The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List with 32 Essentials
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Are you planning a road trip but not sure what to pack? Look no further! In this blog post, I’ll cover all the essentials you’ll need for a comfortable and safe journey on the road. From snacks and entertainment to car maintenance supplies and safety gear, I’ll make sure you don’t forget a thing. So, grab your bags, and let’s hit the road!
TLDR: Check out my road trip essential storefront for a quick look at the roundup!
Road Trip Packing List
Convenience Essentials to Pack for a Road Trip
1. Car Phone Mount
How do people even road trip without these? Seriously, life-changing. My favorite car phone mount has a sensor that opens and closes automatically, so you can place your phone with one hand like a pro. Oh, and it’s also a wireless charger—talk about a two-for-one win!
2. Car Charger
Not a fan of the 2-in-1 mount? No problem! This dual-port charger is great for keeping your gadgets juiced up. And for the techies (hi, it’s me), there’s a six-port USB charger for your phone, camera, GoPro, and whatever else needs power on the go.
3. Travel Trash Can
Road trip mess? No, thanks. Keep things tidy with grocery bags or go all out with a car trash can that straps to your console or seatback. It doubles as storage, too. Fancy and functional!
4. Wet Wipes
Let’s be real—there’s always a moment when wet wipes save the day. Whether it’s sticky hands, spills, or just a quick refresh, these little lifesavers are non-negotiable.
5. Snacks
Road trip rule #1: Never run out of snacks. I pack a mini cooler with veggies (like cucumbers and carrots) and my go-to, white cheddar popcorn. Light, guilt-free, and oh-so-satisfying.
6. Mini Cooler
Speaking of snacks, a mini cooler is a must! Not just for the road—think beach stops or picnics. Backpack coolers are my fave because they’re easy to carry and totally cute.
7. Car Laptop Adapter
I know some people get car sick if they try working from their laptops, but I find some of my productivity peaks while I’m a passenger on a road trip. This adapter ensures your laptop won’t go dead in the midst of your productive streak!
8. Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration is key! I’m obsessed with my Owala water bottle—they have so many fun colors and I love that I can drink with the straw or normal. Find one you love, and it’ll be your BFF for the trip.
9. Car Air Freshener
No one wants a funky-smelling car. Febreze air fresheners are my go-to (the Hawaiian scent screams vacay), but if you’re into aesthetics, these daisy-shaped ones are the cutest.
10. Gum
My boredom-snacking cure. Chewing gum keeps me from mindlessly munching, and I always stock up on my fave—Green Stride. Trust me, it’s the best.
11. A Good Book or Kindle
Road trips are perfect for getting lost in a great story. Colleen Hoover fans, unite! Her books always have me on the edge of my seat, and a Kindle makes it easy to bring your whole library along.
12. Nail Clipper Kit
Ever needed scissors or tweezers mid-trip? Same. I finally got a cute travel nail kit, and now it’s a packing essential. It’s tiny, adorable, and has everything you need.
13. Rain Repellent
Rainy drives? Nope. A windshield water repellent is my secret weapon for staying stress-free in bad weather. It works like magic to keep your view crystal clear.
Comfy Essentials to Pack for a Road Trip
14. Pillow
Call me old-school, but I just bring my favorite pillow from home. Some folks swear by neck pillows, and if you’re in that camp, I’ve got you covered—this memory foam pillow is a game-changer! It’s adjustable, so you can customize your support (because comfort is a non-negotiable).
15. Blankie
Let’s be real, no road trip is complete without a cozy blankie. Any blanket will do, but this one? It’s next-level. It folds into its own carrying case (that doubles as a pillow!) and even has a hook to attach to your bag. Functional and snuggly.
16. Eye Mask
Daytime naps in the car? Yes, please! An eye mask can block out that glaring sun, and I’ve linked some cute and funny options—bonus: both come with earplugs for max zen.
17. Hat
Hair looking less road-trip-chic and more hot mess? A cute hat saves the day. My go-tos are this cap with a little pineapple and this one that says “be kind.” They’re adorable, come in a variety of colors, and are a stylish way to say, “I totally planned this look.”
18. Comfy Car Shoes
Whether you’re a tennis shoe loyalist, a flip-flop fanatic, or someone who prioritizes slipper-level comfort like me, make sure your feet are happy. These cozy slippers are perfect for those who travel with the AC on full blast.
