Road Trip Essentials Packing List

Ah the Great American Road Trip, how much we love you. According to our Spring 2022 Travel Study, 9 out of 10 OnlyInYourState readers prefer to travel by car, and we certainly don’t blame them. The beauty of a road trip is that it’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination – it forces you to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Another perk of the humble road trip is your ability to pack everything you might need along the way—without being restricted by carry-on or luggage policies.

There’s nothing quite like driving on the open road, and a little advance planning goes a long way to safely enjoying a road trip. Our editorial team has traveled hundreds of thousands of miles across the United States together, and we know exactly what to pack on a road trip for maximum adventure. Whether you’re an avid road tripper or taking your kids or your dog on a family trip in a rental car for the first time, we’ve put together a list of essentials for a road trip.

What to take on a road trip: Must-haves

There are some things you simply shouldn’t overlook when packing for a road trip of any length – from essential documents and car accessories to a sturdy first aid kit and all the necessary weather supplies. No matter where you go or for how long, these products are non-negotiable.

There are many necessities for a road trip, but first of all, every road trip should start with searching for the most important documents, perhaps collated in a nifty Amazon holder in your glove compartment. You may also consider adding travel insurance information to this list if you have it.

driver’s license

car registration

insurance information

car manual

We also recommend a physical paper map – or a secondary GPS option. Smartphone apps like Apple or Google Maps are awesome, but if you lose cellular or WiFi service in a remote area and your maps won’t download, you’ll go offline and lose the ability to get turn-by-turn directions . A paper map with roads, points of interest and information for an entire region is essential for a road trip.

A small notebook and a pen or pencil also come in handy if you want to jot down something to remember later or leave a note on the car you got into in the parking lot. Plus, keeping a travel journal can be a fun way to make memories!

Personnel selection: Social Media Manager Kristen Taylor always travels with this National Geographic Atlas as it comes in handy when you lose service in remote areas.

Personnel selection: People Team Operations Manager Catherine Armstrong believes everyone should also have a dashboard camera like this one from Amazon: “They give you first-hand records of road accidents, parking lot damage and vandalism, and whether you’re driving somewhere beautiful can actually use them for cool footage.”

If you’re traveling through remote areas with little cell service and few gas stations, like many national parks in the west, you might also want to have:

liters of oil

coolant

wiper fluid

Portable gas tank

Technology has made traveling the road easier in many ways, but only if you’re prepared with these essential gadgets:

Car Charger: You’ll need a USB cable either way, but if your car doesn’t have USB ports, a cigarette lighter car charger is the way to go.

Power Inverter: with USB ports and AC outlets.

Hands-Free Phone Mount: If your car doesn’t have a plug-in display, a phone mount is a hands-free way to easily see your map.

Portable Charger: When you are out of the car or there are more devices than USB ports.

Personal security alert: because you never know when you’ll need it, especially if you’re traveling alone, plus travel pepper spray.

If you’re traveling in the colder months, particularly through places where it snows, your winter road trip packing list should include a solid ice scraper, shovel, and snow chains. Hand and foot warmers also help warm up after a long hike or in an emergency.

A well stocked first aid kit is essential on any road trip. Sr. Editor Megan Shute stocks hers with band-aids, alcohol swabs, Neosporin, Tylenol, Emergen-C, Pedialyte, and motion sickness medication, as well as sunscreen and bug spray.

Hand sanitizer, wipes and tissues are packaged in the center console for easy access. An extra roll of toilet paper is also important – not all rest stops are the same.

What to pack for a road trip: Things you might not think of

When packing for a road trip, some things come naturally — like your car insurance and jumper cables — but there are other road trip supplies that you might not think of right away. For example, have you remembered to bring your electronic toll pass, a credit card and paper money and coins for parking meters or cash transactions?

In addition to your favorite healthy road trip snacks like granola bars, nuts and trail mix, pre-cut veggies and fruit, hard-boiled eggs, pretzels, and other easy-to-eat foods, be sure to pack the following road trip essentials:

Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important on a long ride, which is why it’s important to have a reusable water bottle that you actually use. Whether you enjoy sipping from glass, metal, or plastic, finding the perfect reusable water bottle is easy. Just make sure it fits in your cup holder first! Sr. Editor Megan Shute loves these leak proof Simple Modern bottles for everyone in the family.

