family road trip must haves

2024 Ultimate Family Road Trip Packing List (+Free Printable Checklists)

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Planning a family road trip can be exciting but also overwhelming, not knowing exactly what to pack. That’s where our experience road tripping comes in handy.

We’ve created the ultimate family road trip packing list and FREE printable checklists to make things easier for you on the open road. Drawing on our years of experience from countless road trips with our kids from babies to teens. Including cross country adventures, and week long road trips, to everything in between.

This guide covers everything. From road trip essentials for the whole family, to car and safety gear, plus tips on what to leave behind. Which you can easily adapt for wherever you’re traveling to.

With our travel-tested advice, and free printable checklists, you’ll be perfectly prepared for your adventure, making packing stress-free, straightforward, and do we dare say even fun!

ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST FOR FAMILIES

Road Trip Essentials for the Car

When heading out on a long road trip, there are a few car essentials we think are important to add to your family road trip checklist.

We’ve found this, to be a fantastic tool for planning our routes & collaborating with others on the road.

• Driver’s License, Car registration and roadside assistance info – Check your glove compartment box before leaving your house to make sure you have any (and all) information you may need in a very worst case scenario.
• Extra Set of Car Keys – make sure to store it somewhere you won’t lose it, or give it to another family member. One of my fears is losing our car keys in the middle of no where, so having an extra set is peace of mind for me.
• Rental Car Agreement – If you are renting a car for your road trip, make sure to bring the agreement with you in the glove box.
• Sun Shades for the Windows – The sun can get a bit overwhelming, especially if you have really young children in the car. We’ve found Sun Shades like these super helpful.
• Cell phone holder – Especially when using GPS, having a Cell phone holder can be a game changer for your road trip.
• Car Seat or booster seat – Choose one that’s suitable for the ages of your kids, and somewhat comfortable for a long drive. We’ve found that stopping every two hours max keeps everyone happier.

Emergency Vehicle Kit

A Roadside Emergency Kit is one of the most important things we bring. It’s better to be safe than sorry and be prepared to handle the unexpected, like a flat tire is our motto.

It always gives us peace of mind knowing we have the basics, and think it will for you too.

Plus I don’t know how many times it has come in handy for helping other travelers out along the way during our own trips. It should include:

• Jumper cables
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Flashlight & batteries ( we prefer head lamps)
• Jack & Tools
• Matches / Lighter
• Food / Energy Bars

What to pack “Just in Case”

Accidents happen. But, how you handle them can be completely different if you are prepared. Not to mention there are certain things you just don’t want to forget for a long car ride. 

Add these to your road trip with kids checklist:

• Map  – You may not ever need it, but make sure you have a paper or book road map. In case your phone dies, google maps steers you wrong, or anything else happens, you will be glad you have it.
• Paper Towel & Toilet Paper – Keep these handy for unexpected bathroom stops, or unexpected spills. Well with kids you can expect a mess!
• Wet wipes –  Whether you have a baby or not, we think baby wipes are life savers & road trip necessities.  You can clean up spills, hands, and even clothing with a few baby wipes. My daughter is 10 and we still use baby wipes for all our travels. Not just for kids!
• Small trash can – To keep your car clean, and organized with a small spill-proof car garbage can. Don’t forget the trash bags.
• Plastic bags – No one wants to talk about this, but you need to have extra bags in case anyone gets car sick. We also like to have a designated car garbage bag we empty out every day. That way the mess stays somewhat in check.
• Towels – As a safety precaution, it never hurts to add a few towels to your packing road trip. This can help in various situations of spills, sickness, and comfort.
• Licenses & wallets – Just as a reminder, make sure you have everyone’s licenses, wallets and debit / credit cards before you even walk out your front door.
• Health Care Cards / Medical Insurance Info – Also make sure to have your health care cards or medical insurance info handy.
• Extra food, water & games – In case you get stuck somewhere unexpectedly. Water is also good in case of overheating.
• Family First Aid Kit

Family First Aid Kit Essentials

If you are traveling anywhere, I highly recommend keeping a First Aid Kit in your car, and a smaller one in your backpack if you are off on hikes for the day.

Besides, if your kids are anything like mine, they go through bandaids like they are going outta style.

Here are some items we include in our family first aid kit, in addition to the usual suspects:

• Extra Band aids
• Blister Band Aids
• Disinfectant
• Polysporin / Antibiotic cream
• Acetaminophen & Ibuprofen (Kids & Adults)
• Prescription Meds
• Gravol / Motion Sickness meds
• Allergy Meds
• Rehydration Tablets
• Medical Tape
• Mosquito Repellent
• Hand Warmers
• CPR pocket mask
• Small Flashlight
• Small Pocket Knife
• Hand Sanitizer
• Plastic Gloves

PRO TIP : Buy a small cloth first aid kit, or toiletries bag and fill or switch out with your preferred Family First Aid Kit items. Keep First Aid Kit and medications handy and within reach.

Family Road Trip Essentials

When packing for your entire family, you may find that you don’t need (or want) as much as others. Or, on the flip side, you may find that you like to bring everything but the kitchen sink, just in case. No judgment here!

Do you have to bring everything we recommend on this list? Absolutely not! Specific items you pack for your family road trip will vary based on preference and destination.

Here are some family road trip essentials that can useful supplies for your next trip:

• America the Beautiful Park Pass – If you are planning on visiting USA National Parks, then a park pass will save you $$.
• Mouthwash – If you plan on bringing snacks, or even stopping to eat, having mouthwash is a must. Between having fresh breath and smelling fresh breath, you don’t want to forget this. Mints or minty gum also does in a pinch.
• Portable Charger / Power Bank   – Save yourself trouble with a pre-charged battery pack. If you have teens, a portable power bank is a must for a successful family road trip. Or in our case keeping a device addicted adult happy.
• Car Chargers  – Not only should you have a portable power bank, but bringing extra chargers that can be plugged directly into your car are a good idea. Don’t forget your device cables too for when you are in the hotel room. (Kindles, cells, tablets, gaming devices, laptops etc.)
• Camera / Go Pro – While you are out creating memories, be sure to document the fun, silly and sometimes ridiculous and unexpected moments along the way.
• Walkie Talkies – When traveling with friends and family in a convoy, we find walkie talkies are a great way to stay in touch.

Entertainment Essentials

The thought of packing for a road trip with kids can be overwhelming. But, it doesn’t have to be.

Keep in mind that you want to be including items for them to keep your trip stress-free as well. Road trip activities to keep them entertained.

• Tablet – For those moments when you just can’t take hearing another “are we there yet?”
• Headphones -You do not want to hear everything everyone is listening to on your road. A symphonic cacophony is not the most relaxing of sounds. So, save yourself the trouble, and pack headphones for everyone. If you are bringing wireless headphones , make sure to charge them before the trip.
• Books – If no one is prone to getting car sick, pack a few books or a Kindle for your family members to enjoy on your road trip. You can include learning books, entertainment, or even coloring books.

PRO TIPS: Make sure you charge any devices before you leave. Also, you will want to download any games, music, or apps beforehand.

PRO TIP : We’ve found it helpful to make sure each kidlet (and adult) has their own small travel backpack or bag with their own activities, devices, snacks, waterbottle & a change of clothes. Keep it beside them so they can easily reach it.

Kids Road Trip Essentials: Road Trip Activities for Kids

• Road Trip Bingo
• Coloring Book & Activity Pages
• Road Trip Kit
• Travel Magnetic Tangram Puzzles
• Entertaining Questions to Spark Conversations
• Paper/ journal – If you have creative kids, I recommend packing some journals, a sketchbook or paper to practice art, writing, and crafting with. Let your kids keep their own memories of their trip, with a kids road trip journal.
• Crayons / Pencil Crayons : Pack a few different crayons / pencil crayons and let them go at it! You can also add markers or pens in your overnight bags, so they can “fill-in” later if you’re worried about felt pen marks in the car.

PRO TIP: We’ve found these twistable pencil crayons are perfect, so you don’t have little bits of shavings all over your car.

• Road Trip Activities – Bring a variety of age appropriate activities. Especially if you are traveling with toddlers & preschoolers.
• Outdoor Games – Bring a few outdoor activities like a frisbee, or bubbles. We’ve found this really helps to get the wiggles out at rest stops and provides entertainment at campsites along the way.
• Road Trip Playlist – While you could just listen to the radio, making and playing a road trip playlist will up your parent cred, and make groovin’ in the car a hit. Don’t forget to embaress your kids by singing at the top of your lungs. We do 😉
• Audio Books or Audible – Perfect for keeping everyone from young kids to the older kids entertained on long trips. 

PRO TIP : Use a Back seat organizer that fits over the front seats keeps all the snacks, electronic devices, books, small toys contained and in reach of the kids.

Comfort Items

• Change of clothes – The last thing you want to happen is to have a mess with all of the extra clothes packed deep in your luggage. To alleviate the chance of this happening, pack an extra outfit in one small bag that stays on top of everything else.
• Pillows for Kids – A little comfort during your road trip can make all the difference. You don’t have to pack king size pillows, but letting each child bring a neck pillow (at minimum) is a great start! My daughter loves this bcozzy travel pillow.
• Travel Pillow for the adults – Just like for your children, the passenger also needs to be comfortable. Don’t forget to pack a pillow for you and/or your partner!
• Blankets – Kids love them & you’ll be happy to have them in winter months, or if you are driving overnight.
• Diaper bag –  Include an extra in car diaper bag for  easy access with young’uns. Fill with extra diapers, wipes, a plastic bag or a resuable wet bag, a couple of changes of clothes that is easy to grab and carry at rest stops.

Bring Road Trip Snacks & Meals

Packing road trip snacks and meals will save you time and money while heading to your final destination.

Avoid the nasty gas station food and have healthy travel snacks on the go. Making a family vacation meal plan will make your meals easier.

• Cooler – If you have extra room in your car, or you are trying to save money on food costs, you can’t go wrong with packing a cooler. Just make grocery store stops along the way to pick up supplies.
• Road trip meals: Check out our Easy Road Trip Meal ideas
• Snacks – Healthy snacks are a must. This will save you hangry kid and partner moments and money. The best road trip snacks to pack are things like nuts, granola bars, sandwiches, beef jerky, protein bars, and string cheese. Avoid packing sticky and messy snacks.
• Drinks – Just like snacks, you need to pack some of the drinks your children like. We use resuable water bottles, and refill them as needed.

⭐️ Grab some easy travel snack recipes here for your next trip.

PRO TIP: Freeze a water bottle or two full of water, then you can have cold water as it melts. It can also double as an ice pack in your cooler.

🚙 Check out our delicious road trip snack ideas .

Road Trip Packing List: Clothing

I will highlight a few key pieces of clothing for family road trips.

• Rain jackets – Instead of carrying an umbrella, pack some light rain jackets for everyone. Keep everyone warm & dry. We like this one for kids , this one for men and this one for women .
• Footwear – Bring a few options. Walking / hiking shoes, easy slip on sandals for the car and warm weather, then boots for rainy and winter season. I admit I love my Crocs for road trip travel days. Easy to slip on and of and comfortable for walking around all day if needed.
• Sunglasses – Sunglasses will cut the glare, protect your eyes, and keep you in the height of fashion.
• Hats – Sunhats, ball caps, garden straw hats, water hats. The possibilities are endless to keep the sun off your face.
• Seasonal Gear – Depending on the time of year you road trip, you may want to bring ski equipment, bikes, boogie boards, kayaks etc. What you bring will depend a lot on the size and type of vehicle you are traveling in.
• Packing Cubes – For keeping your clothes organized
• Swimwear, suits, coverups – Check out our full Beach Vacation Packing list here

PRO TIP : If you are moving around a lot on your road trip, pack each days clothes into a ziploc bag or in a packing cube . Then you can just bring into the hotel with you, rather than bringing all the bags in and out each time.

What NOT To Pack for A Family Road Trip

Now that we have our road trip essentials list, let’s get into some things we think you don’t need to pack on a family road trip

• Everything but the kitchen sink – Once you pack in the kids, cooler, dog, clothes, road trip activities you may not have as much room as you think. Consider if you can rent gear, & what’s absolutely necessary for your families enjoyment, comfort, and safety.
• Lots of toys – Inevitably with too many toys, pieces get lost, favourite toys get left behind, or there are fights amongst siblings. Pack a few car games, and maybe one small toy, but leaving most of them home.
• Too many sweets – While it is fun to have some treats, too many sweets can bring everyone’s mood high and then low. A bad combo in a confined space! Balance it out with combo of whole fruit, and protein (nuts, jerky, trail mix).
• Avoid large & hard shell suitcases – Because they’re space hogs. We much prefer small duffels, or backpacks. I have even been known to just bring my clothes in a reusable shopping bag. You can pack them in tight around stuff.
• Messy car snacks – need I say more?

Road Trip Destinations:

• Big Sur Road Trip: Epic Places to Visit & Hike
• 7 Day Family Friendly Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon Itinerary
• Yosemite National Park, Awesome 2 Day Itinerary
• Vancouver Island Canada Bucket List
• Boston to Bar Harbor & Acadia Road Trip

✅ Kids travel backpacks are perfect for holding their road trip activities, snacks & water

Free Road Trip Checklists for Families

FINAL THOUGHTS: What to Pack for A Family Road Trip

There you have our list of what to bring on a road trip. Although you may need to be a bit more mindful when packing for a road trip with your family, it doesn’t have to be too complicated.

When making your packing list, ask yourself:

• How long will we be in the car?
• What necessities can my children not live without during this time?
• What will provide the most comfort for my family on this road trip?

Once you answer those questions, you will have a solid road trip packing list for your family.

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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32 road trip essentials for adults and kids.

Travel more comfortably with these road trip must-haves.

Road Trip Essentials

Getty Images

While you don't necessarily need a lot of things for a successful road trip, certain items can't be overlooked. Read on to discover which items you should consider adding to your road trip packing list, or jump to the section on what to pack for kids .

Road trip essentials for adults

From roadside emergency must-haves to multipurpose gadgets you can use throughout your journey, these are some of the most helpful items to have on a road trip.

"Hanger" can make a road trip go south pretty quick. Pack your favorite snacks and put them in an easily accessible spot.

Courtesy of ICEMULE

You might want to bring a small cooler for any snacks and drinks that need to stay cold. If you don't already own one, the best cooler bags include the ICEMULE Classic (available in a variety of sizes) and the CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag .

A seat organizer like this one by YOOFAN can help you keep snacks, tissues and any other essentials close at hand. Plus, it can double as a reusable bag for any small purchases you make during your road trip.

USB charging cables

If you have USB ports in your car, buy a set of charging cables so you can keep your devices charged and also play music and podcasts from your phone. Compatible with Apple devices, this two-pack of Amazon Basics cables is well rated; for Samsung devices, try these Anker cables . Both sets have 3-foot cords, which are the perfect size for car travel.

Portable charger

Courtesy of INIU

Even if you have charging ports and cables in your car, a portable charger is good to have on hand, too. Travelers rave about the INIU Portable Charger for its slim, lightweight design and overall efficiency.

Jumper cables

A set of jumper cables is essential to have in your car at all times, whether you're driving 2 miles down the road or 200 miles away from home. The Energizer Jumper Cables are especially well rated. Available for less than $20 on Amazon, the 12-foot-long cables are perfect for any car type and come with a travel bag for easy storage. Longer cables are also available.

Portable tire inflator

A portable tire inflator can be a lifesaver if you find your tires have a slow leak during your trip. The AstroAl Air Compressor Tire Inflator is compact, so it won't take up much space among the other gear in your trunk, and it includes an LED flashlight with independent switch control. It is programmed to stop automatically once it hits the preset tire pressure and it comes with a 36-month warranty.

Other travelers prefer the ViAir 88P - 00088 Portable Compressor Kit , noting it works well with a wide variety of vehicles. In addition to a 12-foot air hose and a 9-foot power cord, the kit comes with alligator clamps that power your air compressor by attaching to your car's battery.

Courtesy of Snow Joe

If you're traveling during the winter months and/or to a destination where you might encounter snow and ice, make sure you have a snow broom in your car. The Snow Joe 4-in-1 Telescoping Broom is especially convenient for travel because of its lightweight, foldable design, and recent buyers confirm the foam head prevents any scratching. This snow broom also features an ice scraper and LED lights with a blinking functionality for emergencies.

Dashboard phone mount

Avoid distractions by installing a dashboard phone mount before your journey starts. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 comes with a telescopic arm, a magnetic cord organizer and a strong-hold suction cup. Plus, its easy one-touch lock-and-release mechanism (a feature that is much appreciated among recent customers) makes taking your phone on and off the holder a breeze. If you don't like the rigidity of traditional dashboard phone mounts, consider choosing a phone mount with a flexible arm instead.

Car document holder

In the event that you get into a car accident or are pulled over by the police, having easy access to your car's registration, insurance information and owner's manual is crucial – whether you're traveling or not. This two-sided holder , which comes in a pack of two for less than $5 on Amazon, does the job.

Roadside emergency kit

For peace of mind, many travelers recommend an all-purpose roadside emergency kit . These kits are typically equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, safety gloves, cable ties, a tow rope, tire repair tools, first-aid supplies, rain ponchos and other useful items.

Courtesy of Busy Co

Freshen up with the extra-large body wipes from Busy Co , which are suitable for dry, oily and combination skin types. They address a variety of skincare needs, including clarifying, toning, soothing and nourishing. Recent customers appreciated the large size of the wipes and said using them made them feel refreshed while traveling.

Lysol wipes

Disinfecting Lysol wipes are a must-have on your travel packing list. These cleaning wipes kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, so you can feel protected while on the road.

Disposable toilet seat covers

Using disposable toilet seat covers can help you avoid germs and stay clean when you stop for restroom breaks at gas stations, port-a-potties and campgrounds.

Nausea relief

Courtesy of Sea-Band

Long hours in the car might sound daunting to anyone prone to motion sickness. In those cases, having preventative nausea medicine like Dramamine can be a lifesaver. If you prefer a drug-free alternative, Sea-Bands are anti-nausea wristbands that use acupuncture as a natural remedy to reduce motion sickness. Travelers say these bands are highly effective at reducing nausea.

Hand sanitizer

From gas pumps to ATMs, you never know what germs you may encounter on a road trip. Protect yourself against viruses by keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer in your car.

Book or e-reader

Sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times. Bring a good book or an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite , which puts thousands of books at your fingertips. The device boasts up to 10 weeks of battery life, adjustable warm light and a glare-free display, which recent reviewers said made marathon reading sessions a breeze. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids , which offers a special font for children with dyslexia and comes with a two-year warranty.

Rooftop cargo carrier

Save some space inside your vehicle by opting for a car roof cargo carrier. With an anti-slip mat and reinforced adjustable straps, the waterproof FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier from Amazon is suitable for any car type. Recent customers say that they had no problem getting it to stay in place even on high-speed roads.

Car trash can

Courtesy of Hotor

There's no doubt about it – road trips can generate a lot of trash. Keep your car clean on your next adventure with this Hotor car trash can from Amazon. Complete with an adjustable strap, mesh side panels for storage and a leakproof interior lining, this useful accessory comes highly recommended by travelers who find themselves frequently on the road.

Dog waste bags

Even if you don't have a dog, hear us out: Dog poop bags are useful for a variety of needs, from general waste to dirty diapers to unexpected accidents caused by motion sickness. The Earth Rated bags are 100% leakproof, and buyers agree they're effective at eliminating odors.

If you'll be sitting in the passenger's seat or backseat, bring a pair of earbuds or headphones. For kids, consider the fleece CozyPhones , which are volume-limiting for little ears and come in a variety of animal themes.

Travel pillow

Courtesy of Cabeau

Car passengers can get a bit more comfortable with the help of an ergonomic neck pillow for travel . Top-rated options include the Cabeau Evolution S3 and the MVLOC Travel Pillow .

Shield your eyes from the sun by picking up a good pair of sunglasses before your trip. Choose sunglasses that protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, and are polarized to block glare. Travelers love that these Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses come in a variety of tints and can even be customized to fit your needs. For a more budget-friendly option, check out these SUNGAIT Ultra Lightweight Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses from Amazon, which recent customers say are very comfortable and perfect for road tripping.

Beach blanket

Courtesy of WEKAPO

A large beach blanket or towel is one of the most versatile accessories you can bring on a road trip. You can use it to have a picnic lunch, to clean up a spill, to dry off playground equipment after a rainstorm and more.

Reusable water bottle

Skip the plastic bottles and opt for a high-quality reusable water bottle on your next trip. This  40-ounce bottle from Hydro Flask  keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for a full day. It also comes with a lid with a built-in straw, which consumers say makes it convenient for driving. For kids, a durable water bottle like this  12-ounce YETI Rambler  fits the bill: Its stainless steel bottle is dishwasher-safe and shatter-resistant, a feature that parents love.

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Road trip essentials for kids

In addition to snacks, headphones, reusable water bottles, sunglasses and – depending whether your kids are in a car seat or not – travel pillows, the following items are essential to a successful road trip with kids.

Seatback organizer

A car seatback organizer lets you arrange road trip essentials on the back of the driver's or passenger's seat, where they're within reach of small hands. Many buyers said this seatback organizer from Amazon took some of the stress out of traveling with kids, thanks to its multipurpose storage compartments, including a place for a tablet and plenty of other spots to store key items for your trip.

Travel tray

Courtesy of LUSSO Gear

If your co-pilot is constantly turning around to pick up toys or pass out snacks, a backseat travel tray is in order. The LUSSO Gear Kids Travel Tray comes with a safety strap that can be secured to any car seat, and includes a dry-erase board table, a cup holder, a storage compartment for toys and a no-drop tablet viewing stand. Reviewers loved the tray's whiteboard area and said it was a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides.

Window shade

Protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays with some window shades. Many parents like the shades by Enovoe , which come in a two- or four-pack.

Bag of small toys and activities

Load up on small toys you can surprise your kids with throughout the journey. Wikki Stix , Melissa & Doug Water Wow pads and sticker books are all good, low-cost activities, and you can find other cheap options at your local dollar and thrift stores. You might even add some candy to the mix, especially for that last leg of the trip.

Most parents want to keep screen time to a minimum, but all bets are off when it comes to travel. Consider a tablet like the Amazon Fire Kids , which comes with a protective case and one year of Amazon Kids+. Amazon Kids+ features thousands of ad-free books, games and apps; for any streaming services you have at home, you can download TV show episodes and movies so the kids don't need Wi-Fi to watch them.

Small blanket

Courtesy of Cubcoat

Bring a small blanket and/or other comfort item from home to ensure the kids are cozy and content in the backseat. You could also bring a Cubcoat , which is a two-in-one stuffed animal that transforms into a hoodie. Your child's furry friend (think bunnies, sloths and puppies) doubles as a soft, zip-up sweatshirt, and you get to save some space in your suitcase.

Kids travel journal

A kids travel journal makes it easy for your child to document their road trip and all the fun things they see and do. Plus, many kids journals feature world maps, puzzles, fun facts and more activities to keep boredom at bay.

Road trip tips

Plan your stops.

It can be helpful and fun to plan your road trip stops ahead of time. Break up the trip with stops at a pretty park, a quirky roadside attraction or a top-rated restaurant.

Debit cards and Venmo may be the way of the world nowadays, but you may still run into a few places on your journey that are cash-only. Be on the safe side by keeping some spare cash on hand.

Download a fuel savings app

You can save some money on fuel by using apps like GasBuddy , which will show you the cheapest gas prices in your area. Go the extra mile by signing up for a gas rewards credit card to get the most bang for your buck.

You might also be interested in:

• Vacation Packing List
• The Best Kids Luggage
• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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Family Road Trip Packing List (+Essentials for Kids & What Not To Pack)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 8, 2023

Looking for a family road trip packing list or wondering what are some of the road trip essentials for kids ? This packing list should give you a good overview of the things to pack (but also the ones to leave at home). Take a look!

We have a standard packing list for all kinds of trips: beach vacation, city trip, skiing holiday, and, of course for our favorite way of traveling – road trips with kids. But I recently looked at our family road trip packing list and realized how outdated it was. So it’s high time to update our family road trip packing list , and I thought I would share it with you as well.

This road trip packing list contains all the items that make our life easier and road trips with kids more enjoyable. At the same time, it’s not a complete road trip packing list.

I guess you don’t need someone else to tell you how many socks or t-shirts to pack for your upcoming road trip, or to remind you to carry car registration and insurance documents or a passport if visiting a foreign country…

There are two types of road trips – the ones you make with your own car/ campervan, and the ones where you travel overseas and rent a car. Needless to say, you will be able to pack much more if you are traveling close to home. After all, you are probably not going to carry a huge cooler or a car seat organizer on the plane.

So use this ‘road trip essentials’ packing list as a guideline , to check if you haven’t forgotten any of the useful items that will make your family road trip more comfortable. Find out!

READ ALSO: Top Tips for Traveling with Kids

Before I tell you about the more traditional items you need to pack for a family road trip, let’s start with the most important things first. You may not have needed any of this ten years ago, but now it’s unthinkable to set on the road without these items.

This is our road trip packing list for families:

Tech gear and entertainment

• Smartphone and charger
• Battery pack  to charge all your electronic devices. It’s a true life-saver if your phone tends to run empty long before you reach your hotel for the night. Check out this best-selling battery pack !
• Tablet/ DVD player/ or an MP3 player to keep your kids entertained in the car. I’m not going to tell you to pack your favorite CD collection for a family road trip. If you are road tripping with kids, you will never get a chance to listen to it anyway. Instead, make sure you have plenty of DVD’s with children’s movies ( check here for some popular kids’ DVD titles ).
• Alternatively, pack a tablet with some games (but you’ll likely need one tablet per kid). Or – my best suggestion – an MP3 player with audiobooks for children  (our kids’ favorites are Harry Potter audiobooks ). Here you can read more about our experience with audiobooks during long car rides with kids .
• Make sure you also pack chargers for each of these devices. That’s where the battery pack comes in handy. We also always pack a USB-charger for in the car .
• GPS or Google Maps app on your smartphone . Make sure you download the maps of the area where you will be road-tripping. In the past, we used to pack our TomTom GPS for every trip. Nowadays, we usually rely on Google Maps, unless traveling to a place where it doesn’t work well.
• Camera gear . A tripod and wireless remote control for your camera  are nice to have when road tripping with the family. It allows you to easily take nice pictures of the entire family. Extra batteries and memory cards , etc.

First aid essentials

The following items are among the most important road trip essentials for kids. So put these on your checklist and make sure you always have them at hand!

