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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

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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

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65 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials: Your Complete Packing Checklist

Get organized with our road trip essentials checklist including gear recommendations and a printable packing list to ensure a smooth journey.

There is an undeniable magic to a good road trip: the freedom of the open road, the opportunity to visit unparalleled sights, and the unique experiences that you stumble upon along the way. However, creating these unforgettable moments requires effective planning and smart packing of the right road trip essentials.

At Bearfoot Theory, we’ve gone on our fair share of road trips and experimented with a plethora of gear – some items have worked well and others not so much. We know that packing for a road trip can easily turn into a stressful part of your journey if organization isn’t your forte – there’s nothing quite as disheartening as realizing you’ve left something important behind.

In this post, we’re excited to share our top selection of road trip gear that will help you optimize your road adventure to its fullest. You won’t need a tricked-out van or struggle with a daily game of Tetris trying to fit everything into your trunk. Keep scrolling for our road trip packing list that covers the gear essentials for ensuring a safe and amazing time on the road.

Download our PDF road trip packing list

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Entertainment

Kitchen items, vehicle essentials, clothing, footwear, & accessories, personal care, miscellaneous.

Download a printable version here

Road Trip Navigational Tools

While part of the fun of a good road trip might be getting lost and exploring remote back roads, it is crucial to have reliable navigational tools so you don’t end up utterly lost.

Here are our recommendations for road trip maps and apps:

Paper Map or Atlas

Although we all know Google Maps is essential for directions, I persoanlly like carrying a paper map too. Plus, hopefully some of your itinerary will take you off the grid and out of cell phone service.

For that reason, you’ll want to carry a paper map or road atlas. Paper maps are also better than phone apps for telling the difference between a well-graded gravel road and a gnarly 4×4 road.

My favorite paper maps are the Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlases which also detail public lands, camping areas, National Parks, and more.

Shop Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlases at:

A GPS is handy for navigation when you don’t have cell service. If you don’t want to purchase a GPS, download Google Maps for offline use or use the app maps.me instead. This is a helpful free app that you can use to navigate and find sights and amenities even without cell service.

Just be sure to download the maps.me map for the region you’re going to be traveling in ahead of time so that it will work offline.

Still in the planning phase of your trip? Check out our road trip destination ideas here! And if you’re looking for a car camping checklist, head to our Car Camping Essentials blog post .

Road Trip Apps

Downloading a couple of apps before you head out will make road trip planning easier and will help you find things you’re looking for on the road like campsites, rest stops, amenities, and more.

The Roadtrippers App is a handy one too. It lets you save locations on the go, find destination points along your route, and locate lodging, gas, restaurants, and more.

The iExit App can help you determine the best areas to take a pit stop on major highways while you’re traveling.

Gas Buddy is a helpful road trip app that will help you find the cheapest gas prices so you aren’t wasting money when you fill up.

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Looking for more helpful apps? Check out our post on Must-Have Van Life Apps . Many of them are also great for road trips!

Road Trip Clothing, Footwear, & Accessories

Packing for a road trip means filling your bags with versatile, well-fitting, and durable clothes that allow you to do a little bit of everything.

You’ll want to have clothing, footwear, and accessories that:

While crazy patterns can be fun, I prefer to pack solid prints that will go with everything. That way, you don’t have to really think about packing specific outfits.

Here are a few of my favorite road trip essentials picks for clothing, footwear, and accessories. For more recommendations, check out the links below.

Road Trip Packing Lists

Road trip entertainment packing list.

Road trips are all about having a good time, right? Right. Make the drive fun with the following entertainment essentials. I also recommend keeping your day hiking essentials in your trunk too so you’re always ready for a spur-of-the-moment hike, should you need them.

Music Playlists

What’s a road trip without music? A good playlist will keep your energy up and will help the miles fly by. Load up your phone with plenty of tunes ahead of time in case you’ll be driving through areas with limited service. I’m a HUGE fan of Spotify.

Podcasts & Audiobooks

If music isn’t your thing or you need a break from rockin’ out, download a couple of audiobooks or a bunch of episodes of your favorite podcasts.

For suggestions, check out our favorite outdoor podcasts . The Libby App and Audible are also great resources for downloading audiobooks.

A book or two is always nice to have along on a road trip so you can read in your downtime.

We often like to bring books about the places we’re exploring so we can learn about the area while traveling.

Travel Games

If you’re traveling with kids, games are a great way to keep everyone happy and entertained.

But games aren’t just for kids! Bringing along a deck of cards or your favorite road trip games provides fun for everyone.

A set of headphones or AirPods are nice to bring on a road trip in case you need a little alone time.

Bring a camera to capture the memories on your trip and check out our photography page for tips and tricks for taking great photos.

Not everyone enjoys journaling or sketching, but a notebook is nice to bring along on a road trip for those who want to record their trip.

If you like to journal or make notes about the places you travel to, pack a small weatherproof notebook .

Shop Rite in the Rain Notebook at:

iPad/Laptop

An iPad or laptop is nice to have along for evenings when you just want to Netflix and chill. Download a few movies ahead of time for easy viewing.

Road Trip Snacks & Kitchen Packing List

One of the best parts about a road trip is tasty road trip snacks, wouldn’t you agree? Whether you’re a salty or sweet person, having quick and (mostly) healthy snack options can make or break a long drive.

It’s also a good idea to pack some kitchen and cooking gear even if you’re not camping so you can whip up that impromptu picnic.

Here are our road trip snack and kitchen essentials:

Healthy Snacks

Having healthy snacks easily accessible will stop the hanger from creeping in and help you avoid gas station temptations like chips and candy (no judgment though if you want to indulge!)

Some of our favorite road trip snacks are:

Planning on doing some hiking during your road trip? Don’t forget your favorite hiking snacks (which TBH, I also eat while driving!).

A cooler will keep your fruit, veggies, dips, and other snacks cold so you can eat fresh on the road.

If you’re just packing a few cold drinks and snacks, a small, lightweight cooler like REI’s Cool Haul 24 Soft Cooler is a versatile option.

Shop REI Cool Haul 23 Soft Cooler at:

Reusable Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle is key for staying hydrated and eliminating single-use plastics.

An insulated Hydro Flask will keep your water nice and cold on hot days. I also like their straw lid version which allows you to easily drink one-handed while you drive.

Shop Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottles at:

Read next: How to Reduce Waste on Road Trips

In addition to saving money and avoiding plastic bottles, having a water jug with you makes for a quick and easy fill-up of your water bottle while on the road and before heading out on a hike. It’s also a smart thing to have in case you break down or run out of gas.

The GSI Outdoors Folding Water Cube holds 15 liters of water and has a convenient tap handle that prevents spilling.

Shop the GSI Water Cube at:

Consider bringing an insulated coffee mug for keeping coffee and tea hot on sunrise drives or making sure your beverage stays cold on hot days.

The Hydro Flask 20 oz Tumbler has a splashproof lid and its tapered design allows it to fit into most cup holders.

Shop the Hydro Flask 20 oz Tumbler at:

Muli Tool/ Swiss Army Knife

A multi-tool or versatile knife like this Swiss Army Camper Knife is always good to have along, whether for slicing apples, cutting rope, or opening that nice bottle of wine.

Shop the Swiss Army Camper Knife at:

Utensil Set

Saying no to single-use plastics is easy when you have a reusable utensil set with you.

This To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set comes in a handy holder and is perfect for on-the-go meals whether you’re road-tripping or not. It comes with a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, and a bamboo straw.

Shop the To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set at:

Quick-Dry Towels

A set of small quick-dry towels is a great zero-waste alternative for wiping your hands and cleaning up messes and spills. A roll of paper towels works too.

Shop the REI Quick-Dry Towel Set at:

Reusable Bag

A reusable bag like the REI Stuff Travel Tote will come in handy for those grocery store stops along the way and once you arrive at your destination.

Shop the REI Stuff Travel Tote at:

Read next: Camping instead? Check out our Car Camping Essentials Packing Checklist .

Packing & Organizing Road Trip Essentials

Keep your stuff organized and easy to find with these road trip packing essentials.

Suitcase, Backpack, or Duffel Bag

You likely already have a suitcase, backpack, or duffel bag at home that you can use to pack for your road trip, it doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just something to comfortably hold your clothes and other belongings.

If you don’t own one already, we love the REI Co-op Roadtripper Duffel .

Shop the REI Roadtripper Duffel at:

A day pack for hikes and other outings is always good to bring on a road trip. It doesn’t have to be big, just big enough to hold water, your phone, camera, keys, snacks, and other hiking essentials.

This Osprey Tempest pack has been my go-to for day hikes and adventures for a long time. The Osprey Talon is the men’s version.

Shop the Osprey Tempest Pack at:

Packing Cubes

If you’re like me, your suitcase (or duffel) can be a disaster. I tackle this problem by using packing cubes to keep all of my clothing organized while I’m road-tripping. Underwear in one. Socks in another. Pants. Shirts. Each category of clothing gets its own cube.

Shop REI Packing Cubes at:

Toiletry Bag

Having all your toiletries and smaller essentials in one bag makes it easy to find them when you need them.

This REI Co-op Shower Roll Bag is a favorite that makes it super easy to access all your toiletries in one place.

Shop the REI Shower Roll Bag at:

Road Trip Packing List for Personal Care

Getting out of your normal routine can make it a bit more of a challenge to keep up with personal care, but with these essentials, you’ll find your new road trip routine in no time.

UV rays can come through your windows so bring a tube or two of good mineral-based sunscreen , especially if you’re road-tripping in the summer.

It’s also handy in case you find an exposed viewpoint you want to picnic at or a sunny hike along the way.

Shop Sun Bum Sunscreen at:

Lip balm is always nice to have along in case your lips get extra dry. We prefer lip balm with SPF for sun protection, like this one .

Shop Sun Bum Lip Balm at:

Toothpaste & Toothbrush

Any old toothpaste you have at home will do, but if you want an eco-friendly, travel-size option, Hello toothpaste bites are a great pick.

Shop Hello Toothpaste Bites at:

Bring the toiletries you need from home, like soap or face wash, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant.

If you want to save space, try these refillable 2.5 oz  humangear GoToob+ Medium Squeeze Bottles . 

Simply fill them up with your favorite products and pack them in your toiletry bag.

Shop Humangear GoToob+ Bottles at:

Tissues or Toilet Paper

Tissues or a roll of toilet paper are always handy to have in the car on a road trip in case rest stops are under-equipped or you have to pee in the wild.

Just remember to pack out and dispose of your toilet paper in the trash .

Read next: How to Poop in the Woods and Leave No Trace .

You’ll want a way to tame that windswept hair after a long drive, so throw your hairbrush in with your other personal items.

A small, travel-size version like this one is always nice to have for trips.

Shop travel-sized hairbrush at:

Bandanas can be used in many ways and is sure to come in handy, whether as a napkin or as a headband t keep your hair from blowing in the wind when you’ve got the windows down.

The Nomadix Bandana Towel adds even more versatility with its absorbent microsuede material, SPF 50 protection, and anti-odor properties.

Shop the Nomadix Bandana Towel at:

Sometimes it’s nice to freshen up after a long drive, or maybe you’re hiking and camping on your road trip as well. A pack of wipes is always on our road trip packing list so we have the option to clean up a bit in a pinch.

The  Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes  are our favorite because they’re gentle on the skin and they are compostable (although you still need to dispose of them properly in the trash).

Shop Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes at:

Vitamin C/Immune Boosting Tablets

We like to pack hydration tablets on any adventure, and if they’re immunity-boosting that’s even better.

These NUUN Immunity Hydration tablets are easy to throw into your bag and pop into your water bottle when you need an extra boost.

Shop Nuun Immunity Hydration Tablets at:

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is always good to have readily available, especially these days. We love this all-natural one from Dr. Bronners .

Shop Dr. Bronner’s Hand Sanitizer at:

Advil/Ibuprofen

While you won’t always need something like Advil or Ibuprofin, we like to include it on every road trip packing list since it can be a lifesaver when you get a killer headache and need it.

Read next: Camping Tips for Women: How to Stay Fresh & Clean on the Road

Miscellaneous Road Trip Essentials

These items are necessarily ‘essentials’ but they can make your road trip more comfortable and trouble-free.

I don’t know about you, but I consider a pillow a road trip essential (especially if you’re the passenger)!

Bring a comfy pillow from home or an inflatable pillow if you’re short on space. This NEMO Fillo Pillow is compressible, lightweight, and awesome for camping, backpacking, and napping in the passenger seat.

Shop the NEMO Fillo Pillow at:

Whether you’re reading in bed, going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, or rummaging around your car, you’ll want a headlamp nearby.

The BioLite Headlamp 325 is a go-to piece of nighttime gear that’s ultralight and rechargeable with a USB cable.

Shop the BioLite 325 Headlamp at:

Read next: Looking for more options? Head over to our post on the Best Headlamps for Hiking & Camping

A small blanket is a nice item to have along in case you find the perfect picnic spot or if you just need a little extra warmth at any point on your road trip.

We love Rumpl’s cozy, packable blankets – they won’t take up much space in your car and they come in all kinds of fun colors and patterns.

Shop Rumpl Blankets at:

Quick-dry towel

Be ready for those impromptu swimming hole dips with a lightweight, quick-dry towel like the Nomadix Original Towel . It’s also sand resistant, so if you’re heading to the beach, you don’t have to worry about tracking loads of sand back to your car.

Shop Nomadix Towels at:

First-Aid Kit

Stay safe and be prepared in case of an emergency by having a car first aid kit that has been personalized to your own medical needs.

This  My Medic MyFAK First Aid Kit  is equipped with all kinds of expert-picked first aid and trauma supplies. You can strap it to the back of a headrest for easy storage or just toss it in the back so it’s there when you need it.

We love that it comes with a small tearaway pouch that you can fill up with essentials and take on day hikes, backpacking trips, and other short adventures as well.

It’s more expensive than some other first aid kits, but it also has more supplies and lifesaving equipment than most.

Shop the My Medic MyFAK at:

Phone Charger & USB Cord

You’ll be surprised how quickly your phone battery will drain when using navigation mode and a variety of apps on your phone so it’s good to be able to charge from your vehicle.

If your headlamp and camera come with car-compatible chargers, bring those along too.

GPS Communication Device

I’d argue that the Garmin InReach is a road trip essential if you plan on exploring remote backroads where there is no cell phone service.

If you break down somewhere, the Garmin InReach allows you to send custom text messages no matter where you are or to call for medical help if you are in an emergency situation.

It also has a GPS and some helpful navigation tools for when the navigation apps on your phone won’t load.

My boyfriend Ryan is a Type 1 Diabetic, so when we are in the van or hiking, the Garmin InReach gives me added peace of mind.

Shop the Garmin inReach Mini at:

It’s always handy to have a little bit of cash on hand in case you come across a farmers market or a roadside stall or if you plan on camping at more remote campgrounds, which are typically cash-only.

Vehicle Road Trip Essentials

I won’t go into too much detail in this section because you should really have these basic necessities in your vehicle at all times, whether you’re road-tripping or not.

These include:

• Driver’s License and Registration
• Proof of Insurance and Contact Info
• Your Car Operation Manual
• Spare Tire and Jack
• Roadside Emergency Kit
• Jumper Cables (or a self-starting jumper )

Planning a road trip? Check out our other road trip tips, guides, and essentials:

• Car Camping Packing Checklist
• How to Road Trip with Your Dog
• How to Find Free Campsites
• Campervan Companies for Your US Road Trip
• How to Reduce Waste on Car Camping Trips
• Cheap Road Trip Tips: How to Save Money on the Road

We hope this road trip essentials checklist helps simplify packing for your next epic adventure. Now tell us: where are you headed and what’s on your road trip packing list?

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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16 Comments

Thanks for sharing such a great checklist, I Believe anyone who read this post will be valuable for him for sure. Regards, Team Yugo.pk

I love these lists! As busy as a work week can get, lists like this will help get me outside sooner and more often. I think it would be great if you had a PDF document in the form of a checklist, so I could gather items on the fly and know that I have them ready or loaded into the car/truck/van/camper. Just an idea for this page and great lists.

I like your advice about bringing a spare tire and knowing how to change should be part of the road trip necessities. We won’t know what would happen to us on the road during our trip. One possible problem that might arise would be a flat tire. Having a spare tire will allow us to change it immediately. However, if you’re not capable of doing it on your own you can call someone to assist you. This happened to me a few years ago, good thing I keep the contact details of my roadside assistance service provider which responded to my call immediately. Having this will lessen our worries. You might want to check the blog I’ve read a few weeks ago which provides a list of tips on handling a road trip like a pro. here is the link: https://blog.beepbeep.ph/road-trip-essentials/

I found your article interesting to read the must haves list for the road trip. There are lots of thing which I never remember to bring with me on the road trip. Thank for sharing these checklist.

What a great, comprehensive list. You can also add roadside assistance, it can be a lifesaver when we broke down 9 days into our trip. Loved the roadtrippers app as well. However, we made the rookie mistake of not getting a gas card until halfway through.

What do you normally have in your First-Aid Kit? We are crafting a blog post on our blog and we would definitely mention your website in it.

Its Nice., Thank you for your Necessity guides. These are useful to many.

Great checklist! One addition that we were glad to have on our recent road trip was our checkbook. During the Covid era, we prefer not to handle cash, and some campgrounds didn’t take cards, but writing a check and leaving it in the envelope worked great.

That’s a great tip, thanks Tom!

These modules are all great Lots of information and quite a few things i wouldn’t ever have thought of. However, why do i need to resubscribe every time i want one of your checklists? Seems like there one subscription should “do” and there should be a place i can just download what i want.

After requesting 3 or 4, it now tells me my request is successful but wont sent the mail with the download link.

This is irritating for me and would seem to create lot of duplicate ‘subscriptions” for you.

Hi Linda! Thanks for sharing that with us and our apologies for the inconvenience. There’s not a straightforward solution to this unfortunately as it would require us building out some sort of a membership page where people can login and download all the resources they want. At this time the way we have it set up is the easiest way for our readers to get the specific resources they want delivered to their inbox. It doesn’t result in duplicate subscriptions on our end as your email address is only added to our list once, and I am seeing that the emails for the checklists you’ve requested have been sent. Perhaps check your spam folder or try doing a search for Bearfoot Theory? If you’re still having issues please email me at contact (at) bearfoottheory.com and I’ll help get this resolved personally. Thanks again – we’ll keep your feedback in mind and will see if there’s a way we can improve this process 🙂

thank you, it was very helpful.

A night hike, river tubing, or secret single-track – you never know what adventure may arise while traveling. Don’t miss out because you don’t have the gear. Below are gear staples for us on any adventure:

Rain jacket Daypack Headlamp Water bottle Compass Swimsuit Dry bag (waterproof) Bandana or Buff headwear

Great list – you never know what adventure you could find yourself on!

Thanks for your wonderful work! Fun and practical — a breath of fresh air!

I’d like to add two items that simplify and improve road trips for us:

— A small (maybe 8-inch square) “front-seat bin” for each traveller. Keep your small personal items — sunglasses, reading glasses, snacks, medicines, phone, and so — on in one designated place to ensure that you don’t have to root around to find your things.

— Small waterproof duffle for each person’s shoes — hiking shoes, sandals, comfy campsite shoes. Keeps the car cleaner and, again, ensures that things are “where they’re supposed to be”!

Hi Roy, these are great suggestions! We love tips for staying organized. Thanks for sharing!

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. 

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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.

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One Comment

Outstanding information. Thank you for the great tips!

Summer Road Trip Checklist

9 things to check on your car before hitting the open road.

Summer is in full swing, and lots of people are ready to hit the road. And while gas prices are still high, that isn’t stopping folks from taking their trips this year. If you’re one of the many who still plans to get behind the wheel to clock some mileage this summer, make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the trek.

Before you hop on the highway, use this handy checklist to ensure you’re ready for some summer fun behind the wheel:

• Tires, Spare Tire, & Brakes
• Fuel Pump & Lines

Headlight Bulbs

Table of Contents

Tires, Spare Tire, & Brakes

Fuel pump/lines, bonus fun stuff, ready to hit the road.

Right off the bat, your vehicle’s tires and brakes are some of the most important components. When it comes to tires, you’ll want to check the condition of your tires for wear and age. Tips like the “penny trick” and how to check date codes can be found in our guide on tires .

Another thing to take into consideration is whether your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire . A lot of modern vehicles don’t have a spare tire. If this is the case, you’ll want to make sure you have roadside assistance like AAA, or consider finding a spare tire to carry in your trunk (provided there’s room).

Brakes are what bring your vehicle to a stop, so it’s a good idea to make sure your pads, rotors, and fluid are in good condition before setting out on a long trip. Sometimes you can inspect the brakes without removing the wheels, but a friendly dealer service center or repair shop can also help if you need a second opinion.

Unless you’re behind the wheel of a classic Volkswagen, Porsche, or an EV, chances are your vehicle uses water to keep the engine cool. While there are a variety of components that make up a vehicle’s cooling system, the rubber hoses can become problematic.

On older cars with higher mileage, if hoses look cracked or dry-rotted or are leaking, then it’s best to replace them. If a radiator hose fails, it could lead to your engine overheating, which would ruin the fun of any road trip. Thankfully, hoses are relatively inexpensive to replace.

A dead battery is a bad start to any outing behind the wheel. Knowing your battery is reliable and will start your vehicle when you need it most will save a lot of headaches, especially when you’re a long way from home. If your vehicle has a hard time starting or requires a jumpstart, then you’ll want to get the battery replaced with a new unit.

