As we gear up for the long weekend ahead, millions of Americans and Canadians will be hitting the road, traveling by car, truck, SUV, or minivan to their destination. It’s the last three-day weekend of summer, and everyone wants to get that last bit of sunshine in before cracking down and hitting the books. We’ll be part of that cavalcade as we head north for one last weekend at the cottage. It’s 800 miles round trip–a lot of time to spend in the car. Because of that, I’ve put together a my little list of road trip essentials.
The first road trip Dennis and I took was the weekend of our wedding. We eloped. Well, sort of….Our family and close friends knew that we were going to Gatlinburg, Tennessee to get married (some even invited themselves…er, Meghan, anyway). We left on a Thursday at noon, spent the night in Wytheville, Virginia, and then finished the drive Friday morning before picking up our wedding license and getting married later that day. It was a great start to our life together.
Dennis had never traveled with me before, and I think he was a little surprised when he got in our little KIA Soul that day. I was used to traveling with kids, and I was prepared. Definitely more prepared than he was used to… I had all my usual road trip essentials packed.
So what did we have in the car? Here’s my list of must-have road trip items.
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Road Trip Essentials.
1. Snacks
My favorite road snacks are pretzel rods and Twizzlers. Neither or them melt in the heat. They aren’t messy and don’t get crumbs everywhere. We do usually have other snacks with us, but these two have passed the test of time. Often we take a small cooler that fits behind the seat for fruit, cut-up veggies, and sandwiches.
I usually keep the snacks in either a reusable shopping bag or a Thirty-One bag along with paper plates, plastic silverware, and a reusable flannel-backed tablecloth, perfect for spur of the moment rest area picnics. We save a lot of time and money by packing food.
2. Drinks
Our favorite drinks also go in the ice-filled cooler. We always take bottles of water, and occasionally soda or juice. It’s nice to be able to reach in and take out what you need. If the babies are with us, we make sure to take along sippy cups that we can fill with water, juice, or milk. Only the oldest has figured out how juice boxes work–the others squeeze them and let the juice squirt out the straw.
3. Maps and/or GPS
Like most people, we usually use Google maps on our phones. However, we don’t always have service, and it’s good to have a back-up. I try to have state or provincial maps for each place we go. They’ve proven invaluable when there is a detour or when traffic is backed up.
4. First Aid Kit
You may never need it, but it’s best to be prepared. I just have a basic kit from a store. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s enough for most minor accidents. I’ve used my car first aid kit at work, at scout meetings, and at the local park. It seems like alcohol wipes and Band-aids are needed no matter where you go. I also keep other useful medications in the car: antacids, Pepto-Bismol, Tylenol and Advil, and Dramamine.
5. AAA Card and Vehicle Emergency Kit
Flares, Fix-a-Flat, extra fuses, a flashlight…having a vehicle emergency kit can help you if you’re ever in a pinch. I also suggest a AAA or CAA membership (it will also help out with all those maps). AAA will come help if you are locked out of your car, run out of gas, or need towing to a local service station. Once again, you may never need it, but if you do, it can be a lifesaver.
6. Wet wipes, Tissues, Napkins, Paper Towels and Other Cleaning Supplies
Ever have a toddler throw up in your car? It’s not pretty. It’s happened to me twice in the last two years. Both times, I was taking J.R. back to his parents after having him for a week. While I’ve always had some of these, I’ve learned from my mistakes. Keep lots of wet wipes, tissues, napkins, and paper towels in your car. Garbage bags are also extremely useful.
Conclusion
You may never need some of these items, but it’s much better to be safe than sorry. Snacks and drinks may seem unnecessary, but when you’re pressed for time or when you’re sitting in gridlocked traffic for hours, they can become lifesavers. Cleaning supplies, emergency vehicle kits, and first aid kids may take up room, but in an emergency, you’ll be so happy to have them.
No matter what, remember to have fun on your road trip. You’ll be making memories and spending time with the people you love the most.
Wishing you safe travels!
Learn more:
ClelandClan.com also offers packing tips and advice for crossing the U.S.-Canadian border.
Snacks are essential for any road trip! The other stuff is important, but snacks are an absolute must. It’s easy to get bored in the car and the need to snack is there. Great list, for sure. I try to keep the majority of these things in my vehicle at all times because they do come in handy.
I am getting on the road this weekend for a 10 hour drive. I am writing some of these tips down. Thank you!!!