• First aid kit  (such as this compact first-aid kit ) is good to have on any trip. But it’s literally a life-saver on a family road trip!
• Ice spray.  Ice spray or a cold pack is a must when traveling with young kids. Our boys are so active and adventurous, so when they were little, they used to fall all the time. But on a road trip with kids, you don’t have an ice pack or ice cubes at hand. An ice spray is a real life-saver!
• Band-aids . Make sure to pack some in different sizes and always keep at least a few of them within easy reach.
• Disinfectant.  We use iodine antiseptics for wound treatment.
• Pain medicine (for kids and adults) .
• Mosquito repellent. We usually pack mosquito repellant spray , but recently we bought mosquito repellent bracelets and they seem to work well too.
• Sunscreen lotion. We always pack SPF50 sunscreen lotion for all our trips.

Road trip essentials for kids

Here are some of the main items for your road trip with toddler checklist:

• Comfortable car seats for kids adapted for their age. When traveling in our own car, we use Britax belt-positioning boosters for all our kids. When children sit in a car for hours, it’s important that they are comfortable, safe, and also have good head support. When we rent a car overseas we never rent children’s car seats. We carry our Trunki BoostAPak for each of the kids instead.

READ ALSO: Best Booster Seats for Travel

• Car seat organizer . Car seat organizers are really useful if your family likes road trips a lot. They will hold all the kids’ stuff in one place and will save you lots of frustrations (‘mom, where is my…’ or ‘dad, could you pass me my… ‘).
• Activity books and coloring books.  Check these Amazon bestsellers for preschoolers ,  kids ages 7-9 , and for older kids .
• Crayons, pencils, and pens . We usually pack twistable crayons since they last longer than any pencil or pen.
• Road-trip games and books , e.g. Travel Scavenger Hunt , Spot It! on the road , Mad Libs on the Road , and more … Just don’t pack too many of these. Often, a simple car game played by the whole family is much more fun for the kids than any game you can buy.
• Magnetic car games . If you are planning to pack any games to play in the car, go for magnetic versions !
• Extra diapers/wipes/clothes/quiet toys for the youngest ones.
• Sickness bags and an easy-to-access clean pack of clothes for the kids. Motion sickness bags are ideal to pack for a road trip.
• Ball or a frisbee . If you have some space in the car, pack a ball. It’s a great way to tire out the kids during short stops on the road. Alternatively, pack a frisbee or a foldable frisbee .

READ ALSO: Toddler Car Travel Tips & Best Travel Gear for Kids

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Food and drinks

Here are some useful items that should be on your family road trip packing list as well:

• Reusable water bottles . We usually pack one reusable water bottle per family member. In most places in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe you can easily refill water bottles with tap water. It’s free, it’s healthy, and it’s environmentally friendly. On top of that, water doesn’t leave any stains if the kids spill it in the car. We always buy a few large bottles of water as well, so that we can refill the bottles if there is no good tap water available.
• Cooler . If you have space in your car, then a cooler might be a nice thing to pack for a family road trip. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty waterproof and leak-proof cooler that has plenty of space to store food and drinks for the whole family, check this portable travel cooler . Not only does it have a practical and stylish design, but its advanced cooling performance with high-quality insulation also promises to keep your food and drinks cold for up to 3 days. There aren’t many other coolers out there that can do that! And yes, quality has its price, but we had to throw away several cheaper coolers (and the food inside) after just a few days of use, so now we rather go for quality and certainty.
• Snack containers with separate compartments (something like this ).
• Dried fruit, nuts, cookies, etc. Small snacks should always be on your family road trip checklist! There’s nothing worse than a couple of tired hungry kids stuck in a traffic jam for a few hours…

Miscellaneous

• Printed map, a road atlas,  and a travel guide of the area you are traveling to. Do you really want to drive on the main highways all the time when there might be an alternative scenic road leading to your next destination? Plan your trip well: include some stops for the kids to play, add a few off the beaten path places to your itinerary. When you use a good old-fashioned map, you can see so much more! GPS is important in order to guide your family to your hotel or camping at the end of the day, but it can ruin the joy of a traditional road trip.
• Roadside assistance emergency pack and a Swiss knife . We never ever leave on a trip without our Swiss knife. We have used it on more occasions than I can remember and it served many purposes, from peeling apples and carrots in the car, to repairing a broken air pipe of our car’s engine. And while we always have good travel insurance , without that Swiss knife we would have probably been stuck in the middle of the highway in France on a rainy Sunday evening… Since that trip, we always have a  Swiss knife and a  roadside assistance pack or at least a couple of screwdrivers in the car.
• Flashlight .
• Instant stain removers like this one from Tide .
• Paper tissues, wet tissues, kitchen towels , and – if you have some space – a picnic blanket . You will need all of these when road-tripping with kids.
• Quick-drying towel.  Microfiber travel towels are very handy for any road trip.
• Trash bags .
• Sunglasses .

Best bags for road trips

• Duffel bags . Pre-kids we always traveled with hard-shell suitcases. But if you ever tried to squeeze more than two suitcases in the trunk of the car, you know that they are pretty useless. No matter if we are making a road trip close to home or flying overseas, we always use duffel bags with wheels. Here you can read more about the travel bags that we have used for the last 3 years – Thule Subterra luggage .
• Day backpack and rain cover . We have many backpacks in various sizes, but the ones we tend to pack for most road trips are our 30-liter backpacks . If you plan on spending lots of time outdoors, get a universal rain cover (if your backpack doesn’t have one yet).

READ ALSO: Best Travel Bags for Kids

Clothing that is always in our car

As already said, I’m not going into detail on all the clothing you should pack for a road trip. So here are just the main, essential clothing and footwear that you should always have with you when road-tripping with kids:

• Rain jacket . We never pack umbrellas when we travel, but a good light waterproof rain jacket is a must.
• Sneakers or walking shoes . Also Flip flops or crocs .
• Sun hat and swimwear.

Nice to have for road trips

• Binoculars. We have small binoculars for each of the kids and it keeps them busy on the road. We used them in Africa , in Australia , in Yellowstone , and pretty much on any road trip ever since.
• E-book.  Kindle e-reader is always in our bag.
• Headphones.  My husband likes to pack his noise-canceling headphones for those moments when the kids get too loud in the car.
• Travel mug , in addition to a reusable water bottle. We only pack these when driving in our own car from home.
• Neck pillows and blankets. We always pack light fleece blankets in the car for kids if planning to drive at night. They are also very handy for those winter road trips to the mountains! If you are looking for a compact neck pillow that doesn’t take up too much space, take a look at this highly-rated best-seller .

What not to pack for a road trip

Here are some items that you better leave at home:

• Hard shell suitcases.
• Too many toys for kids . Definitely leave all the noisy toys at home.
• Umbrella . We never pack an umbrella for a road trip. Take a rain jacket instead.
• Too many clothes and shoes . Pack less and make sure you can layer when needed.
• Sweet food and drinks , or anything else that gives too much energy and makes their hands sticky.
• Too many food containers or other items that take a lot of space in your car.

So, these are our road trip packing tips for families road-tripping with children. Do you have any tips or packing essentials to share? Feel free to leave a comment below!

READ ALSO: Most beautiful road trips in the world

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Tuesday 19th of December 2023

Thank you !!!!

Saturday 25th of June 2022

Very helpful! Thank you!

Monday 27th of June 2022

Glad to help. Have a great trip!

Tuesday 6th of October 2020

A very comprehensive travel list Jurga. Thank you so much for taking the time to share essential items and reasons for bringing them.. It did help me remember a few things I had not thought of.

Wednesday 7th of October 2020

Glad to hear that, Al. That's how we use our packing lists too - to quickly check that we didn't forget something essential. Happy road-tripping!

Wednesday 1st of July 2020

Thank you for sharing these packing tips. It is so helpful for this summer as we are planning to take our first road trip EVER.

Glad you found this useful, Jennifer. Enjoy your trip!

Wednesday 15th of May 2019

This is a very comprehensive list to have a successful and smooth road trip. Having a road trip means that you want to have fun, relax and enjoy your vacation which is why it's very important to check almost everything to avoid any hassle along the way. The least we wanted is to get stuck on the road due to car problems instead of enjoying our trip. That is why I make sure that my car is in great condition before the said date. What I usually do is to visit my car shop at least a week before to have my car checked for possible repair and maintenance. I think this would be a great addition to your list.

Hi Erwin, yes, absolutely - checking that the car is in good condition is vital before any road trip.

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38 Helpful Items You Must Have on a Family Road Trip Checklist

Road trips are one of the best ways to explore new areas, and I actually prefer them now that I have kids. Unlike when you fly, you can pull over whenever you see something interesting or if you need a break (which can be often with little ones, am I right?). However, you’ll want to make sure you have the right sites on your family road trip checklist, as it can make or break the trip.

From driving around the island of Hawaii to going on an Olympic Peninsula road trip in Washington, I’ve been on dozens of road trips over the years. I love this form of travel, which is why I continue to plan new road trips year after year. That’s also why I continue to refine my family road trip packing list, as I learn a lesson each time we take the kids somewhere.

Based on all my experiences (both great and poor), I’ve put together the ultimate road trips with kids checklist. From what to know before you head out to understanding what essential things to pack for your drive, this road trip packing list will help you prepare for your trip!

Table of Contents

Helpful Tips for a Road Trip Packing List for Families

Here are a few road trip tips to keep in mind while you’re planning your trip.

Plan Your Stops Ahead of Time

I’m all for winging it sometimes. But on long road trips, I want to know where I’ll be spending the night every night. I discovered Roadtrippers about a year ago and love this for planning. You can add in all the places you have in mind for stopping to see the distance between them.

I used this app constantly when I was planning my road trip from Seattle to San Francisco . I then switched to the app when I’m on the road. It even calculates how long the trip will take you in total and how much they estimate gas will be. This is one of my road trip necessities to help save money.

If you bring your pup with you on trips, this is especially helpful to find a pet area at a rest stop or other area so they can relieve themself when you’re traveling cross country with a dog .

Get Your Car Ready

While you can’t prevent breakdowns during your trip, you can try to prevent them by making sure your car is ready first. This means filling up the wiper fluid, checking your oil levels, filling your tires with air , and anything else that you might have been putting off.

You should also know how to change a spare tire and have an emergency road kit in your car . These are all essential to add to your family road trip checklist.

On that note, if you have kids, you’ll want to make sure everything is ready for them. Knowing how to travel with a car seat correctly is important to make sure they stay safe.

Download Playlists

I’ve been using Spotify for years and love the wide variety of music and podcasts they have for a small fee each month. Before you leave, make a few different playlists and download them to your phone so you don’t have to worry about using up data or in places you don’t have service.

You can also get creative and make your own road trip playlist to put on your road trip packing list for kids. That way, you’ll be guaranteed to love every song that comes on. I consider this another road trip necessity, as there are likely parts you drive to that won’t have service to connect to the radio.

I’ve also recently gotten into podcasts, and they have almost every topic you can imagine on Spotify. What better time to educate yourself on a topic than when you’re stuck in the car?

Learn Where the Gas Stations Are

When you’re driving through big towns, you’ll have no problem finding gas stations. Once you get out on the wide-open road, gas options will be few and far between. When I did my Vancouver to Banff road trip , it was especially important to know where the gas stations were, as they were rare in some areas.

In addition to double-checking my family road trip checklist, I love using Gas Buddy to see not only where the nearest gas stations are but also which ones are the cheapest. Make sure to download this app before you leave as part of your road trip packing list checklist.

Go With the Flow

Many times when you plan a road trip, the trip doesn’t go 100% according to schedule. For example, when doing a long drive like a Seattle to Glacier National Park drive , you can’t expect to always stay on schedule each day.

There will be traffic, or roads might be closed that you were going to take. Try not to get stressed and think of it as a way to explore an area you wouldn’t have seen before.

For example, I found out after the fact that one of the most important things to know when visiting Yellowstone is to go early. However, when I was stuck in the middle of a traffic jam once I was there, I couldn’t do anything but breathe and wait for it to clear. While your kids may lose their cool, trying to keep yours can help defuse the situation.

Know Where Your Manual and Insurance Are

While we’re on the topic, you should also know where your car manual is, whether you’re renting a car or using your own. That way, you can quickly look up the issue you’re having. You should also know where your car insurance is in case of an accident. I go on many road trips and always make sure these are ready to go, just in case.

Have a Checklist

I use Evernote for everything – writing notes when I plan my trips, including helpful links, and even uploading pictures or screenshots. It syncs from the app on my phone to my computer so I can easily edit the documents back and forth.

Write down everything you need to do or pack on here. You can then check each task off as you get it done to help you plan a road trip. I used this method when we did our road trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite , and it made the process much easier.

Plus, the family road trip packing list below will help you with just that!

38 Essentials for a F amily Road Trip Checklist

You can always pick up anything you forget on the road, but you’ll save time and stress to have these items in advance. I recommend checking out my road trip organization hacks to start your trip on the right foot.

Also, I recommend signing up for my free packing list so you can get these in a family road trip packing list printable PDF that you can check off as you go.

Get your free road trip packing list here!

However, here’s a more detailed section about why I recommend putting all of these on your road trip with kids packing list.

1. Comfortable shoes

There’s a reason this item is at the top of my road trip checklist for families – if your kids can’t comfortably walk, tantrums will ensue. That’s why I always make sure my kids wear tennis shoes that fit them well for any activities they want to do at stops.

2. Warm jacket

Even if it’s the middle of summer and hot at your destination during the day, some places can get very chilly at night, particularly if you do a desert road tip, so you’ll always want a warm coat .

Don’t forget clothes for yourself! I love the KUHL Trekr Short when I travel due to its comfort and how quickly it dries. They are always my go-to brand for traveling and hiking, as every item I’ve tried from them is cozy.

3. Raincoat

You should always have a lightweight rain jacket on hand in case of a sudden rainstorm. Even the places that hardly get rain can suddenly get dumped on, and you don’t want to be stuck in your car. A rain jacket lets you continue to explore the area, so it’s necessary to put on a road trip packing list with kids.

4. Swimwear

Kids will swim in almost any temperature water, so having a swimsuit on hand makes it easier for them to get out on a quick stop to get their energy out.

I’ve been using Roadtrippers for years to help me plan out my trips and find fun stops along the way. Use my code “BTR5QTP” for $5 off when you sign up!

5. Sunglasses

Sunglasses seem like a simple item you’d always include, yet I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t check if I had them and went on a very sunny drive without them. I recommend getting polarized sunglasses to best protect their eyes (especially if you’re looking at sights on a Grand Canyon road trip ).

Road trip snacks are essential to put on your family packing list for a road trip, which is why I have an entire article dedicated to road trip snacks for kids . You’ll save both money and time when you have snacks ready to go.

Here are some of my essential road trip snacks:

• Protein bars
• Fruit (cut up before you leave or at night in the hotel)
• Hard-boiled eggs (peel before you leave for a quick breakfast)
• Dark chocolate (for a healthy-ish treat)

7. Reusable water bottle

One of my must-haves for a packing list for a road trip with kids is a refillable water bottle , and I take them for everyone in my family. You can easily get dehydrated from traveling and eating salty snacks, so fill up everyone’s water bottle whenever you get a chance.

On the same note, having multiple drink options is helpful to prevent stopping as much on a long drive. I try to stick to mainly water but may include a few juice boxes.

9. Electrolyte packets

I always thought these were overrated until I started taking one every day I travel and felt so much better. They have kid electrolyte packets as well to keep them hydrated and feeling healthy. These are especially important to use when you’re on a hot and dry place like a LA to Joshua Tree road trip .

A cooler is an item I’ve put on my list of what to pack for a family road trip for years to keep drinks and food cold. When I drove across the country in the middle of summer (and pregnant!), nothing gave me more relief on some of those blistering summer days than to grab a cold drink. Your kids will feel the same.

11. Napkins

Not much explanation here, but you always need way more napkins than you think you do with kids for all the messes they inevitably make. Bring three times the amount you think you need when packing for a road trip with kids.

12. Playlists

Older kids will love listening to the custom playlists you put together before your trip, and it keeps them from watching their tablets too much. You can help them create multiple ones for maximum entertainment.

Make sure to reserve your rental car ahead of time! I love using Discover Cars for my trips.

13. Audiobooks

These are also easy ways to entertain older kids while not having them stare at the screen. Just make sure you download all audiobooks before you go so they have access to them.

Road trips almost always have long stretches where you or the people in your car might start to get bored. That’s why a family road trip essential is having travel games for kids if you have young ones in the car.

I also love having road trip trivia questions ready to go for when you all hit a stretch when you’re a bit bored.

When there’s a delay in your trip, you’ll be glad you have a book to entertain you. For example, during my LA to Joshua Tree drive , we got stuck for almost two hours just trying to leave Los Angeles. I wished that I had a book or some type of entertainment when I realized we would be at a standstill for a while. Having a book or Kindle can temporarily distract kids when you’re stuck in traffic.

I wouldn’t have put this on a list a few years ago, but having two kids now and being a family that likes going on road trips, I will say having a tablet has been a big help. However, my husband and I always try to give them this as the last resort (as in after they’re sick of their books and games).

Traveling with an infant? You’ll want to know all the road trip tips with a baby first.

I’ve been traveling and taking photos for my websites for almost a decade, so my kids started noticing I always had my camera. I got them both this cute kid’s camera that is affordable but lets them be part of the action.

I always have road trip captions for Instagram ready to go so I can quickly post a picture.

18. Charging cables

I know it seems like such an obvious one, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten my phone charger before a trip and had to buy a new one. One of the most essential things to put on a vacation packing list for a family road trip is chargers for everything – Kindles, tablets, phones, etc. – for everyone.

19. Headphones

No one wants to hear the same Daniel Tiger episode playing over and over (kids know what they like, don’t they?), so get headphones for all of your kids to make sure they’re the only ones hearing their show.

20. GPS device

This is an optional item depending on where you’re going, but I wish I had a GPS device multiple times when I’ve been on trips where there’s not any service for hours. You can’t always rely on your phone to guide you.

21. Car phone mount

Similarly, your phone isn’t any good if you can’t see the directions it’s giving you. Don’t put yourself at risk by holding it in your phone, and put it in a sturdy phone mount instead.

22. Offline map

Technology is great, but you can’t always rely on it. Service will cut out in the middle of using your GPS, which is why you should have a paper map that won’t fail you. Mark your general route on there so you have an idea of where you are if you get lost.

23. Navigation app

While this may seem simple, many people forget to do this before they leave and try to download it when they suddenly need it. What happens? They can’t download it, because they don’t have service! Whether you use Google Maps, Waze, or another app, make sure it’s fully downloaded on your phone first.

24. Hand sanitizer

I always have hand sanitizer when I travel and especially on a road trip. You never know when that gas station you desperately need to stop to go to the bathroom is out of soap. Keep this in your glove box so it’s easily accessible.

25. Insect repellent

We’re lucky not to have many bugs in Seattle, but other parts of the country aren’t so lucky (I’m looking at you, Florida). Have bug spray ready to go so your kids don’t complain about bites for the rest of the trip.

26. Sunscreen

I’m so much better about putting sunscreen on now that I have kids, and I’m religious about always putting it on them. Keep their skin healthy, both by not getting immediate burns or putting them at risk for future health issues.

27. Toiletry bag

Sometimes you get to your hotel really late at night and are desperately wondering where your toothbrush is. Having a small toiletry bag for everyone makes it easy to grab the essentials.

28. First-aid kit

Kids are adventurous, and thus, kids get hurt often. Even if they’re just minor scraps, having a first-aid kit ready to grab makes it effortless to ease their pain and bandage them up.

29. Blanket

Having a blanket will help you out for multiple reasons during your trip – you can have an impromptu picnic on it, cover up kids when they’re cold, and have them use it to make car naps more comfortable. That’s why it’s always a road trip with kids checklist essential for me.

Just the same, having a pillow will make it even easier for them to take a nap or fall asleep on a late-night drive. You might as well get one for yourself as well to get some shut-eye (assuming you’re the passenger, of course).

Do your kids love to scream for the ice cream man the second they hear that song coming down the street? Have you ever been like me and discovered that many of these trucks only take cash still? That’s why I always have cash on me (because ice cream trucks love to live at every park in the summer).

32. Car insurance

While you hopefully have valid car insurance, you should also quickly know where it is in case of an accident or other emergency. I keep mine in an envelope along with my registration in my glove compartment so I can grab it.

33. Portable tire inflator

Gone are the days when you have to look under the seat for quarters to pay per minute for filling up your tires. This portable tire inflator is now one of the first things I put on our family road trip checklist so we can quickly refill the tires and be on our way.

34. Portable jumper cables

While you hopefully won’t ever have an emergency, one of the most helpful items to include when packing for a family road trip is an emergency roadside kit . This kit should include jumper cables and a flashlight in case your car dies at night.

35. Spare tire

Most cars already have a spare tire on them, but if yours doesn’t, get one ASAP. Otherwise, make sure that your spare tire is still in good condition and has air in it, or it won’t help you if you get a flat.

36. Trash bags

A simple item to throw in your bag is a few garbage bags. These make it quick and easy to clean out the car at the end of the day, so junk doesn’t start piling up. This is also helpful to have if you pull off for a picnic and the area doesn’t have a trash can nearby.

37. Wet wipes

It’s safe to say wet wipes are among my top 5 things of what to bring on a road trip with a family. Wet wipes can do anything – wipe sticky hands, clean up juice kids spill on the floor, etc. They’re essential!

Whether your kids get wet from a quick swim stop or muddy unexpectedly from exploring a hike, you won’t have to worry about bringing that into your car. A quick-drying towel will clean you up and dry you quickly.

You should now have plenty of ideas for things to bring on a road trip with kids! You can always stop and buy most items if you forget them, but having a family road trip checklist in advance makes your trip that much easier.

Marissa Pedersen

Marissa is a passionate road trip enthusiast who has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada via car and continues to go on new trips every year to explore more of the country. Her love of road tripping has given her a unique perspective on the best routes, hidden gems, and must-see attractions along the way.

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24 road trip essentials with kids: what to pack on a family road trip

Posted on Last updated: 29 May 2024

From over ten years experience road tripping with our kids, here we share our family road trip essentials to help keep parents sane.

The journey towards a successful family road trip starts with the planning. Your vehicle will become an extension of your home and it should ideally contain everything your family might need. Deciding what to pack on a family road trip can seem daunting but don’t worry; by following these essential tips, you’ll be on the right track.

We’ve been road tripping with our boys ever since they were born. From a first road trip around Scotland when Arthur was 3 months old, to a 4 month overlanding expedition around Sub-Saharan Africa when the boys were aged 1 and 3, to our many family road trips to Europe in our Bongo campervan (our regular readers will know we especially love spending our summers at various family campsites in France ).

We have travelled countless miles with our kids in the car and have tried and tested many family road trip tips. So here we share our top road trip essentials with kids, which will hopefully bring some sense of calm to parents embarking on those long journeys.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, and I receive a small commission.

1. Wee bottle and portable potty

Nature never calls at a convenient time and you can guarantee there’ll be at least one occasion on any road trip when someone needs to go. If you’re driving on a motorway or other busy road, there might not be a safe place to pull over so it pays to have a Plan Number Two.

Kids wee bottles are a brilliant invention, allowing kids to wee directly into a bottle with minimal risk of spillage. They can be used on the move if it’s an emergency, otherwise they’re a cleaner way of handling any unplanned wee stops. Even though our kids are now older, we still have a wee bottle handy (in fact it’s a Lenor fabric conditioner bottle!).

If it’s the ‘other’ kind of toilet stop, a portable travel potty is a great idea, allowing kids to sit down and do their business, safe in the knowledge there’s a disposable bag waiting which can be easily tied up and disposed of later. The travel potties are surprisingly comfortable to use and most kids don’t seem to register the difference.

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Screen-time can be a controversial subject amongst parents but, if there’s one time to embrace it, it’s on a family road trip. That’s not to say you should give in and let the kids have unlimited screen-time but, being realistic, there’s only so many games of I-spy you can play.

Make sure you stock up and download several films and TV shows to avoid burning through mobile data and have educational apps, books and podcasts available for when you want to move into educational mode.

It also helps if the screens have some novelty value, so try to limit how much screen-time they’ve had in the days leading up to the road-trip.

We’ve always used the Amazon Kindle Fire tablets for our boys, they’re reasonably priced, sync easily with our Amazon account, come with a no-questions asked 2-year replacement policy, and offer a good balance between entertainment and education.

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3. Headphones

As interesting as the dialogue from Peppa Pig might be, you don’t (necessarily) want it to become the soundtrack to your family road trip. And if you have multiple children competing for the loudest volume, there’ll be no winners (including the parents).

Headphones are a lifesaver on a road trip, allowing everyone in the vehicle their own space to listen whilst reducing arguments into the bargain.

Some kids’ specific headphones come with built-in volume limiters to ensure they don’t damage their ears. The more expensive versions include useful features like noise-cancellation and wireless connections, both recommended to make your job easier.

We’ve used these wireless Bluetooth headphones for years now and they work brilliantly.

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ALWAYS have the snacks handy. This is the law of parenting. Whether it’s a day of city sightseeing, hiking up mountains, or a family road trip, don’t forget the snacks!

Young kids especially are grazers and like to eat little and often. Plus, on a family road trip, you can’t always guarantee that the place you’re aiming to get to for lunch is open, or there’s a suitable stop along the motorway.

Try and keep the snacks healthy, you don’t want to give the kids a sugar rush when they’re strapped into the back seat unable to burn it off. Similarly, you don’t want to pack anything that gets crumbles everywhere or makes a mess. Satsumas and bananas are always a winner for us, as well as popcorn and cereal bars.

5. Electric cool box

And on the subject of food, plan for picnics on the road. This just makes life easier with the kids as you can eat when you want to eat, and don’t need to hunt down a café or restaurant, or stock up on junk food at the service station. Plus, it’s kinder on your travel wallet.

Having an electric cool box in the car is a game changer. You can store your sandwiches, cheese, cold drinks etc., and if you’re road tripping in warmer weather, this will be very much appreciated.

Obviously this is a family road trip essential that’s easier to pack if you are starting your trip straight from your front door. However, if we’ve rented a car in another country to road trip and know we’re going to be moving about a fair bit for two weeks or more, we’ve actually purchased a cool box from a local store, as the money spent is easily balanced by the money saved from not having to eat out!

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6. Car window shades

If your family road trip is taking you somewhere sunny, you might have to deal with the annoyance of the sun shining into the back seat and disturbing your children. Not only a nuisance, in warmer countries it can increase the temperature in the back and be dangerous to younger children.

Some parents also prefer the extra privacy a window shade provides, giving their children their own shaded cocoon in the vehicle.

Some models blackout the whole window and remain fixed in place, others are more transparent and are easily removable. Decide which version you prefer and don’t forget some kids enjoy looking out of the window; watching the world pass by is an essential part of any family road trip.

