Skip to Content

The Best Road Trip Packing List – Everything You’ll Need on the Road

The Best Road Trip Packing List – Everything You’ll Need on the Road

Are you planning a road trip? Whether you’ve been on one before or several, it’s always a good idea to bring the essentials, a.k.a. everything you might need. 

Road trips are a really great way to travel, save money, and have fun getting to your destination! However, nothing is worse than realizing you forgot something while you are on your road trip.

So, today I’m going to share my road trip packing list full of road trip essentials so you can have the best road trip possible and be fully prepared! 

– Blanket

– Pillow

I love bringing a pillow, whether it’s to sleep or to support my back from sitting all day. 

– Aspirin/ Medication

– Eye Mask

I always bring one of these so if I want to sleep and the sun is still out I still can. Make sure to get one that covers your eyes fully!

– Hand Sanitizer

It’s always a good idea to have one of these handy. You don’t want to get sick going to or from your trip, so I always to make sure I bring a few containers of hand sanitizer!

– Garbage/Plastic Bags

Keeping the car clean and organized is always a good idea on a road trip. It’s easy to let the car get messy. But staying on top of it with garbage bags will keep it clean!

– Cooler

I always bring a cooler or lunch bag with ice packs. That way you can keep leftover food and drinks cold!

– Snacks

– Emergency Kit

– License and Registration

– Flashlight

– Notebook & Pen

Whether you want to entertain yourself by writing or drawing, it’s always a good idea to bring a notebook and pen. You may also want to write down important information, such as where you parked, etc.

– Games

On road trips, I always enjoy playing games with my family. Usually, that’s Mad Libs.

So, look online or at the store for an activity book the whole family or group you’re traveling with would enjoy doing together!

– Paper Map/ GPS

I always use my phone for my GPS, but what if your phone dies and you have no way of figuring out where to go?

If that happens, you’ll be glad you have an alternative way of getting directions. It’s also always good to have in case of an emergency.

– Phone Charger

– Sunglasses

– Water Bottles

It can be easy to forget to hydrate while traveling but it’s so important!

– Fuzzy Socks

I love being comfortable, so I always have a pair of fuzzy socks in my bag!

– Makeup Bag with Toiletries

I like to keep my toiletries in a bag near me for easy access, instead of packed away in a suitcase in the trunk. In my makeup bag, I keep makeup wipes, chapstick, deodorant, and sunblock.

You wouldn’t think it, but it’s actually pretty easy to get sunburned inside your car if your windows aren’t very tinted. 

– Headphones

Because sometimes not everyone in the car wants to listen to the same thing.

– Portable Charging Bank

– Entertainment

Make sure to bring a few things that will keep you busy. A computer, DVDs, books, crafts, etc. I always bring a book and some embroidery to work on when I travel to make the time pass quicker!

– Planner

I love planning my trip, and a road trip is like a mini trip before you get to your destination!

– Paper Towels/ Napkins

Just in case you didn’t get enough when you ordered your food or if something spills. I usually stash extra napkins in my glove compartment

– Jacket/ Layers

Layers are always best when traveling. Being comfortable, especially on a road trip, will make for a great experience! That’s why I always wear layers so I can be at a comfortable temperature no matter what!

– Jumper Cables

Fingers crossed you won’t need them, but you will be glad you have them if you do!

– Umbrella

Definitely keep an umbrella in the car, you might not think you will need it but if you get to a rest stop or somewhere to stretch your legs and it’s raining, an umbrella will keep you dry!

If you are going on a road trip soon, make sure to follow this road trip packing list to have a fun and safe road trip! Happy travels! 

Share this with your friends and pin it for later! 

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *