Are you planning on exploring the open road? Is the freedom of road tripping beckoning you? If you find yourself screaming — Yes that’s me! — then a road trip packing list is crucial to have.
Whether it’s a SoCal getaway, a trip from LA to Zion National Park, a slow drive to Yosemite or Big Bear, or renting a car to explore an off-the-beat path destination like Cyprus — Evan and I love to road trip. It’s hard to replicate that pressing onward feeling you get from rolling down the windows in a car and witnessing new stunning sites.
Trust me, we’ve tried.
Road tripping is just that awesome! You get to set your on travel speed, slow travel to connect with the local community and pump up your favorite jams on the way to your destination.
After all, travel is about the journey just as much as it’s about the destination. If you’re planning to coast along the roadway, below you’ll find the ultimate road trip packing list for exploring the Golden State.
Planning a road trip in California?
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The ultimate road trip packing list
Below you’ll find a list of travel essentials for road trips. Each of these road trip essentials are go-tos for Evan and I.
Keep in mind, the amount of clothes you pack should be dependent on how long you traveling for. For example, if you’re traveling for a week, two pairs of pants, one pair of shorts (or dress), a pair of workout clothes, one bathing suit, four or five shirts, a sweater, one pair of pajamas, socks and underwear should be plenty.
Even though you’re driving, one habit that’s still good to practice when it comes to packing is — less is more. Feel free to use the list above or use it as a basis for packing your suitcase.
Bring a bunch of dried snacks
Dried mangoes, cherries, plant based chips (yes those exists) — packing food that doesn’t perish right away is essential for road trips. You’ll want to make sure you have some food that can brave the elements whether you’re driving through the scorching desert heat during summer in California, or road tripping to snowier destination like Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Here’s a list of some great non-perishable snack options:
- Vegan Rob’s Plant Based Puffs. Probiotic plant-based chips that come in a variety of flavors.
- Heavenly Hunks. They’re cookies that are gluten-free, diary-free and vegan.
- Trail mix. It’s a classic and staple for a reason.
- Granola bars. Easy and convenient for on the go.
Munchie alert: If you’re looking for more road trip snacks ideas, this post — the best snacks to buy for travel — has you covered.
Pack fresh snacks
Now you have you dry snacks packed, you’ll want to toss in some fresh snacks to balance it out. It’s important to eat your fruits and vegetables while traveling as this will help you maintain your wellness and keep you regular (if you know what I mean).
Below are a couple ideas for snacks, but if you’re looking for more fresh snacks — read here.
- berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
- vegan yogurt
- apples
- nuts and seeds
- hummus
- carrots
Add a foldable mini cooler to your road trip packing list
You’ll need a cooler to pack those fresh snacks in! Make sure to bring one that’s able to fit in the car with your luggage. This is highly essential if you’re camping or staying at a hotel and hiking. For any outdoor adventurous spirit, a cooler is a must.
The collapsible cooler Maelstrom is next on our list to check out, but we’ve also been eyeing cooler backpacks like Arctic Zone as they’re great for hiking trips too.
However, if you’re looking for a bigger cooler, Coleman ice chest or Yetis work really well. We’ve used both and they each get the job down. But I think Yeti keeps it colder much longer.
Also, don’t be afraid to toss in some ice packs! If you’re staying in a hotel, toss them in the freezer, otherwise they can be safely stored at room temperature.
Carry lip balm
For some reason, chap-stick always goes missing during road trips. It’s probably because it’s hard to remember where everything was packed! The best solution is to pack an extra one, just in case.
If you’re looking for a vegan brand, Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Vegan Lip Butterstick is extremely hydrating.
Bring a deck of cards or a card game
This is a fun way to pass the time whenever you’re traveling as there are various games you can play with a deck of games. Think crazy eights, rumi, golf and more. Otherwise, bring some card games — Monopoly Deal, Uno, etc. — for more options.
Feel free to toss in a board game that doesn’t have to many pieces as well or you run the risk of some pieces getting lost.
Make sure your feet are comfy
No ones like being uncomfortable and stuck in a car for hours on end. One way to make your car ride more enjoyable is by packing comfortable shoes to drive or relax in. Put on slippers, flip flops, or my favorite, Birkenstock, which are comfy, stylish and work well with any outfit.
