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The essential road trip packing list: what you SHOULD and SHOULDN’T pack for a road trip!

Road trips are an adventure like no other – the freedom of the open road, the thrill of discovering new places, and the memories that last a lifetime.

Road trips have been a part of my life since I was about 7 and my family would pack up the car and travel from England all the way to Rome on our Tuscany road trips.

My siblings and I would be sat in the back, playing Pokemon on our Gameboys and listening to Harry Potter audio tapes and (let’s face it) probably driving our parents mad with arguments about who was taking up more space in the car than they should.

That sense of adventure and discovery has stayed with me throughout my life, and I’ve been lucky enough to continue exploring the world through road trips.

After my childhood trips, my love for road trips grew even stronger when my now husband and I started exploring Spain together on road trips in both Northern Spain and southern Spain.

We love nothing more than packing up our car, heading out on the open road, and discovering new places we haven’t seen before.

But our biggest road trip adventure was still to come.

In 2017, we embarked on a three-month road trip around America in our self-converted Ford Econoline campervan. It was an incredible experience – we saw some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever seen, explore 10s of National Parks and loved the freedom of setting up camp wherever we felt while not knowing exactly where we’d end up the next day.

That trip was a true test of our road trip packing skills, as we had to balance the essentials with the need to travel light.

We learned a lot along the way, and we’ve continued to refine our road trip packing list on road trips in Canada and the United States, Australia and Norway.

Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or you’re planning your very first adventure on the open road, the right gear can make all the difference.

With that in mind, I’ve put together this road trip packing list for all the road trip essentials you’ll need for a successful road trip AND what you shouldn’t pack!

Road trips are all about adventure, and with the right gear, you can make your adventure as comfortable, safe, and memorable as possible.

So pack up your car, hit the gas, and let the open road lead you to new horizons!

road trip packing list pin

Road trip essentials packing list

vanlife blog that adventurer

When it comes to packing for a road trip, it’s all about striking the right balance between being prepared and packing light.

There are a few key road trip essentials that you simply can’t hit the road without. Make sure you pack these essentials for a road trip whether you’re taking a short road trip or looking for a road trip pack list for a long journey.

I’ve also included summer road trip and a winter road trip list for your packing essentials.

Pre roadtrip checklist

Before hitting the road, check and double-check the following items on this road trip checklist.

Checking this will help prevent breakdowns which add extra expense and time to your road trip.

This checklist for a road trip in a car is something we do before heading out on longer trips.

  • Check your oil
  • Tyre pressure & tyre type
  • Washer fluid
  • Tyre pressure, and check you have a spare tyre + tools to fix it

Driver’s License

For road trips in the US and Canada, you need a valid driver’s license on you when you’re driving a car. It’s illegal not to have it in the car with you, so make sure you don’t forget it!

If you’re from the US or Canada and planning to drive in Europe, make sure you get an International Drivers Permit (IDP) in advance of your trip. Without this, you will not be able to rent or drive a car in many countries.

Rules for UK drivers in continental Europe

In the UK, you are not legally bound to have the license on you, but it’s a good idea to make sure you do, especially when you’re taking a road trip in the UK.

And, if you’re driving into the continent, then you’ll need to make sure you’re abiding by the new road trip travel rules.

For driving in France, British drivers now need to have a valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents with them.

warning triangle

You also need a UK sticker if you’re driving a British car into France and driving in other European countries. As well as a warning triangle and reflective jacket to use in case of a breakdown. In addition, you must add headlamp converters to your car to prevent blinding drivers coming from the other direction.

Check the rules on the UK Government website before your trip.

Vehicle registration

Before hitting the road, make sure you have your vehicle registration in your car.

If you’re renting a car, the registration and rental documents should be in the car, but it’s always a good idea to double-check before you set off.

Car manual

Breakdowns are never a fun experience. Keep your car’s manual in the car at all times so you can do a quick search should a warning light or something else go wrong during your road trip.

This is particularly important if you’re travelling to remote areas where internet access may not be readily available.

Most rental car companies will have the manual in the car but you should always check before heading out

Another of the road trip car essentials is the manual. Your car will have come with an owner’s manual that you probably never even looked at. If you bought your car second hand it should still have the owner’s manual, but you can often find them online these days.

