road trip travel accessories

The Best Gear for Your Road Trips

By Kit Dillon and Wirecutter Staff

A road trip is an adventure. It doesn’t matter how far you go. But all adventures require a little planning (and one or two backup plans, in case things go sideways).

We took our first testing road trip in an age far less complicated than these past few years, but the gear we tested and the advice we’ve gathered here should still help you navigate the roads safely and comfortably.

Our original trip, in 2016, included 60 hours of researching and testing gear to take on the open road. We packed all of our top contenders into a Honda Fit EX and headed out on a four-day jaunt to determine what’s nice to have, what’s great, and what’s absolutely essential for your next road trip.

In 2020 we added a few items to help you adhere to safe-travel guidelines, and those things will always come in handy during flu and cold season. We’ve also added several selections to take on challenging winter car trips.

After traveling for 1,500 miles, through four states and six national parks, we think we have a good grasp on what makes an excellent road trip. In addition to performing our own research and testing, we consulted with half a dozen engineers, mechanics, and other experts to bring you these picks. Our hope is that the recommendations in this guide will help you see more and explore farther down the road than you thought possible.

Below, you’ll find recommendations for cargo boxes , binoculars , coolers , emergency beacons , a first-aid kit , a folding blanket , an ice scraper , an instant camera , inverters for your electronics , a multi-tool , phone mounts , a portable jump starter , ratchets and tie-down straps , a road atlas , stain remover , a stowable daypack , sun shades , sunglasses , a tire-pressure gauge , a toolkit for cars , a travel game , a travel pillow , water jugs , windshield water repellent , wipes , and so much more. These items will help you have a successful road trip, regardless of region or weather.

However, even if you have the best gear in the world, it’s always best to address small problems before they become emergencies. That’s why we asked Christopher Smith , a veteran automotive journalist with a penchant for restoring fixer-uppers, to help us put together some advice on how to prepare your car for a trip . (And he lives in South Dakota, where things are spread out, so he’s always prepared.) We cover everything from checking your tires and dipsticks to knowing what you should do if your car starts smelling like rotten eggs for seemingly no reason.

This guide isn’t specifically geared toward families, though most of the picks would be useful to a family traveling by car. We do have guides to infant car seats , travel car seats , booster car seats , and water bottles for kids —all things that are of particular interest to families on the road.

The research

Stowing your gear, in the driver’s seat, health and cleaning supplies, staying comfortable, refreshments, entertainment, just in case, preparing for a road trip.

Being able to find what you need when you need it—whether it’s water, emergency lights, a change of clothes, or a granola bar—can make the difference between a short, easy stop that rejuvenates and a long, frustrating one that makes you question why you left home in the first place.

It all starts with packing. Don’t overthink it. We like to keep items grouped: emergency gear in the back right of the trunk, water in the back left, spare batteries in the glove compartment along with the power inverter, and so on. After a few days, double-checking that everything is where it should be before heading off becomes a comforting ritual, and it helps mitigate the worry that you left … something … in the motel last night.

And don’t overpack. As with a bag, a well-packed car is one that has less than you think you want to bring but everything that you truly need. You don’t have to bring everything—just the things that are essential. Remember, you want to enjoy the drive. Not having to worry about countless items that someone might lose or misplace is a big step toward that enjoyment.

Cargo boxes

Yakima SkyBox NX 18

The best cargo box.

This cargo box offers great aerodynamics, easy mounting and operation, and a lot of storage at a reasonable price.

Buying Options

A cargo box effectively allows you to double your trunk space by moving bulky items from your car’s interior or trunk to its roof. After gathering up as much intel as we could about rooftop cargo boxes from experts, retailers, manufacturers, customers, and outdoor-gear reviewers, we’ve concluded that of the 21 boxes we surveyed, the Yakima SkyBox NX 18 offers the best combination of features, build quality, and value pricing for most road trips.

The NX line replaces the Carbonite line of Yakima boxes, which included our previous cargo box pick, the SkyBox 16 Carbonite .

The cargo box’s low-drag aerodynamic design minimizes wind noise and reduces the impact on fuel economy. Its 18 cubic feet of space allows it to hold skis, duffle bags, backpacks, sleeping bags and other camping gear, or any random (though fairly lightweight) stuff, and it does so securely—both in solidly mounting to your roof rack and in resisting theft. If you don’t have a rack already, this REI car rack buying guide is a good place to start, but be sure to consult your car’s owner manual to see how much weight its roof can bear.

The SkyBox NX 18 is easy to use. Like most cargo boxes these days, it uses sliding brackets, rather than one or two fixed spots, for attachment to the crossbars, making perfect positioning a snap. To secure the brackets to the crossbars, you use a simple torque wrench (included) that will announce with an audible click—like a gas-tank cap—when you’ve tightened the four installation bolts down securely. The tool lives inside the cargo box, though out of the way of your gear, for safekeeping.

Once installed, the SkyBox NX 18 allows easy access from either side of the car, and its newly redesigned dimensions (a change from the previous model) make it less likely to interfere with a liftgate if you put it on a hatchback or station wagon.

If you need more space, Yakima’s older-generation 21-cubic-foot model (the company has not released an updated, NX 21 version so far) may still be available for purchase. Be aware, however, that this box weighs more and can encourage overloading past your car rack’s weight limit, which might be lower than you expect. It may also be too long in the back to clear some liftgates. As Ken Klaes, general manager of ReRack , a Portland, Oregon–based cargo-box retailer and rental company, explained to us: “A rack designed to carry 150 pounds doesn’t forget that the box is there; the weight of the box itself (often 50-ish pounds) needs to be subtracted from the weight rating to give you a real capacity for the box.”

Roof straps

Keeper Endless Loop Ratchet Tie-Down

The best ratcheting straps.

Easier to use than non-ratcheting straps, these straps ensure that your stuff stays put.

I spent many years working in rigging and rope access on offshore oil platforms, where I played with loads, angles, line pulls, and sheave-block friction percentages—in other words, I know a thing or two about strapping things down. You can find two common types of roof straps: ratchet straps, which have a mechanical lever and gear, and cam straps (sometimes called “lashing” or “loop” straps), which connect to themselves through a cam buckle . If I could choose only one type, I’d get ratchet straps because they’re easier to secure. More specifically, I’d get the Keeper Endless Loop Ratchet Tie-Down .

We spent several hours examining 22 strap options before landing on the Keeper version. Keeper is a reliable brand, and the ratchets are easy to tighten and loosen, thanks to their all-metal construction. ( Cheaper ratchets are hard to release and prone to sticking or breaking due to their reliance on plastic parts.) At 13 feet long, these 1-inch straps are long enough for all but the most strenuous loads on the largest of vehicles, and their nylon webbing’s 400-pound working load limit and 1,200-pound break strength put them right in line with similarly priced straps. You could get something that’s heavier-duty or longer, but you’d be paying more for strength or length you don’t need.

On our trip, driving in a car without a roof rack, we used the Keeper straps to great success. The straps held a full water jug to the roof of our Honda for a few dozen miles through the backroads of Arizona with no issues. Other Wirecutter staffers have owned Keeper straps for years and vouch for their overall strength and durability.

NRS 1″ HD Tie-Down Straps

The best cam straps.

Simpler and cheaper than ratchet straps, these straps have above-average strength ratings.

If you prefer the simplicity of a cam strap or don’t need the extra force that a ratchet strap provides, we like the NRS 1″ HD Tie-Down Straps , which come in a variety of lengths. They’re pricier than more popular options, but their webbing is rated to a 1,500-pound breaking strength (the cam itself has a 2,000-pound breaking strength) and a 500-pound working load, in contrast with the 600-pound breaking strength and 200-pound working load of this best-selling Keeper set . Equipment of this grade may seem like overkill, but Wirecutter’s Mark Smirniotis had several weaker cams fail on him when he was strapping loads to his Jeep. He noted in 2016 that of all the straps on Amazon with more than 25 customer reviews, the NRS straps were the only ones that had no reviews complaining of failed cams. NRS is primarily known as the premier kayaking- and rafting-accessory company, so the folks there probably know something about strapping awkwardly large loads onto cars.

Thule Quick Loop Strap 530

For smaller cars.

This strap offers a quick way to add load-stabilizing anchor points to a small car.

For owners of compact cars who want to move long or oversize loads, such as a kayak, we also like the Thule Quick Loop Strap . You secure these straps under the hood of your car (or the trunk, if you don’t have a hatchback) to create a set of forward anchor points to help stabilize the forward section of whatever it is you’re carrying. Judging from our testing, these straps are very quick to set up, and they can add a welcome level of versatility to tough packing situations.

• Always check the maximum load of your car’s anchor points, such as the roof rack. Ratchet straps can apply a lot of force beyond just the weight of your belongings, so knowing your maximum load will help you avoid over-tensioning the straps.
• If the straps vibrate against the roof while you drive, adding a few twists in them can sometimes stop them from slicing the air.
• Don’t put knots in your straps, especially if you’re applying tension. Knots can cut through nylon with surprisingly little force. A knot also significantly reduces the overall load that the strap can handle.
• Never use bungee cords to hold anything down. They’re fine for stabilizing items but not for securing heavy loads.

Driving can be fun, meditative, exhausting, and torturous. After five hours of driving through the desert, it can sometimes be all of those things at the same time.

A thousand little gadgets promise to make a long drive somehow easier. Most of them are useless and seemingly designed to distract you more than anything else. Try to avoid these items. The best gear is durable, unobtrusive, and easy to use—so you can keep your eyes (and your thoughts) on the road.

You will get bored—500 miles on cruise control with an automatic transmission can be a pretty dull time. Not always, of course, but sometimes it will be boring, and maybe that’s the point. In this frenetic age, that feeling is practically a luxury, and it’s essential to the trip. Revel in it.

It would be impossible for us to pick the best overall sunglasses, since your choice ultimately depends on your personal style. We have picks for cheap sunglasses in a separate guide. But driving sunglasses are different because they’re designed to help you perform a specific task: driving safely. In that regard, Maui Jim makes the best sunglasses around, though they are something of an investment.

The best sunglasses

These are the clearest driving sunglasses we’ve found, with no perceptible distortion.

We compared a Maui Jim pair with more than 20 types of sunglasses, driving or otherwise, and found this pair to be the best of the bunch. The Maui Jim sunglasses had the clearest lenses, with no perceptible distortion, on the lightest frames we tested (0.6 ounce, or about half the weight of a wooden pencil). I’ve never encountered sunglasses that I can wear for hours on end without somehow hurting my nose, ears, or both. But during my trip there were a few afternoons when I had completely forgotten I was even wearing the Maui Jim sunglasses—despite five-plus hours of driving with them on.

The clarity of the lenses was another surprise. The Maui Jim lenses are so clear that it’s borderline unsettling the first time you try on these sunglasses. Thanks to the lenses’ exceptional clarity and polarization, everything—including the scenery around you and the road ahead—looks sharper through them.

As far as specific model recommendations go, I suggest scanning the offerings on the Maui Jim website and reading the fit descriptions to find something that matches your aesthetic sensibilities. Unlike companies that go by lens size only, Maui Jim lists face shape as part of its fit guidelines. That means you’re more likely to find what’s most comfortable for you on your first try. Just keep in mind that bigger lenses tend to be better because they offer more coverage.

Maui Jim glasses come with a two-year warranty . After checking with the company, we confirmed that it fulfills warranties on its sunglasses no matter where you buy them. However, Maui Jim services only authentic lenses and frames that haven’t been modified in any way. You can tell whether the pair you have is genuine (and not a knockoff) by confirming that the Maui Jim logo is etched, not just painted onto the lens.

Smartphone mount

In an ideal world, people wouldn’t use a phone at all while driving, and if you have a copilot, you shouldn’t have to—you can delegate the phone-related tasks to them. But in reality, for many drivers, a phone is the source for navigation, information, messages, music, and (of course) phone calls. However, if you hold the phone in your hand as you drive—or look down at it in a cup holder or center-console bin—it can be a major distraction and safety risk. That’s why we recommend using a smartphone mount.

iOttie iTap Magnetic 2

The best dash- or windshield-mounted smartphone mount.

Whether it’s on a dashboard or windshield, this model is easy to set up, grips securely, and has a strong magnetic mount that supports most phones in any position.

iOttie iTap Magnetic 2 Air Vent Mount

The best vent-mounted smartphone mount.

This model is easy to set up and remove, and it has the same strong magnetic mount as the dash version. It securely held on to our cars’ vent slats.

iOttie iTap Magnetic 2 CD Slot Mount

The best cd-slot-mounted smartphone mount.

This mount attached quickly and firmly to our cars’ CD slots and has the same magnetic mount as the other iTap Magnetic 2 versions.

I enjoy the simplicity of my phone with no accessories, so I like that the iOttie iTap Magnetic 2 mounts offer an attractively easy way to mount and unmount my phone with one hand. In our tests , the magnets in all three versions— dash/windshield , vent , and CD slot —were strong, supporting most of our phones vertically and horizontally over even the roughest terrain. Only the large, 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max gave them some trouble when they held it horizontally; the mounts were solid with a 6-inch Google Pixel 2 XL.

To use the magnetic mount, you have to attach a small metal plate to the back of your phone or to the case. Doing so is safe for your phone, and we found this detail to be small, subtle, and attractive enough that we didn’t mind it. Often you can hide it entirely by attaching the plate to the inside of a phone’s case. But the plate could interfere with your ability to wirelessly charge your phone; if you want to be able to continue to use that function, consider the following options from our guide to wireless charging phone mounts .

iOttie Easy One Touch Wireless 2 Dash & Windshield Mount

Best mount for charging a smartphone on a dash or windshield.

This model delivered some of the quickest charging speeds and earned top results for stability. It lets you easily mount and unmount your phone, too.

iOttie Easy One Touch Wireless 2 Air Vent & CD Slot Mount

Best mount for charging a smartphone on a car’s air vent or cd slot.

This is the sturdiest vent-mounted model we tested, with fast charging speeds, a firm grip, and a quick way to attach and remove your phone.

The iOttie Easy One Touch Wireless 2—available as a dash and windshield mount or a vent and CD player mount —offers a convenient way to charge your phone in the car while also giving you easy access to audio controls, directions, messages, and more. In our tests , both models ranked among the quickest at charging our phones. Their spring-loaded tension arms made attaching or removing a phone of any size simple, and they held the phone steady while we drove. Both models offer a wide range of adjustability for positioning your phone where you can readily see it, regardless of the vehicle. iOttie also offers a magnetic mount (for vent use) that’s compatible with wireless charging.

Rain-repellent coatings

Rain and snow add stress to a road trip, and they decrease your visibility and your reaction time in an emergency. Along with wipers, rain-repellent windshield coatings can help keep your windshield clear. If you want the most effective rain repellent, pick up the classic Rain-X spray bottle and commit to applying it once a month. If you simply want to give your windshield a boost, Aquapel is almost as effective and can last six times longer between applications—but it is very expensive.

Rain-X Original Glass Water Repellent

Cheap but short-lived repellent.

This affordable hydrophobic spray offers effective protection, but it wears off after a couple of weeks.

Most auto-supply shops offer a huge variety of Rain-X products, including wiper blades, gels, and washer-fluid additives, but you should stick to the original Rain-X formula in the 16-ounce spray bottle because it has the most reliably positive reviews from buyers. Once applied, Rain-X forms a hydrophobic coating , which causes water to bead up and quickly slide off your windshield. Most people who have used Rain-X agree that maintaining its effectiveness requires reapplication about once a month. If your wiper blades start “chattering,” that probably means the coating is beginning to wear unevenly, and it’s time to reapply.

Aquapel Glass Treatment

Long-lasting but pricey repellent.

Aquapel bonds to your windshield for up to half a year, but it costs more than twice as much as Rain-X.

If you can’t commit to applying Rain-X once a month, consider Aquapel . Instead of coating your windshield, it bonds to the glass chemically , and it should last for three to six months before you need to pull out another one-time-use sponge and reapply. YouTube user jwardell posted a 30-day comparison video that shows how Rain-X is more effective initially, but after a month Aquapel still works even after the Rain-X has all but worn off.

For either repellent, proper application is the key to getting the maximum benefit. You need to start with an extremely clean windshield. Then clean it again just to be sure. Both of these repellents dry best in warm weather, out of direct sun. Even when perfectly applied, however, these substances have potential drawbacks. Some people who have used them complain that the repellents cause noticeable haziness at night. Others report that they had trouble getting windshield chips professionally filled after learning that the chemicals interfered with repair methods—though Aquapel’s site disputes such claims. Still, if you’re stuck in inclement weather on a road trip or a commute, either the original Rain-X spray or Aquapel can help increase visibility and decrease your stress levels.

Ice scraper and snow brush

Hopkins SubZero 80037

The best ice scraper and snow brush.

Efficient at clearing ice and sweeping snow, this scraper works on vehicles of all sizes.

The Hopkins SubZero 80037 tool combines a scraping blade and ice-crushing teeth to make quick work of thick or thin ice, and its plow-like bristle broom is the best we’ve tested —equally adept at shoveling snow off body panels and brushing it out from tight spots around mirrors and wipers. The Hopkins SubZero has a self-locking extension that’s easy to use when you want to fold the scraper away to make room in the trunk of your car. It’s of average size—39 inches folded up and 60 inches fully extended. But no other contender offers such a complete scraping-and-sweeping package with so few weaknesses.

Paper road atlas

Rand McNally Road Atlas

The best road atlas.

This atlas is large enough to use while you’re in motion, with a logical, straightforward layout.

With the advent of GPS units and smartphone navigation apps (both of which we recommend over the onboard navigation systems that might come with a car), the age of the paper road atlas would seem to be over. But don’t let anyone convince you of that. A road atlas is the heart of every road trip. It’s the inspiration.

Planning a road trip starts with imagining the places you could be next weekend, if you threw a few granola bars and some clothes into the backseat and left everything else behind. Of course, you could bring up Google Maps, look up the top 10 travel destinations near you, plan your exact route, and save a PDF to your digital device so you’d know exactly where to go and how to get there at each stage of your trip.

Or you could pull out a physical map and highlight a route. You might not know exactly what to expect when you get there, but you’ll definitely know that you can get there. And regardless of electronic-device failures, you will always have a map in hand.

For use in the car, we like the classic Rand McNally Road Atlas —just make sure to get an updated edition. Its oversize shape makes it simple to read and easy to spread out on the hood or in your lap, and the user-friendly design can’t be beat. This atlas’s arrangement of state and keyhole maps is the best for navigation.

As a test, we used the Rand McNally atlas to complete the first leg of our trip, from Ventura to Joshua Tree, California, with no phones and no GPS, on roads we had never driven before. The Rand McNally atlas was simple, functional, and easy to follow. Most important, it was fun to use.

We did read one complaint from somebody who began using that year’s map early: Some of the roads it listed as passable were still mid-construction at the time. If you’re buying a map in the middle of the year or later, you could play it safe and stick with the current year’s edition.

Garmin DriveSmart 55

The best car gps.

Best-in-class directions, driver alerts, points of interest, and free map updates—combined with the best screen we’ve seen on any GPS unit—set this model apart from the pack.

For most shorter trips, a smartphone can provide all the navigation assistance you need. But should your journey take you off the beaten path (and out of your coverage area), we suggest the Garmin DriveSmart 55 . Like the best GPS units, the DriveSmart 55 can also connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth, which lets you send destinations to the device, get incoming messages on screen, and receive extra trip and traffic info. The DriveSmart 55’s extensive points-of-interest database helps guide you to an area’s best sites and businesses through integrated Tripadvisor ratings, Foursquare listings, a database of sites from the History network, and US national park directories (something that other brands’ models don’t offer). Similar to a smartphone, the DriveSmart 55 allows multi-touch gestures, such as pinching or spreading for easier zooming on a map; this feature is a clear step up from the resistive displays of less-expensive units, which allow only single-finger gestures and require you to tap on the plus and minus buttons to zoom in or out.

The DriveSmart 55 also provides helpful traffic info in many metro areas. It responds to voice commands as effectively as the best GPS units, and like other top models it includes free lifetime map updates—in contrast with the pricey updates you need to buy for many cars’ built-in navigation systems.

Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes

The best body wipes.

Not quite a shower but pretty darn close, these wipes are amazing after a sweaty day in the desert.

Road-trip and backpacking veterans know just how much better a shower can make an adventure after three days and a lot of smelly clothes. When taking a shower is not an option, or even if you just want to tidy up a bit after a long drive, body wipes can provide some much-needed relief.

We considered 22 brands and tested nine different body wipes, including some that were popular on Amazon and others that were recommended on the blogs of seasoned outdoorspeople.

Cheap, portable, and durable, the Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes were the clear winners.

The wipes come in a resealable package, which helps keep them fresher for longer. You can find them in two sizes, XL (8 by 12 inches, in a pack of eight) and Compact (6 by 8 inches, in a pack of 12). On our trip, we preferred the XL wipes for their extra coverage and longer cleaning power. The fully compostable Wilderness Wipes were among the most lightly scented ones we tested, and their lack of alcohol left our skin feeling clean and moist.

Surface wipes

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

The best disinfecting wipes.

Effective, EPA-approved, and (usually) easy to find, these pre-soaked wipes need only four minutes of contact time to neutralize the coronavirus—and they’ll kill other nasty bugs you might come across in your travels, too.

Most disinfecting wipes are the same. Although we recommend Clorox Disinfecting Wipes , we advise getting any pack of wipes you can find that contains a disinfectant on the EPA’s List N (most have a bleach or quaternary ammonium base). Clorox’s bleach-free wipes are usually sold in single canisters or in four-packs at a range of retailers. These wipes can eliminate the coronavirus and other pathogens on hard surfaces—countertops, door handles, and bathroom fixtures—in your home, vehicle, or motel room, but not on fabric or other soft materials.

Surface spray

Lysol Disinfectant Spray

The best disinfectant spray.

This aerosol works in 10 minutes and is fabric-safe, but it’s guaranteed to eliminate the coronavirus and other pathogens only on hard surfaces.

Instead of bleach, which can damage car interiors, Lysol Disinfectant Spray uses quaternary ammonium. It’s safe on hard surfaces and most fabrics, and it’s gentler on skin than bleach. It also produces fewer harsh fumes—which is good if you’re disinfecting the same space frequently. The spray eliminates the coronavirus, for instance, on hard surfaces in 10 minutes, but on soft surfaces it only sanitizes (kills most but not all pathogens).

One thing we’ve learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick (with COVID-19, a cold, the flu, whatever) and don’t want to share your misery with fellow passengers, people at rest stops, or anyone else. Fortunately, compared with the situation in early 2020, medical-style N95 and KN95 masks (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available these days. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel. You can find out where to buy these masks in our guide .

Stain remover

Shout Wipe & Go Instant Stain Remover Wipes

The best stain remover.

By keeping a pack of these in your glove box, you’ll remain tidy through multiple meals at drive-throughs.

In our testing, we’ve found that if you spend five hours a day in the car on a drive-through-fueled cannonball run, there’s no way you’ll get to your final destination without having some kind of condiments disaster. I met my own inevitable conclusion outside an In-N-Out Burger on the last leg of our trip.

When the unavoidable happens, you’ll need something more than a napkin and ice water to clean up the mess. We recommend Shout Wipe & Go Instant Stain Remover Wipes . We tested them against other instant spot removers and assorted DIY methods to see how they handled wine, coffee, lipstick, and mustard stains.

In our tests, the Shout wipes easily outperformed the popular Tide To Go pen , and the Shout option was the only stain remover that erased almost all traces of lipstick on the collar of a shirt. These wipes also did pretty well on the ketchup I spilled.

The single-use towelettes don’t occupy much space; you can throw a dozen into your glove compartment and barely notice they’re there. Plus, by using a single wipe per stain, you don’t risk depositing an old stain on another piece of clothing, as you might with reusable stain-remover sticks.

Hand lotion

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

The best moisturizing lotion.

Once it’s rubbed in, this moisturizing lotion is lighter and drier-feeling than competitors. It’s better for people with normal to oily skin.

You might find yourself washing your hands a lot on the road, which can result in cracked and dry skin. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion is thick enough to stay neat in your hand and thin enough to spread quickly and smoothly onto your skin. Unlike its competitors , this moisturizing lotion dries nicely without leaving a greasy film in its wake. And its neutral scent won’t follow you out of the bathroom or into your car.

Can a long road trip be comfortable? I didn’t think so: Long hours of sitting in one position, nights spent camping or sleeping in cheap motel beds, and breaks for indigestible fast food are a terrible combination. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

With a little planning and a few small luxuries, you can keep the enthusiasm of your trip alive. Skip the fast food and instead pack your own snacks and water. Keep off the main highways and pull over when the scenery strikes you (not when you’ve gone a certain number of miles). And stop for as long as you need. The cliché is unavoidable: It’s the journey that’s important, not the destination (though that should be good too!).

Folding blanket

Nemo Victory Picnic Blanket

Comfortable and easy to carry.

Our favorite picnic blanket travels easily, feels comfortable to sit on, and holds up to wear and tear.

There’s only so much time you can spend in a car without needing to pull over to pause, stretch your legs, and take in the scenery. We stopped dozens of times on our trip, and we were glad every time we were able to take a side road, pull out a blanket, and find a place to sit down and share some food.

In 2023, Nemo enlarged the Victory Blanket, which previously fit just two people, to fit four people. At roughly 95 by 95 inches, according to our measurements, the Nemo Victory Picnic Blanket is now bigger than most blankets we looked at; it’s well suited for larger groups of people or for two people who want room for more board games and snacks. For those who need even more space, the Victory Blanket is also available in a truly mammoth extra-large version (120 by 120 inches). Both sizes come with two adjustable, clasping straps that keep the blanket rolled up tight, and those clasps can perform double duty as bottle openers.

Travel pillow

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch

The best travel pillow.

The redesigned-for-2022 Therm-A-Rest pillow remains a firm and supportive choice that packs down to 50% of its expanded size. It now has a sewn-in cable that you can cinch down to make the pillow firmer.

price may vary by color or size

A good travel pillow is hard to find. It shouldn’t take up much space, and it should be able to expand when it needs to. And, ideally, it should allow you to shape it for use as a shoulder or neck pillow when necessary, such as when you’re on a plane or in the passenger seat of a car.

We found that the foam-filled Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch fit all of those criteria exceedingly well. During the day, it can fold in on itself (a loop-and-toggle closure holds it tight), which makes it easy to stow in a backpack or to toss into the backseat. When it’s in this tightly packed configuration, you can also use it as a shoulder and lumbar pillow. The Therm-A-Rest pillow is a bit larger than your typical travel pillow when it’s packed down—about the size of a tissue box—but saving space is less of a priority when you’re driving instead of flying.

At night, the pillow unrolls and expands into a decent bed pillow, though side-sleepers with larger frames may say it has too little padding. But this is a travel pillow, of course, so it will never feel like your home pillow, which is all part of the fun somehow. I sleep on my side and back, and I found it exceptionally comfortable compared with camping pillows I’d used in the past, although I did have to supplement it with a flannel shirt when I wanted to sleep on my side. In spring 2022, Therm-A-Rest released a slightly redesigned version of the pillow. The “regular” version is roughly the same size and weight as the old “medium” version, but the integrated pocket is now larger (9 inches deep instead of 6), which we found makes the pillow easier to roll up. The pillow also has a cord sewn in a loop into its back; you can tighten the cord and cinch it securely to make the pillow firmer. One other change: A thin layer of polyfill backs the brushed polyester fabric on its face and softens the lumpiness of the foam filling.

The Therm-A-Rest pillow is well reviewed on Amazon and on REI’s site. It’s available in a variety of colors and sizes, but we prefer the regular/medium for its mix of portability and support.

Silk sleeper wrap

Sea to Summit Premium Silk Travel Liner

The best sleeping bag liner.

This liner is a lightweight, moisture-wicking, easy-packing fix for scratchy motel sheets.

Not all motels are created equal. Some are fantastic, with their bright neon signs truthfully advertising a cheap, clean, and convenient place to stay. But out there you can stumble across other motels—desperate, last-chance places you wouldn’t wish on anyone, and cursed by all of the bleary-eyed travelers who’ve been forced to stay in them for a night.

Sea to Summit’s Premium Silk Travel Liner is the best accessory to bring along for these situations. Inclement weather, unexpected traffic, or poor planning (my personal downfall) may at some point prevent you from reaching your expected destination for the night and force you to stay somewhere you wish you didn’t have to. We can’t help you accept your fate, but we can make that night just a little easier to tolerate.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

The best sleep mask.

Lightweight and contoured, this mask fits comfortably and blocks light well for a wide variety of face shapes (though it’s best for those who sleep on their back). And the mask’s deep eyecups allow your eyes to flutter during sleep.

Not every bedroom on the road is as dark as some people would like. That’s why we recommend the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask . Its contoured eyecups rest over your eyes, giving them space to move, which makes this mask comfortable to sleep in—even when you’re sitting upright (as you might in the passenger side of a car). Although the mask is adjustable, with Velcro straps, restless sleepers may want to consider other options in our full guide to sleep masks . If the Nidra mask fits you well, its weightless feel can make you forget you’re wearing a mask at all as you continue to sleep in bright cars or poorly shuttered hotel rooms.

Puffy blanket

Rumpl Down Puffy

The best outdoor blanket.

This blanket offers the greatest warmth and durability for the lowest relative weight, price, and size. It also stuffs away very well when not in use.

The Rumpl Down Puffy blanket, which has a soft yet durable nylon shell that’s stuffed with water-repellent and sustainably sourced down, wards off the cold better for the price than the competition. It helps you to stay warm longer, inside or outside. (A puffy blanket has come in handy for us especially on winter road trips in an EV, when we don’t have the heat of a combustion engine warming the interior of the vehicle.) So far in our testing , the Rumpl blanket has survived four rounds in the washing machine without a snag, and it dries within an hour. And it’s been notably stain resistant after encountering dirt, dew, and even coffee.

Van camping mattress

Hest Sleep System

The best vehicle camping mattress.

Predominantly for van camping or long-term car camping, this blowup mattress takes up a hefty amount of space when stowed away but provides the most comfort of any camping mattress we’ve tested.

Although the size of the Hest Sleep System limits its use to either vans or pickup trucks, we’re including it on this list because of its impressive night-over-night comfort. If your road trips tend to include lots of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, or climbing, a good night’s sleep is fundamental to having the energy you need to enjoy your days. The Hest mattress takes up about the space of a small cot mattress (78 by 25 inches). Half consists of a dense foam layer, and the other half is a high-pressure inflatable base that needs a pump system to inflate. The Hest mattress is not a small piece of kit when rolled up: It weighs 26 pounds and packs up into a 28-by-16-inch bedroll, including the air pump. If two of you are camping, you can connect two Sleep Systems together, though Hest also makes the Dually two-person foam mattress, which we haven’t had a chance to test yet.

Tinkle Belle Female Urination Device

The best pee funnel.

Sturdy and accommodating yet packable, the Tinkle Belle funnel is easy to use and clean when you’re on the road or hiking a trail.

It’s not always easy to find a secluded spot on the side of the road or a clean-enough public restroom. The Tinkle Belle funnel has a stable, rigid base and a flexible spout, so it won’t collapse under you during use, as Wirecutter senior staff writer Nancy Redd learned while researching the topic. One of the longest and widest of all the single-piece reusable funnels Nancy tested , the Tinkle Belle funnel makes less mess and is easy to use, as the more coverage a funnel has, the lower the risk of leakage or spills. While you’re on the road, a simple rinse works fine for cleaning the funnel. Although the Tinkle Belle funnel is larger than most, it folds up for more-compact storage. You can also buy it with a matching case .

Windshield protector and sunshade

A1 210T Fabric Sunshade

The best windshield shade.

This shade provides effective sun protection and fits a wide variety of windshields. It’s easy to store, too.

If you’re traveling through a sunny area, a sunshade for your windshield is a worthwhile investment. We like the A1 Windshield Sun Shade , which we found to offer the best combination of low cost, decent coverage, and ease of setup. Its pop-up design made it much simpler to install and stow than the accordion-style shades we tested.

Recommending just one sunshade for all cars is difficult because vehicles vary so much in size. But A1 offers several sizing options ranging from 59 by 19 inches to 69 by 36 inches (when the shade is fully expanded). You can compress each of these size options down to fit into a circular carrying case, which you can easily store on the door or underneath the seat. When you take the A1 sunshade out of the case, the compressed plastic arcs inside the sunshade spring open to create a rectangular shape, which you can adjust to fit your car’s windshield. Amazon reviewers mention that the build quality is solid and that the metallic finish does a good job against the sun, particularly in hot Southern states like Florida and Texas. Several reviewers also recommend , however, that you buy a size smaller than you think you need to avoid excessive overhang.

Although we prefer the A1 shade’s pop-up design, it’s not completely foolproof. Even with the choice in sizes, you still might have difficulty arranging the two plastic circles (which provide rigidity) within the A1 shade into a shape that hugs both edges of the front window and balances off the rearview mirror. Gaps, loose corners, or overhangs are almost unavoidable. In the end, what you gain in compactness and decent price, you lose in rigidity and reflective power. If you’re uncertain, measure before buying, or look into a custom shade like the WeatherTech shade described below, which is guaranteed to fit.

WeatherTech SunShade

A custom-fitted, maximum-protection shade.

This custom-fitted shade will ensure that no sun gets in, even in the sunniest climates.

If maximum temperature reduction is your goal, invest in a custom-fitted WeatherTech SunShade . Thicker than the A1 shade, WeatherTech’s shade completely blacks out the windshield when you install it. This shade is also notably bulky—about the size of a yoga mat when rolled up—and difficult to store discreetly. But if you frequent sunny climates, it’s well worth the cost, which at this writing starts at $55.

Passenger window UV protector and shade

Britax EZ-Cling Window Shades

The best passenger shade.

This shade sticks easily to car windows and provides great sun protection for passengers.

We researched 14 shade models and tested two finalists before determining that the Britax EZ-Cling Window Sun Shade is the best around. Available in a pack of two, it’s dead simple to install, and it’s effective. The Mylar on the back provides some protection against UV rays, and it acts like a large sheet of cling film that seems drawn to your windows once you pull the shades out of the box; the black mesh on the inner surface blocks a good amount of sunlight while still allowing you to see through the shade. We like the EZ-Cling shade better than film-only shades because the EZ-Cling design has a support ring of firmer material around its perimeter that makes it easier to install without prompting wrinkles and bubbles. I have way more fun than I rightly should when I’m putting these things onto car windows.

Unlike similar models with suction cups, the EZ-Cling shade doesn’t have any secondary or removable parts. Wirecutter’s Dan Frakes tried four other shades of various types and was dissatisfied with all of them, so he brought two EZ-Cling pairs for testing on a four-day road trip with his family. “They clung to the windows well,” Dan said. “They were a lot easier to install than both the suction-cup models and the flimsy film ones we’ve tried. We also removed them and reapplied them many times as our position relative to the sun changed, and it was easy to do so. Our only real complaint is that they’re small—they don’t cover an entire backseat window.” That kind of half-coverage can’t keep the sun off young children for too long, especially when the sun is low on the horizon.

Quick tip: Be sure to wipe your EZ-Cling shades with water when you first get them. A thin film protects the Mylar sheets during production, and it can leave a waxy residue on your car’s windows if you use the shades right out of the box without first wiping them down.

Portable extending shade

Shade extension

This extending shade attaches to a variety of vehicles, whether you have a roof rack or not, and whether you attach it to metal or a composite material such as a pickup-truck bed cover.

