target road trip essentials

10 travel essentials you can buy in one Target run

From universal adapters to travel-size hair dryers..

All products featured are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Tripadvisor may earn an affiliate commission.

Whatever you’re looking for in advance of your next trip—a new sun hat , compression socks , leggings , a beach bag , even snacks—you will undoubtedly be able to find it at on your Target run. The retailer always stocks the essentials, but it also has its own travel line, Open Story , which carries everything from luggage and pet carriers to eye masks and neck pillows , all available in clean, minimalist designs.

Whether you’re going on a quick getaway, a week-long cruise, or your annual family vacation, here are 10 items from Target that you won’t want to leave behind.

Travel Smart by Conair All-in-One Adapter with USB Port

Pro tip: Always leave a travel adapter in your suitcase—even between trips—so you’ll never be foiled by unfamiliar plugs, no matter where you go on your next trip. With three outlets, plus a USB port to charge smartphones, tablets, and more, this Conair travel adapter can be used in over 150 countries. It also has a built-in surge protector to keep your electronics safe. Note that it’s meant to be used with dual voltage appliances or with voltage converters.

Conair Infiniti Pro Mini AC Motor Travel Hair Dryer

Sure, most hotels and Airbnbs will provide a hair dryer, but what about that glampground you’re visiting this summer? Or your uncle’s house where you spend Thanksgiving? Or that road-side motel you’re eyeing for your cross-country road trip? Best to keep a travel-friendly hair dryer on hand just in case. This compact 1600-watt Conair Infiniti Pro Mini has two speeds and three heat levels, and features ionic technology to help prevent frizz.

Open Story 45L Travel Backpack

A soft waterproof exterior and easy-to-access pockets make this 45L backpack a solid choice for travelers. Unlike a traditional backpack that only opens at the top, this one opens clamshell-style, like a suitcase, with one side deep enough to hold clothes while the other has multiple zippered compartments to organize toiletries and smaller items. Additionally, two outer zip pockets offer myriad spots for essentials like your glasses, passport, pens, and more. If you don’t feel like carrying it on your back, just slip its back sleeve over your carry-on's handle and roll.

Open Story Travel Neck Pillow

Get some quality Zs on long flights, bus journeys, or car rides with this U-shaped neck pillow from Open Story. Made from jersey material with a polystyrene bead filling, this pillow has a handy snap clasp at the tip so you can quickly secure it around your neck or around your luggage handle when you’re on the go. It’s available in two colors: lilac and gray. (Not quite right for you? See more of our top travel pillows here .)

Open Story Travel 8-pc Toiletry Set

This TSA-approved toiletry set from Open Story is a must-have for organizing cosmetics and beauty products. With eight containers—including one lotion pump bottle, one spray bottle, two silicone bottles, two rolling bottles, and two jars—it has enough options to make your entire skincare routine carry-on friendly. The clear zipper pouch keeps everything organized, and it comes in a lovely ivy-green shade.

Lysol To-Go Disinfectant Spray

It’s always a good idea to travel with disinfectant wipes or spray to sanitize surfaces like airplane tray tables, seatback TVs, and hotel room remotes. We like this 1.5-ounce Lysol spray because it also works well to neutralize bathroom odors. It can kill 99.9 percent of bacteria (when used correctly), plus cold and flu viruses on various surfaces including light switches, bags, and furniture.

Sonia Kashuk Travel Make-up Bag

Suitable for much more than just make-up, this sturdy zippered bag by Sonia Kashuk is both chic and functional. The 6-by-9.25-inch main compartment can hold cosmetics, pill bottles, a shaving kit, even markers for an on-the-go art bag. There's also an exterior zip pocket to store bits and bobs like tweezers, scissors, or nail clippers. A sturdy side handle makes it a cinch to tote and store, plus the polyester material can be easily wiped down when it needs to be cleaned.

Okuna Outpost 4-Pack Soap Holder

The benefit to traveling with soap, shampoo, or conditioner bars is that they're solids, and you don’t need to worry about TSA compliance. The downside is that once you use the bars, it can be a goopy mess and tricky to transport. The solution? The Okuna Outpost Soap Holder . At 4.5 x 1.8 x 3.3 inches long, the holder is big enough to hold a larger than standard-size bar, and it has an airtight cover to keep your soap dry and clean. This pack of four comes in muted shades of pink, purple, green, and taupe.

Open Story 7pc Packing Cube Set

Once you use packing cubes, you’ll never go back. These little bags make it possible to recreate your at-home clothing organization on the go, or allow you to group your clothes by outfit or leg of the trip. This 7-piece set from Open Story consists of six cubes in three sizes, as well as a shoe bag. Each cube features a mesh window so you can see exactly what’s inside, plus allows air to circulate. The pouches also have handles, making it easy to move them from your suitcase to hotel dresser drawer. The set comes in two colors: classic black or, our preference, aqua.

Open Story 2pk Jelly Luggage Tag

This two-pack of luggage tags comes in four shades, but the skip the neutrals and opt for lime green or teal; the bright shades will make it a breeze to spot your bags at baggage claim. The rubber-like material also helps keep the ID card inside protected from the elements.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

• Travel Products
• Activity + Adventure

The 14 Road Trip Essentials You Should Always Pack

Make your next road trip even more fun and comfortable with this essential gear.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

It’s road trip season and whether you decided on driving instead of flying to your next destination, find yourself moving across the country, or are taking an extended road trip to enjoy the open road, packing your car smartly and with the right gear will make your life easier. I take extended road trips each spring and fall, usually heading from Montana down to the desert in Southern Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. I camp in the bed of my truck, so it's crucial that I pack well and pack prioritizing comfort.

I’ve included here some of my favorite items for on-the-road camping as well as items great for people with smaller vehicles who plan to stay in hotels or campgrounds throughout their journey. From packable blankets to essential tech items to keep boredom at bay, here is my essential packing list for every road trip.

Best Blanket

Rumpl the down blanket.

This cozy insulated blanket can stand up to the wear and tear of car camping and road tripping.

The dirt-shedding exterior isn’t super soft to the touch.

Sleeping in the car, front-country camping, or truck-bed overnights are better with a giant blanket. Rumpl’s line of outdoor blankets combine the dirt-shedding exterior of a picnic blanket with the lofty synthetic-filled baffles of a cozy quilt. I’ve used the single blanket for a while, but even when I’m on my own I’m a convert to the spacious two-person. The 80 x 84-inch real estate is more than enough to stay wrapped up, plus you can spread it out over the backseats and allow your passengers a little nap cocoon between their turns driving. It has a DWR coating to help keep it even cleaner, and the surface fabric is ripstop nylon that isn’t super soft, but will last season after season.

Best Travel Pillow

Nemo fillo backpacking & camping pillow.

The memory foam backing lets this pull double-duty as driving lumbar support.

At 17 x 11 inches, it’s a little small for an overnight pillow.

While a road-trip or car camping pillow might seem like overkill, this smart little design from Nemo fits right in the middle between ultralight, packable pillows, travel pillows that don’t compress, and larger home pillows. This pillow deflates and flattens out (or rolls up right) for easy packing, but it has a plush cover and a layer of memory foam backing that adds to the support, combining air inflation with extra cushion. Partially deflated, this also doubles as lumbar support in case your back starts to get tired from driving. It also comes with its own stuff sack and has a removable, washable cover.

Best Car-camping Mattress

Exped megamat duo 10 sleeping pad.

The padding is plush and extremely comfortable.

It is self-inflating, but it takes a while to get all the way up.

My upgrade from a smashed piece of memory foam was long overdue, and I went full-out with the Exped Megamat. Like the two-person blanket, I decided to go for a double-sized sleeping pad for the versatility, and this one comes in multiple sizes to fit different dimensions of sleeping areas. I recommend the medium-double size for most vehicles, which is plenty big for two people at 72 x 41 inches. It has reinforced seam lamination as well as open-cell foam for loft without too much extra weight. It has a super warm 8.1 R-value, and a durable face material that is as puncture-resistant as possible (though nothing is truly immune to dog claws). This is technically self-inflating, but it does take a while to inflate and deflate, so don’t be in too much of a rush to get to sleep.

Travel + Leisure / Margot Cavin

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Slip-on Shoes

Chaco ramble puff clog.

These have the comfort of a slipper with the outsole of an outdoor shoe.

The lighter colors look a little like orthopedic shoes.

Have you ever dreamed of wearing a house slipper with an outsole that actually has traction and is built like a combination of a cloud and a clog? Even if that thought has never crossed your mind, this puffy shoe will change your tune. These shoes quickly became my go-to pair to leave by the door, take my cat on walks around the neighborhood, and yes, go on road trips. They have a slight lip at the back so they don’t slide off while I’m driving, but they’re also easy to kick on and off, are insulated and baffled for warmth but open for breathability, and are sturdy enough to walk around town or stop for gas. The men’s version also comes in an ankle-boot style .

Best Water Bottle

Bivo trio insulated water bottle.

Biking-inspired gravity spout is combined with a cup-holder friendly shape.

The drinking spout and non-squeeze sides can take some getting used to.

It took me embarrassingly long to figure out how to drink from this bottle until I realized you just have to pull the spout, tip the bottle, and the water flows out. Tap the spout down and you have an incredibly leak-proof bottle. This is the most truly one-handed bottle I’ve ever used. It fits in most cup holders, it’s insulated, made with stainless steel, and built in the “bidon” style of cycling water bottles (basically just a bottle made for bike cages). It holds ice for a full day, doesn’t leave a weird plastic taste in your water, and cleans out easily in case you use flavoring or electrolyte powder.

Best Backpack

Gregory rhune 25l pack.

This is the clown car of backpacks. You will not believe how much you can cram in this thing.

It may not be the best option if you plan to stop for hiking.

This is my go-to travel bag for everything from an under-the-seat personal item on planes, to my daily commuter pack, to my in-cab road trip backpack. I keep my essentials in here, including my laptop in the padded sleeve, notebook in the secondary padded sleeve, and small items that I don’t want to misplace in my larger gear bins or the bed of my truck. I also keep a few snacks, toiletries, and any paperwork in here and it sits right behind my driver seat during road trips. It also has a secure pocket hidden on one side for wallet and keys in case you have to wander around town during your trip, and in a pinch it’s fine as a hiking day pack even if it’s not built for that.

Best Cooler

Yeti roadie 24 cooler.

The rugged design and ability to keep things cold is still unparalleled.

This is definitely an investment item.

I’ve been sold on the Yeti since before other roto-molded coolers landed onto the scene, and I continue to be a fan. The brand itself is known for quality and I’m a sucker for the color options. I have a much bigger cooler that I use for extended trips in my truck bed, but this 24-can size fits well behind the passenger seat of my truck and holds enough food and drinks for long days on the road. I can keep ice in here for multiple days, and it comes with a suspended rack to keep deli meats and cheeses out of the melting ice. I like how secure the latches are, and if you throw a lock on it, it’s certified bear proof.

Best Gear Bin

Rei co-op trailgate gear bin.

The collapsible sides and rigid top is a good compromise between portability and structure.

Some people might want a hard-sided gear bin for more protection.

This is a rugged tote made with 300-denier recycled polyester and a full-zip closure, and I keep my larger gear items stowed in the 140-liter version. I use this bin for organizing clothes, food, camping gear, and basically everything I won’t need while driving, but want to have readily accessible during pit stops or overnights. REI also sells gear cubes for organizing within the bin, though it would be nice if the bin itself came with dividers. If you’re looking for other supply organization options, Gregory just came out with a 45-liter hard-sided latching bin and an open-top 70-liter “basket,” which I have for this season but haven’t tested yet.

Best Roof Carrier

Thule 614 pulse rack medium.

This is a great middle-ground size for most people.

If you’re packing to move, you’ll want something larger.

I have a truck bed, so I haven’t needed an extra roof-rack storage solution for a few years, but my friends and road trip partners with smaller vehicles swear by this mid-sized, lockable roof carrier. It has a proprietary attachment system to the roof bars, which keeps it secure, and I’ve found it to be more streamlined than other roof boxes. This means less wind resistance, which in turn means (slightly) better fuel economy. This is a great solution for smaller vehicles where you need to haul outdoor gear, larger items, or have several people’s luggage to pack, though the 14 cubic feet is on the small side for any large-scale moving adventures.

Best Sunglasses

Nathan sunglasses.

These are lightweight, polarized, and versatile for sports and town wear.

Some people might prefer more wrap-around coverage.

Out of all of the sunglasses I’ve worn for hiking, running, traveling, and driving, I always go back to these durable, classic, comfortable pair. They stay on my face during sweaty, bouncy runs, are comfortable and lightweight for long days of driving, and polarized with 100 percent UV protection for long hours in the sun. They have a wide front-coverage design and come in a variety of classic colorways. I have the tortoiseshell frames with the brown lens, and feel like they go really well with most of my outfits. This is the pair I leave in my truck for town trips as well as road trips, and I know they’ll be great for any hikes I do during the trip as well as stylish enough to wear in town.

Best Phone Mount

Peak design mobile car mount vhb.

A strong magnet is perfect for hands-free phone visibility.

The adhesive mount is great on flat surfaces, but the front can peel up on curved dashboards.

