed while traveling.

Lysol wipes

Disinfecting Lysol wipes are a must-have on your travel packing list. These cleaning wipes kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, so you can feel protected while on the road.

Disposable toilet seat covers

Disposable toilet seat covers from Amazon will help you avoid germs and stay clean when you stop for restroom breaks at gas stations, port-a-potties and campgrounds.

First-aid kit

A comprehensive first-aid kit can't be overlooked when packing up the car for your next road trip. Recent customers say this 298-piece kit from Amazon will get you the most bang for your buck, with bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze, Band-Aids, pain reliever and much more. Although this will arm you with the basics of what you may need in a medical emergency, it's always a good idea to personalize your kit according to your needs.

Nausea Relief

Long hours in the car might sound daunting to anyone prone to motion sickness. In those cases, having preventative nausea medicine like Dramamine can be a lifesaver. If you prefer a drug-free alternative, Sea-Bands are anti-nausea wristbands that use acupuncture as a natural remedy to reduce motion sickness. Travelers say these bands are highly effective at reducing nausea.

Hand sanitizer

From gas pumps to ATMs, you never know what germs you may encounter on a road trip. Protect yourself against viruses like the cold and flu by adding a travel-size hand sanitizer to your road trip packing list and keeping it in the car during your trip.

If you'll be spending long hours in the car, it's important to remember to wear sunscreen. Sun Bum's SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray is broad spectrum, moisturizing and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. And if you'll be heading for the ocean on your trip, make sure you pack a reef-safe sunscreen like this one from Reef Repair to protect marine life and coral reefs from harmful chemicals. Although some customers reported a white cast upon application (due to the zinc oxide), many reviewers thought the trade-off was worth it to maintain healthy ocean environments.

Toiletry bag

This chic Sonia Kashuk Weekender Makeup Bag features two zipper compartments, a center organizer and carrying handles that make it perfect for transport. Customers particularly love that the bag is compact without sacrificing storage space. For durable, leak-proof travel bottles, check out this Getaway Travel Kit from Ban.do . It comes with four pearlescent bottles, two jars, a spatula, a funnel and a zippered pouch for storage. Plus, it includes a fun set of sticker labels so you can organize your toiletries in style.

[Read:  The Top Travel Toiletry Bags .]

Sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times, but there are plenty of ways you can enjoy your time while road tripping. With the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite , you have access to thousands of books at your fingertips. The device boasts up to 10 weeks of battery life, adjustable warm light and a glare-free display, which recent reviewers said made marathon reading sessions a breeze. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids , which offers a special font for children with dyslexia and comes with a two-year warranty.

Carefully curated Spotify playlist

Whether you prefer jamming out to tunes or listening to thought-provoking podcasts, having a Spotify playlist ready to go before you get on the road is a must. Take some time before your trip to curate a playlist or two so you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands off your phone while road tripping.

Audible subscription

Long drives call for catching up on all those books you've been saying you were going to read this year. With an Audible subscription, you can make the most out of traffic jams by enjoying some words by your favorite authors.

Choose a reliable duffel bag like the Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel for your next road trip. This bag is water-resistant, strength-bearing and perfect for when you need your luggage to fit in a small space. It also comes with lockable zippers and can be worn as a backpack or carried as a tote, a top feature according to recent reviewers. And if you're planning on hiking during your trip, travelers say the Daylite Duffel 30 from Osprey can fit everything you need with room to spare. This bag can be worn comfortably all day long and comes with a mesh water bottle pocket and functional harness straps.

[Read: The Top Rolling Duffel Bags .]

This YETI Hopper Soft Sided Backpack Cooler makes it easy to bring drinks anywhere without worrying about leaks. The cooler, which comes with a dryhide shell and a magnetic closure, can hold up to 18 cans (or 26 pounds of ice), and comes highly recommended by travelers thanks to its durable design. It's ideal for road trippers who plan to get out and explore, and need to stay hydrated or keep food fresh.

Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Save some space inside your vehicle by opting for a car roof cargo carrier. With an anti-slip mat and reinforced adjustable straps, the waterproof FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier from Amazon is suitable for any car type. Recent customers say that they had no problem getting it to stay in place even on high-speed roads.

Car organizer

A car seatback organizer lets you arrange road trip essentials on the back of the driver's or passenger's side seat, where they're within reach of small hands. Many buyers said this seatback organizer from Amazon.com took some of the stress out of traveling with kids, thanks to its multipurpose storage compartments, including a place for a tablet and plenty of other spots to store key items for your trip. You can also maximize your space by stashing your essentials in a trunk organizer. This one from Drive Auto comes with multiple storage compartments, waterproof lining and tie-down straps to keep items in place while you're driving.

Car trash can

There's no doubt about it – road trips can generate a lot of trash. Keep your car clean on your next adventure with this Hotor car trash can from Amazon. Complete with an adjustable strap, mesh side panels for storage and a leak-proof interior lining, this useful accessory comes highly recommended by travelers who find themselves frequently on the road.

Reusable bags

Whether you're stopping for snacks at a gas station or running into the grocery store for those last-minute essentials, a reusable bag is an easy way to reduce your plastic consumption. Recent reviewers said these versatile and water-resistant reusable bags can even be used as laundry bags, garbage bags or beach bags in a pinch.

Electric car blankets

Electric car blankets allow you to stay warm on the road no matter the temperature outside. This Stalwart electric car blanket takes up very little space, is surprisingly lightweight and plugs into any vehicle with a 96-inch-long cord. While some travelers noted that this blanket alone won't be enough to keep you warm in extremely cold weather, many say it was a welcome addition nonetheless.

SleepPhones soft headband headphones let you enjoy the open road while listening to music, audiobooks, meditation, white noise or talk radio. These headphones are expertly padded, which reviewers say makes them more comfortable for long-term wear than earbuds. You can buy the classic version or a wireless version at SleepPhones.com.

Travel pillow

Pick up an ergonomic travel pillow from Cabeau if you need extra neck and shoulder support when you ride in the passenger seat. The pillow features supportive memory foam, a front clasp to ensure it stays put and a removable cover that you can wash. Recent customers also loved that the pillow comes with straps that can be attached to any headrest, making sure you don't fall forward while catching some shut-eye. For kids, this Cloudz plush animal neck pillow comes in a variety of colorful animal options, such as a unicorn, a ladybug, a dinosaur and more.

[Read:  The Top Travel Neck Pillows .]

A battery-operated mini fan from SkyGenius can help you stay cool and comfortable. This fan comes with a rechargeable and replaceable battery, and is ideal for the car and for camping. For even more cooling capacity, opt for a fan with dual heads like the XOOL Electric Car Fan from Amazon. Both mini fans earn glowing reviews from travelers thanks to their powerful airflow capabilities.

Shield your eyes from the sun by picking up a good pair of sunglasses before your trip. Choose sunglasses that protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, and are polarized to block glare. Travelers love that these Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses come in a variety of tints and can even be customized to fit your needs. For a more budget-friendly option, check out these SUNGAIT Ultra Lightweight Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses from Amazon, which recent customers say are very comfortable and perfect for road tripping.

Window shade

The sun beating down on your car all day can heat it up quickly. To keep your car cool, travelers recommend the EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade , which protects your vehicle from UV rays and helps maintain your car's interior temperature at a comfortable level. Pair it with these car window shades to protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays while you're on the road. The shades come in two different sizes and transparency levels, and previous buyers say they are very easy to install.

Travel towel

A travel towel is one of the most versatile accessories you can bring on a road trip. Whether you are cleaning up a spill or want to go for an impromptu beach day, having a spare towel on hand is always a good idea. This odor-resistant and quick-drying 4Monster travel towel from Amazon comes in several sizes and includes a compact EVA box, which recent reviewers say makes it perfect for travel.

Reusable water bottles

Skip the plastic bottles and opt for a high-quality reusable water bottle on your next trip. This 40-ounce bottle from Hydro Flask keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for a full day. It also comes with a lid with a built-in straw, which consumers say makes it convenient for driving. For kids, a durable water bottle like this 12-ounce YETI rambler fits the bill – its stainless steel bottle is dishwasher safe and shatter-resistant, a feature that parents love.

Cubcoats are two-in-one stuffed animals that transform into hoodies. Your child's furry friend (think bunnies, sloths and puppies) doubles as a soft, zip-up sweatshirt, and you get to save some space in your suitcase.

Inflatable car booster seat

If you're flying to another destination to pick up a rental car for your road trip, consider bringing inflatable car booster seats along. This BubbleBum backless inflatable booster is suitable for kids 4 to 11, and comes with a seat belt positioning clip for optimal comfort and safety. Recent buyers said it was portable and extremely easy to use.

Kids travel journal

A kids travel journal makes it easy for your child to document their road trip and all the fun things they see and do. This one from Peter Pauper Press includes world maps, puzzles, fun facts and more, and many parents said it made their kids' time in the car fly by.

Activity books

A family road trip means long hours in the car, and bored children are every parent's worst nightmare. Activity books can keep your kids occupied for long periods of time while you catch up on some much-needed quiet time.

Backseat travel tray for kids

If your co-pilot is constantly turning around to pick up toys or pass out snacks, a backseat travel tray is in order. The LUSSO Gear Kids Travel Tray comes with a safety strap that can be secured to any car seat, and includes a dry erase board table, a cup holder, a storage compartment for toys and a no-drop tablet viewing stand. Reviewers loved the tray's whiteboard area and said it was a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides.

Shop in bulk

Check out Boxed.com for specially curated bulk items that are perfect for road trips and other types of travel. From sunscreen, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to Fruit Roll-Ups and snack-size packs of Pringles, Boxed.com is a convenient site to order bulk hygiene and snack items in one place.

Bring spare cash

Debit cards, credit cards and mobile phone payments may be the way of the world nowadays, but you may still run into a few places on your journey that are cash-only (for example, some national and state park entrance fees must be paid in cash). Be on the safe side by keeping some spare cash on hand in case of emergencies.

Save on gas

It's no secret that sky-high gas prices can put a damper on your vacation. Save some money on fuel by using apps like GasBuddy , which will show you the cheapest gas prices in your area. Go the extra mile by signing up for a gas rewards credit card to get the most bang for your buck.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Travel Backpacks
• The Top Sleeping Bags
• The Top East Coast Road Trips
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Travel , Vacations , cars , Road Trips , Travel Gear

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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The Ultimate Packing List for Road Trips (plus Road Trip Checklist)

Published by sarah vaughan on march 6, 2022 march 6, 2022.

As full-time road trippers, we’ve racked up thousands of miles and too many hours to count driving across the country. Each month, we play a game of Tetris to pack all of our belongings into our car and make the trek to our next destination. We don’t have a van, RV, or trailer – just 4 wheels on our Subaru and a trusty car top carrier. We both work full time and our cat, Fitzgerald, travels with us, which means that we’ve become experts in how to pack strategically for a road trip – everything that we need, but nothing that we don’t! In this article, we’ll give you our complete packing list for road trips, including a downloadable road trip checklist to help you prepare for your journey. This carefully curated packing list includes everything that we pack into our car every time we hit the road.

Two Outliers may contain affiliate links – we only recommend products we personally use and love. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Our life on the road

In March of 2021, we got rid of most of our belongings, packed up what was left, subleased our apartment in Virginia and hit the road: California bound! We drove from Virginia to St. Louis in one day, then to Denver the next.

After spending one week in Denver to break up the road trip, we continued to southern California, then to southern Utah, Arizona, northern California, Idaho, South Dakota, Minnesota… eventually we decided we loved life on the road too much to ever give it up and we made this nomadic lifestyle permanent.

We both secured jobs that would allow us to work remotely full-time during the week. We settle into a new “home base” each month with space for us both to work, typically in small towns strategically located near beautiful places with abundant opportunities for outdoor adventuring on the weekends.

P.S: You can read more about us here and check out the top highlights of our Western USA road trip adventures .

Overview | Packing List for Road Trips

Our lifestyle demands lots of road tripping, and over the many miles and hours in the car, packing and unpacking, we’ve crafted the perfect packing list for road trips that we’re excited to share with you!

We’ve learned a ton about what you really need (and don’t need!) on a road trip, and we hope our experiences will save you a little time and frustration.

Every single item that we pack into our mid-sized Subaru Forester for our life on the road is included in this list. As I was writing the list, it was hard to believe all this fits in one car, but believe us, with some strategic packing (plus a car top carrier), it really does!

We want to point out that we do not have children, so our road trip packing list is best for couples, solo travelers, or group road trips.

Be confident you have everything you need with our free road trip checklist!

Our interactive excel road trip checklist is complete with all the essentials you need to pack for your next road trip adventure!

Download our free Road Trip Essentials Checklist

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Packing list for road trip essentials.

First on our packing list are key road trip essentials, including tips on keeping your vehicle organized during a road trip, vehicle safety gear, important personal items, and miscellaneous items to keep in the car.

Organization

If you’re going to be spending a significant amount of time on the road, organization is essential. Here are few items we use to keep ourselves organized on the road:

• Plastic drawers | We leave these in our car to hold cooking supplies, camping essentials and hiking gear for easy access on adventures.
• Document organizer |This may seem silly, but when you’re on the road it can be really hard to keep track of important documents (think passports, insurance cards, travel tickets, etc). This organizer is perfect for keeping all our most important documents in one place.

Car top Carrier

Picture this: you’re about to set off on a 12 hour road trip. The car is packed full, car top carrier included. It starts torrentially down-pouring. Everything on top of the car is soaked. Sound like a nightmare? We’ve been there, and trust us, it is.

All that to say, a good quality hardshell rooftop carrier is 100% worth the investment.

Hard shell | Thule Pulse Hardshell, Medium Before switching to our Thule Pulse , we had a cheap softshell carrier and had all sorts of problems with it, from fighting to install it to wind torn straps to wet stuff. Our Thule has been a game changer – lightweight and aerodynamic (better for gas mileage), easy to install, pack and use, built in lock and key, and reliably waterproof.

Roof rack assembly gear | Thule Squarebar Raised Bars & Thule Evo Raised Rail Foot Pack Unfortunately installing a car top carrier isn’t as simple as purchasing the hardshell. Assuming your car already has a basic roof rack (bars that run parallel to the car), you will also need to purchase a set of crossbars (these go perpendicular to the roof rack) and rail feet , to which the carrier will be attached.

