Road tripping – Sounds fun! Right?
But before you get too excited, make sure to read this handy guide. It includes our trip packing list and is filled with helpful packing tips for road trips. We cover what you’ll need and what you can leave at home.
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The last thing you want to happen on any road trip is to forget essential stuff like snacks for your kids or your medications, or even your driver’s license! So we’ve added a few more obvious items that, believe it or not, many people actually forget.
To ensure a fun and comfortable road trip, proper planning is important. You will also greatly benefit from our packing tips and packing checklist.
What to Pack for a Road Trip
Driver’s License
We’ve put this at the top of your packing list because it’s the most important.
Your driver’s license is one thing you should carry anywhere you go, whether you’re road-tripping or simply going to work.
Vehicle Registration and Insurance Card
Make sure these documents are up-to-date and placed in an easily accessible spot. You’ll need to show your registration if you’re pulled over, and your insurance card is always good to have on hand in case of an accident.
Copies of Your Passports, Credit Cards, and Driver’s Licenses
You need to take these documents with you. However, that comes with the risk of losing them. They could fall out of your wallet or purse. Passport and credit card thefts are quite common, too. That’s why you need to have a backup plan, and it involves copying and photographing those documents.
Once you take a picture of the credentials, send them to your partner’s email. It’s better to have the copies in multiple locations.
Road Map, Atlas, GPS, or Google Maps
You don’t want to get lost, do you? Especially, if you’re going to an unfamiliar city or region or crossing states, you want a map. Online maps like Google Maps or GPS are extremely helpful and convenient tools for a family trip. Use a dashboard phone mount to stay hands-free and focused on the road.
It also helps you see the next gas station and plan accordingly. While digital maps are great, you still want to keep a paper map in case you lose internet access.
First Aid Kit
A medical kit will come in handy at all times. If you carry an emergency kit, you will be able to administer the first level of care in case of an accident.
Make sure your emergency kit contains band-aids, cough drops, medicines like paracetamol and pain relievers, antihistamines, antiseptics, hand sanitizers, mosquito repellant, motion sickness aids, etc.
Emergency Kits
A family trip is never a good time to be stranded with a flat tire on the side of the road. That’s where an emergency car kit can help. Be sure to have a basic tool kit or multipurpose tool, jumper cables, spare tire and jack, and a no-spill gas can (2-5 gal.) Also a few pairs of disposable gloves, rags or shop towels, and duct tape should be included in a kit. Duct tape can help with a variety of things, like a blown-out radiator hose or a broken flip flop.
Flashlight or Headlamp
This is a must-have. Whether you are camping, strolling in the dark, or stuck on the roadside in the middle of the night, a flashlight or headlamp is a lifesaver. Many prefer the hands-free headlamp for obvious reasons.
Bug Spray
Insect and mosquito bites may not only cause skin irritations, but they can also cause life-threatening fevers and illnesses. Make sure you have enough bug spray to protect your family for the entire trip.
Disinfectant Wipes or Hand Sanitizer
Keep germs and viruses at bay by stocking up on hand sanitizer and/or disinfectant wipes. Wipes are so useful for cleaning surfaces like restaurant tables, benches, and even the surfaces in your car.
Paper Towels
Paper towels also come in handy when eating out or preparing food, especially if you have young kids.
Toilet Paper
You will most likely make pit stops along the way, and you don’t want to get caught without toilet paper! There have been a few rest stops where the toilet paper has run out, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
If you are traveling with young children, a portable toilet or potty seat is a good idea too! For women, a portable feminine urinary device (FUD) can be a lifesaver. Some rest stops are FOUL and having a FUD prevents the need to sit on or hover over the toilet seat.
Camera
Of course, you want to document all those wonderful moments! If you are heading to national parks or know that you’ll take lots of hikes, consider bringing along a camera tripod with flexible legs. That way you can set up your camera for some great shots without having to ask strangers.
Cell Phone and Charger
This one is a no-brainer. Be sure to keep your cell phone charged and bring along a charging cord.
Portable Charger and Cords
We use our devices more these days. Don’t forget to pack extra cords and a car charger with multiple USB ports. It’s also a really good idea to pack a power bank or portable charger with multiple USB ports. In case your phone dies and there isn’t a place to charge it right away, these come in very handy.
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Activities/Games
Kids can get easily bored so make sure to pack some activities and games for them to enjoy. Books, a few toys, activity or coloring pages, puzzles, audio books, and board games are great for road trips.
For older kids and adults, cards games, travel Scrabble, and Sudoku are perfect to pass the time. Our family loves to play Road Trip Bingo and License Plate Bingo. Both are great for making love drives more enjoyable.
Cooler or Portable Fridge
Food is life, especially during road trips. A portable fridge or a regular cooler will keep your food and beverages cool and fresh on the go.
Make sure you pack plenty of ice in your cooler, especially if you are bringing snacks that spoil easily.
Disposable Cutlery
Disposable cutlery is more convenient than silverware. Saves you space and effort.
Trash Bags
Wherever you go, don’t leave a trace. Pack plenty of trash bags so you can clean your mess and carry your trash before you leave a place. I really like these compostables bags from Repurpose.
Water and Cold Drinks
You need two liters of water per person each day, with men needing 3.7 liters of fluids per day. You can bring a huge canister and refill reusable water bottles whenever you stop by a convenience or grocery store. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of bringing a big container, you can always buy bottled water.