With my Apple CarPlay connected to a screen in my truck, I kind of thought this car mount was overkill. But paired with a MagSafe phone case (I use this one from Peak Designs) it’s stable, secure, and makes it easy to tap buttons on my phone without fumbling in my lap. You can buy a charger-compatible version , but since it has to be plugged in anyway, I opted to leave my phone plugged into the truck port and slap it (corded) to this mount. The mount head swivels and is easy to turn, and it secures to your dashboard with a strong adhesive.

Best Power Bank

Anker portable charger.

A faster unit charging time and better battery life than similar power banks.

There isn’t any USB-C output, so gear charging external items could be faster.

I always carry a portable charger, whether I’m flying or road tripping. This 20,000-mAh power bank is a good price and has plenty of power, plus it holds a charge for longer than others I’ve tested. It’s fairly lightweight, and I keep it stashed (fully charged) in my glove compartment if I need to power more than one item at a time and my car charger is being used. I suggest fully charging this in a wall outlet before you leave town—it takes approximately four days to fully charge in a 12-volt car port.

Best Charger

Smartish crown joule usb-a to universal cable.

The cord is six feet long so front and backseat passengers can share the cable with ease.

You can only charge one item at a time.

When it comes to packing lighter and more efficiently, one of the first things you should look at is your case of tangled cords, and this nifty little charger can tackle three types of charging ports with one cable. It drives me nuts that my battery pack uses a different port than my headlamp and my iPhone uses one that nothing else uses, but the Smartish Crown Joule comes with charging ends for Lightning ports, USB-C, and micro-USB, allowing me to charge my battery pack, phone, and headlamp. Just not all at once, so plan ahead. I’ve used this for the past six months, and unlike other after-market chargers, it hasn’t had any connectivity issues.

Best Cleaning Wipes

Armor all car cleaning wipes.

Good for interior and exterior, these smell nice and won’t scratch any finishes.

The tub is too large for some door-side pockets.

I keep a big tub of these in my truck all year round, but they are especially useful for extended trips when you’re spending all day in your car and can’t handle the grime, grease, dust, and crumbs. I like the Armor All because they’re a great all-in-one wipe. I use them for my rearview mirrors and headlights as well as the center console, steering wheel, and upholstery. They remove dust as well as they clean smears and pick up crumbs, and they don’t shred when you scrub really hard.

Tips for Buying Road Trip Gear

Prepare your car for the miles ahead.

Plan out your estimated total mileage and then make sure your car won’t be due for an oil change in the middle of it. While you have the car in the shop, have them check the air pressure in the tires, make sure the tire tread is still at a safe depth, and always have a roadside emergency kit handy. These can come pre-made or you can put your own together, but all of them should include jumper cables, a tow rope, tire patch kit, flashlight, and a basic tool kit.

One of my truck tires has a slow leak, so I have a battery-powered tire pressure gauge that doubles as an air compressor to inflate the tire. I also recommend carrying a basic first aid kit in your glove compartment, including medications like Ibuprofen and allergy medicines as well as sunscreen, bandages, hand sanitizer, and more.

Consider your passengers

Unless you’re road tripping alone, you’ll have passengers to consider. In the best case scenario, they’ll also help with driving, but either way, you’ll have to keep them entertained. If you have kids in tow, bring travel games and make sure the tablets are charged and loaded with movies. 

When I’m traveling with friends, I like to make a shared playlist we can all contribute to, and we come up with a list of podcasts to listen to during the drive. For nostalgia’s sake, one of my favorite games is the classic Interstate Highway Bingo .

Since I have a truck, I keep all of my camping gear and larger items in a bin in the bed of the truck, separated with sleeping gear for easy access and then any extra clothes or gear for when I get to my destination. For people with SUVs or smaller cars, these items would go in the trunk.

In the front of the vehicle, I keep a cooler with drinks and snacks, any items I might need during the drive or easily accessed at gas stations, and a small backpack with my necessities. This includes toiletries, my notebook and computer, and any small apparel or gear items like charging cables and electronics. I hang a grocery bag over a seat rest and try to toss my trash in there instead of the floor, and empty it at every fuel stop.

It can be hard to stay hydrated during long days on the road—you aren’t super active so you might not feel as thirsty, and it’s more fun to drink sugary bottles of gas station iced coffee than water. But I recommend keeping a gallon jug of water in the cab and refilling your water bottle, and having a variety of snacks on hand, both chilled in the cooler and drygoods out of the cooler.

My favorite healthy and packable snacks are Fuel for Fire Smoothies , and my favorite less healthy and less packable snacks are dill pickle chips . If you’re trying to keep your vehicle clean(ish), stay away from super crumbly items, and you can always pre-make and peel hard-boiled eggs, pack easy-to-eat fruit like apples, and bring bread and a jar of peanut butter for roadside stops. It can be easy to fall into a junk food trap, but you’ll feel better once you arrive at your destination with something in your body besides Monster Energy drinks and Twizzlers.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Maggie Slepian is an avid hiker, backpacker, and trail runner with more than a decade of professional gear testing experience. She has road tripped across the country multiple times and she takes extended car-camping road trips every spring and fall from Montana down to the desert.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

A style expert shares summer fashion upgrades starting at $15

• TODAY Plaza
• Share this —

• Watch Full Episodes
• Read With Jenna
• Inspirational
• Relationships
• TODAY Table
• Newsletters
• Start TODAY
• Shop TODAY Awards
• Citi Concert Series
• Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

• On The Show

These 10 Target must-haves will make your next trip a breeze — and they start at $10

Whether you're planning a quick weekend staycation or are finally heading on that big beach getaway that you've been dreaming about, making sure that you have all the right items on hand is essential for ensuring that your trip goes smoothly

And to do that, you'll want to create a packing list of travel necessities. Luckily, Target has everything you need to make the journey so much easier. As part of our series Shop This List TODAY , we've a rounded up a list of must-haves for a stress-free travel day that you can score entirely at Target. All you need to do is click a button to add them all to your cart.

SHOP THIS LIST TODAY Get everything you need in one place with our weekly Target shopping guides

From a carry-on bag that's chic yet functional to stylish joggers that feel like sweatpants, with these 10 travel packing essentials, you won't have to worry about disorganization and the woes that come with the journey to your destination.

Target travel accessories

Small Travel Accessory Organizer

4000mAh Power Bank

Microfiber Travel Pill Case

Weekender Bag

Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Digital Luggage Scale

Large 2-Piece Packing Cube Set

High-Rise Pull-On Pants

35MM Camera

Toiletry Bag

Brightroom small travel accessory organizer.

Tangled necklaces and rings lost at the bottom of your bag will be a thing of the past with this jewelry organizer . The sleek case features ring slots, three necklace hooks, one pocket, a mirror and additional compartments for earrings and more.

Shop 6 organization finds you need to cut your fridge and pantry clutter — all under $20

Heyday 4000mah power bank.

You don't want to be stuck with a dead phone while you're on the go. That's why you'll want to keep this power bank in your bag, so you'll always have juice. The brand says that you can use it to power up smartphones, tablets and e-readers.

Vera Bradley Microfiber Travel Pill Case

Pill cases aren't typically known for being very stylish, but this version is both sleek and functional. It features a clear organizer with eight compartments for each day of the week (and a bonus slot for extra pills), encased in a solid-colored microfiber case.

Shop These 7 time-saving products will get you out the door on time in the morning

Open story weekender bag.

Whether you're heading off on a weekend trip or hoping to avoid those checked bag fees at the airport, this duffel is perfect for toting around all your essentials. According to the brand, it has a large-capacity main compartment and special slots for your water bottle, keys, sunglasses and laptop.

Made By Design Gel Memory Foam Pillow

No more struggling to find a comfortable head position while in the car or on the plane! This neck pillow is made with gel memory foam, which the brand says molds to your body and helps keep you cool. The best part? It's designed to roll up, so it's easy to store away in your luggage when you're not using it. Though if you don't have any extra space, it also has a clip, so you can attach it to your bag.

Travel Smart by Conair Digital Luggage Scale

There's nothing worse than getting to the check-in counter only to be told that your bag is a few pounds overweight. Thankfully, when you have this handy luggage scale in your arsenal, you'll never be left scrambling to rearrange your bag (or paying those extra fees) again. The portable digital scale is designed to attach to your bag with a hook to measure its weight and will beep if yours exceeds the limit. Thanks to its small size, you can easily pack it in your bag for your trip so you can make sure that all those souvenirs you got don't throw you over the limit.

Made By Design Large 2-Piece Packing Cube Set

When you pack with these organizers, you'll know exactly where to find that pair of pants or your favorite tee in your suitcase. The set comes with one large packing cube with a semi-transparent mesh top and one clear travel pouch. According to the brand, the cube is designed to fit perfectly in your suitcase, though it can also be thrown in a weekend bag or in your car on its own if you're traveling light.

A New Day High-Rise Pull-On Pants

When you only have so much room in your suitcase, you have to be pretty picky about the items that you bring along for a trip. Thankfully, these pull-on pants seem like they'd be a wardrobe workhouse that you could wear for multiple occasions on your trip, from nice dinners to days spent walking around town with family. According to the brand, they're made from a soft, stretchy fabric for all-day comfort.

Heyday 35MM Camera

In case you haven't heard, film is cool again! And this affordable camera makes it easy to capture all your favorite moments from the holiday season. Not only is it super chic, but it's designed with a focus-free lens and a built-in flash, so all you have to do is point and shoot — no need to mess with the shutter speed or aperture. Be sure to grab some film , too!

Sonia Kashuk Toiletry Bag

This stylish bag is the perfect option to throw in your tote or suitcase when you need to transport your toiletries to the gym, to work or on a trip. It has multiple compartments, so you can separate your makeup from your skin care. Plus, it's black so it'll hide those stains that are bound to show up after constant use.

Shannon Garlin is an Associate Editor for Shop TODAY.

Emma Stessman is a writer for Shop TODAY.

Road Trip Essentials to Pack for a Long Drive

By Karthika Gupta and Madison Flager

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There is certainly something to be said about the magic of an open road no matter where in the world you are. Near or far, long or short, road trips offer a sense of freedom and adventure and are often the most satisfying of journeys. While technically you just need keys, a driver's license, and a set of wheels, these road trip essentials—from the best car organizer to comfortable shoes and coffee kits to keep you caffeinated on the go—will make your journey that much more enjoyable, whether you're heading to a national park , cruising along Route 66 , or taking in fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Organization and luggage

No matter how big or small your vehicle is, being organized is key to maintaining your sanity as you travel, especially during a long road trip, or one with kiddos in the back seat.

The Duluth Trading Seat Back Bunker neatly organizes all your essentials, from road trip games, snacks, and Kindles to emergency preparedness kits, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, repair tools, and more. It has three tiers of storage including mesh pouches, see-through zippered pockets, and a full-width zip pocket. Collapsible aluminum poles provide a strong-yet-lightweight framework and keep the organizer secure as you drive.

A good duffel bag is worth its weight in gold, especially on road trips where space may be limited, depending on the vehicle and the number of passengers. Filson’s versatile, lightweight bag pulls double-duty as a duffel or a backpack for hands-free carry. The zippered lid is U-shaped so you'll have easy access to its contents. It has one exterior zippered pocket with an internal zip pocket to keep small gear and accessories like keys or a wallet easily accessible. The other nylon-coated pocket expands into the main compartment to keep shoes or wet or muddy gear separated from the rest of your load.

If a roller bag is more your choice of luggage, Yeti’s Crossroads 22-inch suitcase is perfect for road trips. It is made with rugged nylon material that can take any adventure thrown its way. It has removable modular compression straps that can be used internally to pack down gear or externally to compress the luggage overall, making it fit neatly in small spaces like car trunks or overhead car racks.

Packing cubes are just as helpful in keeping your backseat or trunk organized as they are your suitcase. Get a few different sizes with this Paravel quad, and assign each one a different purpose to store supplies, tech accessories, bug spray and sunscreen, toiletries, or anything else you don’t want rolling around. 

Tech and roadside emergency

Whether you are driving cross-country or just across the state line, there are certain tools, gadgets, and tech items that are absolutely required to make sure you get where you are going safely and on time, whether you're in your own wheels or a rental car .

Rule number one of any road trip is to always be prepared for any emergency that could happen and derail even the most well-prepared travel plans. The Always Prepared Roadside Emergency Kit will ease your mind when it comes to any potential car troubles. It contains more than 100 useful (and neatly organized) items, including jumper cables, a reflective safety vest and warning triangle to keep you safer if you have to pull over at night, a self-powered flashlight, two light sticks, an emergency rain poncho and mylar blanket, a full first-aid kit, a tire pressure gauge, and more. If there's one thing you add to your road trip packing list, make it this kit.

For something a little smaller and more compact, Leatherman’s Free P4 multi-tool is perfect for all the little things that need to be fixed. With over 20 tools all packed into one, the Free P4 is a must have for any road trip. Whether it’s used to replace a dim headlight, fix a broken antenna, or even cut open a snack packet without having everything spill onto the seat, the P4 rises to the challenge.

Whether you’re embarking on a solo road trip or have a travel companion who’d rather not dictate directions, a phone mount is a key road trip packing list item that makes it easier to keep an eye on your route safely. And since doing so can quickly drain your battery, we recommend one that doubles as a phone charger (this one has two USB charging ports, so you can charge it and other devices simultaneously). This one has an adjustable width to fit most cell phones, and a flexible gooseneck to angle it however you prefer.

