All the best road trip essentials for traveling with kids, organizing the car, streamlining packing, plus the ultimate packing checklist.
After a tense few weeks (really, it’s been a challenging year for many of us), getting out on the road this summer feels like a breath of fresh air.
My husband Robert, the kids, and I are planning a trip to the North Carolina mountains to unplug and spend time outdoors, so I’ve been gathering and organizing our road trip essentials to make packing and travel easier.
I’m a bit of a Type A packer—my phone always has a running packing checklist and I hang on to travel-sized toiletries like they’re precious cargo. When we’re in the car, I’m often reaching into my bag for just the right thing to keep the kids entertained or to solve a sudden mess. If you’re planning a road trip, here’s a consolidated list of what I pack, how we keep the car organized, and a printable packing checklist to simplify preparation.
This year I tried ordering most items online and having them delivered the same day—game changer for travel prep. With everything ready at home, packing became far less frantic.
Below are my tried-and-true road trip essentials, grouped by category to help you plan more efficiently.
Road Trip Essentials
Travel Essentials for the Car
1. Backseat organizer – Keeps the car tidy and keeps toys, books, and snacks within easy reach so kids aren’t asking you to reach into the floorboard every five minutes.
2. Bluetooth FM transmitter and charger – Ideal for older cars without built-in Bluetooth. Use it for streaming music, hands-free calls, and charging devices on the go.
3. Antibacterial wipes – Great for quick cleanups and wiping surfaces in the car and at rest stops.
4. Trunk organizer – Adds storage for gear and snacks, making items accessible for passengers in the middle row.
5. Auto safety kit – Include jumper cables, a tire repair kit, and emergency supplies for peace of mind.
6. Phone mount – Keeps your phone secure and visible for navigation while you drive hands-free.
7. Disposable toothbrushes or single-use dental wipes – Handy after roadside snacks or long drives.
8. Flashlight – Useful if you have car trouble at night; choose one with long battery life and a glow-in-the-dark handle for quick finding.
9. Car trash can with pockets – Helps manage waste and keeps small items organized.
10. Stain remover pen – A lifesaver for spills on shirts and upholstery.
11. Travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs – Make sleeping in the car or at a motel much easier.
12. Sunglasses – Essential for driving comfort and sun protection.
13. Soft cooler – Keeps drinks and healthy snacks cold and helps avoid frequent stops for convenience-store junk food.
14. Calming supplements – If you use calming gummies or CBD for travel anxiety, pack what works for you and follow dosing guidelines.
15. Blanket – Useful for warmth, for a picnic at a rest stop, or as an extra layer in a chilly hotel room.
16. Headrest tablet holder – Makes long drives easier when kids can watch movies without holding a device.
17. Motion sickness medication – Bring options for adults and kids if anyone gets carsick.
Travel Essentials for the Kids
1. Conversation and question games – Games that prompt storytelling and laughter are perfect for bonding on long drives.
2. Activity books and sticker games – Keep kids busy with puzzles, stickers, and trivia.
3. Charades or guessing games – Easy to play in the car and great for energy breaks at rest stops.
4. Mess-free coloring kits – Color Wonder-style sets prevent drawing on seats and walls.
5. Children’s motion sickness medicine – If any child gets car sick, having medicine on hand helps everyone enjoy the trip more.
6. Children’s neck pillow and sleep mask – Some kids sleep much better when they can block light and have neck support.
7. Children’s antihistamine – Useful to include in your first aid kit for unexpected allergic reactions.
8. Travel-friendly card games – Classics like Uno provide easy entertainment anywhere.
9. Compact travel game sets – Multi-game packs with spinners and cards work well for long trips.
10. Durable water bottles – Reusable bottles keep kids hydrated and reduce waste.
11. Kids’ Bluetooth headphones – Let each child listen independently to movies or audiobooks without disturbing others.
12. Joke and riddle books – A quick way to bring smiles and group laughter during downtimes.
13. I Spy or scavenger hunt cards – Turn the scenery into a game to keep eyes on the road and minds engaged.
14. Kids’ backpack – Let each child pack one small backpack with favorite toys and activities; it gives them responsibility and keeps things organized.
Travel Essentials for Packing
1. Laundry bag – Keep dirty clothes separated and toss the bag in your suitcase when you return.
2. Hanging toiletry organizer – Saves counter space and keeps essentials accessible in any bathroom.
3. First aid kit – Pack bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, and any prescriptions you need.
4. Durable suitcase – Hard-sided luggage can protect belongings and maximize trunk space.
5. Kids’ suitcase – Let children have a small carry-on they can manage.
6. Jewelry roll – Prevents tangles and keeps small accessories organized.
7. White noise machine – Helps block hotel noise so everyone sleeps better.
8. Pill organizer – Bring only the vitamins or meds you need for the trip.
9. Space-saving packing bags – Vacuum or compression bags can double your suitcase capacity.
10. Small accessory bags – Zip-top bags work well for cosmetics, chargers, and cords.
11. Wrinkle-release spray – Freshen clothes quickly without an iron.
12. Immune support gummies – Optional for keeping everyone feeling well on the road.
13. Portable Bluetooth speaker – Great for music at the beach, campsite, or vacation rental.
Travel Packing Checklist Printable
I keep a two-page packing checklist on my phone and use it when packing and again before we leave a hotel or rental. It prevents leaving things behind and makes packing less stressful.
You can download the printable packing checklist by clicking here to subscribe and get access.
If you’re already a subscriber, the download link for the printable checklist will be in your inbox and in the email library provided when you joined.
Many of the items on this list are available through popular retailers with same-day delivery or store pickup, which can save time when preparing for a trip.
Do you have favorite road trip items we haven’t listed? Any unusual packing hacks that make travel with kids easier? Share tips—there are so many little things to remember that any shortcut helps.
