I can admit that I’m a certified road trip over-packer—mostly thanks to growing up taking vacations with a big family. I often have to resist the urge to pack everything I own, but over the years, I have gotten significantly better at packing only the necessities. So, if you’re planning on taking on the adventure of a family road trip, no need to sweat—we’ve gathered the ultimate list of road trip essentials.
Let’s be honest: A huge part of what makes a successful road trip is the car ride itself. Speaking from personal experience, a loaded snack bag, a comfy travel blanket, and a migraine relief stick are just a few road trip essentials that can change the game. Nowadays, there are tons of nifty accessories and gadgets labeled as “travel necessities,” but the list is overwhelming. With time, I’ve discovered which products are worth the purchase and which can be skipped.
To help prepare you and your family for your next getaway, we’ve put together a hefty list of road trip essentials that’ll be loved by the whole crew. From entertainment to food accessories, we’ve got you covered with road trip essentials that’ll make your journey that much more enjoyable.
In this article
1Organization
2Food Accessories
5Sleep Accessories
6Beauty Essentials
Road Trip Essentials To Pack for Your Next Getaway
Organization
Every road-tripper knows that organization is key when traveling. It’s inevitable that your car will be overflowing with luggage, snacks, and toys—so save yourself the trouble and add some organizational accessories into the mix. After all, nothing gives you peace of mind more than a clean and organized car.
Would it really be a road trip if it weren’t for all the snacks you get to indulge in? I personally think munching on your favorite (maybe not-so-healthy) snacks is the best part of the car ride. With these food and beverage accessories, mealtime has never been easier or this mess-free!
While we tend to rely on screen time for road trip entertainment, sometimes you need something else to throw in the mix. From a pair of headphones that will tell kids Disney stories to a Kindle for the passenger princess (mom, of course), there’s something in here for the whole family. Trust us: Having these items in your road trip arsenal will make a world of difference.
Even with all of these options, it’s a given that you or your kiddos will be reaching for a phone or tablet at some point. With that comes the need for chargers, cords, and cases. Keep those as organized as possible with the tech accessories below.
The reality of road-tripping with kids is knowing that there will be messes you’ll have to clean up during the drive. To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up some travel-friendly cleaning supplies and sanitation products—including hypoallergenic wipes for messy little hands and individually wrapped flushable wipes (because you never know where you may have to go).
Everyone knows that the best way to make time fly is by taking a nap (or two). Whether you’re traveling with babies or big kids, these sleep accessories will make sure that everyone can get their much-needed rest as comfortably as possible on the road.
In addition to the usual toiletries you pack for any trip, it can be helpful to have a couple of must-haves easily accessible. You’d be surprised at how many times someone needed chapstick or extra sun protection while in the car. It also doesn’t hurt to throw in a face mask to incorporate some self-care on your car ride!
If there’s one category you can go overboard with, it’s this one. When it comes to health and safety, it’s always better to be on the safer side and pack extra just in case. Our picks below ensure that you’ll have everything you could ever need.
But also don't forget a road atlas, cellphone charger, small amount of cash and coins for tolls, first aid kit, jumper cables, spare tire and tire-repair kit, one gallon per person of potable water, and a small cooler with nonperishable snacks, Dunham says.
Get your kids' input into what they would like to do. If your kids have time to plan and think about how they would like to spend their time, they will generally feel more involved and cooperative with the vacation. Consider if your hotel or resort provides activities for kids, like shows, games or scavenger hunts.
The larger the group and the more generations involved, the shorter it should probably be. “I don't want to be with that many people for too long,” says Tykesha Burton, who writes about culture-focused family travel on her blog, Momma Wanderlust. “Seven to 10 days max.
Food is an absolute necessity when traveling with kids. Fend off those hangry moments with a fully stocked cooler that can be easily stowed between seats. Cheese sticks, squeezable yogurts and fruit are healthier, but also delicious options, to throw in along with dry snacks, like pretzels, crackers and nuts.
I know this might sound tedious, and I understand not everyone has the time (or a robust enough wardrobe), but if you can swing it even once this year, for one big vacation (which I hope you get), I recommend packing two weeks in advance. The glory of packing in such a slow, meticulous way, is all in the details.
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