My road trip essentials
Traveling by road trip has always been my favorite way to do it. Whether it’s just around a city or a country, I find it’s a great way to see more than what you had originally planned and you can go at your own pace. I love the independence you have on the road. I love the fact that you can travel slower and get off the beaten track.
The following packing list will help you ensure that your next trip out on the open roads will be safe, fun and you won’t be stressing out about something you might have forgotten! Most people tend to choose the summer months to hit the road, however, if you are equipped with the right equipment, any season road trip can be just as amazing!
Heading around your own city, across the border, or even abroad, your packing will feel like a breeze in your hair on your way to your destination! Comfortable and easy! Keep reading for my tips on clothing, road trip essentials, handy electronics, and easy hacks to help you out.
Clothing:
First off, the easy part! Packing the clothes you want to bring on your trip!
-Pants
-Shorts
-Shirts
-Sweaters
-Undies
-Socks
-Coat: Bring a coat according to the weather you are traveling to, or simply be prepared in case of rain.
-Scarf, gloves, beanie: Again, it will depend on where you are going.
-Walking shoes: Planning some long walking around town or hiking, make sure to have good shoes.
-Flip flops: I carry them everywhere! You never know, you might need them to shower somewhere!
-Bathing suit: Same here. It happened to me once. There was a great pool but I hadn’t brought my bikini so I ended up missing out because there wasn’t any opportunity either to buy something around.
Road trip essentials
Make sure to prepare the car or the camper van properly as well. Being stuck on the side of the road would kind of be a bummer on your trip.
-License and Registration: Traveling abroad, make sure to check the requirements for an international driver’s license.
-Car insurance and relevant contact information: Hopefully you won’t have to use it but keep a copy just in case!
-Your car’s manual or the rental camper van manual: You never know! We actually took our camper van manual out a couple of times on our road trip through Scotland. Especially when it isn’t your car, you don’t always know what that bright light on your dashboard is!
-Spare tire: Make sure your car has one or that you have all the stuff you need in case of a flat tire. My car at home is a tiny one and I don’t have a spare tire on it. But there is some kind of foam spray that I would use in case of a flat tire.
-Paper maps/maps.me: WIFI isn’t always in range. There are also some places on the road, that are more remote, and your 4G doesn’t work either. You can have paper maps to help you out in case you need them or even download some free maps on the maps.me app that you can use without WIFI or data.
-Sunglasses: This is a no-brainer to me. I hate squinting my eyes while driving! I always have them handy.
-Spare money: Some places have toll roads and sometimes, you have to use a parking meter. Nowadays, some of them use cards but it’s always good to have a bit of spare change.
-First aid kit: I always carry a basic first aid kit such as Band-aids, bandages, antiseptic, painkillers… just in case.
-Tissues: I know I get a runny nose from the AC in the car!
-Blanket: I don’t know if it’s a girl thing but I’m always freezing and my boyfriend is always hot in the car. A small blanket does the trick. While he has the AC full-on, I am comfy in my blanket! It can also be used if you’re outside and the sun goes down and it gets chilly.
-Towel: I love the travel-size towels that dry really quickly. If you get caught in the rain, you’ll have something to dry you off quickly on the road.
-Bug spray: Depending on where you are going, this could be a must! Exploring some national parks in the middle of the wilderness, you might want to bring some with you in the summer months.
-Day pack: You might end up somewhere where there are beautiful walks or hikes. With a small day pack, you’ll be able to pack the essentials for the day.
-Toilet roll: Ever had to really go pee but there are no washrooms around for 100 miles (maybe not that much but hey!)? Well not anymore!
-Flashlight: You might not need it on the road trip itself. But you could explore an abandoned castle with no lights!
–Large reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial! Especially on warm summer days out exploring. I like to use reusable bottles so I can lower my plastic waste.
–Travel mug: I like my coffee to stay warm while I am driving. This does the trick pretty good.
-Reusable shopping bag: It will help reduce plastic bags if you need to go shopping for something.
-Garbage bags: That way, the car stays clean but it can also serve you well if camping somewhere. That way you don’t leave any waste. You can also use them for wet clothes you don’t have time to dry before leaving.
-Snacks: Who doesn’t get hungry on a road trip?
–Car cooler: If you like to have a nice cold drink, add a little ice to your cooler and there you go! You’re all set!
-Swiss army knife: It can be useful in many situations.
-Notebook/pen: Travel journaling is a great way to remember where you went along the way. You know that little city where you just loved their local dish but you can’t remember the name? Taking notes is a great way to help you out!
Electronics/games
These items can be quite handy along the way and help you stay connected to the world.
-Phone chargers/USB cords/Camera chargers: Always essential so you are fully charged. Make sure your cameras are charged to immortalize all these beautiful moments along the way.
-Bluetooth or wireless hands-free kit: Most cars nowadays come equipped with Bluetooth in them. If not, be prepared as in some countries it is illegal to talk/text, and drive.
-An amazing road trip playlist: Prepare a great playlist in advance to have all the best music to sing along with!
-Portable WIFI: Going somewhere remote where WIFI signal and data aren’t great, or if you don’t have a great roaming plan, this device can help you stay connected.
-A good book: Although you might not even have time to read one, it’s always nice to have something to do once you settle down and relax.
-Travel games: It’s good for the family to keep everyone entertained on the road. I also love board games. You can find some travel-size ones for when you park for the night to play.
Personal care
–Toiletry bag: It is essential to put all of your items below so they’re not everywhere in your bag. That way, you won’t be spending more time searching for your stuff than getting ready.
-Sunscreen: It is so important to protect your skin from the sun! Most brands offer travel-sized ones so it doesn’t take as much space in your bag.
–Body wipes/Baby wipes: Essentially your shower where there is none available. For emergencies or a quick refresh on the go.
-Lip balm: All that sun might bring some cracked lips!
-Mini hairbrush: Having the wind in your hair all day might bring a little bit of tangled hair with it!
-Hair ties: For bad hair days, days without washing your hair, or simply because you are going on a hike, they will be your best friend.
-Toothpaste/Toothbrush: Freshness well needed.
Winter Road trip
These two items are a must if you are road tripping in the wintertime. You never know what is ahead. You might end up in a snowstorm, your windshield might be frozen in the morning before leaving, you might get stuck in the snow… Might as well be prepared so you are ready if need be.
-Snow shovel
-Ice scraper
So there you have it! My road trip essentials! Leave me a comment on what essentials you like to pack on your road trip adventures! I would love to know what your musts are!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love and use!
Need some more inspiration for your next road trip?
Keep reading!
11 things I loved about my road trip through Scotland
Our 14-day itinerary through Scotland
