Don't Hit the Road Without These Road Trip Essentials

Hitting the open road is an exciting experience, and having the right road trip essentials can make your journey truly unforgettable. From must-have gadgets to cozy comfort items, we’ve created the perfect packing list to ensure your trip is smooth and enjoyable. Buckle up and get ready for an adventure full of freedom and discovery!

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Family Road Trip Packing List

Our family usually accompanies us on road trips, so let's start with the ultimate family road trip packing list. Preparing for a family adventure means ensuring everyone is comfortable, entertained, and ready for the journey. Based on our many trips with kids, here are our must-have road trip essentials to keep your journey smooth and enjoyable for everyone.

Clothing

One outfit for each day & extra clothes for babies and toddlers: If you’re planning a 2-3 day or longer road trip with your kids, packing clothing should be at the top of your list. Bring at least one outfit for each day of your trip, and we
Opt for lightweight, stretchy travel clothing that can be layered and adapted to changing weather. Choose items like the Limitless Merino Polo Shirt, which offers breathability, odor resistance, and moisture-wicking properties—perfect for varying temperatures and extended wear.
For tops, consider natural fabrics like cotton or merino wool blended with polyester for their softness, odor resistance, and moisture-wicking abilities.
For bottoms, look into nylon blends for their stretchy, quick-drying, and stain-resistant features. Durable travel pants or shorts, depending on the weather, are ideal. Consider the AT Pants, which are stretchy, quick-drying, and stain-resistant, making them perfect for road trips.
Pack a mix of travel t-shirts, long sleeves, and lightweight jackets to cover all bases. Even in summer, car air conditioning or unexpected chilly evenings can make these items lifesavers. Check out the lightweight Venture Crew sweater and packable hoodie from the same collection, featuring a unique waffle structure and UV protection, which is also important when driving.
Don’t forget to pack extra socks, underwear, and pajamas for everyone. Comfort is key for a good night’s sleep, especially after a long day on the road.
If you’re planning a summer road trip, you never know when you'll find the perfect swimming spot or a hotel with a pool. So, pack swimsuits that won’t weigh down your baggage but can bring extra happiness and joy from water activities for your family.
Additionally, having comfortable shoes for driving and a pair of slippers or flip-flops for quick stops can make a big difference.

Toiletries

Toothbrushes and Toothpaste: Don’t forget to pack everyone’s favorite toothbrush and toothpaste in travel size.
Shampoo and Conditioner: Travel-sized bottles save space and keep your hair feeling fresh.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Protect your skin from harsh sun rays and annoying bugs during outdoor adventures.
Cleaning Wipes, Hand Sanitizer, and Napkins: Essential for maintaining cleanliness during the trip.

Road Essentials

First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor mishaps with a well-stocked first aid kit. It’s better to have it and not need it. Include band-aids, ointments, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and jumper cables.
Roadside Emergency Kit: Safety first! A comprehensive emergency kit should include jumper cables, tire repair tools, a flashlight, reflective triangles, and a first aid kit. Ensure it’s well-stocked and check expiration dates on any perishable items.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun and reduce glare while driving.
Entertainment: Tablets loaded with movies and games, a few favorite books, and travel-friendly board games can make the miles fly by. Download some family-friendly audiobooks or podcasts for everyone to enjoy. Consider road trip games like conversation prompts, scavenger hunt lists, or "Would You Rather" books.
Blankets and Pillows: Opt for pillows that support the neck and head well, and warm blankets yet not too bulky.
Snacks: Pack healthy snacks like fruits, trail mix, granola bars, and protein-rich options like nuts, Slim Jims, and jerky to keep everyone energized. Don’t forget coffee supplies and mugs for the adults.
Kitchen Gear: Consider bringing basic kitchen gear if you plan on preparing meals on the go.
Water and Reusable Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is crucial. Bring 2-3 liters per day for each person (except very small kids). Use durable, leak-proof bottles that are easy to refill at rest stops.
Trash Bags: Keep the car tidy with trash bags readily available.
Hand Towels: Handy for cleaning spills and wiping hands. Choose absorbent, quick-drying towels that can be easily packed and cleaned.
Cooler: A good-quality cooler is essential for keeping drinks and perishable snacks fresh. Look for one with drainage and additional storage options.
Travel Organizer: Useful for storing maps, snacks, electronics, and other small items. Look for one that can be easily attached to the back of a seat or placed between front seats.
Umbrella and Ponchos/Raincoat: Be prepared for unexpected weather changes. A sturdy, compact umbrella and lightweight ponchos will keep everyone dry and comfortable during sudden rain showers.
Multi-Tool: A multi-tool with pliers, scissors, a knife, and other handy gadgets can be a lifesaver in various situations.
Chargers and Power Banks: Keeping devices charged is crucial. Pack a few power banks or one with multiple ports to ensure everyone’s gadgets stay powered up.
Navigation Tools: Ensure you have downloaded maps on your car GPS device or smartphone, as these are must-haves in areas with poor connection.
Headphones/Earbuds: Choose noise-canceling headphones or earbuds for a more peaceful ride, especially for sleeping passengers.
Gel Seat Cushions: When choosing a gel seat cushion, look for one with a non-slip bottom and a breathable cover to prevent overheating. These cushions are especially useful for those prone to back pain or discomfort during extended periods of sitting.
Phone Holders and Backseat Adapters: Useful for keeping devices in place and easily accessible.
Binoculars: Handy for sightseeing and spotting distant attractions.
Extra Money: Bring extra cash for unexpected expenses and novelty items. Take coins for parking meters and other small costs.

