Are you road tripping soon? If so, make sure you pack accordingly! A road trip can be a lot of fun, but it's important to be prepared and pack the best things. That's why we've put together this ultimate road trip packing list.
This list includes over 90 essential items that you'll need for your road trip. From food and drinks to entertainment and safety supplies, we've got you covered! So what are you waiting for? Start packing!
Whether you're preparing to take a summer USA road trip or a winter road trip, these tools will make your trip go more smoothly.
Here's the scoop on what to have on your road trip packing list!
Road Trip Packing Guide
While booking a rental car and excursions are important, the most important things are personal items like a phone charger and a roadside emergency kit for a smooth family road trip.
However, the following items like toilet paper and cold drinks can possibly wait till you get to a grocery store in town or city. But I would pack them if you don't want to spend extra money.
1. First Aid Kit/Emergency Supplies
You never know when you might need to deal with a minor injury or road emergency, so it's always best to be prepared. Make sure that your road trip packing list includes a first aid kit and any other emergency supplies you may need, such as flares or road salt.
2. Credit Cards
You'll likely be stopping at various shops and restaurants while you're road tripping, so it's important to have some cash or credit cards. Make sure that you have enough money to cover any unexpected expenses, such as food or fuel.
3. Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is essential when you're road tripping, especially during the summer months. A reusable water bottle is a great way to ensure that you always have access to fresh, cold water.
4. Spare Tire
Road trips can be unpredictable at times, so it's important to always have a spare tire on hand. This is especially true if you're road tripping in an older or unreliable vehicle that tends to be more susceptible to a flat tire.
5. Google Maps/Map Apps
Navigating new roads and unfamiliar areas can be a bit tricky, especially if you're on a road trip. That's why it's important to have access to Google Maps or other map apps that can help guide you to your destination.
6. Toliet Paper/Tissues
Having these items on hand is essential for road trip bathroom breaks! Consider packing a few extra rolls or packages, just in case you need them.
7. Snacks/Food
Whether you're road tripping with friends or family, it's important to have plenty of food and snacks on hand. Be sure to pack a variety of foods that are easy to eat on the road, such as granola bars, chips, and sandwiches.
8. Entertainment
Whether you're traveling with kids or just looking for road trip games to play in the car, it's important to have some form of entertainment on hand. Consider packing puzzles, books, magazines, and road trip-themed games to keep everyone occupied during your drive.
9. Sunscreen
Spending hours in a car can be extremely tiring and uncomfortable, especially if you're not properly protected from the sun's rays. Make sure that you have plenty of sunscreen on hand for a road trip that's both fun and comfortable.
10. Bug Spray
Road trips are especially prone to encountering bugs. It's essential that you have some form of insect repellent on hand. Be sure to pack a bottle of bug spray or another type of insect repellent that suits your needs and is safe for use around children and pets.
11. Portable Charger/Power Banks
Chances are, you'll want to keep your phone or other electronic devices charged during your road trip. Pack some phone chargers and power banks to make sure that your gadgets don't run out of battery while on the road.
12. Travel Insurance
Although road trips can be a lot of fun, there's always the chance that something could go wrong. Whether you have an accident or lose your luggage, it's important to have travel insurance in case you need to make any claims during or after your trip. This is one of the most important road trip essentials.
13. Audio Books
If you're road tripping solo or with just one other person, it can be extremely boring to spend hours in the car without any form of entertainment. That's why audiobooks are essential for road trips! Make sure that you have plenty of your favorite albums or audiobooks on hand to keep you entertained during your drive.
14. Music
Music can be a great way to pass the time and keep yourself entertained. Make sure that you have your favorite playlists downloaded on your phone to have access to your favorite tunes when you need them.
15. Reusable Shopping Bags
Instead of using plastic bags every time you buy snacks or other road trip essentials, opt for reusable shopping bags instead. This will not only help reduce waste but also make it easier to pack all your road trip essentials into one bag.
16. Travel Documents
Make sure that you have all your road trip documents, such as your itinerary and road trip insurance information, on hand at all times. This will help ensure that any issues are quickly resolved so that you can travel without worry.
17. Cold packs
In case you're road tripping in a warm or humid climate, it may be great idea to have some cold packs on hand. These can help keep your food and drinks cool throughout the drive, ensuring that you stay comfortable and hydrated at all times.
18. Car Manual
Although road trips today often involve plenty of technology and gadgets, it can still be helpful to have a physical car manual on hand. This will help you quickly find important information about your vehicle, such as how to change a tire or add windshield wiper fluid.