In the interest of safety, you may want a dash cam in your car, should you get into an accident or pulled over. This one records clear, crisp video that syncs to your phone through the Nextbase app, allows for voice control commands thanks to connected Alexa technology, and offers a unique Emergency SOS service, which detects serious collisions and alerts emergency services of your location if you are unresponsive. You'll need to buy a Nextbase U3 microSD card to use with it, and use the included charger to keep it juiced up. The camera records continuously when it is plugged in and the car is on, and has an optional intelligent parking mode that automatically records any bump or physical movement on the vehicle when left unattended using the camera's internal battery.

If you're driving more than a few hours and have a car full of fellow travelers, keep a  headphone  splitter in the glove compartment. This one has five jacks, which means everyone can pull up a movie, music, podcast, or an audiobook on the same device—and when you're tired of the road trip playlist , you don't have to hear a thing.

Comfort and seating

Long hours of sitting upright can do a number on your back. Do yourself a favor and add a seat cushion or some lumbar support to your car setup. Plus, a few more creature comforts you might want to have on hand.

Just as handy for sitting on an uncomfortable dining room chair  while working from home  as it is on long car rides, this gridded seat cushion will make sitting for extended periods of time comfier—plus the design leaves room for air circulation. It comes with a zippered case for easy transport, too. The Simple cushion should be plenty for your average road trip, but if you’re heading cross-country or planning to make very few stops, pick up the more supportive  Ultimate cushion , designed specifically for truckers and long-haul drives.

Several hours behind the wheel can leave your back feeling less than stellar. Strap one of these lumbar support shells around your seat to make your ride more comfortable: It cradles your back, helping to improve your posture and keep you from sinking into the seat, with the added bonus of a mesh fabric to keep your back cool.

If you’re not too tight on space, consider adding a compact, foldable chair to slide into your trunk. You never know when you'll find yourself in need of a dry, comfortable chair on the fly—be it for extra seating at a roadside picnic table or to enjoy a secluded viewpoint at sunset. REI’s Camp X chair is made of quick-dry mono-mesh and polyester material and comes with a carrying case and two cup holders for impromptu lunch breaks.

If you’re not the only driver in the car, you’ll be happy to have a  neck pillow  while napping during your off shifts. OstrichPillow makes all kinds of interesting contraptions to help you get some sleep wherever you are, but we like the memory foam, velcro-close OstrichPillow Go travel pillow best for car rides.

If you still have a Little Trees Black Ice hanging from your rearview mirror, it's about time you elevate your air freshener game. Pop this inconspicuous diffuser onto one of your car's vents to make the space smell just like a Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain candle. Another fresh-smelling option: this under-$20 essential oil diffuser , which  Traveler  editor Rebecca Misner is a fan of.

A lightweight towel comes in handy during any number of road trip situations: Use it for spontaneous swims, roadside picnics, or as a buffer between the hot leather seat and your legs in the car. This extra-smooth Turkish cotton towel is as absorbent as a standard bath towel but much more compact.

Clothing and accessories

When dressing for a road trip, you want clothing that is comfy, breathable, and works in various climates. Bonus points for pieces that are stylish, too.

We love a good pair of compression socks for long travel days . And during pandemic-era road trips, when stops might be less frequent than usual, they work well at keeping the blood flowing and reducing swelling during long seated stretches in the car. Our favorite brand, Comrad, makes knee-high socks that come in 10 different colors and can be worn three to four times before washing, so you can throw 'em on more than once during multi-day trips.

No matter the excursion, Viev’s Gemma Mid Jacket is a great outer layer. It is lightweight and made with durable Gore-Tex fabric. Its design optimizes breathability to the torso and softness in the arms, back, and hood, making it extremely comfortable to wear even when you are driving. Plus, there are multiple pockets to securely store keys, a wallet, or phone, so your hands can rest comfortably in the outside pocket when you step out to take a break and stretch your legs at rest stops. The rain jacket's bonus is the storm hood brim, which maintains its shape when activated and lays flat when down without being overly rigid.

Along with a good pair of socks, a versatile boot that offers all-day comfort and durability is another must for long road trips. Red Wing Heritage boots are comfortable enough to keep on during long car rides and easy to pair with any outfit or climate, no matter where the road takes you. The Classic Moc is made with soft leather and a polyurethane traction tread outsole for faster break-in and comfort. Wear them in and out of the car, in all kinds of weather.

Drinks, snacks, and hydration

Another must on our list of road trip necessities: food and drinks. And while road travel is often synonymous with gas station coffee and oversized sodas, it doesn’t have to be so. There are plenty of healthy hydration options that change the relationship between road trips and caffeinated drinks.

You've got your insulated reusable water bottle , but if you want to keep your coffee hot, you're going to need a reusable thermos. Zojirushi’s stainless steel travel mug keeps hot drinks warm for up to six hours, and it has a slim design that allows it to easily fit in your car's cup holder. (And if you need to throw it in your bag, it won't leak either.)

The Pakt Travel Mug is in the running for perfect travel mug, too: It is a leak-proof vacuum-insulated double-walled mug that keeps beverages securely sealed and the perfect temperature (8 hours for hot and 24 hours for cold), making it an ideal travel companion. Plus it is sized to fit into most any cup holder.

If you are tired of terrible coffee on the go, the Pakt Coffee Kit has everything you need to make quality coffee in one sleek, portable package. All you need is water and electricity, so you can use this with an adaptor in your car’s charge port, at a rest stop, or at your accommodation. The pour over kit comes with an electric kettle, travel mug and lid, coffee grounds container, and collapsible stainless-steel dripper that packs down into a compact carrying case. All you need is to bring your favorite beans .

It is crucial to stay hydrated on the road, especially when you’re sitting still for hours at a time. Nuun offers a potent blend of electrolytes, vitamins, and botanicals that help with blood flow and support everyday health. The drink tablets are fizzy, tasty, and loaded with electrolytes that keep you healthy and hydrated. Plus, they are certified vegan and gluten-free and have a net-zero carbon emission footprint—good for you and for the environment.

Ritual coffee, based out of San Francisco , sources sweet, clean, single-origin coffees that are simply delicious. They have an ever-changing seasonal espresso blend, the best decaf around, and a single serve instant coffee mix for those times when the cup of gas station coffee just won’t do.

For something to carry, store, and keep all your drink options cool on your next road trip: the soft-shell Yeti Hooper Flip 12 cooler tote. It is leakproof with a wide mouth opening that makes it easy to access food and drinks. It even has a hitch point grid on its sides to help attach it to other gear for more compact packing options in the car.

While most of our favorite  road trip snacks  come in pre-packaged containers, for anything fresh or homemade (like trail mix, sliced fruit, or overnight oats), we turn to containers like S’well’s spill-resistant snack bowls. For those embarking on family road trips, there are plenty of kid-friendly patterns , decorated with Disney characters, dogs, pretzels, and more, all of which have a pull-out handle. For adults, there are  neutral colors like teak wood and marbled patterns available in 16- and 21-ounce sizes.

30 Road Trip Essentials for Your Next Cross-Country Adventure

All the gear you need to get road trip-ready.

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

Since there’s no 50-pound weight limit when you drive, it’s tempting to stuff everything you own into the car with you — but the reality is, there’s only so much room before you reach maximum capacity in that Subaru Outback. And if you want all passengers to be comfortable, legroom is not something to sacrifice — trust us, it’s for the greater good.

Instead of haphazardly shoving everything but your kitchen sink into the trunk and backseat, though, try to focus on checking just the essentials off your list. We're not just talking about the basics either: We mean things you probably would have forgotten, as well as things you never even thought about bringing.

To make sure you lock in a vacation to remember in summer 2022, scroll through this list of road trip essentials for the must-haves you never knew you needed. From seat organizers and hand sanitizer holders to disposable urinals and, yes, even an air mattress for the back of your vehicle, we've got you covered for every scenario. For even more options, check out these discounted picks on Amazon .

Original Soft Cooler

This affordable but durable soft cooler offers enough space for 24 cans of soda and 14 pounds of ice, while still being narrow enough to store on the floor mat behind your front seat. It's highly insulated and keeps ice frozen for 24 hours, even in the summertime. It comes in several colors and includes a convenient shoulder strap.

More: The Best Dash Cam for Some Added Peace of Mind While Driving

Standard Reusable Shopping Bag (3-Pack)

These reusable bags can hold up to 50 pounds, but they fold down to about the size of a coin purse. We're big fans of their colorful and cheeky designs and love that they are machine-washable.

Handy for loading and unloading your vehicle, when you're not on your road trip, you can also use them at the grocery store. It's a win-win!

ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion

If you’ve ever been on a road trip, whether it was a 3-hour drive or a 16-hour one, arguably the hardest part was the seating. Sitting for hours on end is not all that comfortable, but this ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion is here to save your booty.

With over 53,000 five-star ratings, it’s pretty safe to say your bum will thank you. Plus, when you’re not on the road, reviewers swear by it for use on office chairs and even during yoga.

Coffee Collection

Clif Bars are a tasty, nutritious snack that helps curb your hunger on the road. Most flavors contain 250 calories, at least 10 grams of protein, and about 5 grams of fat. They have a shelf life of a year and come in several different flavors.

This variant packs 65 milligrams of caffeine, which is the equivalent of a shot of espresso. So if you need a jolt of energy on your drive, this snack has your back.

Sleep Eye Mask

Sleep doesn't come easily to all when there's no cozy bed in sight, but this light-blocking sleep mask is sure to help fix that. Use it on the road (passengers only, please) and/or at the hotel, motel, Airbnb, or other locations along the way. A more peaceful sleep awaits you this vacation.

More: 11 Eye Masks for Sleeping That Give You the Best Night's Rest

Hand Sanitizer Holder for Car

You know the drill: Wherever there are snacks, there needs to be hand sanitizer, especially when there's no sink for miles. This nifty holder makes accessing your hand sanitizer easier, so you can eat in a pinch when you feel yourselves getting hangry mid-trip.

No sticky, germy fingers here! Simply clip it wherever you'd like inside the vehicle — the headrest, door, et cetera — and enjoy the drive with convenience at your fingertips.

Car Backseat Organizer (2-Pack)

No matter who you're traveling with, there are always a million loose items that get taken out of bags and tossed around throughout the ride. These backseat organizers are lifesavers for this very reason, especially if you're traveling with children. They can hold everything and anything a passenger could need without having to rummage through bags or fight over what belongs to who.

299-Piece All-Purpose First-Aid Kit

This first-aid kit may not look like anything special on the outside, but this soft-sided case contains a whopping 299 pieces. Supplies include vinyl gloves, bandages, a cold compress, gauze pads, a trauma pad, cotton-tipped applicators, first-aid tape roll, antiseptics, and all three common over-the-counter pain medications. The inner pockets are clear so you can find whatever you're looking for quickly.

Windproof Travel Umbrella

A lot can happen from one destination to the next — and if there’s one thing we won’t allow you to do, it’s get caught in a storm without being prepared. No need to get drenched from head to toe at a rest stop with this compact, windproof umbrella: It’s top-rated and won’t take up much space in your car, making it a win-win.

Car Headrest Mount

This headrest mount clasps to the arms underneath your vehicle's adjustable headrest. It keeps a Nintendo Switch secure and easily in view during those long road trips and comes in black, red, or white to perfectly match your car's interior.

The stand will work with a smartphone or small tablet. We were glad to see that it doesn't block the Switch's charging port, either.

DriveSmart 55 GPS Navigator

Sure, you can use your smartphone to get turn-by-turn directions, but in rural areas where coverage is spotty, you may be left in the dark! Not to mention, using your phone's GPS will drain its battery and use up your data plan.

This Garmin offers a convenient split-screen design that shows you what lanes to be in when you approach your exit. It's easy to use, and the device receives map and traffic updates at no cost to you.

Easy One-Touch Wireless 2 Car Charger

A wireless car charger helps keep your phone juiced up while driving. We love that it's easy to mount and unmount your phone, and we found its suction cup to be secure. The suction cup can also be installed on your dash multiple times.

If you don't want to stick anything to your dashboard, it's worth mentioning that iOttie also manufactures a model that mounts to your CD player or affixes to your vehicle's air conditioning vent .

No-Spill Dog Travel Bowl

This portable dog food bowl works for mealtime or for keeping your pet hydrated on the drive. It features a tapered lip that keeps splashing to a minimum, so your car's interior won't get sopping wet from spillage. It's also dishwasher-safe, backed by a lifetime warranty, and comes in red or blue.

KibbleGo Dog Food Travel Bag

Most pet owners are guilty of reusing a plastic grocery bag or Ziplock to store their pet’s dry food when traveling. This pet food travel bag is a much better alternative: It has enough space for up to 10 pounds of kibble and will help keep food fresh.

You can carry it using the included strap or by the handle at its top. We appreciate the addition of its roomy front pocket for storing treats and medication. It even has a bungee for holding a bottle of water, and there's an integrated poop bag dispenser, too.

Car Tissue Holder with Facial Tissue Bulk (4-Pack)

Don’t add “futile digging for a tissue” to the list of possible stressors on your summer road trip. These adorable tissues fit perfectly in a car cup holder so you never have to worry about a snotty situation. Step aside, seasonal allergies!

Car Seat Hooks

Optimize space and bless backseat passengers with a little extra legroom by using car seat hooks. Not only will they allow for more space on the floor to keep things tidy, but they'll also help stop things from spilling out of your purse when you hit a pothole or two. Bonus points for being functional on a daily basis when you're no longer traveling!

