The Ultimate Checklist For Road Trip Essentials

Headlamps or flashlights are a great item to have in case of an emergency or if you need to walk to the bathroom in the darkness. Black Diamond makes some great quality headlamps that I absolutely love. >>>Check Them Out Here

Hand sanitizer is a road trip necessity. Since most cars don’t come with sinks, you can sanitize before a meal. >>>Check Out This Portable One Here

Some sketchy areas might not have any signal, so carry a paper map just in case. You can also save a map of the area using google maps. So even if you have no signal, you can see where you are on Google Maps. >>>You Can Learn How To Download A Map Here

I always bring my sunglasses with me on road trips. I’m not too fond of the glare of the sun hitting my face while driving. >>>Check Out These Cute Sunglasses Here

This is a great item to have if you get a cut, get a headache, or eat bad road trip food that upsets your stomach. The first aid kit has so many items that can fix you up! I have had this first aid kit for years and refill it when I run out of things (you can buy the refills at REI). >>>Check Out Here

You never know if you will need duct tape! Something might break, or you might get a huge hole in your tent. >>>Buy Some Here

I freaking love this cooler! I have had it for years, and I bring it on camping trips, road trips, and on planes as a carry-on! For a cooler, it is pretty lightweight and portable and keeps our food nice and cold. >>>Buy This Awesome Cooler Here

I am a coffee fiend! I need coffee every morning, and I love it hot! Stanley makes great quality thermos that keeps your coffee nice and warm. >>>Check Them Out Here

I tend to run cold while my husband runs hot. We always argue about the car’s temperature, so lately, I have just been bringing a warm blanket with me on road trips. It helps a ton! >>>Buy This Blanket Here

Headphones are one of the best things to bring on a road trip. I got these Sony headphones for my husband for his birthday, and they are pretty legit! They are expensive but what is awesome about them is that they are noise-canceling so you really can’t hear the noise around you. If you are road tripping with a friend or significant other, this can be super useful. My husband hates listening to my murder podcasts, so I just put these babies on when I feel like I need some time to myself. >>>Buy One Here

Portable backpacking pillows are awesome to use on road trips. I use this Sea To Summit pillow for backpacking and road trips. >>>Check Out This Pillow Here

I usually wear my hiking clothes when I go road tripping since it is generally comfy. My wardrobe includes leggings, a sports bra, a breathable shirt, and a fleece sweater. You can read more about What I Wear Hiking Here to get a feel of what I wear on road trips.

If you know anything about me, you know that outdoor travel is my absolute favorite thing in the world. When I am road tripping, I am usually traveling to an outdoorsy destination. My camping gear are road trip must haves. Want to learn what I bring? Check out my outdoor gear posts:

• Car Camping Check List
• Hiking Gear Checklist

A car charger is a must bring essential, especially if you are using your phone to navigate you to your destination. You can also bring a portable charger as a backup. >>>Buy My Cute Pink Charger Here

I carry the Garmin InReach on all my hiking and camping trips for safety. Even if I don’t have service, I can use it to text people that I am ok. I can also send an SOS signal to call for help. This is great to bring on backroad road trips in case your car ever gets stranded. >>>Check Out This Nifty Device Here

Carrying emergency items in your car is essential when traveling. Some items include:

• Proof of insurance
• Spare tire and car jack
• Jumper cables

I like to buy healthy snacks before I go on a road trip so I don’t eat junk food located in gas stations when I am hungry. The RX Bar is one of my favorite bars out there. They taste great and have healthy ingredients. I also like bringing some good jerky. >>>Buy RX Bars Here

I like how portable and small these towels are. They absorb a great amount of water. I tend to spill in the car from time to time. >>>Buy Some Towels Here

I love bringing my own utensils because I like cutting down waste when picking up food. >>>Check This Set Out Here

A road trip essential is, of course, luggage. You can either pack your clothes in a suitcase, backpack, or duffel bag. What I like about the Northface Suitcase is how compact and portable it is. >>>Buy It Here

I usually bring my toiletry bag on these trips, and they include makeup, prescriptions, face wash, shampoo, body wash, and a loofa. I like that this toiletry bag has a mirror and can be hung up. >>>Buy This Awesome Bag Here

These help out with packing and organizing all your clothes in your suitcase. >>>Check These Cubes Out Here

A portable toothbrush is nice to have. This one is neat because you can refill the toothpaste. >>>Buy One Here

I love being comfy during road trips. I usually take off my shoes and snuggle in a blanket. I love these Tevas because they are comfy enough to wear in the car, and they can easily slip on and off. Perfect for long road trip days. >>>Check Them Out Here

I drink NUUN tablets daily because it keeps me hydrated. I love that it is low in sugars, and they are pretty portable and small. When road tripping, I usually grab a Hydroflask, fill it with water and add one of these bad boys to it. >>>Check It Out Here

To reduce waste, I always bring a reusable water bottle on road trips. Hydroflask has been my go-to water bottle for years! >>>Check Them Out Here

I get pretty bored on road trips, especially because I get car sick after looking at my phone for a few minutes (of course, when my husband is driving). That is why podcasts, audiobooks, and music are long road trip essentials. It helps the time go by so much faster.

Hanging out in the car for hours upon hours with air conditioning can really dry up your skin. Lip Balm is great to keep in hand, and this one has SPF in case you want to get out on a nice day to hike 🙂 >>>Buy Some Chapstick Here

Long road trips can be exhausting and can leave you dehydrated. Instead of stopping at a gas station every few hours for some water, it is easier to carry a ton of water to refill every few hours. It saves time, money, and waste! >>>Check Out Here