Vehicle safety supplies

Perhaps the most important set of items to pack before setting off on a road trip is vehicle safety supplies. You can hope you’ll never need these, but odds are if you are putting a lot of miles under your wheels, at some point they will come in handy:

• Jumper cables | It’s all too easy to accidentally leave a light on in the car overnight, and suddenly the battery is dead. These are always good to have just in case.
• Fix-a-flat | Although just a temporary solution, fix a flat is great to have to avoid having to change a spare tire. However, beware that you can only drive up to 100 miles on it.
• Spare tire | And its always a good idea to brush up on how to change one.
• Tire inflator | A great tool if you are car camping, driving on sandy or dirt roads, or just to avoid scrounging for quarters and waiting in line at a gas station to inflate your tires.
• First-aid-kit | It’s always good to have basic first aid gear in case of an emergency, especially if you are traveling in remote areas.
• Flashlight or headlamps | Again, good to have in case of emergency (also essential for camping while on the road! )
• AAA or roadside assistance card | I’ve had a AAA membership for years and it always pays for itself, especially if you spend a lot of time on the road.

Electronics and navigation

• Cell phone and chargers
• Cell phone car charger | Most of us rely on our phones for navigation these days so it’s important to have a car charger. If you are driving somewhere that you could lose service, it’s also a good idea to start the navigation (GoogleMaps or AppleMaps) before you go.
• Aux cords | To keep yourself entertained with music or podcasts if your vehicle doesn’t have Bluetooth.
• Map | Let’s be real, if you are sticking to major roads and highways in the United States, you probably won’t need to a hardcopy map. But if you are venturing off the grid, driving through national parks, etc you may want a real map for when you inevitably lose service.
• Phone holder | This makes navigating with your phone’s GPS a million times easier. This one is expandable to fit any phone and can be attached to the window, dashboard or vent.
• GPS Device | We primarily use our Garmin InReach Mini for hiking and backpacking, but it’s also great to have in the car on road trips, particularly when traveling in remote areas. It allows you to send texts or an emergency message in areas without cell service.
• Portable chargers | For hikes or excursions along the road, or in case of emergency in the car, we always bring several portable phone chargers – just make sure to charge them before you hit the road!

Personal items/documents

Below are the most important personal items/documents you don’t want to hit the road without !

• Purse/wallet
• Insurance cards
• COVID vaccination records
• Driver’s License

Misc items to bring/keep in the car

The following set of items on our packing list for road trips includes things that we keep in the car at all times to make our lives easier and keep the car tidy (or rather, keep the car from becoming absolutely filthy):

• Vehicle registration | In case you happen to get pulled over. (Tip: pay attention when you cross over state lines – speed limits often change here. Yes, we’ve been burned by an 80mph highway that suddenly drops down to 70mph…)
• Easy pass (or quarters for tolls) | There’s nothing worse than scrambling for cash when you come upon a toll.
• Napkins / Paper towels | Always good to have for the unexpected spill.
• Hand sanitizer | Looking at you, Covid.
• Grocery bags | To reuse for storing trash in the car.
• Pillow and blanket | To keep you comfortable on a long car ride.
• Sunshade | Great for keeping your car cool on a hot day sitting in the sun.

Entertainment

I (Sarah) hate to sit still and long road trips make me very antsy. Packing a variety of ways to keep myself entertained is very important, for the sake of my sanity, as well as Matt’s! Here are our favorite ways to stay busy in the car:

Number one source of road trip entertainment: podcasts! Listening to hours upon hours of music can get boring, and as soon as that happens we switch on a podcast to give us something else to think about. Here are a few our personal favorites – let us know if you have others that you love, we are always looking for new podcasts!

• National Park After Dark | If you love true crime and the outdoors, you will enjoy this podcast. It covers missing person cases, murders, tragic accidents and mysteries that take place in national parks across the country.
• My Favorite Murder | I’m a true crime junkie and this podcast is the perfect mixture of humor and great storytelling.
• Freakonomics | Alright, I may be a bit of a nerd, but Freakonomics puts a relatable twist on economics. It’s a great podcast to get your brain engaged in the car.
• This is Actually Happening | Fair warning, this one can get dark. Personal stories told from the point of view of survivors of tragic experiences of life circumstances, this podcast is intense and totally captivating.

E-books | Kindle

Books are too heavy and bulky to pack in the car, so a Kindle makes the perfect replacement. I always thought I would hate reading on an e-book, but my kindle is lightweight and has a soft light that is easy on the eyes.

Books on tape (eh.. phone) | Amazon Audible

“Books on tape” may be a thing of the past, but Audiobooks (like Audible), are perfect for road trips, especially if you are the one driving.

We use Spotify to listen to music and create our own road trip playlists, and make sure to download them in advance for driving through areas without service. Here are a few of our favorite artists for road tripping:

• Turnpike Troubadours
• Trampled by Turtles
• The National Parks

P.S. If you’re looking for more music inspiration, be sure to check out this list of our favorite songs about adventure and travel and download the Spotify playlist before setting off on your road trip!

Other sources of entertainment

• Computer | If you have an unlimited data phone plan, you can use your phone as a personal hotspot in the car, as long as you have service. We do this a lot to work on planning trips or writing while we travel. We both have 13 inch Macbook Airs and love that they are compact, portable, and have long-lasting battery life.
• Camera /photography gear | One of my favorite things to do in the car is look at photos from the trip and work on editing them in Lightroom .
• Questions card game | If you are road tripping with someone you spend a ton of time with already, you may be looking for some new things to talk about. We love card games, like Thinking and Drinking (without the drinking in this case…) that give you a random topic to prompt new and fun conversations.
• Journaling | When we’re traveling, we love to write about our experiences while they are fresh in our minds and keeping a journal is the perfect way to do so while passing time in the car.
• Portable speakers | Obviously not necessary in the car, but portable speakers are great to have for your final destination or stops along the way. (P.S. we lost our Oontz speakers for over a month and found them outside drenched from many rainstorms – they still work to this day… I’d call that durable!)

Car Camping

Camping while on the road helps save money on accommodations and allows you to stay as close as possible to the places you want to explore.

If you plan to camp along your road trip, you’ll need a whole other set of gear. We’ve compiled a complete list of all our road trip camping essentials to help you pack your car for camping:

In this article, we’ll tell you all our road trip camping essentials, including an excel checklist to help you prepare for your camping trip on the road.

Here’s where the packing list for road trips starts to get tricky. Packing enough clothes that you aren’t doing laundry all the time, but light enough that it fits in the car! Here’s what we pack:

Everyday basics

• Socks | Balega for running and Darn Tough for hiking.
• Underwear | My go-to comfy underwear for exercise and hiking are Sweaty Betty’s .
• T-shirts | Something comfy and versatile (also for running).
• Pants/leggings | Mountain Hardwear leggings are great because they are comfortable for lounging around but also great for hiking!
• Sweatpants | We haven’t found a pair more comfortable than Vuori joggers .
• Pajamas | I live in my Lake Pajamas .

Athletic/hiking gear

The bulk of the clothes on our packing list falls into this category, as most of our road trips are heavily focused on hiking and outdoor adventures:

• Hiking pants | These Athleta Headlands pants are my absolute favorite! Plus all the pockets make them more stylish, so they can double as normal pants. Matt’s go-to hiking pants are his PrAna Stretch Zion Pants .
• Quarter Zips | I have two Smartwool Merino 1/4 Zips and I absolutely love them! Warm, comfortable and stylish, they are the perfect base layer for colder hikes. Matt also has the men’s version of the Smartwool Merino 1/4 Zip.
• Fleece Pullover | The Cotopaxi Abrazo Half-Zip Fleece is so cozy and keeps me warm, from lounging around the house to chilly mornings out camping. Matt loves this pullover from Patagonia!
• Long sleeve base layers | Again, I love my Smartwool long sleeve base layers . They’re a bit pricey but the quality is worth it – they’ll last forever!
• Tanks | I’m obsessed with the Athleta Conscious Crop – a sports bra and tank all in one, and so comfortable for hiking!
• Ballcaps | Perfect for throwing on when your hair starts to look like you’ve been in the car for a few hours (or days…).
• Down Jacket | My Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody Women’s Down Hoodie is lightweight and incredibly warm with 850 fill down. If you hate being cold (like me) this is the jacket for you! The quality is top notch and totally worth the extra warmth. Matt loves his Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket.
• Rain Jacket | I pack 2 rain jackets – an ultralight Asics packable jacket (great for running and hiking in warm weather), and my Patagonia Torrentshell 3L with a bit more warmth that makes a great shell over my down jacket. Matt swears by his Outdoor Research Microgravity shell.
• Vest | This WoolX vest is sleek, stylish, and keeps me extra warm!
• Hats | I love this Patagonia hat that matches my down jacket!
• Gloves | Have I mentioned I love Smartwool? My favorite gloves are Smartwool Merino 150 , warm but not too bulky. Matt prefers something with a little more warmth and raves about these Black Diamond gloves .
• Hiking Boots | From long distance backpacking trips to quick day hikes, my Danner Women’s Mountain 600 Waterproof Hiking Boots have never let me down. Matt prefers the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX hiking shoe for their low weight and high durability.
• Running shoes | Hoka One One Bondi – these may not be the most stylish running shoes, but I swear they feel like running on clouds. I’ve trained for 2 marathons with these and I will never buy another running shoe again. For trail running, Matt uses the New Balance Hierro .
• Water shoes | If you plan to be near any body of water, Chacos are essential. I use them all the time for car camping and pack them on hikes that require wading through water to avoid getting wet boots.
• Casual wear | Toms Flats are great for road tripping because they’re small and easy to slip on and off. Matt always packs these super versatile Seavees . They can be worn with jeans for a night out, with shorts around town, or slipped on with sweatpants for a quick run to the grocery store.
• Sandals | I don’t pack a ton of “nice” clothes that aren’t for hiking or running on the road, but these Toms Sicily Sandal are so comfortable and versatile that they’re worth bringing.

Packing accessories

The following list includes everything we use to pack and organize our clothes and toiletry items.

• Packing cubes | We pack all our clothes in packing cubes ! They help you pack more clothes in a smaller space and keep things organized.
• Toiletry organizer | We both use Sea to Summit’s Hanging Toiletry Bag for our toiletries – it’s great for road tripping because it’s compact but big enough to fit the essentials, and also lightweight enough to take backpacking.
• Laundry bag | We always travel with a mesh laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from our clean ones when we don’t have time to do laundry.
• Backpacks | Since we do a lot of outdoor backpacking, Matt & I both pack all our clothes in our two backpacks (HERS: lightweight 40L Osprey Tempest and midweight 65L Osprey Ariel , HIS : 55L REI Co-op Flash )
• Day backpack | Matt uses the CamelBak Rim Runner 22 with Hydration Pack and I use the CamelBak Women’s Helena 20 with Hydration Pack . They’re both great day hiking packs and double for miscellaneous storage when packing the car.
• Suitcase | In addition to our backpacking packs, we also pack one hardshell Away Suitcase (shared between the 2 of us) that we use for work travel and packing nicer clothes that shouldn’t be shoved into packing cubes.

Food + & Kitchen Supplies

Next we’ll cover the most important road-tripping essential: food! We try to pack as much of our food for road trips as possible to save money on eating out. When packing for road trips, we always make sure to pick food that will last over a multi-day trip and not take up too much space.

Kitchen Supplies

We’ve found that there are few kitchen items that are important enough to bring on the road, and also make life easier in the car. Note that we also pack camping kitchen gear that can also be useful in the car and at Airbnbs/hotels along the road – you can read more about our packing list for camping on road trips here .

• Cooler | Before we get into food specifics, it’s absolutely essential to get a good cooler that can keep your food cold for the entire day (or multiple days). We could not road trip without our Yeti Tundra 35 . Its the perfect size – large enough to fit essential food for a few days, but doesn’t take up too much space in the car.
• Coffee mugs | One of the easiest ways to save money on the road is making your own coffee in a mug , at home or from your hotel room or Airbnb, before you set off. A $20 mug pays for itself in just a few days on the road.
• Water bottle | Again, save money on plastic water bottles and invest in a reusable one.
• Extra water | We originally purchased these 2-liter Platypus bottles to carry extra water backpacking in the desert. But, it turns out they serve another perfect function: packing extra water for road tripping. Fill 2 of these up before you hit the road and never buy a $3 water bottle from a gas station again!
• Utensils | A few reusable spoons, forks and knifes (or sporks ) make life so much easier.
• Reusable sandwich bags | Help the environment and save money on plastic bags = win, win!
• Bottle opener | For cracking a cold beer or popping a bottle of wine when you arrive at your destination.
• Cast iron-pan | Kind of a pain to travel with, but since we cook over the campfire so much it’s worth the space it takes up.
• Paper towels

Breakfast | Yogurts, Clif bar , Stroopwafel

Yogurts may be a luxury if you have limited cooler space but it’s our go-to breakfast so we try to make room, or at least pack one on the first day of the trip. If you want to conserve cooler space, try a Clif bar (cool mint is our favorite) or Str o opwafel .

For lunch , you’ll want to pack something that’s easy to put together in the car and that you can have for multiple meals (if you are road tripping for several days). Here are a few ideas:

• PB&J (on an english muffin) | A classic, simple and easy. Just refrigerate the jelly. To spice it up a bit, use an English muffin instead of 2 slices of bread.
• Turkey & Cheese (with ranch or avocado) | Also easy because all you need to keep cold is turkey meat and cheese, and you can make several sandwiches with one pack. Add ranch or fresh slices of avocado to spice it up!

While road tripping, we usually leave dinner as our one meal to eat out. That’s because packing food for dinner is tough, takes up more space in the cooler, often requires re-heating etc. By the end of the day, we typically don’t want to have to think too much about preparing dinner.

Tasty snacks just make a long road trip that much better. Here’s what we don’t hit the road without:

• Cheese-itz | Cheesy. Crunchy. Crispy. The best.
• Hummus and pretzels | For something a little healthier and full of protein to keep you satisfied on the road.
• Peanut M&M’s | Great for road trips because they don’t melt like other chocolate candies do!
• Bottle of red wine | For winding down after a long day of road tripping. Red wine is perfect because you don’t have to keep it cold. Just open and enjoy!

Pet supplies

If you’re road tripping with a cat or dog, your packing list just got a little longer. We don’t have a dog, but we do travel with our cat, Fitzgerald. Below are the essentials to pack if you are traveling with a pet:

Pet road trip packing list

• Food + water bowl
• Carrier/crate | We usually let Fitzgerald roam free in the car, but safety always comes first. If your pet is distracting while driving, you will want to have a way to contain them.
• Toys | Essential for keeping your pet happy and entertained while on the road.
• Collar and leash with name tag | For moving your cat/dog to and from the car, and just in case your they gets loose.
• Treats | But only for after you arrive at your final destination (Fitzgerald’s all time favorites are Temptations Shrimpy Shrimps )
• Anxiety medication | If your pet is particularly anxious in the car, talk to your vet.
• Comfortable bed or blanket | If you are traveling with a fully loaded down car, make sure you have a comfortable spot for your cat or dog to relax.

Cat supplies

Here are a few extra supplies to pack if you are traveling with a cat:

• Litter house (with a door) | So your cat can use the bathroom while in the car if necessary, without spilling litter everywhere.
• Scratching post | At home Fitzgerald loves his scratching post with hammock . Even though it’s a bit bulky, we always bring it with us on road trips because it means he won’t scratch up the furniture at our Airbnb/hotel/short-term rental. 100% worth the space it takes up!

For more tips on road tripping with your feline, check out this post:

Road Trip Tips

11 Proven Tips for Taking a Cat on a Road Trip

In March of 2021, we set off on a cross-country road trip from Virginia to California, taking our beloved cat, Fitzgerald, along with us!

Remote Work Essentials

Our last bucket of packing items for road trips is obviously optional depending on the nature of your trip. Since we are on the road full-time, we also have to bring with us the essentials for working remotely , which unfortunately means a lot of space in the car. Here are the items we can’t work without:

• Portable monitor | When we first started living nomadically, we hauled our massive monitors around the country with us… not exactly space efficient. Now we’ve both invested in a Foowin 15.6 inch portable monitor . It’s lightweight, and compact, plugs right into your laptop, and makes life on the road so much easier!
• Wireless keyboard | No cord means easy setup each time we move and less hassle packing and unpacking.
• Wireless mouse | Again, easy setup and transport makes a world of difference when you’re always on the move.
• Mouse pad | Since we move around a lot, our work surfaces aren’t consistent. Bringing a mouse pad means we don’t have to worry about whether our mouses will work well on rough surfaces.
• Laptop sleeve | I skip the bulky laptop bag and pack my Mac in a compact sleeve . It provides enough protect from scratches in the car, and also double as a raised workspace.
• Folding card table | Okay, again, this is a huge pain the a**! However, it’s often tricky to find Airbnb’s that have two work spaces, so it’s easier to just bring our own. The legs fold down so it slides easily in the car.

Other useful resources

Planning a road trip in the U.S.? We think you may find the following resources helpful in planning your trip:

• Road Trip Tips | 11 Proven Tips for Road Tripping with a Cat
• Road Trip Tips | Our Complete Road Trip Camping Essentials plus Checklist
• Travel Inspiration | 59 Best Songs About Travel & Adventure
• Zion & Bryce | How to Spend 3 Days in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
• Arizona | Adventurous One Week Road Trip in Arizona & Southern Utah
• Grand Teton | The Perfect 2-Day Grand Teton Itinerary

What gear would you add to our packing list for road trips? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Sarah Vaughan

Hello! I'm Sarah, one half of the couple behind Two Outliers! In 2023, I quit my job as a Data Scientist to travel around the world on an epic 15-month journey in search of the world's greatest hikes and outdoor adventures. Matt and I started Two Outliers in 2021 as a place for visitors to find concise, accurate, and honest information to plan their own adventures. We hope our experiences inspire you to hit the trail! Happy Hiking! Sarah

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Plan your route, how long is your trip, your vehicle or a rental, plan your sleeping arrangements, make a packing list early, choose the right gear, purchase travel-sized items, what electronics should i take, travel insurance, keep your travel documents safe and handy, cash and credit cards, keep your personal details close for emergencies, lay it all out, consider your itinerary, take out anything unnecessary, roof box, suitcase — what should go where, take a laundry bag, get your car road-ready, make the car comfortable, how many drivers, plan your driving time, note rest stops, be flexible, pack car activities, travel safely, make the trip an adventure, bring comfort items, know their limits, apps for road trips, how to prepare your house before you leave, final thoughts.

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There are few things as exciting as taking a road trip. Whether you’re going somewhere completely new or visiting an old favorite spot, it’s bound to be an adventure. However, one of the defining characteristics of road trips is that they can be unpredictable, especially if you’re not prepared. Weather changes, road conditions, or underestimating your ability to handle long car rides can come up.

Always ensure you have emergency and safety gear packed in your luggage, and bring plenty of water, music, and maybe a book or 2 to pass the time for a successful trip.

📋 Click To View Our Printable Road Trip Packing List >> 📋

Road Trip Packing Tips and Advice

Don’t get overwhelmed by the idea of planning your next big road trip. This guide will help you pack like a pro so you’re ready to hit the road, whether you’re driving a few towns over or across the country. However, being prepared isn’t just about what you pack. Here are a few things to consider before embarking on your car adventure.

While you’ll probably spend a lot of time in the car on your road trip, knowing what weather to expect is still an essential part of the planning process. For example, rainy weather might affect your visibility, so you must adjust to cover less ground in a day.

It’s also important to check the weather if you’re crossing multiple climate regions. It might be summer at home, but if you’re driving into the mountains, you’ll want to pack layers and a jacket because the temperature could drop drastically. 

Most of the time, a road trip has an end destination. Once you know your final stop, you can plan your trip accordingly.

Planning your trip route will not only help you get an idea of your driving times and what traffic and road conditions to expect, but it can also add extra fun to your trip. Take note of any side trips you could take or attractions you’d like to see while on your journey, and plan a few fun stops to help break up the miles in the car.

Most road trips are between 7 and 10 days in length but can vary greatly. Packing and preparing for a weekend-long getaway will be a lot different than for a 6-month-long adventure.

Some things will be on your packing list no matter how long you will be away from home. You’ll always want rechargeable batteries , a reusable water bottle, and a patch kit or spare tire.

Pack enough socks, underwear, and entertainment to last your whole trip, or at least until you can get to a laundry service or replenish anything you’ve used up.

You’ll want to decide if your road trip will be better in your vehicle or if you should rent one for the road. There are pros and cons to both.

Your Vehicle

The biggest upside to using your car is its familiarity. It’s an extension of your home, and you probably know how to change the settings to suit your preferences. However, consider its size. For example, if you’re going on a long road trip with 4 or 5 people, a sedan won’t be too comfortable.

Rental Cars

Rentals have the exact opposite pros and cons of using your own car. The advantages of renting come if your personal vehicle is small, isn’t equipped for electronics, or if it just isn’t road ready. You can find a temporary option to make your trip more comfortable and potentially more secure.

On the other hand, if you’re driving a rental, you have to be more careful about keeping it tidy. That could mean no eating while on the road or being meticulous about mud to avoid paying hefty cleaning fees or losing a deposit.

There are many ways to road trip, and any one of them has the potential for fun. However, they all require different types of planning, especially when it comes to your sleeping arrangements.

Here are a few of the most popular sleeping options for road trips:

• Hotels and Motels: This is the most comfortable option, but it requires the most planning, especially during popular vacation times, like during the summer or over a holiday weekend. To ensure you find a room that suits your needs, it’s a good idea to plan where you’ll be staying and make reservations.
• RV and Tent Campgrounds: Similar to hotels and motels, staying at these campgrounds offers some comforts, but they’re a little more rustic. If you’re road-tripping in an RV, you’ll often have access to electricity and water. Campsites set aside for tents usually have restrooms and access to cooking areas. Even in this case, you must make reservations to guarantee your spot.
• Car Sleeping: This is the least luxurious sleeping arrangement, but it’s popular for some types of travel. It’s most often preferred to pull over at a rest area for a few hours when driving long distances in a short time, but there are understandably no amenities.

Packing for a road trip takes a little more planning than you might be used to if you typically opt for other vacations. To ensure you have everything you need for hours on the road and whatever climates you’ll find yourself in, avoid waiting until the last minute to get your bags ready.

Start making a packing list as soon as you finalize your plans. Doing so gives you time to ensure you have the right clothes, toiletries, gear, and entertainment for the journey. It also gives you time to shop around if you need to, meaning you’ll have the best chance of finding exactly what you need.

You don’t need a luxury vehicle or top-of-the-line RV for a successful road trip. However, you’ll still want to ensure you have the right gear.

Some equipment might vary depending on the length and location of your trip, but there are a few things you should have no matter what sort of drive you’re taking on. Here are a few things you should remember to pack:

• Car battery jumper cables
• First-aid kit
• A spare tire, wrench, and car jack
• A tire patch kit
• A tire gauge and a small air compressor
• A warning triangle and reflective vest (preferably 1 per passenger)

Depending on your car, you might also want to invest in a luggage rack or roof box to save space inside your vehicle.

If you’re traveling with a pet, a crate or dog seat cover is also recommended, and if you have small children in the car, an appropriate car seat is necessary.

Even though traveling by car means you don’t have to worry about any restrictions on what personal-care items you can bring, you still want to pack efficiently. Using full-sized versions of your favorite hairspray or lotion can take up a lot of valuable space in your luggage.

Consider opting for travel or trial-size items unless you plan a particularly long trip. If your preferred brands don’t carry these products, you can make your own with reusable travel containers .

Depending on your sleeping arrangements, you’ll also want to pack soap and shampoo. This is particularly true if you plan on staying at campgrounds where toiletries aren’t provided.

Remember, spills are still possible even if you pack items in brand-new packages. To protect your other belongings from leaks, pack your personal care items separately in an easy-to-clean nylon or plastic toiletry bag . 

While it’s true that being in the car means you won’t be able to bring tons of electronics with you on your trip, you’ll still want to have a few tech items with you. Of course, you’ll bring your smartphone, which will likely grant you access to most of the apps and online resources you need.

You’ll also want to make sure you have a charger you can plug into your car with you as well. It’s a good idea to have an outlet and USB charger if you encounter a place to plug in when you’re not in your vehicle.

It’s a good idea to bring a tablet or e-reader , too. The larger screen is more convenient for watching videos or reading, which saves you from having to take up space by packing separate books or DVDs. You might also want to consider packing a camera to document your trip. A small digital or disposable camera will let you save your phone battery while still capturing photos and videos.

In most cases, your regular car and health insurance will cover your road trip. However, you might want to take out other travel insurance coverage in some instances.

If you’ve made any non-refundable reservations, travel insurance can help guarantee you get your money back if your plans change. You might also want to update or take out insurance on any valuable belongings you’ll be taking with you, like electronics or meaningful jewelry like engagement rings or wedding bands.

Consider taking the opportunity to become a member of AAA so you have some peace of mind if you need roadside assistance. These memberships also occasionally grant discounts at motels, attractions, and restaurants.

Travel Admin

Road trips might be a more low-tech way to vacation without complicated boarding passes and luggage tags, but there’s still some paperwork and administrative things to take care of.

Make sure you don’t forget these important documents:

• Your ID , including a driver’s license for anyone who might get behind the wheel; also, bring a passport if your trip might take you out of the country
• Car and health insurance information
• The addresses and booking information of any places you’ve made reservations at
• Multiple forms of payment , including money, credit or debit cards, and checks

If you want to go the extra mile, plan ahead in case you lose or damage anything while on the road by bringing extras of:

• Any health information to be aware of, including medical conditions, dietary requirements, allergies, and a list of medications taken
• Your contact details and those of your next of kin or emergency contacts

Keep multiple copies of all the necessary documents for your trip. If you have email confirmation for reservations or car rentals, save that email, take a screenshot on your phone, and bring a hard copy. Keep all necessary paperwork, including your ID, somewhere safe that you can easily access.

Most places today take credit and debit card payments and even mobile payment options, but don’t count on that being the case everywhere. Bring some cash with you in case of emergencies to ensure you’re not stuck and unable to pay .

At the same time, If you’re renting a car or booking a hotel room, you might be asked to leave a deposit ahead of time which should be returned to you at the end of your trip. In those cases, using your credit or debit card is the most secure option. 

With modern technology, it seems crazy that we used to memorize phone numbers or keep a written address book of contacts.

However, when planning your road trip, it’s best not to rely on your phone. Your battery could die, or a locked cell could keep someone from contacting your loved ones in an emergency. To avoid that, keep a physical list of contact information for yourself and your loved ones in a safe place.

Packing Your Car

The packing process is one of the most exciting parts of road trip planning. However, if you get too carried away, you might end up with a disorganized mess or even forget something important. Follow these tips to ensure you pack like a pro.

Before putting anything in your luggage, lay out everything you plan to bring. Here’s where making a packing list will come in handy. Seeing everything in front of you will help you notice gaps you might not have thought of.

Everyone knows to use the weather forecast as a packing guide, but make sure you also consider your itinerary.

If you think you may have a beach day, bring a towel and a bathing suit, for example. That’s why it’s a good idea to devise a plan of what you might do and see while you’re on the road so that you can pack appropriately.

Remember, there’s a difference between being prepared and being over-prepared. Only pack for the activities you are reasonably sure you’ll be able to do while on your trip. If you’re taking a road trip around Florida, you likely won’t need a snowsuit.

When it comes to packing clothes, personal care items, or entertainment, if you don’t use something at home, you likely won’t need it while on the road. For example, if you never wear a robe around the house or at the pool, don’t bring one with you.

Figuring out how to pack your car can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. There are 2 main options when it comes to packing up a car for a road trip:

Suitcases and Car Trunk

This is the easiest and most cost-effective way to pack, as most people already have a duffel bag or luggage set. However, if you’re traveling with a large group or have a smaller vehicle, the car’s trunk may not be large enough.

Roof Box and Luggage Rack

This packing option is more of an investment, but it can be more efficient for road travel as they both save space inside your vehicle. However, roof boxes offer more protection from the elements as they’re made of durable material suitable for most environmental conditions.

If you plan on going the roof box or luggage rack route, make sure to pack your important or valuable items in a separate bag that will stay inside the car.

You might also want to have a small bag with a change of clothes and your essential toiletries in the vehicle as well, so they’re easy to access if you’re overnighting at a hotel. 

You’ll likely have very limited access to a washing machine or dryer while on the road. Between washes, bring a spare bag to put your dirty laundry in to keep from mixing anything up with your clean clothing.

That could mean using something as simple as a trash bag, but you can also go the extra mile and opt for a waterproof bag you can use for swimming suits or other wet clothing items. 

Making sure your car is reliable and ready to handle long hours on the road is perhaps the most important part of the planning process. If you’re renting a vehicle, you likely won’t have to worry about doing much, as the car you get from the rental agency will probably have been inspected shortly before you get the keys.

However, if you’re taking your own car, there are a few things you’ll want to make sure you do before heading out.

• Check Your Oil: Make sure you have enough oil and that you aren’t due for a change to make sure your engine runs safely and efficiently.
• Get a Tune-up and Inspection: Take your car to your trusted mechanic for a look-over to have the brakes and engine checked.
• Check Your Tires: It’s a good idea to rotate your tires if it’s been a while since you’ve last done so. Make sure they’re aligned, balanced, and aren’t worn down as well. Depending on where you’ll be driving, consider changing to all-weather or off-road tires.
• Change Your Filters: Since you’ll be in your car for extended periods, changing your filters will help keep your vehicle free of air pollutants.
• Check the Lights: Test your turn signals, headlights, fog lights, and high beams to make sure they work properly.
• Check the Battery: Make sure your car battery doesn’t need to be changed. A mechanic can do this, but you can also do it at home with a multimeter.
• Fill the Tank: Of course, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to go an entire road trip without stopping for gas (or a charge if you’re using an electric vehicle), but it’s best to start your journey on the right foot with a full tank. 