Although the MoonShade works best on SUVs and trucks, it’s lightweight and adaptable enough to work with smaller vehicles. When deployed, the MoonShade covers 9 by 7 feet, and its height adjusts from 78 inches to 96 inches. The shade mounts in three ways: directly to a roof rack, with very strong magnets, or with surprisingly robust suction cups for composite materials. We found that all three methods are secure enough for most situations, though as you might imagine, the suction cups are somewhat less stable than a direct mount on a rack. The MoonShade weighs 8 pounds and stows away into a carrying case that measures 28 by 6 inches, which is small enough to fit in the trunk of most cars. The MoonShade is great if you like to pull over in the middle of the day and set up a lunch, or if you tend to do activities outdoors in predominantly shadeless areas, as in the Southwest.

You could cross America with no plan at all and survive solely on fast food as your nourishment, without ever having to leave your car. But we don’t recommend that. Packing your own snacks and bringing your own water is not only healthier but also safer—you never know when you might be stranded somewhere along the way.

We got stranded on our second day of driving, somewhere east of Joshua Tree, California, when we pulled off the side of the road onto a soft, sandy shoulder (we were new in this part of the country). The car’s dash thermometer read 105 degrees Fahrenheit. As we waited, I was thankful that we had full water bottles, more water in the trunk, and plenty of food.

A highway patrol officer drove up, gave us a little lesson about sand, and pushed us out with no trouble. So things turned out fine. The beauty of a road trip is in the unexpected moments. You can be prepared for most of them by having a little food and water on hand.

RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 Can

Best soft cooler.

This simple lunch-box-style cooler is insulated with thick closed-cell foam and made from a durable coated nylon.

Capable of carrying everything from healthy snacks to emergency ice packs, a cooler is one of those items that can make long trips a lot more enjoyable. After several 500-mile days on the road, having a chilled container filled with cold drinks and body wipes is a gift. We recommend bringing along our favorite soft cooler , the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 Can .

The lid of the RTIC cooler is capped by more than 2 inches of closed-cell insulation , and its walls are a touch thicker than those of the far more expensive Yeti Hopper Flip. When we tested them head-to-head, all that extra insulation seemed to give the RTIC cooler an insulating edge. The exterior of the RTIC cooler is made of a durable, thickly coated nylon—waterproof and tough—and the zippers are waterproof, as well. Still, don’t leave the cooler out in the sun, as the light and heat can degrade the material and slowly wear it out.

When the RTIC cooler is open, it stands erect like a grocery bag, providing easy access for loading and unloading.

Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5 Marine Hard Ice Chest Cooler

Our hard-cooler pick.

Better insulated and less expensive than the competition, this cooler keeps ice for a week. And its well-designed drain port makes it easier to clean.

If you need extra insulation for longer hauls and don’t mind sacrificing a little extra space, we recommend the Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5 Marine Hard Ice Chest Cooler . Our testing shows that a hard cooler will almost always outperform a soft cooler in insulating ability (five-plus days, versus a soft cooler’s two-day average) and durability. So the hard cooler is a great pick for RVs, trailers, or boats. But hard coolers are huge, so you might not have room for one if you’re carrying a bunch of other equipment.

Water bottles

CamelBak Eddy+ (25 ounces)

Great for the car.

A bottle with a straw is the easiest way to quaff water and keep your focus on the road since you don’t have to tilt your head back while drinking.

The 25-ounce CamelBak Eddy+ is the most reliable, most versatile water bottle for road trips that we found. This bottle has an integrated straw in the lid that features a plastic bite valve to keep it sealed (something that anyone who has owned a CamelBak hydration pack will be familiar with). Just bite down to open the straw, and release to seal it shut. That leak-free lid makes this bottle an ideal driving companion—it fits in a cup holder and is easy to sip from while you’re keeping your eyes on the road. The straw lid twists off to reveal a wide mouth that makes adding ice to your drink easy, which is handy if you like to keep your water cold. However, this is a plastic bottle, so adding ice could also make it sweaty; if you want to avoid that, the insulated version should prevent moisture from accumulating on the outside of the bottle.

Contigo Autoseal Transit Mug

The best mug for road trips.

Contigo’s Autoseal Transit is a wider mug that may fit better in cup holders than our top travel-mug pick. It doesn’t retain heat as well as our top pick, but some people may find its flat lid easier to drink from and to clean.

The Contigo Autoseal Transit Mug is a very different mug from the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug—our top pick for travel mugs —but it offers several features we like for road trips. The lid has fewer parts, is easier to clean, and prevents spills with its Autoseal button, which you have to hold down to keep the sipping port open. Plus, the flat lid won’t bump your nose or get in your line of sight while you’re drinking, as can happen with the Zojirushi model’s flip-top lid. Although this Contigo mug doesn’t keep drinks nearly as hot as the Zojirushi mug over a long period of time, some people might prefer that (we’ve heard complaints of the Zojirushi model keeping drinks too hot in the past). In addition, the Transit is a little wider than the Zojirushi mug, which is good if you want your mug to fit more snugly in a car cup holder or if you use a device such as an AeroPress, a pour-over dripper, or a tea steeper directly with your mug.

Edward Abbey wrote an entire book about being alone in the desert , long before portable screens, streaming music, and the best and worst of what instant entertainment can bring. He saw incredible things. But then again, Abbey wrote that book before he had kids.

Being in close proximity on a road trip can bond families and friends. Of course, a packed car could also become a pressure cooker. Some games, toys, and electronics can provide welcome relief.

Even more important, on our trip, every 100 miles the scenery around us changed drastically, and being able to charge our cameras allowed us to capture some wonderful personal moments.

Bestek 300W Power Inverter

The best inverter for simple devices.

More-sensitive gadgets may not function correctly while using this DC-to-AC converter, but a smoother converter costs $100-plus.

Lots of newer cars have USB ports capable of charging plenty of smaller gadgets. But to plug in bigger items, such as a computer, or certain items that have larger batteries, you need an inverter to transform your car’s round-plug, 12-volt direct current (12 V DC) outlet into a three-prong outlet with the same 120-volt alternating current (120 V AC) you have in your home. After sending our three favorites, culled from a list of 18 top-rated inverters, to physicist Jim Shapiro for testing, we recommend the Bestek 300W Power Inverter for simple devices such as water boilers. Not all inverters are equal, however, and you need to know what you’ll want to plug in before deciding which one to buy.

The Bestek unit—like every inverter that sells for less than $100—creates AC power, but in what’s called a “modified” sine wave. Shapiro examined this phenomenon using an oscilloscope. “Although the Bestek and similar units produce voltage at the same 60-hertz frequency as house voltage, the waveform has sharp corners, unlike the smooth, curvy sine-wave signal from your local power company,” Shapiro explained. “Those sharp corners give rise to higher frequency harmonics that are not friendly to electronic devices.”

However, because many electronics, including laptop computers, use power supplies to convert AC back into DC before delivering the power to your device, a higher-quality power supply can make the arrangement work—as owner reviews attest. Shapiro was able to charge an iPad without any problems via the AC outlets on the inexpensive Bestek inverter. Charging a Dell Chromebook, on the other hand, caused some problems: “The screen flickered, and I noted that when I asked the computer to display the charging time left, it oscillated between giving that time and ‘calculating,’ indicating that the software was having problems.”

While we were on the road, we realized that the Bestek inverter’s dual USB ports and dual outlets offered a nice benefit, particularly for people traveling in an older car that didn’t have USB ports built in everywhere. You shouldn’t have issues charging USB devices because they charge on DC voltage anyway. And though you can’t see the inverter’s safety features, such as over-voltage and low-voltage shutdown, they’re included as well.

For powering a TV (for tailgating) or any other demanding piece of electronics during a road trip, we used to recommend the Go Power GP-SW150-12 Pure Sine Wave Inverter. It now appears to be out of stock almost everywhere (or discontinued). As an alternative, we recommend looking into a portable power station , which is basically a large battery in a protective box, with AC outlets and other ports built in. They tend to be expensive, so for road-trip purposes we recommend our budget pick, the Jackery Explorer 300 . If you need to power only a laptop during your trip, we have several recommendations for portable laptop chargers . Note that portable power stations and laptop chargers both charge on wall outlets and can’t draw power from a car outlet.

Nekteck PD 45W Type-C Car Charger

The best car charger.

This model can charge phones, tablets, and computers from its USB-C port, plus it has a second port for charging USB-A devices. It adheres to USB-C fast-charging standards and includes a quality cable.

May be out of stock

If your electronic gear doesn’t require AC—for instance, you’re charging smartphones or Bluetooth speakers more than laptops or portable TVs—you can save a few bucks and a lot of space by getting a car charger . Compared with the familiar USB-A port, the smaller USB-C port can charge most modern phones faster (if you’re using the right cable) and can even charge tablets and laptops. And the Nekteck PD 45W Type-C Car Charger provides the best of both worlds. When you’re using a USB-C–to–Lightning cable , the charger’s USB-C port can charge an iPhone about three times faster (at 18 watts) than the USB-A wall charger that comes in the box from Apple; your phone can charge from empty to roughly 50% in just half an hour. This Nekteck charger’s 45-watt output and included USB-C–to–C cable also support the maximum charge rate on Android phones (such as the Samsung Galaxy S10), the 2020 iPad Pro, and even many laptops. And you can use the 12-watt USB-A port at the same time to charge a second phone or other device with any USB cable you already have.

Bluetooth kit

Besign BK01 Bluetooth Car Kit

Best bluetooth adapter for cars with an aux-in jack.

The Besign BK01 kit offers great sound quality for music and good sound quality for phone calls. It also lets you pair two phones and access your voice assistant with the press of an easy-to-find button.

If your car lacks Bluetooth support—which you may want for wirelessly listening to music or connecting your phone calls over the car’s stereo system—and you aren’t willing to swap out the stereo for a new one that has such a feature, your best option is a Bluetooth kit. The best and easiest way to add Bluetooth to cars with a line-in jack is to get an aux kit. The Besign BK01 Bluetooth Car Kit provides good sound quality for music, clear-sounding voice audio for hands-free calls, and access to Siri or Google Assistant at the press of a button. It also allows you to connect two phones at once, so you and your passengers don’t have to duke it out for the aux cord.

iPad headrest mount

Depending on the length of your trip and the temperament of your passengers, you may need to find a way to keep folks occupied. Providing their favorite movies or TV shows on a tablet is an option. After testing six top tablet-mount contenders, we determined that Arkon’s Center Extension Car Headrest Tablet Mount is a great pick for viewing by multiple backseat passengers.

Arkon Center Extension Car Headrest Tablet Mount

For multiple viewers.

This model positions a tablet solidly between the front seats for easy viewing by all backseat passengers.

The Arkon mount anchors with a pair of adjustable clamps that tighten around the metal rods that support a front seat’s headrest; the tablet holster is located on the end of an extendable pole that you can move to a position between the front seats, where all three passengers in the backseat can view it.

We had recommended the LilGadgets CarBuddy Universal Headrest Tablet Mount for people who preferred a mount that’s best for just one backseat passenger. It appears to have been discontinued, but it’s a good find if you can get your hands on one.

Instant camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

The best instant camera.

Fun and simple to use, this camera takes good-looking wallet-sized photos for 60¢ per print.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Film (Twin Pack)

Instax mini film.

Buying Instax Mini film in twin packs helps you get the best price.

With a smartphone, showing a photo to hundreds of followers is as easy as pressing the share button. But if you want to create something tangible, an instant-film camera can add a fun and welcome dose of analog charm to your digital world. Our pick is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 , which provides high-quality, retro-cool prints at a reasonable price.

Also, when your phone is serving as a radio, a map, a restaurant guide, and whatever else, you’ll appreciate having a dedicated tool that does one thing: take instant shots that look great.

After doing extensive research , we found the Instax Mini 12 to be the best instant-film camera. Its compact body feels durable, and thanks to its minimal controls, anyone can easily learn how to use it. The 3.4-by-2.1-inch prints cost only about 60¢ apiece , so documenting your trip won’t break the bank. Its photos aren’t perfectly sharp, but they are pleasingly colorful and creamy, with a classic look that we love.

Travel game

Chat Pack: Fun Questions to Spark Conversations

The best silence-breaker.

The questions are not always the most thought-provoking, but they sure can spark a conversation.

You can find countless travel games for all ages, from magnetic chess boards to Adult Mad Libs , and we’re not about to review them all here. (You know what kinds of games you like to play.) So instead we’ll tell you about the game we chose, Chat Pack: Fun Questions to Spark Conversations .

I am, as a rule, generally wary of anything designed to prompt conversation. But by day three of our trip, with 1,100 miles behind us and 400 miles ahead, my then girlfriend (now wife) reached for Chat Pack and told me it was time.

It’s hit or miss with Chat Pack. Some of the questions are oddly inspiring, if clunkily written: “What is one item you own that has virtually no monetary value but has such sentimental value that you would not sell it for $1,000?” So, what item do I have that has no value but remains precious? My grandmother’s wire glove stretchers. And that became an hour-long conversation.

Some of the questions were abrupt duds: “If rain could fall in any scent, what scent would you want it to be?” “Like rain,” we both answered. Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh rain? The feeling of camaraderie in the car was strong; we agreed that it was a dumb question. We were a young couple on an open road in full accordance with each other, and that’s not a moment you take lightly.

So get a Chat Pack. Your mileage may vary. But this pack helped us pass the time, and it takes up barely any space.

Make time in your trip for the detours. If there’s one bit of non-gear-related advice we can give, it’s that the complicated route always proves to be more interesting. There will be times in the car when a sort of tunnel vision can set in, and the destination becomes all-consuming. At my worst, as I pressed down on the accelerator, I found myself mentally calculating the time saved for every increase in miles per hour—as if the scenery I was flying past wasn’t what I’d come to see in the first place.

The first time we pulled over without a plan was on some Bureau of Land Management stretch east of Zion National Park in Utah. We were alone, on an outcropping overlooking a shallow canyon. Someone had built an impromptu fire pit. But somehow it wasn’t until we finished lunch that we realized there was no point in going any farther.

You can find many ways to plan a trip. But once in a while, take a risk and make a left when all the maps and devices are telling you to go right. You won’t know where you’ll end up—and that’s the whole point.

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The best binoculars for nearly everyone.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars offer performance comparable to that of many models costing thousands more.

Binoculars might not be a necessity. But when you’re standing on the edge of a trail in Zion National Park and looking for nesting peregrine falcons or lying at the edge of your campsite in Joshua Tree watching a pack of coyotes move under a full moon, will a good pair of binoculars come in handy? Yes. Yes it will.

The waterproof and lightweight Athlon Optics Midas ED binoculars boast a rugged shock-absorbing exterior. And this pair’s optical clarity and extra-wide field of view allow you to see more of the scene, more clearly and accurately. In fact, the professional ornithologist who tested binoculars for us said that things looked every bit as good through the Athlon binoculars as they looked through his $2,500 Leica Ultravid pair.

And the optics of the Midas ED pair aren’t the only strong suit: These are exceptionally durable binoculars that easily withstood the humid, dusty, and hostile environment of the Mexican rain forest and the harsh sun of the Californian desert. Also, their focus dial adjusts reliably and smoothly across a wide range of depths, making it easy for you to focus on what you’re trying to see, no matter where it is.

Stowable tote or daypack

It’s always a good idea to have a bag on hand for spontaneous off-the-road excursions. But anything that will take up space on a trip needs to be functional enough to hold cameras, snacks, jackets, maps, and souvenirs. And it needs to be durable enough to survive beach trips, sightseeing excursions, picnics, and museum tours.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that won’t crowd your trunk.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your trunk or under your seat, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, you’ll probably prefer one of our more-structured picks.

After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, we’ve found that the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack of the bunch. Packed up, it is very discreet, nearly the size of a keychain accessory. The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, so it’s very light and water resistant. The Ultra-Sil bag also has reinforced stitching at stress points, which allows it to carry more weight than you might expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially in comparison with our more structured picks.

If lightness, waterproofing, comfort, and organization are more important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

An easy-to-spread physical sunscreen.

This physical sunscreen lotion absorbs easily and is free of added fragrance. Though this water-resistant formula can feel greasy, like most physical sunscreens, and leave behind a white cast (especially on darker skin), we’ve found its dependable coverage to be worth the trade-off.

On most road trips you’ll be exposed to the sun, whether it’s your arm out the window or your legs and neck during a pit stop, so we recommend bringing our favorite sunscreens along for everyone to apply. (The one exception: your youngest passengers. Do not put sunscreen on an infant. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends keeping children who are younger than 6 months out of the sun entirely.) Although most sunscreens containing only physical UV blockers are notoriously harder to spread and more visible on skin than sunscreens with chemical UV filters, Blue Lizard’s Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ formula spreads relatively quickly and easily, and it absorbs nicely. Formulated with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection, from both UVA and UVB rays. Blue Lizard says this formulation, which contains no added fragrance, is sweat resistant and water resistant for 80 minutes (the highest such claim allowed by the FDA). It comes in bottles that uniquely change color, from white to blue, in the presence of harmful UV light.

Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+

A lightweight, oxybenzone-free chemical sunscreen.

Although it contains added fragrance, this easy-to-apply chemical sunscreen lotion doesn’t have an overpowering sunscreen-y scent. It rubs in nearly transparently and appears colorless on most skin tones.

Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ is our favorite chemical sunscreen that doesn’t contain oxybenzone. Fairly runny and lightweight, it blends seamlessly into a variety of skin tones. Although it contains added fragrance, it’s not strongly scented. It’s water resistant for up to the maximum-allowable claim (per FDA guidelines) of 80 minutes, and it costs far less per ounce than our physical-sunscreen pick.

Having an emergency kit in your car is a great idea for day-to-day driving, but it’s pretty much a necessity for long-distance road trips. Although it’s tempting to buy a preassembled kit and be done with it, we haven’t found a great one yet. Even the most promising options suffer from having jumper cables that are too short, too thin, or both. Basically, if you want a good kit, you have to make it yourself, and we’re here to help.

We spent hours researching and testing each of these essentials to confirm that they’ll be useful in case of an emergency, whether it’s your own or someone else’s.

On a desolate stretch of two-lane highway in northern Arizona, we were driving behind a rental camper van just as it had a rear-tire blowout after hitting a rumble strip. The couple driving the van couldn’t find their jack, didn’t know where the spare tire was, and had come to a stop just past a low dip in the road. It wasn’t a good scene. But it couldn’t have happened at a better time (for them, at least), and it gave us a great opportunity to put our emergency gear to the test.

It’s also wise to get a membership to a roadside assistance program. We don’t have a single best recommendation for everyone, since your options and needs vary depending on what car you have, how you use it, and where you live, but here’s a good guide by Popular Mechanics on what to look for in choosing a plan. Basically, make sure your plan fits your needs. For example, if you live in a city, 3 miles of free towing may be enough. But if you’re going on a road trip across the desert, paying for more range is worthwhile.

First-aid kit

First Aid Only 298 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit (FAO-442)

All the basics.

This kit is chock-full of bandages and cleaning supplies that are suitable for minor incidents.

On the road, a first-aid kit is useful for keeping someone comfortable until people with real medical expertise can help. It’s much more important to have a basic kit with you—and to be sure that the bandages haven’t degraded and the disinfectants haven’t expired—than to have a 432-item, war-zone-worthy kit sitting at home.

We like the First Aid Only 298 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit . It lacks some of the higher-quality tools that we recommend for a wilderness first-aid kit , but it comes with plenty of bandages, alcohol prep pads, pain relievers, and equipment to treat up to four people’s minor cuts and scrapes on a weekend trip. (For an extensive list and comparison chart, see our full guide .)

Snow shovel

Voilé Telepro Mini Avalanche Shovel

The best car shovel.

This small shovel slices through icy snow and can be disassembled for car storage. It isn’t cheap, but it’s what we’d want to have in a roadside emergency.

After spending two years researching car shovels and testing five contenders, we found that the best one to keep in the trunk for an emergency is the Voilé Telepro Mini Avalanche Shovel .

The tool, popular with ski patrols and people clearing backcountry trails, has a solid metal scoop and a two-piece handle that clicks together to form a sturdy shovel. Our tester keeps the Voilé shovel in her truck every winter, and it has come in handy more times than she can count. Though the Voilé shovel is too short to be a primary shovel, it’s perfect for any kind of fast shoveling. When you aren’t using it, you can tuck its three pieces neatly under a car seat or in the back.

Accu-Gage RRA60X

The best tire gauge we’ve found.

This is the favored tire gauge of all the professionals we interviewed.

Checking your car’s tire pressure (including that of the spare tire) is like flossing: It’s something that everyone should do but many people don’t do. Proper inflation is vital . Too much, and you’ll feel every bump and have more difficulty stopping your car; too little, and your tires will wear faster. Worse, they’ll also overheat, which can separate the treads and blow the tires, something we saw happen right in front of us in the middle of nowhere in Arizona. Don’t let that happen to you.

When we asked three different San Francisco Bay Area tire shops which gauge they used, they all pointed to the Accu-Gage 60 PSI gauge with shock protector . After our testing, which included road-tripping with the tool ourselves, the Accu-Gage model has emerged as our favorite tire gauge for several years running. It’s accurate and durable, and unlike a digital gauge, it has no battery to wear out. The Accu-Gage model is available in several different configurations , but the performance is largely the same. We prefer a version with a hose attached and a straight chuck, because that design makes it easier to hold the gauge and check the tire pressure at the same time. The version we tested even comes with a removable rubber bumper in case you drop it.

Portable jump starter

A portable jump starter is essentially a lightweight battery attached to two jumper cables that you use to jump-start your car. It’s easier, safer, and less intimidating than old-fashioned jumper cables that you attach to another car—and it’s something that you can use if you’re alone, instead of waiting for roadside service/a kind stranger/a friend/a relative to show up and bail you out.

Weego Jump Starter 44s

Staff-favorite jump starter.

This jump starter has the right safety features and contains enough juice in a small package to start most cars and SUVs.

Wirecutter has recommended Weego gear since we first published our guide to portable jump starters in 2017. Guide writer Mark Smirniotis researched 40 lithium-ion jump starters and tested 12. Two Weego portable jump starters (both of which are now discontinued) became picks: the Weego 22s (the top pick; about $60) and the Weego 44 (the upgrade pick; about $150). Though we no longer maintain that full guide, many of us at Wirecutter still keep a Weego jump starter in our cars . But now, in many cases, it’s an updated version, namely the affordable Weego 44s , which hovers around the same price as the 22s model, its less powerful predecessor.

Measuring 5.62 by 3.44 by 1.04 inches (LWD), the Weego 44s jump starter is about the same size as a cell phone in length and width. It also weighs less than a pound (around 12 ounces, according to my kitchen scale) and has safety features that help prevent you from hurting your car or yourself: If you incorrectly attach the jump starter to your battery (which can potentially damage the battery or your car’s electrical system), the unit’s reverse-polarity protection feature activates, issuing a red light and an alarm alerting you not to proceed.

The Weego 44s is rated to work with a wide range of vehicles, including gas engines up to 7 liters and diesel engines up to 3.5 liters. It can jump-start pretty much any gas- or diesel-powered passenger-vehicle engine—anything from a Mini Cooper (2 liters or less) to a Dodge Ram (as much as 6.7 liters)—and it fits that power into a package that’s small enough for most glove boxes.

The Weego 44s comes partially charged out of the box and takes about 2.5 hours to charge from zero. A USB-A–to–Micro-USB charging cord is included, but it doesn’t come with a charging cube, so you need to plug the USB-A end into your own USB phone charger that works in regular household outlets or use an outlet with a USB-A port . According to the company, the unit can stay charged for more than a year in storage, though you should make sure to top it off every three to six months. With regular use, it’s rated to last for about three to five years or up to 1,000 recharge cycles. Plus, it can provide multiple jumps before it needs a recharge itself (five lights on the side of the unit indicate its remaining battery life).

The Weego 44s has checks and balances to ensure that you safely jump-start a car, but its lithium-ion polymer battery comes with certain caveats. Though the manufacturer indicates that the unit will operate in temps of -4 °F to 140 °F, leaving it in a car in extremely hot or cold conditions is not a great idea. “Most devices that contain a lithium-ion battery, whether it’s your smartphone or a portable jump starter, should not spend long periods of time in extreme temperatures since it can cause permanent damage to the battery,” says Wirecutter senior staff writer and battery expert Sarah Witman. “You should also keep in mind that car engines need more power to get started in freezing temperatures, so it’s especially important to keep your jump starter fully charged when driving in cold climates.”

Jumper cables

If you’re a die-hard jumper-cable partisan, make sure that the cables you get are long enough for most scenarios and thick enough to carry sufficient current to jump most vehicles.

Lifeline AAA Heavy Duty 16-foot 6 Gauge Booster Cables

The best cable option.

This cable is long and durable enough for any situation, with a current rating that can handle SUVs.

After scrutinizing the specs of dozens of jumper-cable options and having an electrical engineer analyze three top-rated models, we recommend Lifeline’s AAA Heavy Duty 16-foot 6 Gauge Booster Cables . As this image illustrates, these cables are long and thick enough for most situations, and their 400-amp current rating means they can handle most vehicles, even trucks and SUVs. They also come with a surprisingly sturdy and convenient mesh storage bag.

One thing that sets these Lifeline cables apart from other cables we found on Amazon is that the 6-gauge description is accurate. For example, Capri sells a 4-gauge, 20-foot cable that reviewers say is closer to 8-gauge. That’s no good, because thinner cables can fail to deliver sufficient current to start trucks, SUVs, and other larger vehicles.

If you’re unfamiliar with how to use jumper cables, familiarize yourself . But lest you forget, Lifeline includes a handy diagram in the bag. The important thing to keep in mind: Do not attach the black clamp to the black post of the dead battery. Instead, clamp it to an unpainted metal surface under the hood. Also, don’t touch the exposed parts of the clamps together while the cables are hooked up to a battery; they will spark.

Decked x BoxoUSA Tool Bag with Tool Roll

For the at-home mechanic.

This tool roll is designed for off-road emergencies. The handy roll and its mix-and-match tool configurations offer almost everything necessary to keep a vehicle on the road.

If you don’t own any tools for car maintenance, this kit is a great start. With 65 individual tools, the Decked x BoxoUSA Tool Bag with Tool Roll has nearly every tool that a home mechanic (especially those who own a truck) might need to keep their vehicle on the road. As the kit was designed originally for off-roading, bringing the whole thing and all its contents would be overkill for most people (the entire kit weighs 31 pounds). But selecting the necessities—the ratchet and wrench set, for instance—depending on the kind of journey you’re planning is easy and efficient due to the built-in compartmentalization. Included within the kit are combination wrenches, sockets, impact sockets, hex and torx keys, breaker bars, and a family of hammers, pliers, and screwdrivers. The heavy-duty Cordura nylon bag is built to last, too. If you’re at all interested in doing some of your own car maintenance, or if you want to be prepared in case of emergency, this toolkit offers a solid foundation.

Petzl Actik Core

A rechargeable headlamp.

This headlamp emits bright light with the highest beam quality. And it stays charged for days, whether you charge it via USB or use AAA batteries. It’s the perfect headlamp for backpacking trips.

We’ve been testing headlamps since 2012, including our latest round of research and testing in 2022. For a road trip, we like the Petzl Actik Core because it’s rechargeable, so you won’t ever get caught with a dead battery, as long as you have a USB car charger on hand. Its 450-lumen light ranks among the brightest of all our picks. (As of early 2023, the Actik Core was updated and now has a 600-lumen beam ; we’re currently testing the new version.)

Twice during our trip we pulled into our camping site late, and our headlamp was the first thing we reached for. Knowing that it was always charged meant that we didn’t have to hunt for batteries or use our car lights and disturb neighboring campers.

Right out of the box, the Actik Core was easy to use. It has just one button and three brightness options: low (6 lumens), medium (100 lumens), and high (450 lumens). If you hold down the button for several seconds, the color turns to red; double-pressing lets you access the strobe setting. Compared with some other rechargeable headlamps, which require complicated button-press configurations to reach the desired setting, we found this one to be simpler, though we lamented its lack of a flood beam. We also liked the double-button setup of the Black Diamond Spot 400 and the Vitchelo V800 a bit better than the Actik Core’s single button.

Flare alternative

StonePoint LED Emergency Beacon

The best emergency beacon.

Crushproof and waterproof, this set of three beacons comes with magnets for car mounting. And these are much safer than traditional flares.

To keep yourself safe while your car is parked on the side of the road, we suggest StonePoint LED Emergency Beacon flare alternatives.

We like the StonePoint set because, for the price of one high-intensity model like the PowerFlare device, you get three separate lights that are all crushproof to 20,000 pounds, waterproof, magnetic, and easy to set up and turn on. The magnets are important because they let you mount the beacons on your car, which adds height; having a flare anywhere above the surface of the road greatly increases your visibility. By putting one on the road (preferably elevated on something and located about 100 feet before your car), another on the trunk, and another on the hood, you create a very visible early warning for drivers.

Traditional magnesium flares will almost always be brighter and more visible. But their hazards—both to your health and to the environment around you—are substantial. (Read the health and environmental hazards section in this report [PDF] for a breakdown of the risks and the potentially harmful chemicals involved.) Combine that with the fact that you can mitigate any differences in visibility simply by elevating an electric flare, and you end up with a compelling argument against using traditional flares.

Of the three beacon models we tested, we couldn’t figure out how to open or turn on the Wagan model. And the Smittybilt U.F.O. safety light, though tough, wasn’t especially effective during the day and came only one to a package. Only the StonePoint beacons were easy to fill with batteries and place on the road exactly when we needed them. They also happened to be the brightest flare alternatives we had with us.

I should take a moment here and repeat what the responding officer told us when he arrived on the scene. Regardless of what safety beacons you have laid out behind you, “Stay off the road, and when in doubt stay in your car.”

Leatherman Skeletool CX

The best multi-tool.

This light, slim multi-tool is easy to carry and built to last.

No emergency kit is complete without a multi-tool. Most minor situations—such as a loose Phillips-head screw or a need to create a rag for checking your oil—are easily fixed as long as you have the right tool. Multi-tools are small enough to carry in a jeans pocket or to attach to a belt, so you can take a set of useful tools almost anywhere. Our choice is the Leatherman Skeletool CX , which comes with pliers, a bit driver, a pocket clip, and a carabiner/bottle opener, in addition to a high-quality, 2.6-inch 154CM carbon-fiber stainless steel blade. The Skeletool CX stood out from the other 22 multi-tools we tested because it focuses on the functionality, ergonomics, and solid construction of a few essential tools, instead of cramming dozens of different tools into a single bulky body that makes it difficult to use. That means it’s easy to carry but still has just about everything you could possibly need (short of a hammer and a socket set) to make an emergency repair in the field and on the road.

Duck Brand Max Strength Duct Tape

The best duct tape.

This tape is super strong and sticky, flexible enough to wrap around corners, and easy to tear in a clean, straight line.

If you can’t duct it, fuhgeddaboudit . We tested the heck out of 11 rolls of duct tape and chose Duck Max Strength tape above the competition for its perfect blend of attributes, namely high material strength, a strong adhesive, and superior overall flexibility for easy wrapping around odd shapes and curved surfaces. Is it an absolute necessity on the road? No. But the moment you need to fix a ripped tent wall or to keep unruly motel shades shut, you’ll be glad you packed some duct tape. It can even handle first-aid duties when the right materials for the job are unavailable. Duct tape is, as any MacGyver fan will tell you, a very useful tool.

Reliance 4-Gallon Aqua-Tainer

The best water jug.

This water jug holds enough water for two people for two days, and it has a spill-proof screw-on vent cap.

The general rule for water in an emergency is that one person needs one gallon of water for one day. But four to five gallons is a good amount to throw into your trunk—enough to get you through being stranded, even with a passenger. You should increase that estimate if you plan to go out in the middle of nowhere, or if your travels take you to a desert region or some other dry place. We found on our trip through the Southwest that we were refilling our water bottles a lot more than we were stopping for gas.

After researching 16 different types of water jugs, we recommend the Reliance 4-Gallon Aqua-Tainer for most situations. The Reliance jug has two standout features: a screw-on vent cap and a spigot cap that reverses in on itself when not in use. These features work together to prevent major spills. The screw-on vent cap doesn’t come undone, unlike the pull-top vents on some competitors, which tend to pop open and spill water as soon as you hit anything other than the smoothest roadways. Spigot caps can be a weakness for some jugs, too. In contrast, when not in use, the Reliance jug’s spigot unscrews and drops into the jug itself, sealing up the whole canister nice and tight. On our road trip, we used the 4-Gallon Aqua-Tainer, which can provide water for two people for two days; for more people, consider the 7-Gallon Aqua-Tainer .

The Reliance Aqua-Tainer jug is made from BPA-free molded plastic. It’s easy to pack around in the trunk of a car—certainly easier than large, bladder-type jugs (like the MSR Dromedary Bag ), which, though excellent for camp showers and good for a backpack, are too difficult to pack around in a trunk because of their non-rigid shape. The Aqua-Tainer’s hard sides also make it easier to use for dispensing water from, say, the roof of your car. But be sure to throw a shirt or towel under the Aqua-Tainer before setting it atop your car like this: We learned the hard way that the molded plastic edge can scratch your car’s paint job if you’re not careful.

Before investing in a jug, you should know that water kept in plastic bottles won’t harm you, even if left in a hot car . A 24-pack of Poland Spring is not environmentally kind, but it is safe for a brief trip. Avoid gallon jugs, since they’re typically made out of HDPE plastic, which punctures easily. (Such jugs also have caps that pop off easily.) We wouldn’t buy collapsible jugs, either, since they are prone to leaks and are unruly when pouring.

It takes only a few minutes to get your vehicle checked out for a proper road trip. When in doubt, or when preparing for an especially long trip, see a mechanic first. There are plenty of potential mechanical troubles that a professional can identify—and that you’d rather learn about in their shop than on the side of a highway. Use these tips to determine where to go for help, based on the age of your car and what you need done.

• Dealership service departments: newer vehicles covered by factory warranty, or when specialized service is required
• Independent mechanics: general maintenance items such as brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, and fluid changes
• Quick oil/lube centers: oil changes only

Getting word-of-mouth advice from family and friends remains a very good way to find reputable mechanics. Sites such as RepairPal and Yelp are also helpful. And don’t forget to check local Facebook community groups.

The vehicle inspection: Six key areas

• Under the hood: Check the engine oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant, windshield wipers, washer fluid, and brake fluid.

• Tires: Check for proper inflation and good tread that doesn’t show uneven wear. For inflation, consult your owner’s manual to find your tires’ recommended PSI; don’t go by what’s printed on the side of your tire, which is the maximum PSI. For tread wear, stick a penny into the center (not the edge) of each tire’s treads, with Lincoln’s head facing down—if you can still see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tire is worn out. Also, if you have a spare tire, check it and make sure that a jack and a lug-nut wrench still accompany it. If you don’t have a spare, consider getting one from a dealer or a salvage yard. Or invest in an emergency roadside repair and inflation kit—like the Slime 50107 Smart Spair Emergency Tire Repair Kit —which includes sealant for small punctures as well as a small air compressor for reinflating tires. At the very least, bring along a portable sealer kit like Fix-A-Flat , but be aware that these options work only on very small punctures in the tread and could ultimately require you to replace your whole tire. So it’s really better to have a spare, if possible.