This basic family road trip essentials list covers the main necessities. If you’re traveling with small kids, be sure to extend this list to suit their specific needs. Safe and happy travels!

Road Trip Essentials For Kids

To begin with, ensuring kids are well-prepared can transform a road trip from chaotic to delightful. Based on our countless road trips with our two kids, here’s what we recommend packing to keep the youngest travelers comfortable, entertained, and happy on the road:

Car Seat/Booster Seat: Safety first! Make sure each child has a properly installed car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age and size.
Sunshade: A sunshade can help keep the car cooler and protect kids from direct sunlight. Look for easy-to-attach models that provide good coverage.
Clothing (2-3 outfits per child): Pack extra outfits for each child, focusing on comfortable, easy-to-change clothes. Opt for breathable fabrics and consider layering options for changing weather.
Entertainment: Keep boredom at bay with a mix of entertainment options tailored to your child's age. For toddlers and older kids, pack tablets loaded with age-appropriate apps, movies, and audiobooks, along with a few favorite books and travel-friendly toys. For older kids, classic road trip games like 'I Spy,' travel bingo, and magnetic puzzles will keep them engaged and provide fun for the whole family.
Comfort Items: Bring a comfy blanket, pillow, and their favorite stuffed animal to provide comfort and familiarity in a new environment.
Baby Wipes: Essential for cleaning hands and messes.

Let’s explore how to adjust your road trip packing list based on the age of your children, as their needs can vary significantly.

Road Trip Essentials for Newborns

Diapers and Wipes: Newborns require frequent diaper changes, so stock up on high-absorbency diapers and gentle, fragrance-free wipes.
Formula/Breastfeeding Supplies: For formula-fed babies, prepare pre-measured formula portions and bottles. Breastfeeding moms should bring a nursing cover, breast pump, and milk storage bags.
Portable Changing Pad: A waterproof, easy-to-clean changing pad is essential for on-the-go diaper changes.
Swaddle Blankets: These can also double as nursing covers or burp cloths.
Pacifiers: Bring a few pacifiers to soothe your newborn during the trip. Consider using a pacifier clip to keep them from falling on the car floor.

Essentials for Infants

Diapers and Wipes: Like newborns, infants require frequent changes. Choose diapers with good absorbency and wipes that are gentle on sensitive skin.
Formula and Bottles: Pack enough formula and bottles, along with a bottle warmer if needed.
Portable High Chair: A portable, easy-to-clean high chair can make feeding stops more convenient.
Teething Toys: Bring along a few favorite teething toys to keep your infant occupied and comfortable.

Must-Haves for Toddlers

Favorite Snacks: Toddlers can be picky eaters, so bring a variety of their favorite snacks to keep them satisfied. Opt for easy-to-eat, mess-free options like cheese sticks, crackers, and fruit pouches.
Travel Potty: Essential for those unpredictable potty breaks. Choose a compact, easy-to-clean model that can be quickly set up when needed.

