What To Pack For A Road Trip And What Not To Pack
Road trips are one of the best ways to spend time with family and friends. Whether you’re driving from coast to coast or just a few hours, it’s important to pack right! To prepare for a road trip, it is important to consider what you will need with you. Will your destination have stores that sell the items you need? Are there any items that are not allowed in certain states or countries? What about food and entertainment options on the drive? This blog post covers exactly what to pack for a road trip.
Table of Contents
Fill up your tank
When planning a road trip it’s important to fill up your gas tank before the trip. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road with a low gas tank and no way to refuel!
If you are traveling long distances, it may be wise to plan your journey using a gas station app on your phone to find the cheapest prices. This helps save time. Your stops are predetermined times so you don’t have to stop for fuel every couple of hours. It also helps you save money when gas prices are higher in remote locations.
Fill up your car with snacks and drinks
Snacks are essential for a long road trip. They help keep you full on the journey and also gives you something to do when nothing is interesting to look at out the window. Depending on where you’re traveling, be sure to pack water as well. Sometimes driving can make you thirsty and you may not be able to find a water fountain at the next gas station!
Packing snacks is also an economical option because it will save money on eating out for every meal. Some people buy pre-made boxes of food, while others prefer to pack their meals. It’s all about finding what works best for your individual needs.
Pack your chargers and devices
Make sure to remember any device that you may need on the trip so it isn’t forgotten at home. This includes phones, tablets, or computers if you will be using them for work-related tasks while traveling. You may also want to pack an adapter in case of a different voltage from what’s used in your home.
Pack the right clothes for the season
When planning for a road trip it’s important to pack the right close for the season. Make sure to research the weather along your route so you know what to pack and what clothing items are necessary. Staying warm is of utmost importance so make sure to pack clothing that you can wear in layers if you’re traveling during winter.
Put together an emergency kit
When on the road, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies. In addition to a fully charged phone and GPS device, it’s wise to pack an emergency kit with items such as rope, jumper cables, flashlight, or even water purification tablets.
Bring your medications
Travelers need to bring their medications along in case of any emergencies that could arise while they are on the road. They should also consult with their doctor before departing if there may be any risks associated with taking medication while traveling.
Keep all important documents together
Make sure to bring all necessary documents required for the trip with you. This includes a passport, driver’s license, and ID for your destination countries or states. Having these documents on hand will help ensure safe travel as well as make it easier to find out about any restrictions that may apply to certain items when entering another country.
Stay in touch while traveling
Before departing be sure to charge up your phone so you have enough power for calling friends back home during the drive! There are also many apps available where you can use data tracking so family members know how far away from their destination they are at all times. This is great if small children are making the journey who need some reassurance that they’re doing okay along the way.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are an excellent way to keep your luggage organized and easy to access. This helps you maximize the space in your suitcase, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling for more than a few days or visiting multiple places during your journey.
Easy dry compact towel
A microfiber towel is a great option for travelers because it’s compact and lightweight, which means you can easily pack one in your luggage without the fear that you’ll be charged baggage fees. This towel is also quick-drying so it will help keep your clothes clean when traveling on a dirty bus or train.
External Battery pack
A portable phone charger is a must-have for any road trip. This is especially true if you plan to use your phone as an entertainment system for the drive or while staying at hotels in other countries where you may not be able to charge up overnight.
Neck Wallet
A neck wallet is a great option for travelers because it’s easy to take with you or put in a bag, so there won’t be any worries about your important documents being stolen if someone opens up your luggage.
Freezable gel pack
A freezable gel pack is a perfect way to keep food cool during long car trips as well as while traveling on public transportation. These packs can be used over and over again, which makes them a great investment for travelers because they’ll end up saving you money in the long run when it comes to taking food on the go or eating out.
Protein bar
A protein bar is a great option for travelers who may find themselves hungry while on the road. Protein bars are high in calories, contain healthy fats, and have plenty of carbs to keep you feeling full in between meals. Having one with you will make it easier to resist grabbing unhealthy snacks or fast food when faced with hunger pangs.
Wet wipes
A pack of face wipes is an excellent thing to have on hand for long car trips or in case you’re traveling alone and end up needing a little self-care during your journey. These are perfect because they take very little space, which makes them the ideal option if packing cubes aren’t available.