19. Sleeping Bag/Blanket
If you're road tripping overnight, it's important to have a sleeping bag or blanket on hand. This will help ensure that everyone is comfortable and warm during the drive so that you can get a good night's rest no matter where you are on your road trip.
19. Motion Sickness Medicine
If you have a sensitive stomach, road trips can sometimes be difficult. That's why it's important to pack some motion sickness medicine before road tripping, so that your nausea and dizziness don't get in the way of having a good time. The best option is Dramamine.
20. Backpack
Whether you need to carry supplies, use them as a day bag during the road trip, or simply want to travel with a comfortable backpack, having one on hand is essential for road trips. These are also the best option for a long hike.
Hyperlite and North Face are two backpack brands with plenty of space. Don't make the mistake of buying a backpack without much space.
Make sure that you choose the right backpack that's durable, has easy reach, and spacious enough to hold all your road trip essentials.
21. Driver's License
Unless you aren't the one driving on your road trip, it's important to make sure that you have your driver's license with you at all times. Not only will this help ensure that you're not stopped by law enforcement, but also allow you to get where you need to go without any major roadblocks.
22. Jumper Cables
If you're road tripping in an older or less reliable car, it's important to have jumper cables on hand in case you ever run into any electrical or mechanical issues. This will help ensure that your road trip isn't interrupted by a dead battery and that you can get back on the road quickly and easily.
23. Vehicle Registration
In order to drive legally on your road trip, make sure that you have your vehicle registration with you at all times. This will help ensure that you're not stopped by law enforcement for any reason and that you can get where you need to go as quickly and easily as possible.
24. Roadside Assistance Card
If anything happens to your car along the road trip, it's important to have a roadside assistance card on hand. This will help you get in touch with someone who can quickly and easily come out and help fix any issues so that you can safely continue driving without worry.
25. Emergency Roadside Assistance Kit
It's always a good idea to have an emergency roadside assistance kit on hand during road trips. This will allow you to quickly and easily handle most mechanical or electrical issues that arise so that you can get back on the road as soon as possible.
26. Headlamp or Flashlight
If you're road tripping at night or in an area without adequate lighting, having a headlamp or flashlight on hand can be extremely useful. This will help ensure that you don't get lost or have any issues along the road trip, so that you can stay safe and comfortable all the way to your destination.
27. Extra Car Key
An extra car key will help ensure that no one is ever left stranded if they lose their keys or lock them in the vehicle, and will allow everyone to stay comfortable and safe during the road trip.
28. Trash Bags
Whether you're road tripping in an old car or just want to keep your road trip organized, it's always a good idea to have trash bags on hand. This will allow you to quickly and easily dispose of any trash throughout your road trip.
29. Duct Tape
From repairing cracked windows to fixing a leaking hose, duct tape is a road trip essential for any situation. Make sure to pack plenty of this handy tape before road tripping, so that you're prepared for anything that comes your way on the road.
30. Parking Permit
If you're road tripping in an area that charges for parking, make sure to get a parking permit beforehand. This will help ensure that you can park easily and safely without breaking any road trip rules or getting into any trouble along the way.
31.Protective Floor Mats
If you're road tripping in an older or less reliable vehicle, protective floor mats can help protect your car from any road trip-related issues. This will help ensure that your road trip is as safe and comfortable as possible, without worrying about damage to your car.
32. Tire Pressure Gauge
It's important to keep track of your tire pressure at all times. It is a bad idea to ignore the tire pressure symbol and assume everything will be okay. This tool will help ensure that your road trip is as safe and comfortable as possible, without worrying about any issues with your tires along the way.
33. Umbrella
If you're road tripping in a little bit of rain or in a downpour, it's always a good idea to have an umbrella on hand. This will help ensure that you don't get caught in the rain unexpectedly and can stay comfortable and safe all throughout your road trip.
34. National Park Pass
If you're road tripping through national parks or other tourist destinations, a national park pass can be a lifesaver. This will allow you to quickly and easily access any sites or areas within the park without worrying about paying additional fees so that you can fully enjoy your road trip experience.
35. Tire Chains
If you're road tripping through snowy, icy, or remote areas, tire chains can be a road trip essential. These will help ensure that your road trip is as safe and comfortable as possible, no matter what weather conditions you encounter along the way.
36. Ice Scraper
If you're road tripping in the winter or in a cold, snowy area, an ice scraper can be a road trip essential that will help the driver have visibility. This will also help ensure that your road trip is as safe and comfortable as possible, no matter what cold weather conditions you encounter along the way.
37. GasBuddy
A gas finder app like GasBuddy can be a road trip lifesaver. This will help ensure that you always know where the nearest gas stations are and how much it costs so that your vehicle never runs out of fuel unexpectedly.
