Road trips are so much better when you’re prepared. Once you have all the essentials in the car, you can focus on having fun and enjoying the scenary, and of course the company you’re keeping.
So whether you’re planning a cross-country expedition or a weekend getaway, packing the right essentials will make all the difference you’ll have a good time. From practical items that keep you safe and comfortable to those that enhance the overall experience, this blog post will guide you through the top essentials to bring on your road trip. So, before you hit the open road, let’s ensure you’re well-prepared for whatever twists and turns your adventure may bring.
Here’s what you should pack:
- Water Bottle or Tumbler
- Cooler
- Snacks
- Snack Tray
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Wipes and cleaner
- Charging cables
Water Bottle or Tumbler
I am huge on hydration, so no matter where I go, you’ll always find me toting around a giant water bottle. Whether it’s my favorite Hydro Flask tumbler with handle (extra ice, only water). I am a big Hydro Flask fan, so I don’t subscribe to the Stanley tumbler fandom, but this one is super similar and can use the same accessories. I also love the silicone straw.
If you’re a big water bottle lover, the 32 oz Hydro Flask with straw lid is my favorite — but sadly it does not fit in most car cup holders. You’ll have to get a special cup holder extender or get a smaller water bottle, like my fiancé’s favorite 18 oz Yeti Rambler with straw.
Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler with Handle | Amazon
Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler with Lid and Straw | Amazon
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Straw Lid | Amazon
Cooler
If you love to pack a snack that requires refrigeration (think cheese) or need a cold drink, a cooler is absolutely necessary. We’re big fans of Hydro Flask. They’re affordable and do their job. We have the soft sided 20L and the Hydro Flask 18L Day Escape Soft Cooler tote. Both keep things cold and within reach for our trips!
Hydroflask Softsided Cooler 20L | Amazon
If you’re looking for the upgrade pick, you can do no wrong with the YETI. We have a big hardsided Yeti that we love to drag around with us, but this portable one is much more convenient for a road trip.
YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Soft Cooler | Amazon
Just don’t forget to get some ice packs!
Snacks
This one will require a trip to your favorite grocery store, but here’s what I love to pack for trips:
- Fruit, but especially grapes, apples, blueberries, and bananas
- Trader Joe’s Trail Mix Crackers (or really your favorite crackers)
- Cheese slices (not the kind for sandwiches, the ones you’d snack on from a tray) or string cheese
- Nuts or trail mix
- Dried fruit (especially dried mango)
- Dark chocolate, something to give you a boost of sweet
- Sparking water and cold brew cans
Snack Tray
Now that you have some snacks, you’ll want some place to easily grab them from — especially if you’re the driver. The best thing I recently discovered were snack trays that go around Hydro Flask or Stanley tumblers with handles. They’ve been great for holding all our little crackers and pieces of fruit to holding sauce cups from fast food.
Snack Bowl for Stanley 40 oz Tumbler with Handle | Amazon
If you don’t have the tumbler, another option is this cute little dray that fits right in your cup holder of the car.
My Travel Tray USA | Amazon
I also highly recommend having storage bags (ziplocs) or reusable storage bags, like Stasher on hand. They’re super hand when you just need a place to stuff leftover food or other things.
Stasher Reusable Silicone Storage Bag | Amazon
Sunscreen and sunglasses
While car windows will block most UVB rays (preventing you from getting sunburned), it won’t block UVA rays, which can cause skin damage. So I always make sure to apply a bit of sunscreen to protect myself.
In the morning I put on Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen which goes on sheer and is super light. It doesn’t feel sticky at all.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF540 | Amazon
Then during the ride if I want to reapply and don’t want sunscreen on my hands, I use Abib’s Quick Sunstick and roll it all over my face. Super easy and also goes on sheer!
Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+ | Amazon
During the ride, I always want to have a pair of sunglasses. My favorites are Privé Revaux’s The Maestro which look great on many different face shapes.
Privé Revaux The Maestro Classic Round Sunglasses | Amazon
Wipes and cleaner
You never know when you’ll make a mess. Like the time you thought the lid on the coffee was on… and it clearly was not. Or when you get some takeout to eat in the car and don’t have access to a sink.
We always keep disinfecting wipes in the car to wipe up messes (and keep them in a nice dedicated container). We also keep
Lysol Anti-Bacterial Wipes | Amazon
OXO Tot Perfect Pull Wipes Dispenser | Amazon, OXO
Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Hand Wipes | Amazon
Charging cables
Last but not least, you’re always going to want charging cables. At least one per person (of course, if your car allows for that many cables to be plugged in). My preference is for the rope style cable, they’re much more durable than the ones with the rubber coating. I also prefer them to be 6ft long or longer just so they can reach!
Amazon Basics USB-C to Lightning Charger Cable | Amazon
Road trips are so much better when you’re prepared. So make sure you have the essentials on hand (and within reach) to make your ride enjoyable!
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Cover photo by averie woodard on Unsplash