Summer is a great time for family road trips. Just don’t forget to pack the essentials.
Below are some of my top must-haves for road trips. Many of these items are good to pack for any type of travel, but some items, like jumper cables, are smart to pack before heading out on any long road trip.
Don’t Forget to Pack These Road-Trip Necessities
Make sure to let us know your go-to road trip items in the comments.
First Secure Roadside Emergency Car Kit
Be prepared while on the road with an emergency kit. This kit from First Secure comes with just about everything you will need including a set of jumper cables and an air compressor. The kit comes in a durable bag, perfect for stowing away in your trunk or backseat.
Amazon User Review: “This is awesome. Bought it as a gift and they loved it. Would recommend!”
Price: Starting at $50 on Amazon
Trtl Pillow
Scientifically proven long-haul neck support for long trips. The pillow holds the neck in an ergonomic position during rest, allowing better support than the traditional U-shaped memory foam travel pillow. The pillow also stores pretty easily.
Amazon User Review: "I just flew to Australia and this pillow worked like a charm. My neck didn’t hurt at any time throughout the flight and I was able to get quality sleep in with it.”
Price: Starting at $30 on Amazon
Anker 24W Dual USB Car Charger
Keep your phone and tablets charged with this charger that plugs into your car. You can charge two USB devices at once so no one has to fight over the charger. The charger also has advanced charging technology so you’ll get the fastest charge possible.
Amazon User Review: "I bought one of these on a whim and it was a great decision. Compared to a cheap drugstore adapter...Well, there's no comparison. Anker is on a whole other level of awesomeness.”
Price: Starting at $10 on Amazon
Germ-X Hand Sanitizer
On a road trip, you’re going to be stopping at a lot of gas stations and fast food restaurants. Make sure to bring some hand sanitizer. My favorite part about road trips is no TSA to take away large bottles. Invest in a large bottle and keep it in your dash pocket or trunk.
Amazon User Review: “Good value for a good product.”
Price: Starting at $16 on Amazon
MIER 30Cans Collapsible Soft Cooler Bag
Save a bit on the road by packing drinks and sandwiches in a cooler bag. This cooler bag is leak proof and can hold around 30 cans! The bag is also insulated so with the right about ice packs can keep your drinks and food cold for a long trip.
Amazon User Review: “Keeps ice and contents cold for hours. Easy to handle and carry.”
Price: Starting at $19 on Amazon
WizGear Universal Stick-On Dashboard Magnetic Car Mount
Afraid to ask for directions? Make sure to purchase a mount for your phone so you can use it for GPS. This mount from WizGear is easy to use. You attach the magnet to your phone. I’d recommend a case so you don’t have it permanently attached to the phone itself and you can stick the phone to mount.
Amazon User Review: “I’ve tried three phone car mounts with magnets and this is the first one that actually worked. THIS PRODUCT IS GREAT!”
Price: Starting at $9 on Amazon
COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling
If you’re stuck in the backseat, you might want to invest in some noise canceling headphones before your trip. These headphones from Cowin are under $100 and will keep sound out and your music and videos in.
Amazon User Review: “Well made and comfortable to wear, these headphones effectively mute the noisy background din of our open office.”
Price: Starting at $9 on Amazon
