road trip gadgets

The Best Gear for Your Road Trips

By Kit Dillon and Wirecutter Staff

A road trip is an adventure. It doesn’t matter how far you go. But all adventures require a little planning (and one or two backup plans, in case things go sideways).

We took our first testing road trip in an age far less complicated than these past few years, but the gear we tested and the advice we’ve gathered here should still help you navigate the roads safely and comfortably.

Our original trip, in 2016, included 60 hours of researching and testing gear to take on the open road. We packed all of our top contenders into a Honda Fit EX and headed out on a four-day jaunt to determine what’s nice to have, what’s great, and what’s absolutely essential for your next road trip.

In 2020 we added a few items to help you adhere to safe-travel guidelines, and those things will always come in handy during flu and cold season. We’ve also added several selections to take on challenging winter car trips.

After traveling for 1,500 miles, through four states and six national parks, we think we have a good grasp on what makes an excellent road trip. In addition to performing our own research and testing, we consulted with half a dozen engineers, mechanics, and other experts to bring you these picks. Our hope is that the recommendations in this guide will help you see more and explore farther down the road than you thought possible.

Below, you’ll find recommendations for cargo boxes , binoculars , coolers , emergency beacons , a first-aid kit , a folding blanket , an ice scraper , an instant camera , inverters for your electronics , a multi-tool , phone mounts , a portable jump starter , ratchets and tie-down straps , a road atlas , stain remover , a stowable daypack , sun shades , sunglasses , a tire-pressure gauge , a toolkit for cars , a travel game , a travel pillow , water jugs , windshield water repellent , wipes , and so much more. These items will help you have a successful road trip, regardless of region or weather.

However, even if you have the best gear in the world, it’s always best to address small problems before they become emergencies. That’s why we asked Christopher Smith , a veteran automotive journalist with a penchant for restoring fixer-uppers, to help us put together some advice on how to prepare your car for a trip . (And he lives in South Dakota, where things are spread out, so he’s always prepared.) We cover everything from checking your tires and dipsticks to knowing what you should do if your car starts smelling like rotten eggs for seemingly no reason.

This guide isn’t specifically geared toward families, though most of the picks would be useful to a family traveling by car. We do have guides to infant car seats , travel car seats , booster car seats , and water bottles for kids —all things that are of particular interest to families on the road.

The research

Stowing your gear, in the driver’s seat, health and cleaning supplies, staying comfortable, refreshments, entertainment, just in case, preparing for a road trip.

Being able to find what you need when you need it—whether it’s water, emergency lights, a change of clothes, or a granola bar—can make the difference between a short, easy stop that rejuvenates and a long, frustrating one that makes you question why you left home in the first place.

It all starts with packing. Don’t overthink it. We like to keep items grouped: emergency gear in the back right of the trunk, water in the back left, spare batteries in the glove compartment along with the power inverter, and so on. After a few days, double-checking that everything is where it should be before heading off becomes a comforting ritual, and it helps mitigate the worry that you left … something … in the motel last night.

And don’t overpack. As with a bag, a well-packed car is one that has less than you think you want to bring but everything that you truly need. You don’t have to bring everything—just the things that are essential. Remember, you want to enjoy the drive. Not having to worry about countless items that someone might lose or misplace is a big step toward that enjoyment.

Cargo boxes

Yakima SkyBox NX 18

The best cargo box.

This cargo box offers great aerodynamics, easy mounting and operation, and a lot of storage at a reasonable price.

Buying Options

A cargo box effectively allows you to double your trunk space by moving bulky items from your car’s interior or trunk to its roof. After gathering up as much intel as we could about rooftop cargo boxes from experts, retailers, manufacturers, customers, and outdoor-gear reviewers, we’ve concluded that of the 21 boxes we surveyed, the Yakima SkyBox NX 18 offers the best combination of features, build quality, and value pricing for most road trips.

The NX line replaces the Carbonite line of Yakima boxes, which included our previous cargo box pick, the SkyBox 16 Carbonite .

The cargo box’s low-drag aerodynamic design minimizes wind noise and reduces the impact on fuel economy. Its 18 cubic feet of space allows it to hold skis, duffle bags, backpacks, sleeping bags and other camping gear, or any random (though fairly lightweight) stuff, and it does so securely—both in solidly mounting to your roof rack and in resisting theft. If you don’t have a rack already, this REI car rack buying guide is a good place to start, but be sure to consult your car’s owner manual to see how much weight its roof can bear.

The SkyBox NX 18 is easy to use. Like most cargo boxes these days, it uses sliding brackets, rather than one or two fixed spots, for attachment to the crossbars, making perfect positioning a snap. To secure the brackets to the crossbars, you use a simple torque wrench (included) that will announce with an audible click—like a gas-tank cap—when you’ve tightened the four installation bolts down securely. The tool lives inside the cargo box, though out of the way of your gear, for safekeeping.

Once installed, the SkyBox NX 18 allows easy access from either side of the car, and its newly redesigned dimensions (a change from the previous model) make it less likely to interfere with a liftgate if you put it on a hatchback or station wagon.

If you need more space, Yakima’s older-generation 21-cubic-foot model (the company has not released an updated, NX 21 version so far) may still be available for purchase. Be aware, however, that this box weighs more and can encourage overloading past your car rack’s weight limit, which might be lower than you expect. It may also be too long in the back to clear some liftgates. As Ken Klaes, general manager of ReRack , a Portland, Oregon–based cargo-box retailer and rental company, explained to us: “A rack designed to carry 150 pounds doesn’t forget that the box is there; the weight of the box itself (often 50-ish pounds) needs to be subtracted from the weight rating to give you a real capacity for the box.”

Roof straps

Keeper Endless Loop Ratchet Tie-Down

The best ratcheting straps.

Easier to use than non-ratcheting straps, these straps ensure that your stuff stays put.

I spent many years working in rigging and rope access on offshore oil platforms, where I played with loads, angles, line pulls, and sheave-block friction percentages—in other words, I know a thing or two about strapping things down. You can find two common types of roof straps: ratchet straps, which have a mechanical lever and gear, and cam straps (sometimes called “lashing” or “loop” straps), which connect to themselves through a cam buckle . If I could choose only one type, I’d get ratchet straps because they’re easier to secure. More specifically, I’d get the Keeper Endless Loop Ratchet Tie-Down .

We spent several hours examining 22 strap options before landing on the Keeper version. Keeper is a reliable brand, and the ratchets are easy to tighten and loosen, thanks to their all-metal construction. ( Cheaper ratchets are hard to release and prone to sticking or breaking due to their reliance on plastic parts.) At 13 feet long, these 1-inch straps are long enough for all but the most strenuous loads on the largest of vehicles, and their nylon webbing’s 400-pound working load limit and 1,200-pound break strength put them right in line with similarly priced straps. You could get something that’s heavier-duty or longer, but you’d be paying more for strength or length you don’t need.

On our trip, driving in a car without a roof rack, we used the Keeper straps to great success. The straps held a full water jug to the roof of our Honda for a few dozen miles through the backroads of Arizona with no issues. Other Wirecutter staffers have owned Keeper straps for years and vouch for their overall strength and durability.

NRS 1″ HD Tie-Down Straps

The best cam straps.

Simpler and cheaper than ratchet straps, these straps have above-average strength ratings.

If you prefer the simplicity of a cam strap or don’t need the extra force that a ratchet strap provides, we like the NRS 1″ HD Tie-Down Straps , which come in a variety of lengths. They’re pricier than more popular options, but their webbing is rated to a 1,500-pound breaking strength (the cam itself has a 2,000-pound breaking strength) and a 500-pound working load, in contrast with the 600-pound breaking strength and 200-pound working load of this best-selling Keeper set . Equipment of this grade may seem like overkill, but Wirecutter’s Mark Smirniotis had several weaker cams fail on him when he was strapping loads to his Jeep. He noted in 2016 that of all the straps on Amazon with more than 25 customer reviews, the NRS straps were the only ones that had no reviews complaining of failed cams. NRS is primarily known as the premier kayaking- and rafting-accessory company, so the folks there probably know something about strapping awkwardly large loads onto cars.