Driving Considerations

To help things go smoothly, take the time to address a few things that can affect the drive.

Car seats are padded, but they aren’t usually designed for long journeys. Bring a lumbar or seat cushion for the driver to avoid back aches from hours on the road. For passengers, consider bringing blankets or pillows .

Of course, remember to have food and water in the vehicle so no one gets hungry or thirsty. It’s also important to wear soft, comfortable clothing and shoes. For example, you might want to opt for sweats instead of jeans.

One of the biggest factors that can affect your trip is how many drivers are hitting the road with you. That can mean the difference between covering 500 miles and 1,000 miles in a day, for example. If multiple drivers are going on the trip, you can plan your shifts behind the wheel according to your preferences.

Generally, it’s considered safe to drive for up to 8 hours with a break every 2 hours for at least 15 minutes to stretch your legs and rest. However, for some people, that’s still a long time to be behind the wheel, especially for multiple days in a row.

Even if you’re okay in the car for that long, other passengers might struggle with it. Don’t overestimate your abilities or the tolerance of your travel companions, and plan realistic driving times between stops.

Long periods in the car can be grueling and uncomfortable. While you probably planned some stops while figuring out your route, note other rest areas you might encounter while on the road and make sure to keep an eye out for signs of upcoming places to stop.

You might make detailed plans and have your road trip prepared down to the mile, but things happen. One day, you might find yourself burning out after just a few hours on the road, someone could get car sick, or unexpected traffic might pop up.

Be as flexible as you can, and come up with alternatives in case your Plan A doesn’t work out. This can also be a good thing! After all, being too rigid in your itinerary won’t leave much room for any other little adventures that could make your journey even more fun. Be open to stopping at a roadside attraction or checking out a town you drive by.

Road Trip With Kids Considerations

Road trips can be a great opportunity for family bonding and can give kids a lifetime’s worth of memories. However, taking on this sort of travel with children brings along a different set of considerations.

The number 1 thing that will help ensure your child is happy and entertained while in the car is to provide plenty of car activities. Here are a few options that will work in the confined space of a vehicle:

• Shows and Movies: This is the easiest option. You can download videos on a tablet or bring a portable DVD player.
• Coloring Books: It’s not recommended you bring markers that can stain, but colored pencils and a coloring book or drawing paper can work wonders.
• Travel-sized Games : If you have multiple kids or passengers, consider getting travel versions of board games like checkers or Monopoly or a deck of cards to play with. You can even find car-specific games like car bingo.

In most places, there’s an age and weight requirement for children to be in appropriate car seats.

In the U.S., most state laws for car seats require that children under 8 and/or under 65 pounds need a car seat, and children under 12 have to sit in the back seat of a vehicle. However, each state has further requirements, so double-check the laws where you’ll be traveling.

You can have all the games and toys your kid loves in the car, but they’ll still get bored after hours of driving. To help, make the trip an adventure . Point out interesting signs, stop at attractions, and give them a “job,” like looking for signs for your destination. All of that will help the ride be more exciting and tolerable.

Being away from home and their routine can be tough on kids, even if they’re excited about your vacation. Bring comfort items like their favorite blanket or stuffed animal so they have something familiar to make travel and homesickness easier to handle.

It’s hard enough for adults to take on a lengthy drive, let alone kids, and there’s no real way to practice building up that tolerance. Know your kids’ limits. Pull over for a while if they start getting agitated or uncomfortable , even if it means changing your plans and timeline projections.

Technology has made road-tripping so much easier thanks to software that can help you plan and drive. Here are a few handy apps (all for Android or iOS unless noted) to consider downloading before hitting the road:

Roadtrippers

This app is a lifesaver when you’re still planning a trip. Its map database can help you decide on a route and shows attractions, gas stations, hotels, and more for each option. It even provides travel time estimates and gas costs.

GasBuddy has access to fuel prices at over 140,000 stations in North America. If you need to fill up while on the road, it can help you decide which nearby station is most convenient.

You can’t use most map apps if you lose reception while driving. Maps.me is essential because it lets you download maps that can be accessed offline.

Roadside America

There are hundreds of landmarks and attractions most people have never heard of. This app, only available for iOS, compiles them all in 1 easy place, so you can see which ones you can stop at for extra fun.

Waze is useful for every drive, especially while on a road trip. The app gives you updates on traffic and road conditions while also providing alternative routes when they’re available.

• Get Rid of Perishables: Avoid buying perishables in large quantities the days before your trip and use up anything that might expire or go bad while you’re gone.
• Clean Up: On a typical day, you can put off taking out the trash or doing the dishes, but that’s not what you want to come home to. You don’t have to deep-clean your home, but tidying up will make your return more relaxing.
• Take Care of Your Mail: If you are out of town for over a few days, you’ll want to ensure your mail doesn’t pile up in your mailbox. You can ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail or even ask the post office to pause service to your house for the extent of your trip.
• Make It Seem Like You Never Left: If leaving your house empty for multiple days worries you, make it seem like there’s someone home. In addition to the above tip for handling your mail, invest in a light or television timer.
• Get a Housesitter: It’s not always necessary to have a housesitter stay over. You can just ask someone you trust to come by and check on your home, water any houseplants, and feed your pets if they didn’t come on your trip with you.
• Turn Off Appliances: Power surges can come out of nowhere, especially if there are storms or construction work in your area. Avoid returning home to damaged tech by unplugging non-essential appliances and purchasing surge-protector strips you can shut off at the socket.
• Let People Know: Make sure you have a few close family and friends who know your itinerary and have copies of all your plans and documents, including a photocopy of your ID. You’ll also want to call your bank, credit card providers, and insurance company to let them know you’ll be traveling to avoid being flagged for suspicious activity.

Road trips are a great way to see the country, but they involve some planning to avoid mid-trip stress and headaches. Plan your route, make sure your car is road ready, and bring plenty of activities for yourself and any other passengers you have with you so hours in the car can fly by in a flash.

Remember to use our helpful packing list to ensure you don’t forget any essentials or overpack for the occasion, and download a few handy apps to make your trip run smoothly.

If you’re searching for inspiration, check out our guide to the best road trips in the U.S. , including routes and highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a road trip be.

Most road trips vary between a week and 10 days because they usually involve driving thousands of miles away from home. However, you can also plan trips that are shorter or longer as long as you’re comfortable in the car.

What not to do on a road trip?

There are a few rules for what not to do on a road trip. The most important rule is not to drive past your limit. If you feel like you’re getting tired, stop for the night or switch drivers for everyone’s safety.

How should I pack for a long road trip?

Consider how long you’ll be gone for and make sure you pack enough to last that long, plus have a few days’ worth of spares just in case. Also, make sure your car entertainment essentials and important items are easily reachable.

What should I not forget to pack for a road trip?

Batteries and chargers for all your tech are essential for keeping yourself and your travel companions entertained while on the road. Also, make sure you have all your travel and driving documents and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Checklist

04/28/2022 by Kristin Addis 4 Comments

I’ve been on a fair amount of road trips in my day. From a camper van in Chile’s Atacama Desert to Northern Thailand, the American Southwest and even Tahiti, there’s nothing as freeing as taking your own vehicle and sticking to your own timeline.

Given it’s one of my favorite ways to travel, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned from the last few years of taking road trips around the world. This is my ultimate checklist, the only one you’ll ever need:

First Name:

Table of Contents

For your vehicle:

Maybe you’re taking your own vehicle, or maybe it’s a rental. Either way, there are a few absolute essentials, as well as things that’ll just make the journey easier and a little bit sweeter:

• License and registration
• Car insurance policy
• An extra set of car keys
• Spare tire and jack
• Trunk organizer
• Emergency toolkit
• Handsfree phone mount
• Travel pillows and throws
• Car garbage bin or a reusable garbage bag
• Fluids and an empty gas can if road tripping in remote places
• Sanitary spray and/or wipes and car air freshener
• UV window shades
• Car chain and snow kit if road tripping in the winter

For yourself:

• Water bottle (and fill it up every chance you get)
• Snacks (I love dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, popcorn, and sandwiches, as they don’t make a mess, and the last thing you want is to be in a car that smells like eggs)
• Travel mug + cutlery (for coffee and lunch takeouts)
• Hammock, in case you find a nice spot in nature to relax ( this one from ENO is big enough for 2, but I love it for just me because I like to stretch out)
• 2-3 quick-dry tank tops ,  t-shirts , or  long sleeve shirts
• 2-3 quick-dry shorts  or  pants
• 1-2 pairs of  leggings
• 1 set of sleepwear
• Enough underwear and socks for the trip
• 1 pair of  hiking / running shoes  and 1 pair of flip flops
• 1  rain jacket
• 1  sweatshirt  or 1  fleece jacket , and a large scarf (it gets cold at night)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Swimsuit (if applicable)
• 1  quick-dry towel
• Hanging toiletry bag
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (bring dry shampoo and wet wipes if shower isn’t available)
• Personal skincare
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Hairbrush and a small mirror (or just use your car’s rearview mirror!)
• Toilet paper
• DivaCup ( read my honest review here if you are new to the cup )
• First-aid kit and personal medicine
• Personal alarm, to keep on hand at night or in an unfamiliar area for safety ( this one from Nathan also has a strobe light for startling an assailant)

*If you plan on camping, check out my car camping checklist here.

* Check out my favorite natural travel toiletries here .

Entertainment and goodies that will make a big difference

• An offline music playlist and headphones (not everyone wants to listen to the same song 5 times)
• Kindle and audiobooks ( click here for some of my favorite road trip audiobooks to listen to )
• iPad (for some late-night Netflix, if needed)
• Writing materials
• Maps.me app for offline maps (great for trails too!)
• Portable charger
• Cash for state park entrance fees
• Camera for amazing photo ops

COVID-19 Road Trip Essentials

• Cooling face mask with UV shield
• Hand sanitizer ( this one from Dr. Bronner’s actually smells nice and isn’t gloopy)
• Documentation: proof of vaccination and/or negative PCR test documents (check each of your chosen destinations to see what you need)

I hope this helped you to find more ease for your next road trip. Knowing what to bring and cutting out the guesswork makes it so much easier, and that much more fun.

PIN IT FOR LATER:

How to plan a road trip in 4 easy steps

The best road trip audiobooks.

*Most of the links in this post are affiliate links. Any purchase you make through them supports this site at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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05/23/2020 at 10:30 pm

Thanks for these suggestions and tips! With summer coming and Memorial Day weekend upon us in the USA, many are thinking of opening up their lives. If one is going to venture out and travel, these are great ideas with a fully fueled vehicle (especially your own) where you have all your own supplies, shelter (bringing a tent, mentioned in another post like this) and you can find your own private space to admire, frolic, and enjoy in whatever destination you choose. This is a great first step to traveling again while being safe, awesome!

The Travel Bunny says

05/29/2020 at 9:44 am

I wish I had your list handy when I was getting ready for my Balkan road trip! It’s silly that what I missed the most was the quick-drying towel. I learned from experience to pack one on my future travels, but man, it would’ve been great to have it then!

Kristin says

05/29/2020 at 11:57 am

They are very nice!

Anonymous says

08/24/2020 at 9:28 am

Great collection of resources

2024 Ultimate Family Road Trip Packing List (+Free Printable Checklists)

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

Planning a family road trip can be exciting but also overwhelming, not knowing exactly what to pack. That’s where our experience road tripping comes in handy.

We’ve created the ultimate family road trip packing list and FREE printable checklists to make things easier for you on the open road. Drawing on our years of experience from countless road trips with our kids from babies to teens. Including cross country adventures, and week long road trips, to everything in between.

This guide covers everything. From road trip essentials for the whole family, to car and safety gear, plus tips on what to leave behind. Which you can easily adapt for wherever you’re traveling to.

With our travel-tested advice, and free printable checklists, you’ll be perfectly prepared for your adventure, making packing stress-free, straightforward, and do we dare say even fun!

Table of Contents

ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST FOR FAMILIES

Road Trip Essentials for the Car

When heading out on a long road trip, there are a few car essentials we think are important to add to your family road trip checklist.

We’ve found this road trip planning App , to be a fantastic tool for planning our routes & collaborating with others on the road.

• Driver’s License, Car registration and roadside assistance info – Check your glove compartment box before leaving your house to make sure you have any (and all) information you may need in a very worst case scenario.
• Extra Set of Car Keys – make sure to store it somewhere you won’t lose it, or give it to another family member. One of my fears is losing our car keys in the middle of no where, so having an extra set is peace of mind for me.
• Rental Car Agreement – If you are renting a car for your road trip, make sure to bring the agreement with you in the glove box.
• Sun Shades for the Windows – The sun can get a bit overwhelming, especially if you have really young children in the car. We’ve found Sun Shades like these super helpful.
• Cell phone holder – Especially when using GPS, having a Cell phone holder can be a game changer for your road trip.
• Car Seat or booster seat – Choose one that’s suitable for the ages of your kids, and somewhat comfortable for a long drive. We’ve found that stopping every two hours max keeps everyone happier.

Emergency Vehicle Kit

A Roadside Emergency Kit is one of the most important things we bring. It’s better to be safe than sorry and be prepared to handle the unexpected, like a flat tire is our motto.

It always gives us peace of mind knowing we have the basics, and think it will for you too.

Plus I don’t know how many times it has come in handy for helping other travelers out along the way during our own trips. It should include:

• Jumper cables
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Flashlight & batteries ( we prefer head lamps)
• Jack & Tools
• Food / Energy Bars
• Matches / Lighter

What to pack “Just in Case”

Accidents happen. But, how you handle them can be completely different if you are prepared. Not to mention there are certain things you just don’t want to forget for a long car ride. 

