Are you looking for the best road trip travel essentials to bring on your next adventure? I’ve got you covered!
I'm about to share all the best things you need for a road trip based on my personal experience- from safety items, to gadgets, to snacks. I’ve even included some genius road trip supplies that you never thought of (but totally need!)
Keep reading to find out the essentials for a long road trip!
I’m a self-proclaimed long road trip QUEEN. Besides traveling frequently for my content creation and influencer jobs, I used to be a contract photographer for a camping website. I’d scout and photograph new properties in New England, New York and New Jersey, Pennsylvania and more.
After doing so many road trips, I finally learned that it was best to plan out my road trip car essentials ahead of time.
I totally understand that there are those have more of a “throw a bag together and go” road trip travel style. I used to be this way too! However researching and making lists of must have road trip items is always a good idea. Here’s why-
Why Plan Your Road Trip Necessities?
- To combat forgetfulness. Ever been cruising down the road and realize your phone cable’s busted and you can’t access GPS? It’s definitely happened to me. But it doesn’t anymore because I have lists and always plan my essential road trip items ahead of time.
- It saves you time. Think of all those little stops you have to make to the gas station or to Target when you forget something you’ve been meaning to pack. It’s definitely easier to just remember to pack it in the first place.
- It saves you money, as it’s usually more expensive to pick up an item you forgot at a roadside convenience store than it is to order from Amazon ahead of time.
- Last thing- it’s fun! I love to make lists and plan things. It’s especially fun to find your next fun road trip essential on Amazon.
Why Take a Road Trip?
- It’s accessible. If you have a car, you can take a road trip. Almost anyone can do it (unless you live in a city of course. In which case, renting a car is always an option!)
- It’s affordable. I’m not sure if you’ve looked at plane ticket prices lately, but they’re not exactly cheap. Road trips to a local area make a great getaway for only the cost of gas- rather than the cost of airfare, luggage fees, seat selection, airport parking, Ubers, etc.
- It’s easy to fit into your schedule. Like most people, you probably work a 9-5, Monday-Friday. You have the option of taking off after work for a quick weekend getaway (even better with a Monday holiday for a 3-day weekend!). Much easier than arranging an airfare trip for the weekend.
- You experience more culture. Everyone has a picture in their mind when they think of a destination like say, Vermont. But the reality is, each town and city is its own microcosm. There is unique charm and beauty in each community that you’ll experience, even when you do something simple like stop for gas. I love that about road trips!
Okay! So here it is- my road trip list of essentials, (and a few things you didn’t know you needed, but totally do!) I've decided to break them into four categories-
- Electronics
- Essentials
- For Safety
- For Fun/ Convenience
Let's get to it!
ELECTRONICS
1. ELECTRONICS PHONE CHARGER CABLE
This is a must-have! You don’t want to be caught without a phone charger cable on the road, especially if you use your phone for GPS. You also need this for making sure you have your favorite music and podcasts.
2. POWER BANK
Even if you don’t charge your phone in your car, most likely you’ll need a power bank to charge your phone at your destination.
3. ELECTRONICS AND CORDS ORGANIZER
Before I got one of these electronics/ cord organizers, I would just throw all my cords into a tote bag, all willy-nilly. I’d never be able to find anything I needed! Now that I have one of these, I can keep all my cords and electronics straight- including everything I need for charging, power banks, and air pods.
4. DASH CAM
Dash cams are a great edition to your car trips! It’s nice to be able to scroll through footage afterwards. But it’s also good to have because you never know what’s going to happen. It’s good to be able to have the dash cam to record incase anything goes wrong.
5. CAMERA
If you’re like me, you love documenting your journey with photos! My camera used to be super heavy and bulky, but I’m loving this Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera right now. It’s mirrorless so it’s really compact. Combined with this Sigma 16mm f/1.4 wide angle lens, it takes some seriously impressive photos.
6. BATTERIES
We all have gadgets that need batteries. So don’t forget to pack a few in the car!
