35+ Travel Essentials for a Road Trip

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No matter if you are hitting the road by yourself, with friends or with your family there are travel essentials that can help make your travel experience safer, more comfortable and easier. The following road trip travel essentials will do just that.

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1. Hotor Car Trash Can

It does not take long for trash to end up on the floor of your car. This is especially true if you have kids. The Hotor Car Trash Can helps keep your car trash free. You can strap the trash can to the back of the front or rear headrest. It also has a waterproof and leak proof liner.

2. Lepro LED Flashlight

Trying to change a tire on the side of the road using a phone’s flashlight is dicey at best. So, having a bright compact flashlight can be a life saver. The Lepro LED flashlight is 5.12 inches long so it easily fits in the glove box. It is also very bright with 2,000 lumens.

3. Helteko Backseat Car Organizer

Having a place for toys, drinks, tablets etc. can be a challenge when traveling on the road. The Helteko Car Organizer attaches to the back of the front seats. There are 9 different sized compartments with one of them being for a tablet. This is a must have to help stay organized on the road.

4. Yeti 30 oz. Rambler Travel Mug

Keeping a drink hot or cold plus keeping it in the cup is what everyone wants when driving down the road. This mug can do all those things and more. The Yeti Rambler Travel Mug has double walled vacuum insulation to keep your drink hot or cold. The lid is a twist on twist off lid backed with dual-slider magnetic technology to keep your drink inside the mug.

5. Tryone Car Headrest Tablet Mount Holder

Keeping kids entertained on the road is a must. The Tryone car mount holder can help with that. It holds phones and tablets of all sizes for viewing and easily attaches to the headrest in your vehicle. It has multi angle rotation so that you can adjust it to get the best viewing angle.

6. Suuson Phone Holder

Being able to have access to your phone and keeping your hands free is important when you are driving. No matter if you are using your phone for navigation, music or talking to someone, you want to be safe. The Suuson phone holder can help you to stay safe by attaching to your windshield, dash, or vent. So, you have the flexibility to put it wherever you want it in the car.

7. RoofBag Cargo Carrier

When packing for a vacation, it does not take much for the vehicle to get full. That is where the RoofBag Cargo Carrier comes into play. The carrier comes in two sizes and does not need a roof rack to work. The carrier is truly waterproof to keep all of your valuables dry while traveling down the road.

8. Cutequeen Eating/Laptop Steering Wheel Desk

Driving to your destination and eating in the car can be a challenge. The same can be true if you need to do something on your laptop. This steering wheel desk makes it easy for you to eat or work while you stop in the car. It installs quickly and is small enough to easily be stored away.

9. First Aid Only 298 Piece First Aid Kit

The last thing you think about when traveling is what if someone needs some medical attention while traveling down the road. This first aid kit comes with 298 pieces of first aid equipment and it can help you treat pain and swelling, as well as scrapes, cuts and burns. The kit is lightweight and small enough to be stored away.

10. Noco Boost Plus Jump Starter Box

One of the last things that you want to happen when you are traveling is being stranded somewhere with a dead battery. The Noco Jump Starter Box can start up to 20 dead batteries in a single charge. It can also be used to charge devices, such as tablets and smartphones. It is also small enough to be tucked away in the car until you need it.

11. Energizer Jumper Cables

If you are more traditional in how you like to jump your vehicle, the Energizer Jumper Cables are a good fit. The cables are made of 10 gauge wire with a thick outer coating. The cables come in various sizes to meet your needs.

12. Bestek 300W Power Inverter

It can be a challenge to keep all the devices that you have charged when traveling. There are usually too many devices and not enough charging outlets. The Bestek Power Inverter gives you the capability to supply two outlets along with 2 USB ports to charge devices while traveling. This will be able to keep everyone happy in the car. It is also small enough to be stored in a compartment or glove box after using it.

13. Seven Sparta Expandable Cup Holder

Sometimes it is nice to have a large travel mug but the problem is most don’t fit inside the cup holders in the car. The Seven Sparta Expandable Cup Holder can fit most 32-40 ounce bottles. It will fit snugly in the cup holder and will not tip or spill. It also comes with a slot for cups that have handles.

14. Active Pet’s Store Waterproof Dog Seat Cover

Traveling with a dog or dogs and going to the water can be a messy proposition when it comes to your vehicle. This waterproof seat cover will keep your back seat clean and dry. The cover will fit small to large vehicles and is made of durable 600D Oxford waterproof fabric which is easy to clean.

15. AstroAl Portable Air Compressor

This portable air compressor will help you put air in whatever you need while you are on vacation. It is small and compact to be stored easily. You can fill cars, motorcycles, SUVs and bike tires. It comes with multiple attachments to inflate balls, pool toys and air mattresses just to name a few things. You can program it to stop at a certain PSI and it comes with a digital readout.

16. RGVOTA Portable Charger

As you are sightseeing and enjoying your vacation, it can be easy to drain the battery in your phone. This portable charger can help you keep your phone(s) charged while on the go. It is small enough to fit in a purse or bag. The charger has 4 USB ports that you can use to give your phone a quick charge. It also comes with a digital display to easily read.