PD 45W Type-C Car Charger

This accessory is one of the few car chargers that can recharge a 13-inch MacBook Pro at its fastest rate (29 watts), making it one of the most powerful models available. It can recharge a Nintendo Switch, your smartphone, or your tablet, too. Best of all, it comes with a USB-C cable and costs less than $20.

More: The 5 Best USB Car Chargers That Will Fully Recharge Your iPhone In Less Than An Hour

AirPods Pro

We hear “road trip” and immediately think of blasting tunes while driving down the highway. While this is absolutely a source of fun on car trips, don’t come unprepared without having headphones for when the energy shifts and you want to watch TikToks but another person is trying to sleep.

Of course, if the ones you bring along are wireless , make sure they're fully charged and have a case to give them some extra power when the battery starts to run low.

Wilderness Wipes

The longer the road trip, the messier it becomes. Whether your hands get sticky from snacking or drink spillage, or you just get sweaty from the sun beating on you all day, these wipes are the best we’ve come across.

Measuring in at 8x12 inches, they’re much larger than the competition so they can help clean bigger messes. The wipes contain moisturizing vitamin E and soothing aloe vera to keep your skin feeling fresh and clean.

Premium Day Tripper Set

Nothing ruins a trip quite like sunburn. Protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays with an SPF-packed body lotion and lip balm, but also come prepared with after-sun products to soothe any discomfort. This Sun Bum kit has one of each, plus a cute little pouch, so you can drive assured that you're ready to take on the heat.

Brandon Carte has been covering technology at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been writing about the latest gadgets, appliances, and scouring the internet for the products that make life easier. His reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com , Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify, and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.

Best Sunscreens of 2024

28 Spring Break Essentials for Easier Vacationing

The Best Travel Backpacks for 2024

25 Things to Pack for a Cruise Like a Pro

30 Must-Have Camping Gifts

Cute Kids’ Luggage for Your Next Vacation

How to Pack a Suitcase Like a Travel Expert

Tested: 11 Best Wireless Earbuds for Android

Shop Dagne Dover's New Carry-On Collection

The 38 Best Gifts for Travelers in 2023

You Need These TikTok-Famous Amazon Travel Hacks

• 100 Day Dream Home
• Bargain Block
• Battle on the Beach
• Battle on the Mountain
• Building Roots
• Celebrity IOU
• Christina on the Coast

Down Home Fab

• Farmhouse Fixer

Fixer to Fabulous

Help i wrecked my house, house hunters.

• Lakefront Empire
• Lil Jon Wants to Do What?
• Love It or List It
• Married to Real Estate
• My Lottery Dream Home
• No Demo Reno
• Property Brothers: Forever Home
• Renovation Aloha
• Rico to the Rescue
• Rock the Block
• Small Town Potential
• Tough Love With Hilary Farr
• Ugliest House in America

Unsellable Houses

• Why the Heck Did I Buy This House?
• Zillow Gone Wild
• See Full Schedule
• Stream Full Seasons
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Ideas by Room
• Design Styles
• HGTV Magazine
• HGTV Newsletters
• Flowers and Plants
• Landscaping and Hardscaping
• Outdoor Spaces
• Curb Appeal
• Cleaning and Organizing
• Entertaining
• Healthy Home and Garden
• Real Estate
• Home Improvement
• DIY Projects
• HGTV Handmade
• HGTV Smart Home 2024
• Get Outside $5K Giveaway
• Spring Into Cooking $5K Giveaway
• Spring It Forward $5K Giveaway
• HGTV Dream Home 2024
• HGTV Urban Oasis 2023
• Product Reviews
• Gift Guides
• Sales and Deals
• News and Trends
• Newsletters
• TV Schedule

41 Things You Need for Your Next Road Trip

Hit the highway in comfort and style with these travel heroes.

Related To:

Before you hit the open road, make sure you have all the essentials you'll need for a stress-free trip. From comfortable good-to-haves (like pillows and blankets) to safety just-in-cases (like first aid and emergency kits), you'll be glad you traveled prepared. Whether you're hitting the road for a day or two weeks, make sure these easy-to-pack items are in tow.

ESSENTIAL GADGETS

Adjustable Car Cup Holder Expander

Long road trips require large water bottles, but many standard car cup holders aren't large enough to fit larger reusable water bottles from popular brands like YETI, Hydroflask, Stanley and more. This adjustable handy gadget from the brand Swigzy allows you to expand the size of your cup holder and works in almost any cup holder and can fit a variety of styles of bottles and mugs, including those with handles.

Phone Mount

Texting and driving is never an option. And in some states, just holding your phone to talk while driving is against the law. If you want to stream a Spotify playlist or run Google Maps, invest in a phone mount to ensure those hands remain at "10 and two."

Car Power Strip

Going on a long road trip with multiple passengers? You need this 200W power inverter that plugs into the cigarette lighter and has four USB ports and two standard plugs. Plus, it features full-protection with short-circuit, low-voltage, over-charge, over-voltage, over-load and over-temperature protection.

Tablet Headrest Mount

There won’t be a peep from the backseat with this tablet headrest mount. It adjusts to fit any size tablet and is compatible with nearly all headrests. The kids (or adults) in the back won’t be asking “are we there yet?” because they’ll be too absorbed in their movie or game.

Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot

This mobile hotspot features super-fast Wi-Fi internet speeds and long-lasting battery life, providing the ultimate internet experience from anywhere right when you need it most.

Flexible Phone Tripod

Roadside photo-ops will be a breeze with this handy mini tripod . This flexible tripod grips to any surface — from a tree to a fence — and has a reliable rubber grip that secures a smartphone.

Portable Phone Charger

You’ll probably bring several gadgets on your road trip, including smartphones, tablets and e-readers. So gather them up, then power them up. There’s nothing worse than getting an hour into an all-day trip and having the iPad in the backseat run out of juice. We suggest bringing one or more portable chargers for the car, and make sure they work with the devices you plan to charge. Despite what’s written on the packaging, not every charger will power up all the devices they claim they can charge.

Emergency Car Kit

Before you plan your road trip itinerary, you should pack your emergency roadside kit. It’s not the fun part of road trip planning, but it’s the most important. A good car kit should include, at the very least, jumper cables, a spare tire, signal flares and a flashlight. Emergency items such as spare socks, a blanket and granola bars are good, too.

Fire Starter

Building a fire just got a lot easier with this handy fire starter that produces sparks in any weather or altitude. It has an ergonomic thumb guard for comfort and an attached emergency whistle, in case you need to call for help.

First Aid Kit

Road trip or not, keeping a first aid kit in the car is always a good idea. This 100-piece kit includes essential wound care supplies, like cleansing wipes, gauze pads, assorted bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch-stopping cream, acetaminophen caplets, an instant cold pack and much more.

You can’t always depend on Google Maps, especially when driving in rural areas. Even popular National Parks and National Forests can have spotty cell service. As a backup, you can download maps to use offline from Google Maps, and tucking an actual map in the backseat pocket isn’t a bad idea either.

Travel Pillow

Never struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position in the car again with the Trtl Travel Pillow. This neck pillow combines hypoallergenic fleece with hidden internal neck support to hold your head and neck in the best position for sleeping, preventing stiff necks and sore shoulders.

Travel Throw

Meet the hardest-working travel throw in the business: Unpacked, it’s a 52-by-75-inch insulated comforter that's lightweight, washable and super cozy.

Travel Hammock

After hours of driving, take a break in this lightweight travel hammock. It’s quick to hang after a long day on the road and packs down into a small pouch for easy storage.

Microfiber Towel

Whether you're washing off at your campsite or at a rest stop, this soft, microfiber towel will dry quickly and can be used over and over during your trip.

Air Freshener

With all due respect to those mysterious rear-view mirror trees, when you plan on spending serious time on the highway, you need a substantial and sustainable air scrubber. The porous activated charcoal in this baby will purify the stale air in your car instead of hitting it with chemicals, and it'll combat the effects of left-behind takeout for up to a year.

Car Window Shades

Block out 97 percent of harmful UV rays on long road trips with window shades that easily attach to your car's windows, keeping backseat riders cool and comfortable the whole trip.

HEALTH + HYGIENE

Car Diffuser

Fill this diffuser with water, add essential oils and plug it in to make your car smell amazing. Featuring automatic shut-off, t he diffuser emits a cool mist that adds moisture to the air, which helps with dry skin, lips, sinuses and coughs.

Nausea-Relief Wristbands

Nip motion sickness in the bud with these acupressure wristbands that provide effective relief from all forms of travel sickness without causing drowsiness or other side effects. There are even Sea-Bands for kids that come in cool patterns and colors.

Foaming Hand Sanitizer

Keep everyone's hands clean with this alcohol-free foaming sanitizer that's safe and gentle enough for babies. We love Babyganics for the whole family because the formula kills 99.9 percent of common bacteria; it's made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances and dyes; and it's dermatologist-tested and non-allergenic.

Essential Oil Towelettes

This assortment of towelettes is a league of essential oil superheroes: Defeat gas-station bathroom germs, freshen up after the A/C kicks out in the middle of nowhere, combat carsickness and wind down at the end of a long day with their aid.

Tissue Holder

Spare yourself the stress and strain of blindly reaching into the backseat, and snag this seriously convenient tissue holder. The chic black case clips right onto your passenger-side visor, so you can reach it without taking your hands off the wheel.

Insect Repellent

Whether you're spending a little time outside or a lot of time outside, it's always smart to keep insect repellent nearby. This 100-percent DEET formula offers more than 10 hours of protection against insect-transmitted diseases, including Zika and West Nile viruses.

Sleeping away from the comforts of home can come with some restless nights. Melatonin helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake up feeling refreshed. And since Natrol is a drug-free sleep aid, you won't wake up feeling groggy.

ORGANIZATION

Car Seat Headrest Hook

Free up seat space and foot room with these handy hooks that attach to the back of headrests. They'll keep purses, lunchboxes, backpacks and more out of the way but still easily accessible.

Car Ceiling Cargo Net Pocket

Out of space? This sleek cargo net adds more packable space to your car's ceiling. Use it to store pillows, blankets, food and more.

Car Trash Bin

Keep your car clean and organized with this hanging trash bin with a 1.85-gallon capacity and leak-proof interior bag.

Packable Daypack

You may not need it, but you'll be happy it's there if you do. This ultra-light packable daypack has a 25-liter capacity, multiple pockets and adjustable, breathable straps for comfortable all-day use. Plus, it can be stuffed into its own zippered pocket for space-saving storage and compact portability.

Laundry Bag

Truth be told, every trip calls for a laundry bag — hunting for clean undies is nobody’s idea of a good time. That said, a pre-sorted discard pile is especially important when you find a laundromat in the middle of nowhere and want to take care of business ASAP. Tuck one of these into your glove compartment and thank us later.

These Genius Items Will Keep Your Car Clean + Organized on Family Road Trips

A clean car? With kids ? Yes, it's possible.

FOOD + DRINK

Saucemoto Dip Clip

Never spill your sauce again! Sometimes, a drive-thru food stop is the highlight of a road trip after hours of driving. Keep your favorite sauce easily accessible and avoid spills with this handy sauce cady. It clips to the car air vent and creates the perfect spot to nest your dipping sauce.

YETI Cooler Bag

A cooler is a road trip must. Instead of a giant cooler out-of-reach in the trunk, keep your drinks in a small cooler bag. YETI’s Hopper Flip 8 is large enough for eight soda cans but small enough to throw around your arm for a pull-off picnic or impromptu hike.

Car Seat Organizer

For a more kid-friendly (and budget) option, this car seat cooler organizer would be the perfect backseat companion. It features an insulated cooler compartment, flat tray table top, two drink holders and side pockets for extra storage. It also features a handy seatbelt strap that holds it in place. The brand recommends using cold packs instead of ice for keeping items cold.

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated on the road with BPA-free Bobble Bottles that filter out impurities on the go, so you can fill up at the campground or rest stop water fountain worry-free. And with so many color options, no one will get their bottle mixed up in the car.

Portable Coffee Press

This portable brewer will brew a delicious cup of coffee, espresso or cold brew right over your mug. The total immersion brewing system means there's less grit than with a French press, and it's super-fast, too.

With double-wall vacuum insulation, the YETI Rambler 20-Ounce Travel Mug keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Plus the leak-resistant lid means bumps in the road are no problem for this traveler.

Collapsible Storage Containers

Useful for storing everything from travel-size toiletries to trail mix, these reusable containers work for jet setters or families always on the go. Not only are they eco-friendly and BPA-free, but these collapsible beauties also help save money on snacks. Fill them up before road-tripping to prevent overspending on pre-packaged goodies at convenience stores.

Kitchen Utensil Set

When fast food isn't your speed, this one-and-done kit — which includes a serving fork, a utility knife, scissors, a cutting board, a spatula, a wine opener, tongs, a ladle, a rice paddle, a carabiner and folding stainless-steel utensils — is ready to turn your roadside-farm-stand haul into the greatest picnic of all time.

BioLite CampStove 2

The eco-friendly BioLite Campstove 2 is pure genius. It doesn’t need fuel, and the heat created from burning just a handful of kindling converts into usable electricity that can be used to recharge your gadgets. Cook dinner, charge your phone and feel good about your carbon footprint — what more could you ask for?

15 Must-Have Items for a Family Road Trip With Kids

Keep kids of all ages happy and entertained while on the road with these gadgets, games and more.

