Whether you’ve got kids to entertain during summer break or you’re just hankering for getting the heck outta Dodge, one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to explore the world around you is by indulging in a fun road trip! Assuming you’ve got a vehicle that’s ready to hit the highway, road trips offer plenty of bonding time with your besties, learning experiences for all ages, and a world of adventure right in your seeming backyard. But given you’ll be basically living out of your car for the length of this adventure, there’s no reason not to outfit your trip with some easy tricks and tools that will help make it all the more pleasant. From keeping little ones entertained and seatbelts from cutting off your circulation to car organizers that keep necessities at hand and some easy cleaning supplies (because we know that things happen!), we’ve compiled some of our favorite road trip essentials to keep the whole crew happy.
1. Thule Chasm Sport Duffel
First things first, you’re going to need to pack a few things — this is a vacation, after all. And that means you need the right type of road trip luggage. And a hard shell suitcase just isn’t quite right for easily accessing your things when you’re always on the go. Instead, I love this Thule duffel bag (it comes in several different sizes and colors) because it’s super versatile. Not only can you carry it as a duffel or switch to backpack-mode, but it opens wide at the top so you can see everything inside without having to drag it out of the car. The soft sides make it easy to squish into tight places. And there’s just enough inside pockets to keep small, important things organized. Sure, it’s a higher price point, but having a good, solid piece of luggage that’s rugged enough for any road trip or other travel will last you years!
2. BAGSMART Toiletry Bag
Even with a big ol’ duffel bag at hand, you’re going to want an easy way to grab your toiletries and go. During a road trip, you’re often operating out of your car, motel stays, or rest stops, so keeping your personal care items in check is a necessity. This BAGSMART dopp kit-style toiletry bag is the ultimate in organization. It has tons of pockets to keep things like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash upright (and not spilling), along with zip pockets for tiny accessories and elastics to keep things in place. My favorite part is the waterproof side pocket that can keep a washcloth from getting everything else in your bag damp until you can hang it to dry.
3. Thread Wallets Small Crossbody Bag
For all the pit stops you’re obviously going to make along the way, you’ll need a reliable, secure bag for keeping track of your wallet, phone, keys and other essentials. Rather than having to grab all of these things every time, simply stash them in this convenient cross-body bag! It’s the perfect size to accommodate everything you need for a quick viewpoint destination, grocery run, and more. It has pockets that conveniently fit your phone and an adjustable strap that fits any way you want to wear it. It comes in fun, stylish color options as well as a clear version if you need it for any venue that requires that these days. You might even start wearing it when you’re not on the road, it’s so great!
4. BAGAIL Packing Cubes
When it comes to keeping your trunk or car space organized for the length of your entire trip, packing cubes will be your best friend. Not only will they help keep your duffel organized, but they’re great for separating all your different electronics, or making each kid their own cube of books and games. I love them for storing dirty laundry separately from everything else (and making it easy to grab if you’re stopping at a laundromat). This set has a ton of different sizes making it super flexible to accommodate your specific needs. And of course they come in a ton of different colors to suit your style.
5. Hidden Money Belt
You’re probably used to seeing money belts recommended for long-haul vacations to foreign countries, but I also think they’re great for road trips. Because you just never know. Keeping your identification, cash, and credit cards secure on the road is essential to having a worry-free road trip. This adjustable money belt has multiple compartments to keep you organized, stays thin enough when worn to be unnoticeable under clothes, and also has triple-layer RFID protection. So when you quickly hop out of the car at a rest stop or to do a bit of sightseeing, you’ll be less of a target for anyone with an eye on weary road visitors.
6. Thule 614 Pulse Rack
If you’re taking a longer road trip, doing some car camping along the way, or just need more room inside your car for all your buddies, then you’ll probably want a roof rack to accommodate your road trip supplies. This super sturdy version from Thule is worth the investment. It has a huge capacity and can hold multiple bags, a few snowboards, or anything else you want to store up there. It’s waterproof even in the heaviest rains. It installs easily (though you might need a little step stool (and I suggest bringing one along on the trip for easy access), and has a lock so you don’t have to worry about it along the way. It’s also low-profile, at just 16″ tall, so you should be good to go for driving and parking nearly anywhere!
