Road Trip Packing List
These are the exact things we use, love, and pack for every road trip, tested across 5 years and 38+ states. Browse the full list or skip ahead to categories like car essentials, travel clothing, camera gear, dog-friendly must-haves, and more.
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Car Essentials
🚙 Car Roof Storage
When you’re living out of a car for weeks (or months), every inch of space matters. We drive a Prius, and adding a rooftop cargo bag was a total game-changer. We use it on month-long travel seasons and even for car camping nights when we want more room to stretch out inside the car. Ours pairs with a roof rack, and it’s held up through rain, wind, and thousands of miles. If you’ve got a smaller car or just want to make long drives more comfortable, this is one of the best investments we’ve made.
🎥 ROVE Dash Cam
Jon originally bought the ROVE Dash Cam for safety, but now it’s one of our favorite “souvenirs.” It records in crisp 4K, and the footage of bison crossings, winding mountain roads, and sunsets has become just as fun to watch back as our photos.
🔋 Car Charger for Electronics
One too many dead batteries convinced us to finally invest in a solid car charger. Ours now keeps laptops, phones, cameras, and GoPros powered up without fail, which makes a huge difference when you’re documenting long travel days or working remotely from the road.
📱 Extra-Long Phone Charger
A six-to-ten-foot charging cable might be the cheapest accessory you’ll ever buy, but it’s also one of the most useful. It reaches from the back seat to the dash, works great when camping out of the car, and saves the constant shuffle of devices when outlets are limited.
🧰 Roadside Emergency Kit
No one plans to get stranded, but it happens and when it does, you’ll be glad you packed for it. Our DIY kit includes the basics: jumper cables, flashlight, first aid supplies, extra layers, water, an old t-shirt (surprisingly handy), and even umbrellas. Toss in a backup phone charger and a paper map or GPS, and you’re covered for most of the “just in case” scenarios we’ve actually run into over the years.
You can also grab a pre-stocked roadside emergency kit like this one or this one. There are even kits that include air compressors to help out in case of a flat tire.
🕶 Sunglasses
We pack a lot of gear, but sunglasses are one of the few things we’d turn the car around for if we forgot them. Long days on the road mean hours of sun glare, and good shades make all the difference. I’m a fan of Sunski Treeline Polarized Sunglasses thanks to the removable side shields. Jon loves the Justin Classic Ray-Ban Sunglasses.
🧴 Travel-Size Hand Lotion & Sanitizer
Road-tripping means constant gas station stops, changing climates, and lots of hand-washing. We always keep a small bottle of lotion and sanitizer in the driver and passenger doors. It’s one of those tiny comforts that feels huge when you’re hundreds of miles from home. This is the only brand I’ve found that moisturizes super well without leaving hands greasy.
📱 Cup Holder Phone Mount
Gone are the days of balancing your phone on your knee for directions. This phone mount from WeatherTech sits in your cup holder, keeps your phone secure, and makes it easy to follow navigation without distraction. It’s simple, affordable, and one of those gadgets that will feel like part of your car before long.
🧺 Moving Blanket
This is our low-key security trick: we toss an old moving blanket over our luggage during pit stops so everything’s hidden. It’s not fancy, but it works… and even doubles as an extra layer (or bonus padding) if you end up car camping.
🏞 National Park Pass
If you’re hitting three or more national parks in a year, the America the Beautiful Pass pays for itself quickly. Pro tip: keep it in your glove box, not your wallet. We’ve forgotten ours too many times while swapping bags, and there’s no way to look up your pass online (which means buying another).
❄️ Window Wipes & De-Icer
From frozen washer fluid in the winter to bug splatters in desert heat, having wipes and de-icer on hand makes a huge difference. A clean windshield means safer driving and better photos. We give ours a quick wipe at rest stops to keep the views clear.
Luggage
👟 Shoe Cubes
One of the simplest ways to keep your bag tidy is storing shoes separately from clothes. We travel with two different kinds of shoe cubes: one sturdy set that’s my all-time favorite and another budget-friendly set that’s great if you need multiples. Both work well and make life on the road easier.
📦 Packing Cubes
Packing cubes don’t sound exciting, but they are one of the most useful upgrades we’ve made to how we pack! They keep everything organized, make unpacking painless, and let you fit more into a smaller space. I wasn’t sold at first, until we packed for three weeks in Alaska using just one backpack each. Now they’re a non-negotiable on every trip.
