By Jackie Leffner
Planning a long road trip with kids? Whether you are heading to the mountains, the beach, or across the country, being prepared can make all the difference between a smooth ride and a stressful one. Here is your go-to checklist for road trip essentials and smart organization tips to keep everyone happy and your car clutter-free.
â Essentials for the Car
- Â Driverâs license, registration, and insurance
-  Roadside emergency kit (jumper cables, flashlight, tire gauge, etc.)
- Â Spare tire and tools
- Â Phone charger and car mount
-  Printed directions or map (just in case GPS fails)
- Â Sunglasses for everyone
- Â Tissues, napkins, and wet wipes
- Â Trash bags or car trash can
- Â Hand sanitizer
- Â Reusable water bottles
đ§ Snacks & Drinks
-  Healthy snacks (granola bars, fruit, trail mix)
-  Treats (gummies, cookies, something fun!)
-  Cooler with drinks (juice boxes, water, iced coffee for parents)
-  Snack containers or bento boxes for easy access
- Â Paper towels or cloths for spills
đ Kid Entertainment
-  Tablets or devices (with headphones and chargers)
- Â Books or audiobooks
- Â Coloring books and crayons
- Â Travel games or activity books
- Â Small toys or figurines
- Â Blankets and travel pillows
-  âSurprise bagâ with new toys or treats for long stretches
đ Clothing & Comfort
- Â Change of clothes for each child
- Â Light jackets or hoodies
- Â Comfortable shoes or sandals
- Â Sunglasses and hats
-  Swimsuits and towels (if stopping at water spots)
𧟠Organization Hacks
-  Seat-back organizers for toys, books, and snacks
-  Packing cubes or labeled bags for each family member
-  Plastic bin or tote for essentials you will need often
-  Laundry bag for dirty clothes
-  Ziplock bags for organizing small items or wet clothes
-  Over-the-seat hooks for hanging bags or trash
đ¨ Overnight & Hotel Essentials
-  Toiletry bag with toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.
-  Pajamas and bedtime items (stuffed animals, white noise machine)
-  Portable crib or travel bed (if needed)
-  Nightlight for unfamiliar hotel rooms
𧞠Bonus Tips for Staying Sane
-  Create a flexible itinerary with built-in breaks
-  Use a shared digital calendar or printed schedule
-  Keep a âmom bagâ with essentials like meds, sunscreen, bug spray, and Band-Aids
-  Have a reward system for good behavior (stickers, treats, extra screen time)
- Â Plan for surprisesâbecause with kids, there will be some!
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