What To Pack For A Road Trip in 2022
Whether you’re packing the car for a weekend road trip or loading up the RV for a cross-country adventure, making a road trip checklist is sure to help smooth the ride. Planning what to bring on a road trip is as important as charting the right course. Our updated, 2022 list of road trip essentials below is the perfect place to start.
Road Trip Necessities
Snacks
Snacks are a must for obvious reasons, especially when food options along your route may be limited. Pack dry foods that don’t need refrigerating, like trail mix, beef jerky, and granola bars. Or bring a small cooler, like the Travelpro® Essentials™ 2-in-1 Travel Tote & Cooler for fresh fruit, water bottles, or even prepared sandwiches. Even when packing “everything,” bring cash for vending machines or other impulse buys along the way.
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Navigation Apps
GPS devices are a thing of the past, and navigating from your car or phone screen is the way to go. Around the globe, Google Maps is a favorite. You can also download Waze, which factors in real-time traffic reports and suggests shortcuts to get you to your destination faster. Both apps are compatible with iPhones and Androids. Print out directions in advance if you’re traveling through rural areas where service can be spotty.
Sunglasses
No matter if it’s overcast or bright and sunny, a pair of shades will help ward off eye strain—especially important if you’re in the driver’s seat. Sunglasses will also help if you’re a passenger trying to squeeze in a nap.
Phone Charger
Don’t forget a car to phone charger, especially if you’re using your device for GPS or need to make a call during an emergency. Double check your charger’s compatibility with your car, and if it’s not an option to plug it in, bring a portable charger with a full backup battery.
Pillow
If you’re traveling with others, you might want to grab a nap to recharge between turns in the driver’s seat. A U-shaped travel pillow protects your neck when sleeping upright. Or pack a standard pillow to lean up against the window or use when your seat is reclined.
Headphones
Pack headphones in case your preferences don’t align with your fellow travelers, whether you want to watch a movie or jam out to some tunes. Cordless headphones, like Apple AirPods, are compact and easy to pack, while Bose is known for their noise-canceling properties.
Phone Charger
Don’t forget a car to phone charger, especially if you’re using your device for GPS or need to make a call during an emergency. Double check your charger’s compatibility with your car, and if it’s not an option to plug it in, bring a portable charger with a full backup battery.
First Aid Kit
Fingers crossed you won’t need it, but a first-aid kit is a must-pack road trip necessity. Whether you buy one online or make your own, be sure it includes large rolls of gauze, heat packs, scissors, bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, tissues, and smelling salts.
Toiletry Bag
You’ll of course want to pack a toiletry bag to have at your destination, but keep it handy in the car for a freshen up along the way.
Luggage For Your Road Trip
Staying organized on your road trip helps avoid delays or having to pull over to dig through your luggage in search of what you need. Duffel bags are great for road trips, and with the Travelpro Roadtrip 30-inch Drop-Bottom Rolling Duffel, you can strategically sort your road trip necessities in separate cubes for each leg of your journey, or assign a cube to each passenger in the car. The perfect companion to a duffle is a travel backpack that plays double duty, keeping laptops and tablets safe on the road with built-in protection.
As you gear up for your next road trip, check out more of our travel tips here.
