car needs for road trip

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41 Things You Need for Your Next Road Trip

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

Related To:

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

ESSENTIAL GADGETS

Adjustable Car Cup Holder Expander

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

Phone Mount

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

Car Power Strip

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

Tablet Headrest Mount

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

Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot

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

Flexible Phone Tripod

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

Portable Phone Charger

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

Emergency Car Kit

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

Fire Starter

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

First Aid Kit

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

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

Travel Pillow

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

Travel Throw

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

Travel Hammock

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

Microfiber Towel

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

Air Freshener

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

Car Window Shades

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

HEALTH + HYGIENE

Car Diffuser

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

Nausea-Relief Wristbands

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

Foaming Hand Sanitizer

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

Essential Oil Towelettes

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

Tissue Holder

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

Insect Repellent

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

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

ORGANIZATION

Car Seat Headrest Hook

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

Car Ceiling Cargo Net Pocket

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

Car Trash Bin

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

Packable Daypack

You may not need it, but you'll be happy it's there if you do. This ultra-light packable daypack has a 20-liter capacity, multiple pockets and adjustable, breathable straps for comfortable all-day use. Plus, it can be stuffed into its own zippered pocket for space-saving storage and compact portability.

Laundry Bag

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

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

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

FOOD + DRINK

Saucemoto Dip Clip

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

YETI Cooler Bag

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

Car Seat Organizer

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

Reusable Water Bottle

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

Portable Coffee Press

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

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

Collapsible Storage Containers

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

Kitchen Utensil Set

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

BioLite CampStove 2

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

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

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

ENTERTAINMENT

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

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

Scrabble To-Go Board Game

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

Kindle Paperwhite

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

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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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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.

Road Trip Essentials to Pack for a Long Drive

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There is certainly something to be said about the magic of an open road no matter where in the world you are. Near or far, long or short, road trips offer a sense of freedom and adventure and are often the most satisfying of journeys. While technically you just need keys, a driver's license, and a set of wheels, these road trip essentials—from the best car organizer to comfortable shoes and coffee kits to keep you caffeinated on the go—will make your journey that much more enjoyable, whether you're heading to a national park , cruising along Route 66 , or taking in fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Organization and luggage

No matter how big or small your vehicle is, being organized is key to maintaining your sanity as you travel, especially during a long road trip, or one with kiddos in the back seat.

The Duluth Trading Seat Back Bunker neatly organizes all your essentials, from road trip games, snacks, and Kindles to emergency preparedness kits, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, repair tools, and more. It has three tiers of storage including mesh pouches, see-through zippered pockets, and a full-width zip pocket. Collapsible aluminum poles provide a strong-yet-lightweight framework and keep the organizer secure as you drive.

A good duffel bag is worth its weight in gold, especially on road trips where space may be limited, depending on the vehicle and the number of passengers. Filson’s versatile, lightweight bag pulls double-duty as a duffel or a backpack for hands-free carry. The zippered lid is U-shaped so you'll have easy access to its contents. It has one exterior zippered pocket with an internal zip pocket to keep small gear and accessories like keys or a wallet easily accessible. The other nylon-coated pocket expands into the main compartment to keep shoes or wet or muddy gear separated from the rest of your load.

If a roller bag is more your choice of luggage, Yeti’s Crossroads 22-inch suitcase is perfect for road trips. It is made with rugged nylon material that can take any adventure thrown its way. It has removable modular compression straps that can be used internally to pack down gear or externally to compress the luggage overall, making it fit neatly in small spaces like car trunks or overhead car racks.

Packing cubes are just as helpful in keeping your backseat or trunk organized as they are your suitcase. Get a few different sizes with this Paravel quad, and assign each one a different purpose to store supplies, tech accessories, bug spray and sunscreen, toiletries, or anything else you don’t want rolling around. 

Tech and roadside emergency

Whether you are driving cross-country or just across the state line, there are certain tools, gadgets, and tech items that are absolutely required to make sure you get where you are going safely and on time, whether you're in your own wheels or a rental car .

Rule number one of any road trip is to always be prepared for any emergency that could happen and derail even the most well-prepared travel plans. The Always Prepared Roadside Emergency Kit will ease your mind when it comes to any potential car troubles. It contains more than 100 useful (and neatly organized) items, including jumper cables, a reflective safety vest and warning triangle to keep you safer if you have to pull over at night, a self-powered flashlight, two light sticks, an emergency rain poncho and mylar blanket, a full first-aid kit, a tire pressure gauge, and more. If there's one thing you add to your road trip packing list, make it this kit.

For something a little smaller and more compact, Leatherman’s Free P4 multi-tool is perfect for all the little things that need to be fixed. With over 20 tools all packed into one, the Free P4 is a must have for any road trip. Whether it’s used to replace a dim headlight, fix a broken antenna, or even cut open a snack packet without having everything spill onto the seat, the P4 rises to the challenge.

Whether you’re embarking on a solo road trip or have a travel companion who’d rather not dictate directions, a phone mount is a key road trip packing list item that makes it easier to keep an eye on your route safely. And since doing so can quickly drain your battery, we recommend one that doubles as a phone charger (this one has two USB charging ports, so you can charge it and other devices simultaneously). This one has an adjustable width to fit most cell phones, and a flexible gooseneck to angle it however you prefer.

In the interest of safety, you may want a dash cam in your car, should you get into an accident or pulled over. This one records clear, crisp video that syncs to your phone through the Nextbase app, allows for voice control commands thanks to connected Alexa technology, and offers a unique Emergency SOS service, which detects serious collisions and alerts emergency services of your location if you are unresponsive. You'll need to buy a Nextbase U3 microSD card to use with it, and use the included charger to keep it juiced up. The camera records continuously when it is plugged in and the car is on, and has an optional intelligent parking mode that automatically records any bump or physical movement on the vehicle when left unattended using the camera's internal battery.

If you're driving more than a few hours and have a car full of fellow travelers, keep a  headphone  splitter in the glove compartment. This one has five jacks, which means everyone can pull up a movie, music, podcast, or an audiobook on the same device—and when you're tired of the road trip playlist , you don't have to hear a thing.

Comfort and seating

Long hours of sitting upright can do a number on your back. Do yourself a favor and add a seat cushion or some lumbar support to your car setup. Plus, a few more creature comforts you might want to have on hand.

Just as handy for sitting on an uncomfortable dining room chair  while working from home  as it is on long car rides, this gridded seat cushion will make sitting for extended periods of time comfier—plus the design leaves room for air circulation. It comes with a zippered case for easy transport, too. The Simple cushion should be plenty for your average road trip, but if you’re heading cross-country or planning to make very few stops, pick up the more supportive  Ultimate cushion , designed specifically for truckers and long-haul drives.

Several hours behind the wheel can leave your back feeling less than stellar. Strap one of these lumbar support shells around your seat to make your ride more comfortable: It cradles your back, helping to improve your posture and keep you from sinking into the seat, with the added bonus of a mesh fabric to keep your back cool.

If you’re not too tight on space, consider adding a compact, foldable chair to slide into your trunk. You never know when you'll find yourself in need of a dry, comfortable chair on the fly—be it for extra seating at a roadside picnic table or to enjoy a secluded viewpoint at sunset. REI’s Camp X chair is made of quick-dry mono-mesh and polyester material and comes with a carrying case and two cup holders for impromptu lunch breaks.

If you’re not the only driver in the car, you’ll be happy to have a  neck pillow  while napping during your off shifts. OstrichPillow makes all kinds of interesting contraptions to help you get some sleep wherever you are, but we like the memory foam, velcro-close OstrichPillow Go travel pillow best for car rides.