🎒 Lightweight Hiking Backpack
The right backpack makes a huge difference on day hikes or longer treks. Lightweight, durable, and comfortable are the three things to look for. On our three-week Alaska road trip, we each used a Gossamer Gear 60 Mariposa Backpack and couldn’t believe how much they held without ever feeling too heavy. (I got the color green in pack size small, while Jon got gray in pack size medium. We used this rain cover over the bags on rainy travel days.) We loved traveling exclusively with these backpacks because you feel super mobile and can move between destinations easily.
🌊 Waterproof Dry Bag
This dry bag is one of our favorite extras for water-focused trips. It’s perfect for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, beach days, and even works as a carry-on in a pinch. I don’t bring it on every season, but it was a lifesaver in Alaska and on any trip where we spend a lot of time near water.
📸 Camera & Electronics Bag
This camera bag doubles as my hiking and everyday travel bag (because I rarely go anywhere without my camera, ha). It fits my DSLR, two lenses, a GoPro, chargers, a tripod or hiking poles, and even a water bottle. The front pocket is perfect for sunscreen, snacks, or sunglasses, making it practical for both long days on the trail and travel days in the car.
🧴 Toiletries Bag
I love this toiletries bag because it can fit full-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and all my skincare. It holds more than you’d think and makes longer trips easier, since you don’t have to rely on travel-size bottles. The only drawback is that it can bleed if something spills, so I usually wrap it in a hand towel before packing.
Jon and I also each use this toothbrush travel case for our electric toothbrushes, along with a simple toothbrush cover.
💄 Travel Makeup Bag
This travel makeup bag is the perfect size for the basics, including foundation, concealer, mascara, brow gel, and setting spray. It holds its shape well and keeps everything neat without taking up too much space, which makes it easy to move between hotels, rentals, and campsites.
💍 Travel Jewelry Case
I don’t bring a lot of jewelry with me anymore, but this small travel jewelry case is perfect for carrying a few necklaces, earrings, and extra silicone rings. It’s lightweight, simple, and fits everything I need for a trip.
💳 Travel Wallet
The best travel wallets are hands-free, versatile, and big enough to carry more than just cards and cash. For dressier trip nights, my favorite is the Bandolier crossbody phone carrier. It keeps essentials right where you need them and looks stylish enough to take anywhere. For a more rugged option, I love the Bagallini Crossbody Strap for hiking, camping, or days when you need something practical that can handle wear and tear. And if you want something a little bigger, a belt bag works perfectly for sightseeing. It’s still hands-free, but holds more than most crossbody phone carriers, making it a great choice for long days exploring. I’ve use all three at different times while traveling!
👶 Travel Diaper Bag
Perfect for parents (or anyone who wants ultra-organized packing). This everyday diaper backpack is sleek enough to pass for a regular backpack, smartly organized for parenting life, and comfortable enough to carry from playground to airport. Best of all, it doesn’t scream “diaper bag,” which makes it a win for both style and function. We don’t even have kids and I reach for this backpack as my go-to airplane carryon!
Work From The Road
💻 Laptop & Charger
A reliable laptop is the heart of a road office. Whether we’re editing photos, writing guides, or hopping on Zoom, having a powerful but lightweight laptop (plus its charger) makes it possible to work anywhere.
🎒 Laptop Backpack
A good laptop backpack keeps everything padded, safe, and easy to grab. We’ve carried ours through airports, crammed it under airplane seats, and tossed it in rental cars—it gets used every single day.
Although my favorite travel computer backpack (and the one I currently use) is out of stock, here are some other options great for digital nomads:
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack - Budget-friendly, super organized, and water-resistant. Great for anyone who wants a solid, everyday option without breaking the bank.
YOREPEK Travel Backpack - The “big capacity” option. Fits laptops up to 17", and is great for long commutes, extended trips, or anyone carrying extra gear.
🖥️ Portable Monitor(s)
An extra screen can be a total game-changer for productivity. We use portable monitors for writing, research, spreadsheets, and photo editing. They fold up neatly into a backpack but instantly turn a cramped Airbnb table into a proper office setup.
🪑 Foldable Stand Desk
One of the simplest upgrades you can make to a road office is a foldable laptop stand. By raising your laptop to eye level, it helps prevent neck and back strain and even doubles as a standing desk when you need one. We’ve set ours up everywhere, from cabin kitchens in Yellowstone to long-term rentals in New England.