7. Lusso Gear Car Front Seat Organizer
If you’re road tripping on your own and have a free front passenger seat, I love this car seat organizer to keep all your goodies out of the way and organized. It fits around the headrest on any front seat and hangs vertically to keep notebooks, water bottles, pens, and more at hand. There are tons of pockets, great for carrying various maps and atlases so you don’t have to dig through your glove compartment. And it’s also super great even when you’re not on vacation, as a way to keep your essentials in check instead of just throwing everything in a pile on the seat.
8. Lusso Gear Heavy Duty Back Seat Car Organizer
And for those in the back seats, there’s a matching heavy duty organizer as well! Again, it hangs around the headrest, facing the back, and straps to the seat to hold it securely in place. This organizer has more pockets than you’ll know what to do with, including multiple cup or water bottle holders and a clear tablet pocket so the kiddos can watch their favorite programs while you keep your eyes on the road. The organizer comes in four different colors to coordinate with your car’s interior and is super durable and easy to clean. Pack it with toys, stuffed animals, snacks, books, and more!
9. Trunk Organizer with Cooler Bag
For keeping your car trunk tidy, I love this portable, foldable storage bag. You can get one with three or four compartments, in a few different color options. It has handles to easily lift and move it when you need to, and it comes with a matching, detachable cooler bag so you can keep drinks, snacks, and groceries cool along the way. Great for packing a lunch and pulling out for a picnic outside. This super practical organizer also has side pockets to keep smaller items in check. I use one for toting around groceries and market hauls that I don’t want rolling around my trunk, so it’ll be great for in-town errands as well.
10. Lamicall Car Headrest Tablet Holder
If you don’t need an entire back seat full of toys and organization but want a way for the littles to watch their shows without getting a crick in their necks, this tablet holder is fantastic. The extension arm easily clips into your car seat headrest without the need for any tools. It can stretch to sit between the seats so multiple passengers can watch a movie. And it has a 360-degree rotation so it can angle any which way you like. You can use it to hold an iPad, a Kindle, a Nintendo Switch, even just your cellphone! Just add popcorn!
11. MagicMount Pro2
For keeping your phone and any GPS apps at hand in the front seat, I love this MagicMount smartphone holder. It’s a 4-in-1 car mount kit with options for mounting to the dash or via a vent. I love the swing arm for its flexibility, instead of being stuck with a holder that doesn’t angle quite right. Its specially designed mount head is both MagSafe and universally compatible, allowing you to connect any device you like without having to use a MagicPlate. Welcome to hands-free ease on your road trip!
12. Scooch iPhone Case with Card Holder & Car Mount
If you want a little less fuss in your cellphone, while still having functionality features that make your life a bit easier, this Scooch iPhone case is a cool little gadget. First of all, it’s super sturdy—meeting military drop protection standards with EXO-D Impact technology and reinforced corners. Secondly, it holds up to three credit or debit cards in its secret compartment. You can also use a card to neatly prop the phone up like a little kickstand with the slim notch in the back of the case. And this one comes with a mini car mount and embedded QuoolCharge badge so you can mount your phone to any strong non-MagSafe magnetic mount right out of the box.
13. Car Power Inverter
While most cars these days have some sort of charging option available, it’s usually only a USB or a DC outlet you need another converter for. Well, this is the converter of your dreams when it comes to powering any length of road trip. That’s because this DC power inverter turns your car’s charging port into a literal outlet with a whopping 6 power options. Not only does it have two U.S. standard AC outlets so you can actually plug in a laptop with ease, but it has four USB ports including a USB-C port so everyone’s tech can stay at full battery. Its internal fan also keeps the whole thing cool so you can charge without worry.
