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!
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