How To Pack For A Road Trip
If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.
Lewis Carroll
Road trips have many benefits: they allow for spontaneity, offer opportunities for exploration, and leave plenty of space in your car. However, when it comes time to pack for a long car ride, most people tend to overpack their luggage or forget essentials. Road trips can be an absolute nightmare if you're not prepared. Don't let this happen to you!
If you always seem to have trouble figuring out what's necessary when making your list, I’m going to share with you how to prepare ahead so that packing is stress-free and straightforward. When packing for your next road trip, remember these simple tips to ensure that everything fits and that you bring the necessary items to make the journey more enjoyable.
GRAB THIS BEFORE YOU GO ON A ROAD TRIP CAR MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Start your road trip the RIGHT way.
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Use an overnight or weekender bag
You can’t overpack if you don’t bring a large suitcase. Just sayin’. Betelgeuse comes with me everywhere, but sometimes, I want to get my weekender bag. If you don’t need to carry work equipment (laptops, camera gear, etc.), then a weekender bag should suffice. For me, it’s a weekender bag for my wardrobe and a backpack for my tech essentials.
This is my favorite travel backpack. I've had mine for about six years, and it only has a small tear in one of the mesh side pockets.
SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA 17-Inch Laptop Backpack
Don’t pack anything that you don't need
I know this seems like common sense, but as they say, common sense is not so common that it ain’t that common! What’s great about road trips is that you can stop and get what is needed in an emergency. This isn’t a carte blanche for you to go on a shopping spree for whatever you buy; you’ll have to haul!
Pack clothes that are versatile and can be used in different ways – for example, bring two pairs of jeans instead of five or six.
I’m a fan of putting outfits together before I start to pack. This way, I can see what I’m bringing with me, and the key is that one piece of clothing, a pair of shoes, or jewelry must be used in at least three different ways. If I am struggling to make it work, it’s probably not worth the hassle of bringing it with me.
Don’t pack anything irreplaceable (e.g., sentimental items) unless it's necessary to get the job done.
Piggybacking off the last tip, it just isn’t practical to bring anything you aren’t prepared to lose. I lost my favorite scarf in Paris, but it wasn’t expensive, so it didn’t sting as much. I was, however, without a scarf in Giverny. *brrr*
Pack clothing in a way that is practical and easy to access.
Packing cubes are my BFFs. I seriously don’t know how I did without them before. You can’t overpack packing cubes. It’s physically impossible. They save you from yourself. Packing cubes can also help you organize your clothes. One cube could be for shirts, the other for bottoms, and so on.
Pack all your toiletries in one place, such as a reusable bag or a reusable “ziplock” container.
Or wait to buy your toiletries when you arrive at your destination. Usually, road trips for me mean visiting family, so I end up going to the local Target to pick up some things. I also did this before going on a cruise in Miami. If you get super lazy, you can also pick up a ready-to-go travel toiletry kit.
Travel Convenience Kits (Basically a Grab And Go Travel Toiletry Kit)
Place Bulky Items, such as shoes and sweaters, at the bottom of your suitcase to prevent them from making it difficult to zip up when packing. If At All Possible, Wear Your Heaviest Clothes.
The bottom of the suitcase or weekender is best. Packing this way also provides a solid foundation for the rest of your wardrobe. I usually hang my jacket on the coat hook.
Create An Emergency Kit With Essential Items Such As Bandages, Pain Relievers, And Allergy Medications To Prepare For Any Potential Mishaps On The Road.
Keep it in your bag, or better yet, have a mini emergency kit in your car at all times. You can build your own or buy a kit. Just remember to check expiration dates periodically and refill as needed.
Travel First Aid Kit
Bring only what will fit into the car to avoid exceeding weight limits.
It just puts unnecessary stress on your vehicle and your gas mileage will suck. Just try going over the Grapevine in California with a loaded car and you’ll see what I mean.
Keep snacks and water on hand for when hunger or thirst strikes during long hours of travel. They'll help keep you energized, refreshed, and satisfied.
A soft cooler/cooler bag is perfect for this. My husband and I created a system to address this exact issue. Usually, the day before we leave on a road trip, we go to the store (if we don’t have it already in the pantry) to pick up snacks and other non-perishable foods. Fruits, nuts, and popcorn are our favorites. So why the cooler? For our beverages, as well as wraps, salads, and sandwiches. We usually pack a wrap, salad, or sandwich, just in case. Hunger can strike at any time. Also, bring enough water. I can’t stress this enough. If you have doggos or meowzers coming with you, bring enough water and snacks for them, too.
Cooler Bags
My husband and I have done the NorCal-SoCal road trip many times. We know where to stop for food, gas, and to rest. Especially when you have a pet with you, it's essential to get this done. But obviously, you won’t always know what you’ll come across on your road trip, but if you prepare ahead of time, you can pretty much bet yo
Wear clothes that are light and breathable.
Those long drives ain’t no joke! My travel outfit hasn’t changed. My road trip outfit is pretty much my travel outfit. You can look presentable and be comfortable. For me, it’s joggers or a pair of comfy jeans, a light T-shirt, slip-on sneakers, a shawl, and a scarf, just in case it gets cold. My hair is up in a bun or braided, and I'm wearing minimal makeup. You know? So that I don’t look dead.
Lastly, my Timex Weekender watch. Never underestimate the power of old-school tech. Comfort is the name of the game.
Take Only One Charger For Your Phone, Laptop, Tablet, And Other Devices. If There Aren't Enough Power Outlets In The Car, Charge Them All Up Before Leaving Home.
First, get a cord organizer for the chunky cords you won't be using while driving. I usually keep two USB cords in the center console. Our Honda Accord features two USB ports, perfect for charging phones and tablets. Usually, we charge our phones when we stop for coffee or food, but I say keep ‘em plugged in so you’re constantly at full charge.
We don’t have time for our laptops or tablets until we reach our destination, but with kids, it’s a different game. Keep them busy, and you'll keep your sanity.
Belkin BoostCharge 42-Watt Dual Port Fast Car Charger
Travel Cord Organizer
Conclusion
You’ve got your clothes, your passport (or Real ID), the map, and directions to your destination. Don’t leave home without these essential items in a well-organized bag that's easy to carry when it's time for departure! Did I miss anything important on this list of essentials?
Please let me know in the comments below so I can ensure everyone has what they need before hitting the road. If nothing else, remember to pack some snacks and water, as there will be plenty of opportunities for hunger or thirst along the way.
Happy and Safe Travels!
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