It’s almost Road Trip time, and you’ve started to think about what exactly you need to pack to keep your show on the road. Whether your doing a cross country road trip and driving Coast to Coast across the USA, road tripping South Africa’s incredible Garden Route, or just taking a few days to explore your own back yard – we’ve put together the Ultimate Road Trip Packing List to guide you through the various road trip essentials PLUS a heap of road trip tips that will keep the car – and you – running smoothly throughout the trip. (It’s perfect for packing light on a Road trip essentials or anywhere else in the world! – which we’re sure you know if you arrived here from our story!)

Road Trip Packing List

Disclaimer: This very helpful post contains affiliate links, which means that should you click any of the links and make a purchase I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. If you are thinking about buying some road trip essentials – which if you are here I presume you are – please consider using the links below. And you can read the legal stuff about it all in my Disclosure.

BEST ROAD TRIP QUOTES TO INSPIRE YOU TO HIT THE HIGHWAY
Road Trip Quotes
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THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST – ALL THE ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS YOU COULD EVER NEED!
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RELATED – Get excited for your road trip with our favorite Road Trip Quotes, Travel Quotes & Inspiring Adventure Quotes! You’ll be hyped for your trip in no time!
KEEP YOUR CAR ON THE ROAD WITH THESE ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS
License and registration
Obvious. Do NOT leave home without them. They are the ultimate road trip essentials!
A copy of your car insurance policy and the relevant contact numbers
Hopefully you won’t need to use your insurance, but keep a copy in the car just in case.
Your car’s manual
Because you never know what light might refuse to turn off when your out of wifi range!
Spare tire
– and check the one you have is in good condition before you set off.
Roadside Emergency Kit
This car emergency kit contains Battery Booster Cables, 2 Light Sticks, Reflective Vest, Emergency Rain Poncho, Warning triangle, whistle, Tire Pressure Gauge, Window Breaker etc. This all in one kit has you covered for any possible eventuality.

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LITTLE ROAD TRIP ACCESSORIES THAT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Paper maps/Maps.Me App
Paper Maps – because there isn’t cell service everywhere (if there was you could easily rely on Google Maps).
Maps.me is a free app allows you to download detailed maps which can be used offline and without cell service and acts as GPS. It helped us drive across South Africa and I tell everyone I know about it!
Spare money
Because cash is still king in some places – and in particular for parking meters and road tolls!
A notebook, pen, and pencil
For either jotting down your thoughts or leaving a note of the car you accidentally ‘bumped’.
First aid kit
Basic supplies such a band-aids, bandages, antiseptic and safety pins can be invaluable when the closest town is 100km away!
Flashlight
In case the car battery dies in the dead of the night. Buy two. It means you’ll have a spare.
Bug Spray
Because bugs in the car are not fun and essential on a summer road trip.
Large Water Bottles
If you get stranded, staying hydrated is crucial. Keep a couple of large bottles in the car in case of emergencies. And on warm days on a summer road trip.
Toilet Roll
Don’t get caught short in a un-stocked rest stop!

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AND IF TRAVELING IN WINTER/TO COLD LOCATIONS
Snow Shovel
Ice Scraper
Umbrella
To be honest. Having one of these in the car – regardless of destination – can only be a good thing! And especially this one that collapses inside out specifically to keep your car dry after use and has a looped handle which rests on your arm to keep your hands free! It also comes in a variety of double layer designs and colors to suit your mood (mine is red on the top with navy blue and white spots inside) It’s Perfect for both a summer road trip, a family road trip and for adding some colour to wintery shots!