14. Power Bank Portable Charger
If you want to be able to take your power on-the-go without your vehicle, you’ll want a portable power bank. This huge capacity charger should do the trick. It will help you stay connected when you’re backpacking, out at a music festival, or anywhere else there might not be standard electricity. I.e. on the best road trip of your life. It features three inputs: Micro USB, Lightning, and USB Type C ports, providing ease of charging with your iPhone or Andriod cables. And it has a clear screen showing you how much power is left. You can get multiple charges out of it before having to recharge the power bank itself, so it should be fine to get you through all the adventure you crave.
15. Car Cup Holder Expander
We all know staying hydrated on the go can be hard, especially when your car cup holders seem to be too small for any decent sized water bottle or jumbo cups. Before your epic road trip, make sure you outfit your vehicle with a car cup holder extender, which adapts your existing cup holders to fit Nalgenes and more! The great part is that it also can be offset so that you can fit two next to each other, or under the dash, and it stays secure with a simple twist. Get one for every passenger and you’ll all enjoy all the hydration you need to keep your road trip going!
16. Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray
If I had this travel tray as a kid, let me tell you, car trips would have been 100% improved. No more boredom, no more bothering my parents every 10 minutes. Just all the fun and enrichment right at my own fingertips. To keep your kiddos entertained throughout your whole road trip, get this travel tray loaded up with all sorts of projects, books, snacks, and video players. This foldable tray straps to any toddler seat and comes with a detachable tablet holder, dry erase surface, cup holder, and side pockets for extra goodies. Even if all it did was keep crayons from the cracks of the car seats, it’s probably a good idea.
17. 2 Pack of Wireless Car Headphones
If your car has a built-in DVD player, but you’re absolutely tired of hearing the same kids shows over and over, get them a set of these IR compatible headphones. These are not Bluetooth headphones, they plug directly into your car’s media system, and even have two channels so the kids can watch different things and you don’t have to hear a thing. They work well with any universal-frequency car DVD player, but for non-universal ones, SIMOLIO makes an IR transmitter to pull it all together. There’s also an aux cable included, for use with iPad, iPhone and Tablet PC.
18. Soft Padded Seat Belt Covers
Nothing makes a road trip more miserable than when a seatbelt is choking you the whole time. Except, of course, when you don’t have a soft place to rest your head. Solve both problems with this one easy product—soft padded seat belt covers. This two-pack turns your seat belts into padded cushions that are both comfortable and safe. Great if you need to pull over for some quick shut-eye or the kids are lulled to sleep. They have a slide-resistant lining, adjustable velcro closure, and are super easy to install and move around when needed. Plus, they’re machine washable so you can get rid of all the road trip germs when you’re done!
19. Snoozer Dog Car Seat
We don’t want to forget about your pup’s comfort during your road trip. Get them this uber-luxurious lookout booster seat! It elevates your smaller dog so they can see out the window, and eases anxiety and car sickness at the same time. Made from super plush, shock-absorbing foam with a handsome fabric cover, the raised sidewalls keep your little loves secure and contained, and you can loop the lap belt through the back for added security. Of course, the cover is removable and machine washable, and is also stain and water resistant. Let them snuggle up without having to be in your lap!
20. ErgoFoam Donut Pillow
Speaking of keeping everyone comfortable on the road, that includes yourself. And driving long distances can definitely be a pain in the you know where. Prevent and ease your discomfort with this ergonomic tailbone cushion that provides support where you need it most! This donut seat cushion is endorsed by chiropractors, engineered with a comfort-gel core, and a plush layer of memory foam. It helps ease tailbone pain and hemorrhoids, as well as helping with sciatic pain, herniated discs and more. It’s cover is machine washable and it’ll make your trip so much cushier!
21. EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade
A true road trip essential, don’t leave home without a solid windshield shade! Not only does it protect your car’s interiors from the sun, but it can help keep your car cool and comfortable while you adventure around town. Available in a plethora of sizes to suit any vehicle, this sun shield is super durable and easy to use. You can pull up to your next viewpoint or day trip, pop up the sunshade easily, and when you’re done, fold it back up and store it inside the included pouch. It’s a great way to keep the sun and heat off of your car and your stuff!