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7. Backseat organisers

Us parents have often remarked that it’s the parent in the passenger seat who has a harder job than the driver on a family road trip. Why? Well it’s answering all the requests from the kids in the back seat!

Set up a car seat organiser which attaches to the front seat. This means the kids can have everything handy to reach. It’s a good idea to get them to pack this organiser themselves to give them a sense of responsibility and ownership.

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8. Blankets or sleeping bags

When the kids are young, it’s a good idea to time your driving around nap times. This is a rule we religiously adhered to when the boys were under the age of 3. They loved sleeping in the car, and it gave us parents time to catch up and actually enjoy the scenery. Yes, it sometimes meant a later bed time for the boys as they had such long naps, but that just gave us more flexibility with what we could do with our day.

As they got older and dropped their naps, we actually started doing more trips at bed time, as they would sleep in the car. Obviously this isn’t always the safest option if you are road tripping the African continent for example, but something you might want to consider doing for ease if it is safe to do so.

So always have blankets or sleeping bags handy in the car for when anyone (parents included) want to snuggle down for a nap. We still use them now for days when we arrive back to the UK late at night off the ferry from France, and still have a good four hours of driving to get home.

9. Charger cables and USB car charger adaptor

Our electronic lives follow us onto the road trip, so make sure you’ve got all the chargers you’ll need, plus a few spares. Keep an eye out for devices which use the older-style USB connectors.

It’s a good idea to pack an adapter which connects to your car’s cigarette lighter so you can charge on the move. It’s worthwhile having at least one extra-long cable which could reach to the back seat in a charging emergency, such as when the film is just about to end and the battery is red.

Cables have a habit of either getting lost or horrendously tangled up, so try to keep them neatly packed away into one box, that way they’ll be on hand and ready to use whenever you need them. Organisation is the key to maintaining sanity on a family road trip!

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10. Battery pack

Just in case the car charger is fully occupied, or perhaps your phone’s battery juice is running low after following Google Maps and you want to take photos at your next stop, have a battery pack handy.

It’s something I always pack in the car ‘just in case’, and it ends up being used on every family road trip, often more than once.

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11. Bin bags

There’s always rubbish from snack bars and picnics on a family road trip. Have a bin bag handy to collect it all, otherwise it’s just going to end up strewn over the car for you to clean up at the end of the day’s drive.

12. Biodegradable wetwipes

For cleaning mucky paws, wiping bums and snot, wiping down tables at a restaurant or café. Parents, you know the drill. Biodegradable wetwipes are the best invention since sliced bread. Just don’t forget this absolute road trip essential item when packing up the car.

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13. Reusable water bottles

Another family road trip essential that is often forgotten. Make sure that everyone has a reusable water bottle to fill up en-route to avoid buying plastic bottles or the temptation of sugary drinks.

14. Hand sanitiser

Hand sanitiser is needed more than you realise on a family road trip. You’ll be using a lot of public toilets, and more often than not, there’s no soap.

Plus, no one wants to get sick on a family holiday. Keep those hands sanitised!

15. Magazines and books

A new magazine and/or book always has a novelty value. Even better if the kids have selected them themselves.

We tend to use Kindles for reading to save on packing space (books for all four of us can take up a lot of space for a 6 week family road trip).

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We often say to our boys that if they read for 30 minutes, they can have 30 minutes of gaming on their tablets (which is then often extended to 1 hour as us parents are appreciating the peace and quiet 😉 ).

Just avoid the magazine and books on windy mountain roads.

16. Audiobooks

Long car journeys are an ideal time to enjoy a good book but, with the potential for motion-sickness, it’s not always a success. A great compromise is listening to an audio book, a booming market with a seemingly endless supply of books on offer.

The most popular app is Audible (often with a free trial), with family favourites available such as Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, David Walliams and many, many more.

Depending on the book, you’re in for several hours of entertainment, often narrated by a famous actor. The file sizes can be surprisingly large, so remember to plan ahead and download before the journey starts.

17. Road trip games

With space at a premium, you might not bring the full-size version of classic games like Monopoly on your family road trip, but that doesn’t mean games are off the table. Most of the favourites are available in travel format, saving space in your vehicle without losing too much of the gameplay. Make sure the travel games are magnetic!

These games aren’t necessarily suggested to be played on the journey (although many can be), more as a way to pass the time at a service station or rest stop.

Our personal favourite has to be Uno , many an hour has been spent playing as a family, and it’s been the steady travel game staple for over seven years now. Although the days of the parents always winning are sadly over. And if you haven’t tried the upgraded version of UNO FLIP yet, then you must!

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18. First aid kit

Whilst it’s unlikely accidents will happen in the back of the car when strapped into their car seats, they are very possible at rest stops. Perhaps you’ve pulled over at a viewpoint, the kids are off climbing and jumping around after two hours in the car, and then…. “Muuuuuuuuummy!”

Have a first aid kit handy. Although I personally find that a shot of Calpol and a small bag of Haribos fixes the majority of kids’ injuries, so ensure these medical essentials are also packed away in your first aid kit.

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19. Quick-drying towel

Perhaps there’s a river or stream to play in, or more likely, you’ve been caught in a downpour. Having a quick-drying towel handy in the boot of the car will be appreciated.

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20. Coats, hats, and a daypack easily accessible

A family road trip is not about reaching your destination as quickly as possible. It’s about meandering along, taking your time to stop at interesting points along the way. Although, yes, there are days when you just want to get your foot down to your destination.

But on those days when you want to make a few stops along the way, make sure the coats and/or sun hats are easily accessible. It’s handy to have these all in the one bag in the boot of the car for easy access.

It’s also a good idea to have a small backpack already packed up with snacks ( always snacks), sunscreen, hats, and a water bottle, so you can grab it and go.

21. Football or frisbee

More often than not, your picnic or rest stop will have nothing there (a picnic bench and public loo if you’re lucky). Maybe just a patch of grass to run about on.

In these instances, it’s a good idea to have a ball or frisbee in the back of the car for kids to play with and burn off some energy.

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22. Comfortable car seats

You’ll already know that kids up to a certain age and height need to use appropriate car seats. Whilst safety is the number one priority, when planning a family road trip, do also factor in how comfortable the seats are because they’ll be spending a lot of time in them. Features you should look out for include: movable headrests, width, ventilation, fabric type, seat padding and cup holders.

For many years we used a foldable car sear . These were super handy for our campervan road trips as we could fold up and store away the car seats neatly to create liveable space.

But when hiring a car overseas (such as when driving in Morocco or Iceland ), the Bubblebum Inflatable Booster Car Seat is a brilliant space saver.

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23. Mini hoover

However tidy you try and keep your car on a family road trip, crumbs, dirt and sand will find their way onto your carpets and deep in the nooks and crannies of the upholstery. Have a handheld vacuum cleaner handy to clean up the car. This is actually a good job to get the kids to do!

When we’re on a long-term road trip, we try and put one day aside each week to reset the car. This includes cleaning up inside, making sure everything is where it should be, and stocking up on snacks (there you go, I’ve mentioned snacks again).

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24. All the important documents for the parents

And parents, after packing all the essential items to keep the kids happy on the road trip, make sure you don’t forget about the actual essentials to make sure you get to your destination safely.

Make sure the car has enough fuel for the journey (and you know what your fuel is called in the country you’re heading to). If you’re heading overseas, your insurance will need to cover you for driving in those countries and also check your license is valid. Some countries also require the original registration certificate.

It pays to put your vehicle in for a service before the journey, or at least check the essentials (oil, water, coolant, tyres, etc) yourself. On that note, make sure your breakdown cover includes national (and ideally European) recovery so you can all get home in case of problems.

Some countries require you to carry snow chains if driving through certain areas during winter, regardless of the current conditions. Practice fitting them before you leave, it’s not a good idea to try for the first time in a blizzard next to a foreign motorway.

We also pack a tyre inflator which plugs into the cigarette lighter; super handy if you find your tyres have lost some pressure during your trip.

You may also like to read: A Northern Spain road trip in a campervan: Santander to Barcelona Bongo Camper summer road trip in France (6 weeks) Why you should Road Trip with your Baby

20+ Road Trip Essentials with Kids (after 60k miles on the road)

Road trips are such an amazing way to see the world with kids and to have opportunities to explore in nature. But with more space than on a flight, packing for a road trip can be a bit overwhelming! Over the last 11 years of parenthood (and road tripping over 60,000 miles), we’ve gotten better at streamlining our road trip essentials with kids.

Here are the things to pack for a road trip that always come with us, whether in the car or RV. These family road trip necessities always help our road trips with kids go much more smoothly!

Child Restraint

Of course, the most important thing when taking a road trip with kids is to ensure they’re properly restrained. This is definitely at the top of the list for baby and toddler road trip essentials! Be sure to check into legal requirements wherever you’re traveling in addition to the safest situation for your child. If you’re uncertain, child passenger safety technicians can provide invaluable advice so it’s great to check in with them. Here’s more on the car seats for travel that we use.

Snacks + Cooler

Number one on this list of road trip essentials for toddlers and kids has to be snacks. There’s nothing that will ruin a road trip for us faster than having hangry, grumpy kids. We like to have mostly healthy foods they already love. We find we all feel better and act better when we’re not just eating tons of junk. But of course we always have some fun snacks that we wouldn’t have regularly at home, too!

Here’s a list of some of our favorite healthy road trip snacks for kids . We also like keeping fresh foods handy in a soft-sided cooler. This one keeps things cold for forever and is great to add to your road trip must haves.

Books: Kids Kindles + A Few Physical Books

I try not to overpack entertainment because I find that my kids tend to actually use the items less when there are too m ≤e category: BOOKS.

My older 3 kiddos (currently ages 11, 9, 7) love their Kids Kindles , which makes it easy to take lots of books without packing tons of stuff. They also allow us to download more along the way if needed. They tend to be best for kids who enjoy chapter books, but aren’t great for picture book readers. (More about the Kids Kindles for travel in this post .) Here’s a list of a few diverse novels for road trips that we love. And here are some kids books about the world that would be great for a road trip.

Here are some tips that have helped us raise kids who love reading to prepare for this must have on our family road trip packing list.

Audiobooks (Yoto Player)

Speaking of books, we also always stock up on audiobooks before a road trip. We usually use the Libby app to download them through our library, but also use the following audiobook services:

• Audible free trial  and get up to 2 free book credits
• Libro.fm membership  and get a free audiobook credit for  Aru Shah  (this supports local bookstores!)
• audiobooksnow.com free trial  and get it for $7.88 (or  $15.75 without signing up for the free trial )
• audiobooks.com free trial  and get 3 free book credits
• 30 day free trial of Scribd

We also LOVE using our Yoto player . It’s especially great for our younger kiddos because it’s so young-child-friendly. One of the road trip must haves for toddlers! They love being able to control exactly what they’re listening to with the cards. Seriously such a lifesaver on family road trips. This also allows my 4 year old, for instance, to listen to a different book than what the older kids are listening to in the car. ( More about the Yoto player here .)

We love these toddler headphones for our younger kids (and my older daughter still uses hers because they’re so soft and comfortable). Perfect to use with the Yoto player or to listen to something on a tablet if needed. We also like these for older kiddos on our family road trip checklist.

Trash Bags (and/or Vomit Bags)

It’s frankly quite incredible just how much trash manages to accumulate on road trips. Like, where does it even come from??

A trash bag in each row of the vehicle is one of our road trip must haves for kids. That way, there’s easy access while kids are buckled. We usually just use plastic grocery bags (the Target and Walmart ones tend to be really sturdy). You could also use something fancier like this .

They’re also useful to have on hand if you happen to have kids who tend to get motion sick. We don’t generally, but we’ve had once or twice on a very windy road where a kiddo has been reading and suddenly felt sick. We were very grateful to have some bags handy. (I’ve also heard good things about disposable vomit bags if you have kids who puke regularly.) Add this to your family road trip packing list!

Baby Wipes/Cleaning Wipes

I’m convinced it is impossible to have too many baby wipes. I shall purchase them until all my children are grown adults, forever and ever, amen. They’re just so darn useful in so many situations! Spilled drink? Baby wipes. Scoop up crumbs? Baby wipes. Clean the floor of the RV? Baby wipes. No toilet paper in the public restroom? Baby wipes.

And yes, I have actually used baby wipes for every one of these situations and many more. They’re a staple on our road trip packing list. You’re welcome. It’s even one of those road trip essentials for couples!

Sanitizing wipes are also helpful, especially during pandemic times, for cleaning anything and everything.

I have oddly strong opinions about the thickness and texture of baby wipes and quite like these . I personally love the cucumber scent but the regular works just fine, too.

Travel Backpack

I love having each of my kids pack their own travel backpack with their activities, water bottle, and a few personal snacks. This helps keep some fighting to a minimum and my kids are usually more excited about things they personally picked out and packed. The biggest benefit is that things tend to stay tidier when they have a specific space to contain their things. This is also one of those great road trip essentials for teens so they can be sure to have what they like handy.

Here’s what our kids usually pack in their travel backpacks – all great things to add to your road trip essentials with kids.

As I mentioned above, I try hard to not go overboard with the activities because I find that my kids tend to use them less the more there are. But we do like to pack a few things that keep them engaged for longer periods of time. Here are some of our favorite road trip activities for kids when putting together your packing list for family road trip.

Water Bottles + Bento Style Containers

Nothing makes me feel more ragey on road trips than spilled drinks and food. I know I should anticipate it, yada yada, but it still stresses me out. We find that everyone having their own water bottle helps significantly with keeping spills to a minimum and is one of our road trip necessities.

I like this hard spout insulated sippy for babies and young toddlers. THIS and THIS are great travel water bottles for younger kids. I also like this one (which is surprisingly spill-resistant, but the straw can get dirty since it doesn’t have a cover).

My older kids absolutely LOVE this water bottle – it’s a great size, fits in a side pocket, and keeps drinks cold for sooo long. For adults, we really love THIS one and THIS one.

We’ve also had a few trips where we’ve taken the kids’ Bento-style school lunchboxes as part of our road trip checklist for family. These are great for keeping food neat, especially if you’re having a whole meal while moving. It also makes it easy to close up leftovers without them spilling everywhere. We love these lunchboxes because they’re leakproof, both to the outside and between compartments.

We don’t often drive super late at night as neither Dan nor I is great at staying up to drive. But we do sometimes we do drive past at least the younger kids’ bedtimes. We find it’s easier for everyone to fall asleep if they have similar sleep cues to what they’d have at home or in a bed. So we include pajamas, pillow, stuffie, and possibly an eye mask in their road trip essentials list. We usually turn on some calming music ( this is our go-to) or white noise over the car speakers to help them drift off.

First Aid Kit + Medications

It’s amazing when kids manage to get injured, and it’s definitely happened to us on road trips before, too. We always like to keep a first aid kit handy – this is for sure a road trip essential that you always want to not need but will be very grateful to have it if a need does arise. These are our very favorite bandages that actually stay on so they always stay on our road trip packing list.

Don’t forget any specific medications you might need to add to your road trip essentials with kids, as well – we always carry a pain relief roller since a couple of our kids get growing pains. We always take children’s melatonin, as well, if we need help adjusting to sleep, especially if we’re changing time zones. ( This one isn’t specifically made for children but it’s the exact same formulation and dosage, cheaper than kid-specific ones, and works faster. Be sure to check with your medical professional before using.)

Sunblock/Insect Repellent

I always like to keep these two things handy in the door of the vehicle on road trips so we can find them easily as we’re leaving.

This is our favorite sunblock for kids – it’s a mineral sunblock that blends and protects so well (and is reef safe). It also comes in stick and spray form . I personally love this facial sunscreen to go under makeup, and this brush on mineral sunscreen is great for refreshing over makeup during the day. We always have this in our vehicle for summer adventures and on our summer road trip packing list.

When we’re in very buggy areas (or in areas where mosquitoes have a greater risk of carrying disease), we always use this Deet-based lotion repellent . It works super well and stays on for a long time. When we’re not as worried about diseased mosquitoes, we typically use this kind .

An Easy Outdoor Toy

Everyone gets a bit stir-crazy on a long road trip, so it’s nice to get in as much movement as possible when you stop. We like to head to a playground or even an empty field. We always keep a ball or frisbee on hand, and possibly even a couple of baseball gloves, for some easy and fun movement. Usually, we just keep this with our other road trip supplies so we don’t forget!

Extra Diapers

One of those things that’d I’d rather have too many of than too few! Especially if you’re road tripping through more remote areas, be sure you have a good stash handy with your road trip car essentials. For my younger kids who are toilet trained, I try to make sure to put them in a diaper before napping or if there’s risk of them falling asleep in the car; washing car seat covers is absolutely no fun, especially while on the road.

Binoculars/Scope

It’s so fun to spot wildlife, buildings, and other landmarks while on a family road trip. We recently got these mini spotting scopes for kids for summer travel and I think they’ll be great for entertaining the kids on all kinds of road trips. They’re powerful enough to not just be a toy, but small enough that they’re easy to pack. Each of our kiddos got their own and I think they’ll quickly become one of our favorite fun road trip essentials, especially in places with lots of animals.

While we often rely on map apps on our phones, it’s always good to double check with a physical map of the area where you’re driving, especially if it’s a more remote spot. Plus, map-reading is a great skill for older kids to confirm routes, detours, stops, etc.

We don’t do a ton of electronics or road trip movies, but it’s always nice to have this as an option when needed. we just use an old iPad if we’re in the car or our DVD player if we’re in the RV. Nothing fancy. It’s not highest on our list of road trip essentials with kids but definitely useful in a pinch.

Travel Journal

I love having my kids keep travel journals of our adventures. I don’t have them necessarily write about days when we’re just driving, but it’s such great practice to have them write details about the special adventures and excursions. Plus, it’s delightful to read about the experiences through their eyes, and I hope they’ll enjoy reflecting back on them when they get older.

I let each of my kids pick out their journal – we chose thick, sturdy ones that have a strap to hold it closed. We have this one , this one , and this one (in 2 colors) so far.

Portable Charger

It seems something is always running out of charge (or someone forgot to charge it) while on the road. This portable charger is powerful and fantastic for road trips. This is another terrific one that charges really quickly. And I love this tiny but powerful little power bank for on the go.

Car Seat Protector

It is truly remarkable just how gross cars get beneath car seats. We like to have these especially under our younger kiddos’ car seats to protect the actual vehicle a bit.

Travel Towels

We usually like to keep a few quick dry travel towels handy when road tripping with kids. These are great if there’s a spill, but also if we go out and someone gets wet and needs to get cleaned up. In the RV especially, we love these Turkish bath towels . They dry fast and don’t take much space (and everyone has their own color). We also always take a few of these microfiber towels to pack along on hikes or to the beach. We always fly with a couple of those, as well!

Trunk Organizer

What kind of post on road trip essentials with kids would this be if I didn’t include some sort of trunk organizer solution? Like everyone else, we love these things , and not just for the trunk. We love storing one under the table in the RV to hold books and activities. Smaller ones are great to go on an empty seat in a car. Basically, anything that can keep all the STUFF that comes along with road tripping with kids somewhat organized and available to find when needed is a lifesaver.

There you go! Some of the road trip essentials with kids that we never travel without. How about you? Are you a road trip family? And if so, what is crucial to your road trip with kids success?

A Few Other Useful Items:

These items aren’t really for kids, but they’re super useful for a road trip!

• Portable Car Jumper (Car Battery Booster) (also available at Home Depot )
• Spare tire + tools
• Car top carrier & protective roof liner

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST ABOUT ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS WITH KIDS, YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE POSTS TOO:

• Toddler Road Trip Tips
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11 best family road trips in the U.S.

Family road trips are the quintessential american vacation..

Combining our love of the automobile with our affinity for wide open spaces (not to mention quirky roadside attractions), family road trips rare one of the quintessential American family vacation ideas . Who doesn’t remember packing into the backseat of the family car ( or car rental ) and venturing out on that time-honored family tradition that’s as much about the journey as the destination? 

Family road trip ideas around the United States

Of course, if you’re planning a road trip with the kids, the journey has to be fun. That means more than just nice scenery, groan-worthy dad jokes , and the occasional stop for ice cream or lobster rolls. The country’s national parks , tourist attractions , natural wonders, and engineering marvels are part of the experience. Entertaining car games and kid-friendly family resorts and water parks along the way are part of it, too. With that in mind, here are the top road trip ideas around the U.S. that kids are guaranteed to love. 

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1. Vermont route-100 road trip

200 miles, three stops, three days.

Road trips don’t get any more scenic than a fall drive down Vermont’s Route 100 byway. A leaf-peeper’s dream, VT-100 traverses nearly the length of Vermont along the eastern edge of the Green Mountains. Along the way you’ll pass by some of the state’s best known family ski resorts and attractions.

Spend a day exploring the hip little city of Burlington before taking I-89 across the Green Mountains to VT-100. In Waterbury , be sure to check out the Ben and Jerry’s Factory (and its Flavor Graveyard ) before heading south. The idyllic little town of Stowe is just north on VT-100 and an excellent place to spend the night.

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From Stowe, head south on VT-100 and enjoy the spectacular scenery. There are plenty of mountain passes that take you to ski resorts such as Mad River Glen , Sugarbush , and the Middlebury Snow Bowl . Take time to explore the winding curves into the mountains, each revealing panoramic views of colorful foliage. Continue south on VT-100 through Killington all the way to Wilmington , then head west back across the Green Mountains on VT-9 to Bennington .

The historic town of Bennington is known for the Revolutionary War battle that was fought there, and hosts a monument that’s the tallest structure in Vermont. Take in this classic New England village with its picturesque churches and covered bridges before heading home.

2. Lake Michigan coast road trip

415 miles, four stops, seven days.

When thinking of America’s best family beach vacations and beach towns , it’s easy to focus on East Coast vacations and West Coast vacations . But it would be a shame to overlook a Midwest road trip along’s America’s North Coast—the Great Lakes!

Stretching the length of the eastern edge of Lake Michigan are some fantastic little beach towns. Start off on the lake’s southern shore at Indiana Dunes National Park , home to 15 miles of sandy beachfront, and head north into Michigan to South Haven . There’s a series of small towns worth exploring, including Saugatuck , Holland , and Grand Haven . You’ll find numerous B&Bs, lighthouses, and even Dutch culture and tulips (in Holland, of course). 

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Continue hugging the coast north to Ludington , where you’ll find plenty of outdoor recreation, activities, and even more lighthouses. Michigan has the most lighthouses in the U.S., and Ludington is within an hour’s drive of four of them. The SS Badger calls Ludington home, and is a time capsule of maritime history. The Badger is a 1950s coal-fired steamship that transports riders across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin . Other activities in Ludington include canoe trails, dune rides, and hiking.

After your stay in Ludington, drive towards Traverse City by passing through the towns of Manistee and Beulah . There’s beautiful color for Midwest fall getaways , and Beulah’s known for its salmon fishing as well. Traverse City is a resort town worthy of a stay. Side trips include visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and driving the Leelanau Peninsula to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse that sits midway between the equator and the North Pole.

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From Traverse City, follow US-31 along the water of the Grand Traverse Bay to Petoskey , known for its fossilized bits of ancient coral rounded into Petoskey Stones . Follow the shoreline (M-119) around Little Traverse Bay for an iconic Michigan drive: the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route , which is not to be missed in the fall. 

From there it’s on to Mackinaw City , where Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is joined with the Upper Peninsula by the five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge that soars 200 feet above the water.

3. Finger Lakes waterfall road trip

200 miles, three stops, four days.

Beginning in Ithaca , a gorge-ous New York vacation destination that’s home to Cornell University, Ithaca College, and the world-famous Moosewood restaurant , this Finger Lakes waterfall road trip is perfect for a long weekend drive. At the southern end of Cayuga Lake is Taughannock Falls State Park , where a creek cuts a deep 400-foot gorge before plummeting 215 feet over Taughannock Falls, one of the largest single-drop waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains.

Twenty-five miles to the west, the next Finger Lake west of Cayuga is Seneca, home to Watkins Glen State Park and no fewer than 19 waterfalls in a secluded gorge with 200-foot cliffs. The two-mile gorge trail is one of the most spectacular hikes in the New York state park system . Try to get to the trail first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. If you’re looking for a place to stay overnight before the next stop, be sure to try Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel , which has sunset views on the shore of Seneca Lake.

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Eighty miles west of Watkins Glen is Letchworth State Park, the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Letchworth State Park follows the Genesee River as it runs north, dropping over at least three waterfalls. The largest waterfalls are near the southern park entrance along with the historic Glen Iris Inn that offers rustic elegant food and lodging.

Catch the sunrise and a rainbow at Letchworth before heading to New York’s most famous plummet, Niagara Falls . Situated another 80 miles northwest of Letchworth, the majestic flow of the Niagara River is the culmination of this waterfall road trip. Niagara Falls State Park is the country’s first state park (established in 1885) and boasts American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls. In addition, there are plenty of iconic attractions here including the Maid of the Mist boat ride and Cave of the Winds tour. 

4. National Park Grand Circle tour

750 miles, four stops, seven to 10 days.

This family road trip begins in Las Vegas, Nevada , a gateway for many national parks in the Southwest. The National Park Grand Circle Tour heads to an area of Southern Utah and Northern Arizona that includes Zion National Park , Bryce Canyon National Park , Cedar Breaks National Monument , and Grand Canyon National Park .

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Approximately three hours (160 miles) northeast of Las Vegas is Zion, Utah’s first and most popular national park. Zion features sheer red cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and a river that runs through it. Summer days bring scorching temps and long shuttle lines, but the Riverside Walk at the Temple of Sinawava offers a chance to cool off wading in the Virgin River. To get away from the crowds, head to Kolob Canyons , Zion’s northwest section, for scenic drives and more hiking.

A hidden gem 90 minutes (80 miles) north of Zion is Cedar Breaks National Monument, noted for its red rock amphitheater, ancient bristlecone pines, alpine meadows, blooming wildflowers and, at 10,000 feet above sea level, refreshingly cool temperatures. Cedar Breaks features an annual wildflower festival, and, as a dark sky preserve , hosts summer star parties where “Dark Rangers” point out Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, constellations, and the Milky Way.

From Cedar Breaks, drive 60 miles east to Bryce Canyon National Park. Noted for its breathtaking rock columns, Bryce has the largest expanse of hoodoos in the world. The Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop Trail , billed as the “best three-mile hike you’ll ever take,” does not disappoint, and you’ll feel transported to another planet.

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The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is 160 miles south of Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s far less crowded than the South Rim, but no less impressive. The sweeping patio of the Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge has panoramic views as well as Park Ranger geology talks. Make an early reservation online for the lodge’s historic dining room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Grand Canyon, and watch the sun dip below the rim.

For the return trip, head 114 miles north from the Grand Canyon to the eastern entrance of Zion National Park. Spend the night at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort before taking the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel road back through the park on the way to Las Vegas (180 miles).

