A Stress-Free Family Road Trip Packing List

Do you dread the annual family road trip? Packing for a long car ride with kids can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and a good family road trip packing list, you can make the long drive much more enjoyable for the whole family. Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned pro, this article is packed with tips and tricks to help you pack like a pro and set the stage for a successful family road trip. From checking over your car to picking out the right snacks, you’ll find everything you need for a hassle-free family excursion. So buckle up, and let’s hit the road!

Family Road Trip Packing List – Car Safety Checks

When you’re planning a long road trip, it’s important to make sure your car is in good condition before you hit the road. Here are a few things to check to make sure your car is ready for a long journey:

1. Inspect the tires: Make sure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure and wear evenly. Check for any cuts, bulges, or other signs of wear and tear.

2. Check the oil level: Check the oil level and make sure that it is full. If it is low, you will need to top it up before you leave.

3. Test the brakes: Check them to ensure they are in good working order. If they are not, have them checked and repaired before you leave.

4. Check the lights: Make sure all of your headlights, taillights, and turn signals are functioning properly. Replace any bulbs that are not working.

5. Check the battery: Make sure the battery is in good condition and that all the connections are secure.

6. Check the fluid levels: Check all the fluid levels, such as brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant. Make sure they are all at the correct levels.

7. Check the wiper blades: Make sure the wiper blades are in good condition and that they are not cracked or torn.

8. Check vehicle registration: Make sure that your vehicle registration won’t expire while you are on vacation.

By taking the time to check all these items before you leave, you can avoid any potential issues while you’re on the road.

Road Trip Essentials for Your Car

While out on the road, it’s important to stay safe. Packing the proper gear for your car will ensure you have everything that you need should you encounter a problem.

• Drivers License
  In the United States, it is illegal to operate a car without having a driver’s license. with you. It is very important that you have this with you, so don’t forget it!

• Car Insurance & Car Registration
  Again, it’s illegal to drive without your car insurance & registration. So double-check that both of them are in your car before you head out on your road trip.

• First Aid Kit
  A first aid kit can help provide quick access to basic medical supplies in the event of an emergency. It can also help to treat minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and burns. Additionally, a first aid kit can be used to provide relief from common ailments such as headaches, muscle cramps, allergies, motion sickness, and more.

• Roadside Emergency Kit
  You never know when car problems will arise. Having a good roadside emergency kit with reflectors will help keep you safe while stuck on the side of the highway.

• Vehicle Manual
  The vehicle’s manual is actually pretty handy. You just might find the answer to that problem your car is having. Yes, you can always ask google, unless you happen to be in a remote area, and then good luck.

• Spare Tire
  Last year we got a flat tire on one of our road trips. Thankfully it happened just as we were approaching an exit that had a truck stop. Since there were no open tire shops, we planned on using our spare until the following day when we could get a new tire. Ultimately we found a tire repair kit at the truck stop and decided to use that instead. You never know when you’ll get a flat tire, but having a spare will definitely come in handy if you do.

• Spare Car Key
  When we visited Crater of Diamonds State Park not too long ago, there was a woman there frantically looking for her car key. If you are unfamiliar with Crater of Diamonds, it’s a massive dirt field where people dig for diamonds. She and many helpful visitors spent the entire day looking for her lost key. The park was closing and she still hadn’t found it. After witnessing that incident, I will never travel without a spare key again.

• Portable Car Jump Starter & Tire Pump
  A portable car jump starter provides a reliable and safe way to jump-start a car if the battery dies. It eliminates the need to flag down strangers for help or call a tow truck. It is also a great way to charge other electronics & inflate tires or air mattresses. The portability of this jump starter makes it easy to store in a glove compartment or trunk and to bring with you wherever you go.

• Protective Floor Mats
  Protective floor mats aren’t necessary for a road trip but they provide a barrier between your vehicle’s flooring and dirt, mud, and other debris that may be encountered on the road. This helps to keep your vehicle’s interior clean and free from stains and odors. We really love WeatherTech. They are pricey but they stay in place and are specially designed for every model of car.

