Plan Your Journey with These 21 Road Trip Essentials

There are few things as inherent and unique to the North American experience as a road trip. Just four wheels, open windows, a cranked stereo, and the wind in your hair. The open road offers a wonderful opportunity to roam and explore the vast beauty and incredible culture from sea to shining sea. Whether you’re taking your first serious drive or you’re an established road tripper, make sure you’ve got your essentials covered!

As Kerouac wrote in his seminal novel, On the Road, “there was nowhere to go but everywhere, keep on rolling under the stars.” The call of the road can be fulfilling, rewarding, and even life-changing. If you’re feeling the itch to get out there, check out these tips to plan your long road trip.

What should I bring on my road trip? 21 essentials you don’t want to forget

The must-haves include practical items (spare tire, first aid kit, phone chargers), comfort essentials (snacks, pillows, entertainment), and important documents (insurance, licenses, emergency contacts).

This comprehensive list covers everything from planning your route to packing the perfect playlist, ensuring you’re prepared for both the expected and unexpected.

1. Where should I go on my road trip?

Choose a destination that matches your available time, budget, and driving comfort level. First-timers often enjoy routes of 500-1000 miles, while experienced road trippers might tackle cross-country adventures of 3,000+ miles.

Unless you’ve quit your job and are ready to live as a nomad cruising the highways, you’ll want to think strategically about your destination. Consider proximity to your location. Whether you’re planning to hit the beaches in Coastal Carolina, drive across the Texas desert, or explore Rainier National Park outside of Seattle, pick a destination that fits your schedule and comfort zone.

2. How much should I budget for the trip?

Plan on spending $100-200 per person per day for a comfortable road trip, though you can do it for less with camping and careful planning. Your main expenses will be gas ($50-100/day), lodging ($50-150/night), food ($30-50/day), and activities.

Setting and sticking to a realistic budget is the key to enjoying your trip without financial stress. Consider stashing away money from each paycheck, and add any extra income into your road trip fund. Make sure you plan for both expected costs and surprises. You don’t want to run out of money halfway through! 

Use a finance app like Quicken Simplifi to create your budget, set savings goals, and keep track of your road trip spending.

3. What route should I take?

The best route balances efficiency with interesting stops, typically following major highways with detours for attractions. Use GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze, but download offline maps too for areas with poor cell coverage.

While modern navigation has made road-tripping easier than ever, it’s still important to familiarize yourself with your planned route before hitting the road. If you’re driving from Baton Rouge to Buffalo in winter, anticipate heavy snowfall north of Kentucky. If you’re journeying from Santa Fe to Houston, prepare for 100-mile stretches through West Texas without gas stations. Understanding what lies ahead, from weather patterns to service availability, helps your road trip run smoothly.

How Quicken LifeHub helps

Upload your complete itinerary to Quicken LifeHub and share it with trusted friends or family before you leave. Include your planned route, overnight stops, and estimated arrival times. If something goes wrong or you don’t check in as expected, your loved ones will know exactly where you planned to be and can help coordinate assistance.

4. Is my car ready for a long road trip?

Your car needs a pre-trip inspection if it hasn’t been serviced in the last 3,000 miles or shows any warning signs. Key checks include tire tread, oil levels, brake responsiveness, and ensuring your spare tire is properly inflated.

We’re not here to bash your trusty ’03 Pontiac Vibe, but if your ride has a failing transmission, 300,000 hard miles, and a dashboard lit up like a Pink Floyd laser show, it might not survive I-5 from San Diego to Vancouver. Whether you’re road-tripping on two or four wheels, make sure your vehicle can handle the journey. If yours isn’t up to the task, consider a rental. It’s better than breaking down in the middle of nowhere.

How Quicken LifeHub helps

Store your vehicle’s essential information in Quicken LifeHub before you hit the road: VIN, license plate, tire sizes, oil type, and recent maintenance records. Add photos of your car from multiple angles (helpful for insurance claims), your mechanic’s contact info, and any warranty documentation. If you break down or need emergency service, having these details instantly accessible saves precious time and helps ensure you get the right parts and service.

5. What music should I bring?

Download at least 20 hours of music, podcasts, or audiobooks to your phone for offline listening. Mix familiar favorites with new discoveries, and include a variety of genres to match different moods and times of day.

Driving and music go together like peanut butter and jelly. They’ve been paired since the first car radio appeared in the 1930s. Whether you prefer Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon, make sure to download your content for offline play. Cell coverage can be spotty on the open road. Create different playlists for different legs of your journey, and don’t forget to make a soundtrack that captures the spirit of your adventure.

And include “Green Onions” by Booker T. and the MG’s. Trust us.

6. Do I need sunglasses for driving?

Yes, quality sunglasses are essential for safe driving, reducing glare by up to 97% and preventing eye fatigue. Polarized lenses work best for cutting dashboard reflections and road glare.

Whether you prefer trucker-style wrap-arounds or designer frames, proper eye protection isn’t negotiable behind the wheel. Beyond looking cool (very important), good sunglasses minimize harsh reflections and help your eyes stay rested during long stretches of highway. Your eyes work hard to keep you safe on the road. Return the favor with proper protection.