• Lights: Check all the bulbs, including the turn signals, headlights (high and low beam), brake lights, parking lamps, reverse lights, and license-plate lights.
• Smell test: You can sniff out potential problems in your car by paying attention to its odors.
• Sulfur/rotten-egg smell: You have trouble with your exhaust or emission system that could be dangerous. Get your car to a mechanic immediately.
• Sweet smell: This scent indicates an engine coolant leak; the smell could be strong when you’re using the heater, and accompanied by fogged-up glass. The coolant is toxic, and when it runs out, your engine will overheat.
• Burning carpet/paper smell: Your brakes are hot. Smelling this after you’ve used your brakes hard (such as after coming down a mountain) is not unusual. But if you smell this while you’re driving around normally, it means your brakes might be stuck, which is a serious problem.
• Musty/mildew smell: This odor is generally attributable to water getting stuck in the ductwork for your heating and air conditioning. It usually indicates that a drain plug is blocked, which you sometimes can fix just by running your fan on high for a few minutes.
• Burning rubber smell: Unless you’re doing burnouts, this smell can be caused by slipping engine belts or a tire rubbing. In these cases, the smell is usually accompanied by a noise, namely squealing (with belts) or grinding (with a tire rubbing).
• Noise test: Cars make lots of noises, and the following are some that should get your undivided attention.
• Clunking or rattling over bumps: This sound can indicate a variety of problems with the steering or suspension, but it often points to worn plastic or rubber bushings that allow contact between metal components. In extreme cases, these components can fail, causing major damage or even loss of control if the vehicle is moving.
• Clicking or groaning sounds when turning: Clicking is a sign of imminent axle shaft failure on front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles, so get to a mechanic immediately if you hear this sound. Groaning noises are less serious and occur because of a lack of lubrication in steering components or bushings.
• Loud humming that increases steadily with speed: This sound almost always points to a bad wheel bearing, especially if the noise gets louder or quieter when the car is turning.
• Grinding, squeaking, or squealing when stopping: Squeaking and squealing happen when the brake pads are worn and need replacing. Grinding means the pads are already gone, and you’re pushing metal against metal when you stop.
• Feel test: The following are a few situations that should warrant a visit to the shop.
• Soft or spongy brake pedal: Brakes should be firm; a soft pedal means something is wrong. Either you have a mechanical problem or the brake fluid is leaking.
• Shimmies or vibrations: These sensations usually indicate that a rim is bent or that a tire is out of balance, but they can also be signs of loose steering or suspension parts.

Pre-trip planning

Before heading out, check these commonly taken-for-granted aspects of road-tripping.

• Update your GPS system. Factory-installed GPS devices generally receive updates once a year and require CDs, SD cards, or USB thumb drives purchased from the manufacturer for installation through a dealership. Mobile third-party GPS units get updates throughout the year, and you can install the updates via most home PCs through a simple download from the GPS manufacturer’s website.
• Make sure that you have maps or a paper atlas. Sometimes technology fails. Having a current map for backup is always a good idea.
• Make sure you’re covered by a roadside assistance program. Auto-club programs are the most common source of roadside assistance plans, with companies such as AAA and Good Sam offering coverage to members regardless of what vehicle they drive or its age. Most new cars, however, come with complimentary roadside assistance that lasts a certain number of miles or a certain number of years, whichever happens first. So check your owner’s manual (and read the fine print, since these plans can be very limited). Many auto insurance companies also provide vehicle-specific roadside assistance, usually for a monthly fee. Some credit card companies offer a mix of complimentary and basic fee services, and even cell phone companies are now offering basic services to customers. Verizon’s roadside assistance plan costs $5 per month and covers any vehicle, as long as the phone is present. Most of these plans have limitations and plenty of fine print to study, so carefully review your coverage before hitting the road.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guides

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Wirecutter Staff

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Further reading

Road-Trip Essentials

by Eve O'Neill

We spend a lot of time driving each year, and this is our list of essential road-trip gear to include in your packing list.

Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

by Kerry Davis McGuinness

From compact car seats and cribs to portable blackout shades and white noise machines, the right tools for travel can lead to less fuss—and more fun.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

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Matt Jancer

The Best Travel Accessories to Make Your Trip Easier

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Charge Ahead Nimble Champ (Series 2) Read more

Charge Everything at Once Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger With MagSafe Read more

Learn to Adapt Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter Read more

Tag, You’re It Artovida Neoprene Luggage Tag Read more

Travel isn’t always as luxurious as the brochures make it seem. Sure, the destination may be intoxicatingly gorgeous, but the journey to get there is often one of cramped seats and uninterrupted noise. Traveling can be a gauntlet to be endured or, if you equip yourself properly beforehand, a mere speed bump to glide over. From travel pillows and noise-canceling headphones to luggage trackers, it turns out you actually can purchase peace of mind. These are the best travel accessories after years of traveling and testing.

Don't forget to check out our Best Travel Bags and Best Travel Adapters guides for more recommendations.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Charge Ahead

Don't count on always finding an outlet. You never know when the café or airport you’re in will be outlet-deficient, and it's almost a running joke at this point at how often the airliners' onboard outlets are broken. The Nimble Champ Series 2 is our top recommendation in our Best Portable Chargers guide because of the company's environmentally friendly efforts in its manufacturing and packaging . Its light at 6.2 ounces, and we recommend the medium-size 10,000-mAh option, which can recharge a smartphone several times. There's a smaller version and a larger one too.

Charge Everything at Once

For the Apple devotee who travels complete with an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, consider picking up this 3-in-1 charger that can top off the juice in all three of your devices at the same time. No more prioritizing which one of your devices gets the precious outlet. No wonder WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu raved about it in our Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers guide . It comes with a felt pouch, plus a charging adapter and cable. There are three pads, one with a grooved spot for holding AirPods, one magnetic pad for MagSafe iPhones, and another for the Apple Watch.

Learn to Adapt

When I'm traveling, there are never enough power outlets. WIRED reviewer Simon Hill gave this model top marks in his Best Travel Adapters guide because of how securely plugs stick into this outlet. It has enough built-in outlet styles to charge devices in 200 countries. It also offers three USB-A ports, which deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, and two USB-C ports, which deliver up to 18 watts through one PD and one QC 3.0 port. That's enough to juice up iPads and smartphones, but stick to the outlet for your laptop.

Tag, You’re It

Any little thing that makes a bag stand out from the acres of look-alikes on the baggage carousel, the better. These come in a snazzy rotating collection of designs by select artists, and they attach surprisingly securely by slipping the larger end through the hole after looping it around a baggage handle. Even after tens of thousands of airline miles, mine have held up without wear or tear. Call me paranoid, but you should have two luggage tags, in case one gets torn off. Good thing these come in a two-pack.

Boone Ashworth

David Nield

Scott Gilbertson

Keeping Track

We have mixed thoughts on AirTags, but if you have an iPhone, they are among the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. These trackers utilize the sheer number of iPhones and Apple devices out there to regularly report their location back to your device. Even if you don't plan on checking your bag, you might end up having to gate-check it on crowded flights. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination.

AirTags don't work with Android devices, so if you use an Android phone , our recommendation is the Chipolo One ($25) . We have more details about it in our Best Trackers guide , but the setup is simple, and you can even get alerts if you leave the house without it.

Catch Some Z’s

I've never been one to fall asleep on a plane. It's not that the audience bothers me—I'll never see these people again—but rather that it’s impossible to fall asleep in a near-vertical seat. The Travelrest ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is the ultimate neck pillow because it remedied this problem. Thanks to its high, contoured sides and a flat back that keeps it square against the seat, I can reliably nod off on any flight. The Travelrest easily beats those rounded, doughnut-shaped neck pillows for comfort and support.

To Safeguard Your Electronics

Some countries have less reliable electrical infrastructure, and you never know how well-wired that discount hotel's outlets are. Protect your device from getting fried with this compact, one-outlet surge protector. It has a lifetime warranty and $5,000 of coverage if your device is damaged from a power surge while using it. I haven't had to test that aspect of it, but the two USB-A ports are convenient when I've had to charge earbuds, battery banks, and other accessories.

A Better Pillow

Hotel pillows tend to have all the firmness and support of a wet roll of toilet paper that's been stomped on for 30 minutes. That tends to mean that vacation memories are accompanied by a stiff neck. Side sleepers like me need a firm yet poofy pillow. I've caught more good nights of sleep on this Therm-a-Rest than I can count. It rolls up into an integrated pouch, and a cinch compresses it into the size of a large water bottle for storage.

Tip the Scales

A scale is handy to have when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Avoid those enormous surcharges and make sure your bag is under the airlines’ weight limits before you arrive at the check-in counter. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even US airlines will be unforgiving about the weight of checked bags. I've used this scale for years, and I prefer the simplicity of not needing any batteries. It's accurate, easy to read the gauge, and the strap is strong enough in the long term to handle some seriously heavy luggage without fraying or breaking.

To Protect Your Laptop

Travel through enough airports without a case and it’s only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Protect your devices from banging around in the security bins against keys, phones, and belts with this slim laptop sleeve, available for laptops of several common sizes. The water-resistant zippers are smooth and slide easily, and the padded, non-scratch material protected our MacBooks from a few bouts of rough handling by over-eager TSA agents without any exterior damage. Even if you don't normally use one, consider picking one up just for travel. For tablets, check out the Zugu iPad Case for $50 . We have guides for choosing the best laptop backpacks and laptop totes , too.

Mosquito Guard

In much of the world, mosquitoes aren't just pests. They carry life-threatening diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis. Even in hotel rooms in certain places, you're not safe from them. When I traveled through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos last year, I brought this mosquito bed net with me. It's large enough for most two-person mattresses, and an elastic rim tucks underneath the mattress so that there are no gaps for critters to sneak through. The World Health Organization says a minimum of 156 holes per square inch are needed to keep mosquitoes out. This model has 500 tiny holes per square inch, making it that much more secure.

A Good Book, or 20

There's nothing like tackling a long ride on a train or plane with a good old book. But if you're a voracious reader or traveling on a long trip, a few books can take up a lot of room in your luggage. The Kindle Paperwhite's glare-resistant E Ink display is less harsh on your eyes than a typical tablet screen, so you can read for a long while before fatigue sets in ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). With 8 GB of storage, there's room for thousands of books. You can find more recommendations in our Best Kindles and Best Ebook Readers guides.

Top Up Your Devices

Not all USB cables are made equal. This Cable Matters cord came out on top in our testing (read more in our Best USB Cables guide ), thanks to its ability to handle 100 watts—enough to charge a power-hungry laptop. It also can transfer data at an impressive 40 Gbps. The 6.6-foot cable is an active cable too, which means it has a chip inside to push data further without degradation. It supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode), meaning you can use it to connect your laptop to a portable monitor, along with USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS), so that certain devices will fast charge through the cable. Seriously, it's the one USB-C cable to rule them all.

Maintain Your Sanity

Anyone who's spent time on public transportation knows that the cacophony of shouting, crying, and other people's loud devices can be maddening when you're stuck in your seat for the next few hours. The Sennheiser Adapt 660 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) are our favorite value noise-canceling headphones . WIRED associate reviews editor Parker Hall says they are comfortable and one of the lightest headphones he's tested. You can count on excellent sound quality for up to 30 hours of usage.

For Compact Peace and Quiet

WIRED reviewer Simon Lucas praised these Bose earbuds as having hands-down the best noise-cancellation. It's the top pick in our Best Wireless Earbuds guide, though they are expensive. He says their “naturalistic, vivid sound” is untouched by any counter-signal or audio evidence that the noise cancellation is working to muffle unwanted background sounds. That means you can enjoy that movie or album without jet engines and passenger chatter disturbing your peace.

Whether you'd like to plug directly into the seatback entertainment system or just don't feel like juggling one more device that needs frequent charging, wired headphones are by no means obsolete. These nabbed the top spot in our Best Wired Headphones guide , thanks to the excellent sound quality of the two 7-mm, full-range dynamic drivers that deliver punchy, finely detailed audio at a reasonable price. WIRED associate reviews editor Parker Hall reports that they're comfortable and secure in his ears, and the detachable cable is braided for durability.

A Nice Travel Sling

You don't want to tote around a heavy bag when you're seeing the sights at your destination. Pack the small version of the Wandrd Roam ( 3 liters ) and you'll have plenty of space for a compact camera, a spare lens, cables, a phone, a wallet, and more. The YKK weather-resistant zippers ensure things will stay dry in the rain. Available in 3, 6, and 9 liters , you can size up if you feel like you want to carry a little bit more on your journey. Read more about it in our Best Camera Bags guide .

An All-Day Stash

Think past the journey to the destination and consider how you'll keep your devices, maps, snacks, and charging accessories handy when you're at your destination. The Tour is our best all-day waist pack and another great mini bag to consider aside from the Wandrd Roam. Thanks to pockets galore, WIRED editor Michael Calore says he can fit a change of clothes and a couple of ready-to-eat meals in there, with room to spare. Two water bottle pockets and a zippered phone pouch maintain the essentials, and when the pack gets too heavy, an included shoulder strap turns it into a sling.

Entertainment is awfully limited if you rely on the seatback video system of an airplane, and its absent on trains, most buses, and some low-cost carriers. If you're feeling particularly active and want something other than a book or movie, delve into any fantasy world of your choosing with the Nintendo Switch OLED ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu found the 7-inch OLED screen fantastic and the kickstand much-improved over the old model. It’s stable, secure, easy to pull out, and adjustable to a wide range of angles, and you can get that long gaming session in by propping it on your meal tray, no matter how far back the guy in front of you reclines his seat.

Bring Your Best Friend

More of us are taking our four-legged pals with us on our journeys these days, but the trials of travel are no easier on them than they are on us. WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu loves this pet carrier for how stable and soft its base is. He says the straps are thicker than most competing bags, and they stayed on his shoulder securely. You can clip a leash to the built-in carabiner, and there's a small stash pocket for poo bags. The best part is how well-ventilated it is, and there are multiple ways to open the bag and check on your pet. It's compliant with most major airlines’ policies.

Make Yourself Understood

It's tough to learn a new language, especially if it's just for a vacation booked a few months in advance. But you really should know the basics of conversation to be a good guest. WIRED contributor Christopher Null reviewed the Pocketalk Plus Voice Translator ( 7/10, WIRED Review ), which translates conversations between different languages in real time. He praised how reasonably quickly it provided translations, its intuitive interface, and the number of supported languages. This kind of device makes sense only if you're traveling to multiple destinations in a year. Otherwise, you can probably get by with Google Translate.

If you want to work toward learning a new language yourself, check out our Best Language Learning Apps guide .

Connect the Unconnected

Love your wireless earbuds but hate that you can't connect them to the screen embedded in the airplane seat in front of you? The AirFly is a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into a standard headphone jack and connects to your wireless buds. I used the AirFly SE model, and I found no noticeable change in audio quality, at least from a few feet away when I took it on a flight. You get volume control buttons so you don't have to tap on the screen, and a double-tap mutes the audio too. Twelve South claims 20 hours of battery life, and although battery life can differ based on usage, it felt like a pretty accurate estimate in my experience watching movies and listening to music on the plane.

For Chilly Flights and Nights

You can't count on your hotel being as warm as you might like, and don't get me started on how cold they keep airplane cabins. Forget the scratchy blankets they sell on board and bring this lightweight, packable travel blanket if you're prone to the chills. I like how my feet fit in the “leg pockets,” my hands in the hand warmers, and how securely it stays around my neck with the button snap. The zippered pocket was perfectly sized for my AirPod case and for at least a few of those free snacks I felt like saving for later. It's also a great blanket to bring for road trips, in case you plan on sleeping in the car.

Don't Forget the Toothpaste

Consider this alternative to conventional toothpaste, especially if you find yourself butting up against the TSA's 3-1-1 rule . WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano enjoyed these toothpaste tablets while she was running tests for her Best Electric Toothbrushes guide. You just bite down on them and start brushing. You also get bonus points for reducing the amount of plastic waste you'd otherwise generate via toothpaste tubes—the packaging here is all glass bottles and compostable pouches.

Stay Hydrated

Travel, especially air travel, puts you in a bit of a bind when it comes to cutting down on your usage of single-use plastics. While you can't show up at the airport with your own drinks, you can do your part after you've passed through security. In my search for the best travel mugs , this Hydro Flask Coffee Mug came out on top. It's insulated, so it'll keep your coffee warm for longer than any flight. It's narrow enough to fit any cupholder, and no matter how much I banged it around, the tough powder-coated metal showed neither a scratch nor a dent. Unlike many water bottle manufacturers who use lead in their bottle construction , Hydro Flask has been lead-free since 2013.

Get Steamed

Hotels often have an iron and ironing board available, but I find it quicker and easier to steam my clothes. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using Urpowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything in a minute or two. You just need to refill it often; one reservior is enough for one or two garments, at most. If you're going to another state or country for an important event, like a wedding, this is a must-have.

Adrienne So

Medea Giordano

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Protect Your Trip »

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

Getty Images

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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• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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• Work With Us

24 Smart Road Trip Travel Accessories for 2024

Written by Becca

Updated on April 26th, 2024

Looking for new road trip travel products that make driving easier, comfortable and tolerable? I list car trip gadgets for the driver, for pets for emergencies, too.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Road Trip Travel Accessories

• Accessories for the driver
• Electronics essentials for road trips
• Drinks and snacks for road trips
• For listening
• For emergencies
• For keeping clean
• Useful things for passengers
• Preventative care for your car

Road trips can be long, uncomfortable and exhausting, but luckily there are some products, accessories and gadgets we’ve found that make things a little more tolerable.

We’ve road tripped to visit family, to take vacations and to visit friends. Over the months and years, we’ve developed an idea of some things that put convenience back into driving and being in the car for a long time.

In the list that follows, we’ve put together our favorite road trip essentials, along with some recommendations from my friend Matt , who road trips pretty often. Let’s begin!

Accessories for the driver

The driver’s comfort is paramount for a long car trip! See which products and accessories were made for the driver in mind during a day on the road.

Phone mounts for the car

Phone mounts are good to have for quick access to your phone for directions and hands-free calls. The time I spent in my car totally changed when I got one (before then, we had both been embarrassingly keeping our phones in the cup holders). Check out the best ones here.

Shop the best car phone mounts

Peak Design Vent Mount

This is the best car mount that I’ve used because it has a super strong magnet. This works the best with the Peak Design Phone Case . You can also check out the dash version if you like Peak Design gear.

iOttie Dashboard Phone Mount

If you’re looking for a generic phone mount to stick to the dashboard, check out this highly-rated option. It’s compatible with tons of phone models.

CD Player Phone Mount

Make use of your car’s CD player by using a CD player phone mount. It locks in securely, and has swivel and tilt options for your ideal viewing angle.

Coffee mug for the car

I’ve had my fair share of coffee mugs that are bad quality and spill or leak when the car goes over bumps or potholes. It’s worth having a good coffee mug for the road trip!

Shop my pick

YETI Rambler 10-oz Tumbler

I’m a long-time fan of YETI tumblers, and this one is splash-proof, with the YETI MagSlider Lid that uses a magnet to keep the top locked. It fits in all car cup holders.

Polarized sunglasses for driving

Even if your trip has a gloomy forecast, there’s a chance that driving straight into bright sunlight is possible. Protect your eyes and avoid glares with trusty polarized sunglasses to stay safe on the road.

Goodr Polarized Sunglasses

I wear my Goodr sunglasses for running on sunny days, and they are also perfect for the car. They are no-slip lightweight frames, with shatterproof polarized lenses.

Electronics essentials for road trips

Of course, there’s no good road trip without your electronics being charged up for getting out of the car to do something like take photos at a scenic spot on the route! Here are a few of my top picks for keeping my batteries juiced.

Extra charging battery (power bank)

One of my travel essentials is a backup charging battery. This has saved me on trips big and small when my phone is about to die. It’s a must-have that I keep in my car gear so that I don’t have any fears of my phone dying. You can also charge headphones or anything else at the other end of your charging cable.

Anker Portable Power Bank

Anker makes the best power banks and this model is one of the slimmest and lightest, for travel days.

Long phone charging cables

We got introduced to charging cables this long about a year ago! Even though 10 feet may seem excessive, having one of these can work with your car charger port up front and let a passenger in the back seat charge their phone.

Long Apple Lightning Cable Multipack

The charging cables in this pack come in 3, 6 and 10 feet long, which is long enough for use even in minivans!

Car phone charger

When buying a phone charger for your car, make sure the input is the same type that your phone charging cable requires.

Anker Car Charger Adapter (USB-A + C)

This car charger for your phone lets you charge two devices at one time in the two ports, and can take as little as 25 minutes for a full charge with your power cord.

Drinks and snacks for road trips

Road trip snacks are one of my favorite parts of a driving trip. We tend to go shopping before we leave, and hide all our road trip snacks so that we don’t dig into them until we get to the car! Here are a few staple items, plus some new ideas that Matt added.

Energy boosts

Mostly for the driver, my friend Matt (who frequently drives from NYC all the way to Cape Cod, MA) recommends Berocca tablets. He swears by them because they’re the best for energy and flavor (and also a hangover cure). They are caffeine-free.

Berocca Effervescent Tablets

These tablets dissolve in water and give mental and physical energy support when you need it during the car journey. They are caffeine-free!

Insulated water bottle

We recommend travel water bottles in our tips for traveling sustainably and for a car ride, you can always fill up on water at a rest area. There are tons of great brands out there for insulated water bottles, but for a road trip specifically, you’ll want one that sits in the cup holder and doesn’t jostle around.

STANLEY Classic 16-oz. Travel Mug

This water bottle and mug lets you open and sip with a single action. It’s designed to fit snugly in a car cup holder!

There’s a trick to road trip snacks: you’ll want to eat things that are hand-held (especially for the driver!). Stay away from crummy foods, foods with messy powders (Cheetos) and small snacks like peanuts or seeds that could make a mess in the car.

Because we try our best to eat healthy on travel days, I’ll recommend heading straight to our list of the best vegetarian snacks for road trips . We also like to store fruits and veggies in Ecolunchbox stainless steel snack containers .

Hydration drops

If you’re someone who forgets to drink water and liquids while you’re sitting in the car or on a trip, check out these alternatives to traditional hydration supplements.

Shop hydration supplements for road trips

Liquid IV Pouches

Personally, I think these are some of the most delicious hydration multipliers on the market. You dissolve the contents (or half) of one “stick” into water and that’s it!

Buoy Electrolyte Drops

Buoy drops are a way to get electrolytes, vitamins and trace minerals into what you’re drinking. They’re flavorless, so they can go into drinks besides water.

Matt recommends using a reusable water bottle with a “bowl top” like a Core water bottle. You can get a bunch of these on Amazon . Basically, the cap comes off and turns into a little cup, so it can be a dog-watering bowl on the go.

For listening

I once recommended my favorite song to DiveIn.com for a list of the ultimate songs for road trip playlists . My top song is “You Get What You Give” by the New Radicals. Just putting that out there. What would a road trip be without great music? Here’s how to get some tunes for the car.

AirFly from Twelve South

AirFly is a great product that we recommend in the best accessories for long flights . Picture this: it is a wireless adapter that plugs into a traditional headphone jack, and lets you use and pair wireless Bluetooth headphones.

AirFly is only needed if you are driving in an older car that doesn’t have an AUX IN, or if you want to use Bluetooth with your phone. It really comes in handy if your road trip is in a rental car, like we had in Ireland and in the Canary Islands in Spain . AirFly will let you send your smartphone audio to the car speaker. It’s brilliant!

Check out AirFly

AirFly by Twelve South

This handy travel gadget allows Bluetooth pairing in old headphone jacks or serves as an adapter in an older rental car.

Sirius XM is better than the radio: it’s clearer, with tons of stations that have themes and genres all commercial-free. We like to listen to the news, sports, oldies and pop while road tripping on vacation.

Also, you can do a free trial if you want to test it out.

Downloaded podcasts, playlists or audiobooks

Dan and I are big Spotify people, and I’m accustomed to downloading full playlists from Spotify on my phone, before we take a flight. Doing the same thing is useful if you are driving through areas with limited to no cell service — think driving to national parks, long stretches of highway in rural areas or through the mountains.

For emergencies

The following ideas are a few precautionary things to do, download or bring, in case of emergencies during road trips. If you’ll be driving at night, on deserted back roads or in areas where cell signal could be scarce, it pays to be prepared.

Download Google Maps areas

If you’re a cautious traveler, it’s a good idea to download Google Maps in a select area for where you are going on your road trip!

Useful for navigating when you don’t have great cell service. This happened to us when we were deep in the Catskill Mountains and thankfully had pre-loaded some navigation directions on small roads, but we could’ve been out of luck.

A case of water / spare water for emergencies

Having an entire case of water in the trunk is smart, in case you get stranded on the side of a deserted road (yikes) or are sitting in traffic for a while (oh!).

Shop our pick

Alpine Spring Water (Case)

Typically we suggest against single-use plastics, but this is the only way to make sure you have spare drinking water at your disposal.

Emergency blanket

While it may sound silly and excessive, an “emergency blanket” is helpful to have in your trunk during a road trip. You could use it ifyou get cold during your trip at the hotel or Airbnb (or camping), or if you have any car trouble at night and have to bundle up for a little bit while help arrives.

If you have space, bring a blanket the size of a queen bed in case you want to use it in a hotel room that’s not the greatest. You can also use it in an Airbnb to cover furniture that you want to stay intact if you brought your dog (Matt’s tip).

Cash is king, both at home and abroad. For road trips, it’s helpful to have cash on hand in case you need to pay a store along your road trip route and your credit card doesn’t work, or you lose your wallet (we hope not!).

Cash in the local currency (if you’re road tripping internationally) is also the #1 thing you need in cases where you need to pay a toll on the highway! When we did some road tripping in Halifax, Nova Scotia , we accidentally forgot to pull out Canadian Dollars upon arrival and had some bridge tolls to pay in cash only.

AAA membership

Useful in the US for domestic trips, AAA is a travel membership that keeps you and your vehicle covered by a set of benefits. These include roadside assistance, like battery jumping, towing and flat tire repair, and locked key retrieval (if you lock your keys inside your car).

AAA has been helping drivers travel on their trips with peace of mind for years! You can learn more here .

For keeping clean

Messes, spills and accidents are bound to happen during road trips. My friend Matt pitched in some ideas here, and he would know about messes, because he road trips with his dog! See my ideas for ways to clean up messes on car trips.

Shop my picks

Tear-A-Square Paper Towels

I like that these paper towels let you rip off just a square in case you don’t want a larger piece! Paper towels can help clean up unexpected messes of all sorts.

Wet Ones Wipes

For after sticky or powdery snacks, or just any type of messy situation, having wipes on hand is key on a car trip.

Travel Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer Spray

I started prefering spray sanitizer to gel, and Mrs. Meyer’s products all smell good. You might want to sanitize your hands after stopping at portable toilets or bathrooms that don’t have soap.

Travel-Sized Disinfecting Wipes

For times when you just can’t figure out why the car door is sticky, you’ll be glad to have sanitizing surface wipes on hand in a travel pouch.

Useful things for passengers

Passengers are part of the people on the road trip, too! Whether you’re traveling with a romantic partner, family or friends, check out my ideas of how all the non-driver travelers can have fun.

Travel apps

These road trip-friendly apps are for the passenger in the front of the car ! If you’re riding up front, chances are that you (like me, when we take road trips) are helping out the driver with navigation or places to stop. Among other apps that we consider the best apps for travel , here are a few for road trips:

• Foursquare : Foursquare is like Yelp, but mostly focused on eating, drinking and things to do. You can use it to see reviews and ratings (and “local tips!”) for somewhere along your route, before you go.
• Swarm : We are both long-time users of Swarm, and we use this “check-in” app to tag where we’ve been and traveled to, so we can look back on it later to remember. It’s helpful if you want to remember where you stopped, so that you can go there again in the future.
• Booking.com app : We’ve used Booking.com on our phones for last-minute hotel reservations while we’re already on the road. Sometimes you either don’t know where you’ll be staying or where you’ll be when night falls, if you’re without a plan! Booking.com has been helpful with that for us.
• Waze : This app helps you avoid traffic, police hazards and accidents that have been reported, while you’re on your route.

Road trip games

I grew up playing road trip games in the car with my family when we’d drive to places like Canada. There are only so many ways to pass the time reading and sleeping! When everyone gets bored, pick up some road trip games to make the mood fun.

Continuum Games on the Go

This compact and travel-friendly list of games is great for all ages and can keep everyone entertained during road trips.

Preventative care for your car

Cars work hard, especially on road trips. And, a lot can happen on a road trip, from a part of the car breaking down, to an unexpected weather scenario! Dan and I have a few ideas for preventative car accessories, and one comes from a recent incident we had (when we closed our car trunk and our stroller broke the trunk’s torsion bar, just minutes into our trip).

Remember: ANYTHING can happen.

Helpful car accessories

Of course, there are lots and lots of car accessories that will aid you and your road trip crew during a driving vacation. Here are some starter ideas of what to keep in the car.

• Travel oil change kit
• Replacement windshield wiper blades
• Portable tire pressure gauge

Battery-powered tire inflator

A battery-powered tire inflator will come in handy if you have a tire that leaks air and you can’t find air for your tire at a rest stop or gas station. It might save you on the road!

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The Best Travel Gadgets and Tech For Your Next Road Trip

The experts at Good Housekeeping have tested and reviewed some of the best travel electronics and tech gadgets on the market. Here are some of the picks that will make your next road trip more memorable.

Our Top Picks

Best Travel Dash Cam

Garmin dash cam 57.

Best Travel Portable Coffee Maker

Cera+ portable electric coffee maker.

Best Travel Gadget Wi-Fi Hotspot

Verizon jetpack wi-fi hotspot.

Best Travel Action Camera

Gopro hero9.

Best Travel Gadget Radar Detector

Escort max 360 mkii radar and laser detector.

Best Travel Gadget for Portable Power

Anker 325 power bank.

Best Travel Headphones

Bose quietcomfort overear headphones.

Best Travel Mug

Ember travel mug.

Best Travel Gadget Cooler

Koolatron thermoelectric iceless cooler and warmer.

Best Travel Tracker

Apple airtag.

We all have our own ideas about what tech we need and which gadgets and devices we enjoy, so the Gear Team could have simply thrown together a list of some of our favorites. But Good Housekeeping has been testing and evaluating products for parents and homes for over a century, and its testing processes have become an industry standard. So we hit up our colleagues over at the Good Housekeeping Institute for some tips, just to make sure we weren't missing anything.

Relying on the expertise of the Gear Team and the testing acumen of Good Housekeeping, here are some of the Best Travel Gadgets and Tech for your next road-trip adventure. Note: Car & Driver has paraphrased Good Housekeeping 's findings to reflect our purposes here; we have omitted some of the Institute's non-automotive selections and included other products more suited for our audience.

Dash cams can be a fantastic tool for recovering damages, beating tickets, or recording incredible situations. The Garmin 57 mini dash cam takes the functionality up a notch with a Swiss Army knife–like list of features. It can record in 1440p and features incident detection, forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, and a cool option that lets you turn hours of driving into a time-lapse video. Best of all, it measures just about 1.0 by 2.0 inches.

Don't settle for whatever truck-stop cup of joe you come across while on the road. The CERA+ portable coffee maker will allow you to indulge your inner coffee snob wherever you are. It can perform cold or warm brews, and its rechargeable battery allows you to make several cups, no matter the type of coffee you choose.

Wi-Fi on your road trip can be a game changer. For those who lack the luxury of integrated Wi-Fi found on many newer cars, the Jetpack allows Verizon customers to connect up to 15 devices to their personal Wi-Fi network in more than 200 countries. During Good Housekeeping’s testing, the battery showed impressive all-day life. As a plus, it includes an extra USB port for charging other devices.

GoPro has been offering compact action cameras since 2004, and the HERO9 is perfect for road-tripping. It's durable and waterproof up to 33 feet, allowing you to take it with you just about anywhere. It shoots in 5K so you're guaranteed sharp, high-quality memories once your trip is over. GoPro also offers an array of accessories for attaching it to a helmet, your chest, your car—even a toddler.

Even if you don't consider yourself much of a speeder, having an additional layer of protection against hefty fines is a wise move. The Escort MAX 360 will keep you covered, just in case you lose track of your speed over hours of cruising. It's loaded with features, including dual antennas for increased range, 360-degree awareness, an easy-to-use app, and many more we don't have the space to list here.

Charging ports can be a point of contention in cars and trucks, particularly when a family is on the road for extended periods. This Anker portable battery will help nip back-seat fisticuffs in the bud. The 20,000 mAh Li-ion battery allows you to charge up to two devices at a time via dual USB-A ports, and it can be recharged through either its micro-USB or USB-C ports.

If you plan to spend many hours in a packed car, you will inevitably be met with conflict when everyone disagrees on what to fill your collective ears with. These noise-canceling cans from Bose provide a convenient solution, allowing your passengers to escape to their own audio reality for a bit. Testers found them very comfortable over extended periods and really appreciated being able to switch between Quiet and Aware modes to filter outside noise.

Caveat: No matter how tempting it may be to drown out the world around you, and despite settings that allow you to control ambient noise, we don't recommend over-ear cans like these while driving. Opt for a pair of AirPods or earbuds , if you must—but be advised, state laws vary on their use behind the wheel.

When you're on the road for hours on end, a warm beverage can be key in getting your body's motor started and keeping it going. This travel mug from Ember won't just keep your beverage warm, it will keep it exactly the temperature you prefer. The temperature can be controlled from an app on your phone, and its two-hour battery life can be extended by placing it on its charging coaster.

Staying hydrated and keeping your appetite at bay while on the road can be tough if gas-station jerky and drive-thru fare aren't your thing. Koolatron 's thermoelectric cooler and warmer plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet and keeps the contents as cool as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as warm as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The 18-quart version can hold up to 23 standard soft-drink cans; the much larger 45-quart version is ideal for families.

Many are already familiar with the invaluable functionality that Apple 's tiny tracker provides. It can be used to track anything from your valuables to your luggage and even your car, right from your phone. It does require you to use Apple's digital ecosystem, but its overall functionality could just be enough to convert Android users. Its one-year battery lifespan makes it an easy set-and-forget tool.

Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool

If you don't already carry a good multitool, it's about time you do. The Wave Plus from Leatherman is a handy everyday tool for popping bottle tops, tightening screws, opening packaging, and a plethora of other odd jobs. Out on the road, it's great for small inconveniences and quick fixes, such as replacing burnt-out bulbs, tightening hose clamps, or whatever other mishaps may arise.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone Bundle

This DJI camera drone will elevate your ability to log your road-trip memories. When you're no longer limited to the ground, the photo and video opportunities you'll realize are pretty vast. The GH Institute testers loved that it can fold away into a compact carrying case and lauded its sharp picture quality. The included Fly More Kit opens up the potential to capture professional-quality aerial shots of your car ripping through the twisties. It includes spare batteries, chargers, parts, and more.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer

The DJI Osmo gimbal is a nice piece of kit to keep handy if you’re even remotely serious about capturing solid images of you and your flock while out on the road. Even if you're solo-tripping, it's an excellent way to capture photos or videos of your car in action. During testing, the gimbal held the phone stable and has a nice feature that allows it to rotate in a single sweeping motion. The magnetic clamp attaches easily to almost any phone.

JACO ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Before and after long drives, it's important to keep tabs on your tires, as they are the only thing keeping you and your family on the road. Investing in a quality tire pressure gauge is key, especially if you drive an older car that doesn't come equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system. JACO 's gauge is calibrated accurately to professional ANSI 2A standards and offers a full lifetime warranty.

Rolling Square Keychain Charger Cable

Rolling Square's keychain charger is the perfect accessory to keep alongside your keys or in your glovebox. It offers multiple outputs and inputs including USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB, and even a lightning port for your iPhone. It complements the Anker portable battery above very nicely.

Reliefband Classic Wristband for Motion Sickness

Lots of us are burdened with the unfortunate affliction known as carsickness. This can get pretty messy on long drives, particularly if you have little ones prone to nausea. The Reliefband is a drug-free remedy to general motion sickness. If it really works—and most users claim it does—it's definitely worth it.

BUBM Electronics Organizer

Keep your wires and other small gear organized with this neat-looking organizer from BUBM . It comes in ten different colors, and the testers at Good Housekeeping loved the compact fold-flat shape and zipper enclosures.

How do I determine which items are essential to my trip?

A good rule, particularly with gadgets, is if you can't name around two-thirds of the buttons on your device, you probably won't use it (or at least to its fullest potential). Carry only what you might need and use.

