Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the content creation and maintenance of this blog. Rest assured, I only recommend products and services that I use and believe in. I appreciate your support! Here is our Privacy Policy

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road—the music blasting, the windows down, and the freedom to stop wherever your heart desires. But nothing kills road trip vibes faster than realizing you forgot something crucial… like your phone charger or, heaven forbid, snacks!

To make sure your adventure goes off without a hitch, here’s the ultimate road trip packing list.

• Driver’s license, registration & insurance – Let’s keep it legal, folks.

• Spare tire, jack & lug wrench – Flat tires happen. Be ready.

• Jumper cables – Because dead batteries have no respect for your road trip plans. We especially like Energizer Jumper Cables for Car Battery because we are not reliant on another car to jump start our car… which had happened actually happened when we did our Rural Illinois Roadtrip

• Car manual – In case your check engine light wants to play games.

• Windshield wiper fluid & extra oil – Clear vision and a healthy engine are your best friends.

• Duct tape & zip ties – Because they can fix just about anything in a pinch.

• Road Snacks – I actually like peanuts and Kevin likes cashews

• Chips – Because sometimes you just need that crunch.

• Cooler with drinks – Keep it stocked with water, soda, and maybe an energy drink for those long hauls.

• Reusable water bottles – Stay hydrated and avoid paying $4 for a bottle of water at a random gas station.

• Road trip playlist – Spotify, Apple Music, or an old-school mixtape—whatever gets you in the mood.

• Podcasts & audiobooks – Because even the best music gets old after eight hours of driving.

• Travel pillow & blanket – Your co-pilot will thank you.

• Sunglasses – Squinting into the sun is not a good look.

• Earplugs & eye mask – If you need to nap while someone else drives. #passengerprincess vibes

• Phone charger & car adapter – You do not want to run out of battery while navigating.

• Portable power bank – Just in case. We like Anker’s Magnetic Battery because of the multiple options to charge our devices PLUS it allows us to charge 2 phones

• GPS or offline maps – Because sometimes service just… disappears. Despite being able to download maps and all of that it is still helpful to have a Road Atlas

• Camera or GoPro – Document the adventure beyond your phone. I like OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV it is a beginner camera but allows me to change settings and have lens that let me change out depending on what I am shooting

• Tent & sleeping bag – If you’re spending a night under the stars.

• Flashlight & extra batteries – Essential for nighttime pit stops.

• Bug spray & sunscreen – Because sunburn and mosquito bites are not fun souvenirs.

• Folding chairs – For those scenic roadside picnics.

• Pocket knife or multi-tool – Because you never know when you’ll need it. We like Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT 15-in-1 EDC Multi tool with Pocket Knife which helped us out multiple times now

• Toilet paper & baby wipes – Gas station bathrooms can be iffy at best.

• Hand sanitizer – For those no-soap situations.

• First aid kit – Bandaids, pain relievers, and any meds you might need. We have this First Aid Kit

• Toothbrush & toothpaste – Nobody likes road trip breath.

• Extra set of clothes – In case of spills, sweat, or surprise rainstorms.

• Cash & coins – Some small-town diners still don’t take cards.

• Notebook & pen – For jotting down thoughts, notes, or funny road trip moments.

• Trash bags – Because a messy car is a sad car.

• Car air freshener – To keep your ride smelling fresh despite hours of snacking.

Before you hit the road, double-check your list, fuel up, and let someone know your route. And most importantly—enjoy the journey! 🚗💨

What’s your must-have road trip essential? Let me know in the comments!