Must-Have Road Trip Essentials for Your Next Adventure

A road trip is like a rite of passage, and everyone has done one at least once in their life. Planning one can be an adventure before you even hit the road. Many elements go into planning one, and there are some road trip essentials everyone should consider before planning their trip.

I am a huge road trip enthusiast and have taken my share across a few countries. Travelling by car is a great way to see the world at your own pace and schedule. With a car, you don’t have to rely on someone else’s schedule or transit availability. Whether you’re going on a spontaneous adventure or a planned trip, here are some tips on how to plan a road trip and some key essentials to consider.

A brief history of road trips

There’s a certain thrill in driving on the open road, isn’t there? The freedom of just hopping in the car and driving away, with the sun shining and the roads clear, beckoning you to explore. It’s a feeling that can’t be replicated, making road trips memorable.

This wasn’t always the case. Road trips became popular shortly after the invention of the automobile in the early 20th century. Initially, this mode of travel was primarily the domain of wealthy adventurers due to the high cost and limited availability of cars. However, as cars became more affordable and accessible to the general public, the popularity of road trips surged, especially in North America.

The development of highways and improved road infrastructure further facilitated long-distance travel, making road trips an integral part of travel culture. Today, they symbolize freedom, adventure and the open road, and remain one of the most beloved ways to explore.

Road trip essentials

Some people are fanatical about road trips. They plan them for months. They seek out destinations they can easily explore by driving there. That’s what’s great about this mode of travel: you can make it what you want. For me, a few road trip essentials always come into play when planning an adventure.

Plan a road trip with a destination in mind

They often say that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters most. While that might be true, you do need a destination for your trip. Usually, it provides us with the reason for going in the first place. While seemingly impulsive trips might seem like they don’t belong on a list of road trip essentials, they still need a destination.

When planning a road trip, have a particular spot, town, or attraction in mind. You will need an endpoint at some point, which could be “an hour” or a day from where you’re starting. For example, I want to drive around Ireland, from one castle to another. Perhaps even drive around salt flats in Bolivia or drive the Ocean Road in Australia. So many great spots can be discovered in a car, whether where you live or in a different country altogether.

Pick the right road trip gear

The right road trip gear can significantly enhance your comfort and safety. Depending on your destination, your packing guide might include items like a portable cooler, car organizers, neck pillows, blankets, and even camping gear if you plan outdoor stays. Good gear preparation makes the journey smoother and stress-free.

Your road trip gear should include critical items like chargers, a first-aid kit, and documents like car insurance and registration. A navigation system, be that one that’s built into your car or an external one is also a key road trip essential. Make sure you plot your route ahead of time.  You should also have a roadside emergency kit in your car.

Bring healthy road trip snacks and food

When selecting your road trip food and drinks, choose items that are easy to access, don’t make a mess and can be put away if not finished. If snacking is high on your list of essentials, choose healthy snacks to avoid feeling sluggish during your drive. Nuts, granola bars, fresh fruits and trail mixes are excellent options.

Consider bringing sandwiches or wraps that are easy to eat without making a mess. A sandwich or fruit is better than a salad or meals that require eating with utensils unless you plan on stopping somewhere that has space for you to eat. Don’t forget water bottles and thermoses for coffee or tea. I am a big fan of reusable water bottles that last longer and can be refilled.

You should also plan for a container to store trash and dispose of it responsibly. Also, avoid drinking too much, or you’ll constantly be looking for toilets, and that’s not fun. Planning your road trip food wisely can make the journey more enjoyable and less stressful.

Plan your road trip entertainment

While talking to your companion(s) is a big part of the trip, you need other forms of entertainment to get through. I love to sing in the car, so music selection is always a big part of the trip for me. You can’t always count on the radio, so having your music can save your life—or at least make the drive less monotonous. Creating the perfect road trip playlist can enhance your experience and keep everyone in good spirits.

Entertainment is crucial for making long hours on the road enjoyable. Aside from a music playlist, consider downloading interesting podcasts or some great audiobooks for road trips that are long and need a pick me up. Audio entertainment is something everyone in the car can enjoy together, turning long stretches into captivating adventures.

Set the duration for your trip

While impromptu short trips are fun, knowing how long you’ll be on the road will ensure you don’t run out of fuel. This is especially important if you’re planning a multi-day road trip. Google Maps can help you determine the driving distance between stops so you can plan your itinerary and book hotels along the way. Always make sure you factor in stops when planning a long drive.

You want to give yourself enough time to get from one stop to the next. It’s a good idea to avoid prolonged driving through remote areas, especially when cell service might not be available. Your travel plans should always take into consideration road conditions and how much time you need between stops and your final destination.

