vacation road trip packing list

How to Pack for a Road Trip + Packing List (2023)

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: March 13, 2023

One of the quintessential vacations is the classic road trip. If you’re getting ready to hit the road, you’re probably needing a road trip packing list and some tips for how to pack your car. After taking dozens of road trips over the years, here are my expert tips for things to bring on a road trip along with some organization tips for the car.

What to Pack for a Road Trip?

Planning and packing for a road trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re going on a short weekend getaway or a long cross-country journey, there are plenty of things to consider.

You’ll be putting together your car emergency kit, creating your ideal playlist, and loading up the trunk with all the road trip essentials . Here’s what you need to know about packing smart and preparing for any unexpected challenges when taking a road trip.

Affiliate links are included in this post, if you purchase from my link I may earn a commission.

What should an adult pack for a road trip?

As an adult, there are some of the best things you should pack for a road trip. What you choose to pack may be a lot different than what a child or an entire family chooses to pack. Here is a list of ten items to pack for a road trip to make sure you have a good time in the car.

1. Toiletries

Pack the essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrush, soap, razor, and other items you may need if you’re overnighting in a hotel. But also think about personal comfort/grooming on the road. Do you want to pack a hairbrush, lip balm, eye drops, hand lotion, etc?

2. Clothing 

Be sure to pack comfortable clothes for the weather you will be traveling in. Consider if you need a change of clothes for overnights or if you’re driving to a different climate than you started in.

Include a pair of slip-on shoes for the car but also a pair that is suitable for walking in case you decide to take a hike or explore somewhere new. I have a few ideas for great road trip outfits .

3. First-Aid Kit 

No matter where you are going, it’s always a good idea to have a basic first-aid kit handy in case of an emergency. Pack all your prescriptions, bandages, antiseptic creams, pain relievers, etc., so you can deal with minor injuries while on the go.

4. Electronics & Accessories 

Your smartphone, laptop, and camera should be at the top of your packing list because they’re essential for keeping memories and staying connected with family and friends during your travels. Don’t forget adapters, chargers, and extra batteries if necessary. 

5. Maps & Road Directions 

You never know when technology will fail you when looking for directions! Be sure to bring along a road atlas , physical maps, and/or a GPS device to help guide you on your journey safely and efficiently. 

6. Comfortable Blankets & Pillows 

Having comfortable blankets and pillows can help passengers stay comfortable and even take a nap. They’re also needed if you plan to take sleeping breaks in the car during a long drive.

7. Snacks & Drinks

Pack road trip snacks like granola bars or trail mix for an energy boost throughout the day, plus something refreshing like bottled water or cold drinks that won’t go bad after several hours in the car.

Make sure to include towels so you can quickly dry yourself off after a quick swim or even rainy weather! Compact travel towels are best since they don’t take up much space in your luggage/carrier bag(s).

9. Money & Identification

Bring along some cash just in case credit cards don’t work wherever you go, plus your driver’s license! Also, make sure to bring your passport if you’ll be crossing the border. And make sure you have your car registration and insurance packed as well.

10. Entertainment 

It’s always nice to keep yourself entertained, especially during long road trips! Consider bringing books, magazines, music, and/or movies depending on what type of entertainment suits you best! Audiobooks are a great option on long trips, you can often get a good deal with Audible or Audiobooks.com .

Kindle Paperwhites are also great for bringing lots of books without taking up a lot of space and can be read in the dark or bright sun. If you’re an avid reader, check out Kindle Unlimited . I have it and love that I can read unlimited free books continuously.

What should you pack for a child on a road trip?

Packing for a road trip with a child can be tricky. It’s important to make sure you have everything your little one needs, without adding unnecessary weight to your vehicle. Here’s a list of essential items that you should pack when taking a road trip with a child :

1. Car Seats 

When driving long distances, it’s important that children are safely and securely strapped into their car seats. Ensure your car restraints are up-to-date and suitable for your child’s age and size.

2. Healthy Snacks & Drinks

Try to avoid too many sugary drinks and snacks while on the road, as they can increase crankiness in young kids. Opt instead for healthy road trip snacks such as fruit, vegetables, and crackers that will fill them up without the sugar rush later on.

3. First Aid Kit

You should always carry basic medical supplies in the vehicle, especially when traveling with children. Items like antiseptic cream, saline solution, bandaids, and ibuprofen are helpful for travelers of all ages. Depending on what age group the kids are in, you might want to add child-safe versions of medications like Benedryl and pain relievers.

4. Clothes & Toiletries

Depending on how long the journey is it’s important to pack several changes of clothes including underwear and socks along with toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoo, especially if you’re planning extended trips or staying overnight.

5. Favorite Toy & Blanket From Home

Nothing soothes a child more than familiar objects from home; it makes them feel safe and secure in an unfamiliar environment away from home comforts. Pack something small like their favorite blanket or teddy bear from home to take away some of the homesickness during times of restlessness on the road trip. A pillow can also come in handy for helping kids nap.

6. Activities & Games

Keep boredom at bay by packing some creative activities for kids to do while traveling in the car such as picture drawing books, travel games, or sticker collections! If space is limited, digital devices preloaded with fun educational apps, cartoons, or reading material can be just as beneficial!

When my girls were really young, I tried to plan for a new activity, toy, snack, or show for every 30 minutes of the drive. Taking frequent breaks to stretch your legs and let kids run around can also help break up the long drive.

7. Activity Board & Bin

Kids might be coloring or drawing and will need a flat surface for their work. An activity lap desk can come in handy for kids. You might also consider an organizing bin for helping them store all their activities. If your kid will be watching shows on a phone or tablet, a headrest mount might be useful.

8. Sun Protection & Insect Repellents

If you’re planning outdoor activities it’s always helpful to have sun protection like sunscreen and hats handy, often overlooked but equally essential are insect repellents which come in effective spray bottles compatible with any kind of climate!  

Packing may feel overwhelming initially but these road trip essentials will ensure your little ones travel safely and enjoyably along the way, stress-free!

Ultimate Road Trip Packing List

Sometimes you don’t think about the individual items you may need on a road trip! This list of simple items is just as important as the big items! Use this list and my blog post of road trip essentials for all things you need on a road trip!

I’m including a printable road trip packing list you can sign up for at the bottom of this section.

Driver’s License

A driver’s license is an essential item for any road trip. It allows you to legally operate a motor vehicle while on the open roads, and also serves as a form of identification if needed at airports or other travel hubs. It is necessary for renting a car if that should be needed during the trip. Having a valid driver’s license before taking to the highways is always recommended!

Car Insurance & Car Registration

Car insurance and registration is an important element of any road trip, as it protects against unexpected damages or liabilities that may arise during your journey. Driving without the right coverage can leave you vulnerable to costly legal bills if an accident occurs. 

Car insurance can provide access to roadside assistance services if your vehicle breaks down, allowing you to reach your destination with minimal disruption. Having the right car insurance in place before hitting the open road is a must, as it can save time and money while providing peace of mind.

A spare tire is also an essential item to bring on a road trip. You never know when a flat tire may occur, and having the right equipment to replace it can save you time, money, and headaches. 

A spare tire also allows for greater flexibility if unexpected road conditions prevent your vehicle from proceeding safely. A spare tire can be beneficial in emergency situations where you need to get off the highway or drive through harsh terrain. Having a reliable spare tire ready at all times is important. 

Roadside Emergency Kit

Every road trip should include an emergency roadside assistance kit . Make sure you take a well-stocked kit with you that includes important road trip essentials like jumper cables, a tarp, bottled water, rags, plastic bags, gloves, flashlights and batteries, jumper cables, flares or reflectors, tire jack and tools to change a tire, and extra oil and fluids for your vehicle.

Having these items on hand can help you handle unexpected breakdowns or repairs quickly and confidently, reducing the hassle of being stranded on the side of the road. 

Car Phone Mount 

A car phone mount is necessary if you plan on using your phone while driving on a road trip. Not only does a car phone mount keep your device within easy reach, but also provides a secure place to store it so that you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. 

Car phone mounts come in a variety of styles and offer features such as adjustable positions for improved visibility, auto-clamping, gravity hold for easy use, and wireless charging capabilities. Having a reliable car phone mount will make your road trip much more enjoyable and safe. 

Car Power Adaptor

Car power adapters are available in different styles and allow you to charge phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and other USB-connected devices while you drive. Having a reliable car power adapter eliminates the need for frequent stops to recharge, enabling you to focus on enjoying your journey without worrying about losing power.

Packable Cooler

Taking a packable cooler along on your next adventure can be extremely helpful. Not only does it keep food and drinks cool and fresh, but it also helps save on space. Perfect for camping trips, or just a day at the beach, these easily-packed coolers are great for any outdoor activity. 

They come in many sizes to accommodate different amounts of food and drink supplies, making them an ideal choice for those who need to bring snacks and refreshments along with them. You can even buy plug-in coolers to act like a mini-fridge for keeping snacks and drinks cool.

Trunk Organizer

A trunk organizer is a great way to organize your car’s cargo area. It allows you to maximize the space in your trunk while also keeping things tidy and easy to find. Trunk organizers come in many different sizes and styles, making it easy to find one that works for you. 

They are perfect for holding items such as sports equipment, groceries, emergency items, and more. With a trunk organizer, you can be sure that all of your items will be stored properly so they don’t take up too much space or get jumbled together. Just keep in mind how your suitcases will fit if you choose to use an organizer.

Travel Picnic Kit

If you’re looking for the perfect way to enjoy your lunch on the go, a travel picnic kit is an ideal solution. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or exploring a new city, having a portable set of dinnerware, utensils, and food containers can make all the difference. Even just bringing a portable picnic blanket works well.

Not only does it save time by letting you eat wherever you are, without worrying about packing up leftovers, but it also allows you to create tasty meals that are healthier than restaurant food or fast food. Plus, with colorful designs and fun patterns available, a travel picnic kit adds a bit of style and personality to your meal-time experience.

Taking a travel mug with you on a road trip is an excellent way to save money and reduce waste. Making sure your car has adequate cup holders is essential. It’s always nice to have your favorite hot or cold beverage nearby while traveling, so don’t leave home without one!

If you’ve ever forgotten your sunglasses at home, while taking a road trip, then you know this was a huge mistake. Pack a few pairs of sunglasses, so you can protect your eyes while you drive or even sit in the front seat. 

Printable Road Trip Packing List (PDF)

Sign up for my email list in the box below and my road trip packing list pdf will be sent straight to your inbox!

Apps You Need For a Road Trip

Google Maps

The most important app for any traveler, Google Maps allows you to easily plot out routes and check traffic in real time. You can plan your road trip with Google Maps to include gas stations, rest stops, attractions, and more. It offers spoken turn-by-turn directions that make navigating easier than ever before. 

If Google Maps isn’t enough for you, then Waze is worth looking into as well. This app provides crowdsourced reports on traffic conditions that allow drivers to make driving decisions based on where they are currently located. In addition, it has community alerts that notify drivers when there are police officers or road obstructions ahead. 

One of the essential road trip apps has to do with fuel; specifically finding affordable fuel quickly along your route. GasBuddy makes this happen by helping users find nearby gas stations with their lowest prices listed before they stop. No more worrying about running low while searching for cheaper fuel options,  this app will take care of it all! 

TripIt helps travelers organize every detail of their trip into one streamlined itinerary including flight times, hotel reservations, and car rental information. Plus, it keeps track of any travel confirmations that come through emails so you don’t have to waste time manually entering data from each confirmation email into another program or writing everything down on paper. 

Spotted by Locals

This unique app allows people to explore like a local wherever they go by providing authentic recommendations from local experts who live in the cities they’re visiting. Get off the beaten path and discover hidden gems that only locals know about: restaurants, bars, events, and more are at your fingertips with Spotted by Locals ! 

Roadtrippers Plus

One of my favorite apps for sightseeing road trips is RoadTrippers Plus. It’s an app that helps you find all the best attractions and restaurants along your route, along with reviews of the attractions. Sign up and use code BTR5QTP to get $5 off.

Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, SoundCloud

Don’t forget to load up your favorite music streaming service before taking off! Long trips tend to get boring without good tunes keeping everyone entertained during long stretches of driving, plus music can really set the mood while exploring new cities or playing silly car games to break up monotonous highway miles.  

Best Snacks to Pack for a Road Trip 

When on a road trip, you probably get extremely hungry. That’s where your favorite snacks to pack for a road trip come in. You’ll want to add some munchies that each traveler. These are some road trip snacks you may want to consider. And don’t forget a few trash bags for easy disposal!

• Granola Bars – A classic favorite made with oats, nuts, and honey that is easy to eat while driving. Make your own or buy some prepackaged ones.
• Trail Mix – A combination of dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and sometimes chocolate pieces that makes for a tasty snack on the go. 
• Sandwiches or Wraps – Whole grain bread filled with lean meats make great portable meals that can be eaten quickly at rest stops.
• Homemade Muffins – Perfect for a sweet treat on the road; these handheld snacks can be filled with wholesome ingredients like quinoa and chia seeds.  
• Beef Jerky or Pretzels – Classic salty snacks that have been around for years! Searching for organic versions may even be possible in gas stations these days! 
• Cereal – Dry cereal can make an excellent road trip snack. Some of our favorites are cheerios and chex.
• Nuts and Seeds – Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds provide a good source of protein and healthy fats to keep you full while on the go. 
• Gummy Bears or Fruit Snacks – These will appease your sweet tooth cravings in a somewhat healthier way depending on which you choose.
• Applesauce or Yogurt Smoothie Pouches – Easy to eat and pack; these make a great snack for anyone in the car.  
• Popcorn – Pop some before your trip or buy any of the popular bags sold in most grocery stores. 
• Fresh Fruits or Vegetables – Carrots, celery sticks, cucumber slices, oranges, and grapes are light enough to not weigh down your stomach after a long drive, plus they’re healthy!

How to Pack Your Car For a Road Trip 

Whether you’re embarking on a short road trip or a long one, packing your vehicle correctly is important. To make sure everything goes smoothly, here are some tips for getting your vehicle ready for a road trip.

• Make a List – Before you start packing, make a list of all the items you need to bring with you. Consider the type of trip you’re taking and include clothing, toiletries, snacks, maps and emergency supplies in your list.
• Pack Smartly – When it comes to loading up the car, pack heavier items first and closer to the back of the vehicle. Place lighter items such as blankets and pillows near the front and above heavier items so that they are easy to reach during the drive. Make sure everything is securely fastened down with bungee cords or straps so that it doesn’t move around while driving
• Clean out Your Vehicle – Before leaving on your trip it’s important to give your vehicle an interior clean out. This includes taking out any unnecessary items like empty water bottles or old takeout containers that won’t be needed during your journey.
• Consider Comfort – During long trips comfort should be the top priority when it comes to packing up your car. Bring along a small pillow, blanket, or set of headphones to help make the ride more comfortable if there will be multiple people in the car at once.
• Leave Space – Don’t overpack! Remember to leave some space in case you need more room for souvenirs or something else while on your journey
• Double Check Everything – Before getting behind the wheel of your vehicle, double-check that all maintenance has been taken care of so your car is ready for the trip. Items such as spare tires and jumper cables should also be checked off before leaving home just in case something unexpected happens while driving. 

First, I suggest that each person (including kids) pack a small bag or tote of their favorite toys/activities. This will be kept nearby and contain things that will keep you busy.

For adults, this might be magazines, books, or electronics. Kids might pack some books, coloring books or journals, electronic toy(s), printable activities/games, dolls, or legos.

A food bin is a big must for any road trip. I like to use a small box to store all our road trip snacks .

I make each of our girls their own plastic container of special snacks, this was learned after one too many, “but Mom, she already had two granola bars…”. If each child starts with the same number of “fun” snacks, they can’t argue if they eat all of theirs.

We also pack some general snacks that everyone enjoys, but the special snacks — like granola bars and fruit snacks — are limited.

Following these simple steps can help ensure that both you and your car are safe for whatever journey lies ahead!

Diagram to Pack for a Road Trip

1 – Passenger Seat

This is where the main passenger (usually me) keeps their stuff. I like to pack magazines, my iPad, and my purse in a narrow tote. I’ll also store some lip balm and eye drops in my bag

2 – Main Console

We keep electronic chargers here along with many of our road trip essentials. Depending on how your car is built, what you can store in this space might be limited.

Some essentials that should be stored nearby the front seats are paper towels, wet wipes, kleenex, dental floss, hand sanitizer, lotion, and a travel first aid kit .

See my full list of road trip essentials we bring on our road trips and figure out where best to store them in your car. Keep in mind what you’ll want to access easily while driving and what can be stored in the back for use at stops.

3 – Garbage

We have a special car trash can that loops around my seat belt latch and has an elastic opening so things don’t fall in or out accidentally. You can also use a plain plastic grocery bag looped around the gear shift.

I recommend each row of passengers have its own trash bag. If you’re traveling with kids you might even want to give each kid a garbage bag they can keep near their seat.

Having easy access to garbage bags will be a huge help in keeping your car clean and organized during your road trip .

4 – DVD Players

We’ve always had dual DVD car screens that we bought at Target, but now that our girls received tablets for Christmas, we like these  tablet headrest mounts .

Our girls love watching some of their favorite movies while on a road trip. Of course, you may decide to skip this. One of my big tips, if you are buying DVD players for multiple kids, consider buying a set that offers independent playing options.

As our girls got older sometimes they’d want to watch the same movie, but other times they didn’t and our players let them watch their own movies or they can watch the same one.