22. BlueHills Premium Soft Travel Blanket
Cars aren’t exactly known for being super comfy and cozy, are they? Make your road trip much more pleasant with this convenient travel blanket that doubles as a pillow! Made of premium micro plush material, this blanket measures 60″ x 43″, so there’s plenty to go around. It comes with a soft matching carrying case that, when you load in the blanket, turns into a plush pillow. Great for those quick road naps when you’re taking turns at the wheel. It also has an attached belt and carabiner so you can easily strap it to your luggage for travel and both parts are machine washable and dryer safe.
23. Manta Sleep Mask
Turn your road trip naps into the best sleep ever with Manta’s sleep mask. This true, 100-percent blackout sleep mask has molded eye cups that relieve eye pressure. They’re fully adjustable so you can blink like you’re not even wearing a mask, and you can customize them to your eye position and angle for a personalized fit. They’ll help you snooze during the day, even in the sunniest location and are made to be super soft, breathable, and durable. They have a cotton velour strap, easy colusre, and industrial-grade elastics. And yes, machine washable!
24. Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
Ok, so this one is NOT for use in the car, but it’s fantastic for any road trip layovers when you’ve got little ones in tow. Hotels and motels don’t always have enough beds to accommodate the kiddos or charge you an extra fee to rent them. Instead, you can use this portable, inflatable toddler bed to keep them safely snoozing on the go. It includes a high-speed pump, a couple of patches just in case, and a travel bag for convenience. It’s also super low profile with safety bumpers on the sides so you can be sure they won’t roll off during the night. Because everyone (including you) deserves serene sleep on the road!
25. Homedics Neck Massager
The other pain point we often suffer while on a long road trip is a sore neck, given all the sitting down and the potential for poor posture. Whether you take it on the road with you (highly recommended) or keep it at home for afterwards, this lightweight, portable neck massager can easily fit in your travel bag or trunk. It’s ergonomically designed with a frame that flexes and shapes to your body for the perfect fit, and has a plush cover so it feels great on your skin. The convenient handles allow you to rest your hands and lightly pull the device, pressing the massaging nodes into your neck for a deep-tissue kneading massage. And bonus: it has a heat function too!
26. Wise Owl Outfitters Quick Dry Microfiber Towel
Does your road trip involve swimming stops? Maybe a picnic? A quick camping overnight? No matter the use, this quick-dry microfiber towel will keep you fresh and clean when you need it most. Along the road they pack down super small, so they won’t take up much space in your vehicle, and are ultra-soft on your skin. This two-pack comes with both a full-size towel and a wash cloth, great for quick pit stops and cleaning up spills. They come in a bunch of different colors, and are easy to hang dry. Plus, they can wick away sweat and water with ease, so don’t leave home without it!
27. Blazin Ultra Bright Camping Lantern
For both fun and safety on the road, you’re going to want this ultra-bright camping lantern. You can use it to light up any repair work that you’re doing (you never know when the next flat tire will happen), or on a quick hike through the woods. It’s battery operated and can run continuously for six whole days if you need it to! This one is super bright but also has a frosted cover so you won’t get blinded, and is small enough to stash under the car seat. It has a convenient “S” hook so you can hang it and light up wherever is needed and by removing the top you can create a more flashlight-like beam. An actual essential you’ll be glad you have.
28. Carpool Chaos
Gone are the days where playing the alphabet game was all we had to stay entertained during the family road trip. Today, there’s Carpool Chaos instead. And let me tell ya, it makes the ride way more fun. It includes 160 action-packed cards inside its sturdy box (easily fits into your seat back pockets or backpack), that feature all kinds of games, challenges, hypotheticals, and more. It’s totally appropriate for mid-age kiddos 4 and up, so the whole family can stay involved. Think: What would you do if an alien showed up? Or, name that song. Or even coming up with fun nicknames for everyone you’ve got to remember to use all day!
29. Sun Ninja Pop Up Beach Tent
I love this all-purpose pop-up tent for road trips because you just never know where you’ll end up wanting to hang out a while. Crafted with water-resistant fabric that offers UPF 50+ sun protection, this tent creates a convenient shelter anywhere you want it, perfect for family, friends, and good times. Simply fill the pockets with sand or use the included pegs for grass and it sets up easily then packs into a portable travel bag you can stow back in the car and go. It’s also available in a few different sizes and colors depending on how many folks you’ve got with you, so you can find your perfect fit.
