Planning a road trip can be thrilling, especially if that includes plenty of foodie stopovers (like our foodie road trip in Yucatan Mexico). However, forgetting key essentials can quickly turn the adventure into a hassle. That’s why having this ultimate road trip packing list handy is a must for every road tripper! Whether you're preparing for a family road trip with kids or without, a weekend getaway, or a long solo drive, this complete checklist for a hassle-free road trip covers everything you need: From must-have road trip gadgets to the things that foodies would need for their culinary adventures, this guide ensures you stay organized, pack light, and enjoy the journey. Don’t hit the road without these road trip essentials!
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Here are the 15 lightweight travel things one must have before setting off for a culinary road trip adventure!
Road Trip Pack Light List
1. Pack an Inflatable pillow
Teivul travel camping pillow is an incredible find that I'm very proud of: a tiny lightweight inflatable pillow which packs in a minuscule pouch with a removable and washable pillowcase. It pumps with literally 3 blows and we use it on several occasions like sleeping in the aeroplane, or the car, in the tent or by the beach, or as a footrest at home and headrest on the train.
2. Take an Inflatable Car Seat booster (for kids)
Another inflatable miracle for those road trips with young kids: the Bubble Bum travel seat booster that does not take the space of a conventional hard seat booster and saves you money wasted in renting one at your destination.
3. Consider Folding Window Sunshades
You would have thought that tinted glass comes as standard with all cars (including rental) in sunny countries but you will be surprised to see that rental companies do not waste their money to luxuries. So if you plan to drive in a hot sunny country, pack a pair of Tanness Lightweight Car Window Shades in your bag for the kids at the back seat.
4.Get a small Car Phone holder
The Lamicall Car Phone Holder is a pretty small and sturdy holder that clips into every car's air vent, be it on horizontal or vertical vents. It clutches all tight and does not use sticky pads or wobbly magnetic contacts while boasting a wide handset compatibility meaning it can hold all modern smartphones. Now remember, there will never be a small, lightweight and removable car holder that will stay there forever as the car bounces, yet this one is the best shot you have for travel.
5. Get a portable Car Phone Charger
When it comes to charging devices I'm all in for Anker. Albeit Chinese, it's one of the high-end brands with decent quality (I have had battery packs and chargers for around 10 years) and good customer support. The Anker 52W USB-A/USB-C car charger boasts an incredible 52-watt power efficiency which means it can fully charge a modern phone in less than 30 min and also split the charging between 2 devices, even tablets. Not all rental cars have USB ports for charging, so better be safe than sorry.
6. Always pack a Flashlight (Torch)
I know nowadays we all love the feature and depend on our phones for an extra lighting source (flashlight) however, a small travel torch like Maglite mini is still relevant and useful. It is waterproof and produces more light and longer beams for less battery. And I bet the last thing you'd need when the car breaks in the middle of the night on that dark dingy evening drive, is running out of phone battery using the torch feature.
7. Prepare a small and efficient First Aid Kit
I have written about a Mini First aid kit in this article for kids. Most of the contents could also be used for adults. But if you travel as a family, it could make sense to go for a bigger size like the Littlelife Family First aid kit and also consider packing in some extras for the parents like paracetamol and anti-inflammatory pills.
8. Use biodegradable Bin Bags for your rubbish
Imagine a long drive with lots of kids' snacks, drinks, bottles, wipes, you name it. Also, think that being in a foreign country doesn't always come with the greatest convenience for finding things you need promptly, so a pack of small 6-litre biodegradable bags will prove more than useful in the car. Check these Biodegradable Compost Bin Bags.
9. Take some emergency wet wipes
Imagine a stopover in a hidden gem restaurant or street stall but the clock is ticking so you need to take away to eat somewhere else, be it in the car or back in your room. Antibacterial wipes will be necessary to sterilise your hands before eating or clean that mess in the car if you can't wait until you get back home. If you cannot avoid the inevitable and you (like me) are conscious about reducing your environmental footprint, I suggest looking out for the biodegradable Wet Ones wipes.
10. Pack Collapsible Food Box and Cups
Now picture this: you’re at that incredible restaurant or street stall I just raved about, savouring the most delicious food; but the kids are restless, throwing tantrums, overtired, and ready to go. You can’t stay, but you also can’t leave that amazing meal behind. Sure, many places will offer you a doggy bag, but bringing your own food container is a game-changer.
Not only does it reduce your waste footprint, but these Collapsible Silicone Food Storage Containers are airtight and leak-proof, ensuring your precious leftovers stay fresh and spill-free in the car. Plus, they collapse down flat, saving you valuable luggage space. It’s one of those little things that makes a big difference on your travels (and in your kitchen back home)!
Also consider some cups: From the kitchen to the office to the car to the train, this is your hydration companion and space-saving warrior. Stojo collapsible cups have a great variety of colours for every taste and they have been tested in all my trips! If you are travelling with your doggie, grab one of those Bonza Medium Collapsible Dog Bowls too.
11. Get compact and folding Travel Cutlery
If you are one of those who pack their meals in collapsible takeaway boxes and eat anywhere or have kids that can be hungry anywhere anytime, you need one of those tools: a portable multitool spoon, fork, knife & bottle opener combo set. Think something like a Swiss army knife, but for eating.
Pro Tip: Avoid the plastic double-sided ones. They break in first use.
12. Pack some lightweight Foldable Shopping Bags
When I travel, I always make a point to shop for groceries. Not just for cooking in my Airbnb apartment but also to grab snacks or souvenirs for day trips. And let me tell you, packing a few reusable bags has been a lifesaver. These handy bags serve for:
Groceries: Perfect for market finds and picnic essentials.
Day Trips: Great for carrying fruits, snacks, or extra souvenirs.
Fragile Items: On the way back home, they fold and double as bumpers to protect breakables in your luggage.
For something lightweight, eco-friendly, and compact, grab a 6-pack of polyester bags—cheap and endlessly reusable. Need more room and style? The 16L Packable Tote Bag has got you covered. Plus both are great for your everyday grocery runs when you’re back home!
13. Replace towels with ultra-slim Cleansing Wipes
No shower? No problem. Picture this: you arrive at your destination late at night, whether it’s a hostel, a campsite, or somewhere in between, only to find there’s no hot water or, worse, no water for a shower. Or imagine a day of sweaty road-tripping in hot weather, craving the refreshment of a quick shower. Parents, you know the drill: kids fresh from the playground or sandy from the beach and headed straight to dinner.
Enter Swypes. These handy wipes come with large, dual-sided surfaces, one for scrubbing, and one for cleaning, and are infused with natural aloe oil to cool and refresh your skin. They’re perfect for a full-body cleanse, anytime, anywhere. And because they’re 100% biodegradable, you can stay fresh without worrying about your eco-footprint.
14. Get a Mobile eSIM
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And now that you nailed how to pack light for a road trip, have a look at your travel essentials in my comprehensive Ultralight Smart Packing List
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