If you still have a Little Trees Black Ice hanging from your rearview mirror, it's about time you elevate your air freshener game. Pop this inconspicuous diffuser onto one of your car's vents to make the space smell just like a Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain candle. Another fresh-smelling option: this under-$20 essential oil diffuser , which  Traveler  editor Rebecca Misner is a fan of.

A lightweight towel comes in handy during any number of road trip situations: Use it for spontaneous swims, roadside picnics, or as a buffer between the hot leather seat and your legs in the car. This extra-smooth Turkish cotton towel is as absorbent as a standard bath towel but much more compact.

Clothing and accessories

When dressing for a road trip, you want clothing that is comfy, breathable, and works in various climates. Bonus points for pieces that are stylish, too.

We love a good pair of compression socks for long travel days . And during pandemic-era road trips, when stops might be less frequent than usual, they work well at keeping the blood flowing and reducing swelling during long seated stretches in the car. Our favorite brand, Comrad, makes knee-high socks that come in 10 different colors and can be worn three to four times before washing, so you can throw 'em on more than once during multi-day trips.

No matter the excursion, Viev’s Gemma Mid Jacket is a great outer layer. It is lightweight and made with durable Gore-Tex fabric. Its design optimizes breathability to the torso and softness in the arms, back, and hood, making it extremely comfortable to wear even when you are driving. Plus, there are multiple pockets to securely store keys, a wallet, or phone, so your hands can rest comfortably in the outside pocket when you step out to take a break and stretch your legs at rest stops. The rain jacket's bonus is the storm hood brim, which maintains its shape when activated and lays flat when down without being overly rigid.

Along with a good pair of socks, a versatile boot that offers all-day comfort and durability is another must for long road trips. Red Wing Heritage boots are comfortable enough to keep on during long car rides and easy to pair with any outfit or climate, no matter where the road takes you. The Classic Moc is made with soft leather and a polyurethane traction tread outsole for faster break-in and comfort. Wear them in and out of the car, in all kinds of weather.

Drinks, snacks, and hydration

Another must on our list of road trip necessities: food and drinks. And while road travel is often synonymous with gas station coffee and oversized sodas, it doesn’t have to be so. There are plenty of healthy hydration options that change the relationship between road trips and caffeinated drinks.

You've got your insulated reusable water bottle , but if you want to keep your coffee hot, you're going to need a reusable thermos. Zojirushi’s stainless steel travel mug keeps hot drinks warm for up to six hours, and it has a slim design that allows it to easily fit in your car's cup holder. (And if you need to throw it in your bag, it won't leak either.)

The Pakt Travel Mug is in the running for perfect travel mug, too: It is a leak-proof vacuum-insulated double-walled mug that keeps beverages securely sealed and the perfect temperature (8 hours for hot and 24 hours for cold), making it an ideal travel companion. Plus it is sized to fit into most any cup holder.

If you are tired of terrible coffee on the go, the Pakt Coffee Kit has everything you need to make quality coffee in one sleek, portable package. All you need is water and electricity, so you can use this with an adaptor in your car’s charge port, at a rest stop, or at your accommodation. The pour over kit comes with an electric kettle, travel mug and lid, coffee grounds container, and collapsible stainless-steel dripper that packs down into a compact carrying case. All you need is to bring your favorite beans .

It is crucial to stay hydrated on the road, especially when you’re sitting still for hours at a time. Nuun offers a potent blend of electrolytes, vitamins, and botanicals that help with blood flow and support everyday health. The drink tablets are fizzy, tasty, and loaded with electrolytes that keep you healthy and hydrated. Plus, they are certified vegan and gluten-free and have a net-zero carbon emission footprint—good for you and for the environment.

Ritual coffee, based out of San Francisco , sources sweet, clean, single-origin coffees that are simply delicious. They have an ever-changing seasonal espresso blend, the best decaf around, and a single serve instant coffee mix for those times when the cup of gas station coffee just won’t do.

For something to carry, store, and keep all your drink options cool on your next road trip: the soft-shell Yeti Hooper Flip 12 cooler tote. It is leakproof with a wide mouth opening that makes it easy to access food and drinks. It even has a hitch point grid on its sides to help attach it to other gear for more compact packing options in the car.

While most of our favorite  road trip snacks  come in pre-packaged containers, for anything fresh or homemade (like trail mix, sliced fruit, or overnight oats), we turn to containers like S’well’s spill-resistant snack bowls. For those embarking on family road trips, there are plenty of kid-friendly patterns , decorated with Disney characters, dogs, pretzels, and more, all of which have a pull-out handle. For adults, there are  neutral colors like teak wood and marbled patterns available in 16- and 21-ounce sizes.

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!

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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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Best Road Trip Cars in 2024 and 2025

We compiled a list of vehicles that are great for road trips. These vehicles are fuel-efficient, reliable, and comfortable, which will help you out on all of your highway adventures.

Kia Motors America |

The Best Cars, Minivans and SUVs for Road Trips

Summer is prime road trip season, whether that means hitting up a national park or getting together with family at a lakeside cabin. Choosing the right new car for an epic road trip can make your vacation more comfortable, more fuel efficient, and even safer, thanks to the new technologies found in many new vehicles. It can also mean less arguing, thanks to USB ports that keep devices charged, Wi-Fi hotspots that keep everyone entertained, and roomy back seats that keep siblings from touching.

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We've rounded up the best road trip vehicles available this summer, with everything from sports cars to pickups, with plenty of family-friendly SUVs on the list. As new information becomes available, we update our reviews, so the data found in these slides might not match those reviews exactly.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

$34,050 | usn overall score: 8.0/10.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid is a more fuel-efficient version of the popular compact SUV, with up to 43 mpg in the city. A 7-inch touch screen, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and four USB ports come standard to keep everyone powered up and entertained.

The interior is one of the nicest in the class, and the standard upholstery is stain-resistant. The seats are comfy in both rows, with room for adults to stretch out even on road trips. The rear seats recline, so whoever is off driving duty can take a nap. Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist help reduce the fatigue that can come with hours of driving.

More on the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

• Find the best price on the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid »
• See 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid Photos  »
• Read the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid Full Review  »
• See Hybrid SUV Rankings  »

Volkswagen of America, Inc. |

2024 Volkswagen Atlas

$36,985 | usn overall score: 8.1/10.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has enough room to bring along everybody and all their gear. It's available with either three rows of seating or two rows in the Cross Sport configuration. The third row is comfy for kids and adults on shorter trips. The Atlas has more cargo space behind the third row than most in its class.

Refreshed for 2024, in either configuration, a 12-inch touch screen with smartphone connectivity and a Wi-Fi hot spot are standard, along with wireless device charging and four USB ports. The Atlas can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured if you plan to bring a small camper or want to tow some toys for your vacation.

More on the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

• Find the best price on the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas »
• See 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Photos  »
• Read the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Full Review  »
• See Midsize SUV Rankings  »

Ford Motor Company |

2024 Ford Mustang

$30,920 | usn overall score: 8.1/10.

Sometimes you want to live the American road trip dream in an impractical sports car. But guess what – the redesigned 2024 Ford Mustang is a rather practical sports car. It's as exciting to drive as you could hope, and it still manages to turn in great fuel economy numbers that won't put a damper on your budget.

The Mustang's interior has been updated with a more modern, tech-forward look. Its standard infotainment system has a large 13.2-inch touch screen and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. But maybe most importantly, for purposes of the dream, the Mustang is available as a convertible.