I'm new to road-tripping. Will all these gadgets be daunting?

Some gadgets like a DJI drone can indeed have somewhat steep learning curves. We recommend trying out your gadgets at home to familiarize yourself with their features and controls. Apps are a requirement for some gadgets, so having those pre-loaded onto your phone can save time and hassle.

Can I buy stuff on the road?

Lots of gear can be a hassle to keep track of, so sometimes it is more efficient to forgo some of the less essential pieces and just pick them up as you need them. Rechargeable electronics are a great solution—they keep working and alleviate the need to carry around or purchase extra batteries.

Why Trust Good Housekeeping ?

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products and providing expert reviews and advice on all types of travel gear in their labs, from luggage trackers and noise-canceling headphones to drones and mobile hotspots. The gadgets chosen for this list were evaluated by product testing analyst Selina Tedesco and updated by media and tech reviews analyst Olivia Lipski .

Why Trust Hearst Autos?

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers. If we're unable to test a product or category ourselves, we'll sometimes turn to noted experts such as the Good Housekeeping Institute .

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game SEO algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products to earn a buck. We're far more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek , Car and Driver , and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here .

The Assistant Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Justin Helton is an enthusiast with a passion for heavily depreciated autos and a penchant for philosophical debate. As a lifelong Manhattanite, he has mastered the ins and outs of classic car ownership in one of the least car-friendly cities in the world.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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37 Great Must-Have Car Accessories For Your Next Road Trip [Updated 2022]

Updated May 2022

So you’re planning a road trip soon, and you’re wondering which car accessories for your next road trip will be.

You may have gone on road trips before and you have no idea where to start and what you could need for a road trip.

Or perhaps you’ve been on a few road trips and you’re looking for other accessories that can make your car journeys more enjoyable.

Look no further than this post, where I share with you 37 great car accessories for your next road trip, that will definitely add comfort and ease to your car journeys!

Road trips are all fun and games until it’s time to make the most out of the space in your car, and you’re trying to get creative so that it’s a comfortable journey for all, especially the driver.

Nevertheless, road trips are such a fun experience to have, and to really appreciate your surroundings from flatlands to majestic mountains, rural countryside to bustling cities, and everything in between!

And with spring break quickly approaching, a road trip might just be on the horizon for you.

Living in a large country such as the U.S. where flights and train transportation can get really pricey and the car is the primary way in which people transport themselves on the daily, it’s no surprise that car travel is one of the main modes to travel long distances.

As someone who loves to drive in general and go on road trips throughout the Midwest throughout the years, I have accumulated my fair share of car accessories and I’ve also discovered other useful gadgets that I want to share today to help you make your road trips run smoother and easier.

So today, I’m going to be showing you 37 great must-have car accessories for your next road trip – a list of genius, incredibly useful car accessories that will help maintain organization, cleanliness, and clutter-free space within the small space of your car, for long distances.

Let’s get excited about discovering our own backyard this year, and making it a smooth and comfortable journey with the addition of these 37 incredibly useful car accessories!

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What's Inside This Post:

How can I make my car more comfortable on a road trip?

When planning a long road trip, you should consider a couple of things and people (if you’re traveling with others) in order to begin thinking of ways to make your car more comfortable on a road trip.

Road trip duration : For instance, consider the number of hours you will be driving. Will it be a 3-hour road trip or a 12-hour road trip? Depending on the number of hours you will be on the road, you will have to determine

Who are you road tripping with? : if you’re planning on traveling with others, you’ll have to think of their possible needs. Are you traveling with kids? It would be a good idea to pack their favorite snacks, and favorite toys, and download their favorite movies that you can play on an iPad or other child-safe tablet . Are you traveling with Teenagers? Consider packing a cooler with their favorite sports drinks, water, and snacks. pack fun card games for those stretches of the road where there may be low to no cell service.

Weather : Consider the weather, and if it will be a road trip in the winter, pack blankets, and heated blankets for naps, maybe even a nifty little portable kettle or espresso maker to warm you up. If it’s a hot destination, make sure that your car has received proper maintenance to turn on the A.C. but also stocking your car with portable, old-school portable fans wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Cleanliness and Organization : Car travel accessories definitely include those that help keep your car clean! No matter the distance of your road trip, cleanliness and organization should be a priority, especially with multiple people all sharing a small, cramped space. Organize your space with:

• Car organizers
• Backseat hooks
• Durable car mats
• Car air fresheners
• Stain removal solutions (eating in the car, accidents happen!)
• Portable garbage cans

What are the most essential car accessories?

The best road trip accessories for your car are the ones that will ensure your safety if you were to have an emergency on the road.

For instance, making sure that your car has received the maintenance it needs to fulfill a road trip, should be your first priority. Checking window washer fluids, oil, tires, A/C and heat, brakes, etc.

Additionally, consider buying roadside assistance if you don’t have it, in case of car issues in the middle of your road trip.

Lastly, also look into purchasing a roadside emergency kit that you can use for minor issues. Whether you’re the mechanic, or someone traveling with you is, it’s a good car travel accessory to always pack.

What are some cool things to add to your car for a road trip?

It seems like with the rise of #VanLife and the little house movement, there have been many household types of items that have been converted into versions ideal for small, car spaces and road trip accessories.

Everything from portable water kettles, to atmospheric car LED lights , USB star projectors , and solar panel car air purifiers – there are so many ways to not only make your car road trip ready with these car accessories but also SUPER comfortable and cool!

In today’s post, I’ll show more in-depth every type of car gadget and accessory, from essential car accessories to practical and cool car accessories for your next road trip.

37 Great Must-Have Car Accessories For Your Next Road Trip

1. 2 in 1 car seat gap organizer.

You’ve possibly heard of the seat fillers that, well, fill those pockets between your seat and the middle of your car where the cup holder is.

However, since we are trying to make the most of the space we have available, I would opt for these side seat gap organizers that can store useful items like your phone, money, and napkins (you always have to carry napkins in your car, right??).

They come in packs of two and have AMAZING reviews claiming that the quality is top-notch and that it’s easy to use right away.

It also kind of fulfills the purpose of the plain seat filler by keeping things from falling into those little nooks and crannies by your seat, so whenever something does fall through, your organizer will catch it and it can easily be dumped out.

Easy peasy!

These are some of the best forms of car accessories – the functional, OMG-they-make-these type of car accessories, wouldn’t you agree?

2. Universal Silicone Anti-Slip Car Phone Mount

This car accessory is SO necessary and helpful to mount your phone and have accessibility to it whether it’s for GPS directions, or changing a song almost without looking too much at it.

Also, I don’t know about you, but if I can help it, I try not to put my phone on the vent like with other phone holders that hold on to the A.C./heater vents in the car for two reasons: it blocks the air from coming out, and I think that so much air hitting the back of the phone, hot or cold, is probably not good for it.

Plus I also really love the ability to hold your phone horizontally , so you have a wider view of GPS, why would you want it vertical, right??

>> Read More: Best National Parks And State Parks To Visit In Illinois

3. car steering wheel tray.

I mean, is this not genius??

I don’t know about you guys, and I know it’s probably not going to sound like the healthiest habit, but I love to eat in my car.

Even before the pandemic, I loved having car picnics and taking my food to go, and parking in a really pretty park, no matter what season.

Nowadays, it’s probably become more common, as eating in your car has become the new eating out, but in my books, that’s more than ok!

And whether you’re going on a long-distance road trip soon or you’re planning a car picnic, this car steering wheel tray is going to be even better with this car accessory that will make car picnics easier, cleaner, and way more fun!

Bonus : If you’re looking for a similar desk solution for those in the backseat, something like a multi-functional car computer desk is a good choice amongst the other car accessories in this category to look into!

4. Breathable Flannel Material Electric Car Blanket

This is electric heated car blanket is AMAZING! Whether you’re on a road trip, or you’re at home (can be used in either situation) having a heated blanket that seamlessly connects to the cigarette plug in your car is super helpful (especially if you’re traveling in the winter or to colder destinations by car).

When looking to buy this car accessory , make sure to look at the cigarette plug, and make sure it is 12V or 24V, as that is what this product explains is necessary to work.

This heated blanket comes with a timer for 30-60 minutes, and then it will automatically shut off, and it’s warm and breathable enough to have on for when you’re on the road, camping, or having lunch in your car and you’re feeling a bit chilly.

File this heated blanket under the car accessories you didn’t know you needed, because it’s definitely more of a luxury item than necessity – nonetheless, it’s a good one to have around.

This heated blanket will make your road trips more comfortable for you or your cold guests.

5. Car Headrest Hangers

You know road tripping is all fun and games until you start to pack up the car, and you realize that you have to get creative with how you organize your space for optimal comfort!

Too many things cluttering the already reduced space of the car floor?

These back seat hangers (which you can also switch to hang things in the front seat for easier access for the driver) are such an easy, helpful solution to hang your bags in your car, as well as clothes , jackets, or scarves.

They come in packs of two and are really easy to install and use.

You really won’t want to leave on your next road trip without this super simple but helpful car accessory!

>> Read More: The Prettiest Small Towns To Visit in Illinois

6. portable car garbage bin.

Let’s face it, road trips are messy. In between eating quickly on the road in order to get to your destination before sunset, having a snack to give your energy to drive, and everything else in between – a portable garbage can is so necessary and helpful.

This specific garbage bin, in my opinion, is better than having a plastic bag as a garbage bin because first of all, it’s not just floating around on the floor of your car, it’s got pockets to store other items, and it conceals all the trash with the lid and small opening on top .

It will make trash collecting and dumping at the rest stops way easier!

7. Memory Foam Back Cushion

This is a no-brainer for the driver of the road trip to invest in.

This car accessory is awesome for long car rides and road trips because it is designed to support your lumbar spine (prevent low back pain) and because of its length, it will help you improve your posture over time.

The exterior cotton material is removable and washable, and overall odorless.

You can take this car accessory from the car to your home office for those work-from-home days , and your actual office chair as it’s portable and easy to install! Save your back pain, and get one of these.

>> Read More: Travel Planning Freebies. All of them.

8. collapsible portable multi compartments trunk organizer.

As far as car accessories go, If you’re a fan of using packing cubes in your suitcase, then you’ll definitely want to invest in this collapsible trunk organizer to help you keep all your belongings from rolling around and tumbling over in the trunk – so annoying.

This organizer is made of a durable, water-resistant, easy-to-clean material, and it comes with a whole lot of customizable inserts, pockets, straps to keep it in place in your trunk, sturdy handles, mesh pockets on the side, and so much more!

This is such a great organizer that you won’t want to leave behind on your next road trip.

Plus, it’s super useful for other situations when you may be carrying extra delicate cargo.

>> Read More: The 8 Best Travel Day Bags For Every Occasion

9. emergency car roadside roadtrip kit.

Beyond being a car accessory, I’d consider this item more of a car necessity!

Car accessories are meant to help the road trip journey easier, but also help keep you safe in case of emergencies.

Even if you have roadside assistance a call away, it’s always a good idea to carry in your car a roadside emergency kit like this one, equipped with jumper cables, a shovel, gloves and so much more.

Another tip I want to share here is if you’re traveling in the wintertime, I strongly suggest packing in a few old towels or clothes you don’t need.

If your car loses traction or you’ve fallen into a ditch and you can’t get it out on your own, placing towels or old clothes in front/back of the tires will help with creating traction and grip for your car to get out on its own.

It depends of course, on the size of the ditch and the car, but it’s worth a try in some situations.

An emergency kit like this may be indispensable, for both taking a road trip and also in your everyday commuting.

It’s one of those things that you regret not having until you need it…trust me on that.

>> Read More: Packing Your Travel Essentials List? Here Are 18 SUPER Useful Things To Pack For Your Next Trip

10. a paper map: the original road trip accessory.

Because you never know when you’ll go through no service land, and then there you are, not knowing where to go, or which exit to take or if you’re going in the right direction – not knowing how long until you get service again.

Don’t get stuck, or worst, realize an hour into the drive that you’ve been going the wrong way!

A paper map, an atlas (remember those!?) are always super useful and helpful to carry in your car regardless of if you’ve been left without service or you want to double-check that Google Maps isn’t taking you through some weird route (even Google Maps gets confused, you know).

I really love this paper map one because it covers not only the U.S. but also Canada and Mexico, and is also really easy to read especially for those of us who may not be used to using paper maps.

So you’ve got all of North America in one book, and with that, all the confidence to know that you can’t get lost.

Let’s hit the road!

11. Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner

When it comes to best road trip accessories, a vacuum should be up there.

Think about it; a road trip where people are all sitting in one place for a few hours, eating, snacking, drinking, as well as tracking dirt back in the car every time they leave and come back; it can and will get messy, and quick!

Whether you’re traveling with kids or traveling with adult friends, the truth is, after a few days of road tripping and snacking in the car, there is bound to be a crumb mess happening.

Packing up an ultra-light vacuum can help you keep organized and clean, especially this vacuum that is compact, powerful, and does the job just right.

Getting a vacuum that can pick up wet and dry dirt, pick up food crumbs, has powerful suction, multiple vacuum nozzle heads to get to the crooks and crannies of the seats, and connects to the power outlet in your car, are all great things to look for in a portable car vacuum to help keep your car clean during long road trips.

12. Car Power Inverter

Another one of the best car travel accessories has to go to a portable car power inverter, which is super useful to connect more than one device at the same time.

This car power inverter by FOVAL is great because it’s the size of a credit card, and has 2 US standard sockets, as well as 4 USB ports and a DC 12V to AC 110V converter – which makes it powerful enough to charge anything from a phone, to a laptop or iPad.

A car gadget like this will make it super easy to keep your phone and other devices charged so you and your friends can keep playing music and tracking your route on Google Maps, keep working on your laptop, or keep reading on your e-reader. It’s definitely a necessity these days.

13. Car Air Fresheners

Don’t forget to pack in a few car fresheners to keep the air in your car smelling clean and fresh while on your road trip.

Again, being in a usually cramped space for a few hours where food is being opened, and spills may occur, smells are bound to sink into the seats of the car, as well as stay in the air.

Keep things fresh with a few car fresheners by Yankee Candle , which always come through with some classic scents from tropical, warm and cozy, to fresh and floral. Subtle, gentle smells that won’t nauseate the people in the car.

This pack car air fresheners by Yankee Candle comes with 2-4 weeks worth of frangrance (3 air fresheners), small and light enough to hang on your rearview mirror, and are recycable.

14. Car Backseat Organizer

Whether you’re traveling with kids, teens, or college students, these backseat car organizers are AMAZING to help keep everyone’s materials and belongings in order.

The sizing of this item is 24 x 16 inch size, and it is placed on the back seat of the front two seats. It comes with multiple mesh pockets of all different sizes to accommodate everything from a tablet/ small computer, to water bottles, umbrellas, snacks, books/notebooks and more. It’s also machine washable and water-proof.

Whether you’re using this for children and their schoolwork while on your road trip, or you’re using this for yourself to make most of the space in your car, this is a perfect car accessorie to include in our next road trip!

15. Cup Holder Expandable Tray

Ok, this is awesome! Talk about making the most out of your space. This is an ultra helpful and compact food tray that you can affix by placing it on the cup holder, extending the arm and opening the tray over your lap to enjoy your food on.

WHAT. So simple.

This nifty little road trip accessory can free up so much space and your hands trying to make sure that things aren’t falling over, and all the jazz.

And by the looks of it, you can fit not only one, but two drinks per expandable tray, and it can also fit Hydroflask and Yeti sized water bottles.

This expandable tray can sustain 40 lbs. it can rotate 360 degrees, and the tray is even detachable if you need it to be.

16. Car Visor Tissue Holder

Speaking of cleanliness on the road trip, have you ever gone to a restaurant and brought with you a handful of bunched up tissues, which end up remaining as such somewhere in the car? Yes, because same.

Getting a car accessory that can organize and neatly hold your tissues for those accidents is super helpful, especially one that attaches itself to the visor of your car. It’s hands-free, organized, and you always know where to get a napkin in a rush!

This visor tissue holder is great because it’s small and compact, yet fits in a lot of napkins for its size. It holds onto the visor of the car nicely, ensuring that the tissue holder won’t come off as soon as you pull the tissue, and it’s a minimalistic design, which is sure to fit in and blend in with you car’s interior.

It’s super easy to install, and just a lifesaver when you need napkins and you don’t have to go searching through all your bags to find a random one by luck.

17. Car Registration and Insurance Folder

How many of you grab your car’s insurance, registration, and other probably really important documentation and just have it stored in a paper envelope (probably the one where you got car insurance mailed in) and have that as your organization folder?

Getting a road trip accessory like this car registration and insurance folder (which is also super handy for everyday life) is so helpful to keep not only all your documents in one place, but to help keep them all at hand if you were to need them right away.

This car registration and insurance folder organizes all your car’s important documents with these easy-to-see cards and document slips with plastic covering to help you easily glance at your documents to make sure they’re all up to date.

Plus, it reduces clutter, and paper, and maximizes efficiency and organization, which are two important things to think about when thinking about the best road trip accessories.

18. Car Mesh Organizer

Looking for a way to maximize your space even more, and you’re looking for something that can make use of the space between the two front seats of the car for yourself or your guests? This car mesh organizer is for you.

Check out this car mesh organizer that has a 3-tier design, created to store everything from electronics, to snacks, umbrellas, and more.

It stretches 14 in. by 13 in. and also serves as a barrier between the front seats and the back. Perfect if you’re traveling with pets.

It’s a space-saving product that is very easy to install, take off, store, or wash, and customizable to fit all cars due to its size and stretchability. It’s definitely a car organizer that shouldn’t be missed when packing the best road trip accessories.

19. Car Trunk Organizer

On the topic of maximizing space in your car, let’s talk about keeping your car organized with the cleaning products and emergency tools needed while on the road.

If you’re packing the car with food/snacks/beverages, clothes , blankets, and more, then you definitely want to have a space, or organization method that will help you keep your cleaning items/car tools separate from the rest of the items in your car.

This car trunk organizer is perfect for that, because it goes in the back seat of your car (mainly for bigger cars like vans and SUV’s), it’s made with durable material not easy to puncture through, it’s compact, easy to install, and has many pockets of different sizes to include everything from jumper cables to emergency first-aid kits, and more.

Definitely remember to pack in all these essential road trip accessories/ car maintenance items, and also make sure to pack them efficiently in your car with this car trunk organizer .

20. First Aid Kit

Safety is very important, especially while you’re on the road.

Packing in a first-aid kit in your road trip accessories is super important in order to keep yourself and those you’re traveling with safe in case of an emergency.

Packing in this super compact first-aid kit that comes with 228 pieces , is a perfect additioni to your packing list, as it not only comes with 228 items from gauze, band-aids, antiseptic, but other medical grade tools.

It also comes neatly packaged in a waterproof carrying case that is easy to spot in the the items you’re packing for your trip, which is important if you need it fast.

This first-aid kit comes with all the basics that you’d need to cover small cuts, burns, and/or bug bites, so definitely pack one in!

21. Portable Mini Humidifier

Another way to keep the quality of air in your car at 100, is to pack in a mini USB portable car humidifier , especially if you’re road tripping in the winter.

What does a humidifier do? Essentially, a humidifier, as the name says, adds moisture to the air through vapor.

Many people purchase full-size humidifiers for their home in the winter, as sometimes the heater promotes dryness in the air, and in skin, throat, and more.

Carrying a little humidifier like this one is perfect as it can fit in your cup holder, and it can hold up to 6.8 fl. oz., and sprays around 1 fl. oz. per hour (can work for up to 9 hours). It’s quiet, compact, and even has cool LED lights to add ambiance.

22. Emergency Keychain Car Escape Tool

Add this little yet mighty important road trip accessory to your growing list, because you definitely do not want to be caught without one.

This little emergency keychain acts as a tool to help escape a car if for instance it went into a lake, or a ditch, and you need a quick escape route.

This tool helps you break glass, cut through seatbelts, and bust through stainless steel materials.

It’s so small, compact (it fits on your keychain or on your rearview window), comes in multiple colors, and most important, it can be mega life saving in an emergency.

Definitely a tool you want to keep in mind when packing your road trip accessories.

23. Portable Espresso Maker

Can’t stop for a quick coffee?

Or maybe you’re looking for an easy caffeine fix that is conveniently in your car?

Regardless of the circumstance, a cup of coffee has never been this close (literally at arms length) so if you’re a coffee lover, this is the perfect item to pack in your list of car travel accessories.

This manual espresso maker (that’s right, no batteries or power needed) is easy to use, as all it needs is ground coffee and hot water to operate in order to create a very decent cup of espresso.

Aside from the fact that this is a genius idea that actually works, it is also a compact machine that is easy to pack in and bust out when you’re feeling like you need a coffee pick-me-up mid drive .

This items comes with the machine itself, built-in espresso cup and scoop.

24. Comfortable Bed Car Mattress

Planning to spend a few nights in your car on your road trip?

Definitely don’t go without this ultra-comfortable car mattress, complete with 2 air pillows.

This backseat car mattress has the dimensions of 56.4″L x 34.3″W x 17.7″T (after inflating), and comes with a pump to inflate the mattress, a storage bag.

Add more comfort to your car with a backseat mattress like this, whether you’re traveling with pets, kids/teenagers, or other friends who want to stretch and lay down for a while on the road.

25. Tire Pressure Monitor

Taking adequate maintenance of your car is one of the best things to do before leaving on a road adventure, however to step it up a bit further and ensure better monitoring over your car’s health on the road, consider getting a tire pressure monitor.

A tire-pressure monitor basically is a tool that helps car owners determine the level of air there is in each of the tires, which can be especially helpful to know after driving for a few hours.

Most car experts say that if the tire pressure drops below 25% of the car’s manufacture recommendation, it is important to know so you can fill up your car’s tires and continue on your way safely.

This tire pressure monitor is amazing for it’s ability to not only advise drivers of low tire pressure, but to also avoid what else low tire pressure could mean, such as increased fuel consumption and tire wear and tear.

This machine is solar-powered and can be connected via USB, can be used in up to 4-6 tires, and more.

26. Kindle E-Reader

Catching up on your reading is a perfect idea to indulge in when you’re road tripping with friends, and what better way to do it than with a Kindle E-Reader.

The amazing thing about a Kindle E-Reader is the battery life it has, as a single charge can last for a whole week, vs. other e-readers that may only last one hour.

That alone makes it an appealing indulgence in case you don’t want to be constantly reserving the charger cable in the car.

Aside from that, the Kindle E-Reader mimicks paper tones , making it easier on the eyes for lengthy reading, it’s a distraction free device, you can look up definitions, adjust text to your liking, and even translate words on the page, wihtout leaving your spot.

It’s a very handy car accessory for your next road trip if you’re not behind the wheel.

Read More : 10 Must-Read Travel Books You Need On Your Bookshelf

Read More : The Best Reading Apps To Read Your Favorite Travel Books (With Free Options!)

27. Electric Portable Car Fans

Traveling in the summer? One of the most annoying things to feel is like the A.C. isn’t getting to you fast enough if you’re sitting all the way in the back, and more if it’s a packed car – yikes!

Getting these portable fans that can easily be placed behind a car seat, make it an ideal road trip accessory to keep your travelers cool.

Take advantage of the 2 rotable fans (can be rotated 360 degrees), crank it up or keep it low, and easy to use fan that can be used by conecting it to the cigarette power socket.

Another awesome use for it is to circulate air, and get rid of hot air, or de-fog the windows inside your car when it’s raining.

28. Shotgun! Card Game for Road Trips

Forge the electronics for a bit, and engage in some good old fashioned road trip games like Shotgun !

Created by the creators of the hilarious meme games “ What Do You Meme ” comes this fun game designed specifically for road tripping.

The way you play Shotgun is that one person will read off the instructions and play/answer based on the prompt. For instance, who can be the first to find a body of water, or who can get someone to wave to them?

Games like this one are such a fun way to take a break from technology, truly enjoy one another’s company, and allow time to pass faster if you’re not exactly driving through the most scenic of places, or you’re trying to kill time before the next road stop.

29. Wireless Bluetooth FM Transmitter

So maybe you’re going on a road trip in an older car that doesn’t have bluetooth or an Aux cord – totally been there until I bought one of these amazing car gadgets called a wireless bluetooth fm transmitter .

Basically, this little road trip accessory will allow you to connect your phone to play your favorite music or podcast using local radio waves.

You can connect this device into the cigarette lighter port, change the station to the one that the device indicates, and jam out to your favorite playlist!

What’s more, you can even answer phone calls on this device as long as your phone is connected, and you can also charge your phone with it. Win, win!

30. Portable Phone Battery

So you may have car power inverter to charge your phone, but it may still be a good idea to travel with a portable phone battery just in case.

I personally love and use this one by Bonai , and I really love it because it’s sleek and not too clucky, it quickly charges my phone, and is powerful enough to charge my iPad as well.

It also has a light indicating how much power it has left in it, so you always know when to recharge it before a road trip.

Nowadays even if we don’t want to admit it, we need our phones for many things from GPS to location services, so getting a portable phone battery is a good idea so you’re never caught on low battery.

>> Read More: 18 Essential Travel Items You Should Always Pack

31. backseat laptop desk.

Work from home? What about work from car?

If you’re planning on getting some work done while you’re road tripping with friends or family, consider getting a foldable desk for extra comfort.

This backseat laptop desk is great and can easily be used either on the steering wheel (if you’re taking a little roadside work stop) or the backseat.

It can hold up to a 15 in. laptop, and can easily fold up and down by zipping it, and it’s made with easy to clean material.

It’s a great road trip accessory if you have children as well, and they need to complete homework or want to watch a movie on their iPad.

32. Car Carpet Spot Remover

One of the best road trip accessories are oftentimes supplies that will help keep your car clean during a long drive, and that is the case for this carpet spot remover that will help wipe down food/snack stains from your car.

Whether you’re packing up the car with kids, teens, or your friends and their pets, prepare your seats and carpet by carrying in one of these handy little spot removers so you can wipe them clean sooner rather than later.

This spot remover promises to remove stains from grease, oil, ink, dirt, coffee or food, and it is child and pet safe. The solution is also water-based, and non-flammable, and leaves no odors behind.

33. Pet Hair Removing Brush

Traveling with your shaggy best bud?

Pack in a pet hair removal bush, and keep your car clean as you pack in your road trip accessories.

This FURemover brush is made out of rubber, which makes it ideal to attract and contain all loose hairs, while also collecting other debris that seems to float around and collect during long road trips.

Other than being safe to use in your car interior, this brush is also safe to use on your pet to detangle their hair, and it’s even useful to use to collect any lint from your clothes.

It’s a powerful little tool, whether you’re a pet owner who’s planning to road trip with their pet, or you want something to collect lint and dust off of other surfaces. It’s worth it for the low price too!

34. Cable Clip Organizers

Ok, so you got the electricity port in your car working, and you got the power inverter , and the FM transmitter going. But now you got all these cables getting tangled around the gear shift and your drinks. How can you keep them organized?

These cable clip organizers are great to use to keep all the chords organized, especially if you have more than one phone or device charging.

These cable cords are easy to stick to your car, sturdy to stay on without having to constantly keep sticking them back on, and can be safely removed without leaving residue.

35. Rubber Floor Mats

Keep your floors clean and easy to wipe off wet mud and debris with some durable rubber floor mats .

These rubber floor mats in specific are great because they are made with a type of rubber that can withstand extreme temperatures from scorching hot to subzero temps, without curling or cracking.

Additionally, they are customizable to the size you’re looking for, and you can trim them with scissors, or keep them as is. They have strong grips on the bottom, making it easier for them not to slip around the car as people get in and out.

Get some new, durable rubber floor mats , or replace the ones you have depending on the type of road adventure you’re going to get into.

36. Car Cargo Box

Another super helpful car accessory for your next road trip should be a car cargo, especially if you really want to maxamize your space, clear our floor space for legroom, and dependng on the type of trip you’re doing where you may need to pack blankets, mattresses, and other camping items.

This cargo box is perfect to carry sports gear like snowboards, and it’s super easy to install and take off when needed.

It’s dimensions are 88.4 x 20.7 x 15.9 inches, it weighs 33 pounds alone, and is made with extremely durable material.

37. Car Travel Pillow

File this one under one of the best and comfiest road trip accessories.

This amazing travel pillow is designed for maximum comfort on the road, from kids to adults.

It’s unique “U” shape is ideal for kids and really anyone to sleep supported without feeling like you’re bopping all over the place.

It’s ultra-soft, and pretty soon, you’re new favorite road trip accessory to travel with to rest up with.

Concluding thoughts on 37 must-have car accessories for your next road trip

I hope that this list of car accessories for your next road trip stirred up ideas and boosted your confidence when you’re planning on hitting the road!

The truth is sometimes we can easily get caught up in the things we need to pack for ourselves, that we forget what car accessories to pack for the road trip itself, and as this list hopefully shows you, some of these car accessories can prove to be pretty helpful and time-saving.

In between road trips and commuting for work and transporting from one place to another, it’s safe to say that our cars are basically an extension of our home.

We basically live in them, especially here in the U.S. where the majority of people own a car and prefer it more than public transportation (which isn’t very good, to begin with, but we also don’t have the best public transportation, so….).

And with so much time being spent in the car, road-tripping and commuting, cleanliness, and organization.

I hope these 37 car accessories helped guide your list of items to pack your car with for your next road trip!

To more travel moments like these, and safe commutes and road trips.

Hi! I'm the founder and writer behind Travel Notes and Things. I write posts about travel destinations, share travel tips and resources, as well as talk about transformative travel to help inspire Latinas to travel to their dream destinations!

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20 Most Useful Road Trip Accessories – Complete Guide

Looking for the most useful road trip accessories for your next adventure? I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide.

There are a few items that can make your road trip more enjoyable, though the first and most important accessory you will need is a map of the area in which you’re traveling.

It’s also wise to pack some type of survival gear, such as flares and water purification tablets, in case you get stranded or lost on the side of the road for an extended period of time. 

Also, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for when you start getting hungry or thirsty during your journey!

Table of Contents

THE MOST USEFUL ROAD TRIP ACCESSORIES

What’s not to love about a road trip? You can see the sights, get off the grid and you don’t have to worry about getting lost. Still, there are some things that should be planned out before you hit the open road.

Here are the 20 most useful and important road trip accessories for car that you should bring with you.

SMARTPHONE CAR MOUNT

A Smartphone Car Mount will help to keep your hands free and avoid any accidents while you’re on the road. The mount can be easily installed in seconds and with no tools required.

With a 360-degree rotation for portrait or landscape views, it’s much safer and more comfortable than having it in your hands while driving or asking a friend.

I personally recommend the iOttie Easy One Touch – built with heavy-duty materials that won’t scratch your phone, designed to fit most vehicles, and with an adjustable bottom that will make it more comfortable to reach.

What are you waiting for? If you want to make your next road trip even better, then get your hands on a smartphone car mount, one of the best road trip gadgets, right now!

A GPS is just as obvious as it is underestimated and can make your long road trips much easier. There are many benefits to having a GPS on a road trip, and not just by saving you from getting lost!

First of all, if your smartphone battery dies, you’ll have a good option and won’t need to worry if you have no time to stop charging it. Also, if you want to stop for gas or food, you don’t have to worry about looking up an address because it will tell you exactly where it is.

You can plan out your whole road trip ahead of time with directions on the screen so that when you arrive at your destination, nothing feels overwhelming or complicated. It’s also useful if there’s traffic in the area as you’ll know which route is quickest and which ones might take longer than expected.

Of course, installing Google Maps on your phone is a free and valid alternative. But, in case you don’t have access to the internet or no more battery, you’ll have no other choice than to charge it, which isn’t always possible on a road trip.

The Garmin Drive 52 and Traffic is your best bet. It has millions of points of interest, TripAdvisor ratings, real-time traffic maps, and is small enough to be used in any vehicle. The price is very affordable too, which is certainly something to consider.

ROOFTOP TENT

A rooftop tent is an excellent option for anyone who likes to camp and doesn’t want to be bothered with any of the traditional camping equipment.

The key benefits compared to a normal tent are the ease to set up and the lightweight. Also, you won’t need to find a precise spot since the tent is placed on your car’s roof.

In addition, this is simply the greatest accessory to sleep in your car comfortably.

With all the rooftop tents available on the market, I’d personally choose the Smittybilt Rooftop Tent by far. It’s compact, and easy to set up, all the tools come with the package, it’s made of high-quality and durable materials and it rests securely on top of your car.

A rooftop tent is one of the best car accessories for long road trips you can get.

A power bank is a must-have for your next road trip. It’s essentially a portable battery that can charge your laptop, phone, or other devices as you travel from one place to another.

They’re lightweight and come in all different shapes and sizes so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, making them great car road trip accessories.

Do you want to have the freedom to use your electronics without having to worry about running out of battery? Then it’s time you invested in a power bank!

The Anker PowerCore+ is a tiny, portable lithium battery with 3 USB connections. It charges quickly and can get your MacBook fully charged in 2 hours. On top of that, you’ll get the equivalent of 6.2 charges for an iPhone, 5.5 charges for a Samsung phone, and 1.2 charges for a MacBook Pro.

Needless to say, a portable charger is one of the most useful road trip accessories to carry.

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

It’s always important to stay hydrated while you’re on the road but it isn’t always easy, especially with no gas stations around or when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

This is where a reusable water bottle comes in and saves the day – Read on for one of the best gadgets for road trips.

With 500,000 plastic bottles produced every minute in the world, you’ll also save the environment and that’s a great cause.

But with so many bottled water companies out there, it can be tough to know which one is the best for you. The best one you can get is the GRAYL GeoPress .

The BEST reusable water bottle for travel!

The GRAYL GeoPress is a top-rated reusable water bottle perfect for backpacking, hiking, and traveling.

It allows you to purify water from anywhere and keeps you safe from all waterborne diseases.

Get a GeoPress today and never buy single-use plastic bottles again. Mama Earth will thank you for it!

ROOF CARGO BOX

One of the biggest concerns when going on a road trip is storage, especially if the vehicle isn’t big or when traveling with 4 or more people.

The only way to make these trips possible is by packing light and taking advantage of every single inch of your vehicle’s space.

However, there are many different ways to make sure you have enough room for all your items, even when they’re bulky or heavy, by investing in a roof cargo box. Spend less time trying to figure out how you’re going to fit everything inside, and more time enjoying your trip with this useful road trip accessory.

The MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK is one of the best roof cargo boxes you can invest in, and by far one of the best car travel accessories.

It comes in 2 sizes – 15 and 20 cubic feet and can be mounted using two basic techniques and includes a secure automatic lock system that is simple to use.

Don’t give up everything you don’t need for the sake of more cargo space in your vehicle. The MeeFar box is one of the best road trip accessories you’ll quickly fall in love with.

KINDLE E-READER

Road trips can be very long, and that’s why you want to take your Kindle along to find some distractions while you get around.

As a passenger, you’ll get to read amazing novels or books while exploring around. And as a driver, you’ll get to relax with your Kindle on a short break or at night after a day roaming around.

That’s right – Read an ebook in the car but also back at the swimming pool of your hotel or when bathing after a long day at the beach. Needless to say, a Kindle can quickly become your best friend when traveling.

USB CAR CHARGER

A USB car adaptor is one of the most important road trip accessories to take on a long journey. Charging your device on the go can be a hassle.

Sure, while other accessories such as a power bank make it easier, you just can’t compare it with a USB adaptor. With a USB car adaptor, you can plug in just as easily as if you were home!

This is an essential product for any driver who uses his smartphone for music and navigation. A model with two USB ports and powerful output like the Anker Car Charger lets you charge 2 gadgets concurrently.

Also, with over 40,000 reviews on Amazon, it goes without saying that the Anker Car Charger is the one that will back you up at all times on the road.