Add these to your road trip with kids checklist:

• Map  – You may not ever need it, but make sure you have a paper or book road map. In case your phone dies, google maps steers you wrong, or anything else happens, you will be glad you have it.
• Paper Towel & Toilet Paper – Keep these handy for unexpected bathroom stops, or unexpected spills. Well with kids you can expect a mess!
• Wet wipes –  Whether you have a baby or not, we think baby wipes are life savers & road trip necessities.  You can clean up spills, hands, and even clothing with a few baby wipes. My daughter is 10 and we still use baby wipes for all our travels. Not just for kids!
• Small trash can – To keep your car clean, and organized with a small spill-proof car garbage can. Don’t forget the trash bags.
• Plastic bags – No one wants to talk about this, but you need to have extra bags in case anyone gets car sick. We also like to have a designated car garbage bag we empty out every day. That way the mess stays somewhat in check.
• Towels – As a safety precaution, it never hurts to add a few towels to your packing road trip. This can help in various situations of spills, sickness, and comfort.
• Licenses & wallets – Just as a reminder, make sure you have everyone’s licenses, wallets and debit / credit cards before you even walk out your front door.
• Health Care Cards / Medical Insurance Info – Also make sure to have your health care cards or medical insurance info handy.
• Extra food, water & games – In case you get stuck somewhere unexpectedly. Water is also good in case of overheating.
• Family First Aid Kit

Family First Aid Kit Essentials

If you are traveling anywhere, I highly recommend keeping a First Aid Kit in your car, and a smaller one in your backpack if you are off on hikes for the day.

Besides, if your kids are anything like mine, they go through bandaids like they are going outta style.

Here are some items we include in our family first aid kit, in addition to the usual suspects:

• Extra Band aids
• Blister Band Aids
• Disinfectant
• Polysporin / Antibiotic cream
• Acetaminophen & Ibuprofen (Kids & Adults)
• Prescription Meds
• Gravol / Motion Sickness meds
• Allergy Meds
• Rehydration Tablets
• Medical Tape
• Mosquito Repellent
• Hand Warmers
• CPR pocket mask
• Small Flashlight
• Small Pocket Knife
• Hand Sanitizer
• Plastic Gloves

PRO TIP : Buy a small cloth first aid kit, or toiletries bag and fill or switch out with your preferred Family First Aid Kit items. Keep First Aid Kit and medications handy and within reach.

Family Road Trip Essentials

When packing for your entire family, you may find that you don’t need (or want) as much as others. Or, on the flip side, you may find that you like to bring everything but the kitchen sink, just in case. No judgment here!

Do you have to bring everything we recommend on this list? Absolutely not! Specific items you pack for your family road trip will vary based on preference and destination.

Here are some family road trip essentials that can useful supplies for your next trip:

• America the Beautiful Park Pass – If you are planning on visiting USA National Parks, then a park pass will save you $$.
• Mouthwash – If you plan on bringing snacks, or even stopping to eat, having mouthwash is a must. Between having fresh breath and smelling fresh breath, you don’t want to forget this. Mints or minty gum also does in a pinch.
• Portable Charger / Power Bank   – Save yourself trouble with a pre-charged battery pack. If you have teens, a portable power bank is a must for a successful family road trip. Or in our case keeping a device addicted adult happy.
• Car Chargers  – Not only should you have a portable power bank, but bringing extra chargers that can be plugged directly into your car are a good idea. Don’t forget your device cables too for when you are in the hotel room. (Kindles, cells, tablets, gaming devices, laptops etc.)
• Camera / Go Pro – While you are out creating memories, be sure to document the fun, silly and sometimes ridiculous and unexpected moments along the way.
• Walkie Talkies – When traveling with friends and family in a convoy, we find walkie talkies are a great way to stay in touch.

Entertainment Essentials

The thought of packing for a road trip with kids can be overwhelming. But, it doesn’t have to be.

Keep in mind that you want to be including items for them to keep your trip stress-free as well. Road trip activities to keep them entertained.

• Tablet – For those moments when you just can’t take hearing another “are we there yet?”
• Headphones -You do not want to hear everything everyone is listening to on your road. A symphonic cacophony is not the most relaxing of sounds. So, save yourself the trouble, and pack headphones for everyone. If you are bringing wireless headphones , make sure to charge them before the trip.
• Books – If no one is prone to getting car sick, pack a few books or a Kindle for your family members to enjoy on your road trip. You can include learning books, entertainment, or even coloring books.

PRO TIPS: Make sure you charge any devices before you leave. Also, you will want to download any games, music, or apps beforehand.

PRO TIP : We’ve found it helpful to make sure each kidlet (and adult) has their own small travel backpack or bag with their own activities, devices, snacks, waterbottle & a change of clothes. Keep it beside them so they can easily reach it.

Kids Road Trip Essentials: Road Trip Activities for Kids

• Road Trip Bingo
• Coloring Book & Activity Pages
• Road Trip Kit
• Travel Magnetic Tangram Puzzles
• Entertaining Questions to Spark Conversations
• Paper/ journal – If you have creative kids, I recommend packing some journals, a sketchbook or paper to practice art, writing, and crafting with. Let your kids keep their own memories of their trip, with a kids road trip journal.
• Crayons / Pencil Crayons : Pack a few different crayons / pencil crayons and let them go at it! You can also add markers or pens in your overnight bags, so they can “fill-in” later if you’re worried about felt pen marks in the car.

PRO TIP: We’ve found these twistable pencil crayons are perfect, so you don’t have little bits of shavings all over your car.

• Road Trip Activities – Bring a variety of age appropriate activities. Especially if you are traveling with toddlers & preschoolers.
• Outdoor Games – Bring a few outdoor activities like a frisbee, or bubbles. We’ve found this really helps to get the wiggles out at rest stops and provides entertainment at campsites along the way.
• Road Trip Playlist – While you could just listen to the radio, making and playing a road trip playlist will up your parent cred, and make groovin’ in the car a hit. Don’t forget to embaress your kids by singing at the top of your lungs. We do 😉
• Audio Books or Audible – Perfect for keeping everyone from young kids to the older kids entertained on long trips. 

PRO TIP : Use a Back seat organizer that fits over the front seats keeps all the snacks, electronic devices, books, small toys contained and in reach of the kids.

Comfort Items

• Change of clothes – The last thing you want to happen is to have a mess with all of the extra clothes packed deep in your luggage. To alleviate the chance of this happening, pack an extra outfit in one small bag that stays on top of everything else.
• Pillows for Kids – A little comfort during your road trip can make all the difference. You don’t have to pack king size pillows, but letting each child bring a neck pillow (at minimum) is a great start! My daughter loves this bcozzy travel pillow.
• Travel Pillow for the adults – Just like for your children, the passenger also needs to be comfortable. Don’t forget to pack a pillow for you and/or your partner!
• Blankets – Kids love them & you’ll be happy to have them in winter months, or if you are driving overnight.
• Diaper bag –  Include an extra in car diaper bag for  easy access with young’uns. Fill with extra diapers, wipes, a plastic bag or a resuable wet bag, a couple of changes of clothes that is easy to grab and carry at rest stops.

Bring Road Trip Snacks & Meals

Packing road trip snacks and meals will save you time and money while heading to your final destination.

Avoid the nasty gas station food and have healthy travel snacks on the go. Making a family vacation meal plan will make your meals easier.

• Cooler – If you have extra room in your car, or you are trying to save money on food costs, you can’t go wrong with packing a cooler. Just make grocery store stops along the way to pick up supplies.
• Road trip meals: Check out our Easy Road Trip Meal ideas
• Snacks – Healthy snacks are a must. This will save you hangry kid and partner moments and money. The best road trip snacks to pack are things like nuts, granola bars, sandwiches, beef jerky, protein bars, and string cheese. Avoid packing sticky and messy snacks.
• Drinks – Just like snacks, you need to pack some of the drinks your children like. We use resuable water bottles, and refill them as needed.

⭐️ Grab some easy travel snack recipes here for your next trip.

PRO TIP: Freeze a water bottle or two full of water, then you can have cold water as it melts. It can also double as an ice pack in your cooler.

🚙 Check out our delicious road trip snack ideas .

Road Trip Packing List: Clothing

I will highlight a few key pieces of clothing for family road trips.

• Rain jackets – Instead of carrying an umbrella, pack some light rain jackets for everyone. Keep everyone warm & dry. We like this one for kids , this one for men and this one for women .
• Footwear – Bring a few options. Walking / hiking shoes, easy slip on sandals for the car and warm weather, then boots for rainy and winter season. I admit I love my Crocs for road trip travel days. Easy to slip on and of and comfortable for walking around all day if needed.
• Sunglasses – Sunglasses will cut the glare, protect your eyes, and keep you in the height of fashion.
• Hats – Sunhats, ball caps, garden straw hats, water hats. The possibilities are endless to keep the sun off your face.
• Seasonal Gear – Depending on the time of year you road trip, you may want to bring ski equipment, bikes, boogie boards, kayaks etc. What you bring will depend a lot on the size and type of vehicle you are traveling in.
• Packing Cubes – For keeping your clothes organized
• Swimwear, suits, coverups – Check out our full Beach Vacation Packing list here

PRO TIP : If you are moving around a lot on your road trip, pack each days clothes into a ziploc bag or in a packing cube . Then you can just bring into the hotel with you, rather than bringing all the bags in and out each time.

What NOT To Pack for A Family Road Trip

Now that we have our road trip essentials list, let’s get into some things we think you don’t need to pack on a family road trip

• Everything but the kitchen sink – Once you pack in the kids, cooler, dog, clothes, road trip activities you may not have as much room as you think. Consider if you can rent gear, & what’s absolutely necessary for your families enjoyment, comfort, and safety.
• Lots of toys – Inevitably with too many toys, pieces get lost, favourite toys get left behind, or there are fights amongst siblings. Pack a few car games, and maybe one small toy, but leaving most of them home.
• Too many sweets – While it is fun to have some treats, too many sweets can bring everyone’s mood high and then low. A bad combo in a confined space! Balance it out with combo of whole fruit, and protein (nuts, jerky, trail mix).
• Avoid large & hard shell suitcases – Because they’re space hogs. We much prefer small duffels, or backpacks. I have even been known to just bring my clothes in a reusable shopping bag. You can pack them in tight around stuff.
• Messy car snacks – need I say more?

Road Trip Destinations:

• Big Sur Road Trip: Epic Places to Visit & Hike
• 7 Day Family Friendly Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon Itinerary
• Yosemite National Park, Awesome 2 Day Itinerary
• Vancouver Island Canada Bucket List
• Boston to Bar Harbor & Acadia Road Trip

✅ Kids travel backpacks are perfect for holding their road trip activities, snacks & water

Free Road Trip Checklists for Families

FINAL THOUGHTS: What to Pack for A Family Road Trip

There you have our list of what to bring on a road trip. Although you may need to be a bit more mindful when packing for a road trip with your family, it doesn’t have to be too complicated.

When making your packing list, ask yourself:

• How long will we be in the car?
• What necessities can my children not live without during this time?
• What will provide the most comfort for my family on this road trip?

Once you answer those questions, you will have a solid road trip packing list for your family.

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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Ultimate Road Trip Checklist: 60+ Essential Items to Pack

A road trip can be a perfect way to get away, letting you and your family travel safely while enjoying the scenery and exhilaration of the road. Before you leave, though, it’s important to be prepared for both the good and the bad that may come your way.

A road trip checklist can help you prepare and pack all the essentials you need for the best road trip possible: one that’s both safe and fun. Use these travel tips to pack the road trip essentials you won’t want to hit the highway without. You can download our printable road trip checklist for help.

Road trip documents

Before heading out on your next road trip, whether you’re going to a secluded campground or checking out our national parks, you’ll want to be sure to have all the necessary resources. While you can store some of these documents online, others you’ll want to have in the car.

Driver’s license or ID

Naturally, you don’t want to be without your driver’s license (or another form of ID) if you’re pulled over.

Plus, it identifies you if you’re in an accident and can’t speak for yourself. If you lose your purse or wallet, having a driver’s license inside can identify who it belongs to and help the finder return it to the rightful owner (you!). And don’t forget: If you want to buy alcohol on the road, you may need ID.

Proof of car insurance and vehicle registration

While we all try to avoid being pulled over, you still need to be prepared if it happens. Proof of car insurance and your vehicle registration are essential.

In some states, you need proof of insurance to register your car in the first place, so when you receive these documents, put them in your glove compartment right away so you can reach for them quickly.

Emergency contact information

When you’re traveling, you always want someone back home to know where you are, and where you’re headed. Keep the numbers of your emergency contacts both in your phone and also on a paper copy that’s easily accessible in your glove box, console, or visor.

Make sure those lists also contain contact information for emergency services, roadside assistance, and your auto insurance company.

Vehicle owner’s manual

Always keep your vehicle’s owner’s manual in your glove box, too. During your trip preparations, check to see if your car is due for servicing before you leave. The manual can tell you where parts are located for maintenance if you plan to DIY.

Once you’re on the road, the manual will come in handy if you break down and need information about repairing your vehicle, like how to pop the hood and jumpstart a dead battery.

You also can refer to your car manual for instructions on how to use safety features, such as hazard lights and airbags, as well as features like keyless entry, cruise control, Bluetooth, and hands-free devices.

Car rental contract

If you’re road tripping in a rental car, you’ll want to keep the contract handy, too. It provides information about the rental agreement and the company that owns the car, including how to reach them in case of an emergency or a change in plans.

Health insurance card

You don’t want to think about the possibility of going to the emergency room or health clinic during a vacation, but the fact is that it could happen. Health conditions don’t take a holiday, and accidents are always possible.

Keep your health insurance card in your wallet to make an unexpected visit easier or, in a worst-case scenario, to verify coverage and permit medical treatment if you’re incapacitated and unable to communicate.

It’s easy to rely on GPS, but it doesn’t always work the way you planned. If you’re using your vehicle’s installed GPS, you may need to update it (which can cost money) to keep your maps current, plus it may not tell you about road and traffic conditions.

If you’re using your cellphone GPS, an app like maps.me or Google Maps can be great, but if you’re out of WiFi or cell service range, you’ll need a backup.

Paper maps don’t have to be the old-school fold-up kind you used to get at the gas station. Laminated maps or Thomas Guide books are much easier to handle.

Pen and paper

You never know when you’ll need to write something down. If you’re in a fender-bender, a pen and paper might be the easier way to exchange information with another driver.

If you have to ask directions and don’t want to rely on your memory to turn left here, then right at the picket fence, then right again at the third mailbox, a pen and paper can come in mighty handy.

Basic road trip travel supplies

Depending on where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone, create a list of travel supplies to fit your plans. (You’ll want to pack more, and differently, for a long road trip.)

Some are essential no matter where you end up; others may be more specific to your trip or destination. Here are a few supplies that road trippers might want to consider:

Cash and credit cards

Always carry both cash and a credit card with you. Cash is important for those places that don’t take credit or debit cards, plus you’ll want some pocket money. There’s always the possibility, too, that the electronic system accepting plastic may be offline, so it’s important to have at least some cash in your pocket.

On the other hand, you’ll also need a credit card as a backup if you run out of money. It can be essential for renting a car, too: Rental companies require a credit card as a form of security, even if you’re paying with cash, to guard against potential damage to the vehicle.

Cooler with water, ice, drinks, groceries, and snacks

Having road trip snacks, drinks, and munchies on hand at the outset of your trip can save you time and money along the way. Who needs the extra cost of paying $2 for vending machine sodas at rest stops or convenience stores when you can get them cheaper at your local supermarket?

