Road Trip Packing List (Free Printable Checklist)
Updated: 7 hours ago
A good road trip packing list covers five things: the car (license, registration, insurance, spare tire, tire gauge and jump starter), personal essentials (phone, chargers, medicine and wallet), clothes for the weather, food and water, and a kids' bag if you're bringing little ones. Print the checklist and tick off items as they go in the car.
Download the printable checklist (PDF). The printable is one page, US Letter and black-and-white friendly.
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A forgotten phone cable is annoying. A forgotten license, prescription or necessary car equipment can change the whole trip. A checklist is the easiest way to catch the little things before the driveway disappears in the rearview mirror.
Before you leave: car checklist
Check cold tire pressure against the door placard, including the spare if your vehicle has one. Inspect tread, lights, wipers and fluid levels. Make sure the spare, repair kit or roadside assistance plan matches your vehicle. Confirm the emergency kit is complete and that your phone can charge in the car.
For a more detailed routine, see the fall day-trip checklist, the Road Trip Tire Emergency Kit: 10 Things to Pack Before You Leave and what to do if the Tire Pressure Light On in Cold Weather? Check This Before Buying Parts.
Tire pressure gauge. A compact gauge helps you check tire pressure before departure.
Documents and money
Bring your driver's license, registration, proof of insurance and roadside assistance information. Have a payment card and a little cash for places that don't accept your usual payment method. Keep emergency contact details available even if your phone loses service.
Phone, power and navigation
Charge phones before leaving. Pack charging cables, a compatible car adapter and a power bank. Download offline maps for remote areas and save important addresses. If your phone is charging slowly in the car, sort that out before departure.
Power bank and car charger. Check connector compatibility and recharge the bank before every trip.
Clothes and personal items
Pack clothing for the destination and the unexpected stop along the way. Bring layers, rain protection, comfortable shoes, toiletries, medications and spare glasses or contacts if needed. A small overnight bag kept accessible is helpful if the rest of the luggage is packed tightly.
Food, water and snacks
Water bottles, easy-to-open snacks and a small trash bag can save a surprising number of stops. Think fruit, crackers, sandwiches, nuts where allergy-safe and other foods suitable for your storage conditions. Perishable foods need proper cooling.
Car cooler or insulated lunch bag. Choose based on trip duration, cargo space and food-safety needs.
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Road trip with kids packing list
Give each child a small bag with a change of clothes, wipes, a comfort item, age-appropriate games and a few quiet activities. Bring extra water and snacks, plus anything needed for diapering or toilet stops. Use age-appropriate child restraints installed according to the manufacturer.
Games and activities
Pack coloring supplies, books, a road-sign scavenger hunt or downloaded audio stories. A few choices are enough; you don't need to fill the backseat with toys. For a laugh, see Funny Road Trip Moments That Make the Best Stories Later.
Car sickness basics
Keep wipes, spare bags and fresh clothes handy. For medication questions, especially for young children, ask a pediatrician rather than guessing at a dose.
Backseat organizer or travel activity set. Pick age-appropriate items that can be stored securely.
Couples' quick list
Check that both travelers have essentials: ID, wallet, phone, charger, medicines and weather-appropriate clothing. Decide who handles navigation, lodging information and emergency contacts. Share driving when practical and stop when either person is tired.
Winter road trip add-on
Add a scraper, brush, folding shovel, blankets, gloves, traction materials and extra snacks. If stranded, follow the carbon-monoxide precautions in our winter car emergency checklist. Clear the exhaust before any engine use and never idle in an enclosed area.
How to use the printable road trip checklist
Download the one-page PDF, print it at actual size on US Letter paper or save it to your phone. Check off items while packing, not after you've loaded the trunk. Leave a copy with your travel gear for the next trip.
Want more ideas? See useful travel essentials, browse gear and gadgets and get new checklists by email.
FAQ
What should I pack for a road trip?
Pack documents, medications, chargers, clothing, water, snacks and a vehicle emergency kit. Add items for weather and passengers.
What do I need in my car for a road trip?
A properly maintained vehicle, required documents, a way to charge your phone, basic tire tools and an emergency plan.
What should kids bring on a road trip?
A small bag with snacks, water, comfort items, activities and a change of clothes. Keep age-appropriate restraints and any needed medication in mind.
What are the most important things to bring on a road trip?
Your license, registration and proof of insurance, your phone and charger, any medications, water and snacks, and basic car gear like a tire gauge, a spare or repair kit, and jumper cables or a jump starter. The printable checklist covers the rest.
Sources: NHTSA tires, NHTSA road-trip advisory, Ready.gov car safety.
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