The Essential Road Trip Packing List

Hit the road without hitting the brakes because you realized you forgot your jacket, toothbrush, phone charger, passport... you get the idea. Make sure you've got everything you need before you hop on the open road with this helpful road trip checklist. Pack these road trip essentials and make it a smooth and memorable journey!

Big Creed Bridge Big Sur

In Car Essentials

Your road trip starts and ends with your car! Make sure you're equipped to handle important situations.

  • Driver’s license
  • Car registration and insurance information (When renting, oftentimes your car rental agreement will act as your registration and/or insurance)
  • Car manual
  • Extra car key (Not on the same car ring. If you lose one, you'll lose them all.)
  • AAA membership card and/or phone number(s) for Roadside Assistance
  • Spare tire (With a tire jack and tools to change a flat)
  • Flashlight
  • Paper map (For when you're stuck with no service)
  • First-aid kit 

Roadside Emergency Kit

No one plans on breaking down during a road trip, but it can happen. Be prepared with a roadside emergency kit.

  • Quart of oil
  • Jug of coolant or water
  • Wiper fluid
  • Portable gas container
  • Ice scraper
  • Small shovel/Trowel (In case you need to dig yourself out) 
  • Tire chains

Road Trip Must Haves

The number one rule of the road: comfort is key. Make sure you and your travel companions are prepared.

  • Phone
  • Chargers for cell phone, tablet, digital camera and/or laptop
  • Facial tissue
  • GPS (or traffic app like Waze or Google Maps)
  • Wet wipes/baby wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sunglasses
  • Air freshener/Deodorizer
  • Blankets and pillows
  • Sweater/Sweatshirt
  • Comfortable shoes

Things to Pack for a Trip

 
Your car is ready. Make sure you are, too, with these convenient packing lists. 

Clothing

This list covers all terrains, weather and destinations. Depending on the length of your trip, pack accordingly. 

  • Lightweight clothing (Think light layers)
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Sweaters/Jacketst
  • Shirts
  • Pants/Shorts (Don't forget a belt!)
  • Socks 
  • Rain jacket, windbreaker or umbrella
  • Pajamas/Sleepwear
  • Undergarments
  • Dresses/Skirts
  • Scarf
  • Swimsuit/Swim trunks

Toiletries

Be ready for a night on the town, an evening in the city or a wilderness adventure.

  • Bug spray
  • Medication 
  • Sunscreen
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Brush/Comb
  • Face wash
  • Face cream
  • Lotion 
  • Q-tips
  • Makeup (And makeup remover!)

Miscellaneous Items

What's a road trip without drinks? Or games? Boring; that's what it is. Don't leave without these essentials: 

  • Snacks 
  • Bottled water/Bottled drinks (Be careful with carbonated drinks!)
  • Cooler
  • Games 
  • Outdoor games (Like football or frisbee)
  • Travel mug/Cup
  • Camera
  • Hot spot (Don't get caught without Internet access)
  • Trash bags

Popular Road Trip Cars

Take your pick from one of these classic road trip car options.

SUVs

Room for one more? With an SUV rental, you'll have room for baggage, souveneirs and last-minute additions. 

View SUVs

2-Door Jeep

2 is better than 1 with a 2-door jeep from Enterprise. Bring a friend, pick the playlist and get started on your next trip.

View 2-Door Jeeps

4-Door Jeep

With more leg room and ample space for luggage, a 4-door Jeep is perfect for family outings. 

View- 4-Door Jeeps

Convertible

vehicles/us/suvs.html

No matter where your trip takes you, arrive in style with the wind in your hair and the sun shining on your skin. 

View Convertibles

Road Trip Ideas

Looking for road trip ideas? You've come to the right place! Explore scenic drives along the West Coast, the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls and much more.