Road trips are as classic as it gets! Be prepared before you hit the road with this comprehensive road trip checklist. Find out the essentials needed, best snacks to bring, how to stay entertained on your journey, and more. Free printable checklist included!
What’s your favorite road trip memory?
Here’s one of mine…
My husband and I took one this past year to see the giant redwoods in California. It was an amazing trip, and we got to see lots of beautiful scenery along our journey up the CA coast.
Road trips are a great way to travel! They’re often more affordable than flying, easy to plan, (not to mention kid and pet friendly).
But there are some important things to consider before you hit the road, and we’ll cover them all in this post:
- vehicle maintenance before you leave
- essential must-have items to bring
- important car care items
- best food and snacks
- how to stay entertained (and fight boredom)
- tips to stay comfy on the drive
- what everyone forgets to bring
- what NOT to bring
And so you’re super prepared), I’ve also included ideas for making your road trip memorable and a list of fun extras to take your trip to the next level.
Be sure to get the BONUS tips and hacks too (believe me, you don’t want to skip those). You’ll find them at the very end. Enjoy!
Disclosure: Any tips or products shared are things I truly believe in. If you take action (ie make a purchase) after clicking one of the affiliate links, I’ll earn some money which helps me continue creating travel content for you. Thank you for your support!
First Step To Road Trip Bliss
Before you depart for your road trip, the first thing to consider is your vehicle. Will you be using your own car? A rental car? Decide what will work best for your situation. I love using rental cars for road trips, because you aren’t putting the miles or wear and tear on your own wheels. But to each their own!
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If you’re using a rental car, here’s what you’ll want to consider:
- mileage restrictions (most are unlimited, but double-check to make sure)
- roadside assistance (is it included? how do you use it?)
- insurance (is it covered by your personal auto insurance?)
- additional drivers (since you’re likely taking a long car drive, you’ll want the flexibility to change in and out with another person)
- what to do in case of tolls
If you’re using your own car, here’s the basic maintenance needed:
- give it a good cleaning
- get an oil change
- check fluid levels
- check tire pressure
- ensure wiper blades are in good shape
- check tires for good tread
Plan Your Route
Now that the vehicle is ready to go, it’s time to plan your route (aka the fun part)!
Start by plotting the points on a map. If you’re using Google Maps (one of my favorites), it will automatically give you the most direct route. Which is cool, but…
Consider the goals of your road trip: do you just want to get there as quick as possible? Or stop at certain places along the way?
My recommendation is to make the most of it! It’s a great opportunity to incorporate some fun pit stops along the way. You can start by using the direct route, but don’t be afraid to veer off a little (or a lot!)
I mean…
If you just happen to be going near a really cool landmark, national park, etc. why wouldn’t you stop there? Get out and explore! Here are a few great resources to find cool stopping points, where to stay, and more:
Printable Road Trip Checklist
Now that the essential planning steps are done, are you ready to get packing? We’ll cover ALL the items you’ll need to bring with you – think of this as the best and most comprehensive road trip checklist around.
Are you forgetful like me? No worries – just get the free, printable pdf version of this checklist to make it easier:
Road Trip Essentials
If you’re the kind of person who likes to keep it simple, this is the section for you! These are the absolute must road trip essentials. If you bring nothing else, are in a hurry, or just don’t want to over-pack, these are the things you won’t want to skip:
- driver’s license and registration
- insurance card
- info on roadside assistance – in case of emergency you won’t want to be digging around for this information
- important phone numbers – travel agents, emergency contacts, health insurance provider, travel insurance provider, doctor, credit card company
- maps.me app – a great app that works offline
- paper maps – you may be somewhere remote or hit a dead zone where cell phones and navigation are spotty
- GPS/navigation – to avoid getting lost and potentially avoid construction, road closures, etc.
- cell phone
- phone charger/USB cord
- backup power source – you never know when you might need it
- cash – in case you’re at a cash-only restaurant or gas station, have trouble with your debit/credit card, or need to pay a toll
- first aid kit
Important Items For Your Car
The nature of a road trip means that having a functioning car is pretty important. The last thing you want is to break down somewhere and be stuck on the side of the road for hours waiting for help to arrive. Set yourself up for success by having these important car care items with you:
- owner’s manual – what does that light on the dashboard mean and is it something to worry about? you’ll know if you have the owner’s manual
- roadside emergency kit- an absolute must, you can get these on Amazon for as little as $30
- spare tire – there’s always the potential of a flat tire and it’s better to be prepared
- jumper cables
- extra fluids (water, transmission fluid, wiper fluid, brake fluid, oil)
- air freshener – if you’re going to be in the car for an extended period of time, you’ll thank me later!
- cleansing wipes – to clean up spills and messes easily
Best Food & Snacks To Bring
I highly recommend stopping along your road trip to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. But (if you’re like me) you’ll definitely be snacking in between. And it’s nice to not have to stop every time you want a little bite to eat. Here are some easy-to-eat snacks and other handy items that are perfect for the long car ride:
- cooler or insulated bag – keeps your drinks cold and you can also have perishable items too
- reusable water bottle – why use plastic if you don’t have to?
- reusable utensils/straws – save the environment! you can easily rinse these off at gas stations or rest stops
- travel cup/mug – for all the coffee drinkers out there! keep your drink hot longer
- healthy snacks – nuts, seeds, hard-boiled eggs, string cheese, peanut butter, carrots, grapes, oranges, apples, bananas
- easy-to-eat snacks – beef jerky, protein bars, snack bars, popcorn, trail mix, crackers, chips
How To Stay Entertained
This is the one lots of people struggle with – how to actually enjoy the road trip (and not be overtaken by boredom). Here are some creative ways to stay entertained, and you’ll want to incorporate several of these depending on how lengthy your road trip is:
- books – what better excuse to read that book you’ve had your eye on? Audiobooks are a great option too!