ENTERTAINMENT

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Go on and celebrate reaching your destination with an impromptu dance party. This lightweight Bluetooth speaker fills your space with home-stereo-system-quality sound and claims less real estate in your luggage than a rolled-up pair of jeans.

Scrabble To-Go Board Game

Add some friendly competition in the car or at your destination with this compact Scrabble set. The snap-in letter board ensures tiles stay put while moving, and the zippered case makes it easy to fold up and keep everything in place mid-game.

Kindle Paperwhite

Cut down your packing weight by bringing a Kindle instead of a stack of books for lounging by the fire. The latest generation of Paperwhite Kindles are now hot tub-ready, too; they're waterproof, so they'll survive an accidental dunk.

We're sorry, there seems to be an issue playing this video. Please refresh the page or try again in a moment. If you continue to have issues, please contact us here .

6 Essential Road Trip Gadgets

Shop more travel essentials.

The Best Beach Chairs on Amazon for Summer 2024

The 10 Best Carry-Ons for Every Type of Traveler

12 Best Cat Carriers of 2023

The 16 Best Stadium Seats for Comfort and Support

42 Stylish Home Accents That Will Make You Feel Like You're Still on Vacation

10 Best Laptop Bags and Backpacks for Stylish Tech Protection in 2024

12 Micro, Smart Travel Toiletries for Your Next Trip

12 Pop-Up Tents You Need for Tailgating + Beyond

The Best Packing Cubes for Traveling

Yes, I Swear By Those Expensive Magnetic Capsules From Cadence (and for More Than Just Travel)

The Best Insulated Tumblers to Keep Your Drink Cold

The Best Beach Bags for Summer 2023

• 30 Must-Have Beach Essentials

• 18 Must-Haves to Pack for a Family Beach Trip

The Best Beach Umbrellas for Summer 2023

12 Best Portable Camping Chairs for the Whole Family

I Tried Every Ostrichpillow for Travel, and This Is the One I Use on Long Flights

The Best Luggage for Every Style, Need, Budget and Trip for 2023

The Best Picnic Blankets and Beach Mats for Every Need

51 Best Gifts for Travelers

14 Clever Products That Make Road Trips With Your Pet a Breeze

What you need to survive kids' sporting events.

How Smart Is the Genius Pack?

Recreate Your Favorite Hotel Bathroom With These Luxe (But Affordable) Towels and Bath Linens

The Best Shoe Pouches for Travel

The Best One-Year Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas

These Genius Items Will Keep Your Car Clean on Family Road Trips

10 Scenic Vacation Home Rentals That Are Wheelchair-Accessible + Perfect for Your Next Family Getaway

11 Best Camping + Travel Pillows to Help You Rest Easy

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

HGTV Fans Are Obsessed With These 15 Top-Selling Products From Amazon May 3, 2024

84 Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas You Can Still Get to Her in Time May 2, 2024

The Best Furniture to Buy on Amazon for Every Room May 1, 2024

The 10 Best Bookcases and Bookshelves on Amazon Apr 30, 2024

8 Best Tower Fans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Apr 29, 2024

7 Best Duvet Covers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed May 1, 2024

Our Honest Review of the AeroGarden 2.0 Apr 26, 2024

6 Best Garden Carts of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Apr 26, 2024

The 10 Best Bug Zappers for Chemical-Free Pest Control Apr 23, 2024

The Best Beach Chairs on Amazon for Summer 2024 Apr 22, 2024

The 15 Best Mosquito Repellents on Amazon Apr 19, 2024

The Best Patio Chairs for Every Style and Budget Apr 21, 2024

The 7 Best Espresso Machines, Tested and Reviewed Apr 18, 2024

40+ Gifts for Teachers That Really Show Your Appreciation Apr 18, 2024

Mermaid + Blobcore = Jellyfish Aesthetic, and We’re Ready Apr 17, 2024

13 Wearable Mosquito Repellents That Aren't Smelly Aerosol Sprays Apr 26, 2024

8 Cool Catios for Every Feline, Style and Budget Apr 15, 2024

The Best Flower and Plant Services That Ship Quickly Apr 15, 2024

13 Best Adirondack Chairs for Every Style and Budget Apr 15, 2024

12 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Apr 15, 2024

The 7 Best Sewing Machines, Tested and Reviewed Apr 12, 2024

Our Honest Review of Caraway’s Best-Selling Cookware Set Apr 12, 2024

105 Best Patio Furniture Buys for Every Style and Budget Apr 12, 2024

20 Dining Room Rugs for Every Style, Size and Budget Apr 12, 2024

Our Top 33 College Graduation Gift Ideas Apr 12, 2024

I Tried the Oura Ring for Four Weeks — Here's How It Changed My Sleep Apr 12, 2024

8 Best Lawn Aerators in 2024 Apr 12, 2024

The Best Indoor Fly Traps Apr 11, 2024

23 Asian American and Pacific Islander-Owned Home Brands We Love Apr 11, 2024

I Own a Lovesac Sofa – Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying One Apr 15, 2024

Get the hgtv today newsletter.

Subscribe now to get our latest decorating tips, household hacks and more delivered to your inbox daily.

By entering your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy . HGTV and its affiliates may use your email address to provide updates, ads, and offers.

To withdraw your consent or learn more about your rights, see the Privacy Policy .

• HGTV Insider
• HGTV Shopping
• HGTV Makeovers
• HGTV This Week
• HGTV Gardens and Outdoors
• HGTV Daily Sweepstakes Reminder
• HGTV Inspiration
• HGTV Weekend Projects
• Sweepstakes Updates

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.

Related Pages

• 21 Most Popular Road Trips in the US
• 10 Best Car Games for Kids
• 13 Little Things That Our Staff Uses to Make...
• 10 Luxury Road Trip and Travel Essentials to Take...
• 15 Must-Have Items for a Family Road Trip With...
• These Genius Items Will Keep Your Car Clean on...
• The 10 Healthiest Fast Food Meals for a Road Trip

89 Road Trip Packing List Essentials for Hitting the Road

This post may contain affiliate links.

Long stretches of open highway, a sense of total freedom, good tunes, an epic adventure at your fingertips… the road trip is a classic travel experience for good reason! In this post, you’ll find all the essential items for your road trip packing list to help you plan your trip.

Written in partnership with Toyota

Michael and I have been taking road trips together for nearly a decade—from weekend jaunts to a year-long exploration of North America—so we’ve had thousands of miles to dial in our road trip essentials. 

Save this post!

Enter your email and we'll send this post to your inbox! Plus, you'll receive our newsletter full of great tips for all your outdoor adventures.

If you’re feeling the itch to hit the road, this post is for you! We’re sharing our complete road trip packing list with everything you need for a comfortable, fun, and safe road trip. A little planning and preparation go a long way so that once you start cruising down the highway, all you have to do is let the adventure unfold.

Before you go…

Bring your vehicle to a mechanic for a pre-trip inspection .

If your vehicle has given you, shall we say, “cause for concern” in the past, then it might be worth bringing it to a mechanic for a pre-trip check before embarking on an extended road trip. 

We often bring our vehicles in to our local Les Schwab Tire Center before a big trip to have them check the state of our brake pads. This is offered as a free service and most mechanics will offer something similar. 

Quick Home Maintenance Check: 

• How do the treads on the tires look? 
• Are your tires at the proper pressure? 
• When will you need another oil change?
• Is the windshield wiper fluid topped off?

Clean your car

The cheapest and easiest way to improve the quality of your road trip is to start with a clean car. We’re not kidding, it makes a huge difference! 

Remove all the extra clutter, random receipts, old coffee cups, etc. Vacuum out the interior, Armor-All the plastic surfaces, and clean your windows with vinegar.

It’s easier to try to stay clean and organized if your car starts out that way.

Vehicle essentials

These are the basic items you should keep in your car (regardless of whether or not you’re road-tripping!) 

• License, registration, and insurance cards: Keep these together in an easily accessible place.
• Spare tire + tools: In addition to the tire, you’ll need a jack and a lug wrench. These are usually stored underneath the spare, but it wouldn’t hurt to double-check that they’re still there. Take five minutes to brush up on how to change a spare tire , too! 
• Jumper cables: Forgot to turn off your lights before heading out to explore, and returned to a dead battery? Jumper cables to the rescue! If you’re going to be traveling on lesser-used roads, you might want to consider a jump start battery booster so you don’t have to wait for a friendly traveler to stop to help you.
• Tire pressure gauge: Many cars will have internal pressure monitoring systems, but having a manual tire pressure gauge is still nice so you can quickly and accurately check each tire. 
• 12v tire pump: If you discover a slow leak in a tire, a 12v tire pump can fill the tire back up until you can resolve the problem. 
• Tire patch kit: You can pick up a tire patch kit at any auto store or gas station. If you get a puncture in the middle of your tread (not near the sidewall) you can usually plug the hole yourself using a patch kit. 
• Flashlight or headlamp: If you have car issues after dark, a flashlight or headlamp will help you see what you’re doing as you troubleshoot.
• Windshield sunshade: A sunshade makes a huge difference in keeping the interior of your car cooler while it’s parked.
• AAA membership: Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but the peace of mind that a AAA membership is absolutely invaluable. Unlock your car, jump your battery, or arrange a tow. As people whose campervan stopped running while parked on a desolate forest service road in Wyoming, we really can’t imagine road tripping without it.
• Fix’d device: This is an optional device that can be really helpful in diagnosing potential issues. This plugs into your car’s OBD-II port , and if the check engine light goes on, it will run and diagnose the code for you so you know what you’re dealing with (or know if you have to get to a mechanic pronto ).

In the glove box

• Napkins: Invaluable for soaking up spills, wiping sticky hands, and any number of minor cleaning tasks.
• Extra TP (store in a ziplock bag): Just in case the one bathroom in a 50 mile radius is out of stock!
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues: A small pack of tissues are nice to have in case allergies kick up or you start having deep conversations with your travel partner.
• Quarters: Spare change will come in handy if you encounter toll roads or bridges, old school parking meters, or need to run a load of laundry at a laundromat.

Organization

One of the keys to a comfortable road trip is to keep your vehicle and gear organized and tidy. You don’t want to have wrappers piling up in your drink holders, or have to dig through all your stuff every time you need to find something. You don’t need everything on this list—just pick and choose what will work best for you and the type of things on your road trip packing list.

• Trash bag/bin: A small trash bag or bin in an accessible location will really help in managing wrappers, fruit peels, receipts, etc. We like to use an empty protein powder container because the lid helps prevent spills and smells.
• Over the seat organizer: A small organizer that clips to the back of the front seats is a great way to keep things like maps, headlamps, snacks, kids’ car games, and charging cables organized. If you have kids, this larger organizer has an iPad sleeve.
• Packing cubes: We love packing cubes to keep our clothes organized. Tops go in one cube, shorts or pants in one, socks and underwear in another, and one for miscellaneous items like swimwear and other accessories. We each have our own color to make things easier to find.
• Duffel bag: Large soft-sided duffel bags like the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel or REI Road Tripper Duffel are perfect for storing your packing cubes and bulky items like jackets. These tend to be more space-efficient in your trunk than suitcases since they don’t have a rigid shape.
• Storage bins/action packers: Action packers are great for storing camping equipment, extra snacks, shoes, and other gear.
• Roof cargo box: Very optional, but we are big fans of storing as much of our gear in a roof cargo box as possible, especially items we won’t use daily. This helps free up room for backseat passengers and helps open up space in the car, making it feel a little less like driving a mobile storage unit.
• Day pack: Whether you plan on hiking or are sticking to urban adventures, a comfortable day pack is essential for carrying extra snacks, water bottles, layers, maps or guide books, etc.
• Laundry bag: Having a separate laundry bag means your clean clothes stay fresh in your duffel, and when you’re ready to do laundry, all you have to do is haul the bag in—no more sorting through all your clothes trying to figure out what is clean and what isn’t.
• Reusable grocery bag: Stash a few of these in your glove box or over-the-seat organizer for stops at the grocery store during your trip.

Navigation and electronics

We’ve lumped these categories into one since so much navigation is done electronically. However, cell service isn’t guaranteed in many rural areas of the US, so paper and offline navigation are still a road trip essential.

• Road atlas or paper maps: In case you find yourself turned around in an area without service, you should always be prepared with paper maps. We like the Benchmark Maps Road Atlases and have one for the states we frequently road trip through. Alternatively, you can pick up paper maps for free at AAA locations if you’re a member!
• Offline maps: Maps.me is an awesome offline map that is perfect for creating routes and turn-by-turn driving directions on the fly, even if you’re completely out of service. Download the area maps ahead of time and you’ll be able to access everything—including gas stations, public restrooms, hospitals, points of interest, etc. Before your trip, you can bookmark all your stops or things you’re interested in and create “Lists” so you can pull them up on the road.
• Hands-free phone mount: One of the best car accessories we have ever purchased is a hands-free phone mount . No more interpretive re-telling of the directions from the passenger to the driver. Just plug in the directions, mount the phone in your field of view, and you’re golden. 
• USB Cords: We like to have dedicated USB cords that we leave in our vehicle. This way, we’re not shuttling them in and out and potentially forgetting to bring them.
• Small inverter: A 12v to 120v inverter can plug directly into a cigarette lighter and charge AC items like laptops and camera battery chargers. We’ve used this one for over six years of road trips!
• GasBuddy : We use this app to find gas stations—it has user-aggregated price data, too, so we can save money by price comparing nearby stations.
• Maps.me : As mentioned above, this is our favorite offline map app for driving directions.
• Alltrails : Our favorite app for finding hiking trails. Sort by length, elevation gain, and difficulty.
• The Dyrt : A great app for finding campgrounds (complete with photos, reviews, and amenities). The PRO version allows you to access everything offline, has public land map layers, and includes a great trip planner tool.
• Seek by iNaturalist : Identify plants, animals, and birds, and tracks by using your camera or uploading a photo—the app will identify it for you!
• Merlin Bird ID : Enter bird features like size, color, and environment to generate a list of potential birds—includes sound recordings and photos for easier identification.
• The Outbound : A great app for finding all kinds of outdoor adventures.
• Nativelands : Identify the native tribes that traditionally lived in the area you’re traveling in.
• Sky Guide : Dynamic constellation, planet, and star identification.
• PlugShare : If you’re driving a plug-in hybrid like the Toyota Prius Prime , or an all-electric vehicle, this app will be invaluable in locating charge stations along your route. 