5. Blue Ridge Parkway National Park road trip

305 miles, three stops, four days.

Starting at the Virginia State Line, drive 85 miles southeast to Blowing Rock, North Carolina , along the famed Blue Ridge Parkway. This National Park corridor stretches from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The road is designed to “lie gently upon the land” with spectacular mountain views and tons of hiking opportunities. The Blowing Rock formation overhangs the John’s River Gorge , 4,000 feet above sea level with panoramic views of mountain peaks and forests.

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Continue south nearly 120 miles to Asheville, North Carolina , a quirky and family-friendly arts community known for outdoor recreation such as ziplining, white-water rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and forest bathing (it’s not what it sounds like). Along the way is Mount Pisgah conservation area , the former private hunting grounds of wealthy industrialist George Vanderbilt. (Vanderbilt’s 250-room Biltmore Estate mansion is also located in Asheville.) 

Navitat Canopy Adventures offers mountaintop canopy tours consisting of side-by-side ziplines, four scenic hikes, and 360-degree views of long-range vistas nearly 20 miles into Tennessee. The Nantahala Outdoor Center provides whitewater rafting and kayak tours of the nearby Nantahala River (and others). For a place to stay, the Inn on Biltmore Estate has lodging with mountain views.

The final 100 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Cherokee, North Carolina , offers another round of impressive Appalachian Mountain views, plus Cherokee Indian history and culture. The Oconaluftee Indian Village is a re-creation of a Cherokee community as it would have existed in the 1750s, including a seven-sided council house.

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Families can learn how indigenous people lived off the land fashioning baskets, pottery, canoes, and hunting equipment. Unto These Hills is a well-put-together theater performance that tells Cherokee legends and history from Hernando de Soto’s arrival in 1540 to the tribe’s forced relocation in 1839 along the Trail of Tears.

6. Pacific Coast Highway road trip

470 miles, five stops, seven days.

It’s hard to get more scenic than California’s State Route 1 (SR-1). Also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) or Highway 1, SR-1 runs along the coast for more than 650 miles from Southern to Northern California with ocean views all along the way. 

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Start your California coastal road trip in Los Angeles and drive 100 miles north to Santa Barbara . You’ll pass Santa Monica Beach , the swanky Malibu playground filled with audacious beach homes, and continue on to Santa Barbara. Art lovers should stop at the Getty Villa along the way, and history fans should visit Old Mission Santa Barbara that dates back to 1786.

From Santa Barbara, your Pacific Coast Highway road trip runs concurrently with US-101 as you head 115 miles to San Luis Obispo . There are more California missions along the way, as well as Grover and Pismo Beaches, where families can dig for clams. San Luis Obispo (SLO or SLO Cal) was founded as a mission in 1772, and includes plenty of boutiques and restaurants in addition to beach activities like surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking.

From SLO, the drive north to Monterey is the route you came for, with 135 miles of incredible views along the Big Sur coastline. The road winds through S-curves, and there are plenty of places to pull over, park, and take in the panoramic vistas and incredible Monterey beaches . One of the many notable things to do along the way is a stop at Hearst Castle outside SLO. This is the mansion of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, loosely portrayed by Orson Welles in the 1941 classic Citizen Kane . 

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The final 120 miles from Monterey to San Francisco wind their way around Monterey Bay (home to the world-famous aquarium ) and past the beach town of Santa Cruz (home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk ). This route takes you past Big Basin Redwoods State Park , the oldest state park in California, and a worthy side trip to see its namesake ancient coast redwood trees (some between 1,000 and 1,800 years old and more than 300 feet tall). And the final stop, San Francisco, is certainly more than worthy of exploration itself.  

7. Natchez Trace Parkway road Trip

495 miles, three stops, three days.

The Natchez Trace Parkway stretches 444 miles through Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. The route traces centuries of history among the Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations. In 1801, President Thomas Jefferson named the stretch between Nashville and Natchez a national postal road. Today, the scenic byway is part of the National Park System used by motorists, bikers, and hikers. 

Begin in “Music City,” a.k.a. Nashville, Tennessee , and drive southwest for 200 miles to Tupelo, Mississippi . Along the way are numerous pullouts leading to hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and waterfalls. One notable stop is the final resting place of famed explorer Meriwether Lewis , who died on the Natchez Trace at the age of 35. After crossing through the northwest corner of Alabama, you arrive in Tupelo, birthplace of Elvis Presley.

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Take some time to explore the land of “The King,” including the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum , Tupelo Hardware Company (where he got his first guitar), and pay homage at the Elvis “Homecoming” statue near city hall. Next, it’s on to Jackson, Mississippi , where the Natchez Trace passes a Chickasaw Village, archeological burial mounds, and Civil War sites. Before the Ross Barnett Reservoir lies the cypress swamp, where you have a chance to spot an alligator along the half mile boardwalk trail above the water.

From Mississippi’s state capital, continue on to Natchez, Mississippi , passing through the abandoned ghost town of Rocky Springs . One of the most notable (and most photographed) sites is the Sunken Trace , a footpath that was part of the indigenous people’s original trail. The route appears “sunken” due to the thousands upon thousands of travelers walking along the path across the centuries. The Natchez Trace Parkway ends in the town of Natchez on the banks of the Mississippi River, making up the border with Louisiana.  

8. Florida Keys road trip

200 miles, two stops, four days.

US-1 from Miami to Key West, Florida , is both an engineering marvel and a natural wonder. Start off in the glitzy, over-the-top metropolis of Miami and be sure to visit its Art Deco cousin, Miami Beach . Next, follow the Overseas Highway all the way to its most southern point: Key West. Much of the route takes place over the water, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge connecting the Middle with the Southern Keys.

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After your visit to Miami, head south on US-1. The first half of the route is toll roads through the swampland of Florida, but then it’s on to the 42 bridges of the Overseas Highway , where the first stop along the way is Key Largo , the gateway to the Florida Keys. Key Largo is known for its snorkeling and diving opportunities and is home to the nation’s first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park . Those looking for a place to overnight might consider the family-friendly Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key (another hour south of Key Largo), one of the best Florida beach resorts for families.

Continuing south on US-1 over the Atlantic Ocean, the Overseas Highway hops from Key to shining Key. There are plenty of stopping points to take in a tropical forest, hiking trails, and bike paths. On the southern end of Seven Mile Bridge is one of the best beaches in the world, Bahia Honda State Park . From there it’s on to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States. Be sure to check out the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum along with its six-toed cats, and then grab a drink or bite on Duval Street .

9. Route 66 through Missouri

285 miles, three stops, two to three days.

You’ve watched Pixar’s Cars movies , heard the song, and can’t wait to get your kicks on Route 66. Unfortunately, not much of the original “Mother Road” remains these days, with most of the asphalt paved over with flat, wide, interstate. Oftentimes, the interstate was laid right on top of the original Route 66. But there’s still plenty to see and do on this classic strip of highway. 

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St. Louis , the “Gateway to the West,” is an apt place to begin this road trip. Be sure to give yourself time to explore St. Louis, including Gateway Arch National Park . This national park on the mighty Mississippi River not only contains the Arch, but also the courthouse where the Black enslaved man Dred Scott sued for his right to freedom in the late 1840s. After contemplating history, go west on Interstate 44 where you’ll pass Route 66 State Park on the way to St. Clair, Missouri . 

From St. Clair, continue along I-44 past kitschy Route 66-type roadside attractions, including Meramec Caverns and a wax museum dedicated to Missouri native son Jesse James. Keep your eyes out for the town of Cuba (known as Route 66 Mural City) that currently has 14 murals painted on buildings along the route. Exit the interstate to drive a portion of Route 66 through scenic views of Mark Twain National Forest and the Devil’s Elbow bend of the Big Piney River. 

Pick up some Missouri-style BBQ in the town of St. Robert , and, for the full Route 66 experience, continue to Lebanon to stay at the vintage Munger Moss Motel . The historic motor court has served travelers on the Mother Road since 1946 and even has Route 66-themed rooms. Continuing towards Springfield , keep an eye out for glades (rocky outcrops in the forests that locals call “balds”). Notorious outlaw Jesse James and his gang robbed banks, stagecoaches, and trains throughout this area. One of Missouri’s largest caves, Fantastic Caverns , is found just outside of Springfield, and features numerous geologic formations.

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The road trip continues through southwest Missouri’s Ozarks to Joplin , where Bonnie and Clyde hid from the law. In Joplin, you’ll also find the George Washington Carver National Monument dedicated to the man who was born a slave and became one of the most prominent Black scientists and inventors of the early 20th century. 

Just outside Joplin is the town of Carthage with plenty of Route 66 history, including the Art Deco Boots Court Motel that originally opened in 1939. Restored in 2012, the Boots Court Motel continues to lodge travelers along Route 66. 

10. Alaska’s Seward highway

127 miles, two stops, three days.

The route from Anchorage to Seward via Alaska’s AK-1 is only a little over 125 miles, but it’s full of scenic vistas. Nestled between mountains and coast, it winds its way through Chugach State Park and National Forest around the Turnagain Arm of the Gulf of Alaska. Oftentimes you can spot moose sauntering through marshland, eagles soaring above the water, and salmon packed in streams. 

After spending the day in Anchorage, depart Alaska’s largest city to join the RV road trip caravan making its way south on AK-1. There are plenty of places to pull off the highway to take in the scenery, hike, and shoot photos along the way. Once in Seward, head to the Alaska SeaLife Center to learn about the natural history of Resurrection Bay as well as meet sea otters, harbor seals, and puffins. 

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Kenai Fjords National Park is headquartered in Seward, and is a town worth exploring and staying the night. The Seward Windsong Lodge is nestled in the woods just outside the downtown area, and consists of multiple smaller wildflower-named buildings, giving it a summer camp feel. 

To truly explore Kenai Fjords National Park, though, you need to get on the water. Pursuit operates both the Seward Windsong Lodge as well as Kenai Fjords Tours , and you can bundle your stay with a day cruise where you can spot seals, sea lions, eagles, puffins, orcas, and whales in addition to calving glaciers, waterfalls, and dramatic Alaskan scenery.

11. Hawaii’s road to Hana

62 miles, two stops, one to two days.

The most popular scenic drive in Hawaii is Maui’s Road to Hana . This 62-mile curvaceous expanse along Maui’s north shore can be accomplished in a day, but could also be stretched into a multi-day road trip to fully take in the waterfalls and ocean views. 

From Kahului , head east on SR-36 past popular beaches and sugarcane fields. Continue onto HI-360, Mile Marker 0 of the Hana Highway, and the beginning of this serpentine road. For those prone to motion or carsickness , be aware that there are more than 600 curves and nearly 60 bridges on this highway. However, there are plenty of stops along the way where you can exit the car and breathe in the tropical air. 

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At Mile 2, stop for Twin Falls and its trailhead for a short hike to a waterfall. Other notable stops include the Garden of Eden (Mile 10), Hana Lava Tube (Mile 31), Wai’anapanapa State Park (Mile 32), and Hana Town (Mile 34). The small village of Hana Town gives a glimpse of pre-development Hawaii and is a great place to get some classic kalua pork BBQ.

Continue from Hana on to Wailua Falls (Mile 45), an 80-foot waterfall that’s one of Maui’s most photographed sites. It’s also a good place to cool off in the pool beneath the falls. The final stop on the highway is the Seven Sacred Pools , a natural spot within the ‘Ohe’o Gulch of Haleakala National Park . There are places to stay overnight near the Seven Sacred Pools area of ‘Ohe’o Gulch if you’d like to turn this into a multi-day road trip.

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Road Trip Packing List

The ultimate packing list including all of the road trip essentials you need to travel by car. We cover it all: men’s and women’s focused items from bags, to clothing and toiletries, to cooking supplies, and more.

The Road Trip Essentials: Gear for An Epic Road Trip

Welcome to the Road Trip Packing List where we’re going to cover everything you need to make your road-tripping adventure worthy of the big screen. While road trips can last anywhere from a weekend to a year or more, we’ve formulated this list to work for trips that span from a week to a month or so. (But you can adapt it to fit your needs.)

Now, it can be tempting to pack a lot of gear for a road trip—you’re not limited by airline restrictions, after all—but we suggest packing the least amount of stuff possible. Beyond ensuring more legroom, we’ve found that packing minimally helps to keep a clear mind. Additionally, you won’t have to go digging through a trunk full of stuff to pull out the few things that you actually use.

On that note, we’ve kept this list as minimal as possible while keeping comfort and convenience in mind. We don’t guarantee that this packing list will prevent misadventures—which are part of the fun, anyway. But we believe this list will help you pack what you need (while staying comfortable) without being burdened down with a bunch of excess gear. That way, you can worry less about rummaging through your stuff and focus more on those classic road trip experiences.

Collectively, our team has driven thousands and thousands of miles. We’ve taken what’s worked and what hasn’t and distilled all the gear you need down into one mega list—with one exception.

We haven’t included a section on vehicle specific items because what you need differs from vehicle to vehicle. Make sure you consider these vehicle-specific essentials before you take off, including tools, battery cables, a spare tire, nice windshield wipers (splurge on these, trust us), windshield washer fluid, etc. Plus, you need to pack your driver’s license, insurance, registration, passport, car manual, and other like items. (And, if you’re going abroad, there may be additional things you need to pack.)

Of course, we know that what works for some isn’t going to work for others (even the Pack Hacker team differs). So, if the items on this list aren’t your thing, don’t worry. We have other packing lists , guides , and reviews to help you find gear that works for you.

We’ve also written up a massive road trip guide to help you navigate all of the other aspects of a road trip (safety, finding accommodations, the best way to pack your car, and more), so check it out if you’re so inclined.

With all of that said, let’s get packing.

Standalone Bags & Organizers

We’ve found that the classic duffle, backpack, and sling bag combo (DBS, for short) is the best for road trips. Duffles are great for hauling the majority of your clothes as they’re typically easy to pack—both in terms of throwing your stuff into one and Tetris-ing in the car. The backpack can act as an overnight bag or daypack while exploring whatever zany attraction you’ve stopped at. And the sling bag is for the essentials and quick stops.

A classic duffle that’s ideal for road trips in its simplicity. It’s easy to dump all of your stuff inside the one compartment—basically a giant, cavernous bucket—so you can spend less time packing and more time enjoying the wind in your hair. Its soft sides will squish into the nooks and crannies leftover in your fully packed car. Plus, you can easily grab the comfortable handles and take the duffle into the laundromat (or the hotel if you’re staying more than overnight). Tom Bihn is also known for the quality of its gear, so while this thing doesn’t have much weather-resistance, it’s highly durable in all other regards.

Versatility is key when it comes to choosing the right backpack for a road trip—and that’s why we’re recommending the Borealis. At 28L, this pack is large enough to hold all of the clothes and toiletries you need for a weekend trip, but small enough to act as a daypack for those longer drives. Plus, its dedicated laptop compartment means it’ll work as a laptop bag if you need to head to the coffee shop to get some work done. It’s also a great bag to take on hikes due to its comfortable harness system and durable, weather-resistant exterior.

A sling bag is a perfect place to stash your wallet, phone, and keys on the road. Not only so you know where all that important stuff is when not directly using them (trust us, there’s nothing worse than losing your keys in a packed car), but so that you can easily throw your sling over your shoulder and go buy a cup of coffee. It’s also nice for day trips and quick hikes. We’re digging the Atom Sling due to its simple, effective organization as well as the soft mesh on the back panel and shoulder strap, which makes it super comfortable to carry. Plus, it’s a great size—large enough to carry the essentials and a water bottle or packable jacket on day trips/hikes.

Clothing & Accessories

Road trips frequently involve a variety of scenarios: sitting down to a fancy dinner with your grandpa, camping at a goat farm, or spending the day at the beach to name a few. (And, of course, lots and lots of driving.) We suggest versatile, durable clothing that can keep up with whatever life on the road throws at you. Comfort is also key. Who likes sitting in a cramped car for eight hours wearing skinny jeans? Nobody, that’s who. Additionally, we prefer clothes that feature antimicrobial properties or anti-odor treatments (for what should be obvious reasons).

• Men's Focused
• Women's Focused

You can wear these boxers multiple days in a row without being gross. That in itself makes us like them for life on the road, but they’re also breathable, soft, and moisture-wicking. Plus, the direction of the fabric on the legs runs vertically, so it stretches with your natural movement. Translation: the stretch on these boxers is fantastic. We’re also digging their clean, sophisticated look (no branding on the waistband...yeah, we know!).

These pants are sleek and polished enough for the city, but versatile enough to work for an eight-hour drive, fast food eating session, or day on the trails. Yes, these pants do it all. We’re huge fans of the crotch gusset, which gives these pants extra flexibility and breathability (two must-haves for long days in the car or hot afternoons exploring).

With a techy, almost sweatpants-y vibe, these pants are ideal for long driving days, traipsing through the forest, or lounging at your Airbnb. We like the technical fabric, which is thin enough that you won’t overheat, but still nice and durable. We’re also digging that the pockets zip all the way up, so you’re less likely to have your phone and/or lucky charm slip out of your pocket and get lost between your seat and the middle console (you know what we’re talking about). The waistband is also very forgiving, meaning you can go ahead and order the french fries and the onion rings.

Shorts that double as swim trunks—sometimes it’s awesome to be living in the 21st century. These shorts are also comfortable, breathable, and stretchy. Plus, they’re available in a variety of subdued and stylish colorways, and won’t break the bank.

This tee boasts all of the magical properties of Merino wool, including odor-resistance, temperature-regulation, and a fast drying time. It also feels nice—lightweight and breathable, but not thin. All of these features, paired with its simple aesthetic, mean that it’s quite versatile—wear it driving, hiking, lounging, or bar-hopping.

With a sporty, outdoorsy vibe, this tee may not be perfect for a five-star restaurant, but it’s great for pretty much everything else. It has built-in UPF sun protection and odor-control that’s comparable to Merino wool (not quite, but close). We like that it’s moisture-wicking and lightweight, so you can turn off the air-conditioning and still keep cool. It’s also quick-drying, so you can use it during any water-activities that may arise on your trip. NOTE: Patagonia is in the process of updating the Capilene line to provide 50+ UPF protection, so availability may be limited.

Made from a blend of Merino wool, the Icebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs are ideal for life on the go. They’re breathable, quick-drying, comfortable, soft, and more importantly, odor-resistant, so you can go longer between washes (or opt for a quick sink wash instead). Bring two, so you can let each pair breathe between wears.

These pants offer great versatility. They’re comfortable and lightweight enough to wear on driving days, breathable enough to wear on trails, and polished enough to wear to happy hour. We also like that they’re wrinkle-resistant, so you can crumple them up and toss them in your duffle without worrying how they’ll fare. The only downside is that the pockets aren’t as usable as we would like.

All you need to know about the Encircled Dressy Sweatpant is in the name. These sweats are oh-so-soft and stretchy—perfect for long drives—yet dressy enough you can step out of your car without being embarrassed. They’re also relatively thin, so you’re not likely to get overheated, and feature a secret zippered pocket that’s actually hard to spot (unlike other “secret” pockets out there). So we guess it’s not all in the name, after all.

Breathable and short (without looking excessively short), these lululemon shorts are great for hot days exploring the city, hiking up a mountain, or getting your exercise on. We like that they have two pockets—one zippered, one stash—for extra cash or cards. Plus, they’re available in a range of colors, so you can (hopefully) find one that you like.

The odor-resistant, temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking properties of this Merino wool t-shirt are a must for long days in the car or out exploring—plus it’s nice enough you can get away with wearing it out to dinner. It’s wrinkle-resistant too, so you can pull it out of your duffle, throw it on, and look sharp. Need we say more?

This tank is quick-drying, so you don’t have to sit in discomfort after spilling your water bottle all over yourself when driving over a pothole. Plus, it’s moisture-wicking and has solid odor control. As its name suggests, it’s best for active days on the trails, but all of those aforementioned features mean it's great for driving days too. You can also rock it in the city if you’re going for a sporty look. NOTE: Patagonia is in the process of updating the Capilene line to provide 50+ UPF protection, so availability may be limited.

Perfect for those days when you can’t be bothered to wear separates, this romper is soft, stretchy, and comfortable. It has also been treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) to repel moisture. The small details—like the crisscrossed straps on the back, scalloped hem, and draped waist elevate the romper’s look and make it easy to dress it up. So, you can wear it both on a lazy day at the campground and a night out on the town.

A versatile sports bra that will work for low-impact activities, including hiking, yoga, or a bike tour through the city. You can wear it beneath a tank or on its own. In fact, we think it’s sleek enough that you could get away with wearing it with a jacket and jeans for a night out (of course that depends on your style preferences). It's also double lined for extra support, quick-drying, and has UPF50+ protection.

A headband is a versatile tool to have in your arsenal. It can help out a bad hair day, keep your hair out of your face, and elevate an outfit. We’re digging this one as it can be worn in two ways (more versatility!) and has a soft, silky material. Plus, Breezy Tee uses 100% recycled materials in its packaging, which is a huge plus in our books.

Perfect for stargazing on chilly nights or when sharing a car with someone who loves to blast the air conditioning, this sweater is the epitome of cozy. It’s soft and warm, yet breathable. You’ll likely never want to take it off. And, of course, being from Patagonia, it’s also made from 100% recycled polyester and is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.

Also, make sure to pack:

• Additional pairs of underwear (x 3)
• Pair of jeans
• Nice shirt for fancy dinners with Grandpa, walking through art museums, etc
• Packing cubes
• Hat (baseball cap style)
• Athletic shoes
• Cheap flip flops for showers
• Socks (x 4)
• Rain jacket
• Cold weather clothing—warm jacket, hat, gloves, and long underwear—if you will be driving to chiller climates or camping

Productivity & Tech

Road trips are a great way to unplug and recharge. But a little technology can go a long way in making your time on the road less of a mis adventure and more of an epic adventure.

And, if you’ll be working on the road, check out our Digital Nomad Packing List for all the tech you need to be able to do your job on the go.

While you can hit the road without a phone mount, we don’t suggest it. Not only is it more convenient to follow GPS directions with your phone mounted, it’s safer to boot. We’re digging this magnetic mount, which is pretty universal and will work with most smartphones, cases, and GPS devices. Plus, the magnet is super clean compared to other mount styles: no adhesive to stick to (and damage) your dash, no bulkiness, and easy to use one-handed.

An excellent tripod to keep your phone steady, so you can take photos or videos of your legendary trip. The flexible legs wrap around a variety of surfaces, allowing you to capture moments you would otherwise miss. Plus, it’s so small, you’ll hardly notice it in your car.

We probably don’t need to convince you that a USB car adapter is a useful tool to have on the road. We like this one since it’s small and has two outlets, so you don’t have to fight over who needs to charge their phone the most…Unless there are more than two of you in the car. In which case, may we suggest rock-paper-scissors?

You need a phone cable to go with the car charger—or plug directly into your head unit. Anker is a brand we’ve had good luck with. Three feet is a great size as you don’t want anything too long—all the extra cable will get annoying. Conversely, too short will also be annoying. We like to pack multiple cables, either for sharing with car mates or to keep one in our tech kit and a couple in the car.

If you’re the type of person who likes to put pen to paper, you’ll likely love this travel journal. It helps you plan your trip—with spots to jot down research, keep track of reservations, and budget. Plus, there’s a travel log to memorialize your epic adventures. There’s enough space inside for twelve (!) dedicated trips.

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A headlamp is essential for camping and hiking—unless you have special night-vision magical powers, of course. But it’s also nice-to-have in other situations (say if you want to stay up reading all night, but your roommate wants lights out). We like that this one has a variety of brightness settings, an option for red light, and a “memory” that lets you turn on your chosen brightness without cycling through all the options. Plus—it’s highly water-resistant (rated Rated IPX4), so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in a storm.

A dedicated alarm clock is a weird and specific thing to pack, we know. But you don’t want to leave your phone on at night—say if you’re camping or sleeping in your car—because it will kill the battery (or drain your battery bank). This is a solid workaround. It’s small, somewhat durable, and totally silent (as in you won’t hear it tick, not that the alarm itself is silent).

There are lots of power inverters on the market, but we’re digging this middle of the road option. It has decent wattage—it will charge most things that need charging (laptop, e-reader, phone)—but isn’t overkill. The two outlets and two USB ports are helpful to have, plus there’s a built-in fuse for safety. It’s also relatively compact, so it won’t take up too much space in your car.

• Headphones (noise canceling is clutch)

Toiletries & Personal Care

As far as we’re concerned, smelling of sweat and sunscreen is a part of the fun of road trips (…right?). But your car mates—and grocery store clerks, baristas, park rangers, and everyone else you come in contact with on your travels will thank you if you freshen up from time to time.

Unlike the Toiletries & Personal Care sections in our other packing lists, not everything we list here will fit into your Dopp kit. In fact, we recommend only keeping the toiletries you’ll need for showers and your morning/evening routines in your Dopp kit. Everything else—think toilet paper roll and coconut oil—can and should be tucked out of the way in one of the plastic bins we mention later on in this packing list. That way, you can get to said items when you need them, but you don’t have to sort through them to get to your toothbrush every morning.

Cologne won’t completely mask your haven’t-taken-a-shower-in-a-week odor, but it will help. Fulton & Roark offers several scents to choose from, so you should be able to find a fragrance that suits you. (Check out the full review for our team’s favorite scents.) And, because it’s solid, you don’t have to worry about spills.

If you haven’t used a menstrual cup before, it may take some time to get used to (we suggest trying it out before your road trip). But, once you get used to it, it’s amazing to have on the road. You can use it for up to 12 consecutive hours, so you don’t have to clean it at questionable rest stops. Plus, the Blossom Cup doesn’t use any harmful rubber or plastics and comes in at a super affordable price point.

Perfect for those days you want to smell extra nice (or when your deodorant needs some help in masking your haven’t-taken-a-shower-in-a-week odor). Lush offers several different fragrances, so you should be able to find a smell that works for you. Plus, it’s solid, so you don’t have to worry about spills.

We like this Dopp kit for a couple of reasons. 1) It hangs up, which is an important feature for showering at gyms or campsites, and 2) It has a highly water-resistant pouch that you can take out of the kit and into the shower without worrying about it taking forever to dry. Note that there is a ton of organization inside of this bag, which may be right up your alley or feel limiting, depending on your travel style.

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You don’t need to abide by airline liquid rules, but we still prefer to put our liquids into small containers to save space. These toiletry bottles have been designed to fit perfectly inside the Gravel Toiletry Bag, but their unique shape means they fit together nicely to save space inside of any Dopp kit. We suggest using them for whatever liquids you plan to take with you on the road. Say conditioner and hair gel.