30. Clever Fox Travel Journal
When you’re really ready to fulfill all your road trip dreams, start with this handy travel planner from Clever Fox. This organizational tool is built to include everything you need to plan your trip in detail. You can use the diary to prepare lists of places to see and things to do. It also has sections for your itinerary and budget, and a helpful packing list section to ensure you’ve got everything you need before hitting the road. Once you’re exploring, you can make use of handy safety tips and track memorable moments you don’t want to forget. I like to also tuck polaroid photos into the journal to have visual memories while I write down what I loved about each place I visit.
31. GIN GINS Original Ginger Chews
I’m one of the unfortunate folks who gets super car sick, but I know I’m not alone. I love these classic ginger chews from GIN GINS to help alleviate nausea with a little kick! They’re super flavorful and easy to have on hand because they’re individually wrapped. They contain more fresh ginger than any other brand and soothe the stomach while also satisfying your sweet tooth and lifting your mood. GIN GINS contain no artificial sweeteners, are non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free, so they’re great for almost everyone.
32. Tupkee Double Wall Glass Tumbler
If you’re on a road trip, you’re probably going to need a caffeine fix. My favorite way to do it is with this reusable, clear glass travel tumbler. Made of borosilicate double walled glass, it’s high temperature heat resistant, and capable to withstand thermal shock. Great for either hot or cold bevvies, and microwave and freezer safe. Unlike plastic, this glass travel mug keeps your coffee or tea tasting au natural without releasing toxins into your drinks, with no aftertaste. It makes filling up at the gas station a little less dreary! It also has a silicone sleeve for a comfortable, non-slip grip.
33. Collapsible Water Bottle
Stay hydrated on the road and during any pit stop with this collapsible water bottle. I love these silicone bottles because they’re super lightweight and compact for travel and outdoor activities. They’re made from food-grade silicone and are odorless for safe and clean drinking. This one has a cool spiral collapsible design that squishes down to just 5 inches so it will hardly take up any space in your car or pack and has a nice tight seal to prevent leaks. Plus, the wide mouth makes it easy to add ice and refill along the road. It’s one you don’t have to worry about kiddos dropping or getting too banged up.
34. JoGo – The Original Coffee and Tea Brewing Straw
If you’re particular about your morning brew and want to have it on the road, the JoGo reusable filtering straw is about to be your new best friend. This patented portable coffee and tea brewer has a filter at the bottom of the straw. All you have to do is add your favorite grounds or loose tea to your mug, stir it up, and enjoy! The filter keeps particles out of your mouth and it works great on the road. Just make sure you remember to rinse it off and brush off any remains when you’re done for a clean brew every time.
35. Healthy Snack Box Variety Pack
You certainly can’t make it through an entire road trip surviving on caffeine alone. You need snacks. And so do the kids. Since the car doesn’t offer a ton of options for having super fresh food all the time, at least you can have some reasonably healthy snacks at hand, like the ones you’ll find in this massive variety pack. It comes loaded up with everything from fruit snacks and granola bars to Pirate’s Booty and Chex Mix. Frankly, I’d get this just to have around the house for fending off hangry teenagers. But it’ll do a fine job on the road too, for perfectly portioned, easy to reach for goodies that will keep hunger at bay.
36. Outlery Portable Stainless Steel Cutlery Set
When you’re road tripping, there is a pretty good chance that at some point you will find yourself stuck with a plastic spork as the only option for shoveling a hot meal into your face. And no one likes that. Instead, keep one of these super convenient Outlery sets at hand. Crafted from the finest grade of stainless steel with a cool foldable construction, this three-piece set assembles quickly into full size utensils. When you’re done with your meal, simply wash off the silverware, fold it back up, and pack it away in it’s little silicone-lined tin. So perfectly sized, it even fits in your pocket. But the glove box will also do.
37. Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier
Sure water is great, but when you’re on a big adventure, you want to be alive, awake, alert, and super enthusiastic. That’s where adding Liquid I.V. to your water can help. I keep these on hand for daily use anyway, so of course I’ve got a stock in the car when I’m on the road. They not only taste great (I love a flavored water more than anything), but they help you hydrate faster with an optimized ratio of electrolytes and nutrients. They come in super easy single-serve packets you just pour into your water bottle. Give it a good shake up and you’re ready to roll!
38. YETI Hopper Flip 8 Portable Soft Cooler
For keeping your water or snacks cool during the summer (hello string cheese and carrot sticks!), you’re going to need some kind of cooler and I love this Yeti one for easy grab-and-go situations. The Hopper Flip 8 has ColdCell Insulation, which holds cold better than most ordinary soft coolers and features a 100% leakproof zipper and high-density fabric built to withstand punctures and UV rays. So it’s literally perfect for the road. It’s a great, compact size and can hold up to 6 cans plus ice, or whatever snacks you like! I like to use re-freezable gel packs instead of ice, so they stay flat and leave me lots of room for cooling!
39. BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator
If you’ve got the space and want a more powerful solution, you can also go full-out with a mini fridge in your vehicle. A buddy of mine outfitted their truck with one of these little refrigerators and it’s really a game changer. With Compressor refrigeration technology, this 12v car refrigerator can cool things down lickity split, as in 20 minutes from 77℉ to 32℉ and 50 min from 77℉ to -5℉, keeping your food fresh without the need for ice. You can run this portable freezer fridge with 12/24V DC power on various vehicles, such as SUVs, Trucks, RVs, Camper, Van, Boat, etc.
40. HyperGo Mint Body Wipes
Staying clean when you’re on the road isn’t always easy, especially if you’ve seen some of the bathrooms available out there! Not to worry, though, because these HyperGo body cleansing wipes have you covered. They’re a huge 12″ x 12″ wipe built for any body with an ultra-soft, durable feel that’s gentle enough for using on your face as well. They’re free from all the usual baddies like sulfates, fragrance, alcohol, and parabens. And they’re biodegradable and rinse free. This is honestly the perfect solution if you have to do a quick cleanup on the go, and you won’t regret having a couple packs at the ready.
41. Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes
I’m also including these Ursa Major face wipes as a total essential for any road trip or travel you’re doing. They’re in every bag I pack, and the smell so fresh it’s an instant pick-me-up when you’re tired or a little grimy. These award-winning, individually-wrapped face wipes are total multi-taskers, built to cleanse, exfoliate, soothe, and hydrate with naturally derived ingredients like aloe, birch sap, willow bark, and sugarcane. Ursa Major’s face wipes are paraben-free, fragrance-free, cruelty-free and vegan. There are no petrochemicals, sulfates, synthetic fragrance or color, glycols, silicones or PEGs. And even better yet, these natural bamboo facial wipes are biodegradable. Seriously, they smell and feel so refreshing, you’ll want to start using them every day!
42. Portawipes Toilet Paper Tablets
Now that your skin is covered up top, it’s time to talk about the down under. Road trip restrooms are kind of a bummer and the worst part is when you run into a lack of toilet paper. No one likes a drip dry situation. Prevent utter bathroom disaster with these Portawipes toilet paper tablets! Now, sure, it’s a little odd at first, but it’s better than dragging around an entire roll of toilet paper! These convenient tablets are made of compressed, soft, odor-free wipes that offer a cleaner and more hygienic way to live your road trip to it’s fullest. You simply moisten them with a bit of water, unfold, wipe, and go! Yes, you can also use them to wipe other things, so they function as little mini towels you can use to clean up anything you like.
43. Tide To Go Wipes
Speaking of keeping things clean. Road trips are a total breeding ground for stains, what with all the snacks and spills. Keep them at bay (and from ruining your favorite t-shirts) with Tide’s to-go wipes. These individually-wrapped wipes are super portable and help you wipe away any food and drink stains as they happen, fighting stains in seconds! They’re bleach-free, easily fit in your pocket or any pouch in the car and safe to use on machine washable fabrics. I like the wipe over the pen for it’s larger coverage capabilities. Don’t leave home without them!