Thule Quick Loop Strap 530

For smaller cars.

This strap offers a quick way to add load-stabilizing anchor points to a small car.

For owners of compact cars who want to move long or oversize loads, such as a kayak, we also like the Thule Quick Loop Strap . You secure these straps under the hood of your car (or the trunk, if you don’t have a hatchback) to create a set of forward anchor points to help stabilize the forward section of whatever it is you’re carrying. Judging from our testing, these straps are very quick to set up, and they can add a welcome level of versatility to tough packing situations.

• Always check the maximum load of your car’s anchor points, such as the roof rack. Ratchet straps can apply a lot of force beyond just the weight of your belongings, so knowing your maximum load will help you avoid over-tensioning the straps.
• If the straps vibrate against the roof while you drive, adding a few twists in them can sometimes stop them from slicing the air.
• Don’t put knots in your straps, especially if you’re applying tension. Knots can cut through nylon with surprisingly little force. A knot also significantly reduces the overall load that the strap can handle.
• Never use bungee cords to hold anything down. They’re fine for stabilizing items but not for securing heavy loads.

Driving can be fun, meditative, exhausting, and torturous. After five hours of driving through the desert, it can sometimes be all of those things at the same time.

A thousand little gadgets promise to make a long drive somehow easier. Most of them are useless and seemingly designed to distract you more than anything else. Try to avoid these items. The best gear is durable, unobtrusive, and easy to use—so you can keep your eyes (and your thoughts) on the road.

You will get bored—500 miles on cruise control with an automatic transmission can be a pretty dull time. Not always, of course, but sometimes it will be boring, and maybe that’s the point. In this frenetic age, that feeling is practically a luxury, and it’s essential to the trip. Revel in it.

It would be impossible for us to pick the best overall sunglasses, since your choice ultimately depends on your personal style. We have picks for cheap sunglasses in a separate guide. But driving sunglasses are different because they’re designed to help you perform a specific task: driving safely. In that regard, Maui Jim makes the best sunglasses around, though they are something of an investment.

The best sunglasses

These are the clearest driving sunglasses we’ve found, with no perceptible distortion.

We compared a Maui Jim pair with more than 20 types of sunglasses, driving or otherwise, and found this pair to be the best of the bunch. The Maui Jim sunglasses had the clearest lenses, with no perceptible distortion, on the lightest frames we tested (0.6 ounce, or about half the weight of a wooden pencil). I’ve never encountered sunglasses that I can wear for hours on end without somehow hurting my nose, ears, or both. But during my trip there were a few afternoons when I had completely forgotten I was even wearing the Maui Jim sunglasses—despite five-plus hours of driving with them on.

The clarity of the lenses was another surprise. The Maui Jim lenses are so clear that it’s borderline unsettling the first time you try on these sunglasses. Thanks to the lenses’ exceptional clarity and polarization, everything—including the scenery around you and the road ahead—looks sharper through them.

As far as specific model recommendations go, I suggest scanning the offerings on the Maui Jim website and reading the fit descriptions to find something that matches your aesthetic sensibilities. Unlike companies that go by lens size only, Maui Jim lists face shape as part of its fit guidelines. That means you’re more likely to find what’s most comfortable for you on your first try. Just keep in mind that bigger lenses tend to be better because they offer more coverage.

Maui Jim glasses come with a two-year warranty . After checking with the company, we confirmed that it fulfills warranties on its sunglasses no matter where you buy them. However, Maui Jim services only authentic lenses and frames that haven’t been modified in any way. You can tell whether the pair you have is genuine (and not a knockoff) by confirming that the Maui Jim logo is etched, not just painted onto the lens.

Smartphone mount

In an ideal world, people wouldn’t use a phone at all while driving, and if you have a copilot, you shouldn’t have to—you can delegate the phone-related tasks to them. But in reality, for many drivers, a phone is the source for navigation, information, messages, music, and (of course) phone calls. However, if you hold the phone in your hand as you drive—or look down at it in a cup holder or center-console bin—it can be a major distraction and safety risk. That’s why we recommend using a smartphone mount.

iOttie iTap Magnetic 2

The best dash- or windshield-mounted smartphone mount.

Whether it’s on a dashboard or windshield, this model is easy to set up, grips securely, and has a strong magnetic mount that supports most phones in any position.

iOttie iTap Magnetic 2 Air Vent Mount

The best vent-mounted smartphone mount.

This model is easy to set up and remove, and it has the same strong magnetic mount as the dash version. It securely held on to our cars’ vent slats.

iOttie iTap Magnetic 2 CD Slot Mount

The best cd-slot-mounted smartphone mount.

This mount attached quickly and firmly to our cars’ CD slots and has the same magnetic mount as the other iTap Magnetic 2 versions.

I enjoy the simplicity of my phone with no accessories, so I like that the iOttie iTap Magnetic 2 mounts offer an attractively easy way to mount and unmount my phone with one hand. In our tests , the magnets in all three versions— dash/windshield , vent , and CD slot —were strong, supporting most of our phones vertically and horizontally over even the roughest terrain. Only the large, 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max gave them some trouble when they held it horizontally; the mounts were solid with a 6-inch Google Pixel 2 XL.

To use the magnetic mount, you have to attach a small metal plate to the back of your phone or to the case. Doing so is safe for your phone, and we found this detail to be small, subtle, and attractive enough that we didn’t mind it. Often you can hide it entirely by attaching the plate to the inside of a phone’s case. But the plate could interfere with your ability to wirelessly charge your phone; if you want to be able to continue to use that function, consider the following options from our guide to wireless charging phone mounts .

iOttie Easy One Touch Wireless 2 Dash & Windshield Mount

Best mount for charging a smartphone on a dash or windshield.

This model delivered some of the quickest charging speeds and earned top results for stability. It lets you easily mount and unmount your phone, too.

iOttie Easy One Touch Wireless 2 Air Vent & CD Slot Mount

Best mount for charging a smartphone on a car’s air vent or cd slot.

This is the sturdiest vent-mounted model we tested, with fast charging speeds, a firm grip, and a quick way to attach and remove your phone.

The iOttie Easy One Touch Wireless 2—available as a dash and windshield mount or a vent and CD player mount —offers a convenient way to charge your phone in the car while also giving you easy access to audio controls, directions, messages, and more. In our tests , both models ranked among the quickest at charging our phones. Their spring-loaded tension arms made attaching or removing a phone of any size simple, and they held the phone steady while we drove. Both models offer a wide range of adjustability for positioning your phone where you can readily see it, regardless of the vehicle. iOttie also offers a magnetic mount (for vent use) that’s compatible with wireless charging.

Rain-repellent coatings

Rain and snow add stress to a road trip, and they decrease your visibility and your reaction time in an emergency. Along with wipers, rain-repellent windshield coatings can help keep your windshield clear. If you want the most effective rain repellent, pick up the classic Rain-X spray bottle and commit to applying it once a month. If you simply want to give your windshield a boost, Aquapel is almost as effective and can last six times longer between applications—but it is very expensive.

Rain-X Original Glass Water Repellent

Cheap but short-lived repellent.

This affordable hydrophobic spray offers effective protection, but it wears off after a couple of weeks.

Most auto-supply shops offer a huge variety of Rain-X products, including wiper blades, gels, and washer-fluid additives, but you should stick to the original Rain-X formula in the 16-ounce spray bottle because it has the most reliably positive reviews from buyers. Once applied, Rain-X forms a hydrophobic coating , which causes water to bead up and quickly slide off your windshield. Most people who have used Rain-X agree that maintaining its effectiveness requires reapplication about once a month. If your wiper blades start “chattering,” that probably means the coating is beginning to wear unevenly, and it’s time to reapply.

Aquapel Glass Treatment

Long-lasting but pricey repellent.

Aquapel bonds to your windshield for up to half a year, but it costs more than twice as much as Rain-X.

