Taking a Road Trip This Summer? 50 Essentials to Bring

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cocoon CoolMax Blanket ($35)

A travel blanket is one of the best items to get cozy with, and this one comes with a nifty storage bag so it won't take up space.

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.

Bright summer days call for wearing the Ray-Ban Blaze Round Sunglasses ($175) to protect your eyes.

When you've got to go, you've got to go, and the Female Urination Device ($14) allows you to do so anywhere.

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).

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.

If the long car ride gets a little boring, try playing a game like this Mad Libs on the Road ($5).

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.

Block sunlight from getting in the way of your afternoon nap with the Kimkoo Cotton Sleep Mask ($14).

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.

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.

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.

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.

You never know when you'll need it, but Multi-Use Duct Tape ($8) comes in handy for lots of things.

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.

Store your edibles and drinks in the Igloo Picnic Cooler ($68) to keep them from overheating in the car.

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!).

If your hair is feeling greasy after a long car ride, then freshen it up with Batiste Dry Shampoo ($9).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Protect small items like your toothbrush and toothpaste, with a container like the Travel Toothbrush Cup ($14).

Keep soups and drinks warm for hours on end in the Capsule Insulated Lunch Box ($17).

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).

The Portable Mini Umbrella ($9, originally $10) folds as small as your hand so that it can be stored anywhere.

Place extra snacks and clutter in the Trunk Organizer For Car and SUV ($25).

Protect your skin from rubbing against the seat belt with the Seatbelt Headrest ($16).