Whether you’re packing the car for a weekend trip or loading up the RV for a cross-country adventure, a road trip packing list helps your ride go smoothly. Planning what to bring on a road trip is as important as charting the right course. Here are some road trip essentials to bring on your next adventure.
Road Trip Essentials
Comfortable Travel Clothes
The right clothes make a road trip a much more enjoyable experience. Be sure to bring along the following:
-
Loose-fitting pants and shirts made from breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen, help you stay comfortable during long-distance drives. Add an easy-to-layer jacket in case the weather changes.
-
Closed-toe shoes with thin soles and a good grip for safe use of the brake and accelerator pedals. Pack sandals and flip-flops for excursions, but don’t wear them while driving.
-
Polarized sunglasses help you see better in bright light or when it's raining. Travel with a spare pair of sunglasses, as they’re easy to lose.
Car-Friendly Snacks
Snacks are essential for road trips, especially when food options along your route are limited. Pack dry foods that don’t require refrigeration, such as trail mix, beef jerky, and granola bars. Bring a small cooler, such as the Travelpro® Essentials™ 2-in-1 Travel Tote & Cooler, for fresh fruit, water bottles, or prepared sandwiches. Avoid high-sodium foods that make you thirsty, and steer clear of crumbly, sloppy foods that can leave a mess in the car.
Even if you think you’ve packed everything you need, bring cash for vending machines or other impulse buys along the way. You never know when you’ll drive past a restaurant or café you want to try.
Emergency Gear
Hopefully, you won't need it, but a first aid kit is one of the most important things to bring on a road trip, especially if you’re driving through remote areas. Bring some basic automotive supplies as well, including:
-
Spare tire (get your tires inspected before the trip, including the spare tire)
-
Jumper cables or an emergency jump pack
-
Extra oil and windshield wiper fluid
-
Car jack and lug wrench
-
Tire gauge
-
Roadside emergency kit
-
Snow shovel and ice scraper (for winter or mountain driving)
Emergency Gear
Remember to pack your phone or tablet charger before you hit the open road, and keep an extra one in your car. Most car models now come with USB charging ports, but if you're driving an older model, pick up a USB car charger adapter. Portable chargers are great backups that ensure you won't run out of battery during trip activities. If you’re using your phone’s GPS, a hands-free phone holder makes navigating easier and safer.
Emergency Gear
You’ll want to pack a toiletry bag to take with you to your destination. Keep it handy in the car so you can freshen up along the way.
Helpful Extras
In addition to road trip essentials, here are some items that add enjoyment and comfort to your trip:
-
A travel pillow and blankets
-
Cash for toll booths and unexpected attractions that are cash-only
-
Travel mugs
-
Games for kids (avoid games with small pieces, which are easy to lose)
-
Headphones so passengers can enjoy music or podcasts without disturbing their fellow travelers
-
Hand sanitizer, tissues, and wipes
-
Trash bags to keep the car tidy
-
Travel-sized umbrellas
-
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Luggage For Your Road Trip
Staying organized on your road trip helps avoid delays or having to pull over to dig through your luggage in search of what you need. Duffel bags are great for road trips, and with the Travelpro Roadtrip 30-inch Drop-Bottom Rolling Duffel, you can strategically sort your road trip essentials in separate cubes for each leg of your journey, or assign a cube to each passenger in the car. The perfect companion to a duffle is atravel backpack, designed to keep laptops and tablets safe on the road with built-in protection.