If you can’t commit to applying Rain-X once a month, consider Aquapel . Instead of coating your windshield, it bonds to the glass chemically , and it should last for three to six months before you need to pull out another one-time-use sponge and reapply. YouTube user jwardell posted a 30-day comparison video that shows how Rain-X is more effective initially, but after a month Aquapel still works even after the Rain-X has all but worn off.

For either repellent, proper application is the key to getting the maximum benefit. You need to start with an extremely clean windshield. Then clean it again just to be sure. Both of these repellents dry best in warm weather, out of direct sun. Even when perfectly applied, however, these substances have potential drawbacks. Some people who have used them complain that the repellents cause noticeable haziness at night. Others report that they had trouble getting windshield chips professionally filled after learning that the chemicals interfered with repair methods—though Aquapel’s site disputes such claims. Still, if you’re stuck in inclement weather on a road trip or a commute, either the original Rain-X spray or Aquapel can help increase visibility and decrease your stress levels.

Ice scraper and snow brush

Hopkins SubZero 80037

The best ice scraper and snow brush.

Efficient at clearing ice and sweeping snow, this scraper works on vehicles of all sizes.

The Hopkins SubZero 80037 tool combines a scraping blade and ice-crushing teeth to make quick work of thick or thin ice, and its plow-like bristle broom is the best we’ve tested —equally adept at shoveling snow off body panels and brushing it out from tight spots around mirrors and wipers. The Hopkins SubZero has a self-locking extension that’s easy to use when you want to fold the scraper away to make room in the trunk of your car. It’s of average size—39 inches folded up and 60 inches fully extended. But no other contender offers such a complete scraping-and-sweeping package with so few weaknesses.

Paper road atlas

Rand McNally Road Atlas

The best road atlas.

This atlas is large enough to use while you’re in motion, with a logical, straightforward layout.

With the advent of GPS units and smartphone navigation apps (both of which we recommend over the onboard navigation systems that might come with a car), the age of the paper road atlas would seem to be over. But don’t let anyone convince you of that. A road atlas is the heart of every road trip. It’s the inspiration.

Planning a road trip starts with imagining the places you could be next weekend, if you threw a few granola bars and some clothes into the backseat and left everything else behind. Of course, you could bring up Google Maps, look up the top 10 travel destinations near you, plan your exact route, and save a PDF to your digital device so you’d know exactly where to go and how to get there at each stage of your trip.

Or you could pull out a physical map and highlight a route. You might not know exactly what to expect when you get there, but you’ll definitely know that you can get there. And regardless of electronic-device failures, you will always have a map in hand.

For use in the car, we like the classic Rand McNally Road Atlas —just make sure to get an updated edition. Its oversize shape makes it simple to read and easy to spread out on the hood or in your lap, and the user-friendly design can’t be beat. This atlas’s arrangement of state and keyhole maps is the best for navigation.

As a test, we used the Rand McNally atlas to complete the first leg of our trip, from Ventura to Joshua Tree, California, with no phones and no GPS, on roads we had never driven before. The Rand McNally atlas was simple, functional, and easy to follow. Most important, it was fun to use.

We did read one complaint from somebody who began using that year’s map early: Some of the roads it listed as passable were still mid-construction at the time. If you’re buying a map in the middle of the year or later, you could play it safe and stick with the current year’s edition.

Garmin DriveSmart 55

The best car gps.

Best-in-class directions, driver alerts, points of interest, and free map updates—combined with the best screen we’ve seen on any GPS unit—set this model apart from the pack.

For most shorter trips, a smartphone can provide all the navigation assistance you need. But should your journey take you off the beaten path (and out of your coverage area), we suggest the Garmin DriveSmart 55 . Like the best GPS units, the DriveSmart 55 can also connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth, which lets you send destinations to the device, get incoming messages on screen, and receive extra trip and traffic info. The DriveSmart 55’s extensive points-of-interest database helps guide you to an area’s best sites and businesses through integrated Tripadvisor ratings, Foursquare listings, a database of sites from the History network, and US national park directories (something that other brands’ models don’t offer). Similar to a smartphone, the DriveSmart 55 allows multi-touch gestures, such as pinching or spreading for easier zooming on a map; this feature is a clear step up from the resistive displays of less-expensive units, which allow only single-finger gestures and require you to tap on the plus and minus buttons to zoom in or out.

The DriveSmart 55 also provides helpful traffic info in many metro areas. It responds to voice commands as effectively as the best GPS units, and like other top models it includes free lifetime map updates—in contrast with the pricey updates you need to buy for many cars’ built-in navigation systems.

Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes

The best body wipes.

Not quite a shower but pretty darn close, these wipes are amazing after a sweaty day in the desert.

Road-trip and backpacking veterans know just how much better a shower can make an adventure after three days and a lot of smelly clothes. When taking a shower is not an option, or even if you just want to tidy up a bit after a long drive, body wipes can provide some much-needed relief.

We considered 22 brands and tested nine different body wipes, including some that were popular on Amazon and others that were recommended on the blogs of seasoned outdoorspeople.

Cheap, portable, and durable, the Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes were the clear winners.

The wipes come in a resealable package, which helps keep them fresher for longer. You can find them in two sizes, XL (8 by 12 inches, in a pack of eight) and Compact (6 by 8 inches, in a pack of 12). On our trip, we preferred the XL wipes for their extra coverage and longer cleaning power. The fully compostable Wilderness Wipes were among the most lightly scented ones we tested, and their lack of alcohol left our skin feeling clean and moist.

Surface wipes

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

The best disinfecting wipes.

Effective, EPA-approved, and (usually) easy to find, these pre-soaked wipes need only four minutes of contact time to neutralize the coronavirus—and they’ll kill other nasty bugs you might come across in your travels, too.

Most disinfecting wipes are the same. Although we recommend Clorox Disinfecting Wipes , we advise getting any pack of wipes you can find that contains a disinfectant on the EPA’s List N (most have a bleach or quaternary ammonium base). Clorox’s bleach-free wipes are usually sold in single canisters or in four-packs at a range of retailers. These wipes can eliminate the coronavirus and other pathogens on hard surfaces—countertops, door handles, and bathroom fixtures—in your home, vehicle, or motel room, but not on fabric or other soft materials.

Surface spray

Lysol Disinfectant Spray

The best disinfectant spray.

This aerosol works in 10 minutes and is fabric-safe, but it’s guaranteed to eliminate the coronavirus and other pathogens only on hard surfaces.

Instead of bleach, which can damage car interiors, Lysol Disinfectant Spray uses quaternary ammonium. It’s safe on hard surfaces and most fabrics, and it’s gentler on skin than bleach. It also produces fewer harsh fumes—which is good if you’re disinfecting the same space frequently. The spray eliminates the coronavirus, for instance, on hard surfaces in 10 minutes, but on soft surfaces it only sanitizes (kills most but not all pathogens).

One thing we’ve learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick (with COVID-19, a cold, the flu, whatever) and don’t want to share your misery with fellow passengers, people at rest stops, or anyone else. Fortunately, compared with the situation in early 2020, medical-style N95 and KN95 masks (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available these days. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel. You can find out where to buy these masks in our guide .

Stain remover

Shout Wipe & Go Instant Stain Remover Wipes

The best stain remover.

By keeping a pack of these in your glove box, you’ll remain tidy through multiple meals at drive-throughs.

In our testing, we’ve found that if you spend five hours a day in the car on a drive-through-fueled cannonball run, there’s no way you’ll get to your final destination without having some kind of condiments disaster. I met my own inevitable conclusion outside an In-N-Out Burger on the last leg of our trip.

When the unavoidable happens, you’ll need something more than a napkin and ice water to clean up the mess. We recommend Shout Wipe & Go Instant Stain Remover Wipes . We tested them against other instant spot removers and assorted DIY methods to see how they handled wine, coffee, lipstick, and mustard stains.

