Before you gas up and head to the car for your next travel experience, there are definitely some road trip essentials you need. Road trips are such a great way to travel because you can go at your own pace and also take breaks when you need to. Being able to stop when you want in the car is a wonderful way to explore new places along the journey.
One of the things I often hear from people about taking road trips is they don’t know how to stay comfortable, occupied and organized in the car. To help not only make your travels easier, but also more fun, I created a list of the best road trip necessities.
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What should I bring on a long car ride?
Since one of our family’s favorite ways to travel is by car, I have a lot of experience when it comes to this type of trip.
We drive everywhere including long weekend getaways from the Philly area, road trips to Disney World or even out west to one of my favorite resorts in Arizona.
So what road trip essentials should you pack in your car?
Some ideas for what to bring on a long car ride are: water bottles, foam tire sealant, emergency roadside kit, fire extinguisher and of course a variety of non-perishable snacks.
These items can help in case something should happen to your car during your trip, because we always want to make sure we put safety first.
If you easily sign up for my newsletter, you will be instantly able to download a fun, printable map of the US to take on your next road trip.
Make the trip even more fun by coloring in the states that you have visited as you drive along.
How do you pass time in a car?
How do you pass time in a car ride, especially when traveling with kids, can be a big question and worry for parents.
Of course kids and teens will most likely bring their electronics with them, but luckily I have some ideas for fun, non-tech road trip essentials too.
Families can play the license plate game, road trip bingo, board games, scavenger hunts, create photo journals, digital vision boards and more.
Road trips are a great opportunity to talk, bond as a family, share stories and also catch up on some sleep (unless you are the driver).
The best part of this list is that all of these accessories can be easily purchased right on Amazon, just like these best travel essentials, and most of these beauty travel essentials.
What should you not bring on a road trip?
I know this post is all about the road trip essentials you SHOULD bring, but first let’s talk about some things you should NOT bring in the car:
- leave the hard shell suitcases behind — too bulky and take up too much space
- hard to eat and sticky foods – that unfortunately means no rice krispie pops
- too many toys or big items things like bikes (unless you have a bike rack)
- foods that need to be stored or spoils quickly
- don’t overpack the car, especially if you have to stop somewhere at night and don’t want to have to unpack and repack it all
Let’s take a look at the 21 best road trip essentials you need to have, without spending a fortune.
21 Best Road Trip Essentials
Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Toiletry/Dopp Kit
Great toiletries bag that is very sturdy and stylish and comes in a variety of over 20 colors/styles.
Simple Modern 22oz Slim Cruiser Tumbler with Straw and Closing Lid Travel Mug - Gift Double Wall Vacuum Insulated - 18/8 Stainless Steel Water Bottle -Blush
Fits most cup holders, comes in over 30 colors and made to keep your favorite beverages hot or cold for hours.
This travel mug has a flip lid that closes to create a splash proof seal and 2 BPA free, reusable, plastic straws.
Knock Knock On-The-Go Game Pad 1, Travel Activity Pad for Kids, 6 x 9-inches
Perfect for the whole family, the On-the-Go Game pad is ideal for rainy days, road trips and more. Includes 5 different games with instructions.
COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone Wireless Headphones Over Ear, 30H Playtime for Travel Work TV Computer Cellphone - White
30 hours of playtime per charge in Bluetooth mode make these headphones the perfect travel essential (especially when traveling with the family).
UGG Women's Duffield Travel Set Soft Pouch
For all of your travels, this set includes a warm and incredibly soft throw, as well as a plush eye mask to match. They both come in a soft zip pouch that doubles as a pillow when packed.
Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler
This comes in two different sizes and uses your car's cigarette lighter to cool without ice. That means there is more room for food and drinks and also keeps everything fresh and dry.
Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover 0.33 oz (Pack of 2)
instantly removes food and drink stains on the go.
Anker PowerCore 10000, One of The Smallest and Lightest 10000mAh External Batteries, Ultra-Compact, High-Speed Charging Technology Power Bank for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and More
One of the smallest and lightest portable chargers. It easily fits into any pocket or bag, making it the perfect charger for when you are on the go and your phone needs a boost.
