When hitting the road, whether it’s for a quick getaway or a cross-country adventure, there are certain things I never leave home without. Whether you're traveling solo, with kids, or furry companions, it's always best to be prepared for whatever the road might throw at you. From handling car sickness to ensuring safety and keeping your car neat, here are my top road trip essentials to make every journey more enjoyable and less stressful.
1. Barf Bags for Motion Sickness
If you or your child tend to get car sick, or if you're worried about the stomach bug going around, I can't recommend these enough: MP MOZZPAK Vomit Bags – 24 Pack – 1000ml Emesis Bags. These medical-grade bags are not only leak-resistant but are also portable and disposable, making them a must-have for long drives. Whether you need to prepare for motion sickness or you’re just looking to be cautious, having a few of these on hand can make all the difference. The last thing you want is to scramble for something when someone feels queasy!
2. First Aid Kit: Always Be Prepared
You can never be too careful when it comes to road safety, especially if you're traveling with kids or pets. A well-stocked first aid kit is one of the first things I ensure is in my car and easily accessible. A couple of my go-to options are:
- KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids – Perfect for families with young ones, this kit includes child-friendly essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and more.
- First Aid Only 299-Piece All-Purpose Emergency First Aid Kit – A comprehensive option that covers everything from minor cuts to more serious injuries. It’s compact, organized, and ready for anything.
3. Seat Belt Cutter & Window Hammer Tool
When it comes to safety, having a tool that can help in an emergency is crucial. Amazon Basics Emergency Seat Belt Cutter and Window Hammer Tool is a recommended must-have. This handy little tool can help you cut seat belts and break windows in the event of an accident. It’s small, but it can be a lifesaver. I trust this recommendation from the CarMom, who always advises keeping something like this within reach in case of emergency situations.
4. Keep Your Car Tidy: Car Trash Bags
Keeping the car tidy during a road trip can be challenging, especially with snacks and wrappers piling up. These car trash bags are perfect for staying organized and minimizing clutter:
- High Road TrashStash Hanging Car Garbage Bag – This one has a push-close lid, so it’s great for keeping odors contained, plus it’s waterproof.
- UTSAUTO 2 Pack Car Trash Bags – Eco-friendly and washable, these bags easily hang from your seat and help keep your car garbage-free.
- Fekey&JF Foldable Car Trash Can – For a larger capacity, this waterproof, leakproof trash can is a great option for families or long trips.
5. Handheld Vacuum for Crumbs and Dust
Keeping crumbs and dust at bay is a constant challenge, especially on a long road trip. That’s where a good handheld vacuum comes in handy. These are my top picks for keeping the car spotless:
- Upbooz Portable Car Vacuum – With 14,000PA powerful suction, LED light, and a 2-in-1 air duster, this cordless vacuum is perfect for quick cleanup.
- Fanttik Slim V8 Apex Car Vacuum – A high-performance option with 19kPa suction, it’s ideal for reaching tight spaces and offering deep cleaning power.
- JONYJ Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner – With 16,000PA suction and a 2-in-1 air duster and vacuum combo, this is another excellent choice for car cleanliness. The LED light is perfect for dimly lit spaces.
6. Laptop Lap Desk for Multitaskers
If you’re traveling as a passenger and like to get some work done or watch a movie on your laptop, having a comfortable lap desk is a game changer. Here are a few options I swear by:
- HUANUO Laptop Lap Desk – This one fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop, with a cushion for comfort, a phone holder, and a storage bag for added convenience.
- Gimars Home Office Lap Desk – For those who need a larger surface, this desk fits up to a 17-inch laptop and includes a wrist rest, built-in mouse pad, and a drawer for storage.
- LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – A sleek and portable desk that fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop, with a mouse pad and phone holder. It’s lightweight and easy to carry.
7. Snacks and Hydration
No road trip is complete without snacks, and it's important to keep everyone in the car well-fed and hydrated. I always pack a cooler with a mix of healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and granola bars, as well as plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to include some of their favorite treats, but also keep things like wipes or napkins handy to deal with any mess.
Shop All my Travel Snacks here
A well-prepared road trip can make all the difference in how enjoyable and stress-free your journey is. By keeping essential items like barf bags, a first aid kit, safety tools, and car-cleaning gadgets on hand, you're setting yourself up for a smooth ride. Whether you're on a weekend getaway or a long-haul drive, these essentials will keep you safe, comfortable, and organized on the road. So, the next time you’re getting ready for a road trip, don’t forget these must-haves – your future self will thank you!