In our tests, the Shout wipes easily outperformed the popular Tide To Go pen , and the Shout option was the only stain remover that erased almost all traces of lipstick on the collar of a shirt. These wipes also did pretty well on the ketchup I spilled.

The single-use towelettes don’t occupy much space; you can throw a dozen into your glove compartment and barely notice they’re there. Plus, by using a single wipe per stain, you don’t risk depositing an old stain on another piece of clothing, as you might with reusable stain-remover sticks.

Hand lotion

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

The best moisturizing lotion.

Once it’s rubbed in, this moisturizing lotion is lighter and drier-feeling than competitors. It’s better for people with normal to oily skin.

You might find yourself washing your hands a lot on the road, which can result in cracked and dry skin. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion is thick enough to stay neat in your hand and thin enough to spread quickly and smoothly onto your skin. Unlike its competitors , this moisturizing lotion dries nicely without leaving a greasy film in its wake. And its neutral scent won’t follow you out of the bathroom or into your car.

Can a long road trip be comfortable? I didn’t think so: Long hours of sitting in one position, nights spent camping or sleeping in cheap motel beds, and breaks for indigestible fast food are a terrible combination. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

With a little planning and a few small luxuries, you can keep the enthusiasm of your trip alive. Skip the fast food and instead pack your own snacks and water. Keep off the main highways and pull over when the scenery strikes you (not when you’ve gone a certain number of miles). And stop for as long as you need. The cliché is unavoidable: It’s the journey that’s important, not the destination (though that should be good too!).

Folding blanket

Nemo Victory Picnic Blanket

Comfortable and easy to carry.

Our favorite picnic blanket travels easily, feels comfortable to sit on, and holds up to wear and tear.

There’s only so much time you can spend in a car without needing to pull over to pause, stretch your legs, and take in the scenery. We stopped dozens of times on our trip, and we were glad every time we were able to take a side road, pull out a blanket, and find a place to sit down and share some food.

In 2023, Nemo enlarged the Victory Blanket, which previously fit just two people, to fit four people. At roughly 95 by 95 inches, according to our measurements, the Nemo Victory Picnic Blanket is now bigger than most blankets we looked at; it’s well suited for larger groups of people or for two people who want room for more board games and snacks. For those who need even more space, the Victory Blanket is also available in a truly mammoth extra-large version (120 by 120 inches). Both sizes come with two adjustable, clasping straps that keep the blanket rolled up tight, and those clasps can perform double duty as bottle openers.

Travel pillow

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch

The best travel pillow.

The redesigned-for-2022 Therm-A-Rest pillow remains a firm and supportive choice that packs down to 50% of its expanded size. It now has a sewn-in cable that you can cinch down to make the pillow firmer.

price may vary by color or size

A good travel pillow is hard to find. It shouldn’t take up much space, and it should be able to expand when it needs to. And, ideally, it should allow you to shape it for use as a shoulder or neck pillow when necessary, such as when you’re on a plane or in the passenger seat of a car.

We found that the foam-filled Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch fit all of those criteria exceedingly well. During the day, it can fold in on itself (a loop-and-toggle closure holds it tight), which makes it easy to stow in a backpack or to toss into the backseat. When it’s in this tightly packed configuration, you can also use it as a shoulder and lumbar pillow. The Therm-A-Rest pillow is a bit larger than your typical travel pillow when it’s packed down—about the size of a tissue box—but saving space is less of a priority when you’re driving instead of flying.

At night, the pillow unrolls and expands into a decent bed pillow, though side-sleepers with larger frames may say it has too little padding. But this is a travel pillow, of course, so it will never feel like your home pillow, which is all part of the fun somehow. I sleep on my side and back, and I found it exceptionally comfortable compared with camping pillows I’d used in the past, although I did have to supplement it with a flannel shirt when I wanted to sleep on my side. In spring 2022, Therm-A-Rest released a slightly redesigned version of the pillow. The “regular” version is roughly the same size and weight as the old “medium” version, but the integrated pocket is now larger (9 inches deep instead of 6), which we found makes the pillow easier to roll up. The pillow also has a cord sewn in a loop into its back; you can tighten the cord and cinch it securely to make the pillow firmer. One other change: A thin layer of polyfill backs the brushed polyester fabric on its face and softens the lumpiness of the foam filling.

The Therm-A-Rest pillow is well reviewed on Amazon and on REI’s site. It’s available in a variety of colors and sizes, but we prefer the regular/medium for its mix of portability and support.

Silk sleeper wrap

Sea to Summit Premium Silk Travel Liner

The best sleeping bag liner.

This liner is a lightweight, moisture-wicking, easy-packing fix for scratchy motel sheets.

Not all motels are created equal. Some are fantastic, with their bright neon signs truthfully advertising a cheap, clean, and convenient place to stay. But out there you can stumble across other motels—desperate, last-chance places you wouldn’t wish on anyone, and cursed by all of the bleary-eyed travelers who’ve been forced to stay in them for a night.

Sea to Summit’s Premium Silk Travel Liner is the best accessory to bring along for these situations. Inclement weather, unexpected traffic, or poor planning (my personal downfall) may at some point prevent you from reaching your expected destination for the night and force you to stay somewhere you wish you didn’t have to. We can’t help you accept your fate, but we can make that night just a little easier to tolerate.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

The best sleep mask.

Lightweight and contoured, this mask fits comfortably and blocks light well for a wide variety of face shapes (though it’s best for those who sleep on their back). And the mask’s deep eyecups allow your eyes to flutter during sleep.

Not every bedroom on the road is as dark as some people would like. That’s why we recommend the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask . Its contoured eyecups rest over your eyes, giving them space to move, which makes this mask comfortable to sleep in—even when you’re sitting upright (as you might in the passenger side of a car). Although the mask is adjustable, with Velcro straps, restless sleepers may want to consider other options in our full guide to sleep masks . If the Nidra mask fits you well, its weightless feel can make you forget you’re wearing a mask at all as you continue to sleep in bright cars or poorly shuttered hotel rooms.

Puffy blanket

Rumpl Down Puffy

The best outdoor blanket.

This blanket offers the greatest warmth and durability for the lowest relative weight, price, and size. It also stuffs away very well when not in use.

The Rumpl Down Puffy blanket, which has a soft yet durable nylon shell that’s stuffed with water-repellent and sustainably sourced down, wards off the cold better for the price than the competition. It helps you to stay warm longer, inside or outside. (A puffy blanket has come in handy for us especially on winter road trips in an EV, when we don’t have the heat of a combustion engine warming the interior of the vehicle.) So far in our testing , the Rumpl blanket has survived four rounds in the washing machine without a snag, and it dries within an hour. And it’s been notably stain resistant after encountering dirt, dew, and even coffee.

Van camping mattress

Hest Sleep System

The best vehicle camping mattress.

Predominantly for van camping or long-term car camping, this blowup mattress takes up a hefty amount of space when stowed away but provides the most comfort of any camping mattress we’ve tested.

Although the size of the Hest Sleep System limits its use to either vans or pickup trucks, we’re including it on this list because of its impressive night-over-night comfort. If your road trips tend to include lots of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, or climbing, a good night’s sleep is fundamental to having the energy you need to enjoy your days. The Hest mattress takes up about the space of a small cot mattress (78 by 25 inches). Half consists of a dense foam layer, and the other half is a high-pressure inflatable base that needs a pump system to inflate. The Hest mattress is not a small piece of kit when rolled up: It weighs 26 pounds and packs up into a 28-by-16-inch bedroll, including the air pump. If two of you are camping, you can connect two Sleep Systems together, though Hest also makes the Dually two-person foam mattress, which we haven’t had a chance to test yet.

Tinkle Belle Female Urination Device

The best pee funnel.

Sturdy and accommodating yet packable, the Tinkle Belle funnel is easy to use and clean when you’re on the road or hiking a trail.

