The ultimate list of road trip essentials

Planning a road trip? Whether you’re going on a day trip or trekking across the country, reference this list for items you’ll thank yourself for bringing on your journey. From music/podcast recs to yummy snacks and travel apps, we've got you covered. 

Podcasts

Listening to podcasts can feel like having friends in the car. Some are entertaining, others informative - there's a genre for everyone! Here are some of our favorites.

• Road Trip Trivia (Spotify)- Trivia entertainment on topics ranging from pop culture, history, science, sports, riddles, and geography
• Human/Nature (Spotify)- Inspiration to connect with nature
• Vogue’s 73 Questions (Spotify)- Fun celebrity interviews
• Travel Tales by AFAR (Apple)- Transformative travel stories
• My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff & Georgia Hardstark (Apple)- True crime comedy
• Condé Nast Traveller Podcast: Escape Routes (Apple)- Get lost in a daydream-worthy destination
• The Thoughtful Travel Podcast (Apple)- Insight on important travel topics (i.e. tourism, LGBTQIA, Languages and Accents, Making Connections, etc.)
• 5 for 5 Trivia (Apple)- Family and kid-friendly mystery questions
• We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle (Apple)- A little extra motivation or a pick me up
• Not Lost (Apple)- A delightful travel escape to new destinations discussed through friendly dinner conversation

Music

Music is critical for a road trip! It sets the mood, helps you fight through seemingly endless gray skies, and overall provides entertainment. Here are a few playlists to add to your must-listen list.

• Outdoor Adventure Playlist
• 70s Road Trip
• Classic Road Trip Songs
• Pop Road Trip
• 2000s Road Trip
• Rock Road Trip 2022
• Scenic Route

Snacks

There will never be enough snacks. Add these ones to your pre-trip grocery list.

• Trail Mix
• Perfect Bar
• Dried Fruit
• Chips/Pretzels
• Granola Bars
• Reese’s Snack Mix
• CraveBox Care Package (mix of 45 different salty and sweet snacks!)
• Fruit Snacks
• Green Pea Snack Crisps
• Seaweed Snacks
• Smart Sweets
• Blue Diamond Almond On-the-Go Snack Packs
• Clementines
• Sea Salt Dry Roasted Edamame

Adventure/Travel

There truly may be an app for everything. These four are especially useful on the road.

• The Outbound App- For finding incredible local adventures (with GPX tracks) where you can stretch your legs
• Waze- For getting to your destination with the fewest delays
• GasBuddy- For finding the cheapest gas prices on the road
• HostelWorld- For finding hostels, hotels, communal spaces, and B&Bs– also creates an opportunity to meet fellow travelers along the way via communal housing 

Comfort

Hygge on the go!

• Cozy Blanket
• Neck Pillow
• Memory Foam Seat Cushion
• Car Mattress (for longer trips/potential overnight car sleeps)

Electronics

Make sure you have all the electronic things to charge your devices for navigation, safety, and entertainment.

• USB/AUX cord
• Portable Phone Charger
• Mini Car Vacuum Cleaner
• Headphones

Car Accessories

These gadgets can make your road trip easier, keep your car cleaner, and help you bring the right stuff you need.

• Cell Phone Mount
• Roof Rack/Cargo Carriers (for extra storage)
• Air Freshener/Diffuser
• Car Seat Gap Filler
• Back Seat Organizer
• Waterproof Seat Cover (for pets!)
• Mini Car Waste Bin (can fit right in your car’s cup holder!)
• Folding Car Trunk Organizer
• Portable Car Desk/Tray
• Stick-on Window Shade

Safety

An unofficial survey found that (insert high percentage here) of all road trip stories include some kind of a vehicle mishap. Be prepared.

• First Aid Kit
• Ice Scraper
• Jumper Cables
• Snacks
• High power flashlight
• Orange reflective safety cones

Additional Handy Items

Don't forget the extras!

• Cooler
• Reusable Coffee Cup/Thermos
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Picnic Blanket
• Stain Remover
• Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer

Cover Photo: About Maps