It is almost summer and many of us are craving a vacation. All we want to do is travel, travel travel. However, vacation will look different this year. With all the uncertainties in the world due to COVID-19, I believe there are going to be many people planning road trips. Why? Because people still want to travel, but they want to feel safe.
Before you start to plan your road trip, make sure that it is safe to do so. A great resource is the CDC website. If you are traveling to different cities or small towns, look at the tourist information sites for updates. National parks are opening, however, make sure you read the guidelines and follow the rules. Be prepared. Your road trip will take more planning.
For many, this might be the first road trip being planned. That is exciting and scary. No worries, I am going to provide you with a list of practical items that you need to add to your road trip packing list.
Road Trip Packing List
As I was creating this packing list for you, I found some great items for you that are very practical and affordable. I will always do my best in finding items that are very useful and easy to purchase. That being said, some links are affiliate links and if make a purchase I will earn a small commission.
Everthing For Your Car
Let’s start with the basics. This is what you definitely need to have in your car. These essentials will help you on your road trip, and it will allow you to be prepared in case there is an emergency.
This is a must. You should have this in your car at all times, but especially when you are traveling. There are many affordable options for you so if you don’t have one, shop around. Here is one that I found that has the emergency roadside kit as well as the first aid kit.
Spare Tire
You probably already have this in your trunk, but I definitely wanted to mention this in case you don’t.
Registration & Insurance
Have a copy of this in your car, you never know when you will need it.
First Aid Kit
Carry a first aid kit with you. You can either create your first aid kit or buy one. I would be sure to add additional items that you might need; allergy medicine, ibuprofen, heat pad, or any other medical item that might be useful to you.
Flashlight
Always, always have a flashlight…and make sure the battery works. You should have a flashlight in your emergency roadside kit, but in case it doesn’t, buy one here.
Toilet Paper, Wet Wipes & Sanitizer
Being in your car, you will need all of these quite a bit. Either for the times you are eating in the car, or when you stop at a gas station and they don’t have toilet paper or soap. I found these wet wipes that are also flush-able, so if you get these you won’t need toilet paper. Be sure to buy a large hand sanitizer as you will be using it a lot.
Paper Map
What? A map that is not on your phone? Yes. On the road, you will come across areas that do not have any service. Be on the safe side and have a hard copy of the area you are traveling to.
Cooler
This is a must. If you want to save money and time then be sure to have a cooler. You can carry food to make food on the go like sandwiches, yogurt, creamer for coffee and soft drinks. Definitely grab one and you will thank me later!
Phone Charger
This goes without saying. Have a phone charger. Or even better, have a phone charger than can charge multiple phones at once. I found this one that has the option for a charge and outlet charger and you can charge multiple phones.
Portable Wi-Fi
If you need to work or need to have Wi-Fi at all times, then definitely get portable Wi-Fi.
Trash Bags
You will thank me later. This doesn’t even cross someones mind of needing on a road trip, but it is absolutely necessary. I found this trash can that does not require any bags and it’s leak proof. I recommend this, and just throw your trash away when you get to gas station.
Pen and Paper
Because you never know when you will need them.
For The Traveler
Now let’s talk about the traveler. Let’s talk about us. Since you are planning on being in the car for long hours, make sure you are prepared and you enjoy the ride. You want to make sure you have entertainment, food, and comfort.
Face Mask
Make sure you take several face masks per person. You will need to swap them out and put them in rotation in between each wash. I recommend having 100% cotton masks so you are not wasting masks. Just carry some soap to wash the masks you are not using when you can.
Umbrella
I carry one of these in my car at all times. It is very useful. I found this umbrella and I love it. It’s small, black, windproof, the handle is big and most importantly….it’s affordable!
Water Bottle & Beverages
Preferably a reusable water bottle. You can refill your water bottle at gas stations or national parks. You want to make sure you have plenty of water for the road. I recommend having a large water bottle and than a personal water bottle. I found this water bottle that has a filter in it. This will be great if you are refilling on the go. Here is a larger water bottle you can refill with. It’s definitely not a huge water bottle, but I think it will do to refill your personal water bottle.
Also, make sure you take some other drinks that you like. Just remember, the more you drink the more you are going to stop to go to the restroom.
Snacks
This is a must. I don’t know if its just me, but I get hungry on the road and like to have snacks handy. Of course, junk food is fun, but be sure to add healthy snacks and protein bars.
Flip Flops
I don’t know about you, but I’m barefoot in my car so when I need to get out, flip flops are easy. You can just put them on and run to the store, fill up your gas tank or take in a scenic view.
Entertainment
While you are on the road there will be moments where you will be a chatter box, other times you will love taking in the scenery, and sometimes you will love the silence. However, for all the other times, have your personal entertainment. Bring your music playlist, book, Ipad or makeup your own games.
Blanket
Of course you will be in a vehicle and it will be warm, but it’s a nice item to carry in your car especially if you are the kind of person that likes a blanket while they sleep.
Cash
On a road trip you may come across small businesses that don’t accept card, so make sure you have cash handy.
Self Care & Skincare
Ok, so this my be my favorite section. I think it’s because I’ve been really focusing on taking care of my skin. You need to be sure you take good care of your skin on the road. You will be exposed to so many elements, specifically the sun. Protect your skin and enjoy the ride.
SPF
You will be in your car the entire time, so make sure you protect yourself from the sun. SPF should be applied every two hours and it should be applied on neck, arms and face. One of my current favorites is the Missha Sun Milk SPF. It is a mineral based SPF that is great for any skin type. I have oily skin and I absolutely love this product.
Lip Balm
Preferably with SPF to protect yourself from the sun.
Neck Pillow & Eye Mask
This will come in very handy in case you decide to take a nap on the road as a passenger. The neck pillow will give you neck support and the eye mask will allow you to sleep without the sun in your eyes. My favorite type of neck pillow is a memory foam pillow that has a very supportive shape. As a flight attendant I have tried many pillows and this is neck pillow is one of my favorites. It also comes with a storage bag which makes it smaller and also keeps it cleaner because it’s not touching everything.
Toothpaste & Toothbrush
Always have it with you.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun!
Camera & USB
I never travel without my camera! One of my favorite things to do….capture beautiful moments on the road. So make sure you have your camera ready for those unexpected moments.
I also always take my instant camera. This one with this color was my first instant camera. It is so much fun to be able to take spontaneous photos and get the instant gratification of having the photo printed immediately.
Ok, corazones. This is the packing list that will get you started on your trip. Hopefully you find it helpful. Tell me, what would you add to the list? I want to hear all your suggestions!