More on the 2024 Ford Mustang

• Find the best price on the 2024 Ford Mustang »
• See 2024 Ford Mustang Photos  »
• Read the 2024 Ford Mustang Full Review  »
• See Sports Car Rankings  »

General Motors |

2024 Chevrolet Suburban

$59,200 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban is the classic family road trip SUV, and it's the winner of our 2024 Best Large SUV for Families award. It's huge, with more cargo space than almost any SUV out there. It can be configured to seat up to nine people, though that means someone has to sit in the middle of the front bench seat. In any case, the third row provides enough legroom for adults.

The interior is sturdy enough for epic journeys, and it comes with an 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and six USB ports. Depending on how you configure it, the Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds, enough for the average camper. It also comes with driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist.

More on the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

• Find the best price on the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban »
• See 2024 Chevrolet Suburban Photos  »
• Read the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban Full Review  »
• See Large SUV Rankings  »

2024 Kia Carnival

$33,600 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2024 Kia Carnival makes a strong case for the classic family minivan as the ultimate road-trip vehicle, especially with pricing that's among the most affordable on this list. It comes with a good list of standard safety features for long drives, including lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring.

The interior is upholstered with easy-to-clean materials, and all three rows have enough room for adults, though the third row has a bit less legroom than the first two. It also has lots of cargo space, even with all three rows in use. If you don't need the last row for passengers, it folds flat into the floor for even more cargo space. An 8-inch touch screen, smartphone compatibility and a whopping seven USB ports come standard.

More on the 2024 Kia Carnival

• Find the best price on the 2024 Kia Carnival »
• See 2024 Kia Carnival Photos  »
• Read the 2024 Kia Carnival Full Review  »
• See Minivan Rankings  »

Stellantis |

2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

$53,425 | usn overall score: 8.3/10.

The plug-in hybrid 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid achieves up to 30 mpg in combined driving when operating in hybrid mode, which is great for any minivan. Once you reach your destination, plug this family hauler in overnight to be able to drive about 32 miles on electric power.

There's also a ton of tech included, like a 10.1-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa compatibility. All three rows of seating have lots of head- and legroom, and there's plenty of storage space. Standard safety features include stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

More on the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

• Find the best price on the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid »
• See 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Photos  »
• Read the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Full Review  »

John M. Vincent | U.S. News & World Report

2024 Lincoln Navigator

$82,765 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

Wherever your road trip takes you, the 2024 Lincoln Navigator will make sure you arrive in comfort and style. It's one of the best luxury large SUVs, with a well-built and high-quality interior. Standard features include a 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and five USB ports.

Every seat in all three rows is comfortable, and the available L model adds extra space to an already roomy cargo area. Though the Navigator is large, its powerful engine easily gets it up to speed on the highway. Standard safety features like lane-keep assist and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control can help reduce driver fatigue too.

More on the 2024 Lincoln Navigator

• Find the best price on the 2024 Lincoln Navigator »
• See 2024 Lincoln Navigator Photos  »
• Read the 2024 Lincoln Navigator Full Review  »
• See Luxury Large SUV Rankings  »

Hyundai Motor America |

2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$32,575 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is among the best in its class and was a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money and Best Hybrid SUV for Families awards this year. The regular hybrid is the best for road tripping, with up to 38 mpg on the highway. But it doesn't sacrifice power for efficiency, with enough get-up-and-go for passing on the highway. All-wheel drive is standard for a sure-footed feel.

Inside, there's tons of room for adults in both rows of seating and a huge cargo area. A 10.25-inch touch screen is standard, along with Apple CarPlay , Android Auto , four USB ports and wireless device charging.

GENESIS MOTOR AMERICA |

2024 Genesis G90

$89,200 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

If your road-trip budget allows for a little luxury. the 2024 Genesis G90 delivers. It has a capable V6 and an optional mild-hybrid powertrain that improves acceleration when passing on the highway. The available air suspension makes long drives a dream, and the extensive list of standard safety features–including adaptive cruise control and a head-up display–eases the tedium of driving.

The Nappa leather interior wraps the road tripper in luxury, and both rows of seating are comfortable for adults. The trunk is large enough for several suitcases, and it opens automatically as you approach. The G90 also has one of the longest powertrain warranties in the business.

More on the 2024 Genesis G90

• Find the best price on the 2024 Genesis G90 »
• See 2024 Genesis G90 Photos  »
• Read the 2024 Genesis G90 Full Review  »
• See Luxury Large Car Rankings  »

2025 Ram 1500

$40,275 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

If your road trip plan involves a camper or boat, you'll want to look into the 2025 Ram 1500 . When properly equipped, it can tow up to 11,580 pounds. As with most pickups, you can configure the 1500 in whatever way works for you, with bed, cab and powertrain options in addition to trim levels and packages to add on.

All of the available body styles have a spacious, high-quality interior. Quite a few safety features are standard, including stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. The infotainment system got an upgrade for the 2025 model year, which means even more available features, including three screen sizes, three sound systems, and a long list of available tech features.

More on the 2025 Ram 1500

• Find the best price on the 2025 Ram 1500 »
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• Read the 2025 Ram 1500 Full Review  »
• See Full Size Pickup Truck Rankings  »

2024 Honda Civic

$23,950 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

You probably need one car to handle both the daily commute and the road trip vacation, and you need it to be affordable. Enter the 2024 Honda Civic . It's one of the best compact cars in its class, and we named it the 2024 Best Compact Car for the Money . All of its scores are high, especially when it comes to safety. It has the lowest MSRP on our list yet comes standard with desirable amenities like adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition. It's also thrifty, with up to 42 mpg on the highway.

A 7-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity come standard. The front seats in particular are supportive over the long haul, and the Civic has more overall interior space than most rivals.

More on the 2024 Honda Civic

• Find the best price on the 2024 Honda Civic »
• See 2024 Honda Civic Photos  »
• Read the 2024 Honda Civic Full Review  »
• See Compact Car Rankings  »

Road Trip Car Characteristics

Passenger space: People turn cranky when they aren't comfortable after hours on the road. There needs to be space for everyone to stretch out.

Cargo space: At the very minimum, you'll be bringing luggage along and maybe also camping gear or tubes for floating the river. Make sure there's space for your gear.

Fuel economy: Stopping for gas on a road trip can get expensive. Fuel efficiency, particularly from hybrid powertrains, can ease the pain of stopping at the pump.

Infotainment: An AM/FM radio is no longer sufficient for most people. An infotainment system that's easy to use while driving and can connect to smartphones is key.

Safety tech: Driving long distances causes fatigue, and fatigue causes accidents. Modern driver-assistance features can help you stay alert and in your lane.

Reliability: No one wants to be the car in the breakdown lane while on their road trip. A good predicted reliability score shows that a particular model has on average been a solid performer over time.

Genesis Motor America |

Road Trip Car FAQs

What is the best car for road trips.

The best car for road trips is the one that fits your budget and your needs, so there's no one vehicle that will work for everybody. That said, the 2024 Honda Civic is a strong pick. It provides comfort, features, safety and reliability, and all for one of the lowest price tags on this list.

What is the best SUV for road trips?

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid combines a long list of standard features with great fuel economy, and it has one of the most spacious interiors in its class.

What is the best luxury car for road trips?

The 2024 Genesis G90 will take you anywhere in comfort and style. Most of its best features are standard, including leather upholstery.

What is the most comfortable car for long trips?

