What to Bring on a Road Trip
Taking a Road Trip This Summer? 27 Essentials to Bring
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Hitting the highway for a road trip may be one of the best ways to see the country. Plus, it can be more affordable than flying, and certainly cheaper than international travel. If you already have travel plans in mind, it's smart to prepare accordingly with some road trip essentials.
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. Below, see our top musts for what to bring on a road trip, before shopping some specific items in each category.
- A spacious backpack to travel light and maximize trunk space.
- A portable garbage can to keep your car tidy.
- A cooler for snacks and drinks.
- A travel pillow to snooze when you're in the passenger seat.
- A raincoat for unexpected weather.
- An air mattress, if you plan on camping.
- A physical map in case you lose service or your phone runs out of battery.
- Perhaps most importantly, a car emergency kit.
Ready to join your fellow wanderlusts on the road, traveling the coast, visiting national parks, and sightseeing? We promise this checklist will make your journey more comfortable. Shop our road trip selections ahead.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Emily Co
1 Portable Camping Air Mattress
FBSPORT Bed Car Mattress ($33, originally $40)
Some road trips include camping out, and if you don't have the particular time or energy to set up a full campsite, then try this air mattress that fits perfectly in the backseat. The mattress also comes with two inflatable pillows and a storage bag to fold it back up when ready to move on to your next destination.
Note that the mattress is inflated by an electric pump, so you'll either need to find a power source or buy the power inverter in this list below.
2 Travel Backpack
Taygeer Carry On Backpack ($34, originally $51)
With a variety of compartments, this backpack fits far more than you think. Plus, it'll take up less space than a suitcase, and makes for easy disembarking once you arrive at your destination.
3 Blanket
Cocoon CoolMax Blanket ($35)
A travel blanket is one of the best items to get cozy with, and this one comes with a storage bag so it won't take up too much space. Plus, its breathable fabric is lightweight enough for any hot summer nights on the road.
4 Car Vacuum
ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner ($38, originally $40)
We all know how messy cars can get, and if you can't stand the dirt, clean up with a car vacuum. Despite its small size, this particular kit comes with various attachments for vacuuming those hard-to-reach spots, like beneath seats.
5 Sleep Mask
Kimkoo Cotton Sleep Mask ($10, originally $15)
Block sunlight from getting in the way of your afternoon nap with a sleep mask. This soft option is a great deal, and comes with a travel pouch.
6 Car Power Inverter
Foval Car Power Inverter ($20, originally $26)
Let's face it: traveling with multiple people can be tough when there's only one carport to charge your phone with. Luckily, this car power converter — complete with two sockets and four USB charging ports — gives everyone's phone the ability to juice up at once.
7 Canvas Grocery Bags
Organic Cotton Mart Canvas Grocery Shopping Bags ($28)
You never know when you'll need to restock on food, and these canvas bags make grocery shopping easy. You can buy three for $28, but if you're just taking a quick trip, then these bags are also individually sold.
8 Car Emergency Kit
First Secure 90-Piece Car Emergency Roadside and First Aid Kit ($90)
Keep this roadside kit in the car in case of emergency. The thorough, 90-piece purchase includes jumper cables, tire repair tools, a flashlight, and a first aid safety kit, which is also smart to have with you during your travels.
9 Car Mount Phone Holder
iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Dash & Windshield Car Mount Phone Holder ($20)
Raise your hand if your phone doubles as your GPS! If this is the case, then a phone holder makes navigating a breeze.
10 A Card Game
Our Moments Road Trip Bundle ($50)
If you and your passenger need a little something to pass the time, try a card game. This particular conversation game includes over 300 thought-provoking questions, with dedicated packs for couples, families, or kids.
11 Travel Pillow
MLVOC Travel Pillow ($25)
All that driving will likely tie you out. If you're a passenger in need of a nap before your next driving shift, get comfortable and rest your head on this travel pillow. Better yet, it already comes with earplugs and a contoured sleep mask.
12 Window Shade
Enovoe Car Window Shade ($15, originally $16)
For peak comfort while driving, snag this window shade, which will prevent intense sun rays from affecting your vision and making the car too warm. Plus, it couldn't be easier to install: just place it in the window of your choosing, and run your hand across the shade.
