The Essential Road Trip Packing List
Hit the road without hitting the brakes because you realized you forgot your jacket, toothbrush, phone charger, passport... you get the idea. Make sure you've got everything you need before you hop on the open road with this helpful road trip checklist. Pack these road trip essentials and make it a smooth and memorable journey!
In Car Essentials
Your road trip starts and ends with your car! Make sure you're equipped to handle important situations.
- Driver’s license
- Car registration and insurance information (When renting, oftentimes your car rental agreement will act as your registration and/or insurance)
- Car manual
- Extra car key (Not on the same car ring. If you lose one, you'll lose them all.)
- AAA membership card and/or phone number(s) for Roadside Assistance
- Spare tire (With a tire jack and tools to change a flat)
- Flashlight
- Paper map (For when you're stuck with no service)
- First-aid kit
Roadside Emergency Kit
No one plans on breaking down during a road trip, but it can happen. Be prepared with a roadside emergency kit.
- Quart of oil
- Jug of coolant or water
- Wiper fluid
- Portable gas container
- Ice scraper
- Small shovel/Trowel (In case you need to dig yourself out)
- Tire chains
Road Trip Must Haves
- Phone
- Chargers for cell phone, tablet, digital camera and/or laptop
- Facial tissue
- GPS (or traffic app like Waze or Google Maps)
- Wet wipes/baby wipes
- Paper towels
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunglasses
- Air freshener/Deodorizer
- Blankets and pillows
- Sweater/Sweatshirt
- Comfortable shoes
Things to Pack for a Trip
Clothing
This list covers all terrains, weather and destinations. Depending on the length of your trip, pack accordingly.
- Lightweight clothing (Think light layers)
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Sweaters/Jacketst
- Shirts
- Pants/Shorts (Don't forget a belt!)
- Socks
- Rain jacket, windbreaker or umbrella
- Pajamas/Sleepwear
- Undergarments
- Dresses/Skirts
- Scarf
- Swimsuit/Swim trunks
Toiletries
Be ready for a night on the town, an evening in the city or a wilderness adventure.
- Bug spray
- Medication
- Sunscreen
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Floss
- Brush/Comb
- Face wash
- Face cream
- Lotion
- Q-tips
- Makeup (And makeup remover!)
Miscellaneous Items
- Snacks
- Bottled water/Bottled drinks (Be careful with carbonated drinks!)
- Cooler
- Games
- Outdoor games (Like football or frisbee)
- Travel mug/Cup
- Camera
- Hot spot (Don't get caught without Internet access)
- Trash bags
Popular Road Trip Cars
Take your pick from one of these classic road trip car options.
SUVs
Room for one more? With an SUV rental, you'll have room for baggage, souveneirs and last-minute additions.
View SUVs2-Door Jeep
2 is better than 1 with a 2-door jeep from Enterprise. Bring a friend, pick the playlist and get started on your next trip.
View 2-Door Jeeps4-Door Jeep
With more leg room and ample space for luggage, a 4-door Jeep is perfect for family outings.
View- 4-Door JeepsConvertible
No matter where your trip takes you, arrive in style with the wind in your hair and the sun shining on your skin.
View ConvertiblesRental Car Resources
From our Complete Clean Pledge to curbside pickup options, we're here to help you get back on the road again.
COVID-19 Car Rental FAQs
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Check our COVID-19 FAQs for information on hours of operation, reservations and steps we're taking to keep employees and customers safe.
View COVID-19 FAQsPlanning a Road Trip During COVID-19
Are you thinking about taking a road trip during COVID-19? Check out our tips and resources to consider before you leave.
Plan Your TripComplete Clean Pledge
Learn about our commitment to protecting the well-being of customers and employees, including our Complete Clean Pledge.
Complete Clean Pledge DetailsRoad Trip Ideas
Looking for road trip ideas? You've come to the right place! Explore scenic drives along the West Coast, the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls and much more.