On a list of very comfortable vehicles, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid is probably the most comfortable, especially for back-seat passengers who can take advantage of the reclining seats. If comfort is your priority, take a look at our list of most comfortable cars for more options.

U.S. News and World Report |

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Plenty of families take road trips, so you might want to check out the winners of our 2023 Best Cars for Families awards too. Maybe you've been left stranded on an unfamiliar road by your former car and are looking for the most reliable cars available. If you know you need to bring along a lot of gear, see our roundup of compact SUVs with the most cargo space .

When you're ready to buy a new car, use our Best Price Program to pre-negotiate a great price with a local dealership. You can arrange for online buying and even vehicle delivery through the program.

U.S. News & World Report |

Best Cars for Road Trips in 2024 and 2025

• 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid: $34,050 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10
• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas: $36,985 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10
• 2024 Ford Mustang: $30,920 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10
• 2024 Chevrolet Suburban: $59,200 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
• 2024 Kia Carnival: $33,600 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
• 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: $53,425 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
• 2024 Lincoln Navigator: $82,765 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10
• 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: $32,575 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10
• 2024 Genesis G90: $89,200 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
• 2025 Ram 1500: $40,275 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
• 2024 Honda Civic: $23,950 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10

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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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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.

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

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

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

1. First Aid Kit

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

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

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

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

3. Aux Cord

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

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

4. Phone mount

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

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

5. Roadside Emergency Kit

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

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

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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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Preparing for the Weather

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Getting Your Car Ready

8 Things You Need to Do to Get Your Car Road-Trip Ready

Time off work? Check. Accommodations booked? Check. Itinerary planned? Check. Bags packed? Check. Auto maintenance complete? Uh oh.

If you can’t remember the last time your vehicle had a date with a mechanic, then you aren’t quite ready to embark on that epic road trip you’ve been dreaming about.

"Long road trips can test your vehicle's strength and not every part in a vehicle gives you fair warning," says Lauren Fix, an ASE-certified technician, race car driver, and award-winning author of three automotive books. "When going on a road trip, it's important to have your vehicle's brakes, tires, and fluids checked, along with any moving or rubber parts that can fail and leave you stranded on the side of the road."

The following items should be checked at least every six months (or sooner, depending on the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule)—spring and fall, before the weather changes—and also before heading out of town:

No, it's not just a ploy to get you into a repair shop—oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. "If your vehicle is due for an oil change or close, have that service completed before you hit the road, especially if your vehicle is not normally driven at highway speeds," says Kevin Fawthorp, a master certified technician with Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair in Arizona and part of the Network of Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO). "Today's engines and oils are better than ever; however, timely oil changes are very important."

Once inside your vehicle, tires often become an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” automobile component. But their condition is essential to your vehicle’s safety, fuel efficiency, performance, and traction. Fix says to check the pressure of all tires, including your spare once a month—either by using a digital tire pressure gauge and comparing the results to the information on the decal inside your driver’s side door or by popping into a shop that will take care of this service free of charge. Next, take a look at the tread depth to see if your tires are damaged or worn unevenly. “When tires are worn unevenly or damaged, don’t wait to replace them,” says Fix. Finally, make sure you’re having your tires rotated per the owner’s manual recommendations, which often takes place during an oil change.

Often, brakes will give the driver some warning signs of upcoming issues. “Most disc brake pads have a squeal sensor mounted on the pad and when you are nearing the end of useful pad life will start to squeal to let the driver know before other parts—such as rotors or calipers—become damaged, causing a relatively inexpensive repair to become quite expensive,” says Fawthorp. “You cannot mistake this squeal.” Also, pay attention to other warnings, such as a sudden “spongy” pedal, pulling one direction or the other when brakes are applied, or a brake pedal that either shakes or moves up and down slightly while you are braking.

Windshield Washer Fluid and Wiper Blades

This one’s usually easy enough to do yourself: Refill the fluid in the windshield washer reservoir and replace wiper blades that are torn, cracked, or don’t properly clean your windshield. “Eighty percent of driving decisions are based on vision, so clear, unobstructed sight is critical,” says Fix, who suggests replacing your traditional blades with “beam” blades, which are curved to hug the windshield better.

Battery life spans differ depending on your climate and driving habits—for instance, the average lasts from three to five years. Still, Fawthorp says a battery in the Arizona heat has an average life span of only 30 months. When starting your car, he suggests listening for sounds indicating the battery may be losing some of its power, takes longer to start, or has a slight hesitancy on the first start of the day. Most service shops have equipment that can test your battery for condition, which should prevent you from experiencing a battery failure on the road.

Interior and Exterior Light Bulbs

With the help of a family member or neighbor, complete an exterior lighting check. “Don’t chance getting a warning or repair order from the police, or having someone rear-end you because your brake lights or turn signals weren’t working,” says Fawthorp. Some bulbs are easy to replace yourself, while others may require the assistance of a pro. Also, take a moment to double-check all interior lights to ensure you’ll have lighting inside your vehicle when you need it.

Cabin Air Filter

This little filter is responsible for trapping contaminants from the outside air and ensuring your air conditioner airflow will not be challenged on the road—but not if it’s old and dirty. Signs include a musty smell when turning on your air conditioning, poor airflow, and air not blowing as cold as usual. Ask about the condition of your cabin air filter during your next oil change.

Inspect for Leaks, Smells and Noises

“If you see a leak under your car, this is the sign of a problem,” says Fix. “Take a picture of the leak to show the repair shop, as it will help them diagnose the issue. Use your senses. What does it smell like? What does it look like? Do you hear any unusual sounds? This information will help, as well.”

Fawthrop recommends bringing your vehicle in two weeks before your trip—if extensive repairs are necessary, this will not only ensure there’s plenty of time to complete them, but it will also allow you a few extra days afterward to drive around your neighborhood just to make sure everything is working well.

“Your automobile is a very complex piece of machinery, with a lot of things that must work together to get you where you want to go on time and safely,” says Fawthrop. “Have a professional put his or her eyes on the vehicle before you jump on the highway and find yourself stranded in unfamiliar territory while trying to find help and a quality repair professional.”

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Protect Your Trip »

32 road trip essentials for adults and kids.

Travel more comfortably with these road trip must-haves.

Road Trip Essentials

Getty Images

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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Get road trip ready: How to prepare your car for a road trip

Is your car too old for a road trip? What's the best vehicle for a road trip? Should you be renting a car for a road trip? Get your questions answered

By Brent Rose & Roadtrippers

You’ve been looking forward to it for months, and now the date is almost here—it’s time for that big road trip you’ve been dreaming about. You’ve got your route planned and you know the major attractions you want to hit, but there are still a few more logistics you need to consider. Specifically, you need to make sure your vehicle is up to the task. 

As someone who has spent the last five years more or less constantly roadtripping, I’ve picked up a few things along the way that can help you make sure all of your automotive ducks are in a row. 

What’s the best vehicle for a cross-country road trip?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for what the best vehicle is for a cross-country (or shorter) road trip, but here are some features to look at depending on your situation. If it’s just you, then the smaller the better. You want something that can hold all of your gear, of course, but generally speaking smaller vehicles are going to get better gas mileage and be easier to park. I love having a separate trunk because it gives me more secure storage. At the same time, if you think you might sleep in the vehicle from time to time, then a hatchback or wagon may be a better option so you can fold down the rear seats and make a bed. 

