A Comprehensive Road Trip Checklist

Going on an extensive road trip is one of our favourite ways to travel. From exploring Namibia to travelling around Australia, Canada, and beyond, we’ve been on our fair share of epic road trips. After so much trial and error (and forgetting something from time to time!), we have come up with some road trip packing list essentials to make sure that you always pack the right road trip essentials every time.

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The freedom and flexibility that comes with taking a road trip, whether for a few days or even weeks at a time, is unbeatable. It allows you to see places at your own pace and is an especially good holiday option for exploring destinations like national parks. However, a successful road trip is only going to be as good if you manage to pack everything that you need. 

So, keep reading for your ultimate road trip packing list! 

Max with campervan Troopy, Fishery Bay, Eyre Peninsula
Max with campervan Troopy, Fishery Bay, Eyre Peninsula
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The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List

This list includes all of the road trip essentials that you will need for any kind of holiday on the road. From car essentials for keeping your vehicle safe to all the items for living your best life on the road, this road trip packing list covers everything that you will need for an epic trip. 

Breaking this long checklist into sections, we will cover all the essentials, plus some extra items for added comfort and convenience. You can easily tailor this to suit your own needs, adding camping gear and everything else necessary for a family road trip or a solo adventure to a national park. 

Road Trip Car Essentials

A road trip is nothing without your trusted vehicle. This means that you’ll want to make sure that you pack a few essentials that will help keep it safe and in good condition on the road. Whether you have a rental car or your own, here are the road trip essentials for your vehicle.

License and registration

It might be boring, but one of the essentials for any road trip is paperwork. You need to make sure that you have both your driver’s license and registration while you’re driving so that you can prove that both you and the car are perfectly legal. 

This can be different depending on the country you’re road-tripping through, so make sure that you know what the regulations are wherever you plan on exploring.

road trip essentials
Max Driving in Namibia

Car insurance

One of the biggest mistakes some people make is leaving for a road trip without insurance. While you might think it will save money in the short term, it’s smart to be prepared for any accidents that might happen along the way. Being financially covered for damage done to your car or someone else’s will give you peace of mind as you set off. 

If you’re driving a hired vehicle, it’s usually mandatory. Otherwise, it’s up to you to seek insurance for your own vehicle, as well as travel insurance if you think it’s necessary.

Car manual

A car manual is handy no matter what you’re driving. Whether it’s a hire car or one you’ve had for years, it’s a good idea to add the manual to your road trip packing list. This will ensure that if something was to happen, you can always refer to it for the answers. 

It will be able to help with many things, such as what the warning signs on the dash mean and how to turn the air conditioning on. It’s also an especially good idea if you plan on being out of cell service!

Spare tire

Most cars come with a spare tire, although it’s a good idea to check and locate it before departing. For some cars, they’re underneath, while for others, it can be attached to the back. A flat tire is a real inconvenience, but it can happen, especially if you plan on heading off onto unsealed roads. 

If you’re going on a long trip, it’s not a bad idea to bring along a portable air compressor. You don’t want to put the spare on just to find out that it’s woefully underinflated. These little compressors are super affordable these days and plug right into the 12V power outlet in the car. Just make sure you get one that can inflate to the proper PSI for your tires. RV tires require a higher PSI than a passenger car would.

road trip essentials
Never go on a road trip without a spare tire!

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide To USA Road Trip

Jack and wrench

It’s all well and good if you have a spare tire with you, but you will also need some tools to be able to change it yourself. An essential on any checklist for a road trip is a jack, which is used to hoist the car up so you can change the tire. 

You’ll also need a wrench to loosen the nuts. While these should come with your car, it’s always a good idea to check before you leave.

Roadside emergency kit

Flat tires are not the only thing that can happen on long car rides. A roadside car emergency kit includes some essentials for helping you keep your car on the road no matter the challenges you face. These include jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, washer fluid, and oil and coolant. 

Roadside assistance

Any road trip pack list should include roadside assistance, especially if you’re planning an extensive journey or heading off somewhere remote. Roadside assistance will be able to help you no matter where you are, and is usually an annual fee that is certainly worth the price if you ever need to call for help. 

Tire chains

If you plan on driving in winter, then you might want to add tire chains to your list of road trip supplies. Tire chains help you maintain grip and traction when driving through icy and slippery conditions.