5 – Kid Bags

Each of your kids should bring a bag of personally selected items for the road trip. It could include a book or journal, or a special activity/toy. Our girls use their school backpacks.

If you’re wanting to keep things off the ground, you might consider a  backseat organizer that lets kids store misc stuff in pockets on the back of the seat. We’ve also used one of these middle seat organizers for the girls to share (see #7 below).

You can also consider packing a plastic lidded bin that is placed below your child’s feet. Just make sure it’s easy for the top to be removed while seated.

Related Post:  Best Kids Travel Bag Activities to Pack

6 – food.

This is where we keep all the road trip snacks. We often use one of these clever crates and place it in an easy-to-reach location for each person.

For kids, I recommend making them each their own snack bag or box so that there are no arguments about who’s had too many of one kind of snack. Each kiddo should get the same amount of fruit snacks, granola bars, etc. Make sure you remember wet wipes & napkins.

Another tip is to bring lidded/sippy cups for young kids. They work great for sharing a bottle of juice or water, and no spills!

For adults, consider a thermal mug if you’re a coffee drinker. Your hot drinks will stay much warmer than those disposable cups from the store. Bring reusable water bottles, too.

7 – Kids Activities

This is normally another bag and carries more kids’ activities and games. We normally have a blanket for each kid in this space too. If the road trip isn’t too long, this could be the only space you store kids’ activities. We’ve used boxes and this backseat organizer for placing between the girls’ seats.

8 – Luggage

Bags and stuff you don’t need to access while driving go in the back. We often have one hotel stop on our main road trip drive, so we pack one overnight bag with all of our stuff for that hotel night so we don’t have to bring in each person’s luggage.

Another tip is to keep some extra snacks/treats or special drinks and such back here so you can dole them out when you stop. You can also store some of the other road trip essential items back here.

FAQs for What to Pack for a Road Trip 

What should go in a car emergency kit.

A car emergency kit should include a first aid kit, jumper cables/battery starter, flares or reflective triangles for safety if your car breaks down on the side of the road, a flashlight with extra batteries, an emergency tool (like a hammer or a window breaker/seatbelt cutter combo). It should also include blankets and warm clothing in case you are stranded in cold weather. 

Don’t forget water, energy snacks, and basic tools like screwdrivers and wrenches. It’s also good to keep items such as windshield washer fluid, fuel line antifreeze, and deicer spray in your vehicle in case the weather turns bad.

What should you pack if you’re traveling through a cold state?

If you are driving through a cold state, it is important to pack winter road trip items such as warm clothing and blankets, as well as a winter car kit. This should include items such as jumper cables, windshield washer fluid, de-icer spray, fuel line antifreeze, and an emergency tool (like a hammer or window breaker/seatbelt cutter combo). 

Consider packing snacks that contain healthy energy sources like nuts and fruits. Bring along extra batteries for your flashlight and any other electronic devices you plan to use on your trip.

What type of shoes should I pack on a road trip?

When packing for a road trip, it is important to choose shoes that provide comfort and support. Depending on the nature of your journey, you may want to pick shoes with features such as waterproofing or ankle support. The best shoes to pack are:

• Running shoes – Athletic shoes are great for long days of driving, as they offer plenty of cushioning and shock absorption. I prefer slip-on loafer sneakers for road trips.
• Hiking boots – These sturdy boots provide support for walking around during stops and exploring in unfamiliar territory.
• Sandals – For warmer climates where days might be spent primarily outdoors, sandals can be comfortable and stylish. Try to avoid slide sandals as they aren’t great for driving in.
• Rainboots – In the event you encounter bad weather during your travels, rainboots can protect your feet from wetness and mud, but it might be easier to pack a pair of water-resistant sneakers or hiking boots.
• Ballet flats – When space is limited, ballet flats are easy to pack away but still provide comfort during walkabouts in town or at a rest stop along the highway.

What should I pack for a 12-hour drive?

If you’re embarking on a 12-hour drive, packing the right items can make all the difference in having a comfortable trip. Making sure your car is stocked with essential items will help ensure that you don’t run into any unexpected issues along the way.

• Snacks: It’s always a good idea to pack some snacks for your journey. Choose nutrient-dense snacks such as fruits, nuts and granola bars that will give you lasting energy along the way.
• Drinks: Whether it’s water or a caffeinated beverage, make sure you have enough drinks to stay hydrated throughout your journey.
• First Aid Kit: Accidents and injuries can happen, so make sure you pack a first aid kit in case of emergency.
• Cash: Have some extra cash on hand in case you need to use toll roads or if there’s an unexpected stop along the way.
• Entertainment: Bring along some books, magazines, or music to keep you occupied during your drive.
• Blanket and Pillow: Make sure you have a comfortable blanket and pillow to help make the journey more bearable.

By packing these essential items for your 12 hour drive, you can have a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. With a little bit of planning, you can ensure that your trip is as stress-free as possible.

What are 3 tips to prepare for a road trip?

1. Plan your route – Make sure you have a good idea of the route you’ll be taking and plan out stops along the way if needed. Consider alternate routes in case of traffic congestion or detours, too!

2. Pack light – When packing for a road trip, consider bringing only the essentials so that you don’t have to lug around too much luggage. This will make the journey more comfortable, and you can always stop to pick up items if needed.

3. Bring entertainment – Make sure you have some form of entertainment such as books, music, or games for both adults and children in the car so that everyone stays busy during the drive. This will help make the journey fly by!

Bonus Tip: Have your vehicle inspected. Before you head out on a road trip, make sure to get your car checked for any potential issues. This will help ensure that you don’t have any problems during the drive and can get safely to your destination without any surprises!

Whether you’re a road-tripping expert or spending several long hours in the car for the first time, with these packing guides and road trip tips, you’ll be ready to head on a family road trip any time of year!

Check out my full list of road trip tips .

Share and Save This Post:

Thursday 6th of May 2021

This is amazing. Thank you.

Catherine Brady

Sunday 15th of March 2020

Love all of the practical tips in this post!! Also, the related spin off posts are super useful as well-especially the one on organization and the first aid kit!

Susan Summers

Thursday 5th of December 2019

Thanks for the tips. We're planning on doing our first road trip in France next summer. Can't wait!

Friday 6th of December 2019

Great, Susan! Hope you have a fabulous trip!

15 Brilliant Road Trip Hacks – Two Frugal Moms

Sunday 16th of July 2017

[…] 10. How To Pack Your Car For A Road Trip […]

Erica Gilbert

Wednesday 21st of June 2017

Nice tips and love the visuals! Glad you’ve mentioned the first aid kit. It’s important to check this before the trip and keep it where it’s easily accessible, especially when you’re traveling with kids. I usually keep a travel size pain relief oil, since it works for multiple situations. Also, a roll of toilet paper comes in handy to quickly clean up any spills or to wipe something.

89 Road Trip Packing List Essentials for Hitting the Road

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

Written in partnership with Toyota

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

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

Before you go…

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

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

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

Quick Home Maintenance Check: 

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

Clean your car

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

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

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

Vehicle essentials

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

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

In the glove box

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

Organization

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

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

Navigation and electronics

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

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

Entertainment

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

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

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

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

Comfort essentials for road trips

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

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

Toiletries and personal items

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

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

What to wear on a road trip

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

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

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

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

Basic road trip packing list

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

Camping basics

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

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

Essential road trip planning tips

Route planning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make a budget

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

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

Where to sleep

On your road trip, you have several options for overnight accommodation. You can camp, stay at Airbnbs, hotels, or hostels, or stay with friends or family if they are along your route and willing to host you.

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

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

What to eat

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to shower on a road trip

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

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

What are the best road trips in the USA?

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

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

Made possible by Toyota

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

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

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One Comment

Outstanding information. Thank you for the great tips!

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Road Trip Packing List

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

The Road Trip Essentials: Gear for An Epic Road Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Standalone Bags & Organizers

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

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

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

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

Clothing & Accessories

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

• Men's Focused
• Women's Focused

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also, make sure to pack:

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

Productivity & Tech

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Headphones (noise canceling is clutch)

Toiletries & Personal Care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sleeping & Camping

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miscellaneous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready, Set, Drive.

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

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

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Road Trip Essentials: Packing Checklist (with Printable PDF)

This is what I pack on every road trip. My printable packing checklist will help you get organized so you don’t forget anything at home!

Road-tripping is my favorite way to travel. With two dogs and now a baby, I’d much prefer to drive somewhere than fly. Also, there is an undeniable magic to a good road trip: the freedom of the open road, the opportunity to get off the beaten path, and the surprises that you stumble upon along the way.

However, packing for a road trip can be super stressful. While I consider myself a packing pro these days, I’ve definitely made the mistake of forgetting something really important, like the time I left my hiking shoes behind. I can’t tell you what a huge bummer it was to have to stop and spend $150 on new hiking shoes when I have so many pairs at home.

So, to help myself (and you!) stay organized, I created a road trip packing checklist that has all of the essentials you need for a successful road trip. I keep a condensed, printable version of this packing checklist on my phone to make sure I don’t forget anything.

Download a PDF version of my road trip packing checklist !

In this post, I’m excited to share all of the details of what I bring on my road trips, including safety gear, clothing, food, and other gear.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Vehicle Road Trip Essentials

This is the basic safety gear that I always pack on all of my road trips.

• Driver’s License, Registration, and Proof of Insurance
• Car Operation Manual : Your car manual will come in handy if your check engine light comes on or you need to change your tire.
• Spare Tire and Tools : If you get a flat, you’ll need a lug wrench, a jack, and a portable compressor that you can use to pump up your tire.
• Jumper cables : If your battery dies, you can save yourself a call to roadside assistance by having jumper cables, or even better, a self-starting battery jumper
• Communication device : I’d argue that the Garmin InReach is a road trip essential if you plan on exploring remote backroads where there is no cell phone service. The Garmin InReach allows you to send custom text messages no matter where you are or to call for medical help if you are in an emergency situation. I once had a dead battery in my Sprinter Van and no cell sevice, and I used the Garmin InReach to text my dad who was then able to call a tow truck.

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Road Trip Navigational Tools

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

• Atlas : Although we all know Google Maps is essential for directions, I personally like carrying a paper map too. Plus, hopefully some of your itinerary will take you off the grid and out of cell phone service. Paper maps are also better than phone apps for telling the difference between a well-graded gravel road and a gnarly 4×4 road. My favorite paper maps are the Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlases which also detail public lands, camping areas, National Parks, and more.
• GPS: A GPS is handy for navigation when you don’t have cell service. If you don’t want to purchase a GPS, download Google Maps for offline use.

Road Trip Apps

Before you hit the road, download these apps. These are the apps I rely on daily when I’m on a road trip for finding camping and other services.

• Gas Buddy App : This is a helpful road trip app that will help you find the cheapest gas prices so you aren’t wasting money when you fill up.
• The Dyrt App : The Dyrt is one of my favorite campsite finder apps that has reviews and photos, and you can even use it to make reservations at some campgrounds. Sign up for the Dyrt Pro and try it for free for 30 days.
• iOverlander : Another one of my go-to apps for finding free dispersed camping on public land. For details on how to use it, see my iOverlander review .
• AllTrails : The most popular trail finder app for hiking trails on your road trip. If you upgrade to AllTrails+ you can download trail maps for offline use which I find to be super handy when I’m are visiting remote areas.

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

What to Wear on a Road Trip

Packing for a road trip means filling your bags with versatile, well-fitting, and durable clothes that allow you to do a little bit of everything. The key is to not overpack, otherwise, your luggage will be overflowing and your car will get messy quickly.

I like to pack clothing, footwear, and accessories that:

While crazy patterns can be fun, I prefer to pack solid prints that will go with everything. That way, you don’t have to really think about packing specific outfits. Here is a list of the types of clothes I bring on a road trip. If you click on the links it will take you to my blog posts with female-specific suggestions.

• Quick dry shirts (short and long-sleeve)
• Leggings / Hiking Pants
• Hiking Shorts
• Warm Jacket
• Wool Socks – Darn Tough are my favorite!
• Hiking Shoes

Road Trip Entertainment

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

• Music Playlists : What’s a road trip without music? Load up your phone with plenty of tunes ahead of time in case you’ll be driving through areas with limited service.
• Podcasts and Audiobooks : If music isn’t your thing or you need a break from rockin’ out, download a couple of audiobooks or a bunch of episodes of your favorite podcast. For suggestions, check out my favorite outdoor podcasts . The Libby App and Audible are also great resources for downloading audiobooks.
• Book : A book or two is always nice to have along on a road trip so you can read in your downtime. I prefer a Kindle since I can load it up with a few different books just in case I get bored with one.
• Travel Games : If you’re traveling with kids, games are a great way to keep everyone happy and entertained. But games aren’t just for kids! Bringing along a deck of cards or your favorite road trip games for entertainment in the evenings.
• Headphones : A set of headphones or AirPods are nice to bring on a road trip in case you need a little alone time.
• Camera : I like to bring a camera to capture the memories on my trip. Of course, you can always use your phone too.
• Notebook : If you like to journal or make notes about the places you travel to, pack a small weatherproof notebook .
• iPad or Laptop : An iPad or laptop is nice to have along for evenings when you just want to Netflix and chill. Download a few movies ahead of time for easy viewing.

Packing Food on your Road Trip

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

It’s also a good idea to pack some kitchen and cooking gear even if you’re not camping so you can whip up that impromptu picnic. If you are camping, check out my car camping packing checklist which has additional gear like a stove, cookset, etc. Here is the food and cooking essentials I pack on a road trip.

• Cooler : A cooler will keep your fruit, veggies, dips, dand other snacks cold so you can eat fresh on the road.
• Reusable Water Bottle : An insulated water bottle will keep your water cold in the hot car and is key for staying hydrated. You can fill it up at gas station soda fountains, which will also save you money on having to buy water.
• Water Jug : Having a full 5-gallon water jug makes it easy to fill up your water bottle on the go and is also important in case your car breaks down or you run out of gas.
• Coffee Mug : Consider bringing an insulated coffee mug for keeping coffee and tea hot on sunrise drives.
• Multi-tool : A multi-tool or versatile knife like this Swiss Army Camper Knife is always good to have along, whether for slicing apples, cutting rope, or opening that nice bottle of wine at the end of the day.
• Utensil set : This To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set comes in a handy holder and is perfect for on-the-go meals when you’re road-tripping.
• Quick Dry Towels : A set of small quick-dry towels is a great zero-waste alternative for wiping your hands and cleaning up messes and spills. A roll of paper towels works too.
• Reusable Bag : A reusable bag will come in handy for those grocery store stops along the way and once you arrive at your destination.

Healthy Snacks

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

Staying Organized on your Road Trip

Nothing drives me more crazy when I’m road tripping is a trunk full of clutter. I like being able to quickly find things that I need without having to pull everything out of my car. Here are some of the things I use to keep organized.

• Luggage : Try to fit all of your clothing in a carry-on sized piece of luggage. That will make it easy to carry it in and out of your hotel (or tent), and it also wont’ take up too much room in your trunk. I love the REI Co-op Roadtripper Duffel .
• Packing Cubes : I use packing cubes to keep all of my clothing organized inside my duffel. Underwear in one. Socks in another. Pants. Shirts. Each category of clothing gets it’s own cube. That way it’s easy to pull out a new shirt without unfolding all of my clothes.
• Toiletry Bag : Having all your toiletries and smaller essentials in a toiletry bag makes it easy to find them when you need them.
• Day pack : I love this comfy 30 liter hiking pack that has lots of pockets and straps that I can adjust for the perfect fit. I keep all of the stuff I need for my hikes and other activities in my pack so it’s ready to go.
• Plastic Bins : I always organize the rest of my gear by category in plastic bins that are easy to stack and pull out of my car. I’ll put all of my food and kitchen stuff in one and any camping gear in another.

Personal Items

Getting out of your normal routine can make it a bit more of a challenge to keep up with personal care, but if you can pare it down to the necessities, you won’t have to pack as much.

• Sunscreen : UV rays can come through your windows so bring a tube or two of good mineral-based sunscreen , especially if you’re road-tripping in the summer.
• Lip Balm : Lip balm is always nice to have along in case your lips get extra dry. I prefer lip balm with SPF for sun protection.
• Toothpaste / Toothbrush : Any old toothpaste you have at home will do, but if you want an eco-friendly, travel-size option, Hello toothpaste bites are a great pick.
• Other Toiletries : Bring the toiletries you need from home, like soap, shampoo, and conditioner, in these refillable 2.5 oz  humangear GoToob+ Medium Squeeze Bottles that help save room in your bag.
• Kula Cloth : This is a reusable pee rag that I bring on every hike and road trip. That way if I have to pop a squat, I’m not having to drip dry.
• Hair Brush : A small, travel-size hair brush for taming that windswept hair
• Body Wipes : Sometimes it’s nice to freshen up with a body wipe after a long drive, or maybe you’re hiking and camping on your road trip as well.
• Electrolytes : I like to pack electrolytes that are easy to throw into my water when I need an extra boost.
• Hand sanitizer : I keep hand sanitizer in my center console so I can sanitize after filling up my gas tank or using a pit toilet at a trailhead.
• First aid kit : This  My Medic MyFAK First Aid Kit  is equipped with all kinds of expert-picked first aid and trauma supplies. You can strap it to the back of a headrest for easy storage or just toss it in the back so it’s there when you need it.

Other Road Trip Essentials

If you have extra room in your car, these are some additional things I like to pack on my road trips.

