So you’re planning a cross country road trip which is super exciting! Before you leave let’s make sure you have everything you need to make it as enjoyable as possible since being in a car for long stretches isn’t always the most comfortable. To make your trip fun and pleasurable here are the cross country road trip essentials you are going to need.
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Road Trip Must Haves
Phone Chargers are a must. Between using your phone as a map, entertainment and search engine, your phone is likely to die really quickly.
Phone Mount in order to drive safely while still having your phone available to see.
Cash for tolls or emergency use.
Drivers License & Insurance Info is always a must when driving!
Sunglasses to block out the sun. These are especially helpful when you’re short like me and you’re driving during sunrise and sunset.
Car Friendly Entertainment
Music Playlists to keep things fun and upbeat. Don’t forget to download the playlist to your phone in case you lose service during the drive.
Podcasts are my personal favorite way to pass a long drive. I always keep a few episodes of “My Favorite Murder” downloaded on my phone.
Audiobooks can be another way to keep yourself entertained. Almost every book imaginable is available as an audiobook nowadays.
Games can be a great way to keep kids or adults occupied. Whether its mind games like the “licence plate” game or physical games like mini connect four!
Movies were my favorite pastime in the car as a kid. We used to marathon movie series like Harry Potter or Star Wars.
Read more: 17 Boredom Busting Things to do on a Long Car Ride
Food
Water is important to bring so that you stay hydrated. Drink enough to stay hydrated but don’t drink so much that you have to take tons of extra stops.
Snacks of many different varieties. I like to have salty snacks, sweet snacks and healthy snacks in order to have a variety and to keep my mouth from feeling gross.
A Cooler is a must if you bring refrigerated foods. I usually don’t need more than a small insulated lunchbox.
Safety
First aid kit because you never know when you’ll need a bandaid.
Spare tire should be in good shape and ready to use, along with the tools needed to change it.
Jumper cables that will allow you to help others or receive help from anyone if your car stops on a trip.
Snow chains are a must if you’re driving in the winter. They are helpful and often required.
Related Posts:
- Customizable 2 Week Packing List
- How to Plan a Road Trip (coming soon)
- When to Pack Heavy vs When to Pack Light
Personal Care
Chapstick because there is nothing worse than chapped lips while on the road.
Hand Sanitizer to stay clean and healthy while traveling which can be difficult.
Lotion
Toothbrush and toothpaste to keep your mouth from feeling (or smelling) gross.
Hairbrush to get out the tangles from your car naps.
Glasses and Contacts can help you feel more awake in the early morning and late evening while driving.
Comfort
Blanket when you’re the passenger, being comfortable can make all the difference. A light blanket can do that for you.
A Jacket to dress in layers so that you can easily adjust to temperature changes.
Optional but Helpful Car Items
Car Garbage Bag so that garbage doesn’t pile up and you can easily clean out your car at each stop and at the end of your cross country road trip.
Camera just in case you come across something beautiful while driving that you want to capture.
Toilet Paper isn’t a bad thing to keep on hand for any emergency bathroom breaks.
Umbrella in case the rain starts really coming down. You don’t want to be damp for hours at a time.
What is a Cross Country Road Trip
A cross country road trip does not actually have to take you from coast to coast, although it could! I consider a road trip cross country if it requires more than 6 hours of driving or you cross multiple state borders. This will mean you traversed a large amount of land and you will be in the car for a long time.
Those many hours in the car can get uncomfortable and boring if you don’t come prepared with the right supplies. So make sure you properly prep for your next trip with all the proper road trip necessities.
Road Trip Kit:
Road Trip Necessities
There you have it, all the road trip essentials to make your cross country trip enjoyable, not just bearable. Is there anything you bring on every car trip that I missed? Tell me in the comments below!
