What to Bring on a Road Trip
Road Tripping This Summer? Here Are 50 Travel Essentials We Recommend Bringing
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Hitting the highway for a long road trip is one of the best parts of summer, and if you have travel plans in mind, it's smart to prepare with a checklist of must-have items. Whether it's a long car ride by yourself, with family members, a significant other, or a close friend, there's something on this packing list for everyone no matter where you're going. Get ready to join the wanderlusts who are traveling the coast, visiting national parks, sightseeing, and more with the handy snacks and accessories ahead. We promise this checklist will only do you good!
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Emily Co
1 Portable Camping Air Mattress
Sometimes long road trips require camping out, and the Portable Camping Air Mattress ($36) fits perfectly in car back seats.
2 Our Moments Road-Trip Bundle
Evoke thoughtful conversation with the Our Moments Road-Trip Bundle ($43) card game.
3 MLVOC Travel Pillow
Traveling tends to make you sleepy, so get comfortable and rest your head on the MLVOC Travel Pillow ($18, originally $20).
4 Enovoe Car Window Shade
Prevent intense sun rays from getting into your eyes with the Enovoe Car Window Shade ($14).
5 The North Face Women's Jester Backpack
Carry around must-have travel products at easy reach with The North Face Women's Jester Backpack ($69).
6 Wet Brush Classic Brush
Long road trips tend to take a toll on our hair. Clean up tangles and knots with the Wet Brush Classic Brush ($7, originally $12).
7 Universal Rain Coat
When it rains, it pours, and the Universal Rain Coat ($10) is here to save the day.
8 Freesooth Car Garbage Can
The Freesooth Car Garbage Can ($17, originally $39) makes long road trips a lot more bearable by giving trash a home.
9 Foval Car Power Inverter
Let's face it: traveling with multiple people can be tough when there's only one carport to charge your phone with. Luckily, the Foval Car Power Inverter ($24) gives everyone's phone the ability to juice up at once.
10 Cocoon CoolMax Blanket
A travel blanket is one of the best items to get cozy with, and the Cocoon CoolMax Blanket ($43) comes with a nifty storage bag so it won't take up space.
11 Showerless Body Wipes
If you haven't had time to shower (don't worry, we won't tell), then the Showerless Body Wipes ($12) are the next best thing.
12 Ray-Ban Blaze Round Sunglasses
Bright summer days call for wearing the Ray-Ban Blaze Round Sunglasses ($175) to protect your eyes.
13 Real Food From the Ground Up Cauliflower Crackers
Snack on some healthy crackers with these Real Food From the Ground Up Cauliflower Crackers ($23).
14 Female Urination Device
When you've got to go, you've got to go, and the Female Urination Device ($14) allows you to do so anywhere.
15 ThisWorx Car Vacuum
We all know how messy cars can get, and if you can't stand the dirt, clean up with the ThisWorx Car Vacuum ($35, originally $45).
16 Best Canvas Grocery Shopping Bags
You never know when you'll need to restock on food, and the Best Canvas Grocery Shopping Bags ($30 for three) has pockets to make grocery shopping even easier.
17 Sunwill Tumbler With Lid
18 Mad Libs on the Road
If the long car ride gets a little boring, try playing a game like this Mad Libs on the Road ($5).
19 Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife
Pocket knives have a variety of different functions, and the Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife ($17) comes with a screwdriver, scissors, key ring, tweezers, and a toothpick.
20 Kimkoo Cotton Sleep Mask
Block sunlight from getting in the way of your afternoon nap with the Kimkoo Cotton Sleep Mask ($14).
21 Bamboo Travel Utensils
Being on the road doesn't mean you can't eat! The Bamboo Travel Utensils ($10, originally $12) are reusable so that your car can stay extra clean without all of the excess trash.
22 Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover
We all know how eating in the car goes, and if you spill, the Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover ($5) will be your hero.
23 Health Warrior Chia Bars in Caramel Sea Salt
These yummy Health Warrior Chia Bars in Caramel Sea Salt ($15) are a trusted treat that are packed with nutrients.
24 Towel Set
There are a lot of unpredictable events that can happen on a road trip, and if you run into some rain at a pit stop, then the Towel Set ($29) can dry you off.
25 Refreshing Mist
Riding in enclosed spaces can suck the moisture out of your skin. This Mineral Water Spray Duo to Go ($16) is definitely a travel essential.
26 Multi-Use Duct Tape
You never know when you'll need it, but Multi-Use Duct Tape ($8) comes in handy for lots of things.
27 First Secure 90-Piece Car Emergency Kit
Keep this First Secure 90-Piece Car Emergency Kit ($55) in your automobile to prepare yourself in case of an emergency. It contains must-have items such as jumper cables and a flashlight that works without batteries.