38. Freecampsites.net
Freecampsites.net will help you quickly and easily find free rest stops or inexpensive campsites along the road trip route so that you can stay comfortable and save money on your road trip adventure.
39. Car Phone Mount
If you're road tripping in a car with multiple people, a car phone mount can be a road trip essential. This will help ensure that everyone has easy access to their phones for GPS navigation, music streaming, or other road trip essentials.
40. Extra Batteries
If you're road tripping in a remote or less reliable vehicle, extra batteries can be a road trip essential. This will help ensure that you always have power for your phone, GPS navigation, music streaming, or other road trip essentials, no matter what road conditions you encounter along the way.
41. Duffel Bag
A duffel bag will ensure that you have plenty of room for all your road trip essentials and gear, without needing to worry about overfilling your car or struggling with tons of bags along the way.
42. Breathable Shirts and Pants
If you're road tripping in hot or humid weather, breathable shirts and pants can be a road trip essential. This will help ensure that you stay cool and comfortable throughout your road trip, without worrying about overheating or getting sweaty along the way.
43. Rain Jacket
If you're road tripping in rainy weather, a rain jacket can be a road trip essential. This will help ensure that you stay dry and comfortable no matter what the weather conditions are, so that your road trip is as enjoyable as possible.
44. Fleece Pullover
If you're road tripping in cold weather, a fleece pullover can be a warm road trip essential. This will help ensure that you stay warm and comfortable throughout your road trip, without worrying about getting too chilly or losing body heat along the way.
45. Swiss Army Knife
If you're road tripping through remote areas or camping on your road trip, a Swiss Army Knife is a great tool to protect yourself. This will help ensure that you're always prepared for any road conditions, emergencies, or other unexpected situations that may arise along the way.
46. Hats
A hat will help ensure that you stay comfortable and warm throughout your road trip, without worrying about losing heat or getting too chilly along the way.
47. Sunglasses
If you're road tripping in sunny or bright weather, sunglasses can be a road trip essential. These will help ensure that you stay comfortable and safe throughout your road trip, making it easier to see and enjoy the scenery along the way.
48. Wool Socks
Wool socks will help ensure that you stay warm and comfortable throughout your road trip during the winter months, without losing body heat or getting too chilly along the way.
49. Hiking Boots
If you're road tripping through remote areas or on a hiking road trip, hiking boots can be a road trip essential. These will help ensure that you have reliable and comfortable footwear for any road conditions so that your road trip is as enjoyable as possible.
50. Swimwear
If you're road tripping near the water or in a warm climate, swimwear can be a road trip essential. This will help ensure that you have comfortable and versatile clothing options for fun activities along the way, whether it's swimming, snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, or just enjoying the scenery from the beach.
51. Shower Essentials
If you're road tripping in a warm or hot climate, shower essentials can be a road trip essential. This will help ensure that you have all the toiletries and grooming products you need to stay fresh and clean throughout your road trip even in rural areas.
52. Dental Care Essentials
If you're road tripping for an extended period of time, dental care essentials can be a road trip essential. This will help ensure that you have everything you need to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent any issues with your teeth or gums along the way.
53. Haircare Essentials
If you're road tripping in hot or humid weather, haircare essentials can be a road trip essential. This will help ensure that you have all the products and tools you need to maintain shiny and healthy-looking hair throughout your road trip, without worrying about frizz or split ends along the way.
54. Skincare and Makeup Essentials
If you're road tripping in sunny or hot weather, skincare and makeup essentials can be a road trip essential. This will help ensure that you have all the products and tools you need to stay fresh-faced and feel confident throughout your road trip, without worrying about sunburns or breakouts along the way.
55. Tweezers
Tweezers can be a road trip essential to help ensure that you're always prepared for any stray hairs or unwanted facial hair along the way so that you can feel your best and stay comfortable no matter where your road trip takes you.
56. Medications and Supplements
If you're road tripping for an extended period of time, medications and supplements can be a road trip essential. This will help ensure that you have everything you need to stay healthy and prevent any issues along the way so that your road trip is as enjoyable as possible.
57. Microfiber Towel
If you're road tripping through humid or wet weather, a microfiber towel can be a road trip essential for all kinds of activities. This will help ensure that you have an easy and quick way to dry off after swimming or showering on the road so that you can stay comfortable and fresh throughout your road trip.
58. Nail Clippers
If you're road tripping in a remote or outdoor location, nail clippers can be a road trip essential, especially for campers. This will help ensure that you're always prepared for any stray nails or rough edges.