This manual has everything you’ll need to know about your car. So, if you’re out on your road trip and a new emergency light comes on you can check what it is in the manual to see how serious it is and how quickly you need to get to a garage.

Car insurance

Car insurance is a legal requirement in the majority of countries around the world. Always bring your insurance documents with you on your road trip.

If you’re renting a car for your road trip, you’ll have some minimum insurance automatically, and it’s up to you whether you pay for the additional insurance.

Lots of credit cards, particularly in North America, cover you for road trips but be sure to check the rules and book and pay with that credit card to make sure you’re covered.

Travel Insurance

While car insurance is important, it’s not the only type of insurance you should consider for your road trip.

Travel insurance policies can provide coverage for everything from trip cancellations to stolen property, making them a great investment.

If you’re bringing expensive gear on your trip, like cameras and lenses, a travel insurance policy can cover you if they’re stolen.

Two great options for travel insurance are Safety Wing and HeyMondo. HeyMondo is your more standard travel insurance if you’re looking for insurance for both medical expenses and lost or stolen belongings. Whereas Safety Wing is great for people who travel a lot and is pitched as a ‘digital nomad’ insurance. It also includes medical care in your home country.

First aid kit

adventure medical first aid

Accidents can happen so it’s important to bring a first aid kit on your road trip.

A simple kit with bandages and antibiotic cream like Savlon or Polysporin can be a lifesaver in case of injuries.

If you’re planning to do any hiking on your road trip, you may want to consider a more comprehensive kit, like the Adventure Medical Kit, which is designed for outdoor-related injuries.

You can either purchase a pre-made first aid kit or create your own using the essentials from your at-home first aid kit.

Road trip first aid essential checklist

  • Bandages / Gauze
  • Plasters
  • Antibiotic cream (cuts & scrapes)
  • Ibuprofen (inflamation)
  • Paracetamol (headaches)
  • Blister care
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Tick removal tool
  • Alcohol Wipes
  • Hand sanitiser

Emergency Roadside Assistance Kit

road side assistance pack

No matter how well-prepared you are, unexpected emergencies can still happen on the road.

That’s why it’s important to have an emergency roadside assistance kit in your car. These kits can help you change a flat tire or jump-start your car in an emergency.

This roadside assistance kit is a popular choice and includes many of your road trip essentials.

Spare tyre & replacement tools

One of the most common problems you’ll come across on your road trip is a flat tyre. Luckily, these are pretty easy to fix, as long as you have the right tools.

Before going on your road trip, make sure you’ve checked you have a spare tyre that’s in a good condition, as well as a jack and a lug wrench a. You’ll also need the correct locking nut if your car requires one.

I recommend using a small storage bin to pack some of these items neatly in the boot of your car. We used one for tyre-changing items and another for our winter road trip essentials (see below).

Tyre inflator

flat tyre inflator

A flat tyre inflator can be a lifesaver in an emergency. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and run off of your car’s battery.

It’s important to know how to change a tire, but a flat tire inflator can be a temporary fix to get you to the nearest service station.

Tyre pressure gauge

tyre pressure guage

Maintaining the right tire pressure is crucial for the safety and longevity of your vehicle.

Before hitting the road, check your tire pressure and consider bringing a tire pressure gauge with you if your car doesn’t have an automatic monitoring system. Even if your car does have sensors for this, it’s a good idea to have a gauge anyway since these sensors can break and we’ve found they’re not super reliable.

Cash and change

While credit cards are widely accepted these days, it’s always a good idea to carry spare cash on your road trip.

You never know when you may need to pay for parking with coins, or when you’ll drive past a cute fruit stall that only takes cash.

On one of our road trips in Canada to Harrison Hot Springs, we went past a homemade jerky stand and I was so glad to have cash so we could buy some!

Headlamp

biolite headlamp

A headlamp is essential for any road trip. Whether you’re changing a tire, setting up camp in the dark, or just trying to locate something in your car when the sun has gone down, a headlamp keeps your hands free and provides optimal visibility.

My favourites are the Biolite headlamp and the Black Diamond Spot headlamp.

Breakdown assistance membership

Getting breakdown assistance is a great idea if you’re planning a long road trip. It’s even more important if your car is on the older side and prone to breakdowns, or mystery warning lights.