Insect repellant
Every traveler should have insect repellant handy. This is especially true if you’re visiting countries where insect bites or stings are common and can be more severe than in your home country – so it’s important to take necessary precautions before departing on the trip. Most airlines require that travelers have insect repellant in their carry-on luggage. These are also great for camping or other outdoor activities.
First aid kit
A first aid kit is an essential item to have when traveling abroad, especially if you’re going on a long-term trip and won’t be able to access medical assistance should the need arise. You want to make sure your travel pack includes bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, and antiseptic wipes.
Water bottle
A reusable water bottle is an essential item for travelers because it helps reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills or oceans around the world. Hydration packs are also a great option if you’re traveling with children or other people who may not be interested in stopping for long periods to drink water.
Headphones
A good pair of headphones are a great item while traveling because you don’t want your neighbors or co-passengers trying to eavesdrop on a conversation, especially if it’s personal. You’ll also need these when using the plane’s inflight entertainment system so you can select your music or watch a movie without disturbing those around you.
Air Mattress
An air mattress is a great item to have when traveling with friends or family, especially if you’re not renting a car and can’t fit everyone in the back seat. These are also ideal for camping trips because they provide quick relief from the hard ground as well as reduce snoring by evenly distributing body weight.
Emergency Car Kit
An emergency car kit should be kept in the trunk of your vehicle at all times. This includes a flashlight, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, and either an ice scraper or snow brush depending on whether you live somewhere with winter weather.
Daypack
A daypack should be kept in the trunk of your car at all times as well. This is especially important if you’re traveling with kids, are on a long-term trip, or will need to walk around and explore during your travels without having access to luggage.
Neck Pillow
When traveling at night, you’ll need a neck pillow to rest your head on. This will make it easier for you to sleep while in the car or during a plane ride without that travel-induced headache! These are great because they take up little space and can be compressed to fit inside your bag if necessary.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a traveler’s best friend because they protect your eyes from UV rays, glare, and sharp objects. These also make you look fashionable while traveling!
Swiss Army Knife
A Swiss army knife is the perfect travel companion because it offers a variety of tools in one compact space – including scissors, screwdrivers, tweezers, and even a mini-spatula.
Travel Umbrella
Travelers must have a travel umbrella because it will protect them from the rain and provide shade on sunny days. These can double as a parasol on the beach or be used to provide some protection from sunburn when hiking or biking.
Sunglasses are always good insurance against what Mother Nature might throw your way, but other items should be added to this list depending on what your plans are. The more you know about the area you’re visiting, the better prepared you’ll be for whatever might happen!
Flashlight
When you are traveling at night, a flashlight will allow you to see in the dark and avoid obstacles. This also makes them ideal for camping trips or other outdoor activities where there’s little light available.
Bluetooth Speaker
A Bluetooth speaker is a necessary travel item for those who enjoy listening to music or podcasts. These are also great when you’re trying to call someone because they allow you to talk hands-free while driving!
Cooler
For road trips, packing a cooler is essential for multiple reasons. A bulk of the food or drinks and even ice can be carried in it so that you don’t have to stop filling up on gas every few hours on longer journeys. These are also great when camping or picnicking as they help manage the temperature of your food.
Toiletries Kit
Whether you’re driving back from vacation, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, or traveling overseas, a toiletries kit is a good idea for those day-to-day needs. This includes your toothbrush, deodorant, and more!
Eye Mask
An eye mask may not seem like a necessary item when traveling, but they are perfect for those who need to catch up on sleep while in transit.
Kindle
A Kindle is the perfect travel accessory because it allows you to bring your favorite books with you everywhere. This way, you can pack a lighter and won’t need any extra luggage space for bulky items!
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is important because it can protect you from harmful UV rays on sunny days. This will help prevent sunburn and is great for those who are active outdoors.
Silverware
Often overlooked, silverware is essential when you’re packing for a road trip. This includes dishes appropriate for eating on the go and plastic cutlery of course!
Packing for your next road trip is a lot of fun. There are so many great memories to be made when you’re exploring new places with friends and family. The most important thing you need to pack for a road trip is your attitude. You’re going on an adventure with people you love, and that should be the focus of the fun memories. Make sure everyone has their favorite snacks in tow (we recommend bringing enough for all!). Bring some activities like board games or coloring books to keep boredom at bay, and something to do when it rains! If there’s any question about how much gas will cost where you are headed, make sure someone fills up before they head out so no one gets stuck without fuel. And don’t forget the sunblock!