Adventure is on the horizon, and you’re starting to think about what to pack for a road trip to make your journey awesome.
Whether you’re exploring the grand glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls of Iceland, or you’re just heading off into the unknown of your own backyard, we’ve compiled a road trip packing list to make this one memorable.
The Essential Road Trip Packing List
Road Trip Essentials for Your Vehicle
Your Driver’s License, Car Registration, and Insurance
This should be at the top of every road trip checklist. In fact, these should be at the top of every list that involves you operating a motor vehicle.
The Vehicle’s Manual
In the age of the smartphone, you might think that you can get away with leaving this behind. But if you find yourself out of your provider’s coverage area, having a physical vehicle manual will be invaluable.
Spare Tire
One of the essential road trip must-haves is a spare tire in good condition, especially if you’re heading off into more remote areas.
Vehicle Emergency Kit
A vehicle emergency kit is one of the most critical road trip necessities. A good kit will have jumper cables, basic tools, flares (or a warning triangle), blankets, and a flashlight.
Once you have these sorted away, you can build on top of that for the specific area that you’re visiting. If you’re going long distances, you may want to include a quart of oil, a jug of coolant, and wiper fluid.
Easily Forgettable Things to Bring on a Road Trip that can Help in a Crunch
Maps
A paper map can definitely help in a pinch, especially if you’re out of cell service or your phone’s battery died, and you no longer have access to your digital maps.
Physical Cash
Not every place in the world is equipped to accept digital payments or even credit cards for that matter. So, when you’re scrounging for what to bring on a road trip, don’t forget to bring along some bills and loose change. You never know when you’ll need to pay a parking meter.
First Aid Kit
Bumps, scraps, and bruises can happen anywhere. Make sure to include antiseptic and painkiller/anti-inflammatory medication.
Insect Repellant
Bugs are everywhere, and they can ruin a great road trip.
Spare Water
Hydration is necessary for survival. When considering things to pack for a road trip, make sure to include a couple of large water bottles.
Things to Take on a Road Trip If There’s Going to be Snow
Snow Shovel and Ice Scraper
Getting snow and ice off of your vehicle by hand is not a fun task.
Sand or Kitty Litter
If you’re cruising in a two-wheel drive, make sure to put the sand in front of the wheels with power.
Tire Chains
You should ideally use tire chains for all four tires if it comes to it, but if you only have two, then put them on the wheels with power going to them.
The Digital Road Trip Packing List
Portable Chargers, Power Bank and Spare USB Cords
For many of us, our phone is our lifeline to the rest of the world. Whether you’re using your phone to conduct business or are using it to chronicle your adventure, make sure it’s charged.
Mobile Hands-Free Kit
In several parts of the world, you can’t use your phone while driving around, making a hands-free kit essential for any road trip.
Portable WiFi Hotspot
Whether you’re a digital nomad working out of the back of your van, overlooking some misty vista, or traveling the globe and just want to stay connected, you should invest in a portable WiFi hotspot.
While your smartphone can do the same, a portable WiFi router won’t drain your phone’s battery and provides superior coverage.
A Good Book Or Two
Depending on the length of your journey, a good book is great to indulge in.
Travel Games
Games are perfect for family road trips. Playing games is not only fun, it’s a great way to keep the kids entertained during long journeys.
The Creature Comfort Road Trip Packing List
Protection From The Sun
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and even an umbrella can turn a blazing day into an enjoyable one.
Picnic Accouterments
Road trips can only be enhanced by a properly prepared picnic. Packing an extra blanket to sit on, a small travel pillow, and a travel mug can turn eating in the middle of a field next to the roadside into an experience.
You may also want to bring along a pair of flip-flops, hiking boots, and/or a nice pair of camp slippers for comfort.
Road Tripping With Rent.is
If your adventures are bringing you to explore the Nordic island, Iceland, there’s no better way to experience the beauty of its geysers, waterfalls, and mountains than an Iceland camper rental from Rent.is.
With Rent.is, you can take in the natural wonders of this beautiful nation in comfort and style. Book your trip today or learn more with our Iceland travel guide!