🖱️ Ergonomic Mouse & ⌨️ Keyboard
When you’re spending long hours on the road, comfort matters. A compact ergonomic mouse and keyboard make typing and scrolling much easier on your wrists. They pack small but make a big difference when working day after day in makeshift offices.
Pair your laptop stand with an ergonomic mouse, ergonomic keyboard (I use this one but it’s currently out of stock), and docking station for the ultimate travel-friendly setup.
🖼️ Mouse Pad
Simple but you still need one on the road. A lightweight mouse pad creates consistency no matter what surface you’re working on—hotel desks, picnic tables, or even car seats in a pinch.
👓 Computer Glasses & Travel Case
We both use blue light–blocking computer glasses to cut down on eye strain from long hours at the screen. Paired with a sturdy travel case, they’ve survived years of being tossed into backpacks.
🎧 Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are a digital nomad’s best friend. They make airports quieter, road trips calmer, and are perfect for zoning out with a podcast after a long day. I use my Beats Solo Headphones constantly on the road—they’re one of the first things I pack.
Travel Clothes
🧥 Ridge Merino Lightweight Wool Hoodie
This hoodie is one of our most-used layers on the road. Merino wool is odor-resistant and breathable, which means you can wear it multiple times between washes without worrying about smells. It’s warm enough for cool mornings, light enough for sun protection on hot hikes, and cozy for long car rides. A top-notch road trip layer.
👕 Women’s Unbound Merino Tank Top
When you’re packing light, every piece has to earn its spot and this one absolutely does. This Unbound Merino Tank is breathable, odor-resistant, and wrinkle-resistant, which means it works just as well for long car rides as it does for trail hikes or dinner stops. I own it in four colors, and it’s the kind of piece you can wear for a sweaty hike, hang up overnight, and pull back on the next day without a second thought. For road trips, that’s gold: less laundry, fewer clothes to pack, and way more versatility.
👖 Convertible Pants
Convertible pants are one of the most practical clothing items in my road trip closet. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and transition easily from shorts to pants as temperatures change. These are my favorite pants to wear on hikes because I can temperature-control as I go! (Mine are out of stock, but these are similar.)
🛋️ Woolx Lola Joggers
These thin Woolx joggers are great for cool summer evenings or shoulder-season days and they are in-cred-ibly comfortable for road trips and working on the road. They pack down small and are my favorite lounge piece.
🩳 Coalatree Women’s Trailhead Shorts
These stain-resistant shorts are amazing for road trips. They repel spills, pack down small, and are light enough to wear all day. Perfect for both hiking and driving days.
👗 Women’s Merino Tie Dress
This merino tie dress is one of those rare pieces that works just about anywhere. I’ve worn it for a photoshoot in Yellowstone, packed it for casual travel days, and even dressed it up for dinner out—it never feels out of place. Lightweight and wrinkle-resistant, it’s the kind of dress that earns its spot in every suitcase.
👕 Ridge Merino Men’s Journey T-Shirt
This is Jonathan’s favorite hiking and travel shirt, and I love it so much I’m planning to get one for myself to wear oversized. It’s breathable, comfortable, and holds up well across long days and multiple wears.
🩳 KÜHL Kruiser Men’s Shorts
These Kuhl shorts are one of Jonathan’s warm-weather staples. They’re versatile enough for everything from hiking trails to errands in town. Jon has them in Sienna (waist M, inseam 8"), and they’ve been on constant repeat—sharp enough for city nights, practical enough for summer adventures.
👖 KÜHL Suppressor Men’s Jogger
These Kuhl joggers are so comfortable that when Jon first tried them on, he wore them around the house for hours with the tags still on. His Pirate Blue pair (size M, regular inseam) has quickly become a road trip staple thanks to its comfort, versatility, and everyday wearability.
👖 Coalatree Evolution Joggers
These sweatpant joggers are another one of Jonathan’s favorite road trip items. Best for chilly destinations, they’re warm, packable, and stylish enough that he’s received compliments on the green color everywhere we go.
👞 Hybrid Dress Shoes
Sometimes you need something that looks polished but still feels good enough to walk in all day. Hybrid dress shoes are the answer, blending classic style with running-shoe comfort so you’re not stuck lugging around an extra pair or suffering through blisters just to look put together. Jon’s favorite is the Cole Haan Laser Wingtip Oxford.