• Trash Can, Plastic Grocery Bags, or Trash Bags
  Having a place to put your trash between stops is essential. It will not only keep your car clean but it will help keep your family’s sanity. We empty our trash at every rest stop, grocery store, gas station or any place we stop that has a trash can.

• Reusable Water Bottle
  Staying hydrated is essential on long trips. A reusable water bottle is eco-friendly, spill-proof, and will keep your drink cold. Many rest areas have drinking fountains where you can easily refill your water bottle. We’ve had our Takeya’s for years and they’ve held up great.

• Umbrella
  On road trips, you are constantly moving through different cities and states. You never know when you’ll need an umbrella.

• National Parks Pass
  A National Parks Pass is only necessary if you’ll be visiting a National Park.

• Car Seat Organizer
  This will be a lifesaver when traveling with kids. A car seat organizer will help contain all of your children’s belongings giving you peace of mind that everything has a spot.

• Fix-A-Flat
  This is amazing to have on hand if you get a flat tire while you are on the open road.

• Rooftop Cargo Carrier
  10 or so years ago we purchased an old rooftop cargo box from a garage sale. It’s ugly but it has been the best thing ever for camping and road trips. By using a rooftop cargo carrier we are able to free up so much space inside our car. Unfortunately, they stopped selling ours so I’m linking to one my friends and family love. If you want something more affordable, I highly recommend hard sides (easier to get into), one that opens from the side not the back ( they are easier to get into from the side), and one that locks and is more difficult to steal. Nobody has ever tried to steal or break into ours, but I have heard stories about people who have had theirs broken into.

• Wet Wipes, Kleenex, Paper Towel, or Toilet Paper
  These items are important. You will need these so make sure that they are within easy reach. My son gets bloody noses often so having easy access to tissues is so important. Wet wipes are great for wiping down sticky hands after they eat and wiping down shoes if you step in mud or something really dirty.

• Car Seats
  If you have young kids you’ll want to make sure that you have their car seats secure, clean, and ready to go.
  
• Cash & Change
  You’ll often encounter toll roads on a road trip. Most of them only take cash.

More Articles on Road Trips
Awesome Gifts for Road Trippers
Utah National Parks Road Trip
East Coast Road Trip – Budget Friendly

Road Trip Technology Essentials

• Car Phone Mount
  If you don’t have a navigation display in your car, using a phone mount is so helpful on long trips. It’ll allow you to see the navigation on your phone without using your hands.

• Car Power Adapter
  Most newer cars have USB ports in them allowing you to easily charge your phone when needed. If you don’t have a car with USB ports a car power adapter will be helpful.
  

• Cell Phone
  Bringing a smartphone on road trips is a great idea for many reasons. You can easily get directions, call for help, locate gas stations or grocery stores and so much more.

• Headphones
  Having headphones for each kid is always a good idea. This way they won’t get upset about not being able to hear the game or movie they are playing on their tablet.

• Tablet
  This will be a lifesaver especially if you are traveling with young children. The kids can listen to audiobooks, play games and watch their favorite shows or movies. We do not worry about screen time while in the car on long road trips. We figure that the kids get enough time away from electronic devices when we are exploring outside of our car.

• Nintendo Switch
  We love traveling with a Nintendo Switch. Our kids use a headrest mount so that they can play it together.

• Portable Charger
  Portable chargers are fantastic to have whether you’re on a road trip, hiking, camping, or anything else. They allow you to charge your phone without outlets. Solar-powered ones are especially nice because you don’t need electricity at all. My son props his solar-powered charger in the car’s windows as we drive to keep it charged as we drive.

• Camera
  Cell phones don’t always take the best photos, that’s why I love bringing along a better camera. I use and love a Canon Rebel. I use a zoom lens with it and never have to worry about grainy photos because I had to zoom in a lot. The only downside is that it is bigger than I’d like.

Best Road Trip & Navigation Apps

• GasBuddy
  GasBuddy is a beneficial tool for anyone planning a road trip. It can help you find the cheapest gas prices in your area, allowing you to save money on your trip. Additionally, GasBuddy’s Trip Cost Calculator can help you plan your route and budget so you can get the most out of your trip. We use GasBuddy’s Trip Cost Calculator when planning all of our road trips. It’s nice to have an estimate of how much gas will cost.

