Packing well for a road trip means finding a mix of usefulness and ease. You need to think about many things, like maps, snacks, and comfort items. Before you go, make sure to check your list. Important things such as a spare tyre, reusable water bottles, travel insurance papers, and first aid kits help keep your journey safe and easy. You can also add in extras like fun entertainment, blankets, and hygiene items to stay comfy and organized on your trip.
See the must-have items for your next big road trip:
1. Navigation System or Maps
A good navigation system is key to a successful road trip. If you're going on a UK road trip or want the quickest way to get somewhere, tools like Google Maps or a sat nav can help you stay on track. Although new technology is handy, it's also a good idea to have physical maps for backup, especially in rural places where the signal might drop.
Sat navs come with many helpful features like traffic updates, speed-limit alerts, and suggestions for nearby attractions. Use these with Google Maps when you have network access for real-time help. It’s smart to download offline maps, too, so you don't hit unexpected detours.
Before you go, decide who will handle navigation to avoid any fights about directions. Whether you choose a digital map or traditional ones, planning your route well will make your trip better and ensure smoother travel all the way.
2. First Aid Kit
Safety is very important, and having a good first aid kit can really help you. By adding items like plasters, antiseptics, and painkillers, you will be ready for any bumps and scrapes along the way. Your first aid kit should also have items like allergy medicine, insect repellent, and gauze pads. It is always better to be extra prepared than to be surprised!
Keep your first aid kit where you can easily reach it, like in the glove box or under the driver’s seat. This will help you access it quickly in urgent situations.
3. Snacks and Water
No road trip is complete without snacks and drinks to keep you energized during long drives. Cereal bars are great for quick fuel. A reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated and allows you to fill up at any stops you may have along the way. Pack a mix of sweet and savoury snacks to please everyone! For longer trips, think about packing a sandwich or wrap to keep you fueled up for the journey. You can take a small cooler bag and fill it with all your favourite chilled snacks. Who doesn’t love an in-car picnic?
4. Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Protecting yourself from seasonal weather is very important when you go on road trips. Long hours driving mean you spend a lot of time in the sun. Using sunscreen and wearing sunglasses are key steps for sun safety. Put on sunscreen before you leave to avoid harm from UV rays. This is important even on cloudy days or if you are driving.
Sunglasses are just as important, especially when you are in sunny areas. Choose polarized lenses to help cut down on glare and see better in bright light. Bring an extra pair so you can avoid eye strain if your sunglasses get damaged or lost.
5. Travel Insurance Documents
Having travel insurance is important for protecting yourself on a road trip. Traveling can be fun, but unexpected issues like accidents, breakdowns, or health problems can happen. Bring copies of important documents, like your insurance details, to avoid extra stress.
If you are renting a car, think about personal travel insurance and rental car coverage. Check that your policy includes liability, theft, and damages, especially if you are driving across borders. Keeping both digital and paper copies of these documents will help you be ready for emergencies and avoid extra expenses.
Being ready with your documents will give you peace of mind, especially if you travel to remote places.
6. Spare Tyre and Car Toolkit
A spare tyre and car toolkit are must-have items for any road trip, especially for long drives. Flat tyres are one of the most common roadside issues, and they can mess up your plans.
Before you start your journey, consider giving your car a once-over or getting your local garage to conduct a free vehicle health check.
Long distances and extra weight from luggage and passengers can put a bigger strain on your car so it crucial to check tyre tread and pressure, oil and coolant levels, wiper blades and screen wash.
You should also have a portable car toolkit that has jump cables, a jack, wrenches, and a flashlight. These tools are helpful for basic car fixes without depending only on roadside services.
With proper car maintenance and handy tools, you can make sure car problems won’t take away your fun.
7. Portable Phone Charger
A drained phone battery can be a big headache during your road trip. This is especially true if you need to use apps like Google Maps or Waze or encounter an emergency and need to call for help.
Many new cars have USB ports built into vehicles front and rear passenger areas making charging on the go even easier, however if you don’t have this option a power bank is always a good alternative.
8. Comfortable Driving Attire
Choosing the right clothes for your trip can really improve your driving experience. Go for breathable fabrics and wear layers that keep you comfortable on long drives. It’s a good idea to wear shoes that give you support, so you feel good during breaks.
When you focus on comfort, you can avoid distractions and pay more attention to the road making your next road trip safer and more enjoyable. Don’t forget to pack a blanket for extra coziness!
9. Emergency Contact List
Preparing an emergency contact list is very important for a safe road trip. Include family, close friends, and important medical contacts. You could put the list in the glove box or save it on your phone for quick access. Having this key information ready can really help you should you need it in an emergency.
10. Entertainment Options (Books, Podcasts, Music)
Long drives can seem never-ending without good entertainment. Books, music, TV Shows and podcasts can keep all your passengers happy and entertained for hours on end. It’s smart to download everything beforehand so you can enjoy it without interruptions, especially if you are driving in areas with limited or no signal.
Depending on the age of your passengers other things to keep them occupied can include colouring in or classic games like “I Spy”.
11. Blankets and Pillows
Planning ahead can make long drives more fun, especially when passengers are feeling tired. Keeping some soft blankets and even a travel pillow in your car can make it feel cozy and reduce discomfort on those long trips.
12. Rubbish Bags
Rubbish bags are super useful but can be easily forgotten. They help keep your car clean during road trips. Use an old shopping bag for waste like snack wrappers, empty water bottles and other things to avoid creating a mess in your car.
13. Travel Mug and Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during long drives is very important. A travel mug and a reusable water bottle are great choices for this. A travel mug is small and spill-proof making it great for on the go. It keeps your coffee or tea hot while you enjoy the beautiful drive or stop off somewhere for a rest or to stretch your legs.
A reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated during those stretches without service stations and then can be topped up when you next stop off without having to buy another drink.
14. Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
Keeping wet wipes, tissues and hand sanitizer close by can really help during long trips.
These items are important for freshening up, especially after eating, using the toilets, or cleaning up any mess in the car whilst you are on the go.
15. Weather Appropriate Clothing
To stay comfortable on your road trip, you need to think about what to wear for the weather. Layering your clothes can help, especially when temperatures change during long drives through different places. A light rain jacket can also be very helpful if it starts to rain out of nowhere!
By using a good road trip checklist, you can relax knowing that things you need, like a reusable water bottle, a first aid kit, and some ways to keep busy, are with you.
Enjoy the journey and create great memories while being ready for the adventures that await on your next road trip.
