Road Trips are the best way to discover a lot of different places that are off the beaten path. Roadtrippers understand that the journey is as important as the destination. So no matter if you’re going to visit Grandma, Disney World, or simply following the road; here are the must have items for any and all road trips.
Must-Haves – You simply cannot leave the house without these items.
- Best cooler available
- Blankets/sleeping bag
- Sleeping Pad
- Hammock and/or Tent
- Pillow
- Large Water containers
- Reusable water bottles
- Tarp
- Backpack – it’s probably a good idea to have our full BACKPACKING PACK LIST link here
- Paper Map
- Camp Stove and Fuel
- Lighter and Matches
- Small Trash Bags
First Aid – Just in case something happens, add more if you need.
- Hand Sanitizer
- Bandages
- Antiseptic
- Antibacterial Ointment
- Aspirin
- Naproxen
- Sunscreen
- Bug Deterrent
- Water Purifier
Emergency Kit – Make sure you know how to do basic repairs if you’re leaving for an extended period and pick up a repair manual.
- Jumper Cables/Battery Bank Jumper
- Repair Manual
- Crescent Wrench, Socket Wrench Set, Multi-tip Screwdriver
- Scissors
- Rags, Old Blanket
- Folding Shovel
- Spare Tire, Jack, Lug Nut Wrench
- Flashlight, Lantern, Headlamp
- Road Flares
- Spare belts (fan, timing, alternator, air conditioner)
- All your charging cables (laptop, phone, GPS, iPod, etc)
- Paper Map and GPS (don’t rely on your phone)
- Duct Tape
- WD 40
- Bungee cords
- Paracord
- Zip Ties
- Oil
- Antifreeze
- Umbrella – useful for rain and sun protection
Entertainment – To keep your mind busy and sane.
- Puzzle Books
- Pen and/or Pencil
- Journal
- Camera, lenses, charger, extra battery
- Notepad
- Binoculars
- Maps
- Bird and plant ID books
- Reading material
- Music, podcasts, satellite radio
- Extra headphones
Food – These are just some of the best foods to take with you on your next road trip. Make sure you have an extra food supply.
- Juice, soda, water
- Cheese
- Humus
- Tuna & chicken salad
- Pre cut fruits and veggies
- Tortillas
- Sliced meat
- Zip lock baggies
- Chocolate
- Nuts
- Jerky
- Peanut Butter
Clothes – Don’t forget to pack appropriate clothing for where you are going. Stay away from cotton.
- Underwear, socks, bra
- Pants, shorts, capris, skirt, skort
- Shirts (athletic, regular, and tank)
- Pajamas, Robe, Slippers
- Belts, suspenders
- Shoes, sandals, boots
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Bathing suits, cover-ups
- Jackets
Toiletries – A few of these are extra luxuries, but most of this applies to everyone.
- Lip Balm
- Wet Wipes AND Toilet Paper
- Paper towels
- Deodorant
- Comb, brush, hair ties
- Shaving kit
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Bath Towel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Tampons
- Make-up, remover
- Sunglasses
- Reading Classes
Documents – Make sure you have what you need and keep it in a secure location.
- Passport
- Vaccination record
- Prescriptions and names of generics
- Contact info for home Doctors
- Any necessary permits
