There's nothing like a good road trip, whether you're headed to a campsite, a new city, or visiting your friends and family.
With Covid restrictions being lifted, you may be ready to take the fam and venture out on the open road this summer. So, we've put together a comprehensive list of road trip essentials for safe, summer travels.
From downloading your favorite podcast episodes to listen to when you don't have service, to bug spray, pet gear and healthy snacks, we've got your next road trip covered.
You may or may not need all of this stuff—it's a lot to jam into your car—but this will get the wheels turning on what you might need for yourself, the kiddos and your four-legged road companions. There's nothing worse than being hundreds of miles from home and realizing you could've really used this or that.
Now, before hitting the road, it's important to take your car in for an oil change and inspection of fluids, tires and brakes. You may also want to brush up on changing a flat tire and jumpstarting a car. Take a look here for tire change instructions and here for a great tutorial on jumping a dead battery.
Ok, then! Let's talk about what you might consider packing.
Pets & People
- Basic Clothing
- Swimsuits
- Sweater/Jacket
- Fast-Drying Towels
- Flip Flops & Sneakers
- Hat & Sunglasses
- Pillows & Blankets
- Toiletries
- Collar, Leash & Tags
- Waste Bags
- Collapsible Crate
Fun & Games
- Downloaded Playlists/Podcasts
- Audio Books
- Coloring/Activity Books
- Tablets & Headphones
- Road Trip Games & Books
- Binoculars
- Football/Frisbee
- Crayons/Pens
- Journal/Notebook
Snacks & Drinks
- Cooler with Ice
- Disposable Cutlery
- Paper Plates & Bowls
- Reusable Water Bottles
- Lots of Water
- Granola/Energy Bars
- Fruit/Snacking Veg
- Chips/Crackers
- Sandwiches
- Non-Melty Cookies
- Beef Jerky
- Pet Food & Treats
- Food/Water Bowl
Health & Safety
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Bug Spray
- First-Aid Kit
- Pain/Allergy Meds
- Hand Sanitizer
- General Wet Wipes
- Personal Meds
- Paper Towels & TP
- Plastic/Trash Bags
Miscellaneous
- Car Documents
- Spare Tire & Jack
- Jumper Cables
- Car Window Shade
- Car Emergency Kit
- Extra Set of Keys
- Paper Maps
- Car Cell Phone Mount
- Cords & Chargers
- Portable Power Bank
- Cash & Coins
- Flashlight/Headlamp
- Umbrella/Ponchos
- Multi-Tool