• Pillow : Ideally I’m bringing my pillow from home since hotel pillows often suck! But if I don’t have room, I bring a lightweight, compressible camping pillow that makes riding in the passenger seat just a bit more comfortable.
• Headlamp : I always pack a rechargeable headlamp . It makes rummaging around in your car at night so much easier.
• Blanket : A small blanket is a nice item to have along in case you find the perfect picnic spot or if you just need a little extra warmth at any point on your road trip. I love Rumpl’s cozy, packable blankets – they won’t take up much space in your car and they come in all kinds of fun colors and patterns.
• Large quick-dry towel : Be ready for those impromptu swimming hole dips or beach hangs with a lightweight, quick-dry towel
• Phone charger : You’ll be surprised how quickly your phone battery will drain when using navigation mode and a variety of apps on your phone so it’s good to be able to charge from your vehicle.
• Cash : Have a little bit of cash on hand in case you come across a farmers market or a roadside stall, or if you plan on camping at more remote campgrounds, which are typically cash-only.
• Camp Chair : It’s nice to have a small, packable camp chair so you can have somewhere to sit when you’re enjoying a snack or a nice view.

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

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

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16 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s a great tip, thanks Tom!

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

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

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

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

thank you, it was very helpful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

54 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials + Packing Checklist

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

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

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

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

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

Ready? Let’s get into it.

Road Trip Essentials & Packing List

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

Food & Drink Must-Haves

Music, entertainment & relaxation, clothing & comfort items.

• Camping & Outdoors Gear

Family Essentials

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

What Exactly Should You Bring on a Road Trip?

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

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

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

Safety Gear & Repair Accessories

Alarm System & Remote Start: Viper 5906v

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

VIEW ON AMAZON

Car Jack Kit: Big Red Scissor Lift

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

Power Bank Jumper Kit: Hulkman Alpha85

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

12-Volt Air Digital Compressor: Fortem

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

One Gallon Gas Container: Garage Boss

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

Versatile 196-Piece Tool Set: DEKOPRO

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

DIY Windshield Chip Repair Kit: RainX

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

Duct Tape: Duck Tape Brand

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

First-Aid Kit: Surviveware

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

United States Atlas: National Geographic

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

Tech Gadgets & Navigation Accessories

High-Capacity Power Bank: Anker PowerCore

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

Magnetic Phone Mount: Neckteck

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

4-Port Car Charger: Amazon Basics

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

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Charge 4

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

Digital Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10

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

Powerful Travel Stove: Camp Chef Ranger II

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

Backpack Picnic Kit: Sunflora

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

12-Volt Fridge/Freezer: Alpicool

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

Portable Espresso Maker: WACACO Nanospresso

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

Rapid Water Boiling Stove: Jetboil Flash

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

Insulated Thermos: Hydro Flask

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

Folding Table & Chairs: REDCAMP

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

Audio Book Subscription: Audible.com

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

Streaming Music Subscription: Amazon Music | Spotify

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

Inflatable 2-Person Kayak: Intex Explorer K2

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

Frisbee: Innova Big Kahuna

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

Hammock: ENO DoubleNest

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

VIEW ON REI

Waterproof Playing Cards: Kovot

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

Cornhole Set: GoSports Portable PVC

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

Polarized Sunglasses: Knockaround Fast Lanes

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

VIEW ON KNOCKAROUND

Travel Pillow: Casper

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

Packable Travel Blanket: BlueHills

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

Earplugs: Howard Leight by Honeywell

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

Sandals: Montbell Aqua Gripper

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

Portable Clothes Washing Kit: Scrubba

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

Camping & Outdoor Gear

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

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

Sleeping Bag: Hyke and Byke Eulos

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

VIEW ON HYKE AND BYKE

Lightweight Sleeping Pad: Sleepingo

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

Pressure Camp Shower: Nemo Helio

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

Packable Day Pack: 4Monster

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

Camping Chairs: Moon Lence

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

Water Filter: LifeStraw Flex with Gravity Bag

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

Collapsible Water Bottles: Platypus

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

Multitool: Leatherman Wingman

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

Portable Trash Bins: EPAuto

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

Wet Wipes: Amazon Elements

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

Tablet: Kindle Fire HD 10

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

Volume-Controlled Headphones: JBL for Kids

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

Family-Friendly Card Game: Kids Against Maturity

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

Sun-Blocking Window Shades: Enovoe

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

Helpful Organization & Storage Systems

Rooftop Cargo Storage: Yakima Skybox

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

Trunk Organizer Tote: JACO CargoPro

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

World Map Laundry Bag: Kikkerland

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

Road Trip Packing List + Interactive Checklist

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

Roadside Emergency Kit

First-Aid Kit

Gas Container

Car Jack Kit

Jumper Cables

Air Compressor

Windshield Chip Repair

Car Charger

Charging Cables

Battery Bank

Lantern/Light

Bluetooth Speaker

Camera Lenses

Camera Batteries

Camping Stove

Cutting Board

Bottle Opener

Coffee Maker

Cooking Oil

Cooler/Refrigerator

Long Sleeve Shirts

Button-Up Shirts

Rain Jacket

Light Jacket

Winter Jacket

Athletic Shorts

Skirts/Dresses

Bathing Suit

Long Underwear

Hiking Boots

Baseball Hat

Soap/Laundry Detergent

Laundry Bag

Clothing Line

Safety Pins

Toiletries Bag

Conditioner

Hair-Styling Product

Dental Floss

Contact Solution/Case

Ear Cleaner/Swabs

Nail Clippers

Advil/Aspirin

Multivitamins

Playing Cards

Sporting Equipment

Journal/Pen

Sleeping Pad

Sleeping Bag

Travel Pillow

Water Filter

Water Bottles

Camping Shower

Folding Table

Camping Chairs

Packing Cubes

Reusable Grocery Bags

Storage Totes

Window Shades

Water Storage

Toilet Paper

Garbage Bin

Lighter/Matches

Windshield Scraper

Medical Insurance

Car Registration

Car Insurance

Helpful Road Trip Resources

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

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

Essential Gear + Packing List = Perfect Road Trip 

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

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

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

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

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Noel Krasomil

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What to Pack for a Road Trip (+FREE Printable PDF Packing List)

Not sure what to pack for a road trip or just don’t want to forget any road trip must haves? I’ve got you covered with the ultimate road trip packing list with a FREE printable pdf checklist of everything you’ll need. This checklist is perfect for any road trip – whether doing a short day trip or a long cross country road trip.

My road trip essentials list includes everything you need for you and your vehicle as well as fun things to bring on a road trip. For anyone traveling with kids and/or pets, I have also included family and pet road trip essentials to keep them healthy and happy.

The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist

Road trip essential items (that should always be in your car!)

• Driver’s license, registration and insurance information
• Pen and paper
• Cash and coins (for tolls, parking meters or places that don’t accept credit cards)
• Paper map (I always like to bring a paper map just in case as a backup to GPS or my phone dies and I can’t access navigation apps)
• Smartphone (loaded with road trip apps like Google Maps)
• Cell phone car charger
• Extra set of car keys in case you get locked out
• Emergency road side assistance kit – this one by AAA is more affordable or splurge on this one
• Jumper cables, flashlight, duct tape , scissors, pocket knife or seat belt cutting tool if not part of your emergency kit
• Tire chains, ice scraper and snow shovel if traveling somewhere cold in the winter
• Extra gas in a can (just in case you run out of gas!)
• Sunglasses for everyone
• Blankets (for those that get cold from the AC or to keep warm if your car breaks down at night or in the winter)

Food, drink and snacks for your road trip

• Lots of water! (Keep some water both in the trunk and inside the car)
• Insulated water bottle (to keep your drinks cool and to fill up at water fountains)
• Food and snacks – Stock up on non-perishable road trip snacks ( granola bars , fruit, turkey jerky, nuts, dry cereal, popcorn, crackers, trail mix) but you can keep some food in the cooler as well.

Entertainment for road trips

• Travel journal and pen
• Books, audio books or kindle
• Music playlist (here is my free Spotify road trip playlist with the top road trip songs of all time)
• Road trip games ( Mad Libs on the Road , License Plate Game )

Health, safety and personal care essentials

• Face mask or other face covering to cover your nose and mouth when going inside a gas station, grocery store, convenience store or other indoor establishment
• First aid kit (band aids, pain reliever, allergy medicine, anti-nausea medicine, antacid tablets, cotton balls, q-tips)
• Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen because you can get sun damage from UVA rays (make sure to keep sunscreen in the car so that you can reapply)
• Disposable gloves for filling up at gas stations
• Essential medication and prescriptions
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
• Lip balm, lotion and other toiletries
• Scarf and extra sweater or fleece (to keep warm if the A/C is too chilly)
• Bug spray (I like this one because it is pocket sized)
• Body wipes for when you are not feeling fresh

Other recommended items for your road trip packing list

• Cell phone mount
• Car seat back organizer – This one has an insulated main compartment and this is a good one for kids
• Towels – Can be used as a seat cover, picnic blanket, to cleanup spills or dry off in an unexpected downpour.
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper in case you run into bathrooms without any!
• Plastic and trash bags
• Nail clippers & tweezers
• Reusable shopping bag for when you leave the car to buy snacks or souvenirs
• Day pack (tote or small backpack) – Handy for exploring your destination but also to keep inside the car with your personal items
• Camera – Make sure to keep a camera in the car. Also consider a GoPro for videos or instax camera
• Sun shade to keep your car cool while exploring
• Batteries for any devices you bring and external battery to recharge your electronics (this is one of my travel essential items for any trip!)

Family road trip checklist – if traveling with kids

• Tablet for each kid loaded with movies,books, educational apps and games (my nephew loves this kid friendly tablet )
• Headphones for each kid (my niece loves these headphones )
• Notebooks and colored pencils
• Change of clothes for babies younger children – keep in the car so they are easily accessible in case of spills or illness
• Extra formula/baby food/diapers for infants
• Favorite toys or stuffed animals

Pet road trip essentials – if bringing your pet along

• Leash, collar, tags
• Pet food and bowls
• Vaccination records and medication
• Bed or crate for the hotel room

What is on your roadtrip checklist?

Liked this packing list? Check out some of our other helpful travel essentials guides and packing lists:

• Carry On Bag Essentials List
• Beach Essentials Packing List
• Essential Things to Take to a Hostel
• Best Eco Friendly Travel Products & Accessories to Help You Travel Green
• Practical and Useful Travel Gifts That Every Traveler Needs

Related Posts

10 Comments

This list is a great resource! I take frequent road trips and I always carry a paper map as well. I learned my lesson on a cross country trip and we ran into several areas where our GPS lost satellite service. Crazy. I know. But now I carry an atlas in my minivan everywhere I go.

Before each trip, I think it is very important for us to plan our safe and comfortable road trip especially preparing car for our trip such as checking basic car features, making sure the tires are in good shape, packing first aid kit, tool-box and emergency numbers.

You’ve got some good tips there. I can pack really fast myself because I travel a lot. I just grab things and put them in my suitcase. I leave my ziplock bag ready so I can just grab that and it has everything in it I need.

I will be going on a road trip this weekend this article is perfect right now. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing so much information. Ideas like these are so useful for a travel freak like me. Looking forward to going for a road trip soon! 🙂

Great list. We’re going on a road trip next month around California so it’s really useful. We need to start making our playlist and downloading a few audiobooks to keep us entertained on the journey.

I should use this as my go-to list for my next road trip. This will help so much and prevent me from leaving my essentials.

Fantastic list! I keep forgetting bin bags lately. Definitely downloading the PDF so I remember everything next time! (Btw you should put your blog name on the PDF!)

Thanks that is a great idea. Will do it next time I revise the list.

Oh these are some really good tips, thanks for putting all together 🙂

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The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 50+ Road Trip Essentials You Need

There’s just something about packing for a road trip: flights and trains can certainly be exciting, but road trips signal, perhaps more than any other mode of transportation, that an adventure is coming–and it all starts with putting together the perfect road trip packing list and carefully loading the car.

Road trips are one of our favorite forms of travel: we’re traversed more than half of the US states on various road trips, as well as taken road trips in over a dozen countries on three continents.

From the majesty of the American southwest to the villages of Provence and Tuscany to a safari in South Africa to the cenotes of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula , we have never failed to fall in love with a destination when on a road trip.

We’ve put together this complete list of things to bring on a road trip to make sure your adventures on the open road also go off without a hitch–no matter where you’re headed after loading up the car with all your road trip essentials.

Here’s what to pack for a road trip!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Table of Contents

The Most Important Road Trip Essentials

Travel gear that you definitely need on your road trip packing list, other things to bring on a road trip, what to wear on a road trip, planning a trip.

Driver’s License — Obviously, you can’t pack for a road trip without your driver’s license!

International Driving Permit (If Applicable) — Depending on where you’re going on your road trip, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in your destination. These are easy to obtain (we always get ours at Triple-A) before leaving on your vacation.

Proof of Insurance (For the Car) — If you’re driving a rental car, this may or may not be covered by either your rental company, your credit card, or your travel insurance–but you’ll definitely want to know exactly what the expectations are before leaving!

Travel Insurance (For You) — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and an epic road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry. We use and recommend Safety Wing for most road trip destinations around the world.

Car Manual — Most rental cars will have a manual in the car by default, but if you’re taking your own car on a road trip, make sure your own is in the glove compartment! It’s possible you’ve never needed to look through it before, but it can be a lifesaver on a road trip, especially if you’re traveling in rural areas.

Rental Contract (If Applicable) — If you’re renting a car for your road trip, be sure to keep your rental contract handy–we generally keep ours in the glove compartment.

Roadside Emergency Kit — If you’re taking your own car on your road trip, hopefully you already have one of these packed and ready to go–but if not, now is the time to buy one! Basic roadside emergency kits are extremely useful, very affordable, and a great way to stay safe on the road.

Emergency Contact Information — Whether this is the phone number for Triple-A, the location emergency assistance number, or the phone number for roadside assistance offered by your rental company, you’ll definitely want to know exactly what to do in the event of a breakdown or an emergency before hitting the road.

Downloaded Maps — Online maps with real-time navigation are an enormous asset to any modern road trip–but they don’t work everywhere! Make sure to download your essential maps before heading off on a road trip.

Paper Maps — Similar to downloaded maps, paper maps can be a huge benefit when on a road trip! If your phone dies or you end up lost somewhere that your downloaded maps don’t cover, you’ll be so glad you threw a small, easy-to-pack road trip map into your car before you left.

Cash — Cash is still king on road trips–roadside restaurants, shops, and stalls around the world are generally quite likely to be cash-only establishments. Be sure to also keep small bills and change on hand to be able to easily cover tolls!

Extra Car Key — As someone who locked her keys in her car an embarrassing number of times as a young driver, I’m a huge proponent of adding an extra car key to your road trip packing list. You never know when you might need it!

Spare Tire — Generally speaking, your spare tire is probably already packed in your car–but it’s good to double-check it’s there and in good working order before setting off on a road trip. We once had a tire blow out on a road trip in Costa Rica, and that would definitely have been a huge interruption to our trip if the spare tire wasn’t there!

Sunglasses — Protect your eyes: comfortable sunglasses are definitely important road trip essentials!

Travel Pillow — We’ve never been on a road trip where the passenger(s) didn’t want to curl up and take a nap at some point!

Blanket — Similar to a travel pillow, a blanket can keep everyone much cozier on a road trip (especially if people disagree about the ideal temperature for the car). As a bonus, it can double as a picnic blanket if need be!

Camera — We absolutely adore our our Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works–just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories!

Extra USB Cables and/or Phone Charging Cables — Whether it’s to charge your phone, your camera, or even your portable USB charger, odds are that you’ll be glad to have a few extra cables lying around.

Windshield Shade — Growing up with summer temperatures that regularly topped 100 F, these handy things were daily driving essentials–and while it probably wouldn’t be practical to pack one for an international trip, if you’re traveling your own vehicle during the summer, we absolutely consider these handy things road trip essentials.

Reusable Water Bottle(s) — Cut down on plastic waste, save money, and make sure you don’t have to stop for water constantly: a reusable water bottle has lots of benefits on a road trip. We personally love and use these .

Water Jug — In addition to reusable water bottles, throwing a multi-gallon water jug in the back of your car when packing for a road trip can also save money, plastic waster, and time.

Travel Mug — Want to keep coffee, tea, or even soup warm on a road trip? An insulated travel mug can help!

Travel Cooler — We love having a cooler with us on road trips and try to bring one with us whenever we can. We’ve eaten everything from chicken tacos to sandwiches to chili our of ours, and love being able to bring a variety of homecooked and (occasionally) healthy snacks with us on longer trips!

Toilet Paper — We’ve lost count of how many roadside restrooms we’ve found that aren’t stocked with toilet paper–and yes, that includes at home in the United States! Odds are good that at some point, you’ll be immensely glad you added toilet paper to your list of things to pack for a road trip.

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable. Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Disinfectant Wipes — Whether to clean up spills, prevent illness, or both, adding disinfectant wipes to your list of road trip essentials is definitely a good idea.

Sunscreen — Keep your skin safe from sun exposure both in and out of the car by adding sunscreen to your road trip packing list!

Towel — From rainstorms to impromptu swimming opportunities, there are plenty of chances for a towel to come in handy on a road trip.

First Aid Kit — Even a small first aid kit will greatly improve your ability to handle small injuries and illnesses on the road, especially if you’re headed to rural areas. Be sure to add a first aid kit to your road trip packing list!