In the US, an AAA subscription is a great option whereas RAC or BCAA are great for the UK and BC respectively.

Jumper cables and a battery booster

Older cars or batteries can sometimes give out on the road, or someone might have forgotten to turn off the headlamps or interior light.

noco battery booster pack
car jumping cables

In these scenarios, it’s a good idea to have both jumper cables and a battery booster pack. The booster pack means you can jumpstart your car without the need for another vehicle – great if you’re in more remote areas!

If you’ve never jumped a car before, make sure you read the instructions in the pack to make sure you connect the cables to the right ends of the battery.

And, you’ll want to make sure the booster pack has a high enough rating for your specific car model too.

Spare car key

It’s always a good idea to pack an extra set of car keys for your road trip.

Make sure to keep the spare key in a separate location from your main set of keys.

We like to keep an Airtag or Tile connected to both sets of keys so we can always locate them. These things seem to have a habit of going walkabouts!

Duct tape

Duct tape is a versatile tool that can help in a variety of situations on the road. From ripped gear to quick repairs, duct tape can be a lifesaver in a pinch.

Keep a roll of duct tape in your trunk just in case you need to make a quick fix.

Protective floor mats

Protective floor mats are an easy way to keep your car’s interior clean and free from stains and spills. They also make cleaning your car up much quicker, meaning you’ve got more time to spend exploring!

These mats are a popular choice for people packing for a road trip.

Rubbish bags

During your road trip, you’re going to be eating and drinking along the way. Disposing of the rubbish rather than letting it build up will help keep your car a nice place to be in.

Keep an extra grocery bag or a small trash can in your car to collect trash and dump it out at petrol stations or rest areas.

An umbrella

Chances are it’ll probably rain at some point during your trip. Make sure you’re prepared and keep a small umbrella in your car for when you need it.

Reusable water bottle

nalgene water bottle

It’s important to drink as you usually would when doing a road trip. Being hydrated can keep you more awake and alert and it’s just good for you.

Instead of buying loads of plastic water bottles, bring a reusable water bottle with you like a Nalgene so that you can fill it up when needed and stay hydrated on the road.

For road trips, we prefer the narrow-mouth Nalgenes as they’re easier to drink out of while travelling.

National Park Pass

If you’re planning to visit national parks during your road trip, a national park pass is a must-have item. The ‘America the Beautiful’ pass is only $80 per year and provides entry to all US national parks and numerous other national sites. It’s a great investment for any nature-loving road tripper.

Get a USA National Parks Pass for just $80 and save a tonne of money if you’re planning on visiting multiple National Parks in a year, or visiting the same one more than once!

Windscreen Covers

When packing for a road trip, windscreen covers are an important, but often overlooked item.

Not only do they keep your car or van cool and comfortable, but they also provide an added layer of privacy.

Whether you’re parked at a rest stop or a campground, having a barrier between you and prying eyes can make all the difference.

Winter road trip essentials

If you’re planning a road trip during the winter months, there are a few extra items you’ll want to include on your packing list.

From staying warm and cosy to being prepared for icy roads, these winter road trip essentials will help keep you safe and comfortable on the road.

Top tip: Check the local regulations about whether you need winter or all-season tyres if you’re planning a winter road trip. Many places in Canada and the US have this as a legal requirement from November to March.

Snow chains

Snow chains wrap around your tires to give you extra traction when driving on snow or ice. In the winter, many snowy places across the world require you to carry snow chains for driving up and down snowy mountain passes.

This can be enforced with roadblock checks, so read up on your route ahead of time to see if chains are required.

Make sure to get snow chains that fit your car’s tyres and driving mode (rear or front-wheel drive).

Top tip: It’s a good idea to practice putting snow chains on before you need them as it’s a bit of a faff and even harder when you’re trying to do it in cold conditions!

A snow shovel

Snow can pile up quickly and you may have to shovel your car, parking spot, or driveway before you can hit the road.

Keep a small snow shovel in your trunk for quick shovelling on the go.

This one is collapsible for easy storage in your car.

Ice scraper

durable ice scraper

There’s nothing particularly fun about scraping ice off your car but sometimes it just has to be done.