Basic Road Trip Safety Essentials 

While you’re out on the road, there are some essential safety items you should make sure you have in your car for any injuries or navigation difficulties you might face.

First aid kit

As with any epic adventure, safety is always a valid concern. Bringing a first aid kit is one of the first things you should pack for a road trip, as these kits can assist you with any injury, no matter how small or serious until you can get further help. 

A first aid kit should have basic essentials such as band-aids or plasters, bandages, pain relief medication, antiseptic cream, antihistamine and Imodium or other treatment for traveller’s diarrhea. It’s also a good idea to keep it where it’s easy to reach, such as in the glove box.

road trip essentials
A variety of first aid kits. You don’t need a lot, but make sure to bring the most essential ones.

Flashlight

One of our top road trip tips is to always carry a flashlight with you. It can come in handy in a variety of ways but is a safety essential if something is to happen to your car at night. You should also double-check the batteries before leaving!

Map

While you might rely heavily on Google maps or another GPS app for most of your journey, you should always have a backup map as well. Any road trip has the potential to head out of phone service, and fancy electronics also have the ability to fail at even the most crucial of times. 

A paper map of the area you’re exploring will simply allow you to navigate without any sort of assistance if you need it. Alternatively, we recommend downloading an offline map on your phone using an app called Maps.me.

road trip essentials, Road Trip Checklist
Namibia Driving Map

Multi-tool

As a handy tool and all-around safety device, a multi-tool can help fix a range of problems and challenges you might face on any epic road trip. There are a variety of different ones available, but they usually contain essential tools like scissors, a pocket knife, a file and even a wine opener!

Lighter or matches

While a lighter or matches are considered an essential safety item, they can also make for a fun trip if you’re planning on camping out overnight. Campfires are certainly one of the highlights of any camping road trip!

Duct tape

Duct tape seriously fixes everything! It’s one of those essentials that we like to carry with us everywhere we go, as you never know when you’ll need it.

Extra cash

While cash is becoming a thing of the past, it’s always a good idea to carry some on you for any trip. It can come in handy when paying for campgrounds, parking metres, laundromats and any place that might accept cash only. 

It’s also worth having backup cash or a credit card in case you lose your card, or it’s stolen.

wallet with extra cash, Road Trip Checklist
Wallet with extra cash, an essential to your road trip checklist.

Road Trip Essentials For Yourself

While your car is important, you’ll also want to ensure you have a complete packing list for yourself as well. From clothing and electronics to any extra items you might want, here are some road trip essentials for you.

Essential clothing

While clothing is a very personal thing, we suggest that you aim for versatility, comfort and practicality when packing for a road trip. While you might not have endless space in your vehicle, you should try to pack clothes that you know are comfortable for long drives and can be worn in many different combinations. 

Knowing the climate of where you’re heading will also be essential so that you can pack according to the weather. 

However, always packing more than enough underwear and socks is our best tip; then you can put off washing a little longer!

Views of Cape Town's beaches from Lion's Head, Cape Town
A rain jacket is a must for any good road trip!
Rain jackets and pants

Of course, you may never know when or if it’s going to rain on your road trip, but it’s still important to be prepared for any kind of weather. Packing a rain jacket and wet weather pants is really important, especially if you hope to be able to explore outside wherever you go.

Cold weather clothing

If you’re going to be travelling in any sort of cooler weather, then you’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared with appropriate clothing. A beanie or wool hat, gloves, fleece jacket and thermals are some of the essential things to bring on a road trip in the winter.

Swimsuit

On the other end of the weather spectrum, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed a swimsuit. While it is essential if you’re travelling near the coast or in summer, it can also be useful in the winter if you plan on checking out some hot springs or if your hotel has an onsite pool, sauna, or hot tub. 

Australia WA Broome Cable Beach OM troopy

Sunglasses

While you might be spending a lot of time in your car, thinking about the effects of sun rays is still important. Sunglasses can reduce the glare of the windscreen while you’re driving, as well as keep your eyes safe if you plan on exploring outside along the way.

We love Pair Eyewear sunglasses
We love Pair Eyewear sunglasses

Walking shoes

While you might not consider these road trip must-haves at first, walking shoes are definitely one of our essential items to pack. After long drives, it’s a great idea if you can step out and explore an area further on foot. It’s also perfect for stretching your legs after sitting for extended periods of time.