Reading Material — As much as I adore having beautiful books lined up on shelves, let’s face it–carrying around heavy, bulky books while packing and unpacking during a road trip is way too much of a hassle.

Hands-Free Phone Mount — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your road trip. Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Trash Bag — Even if you’re making a conscious effort to reduce waste, trash still has a way of piling up in the car during a road trip. Keep things organized from the start by adding a trash bag to your list of what to bring on a road trip!

Napkins/Paper Towels — This might be as simple as checking to make sure the stash of fast-food napkins in your glovebox is sufficiently stocked or it may include buying a roll of paper towels–but either way, make sure you have something to clean up (somewhat inevitable) messes as you pack for a road trip!

Road Trip Playlist — Obviously, any road trip packing list requires a long playlist! Be sure to download some music to play offline–if you end up somewhere without signal, odds are the radio station choices will be very limited too.

I use them regularly, and if things get really bad, take some Non-Drowsy Dramamine as well.

Slip-On Shoes — Tying and retying shoelaces gets annoying  really  fast when on a road trip, especially if you prefer bare feet during long car rides. Make things simple and wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take on and off during your road trip!

Flashlight — A flashlight is one of the most useful road trip safety items out there, and they’re very affordable and easy to pack!

Basic Medication  — Some people prefer to buy medication for basic headaches, fevers, and stomach aches as needed, but who wants to deal with shopping when they’re sick? We’ve never regretted packing our own basic meds.

Snacks — We mentioned bringing a cooler earlier on this road trip packing list–but don’t forget to also stock it with your favorite road trip food !

Umbrella — Option A: Plan on buying an umbrella when it starts pouring down rain. Option B: Plan ahead and buy a (probably much sturdier) umbrella before leaving. Option C: Hope you get lucky with the weather. In our opinion, Option B is definitely the best!

Road Trip Games — Perfect road trip activities for kids … or just adults who want to entertain themselves.

After all, friends’ or couples’ road trip activities should include plenty of games, too!

Laundry Bag — In addition to making it easy to separate your dirty clothes from your clean one, adding a laundry bag to your list of things to bring on a road trip can also make loading and unloading the car much easier if you’re frequently changing hotels–no need to bring dirty clothes up to the room each night if you can just leave them in the trunk of your car!

Winter Safety Gear — A list of road trip essentials for winter weather really requires a whole separate post–but if you’re headed into freezing (or potentially freezing) conditions, don’t forget to pack an ice scraper at the very least. Tire chains may also be necessary, depending on where exactly you’re going.

When it comes to what to wear on a road trip, comfort is king! 

I usually opt for leggings , a comfortable t-shirt, and a light jacket in case I get cold in the car (which is often). In very hot climates I might wear a comfortable dress like this .

Jeremy usually opts for shorts and a t-shirt.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 50+ Road Trip Essentials You Need”

The photos are beautiful, and I would like to have seen a description of where they were taken so I can get more inspiration of where to go. Thank you!

I’m happy to answer any questions about specific photos! 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST FOR FAMILIES

Road Trip Essentials for the Car

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

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

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

Emergency Vehicle Kit

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

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

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

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

What to pack “Just in Case”

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

Add these to your road trip with kids checklist:

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

Family First Aid Kit Essentials

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

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

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

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

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

Family Road Trip Essentials

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

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

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

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

Entertainment Essentials

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

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

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

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

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

Kids Road Trip Essentials: Road Trip Activities for Kids

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

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

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

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

Comfort Items

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

Bring Road Trip Snacks & Meals

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

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

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

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

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

🚙 Check out our delicious road trip snack ideas .

Road Trip Packing List: Clothing

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

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

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

What NOT To Pack for A Family Road Trip

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

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

Road Trip Destinations:

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

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

Free Road Trip Checklists for Families

FINAL THOUGHTS: What to Pack for A Family Road Trip

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

When making your packing list, ask yourself:

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

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

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

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Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 60+ Essentials (With a Free Checklist)

In this Article

Nothing says family vacation in the US quite like a road trip. They are an affordable way for American families to transport 3.1 children to the beach, the mountains, or Grandma’s house. So it’s no surprise that nearly 70% of all American family vacations are road trips.

But packing for a road trip can be overwhelming, especially when you are packing for kids and pets in addition to yourself. whether you plan to drive from coast to coast or travel just a few hours to visit family, this road trip packing list will help ensure you don’t forget any of the essentials..

When “ The Bigs ” (my three oldest kids) were little, it was easy for the four of us to pile into the car and take off on a two-week-long road trip at least once a year. We called it our “big adventure,” and we tackled one unanimously selected region of the US at a time.

From Mount Rushmore to the American Southwest to the Land of Lincoln to driving the Pacific Coast Highway, it was nothing but us, the big open road, and an unquenchable sense of adventure.

With The Bigs off at college, road trips today are limited to just Louise (currently 14) and me. While the car is a lot emptier (and quieter) than in years past, our road trip essentials checklist remains constant.

Road Trip Packing List

Put packing for your road trip on auto-pilot with this free packing list.

Please check your email for your copy of the ultimate road trip packing list. 

Do You Love to Road Trip?

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To help offset the costs of running EverydayWanderer.com, you’ll find affiliate links lightly sprinkled throughout the site.   If you choose to make a purchase via   one of these links , there’s no additional cost to you, but I’ll earn a teeny tiny commission.   You can read all of the legal blah blah blah (as my little niece says) on the   full disclosure page .

Road Trip Packing List for the Journey

Sage Advice:  If you’re driving a long distance on your road trip, be sure to check out these helpful tips .

Paper Map  – Half the fun of a road trip vacation is all the memories you make along the way. So ensure things go smoothly on the road less traveled even if your digital maps stop working or are out of cell/satellite range. Download your route from Google, pack an atlas , or buy a map for the destinations you’ll be visiting.

Sage Advice:  If you are a AAA member, be sure to take full advantage of the free maps and travel guides that come with your annual membership when packing for a road trip.

Cash and Coins  – While more and more toll roads and parking meters offer a credit card or digital payment option, some places still require old-school cash and coins .  

Notebook and Pen or Pencil  – Whether you want to keep a travel journal or need to exchange insurance information with another driver, toss these pre-Internet communication devices in the glove box so you have them if you need them.P

Trash Bags  – Whether you stash a few plastic grocery store bags or bring a small roll from home, these come in handy for storing everything from wet clothes to, um, trash.

Reusable Shopping Bag  – Great for toting snacks from the car to a picnic table during a pit stop or carting  a few souvenirs to the car.

Flashlight and/or Lantern – Even if your roadside emergency kit contains a flashlight, it’s always a good idea to store at least one more. I keep a  small flashlight  stashed in the glove compartment and at least one  camping lantern-style flashlight in the trunk.

I also pack my BioLite Alpenglow lantern . About the size of a coffee cup, this lightweight portable lantern has been a life saver when the power has gone out in my hotel room. It’s also been a comforting nightlight for my daughter.

Headlamp  – One of my best tips I can share is to pack a few headlamp lights on your road trip. From unloading the car after arriving at your destination after the sun goes down to making s’mores over a campfire, it provides hands free illumination like no flashlight or lantern can.

Sage Advice:   Don’t forget to pack enough AA, AAA, and other batteries needed to power your flashlights and other electronics for the duration of your road trip.

Road Trip Packing List for Your Passengers

Emergency Contact Information – Nothing on this comprehensive list is more important than the passengers who travel with you. I believe that preparing for the worst means that everything will go smoothly. So print out emergency contact information for your parents, siblings, or whoever else you’d want contacted if something horrible were to happen on your journey.

First Aid Kit  – Similar to the roadside emergency kit for your car, this kit is for the people and pets along for the ride. I like  this first aid kit  because it’s fully stocked and in a hard plastic (rather than soft-sided) case. But you can easily make your own first aid kit by filling any container with bandages, pain reliever, burn cream, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, a thermometer, a pair of safety scissors, antacid tablets, and antihistamine. I also keep motion sickness pills in my first aid kit, because my daughter Charlotte tends to throw up at least once every road trip.

Yucky Bucket  – Charlotte, the one who always gets car sick, is now a freshman in college. But we still plan for her to have motion sickness when we travel. (And, yes, we still call it a “yucky bucket” from when she was a toddler.)

Most Essential of Oils  – Because they help clean cuts, heal burns, and keep seasonal allergies at bay, I never travel without  these three essential oils .

Bug Spray and Sunscreen  – Keep your passengers (and their fearless driver) free of bug bites and avoid sunburn during your road trip.

Sunglasses and Hat  – Keep the sun further at bay with these road trip essentials.

Umbrella and Rain Ponchos  – From a spring shower in the  Arizona desert  to a torrential downpour in the Midwest, it’s hard to know what Mother Nature has planned every day of your journey. And without these road trip essentials, it can be a chilly and uncomfortable ride until you can properly dry off.

Blankets and Pillows  – Since I’m always the one behind the wheel, I forget about these road trip necessities. But my kids don’t. I can always count on them to have a full-sized pillow and comfy blanket with them in the car.

Sage Advice:   Get more into each passenger’s suitcase by using  compression packing cubes .

Related Article:    14 Super Easy Ways to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

Road trip essentials for four-legged friends.

Spoil your fur baby with treats, toy, and more from

If at least one of your road trip companions is a furry, four-legged friend, then don’t forget to pack:

• A leash, collar, and name tag with your contact information
• Vaccination records, especially proof of a rabies shot
• Pet food and bowls
• Bed or crate
• Seat Belt Harness

Sage Advice:  If you plan on traveling with your dog, be sure to check out this petiquette guide. It details  dog etiquette rules for traveling  with your four-legged best friend to ensure a “pawsitive” experience for all.

Road Trip Packing List for Your Entertainment

Phone Chargers and Car Adapters  – From navigating your journey to capturing photo memories along the way, you need your phone to be fully charged and ready to work hard for you. One of the ways your phone can work hard for you is by leveraging these  road trip planner apps .

External Battery  – What I like most about  this power bank  is that two road trippers can quickly recharge at once.

Road Trip Playlist  – From Katy Perry’s  California Gurls  to Taylor Swift’s  Welcome to New York  and from Blake Shelton ’s  Sunny in Seattle  to Will Smith’s  Miami , the right tunes can help the miles fly by fast.

Tablets Loaded with Movies and Games  – Before you hit the highway, be sure your  Netflix shows and movies are fully downloaded and your digital games are ready for the road. (My current Netflix addiction is  Schitt’s Creek , so…)

Sage Advice:   To help everyone enjoy the movie, music, or game of his or her choice without 100 decibels of distraction circling the driver, be sure to pack a set of headphones for each passenger.

Audio Books  – These digital discoveries are the best thing to happen to road trips since cruise control. No matter who is riding shotgun, there will be a point in your road trip when you need a break from each other. (When I traveled with my teenage daughters, that moment often arrived at the end of our driveway.) Nothing makes endless miles of open road move  faster than an audio book !

When the kids were younger, we loved listening to the adventures of the Cahill family in  The 39 Clues  series together. Now that it’s usually just Louise and me in the car, we both disappear into our own stories via our phones. See, another reason you want to keep your phone charged!

Sage Advice: Here are 20+ of the best audiobooks for family road trips .

Games  – If you want to digitally disconnect, but you’re not up for a rousing chorus of  100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall , then be sure to plan or pack road trip games. If there were an Olympic event for license plate bingo , I’d have a gold medal. At least that’s what I always tell my kids. (And, yes, they usually roll their eyes, just like you’d expect.)

Sage Advice:   Spot the state and color the plate with this  free license plate bingo download .  

For a more traditional game that isn’t too tough to play in a moving vehicle, we love the  Five Second Rule Game . I picked it up for a road trip with my sister and nieces, and it’s harder than you think to come up with three related items in five seconds or less!

Road Trip Packing List for Your Belly

Drinks and Containers  – From a  reusable water bottle  to a travel coffee mug, be sure you are prepared to stay hydrated (and caffeinated) on your journey.

Collapsible Car Cooler  – We keep everything from drinks to snacks to my son’s medication in a collapsible cooler that fits easily around us in the car on road trips.

Food and Snacks  – In the cooler, we pack cut vegetables (like celery and carrot sticks), hard-boiled eggs, and yogurt. Our favorite snacks that don’t have to stay chilled include nuts (like almonds and cashews), apples, bananas, peanut butter (to eat with the celery or fruit), and granola bars.

Related Article: My Favorite (Mostly Healthy) Road Trip Snacks

Sage Advice:   Don’t forget to pack a small paring knife to slice apples, share something with a road trip companion, or open tricky packaging. It’s also a good idea to tuck some paper plates, napkins, and a tablecloth in your vehicle for tailgate and picnic table snack breaks.

Related Article:    8 Ways to Eat Healthy While Traveling

Road trip essentials for winter travel.

While the majority of Americans embark on road trips between Memorial Day and Labor Day when kids are out of school for the summer, there are plenty of road trips tied to Thanksgiving, winter holidays, and the ski slopes. If you’re traveling  during the winter months , be sure to add winter travel necessities to your road trip packing list. Don’t forget tire chains, a small bag of sand or kitty litter, extra blankets, and  warming packs .

Related Article: Winter Road Trip Essentials

What’s on your packing list for road trips.

Do you like to road trip? Is there anything you’d add to this comprehensive list? Share your advice in the comments section below.

Ready to Go? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

• Find low fares with  airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
• Book your plane ticket with   Expedia or Kayak
• Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
• From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo  
• Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
• Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS , Tiqets , and Viator
• Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
• Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
• Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!

Thank you for sharing!

24 thoughts on “Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 60+ Essentials (With a Free Checklist)”

I can tell these are mom tested and approved. 🙂 I love it. I especially love the practical tips, like an extra set of car keys…so important!

Was it the yucky bucket that gave it away? 🙂

Great advice you cover it all. My favorite is your Sage advice! Very clever.

Thanks so much! (I am pretty proud of my “Sage advice” concept!) 🙂

What a great packing list. Sounds like you are definitely the voice of experience here. I love that you included and linked to your own recipe for hand sanitizer. Happy Trails to you and yours!

Thanks! I love that hand sanitizer recipe!

I love the audiobooks part! A definite necessity since you can’t rely on the radio!

Right?!? The miles just fly by with a good audiobook!

Great list and I appreciate that you included road trip essentials for your car on the list. Sometimes people forget that their car should be included on their check list and packing list for their car to ensure a smooth road trip. Keeping things on the list will allow us to handle the situation better on the road. Another thing that I do for my car before a road trip is by bringing it to my trusted car shop to have it checked for possible repair and maintenance. Doing this will lessen the chances of experiencing an unexpected car breakdown while having a road trip. Also, it will give us peace of mind knowing that our vehicle is in good condition. A few days ago, I also found a similar blog post but this is focus on car’s checking before hitting the road. You might want to check it, here’s the link: https://blog.beepbeep.ph/road-trip-essentials/

What a great travel list! A couple of things I would add for the pup’s list…a harness for extra safety when traveling as some dogs may slip their collars. It is also a good idea to hook them into the seat belt on the back of their harness rather than their collar for neck protection. If you are hiking or doing outside activities in hotter weather, you may want to consider paw protection for your pup. We like MuttLuks, but now there are many boots on the market to choose from. (Something to consider for ice and snow also).

These are great additions to the pet list! I wish I’d known about MuttLuks when my old golden, Kavanaugh, climbed A Mountain in Las Cruces with us a few years back. My poor boy got a cactus needle stuck in his paw. Poor thing!

This surely seems like an extensive list! I always have so much problem packing and always end up forgetting one thing or the other. I feel having a list will definitely be helpful.

Checklists work like a charm for this momma! 🙂

Great list! I’d love to do a long road trip in the near future, so I’ll keep these things in mind!

You KNOW I love my road trips, and this is a fantastic list! I also pack a bucket of homemade trail mix with a few individual-sized containers that we can refill. I also put the grocery bag in a plastic container (cereal or pet food) to keep it from getting trampled on and spilling. Now excuse me while I go plan another adventure.

Outstanding additions to the list from the Road Trippin’ Queen! 🙂

I love roadtrips, especially when I am not the one driving, tee-hee 🙂 Great tips, and if you have roadtrip tips for pre-ados, pretty please make a post about it. My two pre-ados are by far the hardest passengers to entertain XD

How old are your kiddos?

I LOVE road trips, every year my husband and I are sure to take at least one! Now that we have a little one on the way, I’m so glad that I read your post! I’m the person who never forgets a single snack, but definitely forgets all of the essentials. I am especially never prepared for snow. So, the idea of the ice scraper is a must. I should probably always just leave it in my car so I never have to think about it! I like the idea of doing a two week trip to one region of the US. The Southwest is high on my list! Thanks for sharing!

Congrats on your little one on the way! I highly recommend a road trip in the Southwest in the spring. Absolutely gorgeous! Maybe you can sneak one in as a “babymoon” before your wee one arrives?

I love roadtrips and have enjoyed a few in the USA, it’s such a GREAT country to self-drive, with wide open roads, not too much traffic once you’re out of the big cities, and the most wonderful vistas and natural landscapes. We’ve also found some amazing places to stay and eaten well too. The first time I visited was with my parents, and the packing was a big deal, for sure, your list is going to be a huge help for first timers. We definitely missed some things out but of course, we could find and buy them from local stores once we landed.

I’m always exited to find a fellow road tripper. Yes, our roads (and vehicles) are way wider (and bigger) than what I experience in Europe. That’s for sure! 🙂

Food is definitely a priority for us! And entertainment gadgets! These are great checklists for people!