Tied to the battery is the alternator. The alternator keeps the battery charged while the engine is running and ensures there’s enough juice for the battery to start your car once you shut it off. Due to the environment the alternator lives in (aka the hot engine bay and sustained RPMs), they are prone to wearing out with age and mileage. To test the condition of your alternator, check out our guide here .

A common maintenance item that’s often overlooked is a vehicle’s serpentine belt. Over time, the rubber in the belt deteriorates and cracks. If left unattended, the belt can snap and cause the vehicle to overheat and/or lose electrical power. Depending on the vehicle, the belts can last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. Since belts are cheap and usually easy to replace, it’s worth changing for peace of mind.

Tied to the vehicle’s electrical system is the starter. When you turn the key (or push the big red button), the starter cranks the engine until it fires up. Generally, a starter is quite reliable, but if your vehicle has high miles or a history of being hard to start, you may want to check the starter and weigh if it’s time for a replacement.

If you have an electric vehicle, you’re off the hook here (along with items 2 through 4). For vehicles that are powered by gasoline, fuel pumps and fuel lines are necessary to keep the dinosaur juice flowing into the engine.

For newer cars, this isn’t so much of an issue, but drivers of older and high mileage vehicles should make sure their fuel pump and fuel lines have a clean bill of health before setting off for a long journey, especially during the summer heat!

Fuel pumps will generally become noisy before they fail (often a loud hum or buzzing noise), which can cause a no-start situation. For fuel lines, on the other hand, you have to perform a closer inspection. Check for cracks or leaks, which are signs that the rubber lines need to be replaced. Raw fuel outside of the engine can cause major safety concerns, so address any fuel system issues ASAP.

When the sun is up, nobody thinks about their headlights. However, once the sun goes down, these simple bulbs make all the difference in terms of nighttime visibility. Bulbs aren’t expensive at the auto parts store (or online), so if you have a burnt-out headlight or taillight bulb, be sure to replace it so both you and other drivers on the road can see at night. It’s also not a bad idea to carry a spare bulb or two in the glovebox. Depending on your vehicle application, you may be able to upgrade to LED headlights for improved visibility.

Arguably one of the most overlooked items to check before setting out on a road trip is your vehicle’s windshield wipers. Wipers aren’t something you think about until you really need them, such as in a rainstorm.

So don’t get caught in the rain with bad wipers; spend the money on a new set of wipers before heading out on your trip.

Playlist: No road trip is complete without listening to your favorite tunes. Whether they’re streaming from the “cloud” or maybe you’re playing an old mixtape or CD (yeah those still exist!), a road trip with tunes playing in the background sets the tone.

Snack Bucket: Everybody loves a snack, especially on a long drive. Maybe it’s chips and soda, or perhaps a healthier choice like chopped fruit and mixed nuts; either way, a happy tummy makes for a more pleasant drive.

Toilet Paper: Wait a minute? Toilet paper? Yes, you read that right. Keeping a roll of toilet paper can be especially helpful when stopping at an unfamiliar rest stop. Better safe than sorry!

No Junk in the Trunk: Not so much something to pack with you, but rather what you don’t. If you can keep your trunk or cargo area clean of unnecessary clutter, then your vehicle isn’t carrying extra weight, which can reduce fuel consumption. For additional gas-saving tips check out our writeup here .

So now you have your checklist before you head out for some summer fun. Before you go, you can use these helpful links to plan your trip:

• Calculate your fuel costs here .
• Find fuel prices by state .
• For extra peace of mind while out on the road, consider a AAA membership with roadside emergency service.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice and is for information only. Always seek the advice of a certified professional or your vehicle manufacturer. If attempting any repairs yourself, take all safety precautions as necessary.

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The Ultimate Road Trip Packing Checklist & Best Tips [Printable]

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Check the Weather

Plan your route, how long is your trip, your vehicle or a rental, plan your sleeping arrangements, make a packing list early, choose the right gear, purchase travel-sized items, what electronics should i take, travel insurance, keep your travel documents safe and handy, cash and credit cards, keep your personal details close for emergencies, lay it all out, consider your itinerary, take out anything unnecessary, roof box, suitcase — what should go where, take a laundry bag, get your car road-ready, make the car comfortable, how many drivers, plan your driving time, note rest stops, be flexible, pack car activities, travel safely, make the trip an adventure, bring comfort items, know their limits, apps for road trips, how to prepare your house before you leave, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

There are few things as exciting as taking a road trip. Whether you’re going somewhere completely new or visiting an old favorite spot, it’s bound to be an adventure. However, one of the defining characteristics of road trips is that they can be unpredictable, especially if you’re not prepared. Weather changes, road conditions, or underestimating your ability to handle long car rides can come up.

Always ensure you have emergency and safety gear packed in your luggage, and bring plenty of water, music, and maybe a book or 2 to pass the time for a successful trip.

📋 Click To View Our Printable Road Trip Packing List >> 📋

Road Trip Packing Tips and Advice

Don’t get overwhelmed by the idea of planning your next big road trip. This guide will help you pack like a pro so you’re ready to hit the road, whether you’re driving a few towns over or across the country. However, being prepared isn’t just about what you pack. Here are a few things to consider before embarking on your car adventure.

While you’ll probably spend a lot of time in the car on your road trip, knowing what weather to expect is still an essential part of the planning process. For example, rainy weather might affect your visibility, so you must adjust to cover less ground in a day.

It’s also important to check the weather if you’re crossing multiple climate regions. It might be summer at home, but if you’re driving into the mountains, you’ll want to pack layers and a jacket because the temperature could drop drastically. 

Most of the time, a road trip has an end destination. Once you know your final stop, you can plan your trip accordingly.

Planning your trip route will not only help you get an idea of your driving times and what traffic and road conditions to expect, but it can also add extra fun to your trip. Take note of any side trips you could take or attractions you’d like to see while on your journey, and plan a few fun stops to help break up the miles in the car.

Most road trips are between 7 and 10 days in length but can vary greatly. Packing and preparing for a weekend-long getaway will be a lot different than for a 6-month-long adventure.

Some things will be on your packing list no matter how long you will be away from home. You’ll always want rechargeable batteries , a reusable water bottle, and a patch kit or spare tire.

Pack enough socks, underwear, and entertainment to last your whole trip, or at least until you can get to a laundry service or replenish anything you’ve used up.

You’ll want to decide if your road trip will be better in your vehicle or if you should rent one for the road. There are pros and cons to both.

Your Vehicle

The biggest upside to using your car is its familiarity. It’s an extension of your home, and you probably know how to change the settings to suit your preferences. However, consider its size. For example, if you’re going on a long road trip with 4 or 5 people, a sedan won’t be too comfortable.

Rental Cars

Rentals have the exact opposite pros and cons of using your own car. The advantages of renting come if your personal vehicle is small, isn’t equipped for electronics, or if it just isn’t road ready. You can find a temporary option to make your trip more comfortable and potentially more secure.

On the other hand, if you’re driving a rental, you have to be more careful about keeping it tidy. That could mean no eating while on the road or being meticulous about mud to avoid paying hefty cleaning fees or losing a deposit.

There are many ways to road trip, and any one of them has the potential for fun. However, they all require different types of planning, especially when it comes to your sleeping arrangements.

Here are a few of the most popular sleeping options for road trips:

• Hotels and Motels: This is the most comfortable option, but it requires the most planning, especially during popular vacation times, like during the summer or over a holiday weekend. To ensure you find a room that suits your needs, it’s a good idea to plan where you’ll be staying and make reservations.
• RV and Tent Campgrounds: Similar to hotels and motels, staying at these campgrounds offers some comforts, but they’re a little more rustic. If you’re road-tripping in an RV, you’ll often have access to electricity and water. Campsites set aside for tents usually have restrooms and access to cooking areas. Even in this case, you must make reservations to guarantee your spot.
• Car Sleeping: This is the least luxurious sleeping arrangement, but it’s popular for some types of travel. It’s most often preferred to pull over at a rest area for a few hours when driving long distances in a short time, but there are understandably no amenities.

Packing for a road trip takes a little more planning than you might be used to if you typically opt for other vacations. To ensure you have everything you need for hours on the road and whatever climates you’ll find yourself in, avoid waiting until the last minute to get your bags ready.

Start making a packing list as soon as you finalize your plans. Doing so gives you time to ensure you have the right clothes, toiletries, gear, and entertainment for the journey. It also gives you time to shop around if you need to, meaning you’ll have the best chance of finding exactly what you need.

You don’t need a luxury vehicle or top-of-the-line RV for a successful road trip. However, you’ll still want to ensure you have the right gear.

Some equipment might vary depending on the length and location of your trip, but there are a few things you should have no matter what sort of drive you’re taking on. Here are a few things you should remember to pack:

• Car battery jumper cables
• First-aid kit
• A spare tire, wrench, and car jack
• A tire patch kit
• A tire gauge and a small air compressor
• A warning triangle and reflective vest (preferably 1 per passenger)

Depending on your car, you might also want to invest in a luggage rack or roof box to save space inside your vehicle.

If you’re traveling with a pet, a crate or dog seat cover is also recommended, and if you have small children in the car, an appropriate car seat is necessary.

Even though traveling by car means you don’t have to worry about any restrictions on what personal-care items you can bring, you still want to pack efficiently. Using full-sized versions of your favorite hairspray or lotion can take up a lot of valuable space in your luggage.

Consider opting for travel or trial-size items unless you plan a particularly long trip. If your preferred brands don’t carry these products, you can make your own with reusable travel containers .

Depending on your sleeping arrangements, you’ll also want to pack soap and shampoo. This is particularly true if you plan on staying at campgrounds where toiletries aren’t provided.

Remember, spills are still possible even if you pack items in brand-new packages. To protect your other belongings from leaks, pack your personal care items separately in an easy-to-clean nylon or plastic toiletry bag . 

While it’s true that being in the car means you won’t be able to bring tons of electronics with you on your trip, you’ll still want to have a few tech items with you. Of course, you’ll bring your smartphone, which will likely grant you access to most of the apps and online resources you need.

You’ll also want to make sure you have a charger you can plug into your car with you as well. It’s a good idea to have an outlet and USB charger if you encounter a place to plug in when you’re not in your vehicle.

It’s a good idea to bring a tablet or e-reader , too. The larger screen is more convenient for watching videos or reading, which saves you from having to take up space by packing separate books or DVDs. You might also want to consider packing a camera to document your trip. A small digital or disposable camera will let you save your phone battery while still capturing photos and videos.

In most cases, your regular car and health insurance will cover your road trip. However, you might want to take out other travel insurance coverage in some instances.

If you’ve made any non-refundable reservations, travel insurance can help guarantee you get your money back if your plans change. You might also want to update or take out insurance on any valuable belongings you’ll be taking with you, like electronics or meaningful jewelry like engagement rings or wedding bands.

Consider taking the opportunity to become a member of AAA so you have some peace of mind if you need roadside assistance. These memberships also occasionally grant discounts at motels, attractions, and restaurants.

Travel Admin

Road trips might be a more low-tech way to vacation without complicated boarding passes and luggage tags, but there’s still some paperwork and administrative things to take care of.

Make sure you don’t forget these important documents:

• Your ID , including a driver’s license for anyone who might get behind the wheel; also, bring a passport if your trip might take you out of the country
• Car and health insurance information
• The addresses and booking information of any places you’ve made reservations at
• Multiple forms of payment , including money, credit or debit cards, and checks

If you want to go the extra mile, plan ahead in case you lose or damage anything while on the road by bringing extras of:

• Any health information to be aware of, including medical conditions, dietary requirements, allergies, and a list of medications taken
• Your contact details and those of your next of kin or emergency contacts

Keep multiple copies of all the necessary documents for your trip. If you have email confirmation for reservations or car rentals, save that email, take a screenshot on your phone, and bring a hard copy. Keep all necessary paperwork, including your ID, somewhere safe that you can easily access.

Most places today take credit and debit card payments and even mobile payment options, but don’t count on that being the case everywhere. Bring some cash with you in case of emergencies to ensure you’re not stuck and unable to pay .

At the same time, If you’re renting a car or booking a hotel room, you might be asked to leave a deposit ahead of time which should be returned to you at the end of your trip. In those cases, using your credit or debit card is the most secure option. 

With modern technology, it seems crazy that we used to memorize phone numbers or keep a written address book of contacts.

However, when planning your road trip, it’s best not to rely on your phone. Your battery could die, or a locked cell could keep someone from contacting your loved ones in an emergency. To avoid that, keep a physical list of contact information for yourself and your loved ones in a safe place.

Packing Your Car

The packing process is one of the most exciting parts of road trip planning. However, if you get too carried away, you might end up with a disorganized mess or even forget something important. Follow these tips to ensure you pack like a pro.

Before putting anything in your luggage, lay out everything you plan to bring. Here’s where making a packing list will come in handy. Seeing everything in front of you will help you notice gaps you might not have thought of.

Everyone knows to use the weather forecast as a packing guide, but make sure you also consider your itinerary.

If you think you may have a beach day, bring a towel and a bathing suit, for example. That’s why it’s a good idea to devise a plan of what you might do and see while you’re on the road so that you can pack appropriately.

Remember, there’s a difference between being prepared and being over-prepared. Only pack for the activities you are reasonably sure you’ll be able to do while on your trip. If you’re taking a road trip around Florida, you likely won’t need a snowsuit.

When it comes to packing clothes, personal care items, or entertainment, if you don’t use something at home, you likely won’t need it while on the road. For example, if you never wear a robe around the house or at the pool, don’t bring one with you.

Figuring out how to pack your car can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. There are 2 main options when it comes to packing up a car for a road trip:

Suitcases and Car Trunk

This is the easiest and most cost-effective way to pack, as most people already have a duffel bag or luggage set. However, if you’re traveling with a large group or have a smaller vehicle, the car’s trunk may not be large enough.

Roof Box and Luggage Rack

This packing option is more of an investment, but it can be more efficient for road travel as they both save space inside your vehicle. However, roof boxes offer more protection from the elements as they’re made of durable material suitable for most environmental conditions.

If you plan on going the roof box or luggage rack route, make sure to pack your important or valuable items in a separate bag that will stay inside the car.

You might also want to have a small bag with a change of clothes and your essential toiletries in the vehicle as well, so they’re easy to access if you’re overnighting at a hotel. 

You’ll likely have very limited access to a washing machine or dryer while on the road. Between washes, bring a spare bag to put your dirty laundry in to keep from mixing anything up with your clean clothing.

That could mean using something as simple as a trash bag, but you can also go the extra mile and opt for a waterproof bag you can use for swimming suits or other wet clothing items. 

Making sure your car is reliable and ready to handle long hours on the road is perhaps the most important part of the planning process. If you’re renting a vehicle, you likely won’t have to worry about doing much, as the car you get from the rental agency will probably have been inspected shortly before you get the keys.

However, if you’re taking your own car, there are a few things you’ll want to make sure you do before heading out.

• Check Your Oil: Make sure you have enough oil and that you aren’t due for a change to make sure your engine runs safely and efficiently.
• Get a Tune-up and Inspection: Take your car to your trusted mechanic for a look-over to have the brakes and engine checked.
• Check Your Tires: It’s a good idea to rotate your tires if it’s been a while since you’ve last done so. Make sure they’re aligned, balanced, and aren’t worn down as well. Depending on where you’ll be driving, consider changing to all-weather or off-road tires.
• Change Your Filters: Since you’ll be in your car for extended periods, changing your filters will help keep your vehicle free of air pollutants.
• Check the Lights: Test your turn signals, headlights, fog lights, and high beams to make sure they work properly.
• Check the Battery: Make sure your car battery doesn’t need to be changed. A mechanic can do this, but you can also do it at home with a multimeter.
• Fill the Tank: Of course, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to go an entire road trip without stopping for gas (or a charge if you’re using an electric vehicle), but it’s best to start your journey on the right foot with a full tank. 

Driving Considerations

To help things go smoothly, take the time to address a few things that can affect the drive.

Car seats are padded, but they aren’t usually designed for long journeys. Bring a lumbar or seat cushion for the driver to avoid back aches from hours on the road. For passengers, consider bringing blankets or pillows .

Of course, remember to have food and water in the vehicle so no one gets hungry or thirsty. It’s also important to wear soft, comfortable clothing and shoes. For example, you might want to opt for sweats instead of jeans.

One of the biggest factors that can affect your trip is how many drivers are hitting the road with you. That can mean the difference between covering 500 miles and 1,000 miles in a day, for example. If multiple drivers are going on the trip, you can plan your shifts behind the wheel according to your preferences.

Generally, it’s considered safe to drive for up to 8 hours with a break every 2 hours for at least 15 minutes to stretch your legs and rest. However, for some people, that’s still a long time to be behind the wheel, especially for multiple days in a row.

Even if you’re okay in the car for that long, other passengers might struggle with it. Don’t overestimate your abilities or the tolerance of your travel companions, and plan realistic driving times between stops.

Long periods in the car can be grueling and uncomfortable. While you probably planned some stops while figuring out your route, note other rest areas you might encounter while on the road and make sure to keep an eye out for signs of upcoming places to stop.

You might make detailed plans and have your road trip prepared down to the mile, but things happen. One day, you might find yourself burning out after just a few hours on the road, someone could get car sick, or unexpected traffic might pop up.

Be as flexible as you can, and come up with alternatives in case your Plan A doesn’t work out. This can also be a good thing! After all, being too rigid in your itinerary won’t leave much room for any other little adventures that could make your journey even more fun. Be open to stopping at a roadside attraction or checking out a town you drive by.

Road Trip With Kids Considerations

Road trips can be a great opportunity for family bonding and can give kids a lifetime’s worth of memories. However, taking on this sort of travel with children brings along a different set of considerations.

The number 1 thing that will help ensure your child is happy and entertained while in the car is to provide plenty of car activities. Here are a few options that will work in the confined space of a vehicle:

• Shows and Movies: This is the easiest option. You can download videos on a tablet or bring a portable DVD player.
• Coloring Books: It’s not recommended you bring markers that can stain, but colored pencils and a coloring book or drawing paper can work wonders.
• Travel-sized Games : If you have multiple kids or passengers, consider getting travel versions of board games like checkers or Monopoly or a deck of cards to play with. You can even find car-specific games like car bingo.

In most places, there’s an age and weight requirement for children to be in appropriate car seats.

In the U.S., most state laws for car seats require that children under 8 and/or under 65 pounds need a car seat, and children under 12 have to sit in the back seat of a vehicle. However, each state has further requirements, so double-check the laws where you’ll be traveling.

You can have all the games and toys your kid loves in the car, but they’ll still get bored after hours of driving. To help, make the trip an adventure . Point out interesting signs, stop at attractions, and give them a “job,” like looking for signs for your destination. All of that will help the ride be more exciting and tolerable.

Being away from home and their routine can be tough on kids, even if they’re excited about your vacation. Bring comfort items like their favorite blanket or stuffed animal so they have something familiar to make travel and homesickness easier to handle.

It’s hard enough for adults to take on a lengthy drive, let alone kids, and there’s no real way to practice building up that tolerance. Know your kids’ limits. Pull over for a while if they start getting agitated or uncomfortable , even if it means changing your plans and timeline projections.

Technology has made road-tripping so much easier thanks to software that can help you plan and drive. Here are a few handy apps (all for Android or iOS unless noted) to consider downloading before hitting the road:

Roadtrippers

This app is a lifesaver when you’re still planning a trip. Its map database can help you decide on a route and shows attractions, gas stations, hotels, and more for each option. It even provides travel time estimates and gas costs.

GasBuddy has access to fuel prices at over 140,000 stations in North America. If you need to fill up while on the road, it can help you decide which nearby station is most convenient.

You can’t use most map apps if you lose reception while driving. Maps.me is essential because it lets you download maps that can be accessed offline.

Roadside America

There are hundreds of landmarks and attractions most people have never heard of. This app, only available for iOS, compiles them all in 1 easy place, so you can see which ones you can stop at for extra fun.

Waze is useful for every drive, especially while on a road trip. The app gives you updates on traffic and road conditions while also providing alternative routes when they’re available.

• Get Rid of Perishables: Avoid buying perishables in large quantities the days before your trip and use up anything that might expire or go bad while you’re gone.
• Clean Up: On a typical day, you can put off taking out the trash or doing the dishes, but that’s not what you want to come home to. You don’t have to deep-clean your home, but tidying up will make your return more relaxing.
• Take Care of Your Mail: If you are out of town for over a few days, you’ll want to ensure your mail doesn’t pile up in your mailbox. You can ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail or even ask the post office to pause service to your house for the extent of your trip.
• Make It Seem Like You Never Left: If leaving your house empty for multiple days worries you, make it seem like there’s someone home. In addition to the above tip for handling your mail, invest in a light or television timer.
• Get a Housesitter: It’s not always necessary to have a housesitter stay over. You can just ask someone you trust to come by and check on your home, water any houseplants, and feed your pets if they didn’t come on your trip with you.
• Turn Off Appliances: Power surges can come out of nowhere, especially if there are storms or construction work in your area. Avoid returning home to damaged tech by unplugging non-essential appliances and purchasing surge-protector strips you can shut off at the socket.
• Let People Know: Make sure you have a few close family and friends who know your itinerary and have copies of all your plans and documents, including a photocopy of your ID. You’ll also want to call your bank, credit card providers, and insurance company to let them know you’ll be traveling to avoid being flagged for suspicious activity.