To save space, consider packing blue ice reusable ice packs — which you can refreeze in your hotel room — instead of heavy, bulky bagged ice that can melt all over the place. Compact, non-perishable snacks like granola and energy bars are also convenient and easy to pack.

Water bottles and insulated mugs

Another way to save space (and money on bottled water) is to pack a reusable water bottle. It’s also a must if you plan to go hiking or biking.

Insulated travel mugs can keep drinks cool or warm longer; insulator sleeves are inexpensive and can do the trick, too.

Medications and prescriptions

Remember to take along all your over-the-counter medications and prescriptions to keep you healthy on the road. Pack enough to last the entire trip, with a few extras just in case. But don’t risk losing the entire pack or bottle on the road; leave a supply at home for when you return. A pill organizer can be helpful.

If you don’t travel with the actual bottles, you should still know the names and prescription numbers of your medications so you’ll be able to refill them if necessary — or accurately alert physicians if you need medical care

Personal hygiene items and grooming utensils are a must on any road trip. Before you hit the open road for your USA road trip, remember to pack your toiletry bag with items like:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap or body wash
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Contact solution
• Toilet paper

Sun and insect protection

Be ready for whatever environment you’re likely to find yourself in. Take along sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays, insect repellent (especially if you plan on hiking or camping out), and lip balm for dry weather.

When applying bug spray, avoid cuts or irritated skin. Apply only to exposed areas (never under clothes) and don’t use them near food.

When it comes to sunscreen, the CDC recommends applying a broad-spectrum product “that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher before you go outside.” Reapply after two hours or a dip in the water, and always check the expiration date so an unexpected sunburn doesn’t derail your plans.

Umbrella and sunshade

Speaking of protection from the elements, road tripping also involves being prepared for inclement weather. Check a weather app ahead of time, and take along an umbrella just in case.

Or, if you’re headed toward sunny weather, grab a sunshade that can darken passenger windows while you’re driving, or stretch over an outdoor space during roadside stops. Sunglasses and a hat can also offer protection against harmful rays.

If you’re heading to a snowy climate, a warm, well-insulated jacket and gloves are in order. If stormy weather is in the forecast, take along a rain jacket in addition to your umbrella.

Towels, blankets, pillows

Take along towels to dry off after a dip in the pool or ocean and comfy blankets and a travel pillow or two when it’s time to relax.

Soft items are especially important if you’re planning to camp, but still not a bad idea if you’re staying indoors, too. How often have you had to pester the front desk for an extra blanket on a cold night or put up with a stiff pillow that leaves you with a sore neck in the morning?

If you’re roughing it, you’ll also want a sleeping bag or a mummy bag for maximum insulation and warmth in cold weather.

Bags are useful in any number of road trip situations. Take along the following:

• Trash bags for disposal
• Sealable/zip bags for storing toiletries, medications, snacks, etc.
• Zipper-secured tote bags for keeping items secure in public places
• Beach bags for carrying towels, blankets, sunscreen, flip flops, etc. to and from the beach or poolside — or for exercise items like yoga mats and leggings
• A backpack or daypack for hiking

Baby food and supplies

If you’ve got little ones along for the ride, don’t forget items like:

• Diaper changing pad and diapers
• Baby shampoo and soap
• Baby formula
• Baby food and snacks
• Baby OTC medications
• Baby bottles
• Baby blanket
• Baby-safe toys

Pet food and supplies

Besides food, water, treats, and a leash, don’t forget chew toys for the pups, disposable waste bags to scoop that poop, plus seat tethers and a blanket to rest on in the car.

Camera and media players

You might want to leave behind your most expensive technology to avoid damage, but consider taking some items along for entertainment or to document your trip.

Cellphone cameras produce far better pictures than they once did, but you still might want to pack a traditional digital camera for telephoto, wide-angle, tripod, or special filter shots.

Listening to audiobooks, podcasts, or tunes on a Spotify playlist or your MP3 player can help pass the time on “travel days” between destinations when you’re on the road for hours. And video players or streaming devices can keep children (and adults!) entertained during long car trips.

Extra batteries and chargers

It goes without saying: A portable charger is a must. But don’t stop there. You don’t want to run out of power, so take several backup chargers plus extra batteries for any items you can’t plug in.

If you have three different people with three cellphones, it’s a good idea to pack three separate chargers. This ensures you won’t be taking turns with just one when you’re in a hurry to get back on the road or for overnight charging.

And don’t forget to take along plug adapters: Your car charger may plug into your vehicle just fine, but while some motels have USB outlets, others don’t.

Cards and games

A deck of playing cards can go a long way toward easing boredom and helping family and friends engage with one another — especially if you’re struck with an unexpected power outage.

If possible, pack games that don’t rely on unwieldy boards or have a lot of separate parts: You don’t want to lose dominoes, Scrabble or mahjong tiles, or Monopoly pieces under the hotel bed or at a campground.

Mad Libs is a great game for a car trip. A Rubik’s Cube is also a fun solo game. But you don’t even need to take a manufactured game: You can use a pencil and graph paper to play homemade Battleship.

Or make a scavenger hunt checklist with items like different kinds of traffic signs, gas station brands, and other landmarks — statues, cemeteries, etc. — that passengers can keep track of right from the car.

Safety and survival supplies

As much as you want to enjoy your trip, you want to get there and back in one piece at the bare minimum. Here are some items to help you do just that.

Water and non-perishable food

Allot one gallon of water per person per day of your trip. And try to pack — or arrange to pick up — a 3-day supply of food per person. Non-perishable options with plenty of protein are best, like granola bars, peanut butter, nuts, vacuum-packed tuna, etc.

First aid kit

When building a first-aid kit, make sure to include the following items to handle minor emergencies:

• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze roll and pads
• Antiseptic wipes
• Cold compress
• Non-mercury oral thermometer
• Disposable gloves
• Pain reliever
• Cotton balls

Fire extinguisher

For engine and other vehicle-related fires, as well as for campfires that threaten to grow out of control, a fire extinguisher can keep a small fire from becoming a big threat.

Smartphone and charger

A smartphone isn’t a luxury item; it can save your life if you need to call for help. (When’s the last time you saw a phone booth?)

A Wi-Fi booster can be important, too, if you’re traveling to isolated areas with poor cellular signals. If you’re the adventurous type, you might want to hike to Deseret Peak in Utah or visit the Denali Glaciers in Alaska; with a booster, you can still be confident of reaching the police or paramedics if you run into trouble along the trail.

A phone mount for your car can help you drive safely — and legally — with your hands free. Models are available that mount on your dashboard, clip onto your AC/heater vents, or fit in your cup holders.

If you find yourself stranded along the roadside, you’ll be glad you brought your phone and a charger so you can call AAA or your preferred roadside assistance.

Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes

While hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes became crucial travel companions during the COVID pandemic, it’s not a bad idea to keep them on hand from now on.

Germs and viruses thrive on all kinds of surfaces — from restaurant tables to gas pumps to dashboards — that you’re likely to touch during your travels. Having sanitizer and wipes on hand will minimize your exposure to bacteria and viruses like a cold or flu.

Emergency blankets

Emergency blankets are essential to have on hand in case someone in your vehicle develops a fever or you break down and have to spend the night (or a significant amount of time) in your car — especially during winter in cold-weather areas or in almost any desert at night.

You can use duct tape to fix anything, or so the saying goes. But it’s only half-humorous: It’s actually pretty close to the truth. Whether you want to repair a tent, seal a bottle, fix a broken strap on your luggage, or even block light or remove lint from your clothes, duct tape can do the trick. Like a Swiss Army knife, it serves many functions — all in one handy roll.

Multipurpose tool, knife, or scissors

Speaking of Swiss Army knives, there’s a reason why they’re so popular, and it’s not just the corkscrew and can opener! If you need to slice cheese, cut fabric for a tourniquet, open a bottle, trim twigs off a walking stick, or unscrew a battery terminal, a multipurpose tool offers what you need for dozens of occasions.

Vehicle supplies for your road trip

Before you even get started road tripping, a thorough inspection of your vehicle can help make sure you won’t need some of the items on this list. Check your headlamps to make sure they’re working. Change your oil and filters, and check your spark plugs. Have your tires rotated and check the tire pressure.

But even if you do everything right on the front end, there’s a chance something could go wrong on the road. To that end, here are some travel tips on items to pack in a roadside emergency kit, so you’ll be prepared for every contingency.

Tool kit with pliers, screwdrivers, socket set

A vehicle tool kit should include a few basics. Pack both regular and Phillips-head screwdrivers, as well as a plier set that includes slip-joint pliers, cutting pliers, needle nose pliers, and wire strippers. A ratchet and small socket set also can come in handy.

Extra set of keys

If you’re traveling with a spouse or other companion, have them hold on to an extra set of car keys, in case you accidentally lock yourself out. If you’re traveling alone, consider a heavy-duty metallic key holder you can hide somewhere on the frame of your vehicle.

You’ll need a reliable flashlight if you break down on a dark road in the middle of the night or are just camping in the woods. Remember to take along extra batteries, too.

It’s probably a good idea for every member of your crew to have their own flashlight. They don’t have to be bulky; compact LEDs can give off a lot of light from a tiny lens.

You also have other options to suit your situation: Some flashlights can strap to your head; others are solar-powered, and there’s even a larger model with a tripod, so you can set it in one place to free up your hands.

Jumper cables

Jumper cables are a must. They can save you from having to call roadside assistance or a tow truck — you’ll just need another friendly motorist to stop and offer their battery.

Use a tire gauge to check your tire pressure if your tires look low or you’ve just driven over a hazard and want to be sure you’re still good to go. You can ruin the rims and throw off the alignment by driving on a flat or underinflated tire.

A tire gauge is also helpful when adding air to your tires, so you know you’ve hit that sweet spot — the tires have enough air but aren’t overinflated. Many air machines at gas stations have tire gauges, but it’s not a bad idea to double-check them for accuracy against your own.

Spare tire, tire iron, and jack

If you have a blowout or a flat, keeping a spare tire, a tire iron, and a jack on board (and knowing how to use them) can save you from having to call a tow truck.

For heavy vehicles with high road clearance, you might also want to consider ramps, which can work better than jacks in such situations.

Tow strap or rope

If you slide off the road, a rope or tow strap can help someone pull your vehicle out of the ditch.

Road flares or hazard triangles

If you break down and have to leave your vehicle near or partially on the roadway, road flares or hazard triangles can save you from disaster. They let other motorists know to steer clear. While flares work well at night, you should also be sure to use your vehicle’s hazard lights.

Antifreeze is a chemical additive (usually ethylene or propylene glycol) for the water in your cooling system that lowers the point at which liquid freezes. It also works as a coolant — another name for the same concept — to keep your engine from overheating.

In short, antifreeze regulates your vehicle’s temperature on both ends, and it’s worth taking along some extra, just in case. As a bonus, it helps prevent corrosion in your radiator and cooling system.

If you run out of gas and find yourself needing to hike up the road a mile or two to buy more, you’ll need a gas can so you can bring it back. Gas stations often sell gas cans, but it’s best not to rely on chance: Carry one of your own at all times, just in case.

Can of tire sealant

Tire sealant will repair a flat tire on the go and will hold for a short time until you can replace it or repair the puncture.

It’s a fibrous liquid that comes in a can, which makes it relatively lightweight and portable. Simply inject the sealant into your tire through the air valve, and it coats the inside, flowing to the puncture and plugging the hole to seal it until you have time for a more permanent solution. Pretty nifty.

Seatbelt cutter tool

If you need to get out of your car but you’re stuck inside by a seatbelt that won’t release, a cutter tool can free you.

Window breaker tool

Also known as a window hammer, a window breaker is another tool you can use to escape if you’re trapped inside your vehicle. Window hammers and seatbelt cutters are often available as components in 2-for-1 tools.

Winter weather supplies

If you’re traveling in or to cold weather, you’ll need to carry some tools specific to a more brutal climate. An ice scraper does exactly what you’d expect: It’s a hand tool that scrapes ice off your window.

You’ll also want either snow chains or snow tires, and a foldable shovel (in case your car gets stuck and you need to dig out from snow that’s fallen around your vehicle). Cat litter can keep your wheels from spinning on ice: Just sprinkle it under your tires for extra traction.

Travel always involves a good deal of packing and forethought to make sure you’re prepared for most situations, but the advance effort is worth it once you’re traveling with safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

Get prepared for almost anything you might encounter on a road trip by assembling the items on our printable road trip packing list. Then, all that’s left to do is hit the road and have fun!

20+ Road Trip Must-Haves

Travel with these essentials for a whine-free ride. (Cute dog optional.)

If your summer vacation plans include a few hours (or 10) in the car, you're gonna wanna pack these on-the-go essentials!

North Face Backpack

When you're constantly tossing bags in and out of the car, they better be able to handle plenty of abuse. The durable North Face Hot Shot Backpack is water-resistant and has plenty of compartments for a portable speaker, games, and other road trip essentials. ( $84, amazon.com )

Rubbermaid Cooler

With the Rubbermaid 50 Quart Cooler , you won't have to worry about your drinks and snacks getting warm. Packed with 25 pounds of ice, this split-top cooler will keep food cold for more than 12 hours. It also comes with large wheels, so you can easily cart it to a campsite or the beach. ( $47, amazon.com )

Oxo Travel Mug

If you rely on your morning coffee to get you through the day, take it on the road with the Oxo Good Grips LiquiSeal Travel Mug . And no need to fret about annoying bumps in the road — this beverage container won't leak or spill as long as the lid is closed. ( $20, amazon.com )

Easy Spirit Sneakers

For all those times you're out and about instead of sitting in the car, slip into comfortable shoes with a minimal design like Easy Spirit's Reinvent Walking Sneakers . The mesh upper and stretch lining of this lightweight shoe conforms to your foot, making it feel like you're wearing slippers instead of clunky tennis shoes. ( $99, amazon.com )

Throwing clothes in the washer at a moment's notice isn't an option on the road. Prepare yourself for any spills that come your way with Tide-To-Go Instant Stain Remover . This pocket-sized pen will completely remove soda, fruit juice, and coffee stains from fabrics. It even works on silk! ( $4, amazon.com )

Febreze Car Vent Clips

This Good Housekeeping-Seal holder keeps your car smelling fresh — no matter how many spills and crumbs you rack up on the road. Just add these easy-to-use clips to your car's vents, and voila. It's also a breeze to control the intensity via a dial on the top. ( $6, amazon.com )

Puffs Softpacks

Better suited for the car than hard cardboard boxes, these tissues packs can be tucked in a glove compartment or in a door or seatback pouch without crushing. And, the water-resistant outer pack keeps the tissues clean and dry. ( $9 for 2, amazon.com )

As long as they aren't fried, corn nuts are a secret superfood! Toss a bag in the car, or go for another pop-able driving snack like dry, roasted chickpeas. You'll find them at most rest stops, and with lots fiber and protein they'll stave off cravings between meals. ( $9, amazon.com )

Honey-Roasted Peanuts

Satisfy a sweet tooth with 1.5 ounces of honey-roasted peanuts. They're only about 4 grams of sugar per serving but will kick a candy craving. The trick is that the sugar (or salt, for the savory versions) is just on the surface, so they only taste more flavorful. ( $17 for 2, amazon.com )

PackIt Lunch Bag

The soft-sided walls of the bag have built-in freezable gel, so you can pop the empty bag in the freezer the night before your outing to help your snacks stay cold throughout the morning. ( $32, amazon.com )

Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn

Our taste-test winner is available in single-serving bags at most gas stations — it's super satisfying and just 160 calories per a 1-ounce bag. ( $23 for 25, amazon.com )

Simple Green Car Wash

Simple Green's auto cleaner cuts through dirt, grime and grease (even bugs!) to leave your car with a polished, streak-free shine. Use it on everything from SUVs and trucks to motorhomes and ATVs. ( $5, amazon.com )

Magic Tank is a genius $20 solution to extend a (near) empty gas tank. It's a non-flammable liquid that you can safely store in your car and use in any gas-powered engine. It basically helps get what gas is left in your car's reservoir, so note that it's not meant to replace traditional fuel, just serve as an insurance policy.

