If you have ever been on a road trip, you’ll know that making a road trip packing list is as important as mapping out your itinerary. It doesn’t matter where you’re planning your road trip, from scenic coastal drives to cross-country journeys. or how long you’re planning to go, there are some road trip essentials you need to take with you.
Of course, you can just jump in the car and go (and I’ve done that too!) but why not take all the stress out of your journey and make sure you tick the basic items off your road trip pack list. So make your own road trip checklist or if you’re too lazy, here are some ideas to help you pack.
Contents
ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST GUIDE
ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS
1- Driving paperwork
Always carry your driverโs license in your wallet or purse and do not leave home without it.
Make sure your car registration is current, photocopy your car insurance policy (contact details of your insurance company), and put it in your glove box.
Donโt rely on your smartphone or notebook in case you lose them or the batteries die. Another thing you can do is to take a photo of your paperwork and email it to yourself and to a friend.ย
Going on your road trip with friends? Here are some travel with friends quotes to inspire you.
2- Roadside assistance membership
Having a roadside assistance membership is handy for times you might need help.
For a small fee, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that if you really get stuck somewhere, you’ll have someone to call.
If you already have a membership, review it before you take off on your trip and consider upgrading your membership to include more services or to cover a wider area.
Also, read the best 100 inspiring travel quotes to inspire your journey.
3- Car manual
Count on that pesky warning light to keep flashing when you just happen to be out of cell phone range.
A car manual might be old school but don’t throw it out, especially if you’re driving an older model vehicle.
Sometimes, these car manuals can have information not available online.
4- Spare tire
Check that your spare is in good condition before your trip as there’s nothing worse than getting a puncture in the middle of nowhere and realising that your spare is flat too!
If you’ve never changed a tire before, it’s a great idea to practice changing one before you go, as trying to learn how to change a tire when you’re under stress can be a bit daunting for some.
5- Maps
Paper maps might be fast going out of style but they can be really useful to help you orientate yourself, especially when you’re in an area with patchy cell service.
Stop at the local tourist offices for free maps of the regions you’re driving around.
6- Sunglasses
Pack polarized sunglasses for driving or anti-glare sunglasses for clearer night vision.
Actually, it’s a great idea to pack a spare pair of sunglasses as this is one item you’re likely to leave behind.
Finding the right kind of sunglasses to buy way out in the countryside can be difficult.ย
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7- Toilet paper
A roll of toilet paper is handy for emergencies – you never know when you might need it and where you’ll be.
If you are road-tripping in South America, India or Asia, make sure you have several rolls of toilet paper as public toilets in many countries don’t have toilet paper at all.ย
- 473 Sheets/Roll, 80 Scott Professional 100% Recycled Fiber Standard Roll Toilet…
- The 2-ply bathroom tissue is strong and absorbent enough to get the job done and…
- Individually wrapped Scott bath tissue rolls are protected until you’re ready to…
- These toilet paper rolls are designed to fit into universal, cored roll…
- FSC and ECOLOGO certified; meets or exceeds EPA guidelines for post-consumer…
8- Large Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is essential during a road trip, especially in summer, so pack more water than you think youโll need.
Have at least one water bottle for each person in the car and an extra bottle for emergencies.
- Leakproof Design: The water bottle is 100% leak-proof when the lid is…
- BPA-Free Material: Made with premium BPA-free Tritan plastic for odorless and…
- Unique Storage Sleeve: Comes with an insulated sleeve to hold your phone and…
- Motivational Quote: Features inspirational quotes to remind you drink enough…
- Wide Mouth Opening: Designed with a wide mouth opening for easy sipping and…
9- First aid kit
Pack a first aid kit stocked with band-aids, bandages, antiseptic and painkillers (being in a car with a headache is no fun!) and being forced to stop to look for a band-aid can be a nuisance.ย
- 350 Essential Items In One Kit: This large first aid kit for…
- Includes Mountable Hard Case with Organizers: Durable and…
- Ready For Home or Business: A versatile home first aid kit…
- Ultimate Peace Of Mind: Be prepared for unexpected…
- Professional Grade Supplies: This car first aid kit box is…
10- Roadside Emergency Kit
You never know when you might have a flat battery or tire and getting the car going on your own sure beats waiting hours for the roadside service to turn up.