Don’t forget your pillow
Honestly, I don’t travel anywhere without my pillow. Whether its a neck pillow or a big fluffy pillow — bring it! You’ll sleep better in the car.
Carry portable speakers
While you won’t use them in the car, portable Bluetooth speakers come in handy once you reach your destination. We’re currently using Anker and are obsessed with the sound quality. Plus the newest ones are waterproof!
Personal electronics
One of the easiest ways to keep track of your personal electronics while your reviewing your road trip packing list, is to put them all in a packing cube. In fact, any and all personal electronics can go here. Including:
- Headphones
- Portable charger (this especially comes in handy if your camping)
- Camera
- Bluetooth selfie-stick
- Car charger
Pack some essential oils
Lavender, peppermint and ginger essential oil are the best oils to pack for road trips. If you need a calming essential oil, lavender works well.
Is a migraine or headache sneaking up on you? Peppermint oil is what you’ll want to use, as it’s known for its pain alleviating effects.
In addition, ginger oil is great for any upset stomachs and if it’s pure ginger oil you’re also able to cook with it. This may come in handy if you’re cooking in Airbnbs or at a campsite.
Related post: 6 Essential Oils Every Traveler Should Carry
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Bring a jacket
The type of jacket you’ll want to pack is dependent upon where you’re traveling. If you’ve visiting colder regions during winter, you’ll want to pack a heavy coat. On the other hand, for spring road trips, a light and warm jacket may suffice.
Just make sure to check the weather at your destination beforehand.
Add a fuzzy blanket to your road trip packing list
If your partner, friend, or family member are anything like Evan and I, we like the car at different temperatures. He likes it freezing cold and I like a tad cold. Bringing a blanket works well in this situation. They also transform the car into a cozy place to sleep, you can use it for a picnic and are perfect for winter road trips.
Try out BEARZ Outdoor if you’re looking for a lightweight and waterproof blanket that folds up into a little pouch. We have one very similar to this brand, but the one we used is discontinued. If ours breaks, this will be the next one we’ll buy!
Carry a reusable water bottle
Gotta stay hydrated! Bring your Hydro Flask and opt for packing a bigger jug too. That way you can refill your water bottle later on during the day.
Bring health insurance, but buy travel insurance
No matter where you’re traveling you’ll want to bring your health insurance card with you. If you’re traveling to Europe or somewhere else overseas — buy travel insurance.
It’s a life-saver, trust me.
While it’s easy to overlook the extra cost, you never know when an accident will happens that sends you to the emergency room. This happened to Evan and I once, and what could have been a medical bill over $1500 ended up very very small.
If you life a nomadic lifestyle or are traveling long term, Safetywing is the best travel insurance.
Travel Master Insurance is also great option if you’re traveling for a few days.
Carry your drivers license and/or passport
Don’t forget them! If you’re traveling abroad, make a copy of each and leave it with someone you trust. Additionally for overseas travel, here’s a travel checklist with other information you may need.
Don’t forget your vitamins, supplements and medicine
Each of these are vital to a road trip packing list, since their important for your well-being. Even while you’re on vacation, try to take your vitamins to help maintain balance and well-being in your body.
For instance, I bring Amazing Grass Greens Blend Superfood wherever we travel. It’s easy to add to your diet and provides a hefty serving of daily veggies, fruits and minerals. Plus it supports immunity and overall health.
For medicine, make sure to pack extra, leave it in its original container and bring the prescription too.
Pack some sunglasses and face sunscreen
Gotta protect those precious eyes and skin from the sun! Because even in an air conditioned car, there can be a lot of direct sunlight, especially during summer road trips. Besides, face sunscreen is always a good idea, as it will help keep your skin glowing.
Typically, we bring two sunscreens: one face sunscreen and one for the body. But if you’re trying to have a lighter road trip packing list, you can use one sunscreen for both.
Bring a headlamp
Headlamps come in handy wherever your traveling. They’re just like flash lights, but they have a strap so they can be placed on your head. Pick one up from REI or order one directly from Amazon.
Alternatively, bringing a flash light is a great choice too.
It ultimately comes down to preferences and if you’re going to be doing outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, etc. Using a headlamp will give you more mobility with two arms, since you don’t have to hold onto it.
Road trip tip: Make sure to pack extra batteries!