Sure, you don’t need a fancy soap case, but this thing is super nice to have. It’s not rigid like a hard-sided case—so it’s easier to pack—and it’s also way better than a plastic bag. The technical makeup of the case also allows the soap to dry out while being totally watertight, meaning your Dopp Kit and all your gear stays dry. Yeah, it’s basically magic.

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A microfiber, antimicrobial towel is about the most massively useful thing a road tripper might have (any Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fans out there? No?). In all seriousness, this microfiber towel is super handy. It’s necessary if you plan to shower at a campsite or gym, but also nice-to-have in case your Airbnb forgets to supply a towel. It’s also great for beach trips or picnics. The antimicrobial properties of the towel mean that smells are kept to a minimum and that you don’t have to wash it as frequently as other towels. Plus, this towel dries really, really quickly. Additionally, it packs down into a small carrying case that won’t take up much space in your car. There are a few different sizes available, so you can grab what you need—we recommend the XL.

You might not know, but coconut oil is a triple threat. It’s a great way to moisturize your skin after spending all day in the sun. Plus, you can use to strengthen and de-frizz your hair, and, finally, you can cook with it. We like that this one is organic with no added chemicals.

While this first aid kit doesn’t have a bunch of trauma stuff, it should take care of most minor ailments (and if you need trauma supplies, you should probably seek medical attention anyway). We like the extra hand-sanitizer and the addition of the anti-itch ointment. It’s also relatively small, so you can easily keep it in your middle console or glove box.

Stains happen on road trips. Like a lot. Whether it’s dropping melted chocolate onto your shorts while making s’mores around the campfire, spilling coffee on your shirt after hitting the road early, or rubbing dirt into your sweater on a picnic. A Tide to Go Pen won’t alleviate every stain out there, but it gets rid of most stains with just a few pats.

• Toothpaste or powder
• Hand sanitizer
• Shampoo bar
• Powder laundry detergent
• Hair creams or pomades
• Nail clippers
• Lip balm (road trips lead to cracked lips…trust)
• Toilet paper
• Gallon plastic bags

Cooking on the road is a great way to stretch your budget and stay healthy, whether you’ll be road-tripping for a weekend or six months. While the idea of cooking over a campfire is romanticized in that whimsical living-off-the-land kind of way, it’s not practical for a road trip that lasts any length of time. But you also don’t want to take the finest chef’s knife and ceramic pot and pan set from your kitchen either.

Finding the best supplies to spin up tasty meals out of your car—without taking up too much room in your trunk—is a difficult dance. Luckily, through lots of trial and error, we’ve come up with a list of what we find useful, but not overkill (of course, tailor it to your preferences).

YETI made a name for itself by taking the cooler world by storm, so, yeah, we’re going to recommend a YETI cooler. It keeps ice really well—we’re talking days in the right conditions—so you don’t have to continually buy ice. We recommend this soft-sided style as it can kind of expand or contract based on how full it is, can be jammed into places, and has a flat top, so you can throw some stuff on top of it. YETI also offers larger sizes if you think you’ll need that extra space.

You can use this lightweight tea kettle for far more than making tea. Boil water for instant oatmeal, coffee, sanitation purposes, etc. The one-liter size of this kettle is large enough you can boil enough water for the aforementioned activities (you can always fill it and boil it twice if need be), but not so large that it will take up precious space in your car. The coated handle is nice to grip.

This stainless steel bowl is great for eating on the road. First of all, it cleans up ridiculously easily. If you’re in a pinch, you can pour a little water into the bottom, clean off any gunk with your finger, rinse, and you're good to go. It’s also lightweight and small, but deep enough that you can fit a good amount of food inside. And, if you need more than one, they stack into each other nicely. Our only caveat is that it can get hot to the touch when you fill it with hot food, so keep that in mind.

Yes, we’re telling you to pack everything and the kitchen sink (ha!). But, seriously, you can’t actually travel with your sink, so this is the next best thing. You can fill it up with soapy water—or just use it to catch your dirty dishwater—to clean up your cooking mess while at a campground, rest stop, or super cheap Airbnb that doesn’t have a kitchen. Just make sure you properly dispose of the water.

If you’ve spent any time in a kitchen then you probably know why a towel is handy when it comes to cooking. The same is true on the road. (Hint: it’s primarily for drying dishes and your hands. You can also use it as an oven mitt to hold your stainless steel bowl when it’s super hot.) This microfiber towel is perfect for travel as it dries quickly, so you can throw it back in the car after a quick pit-stop without having to worry about weird damp towel smells.

It’s super convenient to have a big ole mixing bowl while cooking on the road. You can use it to store chopped up veggies before sautéing them, to hold giant salads, or do other large mixing bowl activities. We like that this one collapses into a small size, so it won’t take up space whenever not in use.

Plastic and paper grocery bags can make your car dirty in the blink of an eye. Plus, they’re not great for the environment. We’re digging this tote since it packs into a tiny size to stay out of your way when not in use. The included carabiner clip is also handy—you can clip it to your keychain, the exterior of your bag, or wherever else to ensure it doesn’t get lost in the black hole that is your trunk. And it works for far more than groceries—take it to the beach, on a picnic, or wherever else you don’t want to lug your day pack.

Cooking on the road can be a hassle, so it’s important to keep leftovers when you can. Stasher Bags are a great way to do that. First of all, they’re better for the environment than disposable plastic bags. But they also work better—you can throw them in the cooler without worrying about melted ice water penetrating the silicone exterior and turning last night’s dinner into water-logged mush. Additionally, you can eat straight out of them. These bags also work well for snacks—you can partition out serving sizes of trail mix, pretzels, or [insert-your-favorite-snack-here]. Stasher sells a variety of sizes and colorways, so you can find one (or several) that works for you.

You may not be able to make intricate, complicated meals with this cook set, but the two pots and pan allow you to cook a good variety of things. They nest inside of each other and tuck into a handy carrying bag, which makes for easy packing. The pots also have a strainer built into the lid, so you can drain pasta (or other things) without having to pack a separate colander.

When it comes to camping stoves, this one from Coleman is luxurious. The two burners allow you to make meals that require cooking multiple things at the same time—think grilling up veggies and cooking rice. It’s also durable, simple to use, and has a range of flame size. Plus, it packs up nicely.

Fuel for your stove—need we say more? Actually, yes, we do have more to say. Make sure you keep an eye out of how much propane you have left, so you don’t roll up to your campsite hangry and tired only to realize you can’t use your stove. Also, be sure to responsibly dispose of empty canisters.

There are several ways to make coffee on the road, but we’re partial to an AeroPress. Sure, it’s not the easiest option out there, but it makes such exceptional coffee that we think the trade-off is worth it. And, yeah, it may not be as easy as a pour over, but it’s also not rocket science.

These plastic bins are a great, affordable option to organize your cooking supplies. You can easily grab them from the backseat of your car and set them on a picnic table whenever you’re ready to fire up the stove. Use one for traditional supplies—think chef’s knife, bowl, spork, lighter, etc. Use the other for bottles—olive oil, soy sauce, etc—and spices that you’ll want handy while cooking (note that if you want to store taller bottles standing up, you won't be able to keep the lid on).

This flat storage bin easily slides into backseats and trunks, so it’s a good place to keep all of your non-perishable food (cans of beans, boxes of pasta, etc). Plus, it’s clear, so you can see what food you have and how much you have left at a glance.

Not only do you need water for drinking, but it’s necessary for cooking and cleaning up too. We like this container because its shape is designed for easy pouring, the spigot makes doing dishes easy (well, easier), and 7L is a great size.

• Titanium spork
• Wooden spatula
• Vegetable peeler
• Lighter and/or box of matches
• Thin, flexible, plastic cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Paper towel roll

Sleeping & Camping

If you’ll be sticking to hotels and Airbnbs then this section doesn’t apply to you. But if you plan to spend some (or all!) of your trip camping and sleeping in your car, then you’re gonna need some stuff to help you get a good night’s sleep.

If you’ll be spending a lot of time in your tent, you’ll probably appreciate the space this tent provides. There’s enough room inside that you can stand up (!)—plus the fly goes all the way down for solid weather protection. That said, it’s going to take up more space in your car than a smaller tent and isn’t going to be great in heavy winds. Based on the length of your trip, how frequently you’ll be camping, and your personality, you can decide if the comfort and hangoutability (not a word, but go with it) of the Grand Hut is worth sacrificing some durability. Or if you would prefer something smaller. And, because REI will likely have REI-branded stuff at most of their locations, you should be able to drop by any REI store and easily get replacement parts or a new tent if your first one fails on you (within the scope of the one-year warranty).

You probably don’t need this technical of a sleeping pad, but it’s one of those things that are nice to have—especially if you’ll be sleeping on it nearly every night. It’s thick (for a sleeping pad) with great insulation to keep the cold from the ground from seeping into your body. Plus, it rolls up into a small size, so it won’t take up too much space in your car.

There’s a variety of highly technical, specialized, expensive sleeping bags on the market. This one is not one of them—but it’s all you (likely) need for basic car camping. It’s rated to 35℉, which is pretty dang cold, especially since most road trips take place in warm weather months (or involve chasing the sun). Plus, it’s not likely to make you too hot. It comes in two sizes (regular and long) and you can pick up a left-handed version if you’re left-handed. We also want to mention that it’s made from 100% recycled fabrics, which is, frankly, awesome.

While you could bring the pillow off of your bed, we suggest packing a specific pillow for camping. Just think of all the dirt and grime that camping involves. We’re digging this pillow since it’s made of soft, comfy, and up-cycled foam—perfect for camping and car naps. Plus, it’s compressible, so it won’t take up much space in your car when not in use. There are a few different sizes to choose from and plenty of colorways.

If you’re sleeping in your car—or even just lounging in it—you’ll want to be able to roll down your windows without inviting mosquitos inside to sleep with you. This netting will get the job done. Simply drape it over your windows and secure it with magnets. You only need one package if you want to cover two windows, but you’ll want two if you have large windows or several you want to cover.

These are the magnets you’ll need if you're draping mosquito netting over your windows. They may look tiny, but they are seriously strong. You may want to wrap these in duct tape before using them because, otherwise, they can rip the paint off of your car. Also, you can create little handles/pull tabs with the duct tape, so you can actually pull off the magnets.

This tarp isn’t durable enough for heavy lifting, but it’s a good all-around tarp to set your tent on to protect it from a wet ground/help extend its life. Additionally, you can tie the tarp over the windows if it’s raining and you need to sleep in your car (so you can keep the windows cracked without worrying about getting wet).

Rope is one of those things that seems to come in handy at random intervals. Say to help you tie your tarp over your windows in the aforementioned it’s-raining-while-you’re-sleeping-in-your-car scenario.

Miscellaneous

Not everything we recommend fits neatly into the above categories. While not as necessary as, say your toothbrush, these miscellaneous items will help you take your road trip to the next level. You know, the kinds of things you’ll be really glad you packed after a few days on the open road.

Road tripping with a reusable water bottle is the way to go (beyond environmentalism, who wants to drink lukewarm or, even, hot water from a plastic disposable bottle that’s been sitting in the car all day?). This bottle has double wall vacuum insulation to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. The 18oz size is big enough that you should be able to quench your thirst, but it still fits inside most cup holders.

If you’re a coffee drinker you’re going to need a separate bottle for the delicious drink (for obvious reasons). This one seals, so you don’t have to worry about spills in between sips. And, because of its trigger-action lid, you can easily drink your coffee one-handed, which is ideal (and necessary) for driving.

This seven-in-one multi-tool isn’t going to be handy for any big things. In fact, we recommend you bring an actual tool kit for that kind of stuff. But the Shard is perfect for quick jobs like opening bottles or tightening the screw on that wobbly Airbnb chair. Plus, this little fella is small and inconspicuous enough to fit nicely on a keychain.

Part carabiner, part clip, the Heroclip is a handy tool to have around. Use it as a clip to hang things up. Or use it as a carabiner, which has a million different uses, from keeping your keys more secure inside of your bag, to clipping your water bottle to your pack. It’s available in a few different sizes and a variety of colorways and patterns.

This travel wallet is a great place to stash and organize your roadside assistance card, insurance, registration, America the Beautiful pass, passport(s), emergency cash, etc. All of the things you may need occasionally on the road, but don’t want to keep in your everyday wallet. And, because the wallet will mostly stay out of sight, you don’t need anything fancy looking. Plus it has a spot for coins (for showers!).

Between stopping for smoothies, enjoying a creamy milkshake, or slurping down ice water at a restaurant, road trips involve a fair amount of straw action. This stainless steel reusable straw is a great alternative to plastic straws. It folds down to a small, packable size, ends up being more fun to drink out of than disposable straws, and will help mitigate your environmental impact. That’s a win, win, win right there.

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This camping chair is a great middle-ground between a traditional big camping chair, which will take up precious space inside of your car, and something ultralight, which usually involves sacrificing comfort. Use it at a campground or sitting around a fire pit in the backyard of your Airbnb.

This thing is only necessary if you’ll be road tripping to a place without easy access to washers and dryers (or sinks). A simple concept, we’ve been impressed with how effective it is at cleaning clothes (the interior washboard makes all the difference). It does leave your clothes sopping wet, but as long as you keep drying time in mind, that’s not a huge problem.

These plastic bins are a great way to keep your stuff organized—whether that be camping stuff, paper towels, coconut oil, plastic bags, and other things of that nature. The lids clip into place, ensuring that whatever you have inside won’t fall out, plus they’re stackable to make for a nicely organized car.

These convenient little tubs work well for storing those random small items you want to take on the road. Say ibuprofen, vitamins, or jewelry. We like to fill a second one with snacks (think almonds) to take on quick hikes or day trips. Plus, they’re available in different sizes, so you can mix and match.

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• Playing cards
• Yoga mat (if you’re in to that sort of thing)
• DSLR camera
• Combination lock

Ready, Set, Drive.

So there you have it—everything we’ve found that you need for a successful road trip after years of trial and error by members of our team. We hope this list has helped ease any of your pre-road trip stress. Remember, this list is more of a guideline. Please adapt it to your trip and preferences ( our reviews may help you find gear that suits your needs).

And don’t forget to check out our Road Trip Guide for more advice, including tips on how to pack your car. Now, crank up that music, roll down your windows, and hit the road.

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The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for Families | Free Printable

by Sarah | Adventure

Table of Contents

It’s summertime! Queue the road trip packing list for families! Planning a family road trip is an exciting experience, but packing for one can be a daunting task.

With so many things to consider, especially if you’re traveling with kids, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

We’ve created a FREE road trip packing list for families to help make sure you have everything you need for your adventure. 

Whether you’re traveling with infants or teenagers, this comprehensive list will help you stay organized and prepared.

From essentials to entertainment, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and read on to learn everything you need to know about packing for your next family road trip.

Road Trip Packing List for Families

Hitting the road with the whole family can be an adventure. However, it can also be a bit chaotic if you don’t have everything you need for the trip.

Whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a long summer vacation, having a solid packing list can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth journey.

From snacks and games to toiletries and electronics, this comprehensive family road trip packing list is just what you need.

Let’s dive into the ultimate road trip packing list!

First Aid Kit

One of the most important things to pack on a family road trip is a  first aid kit .

You never know when an unexpected injury or illness might pop up on long drives. In short, it’s always best to be prepared.

Your first aid kit should include essentials like band-aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and allergy medication. It’s also a good idea to pack items like tweezers, scissors, and a thermometer.

If you have young children, make sure to bring any specific medications or supplies that they might need. For example, infant Tylenol or natural remedies, diaper rash cream, motion sickness medicine, or teething gel.

Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and insect repellent, especially if you’ll be spending time outdoors.

Before you leave, make sure to double-check that everything in your first aid kit is up to date and hasn’t expired.

With a well-stocked first aid kit, you’ll be ready for whatever bumps and bruises come your way on your family road trip.

Vehicle Must Haves

When you head out on a road trip with your family, it’s important to make sure that your vehicle is properly equipped for the journey ahead.

Some of the following items were highlighted in “ What to Pack in Car Emergency Kits “.

Here are some vehicle essentials that you should consider bringing along:

1. Spare Tire:

Getting stuck with a flat tire can quickly mess up a road trip! Make sure you have a spare tire that is properly inflated and in good condition.

2. Jumper Cables:

You never know when you might need a jump start. Having a set of jumper cables or a  portable battery charger  can be a real lifesaver.

3. Tools: 

Bring along a basic  toolkit  that includes a wrench, screwdriver, pliers, and other essentials.

4. Flashlight:

In case of a breakdown or if you need to check something under the hood in the dark, having a  flashlight  handy is a must.

5. Maps & GPS:

Even if you have GPS on your phone, it’s a good idea to have  paper maps  as a backup in case you lose service or your phone battery dies.

6. Spare Keys:

Don’t forget to bring spare keys for your car in case you lose your primary set.

7. Sunshade:

A  sunshade  for your windshield can help keep your car cool and comfortable during stops.

8. Window Shades: 

Consider purchasing  window shades  for your backseat windows to help keep the sun out of your kids’ eyes.

By taking the time to make sure your vehicle is properly stocked for your family road trip, you can make sure you have a smoother, safer journey.

Remember, preparation is key, so take the time to plan ahead and pack smart.

Electronic Devices

No family road trip family vacation is complete without a few electronic gadgets for entertainment.

These devices can help with navigation, keep everyone connected, and prevent boredom.

Here are a few electronic essentials to include in your family road trip checklist:

1. Phone Chargers:

Keep your phones fully charged at all times, so you can use them for GPS, making calls, and capturing memories. Here are some car charger adapters if you don’t have enough USB ports in your car.

2. Headphones:

Invest in good-quality headphones for everyone in the family, especially if you’re planning a long road trip. This way, each person can enjoy their own music, movies, or podcasts without disturbing others.

3. Portable DVD Player:

A  portable DVD player  can be a lifesaver, especially for younger kids who may not enjoy long car rides. Load up on your favorite movies and TV shows to keep them entertained for hours.

4. Power Bank:

A  portable power bank  is a must-have, especially if you’re planning on using your devices heavily. This way, you won’t have to worry about running out of battery on the road.

Games & Activities

Keeping your family entertained during a long road trip is crucial to making the experience enjoyable.

Family travel can be hectic, but make it from with some of these ideas for games and activities:

1. Card games:

A deck of cards can provide endless hours of entertainment for both adults and children. Popular  card games  like Go Fish, Uno, and Crazy Eights are perfect for long car rides.

2. Road trip bingo: 

Create bingo cards with items that you might see on your trip, like a gas station, a cow, or a specific type of car. The first person to get a bingo wins a prize!

These road trip bingo cards are a hit for kids.

3. Portable board games:

Look for compact versions of your favorite board games like Scrabble, Monopoly, and Connect Four that you can bring along in the car.

4. Coloring books and crayons: 

Coloring books are perfect for keeping young children occupied. They also give them a nice break from staring at screens for extended periods.

5. Audiobooks and podcasts: 

Download your family’s favorite audiobooks or podcasts before hitting the road. It’s a great way to bond and learn together.

Make sure to pack a mix of solo and group activities that are suitable for everyone in the family. With a variety of options, your family will never run out of things to do on your next trip.

Snacks and Drinks

Road trips can make even the most well-behaved children a bit fidgety. There’s nothing like some delicious snacks to keep them entertained and satisfied.

Depending on your travel time, check out these Easy Road Trip Lunch Ideas and Dinner Ideas

Stocking up on snacks is an essential part of any successful road trip, so be sure to pack some of the following:

1. Healthy Snacks:

When packing snacks for your family, don’t forget to include healthy options like fruits, veggies, and protein bars. These will help keep your kids full for longer and keep their energy levels stable.

2. Chips and Pretzels:

Of course, road trips are also a great excuse to indulge in some tasty treats like chips, pretzels, or popcorn for the long car ride.

These are some of the best road trip snacks for kids of all ages and are easy to pack in small containers or plastic bags.

Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and other drinks, like juice boxes or sports drinks. It’s essential to stay hydrated during long car rides, so make sure to bring enough water for everyone.

4. Sweet Treats: 

If your family has a sweet tooth, you might want to pack some candy, cookies, or chocolate bars. However, keep in mind that too much sugar can make kids hyper.

It’s best to limit the number of sweets you bring along so your long trip doesn’t feel any longer.

Remember, packing snacks is not only for your kids but also for you! You’ll want to make sure you have some snacks handy for yourself during the drive.

Be sure to pack a small cooler with ice or frozen gel packs to keep your perishables fresh during the journey.

By packing snacks and drinks for your road trip, you’re setting yourself up for an easier and happier experience, especially on longer road trips!

Miscellaneous

In addition to the essential items listed above, there are a few miscellaneous items that you might want to consider adding to your family road trip packing list.

1. Garbage bags:

It’s always a good idea to have a few garbage bags on hand to keep your car clean and tidy. Also, try these  trash bags  that double as vomit bags that are washable.

Traveling with kids can bring these kinds of surprises. 

2. Blankets and pillows:

If you’re planning on spending some nights in the car or at rest stops, it’s a good idea to bring along some comfort items! Blankets and pillows, plus your kids’ favorite stuffed animals, are road trip necessities! 

3. Sunscreen and insect repellent:

If you’ll be spending any time outside, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent to keep your family protected.

It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for tolls, parking, and other unexpected expenses.

6. Wet wipes and tissues:

Messes happen, so be sure to pack some wet wipes and tissues to clean up spills and other accidents.

By adding these miscellaneous items to your family road trip packing list, you’ll be prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise, ensuring that your trip is smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free.

Winter Road Trip Must Haves

Winter road trips can be a magical experience, but they also require extra preparation.

Here are some must-haves for your winter family road trip packing list:

1. Warm Clothes and Accessories: 

It’s important to keep warm and cozy during the cold winter months. Pack warm clothing, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots to stay comfortable during the drive.

2. Snow Scraper and Shovel: 

If you’re driving through snow, you’ll need to be prepared. Keep a snow scraper and shovel in your car in case you need to dig out of snow or remove ice from your windshield.

3. Winter Tires or Chains: 

If you’re driving through areas that are known for their winter weather, it’s best to have winter tires or chains to avoid skidding or getting stuck in snow or ice.

4. Blankets and Hand Warmers: 

It’s always a good idea to have extra blankets and hand warmers in the car. These items can come in handy if you’re stranded on the road or stuck in traffic for a long time.

5. Emergency Kit: 

Pack an  emergency kit  with items such as a flashlight, first aid kit, water, snacks, and blankets. These essentials can come in handy in case of an unexpected emergency.

By packing these winter road trip must-haves, you’ll be prepared for any unexpected winter weather conditions.

Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you’re prepared before hitting the road.

Essential Road Trip Planning Tips

Going on a road trip with your family is one of the most exciting adventures you can go on together. However, before hitting the road, there are some essential planning tips to keep in mind.

Grab your free printable road trip packing list for families . Then, these tips will help make your trip run smoothly and ensure that everyone enjoys the journey.

1. Plan your route:

It’s important to know the route you’ll be taking before starting the trip. Use a map or GPS to plot your course and make a note of any rest areas, gas stations, or scenic spots along the way.

This will give you a good idea of what to expect and help you plan your stops.

2. Schedule stops:

Road trips can be tiring, especially for young children.

Schedule regular stops at a rest area or parks along the way to give everyone a chance to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and grab a snack.

This will break up the journey and make it more enjoyable for everyone.

3. Check your vehicle:

Before starting your journey, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Check the oil, brakes, tires, and lights to avoid any unforeseen breakdowns. If your car needs a service, have it done before you start the trip.

4. Clean your car:

You don’t just need plenty of space in your car for family trips. You also need a nice clean space so that it’s less stressful and more enjoyable. 

5. Pack light:

When you’re packing for a road trip, it’s tempting to bring everything you might need. However, packing light will save space and make your trip more comfortable. Stick to the essentials, and leave non-essential items at home.

6. Be flexible: 

Despite careful planning, things can still go wrong on a road trip. Be flexible and willing to change your plans if needed.

It’s okay to deviate from your route or make unplanned stops to make the most of your trip.

With your packing list complete and your plans in place, all that’s left to do is hit the road and make some unforgettable memories

Best Road Trip Apps

In today’s world, apps have become an essential part of our lives. The same goes for road trips as well.

Here are some of the best road trip apps that can help you make your family road trip a success. Be sure to grab your free road trip packing list for families .

1. Roadtrippers: 

This app helps you plan your road trip and provides suggestions for routes, attractions, hotels, and more.

2. GasBuddy: 

This app helps you find the cheapest gas prices along your route, which can save you a lot of money.

Waze is a navigation app that provides real-time traffic updates and alternative routes to help you avoid traffic jams.

4. Yelp: 

This app can help you find the best restaurants, coffee shops, and other places to eat along your route.

5. Google Maps:

Google Maps is a popular navigation app that provides accurate directions and can help you find the best route to your destination.

6. Spotify:

Spotify is a music app that can provide endless entertainment for your family road trip.

7. Airbnb: 

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, Airbnb can help you find affordable accommodations along your route.

8. iExit: 

This app provides information about rest stops, gas stations, and other amenities along your route.

By using these road trip apps, you can have a stress-free and enjoyable family road trip.

Whether you’re looking for navigation, entertainment, or accommodations, these apps can help you find what you need along the way.

Going on a family road trip, especially for long distances, is a great way to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you’re heading out for a weekend adventure or a longer trip, it’s important to make sure you’re properly prepared so you can have peace of mind.

By following this complete packing list, you’ll have everything you need for a great family road trip!

Don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure, a positive attitude, and an open mind. Happy travels!

Before you go, here are a few posts you’ll enjoy:

Road cycling vs Mountain Biking | Which is better?

16 Best Family Campgrounds in NC

50 Gifts for Organized People

Sarah & Travis

Welcome to Our Blue Ridge House in the mountains of NC. 

We love house projects, plants, the outdoors, family adventures, and natural remedies. 

We’re here to share it all with you!  Learn more about us HERE and let’s connect!

Road trip essentials for kids: a family road trip packing list

Road trip with kids packing list

Planning a road trip with kids, but not sure what to pack? This family road trip checklist will give you all the essentials you need for a road trip with kids .

Table of Contents

From the best road trip items for kids to family car safety, from road trip activities for kids to the best travel snacks for kids, we’ll cover it all!

Hearing ‘Are we there yet’ after you left for 10 minutes, we’ve been there 😉! The fear of how the kids will cope with such a long drive is real for many parents. How to survive a road trip with family ? We’re here to help you.

We travel full time and live the van life in our vintage VW bus . Road tripping is part of who we are . We’ve done road trips with babies, toddlers, kids, and now almost teens. Let’s just say, our family spends a lot of time in the car together 😊.

Read more: camper van essentials for your next van life trip

In this article, we’ll give you everything you need to know about family road trip essentials. All the things that will make your trip more fun, easy, and enjoyable. Read until the end to download your free road trip packing list for families.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please read our affiliate disclosure and privacy policy for more information.