Adjust the list based on your children's preferences, ensuring that your little ones are comfortable, entertained, and safe throughout the trip. Don’t forget to check out our family vacation packing list for a complete list of kids' travel essentials.

Car Road Trip Essentials

Another crucial aspect of any road trip is preparing your car for the journey. Ensuring your vehicle is equipped with the right essentials is key to a safe and smooth ride, helping you avoid any roadside headaches. Here’s our checklist of must-have items to ensure a safe and stress-free trip:

Spare Tire and Jack: Flat tires can happen when you least expect them. Make sure you have a fully inflated spare tire and a reliable jack. Check their condition before setting off to avoid any surprises on the road.
Tire Inflator/Air Compressor and Fix-a-Flat: These tools can save you from being stranded with a flat tire. A tire inflator or air compressor can quickly refill a low tire, while Fix-a-Flat can temporarily seal small punctures.
Jumper Cables: Dead batteries can disrupt your plans. A quality set of jumper cables can get you back on the road quickly. Look for cables that are at least 12 feet long with heavy-duty clamps.
Extra Fluids: Carry an extra bottle of oil and a small bottle of coolant to top off your car’s fluids if needed. These can be lifesavers in case of minor leaks or high engine temperatures.
Tire Pressure Gauge: Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for safety and fuel efficiency. A digital tire pressure gauge is easy to use and provides accurate readings.
Emergency Roadside Kit: Be prepared for minor mishaps with a comprehensive roadside kit. This should include items like reflective triangles, a flashlight with extra batteries, a multi-tool, screwdrivers, and adjustable wrenches.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Keep your windshield clean for optimal visibility. Choose a washer fluid that’s effective in various weather conditions, especially if you’re traveling through areas with bugs or dust.
Portable Car Vacuum: Keeping the car clean can be a challenge on long trips, especially with kids. A portable vacuum can help manage crumbs and dirt, making the journey more comfortable.
Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary car documents, including registration, insurance, and the owner’s manual.
Car Charger: Keeping devices charged is crucial, especially for navigation and communication. A multi-port car charger can keep all your devices powered up.
Dashcam: A dashcam provides an extra layer of safety by recording your journey and any incidents that might occur.
Reflective Warning Triangles or Road Flares: These are essential for making your vehicle visible to other drivers in case of a breakdown.
Tow Straps: Handy for pulling a stuck vehicle or for being pulled out of a tough spot.
High-Visibility Vest, Emergency Blankets, and Spare Clothing: These items are essential for inclement weather or emergencies, ensuring you stay visible and warm.
Windex and Scrubbies: Keep your windows clean for better visibility with Windex and Scrubbies.
Essential Road Trip Apps: Download essential road trip apps like Google Maps for navigation, GasBuddy for finding the cheapest gas, Hotwire for booking hotels, and Waze for real-time traffic updates.

Even if you’ve packed everything on this list, it’s important to go through this checklist and perform a checkup on your car before the trip.

Change the oil and check all fluids.
Verify tire pressure and inflate the spare tire.
Apply Rain-X to the windows.
Clean the vehicle.
Check the air filters.

Vehicle safety, proper functionality, and comfort are crucial for a successful road trip. So take these preparations seriously to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Bonus Travel Tips For Road Trip

Lastly, once the packing is done, here are a few more tips from us to make your road trip comfortable and enjoyable:

Plan Your Route: Use navigation apps to plan your route in advance, but stay flexible for detours to interesting places.
Take Breaks: Stop every 2-3 hours to stretch, use restrooms, refuel, and refresh.
Take Turns Driving: If possible, share the driving responsibilities to give everyone a chance to rest.
Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle within easy reach and drink regularly.
Music and Podcasts: Create a playlist or download podcasts and audiobooks to stay entertained without getting bored.
Pack Smart: Keep essentials like chargers, wet wipes, hand sanitizers, and trash bags within easy reach.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts and important phone numbers handy.
Comfortable Clothing: Opt for breathable and stretchy clothing to stay comfortable during long hours of sitting. Wear hoodies or sweatshirts for warmth and flexibility.
Comfy Shoes: Choose shoes that are well-cushioned and supportive.

We hope this list helps you pack smartly and stress-free for your next family road trip. With these tips and road trip essentials, you can look forward to a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable journey for everyone involved. Safe and happy travels!