Road trips are a great way to see the country, but they involve some planning to avoid mid-trip stress and headaches. Plan your route, make sure your car is road ready, and bring plenty of activities for yourself and any other passengers you have with you so hours in the car can fly by in a flash.

Remember to use our helpful packing list to ensure you don’t forget any essentials or overpack for the occasion, and download a few handy apps to make your trip run smoothly.

If you’re searching for inspiration, check out our guide to the best road trips in the U.S. , including routes and highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a road trip be.

Most road trips vary between a week and 10 days because they usually involve driving thousands of miles away from home. However, you can also plan trips that are shorter or longer as long as you’re comfortable in the car.

What not to do on a road trip?

There are a few rules for what not to do on a road trip. The most important rule is not to drive past your limit. If you feel like you’re getting tired, stop for the night or switch drivers for everyone’s safety.

How should I pack for a long road trip?

Consider how long you’ll be gone for and make sure you pack enough to last that long, plus have a few days’ worth of spares just in case. Also, make sure your car entertainment essentials and important items are easily reachable.

What should I not forget to pack for a road trip?

Batteries and chargers for all your tech are essential for keeping yourself and your travel companions entertained while on the road. Also, make sure you have all your travel and driving documents and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Checklist

04/28/2022 by Kristin Addis 4 Comments

I’ve been on a fair amount of road trips in my day. From a camper van in Chile’s Atacama Desert to Northern Thailand, the American Southwest and even Tahiti, there’s nothing as freeing as taking your own vehicle and sticking to your own timeline.

Given it’s one of my favorite ways to travel, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned from the last few years of taking road trips around the world. This is my ultimate checklist, the only one you’ll ever need:

First Name:

Table of Contents

For your vehicle:

Maybe you’re taking your own vehicle, or maybe it’s a rental. Either way, there are a few absolute essentials, as well as things that’ll just make the journey easier and a little bit sweeter:

• License and registration
• Car insurance policy
• An extra set of car keys
• Spare tire and jack
• Trunk organizer
• Emergency toolkit
• Handsfree phone mount
• Travel pillows and throws
• Car garbage bin or a reusable garbage bag
• Fluids and an empty gas can if road tripping in remote places
• Sanitary spray and/or wipes and car air freshener
• UV window shades
• Car chain and snow kit if road tripping in the winter

For yourself:

• Water bottle (and fill it up every chance you get)
• Snacks (I love dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, popcorn, and sandwiches, as they don’t make a mess, and the last thing you want is to be in a car that smells like eggs)
• Travel mug + cutlery (for coffee and lunch takeouts)
• Hammock, in case you find a nice spot in nature to relax ( this one from ENO is big enough for 2, but I love it for just me because I like to stretch out)
• 2-3 quick-dry tank tops ,  t-shirts , or  long sleeve shirts
• 2-3 quick-dry shorts  or  pants
• 1-2 pairs of  leggings
• 1 set of sleepwear
• Enough underwear and socks for the trip
• 1 pair of  hiking / running shoes  and 1 pair of flip flops
• 1  rain jacket
• 1  sweatshirt  or 1  fleece jacket , and a large scarf (it gets cold at night)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Swimsuit (if applicable)
• 1  quick-dry towel
• Hanging toiletry bag
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (bring dry shampoo and wet wipes if shower isn’t available)
• Personal skincare
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Hairbrush and a small mirror (or just use your car’s rearview mirror!)
• Toilet paper
• DivaCup ( read my honest review here if you are new to the cup )
• First-aid kit and personal medicine
• Personal alarm, to keep on hand at night or in an unfamiliar area for safety ( this one from Nathan also has a strobe light for startling an assailant)

*If you plan on camping, check out my car camping checklist here.

* Check out my favorite natural travel toiletries here .

Entertainment and goodies that will make a big difference

• An offline music playlist and headphones (not everyone wants to listen to the same song 5 times)
• Kindle and audiobooks ( click here for some of my favorite road trip audiobooks to listen to )
• iPad (for some late-night Netflix, if needed)
• Writing materials
• Maps.me app for offline maps (great for trails too!)
• Portable charger
• Cash for state park entrance fees
• Camera for amazing photo ops

COVID-19 Road Trip Essentials

• Cooling face mask with UV shield
• Hand sanitizer ( this one from Dr. Bronner’s actually smells nice and isn’t gloopy)
• Documentation: proof of vaccination and/or negative PCR test documents (check each of your chosen destinations to see what you need)

I hope this helped you to find more ease for your next road trip. Knowing what to bring and cutting out the guesswork makes it so much easier, and that much more fun.

PIN IT FOR LATER:

How to plan a road trip in 4 easy steps

The best road trip audiobooks.

*Most of the links in this post are affiliate links. Any purchase you make through them supports this site at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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05/23/2020 at 10:30 pm

Thanks for these suggestions and tips! With summer coming and Memorial Day weekend upon us in the USA, many are thinking of opening up their lives. If one is going to venture out and travel, these are great ideas with a fully fueled vehicle (especially your own) where you have all your own supplies, shelter (bringing a tent, mentioned in another post like this) and you can find your own private space to admire, frolic, and enjoy in whatever destination you choose. This is a great first step to traveling again while being safe, awesome!

The Travel Bunny says

05/29/2020 at 9:44 am

I wish I had your list handy when I was getting ready for my Balkan road trip! It’s silly that what I missed the most was the quick-drying towel. I learned from experience to pack one on my future travels, but man, it would’ve been great to have it then!

Kristin says

05/29/2020 at 11:57 am

They are very nice!

Anonymous says

08/24/2020 at 9:28 am

Great collection of resources

Home » Roadside Attractions Blog » Road Trip Planning » Road Trip Checklist (+ Printable PDF)

Road Trip Checklist (+ Printable PDF)

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• Pinterest 24

Overwhelmed with planning a road trip and all the things that go into pre-vacation planning? Use this road trip checklist to organize your planning and get a step-by-step guide to all the things you should be thinking about and doing to prepare to hit the road for a long car ride. Plus download our free printable PDF to always have this convenient to-do list on hand.

Pre Road Trip Planning Checklist

1-2 months before road trip checklist, the week before road trip checklist, the night before road trip checklist, morning of road trip checklist, free printable road trip checklist pdf, pin this road trip checklist to save for your next road trip.

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Everything you need to have and record an epic road trip.

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

Pre Road Trip Checklist

☑ pick a destination.

You can’t take a road trip unless you know where you’re road tripping to! The very first thing you need to do when planning a road trip is to decide where you’re going to go. This is an essential step because it defines everything else you need to do to get ready for your vacation. Your budget, need for flights and rental cars , itinerary, and even packing list are determined based on where you are going.

☑ Choose a Route and Map Your Stops

Once you know where you’re going you can get a better idea of how to get there. Plan your road trip Route with Google Maps or use an app like RoadTrippers Plus . Once you know your route you can start researching and plotting stops along the way and in your destination.

Need help planning your road trip route? Join our challenge! Sign up below and in just five days you can have your entire route planned!

Road Trip Road Map

Five days to a better road trip route.

Take your road trip planning to the next level  join our five-day road trip planning challenge!  Over the next five days we will show you our method for planning a road trip route that will get you from point A to point Z without missing a letter in between. Sign up for our email list today and get ready to hit the road!

☑ Make a Budget

You should never take a road trip without first determining your budget. Budgeting is essential to informing every decision you make along the way. Are you going to stay in 5 Star hotels or roadside motels? Are you going to splurge on a bunch of big activities or stick to free sites? Are you eating at sit-down restaurants or fast food drive throughs? And just how much gas are you going to need to do everything you want to do? Having a road trip budget is essential, learn how to set a road trip budget here .

☑ Find a Pet Sitter or House Sitter

You want to make sure that any furry (or not so furry) friends left at home are well taken care of while you’re away. And, for longer trips, you might consider a house sitter to take care of your entire home. It you’ve never used a pet sitter or house sitter before, start looking early because it can take a while to find the right fit and many sitting services have service caps and might not have room for new clients. If you already have a dog or cat sitter you know and love book as soon as you can to be sure you are on their calendar.

☑ Make a Packing List

Don’t wait until the last minute to start making a road trip packing list! Start early to allow yourself plenty of time to gather everything you need from around your house or shop for new things. Check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for ideas on what to pack.

☑ Shop for Things You Need

Once you know what you need to pack, you’ll know what you do and do not have. Now is the time to start shopping for anything on your packing list that you do not already own.

☑ Buy a National Parks Pass

If you’re planning on visiting any National Parks while on your road trip, consider buying a National Parks Pass . This annual pass allows access to 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country, including all national parks.

☑ Check Drivers License Expiration

You don’t want to be a thousand miles from home and realize you’ve been driving on an expired drivers license. A month or two before your long car ride double check the expiration date and renew your license if need be.

☑ Plan Your Itinerary

You should already know by now your destination and a general idea of your route, but now is the time to start getting more specific. Research all your stops, make a spreadsheet of everywhere you want to go, gather information, and start forming a solid plan.

☑ Book Your Hotels

Now is the time to start booking your trip! Once you know where you’re going and have an itinerary that includes where you plan to stop each night, start researching where to stay, reading hotel reviews , and book hotels along your route .

☑ Book Your Rental Car

If your road trip is starting in a different city from where you live, you don’t own a car , or you would just rather not put the extra miles on your own vehicle, you’re going to need to rent a car for your road trip. Book early to get the best deals.

☑ Book Flights

If your road trip is starting in a different city from where you live, you’ll need to book flights to get there. Book early for the most flexibility and best deals.

☑ Book Activities and Tours

If you are planning any excursions, activities, or tours, book them ahead of time to make sure you get a spot.

☑ Purchase Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help with unexpected delays, cancellations, or medical emergencies. Look into buying travel insurance to see if it is right for you and your trip.

☑ Confirm Your Bookings

Before you leave on your trip make sure you’ve organized and confirmed all your bookings. If you have email confirmations, bookmark them and add them to a special folder for easy access and make sure your flights, rental cars, hotels, excursions, and sitters are all still confirmed.

☑ Get Your Car Checked

Before you hit the road, hit the mechanic. Have your car looked over to make sure nothing is wrong and have anything that needs to be maintenanced maintenanced. Check your engine lights, top off fluids (windshield fluid, brake fluid, coolant), get an oil change, check your tire pressure, check your spare tire, check your brake pads and rotors, and make sure your headlights and turn signals are properly working. If you’re driving thousands of miles, get an oil change now so you don’t have to stop mid-trip.

☑ Buy Snacks

Buying road trip snacks ahead of time is an essential part of road trip planning! Grocery store (or wholesale store) snacks will have a wider variety and better price than you’ll get at gas stations along the way and packing up your car with snacks means you’ll never have to wait until the next time you need gas to get a bag of chips.

☑ Make a Road Trip Playlist

When you’re driving through multiple towns and multiple states, you don’t want to have to be playing constant catch up with radio static. At least a week out, make a road trip playlist of everyone in the car’s favorite songs. Or, better yet, make a themed playlist based on where you’re going! Need inspiration? Check out our list of The Best Road Trip Songs to Blast in the Car .

☑ Download Road Trip Apps

Make sure you have all the best road trip apps downloaded to your phone. Some of my favorites include the Roadside America app , RoadTrippers Plus ( Use code SILLYAMERICA to save $5! ), and GasBuddy .

☑ Pack Your Bags

A week before your road trip is the perfect time to start packing your bags. You don’t want to stress yourself out with waiting until the last minute but don’t want to start so early that you need to unpack something in the meantime or forget what is already in your bag. Need packing help? Check out our guides on what to pack for a road trip , fun things to pack for a road trip , and road trip luggage .

☑ Share Your Itinerary

In case of emergency, it is always a good idea to share your itinerary with someone who is not going on the trip with you. Your parents, a sibling, or a trusted friend. Let them know where you are going, when you’ll be where, where you are staying, and a general route.

☑ Look Up the Weather

The night before you hit the road it’s a good idea to look up the weather at your starting point, destination, and some spots along the along the way. You want to make sure you’re prepared for whatever weather is coming.

☑ Water Your Plants

Water your plants the night before you leave so you’ve not scrambling to do it in the morning and so you don’t return to wilted leaves.

☑ Make Snacks and Sandwiches

If you’re making your own road trip snacks or packing sandwiches in your cooler, make them the night before.

☑ Pack Your Car

You might need to leave a few things until the morning, but get a head start on the day by packing your car with your luggage and essentials the night before.

☑ Charge Phones and Electronics

Make sure all the electronics you’re bringing with you are fully charged. Don’t forget to charge your mobile phone and road trip camera .

☑ Set Up Your Cat or Dog Cam or Home Surveillance Camera

Keep an eye on your pet (or your house) by setting up a motion-censored camera .

☑ Finish Packing

No matter how much you’ve packed ahead of time, there will always be last-minute things to pack right before you go, like those sandwiches you made last night or the razor you had to use this morning. Gather up all those last minute items and get them to your car.

☑ Unplug Electronics

Unplug any electronics that won’t be used while you’re away, like lamps, toasters, coffee makers.

After a long road trip, no one wants to return home to a dirty house or an unexpected smell. Be sure to take a few minutes to tidy up and make sure every dish is cleaned and every trash bag is taken to the curb.

☑ Leave Notes for Your Sitter

Leave out a note with instructions for your pet or house sitter.

☑ Feed and Snuggle Your Pets

If you have cats or dogs be sure to leave out enough food to last until the sitter checks in. Give them extra snuggles to make sure they know you will miss them and will be back soon!

One last step before you leave on your road trip: close all your windows and lock all your doors!

Right click and save the image below or click the image or button to download a free printable PDF Road Trip Checklist to use for planning a road trip.

Photo by  Peter Fazekas  from  Pexels

Plan Your Road Trip

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Valerie Bromann

Founder & road trip expert.

Valerie Bromann is a a website manager, content creator, and writer from Chicago, Illinois (currently living in Dallas, Texas). As an avid road tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, Val always pull over for a world’s largest thing. Founder of Silly America and author of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book , she visits, photographs, and writes about all the weird tourist destinations she visits and offers road trip planning advice and inspiration based on her own travels so you can hit the road for yourself.

Follow Valerie & Silly America

Last modified: December 21, 2023 Category: Road Trip Planning

20 Road Trip Tips from a Road Trip Expert

Route 66 in kansas: a complete list of kansas route 66 attractions, share this post ⤵.

BY Valerie Bromann

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

Silly America

Silly America is a roadside attractions blog designed to help travelers find unique stops for their next road trip. The website is a tribute to the great American road trip, devoted to all that is odd in America: roadside attractions, tourist traps, peculiar destinations, bizarre events, road food, fun festivals, and more! It’s a travel website and trip planner for those seeking an offbeat road trip.

Explore Roadside Attractions by State

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Is Your Car Road Trip Ready? Easy Checks Anyone Can Do – and What a Mechanic Should Look at – Before You Hit the Road

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Table of Contents

Our 12-point checklist offers peace of mind on the road this summer.

Ah. The Great American Road Trip . Who doesn’t doesn’t need this more than ever these days? It’s worth cramming everyone and everything into your car for a trip to the lake or the beach and suffering yet another game of license plate bingo just to get away.

The fact is, this summer getting away by car may be your only way to travel. And the last thing you want is to have car trouble delay that much needed getaway. Make sure your car is road trip ready.

Related: Online Car Sales Are Changing How Cars are Sold, Maybe Forever

? Jill Robbins

12-Point Checklist To Get Your Car Summer Road Trip Ready

Pre-travel checklist for your car.

Few things can sour a road trip faster than a car that won’t go. There are no guarantees in life, but these 12 summer road trip planning tips for your car will go a long way toward giving you peace of mind and increasing the chances that the memories will be about who won the license plate game rather than how long it took the tow truck to arrive.

Some are things you can easily check on yourself; others require a professional But you should know what they are and ask specifically for them to be checked so you know your car is road-ready. We asked Audra Fordin , the founder of  Women Auto Know  and owner of Great Bear Auto in Queens, NY, for advice on what should be on your pre-travel checklist:

Related: 9 Old School Road Trip Games You Have to Play With Your Kids

Things you can do yourself, 1. check your owner’s manual for scheduled maintenance.

Your owner’s manual will have a list of scheduled maintenance items listed by age of the car and/or mileage. If you no longer have the printed manual, look at an electronic version online. If your car is due for any of those services — or will be due after your 2,000-mile odyssey — have them taken care of before you hit the road.

2. Check the Tire Pressure – In Every Tire  

Check the tire pressure. You’ll find the correct tire pressure for your car on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb.

Improper tire pressure:

• Stresses the engine
• Adds unnecessary wear and tear on the brakes and suspension
• Causes uneven tire wear
• Makes your tires susceptible to tire blowouts
• Uses more fuel: Under-inflated tires reduces fuel economy by 1% for every 2 PSI (psi=pounds per square inch of pressure) of under-inflation

Do the penny test to see if you tires have enough tread. If not, consider buying new tires before you leave. Here’s how to do the penny test:

3. Change the Air Filter and Cabin Filter

Change the air filter and cabin filter if they haven’t been replaced lately (see your owner’s manual or look for a tutorial on YouTube). An air filter is like your lungs; imagine trying to breathe with your hand over your face. A restricted air filter can increase your fuel cost by 10 percent, putting stress on other components. And the quality of cabin air? On a seven-day-hundreds-of-miles-with-the-loves-of-your-life trip, priceless.

Related: So, You Think You Need New Tires. Here’s How to Know, and What to Do

4. buy new wiper blades and fill the washer fluid .

If your wiper blades haven’t been changed recently, buy a new set. Look for them at any auto parts store, or even your local Target or Walmart. Changing wiper blades is easy. Just follow the directions on the package. While you’re there, pick up a gallon of windshield washer fluid and top off the tank. You’ll be glad you did as soon as the first giant bug splats in the middle of the driver’s side windshield.

5. Check the Headlights, Taillights and Turn Signals

Make sure headlights, fog lights, taillights, turn signals and brake lights are all working. If any of the lights are burned out, you likely can replace them yourself. Bulbs only cost a few bucks. Or you can ask you mechanic to change it for you. (I once went to the neighborhood gas station that still does car repair work. A kid working there did it for me in 5 minutes. I tipped him $10 and headed on my merry way.)

If you look at the lights and they are still working, but the glow is hazy, dull, cloudy or  yellow, it may need nothing more than a good car wash. Clean headlights and tail lights make a huge difference for visibility. That’s something to remember each time you gas up during the trip as well. Those same bugs that splattered on your windshield also are splatting on your headlights. Give them a once-over with the window-washing squeegee as well.

Think it will all fit? ?Scotty Reiss

Things a Mechanic Should Do

6. determine why that dashboard light is on .

If you have any engine lights on, (e.g., service engine soon, brake, battery, oil, ABS, airbag) have them looked at by a mechanic. This shouldn’t wait until you are prepping for a road trip. Any time a light comes on, your car is trying to tell you something. Get it checked out–the sooner, the better. The longer you let the light stay on, the more expensive the trouble becomes.

7. Check the Radiator, Heater and Bypass Hoses

The hoses can all cause overheating and coolant leaks. If the hoses have any cracks or lumps, or look like they are about to break, have the mechanic replace them. A silly little hose ($15-$200 replacement) can do severe engine damage ($1500-$7000 damage). Not to mention the interrupt-your-vacation pain it will cause.

8. Check the Belts

Belts run all the accessories of your car (power steering, charging system, air conditioning, water pump). If a belt is dry, frayed, broken or worn, just replace it. Audra says it’s one of those things that causes cars to come into the shop on a tow truck. If your car has a timing belt, and you’re near its replacement mileage… replace it.  The damage that can be done by a belt breaking can be fatal to your engine. And your vacation.

9. Check the Brakes

Brakes must be in tip-top shape. Stopping is crucial – especially when you’re doing 55 mph on the highway and the person in front of you slams on the brakes.

?Anuja de Silva

10. Check the Suspension

Unless you want to feel like you’re on a roller coaster summer road trip, check your suspension. Struts and shocks influence the control and handling of your car by absorbing the impact and keeping the tires to the road. If you’re already bottoming-out, rebounding, or dipping, the long and winding road is going to make that 10 times worse–especially if you travel with someone who gets car sick .

11. Change the Oil and Top Off the Fluids

OK, you can do this yourself, but the price of having a garage or quick-change service station change your oil and fluids sometimes costs just slightly more than buying the products yourself. And they’re the ones who get dirty.

12. Check the Air Conditioning

Nothing says painful like driving 500 miles in summer heat with no A/C. Be sure yours is in good working order.

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47 Essential Things To Do Before Leaving On A Road Trip

These essential things to do before leaving on a road trip will ensure your journey is less stressful, successful, and enjoyable. 

Setting out on a long road trip can be so much more than just driving from point A to point B. It can be an opportunity for exploration, adventure, and the chance to create lasting memories.

But before you can have that perfect road trip, you need to do a bit of planning and preparing, not only for the trip itself but for things at home as well.

From creating the itinerary to packing road trip essentials to making sure your car, house, and personal well-being are ready for the long trip, every detail plays an important role in shaping your adventure.

Below are 47 things you should do before leaving on your next adventure, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable journey from start to finish.

Printable Road Trip Checklist

No time to read right now? I totally get it! Download a PDF of the pre-travel checklist so you don’t forget anything before your next road trip.

How To Plan Your Road Trip

Creating a well-thought-out plan is the foundation of a successful road trip and will help you make the most of your time on the open road. Here are some tips on how to plan your road trip. 

