The Ultimate Packing List For Your Road Trip

Embarking on a road trip across the vast open country promises an adventure filled with stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and incredible experiences. To ensure your trip is smooth and enjoyable, it's crucial to pack the right essentials. Here are 10 must-have items to bring along on your road trip:

1. Comfortable Clothing and Footwear

As you travel exploring the diverse regions of the USA, it's essential to pack comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for changing weather conditions. In many areas of the US, weather environments can change quickly.

If you're traveling across Texas, the weather can range from the scorching heat of the desert to the cooler temperatures of the hill country, so be prepared with versatile clothing options.

For example, if you're visiting Houston or East Texas, expect rain. It can be sunny and 85 one minute and then cool and rainy the next.

And, if you're in Los Angeles California in the Summer it will be hot. But, if you decide to go down to the Huntington Beach Pier expect to need a sweater. The Huntington Beach Pier, even during Summer, can be quite cool, even cold, and very breezy at the end of that long walk.

So, bring a jacket no matter where you travel. Also, it can be such a trip saver to pack an extra set of clothing including underwear and socks in case you get caught in a storm or have an illness emergency.

Finally, whatever your clothing style, pack a few items with hidden pockets, in the leg or sleeve, to stash away your ID, credit card, and some quick extra cash. Our favorite hidden pocket clothes are shorts or yoga pants with hidden pockets on the inside waistband.

2. Sun Protection

With its abundant sunshine, our home state of Texas demands proper sun protection. Also, in parts of the US where you may be snow skiing or anywhere that you spend time outside be sure to bring protective eyewear, shades, and sunscreen. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.

Don't forget to stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle and bring extra water on your day trips or hiking trips.

3. Road Maps or GPS

Technology has made navigation easier, it's always wise to have a backup plan. Pack road maps or a GPS device to ensure you stay on the right track, especially when exploring remote areas or taking scenic detours.

We all depend on GPS, today. But, truly, it is important to pack a physical foldable map as an emergency backup, just in case you lose your phone or GPS signal.

4. Snacks and Water

Long stretches of highways and remote areas may not offer many dining options. Pack a variety of snacks and water to keep you energized and hydrated throughout your journey. Opt for non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruits and even fun snacks like chips and candy.

We cannot emphasize this enough, bring extra water. No matter where you are traveling, on your road trip, pack extra water. If you have car trouble in a remote area or an area with poor weather conditions, having extra water can be a lifesaver.

5. First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen when least expected, so it's essential to have a well-stocked first aid kit. Include band-aids, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.

We like to also include Benadryl and hydrocortisone to help lessen allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to foods, clothing, insect bites, pollen, and other environmental factors can occur at any time and any place.

And, of course, if you know you have allergies and you have an Epi-pen, please remember to pack your Epi-pen. And, please remember to teach any people traveling with you to use the Epi-pen.

6. Camera and Binoculars

Road trips make the perfect vacation for taking amazing pics. While you may want to bring along an extra camera, in most cases, your phone will take wonderful photos. If you're like me, then your phone is probably already filled up with thousands of pics. In this case, remember to download your phone pics to a cloud service or SD card to clear your phone for more available pics space.

Don't forget to pack binoculars to enhance your wildlife spotting opportunities, especially if you plan to visit national parks or birding areas. And, if you are stopping to enjoy a state or national park, don't forget to stop at the visitor center and pick up a park map. Most park maps take you along the most visually amazing paths with the best scenery for great pics!

7. Entertainment

Road trips are so much fun, for sure. But, traveling for long hours on the road can become monotonous. Taking along some entertain is essential to a great road trip.

Bring along your favorite books, podcasts, or download audiobooks and playlists to keep you entertained throughout the journey. Of all the entertainment to bring, music/playlists are by far the most important. Singing along to your favorite tunes can help you pass the hours away.

On our last long trip down I-10 to west Texas and into NM and Arizona, I realized that our Sirus XM subscription had run out. I almost had a panic attack imaging the 8-9 hours of being in the car without music. So, along with your phone playlists, don't forget to subscribe to or renew any of your paid radio packages.

8. Essential Toiletries

Don't forget to pack most essential toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and any other personal care items you may need. Having your favorite brands of shampoo and toothpaste just makes each road trip more fun.

It's also a good idea to include wet wipes and hand sanitizer for convenience. And, throw in a couple of boxes of tissue or rolls of toilet paper in case you need to make a roadside stop.

9. Emergency Supplies

Along with your first aid kit/bag, be sure to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances by packing emergency supplies.

Include a flashlight, extra batteries, a multi-tool, and a roadside emergency kit. It's also a good idea to have a spare tire, jack, and jumper cables.

We like to bring along rechargeable flashlights and batteries, as well as a phone recharging pack and an electric car jack with and air pump.

10. Cash and Identification

While most establishments accept cards, it's always wise to carry some cash for emergencies or places that may not have card facilities. Additionally, ensure you have your identification documents such as a driver's license and passport.

As mentioned previously, we like to wear clothing/pants/shorts that have hidden inside or waistband pockets to stash away a little cash and our ID when we are hiking or visiting new areas. This way there is no need to keep up with a purse or hand-bag. And, if you happen to misplace your bag or backpack, you still have your ID and some cash on your person.

By packing these essential items, you'll be well-prepared to embark on an unforgettable road trip across the vast and diverse big ol' country.

We, of course, will start our adventures, in the state of Texas. Wherever you are starting your road trip from, enjoy the open road, embrace the unique experiences, and create memories that will last a lifetime and be prepared!