We love road trips! They are fun and exciting. There is a lot of planning on making sure the road trips go as smoothly as can be. The number one thing to bring is a POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
Along with a positive attitude, here is a list of things that I would recommend to bring along on your next road trip.
This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my disclaimer policy to learn more.
#1 Emergency Roadside Kit
Make sure your car is ready by getting the oil change, checking your tires and there is a full tank of gas.
#2 Paper Directions/ Map
Your phone’s GPS is great but make sure you screenshot your directions or print them out for reference. We found out the hard way on our first leg of our road trip when we did not have a cellular connection. Shortly after that, I started to screenshot directions before leaving for the drive.
Bringing a map is a good back up as well.
#3 Games
Keep the little ones occupied with this awesome game along with the many other options for car games.
#4 Movies/ DVDs
We always bring DVDs of our kids’ favorite movies. They get to have a variety of movies to watch when they want to get away from their games. Here is one of their favorites.
#5 Music Playlist
Bring some of your favorite music to keep you company especially when everyone falls asleep or when nobody wants to talk to you.
#6 Car Chargers/ Portable Phone Chargers
With all the fun portable electronics, i.e. Ipad, Kindle Fire, Nintendo Switches, etc.., be sure to have extra portable chargers.
#7 Camera
Take lots of pictures! There is so much beauty and wonder in the world and road trips are a great way to see them up close and personal.
#8 First Aid Kit
It never fails that someone will need this from a fall or injury.
#9 Snacks/ Food
Having snacks and food handy during the road trip will not only keep hungry kids and
#10 Drinks/ Bottled Water
Keep everyone hydrated.
Related Post: The Ultimate Family Road Trip Planning Guide
#11 Anti-Bacterial Hand Wipes
Keep our hands clean after snacking in the car.
#12 Garbage Bags
This is handy to keep in the car to keep the mess at bay.
#13 Slippers/ Flip Flops
Having something to easily slip on and off as you get in and out of the car. It is much more comfortable as well.
#14 Sunglasses
Help your eyes especially during the sunrise or sunset times, depending on which direction you are driving.
#15 Blankets
Perfect for the car ride even in the summertime. When your air conditioner is blasted on high, the blankets are essential to keep you warm.
#16 Pillows
Being able to have a soft pillow
#17 Rain Gear
Bring an umbrella, rain jacket or poncho. The weather is unpredictable depending on where you go and you may encounter a stint of rain.
#18 Extra Set of Keys
We each carry a set of keys. You never know what may happen that you may need that extra set of keys.
#19 Flashlights
These are very handy for those dark places that need extra light.
#20 Duct Tape
Duct tape fixes anything and everything.
With this list, we have found that we are more prepared for our many road trips. Luckily, we have not had to use some of these items such as the emergency roadside kit, the extra set of keys, or duct tape. But having them with us has given us the peace of mind of the what-ifs.
What is on your list of things you typically bring on your road trips?
For inspiration ideas for your next road trip, be sure to check out our road trips and what you need to bring:
Epic Family Road Trip – Part 1
Epic Family Road Trip – Part 2
Epic Family Road Trip – Part 3
How To Survive A Road Trip with Kids
Be sure to subscribe below for your checklist of “The Ultimate Packing List For A Road Trip” to start planning that road trip!
Pin it for later!
Every one of these things will come in handy for any given incident while on the road. It’s a great collection.
Ok, you made no mentions on bringing the family dog and how to handle that ? Any suggestions for that scenario?
I don’t have any pets so I would not be able to give you any suggestions. Sorry!
I love road trips! Thank you for these helpful ideas of things to bring that I would’ve never thought of. I always bring a blanket, because my husband likes to blast the air conditioner when he drives!
Love,love,love! We RV travel all of the time!! Thanks!!
This is a great list! I would have never thought about the extra set of keys! That is a really good idea.
Great list, I always pack a just in case picnic bag with all the essentials. One trip to a grocery store and we can picnic along the way, sometimes its just at a great rest area equipped with tables. One stop for lunch, potty break and to get everyone out of the car to stretch their legs.
Lina, such a thorough list! Some of them I haven’t even thought of and great ideas to put it on our list when we take our next road trip! Thank you!
That’s a fantastic list! I especially like the garbage bags and hand wipes -nothing worse than having to clean up a mess when you get where you’re going.
That is a great list. I would add zip ties, zip lock bags and ponytail holders.
Those would be handy for sure!
Great tips! I never think to bring along trash bags.
Always be prepared! Thanks for compiling a list of things that seem like no-brainers…in hindsight (:
This is a great list, Lina! I always have an emergency kit in my car, but I don’t always remember to transfer it to another vehicle when we take road trips. I’ll be using your post as a packing list for our next trip! Thank you!
Awesome!
such a great list! love that it is a mix of necessities and safety items with also fun things too! x
Thank you!
Great list. I put a small sewing kit in my first aid kit. I also bring paper towels, roll of toilet paper and some tissues with those garbage bags .
Those are awesome additions to bring with. Thanks for sharing.
My family overlands and the hardest part of any trip is packing up! Great list for traveling.
Funnily enough, we’re planning a road trip soon (away from all the Coronavirus panic lol) so this list would come in handy. Thank you!
I thought that we were pretty expert at packing for road trips, but there are some things on your list I surely would have forgotten! Thanks for your post!