Entertainment

Let’s face it: long stretches of driving can get monotonous, no matter how dynamic the scenery is. This is where some in-car entertainment becomes important. 

Download everything to your phone ahead of time. It’s not a matter of if you’ll lose service, it’s when…   And it is never at a convenient time. Once everything is downloaded, you’ll be able to access it any time.

We loved the CarPlay integration that the Toyota Prius Prime came with—it made it so easy to navigate between our music and podcasts while on the road!

• Audiobooks: Use Libby to download audiobooks from your public library for free, or use Everand which gives you an unlimited reading subscription for less than $10 a month ( try it for 2 months free! )
• Spotify playlists: There are thousands of playlists to choose from, but we think the best place to start is with the “Soundtrack My Ride” feature which will build a custom playlist for you.
• Podcasts: We love bite-sized podcast episodes because they give us lots of new topics to talk about, in addition to (usually) learning something new. Here are some great road trip podcast recommendations from Conde Nast Traveler and AFAR .

Comfort essentials for road trips

This is a list of little items we consider to be road trip essentials simply because they make the trip a little more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Snacks and drinks cooler: Keep a small cooler or insulated lunch tote within reach filled with any perishable road trip snacks and cold drinks.
• Coffee mug or tumbler: Make an extra cup of coffee in the morning and save it in an insulated coffee mug or tumbler . This will not only save money, but we bet you can make a much tastier cup of coffee than what you’ll find at a gas station!
• Water bottle: A reusable water bottle is absolutely essential for road trips! It’s so important to stay hydrated when traveling, and if you have water easily within reach, you’re more likely to sip throughout the day. Cycling through bottled water generates so much waste (of resources and your money), so pack along a durable, reusable bottle to fill up.
• Reusable utensils + straw: While we’re talking about reusables, we’d like to suggest throwing in a set of reusable utensils and drinking straws so you can ditch the plastic stuff when you grab takeout or stop at a food truck.
• Blankets/pillows: Catnaps in the passenger seat are so much more comfortable and restful if you have a pillow and a blanket. These are also nice to have to lay out on the grass at a rest stop for some shut-eye.
• Quick-dry towel/Turkish towel: Quick dry towels are a summer road trip necessity! Personally, we love jumping in lakes and rivers and a quick-dry towel is a way better option than regular bath towels. They are less likely to get mildewy and they’ll dry out before your next stop! A Turkish towel is similarly a great item and can double as a picnic blanket, sarong, or shawl.
• Sunglasses: Squinting into the sun as you drive is a recipe for fatigue, headaches, and it’s just plain bad for your eyes. A good pair of sunglasses with UV protection is a must-have for road trips. We love Sunski sunglasses , which come with a great warranty.
• First aid kit: Backroad Ramblers has a great post on putting together your own road trip first aid kit .

Toiletries and personal items

These are the self-care items that are on our road trip checklist to keep us feeling good throughout the trip.

• Sunscreen: While car side windows block UVB rays, they still allow UVA rays through —the ones that cause deep skin damage (but not sunburns), so it’s important to wear full-spectrum sunscreen, particularly on the side of your body next to the window. 
• Lip balm: Prevent chapped lips by using lip balm, preferably one that has some SPF to it.
• Bug spray: You may not need it in the car, but bug spray is nice to have if you’ll be outdoors hiking or hanging out. This is a good travel-sized spray , and they have a DEET-free version as well. 
• Prescription medications and OTC Med Kit: In addition to any prescription medications, put together a small over-the-counter med kit that includes painkillers for headaches and achy joints, Benadryl or Allegra for allergies, Imodium in case your lunch doesn’t sit well, etc.
• Car/Motion Sickness remedies: Either OTC or a non-medication option like ginger chews or those pressure point bands.
• Body wash/soap
• Wet wipes: These will come in handy in case you need a quick “bath” on the road (see the below section on showering during a road trip for more ideas).
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Wrinkle release spray: Your clothes are going to sit folded up in your luggage for days at a time, so having a travel-size wrinkle release spray can be super helpful on a road trip.
• Tide stain pen: Stains happen, and since you won’t be able to immediately throw your clothes into the wash, having a Tide stain remover pen can help prevent the stains from really setting in.
• Scrubba: Alright, this is totally optional, but this portable wash bag could be useful particularly if you’re traveling with kids and you want to be able to wash out stains and dirt from clothes without spending your time at the laundromat.

What to wear on a road trip

The clothing section of your road trip packing list is going to be pretty personalized based on where you’re going, the time of year and expected weather, and your personal style.

The key to packing clothing for a road trip is to balance comfort and versatility based on your planned activities, while keeping in mind the kind of weather you are likely to encounter. 

Try to choose clothes that will serve multiple purposes, for instance, a warm jacket you can wear in the evening at your campsite but will still look good enough to walk around town on a brisk day. A good tip for pants is to choose ones that are good for hiking but that you’d also grab dinner in. prAna has a lot of good options for versatile pants .

Consider packing clothing that have helpful features while traveling such as antimicrobial or quick-drying fabrics, or UPF clothing that offer built-in sun protection.

Basic road trip packing list

• Short sleeve tops or tanks: one per day in the summer, or fewer in cooler temperatures
• Long sleeve tops: one or two in the summer, or more in cooler temperatures
• Pants, leggings, and shorts
• Activewear for hikes and outdoor exploring
• Warm jacket or sweater: extras if it’s going to be particularly cold
• Rain jacket
• Windbreaker or lightweight jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hiking shoes , if necessary
• Hat (sun hat/warm beanie)
• Activity-specific items (rashguard, water shoes, etc)

Camping basics

If you’ll be camping, there are a few additional things you’ll need to put on your road trip checklist. These are the bare essentials from our weekend camping checklist —we leave some of the “extras” behind knowing that we’re going to pack up and move frequently.

• Sleeping mats
• Sleeping bags
• Camp chairs
• Folding camp table (optional)
• Camp stove and fuel
• Packable camp cookware set
• Spatula / spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Plates, bowls, and utensils
• Camp coffee maker
• Collapsible dishwashing bucket (optional, depending on campsite selection)
• Sponge and campsuds
• Microfiber towel
• Bin to store kitchen items in

Essential road trip planning tips

Route planning.

One of the allures of road tripping is the freedom that comes with the open road. As soon as you get behind the wheel, you feel like everywhere is within your reach and you’re in a real-life “choose your own adventure” story. And while that feeling of freedom is real, it truly is a good idea to spend some time planning out an itinerary (however loose or detailed) before you leave.

At a minimum, it means that your co-pilot will have to spend less time looking up what to do and where to go on the fly, and at best it means you won’t have that post-trip regret of finding out you drove past the best waterfall in the state and you didn’t even know it.

We like to take a “planned spontaneity” philosophy when it comes to planning a road trip. After deciding on how long our road trip will be and choosing a general area for the trip, we start looking into the attractions and activities that we’d be interested in and start saving them to our Map.me bookmarks. Then, we can pull up the map that has all the points on it and see what our basic driving route might be, eliminating any real outlier stops.

From there, we’ll spend a little more time thinking about how long we want to drive per day and the time needed to explore different locations. This is how we determine where we plan to sleep each night, and book campsites or hotels/Airbnbs. 

We might add coffee shops or restaurants we want to check out, or do a little more research into different points of interest once we have a more solid route planned.

That’s usually it. What we end up with is a rough timeline so we don’t get behind, and a lot of ideas to choose from when we’re on the road depending on how we’re feeling that day.

We like to budget extra time instead of planning down to the minute, because the beauty of road trips is that even when you have a plan, you’re likely to stumble on fun, spur of the moment stops and you’ll want to have time to stop for those spontaneous adventures.

Make a budget

To an extent, a road trip can cost as much or as little as you have a budget for. If you make most of your own meals, get savvy at finding free camping , and choose free or inexpensive activities, you can really keep the costs of a road trip down. Or, you can book nights at Airbnbs, eat at local restaurants, and splurge on activities if it’s in your budget! We personally do a blend of both on most of our trips.

While you’re planning your trip, keep a total budget in mind, and then allocate it into different categories based on your priorities. Eating great food might be more important than where you lay your head at night, or perhaps you want to be able to book a fun adventure tour and are happy cooking at your campsite most nights.

Where to sleep

You have a few options for overnight accommodation on your road trip. You can camp, stay at Airbnbs, hotels, or hostels, or stay with friends or family if they are along your route and up to hosting you.

During busy travel periods or in popular destinations, you’ll probably want to book everything ahead of time. It sounds free and romantic to go where the wind blows and decide where you want to stay on the fly, but we’ve found that it adds unnecessary stress to our trips.

Campgrounds in particular are important to book in advance because they have limited space and in many cases, if it’s full when you get there there may not be a lot of other camping options nearby.

What to eat

Nothing ruins a road trip quite like a hangry passenger—or worse yet, a hangry driver! Failure to make plans for what and where you’re going to eat means you’re already halfway to Crankytown, so be sure to plan ahead and pack ALL THE SNACKS.

You can opt to eat out for all your meals and not have to worry about cooking at all, in which case, you may want to spend some time looking up interesting restaurants or food trucks along your route so you already have some to choose from when you roll into towns. If you’re camping or staying at Airbnbs or hostels with kitchens, you can make your own meals or pack to-go lunches.

Pack a small cooler or insulated tote with things like fresh veggies and hummus, cheese, sandwich supplies, and cold drinks like sparkling water, iced coffee, or kombucha so they are easy to access during the day.

Stash snacks like peanut butter-filled pretzels, nuts and trail mix , dried fruit, jerky , granola bars , and other non-perishable road trip snacks in your center console or in a bag so there’s always something ready when you start to feel hungry.

If you’re planning on making some of your own meals, it’s a good idea to keep things pretty simple so you can spend more time exploring and less time cooking. Here are some of our favorite road trip meals:

• Overnight oats with a bit of maple syrup and chopped fruit and nuts
• Made-ahead breakfast burritos warmed up on the camp stove
• Granola, milk, and fresh fruit
• Yogurt with berries and granola
• “Charcuterie spread” of sliced cheese and salami, crackers or bread, olive packets , dried fruit, and nuts
• Sliced apple, almond butter, and honey sandwiches
• Avocado, tomato, and hummus sandwiches (perfect with some everything bagel seasoning!)
• Chicken or chickpea salad—make at home and store in your cooler. Serve in wraps, sandwiches, or on crackers.
• Chickpea curry with rice or naan—all can be made ahead of time and reheated at the campsite
• Quick stir fry with noodles
• BBQ chicken quesadillas —you could cook and chop the chicken ahead of time for an even faster meal
• Tacos with store-bought salsa and avocado
• Pasta with fresh veggies and chickpeas or chicken sausage
• Here are a bunch more easy camping recipes and one pot meals

How to shower on a road trip

If you’re going to stay in hotels or at Airbnbs every night, you get to skip this section. But if you’re camping during your road trip, here are a few ideas (from most “civilized” to most “dirtbag”) of how to stay clean during your trip:

• Campgrounds you stay at: Check the amenities ahead of time, but many state and national park campgrounds will have shower facilities. Some will be included with your site fee, while others will require you to use quarters or buy shower tokens, so make sure you have some change on hand.
• Gyms/rec centers: If you have a gym membership to a chain with lots of locations, check to see if there are any along your route. The Planet Fitness Black Card Membership is famous among road-trippers because it’s $20 per month and gives you (and a guest) access to all their locations (and there are a TON of them). If you don’t already have a gym membership, many towns have city rec centers or Y’s where you can buy a day pass and take a shower.
• Sun shower: A sunshower is basically a portable water bag with a hose or spout that you can rinse off with. Leave it in the sun for a bit (or add hot water) and it’s an easy, cheap way to enjoy a warm rinse. We have used the Nemo Helio , which has a foot pump to pressurize the water (great if you want to do more than just have a quick rinse), and the Sea to Summit WatercellX , which we use as our extra water storage but also has a shower hose attachment.
• Jump in a lake: But don’t use soap in it! If you’re spending time near lakes or rivers, a swim with a good ole hand scrub is one way to stay feeling clean. Just please don’t use soap in or near any water source. Even biodegradable soaps can pollute waterways since they need microorganisms to break down properly. If you want to use biodegradable soap , lather up and rinse off at least 200 feet away from the water’s edge
• Wet wipes: When all else fails, wipe down with a couple of wet wipes to get the day’s sweat and grime off you before bed.

