One of the biggest perks of road-tripping is not having to stress over airline luggage limits. You can throw your stuff into the trunk without worrying about check-in counters or carry-on weight. It gives you a bit more freedom to pack the way you want. That said, this doesn’t mean you should bring your entire wardrobe “just in case.” A well-packed car makes life on the road so much easier.
Here’s a road trip packing checklist- trust us, this is all you’re going to need!
Let’s Talk Bags
The easiest way to stay on top of your packing is to give everyone a single overnight bag. Trust me, stuffing your car with five tiny bags and digging around at every stop gets annoying very quickly. One bag per person. That’s the rule. Use lightweight duffel bags—they’re easy to carry, easy to squish into tight spaces in the trunk, and simple to haul in and out of accommodations. This is a summer road trip essential- trust us!
Even if you’re someone who doesn’t plan in advance or isn’t naturally organised, sticking to one bag forces you to think through what you really need. And if it means carrying a slightly bigger bag, that’s totally fine. Just make sure it’s manageable.
Here’s all the summer road trip essentials a person should ideally should pack:
- Clothes for day and night
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, soap, etc.)
- A towel
- Bedding (if you’re staying somewhere basic or prefer your own)
- An electric kettle (great for tea, coffee, or cup noodles on the go)
- Any other essentials you know you’ll need each night
Apart from the overnight bag, each person should also have this summer road trip packing checklist:
- A small purse or backpack with their valuables—wallet, phone, ID, charger, power bank, etc. This should stay with you at all times.
- You should pack a bag for groceries and snacks. This can stay in the car unless you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen or fridge. But having some fruit, chips, dry snacks, and drinks always helps.
- Leave items like coats, raincoats, and water bottles loose in the car so you can access them easily. Most cars have bottle holders that are helpful here.
Refillable water bottles- a must-have
Always carry your water bottle—preferably a reusable one. Whether you’re hiking through the woods or just walking around a city all day, staying hydrated is important. It’s also more eco-friendly than buying disposable plastic bottles every few hours. In many touristy or remote areas, bottled water can be expensive or hard to find, so having your own bottle that you can refill at your hotel or rest stops is a smart move. Add this to your road trip packing checklist!
Power banks = lifesavers
You’ll probably be using your phone a lot more than usual—for navigation, music, photos, and finding places to eat or stay. Your battery will drain faster, and charging options aren’t always available when you’re on the move. A portable power bank can save you from the hassle of having a dead phone when you need it the most.
Keep it clean: wipes and towelettes
Subways, roadside cafes, public toilets—not everything on the road is going to be super clean. Keep a small pack of wet wipes or towelettes handy. They’re great for quick hand cleans or even wiping down door handles, taps, or other high-touch surfaces. They are small enough to pass through security checks if you are travelling by air.
Medications and personal care items
Don’t forget to pack all your essential medicines and personal care items. This includes prescriptions, painkillers, allergy meds, or anything else you might need. You might not find a pharmacy easily, especially in remote areas. Also, don’t forget basics like deodorant, contact lenses or solution, and things like face wash or moisturiser that suit your skin.
For the ladies: period essentials
Even if you’re not expecting your period during the trip, it’s a good idea to bring a few pads or tampons anyway. Stress and travel can mess with your cycle, and being caught off guard without any supplies is the worst, especially if you’re hours from the nearest town. It’s better to have them and not need them than the other way around.
And finally, sunscreen!
If you’re heading somewhere sunny, beach, hills, or even just long drives during the day—don’t forget to carry sunscreen. A sunburn can sneak up on you, even through car windows or on cloudy days. It’s one of those small things that can make a big difference.