PURELL Hand Sanitizing Wipes, Alcohol Formula, Fragrance Free, 300 Count Individually Wrapped Hand Wipes - 9020-06-EC
My favorite convenient and gentle way to kill germs and stay healthy, especally when traveling.
Mad Libs on the Road
Pack your bags and hit the road with these road trip themed games.
Help create car songs, spot some historical sights or even stop at a roadside diner for lots of family fun to pass the time away.
Enovoe Car Window Shade - (4 Pack) - 21 x 14; Cling Sunshade for Car Windows - Sun, Glare and UV Rays Protection for Your Child - Baby Side Window Car Sun Shades
Get absolute sun protection and keep your car cooler thanks to this car window sun shade that blocks over 97% of harmful UV Rays.
Unisex Vintage Washed Distressed Baseball-Cap Twill Adjustable Dad-Hat
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with this comfortable baseball cap that is made of breathable, 100% high quality cotton.
Also perfect for long road trips when you are trying to hide the fact you haven't washed your hair.
EPAuto Waterproof Car Trash Can with Lid and Storage Pockets, Black
This 2.0 Gallon Capacity Big Trash Bin might help keep your car a little cleaner and more organized.
iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Dash & Windshield Car Mount Phone Holder || for iPhone, Samsung, Moto, Huawei, Nokia, LG, Smartphones
Safety first when driving! This one of a kind Easy One Touch mechanism allows you to simply mount and remove your smartphone with one simple hand motion.
ban.do Getaway Travel Neck Pillow with Removable Washable Cover, Disco Stripe
Comes in 5 different syles, and drawstring ties on each end to keep the pillow from sliding around. You can also tie it to your luggage for easy, secure travel.
My favorite part is that this travel pillow cover features a hidden zipper that allows you to remove it for cleaning.
KIND Bars, Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, 1.4 Ounce, 12 Count
Perfet snack for travel with its simple blend of Brazilian sea salt sprinkled over whole nuts and drizzled with dark chocolate.
Only 5g of sugar, gluten free, Non GMO, 0g Trans Fat and Kosher.
2 Pack Tactical Flashlight Torch, Military Grade 5 Modes XML T6 3000 Lumens Tactical Led Waterproof Handheld Flashlight for Camping Biking Hiking Outdoor Home Emergency
Waterproof, high quality and compact enough to fit in your pocket.
This flashlight takes 3 standard AAA or a single 18650 rechargeable.
53mm Round Sunglasses
Get some stylish shade with round sunglasses made with hand-polished, mottled frames. Even better is they are under $20!
First aid kit, All-Purpose aid kit and Compact Emergency kit First aid for Office, aid Kit Medical for Outdoors, Travel Medical kit, Hiking First aid kit and Camping Emergency kit, Home First aid kit.
This kit is compact yet packed with 156 useful and valuable hospital grade medical supplies. Keep in your car for those unexpected emergencies.
Kindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage & Includes Special Offers
Have an unlimited library of books with you no matter where you go.
Also has Audible, so don't forget your Bluetooth headphones in case you want to listen to your story.
Car Charger, Vogek 50W 10A 4-Port USB Car Charger with Smart Identification Compatible with Galaxy S8 /S7 / S6 / Edge/Plus, Note 5/4 – Black
Car charger that detects your device automatically to deliver its fastest possible charge speed.
Where should I go on a road trip?
There are so many wonderful road trips to take throughout the world.
If you need a little inspiration, here is a list of 10 of the world’s most spectacular road trips.
Within the USA some of my favorite road trip adventures are driving along the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara, Route 66, Page, Arizona and multiple destinations along the East Coast (Cape Cod, Boston, New York).
With all of these beautiful places to visit and road trips to take, you will always have somewhere new to explore.
Now that you know the best road trip essentials you need to have, here are some additional travel tips for you:
- What To Pack When Traveling For a Weekend
- 15 Best Travel Apps You Need To Download
- 100 Ways To Save Money When Traveling
- 230 Free Things To Do in Europe
GRAB YOUR FREEBIE!
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