What are the best road trips in the USA?

Road trips are a quintessential US travel experience and there are SO many amazing routes to explore. Here are some of the best road trip itineraries on our website as well as others that we’ve done or are on our bucket list!

• 7 Wonders of Oregon Road Trip | Fresh Off The Grid
• Wild Wonderful West Virginia Road Trip | Fresh Off The Grid
• Gem Of The West Idaho Road Trip | Fresh Off The Grid
• Ultimate Teton & Yellowstone National Parks Road Trip | Bearfoot Theory
• Olympic National Park Road Trip | Bearfoot Theory
• 10-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip | Bearfoot Theory
• The Best California Road Trips | She Dreams of Alpine
• Northern California Road Trip Itinerary | The Mandagies
• 10-Day American Southwest Road Trips | The Mandagies
• 7-Day Glacier National Park Road Trip | The Mandagies
• Blue Ridge Mountains Road Trip | AFAR

Made possible by Toyota

We recently had the opportunity to take a Toyota Prius Prime on an epic Oregon road trip . We loved that it’s a plug-in hybrid, so we could charge at any number of charge stations along the way, but since it still has a fuel-efficient gas engine, we never had to worry about range. And, its large cargo space meant that we had plenty of room to pack all of our road trip essentials! Learn more about the Toyota Prius Prime here .

Megan & Michael are the creators of Fresh Off The Grid, a blog dedicated to helping you fuel your adventures by sharing camp cooking recipes, backpacking meals, and outdoor travel guides. Their recipes and outdoor cooking expertise have been featured in Backpacker Magazine, Outside, REI Co-Op Journal, Food & Wine, and New York Times Cooking.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

One Comment

Outstanding information. Thank you for the great tips!

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals .

Target has all the travel essentials for your next getaway that won't break the bank — from $10

Presidents' Day is coming up, and for many of us it's a three-day weekend that provides us with a much-needed winter break. If you're planning a February getaway — or have a spring vacation coming up — it might be time to arm yourself with a few travel essentials from Target. The mega-retailer has a whole section devoted to setting you up for a successful trip, and none of them will break the bank (we can't say the same about your plane ticket). From neck pillows to keep you comfy on a long road trip to tablets that will keep you entertained in flight, scroll down for everything you need to get you from point A to point B.

J World Dylan Two-Way Duffel Backpack

Travel smart by conair soft beaded travel pillow, jbl vibe 100 true wireless bluetooth earbuds, open story packing cube 3-piece set, samsung galaxy tab a7 lite, flipstik defy gravity cell phone stick & stand, igloo maxcold heritage hard liner cooler, 4.5qt, unique bargains 3d eye shade, flents ear plugs for sleeping, sony zx series wired on ear headphones, recommended stories, 2024 nfl draft grades: denver broncos earn one of our lowest grades mostly due to one pick.

Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald breaks down the Broncos' 2024 draft.

How to watch the 2024 WNBA preseason: Caitlin Clark’s first Indiana Fever game time, channel and more

The WNBA preseason tips off this Friday. Here's how you can catch Caitlin Clark's first game.

NFL Power Rankings, draft edition: Did Patriots fix their offensive issues?

Which teams did the best in the NFL Draft?

Formula 1: Miami Grand Prix sends cease and desist letter to prevent Donald Trump fundraiser during race

Race organizers say they'll revoke a Trump fundraiser's suite license if he holds an event for the former president on Sunday at the race.

NFL Draft: Packers fan upset with team's 1st pick, and Lions fans hilariously rubbed it in

Not everyone was thrilled with their team's draft on Thursday night.

NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams | Zero Blitz

Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab join forces to recap the draft in the best way they know how: letter grades! Fitz and Frank discuss all 32 teams division by division as they give a snapshot of how fans should be feeling heading into the 2024 season. The duo have key debates on the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders and more.

Does castor oil really help with hair growth? We asked the experts, and their answer may surprise you

It's inexpensive, but is it effective? Dermatologists' verdict is in — and it's unanimous.

The best RBs for 2024 fantasy football according to our experts

The Yahoo Fantasy football analysts reveal their first running back rankings for the 2024 season.

New details emerge in alleged gambling ring behind Shohei Ohtani-Ippei Mizuhara scandal

It turns out the money was going from Ohtani's bank account to an illegal bookie to ... casinos.

CVS stock plunges after earnings numbers one analyst 'did not even believe'

CVS warns it could cede Medicare Advantage market share as reimbursement rates pressure the company.

Protect Your Trip »

41 road trip essentials: what you need on your next road trip.

Add these items to your road trip packing list to help you travel more comfortably.

Road Trip Essentials

Getty Images

A road trip is a great way to see the country. Consider stocking up on these accessories before you go.

If you're planning a road trip, you're going to have a lot of work to do before you pack the car and head out of town. You'll need to map out a general itinerary, plan your overnight stops and create a list of must-see sights along the way. And don't forget about all the stuff you need to pack to ensure your family is safe, comfortable and entertained.

While you don't necessarily need a lot of things to make a road trip a success, U.S. News searched far and wide to find the best gadgets and gear that will make your time in the car the highlight of your trip. These are all items you'll want to consider adding to your road trip packing list.

As you pack your bags and get ready for an epic road trip, here are a few last-minute road trip essentials you might want to add to your arsenal, organized by category.

Personal care and hygiene

Entertainment, comfort and convenience.

Keeping a reliable flashlight stored in your car is a good rule of thumb for all drivers heading out on a road trip. In roadside emergencies, the Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight can illuminate a distance of nearly 1,000 feet with a battery life of up to six hours. Its durable design makes it ideal for use in inclement weather, and its five settings include an SOS signal and a strobe light. Meanwhile, the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp – which features a 400-lumen beam and red LED night vision – is ideal for when you find yourself changing a tire in the middle of the night. Both products earn rave reviews from consumers for their powerful light.

Portable power bank

Goal Zero's Sherpa 100AC power bank is a portable power bank you can use to recharge tablets, phones, cameras and laptops on the go. It features two USB ports, plus four cables are included and it's lightweight at just 2 pounds. Recent customers loved the power bank's versatility, but recommend charging it every two to three days for the best results.

Jumper cables

Jumper cables from AUTOGEN can easily fit in your trunk and could save the day if your battery dies and you're unable to start your car while out on the road. Many travelers also say you can't go wrong with these heavy-duty cables from Energizer. These 25-foot-long cables are perfect for any car type and come with a travel bag for easy storage – they're a must for any road trip packing list.

Portable tire inflator

A portable tire inflator can be a lifesaver if you find your tires have a slow leak during your trip. The AstroAl Air Compressor Tire Inflator is compact, so it won't take up much space among the other gear in your trunk, and it includes an LED flashlight with independent switch control. It is programmed to stop automatically once it hits the preset tire pressure and it comes with a 36-month warranty. Other travelers prefer the ViAir 88P - 00088 Portable Compressor Kit , noting it works well with a wide variety of vehicles. In addition to a 12-foot air hose and 9-foot power cord, the kit comes with alligator clamps that power your air compressor by attaching to your car's battery.

Jump starter

Picture this: You're having the time of your life on your road trip when your car battery dies in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, a high-quality jump starter is all you need to avoid this disastrous scenario. In addition to being water-resistant and compact, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 comes with a built-in flashlight and a USB port for charging devices like smartphones and tablets. The Hulkman Alpha 85 2000A Jump Starter also comes highly recommended by travelers thanks to its easy-to-use design and powerful battery life (a single charge can hold up to 60 jump starts).

Waking up in the morning to an icy windshield isn't a pretty sight. Prestone AS244 Windshield De-Icer instantly melts ice upon contact, so you don't have to worry about waiting for your car to defrost when you're in a rush. As an added bonus, the can comes with a built-in scraper tool for easy ice removal. Recent customers have called this product a lifesaver during harsh winters.

Bringing a trusty multi-tool on your road trip is a simple way to make sure you're prepared no matter what situation you run into. Leatherman products impress consumers time and time again thanks to the company's high-quality and lightweight multi-tool designs. Customer-favorites include the Leatherman Bond and the Leatherman Wave+ , which offers 18 powerful tools like pliers and wire cutters.

Car charger

Frequent car travelers recommend always staying connected with the TECKNET USB Car Charger . Featuring four fast-charging ports, this adaptor can be used to charge smartphones, tablets and more. If you're hitting the road with the whole family in tow, or you simply want to charge more than one device at a time, travelers say this powerful charging adaptor is a must-buy. Pair it with an extra-long charging cable that can easily reach everyone in the back seat.

Dashboard phone mount

Keep your eyes on the road by installing a dashboard phone mount before your journey starts. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 comes with a telescopic arm, a magnetic cord organizer and a strong-hold suction cup. Plus, its easy one-touch lock-and-release mechanism (a feature that is much appreciated among recent customers) makes taking your phone on and off the holder a breeze. If you don't like the rigidity of traditional dashboard phone mounts, consider choosing a phone mount with a flexible arm instead.

Document holder

Whenever you're hitting the open road, you want to prepare for the worst. In the event that you get into a car accident or are pulled over by the police, having easy access to your car's registration, insurance information and owner's manual is crucial. Recent travelers say that this Samsill car registration holder is great for keeping all your important documents organized.

Roadside emergency kit

To give yourself peace of mind while you're on the road, travelers recommend this STDY car roadside emergency kit from Amazon. Equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, safety gloves, cable ties, a tow rope, tire repair tools, a raincoat and more, this compact kit has everything you need when life throws you an unexpected curve ball.

Extra-large body wipes

Extra-large body wipes from Busy Co make it easy to wash up when you can't take a shower. Cloths are suitable for dry, oily and combination skin types, and address a variety of skincare needs, including clarifying, toning, soothing and nourishing. Recent customers appreciated the large size of the wipes and said using them made them feel refreshed while traveling.

Lysol wipes

Disinfecting Lysol wipes are a must-have on your travel packing list. These cleaning wipes kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, so you can feel protected while on the road.

Disposable toilet seat covers

Disposable toilet seat covers from Amazon will help you avoid germs and stay clean when you stop for restroom breaks at gas stations, port-a-potties and campgrounds.

First-aid kit

A comprehensive first-aid kit can't be overlooked when packing up the car for your next road trip. Recent customers say this 298-piece kit from Amazon will get you the most bang for your buck, with bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze, Band-Aids, pain reliever and much more. Although this will arm you with the basics of what you may need in a medical emergency, it's always a good idea to personalize your kit according to your needs.

Nausea Relief

Long hours in the car might sound daunting to anyone prone to motion sickness. In those cases, having preventative nausea medicine like Dramamine can be a lifesaver. If you prefer a drug-free alternative, Sea-Bands are anti-nausea wristbands that use acupuncture as a natural remedy to reduce motion sickness. Travelers say these bands are highly effective at reducing nausea.

Hand sanitizer

From gas pumps to ATMs, you never know what germs you may encounter on a road trip. Protect yourself against viruses like the cold and flu by adding a travel-size hand sanitizer to your road trip packing list and keeping it in the car during your trip.

If you'll be spending long hours in the car, it's important to remember to wear sunscreen. Sun Bum's SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray is broad spectrum, moisturizing and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. And if you'll be heading for the ocean on your trip, make sure you pack a reef-safe sunscreen like this one from Reef Repair to protect marine life and coral reefs from harmful chemicals. Although some customers reported a white cast upon application (due to the zinc oxide), many reviewers thought the trade-off was worth it to maintain healthy ocean environments.

Toiletry bag

This chic Sonia Kashuk Weekender Makeup Bag features two zipper compartments, a center organizer and carrying handles that make it perfect for transport. Customers particularly love that the bag is compact without sacrificing storage space. For durable, leak-proof travel bottles, check out this Getaway Travel Kit from Ban.do . It comes with four pearlescent bottles, two jars, a spatula, a funnel and a zippered pouch for storage. Plus, it includes a fun set of sticker labels so you can organize your toiletries in style.

[Read:  The Top Travel Toiletry Bags .]

Sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times, but there are plenty of ways you can enjoy your time while road tripping. With the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite , you have access to thousands of books at your fingertips. The device boasts up to 10 weeks of battery life, adjustable warm light and a glare-free display, which recent reviewers said made marathon reading sessions a breeze. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids , which offers a special font for children with dyslexia and comes with a two-year warranty.

Carefully curated Spotify playlist

Whether you prefer jamming out to tunes or listening to thought-provoking podcasts, having a Spotify playlist ready to go before you get on the road is a must. Take some time before your trip to curate a playlist or two so you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands off your phone while road tripping.

Audible subscription

Long drives call for catching up on all those books you've been saying you were going to read this year. With an Audible subscription, you can make the most out of traffic jams by enjoying some words by your favorite authors.

Choose a reliable duffel bag like the Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel for your next road trip. This bag is water-resistant, strength-bearing and perfect for when you need your luggage to fit in a small space. It also comes with lockable zippers and can be worn as a backpack or carried as a tote, a top feature according to recent reviewers. And if you're planning on hiking during your trip, travelers say the Daylite Duffel 30 from Osprey can fit everything you need with room to spare. This bag can be worn comfortably all day long and comes with a mesh water bottle pocket and functional harness straps.

[Read: The Top Rolling Duffel Bags .]