🧥 Ultra-Light Packable Jacket
This 32 Degrees Men’s Jacket is warm without being bulky and packs into its own bag, making it perfect for layering on trips. Jon wears his constantly because it looks good, works for almost anything, and barely takes up space in a bag. A total win-win.
Outdoor and Hiking
🎒 Hiking Bags
I use my camera bag as my hiking pack since it fits everything: camera gear, hiking poles, a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and more. Jonathan prefers his Gossamer Gear bag, which has tons of room for extra layers, water, bear spray, and even Lincoln’s bowls. We’re big fans of repurposing items whenever possible. My sister has great things to say about her Osprey hiking backpack!
🏔️ Hiking Poles
Hiking poles are especially helpful for long climbs and steep downhills. I use them on tougher trails to take pressure off my knees and feel more stable. They’re a lifesaver on big elevation days!
🥾 Hiking Boots
Good boots are worth the investment. My La Sportiva boots have been super sturdy with great traction and ankle stability. They’re a little heavier than some boots, but I usually wear them on travel days so they don’t take up packing space. Jon, on the other hand, swears by his GORE-TEX boots. He stumbled across them at REI after blowing out his old pair in Alaska, and they’ve been his go-to ever since. Lightweight, waterproof, and comfortable with solid traction, they’re the kind of boots you can wear on just about any hike without feeling weighed down.
👕 Hiking Clothes
In addition to the travel clothes above, we pack light but versatile hiking options: women’s biker shorts, women’s tanks, men’s athletic shorts and quick-dry t-shirts. The key is breathable fabrics that can handle sweat, sun, and layers as the weather shifts.
🧦 Wool Socks
Darn Tough socks are our go-to. The lighter versions are great for summer hikes, while the thicker pairs keep your feet warm during winter camping. Durable, comfortable, and long-lasting—worth every penny.
🧣 Buff
A buff is one of those small items that pulls its weight. It’s perfect for cold or windy weather, works as face protection for winter sports, and can even sub in as a lighter, breathable scarf.
💍 Silicone Rings
After temporarily losing my engagement ring on a mountain in the Canadian Rockies 🙃, I pretty much only wear silicone rings while traveling now. They’re perfect for hiking, rafting, via ferratas, and any adventure sport—plus, they’re great in cold weather when you’re constantly putting gloves on and off.
Camera Gear
📸 Camera
The LUMIX G7 4K Digital Camera has been our go-to. It’s a good entry-level camera with amazing video capability. We bought this Lumix lens for wildlife photography. (Pro tip: If you shoot a lot, grab a second charger and extra memory cards so you don’t run out of battery or space mid-hike.)
🚁 Drone
Drones add a whole new perspective, especially for wide-open landscapes. Just remember to pack the charger (we recommend a backup, too) and check local regulations before you fly. (For example, drones aren’t allowed in national parks.) The drone we have is out-of-stock, but there are tons of options on Amazon.
🎥 GoPro & Stabilizer
Our GoPro has been amazing for hikes, drives, and adventure activities. But honestly, the real game-changer has been the stabilizer. Without it, our videos were nearly unwatchable. With it, they’re smooth, steady, and actually fun to rewatch.
🎒 Camera/Electronics Bag
This is the same camera bag as above: the one that doubles as my hiking bag. It fits the essentials: camera body, two lenses, GoPro with stabilizer, chargers, hiking poles, water bottle, and even extras like sunscreen, snacks, and Liquid IV. It’s a compact bag that still does it all.
📱 Phone Wrist Tether
Such a simple little tool, but so effective! This wrist tether keeps my phone safely strapped to my wrist, whether I’m on a Via Ferrata, snapping photos at a canyon overlook, or leaning out of the car for a shot. It’s saved my phone more than once.
🔋 Power Bank
One of those items we just don’t leave home without anymore. A slim, reliable power bank keeps phones, tablets, and hotspots running when outlets aren’t available.
🎥 ROVE Dash Cam
We previously used our GoPro for dash cam footage, but now our ROVE Dash Cam handles everything automatically. It records in crisp 4K, and we especially love when it catches us caught in a Yellowstone bison jam!
Longer Stays
🛏️ Pillows & Pillow Carriers
We road trip nowhere without our own pillows. These pillows are our all-time favorites and we use pillow carriers keep them clean and packable, whether we’re car camping or staying in a short-term rental.