1. Make a plan

The first you’ll want to do before almost anything else is to plan out your road trip. Everyone is going to do this a little differently, but the main thing is to have some sort of itinerary even if it’s a basic one.

I like to start by researching what I want to see along the route and then begin crafting a day-by-day itinerary from there. While you are doing this, allow yourself plenty of time to visit each of the attractions you wish to see. You don’t want to feel rushed!

Be sure to set a comfortable pace for everyone, but also leave room for spontaneity in case you see an interesting detour or a hidden gem along the way. Sometimes those things end up being the most memorable!

Do you tend to feel a little overwhelmed with the whole planning phase of a road trip? I can help with that!

If you like to do the planning yourself but need a little guidance on what to research and how to keep track of it all, I’ve got a 35-page Road Trip Planning Workbook that will help you research, plan, execute, and document your entire adventure! If you’d rather have someone else do the planning for you, I offer Personal Travel Planning services as well! No matter if you want a little help or have everything done for you, I’ve got an option that will work for your vacation.

2. Create a budget

I am such an advocate for creating a budget for every vacation , from a small weekend excursion to a cross-country road trip. It’s important to know what you can afford so you don’t spend more than you should and be stressed about it when you return.

Everyone’s budget might be slightly different depending on your particular trip, but some of the categories you should have include accommodations, gas, food, tours and attractions, and emergencies.

Having a budget ensures you have an enjoyable trip without worrying about being able to afford it when you get home. 

3. Book hotels ahead of time

I highly recommend reserving your accommodations in advance so you always know you have a comfortable place to rest after a day of driving or exploring. Nothing can turn your travel plans around faster than not being able to find a place to stay after a long day in the car.

Whether you want to stay in hotels, apartments, or campgrounds, you should book your lodging as soon as you have your plans in place.

Try to book places that have free cancellation. That way, even if your plans aren’t set in stone yet, you have the peace of mind that you have somewhere to stay. Then if things get shifted around later on, you can cancel and get a full refund.

4. Buy attraction tickets

For popular attractions, events, or activities, consider booking tickets ahead of time.

Not only will this ensure you won’t miss out on your must-see sights and activities, but it also allows you get get into the attraction quicker since you don’t have to wait in line for tickets.

Sometimes, tickets will also be cheaper if you buy ahead of time, so it could save you a bit of money as well.

The only time I suggest NOT purchasing tickets in advance is if you aren’t 100% sure you want to visit the attraction or if you don’t know what day you’ll be going. Most tickets are non-refundable, so only buy them if you definitely plan to visit.

5. Book your rental car

If you’re not using your own vehicle for your family road trip, you will want to book your rental car in advance.

Consider the type of car that’s going to suit your journey. How many seats do you need? How much luggage will you have? Do you need high clearance or 4WD? How many miles will you be driving?

I use Discover Cars when I need to rent a vehicle. They have great 24/7 customer service, search over 500 companies for the best prices, and you always get free cancellation in case your plans change.

6. Create packing lists

Make your packing process easier by developing detailed lists of everything you’ll need to take with you for your next trip.

Categorize items for the car, including essentials like a roadside emergency kit with a spare tire and a jack, as well as paper maps and navigation tools.

Create a separate packing list for food, including non-perishable snacks and water bottles along with any meals or perishable food you plan to keep in your cooler .

You’ll also want to create a separate packing checklist for clothing and personal items so nothing essential is left behind. You don’t want to have to spend money on something because you forgot to bring it along!

For the ultimate road trip packing list for every kind of adventure, check out this post.

How To Prepare Your Car For A Road Trip

Before heading out on your journey, it’s important to know that your vehicle is ready for longer road trips. Whether you have a newer car or one with high mileage , you shouldn’t assume there is nothing that needs to be taken care of.

Here are a few of the best things to do to prepare your car for long drives.

7. Have your car checked over by a mechanic

When preparing your car for a road trip, it’s important to prioritize safety by having your vehicle thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic.

The auto repair shop should ensure all essential systems, from brakes to fluids, are in optimal condition. This could include checking the tire pressure and tire treads, getting an oil change, topping off the windshield wiper fluid, checking the brakes and brake fluid, testing the car battery, and also making sure the air conditioner and heat work.

Addressing potential issues before hitting the road minimizes the risk of breakdowns and increases the overall reliability of the vehicle. 

8. Have insurance, inspection, and registration information

Before road tripping, confirm that your car’s insurance, inspection, and registration are up-to-date.

Keep physical copies of these documents in your glove compartment and consider having digital backups for added convenience during any unforeseen circumstances. I also like to have a copy of my driver’s license in case I would lose it on the trip.

9. Clean out vehicle

Another travel tip is to start your vacation with a fresh and organized vehicle.

I’m one of those people who hates having clutter of any kind, especially in my car, so I try to do this regularly, but sometimes life happens and things get a bit messy. Therefore, I like to make sure that before I leave for vacation, I take a few minutes to declutter and clean the interior.

I find that having a clean and organized car makes long car trips easier because I can find what I’m looking for and it makes me want to keep the chaos to a minimum since the vehicle is already in nice shape.

10. Have a roadside emergency kit

Anytime you head out on a road trip, it’s important to equip your car with a comprehensive roadside emergency kit to handle unforeseen situations. No one expects to have car trouble or for things to go wrong, but when they do, you want to have the items needed to take care of it.

Include road trip necessities such as an air compressor, jumper cables or a battery jumper, a spare tire and jack, a first aid kit, and an atlas or paper map in case you lose cell phone reception.

11. Fill up the gas tank before you leave

I always like to start my road trip with a full tank of gas.

This simple proactive measure allows me to have a smooth start and it’s one less thing to think about right away. I tend to fill up the night before a trip so I can just get up and go.

12. Consider roadside assistance

I highly recommend subscribing to a reputable roadside assistance service, such as AAA.

Even if you have an emergency kit, when things happen like flat tires or your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, it’s sometimes just easier and less stressful to be able to call someone and have them take care of it for you.

Research and choose a company and plan that aligns with your travel needs and that gives an extra layer of security to your road trip adventure. 

How To Pack For Your Road Trip

Knowing what to bring, how to organize it, and other packing knowledge can make the difference between a smooth journey and a difficult one.

Here are a few of the best tips to make packing for your road trip easier. 

13. Print out and gather travel documents

Begin your packing process by ensuring you have all the necessary travel documents. Print our reservations, itineraries, your road trip route, and any essential paperwork and create a comprehensive travel folder for easy reference throughout your road trip.

It’s also important to make copies of IDs and credit cards and store these copies separate from the originals, providing a backup in case of loss or theft. 

14. Put luggage tags on all items

Label all your luggage with durable tags that have at the very least your name, phone numbers, and email address on them. You should also consider adding tags to strollers, pack-n-plays, or other large items you may be traveling with.

This simple yet effective measure helps identify your belongings easily in case they are lost or misplaced at airports or hotels. You never know when something might get left behind!

15. Consider soft-sided bags

If you have a choice when packing for your road trip, opt for soft-sided bags.

Soft-sided bags allow for better utilization of your car’s storage space because they can be molded to fit in many more places than hard-sided luggage can. It’s often a lot lighter too, which can be useful if you are flying to get to your destination.

16. Bring snacks and drinks

Keep hunger and thirst at bay by packing a variety of snacks and drinks for the journey. No one wants a hangry road trip buddy!

I always like to pack a reusable water bottle, granola bars, trail mix, bananas, and sometimes items like cheese and crackers. Having a selection of your favorite healthy treats on hand not only satisfies cravings but also reduces the need for frequent stops, making your road trip more efficient. 

17. Have some cash with you

While many places accept credit cards these days, especially in the United States, it’s wise to carry some cash for unforeseen circumstances or locations with limited card acceptance.

Maybe you want to grab something from a rest stop vending machine, or you found a delicious-looking food truck that only accepts cash. You don’t want to have to skip these things because you didn’t swing by the ATM on your way out of town.

Having cash for tipping is also a good idea. There are often instances where you want to tip your driver, tour guide, or bartender, but you need to have some bills in your wallet in order to do this.

Just make a point to have some cash on you before you leave and you’ll be good to go for any of those instances.

I recommend getting a free Charles Schwab checking account for travel so you can take money out of any ATM in the world with no fees. I only use mine when I travel so I can keep a set amount of money in it.

18. Bring entertainment

A fun way to pass the time on a road trip is to pack plenty of entertainment options.

Whether it’s a playlist of your favorite songs, a selection of audiobooks you’ve been wanting to listen to, or a variety of travel games, having several entertainment choices keeps the mood upbeat during long stretches on the road.

My husband and I like to listen to podcasts together when we travel. We have a few of our favorites that we save for our road trips. Now that we have a kid, we probably won’t be able to keep that up for much longer, but when that time comes, I’m sure we’ll have something we will all listen to or do together instead.

19. Stay organized

Staying organized in the car helps maintain order and keeps the road trip running smoothly.

Use travel organizers for smaller items and pack strategically to access essentials easily. A well-organized car increases comfort and efficiency throughout your road trip. 

20. Download helpful apps

Before heading out on the road, it’s a good idea to download helpful apps that can save you money, keep you organized, and make your travels easier overall.

There are probably thousands of travel apps out there, so I certainly can’t include them all, but find the ones that make sense for you and download them ahead of time.

Some of the ones I do recommend include Google Maps or Apple Maps for navigating, Gas Buddy and Upside for cheap gas, a budget tracking app like Mint or Splitwise to make sure you keep on top of your budget, AAA if you have it so you can request assistance, and apps for your airlines and hotels. 

21. Pack a spare car key

This is a road trip tip that many people might not think about, but packing a spare car key can really save you in the unfortunate situation of locking yourself out of your vehicle.

Make sure you keep it in a secure location that’s separate from your main set, and preferably in a bag or wallet that will be with someone all the time. I’ve even seen magnetic key holders that you can attach under your car, but I can’t comment on whether or not these work well.

No matter what idea works best for you, packing a spare car key is good practice.

22. Put everything you can in the car the night before

I’ll admit I’m not the best at this, but you can make your departure quicker, easier, and less stressful by packing up the car the night before with everything you don’t need in the morning.

This could include your food and cooler, most of your clothing (I always pack a small overnight bag with my toiletries and a few changes of clothes that I can easily access), camping or outdoor gear, and anything else you possibly can.

Preparing Your Household Before Your Road Trip

As you get ready for your upcoming road trip, it’s not only about packing your bags and planning your route but also ensuring that your home is ready for your absence.

Here are a few steps that you can take to prepare your house before your road trip.

23. Put mail on hold

Temporarily halt your mail delivery while you are away so your mailbox doesn’t overflow during your absence (and also so packages don’t sit on your porch for everyone to see).

Not only could someone help themselves to your mail, but mail piling up is a clear signal that you aren’t home, which could lead to your house being targeted by burglars or other people up to no good.

If you don’t want to stop your mail through the post office, you could also ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail for you. I recommend having something scout your porch every couple of days anyway in case you get a package from FedEx or UPS that wouldn’t be held for you by the USPS.

24. Arrange for a house sitter and/or pet sitter

If applicable, arrange for a trusted house and/or pet sitter before your vacation.

Having someone look after your home and pets adds an extra layer of security and care. Be sure to provide clear instructions and emergency contact information so your sitter has everything they need to know written out clearly for them.

25. Notify credit card company and bank

Avoid any potential issues by notifying your credit card company and bank about your travel dates and destinations. This simple step prevents unexpected card freezes due to unfamiliar transactions and ensures continued access to your funds during your road trip.

While this isn’t always necessary anymore since cards have a lot more security these days, it definitely can’t hurt to put in a travel notice just in case anything suspicious comes up. You can often do this right on the banking app or on the website, so you probably don’t even have to place a phone call.

26. Notify security company

If you have a security system in place, inform your company about your upcoming travels. Provide them with your travel dates and emergency contacts, plus the names of anyone who may be accessing the home while you are away.

27. Set thermostat

One of the most important things to do before leaving on a road trip is to conserve energy and save money by adjusting your thermostat before leaving.

Set it to a temperature that minimizes energy consumption while still preventing extreme temperatures inside your home. In the winter, you don’t want to set your temperature too low that your pipes could freeze.

In the summer, if you live somewhere that gets really warm and you have central air, you might not want to turn it off completely to prevent condensation or any house plants from wilting.

And if you have one of those smart thermostats that you can adjust from your phone, even better! You can monitor the system from anywhere and have the house back to its regular temperature when you are on your way home.

28. Clean the house

Return to a welcoming home by tidying up before heading out on your road trip.

While you don’t have to deep clean everything, I find it so much more stressful to return to a house that needs upkeep than to just take an hour or two before I leave and do a quick cleaning of the common areas.

You’re already going to have a lot to do when you get back, so check this item off your to-do list ahead of time and you’ll be glad you did.

29. Take out the trash

Empty trash bins throughout your home before locking the door and hitting the road.

This simple task helps ensure a fresh and inviting home when you return from your road trip. No one wants to walk in the door and smell all the garbage that’s been sitting for a long time. That smell can linger even after it’s been taken out to the curb.

30. Pay bills

Another of the important things to do before leaving on a road trip is to make sure all the bills are paid.

Depending on how long you will be gone, you may not have anything that needs to be paid, but you should always review anything that could be due while you are away. If you can, you should set up automatic payments for things like credit cards and loans so that in case you get back late from your trip, you won’t be charged any fees for missing the due date.

31. Water plants

While you’re taking care of household and financial matters, it’s also important to extend that care to your indoor and outdoor plants.

Be sure to give them a thorough watering to help them thrive during your absence. If it’s hot out, consider placing indoor plants in a shaded area to minimize water loss. If you will have a housesitter, you can always delegate this chore to them too if you will be gone a long time.

32. Clean out fridge and pantry

Don’t forget to clean out your fridge and pantry before setting out on a road trip.

Dispose of any perishable items and secure non-perishables in tight containers. This step not only prevents unpleasant doors upon your return but also creates a fresh start for restocking when you arrive home. 

Something I like to do a few days before leaving is to plan small, simple meals for the days leading up to our trip so we are less likely to have a lot of food to throw out because we didn’t eat the leftovers.

33. Unplug appliances

Save energy and reduce the risk of electrical issues by unplugging non-essential appliances.

Unplug devices such as chargers, electronics, televisions, and small kitchen appliances to prevent energy consumption during your road trip. You should also take out any nightlights, fragrance dispenses, or diffusers from the outlets to prevent overheating and fires.

When we travel, I only leave the chest freezer and refrigerator running. Everything else gets unplugged, even the microwave and internet. The only exception to this would be if you have someone staying at your home, in which case they probably will use the appliances, so you can skip this step.

34. Close blinds and curtains

To improve energy efficiency and home security while away, be sure to close all the blinds and curtains.

This may sound simple, but it helps maintain privacy, discourages any prying eyes, and helps to regulate indoor temperature. This is also something a lot of people forget to do, so put it on your checklist and make sure you go around the house and take care of it before you walk out the door.

35. Turn off lights and set up light timers

Conserve energy and create the illusion of an occupied home by turning off lights and/or setting up light timers.

Timed lighting simulates regular activity which can deter potential intruders and give your home a lived-in appearance while you are away. However, if you don’t have timers, make sure all the lights are turned off before you go.

 36. Set the security system

If you have a security system, don’t forget to turn it on before you leave! You can notify the company of your absence, but if you don’t actually set the alarm, it won’t do much good.

37. Lock doors and windows

It’s also important to double-check that all windows and doors are locked before you leave on your road trip.

In addition to your main entry, be sure to inspect all other exterior doors, even the basement, and that every window can close and be locked. In fact, I’d even recommend doing an inspection a week or two ahead of time to see if any of the window or door locks need to be repaired.

38. Give a spare key to a neighbor

It’s also a good idea to entrust a neighbor with a spare key. Even if you have a housesitter, this provides a backup solution in case of emergencies and allows for quick access to your home if needed during your road trip.

If you don’t have any neighbors you trust, you should give a key to a friend or family member who would be willing to swing by if needed.

Taking Care Of Yourself Before A Road Trip

Before setting out on your road trip, don’t forget to take care of yourself! So often we can get caught up in all the to-dos for everything and everyone else, but we neglect to make sure we are physically and mentally ready for the vacation.

Here are a few tips to ensure your own physical and mental well-being, allowing you to set out on your road trip with energy and focus and be ready to fully enjoy the adventure ahead. 

39. Get a good night’s sleep

Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before heading out on the road.

A good night’s rest will help with alertness and focus while driving so you stay safe on the road. If you are driving overnight , don’t skip a nap before leaving. You might not think you need it, but even a short nap can make a big difference.

40. Eat a good meal before leaving

It’s also important to make sure you eat a good meal before leaving.

A balanced breakfast or lunch will help stave off hunger during the initial part of your trip and save you from reaching for those snacks too early.

If you don’t want to make breakfast at home before leaving, pack something along you can eat in the car, or make a point to stop and grab a meal about an hour or so into your drive so you will have the energy to get you through the morning.

41. Fill prescriptions

If you take any medications, don’t forget to check that you have enough for the duration of your road trip. I’d even recommend making sure you have at least an extra week’s worth in case you have any unforeseen delays or issues.

42. Bring comfort items for the ride

Make your road trip more comfortable by packing items such as a blanket and pillow for any naps, and consider seat cushions for added support during long hours of driving. These items will help ensure your journey is comfortable, especially for extended road trips. 

How to Prepare For A Road Trip Alone

Are you planning to take a solo road trip ? Good for you! Travel of any kind by yourself can be an exciting and liberating adventure, but it comes with a unique set of considerations for personal safety and well-being.

I’ve done a lot of solo travel, including multi-day road trips and overseas travel, and I think everyone should do it at least once. It really makes you learn to rely on your own instincts, and it allows you to make all the plans. You get to do anything you want!

Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable solo journey. 

43. Check in with someone every day

Establish a daily check-in routine with a friend or family member. This regular communication not only provides reassurance to your loved ones but also makes sure someone is aware of your well-being throughout your solo road trip.

You might not think this is necessary, but don’t just do this for yourself – do it for your family. I know that when my husband would be away for several days for work, I’d love to get even just a quick text from him daily so I knew he was good. I try to extend the same courtesy when I’m on the road.

44. Give your itinerary to a friend or family member

In addition to checking in with someone, it’s a good idea to give your itinerary to a friend or family member before embarking on your solo road trip.

This allows someone to have a general idea of your route and expected arrival times and enables them to assist in case of any unforeseen circumstances. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

45. Don’t drive at night

Opt for daytime driving when you are alone as the daylight provides better visibility and reduces the risk of fatigue-related accidents. When you don’t have a travel buddy, you’re the only driver, so you need to be alert the entire journey.

There are also more facilities open during the day, and if you are a female, you might not feel comfortable stopping at rest areas and truck stops in the middle of the night. Driving during the day is both safer and more convenient when you are a solo traveler.

46. Rest often

Another way to stay alert and combat fatigue is by incorporating regular rest breaks into your road trip.

Be sure to stop at least every 2 hours to stretch your legs, hydrate, and refresh your mind. My personal routine is to alternate stopping at a rest stop for a quick 10-15 break and then the next stop at a restaurant or gas station for a longer rest, food, and gas. Pick a schedule that works for you, but don’t skip breaks.

47. Don’t post on social until you are home

It’s a good idea to delay posting updates on social media until you’ve safely returned from your road trip, especially if you are traveling by yourself.

By not sharing your exact location and activities until after you return, you add an extra layer of security and privacy during your solo road trip.

I also think this is important anytime you travel because showing up-to-date travel statuses means people know you aren’t at home, and this could leave your home vulnerable.

Conclusion: Things To Do Before Leaving On A Road Trip

Embarking on a road trip is an exciting adventure, and by taking the time to properly prepare, you set the stage for a journey filled with joy and discovery. Each step, from planning your route to ensuring your car and house are ready for your road trip, contributes to an enjoyable adventure. Remember to prioritize self-care as well, ensuring that you are physically and mentally ready to experience everything that your road trip will bring. 

As you lock the door behind you, embrace the open road with excitement, knowing that the careful preparations made beforehand will pave the way for a road trip filled with unforgettable moments. 

Stefanie Henne is an experienced road trip travel blogger who specializes in helping others plan their dream vacation, no matter their budget or time restraints. Go here to read more about Stef's story. If you want to send Stef a message, visit her contact page here.

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Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: Important Things To Do Before Travelling

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Planning a vacation? There is so much to think about before actually heading out on your adventures, but preparing for your trip doesn’t have to be stressful. Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist will help make sure all the important things are done before travelling. So you and your family can relax and enjoy your vacation, knowing everything is well in hand.

The Pre-Vacation checklist covers everything from booking hotels, packing and bringing meds, to all those last minute details of making sure you’ve brought your toothbrush and phone charger, secured your home and the housesitter is confirmed and settled.

While it is organized into what to do 3 months, 1 month, 1 week and less before your trip, if you have less time, just adjust the time frames for the time you have left. It’s never too late to organize!

Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist Free Printable has all things you definitely don’t want to miss, when planning your trip.

Ready to plan? Let’s get prepping.

Table of Contents

Pre-Travel Checklist: What To Do Before Leaving For Vacation

Research destination & pre-trip planning.

Every trip starts with a little (or in my case a lot) of research. It is good to get an idea of what you will be looking forward to or any challenges your family may face. Here are a few things to consider before booking your destination. Then you’ll be all set to go through your travel preparations checklist.

We also like to make a yearly travel vision board to help us focus on our dream vacation that year.

