Road Trip Packing List
A good road trip packing list covers more than clothes. Here's what to bring for the car, safety and emergencies, comfort, food and entertainment, plus documents and tips for keeping the car organized.
By Pond.com editors Updated 2 min read
Quick answer
- Bring your license, registration, insurance card and roadside assistance details.
- Pack a car emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, water and a tire inflator or spare.
- Keep snacks, a cooler and refillable water bottles within easy reach.
- Plan entertainment like downloaded music, podcasts and audiobooks, since signal can drop.
- Pack clothes in one bag per person and keep an overnight bag on top.
The freedom of a road trip comes with a big advantage: you can bring more than you could on a plane. But it's still easy to forget the things that matter most when you're miles from the nearest store. Use this list to cover the essentials.
Documents and money
- Driver's license, registration and insurance card
- Roadside assistance membership or your insurer's roadside number
- Credit card and some cash for tolls and small towns
- Toll pass, if your route uses one
- Park passes and reservations
- Printed or offline copies of maps and bookings
Car and safety
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- A spare tire, jack and lug wrench, or tire inflator and sealant
- Tire pressure gauge
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- First-aid kit
- Reflective triangles or flares
- Blanket
- Phone mount and car chargers
- Windshield washer fluid
- Winter: ice scraper, warm layers, gloves and a small shovel
See winter driving safety checklist for cold-weather trips.
Food and drinks
- A cooler with ice packs
- Refillable water bottles
- Snacks: nuts, fruit, granola bars, crackers
- Napkins, wipes and a small trash bag
- Reusable utensils and a few plates
Comfort
- Pillows and a light blanket
- Sunglasses
- Sunshade for the windshield when parked
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
- Motion sickness remedies, if needed
Entertainment
- Downloaded playlists, podcasts and audiobooks, since cell signal can drop
- Offline maps
- Games for passengers
- Books and headphones
Clothes and toiletries
- One bag per person
- Layers for changing weather and elevation
- Comfortable shoes for stops and hikes
- An overnight bag with one night's essentials, so you don't unpack the whole car at each motel
- Toiletries and medications
Staying organized
- Pack heavy items low and toward the front of the trunk.
- Keep emergency items where you can reach them without unloading.
- Use bins for food and supplies.
- Keep the driver's view clear; don't block mirrors or windows.
Common questions
A basic kit includes jumper cables or a jump starter, a flashlight with spare batteries, a first-aid kit, water and snacks, a blanket, a tire pressure gauge, reflective triangles or flares, and a phone charger. In winter, add an ice scraper, warm layers and a small shovel.
Use a cooler with ice packs for drinks and perishables, and refresh the ice daily. Store dry snacks in a bin or bag in the cabin, away from direct sun.
Check tire pressure and tread, oil, coolant, wipers and lights, and get any overdue maintenance done. See a mechanic if you notice warning lights, strange noises or leaks.