We always travel prepared, so many places to visit in the UK via car. Water is always a must!
This is spot on, definitely things that everyone has to bring along for a road trip. They’re not such a big thing in Europe, but I really loved the road trips I did when visiting the US. It’s a good tip to choose snacks that don’t melt in the heat, especially if it’s a summer trip.
We are going to be traveling with a toddler next month to Gulf Shores. I never thought about trash bags or plenty of paper towels. Excellent idea!
I can travel without snacks but not without wipes. lol. I just think that wiping your face after every stop is so refreshing and reduces stress in traveling. Very helpful post!
Great list! I plan on road tripping more this and following year so your post is important to me. I always worry about lack of water I drink so much! very nice list, everything seams so on point, you don’t actually need more!
Great list! I wouldn’t think to bring all the extra cleaning supplies, but I see how it would be very helpful! I will have to remember them for my next road trip. Thanks, Candice @littlestepsbighappy.com
Summer is here and vacation -trips are on the calendar for coming days. This is must needed list for road trips and traveling. Snacks, Water, First Aid kit, Vehicle emergency kit , napkins and wet wipes are the first need when traveling with family/ children or alone. The list gets modified with the on going season. Thank you for sharing this.
Heena.
https://travelandhikewithpcos.com/2019/04/26/must-visit-attractions-in-seattle-washington/
Snacks and water for road trips…yes!
These are definitely roadtrip essentials. In Western NY the threat of getting stuck in snow for hours is very real so we also keep blankets, hand and foot warmers, and water! I DON’T have a First Aid Kit though. I am going to put one together for sure! Thank you!
My winter list is definitely a little different since we live in the snow belt as well. My mom makes us have a “ravine kit” with a metal coffee can and candle, blankets, and a shovel. I’ve used the shovel more than once after a day at school. Hand and foot warmers are a great idea—I’ll have to throw some in!
These are my musts even for leaving the house with my little ones for a walk. Essentials are so important and so easily forgotten. Thanks!
Great tips! I also like to bring some CDs and audiobooks for when we’re in the middle of nowhere with no radio signal.
Wipes! Wipes are crucial, especially with kids.
Great tips! #1 is a MUST for us. I don’t even go 30 minutes down the road without snacks for the kids. LOL. =)
My husband always insists on the good old fashioned map on our road trips. And of course snacks are a MUST! Great list and helpful
LOL …. I have to have Cheetos on every road trip and my husband refuses to eat them in the car! Great list!
Having that list is very important. It helps to keep us from forgetting something like water. When we are busy packing, we sometimes forget the important items.
Snacks are ALWAYS an essential – couldn’t agree more! Love the post
Great list! I always have all those items along too!!!
Excellent list of trip essentials! As a frequent road-tripper myself, I can say that each item you have listed is a must-have! Thanks for the tips.
i like how you tell us how you would do it and how you like to be prepared
Great tips! Next time I go on a trip I will think of this article.
“It’s the last three-day weekend of summer, and everyone wants to get that last bit of sunshine in before cracking down and hitting the books.” I so not feel the sentiment haha I am currently fully enjoying NOT having any sunshine but a beautiful rainy weekend 🙂 BUT any other year, I’d totally get it 😉
Love how organised you are, I suck when getting for a road trip or travelling even if I’m packing just for myself!
I actually never would’ve thought about bringing a first aid kit on a road trip. That is awesome… I don’t know how many times we’ve had to get off the road to hunt for band-aids, or tylenol etc.
Great ideas here! Some things I hadn’t thought of too!
thats cool
Remember to take your phone to take pictures, and listen to music, and you can use it as a GPS and etc…
come up with a playlist for on the way
This was a good article.
Great list! I will bring a first aid kit on my next trip. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ By any chance you are interested on doing collaborations, you can check out the collaborations portal of Phlanx.com and connect with amazing brands!
Xoxo,
Tiffany
I hate road trips but this post is making me want to go on one! Loved reading this! I’ll be spending my three day weekend sleeping
The last road trip I took was driving from Texas to California when I moved to LA. It was a long trip — especially with my pup in the backseat but I am so glad that I made sure I had the essentials; snacks, drinks, and cleaning supplies!
Great list! x
Michelle
dressingwithstyle-s.com
I would never think of bringing a first aid kit, good suggestion!
Great ideas, thanks Tracy!