It’s not always easy to find a secluded spot on the side of the road or a clean-enough public restroom. The Tinkle Belle funnel has a stable, rigid base and a flexible spout, so it won’t collapse under you during use, as Wirecutter senior staff writer Nancy Redd learned while researching the topic. One of the longest and widest of all the single-piece reusable funnels Nancy tested , the Tinkle Belle funnel makes less mess and is easy to use, as the more coverage a funnel has, the lower the risk of leakage or spills. While you’re on the road, a simple rinse works fine for cleaning the funnel. Although the Tinkle Belle funnel is larger than most, it folds up for more-compact storage. You can also buy it with a matching case .

Windshield protector and sunshade

A1 210T Fabric Sunshade

The best windshield shade.

This shade provides effective sun protection and fits a wide variety of windshields. It’s easy to store, too.

If you’re traveling through a sunny area, a sunshade for your windshield is a worthwhile investment. We like the A1 Windshield Sun Shade , which we found to offer the best combination of low cost, decent coverage, and ease of setup. Its pop-up design made it much simpler to install and stow than the accordion-style shades we tested.

Recommending just one sunshade for all cars is difficult because vehicles vary so much in size. But A1 offers several sizing options ranging from 59 by 19 inches to 69 by 36 inches (when the shade is fully expanded). You can compress each of these size options down to fit into a circular carrying case, which you can easily store on the door or underneath the seat. When you take the A1 sunshade out of the case, the compressed plastic arcs inside the sunshade spring open to create a rectangular shape, which you can adjust to fit your car’s windshield. Amazon reviewers mention that the build quality is solid and that the metallic finish does a good job against the sun, particularly in hot Southern states like Florida and Texas. Several reviewers also recommend , however, that you buy a size smaller than you think you need to avoid excessive overhang.

Although we prefer the A1 shade’s pop-up design, it’s not completely foolproof. Even with the choice in sizes, you still might have difficulty arranging the two plastic circles (which provide rigidity) within the A1 shade into a shape that hugs both edges of the front window and balances off the rearview mirror. Gaps, loose corners, or overhangs are almost unavoidable. In the end, what you gain in compactness and decent price, you lose in rigidity and reflective power. If you’re uncertain, measure before buying, or look into a custom shade like the WeatherTech shade described below, which is guaranteed to fit.

WeatherTech SunShade

A custom-fitted, maximum-protection shade.

This custom-fitted shade will ensure that no sun gets in, even in the sunniest climates.

If maximum temperature reduction is your goal, invest in a custom-fitted WeatherTech SunShade . Thicker than the A1 shade, WeatherTech’s shade completely blacks out the windshield when you install it. This shade is also notably bulky—about the size of a yoga mat when rolled up—and difficult to store discreetly. But if you frequent sunny climates, it’s well worth the cost, which at this writing starts at $55.

Passenger window UV protector and shade

Britax EZ-Cling Window Shades

The best passenger shade.

This shade sticks easily to car windows and provides great sun protection for passengers.

We researched 14 shade models and tested two finalists before determining that the Britax EZ-Cling Window Sun Shade is the best around. Available in a pack of two, it’s dead simple to install, and it’s effective. The Mylar on the back provides some protection against UV rays, and it acts like a large sheet of cling film that seems drawn to your windows once you pull the shades out of the box; the black mesh on the inner surface blocks a good amount of sunlight while still allowing you to see through the shade. We like the EZ-Cling shade better than film-only shades because the EZ-Cling design has a support ring of firmer material around its perimeter that makes it easier to install without prompting wrinkles and bubbles. I have way more fun than I rightly should when I’m putting these things onto car windows.

Unlike similar models with suction cups, the EZ-Cling shade doesn’t have any secondary or removable parts. Wirecutter’s Dan Frakes tried four other shades of various types and was dissatisfied with all of them, so he brought two EZ-Cling pairs for testing on a four-day road trip with his family. “They clung to the windows well,” Dan said. “They were a lot easier to install than both the suction-cup models and the flimsy film ones we’ve tried. We also removed them and reapplied them many times as our position relative to the sun changed, and it was easy to do so. Our only real complaint is that they’re small—they don’t cover an entire backseat window.” That kind of half-coverage can’t keep the sun off young children for too long, especially when the sun is low on the horizon.

Quick tip: Be sure to wipe your EZ-Cling shades with water when you first get them. A thin film protects the Mylar sheets during production, and it can leave a waxy residue on your car’s windows if you use the shades right out of the box without first wiping them down.

Portable extending shade

Shade extension

This extending shade attaches to a variety of vehicles, whether you have a roof rack or not, and whether you attach it to metal or a composite material such as a pickup-truck bed cover.

Although the MoonShade works best on SUVs and trucks, it’s lightweight and adaptable enough to work with smaller vehicles. When deployed, the MoonShade covers 9 by 7 feet, and its height adjusts from 78 inches to 96 inches. The shade mounts in three ways: directly to a roof rack, with very strong magnets, or with surprisingly robust suction cups for composite materials. We found that all three methods are secure enough for most situations, though as you might imagine, the suction cups are somewhat less stable than a direct mount on a rack. The MoonShade weighs 8 pounds and stows away into a carrying case that measures 28 by 6 inches, which is small enough to fit in the trunk of most cars. The MoonShade is great if you like to pull over in the middle of the day and set up a lunch, or if you tend to do activities outdoors in predominantly shadeless areas, as in the Southwest.

You could cross America with no plan at all and survive solely on fast food as your nourishment, without ever having to leave your car. But we don’t recommend that. Packing your own snacks and bringing your own water is not only healthier but also safer—you never know when you might be stranded somewhere along the way.

We got stranded on our second day of driving, somewhere east of Joshua Tree, California, when we pulled off the side of the road onto a soft, sandy shoulder (we were new in this part of the country). The car’s dash thermometer read 105 degrees Fahrenheit. As we waited, I was thankful that we had full water bottles, more water in the trunk, and plenty of food.

A highway patrol officer drove up, gave us a little lesson about sand, and pushed us out with no trouble. So things turned out fine. The beauty of a road trip is in the unexpected moments. You can be prepared for most of them by having a little food and water on hand.

RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 Can

Best soft cooler.

This simple lunch-box-style cooler is insulated with thick closed-cell foam and made from a durable coated nylon.

Capable of carrying everything from healthy snacks to emergency ice packs, a cooler is one of those items that can make long trips a lot more enjoyable. After several 500-mile days on the road, having a chilled container filled with cold drinks and body wipes is a gift. We recommend bringing along our favorite soft cooler , the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 Can .

The lid of the RTIC cooler is capped by more than 2 inches of closed-cell insulation , and its walls are a touch thicker than those of the far more expensive Yeti Hopper Flip. When we tested them head-to-head, all that extra insulation seemed to give the RTIC cooler an insulating edge. The exterior of the RTIC cooler is made of a durable, thickly coated nylon—waterproof and tough—and the zippers are waterproof, as well. Still, don’t leave the cooler out in the sun, as the light and heat can degrade the material and slowly wear it out.

When the RTIC cooler is open, it stands erect like a grocery bag, providing easy access for loading and unloading.

Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5 Marine Hard Ice Chest Cooler

Our hard-cooler pick.

Better insulated and less expensive than the competition, this cooler keeps ice for a week. And its well-designed drain port makes it easier to clean.

If you need extra insulation for longer hauls and don’t mind sacrificing a little extra space, we recommend the Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5 Marine Hard Ice Chest Cooler . Our testing shows that a hard cooler will almost always outperform a soft cooler in insulating ability (five-plus days, versus a soft cooler’s two-day average) and durability. So the hard cooler is a great pick for RVs, trailers, or boats. But hard coolers are huge, so you might not have room for one if you’re carrying a bunch of other equipment.

Water bottles

CamelBak Eddy+ (25 ounces)

Great for the car.

A bottle with a straw is the easiest way to quaff water and keep your focus on the road since you don’t have to tilt your head back while drinking.