19. Sunglasses
No squinting allowed on this adventure! A must for any road trip packing list. My favorite brand is Diff—they have killer aviators (shoutout to the Dash collection) and an awesome mission: every purchase donates a pair of reading glasses to someone in need. Win-win!
If you’re looking for a cheaper pair, I also am obsessed with these ones from Amazon!
Hygiene + Beauty Road Trip Essentials
20. Toothbrush + Toothpaste
Freshen up on the go with a little travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste set. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself at those random pit stops. Keep it handy in your purse or a travel bag!
21. Lip Balm
Pro tip: Not all lip products are created equal. My aesthetician turned me onto this avocado oil-packed lip enhancer, and I’m obsessed. Say goodbye to dry, chapped lips!
22. Lotion
Long hours in the car = dry skin (especially when Remi is constantly blasting the AC). Pack a travel-sized lotion to keep your hands and skin happy.
23. Rose Water Mist
Feeling bleh mid-drive? A quick spritz of rose water mist is like hitting the refresh button for your face. This one by Mario Badescu is a fan favorite for good reason.
If you’re curious about the benefits rose water has, here are 10 of them!
24. Dry Shampoo
Road trip hair don’t care? Not so fast! Greasy locks have met their match with my trusty dry shampoo. My fave is Not Your Mother’s, but I keep a mini Batiste for easy packing.
25. Hairbrush
Tangles happen. Keep a mini brush in your bag for quick touch-ups!
26. Deodorant
Let’s not sugarcoat it—nobody wants a stinky copilot. My secret weapon? Men’s Degree. It works better than any women’s deodorant I’ve tried, hands down.
Emergency Essentials for a Road Trip
27. Roadside Emergency Kit
Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but being prepared is a must. This pink roadside kit is my go-to because, duh, it’s cute and functional. It includes everything from jumper cables to a safety hammer (glass-breaking and seatbelt-cutting hero).
28. AAA Membership
For just $70/year, AAA has your back. Peace of mind—especially when doing a road trip—is priceless, and the discounts on hotels, restaurants, and more are the cherry on top.
Not Essential, But Totally Handy
29. Hook Purse Holder
Keep your purse (or any bag) off the floor and within arm’s reach with this clever hook that attaches to the back of the seat. Bonus points for being super handy for groceries post-road trip!
30. Visor Sunglasses + Credit Card Holder
No more digging around for your shades or fumbling for your card at the drive-thru. This dual-purpose holder makes your essentials easily accessible for sunny pit stops and gas station runs.
31. Vent Sauce Clip Holder
Calling all messy dippers (guilty). This sauce clip is the real MVP—secure your dipping sauce right on the car vent and enjoy nugget bliss without the chaos. This may not be something you expect to see on a road trip packing list, but I’m tellin ya, it comes in handy!
32. Visor Tissue Holder
Because sneezes happen. This simple addition keeps tissues within easy reach, so you’re always prepared without taking your eyes off the road.
Bonus Road Trip Tips
- Preload Your Playlist: Before hitting the road, make sure to download your favorite music and podcasts. There’s nothing worse than losing service mid-song or podcast cliffhangers—especially in those no-signal mountain zones!
- Comfy Clothes for the Win: Comfort is key! Loose-fitting pants are a great option, with plenty of styles and colors to choose from. Prefer a form-fitting look? These leggings are not only super comfy but also have a handy side pocket for your phone (and are a budget-friendly Lululemon dupe!).
- Pack an Easy-Access Bag: A cute backpack or travel tote bag is perfect for keeping your road trip essentials—snacks, toothbrush, nail clippers, or even a travel brush—within arm’s reach. Go for something with an open design or easy-access pockets for ultimate convenience.
Feeling ready after this road trip packing list?!
And there you have it—everything you need to pack for a road trip to keep it comfy, convenient, and totally stress-free! Whether you’re cruising down the coast or heading into the mountains, being prepared with these essentials ensures you’ll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the journey. Safe travels and happy road-tripping!
Before you go, check out our road trip adventures through California, Arizona, Utah, Southeast US, and New England 🙂 And if you want more travel tips check out:
