Don’t forget any essentials with these expert road trip packing tips and your free road trip packing lists.
There may be affiliate links in this post, which means we may get a small commission if you make a purchase. It’s at no extra cost to you and helps keep TLT free. Everybody wins!
You’re ready for your next road trip. You’ve planned your route, downloaded your audio books, set up your playlist, and have your keys in hand.
But wait! You may think you’re ready to hit the road, but before you get behind the wheel, make sure you’ve got everything you need to truly make this trip one to remember – and I mean that in a good way.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to packing for a road trip, including basic packing tips, important road trip essentials, and some tips on packing your vehicle.
Road Trip Essentials
Basic Packing Tips
Roll, roll, roll. Rolling your clothes helps keep them wrinkle-free-ish. Plus, when they’re rolled, they magically take up less space.
The key to rolling is to put the bulky items on the outside and the lighter, less wrinkle-prone items on the inside. Or you can roll each item individually.
Layers. Pack layers, especially if you’re going someplace with fluctuating temperatures. Layers are also cool because you can get multiple outfits out of a limited number of clothing items.
Coordinate your colors. Pack colors that work together so you can mix and match.
Don’t be afraid to do laundry. Yes, it’s a vacation, but if you’ve got limited space, or you’re taking an epic trip, cleaning your clothes along the way means you won’t have to pack as many.
Related: download Planning Your Perfect Road Trip
Use packing cubes to save space and organize clothing. My mom’s been a fan of packing cubes forever, but I wasn’t sold on them until I started using them. They both compress your clothes into a tiny little package, and you can organize them in a way that makes sense for you.
On shorter trips, I’ll pack them by type of clothing, i.e., shirts, pajamas, etc. On longer trips, I’ll pack a couple of days’ worth of clothes in each cube. That way I don’t have to lug the giant suitcase when we switch accommodations.
Use all available space. Stuff your shoes with your socks or other smaller items.
Pack toiletries in a separate bag. Especially if you’re going on a longer trip, you’ll want to pack your toiletries in their own bag.
Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Walt Whitman
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.
Discover more travel quotes
Road Trip Essentials
When you’re putting together your road trip packing list, especially if you’re planning a long road trip, there are a few important things you don’t want to forget. Bringing these items helps ensure you have a happy vacation.
Many of these basic road trip essentials can be stored in your trunk organizer or in your center console so next time you want to take off and go, you can.
It seems like a lot of stuff, but much of it is compact. You decide what’s essential for you.
Car Essentials for a Road Trip
These basics are things you should have in your vehicle, or with you, at all times.
Paper Maps
GPS is wonderful, and most of the time you can count on it to get you where you want to go. However, when you’re road tripping you’re probably going to be driving in remote areas and that signal can disappear.
This is especially true if you’re visiting National Parks. Plus GPS eats up your smart phone battery like Chicagoans eat Italian beef.
That’s why it’s always good to have paper maps. If you plan on traveling a lot by car, invest in an atlas. Rand McNally is pretty much the standard.
If you get a AAA membership, they’ll give you paper maps, too.
TLTip: Look for visitors centers and rest stops. They’ll often have free road maps that will have more detail than an atlas. While you’re there you can pick up brochures for local attractions and, if the stop is staffed, get some advice on fun places to go.
Flashlights
I like to have at least one flashlight per person and to keep one in the glove compartment or center console. If you have to get into the trunk to get the flashlight when it’s already dark then you’re, well, in the dark.
Batteries
Pack a set of back-up batteries for that flashlight.
Trunk Organizer
You’re going to need a place to put all these road trip essentials. Getting a trunk organizer will keep it all together and prevent it from rolling around like a toddler.
One of the nice things about using a trunk organizer is that you can easily move it if you get a rental car for your trip.
Want even more road trip tips? Download Planning Your Perfect Road Trip
Drivers License, Vehicle Registration, and Proof of Insurance
You should have these anyway, but when you’re planning a road trip there’s a lot to keep in mind. Consider this a gentle reminder.
Vehicle Manual
Although it’s usually in your glove box, go ahead and confirm the car manual is there before you leave. It’ll come in handy if you need to replace a turn signal light or a flat tire.
Spare Tire + Car Jack
Speaking of flat tire, make sure you’ve got a spare tire and you know how to change it. Depending on where you’re going, you might not be able to get someone to help. If we’d gotten a flat on Burr Trail Road, we definitely would have had to change it ourselves!
Roadside Emergency Kit
If you have a car, this is a must whether you’re going on a road trip or not! (Say yes, mom.)
There are various roadside emergency kits available, but at the bare minimum you’ll want to have jumper cables, a flashlight, flares or triangle reflectors, extra washer fluid, and some basic tools.
You can create your own emergency roadside kit, or you can purchase one that’s pre-made.
Related: how to take your bikes on a road trip
Trash Receptacle and Trash Bag
Next time you get a plastic bag from the grocery store put it back in the car after it’s been emptied. Better yet, get a trash can that’s specifically designed for a vehicle.
You’re going to accumulate wrappers and papers and JUNK, and now you’ve got a place to put all of it.