28 Cooler
Store your edibles and drinks in the Igloo Picnic Cooler ($68) to keep them from overheating in the car.
29 Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Sweet snd Salty Kettle Corn Popcorn
Snack on something sweet and salty with the Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Sweet snd Salty Kettle Corn Popcorn ($12).
30 Aria Premium Earth Friendly Toilet Paper
Toilet paper comes in handy for anything, and the Aria Premium Earth Friendly Toilet Paper ($40 for 12 rolls) plants a tree for every pack you buy (so worth it!).
31 Dry Shampoo
If your hair is feeling greasy after a long car ride, then freshen it up with Batiste Dry Shampoo ($9).
32 First Aid Kit
Keep a first aid kit with you, like the Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece First Aid Kit ($9), in case you or any other passenger falls ill or gets injured.
33 Motion-Sickness Cures
Get some motion-sickness essentials for the road just in case you start feeling unwell from the ride. There are all-natural cures like Simply Gum Ginger Gum ($15 for a six-pack) that people swear by, so you might want to check it out if Dramamine isn't for you.
34 Astura Aromatherapy Mist
Staying in the car for too long can make you moody and cranky. Lift your spirits with this Astura Aromatherapy Mist ($15). The refreshing spray includes a blend of essential oils to help boost your skin's appearance.
35 Water and Other Beverages
Sitting in a car can make you really dehydrated. Make sure you're constantly drinking water; packing it and other beverages in the car before leaving home will make it much easier. If you're looking for an alternative to plastic water bottles, try a reusable one like this S'well 25 oz Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($39).
36 Healthy Snacks and Nonmessy Meals
Pack a couple healthy snacks and nonmessy meals so you don't have to stop for food. Try fruits, veggies, and energy bars like this pack of 12 Kind Gluten-Free Bars ($14).
37 Baby Wipes
If it's a hassle for you to get out of the car to wash your hands, wipes are the best alternative. (You can also use them as deodorant to freshen up your underarms!) Right now, I'm favoring these Seventh Generation Thick & Strong Free and Clear Baby Wipes ($37 for six-pack), because they don't contain any alcohol, synthetic cleaners, dyes, or fragrances. It's great for the environment and your sensitive skin!
38 Audiobooks
Since you're in for a long ride, pick out a couple audiobooks to to enjoy while you're in the driver's seat. Even if you're riding shotgun, listening to books can be preferable to the often-nauseating act of reading hard-copy literature in the car. Check out our picks for the best summer beach reads to get you started!
39 Hand Sanitizer Infused With Aloe Vera Gel
Picking up a pack of Hand Sanitizer Infused With Aloe Vera Gel ($14) for the ride is never a bad choice, especially if they're small and easy to carry. Not only will the cleanser keep your hands stick-free after a messy snack, but they will prevent your incessant need for napkins.
40 Listerine Strips
Keep your breath fresh and cool with a pack of Listerine Cool Mint Pocketpaks Breath Strips ($4), also available at any drugstore or grocery store.
41 Walkie Talkies
If you're driving with other cars, then these Walkie Talkies ($20) would be a smart purchase. There will be times when you drive through areas without cell phone service, so it's always good to have an alternative. It's also much easier to pick up the walkie talkie and start chatting with someone, rather than constantly redialing their number and waiting by your phone.
42 Map
Don't totally rely on your GPS. Carry a real map with you so that even if your navigator breaks down, you'll at least have a physical map to fall back on.
43 AAA Card
Remember to bring your AAA card or any other equivalent with you on the road. There are plenty of AAA services that will benefit a road-trip driver, such as 24-hour roadside assistance and towing services for stranded drivers.
44 iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Dash & Windshield Car Mount Phone Holder
Raise your hand if your phone doubles as your GPS! If this is the case, then the iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Dash & Windshield Car Mount Phone Holder ($25) makes navigating a breeze.
45 Travel Toothbrush Cup
Protect small items like your toothbrush and toothpaste, with a container like the Travel Toothbrush Cup ($14).
46 Capsule Insulated Lunch Box
Keep soups and drinks warm for hours on end in the Capsule Insulated Lunch Box ($17).
47 Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport Lotion Sunscreen
Even if you're in the car all day, sun still shines through the windows. Protect your skin with the Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport Lotion Sunscreen ($9).
48 Portable Mini Umbrella
The Portable Mini Umbrella ($9, originally $10) folds as small as your hand so that it can be stored anywhere.
49 Trunk Organizer For Car and SUV
Place extra snacks and clutter in the Trunk Organizer For Car and SUV ($25).
50 Seatbelt Headrest
Protect your skin from rubbing against the seat belt with the Seatbelt Headrest ($16).