This YETI Hopper Soft Sided Backpack Cooler makes it easy to bring drinks anywhere without worrying about leaks. The cooler, which comes with a dryhide shell and a magnetic closure, can hold up to 18 cans (or 26 pounds of ice), and comes highly recommended by travelers thanks to its durable design. It's ideal for road trippers who plan to get out and explore, and need to stay hydrated or keep food fresh.

Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Save some space inside your vehicle by opting for a car roof cargo carrier. With an anti-slip mat and reinforced adjustable straps, the waterproof FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier from Amazon is suitable for any car type. Recent customers say that they had no problem getting it to stay in place even on high-speed roads.

Car organizer

A car seatback organizer lets you arrange road trip essentials on the back of the driver's or passenger's side seat, where they're within reach of small hands. Many buyers said this seatback organizer from Amazon.com took some of the stress out of traveling with kids, thanks to its multipurpose storage compartments, including a place for a tablet and plenty of other spots to store key items for your trip. You can also maximize your space by stashing your essentials in a trunk organizer. This one from Drive Auto comes with multiple storage compartments, waterproof lining and tie-down straps to keep items in place while you're driving.

Car trash can

There's no doubt about it – road trips can generate a lot of trash. Keep your car clean on your next adventure with this Hotor car trash can from Amazon. Complete with an adjustable strap, mesh side panels for storage and a leak-proof interior lining, this useful accessory comes highly recommended by travelers who find themselves frequently on the road.

Reusable bags

Whether you're stopping for snacks at a gas station or running into the grocery store for those last-minute essentials, a reusable bag is an easy way to reduce your plastic consumption. Recent reviewers said these versatile and water-resistant reusable bags can even be used as laundry bags, garbage bags or beach bags in a pinch.

Electric car blankets

Electric car blankets allow you to stay warm on the road no matter the temperature outside. This Stalwart electric car blanket takes up very little space, is surprisingly lightweight and plugs into any vehicle with a 96-inch-long cord. While some travelers noted that this blanket alone won't be enough to keep you warm in extremely cold weather, many say it was a welcome addition nonetheless.

SleepPhones soft headband headphones let you enjoy the open road while listening to music, audiobooks, meditation, white noise or talk radio. These headphones are expertly padded, which reviewers say makes them more comfortable for long-term wear than earbuds. You can buy the classic version or a wireless version at SleepPhones.com.

Travel pillow

Pick up an ergonomic travel pillow from Cabeau if you need extra neck and shoulder support when you ride in the passenger seat. The pillow features supportive memory foam, a front clasp to ensure it stays put and a removable cover that you can wash. Recent customers also loved that the pillow comes with straps that can be attached to any headrest, making sure you don't fall forward while catching some shut-eye. For kids, this Cloudz plush animal neck pillow comes in a variety of colorful animal options, such as a unicorn, a ladybug, a dinosaur and more.

[Read:  The Top Travel Neck Pillows .]

A battery-operated mini fan from SkyGenius can help you stay cool and comfortable. This fan comes with a rechargeable and replaceable battery, and is ideal for the car and for camping. For even more cooling capacity, opt for a fan with dual heads like the XOOL Electric Car Fan from Amazon. Both mini fans earn glowing reviews from travelers thanks to their powerful airflow capabilities.

Shield your eyes from the sun by picking up a good pair of sunglasses before your trip. Choose sunglasses that protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, and are polarized to block glare. Travelers love that these Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses come in a variety of tints and can even be customized to fit your needs. For a more budget-friendly option, check out these SUNGAIT Ultra Lightweight Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses from Amazon, which recent customers say are very comfortable and perfect for road tripping.

Window shade

The sun beating down on your car all day can heat it up quickly. To keep your car cool, travelers recommend the EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade , which protects your vehicle from UV rays and helps maintain your car's interior temperature at a comfortable level. Pair it with these car window shades to protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays while you're on the road. The shades come in two different sizes and transparency levels, and previous buyers say they are very easy to install.

Travel towel

A travel towel is one of the most versatile accessories you can bring on a road trip. Whether you are cleaning up a spill or want to go for an impromptu beach day, having a spare towel on hand is always a good idea. This odor-resistant and quick-drying 4Monster travel towel from Amazon comes in several sizes and includes a compact EVA box, which recent reviewers say makes it perfect for travel.

Reusable water bottles

Skip the plastic bottles and opt for a high-quality reusable water bottle on your next trip. This 40-ounce bottle from Hydro Flask keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for a full day. It also comes with a lid with a built-in straw, which consumers say makes it convenient for driving. For kids, a durable water bottle like this 12-ounce YETI rambler fits the bill – its stainless steel bottle is dishwasher safe and shatter-resistant, a feature that parents love.

Cubcoats are two-in-one stuffed animals that transform into hoodies. Your child's furry friend (think bunnies, sloths and puppies) doubles as a soft, zip-up sweatshirt, and you get to save some space in your suitcase.

Inflatable car booster seat

If you're flying to another destination to pick up a rental car for your road trip, consider bringing inflatable car booster seats along. This BubbleBum backless inflatable booster is suitable for kids 4 to 11, and comes with a seat belt positioning clip for optimal comfort and safety. Recent buyers said it was portable and extremely easy to use.

Kids travel journal

A kids travel journal makes it easy for your child to document their road trip and all the fun things they see and do. This one from Peter Pauper Press includes world maps, puzzles, fun facts and more, and many parents said it made their kids' time in the car fly by.

Activity books

A family road trip means long hours in the car, and bored children are every parent's worst nightmare. Activity books can keep your kids occupied for long periods of time while you catch up on some much-needed quiet time.

Backseat travel tray for kids

If your co-pilot is constantly turning around to pick up toys or pass out snacks, a backseat travel tray is in order. The LUSSO Gear Kids Travel Tray comes with a safety strap that can be secured to any car seat, and includes a dry erase board table, a cup holder, a storage compartment for toys and a no-drop tablet viewing stand. Reviewers loved the tray's whiteboard area and said it was a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides.

Shop in bulk

Check out Boxed.com for specially curated bulk items that are perfect for road trips and other types of travel. From sunscreen, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to Fruit Roll-Ups and snack-size packs of Pringles, Boxed.com is a convenient site to order bulk hygiene and snack items in one place.

Bring spare cash

Debit cards, credit cards and mobile phone payments may be the way of the world nowadays, but you may still run into a few places on your journey that are cash-only (for example, some national and state park entrance fees must be paid in cash). Be on the safe side by keeping some spare cash on hand in case of emergencies.

Save on gas

It's no secret that sky-high gas prices can put a damper on your vacation. Save some money on fuel by using apps like GasBuddy , which will show you the cheapest gas prices in your area. Go the extra mile by signing up for a gas rewards credit card to get the most bang for your buck.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Travel Backpacks
• The Top Sleeping Bags
• The Top East Coast Road Trips
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Travel , Vacations , cars , Road Trips , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Essentials to pack for a cruise.

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

Swimming With Pigs in the Bahamas

Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

The 15 Best Chicago Tours for 2024

John Rodwan May 1, 2024

The 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London

Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024

12 Cheap Fourth of July Getaways

April 29, 2024

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Laura French April 29, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024

16 Essentials I’m Buying to Survive a 32-Hour Road Trip with 5 Kids

A tablet mount, noise-blocking earplugs, sticker books, and more start at $3.

This week, my family of seven—five children, my husband, and I—are embarking on a road trip that will see us stuck in the car together for over 32 hours. 

And while this may be no big deal for some travel-savvy families, it feels like a big deal to me. Our kids range in age from 3 to 15, so we have a lot of different needs, personalities, and bodies in one small space. 

I’m looking forward to the trip and the memories, of course, but I've also found it helpful to prepare by picking up a few road trip essentials, like noise-reducing ear plugs for me, an extendable tablet holder , a Melissa & Doug sticker book , and more, starting at just $3.

Macally Car Headrest Mount Tablet Holder

Buy on Amazon

Our car doesn’t have a built-in DVD player or screen, so I bought this tablet holder that can install on one seat headrest and extend so it sits between two seats, allowing multiple kids to watch. Genius, right? It’s compatible with iPads, Nintendo Switches, and phones, and can rotate 360-degrees to hit different angles.

Reserwa Car Backseat Organizers

Many other car seat organizers I found were much more expensive, so this two-pack for under $15 is a great deal and has all the features I was looking for: multiple pockets, a clear pouch to hold an iPad to watch, and water bottle holders.

Telena Leather Belt Bag 

I did, in fact, purchase the real Lululemon belt bags for my daughters’ birthdays, which coincide with our trip, but as for me? I could care less about that name-brand badge of pride. I just wanted something I could use on our trip easily and this leather belt bag you can wear crossbody, over the shoulder, or as a fanny pack (all of which I have already used it for!) fit the bill.

Smart Liner Custom Floor Mats

I’m embarrassed to admit I went four kids before I realized that you could buy floor mats for your car from Amazon. The amount of puke I have scrubbed out of my minivan carpet would bring you to tears. 

We just upgraded our minivan to a Suburban in preparation for this trip and you bet your puke bucket I ran and bought these floor mats as fast as I could. They’re so much more affordable than I thought they would be and they’re 1,000% worth it for driving anywhere with kids.

Loop Quiet Ear Plugs 

I struggle with getting overstimulated by the noise of five children and when we’re confined to a car for 15-plus hours, I can’t imagine it will get any better for me. So I scooped up these Loop Quiet Ear Plugs I’ve seen all over social media. 

I tested them during the after-dinner clean-up madness the other night and they have really helped—they provide enough noise reduction that they take the edge off, but still let me hear enough to safely keep an ear out for the kids.

Translucent Shoe Bags

We’re traveling for a wedding, which means I had to bring everyone’s wedding shoes, along with everyday shoes, beach shoes, and rehearsal dinner shoes. In short, it’s a lot of shoes. To keep track and keep the germs of dirty shoes away from everything else, I picked up this 12-pack of see-through shoe bags so I could both see whose shoes are whose and keep them separate.

Funky Monkey Women's Comfort Slides Double Buckle

Speaking of shoes, I grabbed a few of these sandals to double as easy shoes to wear in the car and slide in and off for rest and bathroom stops—and as a bonus, they double as both beach and casual shoes to cut down on the number of shoes I need to pack.

Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Activity Books Set

I will fully admit that my main plan for entertaining the kids on this road trip is screens, screens, and more screens—but even the most tech-loving kid will need a break now and then. So I picked up this pack of puffy sticker books from Melissa & Doug because it was on sale and included three different scenes to allow my daughters to dress up princesses, mermaids, and more.

Sterilite 66 Qt. Clear Plastic Latch Box

Buy on Walmart

You know those 10,047 little things you need to pack outside of just clothes and toiletries when you’re traveling with a family? Well, I bought this storage box with a latching lid to take care of those—I threw everything from sand toys to lifejackets to slippers and my sister’s wedding gift in there so we can just toss it in the car with no worries about anything getting squished or ruined.

Hefty Disposable Plastic Cups

A fellow mother of five once told me that the secret to road trips is bringing along a big ol’ bag of disposable cups and I have to say, even after a few multiple-hour trips, she was right. Stashing a few cups in the car gives me the instant ability to dole out snacks, have a built-in crayon or marker holder for car seats, or keep the toddler’s special toys safe. I always make sure to have a stash before we travel now.

YumEarth Organic Fruit Flavored Pops

One of my favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan, once described suckers as “kid muzzles” and I don’t think he’s wrong. But I always buy the YumEarth organic suckers when we travel so at least I feel a little bit better about myself and my kid muzzles.

Build Your Own Cupcake Sticker Activity Book

This adorable build-your-own cupcake sticker book is toddler and preschool-size and features 38 reusable cupcakes and 83 stickers so they can safely decorate a cupcake with their choice of sprinkles, chocolates, fruit, and even birthday candles.

Case for AirPods and Chargers

I picked up three of these so each of my teens and I could have one—no more fighting over lost chargers or wondering where that stray headphone went. They come in multiple colors, so you can keep everyone’s tech items separate and organized, and the hard shell case will stand up well to several family members stuffed into one car.

Oyifan Leather Backpack

In packing up everything for the six other members of my household who are not me, I realized that I don’t have a travel bag of any kind for myself. Although my diaper bag days are over, I still love the convenience of having a backpack that I can easily throw on my back to help a toddler go to the bathroom, run through an airport, or take for a weekend away that requires a lot of walking. 

I chose this option because it has wider straps for comfort, features a classic leather design, and can fit a 14-inch laptop.

High-Speed iPhone Charging Cords

I have no idea how these things work, but they are downright magical. They can give our iPhones a full charge in less than 10 minutes. They’re a game-changer, especially when you desperately need that phone juice on the road and don’t have hours to wait. 

Oh, and as one final parting word: if you’re wondering why I didn’t include a dedicated car trash can for a trip with this many people, let me assure you that I did consider it and I have picked up one in the past, but the truth is, my kids never used it and it ended up empty and kicked around. 

So I gave up that fight and am just bringing a huge roll of garbage bags . If you can’t beat 'em, join 'em. 

Shop More Deals for Parents

• Parents Swear These Are the Toys That Entertain Their Toddler For More Than 15 Minutes
• This 'Unbelievable' Robot Vacuum and Mop Is Double Discounted at Amazon—Get It for 57% Off
• Busy Parents Say Amazon’s Best-Selling Chopper Is a 'Game Changer' for Quick Dinner Prep—and It’s 50% Off

For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Parents .

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.