So look for a roadside emergency kit with the essentials for a road trip emergency, such as battery charger cables, window breakers, light sticks and air compressors.
- 98 PCS ORANGE TOOL SET: This set contains 49 first aid…
- AIR COMPRESSOR: The air compressor equipped with this kit…
- SAFE JUMPER CABLE: The cable surface is covered by PVC…
- Multipurpose kit: These 14-in-1 multipurpose pliers include…
- Perfect Souvenirs: As a practical and necessary tool for…
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ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST FOR TECHNO WARRIORS
11- GPS
Update the software on your GPS before you leave or you risk being directed onto older (and longer) routes. These days, having a reliable GPS is one of the essentials for a road trip.ย
Download a mapping app, such as Waze or Roadtrippers, and have a paper map as a backup for when thereโs no cell service.
If your GPS is new, do a test run before you go to make sure it’s working the way it should.ย
- Wireless communication technology, Bluetooth
- Package Dimensions, 8.382 L x 16.51 H x 16.51 W…
12- Road trip apps
Sign up for a few hotel booking sites, such as Bookings.com or Hotelscombined.com and download their booking apps before you leave.
Some days, you might be exhausted and will need to find somewhere to have a good night’s rest.
Trust me, when you’re on the road, it’s much easier to have all your booking apps ready.ย
13- Smartphone charger
Don’t forget your smartphone charger and take a spare as a backup in case you leave it somewhere unintentionally.
Get one with multiple USB slots to keep your GPS plugged in while you charge your phones and notebooks.
- Ultra High Cell Capacity: Portable phone charger installed…
- High Speed Charging: USB-A1 22.5W and PD 20W USB C output,…
- Bright LED Flashlight: Embedded 4 led beads make uniform…
- Durable Enough: The premium battery has over 1100 recharging…
- What You Get: 1x 30000mAh portable charger, 1x Type-C cable,…
14- Bluetooth headphones
Download a selection of travel games on a tablet and pack a set of Bluetooth headphones if you’re planning a cross-country road trip with the kids.
Keeping the kids calm, quiet and occupied will make a big difference to your stress level.ย
- Stereo sound headphones: KVIDIO bluetooth headphones with…
- Unmatched comfortable headphones: Over ear earmuff made by…
- Wide compatibility: Simply press multi-function button 2s…
- Seamless wireless connection: Bluetooth version V5.3 ensures…
- Customer Support: Package include a Foldable Deep Bass…
15- Battery packs
Pack a high-capacity battery pack, which you can charge up before you go. This might be especially handy if you plan on doing some work while on your trip.ย
Firing up your notebook to research a new place is a convenience you’ll appreciate while on a road trip.ย
16- Portable satellite
Watch live shows as you cruise along the highway with the help of a portable satellite antenna.
While not an essential item to put on your road trip packing list, it’s a fun thing to treat yourself to.ย
- NO CONTRACT; Ideal with DISH Pay As You Go HD programming
- PORTABLE; The DISH Tailgater Pro from KING is a premium…
- TV ANYWHERE; This DISH Wally receiver allows you to access…
- AUTO LOCKING; This intelligent satellite antenna…
- ROOF MOUNTED; Weighing only eight pounds, our portable RV…
17- Flashlight
Youโd be surprised at how handy a basic flashlight can be on the road.
Better still, add a rechargeable solar flashlight to your road trip packing list.
There are some really cool models out there, and some also double up as seat belt cutters and glass window breakers.
Some have USB chargers that you can use to charge up your smartphone in an emergency.
- ใMOST PRACTICAL MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SPOTLIGHTใ: Our…
- ใLARGE BATTERY CAPACITY & USB OUTPUT FUNCTIONใ: Durable,…
- ใHIGH POWER BULB & PROFESSIONAL MATERIALใ: The handheld…
- ใDIRECT CHARGINGใ: It supports usb cable (included) and…
- ใSUITABLE FOR VARIETY OF ENVIRONMENTSใ: This spotlight…
18- Download Music
Good music should be at the top of your list when packing for a road trip.
Even if the scenery is stunning, there will be long stretches of road where you will enjoy filling the car with the right kind of music.
The last time I went on a road trip, I couldn’t find anything I wanted to listen to on the local radio.
19- Swiss Army Knife
A Swiss army knife is a multi-purpose tool that may come in handy for several reasons.