It’s affordable, compatible with most devices, and ultra-compact. All things considered, it’s one of the most useful road trip gadgets 2023 you should get.

There are several benefits to bringing a car vacuum on your road trip. To start with, it’s normal to get some breadcrumbs or general dirt in your car when traveling. Of course, this can get you in a bad mood for the day and that’s something you just don’t want.

This is where your brand-new car vacuum comes in handy. It keeps your car clean, it removes the dirt from seats, floor, and other places that are hard to reach.

The VARSK 4-in-1 Car Vacuum Cleaner can be powered by a vehicle lighter outlet and it removes both dry and wet waste.

It includes extra needle points for difficult situations and it will also assist you in removing moist and stinky objects from your car.

Lastly, it can also inflate your wheels and brush your air filters and all these features make it some of the most useful road trip gear for less than $100.

REUSABLE COFFEE CUP

Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages around the world and for good reason. It’s an excellent way to start your day off with some fresh energy, but it can also be a day saver when you’re on the go – especially if you’re tired of driving for long hours.

But what happens when you have no gas stations around or local stores? That’s where reusable coffee cups come in handy. With so many options available these days, it will never be more convenient than this to take your favorite beverage on the road with you.

A reusable coffee cup like the BPA-free bioGo Cup is your safest choice. It will keep your coffee as well as drinks hot for hours which is ideal on a road trip.

In addition, it has an appealing design with multiple colors available, which makes it one of the best road trip gadgets. Needless to say, you won’t be sleepy anymore on the road with such a great item.

PACSAFE HIDDEN WAIST WALLET

Everything is perfect on your road trip until you realize your wallet is missing. And that is your worst nightmare becoming a reality.

But don’t worry, Pacsafe Anti-Theft Hidden Waist Wallet is here to avoid that, and you’ll travel much more safely, wherever you stop on your road trip.

This small yet mighty accessory will keep your cash and cards safe and sound, tucked away from pickpockets. Investing in a good quality hidden wallet will bring peace of mind and allow you to fully enjoy your road trip without any stress.

Can you think of a more useful accessory for a road trip?

Protect Yo’ Thangs!

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with the Pacsafe Anti-Theft Hidden Waist Wallet .

With RFID-blocking and a slash-resistant strap, you’ll never be pick-pocketed again!

BACK SEAT ORGANIZER

One of the secrets of a peaceful trip is organization. A backseat organizer can come in handy when you’re on the road for a long period of time. These organizers are designed to keep your car neat and tidy, which will make it easier to find things when you need them.

Plus, if your kids have a meltdown – you’ll be able to put all their little toys in one place so they stop throwing them all over the place.

The Tsumbay Car Backseat Organizer with Tablet Holder comes with 3 large compartments including one tablet holder to watch cartoons, and movies, or read a book on a Kindle. The backseat racks are designed so the organizer is perfectly set up and organized while driving your car.

It’s simply one of the best road trip accessories to keep your car tidy, and organized, and to ensure a better journey.

A cooler box is the perfect travel accessory for a road trip. This will help keep your food and drinks fresh and icy cool for as long as you might need them to.

You can stop worrying about your perishable items spoiling and you won’t have to spend money on stopping at convenience stores either! This mobile fridge will make all of your road trip dreams come true.

The Coleman Rolling Cooler is capable of holding up to 95 cans and keeps ice for up to 5 days. The Coleman Cooler is a fantastic traveling companion.

You have the option to eat whatever you please because you’re not restricted to one location or keep your drinks cold for the days to come. I can’t recommend getting a cooler box enough and it’s certainly one of the best accessories for a road trip.

OSPREY 24L BACKPACK

While packing for a road trip, one of the most critical aspects to consider is having the right backpack to take along. The Osprey Stratos 24L backpack is a must-have when it comes to road trips.

With ample room to carry all of your essentials, the backpack boasts a sleek design that is as lightweight as it is functional.

Plus, whether it’s packing for a camping trip or exploring new cities, the Osprey Stratos 24L backpack is the perfect companion for any road trip.

It’s simply one of the most useful roadtrip accessories and I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Pssst! Check out this EPIC Hiking Backpack!

Perfect for shorter day hikes, the Osprey Stratos 24L is a tough pack made from sustainable materials.

With great internal organization, this is all you need for your next adventure, no matter the weather!

TRAVEL PILLOW

A travel pillow can make all the difference when you’re on the road for hours and hours.

These pillows are designed to be comfortable, supportive, and compact-making them perfect for any traveler who wants to sleep soundly at night. If you want the best sleep of your life, then these pillows will help!

The Thermarest Compressible Pillow is great for people who want to feel the same comfort that they do at home. It’s a small, portable pillow that offers all of the support of a bedroom pillow without taking up too much room or weight.

For travelers looking for comfort on the road, it’s an excellent travel buddy.

BACK SEAT AIR BED

A back seat air bed can be useful for travelers on the road who want to take a rest or save money on a hotel. A backseat air bed will provide you with all of the support your body needs while you travel.

The SAYGOGO Inflatable Car Air Mattress is your best travel companion and is overall one of the best road trip accessories you should get for trips longer than a few days.

It has a leak-proof design, it’s adaptable to the back seat or the half-trunk and comes with the car air pump as well as 2 pillows.

MIRROR DASHCAM

The WOLFBOX 12″ Mirror Dash Cam Backup Camera is another one of the must-have road trip accessories but also for daily use.

This mirror dash cam will keep you safe on the road with high-quality recording and touchscreen features that make it easy to focus on the road ahead.

The touchscreen allows you to change settings without taking your hands off the wheel. Plus, this model has a built-in microphone that can be used to broadcast messages or music from your phone.

The WOLFBOX has a unique double SONY camera system – front and rear – to keep you as safe as possible. For a safer parking lot experience, it can be equipped with a G sensor and a parking monitor.

I liked the capability of recording in 1296P Full HD quality and the 12-inch display. Naturally, while this is one of the best items to bring on a road trip, it is also extremely useful on a daily basis when commuting to the office or driving around town.

And this is why I include it in this list of best car trip accessories and you’ll want to check it out now!

FOVAL CAR POWER INVERTER

Another great product to invest in is a power inverter that can be used for powering up devices like laptops and cell phones while you’re on the go.

This means you won’t have to worry about running out of battery or waiting until you reach your destination before being able to charge up. You’ll be able to enjoy your time in the car without interruption and you’ll feel so much more relaxed.

Of course, a portable charger and a USB car adaptor are great solutions, but a car power inverter is simply one of the road trip accessories you must have on your trip.

The Foval Car Power Inverter , which is 300 watts and with 2 USB ports and 2 AC outlets, is only 5.1 inches tall and just as big as a credit card. The FCC authentication built-in on this charger will protect the equipment from overheating, overloading power surges, and short-circuiting.

So go ahead and get your hands on one of these now, it’s some serious road trip gear under $30.

ALL-PURPOSE FIRST AID KIT

The Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit can come in handy during a road trip. This first aid kit is designed to help you stay safe on the go, so they have everything they need to respond to emergencies.

It includes a variety of useful items – from gauze, bandages, and scissors for wounds, to adhesive tape for sprains and burns.

The kit also contains pain relief remedies and sterilized alcohol wipes that can be used as an antiseptic or eye cleaner. Plus, this first aid kit comes with a shoulder strap that makes it easy to carry around!

The Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit has a total of 140 pieces and it comes with medications that will be useful in all situations.

2-IN-1 STEERING WHEEL TRAY

The XERGUR Auto Steering Wheel Tray is a clever solution for those who are looking for a way to stay productive while on the go.

As you can see, this desk is designed to attach to the steering wheel of your vehicle or the back of the headrest. The sleek design also includes support to place your tablet or laptop.

Of course, it’s a great accessory to eat while watching some videos on YouTube or calling your loved ones. All things considered, it’s one of the essential car accessories for road trip you can’t leave home without!

HOW MUCH DOES A ROAD TRIP COST?

The cost of a road is relative to the place you’re leaving from and the country. If you’re planning to travel around Australia , the costs will be much different than in the U.S.

In the States, the national average price per gallon is $3.40 and tends to be cheaper on the East Coast than on the West Coast.

Also, if you’re planning to visit national parks on the way, make sure to get your annual National Park Pass for $80 and save some cash.

Moreover, if you plan to rent a car rather than use your own, that will certainly increase your budget.

As a general rule of thumb, a road trip will cost you around $150 per day considering gas, food, accommodation, or other personal requirements like buying souvenirs on the way.

Car Rental – Search, Compare & Save!

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HOW CAN I MAKE MY ROAD TRIP INTERESTING?

A road is fun and interesting per se, but there will, of course, be moments of boredom like when you’re stuck in a traffic jam or riding on a highway for hours with no cool stuff around. The positive note is that there are ways to make your road trip interesting at all times.

First and foremost, you’ll want to make a clear itinerary. For instance, if you’re preparing for a road trip around Switzerland or Cuba , make sure to include some local spots to visit right off the highway every 40 miles or so.

Or, if you’re in Mexico and willing to do a road trip from Tulum to Nayarit, for example, make sure to do some research on the coolest attractions on the way.

Apart from that, create a playlist that both you and your friends love in order to sing along together and make the most of your time.

Also, a Kindle is one of the best things to bring on a road trip as you’ll be able to read some interesting books along the way.

Furthermore, bringing your camera , lenses , and other favorite accessories to take amazing shots on the road will certainly make it cooler than a regular trip sitting in the car the whole day.

MORE PRODUCT GUIDES

If you are planning a road trip or an international adventure, be sure to check out these other product guides that will make your life easier abroad:

• 9 Best Canon Travel Lenses
• Best Camera Gear For Travel
• 9 Must-Have Camera Accessories For Photographers
• Best Affordable Camera For Landscape Photography

FINAL THOUGHTS – WHAT TO TAKE ON A ROAD TRIP

So there you have it – a complete guide on the 20 most useful car accessories for long drive when looking for what to bring on a road trip.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article about these useful car travel accessories for adults and if you have any questions at all, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations about road trip car accessories to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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23 Road Trip Accessories You Need for an Epic Road Trip

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I (The Winding Road Tripper) earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more . 

Image by  Dariusz Sankowski  from  Pixabay  

Are you planning on heading out on a road trip soon?

If so, you’re going to need some road trip accessories. 

Over the years, we’ve figured out what we need and don’t need to have in our car or van for our road trips. And with that experience, we’ve compiled a list of car travel accessories.

These travel accessories will help you stay safe and organized on your road trip and allow you to sit back and enjoy the journey ahead. 

Let’s dive in.

Car Safety Accessories

Some of the most important but often forgotten accessories are the ones meant to keep you safe on your road trip. These car safety accessories will help make sure you arrive at your destination safely.

Roadside Emergency Kit

A roadside emergency kit is a must for all road trips and a good thing to keep in your car all of the time. You never know when there might be an accident or your car makes the executive decision to take a break when you least expect it.

If something does happen, it is good to have a kit on hand to help. things to make sure your roadside assistance kit includes are:

• Jumper cables
• Work gloves
• Flares or Roadside Triangles
• Emergency Blanket

This one from Amazon has all the essentials and is relatively cheap too!

First Aid Kit

Many roadside emergency kits contain first aid kits. But if yours doesn’t, then make sure to bring a small first aid kit on your next road trip. You never know when you might need one. 

Roadside Assistance Membership

Roadside assistance such as AAA is beneficial if you encounter emergencies while on the road.

These membership programs allow you to call someone in case of emergency and ask them for help when you are on the side of the road. This might seem like a luxury, but it can be beneficial if you find yourself stuck without any assistance nearby.

Many auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance plans, so check yours to see if it’s included in your plan. If not, it’s usually very inexpensive to add.

Tire Chains for Winter Driving

Depending on where you are traveling, winter-like weather can be an issue even in the summer. Standard car tires can not handle snow-covered mountain and rural roads well.

Therefore, having tire chains in your car if you hit poor road conditions is a must to ensure you get to your destination safely.

We haven’t used ours yets, but there is peace of mind knowing we have them if bad weather sneaks upon us. 

Many are easy to install when you need them, and some with a carrying case for compact storage. 

Window wipes for Inside Your Car

Sometimes the inside of your windows get filthy, and it makes seeing out of them difficult.

Keeping a small pack of window wipes in your car will help you keep your windows clean and be able to drive safely.

More Road Trip Safety Tips: Best Weather App for Road Trips  How to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip

Navigation Accessories

Gps navigation system .

The most essential road trip navigation accessory is the GPS system. 

These days our smartphones are often used as our GPS systems. Applications like Google and Apple maps can provide both directions and traffic information.

But if you prefer, there are several other models on the market today that you can mount on your car’s dashboard.

Many of these GPS devices can connect to your backup camera and provide extensive safety features. These features include sending text alerts in the event of a crash, lane departure notifications, and front-collision warnings.

Protip: For any GPS device (phone or mounted), make sure to download the necessary maps to your device before leaving home. You never know when you’ll find yourself without cell service.

Paper Road Map or Atlas

You never know when your GPS device is going to fail you. Maybe you are in the middle of nowhere, and you forgot to download a map, or your device is simply not working.

In these cases, having a paper map is essential.

Also, there is something fun and adventurous about using a paper map to discover your surroundings. Especially when you are traveling abroad in an unknown territory, it can be empowering.

Entertainment Accessories

Tablets are a great way to stay entertained on a road trip, and they are great for both kids and adults.

With a tablet, you can download movies and TV shows on them. You can also use apps, like Netflix, to stream your favorite TV Shows directly from home. 

Some models even have built-in cloud storage, so you won’t run out of space when streaming or downloading content.

Protip: Subscribe to Slickdeals to be alerted when high ticket items like tablets go on sale.

Road Trip Games

Road trip games are a great way to pass the time. There are fun classic games like the license plate game or I spy.

There are also a ton of fun games to be played on your tablet or smartphone.

These days, road trip games apps are available in the app stores, and they provide great entertainment for everyone on the trip.

Make sure to bring along or download a few games before you leave.

Frisbee or Football 

A toy such as a frisbee or a football is a great accessory to have in your car. 

Throwing a ball around for a bit helps get the blood flowing. And, for kids, it allows them to expend a bit of pent-up energy from being in the car.

Comfort Accessories

Blankets and pillows.

Being comfortable on your car ride is essential, so having blankets and pillows in the car is a must.

We love the Rumpl blanket , but we’ll be honest, it is a bit of a splurge. It’s lightweight, warm, weather-resistant, and easily stuffs into its compact carrying case. 

If you are looking for something a little less expensive, this blanket is a great option. 

An excellent car pillow will help you sleep while sitting upright while preventing your head from bobbing around with every bump. No one likes to get woken up with every turn or bump in the road.

For a great car pillow, check out this neck pillow .

Comfy Shoes

Comfy, breathable, and sturdy shoes are a perfect accessory for your road trip.

We love these slippers from Teva. They are super comfortable and easy to slip on and off. And perfect for both driving and hanging out in the hotel or campground.

Seat Cushions or Back Support 

Seat cushions or back support pillows help you to be comfortable in the car when traveling long 

distances. 

They are great for soothing your body and helping it relax while mitigating any pain from sitting in a car seat for long periods. 

Electronic Accessories

Plug-in charging station for car.

With so many electronic devices needed for your road trip, a charging station for multiple devices is a great accessory. You don’t want to get to your destination only to find that your camera isn’t charged.

There will be no more fights about which device needs to get charged next.

This charging station with a long cord for backseat charging is a perfect solution. 

Portable Power Bank

Another option for device charging is to have a portable power bank. Power banks provide days of charging power, and you don’t need to find an outlet for your device.

Many are compact enough to throw in your pocket or purse, so you’ll never be without power.

The Anker portable charger is super affordable and fantastic for all of your charging needs. 

Cord Organizer 

When traveling with multiple electronic devices, it can be hard to keep track of all of your charging cords.

A cord organizer will help you keep everything in place so you can find what you need and get back to enjoying your trip.

Phone Car Mount

Although smartphones are convenient on the road, they are only handy if you can see them easily while driving. Luckily, there is a solution to this problem in the form of phone car mounts. 

A phone mount will allow you to mount your device securely so you can view it easily while still maintaining full mobility in the car. 

We like the one that suction to your window or dash . 

We’ve tried the ones that mount on the air vents , but the phone’s positioning didn’t quite work for us. 

What car mount works for you will depend on your car. The main thing to look for is that you can easily see the screen without taking your eyes entirely off the road. 

Protip: If you have a vehicle that has Bluetooth capabilities, consider installing a hands-free speakerphone in your car as well. This will allow you to use voice commands on your phone, similar to the way Siri works.

Organization

Back seat organizer for kids.

If you are traveling with kids, a back seat organizer will help keep things neat and organized back there.

Things can get out of hand pretty quickly if you don’t have some sort of organizational system for all of your kids’ stuff.

This backseat organizer has been a great solution for keeping the kids organized. Plus, it is big enough to hold multiple devices as well. 

Another great thing to have in the car is a small trash can . A trash can is great for keeping wrappers and other junk off of the floor.

It will also help your vehicle stay tidy throughout the trip, so no one has to sit in a pile of trash. 

Trunk Organizer

A trunk organizer will help keep things organized and easily accessible during your road trip.

The last thing you want to do is empty the entire trunk to find the one thing you need is on the bottom.

There are many options for trunk organizers, and the one you buy will depend on the type of vehicle you are traveling in. 

Road Trip Outdoor Adventure Accessories

Packable backpack/day pack.

If you plan to do any sightseeing or hiking along your road trip, a small packable backpack is a must.

The best daypacks for travel are those that don’t take up much room in the car and are also comfortable to wear while you are on your adventures.

We love the Osprey daypack that packs into a small stuff sack about the length and width of a pen.

Eating on the Road Accessories

Picnic blanket .

One of our favorite things is to find a nice lunch spot to take a break from sitting in the car. 

Having something comfortable to sit on (like a picnic blanket) for your meal stops will help make eating on the road more enjoyable.

A compact picnic blanket is an excellent accessory for dining on the road, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space.

This foldable blanket zips up and can easily be stored in your car. 

Plug-In Cooler

Another great thing to have during your road trip is an eclectic cooler for keeping food and drinks cold.

A cooler is essential for road trips where you stay in hotels or have picnics because it will help keep things cold overnight.

But an eclectic cooler makes your road trips even more hassle-free. There is no more draining the cooler and stopping for ice. 

This is an accessory you won’t regret buying. 

Alright, these aren’t necessarily an accessory for your car. However, you will not regret having a pack of these wipes in your glove compartment.

Wet wipes have many uses, including cleaning up any spills and disinfecting your car’s inside car.

\ More Road Trip Essentials: 26 Essential Van Camping Accessories for Your Next Adventure The Ultimate Camping Road Trip Packing List Road Trip Food Ideas: Packable Snacks and Make-ahead Meals

You Got This

With this list, you are ready to get on the road and explore new places! We hope this blog post helps you find everything your next trip needs. Be safe, be prepared, and have a blast exploring the world.

Holiday Road: These Are Our Favorite Hacks and Gadgets to Make Your Road Trip Run More Smoothly

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Hitting the road for the holidays? You’re not alone — roughly 70 percent of Americans plan to travel more this year, more than they did in 2021, which increasingly includes road trips and RVing to get to their destination. Even if you’re all boosted up and visiting family and friends this season, you can still hit the road and make a great vacation out of getting there in your own car as opposed to braving the dreaded airport rush (although we do have tips on how to survive that, too ).

Of course, just because you’ll be hopping on the interstate to get to your aunt’s house for the holidays doesn’t mean you’ll have to do so begrudgingly. On the contrary, with so many companies striving to make your drive smoother than ever, you may be a little reluctant to get out of the car once you get to your final destination. From tech toys to ways to hack your comfort, the best travel accessories go a long way towards making your road trip experience more enjoyable.

1. Otterbox USB-C Fast Charge Car Charger

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Buy Otterbox USB-C Fast Charge Car Charger $59.95

2. BioLite CampStove Complete Set

Let’s face it—when you’re driving long stretches, there’s not always going to be time to stop for food. If you’re okay roughing it to save a few bucks on takeout, or if you just love campfire cooking, BioLite’s CampStove 2+ is a great option if you’re looking for a streamlined cooking appliance-slash-power source.

The CampStove 2+ is a wood-burning stove, simply use foraged sticks and twigs to heat the stove. Not only will you get a good flame going, you’ll simultaneously be generating electricity for your smartphone, headlamp and other road gadgets. With an extra grill piece add-on, you’ll be able to easily turn your road trip into a mini tailgate. The added KettlePot also boils water efficiently and nests right into the CampStove 2+.

We’ve reviewed the BioLite’s heartier companion, the FirePit+ if you want the full roaring bonfire, campfire cooking experience once you reach your destination. But the CampStove 2+ is an excellent choice anyone with an already overstuffed road trip car, since it weighs just under four pounds and folds up compact into a carrying bag.

Buy BioLite CampStove Complete Set $187.46

3. Weego 44S Jump Starter

The best beachfront airbnbs, a checked bag for cheap: this away luggage dupe is just $99.

But this compact contraption goes even further with a brilliant flashlight, a USB outlet for charging electronic devices and a 12-volt accessibility port (adapter sold separately) in case you need to power anything else along the way.

Buy Weego 44s Jump Starter $66.49

4. YETI Roadie 24 Cooler

With the YETI Roadie 24 Cooler, you’ll hardly need convenience stores because everything you want — food, soda (up to 18 cans) or ice all easily fit inside — will already be within arm’s reach.

And unlike the dinged-up cooler you’ve lugged around since sophomore year, this snazzy one proves thoughtful in its look (nine color options), design (easy fit behind the passenger’s seat; taller frame to hold wine bottles) and construction (Quicklatch for one-handed access). It’s durable enough to take out of the car and to your campsite or cabin too.

Buy YETI Roadie 24 Cooler $250

5. Bindle 24 oz Water Bottle With Storage Compartment

Part-water bottle, part-storage compartment and part-snack container, this smart, sustainable solution from Bindle may be all you need, drinking-wise, for your next journey. Simply twist off the top cap to use the BPA-free bottle for any drink, hot or cold.

No matter how you choose to use it, the vacuum-sealed stainless steel bottle will stay at the perfect temperature for hours. And if that weren’t enough, the leak-proof bottom can store a few snacks, your ID, keys, cash or whatever other small item you need to keep nearby.

6. Pendleton Yakima Camp High Ridge Blanket

If you’re trying to catch a few winks, it can be a bummer if the driver is blasting the AC. But rather than get tense over the temp, simply get comfortable under this Pendleton blanket. Outdoorsy types adore the company for its vintage-inspired prints and high-quality materials.

We love this earth-tone, wool/cotton blanket, styled like a favorite wrap or shawl. Oh, and if anyone else in the car wants to get in on the warmth, the queen-sized blanket offers more than enough coziness for two.

7. World’s Best Feather Soft Microfiber Neck Pillow

With flights, neck pillows are a traveller’s staple, to the point where you sometimes get a freebie on the plane (whether or not you’ll get good sleep with those is debatable, though). But we’re here to tell you that car naps enhanced by the right pillow are just as good as those in the air.

Take Pluto’s aptly named The Complete Travel Pillow, for example. Because of its structured, pillowy hood (no leaning against the window necessary), adjustable 360-degree shape around your neck and chin, and built-in eye mask, this pillow is the ideal combination of comfort and support. And with the nifty velcro closure at the front, you’re assured it’ll always stay in place.

Buy Pluto The Complete Travel Pillow $145

8. ieGeek Portable DVD Player

Streaming services are as popular as ever, but if you want to rediscover your movie collection during an upcoming road trip, a portable DVD player is the right tool for the job. Looking to create a backseat entertainment system in your car? IeGeek’s portable DVD player is the way to go.

It has a 10.5-inch screen, which can be folded over the disc drive. The display has a resolution of 720P (1280 x 720), so you can watch HD videos via a flash drive or SD card. The sound quality is also pretty decent, with a dual-speaker stereo system.

This DVD player can last between five and six hours on a single charge before needing to be plugged into an outlet. You can also plug it into a car’s cigarette lighter — both a wall and car charger are included in the box. This portable DVD player also comes with a game link that contains 150 retro games (controller sold separately) and A/V cable, so you can connect it to a TV when you reach your destination.

Buy ieGeek Portable DVD Player $79.99

9. Sony WH1000MX5

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Soft and plush earcups also make the WH1000MX5s as comfortable as headphones get, meaning you can keep them on throughout a long drive without any discomfort (unless you’re the driver, of course). With superb sound quality to boot, you’ll want to keep them on as long as possible. 40mm drivers deliver full, crisp audio, not matter if you’re listening to music or podcasts.

One big bonus: the headphones feature incredible 30-hour battery life, plus five hours of battery with a quick 3-minute charge.

Buy Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry… $348.00

10. Welly Excursion Kit

The Red Cross recommends keeping a well-stocked first aid kit in your home or car, and even provides a list of the items you should keep inside. Welly’s Excursion is stocked with everything you’ll need in a single, compact package that you can take with you on camping trips, hikes, or road trips

The kit comes with simple, flexible bandages, triple antibiotic first aid ointment packets, hydrocortisone cream packets, ibuprofen, rolls of tape and large, fabric bandages. This is the most travel-friendly first aid kit we recommend, and it’s a good choice if you have a small car, or want to keep one in the trunk just in case. The hard metal case is especially durable, and weatherproof to boot.

Buy Welly Excursion Kit

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I’ve driven across the U.S. three times and been on countless smaller road trips in North America and abroad, and have discovered that the right gear can turn a good trip into a great one. The best road trip accessories make the drive easier, safer, and more fun, whether you’re driving solo or with a group. Below, I’ve compiled a list of things that I have found useful and some items I wish I had along the way; these basically come down to two broad categories, things for the car and things for the people inside the car.

Accessories For The Car

The car is arguably the most important piece of equipment when it comes to a road trip, so you want to look at accessories that are helpful in your vehicle . For example, an over-the-seat organizer can make sure your back seat is clutter-free , and a handheld vacuum can clean up spills on the fly (especially if you’re eating in the car). When driving with a group, a dual charger that plugs into the car’s auxiliary power outlet is essential for keeping all devices at full power. And if you’re driving and need to have access to your phone, a phone holder is handy for keeping the screen clear and visible. Finally, for peace of mind, keeping a jump starter in the trunk can help get your trip back on track, just in case.

Accessories For The People In The Car

There are some accessories that are important to keep the people in your car clean and healthy, like sunscreen , wet wipes, and a first aid kit. Then there are the luxury items and fun gadgets that can take your trip to the next level of comfort; like a neck pillow , eye mask, and ear plugs for catching a quick nap; a mini-fridge for keeping drinks cool; or a portable espresso maker for a burst of caffeine. But don’t sleep on those little things like an instant camera to capture memories that’ll make the trip more fun, either.

No matter how far you’re going, the best road trip accessories on Amazon are sure to make your journey a memorable one for all the right reasons.

A 2-Pack Of Car Chargers For High Speed Charging

• Over 24,000 reviews and an overall 4.6-star rating
• Includes 2 chargers
• Charge 2 USB devices at the same time
• Available in 6 colors
• The 1.0A port is only suitable for charging phones

When you’re on the road and need to keep your devices charged, this two-pack of car chargers has got you and all the other people in the car covered. It fits into your car’s auxiliary power outlet and has a blue LED light that makes it easy to plug in devices when it’s dark. It can safely charge two devices at once — one of the USB ports is 1.0 amps, which is good for charging phones (but not recommended for tablets), and the other is 2.4 amps, which can charge any device at a higher speed. Plus, it’s available in six colors, and since it’s a two-pack, you’ll have a backup on hand.

Helpful Amazon review: “We (road) travel quite often, so these adapters are a great alternative for charging our tech equip while on long trips. Never need to worry if I miss place one; a second is included and always in the glove compartment. Nice deal!”

A Phone Holder That Can Be Mounted On A Dashboard Or Windshield

• Over 93,000 reviews and an overall 4.5-star rating
• Can be mounted on a dashboard or windshield
• Arm extends 4.5 to 6.75 inches and pivots 260 degrees
• Might need re-suctioning if exposed to direct sunlight for long hours

Whether you’re a driver or a passenger on a road trip, having your phone visibly displayed in a phone holder can be really convenient. The iOttie holder can be mounted in two places: on your windshield with the reusable suction cup or on your dashboard with the semi-permanent sticky pad. It has an arm that pivots 260 degrees for multiple viewing angles and extends from 4.5 to 6.75 inches when you want to bring your phone closer to you. Phones can easily be locked and released with one hand, and the cradle can fit smartphones and cases of any size. And if you’re charging your phone in the holder, there’s a magnetic tab near the bottom foot that can organize the cable and keep it out of the way.

Helpful Amazon review: “I've had this mount for some time now, even on long trips and bumpy roads. I have an old SUV that bounces quite a bit and this bounces so little it is almost hard to believe. The arm itself, when tightened, is incredibly sturdy. The only thing that gives any sort of movement is the suction cup, but even that is impressive and hard to avoid. It is super easy to put in and take out my phone, and it is very easily adjustable. I do have to say, the springs holding the phone in can get a little squeaky over time, but for the price, it's hardly even noticeable. You only hear it when you take your phone out and not while driving. 10/10 would recommend!”

A Portable Fridge That Cools & Heats On The Road

• Over 36,000 reviews and an overall 4.4-star rating
• Connects to your car’s power supply
• Keeps items cool or warm
• Comes in 6 colors

This portable mini fridge connects to your car’s power supply and can keep your drinks cool or warm when you’re on the road. Within an hour, it can cool 32 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit below the ambient temperature; for best results, insert already cold drinks (the fridge will keep them cool). For warm drinks, it can heat up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit within an hour — just note that it only keeps items warm and won’t heat up cold items. And if the door is closed, hot drinks will stay warm for several hours even after the fridge has been turned off. The fridge is freon-free, runs at a whisper-quiet 25 decibels, and features a built-in carrying handle. The inside dimensions are a compact 5.5 by 5.3 by 8.07 inches, which can hold up to six 12-ounce cans. Granted, it’s not as big as a cooler, but if you’re low on space and like your liquids to be at the perfect temperature, this is the mini fridge for you.

Helpful Amazon review: “We picked up this product to use for our road trips for keeping our drinks cool. It works exactly as expected. We needed something small enough that it wouldn’t take up too much room in an already stuffed car (including 2 larger dogs) and that would hold just a few drinks. This got cool in under 1/2 hour and kept our drinks cool enough for the road. Overall, we’re satisfied with this product.”

A 3-Pack Of Flushable Wipes For A Quick Refresh

• Over 5,600 reviews and an overall 4.7-star rating
• Flushable and biodegradable
• Hypoallergenic and toxin-free
• Made with plant-based extracts
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Reviewers report that when you pull out one wipe, it’s connected to the next wipe

No matter how long your road trip is, you’ll want to reach for this three-pack of wipes for a quick refresh. With a shea coconut scent (also available in lavender and rosewater ), they’re made of plant-based extracts and purified water that’s all been responsibly sourced. The wipes are hypoallergenic, safe for sensitive skin, and free of alcohol and harmful chemicals. And if you’re using them in a rest stop bathroom, they’re biodegradable and safe for septic systems, so flush away.

Helpful Amazon review: “I've used these for motocamping trips and they are great for all aspects of personal hygiene and can replace toilet paper if/when desired.”

A Neck Pillow With Eye Mask & Ear Plugs

• Over 23,000 reviews and an overall 4.4-star rating
• Cover is sweat-resistant and machine washable
• Includes eye mask and ear plugs
• Reviewers report it’s a little big for those with very slender necks

When you have to catch some sleep or relaxation on your trip, this neck pillow, light blocking eye mask, and ear plug set can be a lifesaver. The neck pillow is made of a memory foam filler that has a five-second return (goes back to its original shape within five seconds of force being removed) and has a buckle that lets you adjust the angle and tightness. Covering the pillow is a breathable, sweat-resistant case that’s removable and machine washable. Measuring 11 by 9.2 by 5.9 inches and weighing just 0.6 pounds, it’s lightweight and includes a travel bag that compresses the pillow down to half its size when traveling. Reviewers report the pillow is cushy and comfortable, but it may be too big for slender necks. If that’s a concern for you, check out this extra-large kids’ neck pillow that might be a better fit.

Helpful Amazon review: “Utilized this neck pillow on a cross country road trip and it was great. The unique shape of the pillow makes it much more comfortable than the typical U shape you find in neck pillows. We loved the addition of the eye mask which completely blocked out sunlight for napping during the day. The carrying case keeps it clean and protected for future use. It has now become a staple in the car for anyone who needs a little shut eye during a trip.”

A 2-Pack Of Water-Resistant Sunscreen Spray

• Over 6,300 reviews and an overall 4.8-star rating
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• Might have to rub in the spray for consistent coverage
• Might not want to apply in the car

When you’re on the road, sunscreen is a must. After all, UV rays can come through car windows, especially in untreated side windows and sunroofs , so it’s important to protect your skin with an SPF 30 or higher, depending on the length of your sun exposure. This two-pack of sunscreen spray can stop up to 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it’s free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, PABA, phthalates, and dyes and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The spray is easy to apply to your skin, but you might not want to do it in the car, so a sunblock cream might be a good backup option.

Helpful Amazon review: “​​Used this on my beach trip and NO SUNBURN on me nor my boyfriend. I get burned every year normally but not this time! I was there for three days! I even did an outdoor obstacle course while I was there. This stuff is amazing and I will be buying again.”

A Handheld Vacuum That Cleans Up Messes Along The Way

• Over 220,000 reviews and an overall 4.0-star rating
• Includes 3 nozzles, carrying bag, cleaning brush, and additional HEPA filter
• 16-foot power cord
• Plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet
• Not for deep cleaning

Keep the inside of your car crumb- and mess-free with this portable, handheld vacuum cleaner . It plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet, so you can clean up even if you’re on the side of the road. The power cord is 16 feet long, which means you can even reach around to vacuum your trunk. Three nozzles and a filter brush are included, plus an additional HEPA filter and a carrying bag for easy portability. It’s lightweight at 2.4 pounds and bagless — just empty the canister when it’s full. This vacuum isn’t made for deep cleaning, but it’s great for light messes that can happen along the way.

Helpful Amazon review: “This vacuum is great! All the little attachments come in really handy! It’s powerful yet not too loud. Definitely does the job! The kids always gets little crumbs everywhere! This fits perfect in the car so it can go with us on our road trip. I’ll be able to clean up any spills on the go. Super long cord can reach from the front the back or vice versa. Surprised it didn’t look for something like this sooner.”

These Organizers That Keep The Backseat Clutter-Free

• Over 6,700 reviews and an overall 4.6-star rating
• Nine storage compartments in various sizes
• Comes in a 2-pack
• Some reviewers report finding the smell a bit chemical-like at first

The backseat of any car can get cluttered quickly, but during a road trip especially, so having two backseat organizers can be a great option. These organizers have nine variously sized storage compartments, including a clear tablet holder (whose touchscreen can be used in the holder), four water bottle pockets, and large mesh pockets to hold whatever you need on the road. The straps and buckles are sturdy and adjustable, and reviewers report they’re easy to install. The organizers fit cars of any size, and since there are two, both sides of the car are covered.

Helpful Amazon review: “WOW! These exceeded my expectations. I drive a Jeep Cherokee and they fit perfect on the backs of the seats. I am going on a road trip with a friend but did not want to fill my cargo area and backseat with everything. This will allow me to put so much stuff in there and open up the other areas. They are really solidly made. Nothing cheap or flimsy at all. Very durable and nice looking.”

