Planning a cross-country road trip for the first time or to unfamiliar places? You need a packing list that covers all your bases, including those you hadn’t thought of.
That’s what I’m going to share with you today, so that your road trip planning goes smoothly and your packing doesn’t turn into a last-minute scramble. I don’t want you to end up stuck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere with no water, no way to communicate, and no way out!
Key Takeaways:
- Choose items that do more than one job: Towels, eco-friendly wet wipes, and flip-flops offer convenience and practical value without taking up too much space.
- Pack for what might happen, not just what you’ve planned: Pack sunscreen, extra water, a power bank, and other just-in-case items, even if you think you won’t need them.
- What you have in your car is as important as what’s in your bag: A spare tire, jumper cables, a paper map, and other car essentials like insurance are vital when traveling cross-country.
Car Essentials
Spare Tire: Never start a road trip without a spare tire in your trunk. Flats can happen anywhere, and knowing how to change one yourself can save you hours of waiting for roadside assistance.
Emergency Puncture Repair Kit: If it’s too dark, too risky, or just not feasible to change your tire on the road, a puncture repair kit gets you moving again in minutes. This temporary patch will help you reach the nearest gas station safely.
Car Fluids: To keep your car running smoothly on a long trip, it’s important to carry extra fluids. Make sure you have brake fluid, oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, and a liter of water in case the engine overheats.
Driver’s License and Passport: Your driver’s license is one of the most important items on your road trip checklist. Routine stops can happen anywhere, and missing paperwork can lead to unnecessary trouble. If you’re crossing borders, your passport is crucial too, so don’t forget it!
Car Insurance: Before you set off, get auto insurance quotes that cover every eventuality, especially if you’re crossing state or country borders. Then, choose the cover that best suits your needs. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need to prove you have insurance if you’re stopped by authorities.
Emergency Car Kit: Unexpected car trouble can happen at any time, especially on long drives. Pack an emergency kit with essentials like jumper cables, a high-visibility vest, and basic roadside tools so you’re ready for any auto emergency.
Personal Essentials
Flip-Flops: Flip-flops keep your feet cool during long drives and protect them from bacteria in public showers. They’re small, lightweight, and versatile.
Hand Sanitizer: Roadside bathrooms can often be less than spotless. Keep a travel-sized bottle of organic hand sanitizer handy to stay germ-free wherever you go.
Eco-friendly Wet Wipes: When showers aren’t an option, wet wipes are handy for everything from wiping your hands to freshening up. Choose biodegradable ones to cut down on waste while staying clean.
Sunscreen: Spending hours driving means one side of your body will get a lot of sun exposure. Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin, and don’t forget sunscreen you can use on your lips, too.
Travel Towel: There’s a reason the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy says that a towel is the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have, and when you’re traveling cross-country, it’s just as useful. From drying off to extra warmth, a towel has multiple purposes.
First-Aid Kit: When you’re traversing the countryside, there are all kinds of minor accidents that may occur. Packing a small first aid kit can be a lifesaver for cuts, scrapes, burns, and splinters that happen along the way.
Bug Spray and Pest Repellant: If you’re going to areas where there are mosquitoes, you want to avoid getting bitten as these pests can transmit illnesses like the West Nile virus. Pop a mosquito repellent on your list and be sure to use it. If you’re traveling through bear country, bear spray or a bear whistle is also essential.
The Essentials You’ll Regret Forgetting
Power Banks: If your car dies unexpectedly and your mobile phone’s battery is running low, you’re stuck. But, if you remember to pack a power bank, you have a backup battery source that can get you out of a sticky situation and safely to your next destination.
Matches: Matches are a small but valuable item to keep in your pack, especially if you plan to camp. They let you start a fire for heat, cooking, or light when you’re far from power or mobile service.
Drinking Water: You may need water for your car, but you also need emergency water for yourself, too. A few bottles of drinkable water can make a huge difference when you’re in the middle of nowhere and have worked up a thirst.
A Paper Map: If your GPS loses signal and you get lost, you need a backup plan. Carrying a paper map may seem old-fashioned, but this small item can help keep you on track and safe when you most need it.
Miscellaneous Items: Take the time to double-check your packing list for items like extra toilet paper, snacks, and any medication you may need to avoid last-minute headaches. A little bit of cash is also a good idea, just in case you can’t use your card.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Packing for a cross-country road trip isn’t the same as packing for a short vacation. You need to consider every eventuality and what could go wrong. With this list, I hope you find the task easier and enjoy every second on the road!
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