I’ve been traveling around in a big Sprinter van for the last few years because it provides plenty of headroom, storage, and space for moving about. That said, it’s just rear-wheel drive, which means it’s pretty much a non-starter when things get icy, snowy, or muddy. For most people, a compact SUV is likely the best balance. If you know you’ll be going down some rough roads, look into one that has four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. That opens up a ton more possibilities for things to see and places to camp, and it should strike a nice balance between storage space, gas mileage, and mobility.

Is my car too old for a road trip?

“Is my car too old for a road trip?” isn’t nearly as important as the question “How is it running?” Road trips can be taxing on all of your car’s systems. Try to be as impartial as possible when evaluating how everything is running. Have you been hearing sounds of grinding or rubbing? That can develop into a major problem when you’re driving hundreds of miles at a time. Also consider the kind of terrain you’re hoping to tackle. Are you wanting to get off the grid? If your car’s suspension is getting old and tired, you may want to look into another solution. 

The best thing you can do before a road trip is to give your car a thorough checkup. It’s best to have your vehicle inspected by a professional, or at least someone who really knows what they’re doing. A full inspection is recommended, but here’s a quick checklist of things to pay extra close attention to:

• Tires: Check your tires for wear and tear. If needed, go ahead and replace them before your trip. And get tires to match the conditions. If you’re going to be staying mostly on the highway, then a pair of highway tires will be the quietest and get you the best mileage. If you’re going to be spending some time on dirt roads, then I’d recommend all-terrain tires, which will offer significantly better traction.
• Engine and brakes: Check the health of your engine, your brakes, and your heating and cooling system. 
• Lights: Check all your lights and replace any that appear to be dim or dying. 
• Wiper blades: If your wiper blades are looking a bit ragged, don’t wait to replace them. You’ll thank yourself when the weather turns ugly.
• Battery: Check the health of your battery. Replace if needed.
• Wiper fluid: For winter trips, make sure that you have wiper fluid rated to -40 degrees F (-40 C). 
• Motor oil: If you’re going to be traveling through cold places, consider getting an oil change. And if you do, ask for a more winter-friendly oil (motor oils are rated by their viscosity levels at different temperatures) that still works with your specific engine. You may need to refer to your owner’s manual.

Should I think about renting a car for a road trip?

If your car passed all of the above questions with flying colors, then it’s probably a good bet that it will hold up for a longer trip. If it didn’t, it may be worth considering renting a car for your road trip. Rentals have the advantage of generally being newer vehicles, which may have more advanced features than the car you currently own. Or, maybe your car is great, but it’s not really built for the snow or sand. A rental could solve that problem for you, too. 

Of course, the downside of the rental is that the costs can add up. Doing your homework will really pay off here. Shop around for long-term rentals. Make sure they include unlimited mileage, or at least the mileage you’ll need for your trip. It could be worth going through a company that rents older cars, as you may be able to get a better deal.

What do I need to pack for my road trip?

Depending on season and location, different trips will have different requirements, but there are a few things that are always good to have in your vehicle. 

• Flashlights. Have at least two in your car, and do yourself a favor: Make one of them a headlamp.
• Food and water. If you get stuck in the snow, you will likely need some calories to sustain you. Look for non-perishable items that also won’t freeze into a brick. Because water most certainly will freeze into a brick, I’d recommend keeping spare bottles in the car instead of in the trunk.
• Road flares. If you end up with a dead car on the side of the road in the middle of a storm, you want your car to be as visible as humanly possible so a driver (or a snow plow) doesn’t hit you. Road flares are cheap and highly visible. Use ‘em!
• Jumper cables. Having one set of these can save you a lot of time waiting for a tow truck.
• First aid kit. This is something you should always keep in your car in case of a minor accident.
• Car charger and portable USB power pack. You likely already have some way to charge your phone in your car. If you don’t, get one. Additionally, carry a portable USB power pack to charge your phone and other gadgets should your car’s electrical system go out. 
• Spare batteries. For anything that takes batteries (flashlights, your car’s key fob, etc.).
• Multitool. In addition to the tools you hopefully have for maintaining your car (a cheap socket set, a jack, a tire iron, etc.), it’s good to have a multitool for working on smaller things. It can be helpful for cooking, repairs, and even medical work. 
• Blankets and warm clothes. Got an old, heavy winter jacket that’s too ugly to wear in public? Keep it in the trunk! Add some warm gloves and a rain poncho as well.

What do I need to do to my car after a road trip?

You made it home safely and your vehicle survived the trip. Congrats to you both! Now give your car some extra love. Take it in for an oil change when you get back, as those long hours can impart extra heat into your system. You’ll also want to take a look at your air filters, especially if you drove down some dusty roads. Get your tires rotated and inspected for wear. 

Check your windshield, windows, and mirrors for any chips or cracks that need to be fixed before they start spreading. There’s also a chance that you picked up more than a few chips in your paint due to flying pebbles flung by other cars. Take the time to patch those up right away, before they start rusting. You can find out what color paint you need from your car’s owner’s manual or from your local dealer. If you wait too long, you’re going to have to spend a lot of time with sandpaper, and believe me, it’s no fun.

Lastly, get the interior detailed. Take your car to someone who can get all the dust and trail mix out of the little cracks, and get everything looking shiny and new. And when it’s all done, it’s time to start planning your next adventure.

Start planning your next road trip

Meet the authors.

Brent Rose is a freelance writer and regular Outside contributor. He is currently traveling the U.S. living in a high tech van, looking for stories to tell. Follow his adventures on ConnectedStates.com.

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How to Get Your Car Ready For Your Next Road Trip

Road trips are like a marathon race for your car. Make sure it's prepared.

You’ve been stuck in the same dull places for weeks, or maybe months. Your attention keeps drifting away to places you’d rather be, all of which are not here. Maybe the weather is too pleasant to ignore. Maybe you’d like to go somewhere snowy because it never snows at home. There are so many people to see, good roads to drive, places you love and even more places you haven’t explored. Either way, you need to load up your car and hit the highway.

It’s road trip time.

Fluids are the lifeblood of any car. Service intervals on your car's six essential fluids usually depend on mileage, so consider how far you've driven since your last service, and how far you plan to go on your trip in order to decide what needs attention. If you’re going to hit a service milestone mid-trip, you may want to take care of that job early.

Oil: You don't need to be a car expert to know that oil is critical for an engine. It lubricates moving components like the pistons, crankshaft and camshaft so they can move without too much friction. The recommended interval for oil changes used to be every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but technology has improved since then—both in your oil and under your hood. Many automakers now recommend changing your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles according to Consumer Reports . Double-check your manual before setting a regular schedule for oil changes. If you've gotten an oil change within your recommended timeframe, use the dipstick to check the oil condition and fill level. If it's black, gritty or below the minimum fill line, get it checked out right away.

Radiator fluid: Engines produce a lot of heat and the radiator keeps it cool . Radiator fluid, which is also known as coolant or antifreeze, works to extract heat from the engine and dissipates it through the radiator. A low coolant level will likely result in overheating, so check your coolant and top it off if need be. Make sure to flush the system at least every 40,000 to 50,000 miles .

Brake fluid: When you push the brake pedal, fluid—yes, fluid—compresses inside the brake lines, forcing the brake pads to clamp on the rotors and slow down your car. If you ever notice that the pedal feels spongy or has extra travel , there may be air bubbles in the lines or the fluid may be contaminated . In the case of a spongy pedal, you’ll need to bleed those air bubbles out of the lines. Otherwise, be sure to top off the brake fluid if necessary, and flush the system with fresh fluid every 24,000 miles.

