Whether you’re heading out on a short road trip to Grandma’s for the holidays or a weeks long cross-country adventure here are the road trip essentials you’ll need to make the journey a breeze. From comfort items to tech toys to keep kids busy to the things that you didn’t realize would be game changers we’ve got a full list of road trip accessories.
Let’s talk road trips. No matter how much you like your family being in a small moving metal box with them for days on end can have its high points and its low points. I’ve written extensively on long road trip survival on SheBuysTravel. Living in Texas but being from New England and having 4 kids has us road tripping thousands of miles to see family. When we decide whether we should fly or drive it always comes back more cost effective to drive. Years of road trips have shown me that there are a few categories you need to look at for a successful road trip- comfort, tech, organization, entertainment, baby/toddler must haves, and the “wow” moment items. As in WOW how did I road trip before I found this!!
Road Trip Essentials: Comfort Items to Make the Ride Go Smoothly
Have a family member who’s always cold? Want to avoid running the heater while some family members take a bathroom break?
If you’re really going to dive into the world of roadtrips you’ll likely be putting some miles in. Those miles add up the older you get. As someone who just turned 40 and has had a lot of pregnancies never underestimate what good butt support can do for your back. This supportive yet squishy pillow will cradle your buns and improve your posture. As a result there’ll be less groaning every time you dismount from the driver’s seat.
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Look, this one may not be necessary but it’s super fun to have. This blowup bed fits over the seat bottoms and foot wells of the car to create an air mattress you can sleep on. It’s perfect if some of your trip involves camping and potentially bad weather. Definitely a great convenience item to have if you’ve got split age kids. Lay the toddler down and stay with them while the older kids run out some energy at a park you’ve got a visual on.
Tech that Makes Road Trips Easier
Can connect up to 10
This is one of those items that you hope you’ll never need but you’ll always be glad that you have. We love this dash cam because it provides peace of mind for under $50. This particular model turns on and starts recording if it detects a collision or shaking even if the car is parked. Perfect for those crowded hotel parking lots and theme park lots.
Some of y’all are blessed with an in-car vacuum. Sadly, I’m not one of the lucky ones. So when I’m roadtripping with the gremlins I carry a mini vacuum. This one really “sucks” and has a carrying case to zip it into. We store it under the minivan third row and my 8 year old is in charge of vacuuming up any dropped Fruit Loops and Goldfish on the daily.
Road Trip Essentials: Car Organization
One of my major road trip strategies has always been for each kiddo to have a small backpack with their essentials. I love these hooks because they don’t scream “we’re traveling” like the larger car organizers stuffed with every type of entertainment do. The kids can hook their backpacks on the seat so they’re accessible. We also use them for masks and headphones.
Road Trip Essentials: Must Have or It Gets Messy
One thing you don’t want to find out the hard way? That your kiddo gets motion sick. Before you set off on that dream road trip across the Southeast stock up on some Dramamine- just in case.
Puke Bucket
On that same note, having a bucket just in case will save you (and your upholstery). I strongly recommend a collapsible silicone bucket or water bag. They’re easy to store within reach, kids won’t put things in them because they’ll be folded, and they rinse very easily after the “event”.
If you’ve read any of my other road trip articles this one might be repetitive because I will NEVER stop recommending this item. I don’t care if your kids are 5 months or 5 years if they have a child sized bladder and are in a car seat you want these. Accidents happen. Diaper leaks happen. You know what sucks? Trying to wash soggy car seat covers in random hotels after your child unleashes the Niagara Falls into their seat. Be prepared. This pack has 2 for under $20. May no car seat go unprotected.
This thing is the real road trip star. From mopping up messes to drying us off after impromptu creek adventures we’ve used the crap out of it. It even flew to Sri Lanka with me and dried us all after a whitewater rafting trip. The carabiner on this one allows you to clip it up out of the way or attach it to a bag on day trips. Personally I own the XL one but there are ton of sizes available.
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