The 25-ounce CamelBak Eddy+ is the most reliable, most versatile water bottle for road trips that we found. This bottle has an integrated straw in the lid that features a plastic bite valve to keep it sealed (something that anyone who has owned a CamelBak hydration pack will be familiar with). Just bite down to open the straw, and release to seal it shut. That leak-free lid makes this bottle an ideal driving companion—it fits in a cup holder and is easy to sip from while you’re keeping your eyes on the road. The straw lid twists off to reveal a wide mouth that makes adding ice to your drink easy, which is handy if you like to keep your water cold. However, this is a plastic bottle, so adding ice could also make it sweaty; if you want to avoid that, the insulated version should prevent moisture from accumulating on the outside of the bottle.

Contigo Autoseal Transit Mug

The best mug for road trips.

Contigo’s Autoseal Transit is a wider mug that may fit better in cup holders than our top travel-mug pick. It doesn’t retain heat as well as our top pick, but some people may find its flat lid easier to drink from and to clean.

The Contigo Autoseal Transit Mug is a very different mug from the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug—our top pick for travel mugs —but it offers several features we like for road trips. The lid has fewer parts, is easier to clean, and prevents spills with its Autoseal button, which you have to hold down to keep the sipping port open. Plus, the flat lid won’t bump your nose or get in your line of sight while you’re drinking, as can happen with the Zojirushi model’s flip-top lid. Although this Contigo mug doesn’t keep drinks nearly as hot as the Zojirushi mug over a long period of time, some people might prefer that (we’ve heard complaints of the Zojirushi model keeping drinks too hot in the past). In addition, the Transit is a little wider than the Zojirushi mug, which is good if you want your mug to fit more snugly in a car cup holder or if you use a device such as an AeroPress, a pour-over dripper, or a tea steeper directly with your mug.

Edward Abbey wrote an entire book about being alone in the desert , long before portable screens, streaming music, and the best and worst of what instant entertainment can bring. He saw incredible things. But then again, Abbey wrote that book before he had kids.

Being in close proximity on a road trip can bond families and friends. Of course, a packed car could also become a pressure cooker. Some games, toys, and electronics can provide welcome relief.

Even more important, on our trip, every 100 miles the scenery around us changed drastically, and being able to charge our cameras allowed us to capture some wonderful personal moments.

Bestek 300W Power Inverter

The best inverter for simple devices.

More-sensitive gadgets may not function correctly while using this DC-to-AC converter, but a smoother converter costs $100-plus.

Lots of newer cars have USB ports capable of charging plenty of smaller gadgets. But to plug in bigger items, such as a computer, or certain items that have larger batteries, you need an inverter to transform your car’s round-plug, 12-volt direct current (12 V DC) outlet into a three-prong outlet with the same 120-volt alternating current (120 V AC) you have in your home. After sending our three favorites, culled from a list of 18 top-rated inverters, to physicist Jim Shapiro for testing, we recommend the Bestek 300W Power Inverter for simple devices such as water boilers. Not all inverters are equal, however, and you need to know what you’ll want to plug in before deciding which one to buy.

The Bestek unit—like every inverter that sells for less than $100—creates AC power, but in what’s called a “modified” sine wave. Shapiro examined this phenomenon using an oscilloscope. “Although the Bestek and similar units produce voltage at the same 60-hertz frequency as house voltage, the waveform has sharp corners, unlike the smooth, curvy sine-wave signal from your local power company,” Shapiro explained. “Those sharp corners give rise to higher frequency harmonics that are not friendly to electronic devices.”

However, because many electronics, including laptop computers, use power supplies to convert AC back into DC before delivering the power to your device, a higher-quality power supply can make the arrangement work—as owner reviews attest. Shapiro was able to charge an iPad without any problems via the AC outlets on the inexpensive Bestek inverter. Charging a Dell Chromebook, on the other hand, caused some problems: “The screen flickered, and I noted that when I asked the computer to display the charging time left, it oscillated between giving that time and ‘calculating,’ indicating that the software was having problems.”

While we were on the road, we realized that the Bestek inverter’s dual USB ports and dual outlets offered a nice benefit, particularly for people traveling in an older car that didn’t have USB ports built in everywhere. You shouldn’t have issues charging USB devices because they charge on DC voltage anyway. And though you can’t see the inverter’s safety features, such as over-voltage and low-voltage shutdown, they’re included as well.

For powering a TV (for tailgating) or any other demanding piece of electronics during a road trip, we used to recommend the Go Power GP-SW150-12 Pure Sine Wave Inverter. It now appears to be out of stock almost everywhere (or discontinued). As an alternative, we recommend looking into a portable power station , which is basically a large battery in a protective box, with AC outlets and other ports built in. They tend to be expensive, so for road-trip purposes we recommend our budget pick, the Jackery Explorer 300 . If you need to power only a laptop during your trip, we have several recommendations for portable laptop chargers . Note that portable power stations and laptop chargers both charge on wall outlets and can’t draw power from a car outlet.

Nekteck PD 45W Type-C Car Charger

The best car charger.

This model can charge phones, tablets, and computers from its USB-C port, plus it has a second port for charging USB-A devices. It adheres to USB-C fast-charging standards and includes a quality cable.

If your electronic gear doesn’t require AC—for instance, you’re charging smartphones or Bluetooth speakers more than laptops or portable TVs—you can save a few bucks and a lot of space by getting a car charger . Compared with the familiar USB-A port, the smaller USB-C port can charge most modern phones faster (if you’re using the right cable) and can even charge tablets and laptops. And the Nekteck PD 45W Type-C Car Charger provides the best of both worlds. When you’re using a USB-C–to–Lightning cable , the charger’s USB-C port can charge an iPhone about three times faster (at 18 watts) than the USB-A wall charger that comes in the box from Apple; your phone can charge from empty to roughly 50% in just half an hour. This Nekteck charger’s 45-watt output and included USB-C–to–C cable also support the maximum charge rate on Android phones (such as the Samsung Galaxy S10), the 2020 iPad Pro, and even many laptops. And you can use the 12-watt USB-A port at the same time to charge a second phone or other device with any USB cable you already have.

Bluetooth kit

Besign BK01 Bluetooth Car Kit

Best bluetooth adapter for cars with an aux-in jack.

The Besign BK01 kit offers great sound quality for music and good sound quality for phone calls. It also lets you pair two phones and access your voice assistant with the press of an easy-to-find button.

If your car lacks Bluetooth support—which you may want for wirelessly listening to music or connecting your phone calls over the car’s stereo system—and you aren’t willing to swap out the stereo for a new one that has such a feature, your best option is a Bluetooth kit. The best and easiest way to add Bluetooth to cars with a line-in jack is to get an aux kit. The Besign BK01 Bluetooth Car Kit provides good sound quality for music, clear-sounding voice audio for hands-free calls, and access to Siri or Google Assistant at the press of a button. It also allows you to connect two phones at once, so you and your passengers don’t have to duke it out for the aux cord.

iPad headrest mount

Depending on the length of your trip and the temperament of your passengers, you may need to find a way to keep folks occupied. Providing their favorite movies or TV shows on a tablet is an option. After testing six top tablet-mount contenders, we determined that Arkon’s Center Extension Car Headrest Tablet Mount is a great pick for viewing by multiple backseat passengers.

Arkon Center Extension Car Headrest Tablet Mount

For multiple viewers.

This model positions a tablet solidly between the front seats for easy viewing by all backseat passengers.

The Arkon mount anchors with a pair of adjustable clamps that tighten around the metal rods that support a front seat’s headrest; the tablet holster is located on the end of an extendable pole that you can move to a position between the front seats, where all three passengers in the backseat can view it.

We had recommended the LilGadgets CarBuddy Universal Headrest Tablet Mount for people who preferred a mount that’s best for just one backseat passenger. It appears to have been discontinued, but it’s a good find if you can get your hands on one.

Instant camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

The best instant camera.

Fun and simple to use, this camera takes good-looking wallet-sized photos for 60¢ per print.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Film (Twin Pack)

Instax mini film.

Buying Instax Mini film in twin packs helps you get the best price.

