• Menu
  • Skip to left header navigation
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • search
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Pop Top Treehouse Logo

Tips and tricks for van camping, recipes, and adventures in the Pacific Northwest.

  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Camping Basics
  • Recipes
  • Start Here
  • About
  • Blog
  • Camping Basics
  • My Adventures
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Disclosures
  • Privacy Policy

Road Trip Essentials for the Whole Family

camper van with poptop roof

November 18, 2022 //  by Stephanie//  Leave a Comment

FacebookTweetPin3

Before taking off on your next adventure, ensure you have the essentials down! I have all the road trip essentials you’ll need to keep the whole family happy until the very end of your trip. Learn important car checks and essential packing items to ensure an amazing drive, no matter where the road takes you. 

road trip camping essentials for the whole family

Road trips are an exciting way to experience travel, taking in the world around you as you zip down the highway.

They’re particularly beautiful in scenic, rural areas. If you’re not prepared, however, a fun road trip can quickly become a nightmare. 

To ensure you’re ready for whatever comes your way, I have compiled all the road trip essentials you’ll need to keep in mind for a successful drive. 

In this post, you’ll find a handy road trip checklist, kid-focused essentials, and packing tips for adults. 

Read on before you get on the road!

car camping at Golden Ears Park

Car Road Trip Checklist

Before heading out, ensure you’re set for the long haul! Though emergencies probably won’t happen, you’ll never regret being prepared. 

To ensure your vehicle is in tip-top traveling shape, make sure to check its:

  • Fluid levels
  • Tire pressure
  • Engine lights
  • Headlights 
  • Turn signals 
  • Brake pads & rotors

In emergencies, you’ll also want to ensure you have all your roadside essentials. These may vary based on your climate and where you’re traveling. Basic essentials include:

  • GPS
  • Spare tire
  • Jumper cables 
  • Tire chains
  • Emergency tools
  • Wiper fluid 
  • Tire repair kit 
  • First aid kit
parked camper van on street

Road Trip Essentials for Kids

Traveling with kids isn’t always a walk in the park. Prevent possible conflict with these helpful packing tips. 

Food

Nothing stops a road trip quicker than a kid who desperately needs a snack! Make sure there are plenty of food options like packaged snacks and easy-to-eat meals for kids to grab when they need them. 

Keep a cooler underneath the passenger seat, not in the trunk, so everything is easily accessible when hunger hits. 

Also, be sure to have bottled water in the car. While reusable water bottles are always preferable, you never know when you’ll have an opportunity to fill up. 

Food options include:

  • Cooler sandwiches
  • Lots of water 
  • Packaged snacks

Entertainment 

If you think road trips get boring as an adult, this is amplified 100% if you’re an overactive child. Ensure you have many entertainment options, so kids don’t fly off the wall!

Entertainment options include:

  • Games
  • Electronics
  • Puzzles
  • Activity books 
  • Chapter books 
happy car camper

Layered Clothes

You don’t want to pull over whenever your child gets too warm or chilly. Make sure they’re dressed in comfy, layered clothes so they can easily adjust themselves (or with a little assistance). 

Clothing options include:

  • Layered sweaters
  • Light jackets
  • Tee shirts
  • Stretchy pants/leggings 
  • Slip off shoes 
  • Summer/winter hat
  • Mittens for the winter 
  • Sunglasses 

Little Essentials

You never want to be caught without! Make sure you have these little essentials within arms reach. These include:

  • Sunscreen 
  • Baby wipes
  • Tissues 

Comfort Makers 

Make the car ride that much more comfortable with a few simple comfort makers. These small details can make all the difference. Kids may even get a little bit of shut-eye!

Comfort makers include:

  • Fuzzy blankets
  • Thick socks 
  • Travel pillow 
  • Favorite stuffed animal 
kids driving the camper van

Road Trip Essentials for Adults

Most adult road trip essentials are not far off from the kid’s essentials! There are still a few small differences to take into account. 

Use these packing tips to help perfect your road trip experience!

Food

Don’t get caught hungry on the road! Fast food can do in a pinch, but it never sits all that well in your stomach. 

Pack some easy-to-eat meal options and snacks you can eat on the road. 

Sustenance options include:

  • A thermos of tea or coffee
  • Cooler sandwiches or wraps 
  • Packaged snacks like power bars
  • Sweet treats to share 
  • Water bottles & a refillable water bottle 
walnut chocolate chunk cookies
Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Entertainment 

Adults get bored too! If you’re riding passenger seat on this road trip or need some hands-free entertainment, these are some options for you:

  • Tablet for streaming
  • Phone games 
  • Puzzle books
  • Journaling or doodling
  • Books or readers 
  • Podcasts
  • Road trip playlists 

Clothing Options 

I think that comfort is the most important of all road trip essentials. Being comfortable is imperative for good moods, which is super important when in close quarters for an extended period of time. 

Take these clothing options into account for ultimate comfort:

  • Slides for the car
  • Waterproof shoes
  • Comfy pants with an elastic waistband
  • Loose-fitting tee shirts
  • Warm flannels 
  • Layered sweaters
  • Additional jackets
  • Sun hats 
sleeping in the car seat

Little Essentials 

These items are essential for every road trip for kids and adults. Make sure you have these items to avoid a lot of future headaches. 

These little essentials include:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper 
  • Umbrella 
  • Garbage bags 
  • Quick toiletries 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Sunglasses & reading glasses 

Comfort Makers 

Whether you’re going to get a turn in the passenger seat or want to be extra cozy while driving, treat yourself to a few comfort makers. 

These simple items will make you feel right at home no matter where you are!

Some small comfort makers to pack include:

  • Pillows
  • Neck pillows
  • Blankets
  • Eye masks if you’re a passenger 
  • Fuzzy socks
Camper Van rental with top tent

Final Thoughts on Road Trip Essentials

That rounds up some essential items you need for your next road trip! With these items, both practical and comfort-focused, you’re in for one amazing adventure. 

If I left out any other important items, or if you have a clever road trip tip, please leave it in the comments down below. 

More from Pop Top Treehouse:

  • 19 Space Saving Camping Organization Ideas
  • How To Avoid Common Camping Mistakes
  • 25 Inventive Dollar Store Camping Hacks
  • Stay Warm with these 15 Winter Camping Tips
  • Herbs that Keep Mosquitos Away (Must-Try Camping Hack!)
FacebookTweetPin3

Category: Camping BasicsTag: car camping, checklist

Previous Post: «bowl of minestrone soup One-Pot Camping Meals: 10 Camping-Friendly Recipes
Next Post: Hiking Packing List | Essentials for Beginner Hikers Stawamus Chief hike view»

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Meet Stephanie

I’m Stephanie, the camping mama behind Pop Top Treehouse! Here you’ll find all my tips and tricks for camper life, as well as my family’s adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Read More…

Recent Posts

  • 18 Ultra Fun Camping Games for Kids
  • Campfire Hacks for Fun (and Safe) Flames
  • DIY Fire Starters – 10 Creative Ways to Start a Fire
  • Top 5 Constellations for Stargazing (With Pictures!)
  • 16 Fun Things to do in Victoria, Canada (+ 4 That Are Overrated!)

Footer

Pop Top Treehouse Logo

Start Exploring

  • Camping Basics
  • My Adventures
  • Gear Reviews
  • Recipes

Disclosures

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosures
  • Copyright
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 Pop Top Treehouse · All Rights Reserved