You can save money by packing your own drinks and keeping them in a cooler. We keep a second smaller cooler inside the car out of the way, and we fill it with waters, seltzers, and iced teas. This way we don’t have to spend $3 per drink every time we stop.
Coffee and Tea Drinks
I cannot live without my coffee, especially when I am driving. You can either bring your own coffee or tea bags, or invest in a good travel mug and reusable filter. I travel with this Yeti Rambler and a GSI Outdoors Silicone Folding Pour Over Filter or these Kujo disposable pour-over singles.
Road Trip Snacks
For snacks, it’s best to bring easy-to-eat items. Cheese and crackers, nuts, cereals, fruits and veggies, sandwiches or wraps, and granola bars are great road trip snacks.
For longer road trips and overnight camping trips, you can bring a portable stove so you can cook your meals.
Blankets and Travel Pillows
You all need to rest. If you’re sleeping in the car, make sure you have enough cushioning to stay comfortable.
Clothes
Pack clothes suitable for the weather. If it’s summer, bring light, airy and comfortable clothes. If it’s winter, then layer up. Raincoats, hats, and comfortable kicks are important too.
You should also consider using an RFID blocking wallet to protect your money and credit cards from potential skimming.
Day Pack
A daypack is perfect for carrying your things when you’re exploring a new place or taking an extended stop while en route. You can bring your camera, phone, water bottle, snacks, and a light jacket for each family member.
Plastic Bag(s)
Ziploc bags or any other type of resealable plastic bags are versatile and come in handy for a lot of things. You can use it to store your valuables, organize things, or protect your things from the elements.
Things for a Road Trip You Can Leave at Home
Even if you have a big car, you still don’t want to overpack the car. A roof rack or car top carrier can help you free up space in the car. But there are some things you can leave at home, things that you don’t really need on a road trip.
Lighten your load by leaving these unnecessary items at home, such as:
- A different outfit for each day – For long trips, most people can get away with three tops and three bottoms. You can always reuse your pants.
- More than two devices – Limit your devices. Road tripping is about enjoying nature. Give yourself a digital detox.
- Uncomfortable and impractical shoes – Leave behind those shoes that you can only walk in for a few minutes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on your trip, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes.
- Your entire makeup collection – Just bring the essentials.
- The whole kitchen sink – A road trip is not the time to cook gourmet meals. Choose foods that are easy to prepare or better yet, foods that no cooking is required.
Packing Tips for Road Trips
Preparation is the key to success, and it’s no different with family road trips. If you prepare the journey well, it increases the odds of everything going smoothly. Here are some tips that will help you while getting ready!
Check the Weather
The first thing to check is the weather in the areas you plan to visit. You can consider forecasts up to seven days reliable, and there’s also the option of checking average temperatures in those areas during that time of the year.
Based on the weather information, you’ll know which items to pack. If there’s virtually no chance of raining, it’s worth risking and not packing raincoats. But if you see that the temperature will go lower than the average in the next few days, don’t forget jackets.
Get Your Car Ready for the Road
You might know your way around cars, but it always helps to have a certified mechanic check the vehicle before any road trip. The basics to cover include tire pressure, oil, lights, wiper blades, and electrical equipment. Checking the fluid levels and brakes is also a good idea. It takes only an hour or two, and it could save you a lot of time (and money) on the road.
Making Sure Everyone Is On Board
This tip is more about preventing arguments than packing things for a road trip! You need to make sure that everyone in the family is on board with the idea of going on a road trip. You should also plan things together and give each person a say in what you’ll be doing. It will make the trip more enjoyable for everyone, and there will be fewer arguments along the way.
When traveling with teens, give them a sense of responsibility by involving them in the planning process. They can help with things like mapping the route, choosing hotels, and research activities in the areas you’ll be visiting
Create Separate Packing Lists for Each Child
Who says that children shouldn’t participate in packing? You should ask each kid to create their packing list, but make sure to monitor the process. Talk to them and discuss things they might need, such as underwear, socks, swimsuit, t-shirts, etc.
If you plan on washing your clothes, it might not be necessary to pack too many items. That can be a convenient way to save some space and make packing simpler. Additionally, your children will understand how packing works from an early age.
Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are an interesting addition that helps sort out the wardrobe. They are great for families since each member can have a separate packing cube. You put these in your suitcase and take everything out once you arrive at the hotel.
It simplifies the organization, and you always know who brought which item. You can use separate colors or mark the cubes to sort them.
Limit Electronics and Toys Your Children Can Take
Your teen might be a huge PlayStation fan, but you don’t want them bringing the console on the trip. They’d spend the entire day in the room playing instead of enjoying the vacation. You can agree on taking limited electronics since most teens can’t imagine their lives without a smartphone.
It’s impossible (and unwise) to forbid them from staying in touch with the rest of the world. But you don’t want to burden yourself with too many cables and electronics. On the other hand, a smartphone is a good way to keep them occupied while on the move.
A family road trip is a great way to bond and make beautiful memories together. To ensure an enjoyable trip, make sure to keep this handy packing list.
Have a fun vacation!
Author Bio
Mariam Simmons is a former fashion trendsetter who turned into a storyteller at Alpine Swiss, an emerging lifestyle brand. She loves traveling to the world’s top stylish destinations and gets inspired to create helpful travel guides. Her main goal as a storyteller is to ensure readers learn something useful and provide value instead of noise.
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