Why go on a road trip with kids?

A road trip with kids is a great way to travel as a family. It gives you so much freedom to explore new places, allows you to travel with kids on a budget , and usually creates fun and unexpected memories .

When you fly, you miss out on so many amazing places along the way .

And, as a photography lover, a road trip is great for taking pictures as well . So easy to pull over, take your shots, and continue your trip.

Read more: the best tips for amazing family travel photography

As road tripping is all about the journey, and not just the destination, you want to make sure being in the car is also a pleasant experience.

With the right planning , it will be a great family road trip. You’ll have happy and entertained kids. Without that, you’ll probably never want to road trip with your kids again.

That’s why we made this family road trip packing list article. Don’t just throw everything in. You want to be organized!

Our best tips for family road trips

Before we dive into all the road trip essentials for kids, we want to give you our best family road trip hacks . Sometimes it’s not about what to pack for a family road trip but how to pack it and how to mentally prepare yourself for a long road trip with kids.

• Be organized ! It’s a no brainer, but for a family road trip you want to plan ahead! We’re big lovers of the go-with-the-flow vibe and spontaneous last minute decisions, but we can’t deny that a good itinerary plan and family road trip packing list are essential when you plan a road trip with kids.
• Only pack the essentials! Space is limited when you road trip, especially with kids. For every item you pack, ask yourself if you really need it!
• Adapt your expectations ! Don’t expect your road trip as a couple to be the same with kids. Know you’ll have to stop more frequently, travel slower and not everything will go as planned. The best family road trips are those where you don’t have too high expectations.
• Be ready for the mess! You’re travelling with kids, things will get messy, clothes will get dirty. Make sure to bring wet wipes, plastic bags and a spare set of clothes for every family member, easily reachable from within the car.
• Have your swim gear ready in an easily reachable, seperate bag ! If the opportunity arises and you pass by the perfect swimming spot, you want to be able to have a swim without a lot of hussle.
• Dress in layers ! Be prepared for any kind of weather or temperatures out and inside the car.
• Help your kids through the long drives ! Sitting hours in the car is hard for kids so make it more easy on them. You could create a visual map or drawing that shows your kids the itinerary and where you are at the moment. Bring a bag of small, inexpensive new toys and gradually take them out during the trip, every time they start to wine or be uninspired on what to do.
• Enforce quiet time , really! It will make all the difference. You, as adults need that time to survive the trip. And the kids need it too. Say they have to be quiet for at least half-an-hour. They’ll probably fall asleep or will be all hang up in a movie or book.

Road trip essentials for kids

From here on, we’ll give you our road trip with kids packing list. We won’t be covering everything. I guess we don’t have to tell you to pack clothing, toiletries, …

No, we’ll talk about all the family road trip essentials ! Starting with some general items that are either must-haves or very handy to bring along! Where possible, we choose eco-friendly items.

• Plastic trash bags (preferably eco-friendly or biodegradable): for all kinds of trash, motion sickness, wet or dirty clothes and swimsuits. Check how to recognize and prevent motion sickness in this helpful article.
• Closable bags , either biodegradable or reusable : perfect for left overs, food in general or wet items.
• Biodegradable wet wipes : can’t do without these when road tripping with kids! They are perfect for almost anything, from drawing incidents to messy food disasters.
• Hand sanitizer and extra masks for kids and adults (during covid)
• Biodegradable toilet paper and tissues : better to be prepared for anything when road tripping with kids
• Picnic blanket : for a quick lunch by the road or a nap in the shade. We prefer the sand free, compact and lightweight beach blankets over the standard picnic blankets.
• Blankets (fleece) : perfect for family members who can’t stand the airco or for kids who want to have a nap. We love the compact, lightweight travel blankets and use them as pillow as well.
• Swiss knife : you won’t regret to bring one of these along. Handy for any picnic or emergency along the road.
• Car seat organizer : a true essential to keep your kids happy in the car. It allows everything to be in easy reach, from toys, the tablet and pencils to a water bottle and snacks.
• Flashlight : handy for (late) night drives.
• Travel mug : for those parents who really need that coffee or tea.
• Quick-dry travel towels : we never bring regular towels anymore. These microfiber towels are very compact and lightweight.
• Flip flops : we always bring flip flops inside the car. The kids love to take their shoes of and make themselves comfortable. Flip flops are perfect for short stopovers and toilet breaks.
• Sunshades for your car windows to keep the sun out, essential to keep everybody happy and comfortable for the ride.
• Umbrella (foldable): choose a small, foldable umbrella that easily fits inside the car.
• A travel guide or road atlas : great for the kids to follow along but also very hand when modern technology decides to abondon you. You could also download maps through an app such as Google Maps.
• Binoculars : maybe not a family road trip essential, but it’s been always a big hit in our family. The kids love to look out the window and try to spot wildlife or just read the road signs.

Healthy and safety items for family road trips

• Seat belt cutting tool and hammer : let’s hope you never need this, but for family car safety this is one of the road trip essentials for kids. It can safe your life or that of your family members in the unfortunate occasion of an accident. 
• Road side emergency set : we always carry on of these in the car. In some countries, a few of these items are even obligatory.
• First aid kit : especially with kids, you’ll want one of these in the car. Don’t forget to add band-aid and disinfectant .
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen : we always used SPF50 for our kids and recently have started to use suncreen that is sea safe (doesn’t harm the marine life).
• Medication within reach against motion sickness, antihistamine, pain/fever, upset stomach, …
• Thermometer
• Smartphone holder : don’t make the mistake of handeling your smartphone while driving or having to look down to see the road directions.

Family road trip snacks and drinks

Whoever traveled with kids, knows the secret to happy kids (and therefore happy parents) is snacks, snacks, snacks!

When you’re planning your car snacks for kids don’t take just anything. The best road trip snacks (for toddlers especially) are non-sticky, mess-free, and crumble-free . Thank me later 😀.

Another great tip is to have your travel snacks for kids packed individually , per family member, or in boxes with separate compartments.

First, some general items that are very useful to bring along when you’re talking about road trip snacks for kids.

• Reusable water bottles : first of all, we always bring our refillable water bottles, one for each member of the family. They are much better for the environment and you can fill them almost anywhere these days.
• Cooler or portable fridge : essential to keep sandwishes, healthy snacks, small meals, fruit or water cool in the car. Ice packs can be a great alternative as well.
• Snack containers with compartements : our girls love their own snack container, with seperate fruits, vegetables, crackers, … Bento boxes are fantastic!

So which car snacks for kids to pack? Here’s what we like to bring with us:

• Fruit, vegetables
• Granola bars
• Energy bars
• Portable meals and bites such as pasta salad, boiled eggs, sandwiches, wraps, burritos, salads, juices, hummus, cheese, …
• Some sweets, chips, muffins, … Only for older kids though, if you don’t want it to be messy.

Road trip activities for kids

How to keep the children busy during a long road trip? If you want to enjoy your journey, you better think about some fun things to pack for a road trip with kids.

First of all, give them their own backpack with their most favorite toys and stuff. During the first hour of our road trip, our girls were always busy discovering what’s inside their bags.

Focus on quiet toys! You don’t want to be trapped in a car hearing the same tune over and over (and over) again.

Before you leave, buy a few (small and inexpensive) new toys or crafts . Hide them and gradually give them to your kids while you’re driving.

Some of our favorite and fun games to play in the car (that are totally free) are:

• License plate game
• Going on a picnic
• Road trip bingo
• Spot the car
• Road Signs ABC
• Storytelling: the kids can each choose two (or more) random words and we need to come up with a story around these words.

Check this fun video that explains a few of these free road trip games:

Other fun road trip essentials for kids:

• Outdoor toys: probably not the first thing you’d think, but they are key to a successful journey. When you pull over, it’s the perfect moment for kids to burn off their energy! Take a frisbee , ball , jumping rope and let them play! You’ll buy yourself some quite time when you head off again!
• Travel craft supplies : our kids have always loved to draw, colour and sketch. So we always bring colouring books , crayons , pencils , pens, white paper, a clipboard , sketchbooks , …
• Origami: I loved it as a kid and it has kept our girls busy as well during our road trips. Take some origami paper and an origami book with instructions.
• Activity books: when they were younger, our girls loved activity books . Being older now, they enjoy t ravel activity books a lot!
• Travel journal: we have a few travel journals from when they were younger and they are the best memories!
• Books, comics, magazines
• Road trip activity pack : so much fun in one package!
• Scrapbook: our girls love to collect all the entry tickets, brochures, maps, postcards, … and then collect them in a nice scrapbook afterwards.

There are many, many travel games for kids out there. Here are a few of our favorite road trip games for kids:

• Magnetic board games
• Printable car games
• Travel scavenger hunt
• Road trip words games
• Dry-erase board
• Family talk 2
• Magna Doodle
• Alphabet game

Read more: Fun photo scavenger hunt ideas for kids

Road trip entertainment and tech gear

Although we try to reduce screen time, we have the proper amount of tech gear with us. And let’s be honest, we’re very happy if they are quiet for half-an-hour 🙈.

Road trip movies for kids are great and always work here, but think further. Have you thought about audiobooks? Some of the best audiobooks for family road trips are for example the Harry Potter series, a big hit in our family.

Last but not least, there are some great road trip apps for kids , such as Angry Birds, Sago Mini Road Trip, Playground Buddy, Road Trip Bingo, …

Read more: Best general apps for travel

Here’s our road trip with kids checklist for tech gear:

• USB car charger : No entertainment without charged devices. Some cars have their own USB chargers. However, take one of these USB car chargers with you, just to make sure.
• Phone holder : essential for a safe trip. You don’t want to hold your phone in your hand while driving or having to look down to see the road directions. We always bring one, even when we rent a car.
• Wireless portable bluetooth speaker : to play your best road trip playlists. On our family account with Spotify, the kids have their own playlists, but not every radio will support USB or bluetooth. So bring your own speaker. Our Bose waterproof wireless speaker has seen a big part of the world, and we love it!
• Audiobooks and podcasts, played on your smartphone or an MP3 player. Use the audible app from Amazon and find some of the best family audiobooks such as Harry Potter. Or check our article on the best family travel podcasts .
• Power bank : you don’t want the tablet, Nintendo Swith or phone to die out on that exact moment when you need them to be quiet. With an external power bank, there’s nothing to worry about.
• Tablet + holder : our girls watch movies and play games on their tablets. They actually use ours, but you can buy tablets suited for small kids as well. We have a tablet holder that attaches to the back of the car seat.
• Portable DVD player and DVD’s : before we had our tablets, we used these portable DVD players and brought along some DVD’s.
• E-reader : ever since the girls are bigger, they love to read on their Kindle e-reader.
• Headphones + headphone splitter : one of the best things we ever bought is headphones for the kids and a headphone splitter. Headphones are great to give you some peace and time to speak to each other as parents. A headphone splitter allows your kids to watch the same movie or listen to the same music.
• Camera : I don’t leave without my Sony A7RIII camera , but we have a smaller Sony A6000 camera with us as well, for the kids to use while we’re driving and they see something pretty. For smaller kids , there are tons of fun cameras to play around with.
• Computer : as we work online, and our kids are getting bigger, we always have a few laptops with us.

Check the full list of our travel camera gear here.

Read more: Best laptops for blogging

Road trip essentials for toddlers and babies

A lot of the items we mentioned above are very useful for small children as well. However, there are some road trip necessities for toddlers and babies we haven’t talked about yet.

• Car seats : a true road trip essential for toddlers and babies. Try to find the best booster or car seat, suitable for your child’s age and length. We had one that turned sideways , easy to take the kids out. There are special travel car booster seats folding together very compact, perfect if you have a flight to take in your way to your road trip.
• Car seat travel tray : we’ve never used them, but a few of our friends did and highly recommend them for little ones.
• Extra diapers and a spare set of clothes : you’ll want these preferably within easy reach!
• Stuffed animals : don’t forget these, for many kids they are essential. And check before you leave a parking spot, you don’t want to loose them along the way.
• Extra formula / baby food : always bring some extra formula or baby food. You never know if you’ll hit a traffic jam, have a car break down or some other unforeseen circumstance.
• Portable diaper changing pad
• No spill cup

Family road trip packing list printable

We hope this road trip with kids packing list was helpful to you. To help you out, even more, we created a FREE downloadable and printable checklist with all of our road trip essentials for kids .

This detailed road trip with kids checklist contains all the necessary items for a successful family road trip! Not the obvious stuff, such as clothing and toiletries, but the family road trip essentials.

Download our road trip packing checklist for kids  and you’re all ready for your next vacation!

If you have any other recommendations or remarks, please leave us a comment!

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30 Road Trip Essentials You Shouldn't Hit the Highway Without

Get your motor running...

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Whether you're itching to take the whole family on a budget-friendly road trip , go on a solo adventure , or just prefer driving over flying (especially as we continue to weather the global pandemic)—a little preparation is the key to a hassle-and-drama-free car ride.

When it comes to road trips, helpful tools span the gamut from utilitarian things like maps, backseat garbages, and roof racks to extend the useable space, to health and wellness items like anti-nausea medication and hand sanitizer to keep you healthy, to amusing add-ons like a handheld video game console and a Polaroid camera for entertainment.

To help you come up with the ultimate packing list, we've compiled more than two dozen road trip essentials that will make your travels safer (and more fun!), regardless of whether you're headed to the beach 10 hours from home or embarking on a multi-week cross-country journey. There are plenty of gadgets and gizmos for everyone in the family—couples, kids, toddlers, tweens, and even dogs. So before you strap in, besides your road trip playlist and travel-friendly snacks , make sure you have these ready to go.

APEMAN Dash Cam 1080P FHD DVR Car Driving Recorder

In the event of an accident, a dash cam—a dashboard-mounted camera—ensures you have the proof you need to show you weren't at fault. And bonus: Sometimes your insurance company will even give you a break on your monthly premium just for owning one. 

Huzi Infinity Pillow

To ensure safety on the road, it's important to take breaks every two hours, says a senior program manager for the National Safety Council . For couples traveling together, take turns driving with your co-pilot and prepare to comfortably snooze with this fluffy infinity pillow wrapped around your neck.

Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover

Spills happen, but having this small and mighty stain stick handy will help ensure you don't have ketchup on the front of your shirt when you reach your destination. 

General Medi Mini First Aid Kit

It's wise to have a first-aid kit on hand in case of emergency so that a little cut or a jammed finger doesn't ruin the fun. This mini kit includes nearly 100 hospital-grade supplies, including band-aids and antiseptic, but is easy to stash in a glove compartment or center console.  

Rand McNally 2021 Large Scale Road Atlas

Though you might not initially think you need a physical map—that's what the GPS on your phone is for—Redditors say it's a must-have, since technology and, particularly phone service, can fail. 

Nintendo Switch

This compact game console (it's just 6.2 inches!) will provide endless hours of fun in the car for kids and adults alike. 

LittlePartyDesigns Custom Photo Air Freshener

Okay, so it's not technically an "essential," but these whimsical custom-made air fresheners that come in nine unique scents can be personalized with any photo you like, so even if your toddler isn't along on the journey, she'll always feel close.

Beam Electronics Universal Smartphone Car Air Vent Mount

Taking your eyes off the road—even briefly—can have dire consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , looking down for even 5 seconds when you're going 55 mph is like driving the equivalent of a football field with your eyes closed. If you count on your phone's GPS to guide you, this smartphone mount will help you focused straight ahead. 

PALMOO Seat Back Organizer

These organizers feature spots to cradle a tissue box, cup holders, and more to set backseat passengers up for a comfortable ride. It also has space to fit an iPad if you're looking to provide endless entertainment for kids.

High Road StashAway Car Trash Can with Lid and Storage Pockets

Any good road trip includes plenty of snacks , especially for kids, but all those wrappers need not end up on the floor. Hook this portable leak-proof trash can onto the back of the center console to keep your car tidy en route.

S'well Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

When the hot summer sun is beating in your windows and thirst strikes, the miles between rest stops can feel extra long. Alternatively, if you're roadtripping through the cold winter months, there's nothing like having a steamy beverage in your hands. This water bottle, which keeps liquid cold for up to 24 hours—or hot for 12!—will help you stay hydrated throughout your journey. 

Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler

Whether you're planning to stop for a picnic or simply want to bring some perishable snacks along for the ride, this cooler plugs into your car's dash to keep food and drinks as cool as 36 degrees—no ice required. 

Dramamine All Day Less Drowsy Motion Sickness Relief

If you have a long 10-hour drive ahead of you, but are prone to motion sickness, this non-drowsy formula may provide some relief. 

HOTOR Car Vacuum Cleaner

It's not easy to eat in the car especially if you have a toddler in tow, but once you've finished lunch, you don't have to sit in a bed of potato chip crumbs for the rest of the ride. This compact, but high-powered vacuum plugs into your dash to assist with quick clean-ups. 

TOZO T6 True Wireless Earbuds

Traveling with an angsty tween or teen? Give them their own set of Bluetooth headphones to help keep the peace during your journey. 

Charmin Freshmates Flushable Wet Wipes

Hands covered in French fry grease? Need to wipe your toddler's face? Or maybe the rest stop is out of toilet paper? Either way, these flushable wipes will do just the trick. 

Vietnamese Coffee Portable Pour Overs

Don't settle for subpar coffee from any old rest stop; stash these packets in your glove compartment instead. Simply drape the origami-style pouch over your thermos, filter water through, and add the condensed milk to your liking for barista-style coffee—no special tools required. 

InnoGear Car Diffuser

Fill this USB powered diffuser with your favorite  essential oils  to help relax, refresh, and rejuvenate on a long drive cross country. 

FieryRed Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier

If your car is jam-packed, free up valuable space by adding a cargo bag to the roof to stow anything you won't need enroute. This waterproof soft-sided carrier is a great option, since you don't need any special roof racks for installation. 

SABRENT Portable USB Hub

Like an extension cord for your USB-powered devices (smartphones, e-readers, and more), this small gadget provides ample space to power up, so you and your passenger won't have to squabble over who needs the charger more.  

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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41 Things You Need for Your Next Road Trip

Hit the highway in comfort and style with these travel heroes.

Related To:

Before you hit the open road, make sure you have all the essentials you'll need for a stress-free trip. From comfortable good-to-haves (like pillows and blankets) to safety just-in-cases (like first aid and emergency kits), you'll be glad you traveled prepared. Whether you're hitting the road for a day or two weeks, make sure these easy-to-pack items are in tow.

ESSENTIAL GADGETS

Adjustable Car Cup Holder Expander

Long road trips require large water bottles, but many standard car cup holders aren't large enough to fit larger reusable water bottles from popular brands like YETI, Hydroflask, Stanley and more. This adjustable handy gadget from the brand Swigzy allows you to expand the size of your cup holder and works in almost any cup holder and can fit a variety of styles of bottles and mugs, including those with handles.

Phone Mount

Texting and driving is never an option. And in some states, just holding your phone to talk while driving is against the law. If you want to stream a Spotify playlist or run Google Maps, invest in a phone mount to ensure those hands remain at "10 and two."

Car Power Strip

Going on a long road trip with multiple passengers? You need this 200W power inverter that plugs into the cigarette lighter and has four USB ports and two standard plugs. Plus, it features full-protection with short-circuit, low-voltage, over-charge, over-voltage, over-load and over-temperature protection.

Tablet Headrest Mount

There won’t be a peep from the backseat with this tablet headrest mount. It adjusts to fit any size tablet and is compatible with nearly all headrests. The kids (or adults) in the back won’t be asking “are we there yet?” because they’ll be too absorbed in their movie or game.

Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot

This mobile hotspot features super-fast Wi-Fi internet speeds and long-lasting battery life, providing the ultimate internet experience from anywhere right when you need it most.

Flexible Phone Tripod

Roadside photo-ops will be a breeze with this handy mini tripod . This flexible tripod grips to any surface — from a tree to a fence — and has a reliable rubber grip that secures a smartphone.

Portable Phone Charger

You’ll probably bring several gadgets on your road trip, including smartphones, tablets and e-readers. So gather them up, then power them up. There’s nothing worse than getting an hour into an all-day trip and having the iPad in the backseat run out of juice. We suggest bringing one or more portable chargers for the car, and make sure they work with the devices you plan to charge. Despite what’s written on the packaging, not every charger will power up all the devices they claim they can charge.

Emergency Car Kit

Before you plan your road trip itinerary, you should pack your emergency roadside kit. It’s not the fun part of road trip planning, but it’s the most important. A good car kit should include, at the very least, jumper cables, a spare tire, signal flares and a flashlight. Emergency items such as spare socks, a blanket and granola bars are good, too.

Fire Starter

Building a fire just got a lot easier with this handy fire starter that produces sparks in any weather or altitude. It has an ergonomic thumb guard for comfort and an attached emergency whistle, in case you need to call for help.

First Aid Kit

Road trip or not, keeping a first aid kit in the car is always a good idea. This 100-piece kit includes essential wound care supplies, like cleansing wipes, gauze pads, assorted bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch-stopping cream, acetaminophen caplets, an instant cold pack and much more.

You can’t always depend on Google Maps, especially when driving in rural areas. Even popular National Parks and National Forests can have spotty cell service. As a backup, you can download maps to use offline from Google Maps, and tucking an actual map in the backseat pocket isn’t a bad idea either.

Travel Pillow

Never struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position in the car again with the Trtl Travel Pillow. This neck pillow combines hypoallergenic fleece with hidden internal neck support to hold your head and neck in the best position for sleeping, preventing stiff necks and sore shoulders.

Travel Throw

Meet the hardest-working travel throw in the business: Unpacked, it’s a 52-by-75-inch insulated comforter that's lightweight, washable and super cozy.

Travel Hammock

After hours of driving, take a break in this lightweight travel hammock. It’s quick to hang after a long day on the road and packs down into a small pouch for easy storage.

Microfiber Towel

Whether you're washing off at your campsite or at a rest stop, this soft, microfiber towel will dry quickly and can be used over and over during your trip.

Air Freshener

With all due respect to those mysterious rear-view mirror trees, when you plan on spending serious time on the highway, you need a substantial and sustainable air scrubber. The porous activated charcoal in this baby will purify the stale air in your car instead of hitting it with chemicals, and it'll combat the effects of left-behind takeout for up to a year.

Car Window Shades

Block out 97 percent of harmful UV rays on long road trips with window shades that easily attach to your car's windows, keeping backseat riders cool and comfortable the whole trip.

HEALTH + HYGIENE

Car Diffuser

Fill this diffuser with water, add essential oils and plug it in to make your car smell amazing. Featuring automatic shut-off, t he diffuser emits a cool mist that adds moisture to the air, which helps with dry skin, lips, sinuses and coughs.

Nausea-Relief Wristbands

Nip motion sickness in the bud with these acupressure wristbands that provide effective relief from all forms of travel sickness without causing drowsiness or other side effects. There are even Sea-Bands for kids that come in cool patterns and colors.

Foaming Hand Sanitizer

Keep everyone's hands clean with this alcohol-free foaming sanitizer that's safe and gentle enough for babies. We love Babyganics for the whole family because the formula kills 99.9 percent of common bacteria; it's made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances and dyes; and it's dermatologist-tested and non-allergenic.

Essential Oil Towelettes

This assortment of towelettes is a league of essential oil superheroes: Defeat gas-station bathroom germs, freshen up after the A/C kicks out in the middle of nowhere, combat carsickness and wind down at the end of a long day with their aid.

Tissue Holder

Spare yourself the stress and strain of blindly reaching into the backseat, and snag this seriously convenient tissue holder. The chic black case clips right onto your passenger-side visor, so you can reach it without taking your hands off the wheel.

Insect Repellent

Whether you're spending a little time outside or a lot of time outside, it's always smart to keep insect repellent nearby. This 100-percent DEET formula offers more than 10 hours of protection against insect-transmitted diseases, including Zika and West Nile viruses.

Sleeping away from the comforts of home can come with some restless nights. Melatonin helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake up feeling refreshed. And since Natrol is a drug-free sleep aid, you won't wake up feeling groggy.

ORGANIZATION

Car Seat Headrest Hook

Free up seat space and foot room with these handy hooks that attach to the back of headrests. They'll keep purses, lunchboxes, backpacks and more out of the way but still easily accessible.

Car Ceiling Cargo Net Pocket

Out of space? This sleek cargo net adds more packable space to your car's ceiling. Use it to store pillows, blankets, food and more.

Car Trash Bin

Keep your car clean and organized with this hanging trash bin with a 1.85-gallon capacity and leak-proof interior bag.

Packable Daypack

You may not need it, but you'll be happy it's there if you do. This ultra-light packable daypack has a 20-liter capacity, multiple pockets and adjustable, breathable straps for comfortable all-day use. Plus, it can be stuffed into its own zippered pocket for space-saving storage and compact portability.

Laundry Bag

Truth be told, every trip calls for a laundry bag — hunting for clean undies is nobody’s idea of a good time. That said, a pre-sorted discard pile is especially important when you find a laundromat in the middle of nowhere and want to take care of business ASAP. Tuck one of these into your glove compartment and thank us later.

These Genius Items Will Keep Your Car Clean + Organized on Family Road Trips

A clean car? With kids ? Yes, it's possible.

FOOD + DRINK

Saucemoto Dip Clip

Never spill your sauce again! Sometimes, a drive-thru food stop is the highlight of a road trip after hours of driving. Keep your favorite sauce easily accessible and avoid spills with this handy sauce cady. It clips to the car air vent and creates the perfect spot to nest your dipping sauce.

YETI Cooler Bag

A cooler is a road trip must. Instead of a giant cooler out-of-reach in the trunk, keep your drinks in a small cooler bag. YETI’s Hopper Flip 8 is large enough for eight soda cans but small enough to throw around your arm for a pull-off picnic or impromptu hike.

Car Seat Organizer

For a more kid-friendly (and budget) option, this car seat cooler organizer would be the perfect backseat companion. It features an insulated cooler compartment, flat tray table top, two drink holders and side pockets for extra storage. It also features a handy seatbelt strap that holds it in place. The brand recommends using cold packs instead of ice for keeping items cold.

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated on the road with BPA-free Bobble Bottles that filter out impurities on the go, so you can fill up at the campground or rest stop water fountain worry-free. And with so many color options, no one will get their bottle mixed up in the car.

Portable Coffee Press

This portable brewer will brew a delicious cup of coffee, espresso or cold brew right over your mug. The total immersion brewing system means there's less grit than with a French press, and it's super-fast, too.

With double-wall vacuum insulation, the YETI Rambler 20-Ounce Travel Mug keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Plus the leak-resistant lid means bumps in the road are no problem for this traveler.