What type of weather are you looking for? Are you looking for a wintery ski destination,  some fun in the sun, or mild fall foliage road trip tour?

It’s a good idea to research the average weather and temperature of your destination beforehand, because you definitely don’t want to fly somewhere expecting sunny, hot beach weather, only to find out once you’ve landed that it’s too cool or stormy to hang out on the beach, and you don’t even pack a sweater. 

Travel advisories and warnings

Take a look at your government’s travel advisories for your desired destination. They’ll have the latest info on what you need to be aware of from security to healthy risks, recommended vaccines and more.

This is especially important in the time of COVID, as rules, and entry requirements change rapidly. 

Rules, etiquettes and cultural norms 

Get a sense of the rules, etiquettes and cultural norms of your travel destination. This will help prepare you not only to be a more respectful  global citizen, it can also help guide what you need to pack. 

Activities & Tours

Many popular tours and activities require advance bookings. Doing a little research ahead of time will avoid the disappointment of missing out on bucket list items, and can even save you money.

Get your kids and partner involved in the dreaming. Ask what they are interested in doing, and have them to help with the research. Watch some YouTube Videos on hotels, activities, things to do in the area you are traveling to. 

Language 

Learn what language the majority of locals speak. While in tourist destinations you will find most people tend to know at least a little English, people appreciate it when you at least try to say a few words in their language.

Take a class, or brush up on a few common words you can use. We like to take a few courses before we travel and brush up on a few helpful phrase like Hello, Thank You, Where is the Bathroom and How much does that cost?

Rosetta Stone offers popular and affordable language classes you can do from home (or on the road); Try it out here.

Local Transportation Options

Check out the local transportation options. Many places, especially in larger cities, have great public transit or taxi systems, which are easier to use  than driving a car.

Or is it a place where you need or want to rent a car, because it’s safer, need to use a carseat, or you plan on doing road trips ? This is good to know ahead of time.

Compare rental car prices and options, auto insurance requirements, and see if there are any discounts available to you through your credit cards, CAA / AAA, professional organizations. 

Currency 

Different currencies are always a fun challenge. Research what currency you’ll need, the exchange rate, and how easily you’ll be able to access your money abroad. 

For most places this is not a problem. However, our trip to Cuba was the exception.

You can’t exchange Cuban currency beforehand, and all research pointed to bringing all the cash you needed. Accessing money while down there through ATMs or the bank can be difficult, so it would have been a stressful situation once we arrived, if we didn’t know all this beforehand.

Loyalty Programs

Sign up for loyalty programs for hotels you like to stay at, airlines you like to fly with and travel points credit cards. Often there are sign-up bonuses, that may even land you a free flight or an extra night or two at no extra cost.

Budget 

Working out a budget beforehand can give you an idea of where and how long you can travel for. Planning ahead with a budget can ultimately lead to less stress down the road.

Then you won’t have  to pay off a high interest credit card bill, for an expensive vacation you couldn’t afford. 

Make sure to include not only the big ticket items like flights, resorts, and  hotels, but also factor in meals, snacks, water, tips, souvenirs and activities.

We like to budget out  3 or 4 more expensive items per trip separately, such as special tours, a concert, or fancy meals. Then have a daily per diem to cover food, and miscellaneous daily expenses like bus tickets, tips, water and the like. 

Check out how to build a vacation fund for simple ways you can save money for your next family vacation.

Kids School

Check with your child’s school and teacher, to see what the rules are around taking a family vacation . A couple of things to consider. Is it an excused absence? Will your child need to catch up on any missed homework or assignments?

Read Is a family vacation an excused absence from school for all the considerations in pulling your kids out of school.

Book Your Vacation

Now that you have settled on a fun holiday destination, now it is the time to book your trip.

• Make reservations for your accommodations – hotel, airBnB, VRBO, castle, cruise, resort or wherever you are staying. 
• Book your transportation – flights, taxis, airport shuttles, buses, trains, transfers between cities and/or hotels
• Book activities & tours  – some activities and tours  book up quickly (like certain rides at Disney), so if there are certain ones you know you don’t want to miss out on, book ahead. 

For all reservations make sure you read and clearly understand their cancellation policies BEFORE booking. 

Grab your copy of our complete pre-travel checklist template , ready for you to use on your next vacation.

Booking Your Trip

Save up to 90% off flights – Flight deals from well regarded airlines straight to your inbox. Save up to 90% on your flights with Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). Finding a cheap flight: Check out Skyscanner or Momondo or Google Flights Explore . Search engines that scour the web and airlines for best flight deals. Booking accommodations: Booking.com is a great option for finding cheap accommodations around the world. We also use VRBO to find more unique, home away from home type places to stay. For example: Book your perfect beach house! Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is important for everything from illness and injury, to trip cancellations or delays and theft. It’s peace of mind and protection should anything go wrong.  Safety Wing is a favourite amongst travellers for the under 60 crowd. As always, read the fine print on any insurance policy you buy.

Pre-Trip Checklist: What to do 3 months before Travel

While you may not always have your vacations planned out 3 or more months in advance, it’s a good idea to give yourself as much time as possible to prepare, especially if you are travelling internationally. 

Just move these items to the top of your to do list, no matter how much time you have left to travel. 

Check Travel Advisories & COVID Testing Requirements

As noted above, it is imperative you check for health advisories, travel warnings and entry requirements.  While this is true anytime, with COVID it is especially important to keep up to date on the changing situation around the world.

You will want to check back regularly leading up to your departure date, to make sure your trip is still possible, and if entry or exit requirements have changed.

Keep an eye on COVID testing requirements for not only leaving your country, but what is also required on your return.

Research government approved testing sites at your destination as well. Being prepared will give you peace of mind and help ensure you aren’t stuck on holiday longer than anticipated. For more info:

• Canada Travel Advisories
• USA Travel advisories
• UK Travel Advisories
• Australia Travel Advisories

Pre-Travel Checklist – International Travel  

If you are travelling internationally, or use your passport as ID, check to make sure all travellers passports are not expired, and will be valid for at least 6 months past your return date, with at least one blank page.

Double check with your destination’s embassy website,  to make sure they don’t have any other passport or entry requirements.

The embassy’s website for your destination will have a lot of helpful information. Look to see their entry and visa requirements. 

Make sure you have an idea of how long the process for getting a Visa will take, and if there are any special requirements.

In some cases, you may need to send your passport to the foreign consulate for processing of the visa, so make sure you will not need it during that time. You’ll also  want to make sure you have enough time to get all your documentation in order before your trip. 

If you are planning on a longer visit, determine requirements at least 6 months in advance, as some types of visas require extra steps (like visiting the consulate in person), and may take longer than expected. 

Check back in frequently to make sure visa requirements haven’t changed.

Vaccinations

Are you up to date on your vaccinations?

Visit your government’s travel advisory website (linked above), as they will have all the latest recommendations for safety, travel advice, including vaccine requirements for your destination. The World Health Organization (WHO) website also outlines recommended vaccines based on destination.

Follow up with your local travel clinic, to discuss what vaccines,  and precautionary measures may be best for your family. Some vaccines require multiple doses over time, so book well in advance.

Health and Travel Insurance

Extended medical insurance is a necessity when travelling outside the country. Make sure to add this to your list of things to do before travel.

Many employers and credit cards have insurance plans that cover emergency travel and health expenses while abroad. Call for all the fine details. Research and choose an insurance plan that will fit your family size, holiday activities and destination.

Double check the fine print around trip cancellation policies, and coverage for COVID related expenses. Many insurance plans are decreasing and changing coverage due to the pandemic. You don’t want to be caught in an unfortunate situation. 

Keep your valuables safer when travelling, with anti-theft gear .

Pre-Travel Checklist – Things To Prepare Before Travelling (Anywhere )

Pet and house sitters.

Arrange a house sitter and either a pet sitter or  book a kennel or boarding situation for your beloved pets, that won’t be travelling with you.

Sometimes these services are in high demand, especially around popular vacation times like Christmas or Spring Break, so book  well in advance. 

It will give you peace of mind, knowing your home is safe and your furry family is well taken care of, in your preferred boarding situation.

Create your Packing Lists

Make your packing lists and check them twice. Don’t forget all the essentials!

While it may seem a bit overkill to create a packing list so far in advance, if you have to buy off season clothes or gear for your trip, it can make prepping, and saving money for and on purchases much easier.

Feel free to move this to one month before your trip  if you have most or all the gear you need.

Before creating your family’s packing list, there are a few things to consider:

• Check on luggage allowances – Does your airline, cruise, train have limits to the weight, and number of luggage pieces you can bring? Are there any extra costs, and are you ok paying them? 
• Decide how much you want to pack.   Are you a carry-on only family? Do you want one suitcase for the kids, one for the adults, or each their own?
•  Decide on your style of bag: Do you prefer a duffel bag, backpack, suitcase, or maybe a combo. This will also dictate how much you can pack.
• Consider your type of trip: Take into consideration the length of stay, weather and planned activities for your family trip. 
• Decide about laundry: Are you planning on washing your clothes while away, or bringing everything you need? Will you have access to a washer / dryer or laundry service?
• Figure out what you can / can’t bring on a plane like waterbottles , sports racquets , magnets and the like.

Most Common Items People Forget To Pack For Vacation

Here is a list of some common items people forget to pack , so make sure they are on your list. These also all happen to be items I have missed a time or two myself.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Phone, kindle, ipad,  chargers
• First Aid kit or supplies
• Prescriptions and medications
• Travel adapter
• Copies of travel documents
• Warm layer (sweater, light jacket) for sunny destinations
• Laundry Bag – I like to keep dirty clothes in a separate mesh bag.

If you forget a few things, don’t panic, most destinations have plenty of options to buy any items you may have forgotten. Cuba however was one destination where you needed to pack everything you needed, as there weren’t a lot of options once you get there.

Buy Essentials Before Your Trip

Planning ahead can save you time, money and headaches. 

Here in Canada, finding warm summer clothes, even online, is difficult in the winter months.

Our trip to the Carribean was case in point. Not a lot of options to buy once we arrived, and not many options before we left. If I hadn’t bought a couple of end of summer sale items, we would have been out of luck.

Purchasing a few essentials beforehand can help get your trip off on the right foot. It can help save you money, as you have time to keep an eye out for deals and don’t have to pay exorbitant resort prices to purchase these items.

It can also help save time, if you need to special order anything online.

Some items you may need / want to buy ahead:

For the Kids

• Travel Entertainment: Activities, games, crafts, small toys, books
• Kids tablet / iPad – load up with fav movies, TV shows, books, podcasts
• Weather appropriate clothing & gear (snorkels, rashguards, sun hats, skiis, snowsuits etc.)
• Extra diapers, wipes, bottles, 
• Travel car seat and travel stroller
• Travel Booster Seat – We love our compact MiFold Grab and Go Car Booster Seat for travel with older kids (must be at least 4yrs+, 40″ tall and 40lbs)
• Infant travel bed
• Travel potty & toilet seat (2-in-1 awesomeness)

Toiletry items

• Carry-On sized toiletries
• Solid shampoo & conditioner bars 
• Sunscreen 
• Hand sanitizer

First Aid Kit  or items

• Pain relievers ( examples: Paracetamol, Tylenol, Ibuprofen). If travelling with kids, pack some for them too. 
• Bandaids, blister pads, gauze, surgical tape, & antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers & small scissors (don’t bring in carry-on!)
• Antihistamine & anti-bacterial creams
• Loperamide tablets – emergency anti-diarrhea medication
• Rehydration Tablets or packets – Pedialyte, Nuum
• Motion sickness meds 

For the Adults

• Weather appropriate clothing & gear
• Magazines, books, e-reader subscriptions (and download beforehand)

You may also like 50+ fun gifts for travel lovers of all ages

Pre-Trip Checklist: What To Do 1 Month Before Travel

Get a copy of our free pre-vacation checklist , to make sure you have all the things you’ll need to do in one handy document.

Confirm All Reservations And Bookings

With so many things to prepare before travelling, you don’t want to forget to confirm your bookings.

Now is the time to confirm / reconfirm all reservations, and bookings you made.  Look to see if any times or schedules have changed.

We tend to do this 1 month up to 2 weeks before we leave, depending on the travel destination, and the requirements of the various companies.

• Flight Times
• How you will get to the airport & Pick up time ( friend, taxi, shuttle etc.)
• Transportation to lodging
• Accomodations
• Car Rentals
• Bus / Train Reservations
• Activities, Tours, & Dining 
• Pet and House sitters

If you haven’t made any activity, tour or dining reservations yet, do so now. Check discount sites like Groupon, Travelzoo, or local travel sites for deals.

Also confirm any special assistance or requirements, you and your family members may need. Often they require more than 24 hours notice. Double check the amount of notice that is required with your airline, resort or hotel. 

Pre-Book in advance:

• Special meals – for kids, vegetarians, vegans or any special dietary needs
• Assistance at airports – such as porters or transport between terminals 
• Special Bedding / Room requirements – extra cot, playpen, adjoining rooms, non smoking or smoking rooms, rooms away from the pool etc.

Make A Hard Copy Of Reservations and Bookings

While most reservations are online, and on our phones these days, it’s a good idea to make a hard copy of all bookings, reservations, itineraries. Add emergency numbers, contacts and nearest hospital / clinic.

You never know when you may lose access to the internet / your phone, and need your passport or other info.

Keep a copy handy and  in a safe place while you travel, and leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member at home. Taking photos of all important documents is a good backup strategy as well.

Also program “In case of emergency” numbers into your phone , both for your home, and destination.

I like to have the number for police and ambulance, as well as the nearest hospital or clinic mapped out, so in the unlikely event of an emergency I don’t have to scramble for the info.

Car Maintenance

If you are taking a road trip, now is the time to have a little maintenance done on your vehicle. Make an appointment for the car to get checked over; oil change, tire pressure, fluids, windshield wipers.  

It is also a good idea to find some ways to save money on your road trip . You don’t want to spend more than you have to.

Medications and Prescriptions

A key item for your pre travel checklist is your medications and prescriptions. Make sure you have enough of your usual medications and prescriptions to last the entire trip plus a week or two extra if possible.

Pharmacies at your destination may have different meds than you are used to, and language may be a barrier. 

Here are a few tips to be prepared:

• Talk to your doctor prior to your trip, and let them know you will be travelling, and for how long
• Ask your  doctor to write a prescription for all your medications, preferably renewable for up to a year (or however long you will be gone). Most prescriptions can only be maximum a year.
• Make sure they write the American and generic name, doses, amounts etc. 
• Bring a hard copy of your prescription with you.
• Pack your medications in the original containers and place in  a one-quart, plastic bag near the top of your carry-on baggage.
• Divide the rest into different pieces of luggage, so if one piece of luggage is lost, you won’t have lost all your meds.

Cell Phones & Data Plans

Planning on texting or skyping friends and family back home, browsing the interwebs or streaming a few movies or videos for your kids? Most cell providers these days have fairly competitive international roaming packages for out of country usage. 

You definitely want to call your provider and set it up before you leave, so you don’t get an outrageous, surprise international roaming bill on your return home. That’s not the type of souvenir we are looking for!

With so many electronic devices and cords these days, it can be difficult to keep track of it all. Hands up if you’ve ever left a charger at a hotel or a Kindle in the pocket in front of you on the airplane, never to be seen again? No, just me…..ok maybe not.

It’s wise to invest in a small storage pouch, or electronic organizer case like this awesome, affordable Bagsmart electronic organizer . It’s a life saver (or at least an electronics saver).

Pre Travel Checklist – What to Do One Week Before Travel

Exchange currency.

Exchange some currency. It is a good idea to have at least a week’s worth of local currency on hand when you arrive at your amazing destination. Be sure you have some small bills for tipping your taxi or porter at your hotel as well.

Often you’ll get a better exchange rate at your home bank, than at your destination airport anyway.  Plus you won’t have to wait in line, exhausted after your days travel, with a bunch of cranky kids, spouse, friends in tow. 

Check Pre-Travel COVID Test Requirements & Where To Get One Done

Alot of destinations these days require proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding.

In the US, visit your . Updated Covid travel rules to look for the latest information on where to get tested. If you are in Canada, visit the government’s website for more info.

Before you leave, make sure all bills are paid up, or that automatic payments are set up, with enough money in the account to cover any expenses while you are away.

Electronics Prep – Download Music, Games, Movies, Books, Travel Apps & Offload Photos

To make those long flights and travel days smoother, especially with kids, download the music, games, movies, podcasts, books you want to keep everyone entertained.

Download and familiarize yourself with any new Travel Apps you want to try out. 

If you use your cell phone as your camera, make sure you have enough storage, or delete / save old photos off your phone to make room.

Prepare Your Home 

Of all the things to prepare before travelling, home prep is one of the most important, and often overlooked tasks.

Now that all the travel details are under control, you’ll want to start prepping your home. I love returning home to a clean home, with freshly washed sheets and nicely made beds, Don’t you?

Many of these items can be done one week before, right up to the day of travel:

• Clean your house; mop floors, clean bathrooms, wipe down counters, vacuum
• Run the dishwasher & empty the dishes
• Wash and dry clothes, then pack or put away.
• Clean your sheets, and make the beds with freshly laundered linens
• Empty the garbage and compost bins
• Empty out your fridge of perishable items
• Water plants
• Set your thermostat
• Check the heating fuel level (Don’t want to run out in winter!) Arrange for a delivery while you are away if needed

Prepare your House Sitter

I like to have my house sitter and pet sitter over at least the week before we leave on vacation, to go over any routines, expectations and to give them a house tour.

If you have a house sitter looking after your home: 

• Write out and leave your list of do’s & don’ts
• Let them know which room they will be staying in
• Leave emergency contacts & how to get a hold of you
• Identify any quirky house items they need to look out for
• Make sure they know where any emergency shut off valves are (for the furnace, water, propane tank etc.) 
• Leave the schedule for garbage, compost, recycling, and watering days
• Prepare your home for them; clean up, put fresh sheets on their bed, buy some grocery staples, leave the WIFI password

Prepare Your Pet Sitter

If you have a pet sitter:

• Leave a detailed note about your pets routine, including feeding amounts and times and walking schedule
• Note the contact details for the vet, and dog walking or doggy day care services if you use those
• Provide enough pet food and supplies for the whole time you will be away. 
• Put pet supplies out where they can be easily found; food, leashes, toys, treats

Security Measures: How To Keep Your Home Safe While On Holiday

Before leaving on vacation, you’ll want to take some extra security precautions to make sure your house is safe and looks lived in while on holiday. The best way to do this is to hire a housesitter (or friend) to stay in your home while you are on vacation.

If that is not possible, here are a few things you can do to make sure your house is more secure:

• Arrange for a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail, water the plants & check up on the house.  Ask them to vary the hours they visit, so it’s not predictable. 
• Put your mail,  and newspaper subscription on hold
• Set your lights to a timer
• Set sprinklers, and watering systems to automatic
• Mow your lawn before you leave, so it looks well kept
• Lock all your doors and windows
• If you have a security company, let them know you will be gone.

Things To Do Before Travel: 3 Days to 24 Hours Before

Pre-departure Check-in For Flights

Once you’ve  received the  email from your airline, complete your pre-departure check-in.  

• Complete your pre-departure check-in
• Choose seat selection
• Double check baggage allowances
• Make sure mileage account number has been added to each person’s ticket if appropriate.
• Print boarding passes

Read and confirm the details of  the flights, and that your connections  are correct. 

You don’t want to end up like the poor woman who thought she was going to Australia and somehow ended up in Newfoundland, Canada. Not that Newfoundland isn’t an awesome place to visit (It is!), just a slightly different experience than the expected Australia. 

Choose your seat selection if you haven’t already. We highly recommend if you have young kids, doing this when you book your flight. Most airlines will allow free seat selection for at least one parent to sit with their child.

Check your baggage allowance , and pay for any extras up front. It is often cheaper this way, and means less to worry about at the airport.

COVID Tests

Alot of destinations these days require proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding. Make sure to get one done from an approved testing place.

Take a trip to the grocery store and buy some filling snacks for your travel day. Ask your kids what they would like too. Less whining = happier parents. 

If you have a special diet, or special dietary needs,  it’s also a good idea to bring extra so you know you have some safe food to eat on your trip.

Some crafty ways to pack snacks:

• Pencil Case
• Fishing Tackle Box
• Reusable Snack Bags: We love the silicone ones and these cute fabric patterned ones

Now comes the fun part of actually packing. I always feel like this makes the trip more real. It’s a good idea to review your packing list and cull any unnecessary items (especially if it all doesn’t fit in your suitcase). 

• Pack your main luggage and carry on items
• Don’t forget to pack your face masks, hand sanitizer and proof of negative COVID test
• Check off the items as you put them in
• Use packing cubes . They are a space saver and a life saver. Tip – Have each traveller use a different colour packing cube, to keep clothes organized, and easier to tell apart. Get the ones we use here
• Make a list of those last minute items that need to be added right before you leave

Ready to Go! Last Minute Things to Do before Travelling 

Make sure all those last minute things are done before you head out.

• For a road trip; fill up car with gas, check tire pressure, clean out car, load it up and put out a garbage bag for the trip
• Check the weather 
• Lay out travel clothes for the next day
• Charge electronics & pack chargers in an accessible bag
• Make sure thermostat is set
• Double check doors and windows are locked
• Empty garbage cans and compost bins
• Check the house for any forgotten items, and pack last minute items
• Use the restroom

Conclusion: Pre Travel Checklist – Things To Do Before Travel

While there are a lot of things to prepare before travelling, having a Pre Travel Checklist will keep you organized and hopefully stress free before your vacation.