With a smartphone, showing a photo to hundreds of followers is as easy as pressing the share button. But if you want to create something tangible, an instant-film camera can add a fun and welcome dose of analog charm to your digital world. Our pick is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 , which provides high-quality, retro-cool prints at a reasonable price.

Also, when your phone is serving as a radio, a map, a restaurant guide, and whatever else, you’ll appreciate having a dedicated tool that does one thing: take instant shots that look great.

After doing extensive research , we found the Instax Mini 12 to be the best instant-film camera. Its compact body feels durable, and thanks to its minimal controls, anyone can easily learn how to use it. The 3.4-by-2.1-inch prints cost only about 60¢ apiece , so documenting your trip won’t break the bank. Its photos aren’t perfectly sharp, but they are pleasingly colorful and creamy, with a classic look that we love.

Travel game

Chat Pack: Fun Questions to Spark Conversations

The best silence-breaker.

The questions are not always the most thought-provoking, but they sure can spark a conversation.

May be out of stock

You can find countless travel games for all ages, from magnetic chess boards to Adult Mad Libs , and we’re not about to review them all here. (You know what kinds of games you like to play.) So instead we’ll tell you about the game we chose, Chat Pack: Fun Questions to Spark Conversations .

I am, as a rule, generally wary of anything designed to prompt conversation. But by day three of our trip, with 1,100 miles behind us and 400 miles ahead, my then girlfriend (now wife) reached for Chat Pack and told me it was time.

It’s hit or miss with Chat Pack. Some of the questions are oddly inspiring, if clunkily written: “What is one item you own that has virtually no monetary value but has such sentimental value that you would not sell it for $1,000?” So, what item do I have that has no value but remains precious? My grandmother’s wire glove stretchers. And that became an hour-long conversation.

Some of the questions were abrupt duds: “If rain could fall in any scent, what scent would you want it to be?” “Like rain,” we both answered. Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh rain? The feeling of camaraderie in the car was strong; we agreed that it was a dumb question. We were a young couple on an open road in full accordance with each other, and that’s not a moment you take lightly.

So get a Chat Pack. Your mileage may vary. But this pack helped us pass the time, and it takes up barely any space.

Make time in your trip for the detours. If there’s one bit of non-gear-related advice we can give, it’s that the complicated route always proves to be more interesting. There will be times in the car when a sort of tunnel vision can set in, and the destination becomes all-consuming. At my worst, as I pressed down on the accelerator, I found myself mentally calculating the time saved for every increase in miles per hour—as if the scenery I was flying past wasn’t what I’d come to see in the first place.

The first time we pulled over without a plan was on some Bureau of Land Management stretch east of Zion National Park in Utah. We were alone, on an outcropping overlooking a shallow canyon. Someone had built an impromptu fire pit. But somehow it wasn’t until we finished lunch that we realized there was no point in going any farther.

You can find many ways to plan a trip. But once in a while, take a risk and make a left when all the maps and devices are telling you to go right. You won’t know where you’ll end up—and that’s the whole point.

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The best binoculars for nearly everyone.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars offer performance comparable to that of many models costing thousands more.

Binoculars might not be a necessity. But when you’re standing on the edge of a trail in Zion National Park and looking for nesting peregrine falcons or lying at the edge of your campsite in Joshua Tree watching a pack of coyotes move under a full moon, will a good pair of binoculars come in handy? Yes. Yes it will.

The waterproof and lightweight Athlon Optics Midas ED binoculars boast a rugged shock-absorbing exterior. And this pair’s optical clarity and extra-wide field of view allow you to see more of the scene, more clearly and accurately. In fact, the professional ornithologist who tested binoculars for us said that things looked every bit as good through the Athlon binoculars as they looked through his $2,500 Leica Ultravid pair.

And the optics of the Midas ED pair aren’t the only strong suit: These are exceptionally durable binoculars that easily withstood the humid, dusty, and hostile environment of the Mexican rain forest and the harsh sun of the Californian desert. Also, their focus dial adjusts reliably and smoothly across a wide range of depths, making it easy for you to focus on what you’re trying to see, no matter where it is.

Stowable tote or daypack

It’s always a good idea to have a bag on hand for spontaneous off-the-road excursions. But anything that will take up space on a trip needs to be functional enough to hold cameras, snacks, jackets, maps, and souvenirs. And it needs to be durable enough to survive beach trips, sightseeing excursions, picnics, and museum tours.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that won’t crowd your trunk.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your trunk or under your seat, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, you’ll probably prefer one of our more-structured picks.

After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, we’ve found that the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack of the bunch. Packed up, it is very discreet, nearly the size of a keychain accessory. The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, so it’s very light and water resistant. The Ultra-Sil bag also has reinforced stitching at stress points, which allows it to carry more weight than you might expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially in comparison with our more structured picks.

If lightness, waterproofing, comfort, and organization are more important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

An easy-to-spread physical sunscreen.

This physical sunscreen lotion absorbs easily and is free of added fragrance. Though this water-resistant formula can feel greasy, like most physical sunscreens, and leave behind a white cast (especially on darker skin), we’ve found its dependable coverage to be worth the trade-off.

On most road trips you’ll be exposed to the sun, whether it’s your arm out the window or your legs and neck during a pit stop, so we recommend bringing our favorite sunscreens along for everyone to apply. (The one exception: your youngest passengers. Do not put sunscreen on an infant. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends keeping children who are younger than 6 months out of the sun entirely.) Although most sunscreens containing only physical UV blockers are notoriously harder to spread and more visible on skin than sunscreens with chemical UV filters, Blue Lizard’s Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ formula spreads relatively quickly and easily, and it absorbs nicely. Formulated with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection, from both UVA and UVB rays. Blue Lizard says this formulation, which contains no added fragrance, is sweat resistant and water resistant for 80 minutes (the highest such claim allowed by the FDA). It comes in bottles that uniquely change color, from white to blue, in the presence of harmful UV light.

Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+

A lightweight, oxybenzone-free chemical sunscreen.

Although it contains added fragrance, this easy-to-apply chemical sunscreen lotion doesn’t have an overpowering sunscreen-y scent. It rubs in nearly transparently and appears colorless on most skin tones.

Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ is our favorite chemical sunscreen that doesn’t contain oxybenzone. Fairly runny and lightweight, it blends seamlessly into a variety of skin tones. Although it contains added fragrance, it’s not strongly scented. It’s water resistant for up to the maximum-allowable claim (per FDA guidelines) of 80 minutes, and it costs far less per ounce than our physical-sunscreen pick.

Having an emergency kit in your car is a great idea for day-to-day driving, but it’s pretty much a necessity for long-distance road trips. Although it’s tempting to buy a preassembled kit and be done with it, we haven’t found a great one yet. Even the most promising options suffer from having jumper cables that are too short, too thin, or both. Basically, if you want a good kit, you have to make it yourself, and we’re here to help.

We spent hours researching and testing each of these essentials to confirm that they’ll be useful in case of an emergency, whether it’s your own or someone else’s.

On a desolate stretch of two-lane highway in northern Arizona, we were driving behind a rental camper van just as it had a rear-tire blowout after hitting a rumble strip. The couple driving the van couldn’t find their jack, didn’t know where the spare tire was, and had come to a stop just past a low dip in the road. It wasn’t a good scene. But it couldn’t have happened at a better time (for them, at least), and it gave us a great opportunity to put our emergency gear to the test.

It’s also wise to get a membership to a roadside assistance program. We don’t have a single best recommendation for everyone, since your options and needs vary depending on what car you have, how you use it, and where you live, but here’s a good guide by Popular Mechanics on what to look for in choosing a plan. Basically, make sure your plan fits your needs. For example, if you live in a city, 3 miles of free towing may be enough. But if you’re going on a road trip across the desert, paying for more range is worthwhile.

First-aid kit

First Aid Only 298 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit (FAO-442)

All the basics.

This kit is chock-full of bandages and cleaning supplies that are suitable for minor incidents.

