Ultimate Road Trip Checklist

Ultimate Road Trip Checklist

How to Prepare Your Car for an Epic Adventure 

Planning a road trip can be thrilling, but proper preparation is key to avoiding stress. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, a solid checklist is essential for a smooth journey. In this blog, I'll provide the ultimate road trip checklist, covering packing essentials, must-haves with kids on the road, and car maintenance tips. Get ready to focus on making unforgettable memories on the open road. Buckle up; it's time to hit the road!.  Let’s go! 


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Travel Tips
  • For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
  • For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.


Before the Trip

1. Fuel the car

Ensuring your tank is full prevents last-minute stops and helps maintain a smooth journey.


2. Inspect the tires

Checking tire pressure and tread helps avoid blowouts and ensures better fuel efficiency.


3. Car maintenance before the trip

Perform maintenance on the vehicle, such as changing the oil if possible. Ensure that your vehicle registration and stickers are current. Regular maintenance keeps your vehicle running smoothly and can prevent breakdowns on the road.


4. Clean up

Remove unnecessary weight; this will help your gas last longer, resulting in more savings and fewer stops for fuel. Reducing weight improves fuel efficiency and enhances the car's handling.


5. Get a reliable phone holder

A secure Car Phone Holder keeps your device accessible for navigation without distracting you from driving.


  • Download Maps 

Download maps in advance, especially for trips to National Parks. Offline maps ensure you won’t get lost in areas with poor reception.


For Car Rentals

Ensure you have car insurance. Having insurance protects you from unexpected expenses in case of an accident. Enterprise is a reliable car rental service that we have personally used without any issues. Consider renting a car for the duration of your trip as it may be more affordable than just renting for a short period. 


Prepare Road Trip Essentials

6. Emergency Supplies

Having these on hand can save you from being stranded in case of a breakdown.

  • Jumper cables
  • Spare tire kit


7. Snacks to keep you alert

  • Pack Reusable Utensils
  • Purchase healthy snacks ahead of time; we enjoy fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and grapes while traveling. Dried fruits and tortilla chips are also among our favorites. Healthy snacks help maintain focus and prevent energy crashes.

Hydration
  • Grab a drink for the journey. This is important for maintaining energy levels.
  • Bring a Reusable Water Bottle 
  • We also pack Pedialyte for our little one
  • Carry a reusable water jug to store extra water and minimize stops at convenience stores. Staying hydrated is crucial for comfort and alertness during long drives.


8. Entertainment

Entertainment helps pass the time and keeps everyone engaged during long stretches of driving.

  • Bluetooth speaker, if needed
  • Cables: Car charger (iPhone Fast Car Chargers)
  • Power bank/ Portable Charger
  • Games: we enjoy playing the Hygge Game
  • Dashboard action figure: We love our cute Pikachu disguise as Iron Man  for moral and driving support!
  • Download songs, podcasts, and audiobooks, especially for areas with no phone coverage. 


9. Personal Supplies

Having personal supplies ensures comfort and hygiene throughout the trip.

  • Sunglasses for sun protection
  • Sunscreen 
  • Lip Balm with sunscreen
  • Comfortable shoes or flip-flops for driving; if traveling in winter, keep a warm blanket for your lap.
  • A bag or luggage to store your belongings
  • Toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a small towel for freshening up during stops. Don't forget a basic First Aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers for minor mishaps.

Comfort and Rest

Ensuring comfort items are packed helps everyone relax and recharge during the journey.

  • Neck pillow for naps
  • Eye mask and earplugs to block out light and noise
  • Cozy blanket for warmth and comfort during breaks


10. Final Checks

These checks help avoid any last-minute issues, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your adventure.

  • Confirm all travel documents are packed, including IDs, insurance papers, and any necessary permits.
  • Double-check hotel or lodging reservations and have a printed copy or screenshot of your itinerary.
  • Ensure all electronic devices are fully charged and consider bringing a power bank for recharging on the go.


Baby Car Mirror, View Infant in Rear-Facing Seat
Peek-a-boo!  Mommy and Daddy see you!  Don't want to break your neck looking back on baby?  We thought we'd be fine without a  Baby Car Camera until our friend bought it for us.  And then our necks said, "thank you."


Traveling with a Baby on the Road

These essentials are crucial for long journeys with a baby. Additionally, be sure to plan for several stops along the way for feeding and diaper changes. Here are some Baby Travel Essentials for Road Trips:


Ensure your baby's safety with a properly installed baby car seat that meets all safety standards. Comfort and security should be a top priority. Our toddler also uses a Chicco car seat, and we are big fans of Chicco for its reliability in baby products.



Choose a travel-friendly baby carrier or stroller for easy mobility during rest stops or sightseeing.Our Chicco baby car seat easily fits onto our Chicco frame stroller, simplifying the process of loading and unloading in the car. For our toddler, we use Mompush, as it’s lightweight and durable for travel.



A baby car camera enhances travel safety by enabling you to monitor your child without having to turn around, providing you with peace of mind on your journeys.



We packed his favorite soft book and secured it with a baby Clip to keep it in place for entertainment during our travels.