Add a first aid kit to your road trip packing list
Either buy a first aid kit, or create one yourself to take with you during your road trip. Include Tylenol, band-aids, gauze, ace bandage, super glue, Neosporin, tweezers and anything else you may need. In fact, it may be a good idea to let this item live out its days in your car, that way you’re always prepared.
Don’t forget an allergy-friendly kit (if you have allergies)
If you have food allergies, creating an allergy friendly kit should be at the top of you road trip packing list. First, make sure you download allergy-friendly travel apps like AllergyEats and HappyCow.
Next you’ll want to make a physical kit that carries anything you make need such as EpiPen, Benadryl, Tylenol, allergy-friendly snacks, etc.
As a traveler with food allergies, being prepared really does help you feel more confident and safe when you travel. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling stateside or aboard, consider packing an allergy kit — here’s an allergy-kit guide to help you create your own.
Pack a tumbler
Do you love coffee or tea? Then bring your tumbler with you to explore the open roads. Fill it up before you hit the road and use it during pit-stops at various coffee shops. It’s sustainable and lets you enjoy hot beverages much longer while you’re traveling.
I’ve even found coffee and tea shops are always excited when customers bring in reusable mugs, and they may even give you a discount! Tea specific tumblers even come with a strainer for loose leaf teas such as this Bamboo tumbler.
Bring an extra fold-able bag
Tossing a tote bag in with your luggage is always a good idea. Tote bags barely add any weight and are compact, so you can use them anywhere you travel. Also, they provide extra wiggle room for storage, just in case you buy a little to many souvenirs or your bag becomes too heavy.
Add baby wipes to your road trip packing list
Road trips can be messy. From endless snacking in the car, to shoving as many items as possible in a tiny space — baby wipes come in clutch. They’re perfect for wiping down surfaces, cleaning up messes, and wiping off faces or hands.
Bring tissues and/or paper towels
Another great option for cleaning up spills are paper towels and tissues. Throw some in the glove compartment or in the back seat so anyone can use them. If you’re looking for a more Eco-friendly option, bring some small towels and bandanas, then toss them in the wash once you arrive back home.
Pack a car charger
Don’t forget to pack your charger! If you forget this item, don’t worry. Most stores sell them and they’re relatively inexpensive.
Bring an eye mask and ear plugs
If you’re a light sleeper or planning to drive through the night — eye masks and ear plugs are a must. They pair nicely with your blanket and pillow, providing a bed-like quality in the car.
Regarding eye masks, I’ve found eye masks with indents (almost bug-eyed looking) seem to provide the most protection against unwanted light.
Download driving instructions (just in case)
Depending where your driving, not all places with have wifi or access to cellular data. For example, Yosemite National Park has many areas where you cannot get cell service. While you hopefully have a car charger, this won’t help if there’s no service.
The next best advice is to download driving instructions from Google maps, take screen shots or download a road trip planner app, like Wanderlog.
Wanderlog is easy to navigate, free to use, and works really well for mapping out travel itineraries. For a live example, click on this post — how to road from LA to Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Create some driving entertainment
Do you like podcast or do you prefer jamming to a 90 mix playlist? Or, maybe you’re into word games and deep conversation. Regardless, creating some driving entertainment will help set the vibe of your trip. For the music lovers, download a playlist to Spotify. For podcast lovers, make sure your favorite episodes or new episodes are stored on your device.
Alternatively, if your more interested in games, here’s a couple games you may enjoy:
- I-spy
- License plate game
- Name that tune
- 20 questions.
Looking for more road trip games? Try some of these.
Get a road trip friendly credit card
Signing up for a credit card that gives you double, triple or even quintuple the points on gas is a must! Believe it or not, it’s one of the best travel hacking tools. In the long run it will save you money, time and you’ll be able to use your points for more awesome road trips or flights. Tell me, who doesn’t love a free trip!
Here’s some of the best road trip credit cards:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- U.S. Bank Connect Credit Card
- Chase Flex Freedom
- Capital One Venture Credit Cards
Keep in mind you can use more than one of these cards at time. I heard some travel bloggers have over twenty credit cards. Their best advice — keep them organized so you know where your points are.
Are we missing any travel essentials from our road trip packing list? Leave your suggestion below or drop a comment of your favorite item.
Happy road-tripping!
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