These are things that I bring with me on every road trip. I love road trips, and I didn’t realize how often I was gone until my friends asked if I was going to be home this weekend or if I was going to be gone. Road trips can either be really good or really bad, and I think it comes down to making sure you have everything with you. I’m still working on not overpacking because even though I have everything, it feels crowded. These road trip essentials are things that I always have in one of my bags before I leave.
Center Console Items
I have a bag that I keep in the car with all the time. These road trip essentials are really everyday essentials. I keep them in a clear bag that I got from Kenz Customs that has a cute airplane on it even though it’s used for my car. It contains a bunch of little things that one might also have in their purse. Right now, my purse is sling and basically holds only my ID and credit cards.
In my car bag, I always have lotion. Right now, I’m finishing up using some bath and body but next, I’m going to get some unscented. I have mints, hand santizer, pen and paper, face mist, and lip balm. I’m working on updating this list but I still feel like I am missing things.
Waterbottle
I am obsessed with my Hydroflask with straw because it’s large enough that I don’t have to always refill it. It also keeps my drink cold for the longest which I need because I don’t drink warm water. I think it’s gross. My water has to be super ridiculously cold. My one complaint with Hydroflask is that they don’t fit in my cup holder, so it goes in my passenger seat. Which is fine if I am on a solo trip but if I am the passenger I don’t always have a place for my water. I know they have an extender you can put in the cup holder that will hold a hydroflask, I just haven’t gotten it yet. It must not bother me that much. lol.
Selfie Stick
I recently got this one from Amazon but I haven’t used it. It has been packed with me on several trips but I haven’t used it. I purchased it because I love that it can be a selfie stick and a tripod. I have a few trips coming up and I hope to use it then.
Snacks
My favorite snacks have been jerky and trail mix. I usually get my from Costco before I leave. If it’s a long road trip or a moving trip I hate to stop so I try to pack food and water so the only stopping I have to do is for gas. My most recent move was from California to Illinois, we were in 2 cars with all of our belongings. It was crowded and I just wanted to get there. So snacks were amazing during this trip because they were in my passenger seat whenever I wanted them.
Baby Wipes
They are multi-purpose and great for everything. I keep a package in my car all the time. I have used baby wipes after a hike, after pumping the gas tank, or as a napkin. They are great for camping if you don’t have a shower nearby and want to get clean. I would recommend getting a smaller or travel size for your hiking bag or center console bag, and leaving the bigger size in your car or camping gear.
Emergency Kit
This is a work in progress as I am currently working on mine as I am traveling more. I also haven’t traveled too far where I don’t know someone who can’t come help me. I did recently get a car starter for Christmas that also works as a flashlight and portable charger.
Portable Charger
This is where I am overprepared because I have 3. I have 1 that connects to my phone as a magnet, and the only 2 need cords. I also have a charger in my car at all times. Because I am car camping more I got a plug-in for my car that lets me charge my computers.
Audiobooks/Podcasts
I go back and forth on my opinion of audiobooks. Sometimes I am obsessed with audiobooks and that’s all I listen to and sometimes I would rather just read the book. It also depends on what type of books they are and the person reading them. I have used audiobooks more for longer road trips and moves as oppose to weekend trips. If I am not driving very long, I tend to listen to podcasts.
I also waiver on podcasts. If they are generally an hour long, I will more than likely listen to them. Anything over an hour I typically don’t listen to. On a recent trip to Iowa, I was listen to Scamanda. If you haven’t listened it’s good. I kinda remember her at the beginning of blogging.
Lightweight Jacket/Rain Jacket
I have a black lightweight jacket that I bring on every trip. Personally, I hate being wet and cold, so I usually always have extra layers with me.
Reuseable Bags
I found clear bags at Ulta a while back. I absolutely love them because there are 3 different sizes and can hold everything from wet clothes to medicine. The bag can also be used as reusable bags for snacks. They are great for hiking to taking snacks on the trail.
Sunscreen
I use the Day Tripper bag from Sun Bum because it came with a bag. It has sunscreen, lip balm, and after care. I got mine from Ulta but you can get it anywhere. The aftercare is my favorite because I apply it right when I am done, and I don’t feel anything even if I did have a sunburn. On my recent trip to Florida, I apply sunscreen everyday and after care at night and never had any pain. I was red but not in pain.