7. What snacks should I pack?

Pack non-perishable, mess-free snacks like trail mix, jerky, granola bars, and fresh fruit that won’t spoil quickly. Bring a cooler for sandwiches and drinks, aiming for enough food to skip at least half your potential convenience store stops.

Smart snacking saves both money and time on the road. Why shell out $20 at every pit stop when you can pack your own? Great car foods include anything you can eat one-handed without making a mess. Don’t forget a picnic blanket and tote bag for impromptu lunch breaks at scenic rest stops. For drinks, stick with water, sports drinks, or other hydrating options in reusable bottles to cut down on waste.

Pro tip: A good travel mug lets you refill coffee or water at gas stations, saving money and reducing trash.

8. Should I bring bedding for the car?

Yes, especially for trips over 8 hours or with multiple drivers who’ll rotate sleeping. A travel pillow and light blanket can turn uncomfortable car naps into actual rest.

When it’s your turn to be a passenger on a long haul, quality sleep gear makes all the difference. Whether you prefer an airline-style neck pillow or something from home, having proper support helps you arrive refreshed instead of exhausted. These items pull double duty if you’re camping or crashing with friends along the way.

Pro tip: A sleep mask is golden for daytime naps or sleeping while your driving partner has the dome light on.

9. What tech gear do I need?

At minimum, bring phone chargers (including car adapters), a phone mount for navigation, and backup battery packs. For longer trips, add tablets for passengers, a mobile hotspot for remote work, and entertainment devices for kids.

Your phone is command central for modern road trips, handling navigation, music, photos, and emergency calls. Make sure you can keep it charged with quality cables and car adapters (older cars may need cigarette lighter USB adapters). If you’re working remotely or traveling with family, WiFi hotspots and tablets loaded with downloaded content are lifesavers. For power-hungry devices, consider a small inverter that plugs into your car’s power outlet.

10. What games can we play in the car?

Classic car games like 20 Questions, I Spy, and the License Plate Game never get old. For longer trips, pack compact card games, travel-sized board games, or download trivia apps that work offline.

Road trip games transform boring highway miles into entertainment and bonding time. If you’re lucky enough to have a larger vehicle like an RV, you can bring full-sized board games for rest stops. In regular cars, stick with games that don’t require tables. MadLibs, Uno, or a simple deck of cards work great. Get creative and invent your own games based on billboards, mile markers, or songs on the radio.

11. What emergency car supplies should I bring?

Essential emergency supplies include a spare tire (properly inflated), jack, tire iron, jumper cables, flashlight, and basic tools. Add road flares, an emergency blanket, and a portable phone charger for complete preparedness.

A flat tire or dead battery can quickly derail your adventure if you’re not prepared. Beyond the basics, consider keeping an ice scraper (for winter trips), extra coolant, motor oil, and a comprehensive roadside emergency kit. Better yet, a AAA membership provides professional roadside assistance 24/7, invaluable when you’re stranded far from home.

How Quicken LifeHub helps

Keep digital copies of your AAA membership card, auto insurance information, and emergency contacts in Quicken LifeHub. If you need roadside assistance, you’ll have your membership number and policy details right at your fingertips, no digging through a messy glove box while stranded on the highway.

12. Do I need a first aid kit?

Yes, a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any road trip. Include bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, allergy medication, and any prescription medications your group needs.

Minor injuries happen, from scraped knees at rest stops to cuts from hiking adventures. A good first aid kit handles these situations without derailing your trip. Stock yours with various bandage sizes, gauze, medical tape, burn cream, anti-itch cream, tweezers, and scissors. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent to prevent problems before they start.

How Quicken LifeHub helps

Store important medical information in Quicken LifeHub, including allergies, medications, blood types, and health insurance cards for everyone on the trip. In an emergency, you can quickly access or share this vital information with medical personnel, even if you’re far from home or your regular doctors.

13. What cleaning supplies should I pack?

Bring trash bags, paper towels, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a small handheld vacuum if you have one. A designated trash container and regular clean-outs at gas stops prevent your car from becoming a rolling dumpster.

Long hours in a confined space mean messes accumulate quickly, including empty bottles, snack wrappers, and general road grime. Keeping your vehicle clean makes the journey more pleasant for everyone and prevents that embarrassing moment when you offer someone a ride and have to clear trash off the seat. Pack multipurpose cleaner for spills, toilet paper for emergency bathroom stops, and plenty of hand sanitizer. A clean car equals a happy road trip.

14. Should I bring paper maps as backup?

Yes, physical maps are smart backup when technology fails. Buy a road atlas for your region or download offline maps to your phone through apps like Google Maps or Maps.me before you lose signal.

Cell coverage vanishes in surprising places across America. Mountain passes, desert stretches, and rural highways can leave you navigationally blind if you’re relying solely on live GPS. A basic road atlas takes up minimal space and works without batteries or signal. For a modern compromise, download offline maps for your entire route while you still have WiFi. The Maps.me app specializes in detailed offline navigation that works anywhere.