Collapsible Storage Containers

Useful for storing everything from travel-size toiletries to trail mix, these reusable containers work for jet setters or families always on the go. Not only are they eco-friendly and BPA-free, but these collapsible beauties also help save money on snacks. Fill them up before road-tripping to prevent overspending on pre-packaged goodies at convenience stores.

Kitchen Utensil Set

When fast food isn't your speed, this one-and-done kit — which includes a serving fork, a utility knife, scissors, a cutting board, a spatula, a wine opener, tongs, a ladle, a rice paddle, a carabiner and folding stainless-steel utensils — is ready to turn your roadside-farm-stand haul into the greatest picnic of all time.

BioLite CampStove 2

The eco-friendly BioLite Campstove 2 is pure genius. It doesn’t need fuel, and the heat created from burning just a handful of kindling converts into usable electricity that can be used to recharge your gadgets. Cook dinner, charge your phone and feel good about your carbon footprint — what more could you ask for?

15 Must-Have Items for a Family Road Trip With Kids

Keep kids of all ages happy and entertained while on the road with these gadgets, games and more.

ENTERTAINMENT

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Go on and celebrate reaching your destination with an impromptu dance party. This lightweight Bluetooth speaker fills your space with home-stereo-system-quality sound and claims less real estate in your luggage than a rolled-up pair of jeans.

Scrabble To-Go Board Game

Add some friendly competition in the car or at your destination with this compact Scrabble set. The snap-in letter board ensures tiles stay put while moving, and the zippered case makes it easy to fold up and keep everything in place mid-game.

Kindle Paperwhite

Cut down your packing weight by bringing a Kindle instead of a stack of books for lounging by the fire. The latest generation of Paperwhite Kindles are now hot tub-ready, too; they're waterproof, so they'll survive an accidental dunk.

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Road trip essentials and packing list – 40+ must-haves for an epic road trip

Posted on February 22, 2021 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on May 8, 2024

Dreaming of freedom, endless landscapes, and adventures? A road trip gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want, and to stay there as long as you want. That’s what I love about road trips, especially right now that we need to social distance. I’ve put together this road trip packing list to help you plan your trip, listing all the road trip essentials and must-haves you shouldn’t forget to pack.

If you are still looking for inspiration for your next road trip, check out this epic list I’ve put together of the best USA road trips.

You probably won’t need everything listed below and should adapt this list whether you’re planning a long road trip or a quick weekend road trip, whether you’re traveling with kids or not, and if you’re starting from home or flying then renting a car.

If you are planning a road trip abroad, make sure you get travel insurance and check if the country you’re traveling to accepts your driver’s license or if you need an international one.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on any links and make a purchase, I’ll get a small commission, at no cost to you.

Tech gadget and entertainment – Road trip packing list

With hours spent in the car, you’ll need to figure out things to do so you don’t get bored, especially if you travel with kids. Here are a couple of road trip essentials you definitely should pack:

• First things first, make sure to pack a battery pack to charge all your electronic devices, it is a life savior and you won’t have to worry about your phone or tablet dying on you;
• Smartphone, tablets, and chargers ;
• If traveling with kids, MP3 player, something to watch movies on, maybe a game console too, whatever keeps them busy. For a screen-free alternative, you can try out to download a couple of audiobooks before the trip. You can sign up for Audible , you get a 30-day free trial, and you get access to thousands of audiobooks and podcasts. (and don’t forget the chargers for each device);
• Your favorite playlist, make sure you have music to listen to, and don’t rely on 4G as you might not get it everywhere;
• Games, games, games … There are plenty of road trip games you can play while in the car, for families as well as for adults. It will help kill time, have fun, and start conversations – make sure you also plan a couple of road trip activities to keep kids busy .

WHAT DO YOU MEME? Shotgun! – The Hilarious Family Card …

Games on the Go by Continuum Games – Portable Roadtrip …

WELL BALANCED Car Bingo – Road Trip Essentials: Car Act…

• GPS or an off-line map , I use Maps.Me, I found it to be easier to download maps on there than on Google Maps, but both usually work well, just make sure to download the map beforehand;
• Camera and a GoPro , you’ll want to take photos of all of your adventures so make sure to pack a good camera (I highly recommend the Sony RX100 VII , it’s the one I use, and you won’t find a better compact camera for this price and level of quality). Having a GoPro can be a good idea too, it makes amazing videos, and they are waterproof, so you can take tons of shots you couldn’t with a regular camera. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries and memory cards . You could also pack a tripod and wireless remote control for your camera.
• Headphones – if you are traveling with kids, as a group, or don’t listen to the same type of music as the people on the trip, bring headphones, if you really want peace and quiet, consider getting noise-canceling ones. I have the Sony WH-1000XM4 , and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

Car essentials to make your road trip more comfortable

• Foldable Car Wastebasket – if you’re like me and you like things to stay clean and organized, you’ll need a trash can in the car, especially if you are going to eat snacks and meals inside the car.
• Backseat Organizer with Tablet Holder – if you are traveling with kids, you’ll definitely want one of these to keep all their things organized and within reach.
• Cooler – it’s always nice to enjoy a fresh drink or to be able to pack things such as fruits, yogurts, or sandwiches knowing they’ll stay fresh the whole ride. If you already have a regular cooler make sure to bring it with you or you could get the Wagan 12V Cooler/Warmer especially for car use. It fits well on the back seat or on the floor, and when plugged in it will keep everything fresh, or warm (there are two temperature settings to choose from).
• Car Headrest Pillow and Car Seat – when you are going to be in the car for hours the first thing you want is to feel comfortable, don’t hesitate to take a pillow or buy one made for cars , and if your car seats are not extra comfy get something to help you with that, like this one , made of memory foam that can also be used on a regular chair. You can also pack a couple of blankets, especially for a winter road trip.
• Portable Car Vacuum and Car Air Purifier – for the cleaning freak, make sure to pack these two items to keep your car clean and smelling fresh at all times, they are good things to have on long road trips or when traveling with kids.
• If you are planning to spend a night or two in your car, check out the air mattresses for cars , they’ll fit most models and will turn your back seats into a comfy bed.

KMMOTORS Car Trash Can, Leather Trash Bag Foldable Hanging bin, C…

Tsumbay Car Backseat Organizer with Tablet Holder，9 Storage Pocke…

Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer with 12/24V DC, S…

Road trip essentials you should always have in your car.

Make sure to pack the items listed below, and most of all keep them within reach, you’ll probably need them during the ride and there’s nothing worse than having to stop and go through luggage to find what you need. You’ll also be prepared when you make stops along the way and have already everything ready for the excursions.

• Car emergency kit and a Swiss knife – make sure you have all the safety and emergency essentials for your car if not, you can get a bundle that comes with everything you’ll need. Having a swiss knife is always a good idea and can be a life savior. You can also pack a “survival” kit , especially if you’re often outdoors or are going on a camping trip.
• Emergency blankets – it’s always a good idea to pack emergency blankets, even if you don’t need them, you can use them for picnics, to put on the ground, or just to keep warm if you’re on a winter road trip.
• Binoculars – if you are planning to explore the wilderness, binoculars will help you see better and spot wildlife.
• Paper maps and travel guides – paper maps allow you to fin secondary roads and less traveled paths so you can go on a true adventure. Make sure to also pack the travel guide for the destination you’re visiting so you don’t miss anything and find some inspiration.
• First-aid kit – you never know when you might need it, so make sure to pack at least bandaids, a disinfectant spray, and some sort of pain reliever.
• Tissues and wet wipes – tissues will always come in handy in a car, road trip or not. Wet wipes will keep you clean and fresh when you don’t have access to a sink. Wet wipes are not eco-friendly so I tend to avoid them, for the car you could get a wet wipe dispenser and reusable wipes , and make your own wet wipes with micellar water (the containers will keep the wipes moist).
• Raincoats – be prepared for bad weather, more practical than umbrellas, raincoats are a road-trip must-have.
• Pair of trekking shoes + flip flops – always have those easily accessible so you can change shoes if needed without having to go through all of your stuff.
• Hat, swimwear, and fast-drying towels
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent – you’ll always need sunscreen , no matter the time of the year, it’s a good idea to keep it within reach so you can reapply it during the day. If you are traveling during spring/summer and are planning an outdoorsy road trip, mosquito repellent is a must, I always choose one with citronella , I found it to work better than the ones with DEET, and it’s a more eco-friendly and healthy option.
• Sunglasses – even if you are not driving, sunglasses are a road trip essential, it’s always a good idea to have a pair in the car, even in winter.
• Snacks – choose carefully the type of snack you’re going to take, for example, avoid anything with chocolate or things that might be hard to eat without making a mess. I always pack dried fruits and nuts, it’s healthy, won’t turn bad, and is mess-free.
• Water – if you don’t already have one, get a refillable water bottle , it takes less space and is more eco-friendly. If you are visiting a country where the tap water is not refillable, you could get a LifeStraw bottle , that will filter out chemicals and bacteria so that any water is safe to drink.

General Medi 2-in-1 First Aid Kit (215 Piece Set) + 43 Piece Mini…

Don’t Die In The Woods – Freakin’ Huge Emergency Blankets [4-Pack…

LIANXIN Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit – Car Emergency Kit wit…

Best bags for road trips.

You can pretty much use anything you already have as long as it fits into your trunk. Try to not over-pack and bring only what you’ll really need (read my tips for lightweight packing ).

• Duffel bags – your best option, especially if you know your trunk is going to be full, it makes fitting everything inside the car much easier than with a hard-shell suitcase. They also tend to be smaller so it makes it easier to pack light. You can get duffel bags with wheels so it’s easier to carry them around (but they’ll take more space in the trunk and be less flexible).
• Day pack and rain cover – if you are planning to trek during your road trip, make sure to pack a comfortable day pack either one that already comes with a rain cover, or you can buy a universal one . For trekking, I recommend the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack . If you are visiting cities you can bring a nicer backpack or handbag if it’s comfortable for you.

What should I bring on a long road car trip?

For a long road car trip, you need to pack things that will help you be comfortable (blankets, travel pillows, memory foam car seats…). Wear clothes you feel good in and pack a sweater just in case. Don’t forget to pack healthy snacks and plenty of water, having a cooler can be a good option for long road car trips.

What should I pack for a road trip by myself?

For a road trip for yourself make sure to bring things to keep you entertained (playlist, podcast, audiobooks…), snacks and a water bottle you can easily open while driving in case you get angry and thirsty during the ride. Don’t forget to pack an emergency kit as well as first-aid essentials. Make sure you also have a GPS or off-line maps, and a car charger for all your electronics.

What are fun things to take on a road trip?

With many hours spent in the car, you’ll need things to entertain yourselves and fun things to do. There are plenty of games you can play in the car, think of card games or things like Trivias, magnetic board games, blind tests… If you don’t get car sick, you can bring sudokus, crosswords puzzles and such, as well as a couple of books. You can also bring a tablet and watch movies or your favorite TV shows, just make sure to download them beforehand.

Did we miss anything? What about you? What are your road trip essentials / things you can’t travel without?

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20 Must-Haves for a Family Road Trip

June 29, 2023 by Nicolette Leave a Comment

A family road trip with kids can be a great way to explore the country, experience new cultures, and create lasting memories. It’s an adventure that will bring you closer as a family, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little bit of planning, you can have a safe and fun road trip with kids that will be remembered for years to come.

The key to a successful road trip with kids is to be prepared . Before you hit the road, you’ll want to ensure that your vehicle is in good working order, you have enough food, snacks, and activities for the kids, and everyone has the appropriate clothing and gear for the weather. It’s also important to plan out your route and stops ahead of time. You’ll want to plan for plenty of rest stops, sightseeing, and activities that everyone can enjoy.

Once you’re on the road, there are a few things you can do to make your trip more enjoyable. Talk to your kids about the trip and get them excited about it. Incorporate some educational activities and games along the way. Make sure everyone gets enough rest and has plenty of time to explore. 

And of course, don’t forget to take lots of photos and videos to capture the memories. But most importantly, you’ll want to be equipped with plenty of activities and entertainment to keep everyone happy and not fighting.

Here are a few of our road trip essentials you won’t want to forget! 

1 . Portable DVD player and favorite movies : A portable DVD player is a great way to keep kids entertained on long car trips. It is small and lightweight, allowing kids to watch their favorite movies from the comfort of their car seat.

2. Travel games : Travel games are essential for keeping kids entertained on long car rides. Games like I Spy, Hangman, and 20 Questions will keep them occupied for hours.

3. Books, coloring books, and other activities : Reading books or filling out coloring books can provide hours of entertainment for kids in the car. Other activities like word or number puzzles can also be great ways to keep them busy.

4. Music and headphones : Music can provide a great distraction for long car rides. Kids can also use headphones so they don’t disturb other passengers.

5. Toys and stuffed animals : Bringing along a few favorite toys or stuffed animals can help make car rides more enjoyable for kids. 

Don’t forget the…

6. Snacks and drinks : Keep kids happy and hydrated with a few snacks and drinks. Make sure to have a variety of options so kids don’t get bored with the same snacks.

7. Digital games and apps : Many digital games and apps can be used to keep kids entertained on long car trips. Download a few of their favorites before you leave so they can play them during the ride.

8. T ravel journal : Kids can write about their experiences and draw pictures in a travel journal. This can be a great way to document their trip and keep them occupied during long car rides.

9. Window markers and stickers : Window markers and stickers can be used to decorate the windows of the car. Kids can draw pictures or make their own designs to entertain themselves.

10. A camera to document the journey : A camera can be a great way to document a trip and create lasting memories. Kids can take pictures of the scenery and of each other, which can help make the car ride more enjoyable.

And it’s always nice to have…

11. A pillow and blanket : A pillow and blanket can be a great way to stay comfortable during long car rides. They can also be used to take naps when kids need a break from the long stretches.

12. Craft supplies : Craft supplies, like markers, crayons, and paper, can provide hours of entertainment for kids in the car.

13. An iPad or tablet : An iPad or tablet can be a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides. Download a few of their favorite games or apps before you leave to keep them occupied.

14. A bag of travel toys : A bag of toys, like small cars or action figures, can provide hours of entertainment for kids in the car.

15. Puzzles : Puzzles can be a great way to keep kids occupied on long car rides. Choose from jigsaw puzzles, logic puzzles, crosswords, and more.

Who’s bringing the…

16. A joke book : If your kids can read, a joke book will keep them entertained for hours! They’ll love laughing at all the punchlines, and you might even get a good laugh as the parent. 

17. A portable charger : A portable charger is a must-have for long car rides. Kids can stay connected to their devices and play their favorite games and apps.

18. A travel scavenger hunt list : Create a scavenger hunt list with the younger kids before you leave. Have them look for things like animals, different kinds of trees, or landmarks.

19. Games : Board games are a great way to keep older kids entertained on long car rides. Choose from a variety of travel-size games, like checkers, card games, and tic-tac-toe.

20. A travel first aid kit : A travel first-aid kit is essential for any road trip. It should include items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.

Some other essentials for your trip that you won’t want to forget:

Food & Drinks : Go the the grocery store before your trip and grab a water bottle for everyone, cold drinks, dried fruit, cheese sticks, a sippy cup, ice packs, and any other food or drink items you think you or the kids might want. Pack some of the best road trip snacks and you’ll be good to go!

Toiletries : When you’re on the go, having toiletries in the car can help keep things clean. Pack some hand sanitizer, personal items, lip balm, an easy-to-access change of clothes, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and face wipes.

Cleanliness & Organization : The car can quickly become a mess if you’re not careful, so you’ll want to pack some items to keep it clean on your long drive. Get some plastic bags, cup holders, a car seat organizer, wet wipes, trash bags, toilet paper, and anything else you’ll want to keep in the center console.

And lastly, you’ll want to bring these useful items on the open road:

• Motion sickness medicine
• Travel pillow
• Audio books
• Picnic blanket
• Road trip activities
• Smart phone
• Garbage bag
• Travel insurance

That pretty much sums up our must-have items for long road trips with kids! If you have any trips coming up this summer, make sure to save this list and pull some ideas beforehand so your kids stay entertained the entire trip. 

Once you get there, make sure you play our favorite travel game Quest for the Best!

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20+ Road Trip Must-Haves

Travel with these essentials for a whine-free ride. (Cute dog optional.)

If your summer vacation plans include a few hours (or 10) in the car, you're gonna wanna pack these on-the-go essentials!

No matter how well you may think you know the roads, it never hurts to have a little help. With the social traffic and navigation app Waze (available for iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry), you'll be getting more than just directions. This free app allows other drivers in your network to report traffic jams or accidents, so you'll receive real-time updates at every turn.

North Face Backpack

When you're constantly tossing bags in and out of the car, they better be able to handle plenty of abuse. The durable North Face Hot Shot Backpack is water-resistant and has plenty of compartments for a portable speaker, games, and other road trip essentials. ( $84, amazon.com )

Rubbermaid Cooler

With the Rubbermaid 50 Quart Cooler , you won't have to worry about your drinks and snacks getting warm. Packed with 25 pounds of ice, this split-top cooler will keep food cold for more than 12 hours. It also comes with large wheels, so you can easily cart it to a campsite or the beach. ( $47, amazon.com )

Oxo Travel Mug

If you rely on your morning coffee to get you through the day, take it on the road with the Oxo Good Grips LiquiSeal Travel Mug . And no need to fret about annoying bumps in the road — this beverage container won't leak or spill as long as the lid is closed. ( $20, amazon.com )

Easy Spirit Sneakers

For all those times you're out and about instead of sitting in the car, slip into comfortable shoes with a minimal design like Easy Spirit's Reinvent Walking Sneakers . The mesh upper and stretch lining of this lightweight shoe conforms to your foot, making it feel like you're wearing slippers instead of clunky tennis shoes. ( $99, amazon.com )

Throwing clothes in the washer at a moment's notice isn't an option on the road. Prepare yourself for any spills that come your way with Tide-To-Go Instant Stain Remover . This pocket-sized pen will completely remove soda, fruit juice, and coffee stains from fabrics. It even works on silk! ( $4, amazon.com )

Febreze Car Vent Clips

This Good Housekeeping-Seal holder keeps your car smelling fresh — no matter how many spills and crumbs you rack up on the road. Just add these easy-to-use clips to your car's vents, and voila. It's also a breeze to control the intensity via a dial on the top. ( $6, amazon.com )

Puffs Softpacks

Better suited for the car than hard cardboard boxes, these tissues packs can be tucked in a glove compartment or in a door or seatback pouch without crushing. And, the water-resistant outer pack keeps the tissues clean and dry. ( $9 for 2, amazon.com )

As long as they aren't fried, corn nuts are a secret superfood! Toss a bag in the car, or go for another pop-able driving snack like dry, roasted chickpeas. You'll find them at most rest stops, and with lots fiber and protein they'll stave off cravings between meals. ( $9, amazon.com )

Honey-Roasted Peanuts

Satisfy a sweet tooth with 1.5 ounces of honey-roasted peanuts. They're only about 4 grams of sugar per serving but will kick a candy craving. The trick is that the sugar (or salt, for the savory versions) is just on the surface, so they only taste more flavorful. ( $17 for 2, amazon.com )

PackIt Lunch Bag

The soft-sided walls of the bag have built-in freezable gel, so you can pop the empty bag in the freezer the night before your outing to help your snacks stay cold throughout the morning. ( $32, amazon.com )

Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn

Our taste-test winner is available in single-serving bags at most gas stations — it's super satisfying and just 160 calories per a 1-ounce bag. ( $23 for 25, amazon.com )

Simple Green Car Wash

Simple Green's auto cleaner cuts through dirt, grime and grease (even bugs!) to leave your car with a polished, streak-free shine. Use it on everything from SUVs and trucks to motorhomes and ATVs. ( $5, amazon.com )

Magic Tank is a genius $20 solution to extend a (near) empty gas tank. It's a non-flammable liquid that you can safely store in your car and use in any gas-powered engine. It basically helps get what gas is left in your car's reservoir, so note that it's not meant to replace traditional fuel, just serve as an insurance policy.

PadPockets Tablet Holder and Car Seat Organizer

Keep kids occupied — while wrangling car games and snacks — with this pocket-packed headset hanger. Just slip a tablet into the pouch for an instant, on-the-go entertainment center. ( $25, amazon.com )

Aquapac Camera Case

Protect your electronics and other important items from the elements with a Aquapac Small Camera Case . Whether you're swinging by the pool or getting caught in a downpour, your gadgets will remain safe and functional through the clear, waterproof panel. ( $35, amazon.com )

Conair Mini Blowdryer

The Conair Minipro Tourmaline Ceramic Styler was considered the most user-friendly by our testers when the GH Institute tried it out. It's an inexpensive, tiny champ that dries hair well and is super-light — at just 0.6 pounds. ($20, amazon.com )

Car and Driver Organizer

Stay safe while road trippin' with Car and Driver's Roadside Emergency Kit, packed with essentials like jumper cables. ($25, shopcaranddriver.com )

Chelan Fresh Fruit

If you've ever fished a crushed banana out of your bag, you'll appreciate how the innovative packaging on Chelan Fresh cherries, apples and pears makes fresh fruit easy to eat in no matter where you are. The company's Rockit Apple Tubes and Cup o'Cherries fit right into car cup holders, and the cherry cup even has a built-in place to put pits.

Beanitos Bean Chips

Made from wholesome navy beans, rice and actual cheddar cheese , these Good Housekeeping Nutritionist Approved chips are super snacks. They earned our new Emblem because they contain beans and whole-grains, without added sodium, saturated fat and artificial flavors. Beanitos are available single-serving packs, so you can skip the vending machine at 4 p.m. ($4, amazon.com )

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The Best Hardside Luggage

Is Away Luggage Worth Buying?

The Best All-in-One Car Seats

The Best Portable Car Seats

The Best Leather Conditioners for Cars

The Best Electric Vehicle Chargers

The Best Samsonite Luggage

The Best Backpacks

Pack These Amazon Must-Haves for Your Next Trip

The Best Luggage Brands

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Family Road Trip Must-Haves

When you're on the road, there are two types of things you'll need: the grown-up stuff, and the kids' stuff. We'll cover both here.

• Cell phone. We're not suggesting talking while you drive, but if you get lost, blow a tire, overheat an engine or need medical assistance, a cell phone is indispensable. If your adult partner (or teenage child) has a different carrier, have him or her bring a phone as well, because you never know which carrier will have a working signal at any given moment. Don't forget the car charger and wall charger. If you have (or are planning to buy) a Bluetooth-enabled phone, bear in mind that an increasing number of cars are available with hands-free Bluetooth technology and will allow you to call someone using only your voice.
• Detailed maps. OK, sounds obvious, but how many times have you had to stop to ask directions during your lifetime? If you're on a road trip and lose your way, vehicle navigation systems are a gift from heaven. If your car doesn't have a nav system and you have the cash, consider getting an aftermarket unit . At worst, bring detailed maps, not just driving directions. Some maps or guides will also highlight features along the route and the all-important rest stops. Rand McNally, Thomas Brothers and especially AAA are good places to start. Getting directions from strangers you meet while traveling is dicey, at best. So don't rely on the guy at that gas station, or you could end up driving in circles.
• Entertainment for the kids. We could spend all day on this one. Klutz Press publishes several books/activity packs for kids that will have you singing the company's praises, including Glove Compartment Games and Kids Travel — A Backseat Survival Guide , which has lots of puzzles, connect-the-dots and so on. Bring stories on CD — often you can get these at the library. For older kids, satellite radio such as Sirius or XM is a good bet. Finally, on long trips there's nothing better to keep kids busy than a DVD player or handheld electronic games. Some vehicles even offer gaming system connections so your kids can bring their favorite video games along with them. Naturally, there's always the entertainment fallback, traditional (and free) car games such as "I Spy" and "20 Questions" or "Geography."
• Munchies. This cannot be overstated. You need lots of snacks and lots of variety. Water bottles, juice boxes, individual bags of chips or crackers, grapes (cut in half for little ones to avoid choking), fresh veggies (OK, that's for you), Cheerios, granola bars or yogurt sticks that have been frozen (kids love this!). Most young kids calm down a bit when they drink milk, so bring along milk boxes that are vacuum-packed and don't need refrigeration. (They can be hard to find; check the powdered milk area of the grocery store.) Use disposable plastic containers and resealable plastic bags so the car doesn't resemble a Tupperware party. Remember, kids can't shout while they're busy drinking and eating. Don't forget a couple of bags to hold all the trash, too.
• Travel-sized goods. It isn't just shampoo and deodorant that come in travel sizes today. First aid kits, baby wipes, toys (classics like Mastermind and Connect Four , Etch-a-Sketch ), hair brushes, disposable plastic placemats and bibs, sunscreen, bug repellent, just about everything comes in a mini version today, saving you a lot of weight in the suitcase and the need to rummage around looking for things. Pack all these things in one bag that is easy to get to, and you'll save not only time but energy as well.
• Prescription medicines. If you forget them, you'll be waking your doctor and scrambling for the number of the nearest pharmacy. Also ask your pediatrician about over-the-counter motion sickness medication if you will be traveling on winding roads.
• Change of clothing — for everyone. Nevermind the kids: If little Susie upchucks on your lap instead of her own, you'll be glad you brought along an extra pair of sweats. Don't overlook the obvious: extra diapers, undies, jackets.
• Legal documents/Legal tender. Bring driver licenses (for all drivers) or IDs, vehicle registration, current insurance card, AAA card (or other roadside assistance information), ATM/debit card, credit card and cash. This neat little package will save your trip if you are pulled over by police, towed, or break down. Keep them in one place, preferably in a front pants pocket, because they're harder to pick. You also won't risk that moment of panic if you realize your purse is hanging on the back of a chair in the restaurant, 10 miles back.
• Favorite blankie or stuffed animal. Torn or ratty, nothing, but nothing , becomes more valuable on a road trip than your child's "lovey." It connects him to home and makes him more comfortable in a strange place. It also helps him sleep. Don't leave home without it.
• Shades. If your vehicle's rear windows aren't heavily tinted (and even if they are), you might need a sunshade to keep the sun out of your little ones' eyes. Built-in sunshades are featured on many luxury sedans, and you can also get them on the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey . Several add-on sunshade accessories are available on the Web or in baby stores. Even then, it's a good idea to bring sunglasses for the whole family for those times you step out of the car and into a bright, sunny day.

Finally, you may already have a child safety seat, but is it a comfortable one? The rule of thumb is, the less expensive it is, the less padding there is between Junior and a hard piece of plastic. Check it out: Press down on the fabric...is there a lot of cushion, or will it feel like a rock after an hour? Remember: Keep 'em comfortable, and you'll keep everybody happy.