I have a soft spot for fellow travelers who make food a top priority! 🙂

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Home » Gear » road trip packing list

Your ESSENTIAL Road Trip Packing List for 2024!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s get to it!

Why you should prepare for a Road Trip

Best 10 road trip essentials, roadtrip checklist for car care, car camping essentials, essentials for specific road trips, road trip packing list – tips and tricks, road trip faq, faq about the best road trip packing list, final road trip thoughts.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

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

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

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

1. First Aid Kit

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

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

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

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

3. Aux Cord

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

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

4. Phone mount

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

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

5. Roadside Emergency Kit

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

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

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

6. Driver’s License

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

7. Roadside Assistance

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

8. Spare Keys

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

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

9. Registration or Rental Agreement:

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

10. Water bottle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hygienic Things to Pack on a Road Trip

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

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

Skin Care on a Road Trip

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

Which Clothing to Bring on a Road Trip

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

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

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

Winter Road Trip Essential Clothing

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

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

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

Road Trip Packing List – Kitchen Edition

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

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

Keeping Your Car Clean and Tidy

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

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

What Food to Bring on a Road Trip

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

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

Food Storage for a Road Trip Packing List

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

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Camping Road Trip Packing List

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

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

Packing for a Digital Nomad Road Trip

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

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

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

Packing for a Fun Road Trip

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

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

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much will a road trip cost?

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

Is it legal to sleep in parking lots?

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

How often should I take a break?

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

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

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

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

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

What should I bring on a long road car trip?

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

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

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

Should you get an extra car insurance for a roadtrip?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Travel-Tested Road Trip Packing List Essentials: Your Complete Guide

You’re planning to hit the road and need a complete road trip packing list with all the travel-tested road trip essentials for a successful trip. Well, you’re in the right place!

We all know the main reason most people love a road trip, flexibility and being in control of the journey. But, the next biggest reason is getting to pack whatever and however much we want.

Vacation without bag fees or having to throw away oversized toiletries. Amen to that!

The good news is I’ve driven across the country multiple times, to all 48 continental states, and across Canada. (This doesn’t include road tripping internationally, either.)

And, along the way, I’ve made more  road trip mistakes  than I can count. But, I’ve also learned A LOT, too, and I’ve put it all together in this mega guide about what to pack for a road trip.

You can fill your car with whatever and however much you want, but if don’t have the road trip supplies you need for a successful trip, things can go south quickly.

Plan to Rent a Car for Your Road Trip?

I always search rental car costs on a site like  Kayak  because it compares prices from multiple sites all at once. It’s quick and I can easily see the best deals for my dates and pick-up location. 

Road Trip Essentials for Your Car

When planning a road trip, there are road trip necessities for both you and your car. Let’s start with the car. After all, it doesn’t matter how comfortable you are if there are car troubles, right?

First and foremost, whether you’re driving your car or a rental, don’t leave without having these road trip car essentials.

• Driver’s License
• Car Registration and Insurance Information
• Extra Car Key…not on the same key ring
• AAA Membership and/or Phone Number(s) for Roadside Assistance
• Spare Tire…with a tire jack and tools to change a flat
• Water Resistant Flashlight …coincidental that car trouble always happens at night, in the rain??

No one wants to break down and certainly many road-trippers have fun, incident-free adventures. But, it still pays to be prepared. Don’t leave home without a  roadside emergency kit .

Even though you may have some of these items at home, like an air compressor or materials to repair a tire, I like having a complete kit. Not only is it convenient, it likely includes things you didn’t think of and is expertly packed to save space.

If you’re driving in remote areas, like  driving in Utah  where there are long stretches without gas stations, you may also want to have these supplies.

• Quart of Oil
• Jug of Coolant or Water
• Wiper Fluid
• Portable Gas Container …great peace of mind when the next gas station isn’t for a long time!

A winter road trip packing list should also include things to keep you safe from snow and ice.

• Ice Scraper…not fun doing this by hand!
• Tire Chains

What to Bring on a Road Trip: Basic Must-Haves

Before getting into a list of must-have road trip items, there are 2 that deserve a special call-out.

First , every successful road trip includes a  paper map like this .

Smartphone apps like Google Maps and Maps.me are great, but when you lose service in remote spots, like in places along an Oregon Coast road trip , and your maps aren’t downloaded, the ability to get step-by-step directions disappears, too. Absolutely use the apps, but have a paper map, too.

Get a map with roads, landmarks, and information for an entire region instead of just 1 area. It’s perfect for those spontaneous whims along the way!

Second , it’s important to bring a  First Aid Kit . Obvious, I know. But, not having what you need for an injury can ruin an entire day of your trip.

Besides these road trip basics and whether your trip is long or short, solo or as a family, you’ll want to also have these things in the car.

• Car Phone Charger …works with your USB cord if your car doesn’t have one already…or even if it does and you just want more USB ports to keep everyone smiling.
• Power Inverter …with AC outlets and USB ports
• Hands-Free Phone Mount …safety + easy-to-see Google Maps for navigation = WIN!
• Portable Charger …when there are more devices in the car than charging ports or you’re on the go outside of the car
• Garbage Bag…or a  car garbage bin  that doesn’t just collect trash but also protects against leaks
• Roll of Toilet Paper…not all rest stops are created equal
• Hand Sanitizer
• Body/Baby Wipes
• Bug Spray…nothing worse than getting bit while out of the car stretching your legs
• Paper Money and Coins…for parking meters, air pump at gas stations, tolls, broken ATMs, laundromats, etc.
• Gas, Dining, and Travel Rewards Credit Card(s)…Whether you earn cash back, miles, or points, make sure the money you spend on this trip is helping you earn for the next one.
• Electronic Toll Pass…if applicable where you’re driving

Let’s switch gears (couldn’t help myself!) away from the car and think about you and the other people on this road trip. These next sections are broken up into road trip necessities lists that cover being comfortable in the car, entertainment, personal items, and food.

Things to Bring on a Road Trip to Keep Everyone Feeling Cozy

Keeping everyone in the car happy and relaxed is so important! Snacks, entertainment, and interesting sights won’t be of much help if you’re not comfortable. So, be sure to stock the car with these things you need for a road trip.

• Extra Layer of Clothing…I always keep one of  these fleeces  handy. They’re perfect for hiking, temperature changes, and when someone blasts the AC.
• Blanket or  Sleeping Bag …versatility (think picnic blanket) and a (possible) rolled-up space-saver
• Travel Pillow…here’s  my favorite.
• UV Window Shades
• Sunglasses …can’t drive without mine. Plus, I love these for their functionality whether I’m heading to the mountains or the beach.
• Travel Cup …coffee to-go, a must!
• Reusable Water Bottle…like  these bestsellers
• Water…in bulk with a spout to avoid spills
• Pain Killer…headache, body ache, etc.
• Hand Lotion
• Towel(s)…sudden rainstorm, someone actually jumps in a lake, etc.
• Mints and/or Gum

Road Trip Essentials List – Entertainment to Keep Everyone Smiling

From iSpy to the License Plate game to high-tech gear and gadgets, take your road trip entertainment as seriously as things to pack for a road trip! It can be an all-out sanity saver, especially for families with kids.

Of course, recording and capturing the journey is half the fun. In addition to a smartphone camera, I always have one of my favorite travel cameras .

When I travel with my nieces and nephews, they love to bring  this instant camera ! If your road trip is packed with action-packed adventure, you may also want to bring along an  action camera  as I do.

Unless you have satellite radio, you can almost bet you’ll lose a clear radio signal at least once on your drive. What’s more, you’re likely to go through stretches where only a couple of stations come through and the chances of them playing all your favorite songs are slim to forget about it.

This means it’s all about playlists!  You’ll want to make sure there’s a variety of music that’ll keep the whole car happy.

Amazon Music  and  Spotify  give you access to millions of songs that can be grouped into playlists and downloaded onto your device so you can listen without an internet connection and/or save data from the road. Plus, both offer free trials, free plans, and even super cheap promotions for premium so you can test them out before your trip.

Similarly, subscribe to some podcasts through your device’s Podcast app. Be sure to download the episodes before you leave home or from wifi so you can listen to them with streaming data. My favorite road trip podcast is Radiolab!

If you’d prefer longer in-depth stories,  Audible  and  Audiobooks.com  have huge libraries, also with free books as part of a free trial. Download books for hours of any time listening!

Don’t want to bother the whole car with whatever you’re listening to?

Bring  headphones  and a  splitter   to share your music, podcast, or audiobook with only those who want it. And, no matter what you’re listening to take it with you on a picnic outside the car with one of  these portable speakers

And, whether you want to read in the car, around the campfire, or in your hotel room, save space in the car with a  Kindle  or download the Kindle App to  any device . You can  purchase a few books   or  try Kindle Unlimited free .

Of course, road trip must-haves aren’t all electronic. Non-electronic options are great for all-important laughs, memories, and bonding, not to mention how relaxing it can be to disconnect for a while!

Consider these group and family activities to make the time on those long stretches of road fly!

• Loaded Questions …for family, friends, and smart pets 
• Scavenger Hunt
• Mad Libs …always a classic!
• Map Games …a bestseller!
• Travel Journals and Coloring

Road Trip Clothing and Personal Item Tips

How to pack for a road trip is not like packing for other trips. To start, you need clothes that’ll be comfortable to wear in the car for a long-distance and clothes for wherever you’re going.

I like to wear my  leggings  and flip-flops in the car, but I have  hiking pants  and  hiking boots  for outdoor adventures.

Second, you may or may not want to store your clothes and personal items in a traditional suitcase. Here are a few road trip packing tips.

• Duffel Bags and  backpacks  hold as much as a suitcase but can be squished into smaller places in the car.
• If you’re planning to make multiple short (1-2 night) stops, pack a  daypack  with just the things you need for an overnight stay. It’ll also come in handy for day hikes or day trips.
• Use  packing cubes  to organize clothes and just grab the cubes you need from the car.
• Similarly, use drawers to pack and then just  pull the drawer  you need instead of lugging all your things from the car.
• For campground, rest stop, and even hotel bathrooms, a  hanging toiletry tote bag  can help keep your items organized and away from less-than-sparkling sinks and toilets.

As for the specifics of what to take on a road trip,  pack clothes with you to match your destination, the activities you want to do, and the weather.  

Heading to the beach? Going to a National Park to hike? Roadtripping in winter or fall and need warmer layers?

Clothes should feel good to wear, have multi-purposes, and be worn a few times. I never pack a shirt if I can only wear it once. Packing wisely also might mean going with a specific color palette. It’ll be easier to mix and match pieces and make different outfits with fewer pieces of clothing.

If you plan to hike, here are some ideas about what to wear on a hike and a few hiking essentials you might want to consider.

And just as your car will need a few important things if you are road-tripping in the winter, you will need to know what to wear on a winter hike to stay safe and warm.

Aside from what to wear on a road trip, your road trip list should include these personal items as well.

• Sunscreen …if you have highly sun-sensitive skin like me , this is my SPF go-to. 
• Mosquito Repellent …this is my go-to bug spray whether I’m road-tripping in Colorado or camping in Africa .
• Scarf…I take one on every trip because they’re so versatile.
• Prescriptions
• Flip Flops…camping out + late night bathroom break = Happy to have slip-on shoes
• Laundry Bag
• Tide To-Go Pen
• Hairbrush and Hair ties
• Hat…baseball, sun, hiking, they all do the job of giving some shade

Road Trip Food List and Eating Accessories

Is driving on an empty stomach agony for you, too? It’s as if every hunger pang is multiplied by 100. Neither is it fun or practical to have to search for food every time someone in the car needs some grub.

If you’re  road tripping in Arizona , for example, you could be searching for a rest stop with snacks for quite some time in the more remote corners of the state!

Have a plan for your road trip food strategy.

• Do you plan to mostly eat out in your destinations and just need snacks for the ride? Then, a  cooler bag  that is easy to carry and stuffs away when not in use makes the most sense.
• Do you need more food storage for meals, camping, or a more budget-friendly road trip? Consider a  larger cooler  you can refill with food and ice at local grocery stores. Or perhaps skip the hassle of ice and go with an  iceless cooler  powered by a charge from your car.
• If you want to be completely self-sufficient, preparing your own meals from the road, this  portable grill  is the perfect set-up along with a few of these road trip ready chairs.

You’ll also need some basic food storage and eating items.

• Zippered Plastic Baggies
• Food Storage Containers …different sizes and stackable
• Toothpicks…great for grabbing small bites of food
• Reusable Shopping Bag…all-purpose, really, but good for groceries

The food to pack for a road trip doesn’t have to be unhealthy snack packs like you’d find in a rest-stop gas station. Here’s a list of road trip snacks that are delicious, satisfying, and (mostly) nutritious.

• Granola Bars
• Pretzels/Popcorn/Chips
• Protein/Energy Bars
• Dried Fruit
• Cheese Sticks
• Fresh Fruit & Veggies…things that don’t need to be cut like grapes, oranges, blueberries, apples, baby carrots, grape tomatoes, etc.
• Drink Packets & Tea Bags…easy to mix with water.
• Canned Tuna…with an easy-open can
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Sliced Meat
• Jarred Vegetables….marinated or pickled
• Sliced Bread
• Peanut/Almond/Sunflower Butter
• Juice Boxes

You’ll notice this list doesn’t include bottles of water. It’s cheaper (and not to mention less plastic waste) to buy larger gallons and jugs of water to refill your reusable water bottle.

Miscellaneous Things to Take on a Road Trip

Finally, these last road trip supplies to consider for those unexpected jams, when you need to make the most of your space, and whether or not you’re camping out.

• Duct Tape…seriously can fix almost anything at least temporarily
• Swiss Army Knife …tools for many situations
• Trunk Organizer
• Rooftop Cargo
• Tent …only necessary if you’ll be camping. (I also always bring a  sleeping pad  camping, too.)

If you’re planning to camp and spend a lot of time outdoors, check out this outdoor lovers gear guide and this road trip gift guide for more ideas.

Your road trip list of things to bring is the key to a successful trip. Being prepared means being able to handle any number of situations without them getting in the way of your road trip travel plans.

What’s on your road trip packing checklist?

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38 thoughts on “travel-tested road trip packing list essentials: your complete guide”.

Hi, I work for a magazine called momaha magazine in Omaha. It’s part of The Omaha World-Herald. We would love to mention some of your must haves in an article we are doing on traveling. Would that be OK if we credit you?

Thanks for reading, Marjie. I appreciate you asking and have no problem the mention and credit. 🙂 Thanks so much for asking!

While starting off a road trip it would be much better to select a luxury car which is capable of handling bumps and rigorous roads , moreover renting a car will not only be more affordable but it will also save your time. Here are some road trip essentials that you must consider before going on the journey: Spare tire Driver’s license Car Jack Snacks Phone charger Water Car Registration and insurance information

Thanks for the tips, Sheena. I’ve never rented a luxury vehicle and have had many successful road trips. I do always recommend renting the right type of vehicle for where you’ll be driving. Thanks so much for reading!

These are get tips! Very thorough! I’m taking a smaller road trip, just though most of Florida here and there to the keys. These tips will still help a great deal

Thanks for reading, Sean! A road trip through the Florida Keys sounds fantastic. Enjoy!

Great article with good advice. I love road trips and have traveled the length and breath of South Africa and neighboring countries. I live in Johannesburg, South Africa and more recently take regular trips to the coast (550km away). Our experience over the past 35 years has been that the way we drive and stops changed depending on the children’s ages, the route, destination and type of vehicle we used. Most importantly it is attitude. Since they were young we created excitement by pretending to be lost, especially if it was dusk or dark. Stories of wild animals worked well.

Breakdowns can also be adventures, provided you are prepared. Unfortunately, If I am not prepared I get irritable and aggressive but my wife knows how to deal with me.

Lastly, on our last trip over the Easter weekend, the roads were closed several times along the way due to accidents. What should have been a 5 and half hour trip took us 13 hours. Longest being a 5 hour stop on a National Route that had to be closed at the toll gates for the accidents ahead to be cleared. Glad that we had bought food and drinks before leaving Durban (additional food for the children’s supper and school lunch the next day).

Main Roads in SA are well maintained, most routes are serviced with garages and food outlets. Very scenic options. But try to stay off the roads at night as a safety measure. [PERSONAL INFORMATION EDITED OUT]

Thanks for reading, Mohamed, and for the tips on road tripping in South Africa.

I’m going on a road trip from Bozeman, MT, to Portland, OR (via Seattle) with my sister in June and was glad to find your article. It’s good to have all that information in one place. Thanks!

Thanks for reading! 🙂 Hope you have a great road trip. I love that part of the country.

Where is that hilly road? We want to try it out for ourselves!!

Thanks for reading, Aurora. It’s Highway 212 in Lithonia. 🙂

This is great, thank you! Off to the South of France on Thursday in my little mini convertible 🙂

Amazing!! Enjoy and thanks for reading, Jenna. 🙂

WARNING about the portable coolers that charge through your car charger: I’m a medical courier & have been stuck on the road with a dead battery many times & I’ve burned through several new batteries in a short period of time because of such coolers that will charge like your phone, through the car. Using that equipment was incredibly straining to the car’s battery even while driving. And if you happen to forget & leave the cooler plugged in to the charger overnight, then it’s guaranteed you’re gonna need a jump the next morning,

Thanks for reading and sharing, GP. Definitely have to unplug the cooler when the car is not running because it will drain the battery otherwise.

