It’s almost Road Trip time, and you’ve started to think about what exactly you need to pack to keep your show on the road. Whether your doing a cross country road trip and driving Coast to Coast across the USA or road tripping South Africa’s incredible Garden Route, we’ve put together the Ultimate Road Trip Packing List to guide you through the various road trip essentials and travelling tips that will keep the car – and you – running smoothly throughout the trip.
LITTLE ROAD TRIP ACCESSORIES THAT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
- Paper maps/Maps.Me App
Paper Maps – because there isn’t cell service everywhere. - Spare money
Because cash is still king in some places – and in particular for parking meters and road tolls! - A notebook, pen, and pencil
For either jotting down your thoughts or leaving a note of the car you accidentally ‘bumped’. - First aid kit
Basic supplies such a band-aids, bandages, antiseptic and safety pins can be invaluable when the closest town is 100km away! - Flashlight
In case the car battery dies in the dead of the night. Buy Fenix flashlights - Bug Spray
Because bugs in the car are not fun and essential on a summer road trip. - Large Water Bottles
If you get stranded, staying hydrated is crucial. Keep a couple of large bottles in the car in case of emergencies. And on warm days on a summer road trip. - Toilet Roll
Don’t get caught short in a un-stocked rest stop!
AND IF TRAVELING IN WINTER/TO COLD LOCATIONS
- Snow Shovel
- Ice Scraper
- Umbrella
To be honest. Having one of these in the car – regardless of destination – can only be a good thing! And especially this one that collapses inside out specifically to keep your car dry after use! Perfect for both a summer road trip and a family road trip!
STAY CONNECTED & ENTERTAINED ON YOUR ROAD TRIP
- iPhone charger/USB cord
An essential. Even when you are not going on a road trip! - Bluetooth/Wireless hands free kit for your mobile phone
It is illegal to operate a mobile whilst driving in some parts of the world. Play it safe and use a hands-free kit to keep you focused on the road. - A kick-ass road trip playlist
Think rock and roll classics and sing-a-longs and belt our your favorites at the top of your voice! - Your favorite camera + USB chargers
Any camera you feel comfortable with. Digital or DSLR. - Instant Camera
Instant Camera are so much fun and can capture some unusual and quirky shots along the road - A good book or two
Depending on how long your journey is. But not good for those who are susceptible to car sickness. - Travel Games
Perfect for family road trips to keep the kids entertained when there is a lot of time in the car! (Family Travel)
ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST – THE COMFORT KIT
- Sunglasses
Driver or Passenger, nobody likes to squint when they’re in the car. - Blanket
For cosying up during a daytime nap, using as a picnic blanket or for extra warmth should you get stranded somewhere after the sun goes down. Warm people = Happy people. And if you’re planning on sleeping in the car, sleeping bags wouldn’t go amiss! - Travel Pillow
On the basis of the above. Comfortable people = Happy people
- Travel Mug
Great for hot and cold drinks, and with a seal-able lid, with a travel mug there is less chance of an unnecessary spillage. - Reusable Water Bottle
Sealable vessels stop spillages! And re-using your water bottle is better fro the environment. - UV Window Shade
Driving down the highway with the sun on one side - Extra Jumper/Wrap
Back on the warm and comfortable thing again, but I do hate being cold. And an extra layer doesn’t take up that much room. - Hand sanitizer
Because not everything you touch will be all that hygienic. Keep those germs outta the car. - Painkiller/Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Being in the car with a headache and/or muscle strain/injury is neither fun nor comfortable. - Reusable Shopping Bag
For popping to the shop whilst on the road – avoid using unnecessary plastic bags and pack a reusable one. They fold up small and can be thrown in your handbag after your road trip for everyday use.
- Mints
There’s nothing like fresh minty breath for a quick pick me up.
- A Towel
In case your motel doesn’t provide them, to dry you from the unexpected downpour that you got caught in. The possibilities are endless.
- Day pack
For the times you want to go on a spontaneous walk/hike and need somewhere to store your water bottle/sunscreen/extra jumper etc.
ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST – YOUR PERSONAL CARE KIT
- Sun Screen
The sun beating through the glass all day can make for some interesting tan lines if you’re not careful.. helllooo truckers arm! - Body Wipes
A shower in a pack. For emergencies, or a quick re-fresh. - Lip balm
Cracked lips are never fun. Pop one in the glove box and one in your bag so you don’t get caught out. - Mini hairbrush
The wind in your hair may feel incredible – but the bird nest it creates is not fun to deal with! - Hair ties/Grips
For the day you don’t want to deal with the windswept look. - The Three Ts: Toiletries, Toothbrush & Tooth Paste
- Tissues
THE MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
These will entirely depend on where you’re headed and for how long: you may need all, or none of them! Don’t forget your personal item and use the following packing checklist for your cross country road trip packing list to help you save money and plan the perfect road trip!
- Plastic/Garbage Bags
Because you don’t want you car to resemble a trash can. Plastic bags (or garbage bags) are also good to keep wet clothes away from dry ones if you get caught in the rain. - Snacks
Snacks are always good. If you’re prone to being hangry (that’s angry when your hungry) it may be best for all parties to keep a stock of energy bars in the car for emergencies. Snacks are true travel essentials! - Car Cooler
This would be a must for me, as I have a little Coca-Cola addiction and I like my cans cold. But a cooler could also be used store other drinks, sandwiches and food stuffs that don’t do so well in hot weather. - Tweezers/Swiss Army Knife
A multi-tool can be helpful in any number of situations.
Credit: (original post) https://maketimetoseetheworld.com/road-trip-packing-list/