I’ve used mine for various purposes, from peeling oranges to fixing the arm on my glasses.ย
Technology versions come with USB sticks too.
- A CUT ABOVE THE REST: Compact, agile and ready to face any…
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Renown Swiss made stainless steel…
- COMPACT CARRY: Bring this tool with you on your daily…
- FIT FOR ALL TASKS: The idea is simple: always be prepared….
- TRUSTED QUALITY: Made in Switzerland; Victorinox provides a…
20- Drone
Capturing the places you visit on your road trip from the air is fun and will provide a memorable visual journal.
A mini-drone can cost as little as $50 or treat yourself to the top-of-the-range of portable travel drones.
ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST โ THE BASICS
21- Blanket
A blanket can come in handy when you come across the perfect picnic spot or if you get cold.
A microfleece blanket dries quickly and is light enough to take on your next flight. Make sure you pack at least one blanket and you can’t go wrong with an extra one too.ย
- 100% polyester fleece-knit. The smart choice as an airline…
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- Lightweight and compact, the World’s Best Microfleece…
- Machine washable & easy to keep clean. Simply toss this…
- Wolf Manufacturing Company is a Texas-based manufacturer and…
22- Travel Games and Toys
If you’re travelling with kids, pack some road trip games to keep young minds busy.
Don’t forget to pack a few travel toys for toddlers too, especially if you’re embarking on a long journey by road.
It’s too easy to bring electronic games, which can be somewhat isolating, so take the opportunity to get your kids to have fun the old way and download these printable games or puzzles for your time on the road.ย ย
- 12 EXCITING SMALL BOARD GAMES: The Small Gamie Magnetic game…
- GREAT FOR TRAVEL: These mini board games for kids measure…
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- DURABLE & EASY TO STORE: The popular family board games are…
- MAKES THE PERFECT GIFT: This is the ultimate board game gift…
23- Travel Mug
Choose a travel mug with a leak-proof lid to stop the liquid from spilling.
It’s also handy to have one that fits perfectly in the cup holder in your car, as sometimes the coffee cups or drink bottles from roadside stores might be too large or too small.ย
It’s only a trivial thing but I love drinking out of my own travel mug.ย
- Leak-Proof Lid: Conveniently sealed for on-the-go travel.
- Long-lasting Insulation: THERMALOCK double-wall stainless…
- One-Handed Design: Offering drinking without the trouble of…
- Secure Grip: Features a subtly textured grip for steady hold…
- Compact Size: Fits easily in car cup holders and under most…
24- Rain jacket
Add a rain jacket or umbrella to your road trip pack list to keep you dry when you need to get out of the car or walk.ย
If you’re visiting places with many national parks and nature hikes, pack a rain jacket.ย
- โ FEATURES: long sleeve, hooded with drawstring, elastic…
- โ OCCASION: Functions-windbreaker,Suitable for camping,…
- โ SIZE: Size Chart is not our size. Measurements please…
- โ NOTICE: We promise to our customers to select the real…
25- Reusable Shopping Bag
They fold up, fit in your handbag, and are useful for popping to the shop while on the road.
As many places are banning plastic bags, a reusable shopping bag is a good item.
You’ll be doing your small part to save the environment and it’ll save you from having to pay for plastic bags.ย
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- [STYLE]: These net shopping bags many different colors; so…
26- Garbage Bags
Keep your car clean of wrappers and other garbage and if you want to be really organized, get a leak-proof garbage bag to hang behind the seat.
Put a pack of giant garbage bags on your road trip packing list as they are useful and inexpensive.ย
27- Road trip snacks
While on a road trip, the best snacks to nibble on are healthy snacks that will give you the energy to keep driving.
It’s far cheaper to stock up with a big pack than to buy individual items.
- 12 BARS VARIETY PACK: Weโre packing 2 REAL fruit servings…
- HEALTHY SNACKING ON THE GO: 87% of Americans are not getting…
- 2-YEAR SHELF LIFE: An estimated 60% of all produce is wasted…
- 100% NATURAL: Ingredient lists have never been this simple…
- TRY THEM ALL: We make it convenient and fun to get your two…
28- Hiking boots
Even if you aren’t an avid hiker, there will be times when the opportunity to stretch your legs and explore the landscape will present itself.