Audio books are free through your local library, there is an app for that. Wanted to print this out, to use it. But at 30 pages, nevermind. Oh well. Thanks for the nice read though!

Thanks for reading, Julie. Yes, you can get Audiobooks through many local libraries. Thanks for the reminder!

Thank you so much for the tips Jackie! I am going to be heading to the beach soon and the road trip will be about 8-9 hours. I am excited! We will be there over my younger brothers birthday. He loves the beach. Usually we go mini golfing but it’s closed right now.

Keep doing what your doing, Cameryn

Enjoy your road trip, Cameryn! Thanks for reading. 🙂

Great tips! I’ll be heading down the Pacific coast highway then up route 66 at this point or up to Bryce Canyon.

Thanks for reading, John. I’ve done those drives and both are amazing! Enjoy!

My family and I are going on a long road trip, and since we all know that car breakdown is inevitable, we’re thinking of looking for a roadside assistance service; so we may contact someone just in case of an emergency. I’m glad you shared these tips; we’ll make sure to bring the car manual, an extra key, and a spare tire as well. We’d also keep in mind to equipped our vehicle with a quart of oil and a potable gas container.

Thanks for reading, Rachel. Sounds like you’ll be prepared! Hope you have a great road trip. 🙂

Wow! Great list! There were several items I needed to add to my road trip list, including a first aid kit. Thanks so much!

Thanks so much for reading, Mairsie. Glad the list was helpful!

Thank you for this it really helped me with my road trip!!

Thanks for reading, Morgan. Glad to hear it!

Loved the Article – was able to make a comprehensive list of items needed for next weeks trip.

One thing that should be stressed. Before taking ANY road trip with your personal vehicle (not all of us can afford rental rates even with a AAA discount.

Ensure that your vehicle has had a through inspection and have them check the tires top off any fluids and catch any needed repairs. It will cut down on the chances of you having to be towed due to travel damage.

I did that and found out there was a recall notice on my vehicle and was able to get it fixed in time Also make sure your tags are current! Police/hwy patrol really do not like a car that isnt current

Thanks for reading, Tiffany. I’m glad to hear the list was helpful and so appreciate the tips! I’m sure they will be helpful to others who read. Have a great road trip!

A simple must-have item if your road trip has you staying in hotels at night: an extension cord. Hotel outlets never seem to be close enough to a chair to allow me to charge my tablet and work on it at the same time. One inexpensive extension cord has become priceless to me.

Thank you for reading, Sandyb. I couldn’t agree more! I have a portable power strip with 2 outlets on each side. The cord folds in on itself and snaps into place making it super compact. Thanks for the reminder about putting this in the article!

I never see anyone suggest that you bring a second set of car keys? My wife and I do this with each one having their own set fro the car we are traveling in when together. Just have someone charge you to get the door open because your keys are on the car seat.

Thanks for reading, Robert. My husband and I do the same. However, it’s definitely worth an ask, especially if renting a car from a smaller car rental company. Happy Road-Tripping!

#1) I wouldn’t recommend open toed footwear ( ie flip-flops) around campsites as they lend themselves to toe injuries due to stubbing on stones, curbs, or pieces of wood. Something like clogs (Crocs) or slip on boating shoes

#2). You should learn how to take care of your vehicle yourself rather than having someone else do it for you. There won’t always be someone around to check your vehicle when it is needed the most. Checking tire air pressure, coolant levels, oil levels is not difficult or mysterious. You should be doing this at home also. Your owners manual can show how to do it.

Thanks for reading and sharing your tips, Lynn! 🙂

Getting ready for a road trip from Montana to New Jersey and back in 2 days and thought I must be forgetting some things. I am a very well-seasoned traveler, but it is always easy to forget little things. You have done a superior job on this article. Thank you, I found a few things I was over-looking. I recently retired and bought a 5th wheel trailer. It seems there are still things I forget to add at the last minute.

Thanks for reading, Beth. Glad the article was helpful and hope you enjoy your road trip!!

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32 road trip essentials for adults and kids.

Travel more comfortably with these road trip must-haves.

Road Trip Essentials

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While you don't necessarily need a lot of things for a successful road trip, certain items can't be overlooked. Read on to discover which items you should consider adding to your road trip packing list, or jump to the section on what to pack for kids .

Road trip essentials for adults

From roadside emergency must-haves to multipurpose gadgets you can use throughout your journey, these are some of the most helpful items to have on a road trip.

"Hanger" can make a road trip go south pretty quick. Pack your favorite snacks and put them in an easily accessible spot.

Courtesy of ICEMULE

You might want to bring a small cooler for any snacks and drinks that need to stay cold. If you don't already own one, the best cooler bags include the ICEMULE Classic (available in a variety of sizes) and the CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag .

A seat organizer like this one by YOOFAN can help you keep snacks, tissues and any other essentials close at hand. Plus, it can double as a reusable bag for any small purchases you make during your road trip.

USB charging cables

If you have USB ports in your car, buy a set of charging cables so you can keep your devices charged and also play music and podcasts from your phone. Compatible with Apple devices, this two-pack of Amazon Basics cables is well rated; for Samsung devices, try these Anker cables . Both sets have 3-foot cords, which are the perfect size for car travel.

Portable charger

Courtesy of INIU

Even if you have charging ports and cables in your car, a portable charger is good to have on hand, too. Travelers rave about the INIU Portable Charger for its slim, lightweight design and overall efficiency.

Jumper cables

A set of jumper cables is essential to have in your car at all times, whether you're driving 2 miles down the road or 200 miles away from home. The Energizer Jumper Cables are especially well rated. Available for less than $20 on Amazon, the 12-foot-long cables are perfect for any car type and come with a travel bag for easy storage. Longer cables are also available.

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 a 9-foot power cord, the kit comes with alligator clamps that power your air compressor by attaching to your car's battery.

Courtesy of Snow Joe

If you're traveling during the winter months and/or to a destination where you might encounter snow and ice, make sure you have a snow broom in your car. The Snow Joe 4-in-1 Telescoping Broom is especially convenient for travel because of its lightweight, foldable design, and recent buyers confirm the foam head prevents any scratching. This snow broom also features an ice scraper and LED lights with a blinking functionality for emergencies.

Dashboard phone mount

Avoid distractions 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.

Car document holder

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 – whether you're traveling or not. This two-sided holder , which comes in a pack of two for less than $5 on Amazon, does the job.

Roadside emergency kit

For peace of mind, many travelers recommend an all-purpose roadside emergency kit . These kits are typically equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, safety gloves, cable ties, a tow rope, tire repair tools, first-aid supplies, rain ponchos and other useful items.

Courtesy of Busy Co

Freshen up with the extra-large body wipes from Busy Co , which are suitable for dry, oily and combination skin types. They 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

Using disposable toilet seat covers can help you avoid germs and stay clean when you stop for restroom breaks at gas stations, port-a-potties and campgrounds.

Nausea relief

Courtesy of Sea-Band

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 by keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer in your car.

Book or e-reader

Sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times. Bring a good book or an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite , which puts 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.

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 trash can

Courtesy of Hotor

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 leakproof interior lining, this useful accessory comes highly recommended by travelers who find themselves frequently on the road.

Dog waste bags

Even if you don't have a dog, hear us out: Dog poop bags are useful for a variety of needs, from general waste to dirty diapers to unexpected accidents caused by motion sickness. The Earth Rated bags are 100% leakproof, and buyers agree they're effective at eliminating odors.

If you'll be sitting in the passenger's seat or backseat, bring a pair of earbuds or headphones. For kids, consider the fleece CozyPhones , which are volume-limiting for little ears and come in a variety of animal themes.

Travel pillow

Courtesy of Cabeau

Car passengers can get a bit more comfortable with the help of an ergonomic neck pillow for travel . Top-rated options include the Cabeau Evolution S3 and the MVLOC Travel Pillow .

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.

Beach blanket

Courtesy of WEKAPO

A large beach blanket or towel is one of the most versatile accessories you can bring on a road trip. You can use it to have a picnic lunch, to clean up a spill, to dry off playground equipment after a rainstorm and more.

Reusable water bottle

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.

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Road trip essentials for kids

In addition to snacks, headphones, reusable water bottles, sunglasses and – depending whether your kids are in a car seat or not – travel pillows, the following items are essential to a successful road trip with kids.

Seatback organizer

A car seatback organizer lets you arrange road trip essentials on the back of the driver's or passenger's seat, where they're within reach of small hands. Many buyers said this seatback organizer from Amazon 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.

Travel tray

Courtesy of LUSSO Gear

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.

Window shade

Protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays with some window shades. Many parents like the shades by Enovoe , which come in a two- or four-pack.

Bag of small toys and activities

Load up on small toys you can surprise your kids with throughout the journey. Wikki Stix , Melissa & Doug Water Wow pads and sticker books are all good, low-cost activities, and you can find other cheap options at your local dollar and thrift stores. You might even add some candy to the mix, especially for that last leg of the trip.

Most parents want to keep screen time to a minimum, but all bets are off when it comes to travel. Consider a tablet like the Amazon Fire Kids , which comes with a protective case and one year of Amazon Kids+. Amazon Kids+ features thousands of ad-free books, games and apps; for any streaming services you have at home, you can download TV show episodes and movies so the kids don't need Wi-Fi to watch them.

Small blanket

Courtesy of Cubcoat

Bring a small blanket and/or other comfort item from home to ensure the kids are cozy and content in the backseat. You could also bring a Cubcoat , which is a two-in-one stuffed animal that transforms into a hoodie. 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.

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. Plus, many kids journals feature world maps, puzzles, fun facts and more activities to keep boredom at bay.

Road trip tips

Plan your stops.

It can be helpful and fun to plan your road trip stops ahead of time. Break up the trip with stops at a pretty park, a quirky roadside attraction or a top-rated restaurant.

Debit cards and Venmo may be the way of the world nowadays, but you may still run into a few places on your journey that are cash-only. Be on the safe side by keeping some spare cash on hand.

Download a fuel savings app

You can 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:

• Vacation Packing List
• The Best Kids Luggage
• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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Grab our FREE PRINTABLE PACKING LIST !

Grab our  FREE PRINTABLE PACKING LIST !

Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 40+ Things to Keep in Your Car

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Get your free printable road trip packing list and check out our 40+ things to pack in your car before your next family vacation.

Living in Charlotte, we are just a 9-hour drive away from getting a dose of Disney magic, a short 4-hour drive to the beach when we need some sand between our toes, and only a 2-hour drive away from the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.

One of the biggest perks of living in the southeast is the sheer number of awesome places for a family to visit just a road trip away .

Needless to say, our family spends a lot of time in the car together when it comes to our vacations and getaways. Every single time it comes to packing up the car, it feels like I’m just jamming things into the trunk.

When in doubt, toss it in! Right??

Isn’t that one of the biggest benefits of driving vs. flying?

Actually, I admit this is probably the worst tactic for organization and I always worry that I’m forgetting something.

Not exactly how you want to start that long drive: biting your nails and fretting over what you left behind on accident.

When it comes to surviving a road trip with kids, the real key is being organized.

To make packing your car infinitely easier, I’ve rounded up all the road trip necessities a family with young kids needs in one handy checklist for you to keep handy for your next trip.

Be sure to grab your free printable packing list at the bottom of the post!

The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for Families

Health & safety items for the car, how to make the trip more comfortable, road trip food & entertainment, free printable packing list, more packing tips.

I’ve sorted each of the items into easy categories.

Let me know if I forgot anything in the comments, I’ll add it to this list!

You never know when you’re going to need one of these safety items for someone in the car.

• Bandaids in various sizes: Take them out of their boxes and just fill a zip-top baggie with them for easy packing.
• First Aid Kit
• A tub of wet wipes for hands and clean-up
• Benadryl for surprise allergies in new places
• A bucket with several plastic bags tucked inside for surprise tummy bug scenarios
• Sunblock: both body lotion and face sticks if you use them
• Headache medicines for parents!
• Heartburn meds for parents
• Foaming hand sanitizer
• Large scissors and/or a seat belt cutting tool : Stash this permanently in your glove compartment for safekeeping.

If you’re on a long drive, these items for the car will help everyone stay comfortable for the drive:

• Change of clothes for each kid, easily accessible in case of spills or sickness: Pack them in a zip-top baggie with the child’s name marked clearly in case your spouse or one of the other kids needs to grab something to help.
• Pen & paper or a handy blank notebook
• Sunglasses by each kid’s seat
• Window shades for babies
• Travel pillows
• Small blankets for when you can’t agree on air conditioning levels
• Travel lovies so you don’t need to worry about losing the real deal
• Diapers or pull-ups for all kids up through age 5 just in case: Travel stress can cause regressions, better to just be prepared.
• Foldable umbrella
• Phone chargers that are compatible with the car for parents
• A spare towel: can be used as seat cover, cleaning tool, picnic blanket, and more in a pinch.
• Slippers for the kids: These are way more comfy than shoes for a long drive and are easy to slip on and off.
• Cash in varying denominations in an envelope
• Coins for tolls
• Batteries and/or chargers for any devices you bring
• A small, portable box fan for white noise
• Pop-up hamper: Corrals all the dirty laundry you’ll accumulate on the trip
• Gallon sized zip-top bag taped near each child’s seat: for garbage collection or emergency car sickness
• A travel grab bag for each kid if you are stopping at a hotel overnight on the way to your final destination

Melt downs are much less likely if everyone is fed and happy on the go!

• Bottled water: Keep a few gallons in the trunk and refill your own water bottles
• Playlist of family music
• Headphones for each kid
• iPad or another tablet with movies & educational games if your kids don’t get carsick with screens
• External battery charger for digital devices
• One (or more!) of the best audiobooks for families
• Swimsuits for the whole family in one easy to grab tote bag: Great for checking in early to the hotel before you’re assigned your room.
• A rubber ball for exercise breaks at rest stations
• A jump rope for exercise breaks at rest stations
• Non-sticky snacks & treats in single-portioned baggies
• License plate game : a whole-family favorite
• Packed lunches to save money at fast food spots or these grab and go breakfast ideas for the car
• Portable iced coffees for mom & dad
• A few handy road trip games

Every family is different. Some of the items we recommend may or may not work for your particular set of kids.

Since I can’t stand printable packing lists that have a bunch of items on them that we don’t need, I created a perfectly custom packing list you can use to work for your family.

To get the printable packing list, simply sign up for my email list right here .

So what did we miss?

Is there a road trip car essential your family can’t live without? I’d love to know! We are always planning our next big adventure, I can’t wait to get out there again!

Packing for a family road trip can be so much work.

Check out these great lists to help make sure you don’t forget a thing:

I always forget to bring Ziploc baggies or chips clips for the adult snacks that aren’t in individual portions 🤦‍♀️

We love to pack powdered drink mix sticks (TueLemon, Crystal Light, etc.) as a balance between cost and space. A six pack of water bottles from the gas station becomes six different flavors at a fraction of the cost. Many kinds of tea bags will brew well in cold water, too, with a little extra time.

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Family Road Trip Packing List (+ Free Printable Packing Checklist)

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Are you looking for a family road trip packing list printable to read and cross-check before your upcoming road trip?

Look no further, because as seasoned-road trippers we’ve developed the ultimate road trip packing checklist that includes all of the important items you’ll need for the best road trips!

Our family road trip checklist includes the perfect combination of road trip essentials, as well as food, fun, and entertainment!

By using this guide, we’ll ensure that you bring just enough and never too much when planning the ultimate family road trip.

Use our FREE printable road trip packing list pdf , and expert travel tips to feel confident while gearing up for your next family road trip!

The links on this gift guide are Amazon Associate affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Planning a Family Road Trip

Despite the rising gas prices, road trips are still an ideal way for families to travel and to explore the beautiful countryside.

Along with being able to be on your own schedule, road trips allow you to pack more things, as well as to make pit stops and see other places and communities along the way.

With so many amazing benefits to family travel in general, ask yourself the following questions when planning a family road trip:

Who is going on this family road trip?  What are your children’s ages and how well do you think they’ll do being confined to sitting in one place for a lengthy amount of time?

What type of vehicle are you driving?  Is there enough room for everyone, including all of your gear, to ride comfortably to and from your destination without being too squished?

What type of road trip are you looking to take?  Will you be making stops and doing activities along the way, or is your road trip simply a means to get to your final destination?

How far will you be traveling on your family road trip?  How many hours will you be on the road, and how can you best split up the trip to make it into an enjoyable experience?

By answering these questions while planning a family road trip, you will identify any obvious red flags.

Once you’ve gotten the preliminary kinks worked out, it’s time to move on to packing for the most epic family road trip experience ever.

Road Trip Packing List For Families

When stressing over the road trip essentials that must be packed for adults, kids, and pets, it’s easy to forget about preparing the most important thing – your vehicle!

In other words, when crafting the perfect road trip packing list for families, think first and foremost about the safety and maintenance of the car, truck, van, SUV, or RV that you’ll be traveling in.

Taking care of your vehicle and bringing along the following items to ensure your safety are essential components of a successful family road trip!

In fact, being prepared for the potential of a roadside emergency or flat tire is one of our most recommended tips for planning a family road trip !

Along with checking your tire pressure and all fluid options (radiator, windshield fluid, brake, oil, and transmission) prior to departing, it’s a good idea to bring the following packing list essentials:

• Driver’s license
• Credit card
• Car insurance and travel insurance information
• Spare set of keys
• Rental contract (if applicable)
• Roadside assistance contact number
• Reliable jumper cables
• Roadside emergency kit

Winter road trips come with their own set of challenges and successes.

