Travel Finder

Car Trip Essentials Checklist (Vacation Ideas)

Car Trip Essentials
You're off to the Grand Canyon. Or to Grandma's. Or to see the sights. No matter where you travel to in your car, we recommend bringing the following items for a smooth, enjoyable trip. To include clothes and toiletries for you and the kids, see the list for a weekend getaway.

MUST HAVE:

Wallet and/or purse and cash (sometimes we forget the most obvious things)

Credit cards and/or traveler's checks (plus list of numbers of both)

ID or driver's license

Car and house keys (plus duplicate sets kept in different bags)

Eye glasses and/or contact lenses (plus lens cleaner)

Sunglasses

Watch

Medical insurance cards

Prescriptions and other medications

Maps, directions and reservation confirmations

Camera and film

Books and magazines for kids and adults

Toys, playing cards, small games

Flashlight and batteries

Umbrella and rain jackets

Plastic bags for wet items

Disposable wipes (or put damp paper towels in zippered plastic bags)

Pocketknife

Travel alarm

Sewing kit

First-aid kit (see separate packing list)

Snacks/gum

Water/juice boxes, no-spill cups

Paper napkins/towels

Cooler with beverages (water is best) and lunch items

Paper, washable markers (crayons may melt on a hot day) and clipboard or lap desk

Snacks (crackers, mini rice cakes, dry cereal, dried fruit or nuts and the like) in small zippered plastic bags

Small backpack for child to carry own toys and art supplies

Pillows

Towels (in case of hot seats or spills)

FOR BABY:
Car seat
Diaper bag
Disposable diapers
Changing pad
Baby powder and lotion
Zippered plastic bags
Wet wipes
Nursing pads and burp pads
Bibs
Bottles, nipples and caps
Formula and/or juice
Pacifiers
Changes of clothing
Jacket or sweater
Collapsible stroller with canopy or umbrella
Front or back child-carrying pack, or sling style
Blankets
Waterproof sheets
Bathing supplies
Large plastic bags for wet clothes (can also be used as a changing pad in a pinch)

NICE TO HAVE:
Individually wrapped small toys (new ones or old favorites) or activity bags to hand out at intervals during the trip
Frisbee or ball for playing in grassy area at rest stop
Music and books on tape (record your child's favorite stories yourself)
Individual tape players and headphones
Window screens
Hand or finger puppets for entertaining at restaurants
Portable playpen or crib
Portable high chair or booster seat
Magnetic travel games
Laminated U.S. maps for kids to mark off license plates