Keep a durable ice scraper with a brush in either the boot or your car or under the seat so you know where to find it.

If the ice is particularly hard, run the blowers on your car for a bit to soften it and make it easier to scrape.

Snowbrush

If you’re road-tripping somewhere which gets a lot of snow, like a ski resort, then having a snow brush is a good tool to pack for a road trip.

These are used in place of an ice scraper to push all the snow off the roof, windscreen and front of your car. Then, you can go in with the ice scraper if there was any ice build-up underneath the fresh snow.

They’re better than an ice scraper since the handle is a bit longer giving you more force to push the sow off and keeping your hands warmer at the same time.

This one has both the snowbrush and an ice scraper on it.

Warm gloves

First thing in the morning it can be cold even when you’re driving.

In breakdown situations or whether you’re getting out of the car to go on a walk or sightseeing, having gloves in your car can be super useful.

Hand warmers

handwarmers

I don’t know about you, but my hands are always cold.

If you’ve had to brush snow or ice off the car, sometimes it can take a while for your hands to warm up, even with the blowers on in the car.

Or if you break down or need to change a tyre, hand warmers can be super useful to have in the boot of your car to help keep your hands warm.

A blanket

Packing a blanket as part of your road trip checklist is another useful item. It’s great to have a blanket whatever time of year you’re doing our road trip but especially in winter.

It’s an essential road trip item for any time you may be stuck in traffic or need warming up.

A road map

While GPS on your phone is a useful tool, it’s not always reliable, especially in remote areas with spotty cell reception. That’s why having a physical road map is a must for any road trip.

Backcountry Maps are my choice when it comes to road trips in Canada, as they not only show main roads but also forest service roads, dirt roads, and backcountry campsites. They’re a must-have road map for any outdoor enthusiast looking to explore.

Other great options are printing out a map, or using a weatherproof National Geographic map for the US. While the Philips Big Road Atlas Europe is great for road trips on that side of the world.

What to pack for a road trip: snacks and drinks

No road trip is complete without some delicious snacks and refreshing drinks! Here are some of the essential items to pack for your next adventure on the road.

A coolbox

yeti cooler
soft cool bag

A cool box is perfect for keeping your drinks and snacks cool during the trip. While Yeti coolers are super popular and they’re great at keeping your food cool for a long time, you don’t need to spend that much to find something that works for you.

You can get small coolboxes that’ll keep a couple of cans of drinks, and snacks like hummus, cheese and veggies cool for the day.

A soft cooler bag is great for convenience and portability, especially in a smaller car, while a hard cooler is ideal for longer trips and keeping your items secure and colder for longer.

Road trip snacks

Snacks are a must-have for any road trip. Depending on your preferences and cooking options, you can pack anything from fresh fruit and veggies to protein bars and trail mix.

  • Crisps
  • Houmous with veg to dip in (My favourite is those sweet mini carrots you get)
  • Sandwiches: buy some bread and whatever you want to go in it, and make it on the go. Much cheaper and nicer than pre-made ones!
  • Fruit – apples and oranges store well
  • Protein and energy bars: our favourites are GoMacro and Clif bars
  • Oats – for breakfasts! Instant oats are easy to make wherever you are
  • Nuts & trail mix
  • Powdered milk – is super useful to have since fresh milk goes off pretty quickly. I’ve been using Overherd oat milk powder for road trips and camping trips and it’s so good! Get 15% off with code ADVHANNAH15 at checkout.
  • Instant coffee, or an Aeropress with ‘real’ coffee
  • Jerky: meaty or vegan

Extra water containers

It’s important to have extra water containers on hand during a road trip.

Whether you’re cooking, hiking, or just driving, staying hydrated is crucial.

Sometimes you can’t find somewhere to fill up your water bottle when you need to. That’s why we carry a large water container that we prefill before we leave home so that we’ve always got extra drinking water with us.

If you’re wondering where to fill up on water for free have a look here. 

Road trip essentials: tech and electronics

When embarking on a road trip, don’t forget to pack the tech to document your journey and keep you entertained.

However, all this technology needs to be charged and accessible, so be sure to include these essential items in your cross country road trip packing list.

Car phone mount

If you plan to use your phone for navigating, it’s best to get a car phone mount.