Paper Towels
Keep a roll handy to clean up any messes. Because there will be messes. Oh yes. There will.
Cash
Definitely bring real money with you. There are still places that only take cash. Plus, it’s a good idea to have a backup in case your credit cards are compromised during your road trip.
Before you go, download Roadtrippers. It’s a cool app that’ll help you plan your trip and will quickly become one of your road trip essentials.
Sign up with Roadtrippers Plus
save $5 with code BTR5QTP
Pen and Paper
Sure, you’ve got everything on your cell phone, but make sure you always have pen and paper with you. Technology fails, so have old-school backups.
Reusable Shopping Bag
A reusable shopping bag comes in super handy. Carrying stuff to a picnic table? Put it in the bag. Stocking up at ALDI? You’ll need your own bag or you’ll have to buy one. Plus, you’ll avoid using plastic bags, which is better for the environment.
Tech Essentials for a Road Trip
Car Phone Charger
You never know when you’re going to find an outlet, so your best bet is to get a car charger. I recommend getting an inverter with two USB outlets.
Not only can both the driver and passenger charge at the same time, but you can also plug in other electronics.
Power Bank
In addition to the charger for your car, bring a power bank so you can charge your phone when you’re out and about.
Hands-Free Phone Holder
Be safe on the road and dock your phone in a hands-free phone holder. Some states have restrictions on whether or not you can put them on the windshield, so one that fits into a vent makes sure you can be hands-free without getting in trouble.
Nobody wants to get in trouble on a road trip.
Small Power Strip
A small power strip, ideally with USB ports, helps when you’re in a hotel room with multiple devices to charge.
Bluetooth Speaker
A small Bluetooth speaker comes in handy when you want to have some tunes at your picnic table or campsite. (Just be mindful of others. Boombox days are long gone.)
GasBuddy App
Before you go, sign up for GasBuddy and download it to your phone. This free app shows you prices for gas across the country.
Check out our complete guide to GasBuddy to see why this is one of our favorite road trip essentials.
AllTrails
Like to hike? Bike? Go for a walk? AllTrails is one of the best road trip apps and helps you discover hiking and biking trails based on where you’re located.
You can read reviews, store trails you’d like to explore, and record the hikes you do take. You can choose to make your hikes public, or keep them private.
The basic app is free. Download the pro version to:
- Download maps to stay on track without service
- Never miss a turn with off-route notifications
- Keep friends and family informed with Lifeline
- Know what to expect with real-time map overlays
- 1% of every subscription goes back to the planet
Road Trip Food and Drink
Snacks
Everyone knows snacks have no calories when you’re on a road trip. While it’s tempting to live on chips, candy, and other gas station foods, don’t throw all your dietary cautions out the window.
On our epic month-long trips I’ve made a big bucket of trail mix and include some single-portion containers. (Otherwise we’d eat the whole bucket in one sitting.)
Other great road trip food ideas include:
- Fruit – think apples, pears, and grapes instead of messy fruits like peaches and oranges
- Sliced vegetables and hummus
- Protein bars
- Granola bars
- Cheese, lunchmeat, and bread
- Tortillas or wraps and nut butters. I love Betsy’s Best.
Water
Have you seen how expensive plastic water bottles are at gas stations? Yowza. Skip that mess. Fill a large container or two.
Refillable Water Bottles
Bring refillable water bottles. You’ll save a ton of money and the environment.
I particularly love a double-walled stainless steel insulated reusable water bottle. These keep your water cold and your coffee hot. If you want both handy, bring a separate insulated travel mug.
A Really Good Cooler
Speaking of saving money on a road trip, a good cooler is one of the best investments you can make.
Cut up some veggies and pack some lunch meat and cheese and you can make sandwiches on the go. That’s much better for you and cheaper than fast food.
You can also throw in your beverage of choice.
TLTip: Instead of buying ice, which melts quickly and makes everything soggy, fill an empty gallon most of the way with water and freeze it before you go. The large block won’t melt as quickly, and once it does you’ve got drinking water!
I’m a big fan of Coleman Xtreme coolers. After three days in 90-degree weather, the chicken broth I’d brought on our honeymoon camping trip was still frozen.
If you’ve got a long drive, you’ll get into your cooler more often. Bring a small cooler for that day’s drinks, snacks, and other meals. To keep everything both cold and dry, fill a small bag with ice instead of dumping the ice in the cooler.
Collapsible Containers
Collapsible food containers are road trip essentials because you can efficiently stow them when you’re done eating. They’re also good for any leftovers you might have when you do eat out.
Reusable Utensils
Grab a set of reusable utensils to keep in the car. You can get an inexpensive three-piece BPA-free plastic cutlery set or a sturdier titanium cutlery set.
Personal Care Road Trip Essentials
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer has always been a road trip necessity, but now it’s even more vital. Bring a large bottle and keep a refillable smaller container of hand sanitizer in your center console or your glove box so you can access it quickly.
Face Masks
The reality is that face masks are now an essential road trip item. They save lives, and are required in many areas. Keep a batch of disposable face masks handy.
Disinfecting Wipes
Always a camping essential, disinfecting wipes are a necessity for road trips, too.