Flip flops or sandals

Whether it’s getting out at one of the rest stops or using public bathrooms, flip-flops or sandals are a very convenient piece of footwear to have in your car. They are easy to slip on and are especially great for any summer road trip.

Chao flip flops on the beach, Road Trip Checklist
Chaco Flip Flops and Sunglasses

Basic toiletries

If you’re heading on an overnight road trip, then you’ll also need to pack some basic toiletries with you. Toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant are some of the essentials to keep you fresh and clean. 

Although, you might also need to pack soap or body wash and shampoo and conditioner if you’re planning an extended trip. 

toiletry bag, Road Trip Checklist
Toiletry bag with essentials inside

Toilet paper

On any long road trip, needing to stop for the toilet is inevitable. However, some gas stations and public toilets may not have toilet paper, so it’s always a good idea to carry some with you, just in case.

Bug spray

No matter where you’re travelling, a good bug spray is a must-have. Whether you’re fighting off mosquitoes on a USA road trip or flies in outback Australia, it’s certainly one of our must-have items.

Sunscreen and lip balm

While road tripping around anywhere, you’ll likely want to get outside and explore. Sunscreen will help keep you safe from the harmful UV rays when you’re out and about and should always be on your road trip packing list. 

This also includes UV-rated lip balm, which can help protect your lips from cracking or getting burnt in the sun.

Never forget your sunscreen when going to the beach!
Never forget your sunscreen when going to the beach!

Moisturiser

To prevent your skin from drying out while you’re away, consider taking your favourite moisturiser along with you. 

Hand sanitiser

In these times, carrying hand sanitiser has become part of our road trip necessities. It’s especially important if you’re visiting public places such as a gas station or public toilets along the way. 

road trip essentials, Road Trip Checklist
Always be germ-free wherever you are.

Biodegradable baby wipes

Baby wipes are one of the best things to pack for a road trip. They can be used for many different things, including cleaning up a spill or wiping your hands after eating.

Towel

Having your own personal towel is always a nice addition to your packing list. If you’re trying to save space, then you can opt for a microfibre towel that packs down small and is also quick drying.

Extra Comforts For Yourself

If you’re after a bit of extra comfort for your road trip, then you might want to consider some of these extra items for your road trip checklist. 

Pillow

While a pillow might seem silly at first, you won’t regret packing one if you’re going on an extended road trip. Whether you opt for a proper pillow or an inflatable travel pillow, it will mean you can enjoy a more comfortable rest along the way.

Allianz travel insurance is a must for any US citizen, Road Trip Checklist
A neck pillow is essential for a comfortable rest.

Blanket/Rug

A nice warm blanket can come in handy in a number of ways. Whether you want to have a rest-stop snooze or turn it into a picnic rug for lunch on the side of the road, a blanket or rug never goes astray on a road trip.

Daypack

Perhaps not something many people would think about when wondering what to pack for a road trip, but a daypack is one of our essentials. It’s a great item to have for any day trips you might take on foot, especially if you want to get out and explore a national park. It can carry a few things that you need while you’re away from your car for the day.

Cooking And Food Essentials

Food is essential for all road trips, no matter how big or long they are. If you want to make sure you keep hunger and thirst under control along those long roads, then you’ll want to pack some essential food and drink items.

Snacks

Snacks are the ultimate road trip companion. They can make all the difference between a fun and boring trip. Make sure you pack all your favourites, plus some healthy, energy-dense foods like trail mix or fruit to keep you feeling satisfied between places and stops.

Water bottle

Bringing a reusable water bottle is one of our top sustainable road trip tips. This is a great way to ensure you stay hydrated and avoid buying single-use plastics along the way. 

sustainable travel in australia: hydro flask, Road Trip Checklist
Hydro Flask via Hydro Flask website

Reusable coffee cup

Another sustainable road trip essential is a reusable coffee cup or mug. If you’re keen to stop at cafes and grab a caffeine fix, then this way, you can use your own cup and avoid contributing to non-recyclable coffee cup waste.

Reusable cutlery

Whether you want to self-cater your own food or opt for takeout along the way, having your own reusable cutlery set will help save the planet from more waste. They are usually cheap to buy and easy to store as well, so they’re a great addition to any road trip packing list.

