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License, registration, and insurance cards -

Keep your license, registration, and insurance together in an easily accessible place.

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Car document holder -

In the event that you get into a car accident or are pulled over by the police, having easy access to your car's registration, insurance information and owner's manual is crucial. 

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Snacks -

Hunger can make a road trip go south pretty quickly. To avoid getting 'hangry' on the road, pack your favorite snacks and put them in an easily accessible spot.

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Cooler bag -

Bring a small cooler for any snacks and drinks that need to stay cold.

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Reusable water bottle -

Skip the plastic bottles and opt for a high-quality reusable water bottle on your next trip. Pick one made of stainless steel to keep your water cool all day. 

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Book or e-reader -

If you're in the passenger's seat, sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times. Make sure to bring a good book or an e-reader.

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Dashboard phone mount -

Your smartphone can be one of the most important tools on the road, acting as your navigator, music player, and more. Just mount the phone in your field of view, and you're ready to go. 

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Headphones -

If you'll be sitting in the passenger's seat or backseat, bring a pair of earbuds or headphones.

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USB charging cables -

If you have USB ports in your car, buy a set of charging cables so you can keep your devices charged and also play music and podcasts.

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Portable charger -

Even if you have charging ports and cables in your car, a portable charger is good to have on hand, too. 

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Car caddy -

A car caddy can help you keep snacks, tissues, toys, and any other essentials close at hand.

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Paper maps -

In case you find yourself in an area without service, you should always be prepared with a physical map.

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Spare tire and tools -

In addition to the tire, you'll need a jack and lug wrench. These are usually stored underneath the spare, but it doesn't hurt to double-check if you still have them there.

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Jumper cables -

No matter the length of your road trip, jumper cables will be at your rescue if you get a dead battery. And you don't want to be in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery...

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Flashlight -

If you have car issues after dark, a flashlight will help you see what you're doing as you troubleshoot.

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Roadside emergency kit -

For peace of mind, get an all-purpose roadside emergency kit. They're typically equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, tire repair tools, first-aid supplies, and other useful items. 

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Portable tire inflator -

A portable tire inflator can be a lifesaver if you find your tires have a slow leak during your trip. Plus, they're small and easy to pack. 

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Window shade -

Protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays with some window shades.

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Dog waste bags -

Even if you don't have a dog, their waste bags are useful for a variety of needs. Leakproof, they can be used for general waste, dirty diapers, and motion sickness accidents.

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Body wipes -

Body wipes offer a practical solution to keeping your skin clean, especially in situations where traditional bathing isn't possible. You'll feel refreshed while traveling. 

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Medicine kit and motion sickness remedies -

Long hours in the car might sound daunting to anyone prone to motion sickness. In those cases, having preventative nausea medicine can be a lifesaver. Also, don't forget to bring painkillers for headaches and achy joints. 

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Bug spray -

You may not need it in the car, but bug spray is good to have if you'll be outdoors hiking or hanging out. Plus, you never know what bugs could enter your car. 

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Sunscreen -

While car side windows block UVB rays, they still allow UVA rays through, which cause deep skin damage (but not sunburns). Therefore, it's important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

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Hand sanitizer -

From gas pumps to ATMs, you never know what germs you may encounter on a road trip. Make sure you're keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer in your car.

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Disinfecting wipes -

Disinfecting wipes are a must-have on your travel packing list, as they kill viruses and bacteria. You'll feel protected while on the road!

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Travel pillow -

Car passengers can get a bit more comfortable with the help of an ergonomic travel pillow. Make sure it's made from a breathable fabric like cotton, rayon, or bamboo.

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Sunglasses -

Shield your eyes from the sun by wearing a good pair of sunglasses. Choose sunglasses that protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, and are polarized to block glare.

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Beach blanket -

A large beach blanket or towel is a versatile accessory, which you can use to have a picnic lunch, clean up a spill, and so much more. 

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Rooftop cargo carrier -

If needed, save some space inside your vehicle by opting for a car roof cargo carrier.

Sources: (US News) (Best Life Online) 

See also: A guide to taking your dog on a road trip

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