Baby Wipes
Keep some wet wipes in your car. With these road trip essentials, you can clean up anywhere, any time. They’re gentle enough for a baby’s bottom, so they’re going to be gentle enough for your hands and your face.
First Aid Kit
You don’t need a big first aid kit, and you can even make one yourself. I picked up a pencil case and added bandages, cotton swabs, gauze, an Ace bandage, tweezers, small scissors, a cold/hot compress and triple antibiotic cream.
Prescription Medicines
Figure out how much you’ll need of any prescribed medication, then bring extra. You’ll also want to bring refill information and your doctors’ contact details.
Pain Medicine
We also bring along a small bottle of ibuprofen and migraine-strength medicine for Mr. TLT. If you prefer to buy one, Amazon’s got a wide selection of First Aid Kits.
Insect Repellant
Who loves bugs? Nobody. Unless you’re a bird. Or an entomologist. Even if you do study bugs for a living, you probably don’t want them in your car, your tent, or on your body.
Bug Soother is my bug spray of choice. It’s all-natural and smells fantastic.
Hat
Hats come in handy when you’re having a bad hair day, but more importantly, they protect your head, face, and neck from getting sunburned.
Sunglasses
Protect your peepers and bring some good sunglasses.
Sunscreen
No matter where or when you’re traveling, or what your skin tone is, always have sunscreen handy. I’m a fan of sunscreen spray, but you definitely want to apply this when you’re not inside the car (unless you want everyone to be inhaling it for the next however many miles).
I usually apply more whenever we stop for a restroom or meal break.
Aloe vera or sunburn remedy
In case the sunscreen doesn’t work, or you forget to apply it, or you’re in the desert in July.
Drink Tabs/Electrolytes
If you plan on being active, bring drink tabs, especially if you’re going to be doing some vigorous hiking, biking, or climbing. Drop them in your water bottle and up your hydration level.
Umbrella
Hoping for sunny days won’t make it happen, so be prepared and pack an umbrella.
Rain Poncho
Umbrellas are great for limited coverage, but if you really want to stay dry, put on a rain poncho.
Travel Pillow
Avoid a crick in your neck with a travel pillow.
Blanket
There’s no need to be uncomfortable in the car. Get cozy with a comfy blanket.
Towels
In case you do get rained on, or if you shower at a campground or truck stop, bring a towel.
Toilet Paper
Ya’ know. Just in case.
Day Pack
Bring a day pack for any exploring you want to do so you can store your snacks, water, drink tabs, sunscreen, lip balm, poncho, backup battery chargers for your phone, and whatever other essentials you need when you take a day hike.
Folding Camp Chairs
If you’re taking a longer trip, make sure to bring folding camp chairs. These are especially good if you want to stop for a picnic.
A Flexible Attitude
This – THIS – is by far THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO PACK.
Yes, I’m screaming at you. I feel that strongly about this: of all of these road trip essentials, a flexible attitude is the most important. If you can’t be flexible then a road trip probably isn’t for you.
But if you can be flexible, if you can take any hiccups and turn them into bonuses, then you’re up for an amazing experience.
Just like at a wedding, when you’re on a road trip something always happens. Things don’t always go according to plan, no matter how much you’ve planned things out.
Roll with it, and by the time you get home, you’ll have some unforgettable memories and a much richer life.
How to pack your car for a road trip
Organizing your vehicle for a road trip is a personal thing. For me, it’s a game of Tetris and I get a distinct feeling of glee when I’ve filled the trunk or the back of the SUV to capacity.
Other people would get hives looking at the way I stack things like they’re a bunch of building blocks.
I’m not going to give you a schematic or tell you the best way to arrange your stuff. I can, however, provide some general guidelines to help you cart all your things around in a logical way.
Store things you want to keep handy in your glove box, center console, and door pockets:
- Small hand sanitizer
- Baby wipes/wet wipes
- Face masks
- Paper maps
- Itinerary with confirmation numbers
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect Repellant
Put your small cooler behind the center console or the driver’s seat. This gives the passenger easy access to your cold drinks and snacks.
Put it on the passenger seat if you’re traveling solo. Don’t put it on the floor – you don’t want to try bending over to get a cool drink while you’re driving.
If it’s hot out and you’re driving a sedan, keep your large cooler inside the vehicle (unless you have other passengers, of course). If not, you can keep it in the trunk or the back of the SUV because you won’t be accessing it often.
Keep a trash bin or a plastic bag within easy reach as well. Those plastic cereal containers work well for shorter trips. We’ve used pet food containers for longer journeys.
If you’re taking a long trip, have a separate overnight bag for toiletries, pajamas, and possibly, a change of clothes. That way you don’t have to dig through all your stuff when you stop for the night.
Know where your First Aid kit is located. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but if you do, you want to put your hands on it quickly.
Keep like with like, e.g., store eating things, like dishes, utensils, seasonings, in the same container.
Store any non-perishable food items in a plastic bin so things like chips, bread, and bananas don’t get squished.
If you’re planning your adventure, pin this road trip essentials guide for later!