This is a cheap, lightweight, and easily packable item that allows for hands-free phone use while driving.

Just clip the base to your air vent or your dashboard and you’ll be able to see your directions with a quick glance rather than having to use your hand (and breaking the law!).

Car phone charger

Many newer cars have USB charging ports throughout the vehicle. If you’re not that lucky, buy a cheap car power adapter to turn the old-school cigarette lighter into a charger!

If you’ve got a fancy newer model car or a rental car then you’ll likely have a USB or even USB-C outlet built-in – so just remember your chargers!

Additional useful electronic items to ensure your devices stay powered up during your road trip include:

  • Power cables for each device you plan to bring.
  • A portable charger for on-the-go power, such as this Anker portable charger.
  • Additional batteries can also come in handy. Just be sure to check the type of batteries needed for your headlamps and other electronics beforehand.

MP3/aux cable/Bluetooth connector to play music

Our van is pretty old-school so we use an FM radio transmitter to play our music and podcasts through the car speakers.

If you’re renting a car many these days have a Bluetooth connection but not all. For some vehicles which only have an aux connection lots of phones (iPhones especially) no longer connect this way. In these cases, the Airfly Pro device by TwelveSouth is super useful.

airfly pro

It allows you to transmit songs and podcasts from your phone to this device which plays them through your car stereo.

They’re also useful on planes as you can connect your Bluetooth headphones to them.

eBook reader

While I still much prefer to read a paper book, when you’re travelling e-readers are the best. You can take a load of books with you and get new books on the go and they take up barely any room.

Headphones

If you’re hitting the road with a travel companion and have different musical tastes, packing headphones for your road trip is a great idea. Not only does it allow each of you to enjoy your own music, but it can also prevent any arguments over what to listen to.

Additionally, if one of you is an early bird and wants to listen to something while your partner sleeps, headphones are a real winner again. This way, one person can enjoy their own entertainment without disturbing the other.

A banging road trip playlist

If you’ve got the time then creating and downloading your favourite songs for offline use is a great idea for a road trip.

Podcasts or audiobooks

On a road trip, listening to audiobooks and podcasts can be a great way to pass the time.

While some people prefer audiobooks, others, like myself, tend to prefer podcasts. I actually listen to podcasts far more than I do music these days.

There’s something about podcasts that makes them perfect for a road trip!

A Goal Zero

goal zero

A Goal Zero power bank is a portable and rechargeable battery that can power all sorts of devices during a road trip, including smartphones, laptops, and even small appliances.

It’s particularly useful for off-the-grid adventures, as it can be charged by a car cigarette lighter and can be used to power devices like cameras and laptops if you’re going to be on the road for a while. It’s one of my vanlife essentials for that reason! It’s what I used to stay powered up while living in our van for 5 months.

Mini speaker

When you bring a mini speaker along you can play some good tunes while relaxing at camp, or on a lunch stop.

Waterproof Ultimate Ears speakers are perfect for your road trip since if they get wet or dirty they’ll still work.

Camera gear

Capturing memories is essential for any road trip. So, pack your camera gear!

For smaller day-long road trips, we tend to bring less, but for bigger trips, we take all of the following:

Make sure you don’t miss any of the beautiful scenery on your road trip by packing these essential camera gear items.

The best road trip luggage

It can be hard to know what to pack everything in for your road trip. If youre living in a van, just put everything in your storage compartments as you’re be using them for your trip.

If you’re in a normal car then I like to have a big bag in the boot with everything I’l need at my destination, as well as a smaller bag to keep up front with some things I might want while I’m ont he road (i.e, snacks).

Some of my favourite bags for road trip travel:

  • Travel duffel bag: Great for keeping up the front and for bringing into your hotel if you’re stopping off overnight
  • Osprey tempest day pack: Great as your small bag up front and for when you want to go hiking
  • Patagonia black hole bag: super durable and easy to pack and carry
  • Hiking backpack: I like to pack all my gear in one of these since it has multiple uses should I be backpacking at my destination and they take up less room than a big suitcase.
  • A tote bag: Tote bags are one of those things you never pack enough of on a road trip. They’re great for when you’re walking around a new city or doing some grocery shopping.

Once you’ve chosen your luggage, it’s important to stay organized, and packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to keeping things organised.

