Camping Tips and Tricks

GOING ON A ROAD TRIP? HERE’S YOUR PACKING LIST

road trip packing list
Courtesy of Averie Woodard via Unsplash

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road—your destination ahead of you, with plenty of unknown delights to find and explore along the way. The only downside? The packing that has to be done first.

Beyond the essentials of clothes, sunscreen, and snacks (and, of course, your Elk Mountain canvas tent!), here are a few more items you should make room for in your trunk.

Safety First

A quality first aid kit is one of those items you hope to have and never need—rather than something you don’t have and desperately wish you did. Check out our guide on essentials to make sure your kit includes everything important.

Safety is about more than just patching up injuries, though—it’s about preventing risks before they happen. Be sure to pack extra water, flashlights, and jumper cables in case of car trouble, and double-check that you have a spare tire ready to go.

capturing memories on a road trip
Photo courtesy of Rawpixel via Unsplash

Making Memories

Savor the new discoveries and treasured moments of your road trip by taking plenty of pictures and saving a few mementos from your journey. Sure, every phone has a camera these days—but consider purchasing a Polaroid-style camera, like the Fujifilm Instax Mini, to get instant prints you can share with friends right away.

You might also want to keep a travel journal to paste photos in and jot down quick notes about what you saw and experienced along the way.

Restful Slumber

If you’re switching off driving with a companion or two, make sure you can catch some quality rest no matter what time it is. Pack a sleep mask to block out sunlight, plus a neck pillow and blanket for comfort. And if your co-driver likes to listen to music or podcasts, some noise-blocking headphones will help you drift off peacefully.

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About Liz Lanier

Liz Lanier is a freelance writer and an MFA Fiction candidate at Minnesota State University, where she also teaches undergraduate composition. Her writing can be regularly seen at Variety and GameDaily. She also has bylines in The Mary Sue, Game Informer Magazine, The Billfold, and others. Follow her on Twitter @LizLanierWrites.