19 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials To Bring On Your Next Adventure

January 22, 2025
A woman with some road trip essentials in her car

Planning the perfect road trip is all about having the right essentials by your side. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, your packing list can make or break your journey. The art of road trip packing has been refined over countless miles to help you avoid those “I wish I had brought that” moments.

Consider this your ultimate road trip essentials checklist, carefully curated to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and memorable journey. Get ready to hit the road with confidence, knowing you’re fully prepared for whatever adventures await.

1. Books/Audiobooks/Podcasts

Want to know what can make or break your journey? Entertainment. You’ll never feel the magic of a road trip quite like when you’re cruising down an open highway, lost in the latest psychological thriller audiobook (grab The Silent Patient for your next drive).

Pro tip: download your content before hitting the road because that mountain pass won’t have cell service when you’re dying to know the ending! When you’re riding shotgun, there’s something soul-soothing about reading a physical book while the landscape rolls by.

The perfect road trip formula? Queue up true crime podcasts for daytime driving and switch to lighthearted audiobooks for those drowsy sunrise hours.

2. Chargers (phone, camera, etc)

Here’s a scenario you’ll want to avoid: being lost in rural Montana with a dead phone and no charger in sight. Level up your charging game before hitting the road! Your travel arsenal needs more than just basic cables.

Grab a solid portable power bank (look for 20,000mAh minimum) and a multi-port car charger for the win. Want a foolproof system? Keep one set of cables permanently in your car, while another set stays in your overnight bag.

This simple hack will save you from those early morning hotel room searches. Remember, those seemingly endless midwestern drives will drain your devices faster than you think!

3. Pillow

Let’s talk about non-negotiables: road trip comfort. After countless miles of testing, you’ll want to trust the magic of memory foam pillows. Those inflatable travel pillows might look convenient in the store, but eight hours into your drive, you’ll be wishing for something more substantial.

Here’s a game-changing road trip hack: if you’re riding shotgun, pack your favorite pillow from home. Nothing beats familiar comfort during an impromptu rest stop nap.

Just wrap it in a dark pillowcase (coffee spills are inevitable on the road). Once you try this setup, you’ll never leave your pillow behind again, no matter how much trunk space it takes.

4. Hand Sanitizer

Any seasoned road tripper knows that keeping your hands clean on the go is one of those essential travel habits you can’t skip. Gas station bathrooms can be unpredictable, and you’ll be touching countless surfaces throughout your journey.

Keep a few travel-sized bottles within easy reach (stash one in the cup holder and another in your day bag). The best road trip essentials are the ones that multitask, so grab a sanitizer with moisturizing properties since constant use can dry out your hands.

Bonus points if you choose one with a refreshing scent that can double as a car freshener during those long stretches between rest stops.

5. Comfy Socks

Transform your car into a cozy haven with the ultimate road trip comfort essential: a pair (or three) of super-soft socks. You’ll want to kick off those shoes during long drives, and nothing feels better than sliding into a fresh pair of fluffy socks.

Pack a few different weights because your feet will crave variety after hours on the road. Compression socks are perfect for those extra-long stretches, while fuzzy ones make gas station coffee breaks feel like a luxury moment.

Keep them easily accessible in your daypack because once you embrace the comfy sock life, there’s no going back.

6. Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is crucial for any road trip adventure, and a reliable water bottle is your best friend on the open road. Skip the plastic bottles and invest in an insulated container that keeps your drinks cold for hours.

You’ll save money, reduce waste, and always have refreshment within reach. Smart travelers know to fill up at every stop because you never know when the next water fountain will appear.

Looking for a pro move? Pack a bottle with measurement markers to track your daily intake, ensuring you stay properly hydrated during those long stretches of highway.

7. Snacks

Every experienced traveler knows that road trip essentials must include a well-planned snack strategy. Skip the gas station impulse buys and pack a mix of sweet and savory treats. Trail mix, protein bars, and dried fruit will keep your energy up without the sugar crash.

Want to level up your snack game? Portion everything into grab-able containers before you leave, and keep a separate “emergency” stash for those times when you’re stuck in traffic and need a mood boost.

Remember to pack some mess-free options that won’t leave crumbs in your car’s every crevice.

8. Phone

Your phone isn’t just a device on a road trip, it’s your navigator, entertainment center, emergency kit, and memory keeper all in one. Before hitting the road, clear some storage space for photos and offline maps.

Download your favorite road trip apps while you have strong wifi, and consider setting up offline access to important documents. One of the smartest road trip essentials? A phone mount that keeps your device at eye level for safe navigation.

Remember to add emergency contacts to your favorites list for quick access.