If you’re going to be hiking or camping during your road trip, make sure you also pack your hiking 10 essentials.

And, if you’re travelling with bulkier items, for a long time, or with family and friends, be sure to get a roof box to store additional gear without taking up too much space.

Best road trip apps & navigation apps

alltrails review

While you won’t have to physically pack these game-changing road trip apps, install these road trip apps on your phone before you hit the road and they’ll make things a lot easier.

These free apps help me when it comes to planning my road trip routes and finding places to stay while we’re on the road.

Google Maps

Google Maps is an essential road trip app for planning your route, finding the best places to stay overnight and navigating along the way.

It’s always a good idea to download the offline map before you start your trip in case you lose cell service.

GasBuddy

GasBuddy is a great app for finding gas stations along your route and comparing prices. This app is especially useful for road-tripping in more remote locations where gas stations are few and far between

AllTrails

I also like AllTrails so I can see where hikes are in the places we’re travelling to.

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

Accommodation apps

The following apps make it a lot easier to find accommodation while you’re on the road.

  • iOverlander: If you’re camping, check out iOverlander to find free places to sleep for the night, as well as campsites and other useful amenities.
  • Booking.com: Booking.com is my go-to whenever I need to book accommodation. If you’ve not booked anywhere for the night, then use their app to find last-minute deals near you.

Road trip essential clothing

When you’re sitting in a car for a long time, you want to feel comfortable. So, when it comes to packing clothes for your road trip, make sure you’ve got some stretchy comfortable clothing where you’re not going to be stressing out about something digging in.

Items to include in your road trip packing list are:

  • Swimwear & towels: Pack a swimsuit and quick drying towel, as you never know when you’ll need a leisure centre shower or fancy a dip in a lake!
  • A blanket is great for getting cosy if you need a nap (as long as you’re not the driver!) and for watching the sunset outdoors somewhere pretty.
  • Day bag backpack
  • Rain jacket
  • Hiking boots or trail runners
  • Sunglasses
  • Pack an extra sweater or layer to keep you warm during chilly evenings or unexpected weather changes.
  • Teva/Chacos: easy to take on and off when you’re in and out of your car/van/campsite showers and toilets.

Furthermore, you’ll also want to pack the following for your road trip packing list.

Breathable tops

For longer road trips where you plan on re-wearing clothes, pack breathable, quick-drying shirts like the Patagonia Capilene long t-shirt or Capilene short-sleeve are great. They’ll keep you comfortable even in hot weather.

patagonia long sleeve what to wear when hiking in hot weather
patagonia short sleeve what to wear when hiking in hot weather

Comfortable trousers

Stretchy, comfy pants are perfect for long road trips. I’ll either wear a pair of leggings like the Lululemon Align pants, or a pair of jogging bottoms.

Rain Jacket

arcteryx raincoat

Always pack a waterproof rain jacket since you never know when it might rain. I swear by the Arc’teryx Gore-tex jackets.

Other good options include this yellow rain jacket which, as a bonus, looks cute in photos!

Insulated jacket and fleece layer

No matter the season, it’s important to have a layer like a fleece sweater to keep you warm. The Patagonia Better Sweater, or the Patagonia Synchilla, are versatile and can be worn for hiking, lounging, and going out around town.

You should also pack an insulated jacket like a down jacket. My favourite is Patagonia down sweater, but outdoor stores carry their own-brand version of down or synthetic insulated jackets too.

patagonia down sweater jacket
synchilla
insulated jacket
better sweater

A trucker hat or woolly hat

Pack a hat to protect yourself from the sun or keep you warm. In summer, a baseball cap can protect your face, while in winter, a woolly hat is a great budget option.

Tevas or Chacos

Having sandals like Tevas and Chacos are great if you’re road-tripping in hot weather. Or, if you’re staying at a campground then they’re great for wearing into the showers and toilet blocks.

Hiking Boots

If you’re planning on hiking or doing longer walks at times throughout. your road trip, make sure you pack some hiking boots, hiking shoes or trail runners!

I personally wear my Keen hiking boots for backpacking trips or hikes I know will be wet or muddy. Then, in the summer I’ll wear my trail runners.

keen boots
peregrine

Road trip packing list: essential toiletries

Don’t forget to pack these road trip essentials! They’ll make things a whole lot nicer on both you and your travel partner.