This portable sound machine can enhance travel with a baby by mimicking soothing home sounds, helping to mask disruptive noise and promote better sleep while you’re on the road.

  • Diaper Changes

If you have a baby, be sure to pack the diaper bag and create a suitable space for diaper changes in your car. We used a sturdy piece of cardboard as a base, and a Waterproof Diaper Mat topped with two soft, warm blankets for quick changes on the go. You never know when a diaper emergency might strike while driving, and sometimes the next restroom break can be an hour away—waiting that long is simply not an option.


And remember to pack the diaper bag with all essential baby items. Here’s a list of what we keep in our diaper bag to ensure a smooth travel experience with our kids.

Diaper Bag Travel Essentials Checklist:

  1. Diapers: Pack enough diapers for your outing, plus a few extra for emergencies and a Diaper Balm.
  2. Wipes: Essential for cleaning up during diaper changes and any other messes. Do bring a small bag for trash too.
  3. Changing Mat: A portable, foldable changing mat provides a clean surface for diaper changes anywhere. 
  4. Extra Clothes: Always have a change of clothes for your baby: Sleepers, Onesies, Swaddle, Extra Bibs and Extra Burp Cloths in case of spills or accidents.
  5. Bottles and Formula or Breastmilk: If your baby is bottle-fed, bring enough bottles and pre-measured formula or expressed milk. If Breastfeeding, don't forget your Nipple Cream.
  6. Snacks: For older babies, pack healthy snacks to keep hunger at bay.
  7. Pacifiers: If your baby uses a pacifier, have a couple on hand, along with Baby Clips to prevent them from falling. Also, bring a Teether when they start to bite on everything.
  8. Toys or Books: Bring a favorite toy or book to entertain your baby during outings. Cloth Books are a must, it’s colorful and compact.
  9. First Aid Kit (also bring a  Thermometer as babies are very unpredictable!)
  10. Hand Sanitizer: Keep your hands clean after diaper changes or before feeding your baby.


Traveling with a Toddler on the Road


Always practice safety first. Ensure your child is in a car seat until they are at least 4 years old. After that, they should continue using a booster seat until they reach a height of 4 feet 9 inches, usually around 8 to 12 years old. Always check local laws and guidelines for the safest practices.



Consider putting up "baby on board" stickers if you have a little one. They add a fun touch to your car and may even aid in merging on the freeway- fingers crossed!.



If you’re in the potty training phase, a Travel Potty Chair is incredibly useful. Also, Pull-up diapers can be a lifesaver when traveling with a toddler who’s not potty-trained or has recently been potty-trained.


  •  Snacks and Drinks

Bring along kid-friendly snacks and drinks, such as fruits and biscuits. Additionally, a playlist of their favorite songs can help keep their spirits high. Don't forget to bring a Reusable Water Bottle, Reusable Silicone Straw and Splash Guard for those bumpy rides.


  • Entertainment

Keep them entertained with Books, Coloring books and Cloth Activity Books.


Our toddler can now manage a two-hour drive without fuss, but for longer trips, we ensure to schedule stopovers. These breaks are beneficial for them and everyone else on the road. We use this time to stretch, take bathroom breaks, and pick up groceries, especially when visiting National Parks.


More Travel Essentials with Kids

The majority of our road trips revolve around National Parks. Here are the essentials we take along when we stay in Airbnb, hotels, and inns with our kids.


1. Portable Crib or Travel Cot

Provide your baby with a comfortable place to sleep during overnight stops. Look for lightweight, easy-to-set-up options. If your lodging offers cribs, there's no need to bring your own, which saves space in your car. An alternative is a Portable Bassinet, designed for easy travel convenience.


2. Baby Chair 

Make mealtimes easier with a portable high chair that can be set up quickly at restaurants or picnic spots. We purchased ours from Ikea for under 20 dollars. It may be bulky in the car, but it is effective for feeding. Another great option is the Hiccapop Baby Travel Chair; it's compact and perfect for travel.


3. Swaddles

We used swaddles for warmth and comfort, especially for sleeping, and to create a familiar environment for our baby. These are my favorites: 0-3 months - Sleep Swaddle and 3 months onwards - Transitional Swaddle.



Be prepared for minor mishaps with a baby-specific first aid kit, including items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and a digital Thermometer. I also carry some emergency medication, as it's always better to have it on hand when you need it—especially when traveling far from locations with limited access to clinics and pharmacies. I stored the medicine in a leak-proof Reusable Ziplock Bag for added peace of mind.


Toddler Emergency Kit:


Supplements:



A close friend of my husband gifted us this Dream Sock, and we never anticipated the peace of mind it provides. It monitors the baby’s pulse rate, oxygen levels, and sleep trends, along with live video through the Owlet Dream App. Here's an alternative: this Baby Video Monitor, which offers a live feed of your precious child as well.


By preparing thoroughly, you'll ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip experience. Cheers, and remember to savor every moment of the journey!

Have fun and be safe ^__^


Read More Road Trip Tips:



Do you want more adventure?
Here is a Compilation of all my thrilling escapades over the past few years. Perhaps it's time to revisit your own bucket list and make some progress towards achieving your goals.


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