59. Hand Sanitizer
If you're road tripping through crowded areas or on a hiking road trip, hand sanitizer can be a road trip essential. This will help ensure that you're always prepared for any germs or bacteria regardless of season, so that you can stay healthy and comfortable no matter where your road trip takes you.
60. Deodorant
Deodorant should be one product you never forget. This will help ensure that you feel fresh and confident throughout your road trip, without worrying about body odor.
61. Ziploc Bags
These handy storage containers will help ensure that you have an easy way to keep your personal belongings organized and secure in any location.
62. Camp Stove
If you're road tripping in a remote or outdoor location, a camp stove can be a great tool to have. This will help ensure that you have all the supplies you need to easily cook your meals on the road so that you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked food no matter where you are.
63. Reusable Dishes and Utensils
If you're road tripping through crowded areas or on a hiking road trip, reusable dishes and utensils can be a road trip essential for every traveler. These eco-friendly items will help ensure that you have an easy way to minimize your waste while on the road so that your road trip has as minimal an impact on the environment as possible.
64. Knife and Cutting Board
A knife and cutting board ensures that you have all the tools and supplies you need to easily prep your meals on the road so that you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked food no matter where your road trip takes you.
65. Pot Holders and Oven Mitts
If you're road tripping in a warm or hot climate, pot holders and oven mitts can be a road trip essential for people who love to cook. This will help ensure that you always have the tools and supplies you need to safely handle your cooking equipment on the road, so that you can easily prepare meals to stay energized and happy.
66. Cooler
If you're road tripping in a warm or hot climate, a cooler can be a road trip essential. This will help ensure that you have all the tools and supplies you need to easily store your perishable food items on the road so that you can keep your meals fresh and enjoyable no matter where your road trip takes you.
67. Reusable Travel Mug
A reusable travel mug will help ensure that you have an easy and convenient way to stay hydrated and energized throughout your road trip so that you can enjoy all of the sights, sounds, and experiences along the way.
68. Stainless Steel Straws
These eco-friendly and reusable straws will help ensure that you always have the tools and supplies you need to minimize your waste while on the road so that your road trip has as minimal an impact on the environment as possible.
69. Chip Clips
Chip Clips are handy tools that will help ensure that your snacks and leftovers stay fresh and non-perishable while on the road. They help to save space in your cooler and minimize waste by only needing to pack one container of food for your road trip.
70. Camera
If you're road tripping to capture the beauty and excitement of your road trip, a camera can be a road-trip essential.
A camera ensures that you always have the tools and supplies you need to easily document all of the amazing memories you are making along the way so that you can always look back on your road trip adventures with fondness and gratitude.
71. Travel Journal
Travel journals allow you to easily record all of the amazing experiences and moments you are having along the way so that you can look back on your road trip adventures for years to come.
72. Headphones or Earbuds
These travel-friendly headphones allow you to easily tune out distractions and focus on what's most important during your road trip adventures.
73. GoPro or Other Action Camera
If you're road tripping to capture the beauty and excitement of your road trip, a GoPro or other action camera can be a road trip essential. These high-tech tools will help ensure that you always have the tools and supplies you need to easily record all of your road trip adventures.
74. Neck Pillow
A neck pillow prevents neck strains after long periods of time in a car or airplane. You can also buy one in different materials depending on your preference.
75. Aluminum Foil
If you're road tripping to store and transport perishable food items, aluminum foil can be a road trip essential. This versatile tool will help ensure that you always have the supplies you need to easily wrap your meals, snacks, and leftovers while on the road.
76. 5-gallon Water Container
This large and sturdy container is a great tool needed to easily carry plenty of drinking water with you wherever your road trip takes you so that you can stay refreshed and hydrated throughout your journey.
77. Small Shovel
This compact and practical tool will help ensure that you always have the tools and supplies you need to easily dig your car out of snow or mud if needed so that you can continue on with your road trip adventures without any issues.
78. Tide to go Pen
This handy cleaning tool will help to eliminate and remove stains from clothing or upholstery while on the road so that you can stay looking and feeling fresh all day.
79. Carry On Suitcase
If you're road tripping for an extended period of time, a carry on suitcase can be a road trip essential. This large and sturdy travel bag easily stores all of your belongings while on the road, so that you can keep your car organized and clutter-free throughout your adventure.
80. Snow Shovel
A snow shovel is a practical and versatile tool that will help ensure that you always have the tools and supplies you need to easily dig your car out of deep snow or other road hazards so that you can stay on track with your road trip.