• Google Maps (or your favorite map app)
  We prefer Google Maps, but you should use your favorite map. Whether you prefer a paper map or an app, it doesn’t matter. But you’re going to want one to make sure you are always headed in the right direction.

• Roadtrippers
  Roadtrippers is an awesome app & website that helps you find pit stops along your route. You can look for hikes, museums, roadside attractions, scenic points, and more.

• Freecampsites.net
  This website will locate free campsites. This is great if you are looking to save money and don’t mind camping.

Family Road Trip Packing List – Comfort

It’s important to stay comfortable on your long drives. The last thing you want is for your family to be uncomfortable, that’s when the complaining starts up. So be sure to grab your child’s most important items that help them to feel at ease or comfortable.

• Neck Pillow
  Kids neck pillow
  Teen & Adult neck pillow

• Blanket – I love that these fold up small and have a case to put them in when they are not in use.

• Window Shade – We love that these notify small children when they are hot and they can easily roll up when not in use.

Family Road Trip Checklist – Clothing

The type of clothing that you bring on a road trip depends on where you are headed. Here’s a general list of clothing for each family member, take what you need and leave what you don’t.

• Shorts
• Pants
• Shirts – short sleeve, long sleeve
• Underwear, Bras
• Socks
• Lounge Sets
• Pajamas
• Swimsuit
• Shoes – sandals, hiking shoes
• Quick Dry Towel
• Jacket

Family Road Trip Packing List – Toiletries

Toiletries are more personal items that vary greatly from person to person. Here is a giant list of the most common toiletries needed.

• Lip Balm
• Medication and Vitamins
• Contact Lens Supplies
• Glasses & Carrying Case
• Hair Ties or Hair Clips
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Body Lotion
• Tampons or Pads
• Razor & Shave Cream
• Face Wash
• Body Wash
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Brush
• Face Moisturizer
• Makeup
• Sunscreen
• Bug Repellant

Family Road Trip Packing List – Baby & Toddler

• Bottle
• Formula or Milk
• Pacifier and Washable Pacifier Clip
• Portable Bottle Warmer
• Portable Potty Seat
• Diaper Change Kit or Disposable Changing Pads
• Diapers, Pull Ups
• Infant Pain Reliever
• Orajel for babies
• Spill Free Snack Cup
• Spill Free Cup – These will keep your kid’s drinks hot or cold.
• Sound Machine

Family Fun In The Car (Not Technology)

• Toys
  We have always let our kids pack a small bag full of any toys or activities that were car friendly. This way the kids have exactly what they want. If you have small kids, look through the items to make sure they aren’t bringing anything with small parts or that is not car friendly.
• Car Friendly Activity Books and Coloring Books
• Crayons, Washable Markers, Colored Pencils
• Paper, Sketchbook
• Games (I spy, License Plate Game)

These Amazon travel essentials will revolutionize the way you travel.

Family Road Trip Packing List – Food

This list is going to vary from family to family based on what kinds of foods people prefer. You should always strive to pack healthy snacks, fruit, vegetables & cold drinks. Bringing individually packaged items is so convenient when possible. Here are what I would call the best road trip snacks, food, drinks & essential food items.

Learn more about what food to pack for road trips

• Cooler
• Paper Towels
• Ziplock Bags
• Paper Plates
• Silverware
• Trail Mix
• Granola Bars
• Beef Jerky
• String Cheese
• Crackers
• Veggies
• Fruit
• GoGo Squeez Applesauce
• Chips
• Popcorn
• Drinks

Winter Road Trip Essentials

Taking a road trip in the winter can bring on a whole new set of problems, but don’t worry, here’s everything you’ll need.

• Tire Chains (if driving in the mountains)
• Ice Scraper
• Folding Snow Shovel
• Winter Gear ( jacket, hat, mittens, snow boots, snow pants)
• Traction Mats
• Extra Food and Water
• Warm Blanket (preferably waterproof)

By following this family road trip packing list, you can be sure that everyone in the family is well-prepared for the trip. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast and plan ahead to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

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