  • Deodorant
  • Baby wipes: Great for a refresh in between showers or sticky hands after some tasty snacks.
  • Hand sanitiser: pretty essential when you’re travelling.
  • Toilet roll: For campsites, pit toilets at rest areas and emergencies.
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Any medications you take plus things in your first aid kit
  • Sunscream
  • Bug spray and/or midge repellent
  • Lip balm
  • Shower essentials: shampoo, conditioner, body wash
  • Menstrual produce: I recommend a menstrual cup
  • Haircare hairbrush, dry shampoo, hair ties etc
  • Makeup and skincare: moisturizer and your day-to-day makeup
  • Body moisturiser
  • Some laundry detergent for laundromats
  • Tweezers
  • Nail clippers
  • Tissues
  • A quick-dry towel
  • A toiletry bag

Get ideas for a USA road trip bucket list itinerary! 

Extra things to bring on a road trip if you’re camping during your road trip

vango sleeping bag review

When planning a camping road trip, it’s important to have the right gear to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some essential items to add to your packing list:

Sleeping bag(s)

A warm and cosy sleeping bag is a must-have for any camping trip.

Sleeping mats

A self-inflating sleeping mat is ideal for camping, as it provides an extra layer of comfort between you and the ground. They’re easy to pack and will make your night a lot more comfortable.

Camp stove & gas

camping stove

Unless you plan to eat out all the time, you’ll need a camp stove and gas to cook your meals. A 2-burner camp stove is a great option for those who want to cook more elaborate meals.

Otherwise, you can use a single burner like a jet boil.

Camp chairs

While not essential, camp chairs will make your camping experience a lot more comfortable. These ones are super lightweight so they’re great for backpacking as well as car camping.

Things to take on a road trip for cooking

ultimate camp kitchen

One of the best ways to save money on a road trip is by cooking your own meals. Eating out for every meal can quickly add up, especially on longer trips plus it’s easier to eat healthy if you’re making your own good.

Packing a good food and cooking set up for your road trip is a good idea.

  • Camp stove and a small propane tank
  • Cookset with pots and/or a skillet
  • Cooking utensils (Wooden spoon, spatula etc)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Some Tupperware for lunch out on a hike
  • Reusable dishes, like this collapsible bowl, and eating utensils
  • A travel mug for coffees on the go: I like this one, as it locks so it doesn’t leak and is easy to drink out of
  • Camp sink and quick-drying dish towels to wash dishes
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Cooler to keep food cold for days
  • 5-gallon water container for cooking and drinking

Keeping your camping gear organised is essential to a smooth and enjoyable road trip. The best way to store your camping gear is in clear bins, like these ones.

These will keep everything packed away and prevent them from sliding around all over the place while allowing you to easily see what is in each bin without having to unpack everything.

For the ultimate camping set-up, it’s also nice to have a camp table so you can eat your meal off something other than your lap. Or use it as a prep table when you’re heating up a grill or cooking dinner.

Read more: Check out this post for the ultimate camping kitchen set-up

The best road trip games to keep you entertained

Long hours of driving require some form of entertainment, and road trip games can keep you amused and the driver awake. Here are some games you can play:

  • I’m Going on a Road Trip: Each person says, “I’m going on a road trip and I have packed [insert an item],” and the next person repeats the phrase and adds another item to the list.
  • Celebrity Name Game: One person names a celebrity, and the next person names a celeb whose name starts with the first celebrity’s second name.
  • Singing Game: One player sings a lyric, and the next player takes the last lyrics and starts a new song.
  • A-Z of Pop Songs/Artists/90s Movies: Players take turns naming something that starts with each letter of the alphabet.
  • Never Have I Ever: Players say something they have never done, and those who have done it take a drink of water to stay hydrated.
  • Would You Rather: Players choose between two options, and the weirder the options, the better.
  • 21 Questions: Players ask yes-or-no questions to guess the object or person.
  • I spy: The ultimate classic road trip game

Camping games

For camping or campervan trips, bring waterproof cards or easy card and board games like Exploding Kittens or Sushi Go, UNO and also Pass the Pigs are great games to keep you entertained. They’re easy to play, and a good way to make new friends at camp.

