Road Trip Essentials Every Parent Should Pack (But Usually Forgets)

A family road trip is a great way to create new memories, experience new adventures, and bond in ways you never thought possible. Whether you're going for a holiday road trip to see relatives or a long summer trip across the country, you're bound to have the time of your life. However, the fun can quickly come to a screeching halt when you reach into your travel bag and realize that you forgot something! We don't want you to go through that stress, so we created a list of road trip essentials you shouldn't leave home without. 

Many of the items on this list will be no-brainers, but the excitement of a road trip can quickly cloud your thinking, and before you know it, you're asking yourself, “Am I forgetting something?” Follow this list, and you'll have everything you need to enjoy your trip without that unwanted stress.

Packing Tips for the Trip

Before we tell you about the road trip essentials that you may accidentally forget, let's start with some tips to keep in mind when preparing for your trip, so you can get your mind in the right space. The tips here will keep you organized and set the right priorities so you have everything you need for a successful trip.

Start Early

Perhaps the most important tip to remember is to never start packing at the last minute. That's a surefire way to forget many items. Once you have your trip scheduled, start creating a list of items you want to bring. Start this list weeks, if not months, in advance. Put a list on the refrigerator and write down everything you think of as you pass through the kitchen. Over time, you're sure to remember things you didn't think of the day before. Then, when the trip date arrives, you'll have a great start on packing.

Pack By Category

When you're ready to start packing, instead of thinking about what each person in your family needs, consider packing bags according to category. One bag could be for swimwear, another for toiletries, etc. Doing this will make packing easier and make it easier to find what you need at each stop during your trip. You can also make identifying specific items easier by packing many of your items in clear containers that you can place in the trunk. Then you'll be able to see what you need before opening all of your bags.

Consider A “First Night” Bag

Whether you plan on staying at a hotel the first night or letting the kids sleep in the car as you keep driving, consider a “first night” bag. This will contain pajamas, toiletries, pillows, and everything else you and your kids will need. You can grab them at a moment’s notice instead of pulling over and digging through the trunk.

Save Space In Your Bags

If you plan a road trip lasting weeks or even months, you'll want to pack your essentials properly so you can make the most of the space you have. One trick to smart packing is to roll up your clothes instead of folding them. Another idea is to pack small items, like phone chargers, socks, and small accessories into your shoes.

Along those lines, you can also purchase travel-sized toiletries that can fit in the nooks and crannies of your bags. Finally, consider packing versatile clothing that you can wear on multiple occasions, rather than changing clothes every day. You can also pack clothes that can be worn in layers so you can wear them for several days.

Road Trip Essentials You Should Never Forget

Before we get into the items you should pack for your trip but are likely to forget, let's talk about the items that you absolutely must have. This is a list of items you probably already thought of, but are good to remember nonetheless:

Car Essentials 

• Drivers license
• Insurance
• Spare tire
• Jumper cables

Clothing

• Socks
• Shirts
• Pants
• Shorts
• Pajamas
• Rain gear
• Shoes
• sandals

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Soap, shampoo
• Hand sanitizer

Electronics

• Phone
• GPS
• Phone charger

Important Documents

• List of medications
• List of emergency contacts
• Vehicle manual

Entertainment for the Kids

• Coloring books
• Stuffed animals
• Tablets
• Puzzles
• Travel trivia games

If your child has a favorite toy that they absolutely cannot live without, then write it on your packing list as soon as possible. The last thing you want is to have to turn the car around because your child is crying from the backseat that you forgot their favorite plushie.

Items You Should Pack (But Most Parents Forget)

Finally, let's talk about the road trip essentials that can be extremely nice to have and even life-saving. The items on this list should always be packed, but are often forgotten. Follow this list and you won't make the same mistake.

Clean Up Kit

When you're taking a trip in a confined space like a car, you're going to have a mess at some point. A good clean-up kit will include baby wipes (for kids of all ages), paper towels, trash bags, hand sanitizer, and spare bags for dirty clothes.

First Aid kit

Most families have a first-aid kit, but forgetting one on a road trip can create a life-or-death situation. The kit should include the basics like Band-Aids, splints, scissors, tape, a thermometer, and gauze. However, also consider adding pain relievers and motion sickness tablets to your bag. A good kit will also include a flashlight and extra batteries, so you can provide aid in the dark. Your emergency kit should also include a whistle that everyone can find. You can blow it in case you are lost or in danger.

Food/Drink Supplies

While you’re unlikely to forget to bring food, it’s possible that you could forget the utensils and tools that make eating on the go easier. Items in this category include can or bottle openers, condiment packets, reusable water bottles, paper cups, extra disposable utensils, and ice packs for the cooler so the food stays good.

Health & Cleanliness Items

There are various other health and hygiene items you should consider packing for your trip, like tweezers and nail clippers, which can easily fit in any bag. Don't forget extra disposable grocery bags that you can use to hide dirty diapers and food waste. 

Skincare Items

There are various skincare products that we know we need but are very easy to forget — starting with sunscreen. You and your kids should apply sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy outside. Also pack some aloe vera in case you do get a sunburn.

Even if you’re not going camping, it’s a smart idea to bring at least one can of bug spray along the way. You never know when you’ll be entering mosquito territory, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Finally, take some lip balm and hand lotion along. Sometimes, the air conditioning in your car can cause dryness, so bringing these products will help to mitigate any discomfort.

Camping Supplies

If you plan to camp during your road trip, make the necessary arrangements in advance, whether you're sleeping in a camper, your car, or a tent. Don't forget to bring a bug net or citronella sticks. Also, pack a couple of flashlights for your kids during nighttime hikes. Take enough folding chairs so you have somewhere to sit during downtime. Finally, to avoid waste, bring reusable plates, utensils, and a tablecloth. There will be a place to clean it at the campsite. 

List of Places to Go

While you may have a final destination in mind, driving for hours at a time can be tough, especially for the kids. That's why you should look up a list of roadside attractions before you leave. There's plenty to see in America. Plus, when you tell your kids they only have to sit in their seats for a few hours before you stop again, it makes the drive much easier for everyone. 

Since some roadside attractions can be off the beaten path, it's helpful to take a paper map along the way as well. It can't hurt to have other important documents, such as your hotel reservations, on paper in case you need them when you're in a place with no internet. 

When in Doubt, Double Check

While this list will have everything you need, every family is different, so take your time while packing. When in doubt, double-check everything and make a list you can refer to along the way. Then, hit the road and make a trip you'll never forget.

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