packing tips, tips March 25, 2016

Road Trip Packing List | What To Bring On The Drive

For the last several years I’ve gone on a big road trip in the summer. I usually drive up the coast from Southern California to Canada. Occasionally I’ll road trip from SoCal to the Bay Area or sometimes a short trip and go to Palm Springs or Las Vegas. So yes, I love road trips. I wanted to share a road trip packing list to help you prepare for any upcoming adventures!

Solo road tripping along the Pacific Coast Highway

**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you, if you click through an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may make a commission.**

TRIP PLANNING STARTS HERE

HELPFUL GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

Flights: Find a cheap flight using Skyscanner or Momondo. I like these two booking sites because they both search all websites and airlines around the globe including budget airlines.
Accommodations: I use Booking.com or Tripadvisor to find the best rates on hotels. Hotels.com offers a free night after booking 10 nights.
Get up to $40 off your first Air Bnb stay by using this code!
Travel Insurance: Having gotten sick on my travels in the past, I never travel without being insured. You never know when something may happen. For my round the world trip and extended long-term travel, I use World Nomads. For other trips, I have used Roam Right and they cover activities like extreme sports.

Road Trip Packing List – Items For Your Car

Flashlight – a solar, hand crank one would be good so you don’t need batteries
First Aid Kit – you can make one or buy a pre-made one like this
Jumper cables
Basic tools
Car fluids – oil, windshield washer fluid, etc.
A spare tire and tire jack
Folding Shovel – in case your car gets stuck in the mud

Road Trip Packing List – Things You Need

Music – I pay for my Spotify membership or I use Pandora in the USA
Audio Books / Podcasts – I’m currently loving my Audible membership and listening to books in the car!
Blanket – to stay warm, to use as a picnic or beach blanket
Pillow – to have some familiarity when staying somewhere different
Coins for parking or tolls
GPS / Paper Maps
If you use your phone for GPS, have a hands-free holder
Wet Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Notebook & Pen
Paper Towel, toilet roll, tissue
Duct tape & WD40
Stasher resealable/reusable bags
Pocketknife
Camera
Small garbage bag
Cooler for food
Snacks – I try to make sure and bring/buy healthy snacks so I don’t feel so sluggish
Sunglasses
Rain jacket

**I don’t travel without travel insurance. You never know when bad things happen so best to be prepared. I use Roam Right as my service provider for travel insurance.

Road trip packing list: Useful Items For Road Trippers

As a solo road tripper, many of the photos I would not be able to take without my trusty selfie stick or tripod. I know selfie sticks are frowned upon, but I mostly use them when I am alone and there is no one else to ask.

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What’s on your road trip packing list? Leave in comments!

**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you, if you click through an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may make a commission.**

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