A sturdy pair of hiking boots can make all the difference to your comfort level, but if you’re buying a new pair, make sure you break them in before you go.ย
29- Daypack
There will be times when you decide on going for a hike and need a travel daypack to store the items you should carry with you.
Daypacks come in a variety of sizes, so choose a daypack for your travels that you know you will love and you’ll get plenty of use out of it while on your road trip.ย
- โ ใPREMIUM & DURABLE & SUPER VALUEใ: Sinotron…
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- โ ใLIGHTWEIGHT & PACKABLEใ: The packable backpack…
- โ ใAFTER-SALES SERVICEใ: If anything goes wrong with…
30- Travel Pillow
Planning on snoozing in the car? A travel pillow is definitely an item for your road trip packing list.
Even if you’ll be sleeping in motels or hotels, if you are a light sleeper, bring your regular pillow for comfort.
A nifty product to get is a microfleece blanket in a bag that you can use as a travel pillow.
- Made from high-quality poly-nylon, The TUBE offers…
- With a Slim and Sleek Design, the TUBE is designed with…
- The TUBE combines free extra luggage and travel neck pillow,…
- Pack the TUBE with up to 3 days of clothes and avoid that…
- Ideal for various adventures, including weekend getaways,…
SUMMER ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST
31- Window Shades
A pack ofย sunshades for the car is extremely useful to stop the sun streaming through the side windows.
The passengers in the back seat will thank you.ย
- ใATTENTION BEFORE ORDERใ – Only design for Steel side…
- ใPRACTICAL SIZE DESIGNใ – Front Seat Curtain measure…
- ใPREMIUM MATERIALใ – Made of high quality Heating nano…
- ใEASY TO INSTALLใ – Build in 10 movable magnets, Just…
- ใPRIVACY SHELTERใ – This car curtains can block the…
32- Insect Spray
Keep those bugs, sandflies and mosquitoes away by putting a strong insect spray on your road trip pack list.
Insects and bugs can dent your enjoyment of a destination at certain times of the year.ย
- PROTECT AGAINST ELEMENTS: Our Element Defense wipes create a…
- OILY SKIN? NO PROBLEM: Element Defense transcends its…
- VERSATILE OUTDOOR USE:Whether you’re at home or on the go,…
- CONVENIENT PACKAGING: Each pack contains 70 robust wipes,…
- MADE FOR EASY APPLICATION: Our Element Defense wipes are…
33- Sun Screen
Wear sunscreen if you’re driving long distances with the sun on your skin to avoid sunburn.ย
You’d be surprised at how easy it is to get burnt, even when it doesn’t look like a particularly hot and sunny day.
34- Hand sanitizer
A bottle of hand sanitizer is helpful when you come in contact with germs or can’t find somewhere to wash your hands.
These days, keeping germs at bay is essential for good health and when you’re travelling, you just never know where you might pick up bad germs.ย
- Seasonal Change Essential: Help keep your family healthy…
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- Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer: This pleasant, fresh-smelling…
- Clear Gel Formula: This USP-grade alcohol-based liquid hand…
- X Germs with Confidence: We make Germ-X products that go…
35- Body Wipes
Body wipes are a great option when you need to freshen up or for emergencies, especially if you have to sleep in your car.ย
A pack of body wipes will do the trick when no running water is found.ย
- STAY FRESH AND CLEAN – ANYTIME, ANYWHERE – Use as camp…
- DUAL-SIDED, LARGE BODY WASH WIPES – Front side is soft &…
- HYPOALLERGENIC w/ NATURAL INGREDIENTS – Skin-safe hygiene…
- No animal testing. Free from Parabens, Phthalates,…
- FROM THE MAKERS OF SWEATBLOCK SWEAT WIPES – Use FunkBlock…
36- Quickdry Towel
Have you ever driven past a beach and have been tempted to jump in the ocean for a swim?
You’d be surprised at how much you’ll use a quick-dry towel.ย
- ABSORBS 5X THE WATER WITH EASE – No matter how soaked you…
- FAST DRYING DRYING TOWELS! Finally, you never have to worry…
- SAY GOODBYE TO BULKY BEACH TOWELS – The worst thing about…
- GREAT GIFT FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS – Give the gift that keeps…
- ENJOY OUR โNO ODORS” GUARANTEE – Thanks to the fast-drying…
37- Hat
A visor, hat or cap to keep the sun off your face.
