Road Trip Must-Haves

There are a few essentials that I feel are necessary for any road trip. Whether your trip is months long and experiences multiple seasons, or if it’s a quick weekend getaway. Here is what you should pack for a road trip, no matter what.

Nothing passes the time on a road trip more than a good book. And if you get car sick (or are the driver) the Whispersync function will allow you to listen to audiobooks instead.

It is no fun to get sick on vacation. Especially in the car when it can be hard to pull over. Even though I’m not prone to motion sickness, I still always pack some Dramamine. Sometimes the curvy roads or dark night sky sneak up on you and can make even the strongest stomachs a bit queasy.

A well-hydrated traveler is a happy traveler. However, on a car ride it can be inconvenient to drink your 80 oz a day and then make a dozen bathroom stops. Plus, we’re usually not eating the best foods and snacks on the road. Liquid IV saves the day by helping to quickly hydrate and provide the vitamins your body is lacking.

Having a roadside emergency kit is pretty self explanatory, but often missed while packing for a road trip. From jumper cables, to a car tool kit, to upgraded emergency survival items. This kit has all of the essentials in a convenient and small bag. Pair this with a case of water, and you’re ready for wherever the road takes you.

The number one issue on most road trips is fighting over the charging cable. Nobody wants a dead phone or device in the middle of a long road trip. Especially when you rely on them for directions or finding the nearest food or gas stop. This convenient power inverter will provide many different ports and delivers high speed charging capabilities.

What to Pack for Winter Road Trips

Packing for a road trip can be hard enough. Then you add in the variability that comes with Winter weather, and it can be a headache. The best thing you can do to avoid the stressful parts of planning the trip is to be as prepared as possible. Here we will go over the essentials to pack for your roadtrip in Winter.

Layers are your friend in Winter, especially when you don’t want to haul around bulky jackets that will take up valuable car space. A quality shell jacket will keep moisture out and still allows for flexibility and layers underneath. Slip this on when you get gas or run into the store to avoid having to drive soaked.

Having a good pair of thermal gloves packed in your car will be a big win. My hands always seem to get colder when I drive. They’re further away from my body, closer to the windshield and the chill. And turning up the car heater will make the rest of me uncomfortably hot. These thin, but toasty thermal gloves are perfect.

When it’s snowy or icy, packing a pair of snow cleats will make your life so much easier. Even if its just for getting gas, or unloading the car, it can save you from slipping on black ice. These cleats can be worn on your normal tennis or hiking shoes, and only take up a small amount of car space.

Chances are if you’re driving with a companion, they will have a different ideal car temperature from you. I have found this is easily solved with a car electric blanket. If you don’t have seat warmers, or if you just want another level of cozy, this blanket is perfect. One person can have a cooler car temp, and the other can still be toasty under this blanket.

You’re not going to be able to get out on the road if you can’t clear the snow. This snow brush and scraper will help clear your windows without scratching anything. The shovel is also a vital part. Even if you’re parking in spots that are regularly plowed, a pile of snow can still sneak up in your way. Or even while you’re driving, your car can get stuck in unexpectedly heavy snow. Best to be prepared!

Ready Aim Travel is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission to help keep the site free for everyone. We do not accept money for any reviews provided, and the views, opinions and recommendations are our own.