Have we missed anything on our Pre-Trip Checklist, or do you have any helpful tips to share? Let us know in the comments below, or connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you!

Related Articles: Looking for some travel inspiration?

• Find out which Hawaiian Island is best for families
• Best Travel Backpacks for Kids and Toddlers
• A Day in Havana, Cuba (What not to miss)
• One Day in Bryce Canyon, UT – Detailed Guide
• 20 Fun (and family friendly) things to do in Stowe, VT

Packed for Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca.

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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As someone who just moved abroad, this is very well written and very useful for those of us who love to explore!! Hoping we can travel the world again soon!

Very helpful! Thanks for sharing!

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The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist: Tips and Tricks for any Epic Road Trip Adventure

last Updated: September 12, 2023 road trip

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Heading out on road trip in the near future and looking for the ultimate road trip checklist? Keep reading for tons of these long road trip tips and tricks from highly experienced roadtrippers, and learn what to do before, during, and after your drive!

Road trips are always a good time. However, if you come unprepared, road trips can take a nasty turn for the worst. Should we book a hotel in advance? What about gas? Will there be food and restaurants nearby? How can we entertain ourselves for hours on end? Won’t the kids get bored? Am I allowed to do x in x country? AHHHH! It’s all so much!

That’s why this road trip checklist will definitely come in handy – I know I’ve learned a thing or so from my travel companions! Be sure to keep these long road trip tips handy!

I love me a good road trip. Over the past few years, we’ve road tripped the National Parks of Utah , through Fjords and glaciers in Norway , down the California coast , dreamed of driving from San Francisco allll the way to Seattle , hiked our way through Crater Lake National Park , moved from NYC to San Francisco on a massive cross-country road trip , and driven to a multitude of California hot spots ( Big Sur , Mendocino , Yosemite , Lassen National Park , and Napa Valley – I’m looking at you). I’ve even compiled the best long weekend trips from San Francisco that I’m eager to check off – many being road trips.

There’s nothing like throwing caution to the wind, grabbing those keys and driving off into the sunset. In reality, a road trip needs careful planning with a number of things taken into consideration. Enter this road trip checklist! Make sure to read each and every point before your next road trip adventure!

So get reading, understand the importance of each tip on this road trip checklist, and plan your next epic road trip adventure.

Psst: I commonly use this booking site when searching for low-cost car rental options, and like Skyscanner  (which I use to find low-cost flights) , I frequently find great deals on there!

I like to search  via this site  in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.

Road Trip Checklist: Long Road Trip Tips and Tricks

Safety tips.

Know the Laws Where You’ll be Driving

The most important advice I can give you before setting out on a road-trip is to brush up on the laws for the country you’ll be driving in. The world may seem to be getting smaller by the day, but the road laws around the world can be very different. Did you know that it’s illegal to drive barefoot in Spain?

Or that you have to have your headlights on 24hrs a day in Sweden? And that it’s illegal to stop on the Autobahn on Germany? I’m not saying you need to know them all the laws, but 10 minutes of browsing Google before you set out could save you some embarrassment, frustration or, worse in the long run.

Here are a few suggestions to get you going:

• What are the basic speed limits?
• What should you do if you have an accident?
• What type of license do you need? – Hopefully you checked this before hiring a car!
• Is there any equipment you have to carry?
• What is the drink-drive limit?
• Who has the right of way at junctions and on roundabouts?

Ben | The Sabbatical Guide

Share the Long Drives

Taking a road trip is a worthwhile travel experience. One of the challenges of a road trip is the long drive. It could be several hours, half a day, or even days before you reach your destinations. For drivers, fatigue kicks in after driving for hours. We handle this situation on our road trip by dividing and conquering the task. One person drives for at least 2 hours while the other person in the front passenger seat navigates.

Even if we use the GPS navigation device for directions, it helps to have another set of eyes to watch for upcoming signs, landmarks, and even other vehicles. After the 2 hours is up, we find the nearest rest stop off the highway or somewhere safe off the road for a quick break and then switch roles. It helps to share the driving and navigating responsibilities with others and to have a more enjoyable ride.

Jackie and Justin | Life of Doing

Do Pre-Car Checks

If you are not renting a car for your road trip, it’s a good idea to do a few quick checks to make sure your car will run smoothly.  It will only take a few minutes but could catch a problem that would derail your trip. First, inspect your tires to make sure that the tread is not too worn.  

If the tread doesn’t look good, you might want to get new tires before heading out on the road. Also, check your tire pressure and adjust so that it meets the level recommended in your owner’s manual.  This will help prevent a blowout or flat tire.

It’s also a good idea to check your oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid levels and add more if you are running low.  Then check to make sure all your lights are working, Finally, it’s a good idea to fill up with gas before your road trip so you don’t have to stop right away.

Anisa | Two Traveling Texans

Always Have a Paper Map and Know How to Read It

Having a paper map can be a lifesaver if you don’t have a GPS or cell signal. Even if you do have a GPS, you can’t always count on technology. Sometimes the power cords break, the device breaks, or for one reason or another, it just doesn’t work. Or, if you’re like me, you still get lost with a GPS because you turn down the wrong road 85% of the time when it says “turn here.”

Like with anything else, though, what good is it if you don’t know how to use it. I suppose it could still be of use in the form of kindling to start a fire if you get really lost.

Reading a paper map isn’t really that hard of a thing to do. One way to learn how to read a paper map is to find your home or a notable location on the map. It’s the same concept when you are out and about.

Chasing Departures

The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep

Before heading out on an epic road trip, get a good night’s rest the night before. To avoid drowsy driving, it’s recommend that you sleep an absolute minimum of 4 hours, but 7-8 hours comes highly recommended. In reality, who can even function, let alone drive long distances, on only 4 hours of sleep. Also if you plan to drive at night consider delaying your trip by a few hours or wait until the morning if you are feeling sleepy. Remember, safety first!

Danielle | The Thought Card

Practice Driving on Difficult Roads Beforehand

Try and take the driver’s seat and practice driving on challenging and twisted roads across valleys and other difficult terrain before heading off on your road trip. You don’t exactly know what types of roads you’ll encounter, and it’s best to improve your driving skills and feel comfortable before setting off! I have seen lot of improvements in my driving skills now after implementing this strategy over time.This has helped me to drive on the most challenging and deadliest roads without any problems or issues.

Somnath | Travel Crusade

PLANNING TIPS

Leave Yourself More Driving Time Than You Think You’ll Need

The reason that road trips are so wonderful is that anything is possible. Leave yourself a large buffer of time, so that you can follow the road markers or signs you see on the side of the road to the magical places that the world has to offer that you didn’t even know existed. Most countries have a certain sign to mark historic sites. Sweden has three different kinds to show what kind of attractions you may find. Enjoy your road trip!

The Daily Adventures of Me

Plan Multiple Stops on Long Driving Days

What’s the point in going on a roadtrip if all you see is the highway itself? For us, the most essential thing while being on the road is to make a list of things we want to see on the way – and this is our top priority. We rather have a smaller distance of kilometres travelled, but at least see lots of things.

The best thing to do is to start you travel day by making a list of things that you pass along the route that you want to travel today. Doing so, you won’t miss anything and still have a super relaxed and fun day on the road.

Also, when it comes to stopping on the way, why not plan a picnic at a lake you wanted to see anyway? Having lunch has probably never been that nice before.

Travellers Archive

Forget the Map and Just Drive

Orrrr how about you just don’t plan at all sometimes? I’m not sure I could actually do this, but it’d sure make for a fun adventure!

Whenever you say road trip, people will instantly think about maps. Planning ahead, watching the map so that you know which roads to follow. But what if you forgot about any maps whatsoever? What if you just hop in your car, van, camper, bike, and just go wherever the road takes you.

Being curious on a road trip may prove to be the key ingredient for having memorable experiences. If you happen to spot a road that surprisingly doesn’t appear on your map, you might want to explore it. It could lead you to some incredible places, to some off-the-beaten trails and authentic destinations.

Don’t just stick to the main roads. You might just wake up in a forgotten village, or in a picturesque place, surrounded by wildlife. Don’t be afraid to get lost as the best road trips are not the ones when you simply follow the dotted lines!

Andra | Our World to Wander

Choose Your Travel Companions Wisely

If you are going to go on a road trip, choose your travel mates wisely. For days on end, you will be sharing close quarters and you don’t want to be stuck with someone that doesn’t travel the way you do or gets on your nerves.  Before committing to a long road trip, spend some time together when possible as a trial run.

Consider each other’s travel style and personality. Do they thrive on structure when you like to plan as you go?  Does one of you like to make record time while the other likes to make random stops along the way? Do you eat similar foods? If one people is a vegan who will only eat at Whole Foods while the other prefers fast food all the time, you are going to run into some issues.  

As you are planning, talk about budget and priorities to make sure you align on the types of things you will do and see on your trip. You don’t have to be a perfect match, but you need to know what you are getting into so you can prepare to have a great time.

Dan | HoneymoonAlways

Download Offline Maps

If I could give someone just one road trip tip it would be to download an offline map before you go. Google Maps allows one to easily do this with their app. We have been using it for years and find it to be the most reliable app out there for navigation. Simply go to the area you will be road tripping and download it to your phone.

Then you won’t need a WiFi connection to get turn by turn navigation. It’s all saved in your phone for 30 days. No GPS rental, no WiFi, and no hassle needed. Just make sure not to lose your phone!

Natasha & Cameron | The World Pursuit

Overcompensate for Time

My top road trip tip is to allow yourself extra time, even if you think you don’t need it! Overcompensating for the journey is crucial not only practically speaking, but also to lets you really get the most out of your trip.

You’re bound to stop along the way when driving through incredible landscapes. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the best views would you?! Additionally, stopping off will allow you to just enjoy your surroundings rather than being cooped up in a stuffy car all day. Enjoy the outdoors when you can!

Practically speaking, on unfamiliar roads you should allow yourself time to make mistakes, drive slowly, check directions, and find a parking spot. Finally, getting lost is both the best and worst thing about road trips. You’ll never know what you’ll find, but off-the-beaten-track also means extra travel time!

Keeping time-conscious will help you have more fun while sticking to the schedule, so it’s always worth remembering to add a little extra on the clock.

Suzy | Suzy Stories

Book Your Hotels and Accommodations in Advance in More Remote Areas

A road trip is a perfect time to just throw the plan out the window and just let open road flow.  This sounds really idealist. Except when you are ready to stop for the night, and suddenly find that the next hotel is an hour or three away.  This can be a horrific end to your day.

This issue is especially prominent in the mid-western regions of the United States.  These states are sparsely populated and towns can be few and far between. Towards the end of your day, start checking how long to the next town before leaving a town with hotel options.

Jennifer | National Park Obsessed

PACKING TIPS

Take Along a Spork and Water Bottle with Filter

One of the best items you can bring on a road trip is a spork and a water bottle with built in filter. With these two you can save lots of money and at the same time reduce your use of plastic. A spork is a fork, spoon and knife in one, which is perfect if you just want to buy some foods from the supermarket or some takeaway food – it’s not always that they offer cutlery!

And with a water bottle with built in filter you don’t need to buy water bottles. You just fill up the bottle with tap water, and it filtrates out 99,9% of the bacteria and gives the water a better taste. Even though the tap water is safe to drink in many countries, it’s not always that it tastes so good – and that’s where the filter water bottle comes in handy.

I never travel without my spork and filter water bottle, because they make life a little bit easier and saves me money!

Christine | Christine Abroad

Carry Water and Toilet Paper

Always carry water and lots of it. Not only for drinking but for a variety of reasons. You may need it for cleaning hands, shoes or worst case scenario filling up a radiator in an overheated car. Having baby wipes on hand can also cover cleaning, spillages, sticky fingers and freshening up.

My other top tip is to always have a spare toilet roll in the boot of the car. When nature calls, it calls! You may have to find a public toilet on the road and sometimes they aren’t maintained regularly. Don’t rely on there being a fresh supply of toilet paper at every public toilet. There is nothing worse than going to grab some paper and find out there is nothing there!

Travel Drink Dine

Pack More than Enough Activities for the Car

Long hours on the road can be difficult.  Having activities readily available for children, and some adults, will reduce the stress on the whole family.   Today, this is not as big of a problem as it once was, with cell phones and tablets, but a continuous stream of screen time is not the best way for our families to spend the drive.

Solve this problem with personalized entertainment packs.  Packs can contain a number of things, including magnetic games, small coloring books, puzzles, and reading material.  

We also recommend including a journal and camera, and some learning activities based upon the destinations to be visited.  This encourages discussion among the whole family. For learning activity ideas try online homeschooling resources, or a subscription service such as Little Passports.  

To minimize space impact, keep packs compact and convenient, by using a neatly organized lunch boxes.  Each child can keep it in their own space, and their snacks for each day can be kept inside too.

Roxanna | Gypsy With A Day Job

Cooler for Drinks and Snacks

I grew up road tripping around the United States, and one thing we never left home without was a small cooler for drinks and snacks. Buying drinks at gas stations and rest areas gets expensive, so before we left home, we’d hit the grocery store and grab bottles of our favorite drinks (bottles can be resealed, cans can’t) and bags of candy and chips to keep us going in between meals.

Pro tip: don’t buy anything that can melt like chocolate and gummy bears if you’re traveling in the summer.

We’d stash the cooler on the floor between our seats so we’d always have access to cold drinks. Hotels usually have ice machines, so you can refill your cooler with ice before setting out for the next leg of your trip. You’ll save tons of time and money on your road trip by bringing along a cooler full of drinks for everyone to share.

Kris | Nomad by Trade  

Take Along a Car Inverter

A car inverter is a fantastic road trip accessory and one we never knew we needed but now we can’t travel without! So what exactly is a car inverter? Simply said, an inverter allows you to charge your electrical gear in your car via the cigarette lighter charger in your car. It can be used to charge through both electrical plugs and USB. We use ours to charge all our travel gear such as our laptops, camera batteries, cell phones and drone batteries while on the road.

The ability to charge our gear in the car during a long journey between destinations is so useful and it ensures we never miss a photo due to a dead battery. Our inverter has saved us so many times, especially as we use our cell phones for navigation on road trips which runs down the battery very fast!

Elaine & David | Show Them The Globe

and with all that being said…

Don’t Take TOO Much Stuff

My best road trip tip is not to overload the car with stuff, though the temptation will be great! If you’re playing Tetris in the trunk at the beginning of your trip, you’ll face a disaster by the end. As with any other trip, take just a few days’ worth of clothing and plan to do laundry. Staying organized and having a place for everything is important so that you don’t have to re-pack the car at every stop.

You might have one small suitcase each for cold weather and warm weather clothing (if you’re changing seasons), a bag for things you’ll need at every overnight stop (like toiletries and chargers), a separate bag for swim gear, a cooler and snack bag in the back seat.

If you’re traveling with kids, try to minimize toys and other “kid junk” since it takes up plenty of space and seems to explode everywhere.

Melissa | The Family Voyage

STAYING SANE on the road / in the car

Music, Podcasts, and Audiobooks

Music is essential for a road trip, everyone knows that, but I find music can only hold my attention for so long. I like to take a variety of audio with me, particularly for long road trips where I’m driving all day.

Podcasts, especially serialized podcasts like Serial and S-Town, are great for keeping you entertained, especially during the least interesting sections of road. Some podcasts are so gripping that you actually want to keep driving just so you can find out what happens next.

As well as podcasts and music, I also make sure I have some audio books and standup comedy to hand. You never know when you’ll want something different, and it’s great to have options to hand.

Some people just prefer music, of course, and that’s fine, and the rule should be that whoever is driving gets to listen to what they want to listen to.

James | This Travel Guide

Create A Memorable Trip Playlist

No road trip is complete without its very own soundtrack in my humble opinion. Make yourself a

playlist of your favourite tunes of the moment, or songs in the theme of your trip. It’s so fun to groove along while you’re on the road but even better when you get home. Hearing those road trip tunes  immediately takes you back to your vacation.

I love hearing Bastille’s epic pop anthem Pompeii. It transports me back to our trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, driving along the winding cliff top roads. I can almost taste the salty air, seafood pasta and Aperol  spritz cocktail as soon as the opening bars come on the radio.

Deeper in my past, Paul Simon’s Graceland album was the soundtrack of the beach road trip vacations  of my childhood. And these are some of the sweetest travel memories of all.

So put some thought into your road trip soundtrack and pump up the volume as you take to the road.

Katy | Untold Morsels

Have Your Camera Ready

One tip for a memorable (with photographic proof) road trip is to have your camera ready to go at a moment’s notice.  You never know when you might come across a fox with a baby in a field or a moose on a lake or an elk in a forest. Or maybe you will find an incredible view with nowhere to pull off the infrequently traveled road.  Or maybe you’re in Africa or Asia and you drive by a local event along the road.

I always have my camera by my side ready to go. If you have time, make sure you roll down the window to avoid glare and reflections. Please only follow this tip if there are no cars around or you can safely pull off to the side of the road.

TheHotFlashPacker

CAR RENTAL TIPS

Choose Your Car Rental Company and Car Insurance Wisely

One of the most important things to keep in mind when planning a roadtrip is the rental car. It’s very important to choose it smartly, because you are going to spend many hours in the car and it has to be as comfortable as possible.

The first thing to have in mind is choosing the car rental company that suits your needs for the trip. There are many websites that compare the different car rental companies and offer you the best price.

Once you choose the car rental company, you should choose the size of the car, which should be adjusted to the number of passengers and the number of suitcases you want to carry inside. Also, if the road trip destination includes mountains or unpaved roads, it’s better to rent a 4×4.

The last thing you have to keep in mind when renting a car for your roadtrip is the car insurance. Normally car rental companies include basic insurance, but it’s recommended that you extend it to full risk insurance, as that way you will avoid problems and pay a lot of money if you have an accident or you have a flat tire.

Sara | Mindful Travel by Sara

Know the Limits of Price Comparison Websites

Price comparison websites will almost always find the best prices and options for car hire, but it is also important to follow and fully understand the conditions of the hire. As almost all car hire companies will require credit cards these days when booking online, and these must be under the name of the driver. But even if the car hire company offers a refund in failing conditions, the online booking agents rarely share the same policy. So refunds are unlikely. Also, it is best to hire a car that best suits the conditions and terrain of a road trip, for example, engines of cheaper budget cars will likely struggle with mountainous terrain. And before driving from the lot, be sure to report and photograph any damage to the hire, know the fuel type and the fuel policy (full-to-full is generally best), as well as how to open the tank.

Allan | Live Less Ordinary

WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

Rent and Return the Car in the Same City

A road trip is definitely my favourite way to discover a region. Flexible, you meet more local people and visit not-renown spots. I have a tip to give to say some money when organising a road trip. A tip that I learnt making this mistake myself. If you need to hire a car, organise starting point and arrival in the same place because rental agencies charge extra fees to bring back the car to the original location.

You can travel in a circle, as I did in Spain. I started from Madrid and visited Avila, Salamanca, Valladolid and Segovia, before going back to the Spanish capital. On the other side, when I visited Romania, I booked a flight to Timisoara and bought a return ticket from Bucharest.

While it was my favourite road trip, I had to pay the extra-fees for returning the car to Timisoara. Plan better, save money and use it for other activities!

Mario | Human Italian

KID-SPECIFIC TIPS

Bring the car seats for your kids along

It is really very easy to bring your car seats when you’re flying somewhere before your start your road trip. Low cost carriers will probably charge you to bring the car seat but it is worth it. You can just check it in.

The airline will put it in a plastic bag in most cases and you will find your car seat at the ‘unusual luggage spot’ which is mostly located next to the carousel where your normal check-in luggage arrives or at a special desk.

Car rental companies do offer car seats but nobody knows how to put them in the car AND for THEIR insurance, employees are not allowed to help you install the car seat. So to save yourself the frustration of trying to figure out a car seat you don’t know, just bring yours along. It is more practical, probably cheaper and most importantly you KNOW that your child will be safe.

Jessy | Planet Pilgrims

Take Regular Breaks

One of my best tips for road trips with little kids is taking regular breaks. We lived in Sydney for a while and would regularly do the Sydney to Melbourne drive which is 8 hours if you drive directly. We would do it in about 10 hours with a few 30 minute breaks here and there for the kids. We always found somewhere that had a little park so they could stretch their legs and expel some of their energy, we then found they would better settle into the next part of the drive.

We alway found just stopping for a toilet break was not enough and we would get back in the car and they would be fighting before we hit the highway again. A little play and run around made all the difference and if we were really lucky, at least one of the three would have a little sleep after a bit of a run about.

I also recommend regular healthy snacks with water only, we didn’t need any sugar highs in the back seat.

Sally | Our 3 Kids v The World  

A tip that has helped us in a pinch is when driving late at night, with the intention to stop and sleep at a hotel, call the hotel about 20 minutes in advance of your arrival to have the pull-out couch made up if you are needing one. That way you can just carry a sleeping child into the hotel and put them right to bed!

Momma To Go

Hopefully these long road trip tips have taught you a few things! When is your next road trip?!

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August 27, 2020 at 4:56 am

I love to camp and travel. Thanks for sharing such an amazing list. It is truly a great and useful piece of info.

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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List (+ Free Checklist!)

July 22, 2019 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on July 21, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

I went on my first ever solo road trip from Cape Town to Grahamstown to watch Dylan Moran perform. Before that, I drove with three friends all the way along the Garden Route , up to Durban and then spent five days in the Kruger National Park before driving back down to Cape Town.

