Nothing beats hitting the open road, with the windows down, cool air flowing in, and watching the changes of scenery as you travel down the highway! I love road trips, they are such a fun way to pass the time, and create wonderful lasting memories! The possibilities are endless: mountains, fall foliage, twist and turn roads, ocean views, and more.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country trip, I have gathered some essential road trip items you might want to pack for your trip! Check out these 8 must have items for your next road trip! Some you might already know, others might come in handy!
Must Have Items For Your Next Road Trip
Maps
Make sure that you buy a paper map of the area you might be traveling through. I recommend this as some areas might be a dead zone for your phone, and if you don’t have any store or place to stop and ask for directions you could get lost easily. I always keep a map tucked in the back seat, for just in case. Downloading an app for navigation is great or using GoogleMaps or Mapquest Route Planner works great too for smartphone users!
Snacks and Drinks
Load up a soft sided cooler with drinks and any snacks you might want along the way. This is a great way to save money from buying expensive snacks and drinks at gas stations. Also, pack some sandwiches to save from eating out if you want. Some good snack options are nuts, dried fruit (love these freeze dried blueberries), jerky of choice, cheese sticks vegan or non vegan, veggies, licorice, these sea snax stix we cannot stop snacking on too and they are so healthy, etc.
First Aid Kit
Whether you buy a pre-made first aid kit or create your own, this is great to have on hand. Have items like anti-nausea, anti-diarrhea, headache relief, gas medicine, band-aids, etc. You never know what could happen from feeling ill to falling and getting hurt. If you ever need one, you will be thankful to have it on hand.
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Camera
Make sure to grab that camera, for capturing beautiful sunsets, scenery and more along the way! Nothing better than capturing those special moments, so you can save back and put in a photo album to look back on! You have only so much space on your phone to store photos, you don’t want to risk running out of room!
Comfy Clothes, Pillows, and Blankets
Make sure that if you are traveling with family, you have items like travel pillows and blankets for along the way. If you are traveling a long way, wear and pack comfy clothes for in the car. After a little while, you might be loving all those comfort items you have. It makes it great for when you don’t agree on a temperature for the car, those chilly can cover up for a little warmth!
Power Inverter
If you have children, make sure to pack a power inverter. This will help you not run out of battery life on those tablets, handheld gaming systems, or other gadgets that are keeping your children entertained along the way! This plugs right into your cigarette lighter for a plug in to charge up your electronics.
Car Maintenance and Survival Items
Make sure to pack extra washer fluid, oil, brake, and transmission fluid, etc. These items might come in handy if your car runs low or you have a breakdown. Also, pack some flashlights, a flare gun, etc in case you get stranded along the way.
Variation on Clothes For Weather Changes
Make sure that when you are packing up your suitcases you pack items for cooler and warmer temperatures. You don’t want the forecast to say it will be warmer, only to find out it is pretty chilly that day and you only have warmer clothing. So try and pack minimally but also an item or two in case the weather forecast is wrong.
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Some great ideas of what to include when on a road trip! I really like the idea of packing comfy clothes to wear in the car – especially for the kids. We also pack a bag for emergencies which has the first aid kit plus some bin bags, a loo roll, some spare change, our phone numbers written out inacse our phone batteries die, some cutlery, sick bags and a notepad and pen!
Thanks for the idea of bin bags, spare change, etc. Those are also great tips, Sarah.
Thanks for this! I will diffidently use this list when I start packing for my next road trip.
Glad you found it helpful Gigi.
Great list! I think that paper maps are becoming under rated now. I have been grateful to have them on several trips!
They are Mary-Ellen, however they should not be underestimated. When technology fails and your phone or tablet needs charging or one is not getting reception in the area, there is nothing like a good ole paper map to help get us through. 🙂
This is such a great idea!With kiddos something that has saved the car were cups. Tons of small cups that fit into the cupholders that I can use to dispense snacks or legos or crayons or anything else that will potentially end up on the floor. Let’s face it….lots of it will end of there anyway but this really helps a lot!
That is such a great idea Bri. I usually have them in case the kids need to tinkle on the way as well. In case there is no rest stop in sight, it comes in handy. Thanks for the tips to help keep the car organized and clean while traveling with the kiddos.