Before you hit the road this summer, take a look at our Road Trip Packing List and be sure you are prepared for fun and ready to avoid mishaps along the way!
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Every year, we head out on the road for fun summer travel! Over the years, we have been to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut. Of course, we travel "home" to Maine often to visit family and friends, always packing our Beach & Boat Tote so we're prepared for just about anything!
We've done several longer road trips to Niagara Falls and Acadia National Park. The first thing I always do after we decide where we are going is to start thinking about the road trip packing list. I hate forgetting things at home. Mr. Juggling Act may not love my lists, but he does appreciate them for the value they bring. 😉
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Before you Leave Home
Check to see if you are close to needing an oil change. It's better to get one a little early, rather than worry about it on the road! Before you leave, also check to make sure these items are all in the car:
✔ License and Registration
✔ Insurance Card
✔ Car Manual
You will want to check your tire pressure. Be sure to have some extra quarters in the car so you can add air if needed at a gas station. Also, check your spare tire and windshield wipers and make sure they are all in good condition. Top off your windshield wiper fluid, too.
Roadside Emergency Kit
Nobody wants to have an issue on vacation, but it can happen. Being prepared can make all the difference between a minor setback and a disaster! Make sure you have a Roadside Emergency Kit just in case.
Technology permeates every facet of our lives now and it is easy to take it for granted. However, sometimes out on the road, you might hit a dead spot or be unable to find a working ATM. Here are some items that may come in handy:
✔ Paper Maps: Cell service isn't always reliable, especially in more remote areas. It's a good idea to have a paper map as a backup. I love this spiral-bound atlas. Having maps to look at is also a great learning opportunity for kids.
✔ Spare Cash: You never know when you'll need cash at a vending machine or small business and can't find an ATM!
✔ Quarters: Having a supply of quarters means you can easily pay tolls and parking meters. Plus, if you need to fill a tire with air, you won't have to try to dig for change.
Packing Your Suitcase
Of course, this will vary depending on your climate and destination, but here are some suggestions:
- Underclothes
- Shirts
- Pants and Shorts
- Pajamas
- Sweatshirt or Hoodie
- Sunhat or Baseball Cap
- Swimsuits (and towels)
- Toiletries
- Vitamins and Medications
- Comfortable Walking Shoes and Sandals
Essentials for the Car
It can be tricky to find aspirin or a band-aid that's buried in your suitcase.
Before we leave home, I put together a caddy that includes items we might want to be able to get to quickly.
This goes just behind the driver's seat so we always know where it's located.
Flashlight - You never know when a flashlight will come in handy. I have one of these in my glove box, and another in my roadside emergency kit.
Bug Spray and Sunscreen - We've been known to hop off the road and take a little mini hike. Having these in the caddy is very helpful.
Tissues and Toilet Paper - Allergies and bathrooms without toilet paper make these items necessary.
Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer - for sticky situations and those gas station bathrooms without soap!
First Aid Kit - I put a mini kit in this tote, then a larger one goes in the center console.
Medications -It's a good idea to keep a few medications like pain killers, and allergy medicine in an easy-to-reach spot. Here are some of the items I pack:
- Painkillers for adults and kids
- Allergy medication, hydro-cortisone, and After Bite
- Neosporin
I also usually pack a few other things like nausea medication and upset tummy chewable tablets.
Hair Ties - I can never have enough hair ties! It doesn't hurt to have an extra headband or a couple of hair clips either! I put a bunch of elastics onto a carabiner and clip it right to the caddy.
Sunglasses - I am usually wearing mine in the car, but the kid rarely do, so theirs go in the caddy.
Lip Balm - Cracked lips are never fun.
Plastic/Garbage Bags - I take a gallon size bag and add another gallon bag, then 2 each quart, sandwich, and snack size bags. Then I add 1-2 plastic shopping bags or a trash bag. This helps keep the car tidy. You also have bags for leftover snacks and things. Not only are the garbage or shopping bags good for trash, but they're also perfect for dirty laundry or wet clothing.
Snacks and Drinks
- Granola Bars
- Fruit Snacks
- Hard Candies
- Crackers and Pretzels
- Water Bottles
- Juice Boxes
- Fresh Fruit
- Cheese Sticks
- Fresh Veggies
We keep some snacks in the caddy I mentioned above. Things that need to stay cold go in a small cooler between the two captain chairs where the kids sit.
Gadgets and Gear
Cell Phones and Tablets - Obviously you'll want your cell phone, but as all parents know, having a screen for backup entertainment is definitely a nice thing to have on a long trip!
Chargers - Be sure to grab the chargers for all your devices. You may also want to pick up a backup battery to use when you're not in the car or near an outlet. I love this wireless car charger.
Camera - There are so many great cameras out now, and choosing one is as individual as you are. Here are a few recommendations for products I like. Don't forget to bring extra batteries, an SD card, and the charger as well.
You might think about picking up some disposable cameras for your kids, too. This is a fun way to have them help document the trip, and you may be surprised what they catch on film!
Keeping Kids Happy on Road Trips
There are a few things that I find make traveling with kids easier:
✔ Food - It's great to pack snacks but always remember that kids can't go as long between meals as adults can. Plan to make pit stops for bathroom breaks and a chance to refuel their little bodies!
✔ Comfort - Travel pillows, a cuddly blanket (yes even when it's 90 out) and a stuffed animal are great for younger ones.
✔ Fun - Bring along some unexpected games or toys. These help pass the time for kids that don't care about watching out the window. Crayons, books, and devices are great, too. Check out my road trip bucket list printable and road trip activities for kids.
Take a look at these ideas and see if you want to add any of them to your road trip packing list.
Our Road Trip Activity Clipboard helps to keep crayons and papers organized for your little travelers!
You might also like these Travel Activities for the Car or a Plane ideas.
This collection of Road Trip Printables are perfect for keeping the kids entertained during your road trip.
Unplug - Sort Of....
Last summer, we started listening to audiobooks during our road trips. I have an Audible Membership through Amazon and love it! It's been a great way for Mr. Juggling Act and I to encourage reading, without anyone getting car sick!
Road Trip Packing Tips
- Put heavier items on the bottom, and lighter things on the top.
- Place items you'll frequently need within reach.
- To maximize space, use duffle bags instead of bulky suitcases.
- Put a pop-up laundry hamper in the back so you don't have to lug dirty clothes in and out of motels.
- Bring a backpack for day trips to hold water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, etc.
Free Printable
Before you start packing, download our road trip packing list!
This printable includes a summary of all the items in this article.
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