Must-Have Items for an Unforgettable Road Trip

Staying in a cozy Airbnb but can’t have a bonfire? Bring one with you! This tiny tin contains soy wax and small, lightable bricks that will burn for hours and hours if you let it. It looks and feels like a regular bonfire, just on a smaller scale, and you can even roast marshmallows over it for s’mores.

Even if you aren’t headed out on a roadtrip, it’s always a good idea to keep a blanket in your car in case you get stuck or just want to cover up and take a nap while parked. The quilted texture on this one from Rumpl helps hold heat on chilly nights, and it packs up into a tiny bag for easy storage. There are also over 80 patterns and colors to choose from, so you can have fun making your choice.

Staying hydrated is key no matter where you are, but sometimes you need a little something more than plain water. These drink packets can easily be mixed into your water bottle, adding necessary electrolytes and minerals to your water. They also come in a ton of delicious flavors! We would opt for this variety pack for a roadtrip, as the single-serve packets are easy to keep in your dash or bag and you get to choose from a few different flavors.

There’s nothing worse than feeling sweaty and sticky when you’re stuck in a car for a long ride, and that might happen if you and your road trip companion can’t agree on the car temperature. Having a refreshing face mist is a guarantee you’ll cool down after a quick spritz. This one from Kindra is full of skin-loving ingredients like aloe, cucumber, and hyaluronic acid, and it also includes the InstaCalm-3 Complex, which is a blend of three ingredients that’s proven to provide an immediate cooling sensation, reduce the intensity of hot flashes and night sweats, help relieve skin sensitivity and redness, and boost collagen and nourish dry skin. It’s small enough to keep in your purse or dash, too.

If you don’t have a phone charger in your car, we envy your ability to live on the edge. But it’s not optional for a road trip when you’re using your cell as a GPS, a camera, and your main music source. This unit plugs into your cigarette lighter and allows you to charge items like your phone, laptop, and tablet without having to buy a separate car charger for each. Because it has space for regular outlet-like plugs, you can also use it for on-the-go hairstyling with a straightener or curling iron — although we recommend being in a stationary car for that type of activity.

You can’t spend long days on the road without proper eye protection. These won’t only shield your eyes from the sun as you drive, but they’re the perfect companion for outdoor activities at each stop along your road trip. We love the tortoiseshell pattern and rounded look of these, as they’re flattering on a ton of different face shapes and will go with just about any outfit.

When you’re in a car, safety always comes first. Keep your hands free and your eyes on the road by having a car mount for your phone. This will keep it in place (no more fishing for your phone under the seat if you drop it) and it close by so you can easily glance at your maps when needed.

Even if you’re spending all day in the car with the windows rolled up, you’ll still need some sort of sun protection. Katie loves this one by Supergoop because it doesn’t feel greasy or oily and it wears well under makeup.

Sometimes, you’re just too exhausted for a shower at the end of a long day of driving. Or, maybe you don’t even have access to a shower if you’re camping along the way. These wipes from The Honey Pot are formulated with gentle ingredients, meaning they’re safe to use on your face, body, and lady parts. This pack comes with 15 individually wrapped wipes, so you can easily stow them in a purse, dash, or even your wallet.

Having to sleep on a half-stuffed motel pillow is the worst. You end up folding it in half, sleeping on your arms, and tossing and turning all night long. If you bring your own pillow with you, you won’t only be guaranteed a good night’s sleep at any motel or hotel, but you can comfortably nap in the car, too. This one because it comes with extra filling so you can make it as firm or as soft as you like it. The cover is made with organic cotton and the filling is made from leftovers from Avocado’s mattresses, making it an eco-friendly option.

It may lead to more frequent stops, but staying hydrated when you’re on the road is just as important as it is when you’re walking around one of your many road trip stops. This Hydro Flask water bottle holds 32 ounces of water, and it can keep your drink cold for an entire day. There’s a strap attached to the lid so you can easily carry it with you as you explore. It’s made of stainless steel, so it’ll stand up to rolling around the car or being dropped while you hike, too.

These tiny cubes are the organization solution you never knew you needed. Not only do they keep your clothes separated into categories, but they compress larger items, saving you space in your suitcase. A reinforced top panel keeps the mesh from ripping, and it allows you to really stuff your things into the cube without worrying about damaging it. There’s even a laundry bag included, so you never have to pack your clean and dirty items in the same cube.

Katie’s favorite carry-on bag is this one from Paravel. The four swivel wheels make it a breeze to roll around, as opposed to carrying a heavy duffle or backpack on your shoulders. It’s made from lightweight, recycled materials, so it’s easy on you and the earth — no more dragging around a heavy, clunky suitcase.

Leave your bulky electric toothbrush and charger at home — you can get the same clean just-left-the-dentist feeling with this travel-friendly Quip toothbrush. It offers the same clean as a regular electric toothbrush at half the size. This one comes with the toothbrush and cover, silicone carrying case (that’s large enough to carry other bathroom essentials), and toothpaste.

Going on a road trip sometimes means you have to make random stops to spend the night at a small motel or hotel so you can rest from driving. While we hope you never have to stay somewhere that feels sketchy, it’s never a bad idea to have a portable lock with you for any sort of trip. Security is key. This one inserts into a door frame, acting as an extra lock that can only be undone from the inside. Should someone try to get into your room, they won’t be able to make it past this tiny contraption.

If you’re planning on eating things other than gas station jerky and potato chips, this car cooler will be your best friend. It can keep drinks and snacks cool for hours, and it plugs into your cigarette lighter. This isn’t a minifridge, so try not to keep things like milk or eggs in here, but it’s great for stowing away fruits and veggies you may want to munch on along the way. It’ll also keep water and sodas cold, so you’ll always have a refreshing drink while you’re on the road.