13 Car Garbage Can
Farasla All-in-One Car Trash Can ($21)
When you're spending a lot of time in the car, the last thing you want it to be is messy. This car garbage can gives your trash a home and comes with a tissue holder for wiping up any spills or crumbs.
14 Raincoat
Diamond Candy Waterproof Rain Jacket ($43)
Sure, you might plan for pleasant weather along your journey, but unexpected summer showers may come up. For those moments, it helps to have a sturdy rain jacket so you can keep exploring as planned. This one is better than your average poncho because it has zippered compartments and a removable hood.
15 Hair Brush
Wet Brush Original Detangling Hair Brush ($6, originally $10)
Long road trips tend to take a toll on hair. Clean up tangles and knots with this classic detangling hair brush.
16 Dry Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder Post Workout Dry Shampoo Mist ($12, originally $16)
If your hair is feeling greasy after a long car ride, then freshen it up with dry shampoo. We're a fan of this Bumble and Bumble mist, which is available in a handy travel size, but browse the other best dry shampoos on the market.
Editor Quote: "It's safe to say this is my new go-to dry shampoo any time I'm looking to extend the time in between washes. I think this product is perfect for anyone who frequently has sweaty hair but still wants to skip out on wash day without the entire world knowing." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer
17 Showerless Body Wipes
DRMTLGY Body Shower Wipes ($13)
If you haven't had time to shower (don't worry, we won't tell), body wipes are the next best thing. These are biodegradable, and unscented, which is helpful for folks with sensitive skin.
18 Female Urination Device
Sunany Female Urination Device ($13)
When you've got to go, you've got to go, and this reusable funnel allows you to do so anywhere. This kit comes with a waterproof bag and a nylon bag for storing, but just make sure to wash in between uses.
19 Cooler
The Get Out Cooler Bag ($150, originally $260)
Store your snacks and drinks in a cooler to keep them from overheating in the car. Better yet, this cooler bag has straps so it can be worn as a backpack once you arrive at your picnic destination.
20 Travel Utensils
To Go Ware Bamboo Travel Utensils ($14)
Being on the road doesn't mean you can't eat! These travel utensils are reusable so that your car can stay extra clean without all of the excess waste and trash.
21 Motion-Sickness Cures
Simply Gum Natural Chewing Gum 6-Pack ($15)
Get some motion-sickness essentials for the road just in case you start feeling unwell from the ride. There are all-natural cures, like this ginger gum, that people swear by, so you might want to check it out if Dramamine isn't for you.
22 Water Bottle
BrüMate Era 40-Ounce Tumbler ($45)
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 editor-approved BrüMate water bottle.
Editor Quote: "I took my BrüMate to the desert for a weekend getaway and it kept my water icy cold despite the temperature being over 100°F." — Jordan Shalhoub, lead social producer
23 Map
StreetSmart USA Interstate Road Map ($9)
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.
24 Walkie Talkies
Retevis RT38 Walkie Talkies ($21)
If you're driving with other cars, then walkie-talkies 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.
25 Lunch Box
IRON °FLASK Thermos for Hot Food ($10, originally $21)
Keep soups and drinks warm for hours on end in an insulated thermos. This one even comes with a foldable spoon.
26 Trunk Organizer
HOTOR Trunk Organizer ($13, originally $20)
Place extra snacks and clutter in a trunk organizer. This large-capacity option has two compartments and six pockets total. It's also collapsible and easy to store when you don't need it.
27 Seatbelt Headrest
Seatbelt Protector Headrest ($16)
Protect your skin from rubbing against the seat belt with a cushiony headrest that'll make your ride more comfortable even when you're not snoozing.
Haley Lyndes was an assistant editor for PS Shopping where she found and tested the best home, beauty, and fashion products. She is a graduate of Northern Vermont University and has nearly five years of experience in both written and broadcast journalism.
Lauren Harano is a contributor for PS and was formerly an editor for the Living, Beauty, and Shop departments. She's a Southern-California-native-turned-New-Yorker with a passion for skin care, murder mysteries, and online shopping. Aside from PS, her work can be found in the pages of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen as well as online at InStyle, Esquire, NBC, and various food and travel sites.
Emily Co is a former editor for PS Smart Living.