15. What should I read on the road?

Bring a mix of light magazines, engaging books, and downloaded content on e-readers or tablets. Audiobooks and podcasts are perfect for solo drivers or those prone to car sickness from reading.

Skip the motion sickness drama if reading in cars makes you queasy. Grab some Dramamine or stick to audiobooks instead. For everyone else, road trips offer glorious, uninterrupted reading time. Toss in those magazines piling up at home, that novel you’ve been meaning to start, or load up your Kindle with enough content for the whole journey. Consider the road trip theme with classics like The Dharma Bums or Blue Highways. Solo drivers can explore entire audiobook series while eating up highway miles.

16. What clothes should I pack?

Pack versatile layers you can mix and match, plus one outfit for each day and extras of essentials like underwear and socks. Focus on comfort for driving and activity-appropriate gear for your destinations.

Smart packing starts with knowing your destinations. Hiking in Idaho requires base layers and boots, while Florida beaches call for swimsuits and sandals. Whatever your plans, prioritize comfortable driving clothes that don’t restrict movement or cut off circulation during long sits. Avoid overpacking by choosing items that work together and serve multiple purposes. Remember: laundromats exist everywhere if you need them, but car space doesn’t expand no matter how hard you cram that trunk.

17. What toiletries do I need?

Pack travel-sized versions of your daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, and any medications. Don’t forget sunscreen, driver’s arm sunburn is real and painful.

Whether you’re bunking at five-star hotels or roughing it in a tent, basic hygiene keeps everyone happier on the road. Stick to travel sizes to save space, or use refillable containers for your favorites. Bug spray is essential for camping or hiking stops. The beauty of road trips is that forgotten items are just a pharmacy stop away, no need to overpack “just in case.” One often-overlooked essential: sunscreen for that arm hanging out the window!

18. Does my car insurance cover a road trip? (And is it up to date?)

Check your insurance coverage before leaving, ensuring it’s current and includes adequate liability and comprehensive coverage. Most policies cover you (and other licensed drivers you designate) nationwide, but verify any restrictions for long trips or specific states.

Every driver needs valid insurance and a driver’s license to legally operate a vehicle in the United States. Contact your insurance provider to confirm your policy is active and understand what it covers. This is especially important if you’re driving through multiple states or planning any adventurous detours. Some policies have restrictions on extended trips or certain activities, so it’s better to know before you go.

How Quicken LifeHub helps

Upload your auto insurance policy, driver’s license, and vehicle registration to Quicken LifeHub before you hit the road. If you’re pulled over or involved in an accident, you’ll have instant access to all your documentation from your phone, even if your physical documents are buried in the glove box or back at home.

19. How much rest do I need before driving?

Get a full 8 hours of sleep before starting any road trip, and never drive more than 8 hours in a day. Take a 15-minute break every 2 hours and switch drivers every 4 hours on long hauls.

Drowsy driving causes thousands of accidents annually. Fatigue slows your reflexes worse than alcohol in some cases. Your reaction time, decision-making, and peripheral vision all suffer when you’re tired. If you’re traveling with others, create a driving schedule that gives everyone adequate rest between shifts. Most importantly, pull over immediately if you feel drowsy. A 20-minute power nap could save your life.

20. Should I have emergency funds available?

Yes, budget an extra $500-$1,000 in accessible emergency funds beyond your trip budget. Keep some cash on hand ($100-$200) and the rest in a separate savings account you can access with a debit card.

Unexpected expenses are part of road trip reality. Emergency room visits, tow trucks, blown tires, or surprise car repairs can derail your adventure without backup funds. Stash cash in multiple places (wallet, glove box, with a trusted trip companion) so you’re never completely without funds. A separate emergency savings account prevents you from accidentally spending this cushion on souvenirs or fancy dinners.

How Quicken helps

Add an emergency savings goal in Quicken Simplifi, and create a travel emergency folder in Quicken LifeHub with your health insurance information, emergency contacts, and copies of important documents. Share this folder with a trusted family member before you leave, so they can help if something goes wrong while you’re on the road.

21. Am I ready for adventure?

You’re ready when you’ve handled the practical preparations and opened your mind to unexpected discoveries. The best road trips balance planning with spontaneity. Know your route, but stay flexible for detours.

Road tripping is about more than getting from point A to point B. It’s about the wheat fields of the Heartland, the snow-capped Rockies against azure skies, the Pacific waves crashing under Santa Monica Pier. This vast, beautiful country offers endless wonders for those willing to explore. Pack a journal to capture your experiences, stay open to unexpected detours, and remember that sometimes the best memories come from unplanned moments. Let that sense of adventure guide you!

Ready to hit the road?

Road trips are extremely fun! It’s all about getting out there. Whether you’re journeying an hour and a half up the road to a state park or planning a giant, coast-to-coast excursion, the joys of the open road can leave you with memories that last a lifetime.Before you go, make sure you’re truly prepared. Having your essential documents organized and accessible can turn a potential crisis into a minor inconvenience. And remember to budget smartly. Quicken Simplifi can help you save for the trip of your dreams, while Quicken LifeHub keeps all your important travel documents secure and accessible wherever the road takes you.