When traveling during the winter when driving conditions are much more unpredictable, be sure to follow a specific winter road trip packing list for optimal preparation and safety.

General Essentials For A Road Trip

These family road trip essentials are the bread and butter of comfortably navigating yourself to and from your chosen destination.

It is very important to have an adequately charged Smartphone for the entire duration of your trip, especially if you are using a navigation app for directions.

Having both a phone charger and a supplemental battery pack provides additional security when relying on battery power for any and all of your electronic devices.

Likewise, comfort items such as pain relievers, sunglasses , and neck pillows are basic road trip necessities included on our printable road trip checklist.

• Luggage (clothes, shoes, jackets)
• Car seat and baby gear
• Smartphone and charger
• Car mount phone holder
• Portable battery charger
• Navigation app(s) for directions (Our favorite is Google Maps and the Waze app.
• Pen and notepad
• Cash and change for tolls
• First aid kit
• Toilet paper (for bathroom emergencies)
• Sunglasses (I always wear these! )
• Neck pillow and blanket

Here are the clothes we recommend for each person, stored in packing cubes , of course:

• A pair of shorts per day
• A t-shirt/tank top per day
• 1 pair of underwear per day
• 1 pair of socks per day
• 2 pairs of lounge pants
• 1 long sleeve shirt
• 1 sweatshirt
• Running/hiking shoes

Along with using  packing cubes  for our clothing, we use these clear multi-purpose  organizer pouches  (size large) to store all of these loose extras:

• Travel size body spray /perfume
• Razor/shave gel
• Face wash/moisturizer
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Hair brush/comb
• Hair ties/clips (I love  these ones for fine hair !)
• Styling products/hairspray
• Curling iron/straightener  (if needed)
• Contact lens solution/supplies  (if needed)
• Prescription medication (if applicable)
• Over-the-counter pain relivers and stomach medications
• Motion sickness medication
• Sunscreen + LipBalm with SPF (This is  one of my favorites  because it smells like summer!)

Baby and Toddler Gear

If your baby or toddler is still rear-facing in their car seat, be sure to equip your vehicle with a crash-tested,  shatterproof car mirror  that can be used to keep your child in view.

Other road trip baby items include:

• Diapers, wipes, and changing pad
• Change of clothes
• Bottles, milk, formula
• A cordless bottle warmer
• Blanket or special toy
• Car window sun shade
• Infant/child doses of pain relivers

In addition, if your baby or toddler uses a pacifier, purchase a  washable pacifier clip  before road tripping.

This will save you from having to strain to reach the pacifier should it fall from their mouth.

Next, if you happen to be taking a road trip during the process of potty training your toddler, the most essential item to bring along is a  portable potty chair .

Select a travel potty chair that takes up minimal space and has an inner container that is easy to empty and clean.

Last, road trip snacks for toddlers have to be easily portable, not too messy, not too crumbly, and somewhat healthy in order to prevent sugar overload.

Be sure to pack dried cereal or crackers in  spill-free snack cups .

Likewise, store all liquids in a  spill-free sippy cup .

Food & Drink Packing Lists for Road Trips

A good amount of time and effort should be spent planning the food and meal components of your family road trip packing list.

Bringing along the best road trip snacks and meals serves many important purposes in ensuring a more seamless road trip.

Not only do road trip foods help fight boredom, but they cut down on the cost associated with buying food at gas stations or somewhere else on the road.

Likewise, portable meals prevent prolonged pit-stops for dining and help you avoid the not-as-healthy fast-food trap.

Additional planning tip: When creating your road trip list, be sure to plan for the expected mess or accidental spill that is bound to happen when eating with kids in an unconventional space.

• A large cooler and ice
• Reusable water bottles
• Paper towels or napkins for spills
• Hand sanitizer
• Ziplock bags
• Our favorite homeade snack mixes
• Non-sticky, mess-free snacks and treats in individually portioned bags like dried fruit, granola bars, beef jerky, string cheese, crackers, and veggies. Organize the snacks into 2 bins (as pictured above) , one for the way ‘there’, and one for the way ‘back’.

Bonus! Click here for your very own printable Road Trip Food Checklist pdf that includes the best on-the-go road trip snack and meal ideas!

Tips for Traveling with Food

1. Use up your most delicate fruit first when going on a road trip.

In other words, start by eating bananas and berries, then move on to more sturdy products such as apples and oranges that don’t spoil as easily.

2. When it comes to road trip food, tortillas, pitas, or other sturdy flatbreads work better to bring along than do loaves of bread. They take up a lot less room and do not risk getting smashed.

3. When packing a cooler with items that need to stay chilled, be sure to lay the ice on the top, versus the bottom of the cooler.

This is because cold air sinks and will, therefore, disperse itself more evenly if laid on top of the food.

4. Aim to open the cooler only 1 or 2 times a day in order to maintain its refrigeration and keep the ice from thawing.

5. Also, make all food, including snacks, easily accessible throughout the duration of your family road trip.

This prevents someone (likely mom or dad!) from having to constantly bend over the back seat or stop to open the trunk every time hunger or boredom hits.

6. Avoid bringing anything made of glass on your road trip, including glass food containers. Glass is heavy, bulky, and very dangerous when broken within the confines of your family vehicle.

7. Assemble and bring along a road trip kit with the following road trip essentials for spills, clean-ups, and car sickness:

• Anti-bacterial wipes
• Garbage bags
• Napkins/paper towels
• Saltine crackers and  motion sickness medicine

8. Each time you stop while on a road trip, don’t forget to pitch any garbage that has accumulated.

This prevents build-up and smelliness.

Fun Things to Pack For A Road Trip

The best way to happily survive long drives is to pack entertainment items such as road trip games and activities that are kept within easy reach.

Depending on the ages of your kids, the activities to bring on a road trip will vary, which is why we’ve dedicated an entire article to road trip activities for toddlers !

Perhaps our best tip for children of all ages, however, is to assemble road trip goodie bags filled with age-appropriate trinkets and treats to surprise them.

A great option is to give them a new goodie bag every hour to keep their anticipation and curiosity high.

*Get our complete guide on how to make road trip goodie bags here!

Also, bring:

• Audiobooks and podcasts
• A music playlist
• Tablet/electronic device
• DVD player and DVDs
• Kid-size Bluetooth headphones
• Favorite stuffed animal
• Hand-held toys that don’t have small parts
• Car-friendly activity and coloring books
• Crayons, pencils, and pens

Additional Road Trip Games

Along with books, electronics, and our infamous road trip goody bags, our family loves to play good old’ fashioned word games while cruising the countryside.

The best word games to play in the car with kids have flexible playing rules and can be played by all ages.

Likewise, they are meant to be more of a time-filler versus an actual competition in order to keep things fun and lighthearted (which will keep the bickering at bay!).

If you are into keeping points, however, all of these word games to play in the car can be adapted to have a winner and loser.

Check out our article on our favorite Road Trip Word Games that include detailed instructions for these classics:

• The Alphabet Game
• Going on a Bear Hunt
• Think Fast!
• Would You Rather?
• Car Spotting
• Name That Tune
• 20 Questions
• Celebrity Name Game
• The License Plate Game

Miscellaneous Road Trip Items

There are many other important things to bring on a road trip that should be included on your road trip packing list.

Consider the weather, where you are going, what you will be doing, and how much space you have in your vehicle.

After all, with the limited space offered by a family vehicle, packing for a family road trip can be a daunting task.

Remember, the key is to pack just enough, but not too much, while still remembering all of the essential road trip items listed above.

Miscellaneous road trip packing list items may include:

• Destination specific items (i.e. items from our family camping checklist and additional things to bring to the beach )
• Pet supplies (kennel, food, leash)
• An umbrella
• Window shades
• Travel binoculars (especially if road tripping through National Parks!)
• A Ball or frisbee
• Duct tape (it fixes everything, right?)
• Swiss army knife
• Folding chairs

Winter Driving Items

As mentioned, though we have an entire article dedicated to our winter driving checklist, key items include:

• De-icer windshield washer fluid  and  aerosol windshield de-icer
• A snowbrush and ice-scraper due
• Car battery booster pack
• A  folding emergency snow shovel and traction mats
• Fuel line antifreeze
• A waterproof blanket
• Jacket, hat, mittens, and snow boots
• Extra food and water

1 Week Road Trip Packing List

Planning ahead is especially important for long road trips.

If you’re going on a cross-country road trip, or plan to be on the road for a week or more, you’ll still need to account for the size of your vehicle when deciding just how much you can bring along.

In addition, if you don’t plan to stay in a hotel room along the way, you’ll need to account for car camping or camper van supplies.

Car camping supplies include:

• A tent (Did you know that they make tents that actually connect to your personal vehicle?)
• Sleeping bag
• An eye mask to block out light
• Sleeping pads or a light air-mattress
• A reliable cooler that keeps food cold longer

Keep in mind that you can usually park overnight at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, Home Depot, Camping World, and a few other big box stores.

Rest stops are a good choice too.

RV and Camper Van Supplies include:

• Bedding, blankets, pillow
• Hanging toiletry bag
• Eyemask and ear plugs
• Hanging storage
• Bag for dirty clothes
• Portable fan
• Deck of cards

Long Road Trip Planning Tips

It is essential to have a detailed itinerary for long road trips, but don’t overload your timetable with too many activities so that you feel rushed.

Keep a flexible schedule so you can stop wherever you want, and still have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

For more scenic routes, try traveling on backroads instead of the highway.

If you love natural beauty, this is the perfect road trip for you.

Next, for road trips lasting longer than 1 day, it is extremely important to have a fully-charged Smartphone in your car, as well as a backup paper atlas or paper map.

Use your Smartphone to check the weather condition as well as to navigate and avoid road accidents and closures. You can also use your Smartphone to find local businesses and restaurants or to book a hotel room mid-route.

After all, having a great night’s sleep is another essential long road trip tip.

A minimum of four hours of sleep is needed to avoid drowsy driving, and a full eight hours or more is recommended.

Depending on the length of your trip, if you’re unsure about the amount of sleep you’ll need, you can delay your journey.

If you’re not sleeping well, consider waiting until the morning before you start the trip.

Finally, when driving long distances, find a single place to stop at every 100 miles or two hours. You can use apps to find the best gas station, eat a meal, and take a break.

Road Trip Packing List Printable

In conclusion, before you start packing for your road trip, consider the weather and how long the journey will take.

Perform an inspection and maintenance check of your vehicle and put safety at the forefront of your mind.

Once your vehicle is fully loaded with all of your gear, be sure that you have full visibility out of your mirrors and through the rear window.

In other words, don’t stack things too high, and don’t pack so much that your view is obstructed.

Last, if you’re on a true road trip, you shouldn’t be in too much of a hurry to get from Point A to Point B.

Slow down and prevent yourself from becoming distracted while driving by silencing your phone and by driving with 2 hands on the wheel.

Along with food, water, snacks, and a phone charger, our other road trip essentials are found here!

Do you have a favorite road trip in mind? Likewise, can think of any additional items to add to this road trip packing list? Please leave a comment below so that we can be sure to add them! Jen

If you enjoyed our Family Road Trip Packing List , click here to check out our related posts:

• Top 10 Tips for Planning a Family Road Trip (And Enjoying it Too!)
• 18 Amazing “Are We There Yet” Road Trip Activity Bags
• Best Road Trip Activities for Toddlers to Keep Them Entertained
• Road Trip Food List: Best Meals and Snacks When on the Road
• Top 16 Tips for Flying With Kids & Ways to Keep them Calm

*Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find our exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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14 Comments

This list is quite helpful. This will undoubtedly be helpful because we have more summer road excursions planned around Europe. In addition, I’ve read a blog ,that features posts regarding travel tips.

Thank you! I hope that you are able to put this helpful list to use with your upcoming road trips!

This is such a great family road trip packing list! We’ve forgotten a spare set of keys before and this is a great reminder!

Thanks for reading! My husband is the one who is always very conscious about bringing the spare keys 🙂 Losing keys would put a huge damper on any family road trip 🙂

This is such a useful list. We’re planning more road trips around Europe for Summer so this will surely come in handy.

Awesome! Road trips around Europe….that sounds so amazing! Happy and safe travels to you!

What a great checklist! I’m always forgetting things whenever we go on road trips.

Astrid, thanks for reading! I’m glad that this road trip checklist will come in handy for you!!

We sure do love a road trip!! And this is a fantastic resource! Very thorough and helpful- thanks Jen!!

You’re welcome! I know that you are a fan of packing lists too – they are so helpful!

I am literally sitting here taking notes- had to add meds to my list, dramamine for my son and advil for all just in case. For summer 2020, add face masks to the list. I bought a box of disposable ones to keep in the car just in case (we have resusable ones otherwise)

Ooo….having a box of disposable masks on hand is a GREAT idea! I am going to have to remember that when we take our road trip in July not knowing what places will still be recommending vs. requiring masks then. THANKS for the tip!

This is such a comprehensive list. We never go on a road trip without snacks and water! Plus wet wipes and good playlists and audio books are a must too.

Thanks for reading Debbie! I remember when our kids were younger and their hands would get messy from food and snacks in the car – Wet Wipes really came in handy then 🙂

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What to Pack for a Week Long Trip – Checklist Included

Packing for a week long trip? Whether you’re headed out on a road trip or on a plane, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed efficiently and haven’t forgotten anything important behind. This checklist of things to bring with you will help you make sure you don’t forget anything before you leave.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you purchase through my links I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. You can read more on the  disclosure and privacy  page. 

For clothes I am a huge advocate of having a capsule wardrobe. By that I mean that you want things that are in the same color family or pair well together, that have the ability to be layered and mixed and matched, and that can be versatile for all the different activities you might be participating in while you’re on vacations.

Think through your trip and the activities you have planned. Will you need to dress up? Are you going hiking? Do you plan to get in workouts on the road?

Then check the weather. Will it snow? Rain? Be incredibly sunny? You can check the weather about 10 days out, but you’ll want to check again a few days before your trip to get a better idea of what the weather will be like when you’re there.

Typically a universal packing list looks like this for me:

2 tank tops 3-4 tops 1 dress 2 pairs of pants (one black slack or khaki, one pair of jeans) 1 sweater 1 light jacket/rain jacket 2 bras 7 pairs of underwear 7 pairs of socks

This of course doesn’t count what I wear on the plane or in the car, which is another pair of jeans, t-shirt, hoodie and associated underwear and socks. I dress to be comfortable while I’m traveling, and use it as an opportunity to bring another pair of jeans with me. If you’re a jeans lover like me, this is a good way to save weight and space in your bag while still getting to bring two pairs of jeans.

Again this will depend on any activities that you’ll be participating in. If you plan to go hiking you’ll want to have hiking boots, and if you plan to be somewhere wintery and cold you may want a pair of fleece lined boots. Always wear your heaviest pair the day you fly in order to keep as much space in your bag as possible.

Typically I wear a pair of sneakers or hiking shoes while I’m traveling then I pack a couple of pairs of smaller shoes, usually a flat and a dress shoe or sandal. If I’m really worried about space in my bag, I opt for a dressier pair of flats and skip the dress shoes altogether.

A universal shoe list for a week:

1 pair sneakers or hiking shoes 1 pair of flats 1 dress shoe

I know toiletries can be one most controversial of the “what to pack” bunch.I know lots of people prefer to depend on whatever the hotel will provide, while others with allergies or sensitivities prefer to bring their own. What to pack will vary wildly depending on your personal preferences and needs, as well as (surprise, surprise) what you’ll be doing on your trip. It is a place where you can save weight and space in your bag, though. So for this one I’m just aiming for a very generalized list that you can add on to or subtract from as needed:

Just remember, if you’re flying in a carry-on only you’ll need to make sure your liquids fit the 3-1-1 rule and stay under 3oz. Swapping out shampoo and body soap for bars can help you get around limits if you’re worried, but usually for a week 3oz is plenty! I also opt to pick a soap with a good lather when I travel to avoid having to bring shaving cream with me.

Shampoo Conditioner Body soap Lotion Sunscreen Deodorant Razor Toothpaste Toothbrush Floss Tampons/Pads

Hair & Makeup

This one is another that can get controversial. I know a lot of travel gurus will tell you to skip the makeup and let your hair go natural for your trip to lighten the load of things you need to bring with you. That’s a completely viable option, and one I’ve done myself when I’ve taken a trip where I knew doing my hair and makeup would be useless (spending lots of time outdoors in a humid climate with curly hair – well it’s just not worth it!).

However, you may want to dress up for a night out or spruce up for some of the pictures you’ll be taking on the road. So I’m giving basic set of things to take here, which you can add or detract from as you will. Another reminder though, any liquids like foundations and lipgloss will need to go in your quart-sized bag if you’re flying.

For hair, again it’s up to you. Though many modern hotels have a hairdryer standard. Your straightener can also double as a curling iron if you watch a few youtube videos and get the hang of it.

Makeup Chapstick Foundation Powder Blush Eyeshadow palette Eyeliner Brow product Mascara Makeup Brush Makeup Wipes

Hair Brush Comb Hairdryer Curler Straightener Styling product Hairspray

Medicine & First Aid

This is another important one. If you take prescription medication, it’s recommended that you take the actual bottles and a copy of the prescription with you. I still bring my weekly pill box with me to remind me what I need to take and when as I don’t want to be fumbling every morning I”m on a different time zone trying to remember if I took my pill or not.