PadPockets Tablet Holder and Car Seat Organizer

Keep kids occupied — while wrangling car games and snacks — with this pocket-packed headset hanger. Just slip a tablet into the pouch for an instant, on-the-go entertainment center. ( $25, amazon.com )

Aquapac Camera Case

Protect your electronics and other important items from the elements with a Aquapac Small Camera Case . Whether you're swinging by the pool or getting caught in a downpour, your gadgets will remain safe and functional through the clear, waterproof panel. ( $35, amazon.com )

Conair Mini Blowdryer

The Conair Minipro Tourmaline Ceramic Styler was considered the most user-friendly by our testers when the GH Institute tried it out. It's an inexpensive, tiny champ that dries hair well and is super-light — at just 0.6 pounds. ($20, amazon.com )

Car and Driver Organizer

Stay safe while road trippin' with Car and Driver's Roadside Emergency Kit, packed with essentials like jumper cables. ($25, shopcaranddriver.com )

Chelan Fresh Fruit

If you've ever fished a crushed banana out of your bag, you'll appreciate how the innovative packaging on Chelan Fresh cherries, apples and pears makes fresh fruit easy to eat in no matter where you are. The company's Rockit Apple Tubes and Cup o'Cherries fit right into car cup holders, and the cherry cup even has a built-in place to put pits.

Beanitos Bean Chips

Made from wholesome navy beans, rice and actual cheddar cheese , these Good Housekeeping Nutritionist Approved chips are super snacks. They earned our new Emblem because they contain beans and whole-grains, without added sodium, saturated fat and artificial flavors. Beanitos are available single-serving packs, so you can skip the vending machine at 4 p.m. ($4, amazon.com )

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A Road Trip Checklist: The Essential Road Trip Packing List for a Budget Traveler

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Packing for any kind of trip can be daunting. Figuring out what you’ll need and what you’ll wish you left behind can be headache-inducing! From clothes to toys, tech gear to phone apps this post will give you a road trip packing list to make sure you have the essentials for your next budget road trip!

My Road Trip Checklist & Essential Road Trip Packing List for Budget Travelers

Table of Contents

Membership Cards & Accounts

Gas station membership cards.

Many gas stations offer points programs or discounts on gas with the use of their ‘club’ card. While it may be annoying to carry multiple cards, saving $0.03/gal can add up when you’re road tripping! And if you’re a coffee or soda drinker, you might benefit from the ones that offer a free drink after so many purchased, like Flying J/Pilot or Thornton’s. If you’re not a fan of cards, see which ones have apps that you can scan, instead!

A Costco &/or Sam’s Club card

If you’re a Costco member, you already know the wonderfulness that is a samples run. If you’re not, you’re missing out! They typically have anywhere from 4-15 sample stands at once, and they can honestly feed you an entire meal! Sam’s isn’t so much on the sample train, but they do have a good cafeteria. A meal at either cafeteria can run $1.50-6/person. (The $1.50 hotdogs are huge, delicious, AND come with a beverage!) When road tripping on a budget, these are great options for a cheap and filling meal, not to mention a great place to stock up on bottled water or snack foods! An added bonus, and possibly more relevant on your road trip packing list, is that Costco’s gas stations are typically priced lower than most surrounding stations, so you’ll save everytime you fill up!

A Groupon account

From restaurant discounts to oil change bargains, Groupon is a literal treasure trove of good deals! While the options are more abundant in larger cities, you can find deals in MANY places around North America. Check out  my post on maximizing your discounts on Groupon  for some great ideas! Get the app to make looking for and buying deals easier, and to get a notification when they are offering additional discounts!

Roadside assistance (AMA)

This is a must have for any road trip packing list! Whether you get a flat tire, run out of gas or lock your keys in the car, help is only a phone call away. Plus, most roadside assistance programs are partnered with local attractions so you can score some decent discounts on things to do wherever you travel.

Read More: See my must-pack list for any adventure!

Allstays Truckstop App

There are many truckstop apps out there, but this is the best one I’ve found. It shows the locations of any Flying J, Pilot, Love’s or TA in the US or Canada. It also shows details about each one, including how many truck stalls there are, what restaurants are on site, how many showers it has, and more.

Even if you’re not planning on car camping or RV camping in a truck stop, this is a great app to have. Truck stops are along all major highways, and offer a great place to stop for a meal, to gas up, and to stretch your legs.

Allstays Walmart Parking App

If you’re the kind of road trippers that look for free places to park overnight like us, this app is a must on your road trip packing list! It will show you all Walmart locations in Canada and USA, and whether they allow overnight parking or not. It includes comments from previous parkers, so gives you great information to help you choose where to park. They also offer a website with all the same information, if you’re not interested in adding another app to your phone!

Hotels.com & Booking.com App (or your favourite booking engine)

Car camping is our preferred way to sleep, but sometimes a night in a hotel is needed! We are huge Airbnb fans under normal circumstances, but when road tripping it can often be difficult to know where you’ll stop for the night so a last minute hotel booking just might be in order! I use Hotels.com and Booking.com most often. Hotels offers a free night with every 10 you book but sometimes Booking has better prices or availability. Priceline is another good app for last minute bookings thanks to their ‘make an offer’ program.

Google Maps, with your area of travel downloaded

Google maps might be a given for your road trip packing list. But what you may not know is that you can- and should- download the area you plan to drive so that you can see it offline. This is handy in case you enter an area that doesn’t have the best service and because it will help reserve your data for other things.  Here’s a tutorial  to show you how to do this if you’ve never done it before.

Another cool feature of Google Maps is the ‘My Maps’ application. You can actually create your own map with your stops highlighted and directions to each one.

Read more: Plan the ultimate summer road trip with these tips!

One thing we noticed in the US is that gas prices vary SO much. You can be at one station filling up and directly across the road the gas price will be $0.20/gal higher. GasBuddy helps you avoid this by showing you prices all over the country. This is an essential road trip app for a budget traveller like me!You can even help them stay current and take a chance at winning some gas cards by reporting prices along your route!

This is our preferred site for finding accommodation , regardless of how we’re travelling. It can be a bit more difficult to arrange last minute since we generally travel without much of a planned itinerary. But it’s an essential app for when we want to stay put for a few days! The app offers the ability to filter the ‘instant book’ rentals so you can find ones that you can book immediately without waiting for the hosts approval. This is helpful for those days you need to book something quick and don’t have time to wait for the host to see and approve it.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is my first stop when looking for things to do in a given area, so definitely an essential item on this road trip checklist. Packed with reviews, photos, prices and tour offerings, TripAdvisor is a helpful app for any adventure.

Food & Drink Supplies

A reusable coffee mug.

Easy to grab snacks

The last thing you need to do while driving is dig around for snacks or worry about messy fingers! Our trick is to keep a dedicated box/bin in the backseat with some easy to open and not-too-messy munchies. This makes reaching for snacks easy, AND keeps our car organized.

Powdered soup, tea bags, hot chocolate, drink mix, etc

What do all of these have in common? They all require only hot or cold water to become something tasty! This qualifies them as the perfect addition to your road trip packing list. Use your reusable coffee mug to make soup or a drink with water from any truck stop or gas station. As long as you aren’t using any of their products, they don’t have a problem with you using their water (yes, we always ask!).

Reuseable utensils

Whether you’re making your drinks or soup, buying lunch meat to make sandwiches, or carrying a cooler and making salads, a stash of utensils is handy to have on your road trip packing list!

Condiment Packets

Most condiments- like mayo, mustard, ketchup and BBQ sauce- require refrigeration. When you’re road tripping, that can be hard to manage. Single-use packets are the perfect solution! We just made sure to grab a couple extra anytime we ate out in the months leading up to our road trip to build up our supply.

Refillable water bottle

BUDGET TIP: Any fountain soda stand will have a button for plain filtered water and gas stations rarely mind you filling up your bottle with it!

Read more: Head out on the best foodie road trip on Route 66 !

Tech Supplies

A power converter.

Braided USB cords

Multi-plug adapter

Handsfree Bluetooth Speakerphone/Transmitter

Read More: Stay on budget with these budget travel tips

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency car kit.

Booster cables

First Aid Kit

A Flashlight

Great for emergency situations as well as daily use, a good flashlight is a must on your road trip packing list. Seth has a flashlight tucked into several different cubbies in our Echo and they get pulled out frequently! From looking for something under the seat to finding a lost item at night once we’re tucked in, having a flashlight within reach is just plain helpful.

General Travel Gear

Window covers.

Rear passenger windows : These window covers have been a key part in this system because they make covering the back passenger windows a cinch! They just pull over the door like socks so are super easy to put on. Bonus is that they still allow air through them without making it obvious your window is open, so no worries on cracking the window while you sleep! We actually have 2 sets because through trial and error we’ve found that doubling them up offers a darker interior, which we prefer.

We’ve recently commissioned my mom to make a second, thicker set to fit our front windows which has made our night time prep SOO much faster. If you’re a car sleeper like us, having covers made is highly recommended. Before this, we used microfiber towels tucked into the door to cover our front windows.

Read more: Explore the Grand Canyon on the road trip of a lifetime!

Microfiber towels

Ziploc Bags

We use ziploc bags for SO many things. They are a requirement no matter where we’re going! Whether storing snacks, toys, rocks we’ve collected or even dirty socks and wet clothes…. They’ll no doubt be put to good use! Bring a handful of a couple different sizes so you have options when the need arises.

Reusable containers

Blankets and Pillows

Even the warmest places can get cool overnight, so it’s always a good idea to have a few blankets at the ready! If you bring a few thinner ones for each of your travelers you can layer as the weather dictates, keeping everyone comfortable. And if your fellow travelers are anything like Seth, they’ll make good use of the pillows on driving days!

I hope this road trip packing list will help you plan your next adventure and ensure you have all the essentials items for successful road trips on any budget!

Do you have suggestions on things to add to this road trip packing list? Leave a comment below!

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14 Comments

That’s quite a detailed packing list! I love braided cords too, I guess they are more durable. Believe in always carrying a refillable bottle too.

This is so helpful! I was on a a US road trip over the summer and definitely could have used some of these ideas! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing! I’ll keep this post in mind for my next roadtrip! 🙂

What a list! I never though about importance of discount cards, but again, I usually travel outside of my own country, so I don’t have any relevant ones.

Wow, you’re so organized, I would love to go on a road trip with you! I love the snack box and the Groupon app idea – I never would’ve thought of that.

This was such a comprehensive list!! I’m saving this for later. I plan on taking a lot of road trips this year!

Aah this looks like a perfect list. You have covered everything. I should start carrying first aid with me I always overlook basic necessities, Sigh!

What a great, comprehensive list. I can attest that roadside assistance was a lifesaver when we broke down 9 days into our trip. Loved the truckstop app as well. However, we made the rookie mistake of not getting a gas card until halfway through.

What a dream of a list! I have so many of those kinds of apps here in NZ, but I don’t even think about them back home – bad idea! Thanks for the tips 🙂

I love your checklist. My husband and I do the same when we travel. This is helpful as there is bound to be something left behind when we don’t follow our list!

Very useful list. Helpful to know how to find cheapest gas an overnight parking spots.

I’m a frequent road tripper, and published my first book last year about a cross-country road trip, and I can guarantee that these tips are spot-on! Love the one about the slippers, since my toes get numb when the temperature drops below 33…

I love road trips! You have compiled a great list of items to carry with you and all the tips to get ready for an amazing road journey

I laughed when I noticed the featured image. That car is literally the symbol of a budget traveler, haha. P.S. I drive a 1999 Honda, so I can relate.

Other than that, I really liked the list, thanks!

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The Ultimate Road Trip Supplies Checklist

Planning a road trip can be an exciting yet daunting task. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of road trip supplies to help you pack for your next adventure!

The fun part of planning is looking at road trip ideas then deciding where to go. But the important part of a successful road trip is knowing what to pack and what to leave behind!

You want to make sure you have everything you need to ensure your journey is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. To help, here’s a comprehensive checklist of all the essential supplies you’ll need for your next road trip adventure!

From snacks and entertainment options to camping gear and safety items, this list has it all covered so that nothing gets left behind on your epic voyage.

Grab the free planner and road trip packing list by clicking the graphic below!

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Lists of road trip supplies.

We’ve created this ultimate resource to help you know what to pack for a road trip:

• Road Trip Accessories

These lists of road trip accessories provide comfort, safety, and organization while driving to your destination. If you’ll be doing a family road trip, check out the lists specifically for driving with kids!

• Road Trip Car Organization
• Family Road Trip Items to Pack
• Family Road Trip Accessories
• Road Trip Accessories for Kids
• Holiday Road Trips with Kids
• Road Trip Coolers
• Road Trip Gift Ideas

Road Trip Toys and Games

Be prepared with travel toys and games to reduce the number of times your children say “Are we there yet?” Size matters when it comes to road trip toys. When choosing toys to pack, consider how much space they will take up versus how much time your kids will spend playing with them.