Things to do on a road trip

A successful road trip goes beyond just getting from one place to another. Plan various things to do on a road trip, such as stopping at scenic viewpoints, exploring quirky roadside attractions, or visiting local cafes and markets. These small activities break up the monotony of driving and enrich your travel experience.

Road trip checklist:

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your next road trip is smooth, safe and enjoyable.

• ✅ Interactive map or navigation app: Easily find points of interest and choose the best route to avoid traffic jams.
• ✅ Travel planner: Organize your road trip itinerary, pinpoint big stops, and discover interesting places along the way.
• ✅ First aid kit: Pack medication and first aid essentials for your peace of mind, knowing you’re ready for minor emergencies during your travels.
• ✅ Jumper cables: Avoid getting stranded by carrying jumper cables. Trust me, it’s a good option for which you’ll be thankful.
• ✅ Spare tire: Be ready to handle a flat tire quickly, keeping your epic road trip on track.
• ✅ Snacks and local cuisine: Stock up on tasty snacks so you’re not stuck with just fast food, and don’t forget to sample delicious dishes at local restaurants.
• ✅ Water bottles: Stay hydrated to beat fatigue and prevent drowsy driving, which is especially important on long trips.
• ✅ Comfortable clothing and gear: Select comfortable clothes and gear that suit your travel style and personal preferences, whether you’re exploring cities or the great outdoors.
• ✅ Chargers and power banks: Keep your devices charged so you can easily access official websites, navigate, and capture memories from your unforgettable trip.
• ✅ Accommodation confirmations: Book ahead to ensure you get reasonable rates on a hotel room. This will help you keep your accommodation costs on track and reduce last-minute stress.
• ✅ Cash and credit cards: Keep these handy for toll booths, quick stops at gas stations, spontaneous meals, or local attractions.
• ✅ Weather-appropriate gear: Stay prepared for bad weather, so nothing stops you from having a great time. Don’t forget an umbrella or a poncho.
• ✅ Music and audiobooks: Create playlists or download podcasts and audiobooks to make your drive entertaining and fun.
• ✅ Emergency contacts: Write these down and keep them handy, especially if you’re a solo traveller embarking on a solo road trip, for added security.
• ✅ Trash bags and wipes: Keep your car clean and comfortable throughout your adventure.
• ✅ Identification and documents: Bring your driver’s licence and insurance papers. You’ll need these if you plan to rent a rental car, cross borders, or check in to accommodations.
• ✅ Camera: Capture every special moment, whether you’re on quick weekend trips, a spontaneous day trip, or an extended journey.

Road trip ideas

I don’t think I can write about road trips without reminiscing about some of the best ones I have been on. They were in different parts of the world, but they all involved similar road trip essentials.

Iceland road trip

The first time I went to Iceland was a pure driving vacation. We drove around the island for seven days, stopping at a different place every night, which was needed after spending most of the day in a car. I loved driving in Iceland, as every day was a different landscape. Some days, we went through lush and rainy mountains. On other days, we drove through something that looked like the moon. There were waterfalls, rainbows, and sheep everywhere—pure happiness.

Canadian east coast road trip

My brother lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a while, and we visited there several times. I have made the 16+ hour road trip from Toronto and back. We usually made an overnight stop, which made the trip more feasible. It also allowed us to see other parts of Canada, making us realize how big this country is. We also made trips from Calgary to Banff and back, admiring some of the most stunning views Canada has to offer.

New York State

When we decided to go to New York City, we opted to take a road trip and make an adventure out of it. This trip was about an eight-hour journey. It was September, meaning the leaves were changing colours, and fall was in full effect. Driving from Toronto to New York City was quite spectacular—almost as spectacular as NYC itself.

Italian road trip

We made many road trips in Italy before we moved here. There was the one around the Amalfi Coast, the journey to Calabria, or that time we drove around Sicily. Then, there was a time when we embarked on a road trip to Rimini and ended up in Alba Adriatica, a place we’ve visited numerous times since. Italy is a perfect place for an unforgettable trip. With so many stunning points of interest, you’re bound to find something amazing almost everywhere.

Final thoughts on planning a road trip

Road trips are a great travel option. You can visit any place along the way, make as many stops as you want, and take as much time as you need. For those short on funds, road-tripping provides a lower-cost alternative to getting away. It also offers an opportunity to visit foreign places at your own pace.

The best thing about road trips is that you can control almost everything about them. You’re not dependent on others to make stops or decide to keep driving. You can choose where you stay and for how long. Pulling over to check out the view doesn’t involve asking someone else’s permission. Everything from music, food, stops, and how long you drive is up to you. That is the best feeling in the world.