🧳 “Bed in a Bag”
This is exactly what it sounds like: one bag packed with home comforts. Ours usually includes king-size sheets, a weighted blanket, quick-drying towels, an eye mask, a portable white noise maker (this is everything for light sleepers!!!), and laundry bags. It makes long stays and car camping feel infinitely more like home.
Of course, if you’re staying at one of our Yellowstone cabins, you’ll already have fresh linens and cozy touches waiting—and even our favorite pillows 🙂
🧺 Laundry Bags & Detergent
We bring Molly’s Suds so we don’t have to buy pods or detergent on the road. Laundry bags double as a dirty clothes hamper and keep everything organized, which can be helpful when packing light.
🧖 Quick-Drying Towels
We love these quick-drying towels for everyday use, hiking, and swimming on the road. They pack small, dry fast, and work so well that they sealed the deal for Jon to make his “Blue Pool Jump” on an Alaskan glacier. We use the various sizes for hand towels, bath towels, and travel towels.
💪 Gorilla Bow Travel
This packable strength-training set is perfect for road trips when gyms aren’t guaranteed. It’s light, portable, and works anywhere, from a short-term rental to a campsite. These days we use hotel gyms more often, but the Gorilla Bow is still one of our favorite workout hacks on the road.
Dog Friendly Travel
🧳 Dog Travel Crate
Our #1 must-have for roadtripping with a dog. This travel-friendly dog crate folds down flat, slides vertically between the seats in our Prius, or fits horizontally when the back seats are down. It even squeezes into bear boxes at campgrounds! After testing it across hotels, cabins, and campgrounds, we can’t imagine traveling without it. Lincoln’s about 50 lbs and uses size 42 x 31 x 31 inches.
🛏️ Dog Bed
Bulky to pack but worth it. Lincoln loves her bed, and it turns her crate into a cozy den she recognizes no matter where we are. I can’t find a link to the exact bed we use, but it’s similar to this one.
🚫 “Do Not Pet” Dog Harness
Game-changer for shy or nervous pups. This “Do Not Pet” dog harness signals to strangers not to approach, which has made Lincoln much more comfortable on patios, hikes, and walks around town. We clip saddlebags to hers so she can carry her own waste bags and snacks.
🍲 Dog Travel Bowls
Collapsible bowls keep meals simple and easy to pack. We use them daily for food and water, whether at rest stops or on trails.
🦮 Dog Leashes
We pack two: a lightweight everyday leash and a long leash for camping or giving Lincoln extra space to roam without going fully off-leash.
🚙 Pet Backseat Cover
Protects your seats and gives your dog a stable surface. We flip this pet backseat cover upside down so the rubber side is up, giving Lincoln traction to sit and look out the window comfortably.
🌞 Window Shades
Helpful for keeping the backseat cooler. We’ve improvised plenty of times with towels or coats stuck in the window, but mesh shades make the job much easier.
🎒 Other Essentials
Don’t forget to pack food, treats (Lincoln is picky and loves small training treats + milk bones), a travel water bottle, waste bags, 1–2 favorite toys, a fetch ball, and any medications. We keep it all in a standard backpack for easy grab-and-go. Bonus: If your pup struggles with allergies or separation anxiety, supplements and calming chews have made travel smoother for Lincoln—just check with your vet before adding anything new.
Road Trip Snacks
💧 Hydration
A reusable water bottle is non-negotiable on the road. It saves space, cuts down on waste, and can be refilled anywhere. We also like to grab a gallon of water before heading out so we can easily refill bottles along the way. And for an extra boost, Liquid IV packets are road trip staples, especially on hot days or hiking trips when water alone isn’t enough. (I prefer to dilute the packet so I’m drinking one packet over multiple glasses, but the Lemon Lime flavor is delicious either way.)
🥪 Snack Staples
Trail mix, fresh fruit, turkey or PB&J sandwiches
Bobo’s Oat Bars (my go-to), Clif Bars (Jon’s favorite), or Nature’s Bakery fig bars (a new staple we love)
Beef jerky or sunflower seeds
Individually wrapped snacks, like Peanut Butter Crackers, 100-Calorie Snack Mixes, Grandma Cookies, and Snack-Size Chips or Goldfish
Hard candies, mints, Twizzlers, or sour candy for when you need a little sugar kick. (Skip the chocolate, it melts fast in the car.)