Coffee Thermos: Whether you’re trying to stay awake or stay warm, coffee — or tea — is a must. And a good travel mug is even more important. Go for something like this hydroflask that will stay hot for hours.

Cooler. If you want to keep things cool for a long time, consider bringing a cooler. This Yeti cooler is awesome, but a soft cooler like this Hydroflask fits into smaller spaces.

REUSABLE STRAWS AND UTENSILS: For all your eating needs.

Personnel selection: Operations Manager Andrea Limke loves her Stanley stainless steel mug. This leak-proof, BPA-free mug features a straw and keeps liquids chilled for 12 hours or iced for up to two days.

Comfort is key when you’re going for a long drive, and these things will help you keep it cozy!

Travel Pillow and Blanket: Opt for an easily rolled-up blanket to use for an impromptu picnic and travel neck pillow. This sherpa fleece blanket is perfect for traveling in colder weather. A sleeping bag is also an important necessity when you’re on the go – whether camping or just in case of an emergency.

Chapstick & Hand Lotion: We love Poppy & Pout for 100% natural and undyed lip balm that comes in an eco-friendly cardboard tube!

Microfiber Towels: Whether you’re taking a spontaneous dip in the lake or experiencing a sudden downpour, a lightweight, absorbent towel is a must. These towels come with a bath and hand towel and a carry bag.

Air Freshener: These Yankee Candle Sidekicks attach to your air vent or visor and fill your car with fragrance for up to 30 days. The refills are also available in a variety of alluring scents, such as Sparkling Cinnamon, Leather and Coconut Beach.

Eye mask & UV wind protection

Packing for a road trip is different than packing for any other type of trip. In addition to the clothes you intend to wear at your destination, pack clothes that will be comfortable for a long drive. We love leggings or sweatpants with flip flops, of course with a pair of hiking shoes in the back. Here are a few road trip essentials:

SUNGLASSES: 40,000 people love these affordable unisex sunglasses from Amazon.

An Extra Layer Any sweatshirt will do for most of the year, but in the winter we love a lightweight, packable down jacket for extra warmth when hiking or when unexpected temperature changes hit.

A Small Daypack: Easy to grab and run to a gas station or a short hike, we love a fanny pack (although the cool term is fanny pack these days) but any small zippered bag will do.

CAR ORGANIZER: Whether you choose a trunk organizer or a seatback organizer that will easily manage all of your kids’ belongings, organizational products are key to knowing where everything is when you need it – we hate it! it’s having to look for a band-aid or a snack when we need it badly!

Garbage can: A garbage bag will do, but a mini-bucket protects against leakage!

REUSABLE TOTE BAG: A tote bag is a necessity for taking an assortment of random goodies to your hotel room or a trip to the grocery store.

Packing in a suitcase is preferable for air travel, but duffel bags and backpacks can hold as much as a traditional suitcase but fit more easily in a car. If you’re staying in several different hotels or campgrounds, it’s a good idea to use packing cubes to pack exactly what you need for each night of your trip – that way you don’t have to lug everything to the hotel every night. Don’t forget to bring a bag for dirty laundry! And if you’re wondering how to pack for a road trip, remember to keep essentials within reach during the trip (chapstick, wipes) and less-used items in the trunk (e.g. your hotel bag or tent) .

personnel selection: OnlyInYourState Social Media Coordinate Madison Silveira swears by these packing cubes: “A chronic over-packer who prepares for anything, these packing cubes are a lifesaver and a great way to save space and plan ahead!”

Things to take on a road trip: Fun extras

If you have a little extra room in your car, you should always consider adding a few entertainment items to your packing list – especially if you’re traveling with children of all ages. Reading material, music, games and a travel hammock round out our list of road trip essentials.

We hope this list helps you pack for your next road trip. After all, preparation really is the key to a successful and fun road trip. We know everyone has unique needs, so please let us know in the comments: wWhat else are you adding to your road trip packing list?

Where are you planning your next USA road trip? For inspiration, consider one of these iconic American road trips—from California’s Pacific Coast Highway to the Great River Road, which runs from Minnesota to Louisiana, adventure awaits. Follow our packing list, get in the car and enjoy the journey.