Ultimate road trip essentials for couples

Planning a road trip with your better half? As well as the rest of the items on your list, here are some fun road trip packing essentials for couples.

A picnic backpack

picnic backpack

When you’ve been driving for a while, taking a break becomes necessary. However, dining at restaurants or cafes regularly can add up to your expenses quickly. That’s why packing a picnic is one of the best ways to save money during your road trip. I love picking up food from local markets or farm stores and then making a little picnic with them.

A picnic backpack comes with everything you need including a blanket, cutlery, crockery and glasses so. you can enjoy a meal on the go easily.

Polaroid Instax camera

fujifilm camera

Creating lasting memories is one of the best things about taking a couple’s road trip, and documenting those memories can make them even more special.

While taking photos on your phone is convenient, those photos are even more special (and cute) when taken on a Polaroid camera.

The Polaroid Instax Mini cameras produce instant photos that you can keep forever and maybe add to a scrapbook afterwards.

Portable mini video projector

mini projector

Looking for a fun and unique addition to your road trip packing list essentials? Check out this small projector, perfect for your next road trip!

Simply connect your phone or another device by USB or HDMI cable and you can project your videos onto any flat surface. This could be a fence, a sheet you’ve hung up or the side of your car or van.

If you’re camping or on a road trip without access to electricity, don’t worry – you can power it with a portable charger!

What to bring on a road trip for comfort

Bringing a bit of home comfort on your road trip can make all the difference in having an enjoyable journey. Here are some essentials to make those long drives more comfortable:

  • Neck pillow or a full-size pillow
  • Blanket
  • Your favourite road trip food and snacks

And don’t forget to pack your sleep essentials:

  • If you’re camping, bring a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat
  • For those sleeping in their car, an air mattress over your folded-down back seats can make things super comfortable. And then pack a sleeping bag too.

What not to bring on a road trip

While packing for a road trip, it’s also important to consider what not to bring with you. Here are some items that are better left at home:

  • Overly complex makeup, skincare, or hair products. Keep it simple and minimal.
  • Complicated and elaborate meal ingredients that require extensive preparation and cooking time.
  • Expensive and valuable jewellery or other items that could be easily lost or stolen during the trip.

Read more: Plan a West Coast USA road trip

Final thoughts on this road trip packing essentials list

When packing for a road trip, it’s important to remember the essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

This includes clothing items like breathable shirts and comfortable pants, as well as weather-appropriate gear like rain jackets.

For sleeping accommodations, a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and tent may be necessary for camping trips, while a full-size air mattress may be more suitable for car trips.

To save money on food expenses, packing a picnic with a portable cooler bag or backpack is a great option. Then, you can stock up on foodie road trip supplies and cook on the go.

Additionally, games, entertainment, and travel gadgets like a portable projector or camera can make your road trip even more enjoyable.

Hopefully, you’ve found these road trip tips useful and now you’re ready to have a fun adventure!

FAQs about this what to pack for a road trip checklist

How long before a road trip should you start packing?

Make your road trip packing list at least two weeks before the trip. This will give you enough time to buy last-minute necessities and toiletries. Three to four days before departure, start organising and packing your travel gear.

What are the essential things not to forget on a road trip?

Besides your wallet, license, registration, and car insurance ensure you carry a roadside assistance kit.

What are fun things to take on a road trip?

A kindle, card games, favourite playlists, a camera, and yummy snacks are fun things to take on a road trip.

How do you pack clothes for a road trip?

Rolling your clothes instead of folding them takes up less space and minimizes wrinkles. After rolling, place them in packing cubes to organize your luggage.

What should you carry in your car for a road trip?

You should carry essential items for breakdowns and flat tyres. These include a snow shovel, tyre chains, a windshield scraper for bad weather, a spare tyre, jumper cables, a toolkit, a roadside assistance kit, car insurance details, and your car’s manual.

How do you pass time on a car ride?

Podcasts, music, and easy road trip games are excellent ways to pass the time on a road trip. Download your favourite podcasts, playlists and/or audiobooks, to your device before the trip, so you can listen even without phone service

Last Updated on August 8, 2024 by Hannah

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