Power steering fluid: Modern cars use power steering to make turning the wheel easy at any speed, but this fluid can also become contaminated, making your steering less responsive. It’s a good idea to check the level and condition of your fluid every time you change your car’s oil. You should change your power steering fluid about every 50,000 miles regardless.

Transmission fluid: Few things ruin a drive like a jerky transmission. Transmission fluid helps gears mesh smoothly, and when it goes bad, uncomfortable shifts can be the result. Fortunately, transmission fluid lasts a long time, and some cars are even sold with so-called "lifetime" transmission fluid. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended service interval for your specific car as they can vary from 30,000 miles all the way up to over 100,000 miles, per Consumer Reports . Generally, though, it's a good idea to replace the fluid at 60,000 miles anyway, even if you have that “lifetime” fluid. You are more likely to run into problems with transmission fluid that’s older than 100,000 miles.

Windshield fluid: Long drives can make your car filthy and there's nothing on your car's exterior more important to keep clean than the windshield. After all, you have to be able to see where you're going. Adding windshield washer fluid is super basic:get a jug of fluid at any gas station, then use a funnel to fill up your reservoir if it gets low.

As you'd expect, tires are paramount to safety, comfort and fuel efficiency, so it's important to check their condition before you leave.

Air pressure – 1,000 miles: Every road tripper needs good gas mileage whenever there’s an ominous “Next Gas 130 Miles” sign appears, and underinflated tires are guaranteed to waste gas. Conversely, overinflated tires make ride quality worse because they're less compliant. The wrong air pressure also causes tires to wear unevenly, which shortens the tires’ lifespan. Most cars will tell you how much air you need in your tires in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Check your tire pressures before you leave, and then roughly every 1,000 miles as you travel. Be sure to check your tire pressure again if you encounter a significant change in temperature, as that affects the pressure within your tires as well.

Rotation – 5,000 to 8,000 miles: Even if your tire pressure is correct, variations in suspension calibration, weight balance, driving habits and road conditions make tires wear at different rates . Because of this, it's important to periodically rotate your tires between different locations on your car. Swapping tires from right to left or front to rear helps them last longer because each spot wears down a tire in different areas. Tire rotations should be completed every 5,000 to 8,000 miles , or as soon as you notice that one side of your tire tread has worn down significantly faster than the other side.

Replacement – 25,000 to 50,000 miles: If your tires are starting to look pretty bald the penny test is an easy way to check if it’s time for replacements. Stick a penny into the groove of your tire tread with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing into the groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. If it’s close, you should replace your tires before you leave on a longer road trip While most tires last anywhere from 25,000 to 50,000 miles depending on their type and use, if damage like punctures, exposed cords or sidewall bulges occur, replace them immediately.

General Maintenance

Cars have numerous components that must be maintained to stay in good working order, so make sure to check these parts before you hit the road.

Brake pads: Brake pads provide the friction needed to slow and stop your car. They wear away with use, eventually becoming too thin to work effectively. Usually it's obvious when this happens due to the irritating screeching or squealing noise they make when there isn’t enough pad material left. Replacing the brake pads should fix the noise and more importantly, make your road trip safer. Depending on what your brake pads are made of and how they're used, they can last anywhere from 25,000 to 70,000 miles .

Air filters: The road is a dirty place. Cars use air filters to prevent dust, debris and bugs from entering the engine and interior. Eventually these air filters reach capacity and can become clogged, impacting engine performance , fuel economy and interior air quality. Your engine air filter should be replaced about once a year or roughly every 10,000 to 15,000 miles , and your cabin filter should last between 12,000 and 15,000 miles. Fortunately, these are usually inexpensive and easy to change.

Light bulbs: Having a burnt out headlight, taillight or blinker is an easy way to get pulled over on a drive. To make sure they’re all in working order, turn on your car, leave it in park, switch on the headlights , and walk around the car to see if any bulbs are burnt out. Repeat the process for the left and right turn signals . With the car still in park, hold the brake pedal down with a brick so you can check the condition of your brake lights .

Belts and hoses: Looking under the hood of your car can be intimidating, but there are a few obvious signs of trouble that anyone can spot. Press on the belts down to make sure they're tight.There should be very little slack, and if the belt has teeth, none of the teeth should come loose when you push on the belt. If the belt does skip any teeth, don’t try to drive it! While you’re in there, look for any visible cracking, fraying or missing teeth in the belts, which indicate that they need to be replaced . Check the hoses to see if there's any fluid leaks , especially towards the ends of each hose. Having a hose or a belt fail in the middle of a drive can spell disaster for an engine and leave you stranded—potentially without a fixable car.

Yep, it's not secret that car care can be a pain. But it's not nearly as bad as having an adventure ruined by a preventable problem. Your car works hard on a road trip, so give it what it need to keep running.

If you’re going to be stuck in one vehicle for a long time, make sure it’s pleasant to be in there in the first place.

Clean Inside and Out: Nothing’s worse than taking a road trip in a grimy, smelly car, so cleaning the interior should be a priority before you set off. Pay close attention to anything you frequently come into contact with: seats, floor mats, storage areas and dashboard controls. The last thing you want to do is to dump a full Big Gulp in your lap because it stuck to the grime in the bottom of the cupholder. Make sure the trunk is clean so it won’t damage your luggage or any souvenirs you pick up along the way. Don’t forget to also give the exterior a good wash before you leave. Bugs and bird poop are notorious for eating paint, and you’ll be encountering a lot of those on the open road.

Organize: One of the most maddening feelings on a long trip is getting buried in a disorganized mess where you can’t find anything you need. Organize your car’s interior before you leave so this isn’t a problem. Make sure frequently used storage areas—especially your cupholders—are in working condition. Pack enough cords and power adapters to power all of the phones, navigation systems and other electronics you may want to bring, and figure out where those cords should be routed before you lose them all in the canyon between the front seats and the center console. Lastly, designate a specific bin or bag for trash. This helps keep your interior clean and your trip-mates calm.

It's no secret that car care can be a pain, but it's not nearly as bad as having an adventure ruined by a preventable problem. Your car works hard on a road trip, so give it what it needs to keep running.

Stef Schrader routinely breaks and attempts to take project cars on race tracks. She enjoys fancy cheeses, good coffee, fast Porsches, traveling to new places and rare, weird cars. She lives with a large collection of Fisher-Price Puffalumps and an overloaded parts shed.

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30 Absolute Crucial Road Trip Essentials You Need To Be Packing

Post Summary: Road Trip Essentials To Put On Your Next Packing list

So, you want the freedom of the open road, with nowhere to go but onward.

But what the heck do you need to pack?

Berty and I always find ourselves on the road ( our Instagram pretty much consists of road trip pictures! ), so we  created a list of road trip essentials to minimize stops, keep us entertained and save us money along the way. 

We’ve perfected this road trip packing list for countless trips – from Alaska to Utah , the Pacific Coast Coast to the Olympics in Washington .

If you are in the beginning stages (or dreaming up your next destination!) this post provides a great list to get you started, along with other road trip tips along the way!

Planning A Trip? Make Sure To Read These Posts For More Road Trip Essentials:

Car Camping 101: The Guide To Sleeping In Your Car (For Free!)

20 Brilliant Car Camping Hacks For Your Next Road Trip

How To Find Free Camping In The USA

101 Fun And Random Road Trip Questions To Ask Your Friends

15 Essential Road Trip Planning Apps To Use

30 Necessary Road Trip Essentials You Must Be Packing

Note: This post contains affiliate links of seriously cool items we love. Any purchase of things we recommend here will help us fund our next epic road trip to share with you all!