17. Napfun Travel Neck Pillow

Sleeping in a car can be tough. The Napfun travel pillow can support your neck so that you can sleep and not wake up with a stiff neck. The neck pillow is made from soft durable memory foam that helps support your neck. It will help you sleep better wherever you are traveling.

18. High Road Cooler

The High Road cooler bag has multiple functions while on the road. Not only can you keep drinks and snacks cold, there is also mesh storage on the sides. This cooler has a waterproof and insulated vinyl compartment that can hold nine 16 ounce bottles which can keep drinks cold for up to 12 hours. The cooler can be placed on the floor or hung by the headrest.

19. Kindle Paperwhite 8GB

The Kindle Paperwhite 8GB can keep you from having to haul books on your next vacation. You can store 1000s of books on it. It has a 6.8 inch display with a slim design. The Kindle adjusts to the light so no matter if you are reading in the sun or if it is dark it will be easy on the eyes.

20. Samsill Document Organizer

Reaching into the glove box to find the car registration or the AAA card can be difficult since most of the time the glove box is full of other items. You will know where all of your important documents are with this document organizer. It has 5 compartments to store your registration, AAA card, emergency information and more.

21. Canway 65L Waterproof Duffel Bag

Having the right type of bags for a road trip is a must. The Canway Duffel Bag is made from 600D polyester waterproof and no tear fabric. It is large enough to pack a large amount of clothes and at the same time small enough to easily pack in the vehicle. You can also choose from multiple colors.

22. BeeGreen Reusable Bags

Whether you are going to the grocery store, market, or beach these reusable bags can help you easily carry whatever you have. The bags are X-large and made of polyester. There are a total of 10 bags with each one being able to hold 50 pounds. The bags are machine washable and have a zipper. They can be easily folded up for storage.

23. Airbition Battery Powered Clip on Fan

Staying cool in the car can be harder when the car is packed with people and luggage. This Airbition clip on fan can keep you cool as you are going down the road. The fan can clip onto the headrest and has a 360 degree rotatable head.

24. EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade

The car’s interior in the summertime can get very hot and it can almost be unbearable to get inside. EcoNour Sun Shades can reflect the sunlight and keep your car cooler so that it is comfortable when you get inside. The sun shade will easily fold up and can be stored in the storage pouch.

25. Kinder Fluff Car Window Shades

Riding in the car and having the sun beating down on you through the window is not fun. These window shades are easy to install and come in two different sizes and transparency levels to keep the sun off of you.

26. 4Monster Microfibre Towels

Accidents are inevitable in the vehicle especially if you have kids. You need something that will clean up the mess fast. The 4Monster towels are extra absorbent and are soft on your skin. The towels come in various sizes, colors and there is a case to store them.

27. Travel Planner

Planning a trip and staying organized while on the trip can be hard to do. This travel planner will help you plan out your trip and keep you organized while you are traveling. The planner is soft covered and is 6 x 9. It includes trip planning pages, packing lists, accommodation pages, itinerary pages and journal pages.

28. Ergonauts Travel Umbrella

Umbrellas can be impractical when you travel because of their size but that is not the case with the Ergonauts Travel Umbrella. The umbrella is only 12.5 inches long and weighs less than a pound. It is easy to store in a purse or in the car.

29. TrunkCratePro Trunk Organizer

Do you find it hard to keep things organized in the car while you are traveling? This trunk organizer can help you if that is the case. It has multiple departments and inserts that can be removed. The organizer can be kept in the trunk or inside of the vehicle.

30. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones have excellent sound and noise canceling capabilities. Plus, the headphones are comfortable and are ideal when you are on the road.

31. WNG Emergency Roadside Kit

This roadside emergency kit will be a lifesaver if you find yourself broken down on the side of the road. Some of the items in the kit include: flares, rain coat, adhesive tape, tire pressure gauge, and a seat belt cutter. You will have the peace of mind knowing you have the items you need in case of an emergency.

32. Ebags Toiletry Kit

Pulling over for a break and having toiletries ready for easy access is possible with the Ebags Toiletry Kit. The kit has 4 separate compartments to keep everything organized. It is lightweight and durable so it will last.

33. eJiasu Tissue Holder

Having tissues handy is a necessity when traveling down the road. This tissue holder can be placed on the sun visor, car backseat or door of the car. No matter where you put the holder it allows you easy access to the tissues that you need.

34. Venture Pal 35L Day Pack

This day pack is small enough not to take up much space but is big enough to pack items into for an adventure for a day. The pack is ultralight and comes with 35L capacity. It has multiple pockets and adjustable, breathable straps for comfort.

35. AeroPress Travel Coffee Press

This travel press will make a delicious cup of coffee, espresso or cold brew right over your mug. It is super easy and fast which is a must for when you are on the road.

36. Vremi Collapsible Storage Containers

These collapsible containers are perfect to keep your kids snacks in. Not only are they durable but they will help save you money. You won’t have to buy prepackaged snacks to bring on the road. Plus, you can use them over and over again.

37. Various Kids Games

Keeping the kids entertained while on a road trip is a must but you don’t want to always have them in front of a screen the whole time. Here are various games that are fun and will keep them from the screen.