A Full First Aid Kit In A Compact Bag

• Over 60,000 reviews and an overall 4.8-star rating
• Contains 298 first aid items
• Lightweight nylon case
• Doesn’t include medicine for allergies, motion sickness, or diarrhea

Keeping a first aid kit in your car is essential for road trips and for everyday preparedness, too. This kit contains 298 items for treating pain and swelling, as well as cuts, scrapes, and burns. There are bandages, alcohol wipes, aspirin, burn gel, gauze, tweezers, scissors, and more, packaged in a clear liner in a lightweight nylon case. One reviewer reports, “It's small enough that it zips up and fits just about anywhere in your car or trunk. But not too small that it is missing things.”

Note that it doesn’t contain meds for allergies, diarrhea, or motion sickness (such as Benadryl , Imodium , or Dramamine ), which can be helpful on a road trip, but you can always purchase them separately.

Helpful Amazon review: “Bought 2 of these to put in vehicles. They're great. Simple, cheap, and have anything you need for the typical boo-boos you might have on a road trip. For more traumatic issues I have more advanced kits as well, but this covered 95% of anything you will typically have to deal with.”

A Wildly Popular Instant Camera To Capture Every Moment

• Over 25,000 reviews and an overall 4.7-star rating
• Takes up to 100 photos before batteries run out
• Comes in 5 colors
• Two AA batteries are included
• Easy to use
• Film not included

Capture your road trip memories the old-fashioned way with an easy-to-use instant camera . Just point and shoot, and the camera will adjust whether you’re inside or out. There’s also a built-in selfie mirror to get everyone in the shot. It runs on two AA batteries that are included, and according to the brand website, you can take up to 100 photos before they have to be replaced. Film is not included, but you can choose a camera and film bundle within the listing or get a variety pack with different borders right here . The camera comes in five fun colors and also includes two shutter button accessories to give it a different look.

Helpful Amazon review: “I almost have over than 65 pictures taken and shared also the joy of the advanced/ vintage picture taking with many people and made their day as made mine. I shall continue in using the camera as I consider it my true travel and memory companion, to capture the moments in few seconds and keeps it with you with no need to take the whole long process to download them and print it out.”

A Portable Jump Starter, Just In Case

• Over 60,000 reviews and an overall 4.7-star rating
• Can charge devices via USB
• Built-in LED flashlight with SOS and strobe modes
• Cables and clamps included
• Works best if fully charged

Having a portable jump starter in your car can give you peace of mind when you head out on your trip, and this one comes with over 60,000 reviews and a stellar 4.7-star rating. It has a 1,000-amp peak current that can jump start up to a 6-liter gas or 3-liter diesel 12-volt car immediately, and it can jump start up to 20 cars on a full charge (full charging takes 4.5 hours). If you’re somewhere dark, there’s a built-in LED flashlight with seven modes (including SOS and strobe), and there are two USB output ports, plus one Type-C port for quick device charging. The starter weighs just 2.4 pounds, and with an IP65 rating, it’s completely protected against dust and low water pressure. It also comes with clamps, cables, and a storage bag, so it has everything you need.

Helpful Amazon review: “I got this as a “good to have, just in case” for roadtrips, camping etc. but I suddenly needed it for two different vehicles on separate occasions during crazy cold winter weather! It worked exceptionally well! While I thought my batteries were good and my vehicles reliable, this saved the day when they failed me. I did think the light was an unnecessary gimmick when I bought the jump start, it really came through in a pinch as well. Definitely recommend adding this to your vehicles emergency kit! It is compact, powerful, easy to use and holds a charge well for multiple uses. I’ll never take a roadtrip without it!”

A Compact, Manual Espresso Maker For Caffeine On The Go

• Lightweight at just 12 ounces
• Hand operated, no batteries or electricity needed
• Cap can be used as a cup
• Only makes single shot espressos
• You need boiling water to make the espresso

Get a finely brewed espresso anywhere on the road with this portable espresso maker . It’s easy to use; just add the grounds, then some boiling water (which you can make with a portable electric kettle , sold separately), unlock the piston, and pump a few times for a single shot of espresso up to 1.7 ounces. It’s also lightweight (only 12 ounces), and since it’s hand-operated, there’s no need for batteries or electricity. Any variety of coffee beans or roasts can be used, and the cap doubles as a cup.

Helpful Amazon review: “I used this to make iced lattes on a long RV road trip. It is pretty easy to use & made a good shot of espresso. I’m impressed with its compactness, price, and the end product. So nice to have in the travel trailer!!”

23 Best Travel Accessories for Every Kind of Trip

Whether you’re crammed in economy class or on a long drive, these gadgets and accessories will make the time pass quickly.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or you save up for one trip every few years, chances are you already know that what you pack impacts your comfort, your enjoyment, and, perhaps most important, your stress levels both while traveling and when you’ve actually settled in at your new destination. That’s why it’s critical to pack useful, helpful travel accessories. Take the wrong ones, and you may find yourself carrying extra weight for gear you never end up using.

As a full-time travel writer, I enjoy the wonderful perk of being able to travel quite a bit. While chasing down stories, I’ve stayed in five-star suites in the Maldives and slept on the top bunk of a 15-hour budget sleeper train in Vietnam . So I’ve experienced quite a variety of travel conditions while using what’s likely hundreds of travel accessories in the process.

Over time, I’ve been able to narrow down my must-have travel accessories to include a perfect blend of ones that are useful, easy to carry, and multifunctional. For example, a packable mini- backpack can serve as a lightweight bag for day hikes or as an extra carry-on if you buy too much abroad.

These are the 23 best travel accessories I recommend to all my friends planning their next weekend or bucket-list getaways.

Best Travel Accessories

• Best In-Flight Bluetooth Audio Adapter: Twelve South AirFly Pro
• Best Travel Footrest: Airplane Footrest
• Best Cord Organizer for Small Items: Bellroy Classic Pouch
• Best Containers for Toiletries: Cadence Weekender Bundle
• Best Blanket for Cold Flights: Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket

The Expert: I’m a freelance travel writer and editor who usually focuses on adventure travel. That’s led me to take some pretty lengthy flight patterns (most recently, 54 hours of travel on the way to Rwanda) and fairly remote road trips (through central Alaska). But traveling frequently doesn't mean anything goes. Like everyone else, I have my personal annoyances while traveling: I get cold easily, I’m sensitive to noise when sleeping in new places, and I always need to be able to work on-the-go. What all of that means is that my experience with travel accessories isn’t just about finding those that make flights more comfortable, but also those that improve my productivity, help me enjoy myself in new destinations, and make packing as painless as possible. I think I've used just about every type of travel product out there, and truly feel the ones I have selected are the best of the best.

What to Consider When Buying Travel Accessories

The best travel accessories eliminate the inconveniences and annoyances of life on-the-go. For me, this includes headphones that drown out engine noise (or crying babies), containers that allow me to bring my favorite soap and shampoo on flights, and anything that makes long trips more comfortable. Consider what you value most and look for accessories in that space.

No matter what you’re in the market for, don’t overlook size, especially for liquids. The TSA limits your liquids to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container and prefers them all packed into one quart-size bag. As for luggage, make sure any travel bags you intend to carry on are no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and checked bags no heavier than 50 pounds. Even if you aren’t checking a suitcase, you’ll have an easier, more comfortable experience with less to lug around. Most of the accessories below are relatively lightweight, but they’ll add a few pounds combined.

Finally, a word on price. Some travelers don’t want to spend too much money on items they might accidentally leave in a seat-back pocket, whereas other people tend to take better care of things that cost more. I generally recommend ruling out the very cheapest items in most categories, lest you find your shampoo bottle started leaking mid-flight.

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How We Selected These Travel Accessories

In addition to my own experiences using these products as a travel writer and gear tester, I weighed consumer reviews, investigated market research, and did a thorough evaluation of each product's price, features, and overall value. If you’re looking for stuff to make your next trip easier and more comfortable, start with these recommendations.

Twelve South AirFly Pro

Given how small and lightweight this Bluetooth adapter is, I make sure to pack it for every flight where I expect to watch a movie. The adapter plugs into airplane screens and pairs via Bluetooth so you can use your preferred noise-canceling earphones with the in-flight entertainment.

It has excellent battery life, but the connection does suffer from some lag. I’ve noticed a very slight audio delay in older planes—and you may need a two-prong adapter on older entertainment systems.

If you plan to use the AirFly only for sending audio to your headphones, you can get by with the less-expensive AirFly Classic, which has slightly better battery life. But if you want to use Bluetooth to send audio to the AirFly (for example, to play audio from your phone in a car without built-in Bluetooth), you’ll need the Pro.

Sekoess Airplane Footrest

My foot hammock is probably the nerdiest travel accessory I own, but it's a lifesaver—or should I say leg saver. The adjustable-length hammock attaches to your airplane seat's tray table and eases pressure on your low back, knees, and glutes.

I'm much less stiff after flights when I use the foot hammock and have never noticed it bothering the person in the seat in front of me, even while making adjustments. You can also buy versions with more rigid footrests, though I find the more flexible, hammock-style footrest is easier to stuff into a carry-on.

Bellroy Classic Pouch

Whether it’s a road trip or an international flight, I always use a small, simple zippered case for my tech gear so I don’t have to fish around for it in the bottom of my bag.

Cord organizers have become trendy lately, but some have so many straps and pockets that I still have to search for the exact item I need. Instead, I just use a small case like the Bellroy Classic Pouch. Since I have a separate case for my computer charger and cord, this one has enough space for most of my other small items, including the AirFly and Bose earbuds in this roundup. It has a few basic organizational pockets and zips wide enough so you can find what you need in a hurry.

Oh, and if you want a case to fit your computer charger as well as all your other travel accessories, never fear: There’s a larger option. The Bellroy Tech Kit is deeper and longer, with a clamshell-style opening, so it can hold slightly larger accessories like computer charger cubes or a GoPro camera.

Cadence Weekender Bundle

Carry-on-only travelers are familiar with packing small amounts of their favorite toiletries, but mini squeeze bottles make it challenging to use gels and creams that get stuck to the bottoms.

Fortunately, you can alleviate that issue with Cadence’s magnetic honeycomb-style capsules, which stick together and take up little space. These convenient containers are made from ocean plastic cleaned from beaches, and you can customize the tile labels and colors of each capsule. I recommend the six-pack for carrying both hair and skincare products, but you could connect three times that number if you so desire.

Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket

I carry a packable insulated blanket on almost every trip, even to tropical destinations. Aside from being useful as a plane blanket, it comes in handy in hotels where the A/C is definitely working or when there’s only a sheet on the bed.

I like the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket since the fill is light and compressible. It’s on the smaller side at roughly 4.5-feet by 3-feet, but it’s worth the trade-off for the packability (less than 4-inches wide when packed.) I usually carry it in one of the bottle pockets on the side of my carry-on backpack.

Because it’s not a full-size blanket, the NanoLoft is best as a lap blanket on cold flights or car rides, and works well as a pillow when packed. For more coverage, consider the full-size NanoLoft (6- by 14-inches packed, $179+). I recommend getting a tiny stuff sack or compression packing cube to make it into a more manageable carry-on size.

Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Sack is proof that the best travel accessories don’t have to be high-tech or overly complex—just useful. This is a water-resistant, packable backpack with mesh straps, a side pocket, and one small internal pocket. That’s it.

Because it’s so simple, it folds down incredibly small to about 5- by 5- by 3-inches. I often wear it when sightseeing around a city when I don’t want to carry a purse or shoulder bag.

But even if I don’t have a plan for using it, I toss it in my luggage every time. It can come in handy when you’re packing in a hurry and can’t fit everything as neatly into your bag as you did the first time, or if you’re road tripping and want to pull over and walk to a quirky roadside attraction. Most of my other ultra-packable bags are totes, but I prefer the security of a zippable backpack.

Cabeau S3 Evolution

These pillows are phenomenal, and reviewers say they're the only way they can ever get some sleep when crammed into a middle seat.

An adjustable headrest strap keeps the pillow upright and in place, and the comfortable foam never seems to lose its shape. Though most people wear the Evolution around their neck as intended, it works well as a traditional pillow, especially considering the gap in the middle leaves room for bulky over-ear headphones.

Alongza Portable Charger

I take thousands of vacation photos per trip, and often, the only camera I’m carrying is the one in my cell phone. To avoid running out of battery before getting back to my hotel room, I carry the ridiculously small Alongza charger.

It holds about two phone charges, and it won’t power bigger devices like laptops. But because it’s roughly the size of a credit card (though a smidge thicker), it’s easy to carry and is able to charge my phone while walking around.

I find most power banks too big to fit in my pocket, but this is probably the tiniest one I’ve ever used. I also like the built-in UBC-C and Lightning connectors so I can leave my cords at the hotel.

HiBar Maintain Shampoo and Conditioner Set

If carrying a 3-ounces of shampoo won’t get you through a whole trip, consider using a solid shampoo and conditioner bar that won’t raise any eyebrows going through the TSA checkpoint.

There are five different sets for different hair types, each safe to use for color-treated hair. Be sure to toss them into a plastic bag if you’re planning to pack them before they’re dry.

I have very thin, fine hair, and find the HiBar Volumizie set works just as well as the far more expensive salon set I use in my home shower.

Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds

I love my over-the-ear headphones, but on long flights, they can start to feel a bit sore on my ears. I took a risk on the Bose QuietComfort headphones, since at nearly $300 they’re even more expensive than Apple AirPods. But I’m glad I bought them.

They provide a level of noise-cancellation I never thought would be possible from an in-ear headphone, and the case can fully charge the headphones three times before it needs to be plugged in again—enough to get you through even the longest of trans-Atlantic flights and chatty seatmates.

The only real minus is the size, as they don’t sit as closely to your head as the popular Apple AirPods. But the sound quality more than makes up for it.

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Sip Lid Bottle

At this point, it’s a given to carry a reusable water bottle, but I’ve started bringing my own coffee mug too, especially since I like my coffee piping hot. In many countries, coffee is served in a teacup and not guzzled like I’m used to, and having my own mug is a great way to fill my coffee once at the hotel without bothering the staff to bring more and more.

I’ve recently been using the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Mug. It keeps coffee hot, but most important, it has a tight seal. I can buy coffee in the airport, put the mug in my carry-on, and pull it out mid-flight without worrying that it leaked in the bag I have shoved under my seat.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear Headphones

When it comes to audio, two big names still reign supreme, at least in my book: Sony and Bose. Bose makes my favorite in-ear headphones, but Sony’s WH-1000XM4 is far and away the best over-the-ear option. The battery life is impressive at 30 or more hours per charge, and the charging is quick—20 minutes powers about 8 hours of listening.

The noise canceling is fabulous, as I’ve learned when trying to talk to someone wearing them, and they fold into a flat case. That said, they’re still a bit on the bulky side, stored or worn, but if you’re planning to carry over-the-ear headphones, their size probably isn’t your top priority.

JBL Clip 4 Speaker

I work remotely and set my own schedule, which means I’m often working for a few hours here and there in hotel rooms on vacation. I also love to listen to podcasts when I’m getting ready in the morning, so I always make sure to pack a small Bluetooth speaker.

The JBL Clip 4 has better sound than expected for its size, including strong bass. The built-in clip makes it easy to hang on a shower rod or suitcase handle, and because it’s waterproof, it’s ideal for use around pools, beaches, hot tubs, and whatever other amenities you may avail yourself to on vacation.

The negative: it uses a lithium ion battery, which means you have to take it in your carry-on, not in your checked bags.

Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Camera

I’m constantly amazed by the quality of photos you can get from an iPhone, but when it comes to shooting in suboptimal conditions (or trying to show depth and scale in landscapes), you’ll probably want a more advanced camera.

The Lumix G7 is a ridiculously good camera with a surprisingly low price, especially considering it’s mirrorless, which makes it lighter and smaller than non-mirrorless options. It shoots photos and videos in 4K, has Wi-Fi so you can send your photos straight to your phone or computer, and has multiple auto settings for beginners, including one specifically for night-sky photography.

It’s packed with features and is the number one camera I recommend to all travelers who want to take better travel photos without spending more serious money on a camera, even if you don’t have any actual interest in using its more professional features.

Peak Design Packing Cube

I’ve become a big fan of Peak Design. The brand's packing cubes are the its first item I ever tried. They have strong zippers that don’t seem to get caught in the fabric while compressing as much as other cubes, and you can fit far more than you’d expect into each one.

I prefer the small size, as it’s easier to stack in a suitcase and fits better in a backpack or shoulder bag. These packing cubes are also light and thin, so you can throw an empty one in your bag (as I found especially useful in Patagonia) just in case you end up buying an extra sweater during your travels.

Pro packing tip: Don't pack small clothing items like underwear, socks, and swimsuits in the cubes. Instead, shove them into negative space around the cubes to maximize all available luggage areas.

Thule Subterra Carry-on Roller

Hard-sided carry-on spinners have become all the rage in the last few years, and while I do love my July bag, I’ve found two drawbacks to hard-sided bags: the second set of wheels eats into the luggage space and there’s no ability to stuff them into an overhead bin or car if they don’t quite fit.

Fortunately, I’ve had the Thule Subterra for a while now and it’s become my most-used bag. That’s thanks to a built-in compression panel with pocket; a small front pocket for passports, keys, and sunglasses; and durable back wheels that seem to have no problem crashing over curbs and steps.

I’ve also come to appreciate its slightly smaller size. While some travelers may balk at the idea of not maximizing their carry-on capacity, I find that it's actually easier for travel, especially when I see my fellow travelers’ larger bags getting forcibly gate checked on smaller planes.

Baseus Blade

I’ve used plenty of backup chargers while traveling (who hasn’t?), but the Blade from Baseus is the one I rely on most. That’s partially because I have a computer with a USB-C charging port, and the Blade is optimized for quick charging of USB-C computers.

I can charge my MacBook Pro from 0- to 100-percent with about a 20-percent charge left on the Blade (which is enough to almost fully charge my iPhone).

Other features I appreciate are its slim design (so I can travel with it in my laptop pocket), a display that shows you both how much battery is left and how much time until the Blade is fully charged, and the fact that it takes only about 1.5 hours to fully charge it.

If I use the entire capacity on a flight, as long as I have at least a 1.5-hour layover, I can be back up and running on the next flight.

Ombraz Armless Sunglasses

I've broken more than a few pairs of sunglasses by shoving them into the pocket of an overstuffed bag or sitting on them at dinner if I put them in my back pocket after a day of sightseeing. That's why when traveling, I nearly always carry Ombraz sunglasses. If I bring a fancier pair, it stays in a hard case in my luggage.

The smartly designed Ombraz shades have a soft adjustable cord in place of arms, so they’re nearly impossible to break or bend. They slide into a flat padded case and come in five unisex styles. You can also buy side shields (ideal for reflective surroundings, like snow or water) and have your prescription added.

The only downside is that you’ll need both hands to put them on, but to me, it’s worth it. I’ve had the classic pair for about three years, and they haven’t showed much wear or abrasion—but there’s a lifetime guarantee on the cord and frame if they ever do.

CM Pack of Two Mini Pouch Case Bag

I almost always have my laptop with me when I travel, and since the chunky MacBook charging cube and long cord are too bulky to store with the rest of my small cords, I used to just toss them into my bag. But then I found these tiny travel pouches sized for a computer power adapter.

I can easily fit my computer power adapter and cord in one pouch, and now, I don’t have to pull everything out of my bag to untangle the laptop cord, or use tweezers to remove dirt from the bottom of my backpack that got stuck in the charging port.

The pouches in this set are as simple and lightweight as can be, which is why I like them. They’re also useful for other small items such as GoPros, flash drives, memory cards, and camera batteries.

Originally from the East Coast, Suzie Dundas is a Lake Tahoe-based freelance writer and editor who now splits her time between enjoying the outdoors and writing about them—she's the senior outdoor editor at Matador Network and a regular adventure and travel contributor at TripSavvy.com . She has written feature stories for publications like Outside Magazine , SkyLife Magazine , Playboy , Frommers, INSIDER, and more, and contributes couples travel and honeymoon content for TheKnot.com . Suzie co-authored Lonely Planet Sustainable Travel Guide and is the author of 2021's "Hiking Lake Tahoe." She has undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in media and political communication from George Washington University. Follow her on Instagram at @HikeUpYourSkirt or find more of her work at suziedundas.com . 

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26 Best Car Travel Accessories [2024 Car Travel Products Guide]

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Home » 26 Best Car Travel Accessories [2024 Car Travel Products Guide]

Do you plan on going on a long drive soon? If yes, you should consider getting some travel accessories to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.

Finding the best car travel accessories can get challenging, as thousands of products are available in the market.

Road trips have a unique thrill, which is only dampened by inconvenience and discomfort.

But when it comes to car travel accessories, the most critical factor to consider is the level of comfort and convenience provided by them.

How can we make that road trip more fun and more enjoyable? Especially if you will be spending big chunks of time driving from point A to point B?

That’s why we have shortlisted 26 of the best options you must consider. These car travel products reviews will surely help you select the ideal accessories for your next trip.

We have divided our recommendations into two parts – accessories for adults and accessories for kids.

So, give it a read!

________________________

Our Picks for the Best Car Travel Accessories

Without further ado, let’s take a look at, in our opinion, the best car travel accessories for adults.

1. Lebogner Insulated Car Console Organizer

The first accessory on our list is an insulated car organizer to keep your food warm or cold. It measures 18 x 12 x 12 inches and can fit most of the standard vehicle seats. It has convenient carry handles and is made from water-resistant fabric. You can keep small items in the three outside mesh pockets.

We especially liked how this organizer can fold flat, which allows for secure storage when it is not in use. You will also appreciate the fact that it comes with a 100% Lifetime Money-Back Guarantee.

YES! This sounds like a fabulous product – buy it now!

2. Huicocy Car Visor Mirror

You cannot expect your makeup and hair to hold up for long hours of a car journey. Huicocy understands this problem and offers the Car Visor Vanity Mirror as a solution. It features a tri-fold design to ensure multiple viewing angles and secure storage.

You can easily mount this vanity mirror on your car’s sun visor using the Velcro design. It comes in a universal size that will fit the visor in most standard vehicles.

3. Hot Logic Mini Portable Oven

One of the essential travel accessories for the car, when you are going camping, is a portable stove. The Hot Logic portable stove kit not only heats leftover food but also cooks meals.

You will need to plug it into a standard 12-volt or 120-volt socket to power it up.

We especially liked the compact size (7.5 x 9.5 x 3.5-inch) and that you can use a variety of containers including glass, plastic, metal, aluminum, and cardboard in this stove. The only bummer is that these pans need to be purchased separately.

4. High Road Heavy-Duty Hanger Bar

If you ever had to drive for a long time to get to a meeting, you know how annoying creases can be on a three-piece suit.

If only there were a way to carry your clothes without risking any wrinkles or fold marks.

The car clothes hanger bar from High Road is the perfect accessory in that scenario.

It has a sturdy metal construction and can be expanded from 35 inches to 59 inches, which makes it suitable for all kinds of vehicles.

5. 6-Port USB Car Charger

A list of travel accessories for car trips cannot be completed without including a portable charger. Jelly Comb offers the USB Multi-Port Car Charger in two colors – black and white. It features 65W 13A rapid charging and comes with six ports, ensuring enough simultaneous charging power for half a dozen devices.

We especially liked that its cable length is over four feet, which means it can reach backseat passengers too. It also comes with 1-year friendly after-service, in case you were wondering.

6. Janiste Mirror Dash Cam Touch Screen

The next accessory we have included is a must-have, irrespective of whether you will be traveling a long distance in a car or not. Jansite offers an exceptional, touch screen rear-view mirror with a dashcam. It has a G-sensor and parking monitor to ensure a safe parking experience. With it, you can switch between five view modes with a single key.

We especially liked the 1080P FHD recording capability and 10-inch IPS touch screen of this accessory. You can record picturesque road views while traveling. Moreover, it allows simultaneous recording through the front and rear cameras.

7. Mini First Aid Kit

One of the most common problems during a family camping trip arises in the form of minor injuries or health problems.

That’s why you must keep a comprehensive first aid kit in your car.

The Mini First Aid Kit contains 100 pieces of all the essentials you could need and more.

It comes with a bag that features a durable waterproof case and is easy to carry.

We especially liked the thoughtful inclusion of equipment that is hospital grade.

8. Nulaxy Bluetooth Car FM Transmitter

Nulaxy offers the Bluetooth Car FM Transmitter in three colors – black, mint green, and peacock blue. If you buy this accessory for your car, you can answer calls with a single button press.

And you can play songs in three different ways (TF Card, Aux Cable, or Bluetooth connection).

We especially liked its LCD and voltmeter function, which shows you the voltage of your car battery.

You can also charge a device using its built-in USB port as it is compatible with all kinds of mobile devices.

9. ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion

If you experience lower back or tailbone pain when sitting for a long time, you should get the ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion.

It is made of a non-slip rubber bottom and comes with a zippered velour cover that can be washed in a machine.

It is, in our opinion, the best foam car seat cushion with gel memory you can find.

Although it is highly unlikely, if you are not satisfied with this seat cushion, there is a money-back guarantee backing it.

10. Coffee Gator Pour Over Brewer Mug

The next accessory on our list of recommendations caters specifically to caffeine lovers out there.

If you are a coffee drinker who is about to embark on a long car journey, you should get the Pour-Over Brewer Mug from Coffee Gator.

It allows you to brew and take coffee on the go and does a surprisingly good job!

It is available in seven different colors. We especially liked that it’s 100% BPA-free and comes with a 100% satisfaction promise.

It fits all standard car cup holders. You can use it to keep your coffee hot for over six hours or cold for over 20 hours.

11. MIKAFEN Universal Car Seat Belt Pads Cover

MIKAFEN offers seat belt pad covers, which feature a top-notch foam lining and a high-quality cotton blend.

These covers ensure optimal comfort if sudden brakes are applied.

As a bonus, it also comes with 2-year quality insurance and a 30-day unconditional refund, so you can rest assured about its quality.

We especially liked how easy it is to use these covers. You can choose from two colors – black and gray – depending on the interior of your car.

12. Swigzy Car Cup Holder

Although nine out of ten recently manufactured vehicles have cup holders, most of them fail to hold all sizes of cups and bottles.

What if you could expand and adjust it so that it may hold any cup or bottle?

Swigzy has answered that question with the help of its Car Cup Holder.

The base of this accessory can expand from 2.5 inches to 3.75 inches in diameter to fit several built-in cup holders.

The extender expands from 3.4 inches to 3.8 inches in diameter, which is enough to hold nearly all 32 oz. to 40 oz. bottles.

We especially liked the one-inch slot on the side of this accessory, which allows you to place cups or mugs with handles.

13. CamelBak Chute Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Bottle

Imagine having to travel in a car for hours in the middle of nowhere with no water.

Such a road trip could quickly go from pleasant to nightmarish!

A water bottle is perhaps the most crucial thing you want to pack into the car.

But why take a regular bottle when you can get CamelBak’s Vacuum-Insulated Stainless bottle?

It is made from 18/8 stainless steel and is available in seven colors. It is capable of keeping fluids hot for 6 hours and cold for 24 hours.

What makes it even better is its lifetime guarantee.

14. Lebogner Auto Steering Wheel Desk

If you have traveled on an airplane, you definitely know how drop-down trays on the seat in front work.

Those trays function as desks for eating and working on your laptop during long flights.

Have you wondered if you could get something similar for a long car journey?

Lebogner’s Steering Wheel Desk brings that idea to life!

It securely hooks onto the steering wheel of your car and can be used for various purposes.

It is durable enough to hold a meal, notebook, or laptop. And we’re sure you will appreciate its 100% lifetime money-back guarantee.

15. QBUC Car Back Support

Driving a car for hours on end can get tiring. So, having a travel accessory that adds some comfort can pay huge dividends.

We recommend the QBUC Car Lumbar Pillow to prevent backache while driving continuously.

You also get a washable cover and adjustable slip-proof straps.

We especially liked its perfect design with a focus on the anatomy of the spine to ensure maximum comfort by relieving tightness and soreness.

The memory cushion will return to its original shape after use and you can choose to get it in any of six different color options.

16. Beam Electronics Universal Smartphone Air Vent Mount Holder

Beam Electronics offers an excellent air vent mount holder for your smartphone.

It is not only easy to install and operate, but you can place your phone in the holder and press the arms on both sides to securely lock it in place.

It features 360-degree rotation to ensure the best viewing angle for you.

This mount holder is compatible with all mobile devices, except the Pixel 5.

We especially liked its 1-year warranty, which shows that it has top-notch quality.

17. FOVAL Car Power Inverter

The penultimate recommendation on this list of car travel accessories is the powerful 200W car inverter from the reputed brand FOVAL.

We especially liked its compact and lightweight design – it measures slightly more than a credit card!

It comes with a built-in fuse that will protect your device against overloads, overcharging, overheating, and short-circuiting.

There’s also a user manual and an 18-month customer service guarantee.

The inverter includes four USB ports and two standard plug outlets.

18. Heroway Magic Headrest Hooks

One of the simplest yet practical accessories that you can get is the set of four headrest hooks from Heroway.

You can attach and remove these hooks easily without elevating the headrests.

You can also ‘hang’ these hangs on the front or back side of the seats, as required.

These hooks can be used for hanging various things like water bottles, backpacks, umbrellas, groceries, and so on.

It comes with a free-hanging car trash bag that is big enough to hold all the garbage.

19. Coghlan’s Pop-Up Trash Can

If you are going on a road trip and will be camping overnight, you should be taking Coghlan’s Pop-Up Trash Can.

It is an excellent way to ensure that your campsite is clean.

It can expand and contract easily and quickly, which allows for hassle-free storage when it is not in use.

We especially liked the lower-edge grommets to prevent them from blowing away and the inside clips on top for securing garbage bags.

It serves as the perfect portable trash can to keep your camp clean.

Our Pick for the Best Car Travel Accessories for Kids

Find below a list of some of our favorite kids’ car travel accessories. You can also find some other fabulous products for travel in our best travel gear for kids guide.

20. Kids Backseat Organizer

My Specialty Kids Shop offers the Kids Backseat Organizer. You can adjust it to suit your child’s comfort perfectly.

The material used in this product is the same as laptop bags for adults and is PAHs and lead-free.

If you are not satisfied with this product, you can return it within 90 days for a full refund, no questions asked!

21. Car Sun Shade

Kinder Fluff offers a pack of four sun shades for your car windows.

The package consists of two semi-transparent and two transparent shades along with a storage pouch.

We especially liked these sunshades because they can be installed easily without any suction cups or adhesives.

When not in use, you can fold them for convenient storage in the free pouch. Pretty neat, right?

22. JUCAINHI Backseat Car Organizer

JUCAINHI offers a pack of two backseat car organizers that also serve as seat back protectors.

We especially liked the adjustable straps, the eight mesh pockets, and the two extra pockets for travel accessories.

You can use these organizers to keep snacks, toys, books, water bottles, and more.

It is 16 inches wide and 24 inches long, ensuring that it fits in most cars. The kick mats can also hold iPad and tablets.

23. Lusso Gear Car Seat Organizer

One of the most significant challenges faced by parents who travel with kids in the car is the mess that is left in the backseat.

It can be a daunting task to clean and organize toys, spilled food, baby gear, and more.

The Car Seat Organizer from Lusso Gear has nine compartments and four cup holders.

It is available in five different colors and stitching options. You also get a lifetime money-back guarantee with this accessory.

24. Shynerk Baby Car Mirror

Traveling with a baby on board is no joke! You need to ensure that your kid is safe in the backseat.

And what better way to do that than having continuous surveillance?

You can install the Shynerk Baby Car Mirror on the head of the rear seat within seconds.

The mirror has 360-degree rotation and pivot features to ensure that you get a complete view of your kid and the surroundings.

25. Papablic Portable Travel Baby Bottle Warmer

If you are looking for car travel accessories for toddlers, you should get the Portable Travel Baby Bottle Warmer from Papablic.

You can use it to warm milk or water on the go without using electricity.

It has a portable design, making it easy to carry in a standard diaper bag.

It is compatible with most of the typical baby bottle brands. You also get a 100% money-back guarantee.

26. Travel Booster Seat

One of the best car travel accessories for families who love road trips in countries overseas is a lightweight portable booster seat.

You can find inflatable booster seats that can be inflated for use and deflated to make it easier to pack. They are lightweight and portable and comfy to use for shorter road trips.

Find the best inflatable booster seats for travel here.

Each of the 26 accessories we have shortlisted and reviewed today provides exceptional comfort and convenience for adults and kids. It helps to make long road trips more enjoyable.

One last thing you can add to your list if you have kids or if you are planning on sleeping in your car a few nights is to grab a comfy travel blanket and pillow set .

We hope you will find some interesting and useful products that you will be getting before you start planning your next road trip .

Till next time!

Tip:  You might also be interested in checking out our guide on the best flight accessories here.

Jolene Ejmont

3 thoughts on “26 best car travel accessories [2024 car travel products guide]”.

Thanks for given this type of information. we know safety is a top priority. baby mirror features a shatter-proof safety which has been crash tested and certified to provide peace of mind that in the event of an accident, your little one is safe. The black polymer plastic holds the mirror tightly in place, furthering the safety of the mirror and making it both lightweight and durable. In online market place you can get multiple designable walkie talkie. But from here i can recommend a site that given multiple unique products.

Thank you for the info 🙂 Much appreciate it!

These accessoires are amazing Thank you for the info much appreciate it!

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17 Essential Road Trip Accessories You Need For Your Next Trip

It feels like it was just yesterday that we picked up our camper van and   set off on a road trip across the US . Our  3,000-mile trip  from Chicago to Los Angeles served as a great reminder of our love for the open road and the freedom of living out of a campervan.

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We used to   road trip quite a bit when we lived in Australia , and now that we’ve found a cheap way to go on road trips in the US, it’s the perfect time to get back into it.

When we first started road-tripping, we found the experience to be rather frustrating. Time and time again, we’d realize that we were missing this or that from our road trip essentials and end up kicking ourselves for not thinking of it in preparation for our road trip.

But this trip was different.  We finally felt like we had it all sorted out and that our list of road trip travel essentials was now complete . So here they are – our personal list of car essentials for a road trip and the best road trip gadgets that will help take your road trip from good to great!

Best Car Accessories for Road Trips

1. koosla power inverter.

This power inverter is an absolute must-have accessory for any long road trip, and we consider it one of our best car accessories. It will turn your tiny cigarette lighter port into a powerful AC power outlet. Our power inverter produces 300 Watts of AC power and includes 1 60W PD 3.0 USB-C port, 2 Smart USB ports, and 2 AC outlets . We highly recommend the KOOSLA Power Inverter because of its fast charging abilities, and the USB C port is useful for charging larger devices like laptops and tablets. Using our Power Strip (see below), we are able to charge both of our laptops, plus camera batteries and an iPhone, all at the same time.

Alternatively, if most of your devices can be charged by USB C, we also recommend the UGREEN Car Charger . It’s a cheaper alternative, and the compact size barely takes up any of your dashboard space. 

Traveling Soon?  Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip! Book Your Accommodation HERE Search for Great Tours HERE Get a Car Rental HERE Buy Travel Insurance HERE See our Favourite Camera Bag HERE Grab a Reusable Water Bottle HERE or a Filtration Straw HERE Order an eSim HERE

2.  Anker Power Strip

This   power strip  is a  great addition to our travel gear  and one that quickly proved its value. It packs a punch with impressive 6-in-1 power. It’s got 2 AC outlets, 2 USB-C ports, and 2 USB-A ports, which lets you charge up to 6 devices simultaneously. It also has 140 Watts High-speed charging, which is a must, especially when you’re constantly on the road. We plug this charging dock into our Power Inverter and have an all-in-one solution for all of our charging needs.

This charging dock is not only a great road trip accessory but a great travel accessory as well. With this bad boy, we’ll never have to worry about not having enough outlets in hotel rooms when we travel either. Double win!