ESSENTIALS
7. SNACKS
If there’s one thing that’s not cool on a road trip, it’s being hangry. I like to bring along plenty of snacks like trail mix that keep me full.
8. COOLER
Sometimes you’re going on a longer road trip. A cooler is perfect for bringing things like lunch meats, sandwiches, and perfect for keeping your drinks cool.
9. BELT BAG
I will shout about these belt bags from the rooftops! They are so co convenient and perfect for road trips. You can easily grab your driver's license, phone, lipgloss, or anything else in a pinch. Plus they look a lot like the Lululemon belt bag!
10. COFFEE
I don’t know about you, but having coffee is non-negotiable for me! This is my favorite Stanley Cup mug for car trip travel that keeps my coffee warm.
11. HAND WIPES
These hand wipes will come in super handy to clean up any time you make a roadside bathroom break. Especially if you have kids!
12. HAND SANITIZER
Or if you prefer, you can pack hand sanitizer. Always great for getting rid of germs you’re likely to pick up from any unexpected stops.
13. KLEENEX
Got the sniffles? Kleenex to the rescue! Make sure you pack these if you’ve got a chronic runny nose.
14. ELECTRIC BLANKET
Any other travel besties out there that are always just really cold? If your travel partner loves to blast the AC, you’ll totally need this electric blanket. It’s also great to have on hand for emergencies.
15. SUNGLASSES
Ever tried driving while the sun is right in front of you? Keep the sun out of your eyes by making sure a pair of sunglasses is always available.
16. SUNGLASSES HOLDER
This sunglasses holder fits right on your visor and is the perfect way to quickly take out and put away your sunglasses.
17. SUNSCREEN
People forget about protecting their skin on long car trips, but it’s still important. Your skin still absorbs UV rays, even through the windows. That’s why it’s important to apply sunscreen on your car trips, and make sure you have some for backup.
18. PAIN RELIEVER
I don’t often get headaches. But when I do, man are they annoying. Especially if you’re driving. I’ve learned to keep pain reliever with me at all times so I never have to deal with your headaches. My favorite is Aleve.
19. WATER BOTTLE
Staying hydrated is so important, so never forget to bring your water bottle on a road trip! I personally love to have this Stanley cup water bottle with me at all times..
20. MOTION SICKNESS WRISTBAND
If you tend to feel a little nauseous on trips due to motion sickness, these motion sickness wristbands definitely come in handy. Store some in the glove compartment to make sure you’ll make the trip without feeling sick.
FOR SAFETY
21. SPARE TIRE AND JACK
Have you ever had a blowout while you’re driving on the highway? I have, and it’s not fun. Luckily we had a spare tire and jack with us. We were able to change our tire so we weren’t stranded.
22. CAR FLUIDS
In the same vein of making sure your car has all the essentials for emergencies, always make sure you have extra fluids on hand for your car like oil and antifreeze. You don’t want to be caught stranded without oil, antifreeze, and the like.
23. FIRST AID KIT
Just in case! You never know what could happen, so it’s always wise to have a first aid kit on hand wiht things like band-aids and gauze on hand.
FUN AND CONVENIENCE
24. MINI TRASH CAN
This tiny garbage can for your car is so useful! Ever have wrappers, napkins, or Kleenex you don’t know what to do with? You simply stick this in the side pockets of your car and don’t worry about littering up your floor.
25. SEAT HOOK
We don’t always want our purses by our feet on a car trip. This handy little seat hook hooks onto the front seat, so that you can hang your purse on the back seat. Also great for hanging hats!
26. BACKSEAT ORGANIZER
Ok, I have to admit I love these backseat organizers. I have something I like to call “disorganized organization” and that totally translates to my travel style as well. When I have an organizer with me, I can keep track of things so much easier.
27. PORTABLE HAND VACUUM
This is portable hand vacuum is honestly so genius! Perfect solution for when those crumbs get all over the floor and seats. It’s small enough to fit in any organizer or your back seat!
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