• Road Trip Journals
• Road Trip Activity Pack
• Road Trip Toys for Babies
• Road Trip Toys for Toddlers
• Travel Toys for Younger Kids
• Car Games for Road Trips
• Road Trip Games for Teens
• Road Trip Games for Older Kids
• Family Road Trip Games
• Travel Printable Games

Road Trip Snacks and Food

You’ll find a good mix of road trip snacks and food for travel. We like to focus on the the healthy road trip snacks that include a well-balanced mix of protein and good-for-you fats, not those that add extra sugar, sodium and empty calories to your diet. 

• Gluten Free Road Trip Snacks
• High Protein Road Trip Snacks
• Homemade Road Trip Snacks
• Portable Road Trip Snack Recipes
• Road Trip Snacks for Adults
• Road Trip Snacks for Kids
• Make Ahead Freezer Friendly Breakfasts for Road Trip Travel

Healthy Road Trip Snacks and Food

• Healthy Road Trip Snacks
• Healthy Road Trip Snacks for Adults
• Healthy Road Trip Snacks for Kids
• Healthy Homemade Road Trip Snacks
• Healthy Gluten Free Road Trip Snacks
• Healthy Portable Road Trip Snack Recipes
• Healthy Protein Road Trip Snacks
• Healthy Road Trip Make Ahead Freezer Friendly Breakfasts
• Healthy Road Trip Food  
• Low-Calorie Road Trip Snacks

Find Healthy Snack Ideas

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Comfortable and Convenient Road Trip Essentials for Cars You Can’t Forget To Bring

Don't leave the house for a road trip without making sure you have the items on this list of road trip essentials for cars.

Leah Jones • Apr 12, 2024

Road trips are unique and exciting experiences where the adventure starts the second you start the car. However, spending a long period of time in a car as opposed to the comfort and convenience of your own home can make it difficult to be comfortable. Moving around and having privacy (something everyone needs after a while) is not an option. There is no way to bring the whole home with you when you travel (even though many have tried). However, there are hacks, tips and tricks you can incorporate into your packing to make your experience on the road more enjoyable and convenient. Here are some road trip essentials for cars to consider for your next road trip. 

Travel Hack Essentials

GasBuddy or Similar Apps : If we’re getting technical, the biggest road trip essentials for cars is gas, since you literally can’t go anywhere without it. With that being said, GasBuddy helps you find the cheapest gas prices along your route, potentially saving you significant money on fuel costs. It’s an essential tool for budget-conscious road trippers.

Multi-Port Car Charger : A multi-port car charger allows you to charge multiple devices simultaneously, keeping everyone’s phones, tablets and other gadgets powered up during the journey without the need for multiple chargers or adapters. Chargers like this one are handy as they have multiple plug-in types, including the universally used USB-C.

Collapsible Water Bottle : Staying hydrated is crucial during road trips, but buying bottled waters can add up in cost and waste. A collapsible water bottle takes up minimal space when empty and can be refilled at rest stops or water fountains, saving you money and reducing plastic waste. Whip it out in your car ride then collapse in back when you are on the move but want it handy. 

Adjustable Air Vent Phone Mount : Keep your smartphone easily accessible for navigation or entertainment purposes with an adjustable air vent phone mount. This allows you to position your device at eye level without obstructing your view of the road, reducing neck strain and making it easier to follow directions or change music playlists while being as safe as possible.

Comfort Related Road Trip Essentials for Cars

Seat Cushions or Lumbar Support : Long hours of sitting in the car can be hard on your back and butt. Consider investing in seat cushions or lumbar support pillows to improve your posture and reduce discomfort during the journey. Seat cushions like these also give a bit more height to your seat allowing the driver to see the road better. 

Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earplugs : Block out road noise or unwanted chatter from fellow passengers with noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. They can help you relax and enjoy some quiet time or listen to your favorite music or podcasts without distractions. You can find great ones that get the job done without spending a fortune. 

Travel Pillow and Blanket : A comfortable travel pillow and a cozy blanket can make napping in the car much more enjoyable. Opt for a neck pillow that provides adequate support and a blanket that keeps you warm without being too bulky.

Seat Belt Adjusters or Comfort Pads : Seat belt adjusters or comfort pads help prevent discomfort and irritation caused by seat belts rubbing against your neck or shoulder during extended periods of driving. These simple accessories attach to the seat belt strap and provide cushioning or adjust the position of the belt for a more comfortable fit. Choose ergonomic designs that are easy to install and compatible with your vehicle’s seat belts for optimal comfort and safety.

Essential Safety/Emergency Items

First Aid Kit : A basic first aid kit is important anytime but especially one of these road trip essentials for cars. Common items include adhesive bandages (various sizes), sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes or solution, tweezers, scissors and disposable gloves. Additionally they often have a CPR mask or face shield, pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen), antihistamine tablets, hydrocortisone cream or ointment, an instant cold pack and an added small supply of any personal medications or prescriptions . 

Roadside Emergency Kit : A comprehensive roadside emergency kit should include essential items such as jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, a flashlight with extra batteries, reflective triangles or flares, a multipurpose tool or knife, duct tape, a fire extinguisher and basic first aid supplies. Having these items on hand can help you address common roadside issues or medical emergencies until professional help arrives.

Portable Jump Starter : A portable jump starter is a convenient and compact device that allows you to jump-start your vehicle without the need for another car. Look for a jump starter with sufficient power to start your vehicle’s engine and additional features such as built-in safety protections, USB charging ports for electronic devices, and a flashlight for nighttime emergencies.

Tire Repair Kit : Here is another safety product where the word “essential” in “road trip essentials for cars” is an understatement. A tire repair kit can be invaluable in the event of a punctured tire. Look for a kit that includes tire plugs, a tire pressure gauge, and a tire inflator or air compressor. With these tools, you can quickly patch up minor tire damage and reinflate the tire, allowing you to continue your journey safely until you can reach a professional mechanic.

Emergency Food and Water : Pack non-perishable food items such as energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, and canned goods, along with plenty of water or electrolyte drinks. In case of unexpected delays or being stranded, having emergency food and water supplies ensures you stay nourished and hydrated until help arrives or you can reach a safe location.

Health/Sanitation Road Trip Essentials for Car

Trash Bags and Sealable Containers : Keep your car tidy and prevent littering by carrying trash bags and sealable containers for waste disposal. Designate a specific area in the car for collecting trash and empty the bags at rest stops or gas stations along your route. Sealable containers are also useful for storing leftover food or snacks to keep them fresh and contained, reducing the risk of spills or odors in the car.

Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes : Keep hands clean and surfaces sanitized by packing hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially before eating or after using restrooms at rest stops. Disinfectant wipes are handy for wiping down frequently touched surfaces in the car, such as door handles, steering wheel and dashboard, to reduce the spread of germs.

Motion Sickness Remedies : Motion sickness can be a common issue for some travelers during long car rides, particularly on winding roads or in stop-and-go traffic. Pack motion sickness remedies such as ginger candies, motion sickness wristbands or over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms and make the journey more comfortable for those prone to motion sickness.

Road Trip Friendly Entertainment

Music Playlist or Streaming Service : Create a curated playlist of your favorite songs or albums to enjoy during the journey. Add plenty of songs so you can just hit shuffle and enjoy the music. Alternatively, subscribe to a music streaming service that offers a wide selection of songs and personalized playlists. Encourage passengers to take turns DJing to keep the music fresh and enjoyable for everyone.

Audiobooks or Podcasts : Audiobooks and podcasts are excellent entertainment options for long drives, offering a variety of genres and topics to suit different interests. Choose engaging stories, educational content, or entertaining podcasts to listen to as a group or individually. Audiobooks and podcasts can help pass the time while also stimulating the mind.

Travel Games and Activities : Pack travel-friendly games and activities to keep passengers entertained during breaks or downtime. Consider classic road trip games like “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” or “The License Plate Game.” Bring along card games, travel-sized board games, or trivia cards for more structured gameplay. Additionally, consider printable road trip games such as word searches, crosswords, or scavenger hunts to keep everyone engaged and entertained throughout the journey.

Car Organization Essentials

Portable Car Cooler/Warmer : A portable car cooler/warmer keeps drinks and snacks at the perfect temperature throughout your journey. Whether you prefer chilled beverages on a hot day or warm coffee during cooler weather, having a cooler/warmer in the car ensures you can enjoy refreshments at your convenience without frequent stops.

Car Seat Organizer : A car seat organizer attaches to the back of the front seats and provides convenient storage for items such as water bottles, snacks, maps, gadgets and entertainment devices. With multiple compartments and pockets, a car seat organizer helps keep essentials within easy reach for passengers, reducing clutter and promoting a more organized interior space.

Travel Packing Cubes or Compression Bags : Packing cubes or compression bags help maximize space in your luggage and keep your belongings organized. Use them to separate clothing items, toiletries and accessories, making it easier to find what you need without unpacking everything. Compression bags are especially useful for bulky items like jackets or bedding, reducing their size to save space in the car.

Collapsible Storage Bins or Trunk Organizers : Keep the interior of your car neat and organized with collapsible storage bins or trunk organizers. Use them to store snacks, drinks, electronics, maps and other essentials within easy reach. Opt for bins with handles for convenient transport, and collapsible designs for space-saving storage when not in use.

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Don’t Hit the Road Without This RV Setup Checklist

A re you preparing to hit the road in your RV? Are you looking for a way to prepare your rig so it will perform like new all throughout your road trip?

The road trip preparation or RV setup checklist for taking your RV on the road is extensive and covers a variety of topics. Don’t leave out important steps because you didn’t realize they were necessary. To help you get ready and ensure you have everything covered, continue reading to learn about common RV safety checks.

Check Your RV’s Exterior

Before you embark on your next adventure, take a moment to conduct a thorough inspection of your RV’s exterior. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or rust, that might cause problems down the line.

Don’t overlook the condition of your tires, either; ensure they’re properly inflated to the correct PSI and have ample tread depth. Remember, no road trip should start without ensuring your vehicle is road-worthy.

Inspect the Interior

Next, take a tour inside your RV. Check all the appliances to ensure they’re working correctly.

Don’t forget the small details, like testing all the lights and ensuring the windows and doors open and close properly. If you’re planning on using a camper trailer and RV rental , these items will likely be checked for you, but it’s always good to double-check.

Plumb the Depths

Plumbing is critical in an RV, so make sure every faucet and drain is functioning as it should. Check for leaks and make sure the water heater is working. If you’re going somewhere with freezing temperatures, ensure your pipes are appropriately insulated to prevent freezing.

Essential Utilities

Your RV’s electrical system is the lifeblood of your home-on-wheels. Check your batteries, test the generator, and ensure all outlets are working. It’s also a good idea to make sure your propane system is functioning properly, as it powers many critical appliances.

Safe and Sound

Safety is paramount when RVing. Check your fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector to ensure they’re all in working order. Also, ensure your first-aid kit is stocked with up-to-date supplies.

Stock the Kitchen

Whether you’re a gourmet chef or a microwave meal maestro, you’ll want to make sure your RV’s kitchen is stocked for your road trip. Remember to bring along any necessary utensils, cookware, and foodstuffs.

Comforts of Home

Don’t forget about your living space! Make sure your sleeping arrangements are comfortable and that you have enough blankets for cooler nights. Also, make sure your entertainment system is working properly for those rainy days.

Adventure Gear

If your road trip includes outdoor adventures like hiking or fishing, make sure you pack all the necessary gear. Bring rain gear for unexpected weather, sunblock for sunny days, and bug spray for those pesky mosquitoes.

Hit the Road Confidently With an RV Setup Checklist

Having an RV setup checklist can save you time, money, and stress while on the road. With proper preparation and organization, your RV campsite adventure can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. So don’t hit the road without this essential checklist – download it now and make your next trip a success!

If you’re eager to dive deeper into other interesting topics, we have plenty more to share! Visit our website for a wealth of articles, guides, and discussions on this topic and more.

This article is published by NYTech in collaboration with Syndication Cloud.

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More From Forbes

Fun games to pass the time on your next roadtrip.

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Road trip games can pass the time on a long trip.

Roadtrips are an enjoyable way to see changing scenery, a chance to stay overnight in retro roadside motels, and an excuse to pull over to see the quirky roadside attractions that you’ll only find in small town America.

But road trips also mean long stretches of flat highway where the oohs and ahhs slow down, the snacks run out, and you need a break from the podcast you’ve been streaming.

Pass the time in the car with a game of 'Would You Rather?'

Enter road trip games. They’ll help you pass the time between stops and hopefully squash any questions like “are we there, yet?”.

From games that can be played among a group of friends or couples to road trip games to entertain kids, these games will help keep you entertained on the road.

Top 7 Road Trip Games to Play

1. table topics.

Table Topics is a deck full of fun conversation starter cards. The game is recommended for ages 12 and up, and the cards can spur conversation between a couple or a group. The deck has 135 cards and questions range from: “Is it more important to be book smart or street smart?” and “If you could have front-row seats to any concert who would you like to see?”

Is Leadership an Art or a Science

Apple confirms major iphone changes with new app features enabled, o j simpson dies of cancer at 76, 2. mad libs.

The scribe in charge of the Mad Libs tablet will be prompted to ask participants for verbs, adjectives, nouns, and so on, which will then be put into a short narrative. The catch: No one knows the context that the words they toss out will be put in, so the story ends up being a goofy one. This is a great game for kids in elementary school who are starting to learn the ins and outs of nouns, adjectives and the like.

3. “Would You Rather?”

You could come up with your own scenarios for a game of “Would You Rather” where you pit two outrageous scenarios against one another. But the “Would You Rather” deck of cards is loaded with pre-set predicaments: “Would you rather own a machine that makes any food you want or prints $50 per week?” The family edition has 200 cards that were made with multi-generation road trips in mind.

4. License Plate Game

A road trip classic, and a fun one to play with kids, the license plate game challenges everyone in the car to collectively spot license plates from all 50 states. Pro tip: Print out a map of the United States to keep track of all the states you’ve collected.

When the karaoke is over, play a round of song trivia.

5. License Plate Word Scramble

When you’ve already done your Wordle for the day, you can engage your fellow passengers with a game of word scramble. Just look at a plate in a nearby lane and extract the letter — then challenge everyone to come up with a word with the letters in the plate. For example, if the license plate has the letters NKE in it, the word could be “Banker.”

6. Song Trivia

Every great road trip has a good playlist. But turn your tunes into a game by seeing who can name the singer, song title, and, for a bonus round, the year the song came out. You can set up a playlist in advance for this game or just scroll through the stations.

7. The Geography Game

If you loved social studies as a kid, this game is for you. One person starts the game by throwing out a geographic location (i.e. city, state, mountain region, river, etc.). Let’s say the starting word is California. The next person then comes with a location that starts with the last letter of the previous name, so, in this case, the letter “A,” which could be Alaska, Appalachians, Atlanta, and so on. You could mix up the themes, too, or narrow the categories, too. Other categories could be types of food, animals, countries, or band names.

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