🧊 Cooler Setups
Soft-sided coolers: The RTIC Soft Pack Cooler is great for water bottles, sandwiches, and fruit. Offers quick access without the bulk.
Backpack coolers: Hands-free and perfect for hikes, picnics, or beach days:
Hard-sided coolers: The YETI Roadie is sturdier, heavier, and keeps ice longer. It’s best for camping or multi-day stretches without fridge access.
Electric coolers: For the next level up, the BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator or the BODEGACOOLER turns your car into a fridge/freezer, so there’s no ice needed, no soggy food, and plenty of space for drinks or groceries.
Road Trip Hacks
🧼 Soap Sheets
Rest areas don’t always stock soap, and that’s where dissolvable soap sheets save the day. They’re compact, pack flat, and give you a quick, hygienic way to wash up on the go.
🍟 Sauce Dip Holder
A quirky favorite—sauce dip holders clip right into your air vent to hold dipping sauces securely. It’s a silly little gadget, but if you grab fast food on the road, it’s surprisingly useful (and fun).
🧦 Compression Socks
If you’re prone to swelling or just want more comfort on long drives, compression socks are worth packing. They make a big difference on road trips that stretch into all-day drives.
🪑 Lumbar Support Pillow
A lumbar support pillow straps onto your seat, fits most cars, and adds the extra back support that makes marathon driving days bearable. It’s one of those items you don’t know you need until you try it.
🍱 Car Trays
A steering wheel tray hooks right onto the wheel and gives you space to eat lunch, set up a laptop, or jot down notes without juggling everything in your lap. For kids, backseat trays double as tables for snacks, coloring, or even holding a tablet.
🗂️ Car Storage Solutions
Trunk organizers, hanging organizers, and backseat organizers help corral everything from hiking boots to snacks. A little upfront organization makes packing in and out at stops way less stressful.
🗑️ Car Trash Can
Not glamorous, but essential. A car trash can keeps cups, receipts, and wrappers from piling up in the footwell. We like the Vankor adjustable version for its size and flexibility, and a trash can with a lid if you want something that doubles as a storage bin or cooler bag.
🧹 Portable Vacuum Cleaner
A good car vacuum cleaner is compact enough to tuck under a seat, but powerful enough to clean up sand, crumbs, or pet hair at gas stations and campgrounds. Helps keep your car feeling fresh on long road trips.
👜 Headrest Hooks for Bags
Headrest hooks are simple but so helpful. They keep purses, backpacks, or snack bags off the floor and within easy reach.
🤧 Tissues & Tissue Holders
Whether you go for a visor clip or console holder, tissues are non-negotiable and holders keep everything organized and easy to find.
🚫 Car Gap Filler
One of the most useful gadgets for people who drive a lot. A car gap filler blocks the dreaded space between your seat and console, so you’ll never lose your phone, keys, or fries down there again. Once it’s in, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
Seasonal Packing Tips
🌸 Spring
Fresh mornings and chilly nights mean layers are your best friend. Pack a lightweight jacket, a warm beanie, and binoculars if you’re headed somewhere like Yellowstone during baby animal season.
☀️ Summer
Long days and hot temps call for sun protection. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, a sun hoodie, bug spray or a bug head net (essential for summer Alaska travel), and cooling towels. Don’t forget a cooler for road trip snacks and plenty of reusable water bottles.
🍂 Fall
Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and sudden rainstorms are all part of fall road trips. We recommend a good rain jacket (Grudens or Gore-Tex are good brands), warm layers, and waterproof shoes (Sorel is a good brand). If you’re visiting Yellowstone, the elk rut is in full swing, so a camera with a zoom lens is worth the space.
❄️ Winter
Winter road trips can be magical but also demanding. Pack traction cleats for icy paths, thermal layers, insulated boots (I wear Oboz Women’s / Jon wears Oboz Men’s), gloves, snow pants (one’s I wear / bib pants Jon wears), snow goggles, and a polar buff for winter sports.
You’ll also want to pack de-icer, a snow/ice scraper, and window wipes. The times we’ve forgotten de-icer, and our wiper fluid froze solid, window wipes were a legit lifesaver when road spray made our windshield so foggy we could barely see. We pulled over safely, wiped the glass down from the outside, and were able to keep going. Definitely don’t recommend relying on that trick (bring de-icer instead!), but it works in a pinch.