Ever been with a hangry passenger?  Snacks absolutely need to be on your road trip packing list, especially if you want to  save money while you travel . Make sure to bring a good mix of healthy foods like baby carrots, apples, nuts, and crackers.

Bring a mix of sweet and salty things, but also indulge in some junk food as well. Need meal tips? Read our post full of easy camping meals .

2. Good Navigation Apps

Have you ever lost your way, and lost cell service at the same time? It’s a jarring experience – one we don’t like to be in! Before any journey now, one of our most important road trip essentials is downloading a navigation app , especially one with offline features.

Currently, we’re loving The Dyrt and their new road trip planner feature! It helps us plan out stops like the best places to get gas, camping along our route, and it can even work offline.

We also recently upgraded to The Dyrt Pro Membership to find places to stay near some hot springs in Idaho, and it was so helpful to have these maps downloaded offline to look on the go! Try their pro membership free for 30-days when using our code MANDAGIES !

3. Kleenex / Hankerchief

If you are feeling under the weather, Kleenex can prevent further germs from infecting your other car mates too. Looking for a sustainable option ? Try to purchase a few bandanas instead, and washing them with the rest of your clothes on laundry day!

4. Emergen-C / Vitamin C Tablets

Speaking of sickness, in addition to packing lots of vitamin C rich foods, Emergen-C or an electrolyte drink mix/tablets can be a great way to support your immune system and overall health on a long road trip. We like to add these items on our road trip packing list because they usually come in a tablet or dry form, which is easy to store and carry.

5. Chapstick

Sometimes air conditioners can dry out the inside of the car. Add chapstick to your road trip essentials to help! We like buying from the brand Burt’s Bees , because they have lots of flavor options and are made with natural ingredients!

6. Car games/cards for delays or waits

If you are waiting, say, for a ferry or a traffic issue to clear, it’s always nice to fall back on classic card games (just not the driver!) or classic road trip questions to keep spirits up and your mind off the delays! Have kids? Download these free printable games and puzzles to keep them busy!

7. Headache Medication

Sitting in the car for long periods of time can take a toll. Ibuprofen, Advil, or other similar headache medication can be a great addition to any packing list because this over-the-counter product not only can relieve headaches but reduce fevers too.

8. Sunglasses

Driving into the sunset can seem romantic, but not when you’re staring straight into the bright lights for hours on end. Save your vision and protect your eyes with these road trip must-haves!

9. Car Chargers

Berty and I have loads of tech we use on a regular basis during long road trips. To make sure our batteries are charged we have this car adapter to use when we’re driving from place to place. We’ve had it for years and we love that it not only has USB ports but regular ones for bigger items like laptops!

10. Slippers

For me, I like to take off my shoes and get comfy on long road trips. We absolutely love the Ember Mocs made by Teva , because they have a collapsible heel. You can easily slip them on and off, or lift up the back for a little more grip on your foot.

When putting together your road trip packing list, bring a pillow for those times when it’s not your turn to drive. A pillow is also useful for when you need some quick shut-eye at rest stops to regain your energy and stay alert on the road.

We own two of these super comfy neck pillows (one on the driver side and the other on the passenger) and we actually use them as pillows for a clever car camping hack too.

12. Headphones

Headphones are excellent road trip essentials for those times you need to have a little bit of space to yourself . These noise-canceling ones from Bose are a little pricey, but worth every penny for peace and quiet. Alternatively, you could purchase wireless ones , that easily fit in your pocket and take up very little space.

13. Clothes/Shoes

Don’t forget to account for enough clothes on your road trip packing list. Pack enough for the number of days you will be gone, or pack less and plan forr stops at a laundr0-mat. On any given trip, we recommend no more than 3 pairs of shoes and always pack more socks and underwear than you need. Find our PNW Packing List here !

Stylish and functional, make sure you have something to cover your eyes and protect your skin on an extra sunny day.

15. Audio Choices (Road Trip Podcasts, Playlists + More)

Entertainment is one of the most important road trip necessities!

Download playlists on Spotify so you can listen to them offline. We also highly recommend >audiobooks too, so that you can “read” while you drive. We listened to 20 hours of Ready Player One on our road trip around Vancouver Island , and we couldn’t wait for long stints in the car!

Want to learn new things? We have a list of the best road trip podcasts to check out, ranging from true crime to The Office recaps!

16. Little Bluetooth Speakers

Bluetooth Speakers are helpful in case you reach certain areas with poor reception, but still want to listen to music. We own this one!

17. A Cozy Blanket

Whether it’s cold at your destination or the air conditioning is too much to handle, a blanket is an easy go-to comfort on a long drive. You can also use it as a privacy screen if you are sleeping in your car.

It’s okay to have your favorite indulgences on your road trip packing list! That little burst of sugar will give you energy for the long drive ahead. Our favorites are gas station candy, which includes some combination of Sour Patch Kids and something chocolate!

Studies show that chewing gum can help you concentrate on the task in front of you . So grab your favorite flavor and get driving!

20. Paper Directions/ Road Trip Apps

Berty and I constantly lose service when driving on remote roads to find free camping spots . Make sure to screenshot the route on your phone, or track it on a map with a pencil in case you go out of cell range. Have a smartphone? Download these essential road trip apps to make your life easier!

21. Water Bottle

A hydrated driver is a happy driver! Easy, go-to water bottles here , here , and here . Need a LOT of water for your road trip? Try this 5-gallon foldable water cube for easy water transportation.

22. Thermos

Ask at gas stations and convenience stores if you can fill your thermos with coffee instead of using their disposable cups. This reduces YOUR waste and probably does a better job of holding your hot beverage. I’ve got my eye on this Stanley thermos as my next purchase.

23. Empty Tote

Bringing an empty tote is an excellent addition to your road trip checklist for its many uses. Pack a tote full of food and have a roadside picnic or bring it with you to a local farmer’s market to pick up goodies.

Our favorite universal tote is this one , which has carried all sorts of things for us! You can also find our favorite adventure bag picks in this post .

24. Duct Tape

Duct Tape seems to be the fix for everything.

25. Flashlight /Headlamps

It’s important to bring extra lighting for camping, night adventures, and emergencies alike! Pick up a few of these inexpensive headlamps from Petzl for keeping in your car to see at night.

26. First Aid Kit

A simple first-aid kit will do. Make sure to keep it in your car, even on short weekend trips!

27. Batteries

Make a list of items that may need a battery change on your journey and have a few extras of those on hand.

28. Proof of Insurance/ID

A driver’s license is a no-brainer as far as road trip essentials go, but make sure you have a hard copy of your proof of insurance too! In addition, make sure your tabs won’t expire during your trip and you’ve got the proper registration forms.

29. Jumper Cables

Jumper cables are one of those things on your road trip list you hope to never use! They can save you from being stranded, but you can always help out a buddy who is stuck too. Here’s a video on how to do it properly.

30. Car Fluids

Things like oil and antifreeze are a must. If you’re taking a winter road trip , make sure to read our winter emergency car kit of essential items to keep in your car during cold weather!

Did we miss anything? What are YOUR road trip essentials? Let us know in the comments!

Read road trip essential tips.

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10 Strategies for Finding Discounted Outdoor Gear

8 Vital Reasons To Travel With Your Friends

How To Travel on A Budget In The Pacific Northwest

Follow our Road Trip Board on Pinterest for some inspiration for other road trip essentials!