3.   Ram X-Grip Dashboard Cell Phone Holder

We love   our Ram X-Grip Cell Phone holder ! We bought it about years ago and have since successfully road-tripped with it in Australia, Europe, Africa and now in the US. It’s a bit bulky, but what makes it worth the size/weight is the twist lock suction cup and grip handles, which allow for a perfect fit with any phone and easy adjustments to suit any driver’s preference. Plus, with a little addition of the GoPro ball joint accessory, the X-Grip  turns into a perfect GoPro holder as well.  For safe driving with minimal distractions, this smartphone car mount is one of the best road trip accessories to have.

If you’re an iPhone user with a Magsafe case,  here ’s a similar phone holder that’s compatible with iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 Pro/Plus/Max. Another alternative for non-iPhone users is  this  360° rotatable car mount that should work with most vehicles.

READ NEXT:  A Comprehensive Road Trip Checklist 

4. Premium Music Subscriptions

You can’t go on a road trip without awesome tunes. We know it well; there is nothing more frustrating than rocking out to a great tune one minute and hearing fuzzy noise take over the radio the next. Or if you’re streaming your favourite tracks, it’s music when you have a stable 4G connection and no music when you reach a dead zone.  Dead zones suck, so we choose to avoid them by subscribing to  Spotify Premium  and  Apple Music .  Both apps allow you to make playlists available offline, so you can enjoy your favourite tunes even when completely off the grid (and having both means you’ll never run the risk of not finding a song you like!).

If you had to choose one, a good thing to note is that Apple Music has a wider catalogue with 100+ million songs, and they’re also known to have better audio quality. Their individual plan costs $10.99 per month. On the other hand, Spotify has over 80 million songs, and their plan comes out cheaper at $9.99 per month.

If you can’t fork out $10/month, you can subscribe for a free 3-month trial just before your road trip. (If you already have an account, just sign up using a new email)

5.   Bose Bluetooth Portable Speaker

At night, when we reach our campsite and turn off our radio/car speaker, we turn to our trusty portable speaker to  keep the tunes going in our campervan in the evening.  We’ve had ours for over 4 years, and it still works amazingly! We can’t recommend it enough to keep the good vibes playing. It’s small, light, and produces great sound. It’s also waterproof, so we can take it on rainy hikes, chuck it into a kayak and not have to worry about it!

There’s also a  larger version  available for those looking to upgrade or just have a little more room. The newer Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker has great sound quality and is waterproof–and this one even floats! It’s one of the best accessories to bring along on a beach trip. It’s dust, rust, and debris-resistant, so it’s pretty easy to keep and store. Plus, it also comes with a rechargeable battery and a built-in microphone, so you can take calls even through the speaker.

6.  iPad

A tablet is your best bet for entertainment on a road trip–it’s sleek, lightweight, and can do basically everything a phone and laptop can. Not only does it double as a streaming and movie-watching device, you can also use it for music, taking notes or planning itineraries, and even reading books. We reach for it so often that we had to add it here as one of our best car accessories.

7.  LARQ

We love a good reusable water bottle, and our current favourite is, hands-down, the LARQ. (If it sounds familiar, then you might’ve seen it on an episode of Shark Tank!) It’s a self-cleaning water bottle with unique PureVis Technology. With a touch of a button, the UV-C light activates and neutralizes up to 99.99% of harmful, odour-causing bacteria. 

When you’re travelling on a road trip–especially on long trips where you don’t stop very often–it’s important to stay hydrated. The LARQ has two useful modes: Normal and Adventure Mode. Normal Mode is a 1-minute cleaning cycle that’s ideal for daily use if you’re drinking water from a trustworthy source. But Adventure Mode is ideal for travellers who find themselves in new places where they’re not so sure about the water quality. When it comes to hydration, this is definitely one of our road trip must-haves.

The LARQ Bottle PureVis is also insulated and can keep cold water chilled for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours, perfect for storing your drinks on a long journey.

8.   Biodegradable Wet Wipes

They are perfect for staying clean on the go and have about a million uses, especially if you’re car camping. On a road trip, you won’t always find access to a sink or running water, so having wet wipes on you is a convenient workaround to washing cutlery or even your hands. You might find yourself using them more than you’d think: they come in handy for wiping down surfaces, getting rid of dust, dirt, sand, or mud (none in the car, please!), or even cooling off after a hot day. Just make sure to pick a biodegradable variety to minimize the impact on the environment.

9.   Storage Containers

Storage containers are irreplaceable for keeping the car clean and tidy when on a road trip! We used them for more than a few items, like food storage, art and craft supplies, nuts, snacks and much more. These ones are made out of food-grade silicone and are collapsible, so they take up very little room in your bags or the back seat and help you stay organized in a packed car.

10.   Multi-Tool

Instead of buying a bottle opener, a pair of scissors, a knife, a screwdriver, and a handful of other random tools,  pack   this multi-tool  for your road trip and have all  the  tools easily accessible in one place.  This particular item is a 15-in-1 and includes spring-loaded needle nose pliers, a wire stripper, small/medium/large flathead drivers, a #2 cross-driver, an awl, a nail file, scissors, a tool lock, a can opener, a bottle opener, a 2.25” partially serrated blade, a lanyard point and a pocket clip. 

They’re made from stainless steel, so you know they’re built to last. The compact, convenient size also makes it easy to store in your glove compartment. Whether it’s fixing a flat tire or opening a can of soup, you’ll want to add this as one of your car travel accessories on your next road trip. Just remember to pack it in your check-in baggage if you’re getting on a flight!

11.   Maps Me

Maps Me is the only app you need for a successful road trip.  You may have heard us rave about it in our post 11 Mobile Apps We Can’t Travel Without, and it’s once again proven to be a saviour for us on this road trip. No cell phone reception? No problem, we preload the maps for the state we are driving through and can easily route ourselves to any destination. The app also allows us to search for gas stations, supermarkets, campgrounds, shops, and tourist attractions. Download it  here . For navigating any area, this is one of the best car accessories.

12. Comfortable Clothing

Comfortable clothing is another must for a good road trip. The thing is that you have to strike the perfect balance between being super comfortable for all those long hours in the car but also looking good enough that you can be ready to jump out of the car and sightsee at one of the national parks on a moment’s notice.

These days, the majority of our clothes come from   prAna , a sustainable clothing brand with a great selection. They’ve got everything from hiking gear to sweats, jeans, and nice dresses and dress shirts!

13.  First Aid Kit

It’s best to be prepared before heading out on a long road trip, and a first aid kit is a very important accessory to keep in the car. You’ll want to stock your first aid kit with band-aids and supplies for larger bandages, tweezers for pesky splinters, antiseptic, a thermometer, antihistamine, and some pain reliever. It’s a good idea to have face masks on hand as well – COVID is still around, after all. 

You can customize your own kit with supplies that you like or save money by getting one that is pre-packed with the bare essentials.

14.  Steering Wheel Cover

While technically a luxury, a comfy steering wheel cover can make a big difference on long road trips! They can provide a more comfortable grip on the steering wheel and prevent it from getting unbearably hot or cold, depending on the season. There are even some that come with heating and cooling features! We consider this one of our underrated car accessories when going on road trips.

15.  Power Bank

We all have lots of electronics these days, especially those of us who take our work on the go. Portable power banks are extremely important to have on hand, just in case your phone or laptop needs a charge. They hardly take up any space, and they have advanced quite a bit in recent years. If you have a laptop, choose a power bank that has PD (Power Delivery) for superfast charging, like  this one by UGREEN . Also, don’t forget to check the travel guidelines: power banks must be under 26800mAh for you to be able to bring it on a plane. The  Anker PowerCore+  is another travel-friendly USB-C power bank we recommend.

16. Cargo Box

If you’re doing an extended road trip in a smaller vehicle, consider getting a roof cargo box. Instead of stuffing your things in the back seat, this will free up precious storage space in the car by attaching your items to the car’s roof. This is especially helpful for those who car camp and pack a long list of road trip essentials. The type of cargo box to get depends on your vehicle, and  Amazon  has a handy tool where you can input the make and model of your vehicle, and your search results will be filtered accordingly. 

17.  Collapsible Travel Coffee Cup

As useful as reusable, stainless steel tumblers, we have to admit they can get a little bulky. Lugging them around when we don’t need them takes up a lot of space. That’s why this ultra-compact, collapsible, reusable coffee cup was a game-changer for us. From a sturdy cup that can hold 16 oz of our favourite drinks, it can collapse into a thin, 1-inch version of itself in seconds! It also has a built-in flexible straw and double wall insulation to keep drinks hot or cold, plus a spill-proof lid that keeps us covered. Cups like these even prevent spills when we drive through rough or uneven roads, making it one of our road trip car essentials.

Are Any Of These Accessories On Your Ultimate Road Trip Packing List? What Items Do You Swear By When Road Tripping?

READ NEXT:  Road Trip Essentials: 50 Things To Bring On A Road Trip

About The Author

Oksana & Max St John

11 thoughts on “17 essential road trip accessories you need for your next trip”.

This is an awesome guide! Nothing’s worse than getting halfway to your destination and realizing you’ve forgotten something important for the ride. Nice work! Thanks for the pointers!

Hi Oksana & Max St John, thanks for the awesome list! I aim to do a road trip this summer across the Europe…Certainly gonna need some of the recommendations. Wish me luck 🙂

Road tripping in Europe is so much fun! Have a great time. Glad to hear you found our list helpful!

Hey I enjoyed reading the article, I plan to do a road trip this year across Germany . Your list for the road trip accessories is really helpful, thank you very much.

Oooo road trip across Germany sounds amazing! Glad to hear you found our tips helpful. Enjoy your trip!

Hey Oksana, I’m so glad i found this article. I plan to go this year to Romania to do a road trip. I found out that there are some cool places to visit in Romania, like Transylvania, Maramures and some other cool places. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

Glad you found our suggestions helpful, Stefan! Have a great time on your trip!

Hello Oksana. Nice article. I plan to do a roadtrip this year through my country Romania. Thanks for the article.

Wonderful list & I am sure that it’s going to help me. I am planning for my next road trip. Best wishes!

Nice post. I also plan to do a road trip this year through my country

I intend to go this year to Turkey to do a road trip. I discovered that there are a few cool spots to visit. I have an Audi and a Pioneer stereo in it. It will be very much fun to go along with that. Much thanks for offering this to us.

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32 Best Road Trip Accessories To Make Your Life Easier

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Planning the ultimate road trip can be so exciting! Especially with these best road trip accessories that will keep your trip more fun and efficient.

Making those amazing memories with your kids while visiting some bucket list destinations is often what many families look forward to each summer. Yet, deciding what to bring on a road trip, those road trip essentials can sometimes make or break your experience.

Road Trip Essentials

That’s why we are sharing our list of 25 road trip essentials that will help you decide what things to pack for a road trip!

We’ll also dive into how to pack for a road trip, including a family road trip packing list and road trip checklist.

THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY JILL GREISING-MURSCHEL , A FAMILY TRAVEL AND RV LIVING EXPERT .

Basic things to bring on a road trip:

Now, being a full time traveling family, we often bring our ENTIRE house with us on our ultimate family road trip , (that just keeps on going).

If you’ve never been to our website before, then you may not know that we were a full time RV living family of 6 who traveled North America from May of 2017 until September of 2019.

One might say we have road tripped full time! 

Does that mean if you’re taking a week-long road trip and don’t do this RV thing, this information doesn’t pertain to you?  No, not at all. 

I will be sharing with you what we’ve found to be the most helpful road trip tips with all of our experience traveling to over 43 states in our first 2 years on the road in our RV and minivan. So we have compiled a list of cross country road trip essentials.

I’m also sharing our list of what to pack when going on a road trip that we learned were super helpful when we most recently took a road trip from Idaho to Minnesota in only our minivan…. in the winter !

So, whether you are taking the ultimate Utah road trip , a week long Florida road trip , or maybe a Key West road trip , these trip accessories are sure to help you be prepared along with the tips for making your road trip a success. 

Here are what I believe are must have road trip items that I think everyone should consider when planning out a road trip. Let’s dive into our top family road trip essentials.

1. Emergency Roadside Kit

It’s always a great idea to have an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle before you leave for a road trip. In this kit, be sure to have jumper cables in case your battery dies. This is something to include in your family road trip checklist.

2. Tire Repair Kit

Roadside assistance is a must have, but carrying a  tire repair kit doesn’t hurt either. 

As an RVing family, we also carry around this slightly more expensive item , so that we aren’t stranded at the top of a mountain with a flat spare tire needing to pump it up with our manual bike pump again (true story). 

You don’t have to carry all the tools you have, just a few items that can help you fix a flat tire.

3. A Spare Tire (check to make sure you have one!)

Speaking of a tire repair kit…..whatever you do, be sure to check that you have a spare tire that is INFLATED with you on your road trip. These are one of those ROAD TRIP MUST HAVES.

You never know what might happen. Flat tires are a common occurrence and it’s so much easier to fix it in minutes than wait for a tow truck. With that make sure you also bring the important road trip gear for installing them.

4. Baby Wipes

Unscented baby wipes can be used for so many things. If you DO have kids, they can help clean up sticky fingers or spills in the car. I’ve often used mine after filling the van with gas or checking our tire pressure at a gas station. 

Have you ever found yourself driving down the interstate without a rest stop in sight….and you need to go to the bathroom? Adults and children alike can spring a ‘side of the road’ potty break. Have some tissues on hand (with a small plastic bag for garbage) to use as your TP.

6. Hand Sanitizer

Now when you take those quick potty breaks, you’ll want some hand sanitizer to use afterwards. Pack a few in your car and another in your purse or suitcase. This is a simple ‘what to pack for a car trip’ items that everyone should have. 

7. Travel Pillow

If you find that your passengers (kids or adults) like to nap on travel days, then bring a  travel pillow along. Pillows are great best car accessories specially if you plan driving on long hours!

Our kids often just lean over and pass out, but their poor necks really need one of these if we remember to use them. This really helps them to have a good night’s sleep if we ever plan going on long hours. I also like that you can use them as a real pillow if you are going camping.

8. Water Bottles

Water bottles are MUST HAVES for a road trip in our family. We love these water bottles . 

They keep your cold drinks cold and stay sealed without any leaks! Oh, and they wash easily….unlike so many other water bottles we’ve used before. As the old water bottles break or get lost, we replace them with Takyas. 

9. First Aid Kit

Another one of those things to pack on a road trip is a simple first aid kit . Keep it in your vehicle, you never know when you might need one. We keep one buried in the back of our minivan at all times and use it every few months. Now, we do keep a large first aid kit in our motorhome that we use more frequently. 

10. Old Fashioned Maps

Some people swear by having an old fashion atlas or map in the vehicle with them. If that’s you, then be sure to get one before you leave.

When we first started taking frequent family road trips, we would bring a map. Now, we’re good with using GPS.

As I’m typing this, however, I’m remembering that just last week, our friends who have been RVing full-time for 5 years pulled out their trucker’s atlas to look at their upcoming route. So, if that’s you, grab one.

11. Phone Holder

This cell phone holder (or car phone mount) is exactly what we use every day in our minivan. It’s the perfect car accessories that you didn’t know you needed

I love how it stays put and lets me be hands-free on road trip days. It’s pretty inexpensive and so far it’s lasted for over 1 year in our hot van.

You can place it near your car’s auxiliary power outlet so that when you have to charge, it’s always within reach.

What to pack on a road trip the morning of?

Now, you’ll want to find the last minute items  you put off packing the morning of. Especially snacks and other simple road trip supplies such as your cell phone charger and a small cooler with a cold pack and drinks that I consider road trip must-haves.

These are things to pack for a long car trip, or even just a few hours road trip. 

Make a list of any other items that you will use up until the day OF….such as your prescription medications or your favorite hair brush. 

12. Cell Phone!

Do not forget to BRING YOUR CELL PHONE! It would be a rough trip if you didn’t have your cell phone with, so I had to add it to this list just to help remind you. 

Side note here….there are some amazing apps for cell phones that can come in very handy when planning out your route. Also, it’s an efficient way of taking photos, listening to music, and just capturing road trip memories!

Read this to learn about the top 20 apps we recommend downloading.

If you’d rather use a GPS other than your cell phone, then check out this cool one .  I’ve heard great things about it from friends of ours (we still use our cell phone and the apps I mentioned above).

14. Sunglasses

I feel like sunglasses are one of the things to take on a road trip that sometimes gets overlooked. Especially if you aren’t traveling in your own car.

Whether you’re the driver or passenger, you might want to bring a pair of sunglasses.

15. Road Trip Snacks

I highly recommend packing easy to eat road trip snacks….or you might be spending a lot of money on overpriced gas station food. We often use our soft sided travel cooler to hold our day’s worth of snacks. It folds up and stores really easily when not in use too.  Keep reading for our tips of which types of snacks to bring.

It’s also great to have a car trash can in the back seat to keep your car clean and tidy. This Car Trash Can with Lid is a handy, lightweight way to keep snacks, trash, and other items off of the floor. It also has a small pocket to hold your phone, wallet, or other items.

Save yourself time and money by packing cold drinks the morning of your road trip. If you need soda or iced coffee, this is a great way to save a few dollars and allow you to make less stops on your travel day.

17. Travel Mug

If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, having a travel mug with a lid can make your vacation start off right. I love this travel mug’s ability to keep my Americano hot for hours…while also keeping me from spilling all over my van.

18. Medication 

If you have prescription medication, don’t forget to fill it before you leave and bring enough to last you the length of your trip. 

Now, if you’re taking a long road trip and are concerned about refilling it on the road…I recommend switching to CVS or Walgreens as your pharmacy. That way, you can refill your prescriptions all across the USA like my husband Tony does for his insulin . 

19. A Carseat For A Little One

If you’re planning a family road trip and have a baby or toddler, then you will need a carseat. A carseat is one of those road trip essentials for kids you can’t skip.

Now, you might already have one but you may want to consider finding a comfortable booster seat for long trips .

What do I need to know before going on a road trip?

Be flexible and prepared. Get your tires checked and oil changed so that you have a full check of all fluids and lights before hitting the road.

This is checking your car’s battery, if all the straps are snug, car windows, and if the brakes are working correctly.

Preparing for a next road trip can be fun for those of us that like to plan….if you aren’t much of a planner than hopefully this list will help take the work out of it for you!

Quick tip: plan your route using easy to use apps like these.  Know where you plan to sleep each night ahead of time. Especially if you’re traveling during the summer vacation season when many campgrounds and hotels are booked. 

Road Trip Packing List

Beyond the things I listed above that are SPECIFIC TO ROAD TRIPPING….be sure to pack the basics for a fun vacation too. 

• Sweatshirts/Jackets
• Shirts and pants/shorts
• Socks and underwear
• Hiking shoes and sandals
• Swimsuits (if heading to the beach)
• Mosquito repellant
• Sunscreen 
• Toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush etc.)
• Towels (we love these quick dry ones )
• Camera (selfie stick or tripod)
• Cash and wallet
• Travel Bag ( this is what we use on road trips or flights)

Road Trip Snacks

The best food to take on a road trip is of course the non-messy-type-snacks.

But, how do you bring snacks on a road trip really?

Well, my best advice to you is to keep it simple and use containers such as disposable ziplock bags or plastic containers with lids. A few examples of thing you can eat easily without making a mess are:

• Apples or pears
• Beef jerkey
• Some trail mixes
• Granola bars
• Fruit Snacks or Fruit leather
• Applesauce pouches
• Cheese sticks

Family Road Trip Necessities For Kids

If you’re traveling with kids, then you ABSOLUTELY need to find some fun things to pack for a road trip such as toys or things to do in the car with your kids.

Download some great podcasts for kids ahead of time for some family fun.

You could also plan to bring iPads, Kindles, books, and DVD players that might keep your kids happy and content for hours. We love downloading audiobooks to our kids’ iPads before big travel days…then we set them up with headphones, and they are good to go for a while. Or, grab the best iPad for drawing so that your kids can practice on the road.

As a full-time traveling family …I have to tell you that when the grandparents gifted each of our 4 children with their own iPad , we didn’t know how good we had it. They use them on EVERY travel day! Think educational games, Facetiming the grandparents and cousins, and listening to music or audiobooks. 

But don’t forget to bring simple things like notebook and pencils, and maybe a road trip game or two. 

What’s your favorite road trip item?

6 thoughts on “32 Best Road Trip Accessories To Make Your Life Easier”

Don’t forget sunscreen on your packing list, along with the bug repellent!

Ah yes, good point. I think I forget about that one since our family doesn’t use sunscreen. We dress for the weather and sun protection. But I’ll be sure to add that to the list as I’m sure many people will want to bring sunscreen!

Whatever your interests may be, from historical events and arts and crafts, to food and culture, RVing allows you the mobility to seek out what lights you up inside and learn about it first hand. So get out there and visit that monument, festival, parade, museum, or city that you’ve always wanted to see.

I agree road trips can allow you so many possibilities.

WOW! Sounds like one needs a trailer to pull behind the camper to be able to load up and have everything one needs for a road camping trip. Holiday Inn is starting to look pretty good…

Haha, it all depends on if you’re taking a road trip in a car/van/suv or if you’re taking your camper or RV along.

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I Bought This $26 Amazon Crossbody Bag for a Week-long Ireland Trip — and I Can’t Stop Wearing It

It's three bags in one and fits way more than you'd think.

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Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

As a frequent flier and travel writer who travels at least a dozen times a year, I’ve come to learn that a crossbody bag should be part of everyone’s travel uniform. Simple but effective, they can help make the chaos of traveling just a little more organized by holding all of your essentials in one easy-to-reach place. I’m constantly on the lookout for a bag that can withstand the wear and tear of traveling long distances while also being chic enough to wear out when I finally reach my destination — and I've struggled to balance fashion and function over the years — until I came across the Uto 3-in-1 Crossbody Bag at Amazon.

I recently tested it out on a week-long road trip through southern Ireland and was seriously impressed with its versatile and roomy features, and not to mention its sleek silhouette. During my search, I was looking for a bag that was spacious enough to fit all of my essentials while flying and on the road; durable to endure the capricious Irish weather; and stylish to be worn around the cities and harbor towns. The Uto crossbody bag , thankfully, satisfied all three of these important criteria. I wore it all day, every day, and was so pleasantly surprised with its performance that I’ve officially crowned it my go-to travel purse. Finally, the search is over.

Uto 3-in-1 Crossbody Bag

Made with supple synthetic-washed leather, the bag is scratch- and water-resistant, and was rugged enough to endure the unpredictable bursts of violent Irish weather. I wore it on wind- and rain-torn cliffs, and it not only withstood the battering, but protected all of my valuables from the elements as well. It comes with a detachable and adjustable nylon strap that’s thick and wide enough to sit comfortably on the body without digging into your shoulder or slipping off (or in my case, being whipped off my person by the wind).

Asia Palomba

Best of all, its hybrid, crossbody design has a removable main purse with two separated, zippered compartments containing three credit card slots and one inner zip pocket, as well as a removable mini purse and a removable coin pouch on the bag’s strap — a compartment lover’s dream. This unique versatility means that the bag can be worn as a crossbody, a clutch, a shoulder purse, or even a belt bag , so you can easily find what works best for you when traveling.

But its spaciousness is where it really shines. Despite the bag’s compact size, which never felt too bulky on my person, it's stocked with ample storage features. I found that I was easily able to fit all of my travel essentials between the bag’s four compartments — no squishing necessary. Within one of the main purses, I packed a portable charger and a phone cable, and in the other, I stored my three passports and my wallet, containing both American and European currency, as well as my cell phone. 

In the mini, removable purse I stored multiple lip balms, hand sanitizers, and portable creams to keep my skin hydrated while traveling. During my flights, I used the removable mini coin purse, which can be attached chest-high on the bag’s strap, to hold loose change and my Apple AirPods. When in Ireland and on the road, I, instead, used it to store several of my camera batteries so that they were always within easy reach. 

What’s more, I was able to pack all of these essentials with room to spare , which came in handy when I began collecting smaller souvenirs and entrance tickets to museums and monuments throughout my trip.

For extra style points, the entire ensemble is accented with a delicate, removable gold or silver chain, depending on the color bag that you choose. I have the Uto 3-in-1 Crossbody Bag in black with gold accents, but it comes in 14 other colors that range from playful pink and sage green to neutral light gray and maple brown. Shoppers also have their choice of three additional variations: two-toned , a patterned strap , and a quilted body , which are sure to satisfy any preference and compliment any outfit. 

Since returning from my trip, I’ve already worn the crossbody bag while on walks or running errands, especially on windy and rainy days. Its ample storage space is a serious boon for a serial overpacker such as myself, and is sure to help me focus on traveling light, especially on carry-on only trips. I’ve already slotted the crossbody as my go-to purse for my upcoming trips home to Rome, the Azores Islands, and Morocco, and I look forward to seeing how it’ll hold up over the years. Plus, it comes with its own dust bag with the brand’s name stamped across it, so you can keep it safely stored when not in use.

Chic, durable, spacious, and versatile, the Uto 3-in-1 Crossbody Bag is the ideal purse for frequent travelers. It’ll hold all of your essentials comfortably and effortlessly, whether you’re flying, road tripping, or walking around town running errands. And the best part is that it’s only $26 — a price that will hardly make you dip too far into your travel budget.   

The bag is in good company at Amazon, which is bursting with travel-ready crossbody purses ahead of the warm-weather months (some of which are on sale). Keep scrolling to see which other styles are out there. 

More Crossbody Bags at Amazon: 

Alyssa triple zip pocket large crossbody bag, myfriday crossbody cell phone bag, fashionpuzzle triple-zip crossbody, k.carroll accessories kelsey crossbody.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $26. 

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Reader's Digest

18 Amazon Travel Accessories That’ll Arrive in Time for Your Next Trip

Posted: May 10, 2023 | Last updated: July 9, 2023

Travel Jewelry Organizer

When it comes to Amazon travel accessories, this plush velvet compact jewelry box is an affordable way to keep your baubles safe and tangle-free . The travel jewelry case has a built-in mirror and several separate compartments, including a secret space for earrings or other valuables. The handheld design comes in fun colors, like red emerald green, cyan blue and dusty pink. And if you're looking for the best way to store your accessories at home, consider these jewelry organizers .

Compression Packing Cubes

One of the things travel pros always pack: packing cubes. These handy nylon bags keep your things organized, accessible and easy to locate. But even more importantly, they save precious space inside your Amazon luggage . This set of four compression cubes comes in four different sizes and features secure, double-zipper closures and quick-grab handles. Check out more of the best packing cube options to fit all of your travel needs.

Foldable Smartphone Stand

The best Amazon travel accessories are the multi-use ones. Suitable for Android and Apple smartphones and tablets, this foldable multi-angle stand makes it easy to video chat from anywhere. It's also ideal for watching a movie or working on a plane. Want more smart travel tips? Frequent fliers share their favorite airplane hacks for a smooth ride.

Apple AirPods Pro

The Apple AirPods Pro is one of the best Amazon travel accessories for music lovers. Noise-canceling capabilities allow you to hear less ambient sounds on a hectic plane and better enjoy music, movies or podcasts (and block out crying babies!). The AirPods Pro case features a small lanyard hole so you can carry these earbuds around on the go, and grab them out of your purse or travel backpack for the flight. FYI: Here's how to clean AirPods  without damaging them.

HP Sprocket Plus Instant Photo Printer

Smartphone photography makes capturing memories easier than ever, and this  HP Sprocket portable printer makes it convenient to print pictures during one's travels. The traveler in your life can use this gift to have instant prints of their adventures in real time to share with fellow travelers or put in their journals. We love that this printer is thin and lightweight, so it's not a burden to carry in a purse or backpack.

Travel Sound Machine

Getting a good night's sleep on vacation isn't always easy, but the LectroFan micro sound machine is here to help. It's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but still offers a powerful audio output with 11 sound options to block out noise. It also works as a portable Bluetooth speaker that pairs with a smartphone, and has a built-in microphone so you can connect to conference calls. Need more help catching quality zzz's? Check out these sleep products on Amazon shoppers can't stop buying.

Fleece Travel Neck Pillow

The problem with a lot of neck pillows is they can push your neck forward uncomfortably or get misshapen when packed. Travelers won't have that issue with this affordable fleece version . Each side of the travel pillow offers support for the neck. Its hypoallergenic fleece covering, microfiber filling and semicircular shape empower tired flyers to sleep soundly with a supported head, neck and shoulders. Plus, it's machine washable, so you can rid of those plane germs in between trips.

Handheld Travel Fan

The best Amazon travel accessories help provide stress-free travel . This portable fan ensures you keep your cool under any circumstance. The three-speed fan lasts up to 46 hours on the lowest setting and 13 hours at its highest speed. It folds in half to fit in a pocket or purse. Plus, it doubles as an emergency flashlight and power bank to charge your phone!

Portable Perfume Spray Bottle

Ask any frequent flier and they'll tell you a common packing hack: Keep a toiletry bag stocked with pint-size versions of your favorite beauty products that you can grab it and go before any trip. Fill the pouch with Amazon travel accessories, like these mini perfume spray bottles . Your order comes with five portable perfume atomizers, so you can take your favorite fragrances with you anywhere. They're easy to use and refill, and designed to prevent leaks—the inner container is made of food-grade plastic, and the outside is an aluminum alloy metal shell.

Passport and Vaccine Card Holder Combo

When you're checking off your list of things to always pack in your carry-on , consider adding this passport and vaccine card holder . After all, you never know when you'll need easy access to both items. Made of high-quality faux leather, this holder has a front slot specifically for your vaccine card and a pocket for your passport. It's effortless to get the passport in and out of the holder when you need it. The front features a passport design, and it comes in a wide variety of designs and solid colors. Here's the real reason passports only come in four colors .

Mini First Aid Kit

A first aid kit should be a non-negotiable when packing for your next trip. This set of travel essentials is packed with 66 useful supplies that could save the day in a pinch. The compact, water-resistant kit includes alcohol pads, plastic gloves, adhesive bandages, antiseptic cleaning wipes, tweezers, safety pins and more. By the way, you need to check out these luggage racks that make packing and unpacking a breeze.

Travel Shoe Bags

The best places to travel have you traversing different terrains, climbing mountains, traipsing through rain forests or just hitting city streets. No matter the destination, your shoes see some stuff . Keep that gunk out of your suitcase with these travel shoe bags . The durable and waterproof bags zip closed to keep dirty shoes separate from the rest of your clothing—and they conveniently fold flat when not in use. A lifetime warranty means they'll last, well, forever.

Stainless Steel Insulated Travel Tumbler

When you're making your packing list, include this Tervis tumbler . It's designed to keep drinks cold for up to 60 hours, and it's leak-proof, so you can toss it in your backpack without worrying about spills. Made of stainless steel, it won't retain odors or tastes, so you can quickly switch from using it as a coffee cup to carrying it as a water bottle.

Rechargeable Travel Makeup Mirror

Some Amazon travel accessories solve on-the-go emergencies. Others, like this makeup mirror , are less lifesaving and more life-improving. The foldable ultra-thin and lightweight design is easy to pack, and the built-in rechargeable battery means you don't have to worry about carrying along replacements. With three settings and 72 bright LED lights, you'll never have to settle for the harsh hotel bathroom lighting again. It's an easy makeup secret to ensure you always look picture-perfect—no matter the destination.

Windproof Travel Umbrella

When it comes to packing mistakes , not bringing an umbrella is a common error. This windproof travel umbrella folds down to such a small size that it even fits in a tiny travel day pack or underseat bag . Weighing a mere 15 ounces, it's small but mighty. It expands to provide full coverage and sports reinforced fiberglass ribs to withstand intense weather conditions.

Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray

This might seem like a silly purchase with a giggle-inducing name at first glance, but it's among the more considerate Amazon travel accessories if you're vacationing with others. Once you try it, you're likely to find yourself packing Poo-Pourri on each trip. If you're sharing a hotel, practice thoughtful bathroom etiquette and keep things smelling nice and fresh with this scented spray that's specifically designed for the latrine.

Universal Travel Adapter

If you do a lot of international traveling , it's essential to have a universal travel adapter so that you always have access to powering up your electronics. Whether you want to bring your own hair dryer or need to power up your laptop for business matters, this universal adapter handles it all with its three AC sockets and four USB charging ports. It allows you to charge up to seven devices at a time, and supports 150 countries all over the world!

Electronic Organizer

Whether you travel for business or pleasure, you probably bring along your smartphone, tablet, headphones and maybe even a computer. That means you have cords and chargers that can easily get tangled and lost during travel. This electronics organizer is a quick packing tip to keep it all organized on the go. The compact design zippers shut, and features a zippered section, elastic loops and pockets to stash cords, chargers, a mouse, flash drive and even your phone.

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The Best Camping Gear and Accessories

Bags, tools, and little extras to make camp feel like your home away from home

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

If backpacking is a minimalistic pursuit, car camping is a celebration of excess. Thanks to trunk space and truck beds, racks and rails, campers have room for all the essentials—plus the extras. For outdoor enthusiasts with outsized toy collections, there’s no better way to travel.

Whether you’re chasing swell, singletrack, steelhead, or some other white rabbit, this top-rated, thoroughly-tested gear will ensure home is where you park it—and that you’re comfortable and ready to play when you do.

At a Glance

• Editors’ Choice: Nemo Duffel and Tote ($170+)
• Rux Waterproof Bag ($150)
• Radius Outfitters Tool Roll ($129)
• Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon ($250)
• Therm-A-Rest Kids Poncho ($80)
• UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit and Grill ($200)
• Luno Packable Camp Pillow ($70)
• Dometic Go Area Camp Light ($100)

How We Test

Meet our testers.

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more .

Editors’ Choice

Nemo double haul convertible duffel and tote.

$170-220 at REI $170-220 at Nemo

Weight: 3.1 lbs (55L) Sizes: 30L, 55L, 70L, 100L

Pros and Cons ⊕ Multiple carry options ⊕ Wide range of sizes ⊕ Durable recycled polyurethane-coated nylon fabric ⊕ Mesh pockets helpful for smart camp storage ⊗ Soft-sided storage isn’t ideal for electronics

We tested plenty of gear boxes and bags last summer and fall, but Nemo’s Double Haul Duffel was a shoo-in favorite thanks to its brilliant design that transforms this bag from duffel to pack to tote.

“The options are outrageous,” commented tester and outdoor photographer Katie Botwin, who chucked her camera gear, clothes, watercolor supplies, and hiking essentials in the 100-liter version for a three-day trip in the Sierra and still had volume to spare. Her personal favorite hauling configuration was backpack mode: the comfy, cushioned straps made hauling the heavy pack a breeze and simultaneously freed up her hands. Her adventure partner, category manager Drew Zieff , preferred to unzip and prop the Double Haul open, converting it into a massive, rectangularly-mouthed tote. “Thanks to the rigid trusses incorporated into the lid of the bag, the Double Haul stays open and doesn’t flap in transit, allowing you to pack heaps of gear in this thing when it’s in tote mode,” he raved.

Zieff was also appreciative of the interior and exterior organizational mesh pockets and included zippered storage sack, which doubles as a gear organizer for smaller essentials otherwise destined to disappear in a 100-liter duffel. The couple agreed that the ability to sling the Double Haul over the shoulder like a traditional duffel or grab the reinforced handles when loading the rig only increased its utility for serious expedition use. “I’d happily use this for backyard car camping trips, international mountaineering trips, and everything in between,” summed up Botwin.

The Bluesign-approved, polyurethane-coated recycled nylon fabric was durable and weatherproof, according to Utah overlander and aircraft mechanic Emerson Bowling, who tested the 55 liter version on trips to Wyoming, Montana, and throughout his home state: “It got rained on for about eight hours when I left the bag outside overnight after a few too many campfire beers with some friends. Luckily, everything inside was completely dry after my dumb mistake.”

Testers unanimously agreed that the Double Haul isn’t just ideal for camping adventures, but also day trips to the crag, ski resort, or even the gym. “It’s perfect for any outdoor junkie looking for a robust bag to haul their gear to and from their adventures,” Bowling concluded.