I’d also recommend a small supply of things like tums and imodium in case you have a run in with bad food. It’s approximately zero fun to have to try to find a local pharmacy open after hours when you realize the delicious but out-of-the-ordinary food you had for dinner is doing battle with your insides.

Your mini-medical kit can also include things like tweezers, a bandaid or two, neosporin (universally helpful for small burns, bites and cuts), benadryl or another antihistamine (I’ve found it good for air sickness and seasickness in addition to potential pop-up allergies when I’m abroad), ibuprofen or tylenol, and alcohol wipes. You want to keep just enough to get you through a few hours before the pharmacy opens or you can find one, but not so much that it takes up a huge portion of your bag.

Prescriptions Vitamins Weekly pill box Tums and/or Imodium Tweezers Bandaids Neosporin Antihistamine Cold medicine Ibuprofen or tylenol Alcohol wipes Contact solution Kleenex

Electronics

How connected do you want to be on your trip? That’s probably the first question you’ll want to ask before you start thinking about what electronics you want to bring.

If you don’t plan to work on the road for instance, you probably don’t need to bring a laptop. Usually I can get away with bringing a tablet and a small foldable keyboard. It’s enough that I can easily check email, read books on the plane, play a few games while I’m in the airport, and look things up from the hotel before I head out before the day. I find it incredibly useful for saving space in my bag – I can bring all the books, magazines and guidebooks I want in digital form without any of the bulk! If you want to be extremely minimal, you can probably do all of that with your smartphone. Just be sure to bring extra batteries and chargers!

For photography, I’m also including a DSLR camera. I don’t carry it everywhere I go on my trips. My phone in many cases is more than enough for some good snapshots, especially when I’m just out to dinner with friends or family and just want to be able to capture moments as they happen. But if I’m heading to a gorgeous castle or guaranteed some scenic vistas? You better believe I’m taking my DSLR. It’s well worth the space it takes up for the photos I can get out of it. And if you can’t tell, I take a lot of photos which means I typically bring several high capacity SD cards. (Yes, I am that person in the museum taking photos of everything, and I love it!)

Kindle or iPad Foldable keyboard Laptop Chargers Back-up Battery Pocket Charger DSLR Camera Lenses Extra camera batteries SD Cards Tripod Phone Earbuds/headphones

Passport Visa(s) Physical tickets or passes Copy of your passport Copy of your travel insurance Copy of your health insurance information Copy of your reservations

Cash Credit Cards ID

Extras (that you’ll probably want):

Travel Towel Neck Pillow Travel journal Pen Water bottle Deck of cards

Luggage and Packing

Last but certainly not least, you’re going to need to be able to pack up everything and luggage can make or break your trip. For a week long trip you should be able to get by with a large carry-on and a personal item if you’re flying.

Here are my favorite carry-ons for the plane:

If you’re taking a roadtrip, you can get away with taking a standard size suitcase like the one that comes in the Cal Pak set and a smaller day-bag. Just always remember to bring a day bag as there may be day trips or hikes that you want to take at your destination that will require more than a purse and less than a massive suitcase.

Either way you’ll want to make sure your bag is organized, which you can do with a solid set of packing cubes. These are my favorite:

I’m not sure who exactly came up with the idea for packing cubes, but if not the first Eagle Creek was one of the first to bring out packing cubes and they have some of the highest quality ones out there. These are made with washable rip-stop nylon that is durable and lightweight so it doesn’t bulk up your bag. Better than your average packing cube, these compression cubes have a double zippered system that compresses the contents down and saves you even more space in your bags. These are on the pricier side though, but I’d argue that there an investment well made.

For security, if your bag doesn’t have inbuilt TSA locks, you’ll want to get a set of those. It keeps prying hands out, and the TSA has a special key to unlock it if necessary. Even if you’re flying carry-on, it’s always possible that they need you to gate-check your luggage.

Another favorite of mine if I’m checking my bag is a bright luggage tag. Like everyone else standing at the carousel, I have black luggage and no one likes to play the game of “your bag or mine?” when you’ve just spent several hours cooped up on a plane and are in a hurry to get to your hotel and get your vacation started.

Printable Travel Packing List

Last but not least, we’ve got you covered with this printable travel packing list that lets you check off everything you need for the week:

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This post has 5 comments.

dont forget a pair of pajamas too 🙂

I almost forgot those

Love your ideas thanks ?

How do I print it out

Hi Janice! The easiest way is probably to right click and open the image in a new tab and then print from that browser window. You can also save it to your desktop and print. Hope that helps!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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Travel Tips

Road trip packing list (free downloadable pdf).

Road Trip Packing List brought you by: MikesRoadTrip.com

Everyone loves a good road trip, but unfortunately we often forget something. For this very reason, I came up with the ultimate road trip packing list to help make sure nothing is left behind. Of course, each of us have our own wants and needs when going on a road trip, so use this road trip checklist as a guide. You can also download the Road Trip Packing List (checklist) below, where you can print it out and mark off everything once it is in the vehicle.

ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST FOR GENERAL GEAR

• Water bottle(s) insulated ones are great
• Toilet Paper
• USB cable for your phone
• Hand Sanitizer
• Packable towel
• Body/wet wipes
• Rubber bands
• Entertainment, i.e. tablet/phone with music, movies and books
• Plastic bags, one large, several small
• Pillow & blanket
• Extra batteries
• Bungie cords.
• Phone holder
• Hand lotion
• Small toiletry kit (tooth brush, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, etc.)
• Tide To-Go Pen
• Small ice chest/cooler
• Plastic utensils
• Flashlight/Headlamp

ROAD TRIP SNACKS

• Nutrition/protein bars
• Kettle Corn
• Cheese & Crackers
• Cut up fruit
• Hard boiled eggs
• Hummus and veggies
• Salt & Pepper

ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST FOR YOUR EMERGENCY KIT

• Fix-a-flat (sometimes having a spare tire is not enough).
• Adjustable wrench and some basic tools, such as screwdrivers and a multi-use knife (Swiss Army).
• Duck tape (so helpful for many applications).
• Backup battery for your phone.
• Jumper cables.
• Lighter and/or matches.
• First-aid kit.
• Solar charger.
• Bug repellent.
• Collapsible water bottle.
• Iodine water purification tablets.
• Pain killers/anti-inflammatory pills like Benadryl
• Tow strap and/or rope

ROAD TRIP VEHICLE SAFETY CHECKLIST

• Check tire air pressure.
• All fluids (Radiator, windshield fluid, brake, oil and transmission).
• Make sure you have a car jack in good working order.
• Check your spare tire, make sure it is in good condition and properly inflated.
• Make sure the battery posts and cables are free from corrosion.
• Squeeze all of the hoses to make sure they are in good condition and not cracked.
• Check your belt(s) to make sure they do not have cracks in them.
• Inspect the tire tread and overall health of the tires.
• Check wiper blades and defroster

ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST FOR WINTER ITEMS

• Snow Shovel
• Ice Scraper
• Winter grade windshield wiper fluid
• Cold weather gear/clothes
• Hand warmer
• Tire Chains

ADDITIONAL ROAD TRIP ITEMS TO CONSIDER IF YOU HAVE THE ROOM

• Power inverter
• Water filter
• Empty Gas container
• Extra engine oil
• Small backpack
• Sleeping Bags
• Mini Bluetooth speaker

If you can think of any additional items to add to this road trip packing list, please leave a comment below so that we can add them. Click the following link if you’d like some life saving road trip tips .

Click here to download the road trip packing list.

How to get a fabulous road trip packing list for winter?

Winter is the most preferred season to plan road-trip and have lots of fun along with building life long memories. While driving in winter-weather conditions, you need to be ready to handle possible serious situations. Fill this checklist before you start your winter road trip

What are car-friendly road trip snacks?

Road trip via car gives you goosebumps but also throws challenge like what car-friendly foods you can carry to avoid mess and also satisfy your hunger on time without draining your budget.

What should I look for in a good roadside emergency kit?

Here are few travel-tested road-trip packing list to keep your show on the road and ensure nothing is left behind: Water bottle, toilet papers, first-aid kit, food packets, sunglasses, phone holder, charger, extra batteries, disposable utensils and vehicle safety kit.

Mike Shubic

Tags: Road Trip Checklist , Road Trip Packing List

Very helpful list, thank you!

Comments are closed.

Novel: Lines, Signs & Forks

Featured road trips, roadside attractions, travel experiences, most road tripped man in the world, latest posts.

Road Trip Checklist: Packing Tips and Must-Have Items

Packing for your road trip doesn’t have to be a headache. Discover the packing essentials for the perfect road trip today!

Ready for the ultimate road trip?

Planning a road trip can be fun, but packing for one can be overwhelming.

Whether you’re traveling across the country or just taking a weekend getaway, this ultimate road trip checklist and packing tips will help you make sure you don’t forget a thing!

Don’t forget these must-have items and packing tips. This ultimate checklist has everything you need for a successful road trip, including the most important items to bring and things to consider so your adventure is smooth sailing.

So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

Packing Tips for a Successful Road Trip

Start by making a checklist of essentials like clothing, toiletries, and any medications you need to bring along. This post will help you out with that! I’ve provided a quick list down below so you don’t forget the essentials, but feel free to add your own necessities.

Pack light and only bring what you really need to avoid overpacking and clutter in the car. There’s only so much leg room in a car! You can use packing cubes to keep your items organized and easy to find. Check out my review of Knack expandable packing cubes here , which are perfect for organizing.

Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on the drive. You may also consider bringing a cooler with snacks and drinks to save money and time since you won’t have to make as many pit stops. Having plenty of snacks and water will also help you stay energized.

Bring entertainment options like music, podcasts, or games to keep yourself and your passengers entertained. Don’t forget to pack a charger for your electronics!

Plan for some roadside fun! Pack a small bag or daypack for side trips or outdoor activities. This can help break up the monotony of a long drive.

Bring a small first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and other essentials medications. It’s also useful for this emergency kit to have extra blankets and other essentials just in case.

If you’re camping, make sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, and any necessary camping gear.

Finally, remember to pack a sense of adventure and a positive attitude! The drive may be long, but with a road trip, it’s about both the journey and the destination!

Must-Have Items for a Successful Road Trip

What you pack can make or break your road trip. Make sure you’re set up for the best road trip possible by packing these essential items (keep scrolling for a packing quick list!).

Essential Clothing and Toiletries

For clothing, it’s important to pack items that are comfortable and versatile. You’ll want to be comfortable in the car but able to get out and explore at an interesting pit stop.

Think about the weather and the stops you’ll be making along the way and pack accordingly. Layering is always a good idea. And don’t forget to include a raincoat or jacket in case of unexpected weather. If you plan on doing any hiking or outdoor activities, make sure to bring appropriate footwear and clothing, like hiking boots .

In terms of toiletries, you’ll of course want to bring along the basics like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and soap.

But don’t forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent if you plan on making outdoor stops.

Emergency Supplies and First Aid Kit

Accidents and unexpected situations can happen during a road trip, no matter how meticulously you plan. To prepare for any mishaps, it’s important to pack emergency supplies and a first aid kit.

Your first aid kit should contain items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, allergy medicine, and any prescription medication you may need.

You should also pack emergency supplies such as a flashlight, extra batteries, a multi-tool, and a blanket. These items can be helpful in case of a breakdown or other unexpected situations.

Entertainment and Electronics

Keeping yourself and your passengers entertained during a road trip is also important. From music to car games, there are a lot of ways to keep yourselves entertained and alert on a long drive.

For passengers, load up your tablets , smartphones, and e-readers with your favorite movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts to keep you entertained. Don’t forget to pack the chargers and portable power banks to keep everything charged.

If you prefer to read a physical book, bring along a couple of good reads. I have a whole list of travel-inspired book that would be perfect for a road trip! Travel games like car Bingo or Mad Libs are great for kids and adults alike. Coloring books, crayons, or a deck of cards are also great options to keep passengers, especially kids, occupied on a long journey.

And don’t forget about music! Make a road trip playlist to play in the car.

Food and Snacks

When it comes to taking a long road trip, having the right snacks can make all the difference. Keeping stocked up on snack foods can help keep your energy up, help pass the time, and will help cut down on unnecessary pit stops.

Pack healthy and indulgent snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, beef jerky, chips, and candy. It’s also a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and be more eco-friendly .

In addition to snacks, planning out meals for the road trip can also be helpful. Consider packing sandwiches, fruit, and other easy-to-eat foods that won’t cause a mess. And don’t forget to bring utensils, napkins, and paper towels for easy clean-up.

If you plan to stop at restaurants, research ahead of time to find places that you may like. Planning ahead will help you avoid having to find somewhere to eat while on the road and possibly miss somewhere amazing.

Miscellaneous Items

What else can you bring along that will make your road trip more comfortable and enjoyable?

This may be things like a portable fan, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for hot weather, as well as blankets and extra layers for colder temperatures.

A GPS or paper map (yes, they still make those!) can also be helpful for navigation, especially if you’re traveling to areas with poor cell service.

Think about what other items you may need, and make sure to add them to your road trip packing list.

Read next: Expert Driving Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Road Trip

Road Trip Packing Checklist

Here’s your quick list of things to pack for your road trip:

• Versatile clothing
• Appropriate footwear
• Light jacket or rain coat
• Extra layers
• Insect repellant
• Reusable water bottle
• On-the-road meals
• Utensils and napkins
• Tablet , phone, e-reader
• Car games and entertainment
• Chargers and battery packs
• First aid kit
• Roadside emergency kit
• GPS or paper map
• Portable fan
• Packing cubes

Read next: How to Save Money on Your Next Road Trip

Start Packing!

Planning for a road trip can be overwhelming, but with our ultimate road trip checklist, packing doesn’t have to be. From entertainment to emergency supplies, we’ve covered all the must-have items for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Remember to stay open to unexpected adventures, but also pack everything you need to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. As you hit the road, keep this checklist handy and enjoy the ride.

Looking for more travel tips? Check out these posts:

Make the most of your trip with these top travel tips, packing guides, and other resources.

• Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Adventure
• How to Save Money on Your Next Road Trip
• Expert Driving Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Road Trip
• The Best Bucket-List Road Trips To Take Before You Die
• Travel Essentials That Every Traveler Needs For Any Vacation

Ready to take a vacation? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Find cheap accommodation:  Use my  tips for finding cheap accommodation  for travel every time.
• Book your flight:  Find the cheapest flights using  Skyscanner , my favorite flight search engine.
• Pack for your vacation: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need by checking out my packing list resources .

What are your must-have items that always make your packing list for a road trip? Let me know in the comments!

The post Road Trip Checklist: Packing Tips and Must-Have Items appeared first on Paige Minds The Gap .

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Planning for a trip during summer vacations? 5 best places to visit in North India this July under 10K

Know the top 5 budget-friendly destinations in north india for your summer vacation this july. explore stunning locales and unique experiences, all within a budget of under 10k..

1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is a popular hill station known for its cool climate, lush greenery, and adventure activities. From trekking in the mountains to exploring the local markets, Manali offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Must-Do Activities:

• Visit the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley for breathtaking views and adventure sports.
• Take a dip in the hot springs at Vashisht Temple.
• Explore the quaint villages of Naggar and Old Manali.

Budget Tips:  Opt for budget accommodations like hostels or homestays. Use local transport or shared cabs to keep travel costs low.

2. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh, known as the Yoga Capital of the World, offers a tranquil environment along the banks of the Ganges River. It's an ideal destination for those seeking peace, spiritual rejuvenation, and adventure.

• Participate in a yoga or meditation retreat.
• Experience river rafting on the Ganges.
• Visit the Beatles Ashram and the iconic Laxman Jhula bridge.

Budget Tips:  Stay in ashrams or budget hotels. Enjoy affordable local food from roadside eateries and cafes.

3. Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital, with its scenic lakes and lush hills, is a perfect getaway for a peaceful retreat. The cool weather in July makes it a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

• Take a boat ride on Naini Lake.
• Enjoy panoramic views from Naina Peak and Snow View Point.
• Visit the Nainital Zoo and Eco Cave Gardens.

Budget Tips:  Choose budget-friendly lodges or guesthouses. Walk or use cycle rickshaws for local transportation.

4. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

McLeod Ganj, also known as "Little Lhasa," is home to the Dalai Lama and a significant Tibetan community. The town offers a unique cultural experience combined with natural beauty.

• Explore the Tsuglagkhang Complex and Namgyal Monastery.
• Trek to Triund for stunning views of the Dhauladhar range.
• Visit the Tibetan Museum and local markets.

Budget Tips:  Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels. Enjoy meals at local Tibetan eateries and cafes.

5. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

Lansdowne is a quaint hill station known for its serene environment and colonial charm. It's less crowded compared to other hill stations, making it a perfect spot for a quiet retreat.

• Visit the War Memorial and St. John’s Church.
• Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Bhulla Tal Lake.
• Take a nature walk to Tip-In-Top for panoramic views.

Budget Tips: Opt for budget accommodations like small hotels or campsites. Relish simple, home-cooked meals at local dhabas.

General Tips for Budget Travel

• Book in Advance: Secure your accommodation and transportation early for the best rates.
• Travel Light: Avoid extra baggage fees and the hassle of carrying heavy luggage.
• Eat Local: Enjoy local cuisines which are often cheaper and more authentic.
• Use Public Transport: It’s economical and allows you to experience local life.
• Plan Your Itinerary: Having a planned itinerary helps in avoiding last-minute expenses.

ALSO READ:  Planning for short trip? 5 budget-friendly weekend getaways from Noida under Rs 5000

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