The ultimate list of road trip essentials

Planning a road trip? Whether you’re going on a day trip or trekking across the country, reference this list for items you’ll thank yourself for bringing on your journey. From music/podcast recs to yummy snacks and travel apps, we've got you covered. Need lodgings? Be sure to check out KOA before you go!

Podcasts

Listening to podcasts can feel like having friends in the car. Some are entertaining, others informative - there's a genre for everyone! Here are some of our favorites.

• Road Trip Trivia (Spotify)- Trivia entertainment on topics ranging from pop culture, history, science, sports, riddles, and geography
• Human/Nature (Spotify)- Inspiration to connect with nature
• Vogue’s 73 Questions (Spotify)- Fun celebrity interviews
• Travel Tales by AFAR (Apple)- Transformative travel stories
• My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff & Georgia Hardstark (Apple)- True crime comedy
• Condé Nast Traveller Podcast: Escape Routes (Apple)- Get lost in a daydream-worthy destination
• The Thoughtful Travel Podcast (Apple)- Insight on important travel topics (i.e. tourism, LGBTQIA, Languages and Accents, Making Connections, etc.)
• 5 for 5 Trivia (Apple)- Family and kid-friendly mystery questions
• We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle (Apple)- A little extra motivation or a pick me up
• Not Lost (Apple)- A delightful travel escape to new destinations discussed through friendly dinner conversation

Music

Music is critical for a road trip! It sets the mood, helps you fight through seemingly endless gray skies, and overall provides entertainment. Here are a few playlists to add to your must-listen list.

• Outdoor Adventure Playlist
• 70s Road Trip
• Classic Road Trip Songs
• Pop Road Trip
• 2000s Road Trip
• Rock Road Trip 2022
• Scenic Route

Snacks

There will never be enough snacks. Add these ones to your pre-trip grocery list.

• Trail Mix
• Perfect Bar
• Dried Fruit
• Chips/Pretzels
• Granola Bars
• Reese’s Snack Mix
• CraveBox Care Package (mix of 45 different salty and sweet snacks!)
• Fruit Snacks
• Green Pea Snack Crisps
• Seaweed Snacks
• Smart Sweets
• Blue Diamond Almond On-the-Go Snack Packs
• Clementines
• Sea Salt Dry Roasted Edamame

Adventure/Travel

There truly may be an app for everything. These four are especially useful on the road.

• The Outbound App- For finding incredible local adventures (with GPX tracks) where you can stretch your legs
• Waze- For getting to your destination with the fewest delays
• GasBuddy- For finding the cheapest gas prices on the road
• KOA- For finding great family-friendly camping locations along your trip

Comfort

Hygge on the go!

• Cozy Blanket
• Neck Pillow
• Memory Foam Seat Cushion
• Car Mattress (for longer trips/potential overnight car sleeps)

Electronics

Make sure you have all the electronic things to charge your devices for navigation, safety, and entertainment.

• USB/AUX cord
• Portable Phone Charger
• Mini Car Vacuum Cleaner
• Headphones

Car Accessories

These gadgets can make your road trip easier, keep your car cleaner, and help you bring the right stuff you need.

• Cell Phone Mount
• Roof Rack/Cargo Carriers (for extra storage)
• Air Freshener/Diffuser
• Car Seat Gap Filler
• Back Seat Organizer
• Waterproof Seat Cover (for pets!)
• Mini Car Waste Bin (can fit right in your car’s cup holder!)
• Folding Car Trunk Organizer
• Portable Car Desk/Tray
• Stick-on Window Shade

Safety

An unofficial survey found that (insert high percentage here) of all road trip stories include some kind of a vehicle mishap. Be prepared.

• First Aid Kit
• Ice Scraper
• Jumper Cables
• Snacks
• High power flashlight
• Orange reflective safety cones

Additional Handy Items

Don't forget the extras!

• Cooler
• Reusable Coffee Cup/Thermos
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Picnic Blanket
• Stain Remover
• Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer

Find awesome lodgings across America with KOA!

Cover Photo: About Maps