Oh, and after both those trips, the wide-open road called my name once more, and I drove from the Mother City up to Johannesburg .

All in all, my little 4-year Etios Cross ( who only had 25,000 km before all this madness ) is now cruising around on 32000 km and counting!

Not sure what to pack for a road trip? I’ve got you covered!

Below, you’re going to find a list of:

• All the things to bring on a road trip (+  eco-friendly options ) • Everything I didn’t know was important ( like where to find your jack ) • What I forgot • And why you need a few bags of rice

Here is my ultimate road trip essentials packing list!

Table of Contents

Road Trip Car Essentials

Road trip essentials for yourself, technology road trip items, road trip accessories, food items to pack for a road trip, mischealleous road trip items, how to pack for a road trip, road trip checklist.

Emergency Car Kit: You never know what might happen while you’re cruising down the open road. Be prepared for any kind of drama with an emergency car kit . It includes a breakdown roadside kit, a high visibility best, jumper cables, rope and much more.

Emergency Puncture Repair Kit: If you’re stranded in the wilderness with a flat tire, you can use an emergency puncture repair kit to get you safely to a car repair shop. It can fix a flat tyre in seconds, BUT it’s only a temporary solution.

Car Fluids: Some of the extra fluids you’ll want to keep in your car are a litre of water (in case it overheats), brake fluid , extra transmission fluid , oil and antifreeze .

Drivers License: Probably one of the most important things on your road trip packing list. South Africa traffic cops love a good roadblock and issuing fines for every little thing. If you’re taking your car across borders, don’t forget your papers!

Car & Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance is one of the best insurance options for travellers. It covers extreme sports, protects all your gear and will pay out for any unexpected trips to the hospital. For car insurance, I recommend taking the tire & windshield if you’re renting.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Owner’s Manual:  I won’t lie. The first time I opened my owner’s manual was four years after I bought my car. I had no idea where to find the jack in my car. If you’re renting or still learning new and wonderous things about your vehicle, double to check to make sure the owner’s manual is packed and ready for your trip!

Roadside Assitance: When you’re planning a road trip in a foreign country (and your own!), it’s a good idea to have the phone numbers of roadside assistance.

Portable Garbage Can: After a few stops at Wimpy and Steers, your car will start to look like a moving trash can. Keep your vehicle clean with a portable garbage can . It takes up hardly any space in your car and folds up when not in use.

Read More:  The Perfect Itinerary for an Epic South Africa Road Trip

Sunscreen: Long days on the road mean the side of you closest to window is going to feel the heat from the sun’s rays. Protect yourself with a 30+ SPF sunscreen that’s also vegan and eco-friendly!

Hand Sanitizer: Sometimes those roadside bathrooms are the epitome of “ew”. Grab a small bottle of organic hand sanitizer that can fit in your handbag for those germ emergencies.

Travel Towel: “ A towel, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy says, is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar road tripper can have. ” Never underestimate the importance of packing a travel towel . It’s a road trip essential, and its many uses will surprise you.

Flip Flops: Flip flops will keep your feet cool in the car and far away from the germs in public showers. These Hemp Hemisphere flip flops are made from recycled rubber and the highest quality of hemp, making them an excellent eco-friendly road trip item!

Deodorant: No one likes to be trapped in a car for hours on end with someone who has bad body odour. Salt of the Earth creates vegan deodorants that come in a range of different scents and are made from all-natural ingredients.

Feminine Hygiene: Raise your hand if you’ve ever been unexpectedly victimised by your period. Whether your trip falls over “that time of the month” or not, pack a menstrual cup in case Mother Nature has other plans.

Eco-friendly Wet Wipes: Wet wipes are one of those travel essenntials that have multiple uses. Whether it’s to clean your sticky fingers or give yourself a “bath” because there are no showers around. Instead of grabbing the first brand you see in the store, search for biodegradable wet wipes and reduce your environmental footprint at the same time.

Toiletries: Don’t leave home without your trusty tube of toothpaste, toothbrush, and any other beauty products you might need.

Car Charger with USB Port: A car charger deserves a spot on any road trip packing list. During those long drives, you’re going to use your phone to play music or scroll mindlessly through Instagram. Make sure your device always has juice with a car charger that has at least two USB ports.

Portable Phone Charger: If you’re camping in places with zero electricity, pack a portable phone charger . It’s always a good idea to have a charged phone battery in case anything happens.

Car Mount: Make navigating to your next destination that much easier with a car mount  for your phone or GPS. You won’t need to rely on a passenger to give you directions, and you’ll always be able to see the map.

Offline Spotify Playlist or Podcasts: Some of the best places in the world are where the WiFi signal is weak, and there’s fuck all cellphone service. Before leaving, download your favourite Spotify playlists for offline use and throw in a few podcasts or audiobooks for good measure. Some of my favourite podcasts for road trips are the Lavendaire Lifestyle and The Kimberly Wenya Podcast .

Bluetooth Headphones: If you’re a freelancer like me, you might need to do some work while driving across the country. Or you might really hate the music tastes of the driver. Either way, a pair of noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones are a road trip necessity.

Offline Google Map: During our 5-day road trip across the south of Kruger National Park , I learnt a valuable life lesson – Google Maps doesn’t work everywhere. We had to rely on a good ol’ fashion map book. One of the things you need is an offline map. You never know when the signal might cut, and map books don’t require any batteries.

Booking.com App: Don’t like planning your holidays too far in advance? Download the Booking.com App so you can book your accommodation on the fly. Plus, Booking often has last-minute deals that will help you save a ton of cash!

Car Laptop Charger: A car laptop charger is another long road trip essential for freelancers or digital nomads. During those long 8-hour drives, you might need to write a new blog post or edit a video for a client. With one of the converters that plug into your car, you can work for as you need to or until you get car sick.

Travel Camera + Lenses: Did you even go on an adventure if you didn’t document it? A decent camera and lenses are road trip must-haves! You can use your smartphone (the camera on the latest iPhone is insane!) or shoot with a DSLR. I usually pack my Canon D700 body and shoot with my Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 most of the time. If you’re planning a trip through a national park, you should add the Canon 100-400mm F4.5 onto your list of things to pack.

Read More:  10 of the Best Camera Bags for Women Who Love to Travel

Umbrella or Raincoat: You can plan as much as possible around the weather, but a sudden downpour could always take you by surprise. A small travel-sized umbrella is one of those things you’ll always want to have in your car for a road trip. I’d also suggest investing in a raincoat that will easily fit in your day bag.

Polarised Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. You’ll need a pair of polarised sunglasses for bright white snow or long sunny days. I’m obsessed with Escape Society’s range at the moment! My favourite pair out of the three that I own are the Gold Vintage Round Lens . It comes with 100% UVA/UVB Protection and a microfibre pouch & cleaning cloth.

Travel Pillow: Travel pillows aren’t just for long haul flights. Pack one if you’re planning on taking a few naps while on the road. If you’re not a fan of the traditional travel pillow, try the latest Trtl Pillow . It takes up half the space and science says it’s better for your neck.

Day Bag: Whether you’re going hiking, camping or anything else, you need a road trip bag. If you’re in the market for a new day bag, I recommend splurging on the Rowdy Rucksack . It’s the perfect road trip backpack with enough space for a 15-inch laptop, all your camera gear and other essentials like your wallet, water bottle and sunscreen. If you’re looking for something smaller, I managed to fit my wallet, camera body and one lens in the Rowdy Sling .

Waterproof Bag Cover: If you’re adventuring with a bag that’s not waterproof, protect your gear with a waterproof bag cover . They hardly take up any space, and it’s always nice to know you have it.

Packable Down Jacket:  When packing for a road trip in spring or autumn, bring along a packable down jacket. I used the white Lady Neva Insulated Jacket from Hi-tec during my Cape to Kruger trip. For colder climates, you’ll want something thicker, especially if snow is involved.

Blankets: Get cosy in the backseat with a warm blanket . You can use it to block the sun while you’re sleeping, to combat the freezing air conditioning or for extra warmth in your tent or hotel.

Snacks: If you want to save money, you need to pack some snacks. Hummus, carrots, fruit and trail mix are some of my go-to healthy road trip snacks. I also have low blood pressure, so I like munching on salty foods as well. If you can, try to stay away from the chocolates and junk food as much as possible.

French Press: As a caffeine addict, I can’t survive without a french press . Plus, I don’t have to drink shitty instant coffee from petrol stations. #winning

Thermal Travel Mug: Once your coffee is brewed, pour it into a thermal travel mug. If possible, try to buy a bamboo reusable coffee mug. It’s eco-friendly, and you can avoid collecting empty cups of coffee throughout your road trip. South Africans can buy a reusable eco-friendly cup from Vida e Cafe , and it gets you an R2 discount each time you bring it in store!

Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important on a road trip, but it’s easy to start a collection of empty plastic bottles. Cut down on the waste you create with a reusable water bottle . When you buy a bottle from Undisposabl, the company donates 25% of the profit to fund large scale plastic removal from our oceans.

Reusable Utensils + Straws: If you’re passionate about keeping your footprint small, a bamboo cutlery set and metal straws are things you want to pack on a road trip. On top of that, most plastic utensils are made with BPA. It’s a chemical that’s terrible for your health.

BPA-Free Tupperware: It’s always a good idea to add Tupperware to your road trip packing list. You can use it as a fast-food container to cut down on plastic waste or to store any leftover food. If you’re in the market for some new Tupperware, try to avoid the plastic containers and buy a more eco-friendly container.

A Bag of Rice: A bag of rice is essential if you’re travelling to humid areas. Keep a few bags of rice next to your electronics to stop the moisture from damaging your devices.

Reusable Shopping Bags: If you’re buying food supplies on the go, keep a couple of reusable shopping bags in the car. It will reduce your plastic consumption each time you stop at the grocery store. Cotton On is currently selling reusable totes and is donating 100% of the profits to education initiatives!

Cash & Credit Card: If you’re travelling to a foreign country, make sure you’ve unblocked your credit card for international use. You’ll need it to pay for purchases, toll gate fees, and to withdraw cash from ATMs.

First Aid Kit: You might stumble over your own feet, walk into a pole or accidentally slide down some rocks. Whatever happens on your next road trip, pack a basic first aid kit to fix up those minor bumps and bruises.

Snow Supplies: Your road trip packing list is going to need some winter essentials if you’re driving through snow. Some of the most important items are an ice scraper , a shovel , rock salt , and tire chains.

Flashlight: A flashlight is an essential item you want in your car at all times. I’ve used mine to light the way for sunrise hiking missions, milky way photography and for setting up my campsite at night.

Mosquito Repellent: If bloodsuckers love you as much as they love me, mosquito repellent is something you’re always going to want to pack. I bought my bottle of Pyramid Trek in Kenya last year, and it’s the most effective repellent I’ve ever owned.

Read More:  How to Photograph the Milky Way (Step by Step!)

When I pack for road trips, I like to work on a three bag policy:

1 Hand Luggage Suitcase: I use this one from Escape Society . It’s big enough for all my toiletries, shoes, hats, external hard drives, chargers and other items I don’t need to access throughout the day.

1 Duffel Bag: I keep all my clothes in my duffel bag from Rowdy . It’s super spacious and has compartments for smaller items.

1 Day Bag: As mentioned earlier, I use the Rowdy Rucksack as a day bag for road trips. I usually keep my laptop, camera gear, wallet and any other items that I use throughout the day.

Packing Cubes: Ever since I started using packing cubes, I’ve levelled up my packing game. You can fit so much more clothes inside your suitcase, and it’s super easy to organise everything so you can see what you have at a glance.

Roof Rack: If you need extra storage, it’s worthwhile investing in a Thule roof rack to free up space inside the car.

There you have it! All the road trip essentials you need to survive on the open road. Don’t forget to grab your free what to pack for a road trip checklist printable of all the things mentioned above:

What are your road trip must-haves? Let me know in the comments if I’ve left off any road trip packing list items you always bring with you!

Want more road trip travel inspiration? Check out my other posts:

• The Perfect Itinerary for an Epic South Africa Road Trip
• The Best of the Panorama Route South Africa: 2-Day Itinerary
• Visiting Kruger National Park: Everything You Need to Know
• 10+ Spectacular Road Trips in South Africa You Can’t Miss!
• The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit
• An Epic One Week Garden Route Itinerary (Detailed)

Did you find this post useful? Save it for later on Pinterest!

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

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Your ultimate checklist for an epic road trip

Travel Travel Inspiration Road Trips Epic Road Trip Tips

Road trips are one of the most fun ways to travel and explore a place. Think about it - wouldn’t you rather breathe in some fresh air and get lost in serene landscapes instead of waiting in long lines at the airport? Of course! Now, although road trips can be exciting, they can also get to you if you haven’t planned a few things out. We’ve put together a list of hacks and tips to make sure you have an epic road trip with fewer unpleasant surprises and many memorable ones!

27 Expert Tips For An Epic Road Trip

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank us later!

#1 Budget the road trip (and stick to it)

Plan your budget beforehand so you can figure out how much you’ll need for the entire trip. Don’t underestimate your total budget because you don’t want to fall short of money. You’ll also want to account for unforeseen expenses, emergencies, and toll gates. Always carry enough cash just in case you can’t use your cards. If you’re traveling with other adults, decide on a budget together. Talk about how much you plan to spend each day and how much you need to set aside for different activities. It’s always good to plan these things out together and set expectations during the planning process.

#2 Alternate coffee with water to stay alert

Although coffee is widely accepted as the beverage that keeps you awake and alert, it’s not the best choice if you’re driving for long hours. the caffeine can make you very dehydrated and lethargic after a while, making things extremely uncomfortable, especially if you’re driving. caffeine acts as a stimulant but often works for a short duration. taking a few sips of plain water or snacking on water-infused fruits every now can really help you stay hydrated and alert for the whole journey., #3 get a thorough car health check-up before you hit the road.

The last thing you want on your road trip is to have your car break down. Head over to the closest garage or mechanic and have them check your car thoroughly. Check the tire pressure for any signs of a possible flat. Fill up the car with a full tank to skip the hassle of finding a station in the first few hours of your road trip. Always keep a spare tire or two in the car just in case you need it on the way, and of course, learn how to change a tire before you hit the road. You just might need it for those areas where road assistance is miles away.

#4 Let your bank know where you’re going

It’s a good idea to inform your bank about where you’re headed in case of any money-related emergency that can crop up on your holiday. Because you’ll be traveling to unfamiliar places, there’s always the chance of running into frauds, even if you’re extremely careful. Keeping your bank informed can ensure that all transactions made on your holiday are looked into and any action needed can be done almost immediately. Put yourself at ease and let your bank know your travel plans before you head out.

#5 Chart a rough itinerary

You don’t want to rely solely on spontaneity, and at the same time, you don’t want to plan every tiny aspect of the trip. What you can do is chart out a rough itinerary, including pit stops, places to visit once you reach, restaurants, and the like. Basically, a rough idea of all the things you want to cover on the trip. This gives you a lot to look forward to but also room for some flexibility. For instance, let’s say you had a long night and woke up too late for breakfast and sightseeing, that’s okay! If your plan is flexible, you can still make the most of the day and see what else you can do.

#6 Carry cash and stash them carefully

Carrying a sufficient amount of cash on your road trip is absolutely essential. You just might need cash for places that don’t accept card payments, especially if you’re traveling through a small town or village. Maybe you want to grab a quick bite at a little food stall or food truck, maybe you get a flat and have to call for road assistance. Either way, keep some cash with you just in case. But don’t keep all of it in one spot. Carefully distribute it across a few spots and make sure it’s safe and hidden.

#7 Fill up gas using a Credit Card that gives cashback

Many banks have exciting cashback offers when it comes to expenses like fuel. You’ll probably need a full tank or three for your whole trip so why not save some money and earn some points/cashback while you fuel up. Call or visit your bank before you fuel up to see if your credit card is eligible for a cashback. If not, check with your road trip buddies to see if any of them have cashback offers. This is super helpful, especially if your journey is going to be a long one and you need to fill fuel more than a couple of times.

#8 Fill up gas every chance you get

Even if you have more than a half tank of gas, it’s always better to fuel up every chance you get. You never know when you might find the next gas station and sometimes it could be several hours before you do. Sometimes it might even be shut. So, even if you do your homework and figure out where all the gas stations are on your way and back, it’s always better to be safe and fill gas whenever you find a station, especially if you’ve used up half or more of your tank.

#9 Opt for truck stops over rest areas

Because you’re traveling to unknown areas, your safest bet is to opt for truck stops instead of secluded pitstops. This is an especially useful tip if you’re traveling with women and children and want to be cautious. Truck stops aren’t just for truckers anymore. With adequate lighting, food, facilities, and a small crowd, it is definitely much safer than stopping at a remote area with no one around. Either way, be cautious about where you pull up and quickly scan the area to make sure it’s safe.

#10 Schedule exercise breaks every 2 to 4 hours

We all know how painful it is to sit in the same position for hours on end. You definitely want to avoid this especially while driving and stop for a quick stretch every 2-4 hours. Doing this will help keep the inevitable back pain and leg cramps at bay. Stop every few hours and stretch it out, especially if you feel your body starting to get stiff. Breathe in some fresh air, pop a few healthy snacks, and stay hydrated so your body is in good shape to get back on the road.

#11 Learn how to change a tire

No one really tells you the importance of knowing how to change a tire, but it is an extremely valuable skill to have. It’s easy to call someone to change your tire when you run a flat in a city, but what happens when you’re in the middle of nowhere? You may not find road assistance close by or they might be miles away and take hours to reach you. You’d rather take the time to learn how to change a tire yourself and save yourself time and money.. If you learn how to do it right, the whole ordeal takes just 10-15 minutes.

#12 Bring a portable charger for your devices

We’re all pretty reliant on GPS, especially when we’re traveling. Your phone is precious in more than one way and you can’t have it drain out before you reach your destination. When you’re on a road trip, you usually rely on your vehicle’s power to charge your device. On the off chance that your car breaks down and you can’t charge your phone for assistance, it's good to have a backup charger. So carry one or two portable chargers for emergencies!

#13 Carry an offline/physical map for when GPS ditches you

Let’s be honest, we’d be pretty lost without GPS, and you can’t have your GPS giving up on you on a road trip! Backups are essential. Although the age of physical maps might be long gone, you never know when it’ll come in handy. You should also download offline maps before you set out in case you lose network and can’t access your GPS. Having all of this sorted ahead of time will save you from being stranded.

#14 Preload your phone with playlists and podcasts

Road trips are always more fun when you have some fun tunes to hum along to. Remember that you’re probably going to be out of range for the radio to function, so put a few playlists together before you hit the road. You might also lose signal sometimes, so maybe download all the songs and podcasts just in case. That way you always have music and entertainment to keep you engaged through the long stretches. Although road trip games are fun, sometimes it’s nice to just sit back, relax, and listen to good music. Don’t forget to keep everyone’s taste in mind when you’re making these playlists.

#15 Get off the highway and take the road less traveled (sometimes)

Driving on the highway can get monotonous and boring. If you have a car that can handle a little bit of off-roading, why not take an alternate route or a short detour and go on a mini-adventure? You never know what you might find in the nooks of new towns, but we’re sure it’ll be worth finding out. That said, don’t take too much of a detour and lose your way completely! Make sure to check the maps before you hit the detour to see which roads will lead you back to the highway.

Ultimate Bucketlist Road Trips In The World

#16 book flexible attraction tickets in advance.

It’s important to have a loose itinerary in mind when you plan a road trip. Although planning and booking things in advance is helpful, you might change your mind once you’re actually there. Booking flexible attraction tickets gives you the option of canceling your tickets or rescheduling them without losing money. This is a great option if you and your buddies are more on the spontaneous side. Have some fun and be flexible with your plans.

Book last minute experiences on Headout , your one-stop digital marketplace for tours, activties and experiences across 100+ cities around the globe.

#17 Snap pictures of informative signs when you enter a city/town and keep them handy

Just like how you might take pictures of where your car is parked in a massive parking lot, you probably want to take pictures of important signs on your road trip. Keep these pictures in handy in case you get lost and need to retrace your path. It’s also a good idea to keep these pictures in case of any other emergency that pops up when you’re on the road in unfamiliar areas.

#18 Download a handy chunk of road trip friendly apps

Nowadays there are apps for pretty much everything. To find a toilet, to find the closest gas station, to chart your road trip itinerary and even to find the nearest parking. Before setting off on a road trip, make sure to download the few recommended road trip apps to help make your trip hassle-free!

#19 Stock up on emergency essentials (more than one of each)

Include emergency essentials on your road trip packing list. You always need to be prepared in case of accidents and emergencies, especially if you’re in for a long drive and help is far off. Some important things that need to be packed include a first-aid kit, road safety kit, car tools, spare tires and other car parts, a flashlight, blankets, and water.

#20 Travel insurance + Car insurance are an absolute must

There’s a reason why accidents are called that - because you never know when they can happen. Make sure you have car insurance and travel insurance and keep a copy or two of them in the car. You want to be prepared for anything when you’re on a road trip, especially when there are other people in the car with you. Insurance is a must when you’re heading out on a road trip..

#21 Know the road rules of the country

Get yourself familiar with the road rules of the place you’re going to visit. Sometimes each state has its own travel rules for the road. Do a bit of research and find tips for travelers from official travel and tourism websites. Whether it’s Europe, the United States, Australia, or Asia, you can find important information about road rules on their government or tourism sites. This little extra step can help reduce any tension when you’re driving and prepare you for the unexpected.