Don’t forget this item and although you can pick up hats while on the road, there’s nothing like a comfortable old friend to take with you on your journey.ย
- Made of 90% paper straw and 10 % polyester. Straw material….
- One Size fit most lady women,US Size: 7 – 7.25,UK Size:7 -…
- Foldable and packable:it can be easily carried inside your…
- Cute and lightweight,breathable and comfortable for the hot…
- An essential accessory for your outdoor travel,holiday,beach…
38- Swimwear
If you’re on a driving trip along the coast, pack your favourite swimwear and a spare pair.
Once you get the taste of plunging into the water, you might want to do it often and there’s nothing worse than pulling on wet swimwear.
- 2 Piece Tankini: The red floral printed two piece tankini…
- The V neck ruched front with functional drawstring tie side…
- The criss-cross strappy back is chic and provides good…
- This two-piece tummy control tankini bathing suit is perfect…
- Multiple sizes for you to choose from: XS(US 0-2), S(US…
39- Sandals
In summer, sandals are great to keep you cool and a neat item for your road trip packing list.
They’re easy to slip on and versatile to wear in different circumstances, whether you’re wandering around town or going down to the beach.
ย
- Perfect Quick Drying Material:Soft upper with stretch…
- Breathable Insole:Flexible insoles with holes are made of…
- Easy On and Off:The pull tap at the heel allows easy put on….
- Non-slip Water Sandals:Upgraded non-slip rubber sole and…
- Occasion:Perfect for beach games, hiking, swimming, pool,…
40- Car Cooler
There’s nothing like an ice-cold drink on a hot summer’s day and a car cooler is also useful to keep sandwiches and other food fresh.
Buying ice-cold soda pop is expensive from roadhouses and you’d be surprised at how much you can save on a road trip by packing your own in a car cooler.
- Swing-up bale handle with comfort grip for easy carrying
- Molded-in side handles for two handed carrying or lifting….
- 8′ long power cord plugs into any 12V DC receptacle (e.g….
- Uses your car’s cigarette lighter to cool without ice,…
- Cools without ice and leaves you more room for food and…
WINTER ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST
41- Snow Shovel
Going on a road trip in winter? Pack a snow shovel and look for one that folds up and wonโt take up a lot of space.
It’s an item you will be thankful you took the time to put on your packing list for a winter road trip.ย
- The shovel head is made of aluminum alloy
- The capacity of the shovel each time depends on the size of…
- It can shovel more objects at a time
- This is a heavy duty shovel
- Not only a snow shovel
42- Ice Scraper
Going on a road trip in winter is an adventure but make sure to tick an ice scraper off your packing list.
There’s nothing more frustrating than scrabbling around to find something to scrape the ice off your windscreen.ย
- Paint Protection Design: The bristle head looks lighter in…
- Built to Last: Youโll only need one, the high-strength ABS…
- Push and Scrape: Brush off snow and scrape the ice without…
- Divide and Conquer: Quickly separate the brush and scraper…
- Dimensions: 27โ long gives you added reach for cars, 7โ…
43- Mittens
Yes, if you feel the cold a warm and comfortable pair of mittens is an essential road trip item for your packing list.
Pack a spare pair in case you get wet.ย
- Soft material: magic winter gloves are made of acrylic and…
- Essential winter accessory: knit gloves are practical…
- Simple yet classic style design: our gloves are lightweight…
- Package quantity: there are 4 pairs of stretch gloves in…
- Wide range of uses: winter warm gloves are suitable for…
44- Lip balm
When the air is dry, especially in winter, a pot or stick of lip balm will soothe cracked lips.
- MEDICATED LIP BALM: Prevent dryness, cracking, and chapping…
- SEALS IN MOISTURE: Ideal for both men and women, this…
- SPF SUN PROTECTION: This lip moisturizer uses SPF 15 to…
- IDEAL DAILY LIP CARE: Crafted with three long-lasting…
- SIMPLE TO USE: Apply this hydrating lip balm liberally 15…
45- Car seat warmers
If your car doesn’t already have an inbuilt seat heating function, you can get car seat cushions to keep your seat warm.
If you think of anything else that should be on our road trip packing list, please leave a comment below to let us know.
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