Must Haves for a Road Trip: Family Essential Things to Bring in the Car

Road trips are an exciting opportunity to make lifelong memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re driving to a new home or heading off on a family vacation, being well-prepared makes the journey smoother (and cleaner!). It’s no surprise that American families spend nearly 23 hours on summer road trips, according to recent research.

As a military family that moves every few years, we’ve logged thousands of miles on the road—often with babies, toddlers, and school-aged kids in tow. From cross-country PCS moves to long road trips to Disney World, we've learned exactly what to bring to survive and thrive during long car rides.

This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases

In this post, I’m sharing must-have family road trip essentials—especially the not-so-obvious ones—to help you stay organized, avoid messes, and keep your kids comfortable the entire time. Here are the must-haves for a successful family road trip:

Must-Haves for a Road Trip

1. Car Sickness & Accident Clean-Up Kit

Motion sickness is no joke—especially with kids. If you’ve ever been on the highway and heard those dreaded words, “I feel sick,” you know how important it is to be prepared.

Keep a simple car sickness kit in your vehicle at all times. Here’s what we pack:

• Disposable vomit bags (way better than a bucket—compact, sealable, no clean-up)

• Paper towels or wet wipes

• Travel-size disinfectant spray or Febreze

• Gallon-size zip bags or trash bags

• Motion sickness bands or kids’ anti-nausea gummies (check with your pediatrician first)

If your child is prone to motion sickness, try to keep their eyes up and looking out the window, avoid reading or screen time for long stretches, and have them sit in the middle seat for the smoothest ride.

2. Potty Break Solutions for Toddlers and Kids

Sometimes nature calls at the worst possible moment—especially when you're miles from the nearest rest stop. While we didn’t use a portable potty ourselves, we did rely on foldable toilet seats when our kids were little to make public restrooms more manageable (and less scary for toddlers!).

That said, many of my mom friends swear by the portable potty hack—especially for recently potty-trained toddlers. Whether you're in traffic, stuck in the middle of nowhere, or just trying to avoid a meltdown, a portable potty in the trunk can be a game-changer.

Popular potty solutions include:

• Collapsible travel potties that are easy to store

• Disposable potty seat liners with absorbent pads

• Foldable toilet seat covers for public restrooms

No matter which route you go, don’t forget to pack:

• Flushable wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• A roll of toilet paper

• Small trash bags for easy clean-up

3. Car Roof Bag for Extra Storage

When you're packing for a family, trunk space fills up fast. A car roof bag can double your storage space, keeping bulky items (like bedding, shoes, or souvenirs) out of the way.

A top-rated car roof bag is waterproof, fits most vehicles with or without a roof rack, and holds up through several long-distance trips.

4. Backseat Car Organizers

Backseat clutter = chaos on a long drive.

Install car organizers on the back of your front seats so kids have easy access to everything they need. Ours hold:

• Water bottles

• Snacks

• Toys and books

• Tablets and headphones

• Napkins or tissues

5. Car Power Inverter

If you need to power a laptop, breast pump, medical device, or other electronics that require a standard plug, a car power inverter is a game-changer.

We’ve used ours for:

• A nebulizer during an asthma flare

• Charging camera batteries on the go

• Powering a laptop for school assignments

6. Cordless Portable Tire Inflator

Getting a flat tire far from the nearest gas station is a nightmare—especially with kids in the car. That’s why we always keep a cordless portable tire inflator in our vehicle.

I love this model on Amazon because it:

• Charges via USB

• Works without staying plugged into the car

• Presets the desired tire pressure

• Doubles as a power bank

• It is as compact as a phone

It fits easily in the trunk or spare tire compartment and gives us peace of mind on every trip.

Bonus: Other Popular Road Trip Essentials for Families

Even with your car packed to the brim, there are a few small (but mighty) items that can make a big difference on long family drives. These extras help you stay comfortable, entertained, and ready for just about anything on the road.

Snack Essentials

Snacks are non-negotiable on a family road trip. Not only do they save you from frequent (and expensive) fast food stops, but they also help prevent hangry meltdowns in both kids and adults.

Pack:

• Mess-free, low-sugar snacks like granola bars, pretzels, or apples

• A soft-sided cooler for string cheese, cut fruit, or yogurt pouches

• Resealable bags or containers for portioning and easy access

Stay Hydrated

Reusable water bottles are a must. Give each family member their own bottle (color-coded if needed!) and fill up whenever you stop for gas or restroom breaks. Staying hydrated keeps everyone feeling better, especially in warmer climates or high altitudes.

Comfort Items for the Long Haul

Long car rides can be exhausting, especially for little ones who aren’t used to sitting still for hours.

Bring along:

• Blankets and small pillows or neck pillows for napping

• Window sunshades to block harsh sunlight and keep the backseat cool

• Travel tray tables so kids can snack, draw, or play without losing items between the seats

First Aid Must-Haves

You don’t need a full medical kit, but it’s smart to have the basics on hand for unexpected cuts, scrapes, or tummy aches.

Include:

• Band-Aids

• Kid-safe pain reliever

• Tummy relief chewables or Dramamine (ask your pediatrician)

• Ointments and antiseptic wipes

Entertainment Beyond Screens

Keeping kids busy without relying on screens the entire time can feel tricky—but it’s totally doable with the right tools.

Consider:

• Audiobooks or family-friendly podcasts (we love rotating stories everyone can enjoy)

• Road trip games like “I Spy,” scavenger hunts, or license plate bingo

• A curated playlist with singalong songs, relaxing tunes, and everyone’s favorites

And if you’re looking for creative ideas that don’t involve screens, coloring books, or worksheets, check out my post:👉 Screen-Free Car Trip Activities for Kids Who Don’t Like Coloring or Worksheets

It’s packed with fun, imaginative, and easy-to-prep ideas that will keep your kids entertained and engaged during the ride—no screen time required.

Family road trips are full of adventure—but preparation is the key to a stress-free journey. These practical, parent-tested road trip essentials will help you handle messes, meltdowns, and everything in between.

Whether you're heading out for a cross-country move or a magical vacation, I hope this list makes your time on the road more enjoyable.

Happy travels, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!