#22 Carry a foldable chair and portable picnic set

One of the most exciting parts of a road trip is finding beautiful spots along the way where you can enjoy the view, take some cool pictures, or better - have a picnic! Carry a few foldable chairs and a portable picnic set with you so you can have an impromptu picnic anywhere, anytime. Light food and beverages are perfect for a picnic, like sandwiches, juice boxes, chips, and whatever else you fancy. Having a small picnic in the middle of your road trip also gives you a chance to unwind and enjoy nature before getting back on the road.

#23 Sunscreens for the windows are a blessing during afternoons

When you crank the air conditioner up, it can slow down your car or burn up fuel much faster. but when you roll the windows down, it can get loud with harsh winds. plus, the car usually gets quite heated up during noon, making it uncomfortable for passengers inside. a bunch of hot, sweaty, irritable people stuck next to each other for a long time inside a car can make things very uncomfortable. invest in sunscreens for the car windows so that even if you’re driving when the sun is at its peak, you can still have a pleasant drive., #24 cover distances during daylight, the best time to start your road trip is at 4 or 5 am in the morning, just before the sun rises. this way you get to beat the morning traffic and be out of the city in time to catch some sensational views of the sunrise. plus, without regular commuters on the road, your journey becomes less hectic and more enjoyable without being stuck in those annoying traffic jams. after all, you don’t want to start off your road trip in a bad mood. leaving early also helps you cover the majority of your distance during daylight when it's the safest to drive., #25 don’t use cruise control at night, as relaxing as it is to put the car on cruise control, kick back, and enjoy the ride, you don’t want to do this after the sunsets. using cruise control at night can be dangerous because it’s harder to see things at night and your reflexes need to be on high alert. the nighttime is usually when truck drivers tend to become more drowsy and little animals tend to set out on adventures, often ending up on roads. so stay off cruise control at night and be ready for anything unexpected..

#26 Keep a close watch on the weather forecast and change plans accordingly

Weather can be so unpredictable sometimes. you most certainly should check the weather forecast while planning the trip to see what clothes to carry, what activities to plan, and so on. but, as accurate as weather forecasts are, there are times when the weather changes unpredictably. keep a close watch on the forecast every day of your trip, especially when you’re planning to cover long distances. have a rough backup plan in mind, in case mother nature decides to throw some weather hazards your way., #27 kit your car out and carry spare parts, even though vehicles are made of a gazillion different parts, sometimes even if one of those parts stops working, you’re going to have trouble. there are some essential parts to a car where it helps to have a spare, so you don’t end up having to ditch your car in the middle of nowhere. spare tires, car battery, water pump, jumper cables, and a timing belt. if you want to keep even more items handy, that’s perfectly alright, but you should at least have these few essentials just in case there’s a breakdown on your road trip..

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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The Ultimate Car Maintenance Checklist For Road Trips

Last Updated: March 19, 2024 Approved

Inspecting Your Vehicle

• Addressing Issues

Preparing to Depart

Expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg . Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 15 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 479,047 times.

Planning on going on a road trip soon? Before you do so, you should check your car to make sure that it is in good condition and running well. If you spend a little time preparing your vehicle for the trip beforehand, you can avoid most problems that might ruin your fun along the way.

Quick Steps

• Check that your tires are inflated and the treads are deep enough for long travel.
• Inspect your exterior lights, horn, and windshield wiper blades.
• Make sure your air filter isn’t clogged and that the AC and heat are working.
• Look at the belts in the engine for signs of cracking or glazing (shiny spots).
• Top off your oil, transmission fluid, and other fluids that are running low.
• Check and replace the brake pads if necessary.
• Prepare and pack a roadside emergency kit before you leave.

Blown-out lights can be hazardous as other drivers around you won't be able to know what you intend to do while driving, such as take a turn or put on the brakes. Also, a broken light can get you pulled over, which may leave you with an expensive ticket to pay.

• Place the penny upside down in the groove of the tire and see how much of Lincoln’s head you can see. If you can see further down Lincoln’s head than his forehead, the tires need to be replaced.

• Most air boxes are held shut with clips. Remove them to open the box and look at the air filter.
• The filter should be free of debris and usually white. If it looks particularly dirty, replace it before closing the airbox up again.

Addressing Issues that May Arise

• Plug the scanner into the open plastic connector port beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side.
• If the scanner doesn’t provide an English description with the error code, you can find the corresponding description in a vehicle-specific repair manual or often on the manufacturer’s website.

• Oil that’s in good condition will be translucent and slightly yellow or even greenish in color.
• To change the oil, slide a container under the oil pan that can capture the draining oil, then unscrew the drain plug (bolt at the bottom of the oil pan). Once the oil has drained completely, replace the plug and remove the oil filter. Install a new oil filter and then add the correct type and amount of oil for your vehicle, based on the information in your owner's manual.

• Automatic transmission fluid is one of the most important ones to check before a long road trip. Use your vehicle’s owner’s manual to tell you where to find the dipstick, then check it like you would engine oil.
• Make sure your radiator is topped off as well by comparing its fill line to the lower limit line visible on the reservoir.

Try to avoid packing things over your spare tire or emergency kit if you can. Setting off with a clean and organized car can give you added peace of mind.

• Driving without the appropriate documentation can lead to fines or even having your car impounded.
• Keep those important documents somewhere you can easily access in case you get pulled over.

• It’s also a good idea to carry a first aid kit .
• You may want to tailor some emergency supplies to your family or time of year. For instance, you may want to carry cat litter to help on slippery roads during the winter.

• You can get most commercial oil change facilities to do all of this for you at a (semi) reasonable cost. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If you are driving into remote areas ALWAYS ensure you have plenty of fuel in your tank, plenty of bottled drinking water, and ensure that someone knows how long you expect to be gone. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Tom Eisenberg. Auto Technician. Expert Interview. 26 July 2019.
• ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a26200/car-road-trip/
• ↑ https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/how-to-prep-your-car-for-a-road-trip/
• ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/car-maintenance/serpentine-belt-how-to-check-for-wear/view-all/
• ↑ https://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/pre-trip-maintenance.php
• ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/car-brakes/how-to-change-front-brake-pads/view-all/
• ↑ https://www.carproof.com/resource-centre/articles/preparing-your-vehicle-for-a-road-trip
• ↑ https://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/emergency-kit.php

About This Article

To check your car before a road trip, start by looking over the car inside and out for any noticeable issues, like burnt out headlights, or worn windshield wipers. Make sure your tires are inflated to the pressure specified in the owner's manual, and check the tread on your tires using the penny test. Open the hood and turn on the car to make sure the serpentine and accessory belts are conditioned and tense. Before you hit the road, resolve any warning lights that appear on your dashboard to avoid issues during your trip. For tips on addressing problems as they arise and getting ready to leave, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to get your car ready for a road trip

By   Allstate

Last updated : January 1

Don't let car trouble ruin your next road trip. Performing a few car maintenance tasks before you go can help ensure your vehicle is ready for the adventure.

Even though you can't prevent every mechanical breakdown, checking your car's fluids and parts before you hit the road could spare you from spending valuable vacation time in the repair shop. Here are some tips to help you get started:

quality auto coverage starts here

Check your car's battery.

Check your car's battery to be sure the connection is tight and corrosion-free, says Consumer Reports . If there is corrosion, you'll need to disconnect the battery and clean the connectors with a wire brush. Batteries contain corrosive acid that may leak if battery connectors are forced off, so if you're not familiar with how to check and clean a car battery, it may be best to leave it to a professional. As a general rule of thumb, Consumer Reports recommends having your vehicle's battery checked annually after it's more than two years old.

Inspect belts and hoses

Engine belts and hoses are critical when it comes to keeping your car's electrical, power steering and cooling systems functioning properly, according to Consumer Reports. Have them inspected to determine if any are frayed or cracked. Belts should also be tightly installed, so be sure to verify that they're secure and don't have a large amount of slack. Lastly, be sure to have your hoses checked for any leaks or drips.

Don't forget to check your owner's manual for recommended belt and hose service intervals, as some cars may require replacements in as little as 60,000 miles, according to Cars.com .

Top off fluids and replace filters

Check the levels of your car's many fluids, including engine oil, power steering and transmission fluids and windshield washer fluid. If any of them are low, top them off before hitting the road, recommends the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If your car is close to needing its next oil change, it may be worth having it done before your trip. You should also check your vehicle's engine coolant (also known as antifreeze) tank to confirm it's filled to the car manufacturer's recommended level. However, keep in mind that even if it's filled to the proper level, you may still need to have the coolant changed out if there are floating particles in it or if the fluid is clear, says the NHTSA. Coolant can also become acidic over time, according to Cars.com, so you may want to have your coolant tank checked for any corrosion. This could cause damage to other parts of the vehicle, such as the radiator or hoses.

Lastly, the engine air filter , which collects dust and debris to prevent them from making their way to the car engine, should be changed out if it's dirty or clogged with debris, says Cars.com. Otherwise, the dirty filter may affect your car's acceleration performance.

Verify lights and electrical equipment are working

Make sure that all interior and exterior lights on your car are working properly and replace burned-out bulbs as necessary. If your windshield wipers aren't efficiently removing water from the windshield or leave streaks, it may be time for a replacement — Consumer Reports recommends a new pair every six months. Don't forget to check your car's horn and air conditioning system, too. If the air conditioner isn't blowing as cold as it used to, you may want to have it serviced by a mechanic, especially if you're traveling in warm weather.

Check the brakes

Squealing noises coming from your car's brakes may indicate worn brake pads, says Popular Mechanics . If your car's brakes are making this sound, or any other odd noises, be sure to have them professionally inspected before you hit the road. If your brake pedal feels spongy when you press it, that may indicate the brake fluid is low. Don't forget to verify the level of this fluid while checking the others, and top it off, if needed.

Inspect tires

Tire inflation may affect your car's fuel economy. Check the tire pressure before departing for your trip, preferably while the tires are cold, recommends the NHTSA, to ensure they are properly inflated. Don't forget to check the pressure on your car's spare tire, too. While you're at it, you may want to check on the condition of the tire tread by using the penny method, says the NHTSA. Insert a penny upside down between the treads on each tire — if you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln's head on the penny, it may be time for a tire replacement. If you notice uneven wear on all of the tires, that may mean it's time for a tire rotation or alignment before your trip. Your local mechanic or tire retailer should be able to help with an inspection and recommend corrective action, if needed.

Taking steps to help ensure your vehicle is in good condition prior to a road trip may help you avoid spending your vacation in a repair shop. Remember, if you're uncomfortable inspecting your vehicle or aren't sure if something is wrong, consult a professional for help.

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4 travel tips to put your mind at ease during your next trip

The season of summer holiday travel is just around the corner. 

You might find yourself heading to one of the U.S.’s many national parks, exploring a historic European city or jetting off somewhere tropical, like the Maldives.  

That all sounds like fun, but unfortunately, travel mishaps may also happen. Luggage gets lost, passports get misplaced and phones may not work at international destinations when they aren't connected to Wi-Fi.  

To avoid the headaches and prepare for whatever may come your way (or what accidentally gets left behind), follow these simple tips.  

Watch this video to see the four things you should do before your next trip.

Learn more: Best credit cards of 2023

Pre-Travel Tips 

All you need to get travel-ready is your smartphone.

• Take pictures. 

Take pictures and screenshots of the important items and documents before you leave for your trip. 

This would include: 

• Your luggage
• The photo page of your passport
• Your ID cards
• Any travel-related confirmations
• Location and contact details for the places you’re staying

Creating an album on your phone or marking the images as favorites will make it easier to find them should you need them. 

It couldn’t hurt to also share these pictures with a trusted loved one, like a significant other or close friend.

• Turn on Notify When Left Behind

Turn on Notify When Left Behind if you use Apple products.  

The feature, available on some iPhones, iPads, Macs, and AirPods, will notify you if you are separated from your items, like if you forget your AirPods in your hotel room. 

To turn Notify When Left Behind on or off, open the “Find My” app, select the device and then toggle the setting on or off.  

• Tell your credit card company about your plans

Have you ever had your card payment declined when paying for something on a trip? That’s probably because your credit card company is picking up unusual activity and flagging it as suspicious. 

Prevent that from happening by informing your credit card company of any upcoming domestic or international travel by setting a travel notification. 

Many credit card companies allow you to set the notification online or via the app, though some companies may not require one at all. 

• Check international phone plans

If you want to use your phone when you're not connected to Wi-Fi while traveling, see what international phone plans your mobile carrier offers that fit your budget. An international plan will allow you to do things like make and receive phone calls, access social media and find directions as long as you have cell service. Without a plan, those functions will only be available when the device is connected to Wi-Fi.

Bonus tip, you can download maps to use offline and easily navigate a new place!

Reviewed-approved travel recommendations  

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.    

Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of experts test everything from sleep masks and travel pillows to luggage and packing cubes to help you shop for the best of the best.  

• Tracking game-changer: Apple AirTags  
• Our favorite sleep mask: Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask  
• A top wireless charger: Yootech Wireless Charger   
• Must-have luggage: Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Luggage  
• Organization hack: Amazon Basics 4-Piece Packing Cubes Set  
• The best portable battery pack: Mophie Powerstation Plus   
• Our favorite travel pillow: Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow  
• Top-rated adult coloring book: Cindy Elsharouni Stress Relieving Adult Coloring Book  

Should I have a complete vehicle inspection in anticipation of a road trip? | Car Doctor

Q: i have a 2012 nissan pathfinder with 200,000 miles. it has been well maintained and has not required any major repairs other than some work on the rear suspension framework. should i have a complete vehicle inspection in anticipation of a road trip is there anything in particular that i should be concerned about, given the age and mileage of this vehicle.

A: Check all the fluids, get an oil change, and give the drive belts and coolant hoses a good look along with the radiator. Also, the tires should be checked for possible damage from winter potholes. Then take a look at lights and wipers – there's nothing more annoying than a road trip with streaky wiper.

An emergency kit, spare tire, jack lug wrench, wheel lock key (if needed) some basic tools, portable jump-pack, air compressor, flares/reflector, flashlight, gloves and a cellphone charger are all handy to have.

Is my frequent oil change strategy a good idea or overkill?

Q: I have a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab with a 3.0 Duramax Diesel. I have routinely changed the oil every 5,000 miles even though the manual calls for changing the oil at the 7,500 mark or as shown on the oil monitor system. Is the 5,000-mile change overkill?

Also, when I get a new vehicle, I change oil at the 1,000 mile mark, based on recommendations from friends that there is more wear and tear with the new engine during the first 1,000 miles. Is this overkill?

A: At one time, people changed their engine oil in as little as the first 500 miles to remove any assembly material. Today's engines – due to assembly techniques – are much cleaner. In fact, changing the oil early will sometimes not allow the rings to seat properly.

As for periodic oil changes: changing the oil every 7,500 miles will maintain the warranty, but every 5,000 miles certainly can’t hurt.

Gas with high ethanol caused problems with Honda generator

Q: I live in Florida, and I recently needed to use my Honda generator. It would not stay running. I took it to a local shop, and they told me the issue was I was using fuel with a high ethanol content. They drained the fuel and all seems good now. How could that happen? Is the gas station responsible for the problem?

A: It is possible that there was some cross contamination at the station and E85 (85% ethanol) ended up in the wrong tank. But what could also have happened is – depending on the gas station – if the station pumps don’t have a dedicated E85 pump and you were only filling a small gas can, the residual E85 in the hose (could be up to half a gallon) mixed with and contaminated the regular fuel. I usually fill my gas can when I fill my car with gas, but I do it after I refuel my car. This way there is no chance that the gas can will have anything other than regular (low ethanol) fuel.

How do the gas engine and batteries work together in Honda hybrid?

Q: I have a 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid and am hoping that you can explain two things about it. First, I don't understand how the gasoline engine and the batteries work together. Second, there's a button to put it into EV mode, but then it only goes at most a mile, so what's the benefit of that option?

A: This hybrid system uses the gasoline engine for three distinct purposes: to power the generator to supply electricity for the drive motor; to flow power directly to the front wheels to move the vehicle; and to charge the hybrid battery pack.

The electric motor also provides instant torque at zero RPM and allows for seamless operation of the idle start/stop system. The EV-only mode is designed to operate for short distances for speeds generally no higher than 30 miles per hour.

To me, the EV mode is more of a novelty than a useful function. Under the normal hybrid mode, the gasoline engine and electric motor work together to maximize both engine performance and economy.

What is causing lights to flutter on Chevy truck?

Q: My 10-year-old Chevy truck has an issue with all the lights fluttering. They go slightly from normal to brighter to slightly dimmer. It is noticeable, but just barely. So far, I have cleaned all the battery connections and even the battery cable where it attaches to the body, but nothing changed. What could be wrong?

A: I suspect that the alternator is faulty. You can test this with a digital multimeter. In this case you want to set your meter to read AC volts. Take your measurements at the battery while the engine is warmed up with the headlights and defroster turned on to put a load on the electrical system.

When performing the test, If there is more than 0.1-0.5 volts of AC ripple, then the alternator is most likely faulty and should be replaced.

John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email [email protected] and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook .

Don’t Hit the Road Without This RV Setup Checklist

A re you preparing to hit the road in your RV? Are you looking for a way to prepare your rig so it will perform like new all throughout your road trip?

The road trip preparation or RV setup checklist for taking your RV on the road is extensive and covers a variety of topics. Don’t leave out important steps because you didn’t realize they were necessary. To help you get ready and ensure you have everything covered, continue reading to learn about common RV safety checks.

Check Your RV’s Exterior

Before you embark on your next adventure, take a moment to conduct a thorough inspection of your RV’s exterior. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or rust, that might cause problems down the line.

Don’t overlook the condition of your tires, either; ensure they’re properly inflated to the correct PSI and have ample tread depth. Remember, no road trip should start without ensuring your vehicle is road-worthy.

Inspect the Interior

Next, take a tour inside your RV. Check all the appliances to ensure they’re working correctly.

Don’t forget the small details, like testing all the lights and ensuring the windows and doors open and close properly. If you’re planning on using a camper trailer and RV rental , these items will likely be checked for you, but it’s always good to double-check.

Plumb the Depths

Plumbing is critical in an RV, so make sure every faucet and drain is functioning as it should. Check for leaks and make sure the water heater is working. If you’re going somewhere with freezing temperatures, ensure your pipes are appropriately insulated to prevent freezing.

Essential Utilities

Your RV’s electrical system is the lifeblood of your home-on-wheels. Check your batteries, test the generator, and ensure all outlets are working. It’s also a good idea to make sure your propane system is functioning properly, as it powers many critical appliances.

Safe and Sound

Safety is paramount when RVing. Check your fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector to ensure they’re all in working order. Also, ensure your first-aid kit is stocked with up-to-date supplies.

Stock the Kitchen

Whether you’re a gourmet chef or a microwave meal maestro, you’ll want to make sure your RV’s kitchen is stocked for your road trip. Remember to bring along any necessary utensils, cookware, and foodstuffs.

Comforts of Home

Don’t forget about your living space! Make sure your sleeping arrangements are comfortable and that you have enough blankets for cooler nights. Also, make sure your entertainment system is working properly for those rainy days.

Adventure Gear

If your road trip includes outdoor adventures like hiking or fishing, make sure you pack all the necessary gear. Bring rain gear for unexpected weather, sunblock for sunny days, and bug spray for those pesky mosquitoes.

Hit the Road Confidently With an RV Setup Checklist

Having an RV setup checklist can save you time, money, and stress while on the road. With proper preparation and organization, your RV campsite adventure can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. So don’t hit the road without this essential checklist – download it now and make your next trip a success!

If you’re eager to dive deeper into other interesting topics, we have plenty more to share! Visit our website for a wealth of articles, guides, and discussions on this topic and more.

This article is published by NYTech in collaboration with Syndication Cloud.

San Francisco Giants' Six-Game Florida Road Trip Will Show Team's True Status

After getting a much-needed victory at home before an off day, the San Francisco Giants are starting their road trip that will give an idea about if they can contend or not.

• Author: Brad Wakai

In this story:

The San Francisco Giants had one of the most under-the-radar offseasons after signing some of the biggest names who were available on the market.

Getting Korean phenom Jung Hoo Lee, the reigning NL Cy Young Winner Blake Snell, and one of the best third baseman in the game Matt Chapman, lifted up the profile of their roster to the point where there were expectations for them to compete for a playoff spot.

But things haven't quite gone to plan so far.

They sit with a 5-8 record and needed a strong performance on Wednesday to avoid being swept by the Washington Nationals .

Maybe that's what gets the Giants going after they took a much different approach on the base paths and got another great pitching performance from Jordan Hicks.

But heading into this six-game Florida road trip where they face the Tampa Bay Rays starting Friday and the Miami Marlins after that series is complete, this will truly give an idea about if they can contend or not.

The Rays are always formidable, but they don't quite have that magical aura around them like they've had in years past. They currently sit at 7-6 with offensive numbers around the middle of the league and pitching numbers much worse than their previous iterations.

Tampa Bay is gettable, and if the Giants are going to truly compete in a loaded National League, they need to show that they can win these types of games.

Following those three contests, they'll head south to take on the Marlins who have the worst record in the MLB entering Friday's action.

San Francisco needs to dominate this series, certainly winning it, but with the aim of sweeping.

Good teams beat the bad teams and are also able to compete with other good teams.

That's what the Giants have on this road trip as they get set to face the Rays in a matchup that is winnable before hitting Miami where they should leave victorious.

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