81. Extra Pairs of Underwear and Socks
It's important to always have a few extra pairs of underwear and socks on hand. This practical and convenient travel tip will help you stay prepared when any items become dirty or worn during your road trip.
82. Smartphone
This convenient and practical tool is required in less you want to use a paper map. It will help ensure that you always have the tools and supplies you need to easily access your maps, driving directions, music, podcasts, or other road trip entertainment options while on the road.
With this handy accessory, you'll be able to stay focused and entertained no matter where your road trip takes you.
83. Soap Bar Case
This practical and convenient travel accessory easily protects your soap bars from damage or contamination while on the road, so that you can keep your skin clean and hydrated.
84. Lip Balms
Easily protect your lips from dryness or chapping while on the road with a few lip balms so that you can stay looking and feeling great. Pack them in a bag that you carry often to make it easier to apply when needed.
85. Coffee Maker
Make your favorite hot beverages while on the road with a portable coffee maker so that you can stay energized and focused throughout your adventure.
86. Combination Lock
When you need to easily secure your belongings while on the road, consider a combination lock so that you can stay safe and protected no matter where your road trip takes you. With this handy accessory, you'll always be able to rest assured that your valuables are secure.
87. Yoga Mat
Bringing a yoga mat can help you incorporate your favorite yoga practices while on the road so that you can stay healthy, relaxed, and centered throughout your adventure.
88. Road Trip Playlist
Set up a fun playlist to listen to your favorite tunes while on the road, so that you can stay entertained and energized no matter where your road trip takes you.
89. Book
Bring along a book or two to help you easily pass the time while on the road, so that you can stay entertained and relaxed throughout your adventure.
90. Portable Wifi Device
This convenient and practical tool will help ensure that you always have the tools and supplies you need to easily connect to the internet while on the road without relying on just cell phone service. You can stay connected with loved ones and access important travel information no matter where you are.
91. Memory Card for Camera
This practical and convenient tool easily allows you to store and access photos from your road trips while on the road, so that you can capture all of your favorite memories along the way.
92. AAA Membership
Another way to access emergency road services while on the road is the AAA membership which allows you to stay safe and protected no matter where your road trip takes you. With this handy accessory, you'll always have peace of mind knowing that help is just a phone call away.
93. Binoculars
Easily view wildlife or distant scenery while on the road, so that you can make your road trip even more memorable and magical.
Whether you're hoping to spot some amazing wildlife or simply want to take in the breathtaking views on your day hike, these handy binoculars will help ensure that no detail goes unnoticed during your road trip.
94. Car Insurance
When you're driving in the United States, it is required to have proof of car insurance in less you are renting a vehicle. To prevent complications, make sure to bring documents for car insurance and stuff them in the glove compartment.
95. Car Power Adapter
If you have an older vehicle that doesn't possess a port for USB, consider buying a car power adapter for your road trip. You can easily pack them due to the lightweight material.
96. Packing Cubes
Trying to save space in your luggage? Place your clothes in packing cubes to make your road trip more organized.
97. Kindle or Tablet
Make reading and browsing easier with a Kindle to keep you entertained in the car or on the beach. This is a great option and the best way to read books on the go!
98. Flip Flops/Sneakers
Depending on where you're road tripping, it may be important to have both indoor and outdoor shoes on hand. Whether you get out of the car for a hike or just need some slip-on shoes for a night in your hotel room, flip-flops or sneakers are essential road trip accessories!
Road Trip Tips
For a long trip on the road, it is best to have a day pack with all the tools you need whether that's flip flops or a trash bag, so you can enjoy the fun things planned for a great road trip. When traveling on your cross country road trip, don't forget to stop at a pit stop.
If you're living in a van, make sure you have enough clothes for the whole trip as you don't want to wear dirty clothes. But most RVs come with a washer and dryer combo, so you don't have to worry bout running out of clean clothes.
Road Trip Checklist
Whether you're road tripping through a remote or rugged landscape, or simply exploring the charming streets of New England, having the right gear can make all the difference in making your road trip enjoyable and in good shape.
With a well-chosen road trip packing list, you can be sure to have everything you need to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals while on a long drive, and stay hydrated and energized while capturing all of the amazing memories on the open road.
So, whether you're road tripping with friends or road tripping solo, be sure to pack the essentials from this great list and make your next long road trip a memorable one!
What is the best road trip you have taken?
That's the scoop on our detailed road trip packing list!
For more travel inspiration, visit these:
- 85 Best Christmas Gifts for RV Owners [2022]
- 30 Best Weekend Road Trips from Nashville
- 45 Best Warm Places to Visit in the USA
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy a product, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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