Planning Tools
📘 Travel Guides
Planning made easier: shop our complete Road Trip Locals Travel Guides and customizable itineraries. We’ve built them based on real travel seasons and tested routes, with detailed options for destinations like Alaska and Yellowstone National Park.
🏨 Book Hotels
Since we’re partial to Marriott, we usually book through the BonvoyMarriott app. We highly recommend signing up for your preferred hotel’s loyalty program—the perks add up fast.
🚘 Book a Rental Car
Enterprise is our go-to rental car company thanks to reliable service and a wide selection. We’ve had good experiences with them across multiple states, which makes it an easy choice.
💳 Travel Credit Card
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card is our preferred travel card since we stay almost exclusively at Marriott hotels. Seperately, the Fine Hotels + Resorts program is a luxury booking benefit that comes with Amex Platinum, Business Platinum, and Centurion cards. When you book through the program, you can unlock perks like early check-in, late checkout, complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and property credits.
Helpful Apps
🎧 Hoopla
Hoopla Digital lets you borrow audiobooks straight from your local library’s digital collection. We use it for most of our audiobooks, and it’s amazing how much money it saves compared to buying downloads. Libby by Overdrive is another great option if your library supports it.
🏨 HotelTonight
For more flexible options, HotelTonight is a great app for booking last-minute accommodations when you’re not sure how far you’ll get in a day.
🎶 Spotify
A good playlist is non-negotiable for long drives. Spotify has endless ready-made options, plus we’ve built our own RTL playlist you can queue up for your next road trip.
🩺 Doctor On Demand
We’ve leaned on this app more than once while traveling. Doctor On Demand a quick, convenient way to talk to a doctor on the road without losing a whole day trying to find an urgent care.
🚗 Waze
When traffic hits, Waze can be a lifesaver. It reroutes you in real time and often saves us from sitting in long jams on unfamiliar highways.
🥾 AllTrails
AllTrails is our favorite hiking app, hands down. It’s the easiest way to find trails along your route, whether you’re looking for a quick leg-stretching stop or a bucket-list hike.
Custom Souvenirs
📸 Instant Print Camera
There’s something about snapping a Polaroid that makes the moment extra fun. Instant prints are small enough to tuck into a journal or even pin inside the car while you’re still on the trip—souvenirs that start building before you’ve even made it home. I love the Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera for its compact size and easy-to-use design. For bigger prints and a more retro feel, the Polaroid Now is another great option. Pro tip: Pack extra film and grab a Polaroid album to store all those instant memories!
🗺️ Folded Road Maps
Every national park or scenic byway hands you a free map or guidebook at the entrance, and we’ve kept them all. They fold down to nothing, fit right in your glovebox, bookshelf drawer, or keepsake box, and instantly bring back memories when you flip through the stack. Pro tip: Write the date of your visit on the back before tucking the guides away!
🧳 Sticker Collection
Destination stickers are one of the simplest souvenirs to collect on the road. They’re cheap, pack flat, and instantly personalize your cooler, car roof box, or luggage. Over time, they turn your gear into a rolling scrapbook that travels with you everywhere you go.
🖼️ Mixtile Travel Wall
When we get home, our favorite way to relive the trip is by turning photos into Mixtiles. They arrive ready to stick on the wall (no nails needed) and over time we’ve built a whole gallery of road trip memories. It’s like our adventures follow us home and keep growing, trip after trip.
📚 Shutterfly Photo Books
We’ve made a Shutterfly book for every travel season, and flipping through them feels like reliving the journey. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to tuck onto a bookshelf, but they hold entire seasons of road trip memories in one place. It’s a tradition that makes each trip feel complete once the book arrives.
🗺️ Custom Road Trip Maps
We also turn our travel seasons into custom road trip maps, and it’s one of our most meaningful souvenirs! We loved Atlas.co for creating these custom travel maps, but since they’ve shut down, we’ve turned to Etsy. Etsy is full of creative options, including custom route maps (like these and these), push pin maps, adventure maps, photo map collages and more.
RTL Packing Checklist
Download our free packing checklist to plan for your next trip.
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Collecting souvenirs is a wonderful way to capture memories and experiences from your travels. Here are 9 cool and unique travel souvenir ideas for your next road trip, bucket list adventure, or family vacation!