9. Blanket

Every road trip essential kit needs a cozy blanket, whether you’re planning overnight stops or just want to stay comfortable during rest breaks. Choose something lightweight but warm, ideally in a dark color that won’t show travel wear.

Your future self will thank you when you’re watching the sunset at a scenic overlook or need an impromptu picnic blanket. Pro tip: pack a smaller throw for the car and a separate blanket for outdoor adventures.

The versatility of a good blanket makes it worth the space it takes in your trunk.

10. Slippers

Here’s a road trip essential that often gets overlooked: easy-to-slip-on footwear. You’ll want something comfy yet sturdy enough for those midnight gas station runs. Look for slippers with a proper sole because rest stop pavement isn’t always pristine.

The perfect pair should be compact enough to keep within reach but substantial enough to protect your feet. Think of them as your home comfort on the go, perfect for making every hotel room feel a bit more welcoming after a long day of driving.

11. Sunglasses

Don’t underestimate the importance of good eye protection on your road trip checklist. Squinting through hours of sun glare isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous. Invest in polarized lenses that reduce glare from other vehicles and road surfaces.

Keep them easily accessible in a dedicated spot because fumbling around for sunglasses while driving is never fun. Pack a backup pair too, because somehow sunglasses have a way of disappearing just when you need them most during those sunrise drives through the desert.

12. Headphones

Whether you’re the driver needing to take a hands-free call or the passenger wanting to watch a movie without disturbing others, quality headphones are crucial road trip essentials. Pack both wireless and wired options because technology has a funny way of failing when you least expect it.

Look for comfortable ear cups that won’t hurt during long listening sessions, and consider noise-canceling features for those noisy highway stretches. They’re also perfect for creating a peaceful bubble during rest stop breaks.

13. Gum

Beyond just fresh breath, gum is a secret weapon in your road trip arsenal. It helps keep you alert during long drives, fights ear-popping in mountainous regions, and can be a quick pick-me-up when you’re feeling drowsy.

Choose sugar-free options to protect your teeth, and pack a variety of flavors to keep things interesting. Some road trip veterans swear by mint gum for staying fresh and focused during those final miles of the day.

14. Chapstick

Your lips need extra attention during long drives, making chapstick an absolute road trip essential. Air conditioning and changing climates can leave your lips feeling parched, so keep lip balm within easy reach.

Pack several sticks because they have a mysterious way of vanishing into car seat crevices. Look for options with SPF protection, especially if you’re heading somewhere sunny.

Bonus tip: get a tinted balm that can double as subtle makeup for those quick photo stops along your route.

15. Journal

Every great road trip deserves to be documented, and while your phone can capture photos, a journal captures moments in a different way. Use it to record favorite stops, funny moments, or future travel ideas inspired by your journey.

It’s perfect for jotting down recommendations from locals or keeping track of mileage and expenses. Plus, there’s something special about holding onto a physical memory of your adventures.

Consider getting one with pockets to store ticket stubs and other paper mementos.

16. Camera

While your phone can take great shots, having a dedicated camera elevates your road trip photos to the next level. Pack a camera that balances quality with portability, and don’t forget extra memory cards and batteries.

Some of the best road trip essentials are the ones that help you preserve memories. Whether you’re capturing sunrise over the mountains or silly moments at quirky roadside attractions, you’ll treasure these high-quality photos long after the journey ends.

17. Cooler

A good cooler is like a portable kitchen for your road trip adventures. Invest in one that’s big enough to hold drinks and perishable snacks but small enough to fit comfortably in your car.

Use ice packs instead of loose ice to prevent leaks, and organize contents in stackable containers. Smart travelers know to pack items in order of use, keeping frequently needed items easily accessible.

It’s not just about keeping drinks cold; it’s about having the freedom to picnic at that perfect viewpoint you discover along the way.

18. Wet Wipes

Consider these the ultimate road trip cleanup crew. From sticky hands to spilled drinks, wet wipes handle it all. Keep multiple packs scattered throughout your car: one in the glove box, one in the center console, and one in your day bag.

They’re perfect for refreshing your face after a long stretch of driving or cleaning up after those roadside snack breaks. Once you make wet wipes part of your road trip essentials, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them.

19. Emergency Gear

Last but definitely not least in your road trip essentials kit: emergency gear that you hope never to use but should never travel without. Pack jumper cables, a first aid kit, and an emergency blanket at minimum.

Add a basic tool kit, flashlight, and portable tire inflator for extra peace of mind. Keep these items easily accessible but out of the way of your regular gear.

The best road trips are the ones where you’re prepared for anything while hoping for smooth sailing all the way.

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