- movies – create a trip-themed movie playlist, watch a new release, or an old favorite to pass the time
- games – check out this list of 30 best road trip games to keep it fun
- camera – document your journey using your smartphone, an actual camera, or even a fun (and kinda old school) polaroid camera
- podcasts – there are podcasts on all sorts of subjects! Learn a new skill, hear more about a hobby or favorite subject, or check this list of podcasts about travel to inspire you
- music playlists – good music can really do wonders to fight boredom!
- spotify – consider a premium subscription to avoid adds and have tons of new music at your fingertips
- satellite radio – if you’ve been thinking of trying it out, what better time?
- earbuds/headphones
- great conversation – check out this fun list of conversation starters!
- multi-port charger
Staying Comfortable (so you can enjoy the drive!)
This is easily one of my favorite categories. Comfortable surroundings make a difference! You do not want to be wishing you’d worn your comfy pants! Here’s how to plan ahead for comfort:
- lip balm
- nail kit (clippers, file, tweezers) – don’t let a hangnail bug you for hours without taking care of it
- mini toiletry kit (toothbrush/paste/deodorant/hairbrush) – in the event you have to stay overnight unexpectedly, you’ll be so glad you have these items with you
- luxury items – you know, the fancy chocolate or silk pillowcase that just feels extra
- comfortable clothing and shoes – remember that you’ll be sitting most of the time, so make yourself as comfortable as possible
- blanket – to help you sleep, or in case your car buddy likes the A/C up high
- pillow
- earplugs – you might want to get some quality zzzs while someone else is driving
- wet wipes – best thing to clean up messes quickly and easily
- hand sanitizer
- tissues
- sunscreen – even if your car has tinted windows you’ll be exposed to the sun for hours on end
- sunglasses
- mints
- jacket/wrap
- hat
What Everyone Forgets To Bring
Ok now that the big things are accounted for, here are a few other items that are super helpful to have around (but you may not have thought of yet)…
- trash bin – try using a large plastic container that seals to avoid smells or spills
- flashlight – could come in handy for nighttime stops or if you’re looking for something in the car
- sun shade
- paper and pen – in the unfortunate event of a door ding or fender bender with another vehicle
- toilet roll – for those not-well-kept rest stops
- towel – multi purpose uses, handy to have just in case
- backpack – for an excursion or night in a hotel/airbnb
- febreze or wrinkle release spray – to freshen up you and your belongings
- tide pen
- change of clothes
- bug spray
What NOT To Bring On A Road Trip
Now that we’ve exhausted the most important things on this road trip checklist, you may be wondering what to avoid. Here are the things that are unnecessary or could slow you down on your trip:
- extra stuff not on this list
- disposable everything – try to avoid single-use plastic when you can by using reusable utensils/straws/etc.
- messy food – leave it at home!
- imported fruit – could cause issues at state crossing checkpoints
How To Make Your Road Trip Memorable
So far we’ve covered how to prepare before your road trip, how to get your car ready to go, and all the important things to pack. But a road trip is about so much more!
It’s a fun way to travel and have quality time with the people joining you. You’ll probably pass through big cities, small towns, and the middle of nowhere. And maybe even go somewhere you’ve never been before.
When it comes to making your road trip memorable, put that at the top of your to-do list.
Here are some creative ways you can make your road trip epic:
- stop and stretch your legs – find a nearby park or trail to explore
- include everyone when planning stops – husband loves football? Go to a game in the town you’re in. Friend loves thai food? Plan a stop around that
- use the Yelp app to find cool nearby activities – best bakeries, free things to do, local shops and boutiques
- make any overnight stops extra fun – use Airbnb to find unique places to stay, or plan to go camping
- plan to meet up with friends along the route – even if it’s just for a quick breakfast, you’ll be glad you saw your college roomie again
- do something epic, like one of the 100+ incredible things to do before you die
Fun Extras You May Want
Planning a really long road trip? If you’re going to be in the car for several days, here are a few more ways to upgrade your trip with some fun extras:
- try one of these super cool car gadgets
- consider a hands-free phone mount
- get a car mattress – if you plan on sleeping in your vehicle this will be a major comfort boost
- invest in a swiss army knife/multi-tool – tons of uses
- read these easy ideas for traveling with pets– handy if you’re traveling with your furry friends
- get a wifi hotspot – so you never lose connection
Helpful Tips & Hacks
I’ve taken numerous road trips in my life, and here are some of the absolute best tips and hacks around:
- the best travel apps – download these today
- silicon cupcake liners in cup holders – to catch messes
- plastic tacklebox – to hold and organize snacks
- baking soda – to soak up and deodorize liquid messes
- shoe organizer – hang on the back of a seat to have easy access to important items
- fitted sheet – cover car seats and remove/shake them out periodically to remove dirt and crumbs
Plan For Weather Conditions
Be sure to consider what regions you’ll be driving through and the time of year. You don’t want to drive through a hot desert climate in summertime without having plenty of water with you.
If your road trip is during winter, you’ll want to be prepared with items to stay warm in case you get stranded roadside. Here are a few weather-related items to consider:
- umbrella
- rain jacket/poncho
- rain boots
- ice scraper
- warm gloves
- blanket
- extra water
- engine coolant
Hit The Road
We’ve covered all the important elements of a great road trip checklist. Feeling prepared? I hope you found this checklist super helpful and comprehensive! In case I forgot something, comment below and let me know!
I’m always on the lookout for new road trip tips and hacks to make my trips better.
