Packing can be very overwhelming for a vacation that is meant for relaxation and enjoying your time with your family or friends, so we wanted to take the stress off, so you don’t forget any of those road trip must-haves! We have put together the ultimate road trip packing list with a checklist of everything you’ll need for any road trip you take. Our road trip essentials list includes everything you need for you and your vehicle, as well as fun and entertaining things to bring- whether it is a week-long trip or a few hours drive. For anyone traveling with kids and/or pets, we have also included family and pet road trip essentials to keep them healthy and happy.

*click the links below to view products we recommend for your trip and look out for special promo codes with discounts on products exclusively for our Blog visitors!*

 

Road Trip Essential Items That Should ALWAYS Be In Your Car:

• Driver’s license, registration and insurance information
• Pen and paper
• Sunglasses for everyone
• Cash and coins (for tolls, parking meters or places that don’t accept credit cards)
• Map or 2019 Road Atlas (always bring a paper map just in case as a backup to GPS or phone dies and you can’t access navigation apps)
• Smartphone (loaded with road trip apps like Google Maps, GasBuddy, Yelp, RoadTrippers, Spotify, Audible, etc.)
• Kleenex
• Pocket knife
• Extra set of car keys!
• Emergency roadside assistance kit
• Jumper cables, flashlight, scissors or seatbelt cutting tool (if not a part of your emergency kit)
• Spare tire & tire pressure gauge
• Tire chains, ice scraper and snow shovel if traveling somewhere cold

 

Electronics & Entertainment:

• Cell phone mount
• Cell phone car charger
• iCoil 12ft USB extension cable – Connect to your phone charger to reach far wall outlets; Great for hotel rooms, the airport or in your car!
*Use promo code “MLBLOG30” to get 1 FREE iCoil or $30 OFF site-wide at www.icoil.com*
• Batteries for any devices you bring
• External battery to recharge your electronics
• Travel journal and pen
• Books, audiobooks or Kindle
• Music playlist
• Road trip games (Scavenger Hunt card game, License Plate game, Mad Libs)

 

Health, Safety & Personal care:

• Bug spray
• Sunscreen (make sure to keep sunscreen in the car, so that you can reapply)
• First Aid Kit (band-aids, pain reliever, allergy medicine, anti-nausea medicine, antacid tablets, cotton balls, q-tips)
• Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer
• Essential medication and prescriptions
• Ear Planes
• Sea-Band (drug-free travel sickness relief)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
• Lip balm, lotion and other toiletries
• Body wipes for when you’re not feeling fresh
• Nail clippers and tweezers
• Eye mask (to help nap in the car during the day)

 

Food and Drink:

• Travel cooler
• Lots of water! – Keep some water both in the trunk and inside the car
• Insulated water bottle (to keep your drinks cool and to fill up at water fountains)
• Travel mug (for hot drinks from the gas station)
• Food and snacks – Stock up on non-perishable snacks (granola bars, fruit, turkey jerky, nuts, dry cereal, popcorn, crackers, trail mix), but you can keep food in the cooler as well

 

Other Recommended Items To Keep In The Car:

• Car backseat organizer – This one has an insulated main compartment for drinks and other pockets for snacks, tissues, etc.
*Use promo code “MLBLOG40” to get 1 FREE Car Back Seat Organizer*
• Daypack (tote or small backpack) – Handy for exploring your destination, while keeping your personal items inside the car
• Blankets for keeping warm
• Umbrella
• Pillows
• Towels – Can be used as a seat cover, picnic blanket, to clean up spills or dry off in an unexpected downpour
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper in case you run into bathrooms without any or have to go in nature!
• Plastic bags and trash bags
• Camera – Make sure to keep a camera in the car. Also, consider a GoPro for videos or Instax mini camera for instant photos
• Binoculars
• Window shades
• Collapsible, leak-proof garbage can for trash or emergency car sickness

 

Family Essentials – If Traveling With Kids:

• Baby wipes
• Tablet loaded with movies and educational games
• Headphones for each kid
• Notebooks and colored pencils (because crayons melt and markers are messy!)
• Change of clothes for younger children – keep in the car so they are easily accessible in case of spills or illness
• Reusable squeeze pouches – easy to fill with water, applesauce, juice, yogurt, etc. and easy to clean; cuts out messes and the need for spoons!
*Use promo code “MLBLOG30” to get 3 FREE Reusable Squeeze Pouches*
• Extra formula/baby food/diapers for infants
• Pacifiers for fussy babies (can help to soothe baby, help them fall asleep or can help to relieve pressure in their ears)
*Use promo code “MLBLOG30” to get 3 FREE Custom Pacifiers at www.custompacifiers.com*
• Flip flops
• Sand toys for the beach or park
• Favorite toy or stuffed animal

 

Pet Essentials – If Bringing Your Pet Along:

• Leash, collar and tags
• Pet food and portable bowls
• Vaccination records and medication
• Toys
• Bed or crate for the hotel room

We wish you a safe and memorable trip!