Essential Road Trip Packing Guide

#ROADTRIPPIN'

Every season’s road trip season. You don’t need airline tickets or passports, don’t need to worry about checking luggage or whether the flight’s on time — all you need is wanderlust in your heart.

Beyond car keys, your car, and (we hope) an awesome playlist to carry you through — there are a few road trip absolutes you absolutely must have for an open road adventure. Bonus if you have a friend to travel along with — not only can they take turns behind the wheel, but they’ll make the trip that much more fun to share.

And of course, they can help you pack what’s essential:

1. Organize Your Ride

Like Marie Kondo says, find your joy. And just like your well-ordered closet, bookshelves, and kitchen drawers — your road trip will probably be more joyful when you know where all your things are.

Car consoles & trunk organizers — there’s plenty of options on the market. Find the ones that work best for you.
Car air freshener — diffuse that funky smell that might be coming from the back seat with your scent of choice. It may not organize the car specifically, but good scents can help keep you calm and centered and ready to tackle the ride at hand.

2. Roadside & Tech 911

Always, always, always keep an emergency kit with you when driving — whether you’re off on the Great American Road Trip… or you’re going around the corner for a supermarket run. Whether you’re in your own vehicle or a rental car, always keep these important tools handy.

PRO TIP: Check out our Car Emergency Kit Preparedness Guide for inspo.

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3. Comfy seating

Ideally, you’ll make a few stops along the way to get out and stretch your legs, torso, and every muscle down to your pinkie toes. Prolonged sitting isn’t the best medicine for your back (even if you’re a driver without any back issues to begin with).

Save yourself a trip (or many trips) to the chiropractor later by adding a seat cushion or some lumbar support shell. As a bonus, you may also improve your all-around posture, which sounds like #roadtripgoals to us.

Seat cushions that can be transported from car to desk chair and every other seat in between. Portable seats are kinda the best.
Neck pillows — for your passengers. Or you, if you’re not behind the wheel. Really, they’re as good for your neck on a long drive as they are when you want to rest up on the plane. Just don’t use them when you’re the one behind the wheel, you obviously want to be alert.
Folding chairs — this isn’t a necessity but a bonus if you’ve got spare room in the trunk. Roadside picnic tables may not be in abundance when you want to stop for a bite.

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4. Clothing & accessories

Unless you’re planning on attending New York Fashion Week and getting all glammed up, you’ll probably want to prep for a comfy road trip. Breathable fabrics, keeping the weather of your destination in mind, are best bets.

Other must-packs include:

Lightweight, durable fashion necessities like rain jackets or puffer jackets, which are great for baring the elements
Comfy shoes — sneakers or versatile boots
Rain boots and/or flip-flops — if you drive in an area that is prone to flooding, try to always have rain boots on hand
Extra pair of clean socks

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5. Snacks & drinks

Yes, this might be an obvious one — but clearly, you’re going to get hungry on your road trip. Sure, you can always stop at a gas station or roadside diner when the need strikes… unless, of course, the mood strikes when you’re 100 miles away.

Better to pack something to have on hand, just in case. And if you’re a more selective eater, then bring additional options that include:

Packable treats like trail mix, granola bars, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Reusable, environmentally friendly water bottles
Stainless steel thermos to keep warm drinks hot