All the things you'll need for your next adventure on the open road
Why you need a road trip packing list…
If you’re heading out on a road trip, one thing’s for sure – you want to be prepared for all eventualities! Packing for your trip can feel overwhelming as there’s so much to remember. Fear not, though, as we’ve done the hard work for you with this handy road trip packing list! Treat it as a checklist to ensure you don’t forget any essentials. Best to be prepared now, instead of realising 100 miles down the road that you’re not going to have any clean socks to wear for the duration of your trip!
From clothing to toiletries, and camping gadgets to essential documents, we’ve got you covered in our comprehensive road trip packing list. Most of this is common sense, but making sure you’re well prepared for all eventualities will ensure your trip is as enjoyable as possible!
Road trip packing list: Essential clothing and accessories
- Underwear – maybe you prefer to go commando, and who are we to judge? If not, make sure you pack enough pairs of pants for the trip!
- T-shirts / shirts – lightweight tops are great when the weather is good and you can always layer up over them if it gets chilly.
- Fleeces / jumpers – for those colder days.
- Glasses / sunglasses – Even in the winter months, you’ll be glad you packed your sunglasses. That low winter sun is blinding at times, especially when you’re on the road. And if you have a prescription for glasses, you absolutely must remember those!
- Shorts – you might not need these in the winter but you’ll be glad of them on a summer road trip.
- Sleepwear – don’t forget to pack your pyjamas or nightshirt!
- Umbrella – just in case, because in the UK, it’s highly likely you will get rain at some point!
- Waterproof / windproof jacket
- Winter coat – if your road trip is in the colder months!
- Warm trousers – consider a waterproof option.
- Warm socks – you might need a few pairs to rotate if they get wet.
- Scarf, hat & gloves – depending on the time of year, these are life savers! If it’s a summer road trip, consider a baseball cap or sunhat to keep the sun out of your eyes.
- Swimwear – great to have if you’re heading to a beach or are brave enough to have a go at wild swimming!
- Walking boots – when you’re out hiking in the great outdoors, the paths are often muddy, wet or uneven. Bring a carrier bag or something to put them in to stop mud from getting in your car or van.
- Trainers or flip flops – for relaxed use in the car, van or around the town. Remember there’s going to be some long drives, so comfort is everything!
- Evening outfit – perhaps you might want to put on something a little less outdoorsy if you’re heading out for dinner or a few evening drinks?
- Wallet / purse – don’t forget your card and cash.
Road trip packing list: Toiletry & medical essentials
- Shampoo and conditioner – whether it’s two bottles or a 2-in-1, you’ll feel fresher if you’re able to wash your hair on your trip.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Mouthwash and dental floss
- Body wash and soap
- Deodorant
- Face wash and skincare
- Moisturiser / body lotion
- Hairbrush / comb
- Paracetamol and Ibuprofen – you never know when you might need them, so pack them just in case.
- Insect repellent – useful in summer to ward off those pesky midges and mosquitoes!
- Antihistamine tablets – if you’re bitten by an insect, these might just be your best friend.
- Toilet roll and wet wipes – useful for a lot of things.
- Sun cream
- Vaseline or Chapstick – the wind can be cruel to your lips.
- Small first aid kit – pack at least a few plasters and antiseptic wipes.
Road trip packing list: Gadget essentials
- Smartphone & charging cable – always ideal for taking photos and videos! Also for using Google Maps offline. You can always charge whilst driving too if you have a 12v adaptor or in-car USB port.
- Camera – not essential if you have a mobile phone but you’ll certainly want to take some snaps along the way! Bring wide lenses and you might also want to being a tripod stand or selfie stick.
- Sat Nav – not necessary if you have a smartphone with Google Maps but some people prefer them. Don’t always depend on them, sometimes the quickest route isn’t the best route!
- Headlamp / torch & power bank – see next section!
Road trip packing list: Camping and campervan essentials
- Hoses, universal adaptors & electric cables – essential to get water on campsites and refill points. Think about electric too.
- Levelling chocks – if you’re in a campervan, not all sites are flat.
- Spare gas canisters – useful to have.
- Earplugs & blindfold – handy for ensuring you get a good night’s kip when camping.
- Windbreak – offers privacy and can be used on the beach too.
- Warm sleeping bag or bedding – for those cold winter nights!
- Dry bag – keep your important items in here if you’re in a tent.
- Multi-tool / pen knife – we needed one of these multiple times.
- Hot water bottle – great to pop in your sleeping bag.
- Microfibre travel towels – what an invention these are!
- Power bank – in case you can’t charge your devices through your car or campervan, and you need some extra juice.
- Headlamp / torch – a camping must-have!
Road trip packing list: Documents and other essentials
- Driver’s licence / other ID
- Vehicle documents (V5C/logbook)
- Vehicle insurance certificate
- Breakdown information
- Valid MOT certificate
- No Fuss Logbook, Journal & Planner – Our new No Fuss Logbook will help you plan and record your trip, as well as providing you with a selection of fun puzzles and conversation starters! This all-in-one companion has been designed to help you plan smarter, travel smoother, and capture every unforgettable moment along the way.
Road trip packing list: European requirements
- Passport/visa
- Travel insurance and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
- UK car sticker
- Headlight beam deflectors
- Hi-vis jacket for the driver and each passenger
- Warning triangle
- Breathalyser kit
- Angles Morts stickers – you need these if your vehicle is rated over 3.5 tonnes.
We hope our road trip packing list will prove useful when you’re preparing for your next adventure. By taking the stress out of packing, we’re giving you more time to think about how to plan your route, where you’d like to go, and what you’d like to see. For even more help with planning your next trip, don’t forget to check out our collection of No Fuss Travel Guides. You can browse our full guidebook collection here and see if we’ve covered your chosen destination!
Wherever your next trip takes you, we hope you have lots of fun along the way. See you out there on the road!