Money Report

Rent a car for a road trip, or drive your own? 5 things to consider

By greg iacurci,cnbc • published july 5, 2024 • updated on july 5, 2024 at 1:44 pm.

• A record number of Americans are expected to take a road trip during the July Fourth holiday week, according to AAA.
• In certain cases, renting a car may be more financially savvy than using your own vehicle for a road trip.
• There are many things to consider: vehicle health, rental and insurance rates, fuel efficiency, depreciation and lease contract details.

Summer is the season of road trips.

A record 70.9 million Americans are expected to travel by car during the July Fourth holiday week alone, according to AAA.

For some car owners, it might be more financially savvy to rent a vehicle for a road trip than use their own, experts said.

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"It's going to be pretty dependent on a variety of factors," said Greg Brannon, AAA's director of automotive engineering research.

Those factors include your current vehicle's gas mileage, the distance you'll be driving, how long you'll be gone, whether you lease or own and how big your vehicle is, among other things, according to Toyota.

Here are some key considerations.

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The car's specs.

Vehicle capacity is a "no-brainer" when it comes to choosing whether to rent or not, said Brian Moody, executive editor of Autotrader, a car shopping site.

It's easiest to say, "I have a five-passenger car and I have eight going on the trip," Moody said.

Drivers may also need to compare specifications, such as the necessity of a two-wheel-drive versus a four-wheel-drive car, as well as storage space for luggage and gear.

Operating costs

This is where the math gets a bit trickier. There are many financial costs, some obvious and others less so.

Drivers would need to compare total rental costs — the daily rental rate and potential add-ons like insurance — versus those of operating their own car.

"Most people will be shocked at what it actually costs to own and operate their car," Brannon said.

Fueling costs, such as gasoline or electric charging, are a financial consideration for both renters and car owners.

It may be possible to rent a more fuel-efficient vehicle and save money. For instance, renting a car that gets 40 miles per gallon versus a currently owned one that gets 20 mpg would, all else equal, cut fuel costs in half.

"If you have an old car that's fuel inefficient, it might make sense to rent something," Moody said.

Rental costs

The average rental cost $42 a day in the second quarter of 2024, with most travelers looking for four-day rentals, according to travel site Hopper.

The daily rate can be higher or lower based on factors like rental company, car type, and pickup and drop-off location.

The cost of rental car insurance might add $30 to $61 to the daily rate, depending on insurance type, according to Allianz Travel, citing MarketWatch data.

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Renters who want car insurance may not need to buy additional coverage through the rental company.

Car owners may already get full coverage on a rental via their own car insurance policies, or may have some coverage through credit-card benefits, Brannon said.

"Call your insurance agent and double-check your coverage," he said. "You can save yourself a bunch of money by not double-insuring the vehicle if you don't need to."

Depreciation and mileage caps on leases

Additionally, car owners who lease a vehicle should weigh factors like mileage caps before taking a long road trip. For example, the typical lease imposes financial penalties on drivers who put more than 12,000 miles a year on their vehicle, according to Kelley Blue Book.

The cost for exceeding that cap is usually about 20 to 30 cents per mile, KBB said. (At 30 cents, a driver would pay $300 for every 1,000 miles over the mileage limit.)

There are also depreciation costs to consider.

Depreciation causes a car to lose value over time. Cars famously lose about 10% to 15% of their value once they drive it off the lot, Brannon said.

Depreciation is "the biggest expense of owning a vehicle," Brannon said. And that's why it matters for road trips, he says.

"The more miles you put on a vehicle the more it depreciates," Brannon said.

Every mile puts wear and tear on the engine, tires and other moving parts, according to Allianz.

Depreciation affects all cars differently. The average car depreciates at about 20 cents a mile, according to Toyota.

For shorter road trips — say, 1,000 to 1,500 miles in a given year — depreciation might not be a big deal relative to rental prices, said Autotrader's Moody.

Depreciation generally only matters for people who plan to sell or trade in their vehicle in the future.

State of the vehicle

Unforeseen repairs can be costly: The average repair order on the road is "well in excess of $500," excluding towing costs, Brannon said, citing AAA data.

The odds of a breakdown are lower with rental cars, which are generally newer models, Moody said. The average used car on the road is about 12 years old, he explained.

While a mechanical issue would be inconvenient for anyone taking a road trip, renters wouldn't be financially liable (assuming they're not at fault), Moody said.

Brannon points out some questions drivers should ask: Have I done a good job maintaining my car? Is it up for long days on the road? Are the tires in good shape? Is it mechanically sound? How old is it? What safety technologies does the vehicle have?

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Millions of Americans will get in planes, trains and automobiles to travel for the Fourth of July.

"We're hitting a new record with almost 71 million people traveling 50 miles or more from home this holiday week," Central PA AAA spokesperson Doni Lee Spiegel said.

The majority of those travelers will be hitting the road, and the number keeps increasing.

"In 2019, we saw 55.3 million people take a road trip for the Fourth of July holiday. Last year, that was a new record – 57.9 million people traveling. This year we're beating that by an additional 2.8 million drivers on the road," Spiegel said.

Experts said there are things to do to make sure your vehicle is ready for vacation mode.

"Before you leave, check all your fluids. Check your brake fluid. Check your engine oil, for sure," said Zaid Badri, manager at Mavis Discount Tire. "TPMS tire pressure monitor usually comes on if the weather changes. If it drops a couple PSI, the light comes on and a lot of people freak out about it. So, check your air in your tires."

Badri also shared the number one problem he sees coming into the shop during this time of year.

"The thing I've been seeing is people not checking their oil fluid. There's not enough oil in the engine and they come in here and now they're hearing a tapping noise. If you're running very low on oil, it's going to cost you a lot of money," he said.

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An Auto Mechanic Took a Road Trip in This Lady’s Car

We trust auto mechanics with our vehicles to repair them or when they need scheduled maintenance. Naturally, this sometimes means they have to drive the cars in order to determine the problem. They may also take it for a spin may to determine if it has been fixed. However, one woman recently took to social media to question why a mechanic drove her car to great lengths when she took it in for repairs. 

Should auto mechanics drive your car this much?

According to Daily Dot , a TikTok user who posts with the handle @frenchietopia recently took to the platform with a question. She wanted to know how much auto mechanics need to drive the cars they are working on. This is because she recently took her vehicle in for bodywork and was met with a surprise when she saw how many more miles she had on the odometer. 

According to her, “I’m driving, and I’m at a red light, and I’m in shock.” She tells her viewers that her car was in the hands of auto mechanics for bodywork for about ten days. Upon taking the car in, it had about 26,921 miles. However, after getting the car back from the shop, it had 28,879. She says in her video, “Ten days at the body shop, and it has [an] extra 1,000 miles. Why?” More accurately, this is almost 2,000 additional miles.

‘Someone took a road trip!’: Woman takes car to mechanic. It gets returned with 2,000 extra miles on it

Naturally, it’s a bit surprising that they would need to drive it as she only took it to the auto mechanic for bodywork, not issues where they’d need to do extensive test driving. She posted an update to ensure people knew she did not make a mistake when calculating the mileage. However, she has no way of proving for legal reasons that they drove the car almost 2,000 miles despite having small pieces of proof. 

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Barnell Anderson

Barnell Anderson joined the MotorBiscuit team in 2023. After earning a Master of Arts in English from Louisiana Tech University, Barnell found his way into automotive journalism. He’s been writing about the automotive industry since 2021, creating vehicle comparisons and discussing reliability and vehicle safety ratings for various outlets, including HotCars and SlashGear.