Rux Waterproof Bag

$150 at Backcountry   $150 at Huckberry

Weight: 1.2 lbs Volume: 25L

Pros and Cons ⊕ Inner liner unfurls into a roll-top dry bag ⊕ Heavy-duty ⊕ Waterproof ⊗ Expensive

At first glance, Rux’s Waterproof Bag looks like an overpriced tote. But this sack is burly, crafted from a waterproof, resilient, 840-denier TPU-coated nylon, and sports sturdy handles and lash points. The best feature? A hidden liner that unfurls into a roll-top dry bag, boosting carrying capacity, increasing camping utility, and justifying the price tag. “If James Bond had a tote bag this would be it, said Crested Butte, Colorado-based angler and all-around river rat Scotty Prior. “Technical yet simple, rugged yet sophisticated, shaken not stirred.”

Impressed by the two-in-one bag’s durability and waterproofing, two testers separately used this bag for the same messy task: hauling wet surf gear. “Never went to the river surf wave without it,” commented Prior. He appreciated that he could count on the bag to keep his change of clothes and personal effects dry while he was surfing, then stash his wet gear on the way home. Tahoe-based test director Drew Zieff echoed the sentiment after stuffing wetsuits and booties into the Rux on surf trips down Highway 1 on the California coast. “It’s ideal for vanlifers, car campers, and everyday adventurers—you can use it tote-style to haul groceries one day and as a dry bag the next.”

Radius Outfitters Tool Roll

$129 at Radius Outfitters

Weight: 2.5 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Construction is rugged, easy to clean ⊕ A variety of pockets and sleeves ⊕ Cinching straps ensure any tool stays put

The Radius Outfitters Tool Roll is “a great way to keep your vehicle tools organized,” according to Utah overlander and aircraft mechanic Emerson Bowling. “You can carry a surprising amount of tools for how small this packs,” he reported, noting that if you do carry a smaller kit, the roll’s cinching straps still allow you to batten down the hatches and ensure a rattle-free ride. That said, Bowling filled it to the brim, and he was subsequently appreciative of the three stacks of tool sleeves–his go-to for stashing wrenches, adjustable wrenches, a ratchet, and a pipe wrench that he joked doubles as his hammer. He also loved the multiple zippered pockets: In the two narrower pockets, he carries a screwdriver with interchangeable apex tips, sockets, wire stripper-crimper tool, and hex key set, while the massive main zippered compartment holds consumables like wiring, connectors, duct tape, and other bits and bobs.

Although the simple yet well-executed design earned two thumbs up from Bowling, it’s the roll’s construction that makes the piece worthy of trailhead show-and-tell with fellow off-road-trippers. “The materials they choose for this are top-notch,” said Bowling, referencing a durable Cordura exterior fabric and easy-to-clean PVC interior. “They’re nice to the touch yet hold up well to heavy use, and tools don’t mar up the inside at all.”

Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon

$250 at Backcountry $250 at Gregory

Weight: 28.8 lbs Volume: 140L

Pros and Cons ⊕ Collapsible construction ⊕ Heavy-duty build and 8-inch wheels ⊕ Can handle 250-lb load ⊗ Can get bogged down on sand ⊗ Pricey

While Gregory is best known for its backpacks, its new Alpaca Gear Collection of totes, gear boxes, and storage solutions is a slam-dunk. Our favorite piece of Gregory camping gear? The collapsible 140-liter Gear Wagon, which sits on beefy, eight-inch, all-terrain wheels, can haul 250 pounds of gear, and folds up to fit in a relatively easy-to-store carrying case. “It collapses small enough that we can easily pack it car camping in our Subaru Outback,” noted outdoor photographer Katie Botwin.

While recovering from back-to-back shoulder and knee injuries, Botwin relied on the wagon heavily, whether she was packing for a camping trip, unloading groceries, or organizing equipment for a photo shoot. “My PT would be proud of me for using it as much as I have,” she half-joked. It makes camping easier for everyone else, too. “If you’re tent camping, and the site is a short walk from the car, or you’re heading to the beach for a picnic, the wagon will save you time and energy–and maybe save you from an injury of your own,” said category manager Drew Zieff, who appreciated this wagon’s ability to navigate especially rugged terrain. Testers’ sole complaint was that the wheels could be overwhelmed in deep sand, especially when the wagon load was imbalanced toward the rear.

Therm-A-Rest Honcho Poncho Kids

$80 at REI $80 at Backcountry $80 at Therm-a-Rest

Weight: 11.5 oz

Pros and Cons ⊕ A kids-specific poncho ⊕ Available in rad colors and animal prints ⊗ Expect it to get covered in sticky s’mores

Last year, we included the adult version of Therm-A-Rest’s Honcho Poncho Down—a campfire cloak that’s admittedly silly, but extremely comfortable. This year, the brand released a kid’s version that’s stuffed with synthetic, hollow-fiber insulation and designed to fit most five to 10-year-olds. If our adult testers loved the Honcho Poncho, our kid testers were borderline elated.

According to Bend-based tester Annie Fast, her 7-year-old kiddo, Flint, loved the snug, warm poncho during afternoon thunderstorms and late-night meteor showers on a road trip to Montana. “It was uncharacteristically cold and wet in southwest Montana, so this poncho got more use than expected,” reported Fast. “We probably wouldn’t have stayed up to see the Perseids meteor shower if it wasn’t for this poncho—it added the warmth and fun factor needed to stay up late.” Mom’s one gripe? The Poncho’s “billowy sleeves” will inevitably get spattered with s’mores. “After a few weeks of use, we definitely have several marshmallow goo stains.”

UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit & Grill

$200 at Amazon $200 at UCO

Weight: 14.9 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Rugged construction ⊕ Packs flat, easy to store ⊕ Firepit doubles as a grill ⊗ Sharp metal can cut your fingers

This is a packable, multi-purpose fire pit primed for any car camper or vanlifer who enjoys a contained campfire, has limited trunk space, and prefers an open-flame char.“It’s perfect for sunset beach hangs with friends,” raved Cody Buccholz, a vanlifer and gourmet chef who took the UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit & Grill on a circuitous California-to-Colorado road trip. Buccholz loved that the flat-packing design was easy to set up, take down, store, and clean.

Durability was excellent, which Buccholz vetted by chucking the firepit off a 40-foot cliff at San Onofre, confirming “it’s still sturdy as a rock” after retrieving it from the ravine. The chef happily noted that the pit fit several full-sized logs, and nerded out over the double-wall construction and smoke-siphoning air channels. “The design allows the sediment to flow down and not accumulate, and there’s good airflow, which is ideal for the burn,” he reported.

Luno Packable Camp Pillow

$70 at Amazon $70 at Luno

Weight: 2.8 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Comfy ⊕ Compressible ⊕ Easy-to-clean, two-sided pillowcase ⊗ Pricey for a pillow ⊗ Smaller than your pillow at home

Smaller and more compressible than your average pillow at home, at 24-by-13-by-6.5 inches (flat), Luno’s Packable Camp Pillow is a worthy addition to any camping setup. “I was asleep within six minutes of unboxing,” reported Chris Cloyd, a Sierra hut keeper, snowboard guide, and sleep enthusiast. It’s “soft and lofty,” according to Cloyd, courtesy of a shredded memory foam filling; those scraps are also removable, enabling campers to customize firmness to taste. The pillow also comes with an easy-to-clean two-sided pillowcase: one side is a polyester jersey blend meant for warmer weather, and the other is a polyester spandex blend best employed on chilly nights.

Cloyd’s one complaint: It’s so comfy that it’s a source of conflict between Cloyd and his wife, who regularly steals the pillow for herself.

Dometic GO Area Camp Light

$100 at Amazon   $100 at Dometic

Weight: 1.2 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Area light, hanging lantern, or flashlight ⊕ Color and brightness settings help find lost gear, set the mood, or banish bugs ⊕ Removable, replaceable light diffuser ⊗ Pricey ⊗ Bulky

This 400-lumen lantern sports four brightness settings, eight color settings (including an amber option that doesn’t attract bugs), and a hook and handle combo for a multitude of carry and campground possibilities. Category manager Drew Zieff, who took the Area Camp Light on a van trip down Highway 1, loved the misted plastic light diffuser, which softens and spreads the otherwise brilliant bare light. “When I’m trying to keep a low-profile camping in a residential neighborhood, the diffused glow comes in clutch–plus, it’s easy on the eyes, whether you’re having dinner at camp, reading before bed, or putzing around at dawn, looking for a bar of surf wax while your partner sleeps in,” reported Zieff.

Danny Kern, a Tahoe-based videographer, took the lantern on a climbing trip in the Sierra and offered similar praise. He loved the vibe-enhancing color settings, “soft and pleasant” dimmable light, long-lasting battery life, and USB output. “If your speaker or phone is running low on juice, you can plug into the lamp and charge up,” Kern reported.

• Testers: 15
• Products Tested: 42
• Miles Road-Tripped: Approximately 17,144
• Highest Elevation Driven: 11,000 feet
• Longest Road Trip: A 2,500-mile, detour-stacked adventure down the California coast, through Nevada, Utah, and Colorado
• Longest Stint on the Road: Eight weeks

To find the best camping gear and accessories of 2024, we enlisted a diverse crew of road-tripping testers: A wildfire-chasing podcaster, medical doctor, and an outdoor journalist and her 7-year-old son slept outside all across the Pacific Northwest while a pair of outdoor photographers, a ski shop bootfitter, and our car-camping accessories category manager explored the Golden State on climbing, camping, and biking trips in the Sierra and surf missions to the coast. A Utah-based aircraft mechanic who does all the work on his overland rig explored Utah’s Uintas and Colorado’s San Juans.

Road-tripping and car-camping rigs were similarly diverse. They ranged from the two-door Nissan Versa, an atypical adventure mobile that only turns heads when it’s putzing along in your blind spot, to a handful of double-take-worthy machines, including a well-loved 2000 Toyota Tundra with a platform camper bed; a 2006 Chevy Express with 30-inch topper and wood stove; a custom-built 2008 Sprinter 3500; a powerful 2021 GMC Canyon Diesel with a camper shell; a 2023 Ford Bronco Badlands; and more. One even included a Sprinter van made famous on the hit Netflix show “ How to Build a Sex Room .”

We asked this squad to hit the road, put 42 products to the test, and report back. After road trips, surf chases, bike journeys, camping weekends, and more, they filled out review forms. Testers rated gear on a quantitative scale for aspects like durability and practicality, and dove deep on qualitative feedback, discussing everything from pros and cons to installation woes and favorite features. Finally, our category manager, Drew Zieff, sifted through these review forms, picked winning products, then penned the reviews on this page.

Drew Zieff is a Tahoe-based freelancer who writes for Backcountry Magazine , REI, Gear Junkie, and Forbes, among others. A regular Outside contributor, he heads our snowboard gear coverage in the winter. A few years back, he and his partner turned a plumbing van into their dream adventure mobile—a speedbump-filled odyssey . After a couple years of vanlife, the highlight of which was surfing from Canada to Mexico, the couple put roots down in Tahoe, though they still take van trips to the coast when there’s swell. Familiar with the needs of both weekend warriors and full-time road trippers, Zieff happily directs our camping accessories and camping kitchen coverage each summer.

Amanda Monthei

Amanda Monthei is a writer , public information officer on wildfires, and the host of the Life With Fire podcast. A former wildland firefighter herself, she applies her knowledge gleaned from the front lines to educate the public. She’s written about wildfires and natural disasters for Outside as well as NBC, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post. She’s also an avid angler, surfer, and skier, and pens stories on a range of outdoor subjects. Monthei tested gear while camping for business and pleasure in her 2000 Tundra throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Cody Buccholz

Cody Buccholz is a professional chef who enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and adventuring in his 2008 high-top Sprinter with his pup, Jefecito. Even when he’s not slinging gourmet grub, you can often find Buccholz posted up in a beach or trailhead parking lot, whipping up savory meals for new and old friends. He tested a small mountain of gear while on a long, detour-filled road trip from California to Colorado.

• 2024 Summer Gear Guide
• camping gear
• Car Camping

When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

Where to stay in moscow, moscow itinerary, day 1 itinerary in moscow, day 2 itinerary in moscow, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in moscow, day trips from moscow, faq on moscow itinerary.

Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

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!

Alya and Campbell

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Moscow Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Moscow

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Trans Mongolian Express

Moscow is the capital of Russia and there are few cities in the world that have played such a significant part in history.

Home to the Kremlin, the Red Square, the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, and many more famous landmarks, Moscow is a city like no other.

This Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Moscow. From the best places to see in Moscow to how to get around, this post has got you covered.

Moscow itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Moscow 3 day itinerary: map with highlights

Click here for the interactive map .

What to do in Moscow in 3 days

• Day 1: The Red Square, GUM Department Store, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
• Day 2: The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Gorky Park, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
• Day 3: Izmailovsky Market, Bunker 42, and Zaryadye Park.

Important things to know when planning a trip to Moscow

The best time to plan a trip to Moscow is April-May and September-October . During these months temperatures are (generally) quite comfortable, though even in April there can be a bit of snow! The summer months are hot, both in regard to temperature as well as activities in the city. While it's a nice time to visit, it's also the busiest time of the year to visit Moscow. Hotel prices reflect this as well and summer definitely isn't a great time for budget travelers to visit Moscow. Winter in Moscow is cold, and I mean seriously cold (-15°C isn't rare). However, if you can withstand the subzero temperatures and freezing winds, it can be a magical time to visit. A snow-covered St. Basil’s Cathedral is a sight you will never forget. Keep in mind that days are short in winter and be sure to bring plenty of warm winter clothes!

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble (₽ or RUB). Here you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 70RUB and $1 is around 62RUB.

Yes, you probably do. Getting a visa for Russia requires a bit of time and effort. You need to fill out several forms and provide a detailed travel itinerary and information about your accommodation. Also, you will need a Visa Support Letter which can be provided by your travel agency or your hotel. Depending on your nationality, there may be additional requirements, please refer to the information provided on the website of your country's Embassy in Russia.

While most of the things to see in Moscow listed in this post are within walking distance of each other, sometimes you will have to travel a bit further afield. The best way to get around in Moscow is by metro. It's cheap and efficient and a sightseeing activity in itself, because Moscow has the most beautiful metro stations in the world ! Among the most exquisitely decorated stations are Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Taganskaya, and Prospect Mira Station, but there are many more worthwhile stations to be found in the Moscow underground. You can purchase a single ticket from one of the ticket machines or get a rechargeable Troika Card when you plan on taking the metro several times. Read more details on how to use the Moscow metro here . If you prefer to get around by taxi, that's possible too. We used the Gett app to order a taxi (similar to Uber) to avoid confusion about our intended destination and having to negotiate in Russian. A convenient extra for families is the Gett Kids option, these cars are outfitted with a car seat.

The best things to do in Moscow

While you could easily spend a week in Moscow (or more), most of us, unfortunately, don't have that much time available.

This 3-day Moscow itinerary will guide you to the most popular and important places to visit in Moscow, as well as to some of the more unusual things to do in Moscow.

Below you can find the list of the Moscow sightseeing highlights included in this post.

The Red Square

Gum department store, st. basil's cathedral, lenin's mausoleum, the state historical museum, the kremlin, cathedral of christ the saviour.

• The Bolshoi Theatre

Izmailovsky Market

Zaryadye park.

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Moscow itinerary day 1

There is no better place to start your first day in Moscow, than at the world-famous Red Square.

This square is considered the central square of Moscow, not just because all the major streets start here, but also because no matter where you look when standing on this square, there are historic buildings all around.

Starting with the impressive GUM store and going clockwise, there is the colorful Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the Kazan Cathedral.

However, before entering any of these Moscow must-see attractions, allow yourself a moment to take in the view and let it sink in that you're standing on historical grounds (and a UNESCO site).

The Red Square was the official address of the Soviet government and played an important part in history. Many military parades have been held (and are still being held) here. It's the place where protests have taken place, as well as high-profile concerts from famous international artists.

All in all, it's one of the places in Moscow you can't miss during your Moscow city trip!

Yulia from That's What She Had: it might seem like visiting a department store is not something you’d do on the first visit to Russia’s capital.

But GUM is not like any other department store and is well worth your time, if only for its unique architecture.

First of all, it’s located right on Red Square which makes it an easy stop on your Moscow trip itinerary. Second, GUM is not a simple mall, but an institution built in the late XIX century.

The abbreviation stands for  Glavniy Universalniy Magazin or Main Universal Store. Its impressive facade extends for over 240 meters along the eastern side of Red Square.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful glass ceiling supported by a metal framework, not unlike the ones found in the old train stations of Great Britain. 

While shopping in GUM will cost you an arm and a leg, there’s one reason why tourists and locals come here anyways:  traditional Russian food  at Stolovaya #57. Stolovaya is Russian for canteen and this is where you can get your  pelmeni , borsch , and  pirozhki  fix!

Afterward, don’t forget to get the famous  plombir  ice cream in one of the kiosks on the ground floor.

Saint Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes is easily recognizable and one of the most popular Moscow tourist attractions. The building, built on orders from Ivan the Terrible, was completed in 1561 to commemorate the victory over Kazan and Astrakhan.

Until the construction of Ivan the Great Bell Tower (which can be found within the walls of the Kremlin), it was the tallest building in Moscow.

The design of St. Basil's Cathedral is truly unique; it's shaped like the flame of a bonfire and not one building in a similar style can be found in the whole of Russia.

A legend tells the story of how Ivan the Terrible had the architects of the Cathedral blinded so they could never build anything comparable.

This is a myth, however, but the fact remains that Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of a kind and it's not surprising it has become the symbol of Russia.

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan: Lenin Mausoleum is hard to miss. It's a stepped-pyramid construction that sits right at the base of the Kremlin walls on the western side of Red Square.

Entrance is free but note that opening hours are quite limited, with visiting hours lasting only from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If seeing Lenin's embalmed body is important to you, be sure to take this into account when planning your itinerary in Moscow.

One of my  top tips for travelers to Russia  is to arrive early, well before the mausoleum opens, as the queue is usually quite long. However, usually, the queue does move pretty quickly.

This is especially true now that they have lifted the ban on bags and cameras.

It used to be that all cameras, smartphones, and bags of any size had to be checked at a left-luggage office nearby. But now you can bring a small handbag or backpack as well as your camera and phone.

Photography inside the mausoleum is still strictly forbidden, but you are allowed to take photos of the graves of various other important Russian figures that line the path leading to the mausoleum.

Once you finally enter the mausoleum, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and uncrowded. It doesn't feel nearly as rushed as when visiting Mao Ze Dong's tomb in Beijing or Ho Chi Minh's body in Hanoi , for example.

The illumination of the body is very well done and would make for superb photography if it wasn't forbidden. As an added bonus, just after you exit, you'll see the grave of Joseph Stalin outside.

Rai from A Rai Of Light: the imposing crimson building at the northern end of the Red Square is the State Historical Museum.

By decree of Alexander III, the museum was built with the support of Russian historians, philosophers, and artists. The red brick building, dating from 1875, was designed in the Russian revival style by Vladimir Shervud.

The National Museum of Russia houses a collection of over four million items, devoted to the history of the country's ancient and imperial period.

The exhibitions include many items previously owned by members of the Romanov dynasty, such as documents, artwork, personal items, furnishings, and decorations from the palace interiors.

Another exhibit features relics of the prehistoric tribes that once inhabited this region.

Notable items include ancient manuscripts, birch-bark scrolls, a longboat excavated from the banks of the Volga River, and the largest coin collection in Russia, sourced from the museums in St Petersburg .

The State Historical Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 700₽ per adult.

Moscow itinerary day 2

When listing the best Moscow things to do, one cannot miss the Kremlin! The Kremlin houses the current seat of power in Russia and has done so for several decades.

Within its walls, the offices of the Russian Government can be found. During Soviet rule, the Kremlin was where all the important decisions were made but its history goes back for many centuries.

The first mention of the Kremlin in history books was in 1147, however, the current citadel dates from the 16th century.

The Kremlin is one of the major fortifications found in Europe, with walls that are up to 6.5 meters thick and 19 meters high in particular sections.

Inside the complex, there are many government buildings, however, these aren't accessible to the public.

Around Cathedral Square you'll find (as the name suggests) many churches and cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of the Archangel, Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, and Ivan the Great Bell-Tower.

While Cathedral Square is definitely worth visiting, the highlight of the Kremlin is a visit to the Armoury.

Inside you can find an impressive collection of Faberge eggs, beautiful dresses worn by Catherine the Great, intricately decorated thrones used by the Tsars, and much more. Unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside the Armoury.

Practical information about visiting the Kremlin

In order to visit both Cathedral Square and the Armoury, you will have to buy two separate tickets. A ticket to Cathedral Square costs 700₽ and a ticket to the Armoury is 1000₽. Prices mentioned are for adults, children below 16 years old are free.

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office onsite on the same day, however, there's no guarantee tickets will be available, especially during peak season.

Conveniently, tickets can be bought online as well, which is highly advisable if you want to make sure you'll be able to visit the Kremlin during your city trip to Moscow.

How much time to spend at the Kremlin

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Kremlin, at least half a day but it's easy to spend more time as there is so much to see.

Please note there isn't any food sold inside the Kremlin, so bring a snack and enough water (especially in summer when it can get pretty hot).

Luggage storage

Backpacks aren't allowed inside the Kremlin, they can be stored (for free) in the cloakroom, but you can bring your camera and a small purse.

We could also take our Babyzen Yoyo stroller inside, which was very convenient as our 10-month-old son could take a nap while we explored the sights.

After the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was demolished by Stalin in 1931, a new version was completed in 2000.

The imposing building is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world (103 meters high), and is beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge and it's open any day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm (except on Mondays when the opening hours are 1 to 5 pm).

When visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour it's important to dress appropriately. For men, this means no shorts or tank tops.

Women can't enter with mini skirts or shorts, strap tops, or anything too revealing. Also, women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect.

Inside the Cathedral photography isn't allowed, but believe me when I say there is plenty to see. There are beautiful frescoes, colorful icons, impressive statues, and other vivid decorations.

For a beautiful view over Moscow, walk up the stairs to the 40-meter high observation deck (entrance fee 400₽).  

Visit Gorky Park

Helen from Holidays from Hels : Gorky Park, named after the Soviet writer Maxim Gorky, has recently undergone extensive regeneration to become Moscow's central leisure hub for young Muscovites.

Every day of the week you can find many Moscow residents strolling along the banks of the river in the summer, hiring bikes, picnicking on the grass, or dining at one of the many restaurants.

Open-air cinemas, petanque, and ping pong are all on offer. Not to be missed is the iconic white stone entranceway and museum, complete with columns carved with Soviet hammers and sickles.

In winter, look out for the ducks waddling across the frozen Moskva River, and watch boats attempting to navigate through the cracked ice. However, the real winter highlight is to try ice skating on one of the biggest rinks in Europe!

Ice skating in Gorky Park

The park’s maze of pedestrian pathways is transformed into one huge skating rink, which can play host to up to four thousand skaters. 

Not surprisingly, Russians are talented ice skaters and there is a good chance you will find yourself next to a pirouetting ballerina.

Handily, you will find you will already be wearing most of what you need – gloves, hat, scarf, and thick socks and you can hire skates on-site. Lockers are included in the price if you don’t fancy skating with your day pack.

Disco tunes fill the air, and the whole arena is backlit in spectacular neon lights. Rest your weary legs and warm up at one of the cafes dotted along the frozen pathways, with the added bonus of not having to take off your skates.

Opening times

The rink is open from 10 am until 11 pm on weekdays and until midnight at weekends but closes between 3 and 5 pm. Like most attractions in Moscow, the rink is closed on Mondays. 

The prices range from 350-650₽ and go up in the evening, which is the best time for the light show. Arriving at 5 pm, just as the rink opens for the evening session will give you time to find your ice legs before it fills up with more confident skaters.

Whilst waiting for the rink to open, try out the nearby tubing track where you can shoot down a snowy hill on an inflatable ring repeatedly for a very enjoyable half an hour!

How to get to Gorky Park by metro

The nearest metro is Park Kultury Station, on the other side of the river. As always, check out in advance what this looks like in the Russian Alphabet so you know when to get off!

Bolshoi Theatre

James Ian at Travel Collecting : one of the best places to go in Moscow is the famous Bolshoi Theater, located only a short walk from Red square. Bolshoy means big in Russian, and the theatre is not only big but also beautiful.

There are two ways to see the theater: on a guided tour or by watching a performance .

Take a guided tour

• English tours are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 am. Tickets for these tours can be bought (on the same day) at the ticket office located in the Historic building of the theatre (door #12).
• A ticket costs 2000₽ per person, tours last one hour, and the number of people on a tour is limited to a maximum of 20. The tour takes you inside the theater and to the historic main stage.

Watch a performance

My favorite way to see the theater, though, is to enjoy a performance and experience the theater as a patron.

The entrance is a little underwhelming when you first arrive, the street lobby is small and quite plain and you will be immediately directed up to your floor.

There are helpful attendants on each floor to guide you to the correct door. Arrive a little early and head up to the Grand Salon on the top floor where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while people-watching (Russians dress up for the theater).

Then head to your seat and take in the stunning theater before enjoying the famous Bolshoi Ballet or another performance.

Be sure to book a show at the historic stage, there is a modern stage as well but that isn't nearly as much fun.

Moscow itinerary day 3

Karen from WanderlustingK : one of the most interesting Moscow places to visit is the Izmailovsky Market .

This flea market and tourist attraction a bit outside of the tourist center is a recreation of a Tzar’s Palace, known as a Kremlin, produced in a colorful 16th-century style.

The market is filled with tiny stalls that sell everything from snacks to kitsch to authentic items from Soviet times such as hats, pins, and other pieces of memorabilia.

You'll also find authentic antiques such as vases, paintings, and other religious items if you're looking to splurge within the interior parts of the market.

Negotiating in English is not always possible as many vendors only speak Russian, so be sure to practice your Russian numbers and see how well you can do with haggling.

It's important to carry cash when you visit given that many vendors do not accept cards. We ended up purchasing a series of hats at the market, along with a beautiful hot tea glass with a metal holder with a typical Russian scene.

Elsewhere in the market, you’ll also find a few tourist shops that sell typical Russian products. It takes a few hours to see the market in full, so arrive early as the best items go quickly! 

Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel : Bunker-42 was once a top-secret, Soviet military complex. Stalin commissioned its construction after the United States succeeded in creating a nuclear bomb.

An impressive 65 meters (or about 213 feet) underground, was the desired depth to protect Russia’s top officials from a nuclear attack.

Bunker 42 became operational in 1954. Fortunately, it was never needed for its true purpose, and instead it was used as the command center of strategic bombers for nearly 30 years.

Nowadays it's a museum dedicated to the Cold War and visiting is a truly unique experience!

You will need to join a tour in order to see the museum. You can call ahead to book your tour (the number is: +7 499 703-44-55), there are several English tours throughout the day that are held at 13:30, 16:30, and 18:30 (the price is 2200₽).

On Mondays, there is an extra tour at 17:30, which lasts an additional 30 minutes and costs 2800₽ per person. There is also the option to book a private tour. However, I am unsure of the price for this.

You will have to wait until exactly 15 minutes before your tour begins before you'll be admitted inside. After paying for your tickets and a quick restroom stop you will descend 65 meters underground…

Another option for visiting Bunker-42, if you would rather not do the tour, is to visit the restaurant inside Bunker-42. Actually, I highly recommend visiting the restaurant before or after a tour as well!

While the food is not that great, it’s worth visiting for a drink. The restaurant is also located within the bunker and is decorated in the old Soviet style.

From time to time there will be live performances and visiting Bunker 42 is definitely an experience worth having while in Moscow! After all, how many people can say they've had a drink in a top-secret Soviet military bunker?

If you’re visiting Moscow during peak season (June-July-August), it would be worth making a reservation, to avoid having to wait. Otherwise, I would not say you need to worry about a reservation at the restaurant.

Bunker-42 is a short cab ride away from Red Square (10-15 minutes). But I recommend taking the metro to get there. The closest station is Taganskaya, which is a beautiful metro station very much worth visiting.

Park Zaryad'ye or Zaryadye Park is a lovely place for a stroll and a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Moscow, especially when exploring Moscow with kids.

There are many things to see and do in this park, but I recommend starting your visit at The River Overlook , a 70-meter-long boardwalk with beautiful views over the river and the Kremlin.

Other interesting places to visit in Zaryadye Park are the Ice Cave, The Museum of Nature, and The Glass Crust. But most importantly, do as the Muscovites do and find yourself a nice place in the park to sit down and relax.

Enjoy the view, do some people-watching, and take a moment to think back about all the Moscow top sights you've seen in the past couple of days.

Where to stay in Moscow

There is a huge amount of hotels in Moscow, ranging from budget hostels to exquisite 5-star hotels. Below you can find three well-reviewed Moscow hotels (rating of 8.5+ on Agoda and  Booking ).

3-star hotel in Moscow: MIRROS Hotel Mokhovaya

This 3-star hotel is one of the best budget Moscow hotels and is all about location! From the hotel, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Kremlin and only 600 meters to the Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Set in a historic 19th-century mansion, the hotel features classic rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The staff is friendly and there is a metro station nearby (Borovitskaya), making it easy to get to the Moscow attractions a bit further afield.

Click here to book

Modern hotel in Moscow: Barin Residence Myasnitskaya

The Barin Residence Myasnitskaya is a newly built hotel, located about 1.2km from the Red Square (about a 15-20 minute walk).

The rooms and bathrooms are very modern and clean, the beds are comfortable and room service is available. This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a nice hotel without a hefty price tag.

Luxury hotel in Moscow: Hotel National Moscow

Hotel National is potentially the best Moscow hotel. It's a gorgeous 5-star hotel located just a stone's throw away from the Bolshoi Theater, the Red Square, and the Kremlin.

The building was designed by architect Alexander Ivanov and completed in 1903 and has been welcoming international travelers ever since.

With its imperial architecture, luxury design, and charming classic rooms (some with a view of the Kremlin!), the Hotel National is a unique property.

Furthermore, you can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center as well as the well-reviewed Beluga restaurant that serves both Russian and European dishes.

While this hotel doesn't come cheap, your stay at the Hotel National will make your trip to Moscow an unforgettable experience.

Moscow itinerary and travel guide: in conclusion

I hope this guide to Moscow will help you plan a trip to this interesting Russian city. Feel free to ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment or  sending me an email !

Below you can find my other posts about the Trans Mongolian Express , and the stops we made along the way:

• St. Petersburg itinerary
• Irkutsk and Lake Baikal itinerary
• Ulaanbaatar itinerary
• Trans-Mongolian Express travel guide

This post was updated in December 2020.

How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow

Feb 11, 2020 • 5 min read

Moscow enjoyed the status of capital for most of Russia’s history, except for a relatively brief period (about two hundred years), when the Tsar and the government relocated to St Petersburg . But the Bolsheviks moved the capital back to Moscow in 1918, and today it’s an extremely diverse city. It can easily take a couple of weeks to see all of its sights, but if you've only got a weekend to explore, here's how to have two perfect days in Moscow.

Start your weekend in Moscow by acquainting yourself with top-notch Russian cuisine at Grand Cafe Dr Zhivago . Located on the first floor of the historical hotel National and overlooking the Kremlin, it’s definitely one of the best breakfast spots in the city. Try millet porridge with crawfish, pearl barley porridge with oxtail or traditional cottage cheese with raisins and candied fruit.

Set aside at least half a day for Russian capital’s major attractions: the Red Square and the Kremlin . To reach the Kremlin, cross the street from Dr Zhivago and walk through the Alexander Garden to the main entrance at the Kutafya Tower . Check out all the cathedrals, including Archangel cathedral with all the tsars’ tombs and Uspensky cathedral with medieval icons. Pause to look at the famous Tsar Bell and climb Ivan the Great Bell Tower to enjoy some great views.

Exit and walk to the Red Square through the Alexander Garden, where, if lucky, you can see the change of guard. If you’re feeling hungry, stop by the food court at Okhotny Ryad shopping complex to pick up a snack.

The Red square is dominated by four buildings of equal historical importance: the Kremlin's most famous Spasskaya (Saviour) Tower , with a clock and fourteen bells that chime national anthem four times a day (6am, noon, 6pm, midnight), St Basil's Cathedral , Moscow's best-known symbol with its multi-colored domes, Lenin’s Mausoleum , the resting place of the leader of the 1917 October revolution, and GUM , Moscow's oldest department store, topped with a glass roof, designed by one of Russia's most celebrated architects, Vladimir Shukhov. 

A guide to shopping in Moscow

Right behind the St Basil’s it is the relatively new Zaryadye Park , designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, famous for its work on the High Line in New York City. Zaryadye showcases flora from all the climate zones of Russia, which is the largest country in the world. The floating bridge at the edge of the park is one of the biggest selfie magnets in Moscow, providing spectacular views of the river and the city skyline as the background. 

Another Zaryadye attraction is a glass pavilion that hosts restaurant Voskhod  (Sunrise) – a perfect spot for your lunch or early dinner. Voskhod focuses on dishes from all fifteen former Soviet Union republics and its inside looks like a Soviet-made spaceship with great views of the Moscow river. Try Azeri home-made pasta or trout from Lake Sevan in Armenia.

After all that walking and exploring you need some quality downtime and what better way to spend it than relaxing for a couple of hours at the famous Sanduny  traditional Russian hot bath. Make sure to get a massage with birch sticks!

You might still have time to go to Winzavod Center – a creative cluster with galleries housed at a former wine factory. Galleries like XL , pop/off/art and Ovcharenko always have something on, most likely a cutting-edge Russian contemporary art exhibition. Finish the evening hanging out at one of the best Moscow bars – try socialites’ paradise Noor Electro , co-joined with one of Moscow’s avant-garde theatres or Powerhouse Moscow , located in a 19th-century mansion, which is famous for live indie and jazz band performances. Both serve great food, too. 

Power up for a busy day ahead at one of Moscow’s trendiest coffee/breakfast spots,   Nude . Located in the upscale, well-heeled neighborhood of Patriarch’s Ponds, Nude offers a wide range of breakfast dishes, including scrambled eggs, toast, porridge and banana bread. Book ahead as it might be busy on a weekend morning.

After checking out the Patriarch's Ponds, which features prominently in Mikhail Bulgakov’s perennial novel The Master and Margarita , devote the rest of the morning and early afternoon to exploring Moscow’s best museums. Depending on your tastes, pick one of the following: Tretyakov Gallery for traditional Russian art, from medieval icons to the early 20th century;  New Tretyakov for 20th century and contemporary art as well as great temporary exhibitions;  Pushkin Museum for one of the greatest collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art in the world; and the Garage Museum for some eye-opening modern-art exhibitions. 

Whichever museum or gallery you choose, be sure to go to LavkaLavka for lunch, certainly one of the best places to try new Russian cuisine, which is a contemporary reading of centuries-old recipes. It’s one of the few places to try polugar , which is, allegedly, what Russians called vodka in the 19th century. 

When you talk about Russian culture, literary giants usually pop into mind: the likes of Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Anton Chekhov. There are plenty of literary museums in Moscow, but if you had to pick one, visit Tolstoy Estate Museum , located just opposite the headquarters of Yandex, the Russian equivalent of Google. Every little detail has been restored just the way it looked when Tolstoy lived here in the 1880s–90s. 

Leave some time for exploring the Moscow Metro : every station is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Our favorites include Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya and Kievskaya. Later, unwind at one of dozens of Moscow’s craft beer places . Try  Jawsspot , named after one of the leading breweries in Russia, Jaws from the Urals region, which also serves decent pizza and salads.  

You might also like:

Why food markets in Moscow are having a moment    Russia for first-timers: dos and don’ts    Russia's best drinks and where to try them   

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