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29 Road Trip Must-Have Products That'll Make You Forget The Phrase "Ugh Are We There Yet"

1. an over-the-seat organizer that has pockets, pockets, and more pockets whether it's endless gas station candies, a large mcdonald's sprite, or some entertaining games, this has the space to keep you organized for your long journey ahead. .

www.amazon.com , www.amazon.com

Promising review : "These were a last-minute purchase before a summer road trip with our 4- and 7-year-old sons, and I couldn’t be happier! It’s a great way to keep the car organized with games, toys, colors, devices, water bottles, etc. Definitely recommend for every day and road trip use !" — Kathy

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in two colors). 

2. A fluffy car pillow  because waking up from an amazing car nap usually comes with the not-so-amazing neck pain. This easily buckles behind the headrest and gives you a *proper* place for your head to rest. Neck pain? Never heard of her. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review : "My second grader used this while we road-tripped for two weeks. It eliminated that awkward contortion that kids do when they nap in the car . It was definitely one of our more useful purchases for the trip. Keep in mind that the pillow is large and can take up some space in a cramped car. Outside of traveling, my kid likes to use it inside the house since it's so soft. She naps with it on the bed or just snuggles with it while reading." — Sarah Aquino

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two styles and six colors). 

3. A license plate game that'll get you and your kiddos to keep your eyes off Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok and look out for plates from Idaho, Florida, and Texas! Each license plate is magnetic, so you won't lose them all over the car floor. 

Promising review : "I love this for road trips. I bought this for our first road trip that was longer than we have ever gone. Now I take it every time we go more than two hours from home. I, the mom, love it the most. I’m always looking for plates now. Haha. Fun activity for the whole family to do that is not just iPad time." — Amanda Gainey

Get it from Amazon for $10.52 . 

4. A Springer leak-proof water bottle  so you can make sure even your fur baby is hydrated and taken care of. Just squeeze the bottle to fill up the built-in bowl, and when your pup is done, the water sucks right back into the bottle! So genius! 

Springer Pets is a woman-owned small business run by a mother-daughter duo (and the dogs who love them). They were also featured on Shark Tank! 

Promising review : "I am extremely happy with this purchase! We have two medium-sized dogs (30 lbs and 42 lbs), and this was a LIFESAVER. We beat the heat, car anxiety, and quenching thirst by providing our fur babies with much-needed water breaks.  This bottle is 'mess-free' and was absolutely easy to provide water to our dogs even while we where driving. No water spills, no need for extra plastic water bottles or collapsible bowls . Throw some ice cubes in there, and you'll see it holds cool and fresh water for a good amount of time." — Tatiana

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in six colors). 

5. A kid's car seat lap organizer featuring a dry-erase board that also doubles as a tray for snacks, a tablet holder, and so many pockets for crayons and toys. This helps keep your kid entertained and prevents you from having to grab all those markers they love to drop on the ground.  

Some color options come with dry-erase markers and an eraser included! 

Promising review : "Are you a parent who is sick of picking up everything your kid accidentally drops off their lap while on a car ride? If not, lucky you. If you are… this thing is great! We recently went on a beach vacation that involved a 9-hour drive each way with my 4-year-old. Usually, he drops stuff while playing with it. With this, everything stayed on the tray! It also helped him balance his tablet to watch, held his drink and foodstuff in place without anything spilling, and gave him a space to draw and play on. Easy to take on and off for potty breaks." — Dawn Michele

Get it from Amazon for $28.95+ (available in 11 colors). 

6. A forever classic game of Mad Libs on the Road  bound to get some laughs from the crowd because of the hilarious sentences you'll be retelling. No need to write in "Are we there yet?" — that one's not in there.  

Promising review : "Our 8-year-old and 3-year-old LOVE playing mad libs. We keep it in the car to play while we wait for the bus or on car rides. I like that it's educational, too — reinforcing parts of speech and practicing spelling and reading, as well as broadening their vocabulary. A must-have for every family!" — Chelsea Peterson

Get it from Amazon for $4.65 . 

7. A memory foam car seat cushion  since driving for hours does a lot for your booty, and not in a good way. This provides extra support to help your back, improve your posture, and can even give you an extra boost for better visibility. 

Promising review : "It worked great for long road trips to help with fatigue and lower back pain. I never imagined this would work as well as it did, and as an  added bonus, it worked as a great pillow when we needed to pull over for short sleep [breaks] . It's worth the price for the pain it relieved." — Jess

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in three colors). 

8. A car cup holder and eating tray  for when you want to be *sophisticated* when eating your fast food meals on the go. The large tray and cup holder (which holds up to a 40-oz drink!) make eating on your lap a thing of the past. 

Promising review : "I used it for a 13-hour road trip to Colorado for camping/wheeling, and it held up great. So nice to be able to throw snacks, fries, or whatever on there while I was driving. Perfect arm's length for everything I needed for the long drives. When I got home, I just removed the table part and used the big drink holder. Perfect to have a large water bottle in one and a big coffee tumbler in the other." — SamoanJoe

Get it from Amazon for $33.99+  (available with different add-ons). 

9. A Febreze Unstopables car freshener  if you don't want the lingering smell of french fries to be the only fragrance you smell for the remainder of your trip. This clips onto your air vent and makes your car smell real nice and fresh! 

Promising review : "These are great and pretty strong. I made the mistake and tried another scent after using these and you have no idea how much I'm still regretting it. The scent lasts long after the oil inside is done, and it hits you as soon as you open your door, without being overbearing." — camelia virgo-evans

Get a pack of four from Amazon for $11.88  (available in two scents and five pack sizes)

10. A car power adapter with the ability to charge up to six devices at once, and it even has a cooling fan built in, so you don't have to worry about it overheating. No need to panic when your kid screams that the iPad ran out of juice, this will help you out big time. 

This comes with a lighter adapter and allows you to plug in four USB chargers and two AC outlets! 

Promising review : "It arrived just in time for a 15-hour road trip with five kids, everyone was able to keep their devices charged, and us parents didn't go crazy." — Tiffany

Get it from Amazon for $25.95+ (available in two sizes). 

11. An herbal inhaler and oil stick that can help reduce nausea and motion sickness all in one little pocket-sized stick. You can breathe in on one end or rub the oil on your skin from the other. Going on a family road trip means there's gonna be a lot of *breathe in, breathe out* kind of moments — and not just from the nausea of being in the car for many hours. 

Allclair a small business based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

This non-medicated and non-drowsy inhaler and oil is perfect for when you don't feel like taking medication but still want a little relief. Its made from natural herbs and isn't too overpowering. 

Promising review : "We bought this when we went on a cruise, everyone used it! You can use it for smell or rub it on your wrist, behind your ears, etc. We now keep it in the car for my son who gets car sick. Just a quick, easy item!" — Brandi C.

Get a pack of two for $12.99 . 

12. And, a Migrastil migraine roll-on stick made with peppermint and lavender essential oils to rub on your temples, forehead, and neck. Some reviewers say they were skeptical in the beginning but were pleasantly surprised at how well this worked to reduce their migraines and headaches. 

Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at  Johns Hopkins .

Promising review : "I will start this by saying, I am not one to try herbal remedies of any kind. However, this had good reviews and my husband is always looking for eucalyptus-smelling scents. The first time I tried this, both my husband and I tested it in a car ride, both fully expecting it not to work. We put it on our foreheads as directed and went about the car ride. Then 5–10 minutes later, I realized my (very bad) headache was much better . Out of nowhere, I said, 'So does your head feel...' and my husband blurted, 'Better?? Yes!!' We were both shocked. I ended up giving mine to my mom for a trip she was taking and bought another one. I've since used it a few more times, and it does not get rid of a headache but definitely lightens the pressure." — Stacy S. 

Get it from Amazon for $12.95 . 

13. An auto bingo card , which will introduce some friendly competition to see who can yell BINGO first. Instead of looking down at screens, this encourages your young ones to look for road signs, cars, and more. Plus, there are no loose pieces because the window shutters are built-in! 

Regal Games is a small business based in Chicago, IL and has been around for over 70 years creating games for all ages. 

Promising review : "I purchased as a gift for my daughter to use in the car with her children. These are perfect to occupy them on long road trips. She keeps them in the seat pocket so they are readily available. The sliding door for each square makes it very easy to play. No added pieces or markers to have to use ." — noreen

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five styles). 

14. A car seat gap organizer  because you can never have too many pockets or compartments when it comes to traveling on the road. Plus, it can help prevent your things from falling in between the car seat gaps! Now, you don't have to go rummaging through your bag to find where your sunglasses or pack of gum is because it'll be right next to you. 

Promising review : "It worked great. Had to endure a road trip. As a couple, we have duplicates of everything: phones, iPads, wallets, drinks, and we make it maybe 100 miles before everything is all over the dash — but not anymore. Everything has a place it was great" — Karen D.  

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in five colors). 

15. A mini car trash can  so you can have a designated place for all those candy wrappers, used napkins, and whatever usually gets tossed on the bottom floor of your car. You can clip this onto a headrest or even some center consoles. 

Promising review : "These are the perfect size. We are going on a road trip, so I got one for each of my front seats. They're not too bulky, and they hold a fair amount of trash. Love that they are adjustable and have pockets on the outside. Great for holding knickknacks or extra trash bags." — Katlyn

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in two sizes and nine colors). 

16. A Travel Tray that fits into the cup holder and gives you easy access to your snacks so you can keep your eyes on the road. It also relieves you of constantly handing back food to your little ones, who always seem to drop everything you give them.  

Travel Tray is a small-business that makes convenient products for easy snacking on the road. 

Promising review : "I bought this for our car seat to use during a road trip. It really came in handy, and it's so easy to clean and reinstall . Bonus that it's snug enough in the cupholder, but not so snug that it makes getting drinks out of the holder hard for the child. I would buy this again." — Emily

Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in six colors). 

17. A pair of Apple AirPods Pro  because sometimes hearing dad's sixth college story makes you wanna just *pop* one of these noise-cancelling earbuds in. And if you still wanna listen to your T-Swift while pretening to be kind of attentive, you can switch to transparency mode, which lets you hear when you need to chime in with a "that's cool" response. 

Promising review : "With two small children, I can vouch for the noise-canceling feature. I never thought noise canceling would work well using earbuds and that it was more a gimmick than anything. I was wrong. Definitely works. Alternatively, I LOVE that I can turn it off so that I can keep the buds in for a call or while watching a *real* movie from my tablet (instead of the 347th episode of Bluey that is on our TV) and still be able to properly supervise the kiddos." — MKE

Get them from Amazon for $189.99 . 

18. A backseat pet protector your car really needs if you've got a shedder or just need to give your pup a nonslip surface to rest on. This attaches to the headrests and it's even waterproof! Plus, if you come to a sudden stop, your pet won't go flying into the footwell. 

Promising review : "Perfect for travel. Didn't get to test it much because my pup just HAD to be in the front seat with me the whole time. I bought the front seat cover to match, so I know the material is amazing. Pretty comfortable, canvas-type material. Easily cleaned and mostly water-resistant. Had a slight spill on the front seat cover that was wiped rather quickly, and none transferred to my actual car seat. The adjustable straps and backseat anchors are easy to install." — Ashley C.  

Get it from Amazon for $33.30+ (available in five colors and an optional dog seat belt). 

19. A Munchkin Snack Catcher  so you can *somewhat* have peace of mind knowing that crackers aren't going to be spewing left and right, thanks to the soft protective flaps that keep the snack secure. 

Promising review : "I absolutely love these. They are easy to use, my kids love them, and they are great for preventing spills! The lid has a unique silicone-type opening that the kids can just squeeze their hands through and grab some snacks. I would recommend this due to its versatility for road trips, events, etc. I am writing this review after owning these cups for YEARS. I have purchased them over and over again. They're fantastic. Never broke either, I've ordered more as I lost the original, so great investment for help with a mess-free life." — Amazon12x

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $5.96 . 

20. And, a portable car vacuum  if there's any leftover crumbs or dog hair that you somehow always end up finding no matter what you do to prevent it. This mini vacuum has strong suction power and can even fit in a cup holder! 

Promising review : "This little crumb sucking machine is awesome! I have had mine for about six weeks now. As a mom of four, I find that my kids are always dropping crackers or dry cereal and then stepping on them. The car seats are known to have entire ecosystems in all the nooks and crannies. This vacuum tackles all of them without trouble. I leave mine in the trunk of the van plugged into the outlet back there so that it’s always charged when I need it. Worth every dime! It hasn’t died on me yet… And I’ve run it 20 minutes straight before." — Wundermama

Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in five colors). 

21. A pack of emergency disposable urinal bags for when you're on the go and you ~just gotta go~. This changes any liquid (urine, vomit, etc.) into an odorless gel-like substance and securely seals it for a mess-free disposal. One less stop at a gas station bathroom is a win in my book! 

Promising review: "We are a husband-and-wife long-distance driving team, and we use these bags when we are not close to a bathroom. They totally seal with no leaks! The thin strip inside the bag turns the urine into a gel and makes disposal much easier . The size of the bag is perfect. A true lifesaver! We highly recommend!" — Audra Baxter

Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $7.90  (also available in larger pack options). 

22. A pack of Awake caffeinated chocolates  that are individually wrapped and contain the equivalent of half a cup of coffee (50mg of caffeine) in one bite-sized candy. These can help you stay awake and prevent you from drinking even more caffeinated liquids that cause you to take a bathroom detour. 

Promising review : "These chocolates are worth every penny, especially when you could just put it in your bag and go and grab it and you don’t have to stop anywhere . Would highly recommend! It's especially great for people who don’t want the big energy drinks to carry around or coffee, just a little pick-me-up on the side. They work great and taste great — you won’t regret it!" — My opinion

Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $36.99 (available in six flavors and two variety packs). 

23. A seatbelt shoulder pad  so you can drive without having the belt dig into your neck for several hours. This easily attaches to the seatbelt and gives you some extra comfort, which is definitely a priority when it comes to being in the car for a long (or short!) amount of time.

Promising review : "We absolutely love these shoulder pad cushions in our car. The seatbelt, even at its lowest setting, would scratch my neck. I would be left with scratches on my neck as a result. My husband often pulls his shoulder strap out on long trips because he is uncomfortable. Since purchasing these, I no longer get scratches and my husband is comfortable even after eight hours in the car . Great purchase!" — Fourth Grade Teacher

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 18 colors). 

24. A battery-operated fan  that straps onto a car seat, headrest, or stands on its own to keep you cool, especially if you don't feel the AC extending all the way back to the third row of the car. You might not be a fan of cross-country road trips, but you'll be a ~big fan~ of this little fan. 

Promising review: " I really love this fan because you can literally hang it or stand it on just about anything . I took it on a 12-hour road trip and stopped for a couple of hours to take a nap, and the fan lasted on high for about 2–3 hours. I still haven’t had to charge it since I got it, but I probably will soon. I have another long drive, and I’m camping, so it’s great to have it with me. It’s also super light but feels like a quality fan. Hardly made noise, and the low hum it did make was soothing to me. I recommend this fan!" — Kelsey O'Leary

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in three colors). 

25. A hands-free tablet holder , which makes it feel like you've got your own personal movie theatre in the back seat of your car. No need to balance all your snacks, blankets, and pillows, this holds your tablet for you and gives you a worry-free viewing experience.

www.amazon.com , Amazon

Promising review : "This is the second tablet holder purchased for use while in a car. The holder secures easily behind a headrest and once clipped in, it can be oriented accordingly to hold a typical tablet for rear seat viewing. The swivel function is great for a front seat passenger to swivel a tablet forward to assist with selecting the next episode, etc. on the tablet without awkward body placement." — JZ

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 . 

26. A contoured sleep mask  so that you can get some shut-eye for at least some of the road trip. This blocks out 100% of light, doesn't put tight pressure on your eyes, and the adjustable straps make sure it won't fall off even if you get into one of those weird sleeping positions you do when you're in the car. 

Promising review: " Never thought I'd spend this kind of money on a simple eye mask, but I did and don't regret it at all. Yes, it's perfect for side sleepers, it doesn't move, and blocks out every bit of light. The game changer is the space around your eyes so it's not pushing on your lashes. Buy this, and you'll never look back." — Jessica  

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in six colors).

27. A tissue holder , which clips onto your sun visor so you don't have to pull over to take both hands off the wheel and rummage through your bag for those little tissues that you then ALSO have to open up. So when you tear up realizing there are still 13 hours left in your road trip, these are convenient and ready to grab.

People have also put napkins or disposable face masks in these! 

Promising review : "This is my second time buying it, this car tissue holder makes my car more organized and saves space . I love this car tissue holder! So when my sister got her new car, I ordered this again for her as a gift. She loves it too. She said the design is amazing, the clip holds on tightly. When she is driving and needs a tissue. No more stopping alongside the road looking for the box. This car tissue case is attractive, elegant, and modern. Good quality!" — Cathy

Get it from Amazon for $9.79+ (available in four colors). 

28. A 3-in-1 car phone mount  you can suction cup on your dashboard, windshield, or clip to your air vent. This keeps your phone secure from any bumps in the road, whether it's a physical bump or an unexpected detour where you NEED your Waze directions at eye level. 

www.amazon.com , www.amazon.com , www.amazon.com

This has a retractable arm and 360º rotation for the perfect positioning you want. 

Promising review : "I had bought another auto phone holder but this was the best. Rather than placing it in the middle of my dash or blocking my front view, I placed it on the left of the steering wheel in an area that was already a blind spot. I was able to spin, bend, and tilt it to exactly the right position. The quick-release button for my phone is so convenient. It has held in place for three months now, even when the windows are down and the wind is blowing. Finally! My phone is not inconveniently taking up one of the spots in my cup holders." — Anonymous genius

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four colors). 

29. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot  that'll make sure you don't miss a second of that 14-part TikTok series spilling all of the tea (iykyk) while you're driving through the middle of nowhere. You can connect up to 10 devices, and it lets you stay online for up to 16 hours! 

You can also purchase larger gigabyte plans and international day passes to connect to your account. 

Promising review : "Portability and keeping me connected to the internet while traveling is the best. Kept my 6-year-old granddaughter connected to the internet while we drove for seven hours. Prior to that, she had only ridden in the car for no more than 60 minutes (and was not happy about it). Successful trip thanks to Solis Lite." — Steve P.  

Get it from Amazon for $159.99+ (also available in 5G option). 

Let the road trip commence and let us never utter the words "Are we there yet?" ever again! 🙌🏼

Road Tripping Through the Karoo

Often overshadowed by the more renowned Garden Route, the Karoo’s wide-open spaces, thrilling mountain passes, and endless horizons (plus well-maintained roads) make it perfect for a family road trip.

Which is why my husband and I decided to take our two intrepid mini-travellers, Noah (aged 10) and Milo (aged five) from Cape Town to Prince Albert – with various stops along the way.

South Africa’s equivalent to the Australian Outback, the Karoo is a vast semi-desert stretching across four provinces , with the Klein Karoo (Little Karoo) in the southwest and the expansive Great Karoo to the northeast. The latter covers more than 400,000sq km – an area larger than Germany.

Driving allows for flexibility and detours – you can go wherever the mood takes you, and enjoy regular breaks at traditional padstals (farm stalls) en route so that young travellers can stretch their legs. The drive will also take you along parts of South Africa’s famous Route 62 , which links Cape Town to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

For ease, we drove back via the N1 but, depending on time and children’s ages, you could circle back along the Garden Route ; or extend your road trip into the Great Karoo. There are also options to only drive one way and then fly back to Cape Town from George or, further along, Gqeberha. The choice is endless – chat to us for recommendations and to help you plan your trip.

AfriCamps at Karoo 1 , Hex Valley

Our first stop was the Hex River Valley – known as the gateway between the Cape and the Karoo, this is where mountains, rivers and valleys converge to offer visitors a first glimpse of what’s to come. AfriCamps knows a thing or two about boutique glamping , having set up shop at some of the most beautiful working farms and estates in South Africa – in this case the popular Karoo 1 Farm Estate. Here, 13 glamping tents are built into the surrounding rock faces , leading to a secret rock pool for cooling summer dips.

Each tent sleeps up to five, and comes with a large outdoor deck and braai area – as well as blanket heaters (a lifesaver during the Karoo’s chilly winter nights). The estate also features a pool, boma, and movie nights under the stars , and is the perfect starting point for several hiking and mountain-biking trails. There’s a restaurant, but we decided to order the excellent breakfast and braai baskets and enjoyed quality family time on our deck.

Insider tip: Make sure to book a tent with a wood-fired hot tub – hours of entertainment for little ones (as well as their parents!)

Melozhori Private Game Reserve , Overberg

Next, we took a slight detour to the foothills of the Overberg Mountains for a stay at Melozhori Private Game Reserve. Amidst 2,300 hectares of wilderness – rehabilitated from former sheep and lucern farmland – you’ll find the recently refurbished The Lodge, an exclusive-use villa with four ensuite bedrooms and private staff . If you’re travelling as a bigger family and are looking for a stylish yet unpretentious home-away-from-home, this is it.

The four suites each come with their own private deck and hammock, and are set around a huge open-plan living area inside, and a scenic rim-flow pool outside. A sunken fire-pit in the middle of the pool offers expansive views towards a pond and Melozhori’s dramatic landscape, with a path leading to a hot tub and al fresco dining area complete with pizza oven.

During a guided game drive, we spotted a wide variety of antelope, bird species, and the reserve’s friendly giraffe herd, as well as fynbos, rare renosterveld, and stretches of succulent Karoo vegetation. With no predators, you’re also free to hike and mountain-bike across the reserve – and as there’s no set schedule, you can do as much or as little as you like.

Insider tip: Smaller families can also book one of Melozhori’s two self-catering eco pods or two-bedroom cottage, while the romantic Treehouse will appeal to couples.

Gondwana Family Lodge , Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Leaving Melozhori behind, we cruised through Bonnievale, the scenic Kogmanskloofpas, and picturesque Montagu (tip: stop at The Barn on 62 for coffee and carrot cake), to our next destination, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Turning off between Montagu and Barrydale along Route 62, you’ll suddenly find yourself in the middle of one of South Africa’s most diverse regions – 62,000 hectares of lush rolling hills, craggy mountains, and a seemingly never-ending horizon . Sanbona’s size is staggering: to get to the reserve’s Gondwana Family Lodge we had to drive 7km to the main gate, followed by 12km to the Welcome Lounge – at which point we parked our car before a 30-minute transfer along rivers and through towering cliffs to Gondwana.  

Overlooking a dam, the spacious lodge offers jaw-dropping views of the Anysberg Mountains, with huge interconnecting suites allowing for both quality family time and privacy (for the best views, book the thatched suites on the top floor). As a family lodge, Gondwana is paradise for mini-conservationists, who are welcomed with their own Eco-Explorers backpack and ‘animal dung booklet’ – the latter leading to my five-year-old enthusiastically adding to his collection throughout our stay.

A non-profit reserve since 2020, Sanbona follows an ambitious rewilding conservation method – the first of its kind ever attempted in the arid Karoo environment. During game drives, you’ll spot free-roaming hippos, lions, herds of elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and much more, but it’s the vast, ever-changing landscape that truly takes your breath away – my older son Noah was so entranced that his usual demands for screentime were all but forgotten.

Insider tip: With indoor and outdoor play areas for little ones, plus special kids’ activities overseen by a childminder, don’t be surprised if you hardly see your offspring – they’ll have the time of their lives while you can sit back and relax.

Diesel & Crème/Karoo Moon Motel, Barrydale

Leaving Sanbona behind, we drove on along Route 62 to our next destination, Barrydale – a quaint little town most famous for its vintage roadside diner, Diesel & Crème. The brainchild of father-and-son duo Arthur and Dean Pharo, the diner and adjacent Karoo Moon Motel feature a wonderfully eccentric collection of artefacts and old road signs , lovingly sourced from around the world. A former farmstead, the Motel is one of the oldest houses in Barrydale – carefully renovated by Arthur, it comprises a studio and a suite with separate entrances, which can be booked separately or together. A block further down, you’ll also find the newer but equally vintage-inspired The Karoo Moon House & Cottage , which sleep three and two adults respectively, and can also be booked together.  

Diesel & Crème is an iconic R62 stop-off , as evidenced by the constant stream of road-trippers stopping for its burgers and famous milkshakes. Excitedly exploring the disused fairground rides , my younger one felt as if he’d fallen through the rabbit hole and straight into Alice in Wonderland, while my 10-year-old tween was a bit stumped by the vintage element and declared it to not really be ‘his vibe’. As for me, I love a place that does things differently. Seemingly thrown together, it’s apparent that a lot of thought has gone into the diner’s and motel’s creation, with Dean and his partner Andries continuously adding finds from their travels.

Insider tip: If time allows, take a detour to drive along the Tradouw Pass. Connecting Barrydale to Swellendam, the 16km drive curves its way through the towering Langeberg mountain range – one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful mountain passes.

Dennehof Karoo Guesthouse, Prince Albert

From Barrydale, we continued on to Outshoorn – famous for its underground Cango Caves and ostrich farms – and across the breathtaking Swartberg Pass to our final destination, Dennehof. Situated on the outskirts of Prince Albert, the former farmhouse has been lovingly restored by Inga and Albert Terblanche, who, like many before them, moved here from Johannesburg in search of a more tranquil life. Today, the guesthouse comprises eight ensuite bedrooms, a traditional stoep, and a sauna and saltwater plunge pool and raised deck that make the most of the idyllic rural setting – with a windmill, olive groves, and the towering Swartberg mountains as a panoramic backdrop.

The traditionally furnished rooms add a homely touch, as does the beautiful glass conservatory , which is shaded by lush gardens. Breakfast here is a feast – when I enquired about the fresh sourdough bread, Inga smiled and said ‘I baked it this morning’. There’s something wonderfully relaxing about a stay here, exploring the charming town of Prince Albert and the region’s natural bounty at the nearby Weltevrede Fig Farm. As the sun was starting to set, we climbed up the hill opposite to watch the sky turn vivid hues of pink and orange – the expansive landscape spread out at our feet. As so often on this trip, we were once again taken aback by the almost otherworldly beauty of the Karoo – a truly magical place that deserves to be discovered.

Insider tip: If you continue your trip further east, I recommend driving along the Meiringspoort Pass. Connecting the Little Karoo with the Great Karoo, the pass cuts across the Swartberg mountain range, with the 25km long road crossing the same river 25 times – slicing through magnificent rock formations, soaring sandstone cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls along the way.

If you’re inspired to embark on your own road trip through the Klein Karoo, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. From scenic routes and unique stays to hidden gems and insider tips, we’re here to help you plan an unforgettable journey through this captivating region. Contact us to start planning your adventure and uncover the magic of South Africa’s semi-desert wonderland.

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All in all we had a wonderful time and appreciate the effort made to ensure all aspects of our tour ran smoothly with prompt email support where needed.

"What a wonderful journey we had in beautiful and friendly Namibia!"

Namibia has stolen our travel-heart and you can consider us as new ambassadors of this spectacular country.

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