44. Spill-Proof Car Trash Can
Around here, we don’t litter, so it’s essential to have a clean, easy way to dispose of things while we’re on the road. Enter this Lusso spill-proof car trash can. Made of waterproof material, this flip-top trash receptacle keeps odors at bay and is easy to clean. A removable leakproof liner contains any spills, and external hooks let you use disposable plastic bags for further protection and easy trash removal. It also has an adjustable strap that lets you hang it anywhere from the console, glove box, door or seat back. It’s the perfect solution to keeping all those empty snack wrappers and used tissues from cluttering up your car.
45. Scrubba Portable Washing Machine Bag
A good road trip is all about exploration and adventure—and sometimes that involves getting a little dirty. But you don’t have a lot of space for spare clothing, nor do you want to stop all the time at small-town laundromats. Instead, get yourself this super clever portable washing machine! The patented washboard-in-a-bag design gives you a machine quality wash in just a few minutes, and works literally anywhere. It folds up in a little pocket-size pouch that’s easy to stow in your vehicle, and has simple instructions printed right on the bag. You just add a bit of soap and water and you get clean clothes quickly and effectively. Between use you can also use it as a laundry hamper or to keep gear dry!
46. Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner
Despite all best attempts, keeping a car clean during a long road trip is nearly impossible. But this powerful handheld vacuum cleaner sure makes it easier! You can charge this baby right in your car and it has two different functions. It can easily blow away dirt, crumbs, and dust from the surface as well as suck out the stubborn bits hidden in car crevices. Because digging snack crumbs out of seat-belt grooves is an actual nightmare. With just one-click dismantling, you can easily empty it into your trash container and the filter can simply be washed and reused to keep it working at full power. Bonus points: it comes with lots of accessories and an LED light to easily see into all the dark places!
47. Garmin inReach Satellite Communicator
Safety is a pretty big deal when you’re on the road, especially if you’re traveling anywhere you might lose cell service. To help keep you and your loved ones safe and secure, this compact, lightweight satellite communicator from Garmin is a real winner. It does require an active satellite subscription, but with that you can enable two-way messaging and interactive SOS nearly anywhere. It’s also Bluetooth equipped and water resistant. You can use it to navigate your route, share your location with loved ones at any time, and get accurate heading with its digital compass.
48. Scosche Portable Car Battery Jump Starter
One of my actual worst nightmares on a road trip is that I’ll end up with a dead car battery. Not so with this portable jumper starter! The power boost from the Scosche jumper pack is capable of jump starting vehicles with gas engines up to 8.0 litre, and diesel engines up to 7.0 litre, even when the battery is completely drained. It can provide more than 1,000 full charge cycles, and is equipped with a spark-free safety system, ensuring you and your car’s engine are protected. Not only that, but it can also charge phones, tablets, laptops, and more with a built-in power bank with a 30W USB-C PD charging port, ensuring you never find yourself stranded without a functioning cell phone when you need it most.
49. Thrive Roadside Emergency Car Kit
Every good road tripper knows that the first thing you need is a reliable emergency kit. I know, it’s not as fun as some of the other things on this list, but in the case of any rough situation, you’ll be glad you came prepared. This one is packed with all the essential automotive safety products you could dream, including jumper cables, an escape hammer, a tire pressure gauge, a flashlight, screwdrivers, bungee cords, an ice scraper, and more! It also has a well-stocked first aid kit to tackle any injuries. Constructed from sturdy materials, this emergency kit comes in a range of variations and styles to suit your preferences, each with the same excellent tool selection.
50. Fodor’s Best Road Trips in the USA
And last, but certainly not least, if you’re simply not sure where to go on this epic road trip, reach for Fodor’s guide! Researched and written by local experts, this book is packed with curated maps, recommendations, and planning tips to help you make the most of your summer. It includes an illustrated guide to the top things to see and do in all 50 states, road trip itineraries, detailed maps, color photos, recommendations from locals, and more. It’s really the go-to guide for planning any great road trip, including discovering all the local sights and hidden gems along the way!