Zero Waste travel tips, carbon offset programs, Road Trip Checklist
Reusable Bamboo Cutlery

Cooler 

If you’re opting for a long road trip and want to make some of your own meals or even enjoy some cold drinks on a warm day, then bringing along a cooler is a great idea. There are a range of different sizes to fit into any car, and you can either opt for a cooler chilled with ice or one that can plug into a 12V power source in your car.

Trash bags

You may not encounter trash cans or waste removal services on every road. So, it’s always a responsible thing to be prepared to carry your own waste out with you, which means having your own bag for your trash. 

Reusable shopping bag

For all those quick food shopping stops, one of our favourite eco-friendly essentials for a road trip is a reusable shopping bag. They usually fold into themselves and can be taken anywhere, so you can avoid single-use plastic bags.

reusable shopping bag, Road Trip Checklist
Reduce the use of single-plastic and opt for a reusable shopping bag.

Electronics And Entertainment Essentials

Staying connected during any road trip is part of travelling in the 21st century. Whether you need your phone for music or a camera for recording memories, here are some electronics that are long road trip essentials.

Phone charger

It’s likely that you’ll be using your phone for many things on your road trip. From listening to music to using a GPS app and taking photos, you’ll need to keep it charged along the way. A car charger is definitely one of our road trip essentials that you don’t want to forget.

Car phone mount

A hands-free phone mount for your car is a great way to be able to safely use your phone for music and as a GPS. There are various designs around, including ones that stick onto your windscreen or dash, which make it easier if you want to move it around to where it feels convenient and safe.

Road Trip Checklist
Car Phone Mount

Portable charger or power bank

If you’re camping out for the night or simply don’t want to rely on charging your devices through the car, then having a fully charged power bank can be a very convenient portable charger. 

Camera

While you might use your phone as your camera, if you’re an avid photographer and really want to capture your trip, then you might want to think about bringing along a camera. If your camera comes with a number of lenses, don’t forget to pack those along with extra batteries. 

Book or Kindle

Curling up with a book is a great way to relax at the end of the day. While bringing a couple of books along is a great idea to pass the time, you can also consider a Kindle if you want to save space.

Wi-Fi hotspot

If you want to stay connected during your trip with multiple devices, then consider getting a Wi-Fi hotspot. You can choose a range of plans and options depending on your needs, but it will allow you to connect all your devices to the internet wherever you go.

Solis wifi, Road Trip Checklist
Our Solis hotspot keeps us connected no matter where we go

Car games

An essential for all long car rides are road trip games that will help those miles fly by without any boredom. There are a range of fun games to come up with for your next journey, from seeing who’s first to name the song on the radio to the old 21-questions game.

Otherwise, cards and board games can also be a great way to pass the time around a fire pit after a long drive.

Spotify

Whether you’re into music or podcasts, it’s essential to have something playing through the car speakers. You can easily make your own playlists on Spotify and download them for offline use.

Headphones

Not everyone wants to hear the same music or podcast all day, so packing some headphones, especially noise-cancelling ones, might be a nice idea.

headphones, Road Trip Checklist
Headphones to vibe to your favourite music.

Road Trip Checklist: Apps

These days, there are lots of apps that help with travel. Most of us are already familiar with navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, and now there are more that are extremely helpful when road tripping in an unfamiliar location.

Roadtrippers is a very popular app that helps you plan your trip. With this technology, you can set waypoints to attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other stops ahead of time. This way, you can plan your route and just enjoy the drive with minimal hiccups and confusion along the way. 

To save on gas while travelling through the U.S. or Canada, you might want to check out GasBuddy. This app crowdsources current gas prices so you can choose the most economical option. Even if it’s just a few cents, it adds up on a long road trip!

On the flip side, there is also an app that helps find charging stations for electric vehicles. Currently, PlugShare has an extensive list of charging stations in several countries.

If you prefer to go with the flow instead of meticulously planning your itinerary ahead of time, HotelTonight is a great app for you. With this, you can find a hotel in a pinch, and often at same-day price deals. The app lists deals at hotels all the way from Texas to Australia!

For those camping their way across the United States, The Dyrt is a free app that helps you find sites across the country. You can see reviews, tips, and pictures other campers have posted, so you know what you’re getting into. You can find campsites for tents, RVs, and even cabins. 

READ NEXT: Road Trip Essentials

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