On the road, a first-aid kit is useful for keeping someone comfortable until people with real medical expertise can help. It’s much more important to have a basic kit with you—and to be sure that the bandages haven’t degraded and the disinfectants haven’t expired—than to have a 432-item, war-zone-worthy kit sitting at home.

We like the First Aid Only 298 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit . It lacks some of the higher-quality tools that we recommend for a wilderness first-aid kit , but it comes with plenty of bandages, alcohol prep pads, pain relievers, and equipment to treat up to four people’s minor cuts and scrapes on a weekend trip. (For an extensive list and comparison chart, see our full guide .)

Snow shovel

Voilé Telepro Mini Avalanche Shovel

The best car shovel.

This small shovel slices through icy snow and can be disassembled for car storage. It isn’t cheap, but it’s what we’d want to have in a roadside emergency.

After spending two years researching car shovels and testing five contenders, we found that the best one to keep in the trunk for an emergency is the Voilé Telepro Mini Avalanche Shovel .

The tool, popular with ski patrols and people clearing backcountry trails, has a solid metal scoop and a two-piece handle that clicks together to form a sturdy shovel. Our tester keeps the Voilé shovel in her truck every winter, and it has come in handy more times than she can count. Though the Voilé shovel is too short to be a primary shovel, it’s perfect for any kind of fast shoveling. When you aren’t using it, you can tuck its three pieces neatly under a car seat or in the back.

Accu-Gage RRA60X

The best tire gauge we’ve found.

This is the favored tire gauge of all the professionals we interviewed.

Checking your car’s tire pressure (including that of the spare tire) is like flossing: It’s something that everyone should do but many people don’t do. Proper inflation is vital . Too much, and you’ll feel every bump and have more difficulty stopping your car; too little, and your tires will wear faster. Worse, they’ll also overheat, which can separate the treads and blow the tires, something we saw happen right in front of us in the middle of nowhere in Arizona. Don’t let that happen to you.

When we asked three different San Francisco Bay Area tire shops which gauge they used, they all pointed to the Accu-Gage 60 PSI gauge with shock protector . After our testing, which included road-tripping with the tool ourselves, the Accu-Gage model has emerged as our favorite tire gauge for several years running. It’s accurate and durable, and unlike a digital gauge, it has no battery to wear out. The Accu-Gage model is available in several different configurations , but the performance is largely the same. We prefer a version with a hose attached and a straight chuck, because that design makes it easier to hold the gauge and check the tire pressure at the same time. The version we tested even comes with a removable rubber bumper in case you drop it.

Portable jump starter

A portable jump starter is essentially a lightweight battery attached to two jumper cables that you use to jump-start your car. It’s easier, safer, and less intimidating than old-fashioned jumper cables that you attach to another car—and it’s something that you can use if you’re alone, instead of waiting for roadside service/a kind stranger/a friend/a relative to show up and bail you out.

Weego Jump Starter 44s

Staff-favorite jump starter.

This jump starter has the right safety features and contains enough juice in a small package to start most cars and SUVs.

Wirecutter has recommended Weego gear since we first published our guide to portable jump starters in 2017. Guide writer Mark Smirniotis researched 40 lithium-ion jump starters and tested 12. Two Weego portable jump starters (both of which are now discontinued) became picks: the Weego 22s (the top pick; about $60) and the Weego 44 (the upgrade pick; about $150). Though we no longer maintain that full guide, many of us at Wirecutter still keep a Weego jump starter in our cars . But now, in many cases, it’s an updated version, namely the affordable Weego 44s , which hovers around the same price as the 22s model, its less powerful predecessor.

Measuring 5.62 by 3.44 by 1.04 inches (LWD), the Weego 44s jump starter is about the same size as a cell phone in length and width. It also weighs less than a pound (around 12 ounces, according to my kitchen scale) and has safety features that help prevent you from hurting your car or yourself: If you incorrectly attach the jump starter to your battery (which can potentially damage the battery or your car’s electrical system), the unit’s reverse-polarity protection feature activates, issuing a red light and an alarm alerting you not to proceed.

The Weego 44s is rated to work with a wide range of vehicles, including gas engines up to 7 liters and diesel engines up to 3.5 liters. It can jump-start pretty much any gas- or diesel-powered passenger-vehicle engine—anything from a Mini Cooper (2 liters or less) to a Dodge Ram (as much as 6.7 liters)—and it fits that power into a package that’s small enough for most glove boxes.

The Weego 44s comes partially charged out of the box and takes about 2.5 hours to charge from zero. A USB-A–to–Micro-USB charging cord is included, but it doesn’t come with a charging cube, so you need to plug the USB-A end into your own USB phone charger that works in regular household outlets or use an outlet with a USB-A port . According to the company, the unit can stay charged for more than a year in storage, though you should make sure to top it off every three to six months. With regular use, it’s rated to last for about three to five years or up to 1,000 recharge cycles. Plus, it can provide multiple jumps before it needs a recharge itself (five lights on the side of the unit indicate its remaining battery life).

The Weego 44s has checks and balances to ensure that you safely jump-start a car, but its lithium-ion polymer battery comes with certain caveats. Though the manufacturer indicates that the unit will operate in temps of -4 °F to 140 °F, leaving it in a car in extremely hot or cold conditions is not a great idea. “Most devices that contain a lithium-ion battery, whether it’s your smartphone or a portable jump starter, should not spend long periods of time in extreme temperatures since it can cause permanent damage to the battery,” says Wirecutter senior staff writer and battery expert Sarah Witman. “You should also keep in mind that car engines need more power to get started in freezing temperatures, so it’s especially important to keep your jump starter fully charged when driving in cold climates.”

Jumper cables

If you’re a die-hard jumper-cable partisan, make sure that the cables you get are long enough for most scenarios and thick enough to carry sufficient current to jump most vehicles.

Lifeline AAA Heavy Duty 16-foot 6 Gauge Booster Cables

The best cable option.

This cable is long and durable enough for any situation, with a current rating that can handle SUVs.

After scrutinizing the specs of dozens of jumper-cable options and having an electrical engineer analyze three top-rated models, we recommend Lifeline’s AAA Heavy Duty 16-foot 6 Gauge Booster Cables . As this image illustrates, these cables are long and thick enough for most situations, and their 400-amp current rating means they can handle most vehicles, even trucks and SUVs. They also come with a surprisingly sturdy and convenient mesh storage bag.

One thing that sets these Lifeline cables apart from other cables we found on Amazon is that the 6-gauge description is accurate. For example, Capri sells a 4-gauge, 20-foot cable that reviewers say is closer to 8-gauge. That’s no good, because thinner cables can fail to deliver sufficient current to start trucks, SUVs, and other larger vehicles.

If you’re unfamiliar with how to use jumper cables, familiarize yourself . But lest you forget, Lifeline includes a handy diagram in the bag. The important thing to keep in mind: Do not attach the black clamp to the black post of the dead battery. Instead, clamp it to an unpainted metal surface under the hood. Also, don’t touch the exposed parts of the clamps together while the cables are hooked up to a battery; they will spark.

Decked x BoxoUSA Tool Bag with Tool Roll

For the at-home mechanic.

This tool roll is designed for off-road emergencies. The handy roll and its mix-and-match tool configurations offer almost everything necessary to keep a vehicle on the road.

If you don’t own any tools for car maintenance, this kit is a great start. With 65 individual tools, the Decked x BoxoUSA Tool Bag with Tool Roll has nearly every tool that a home mechanic (especially those who own a truck) might need to keep their vehicle on the road. As the kit was designed originally for off-roading, bringing the whole thing and all its contents would be overkill for most people (the entire kit weighs 31 pounds). But selecting the necessities—the ratchet and wrench set, for instance—depending on the kind of journey you’re planning is easy and efficient due to the built-in compartmentalization. Included within the kit are combination wrenches, sockets, impact sockets, hex and torx keys, breaker bars, and a family of hammers, pliers, and screwdrivers. The heavy-duty Cordura nylon bag is built to last, too. If you’re at all interested in doing some of your own car maintenance, or if you want to be prepared in case of emergency, this toolkit offers a solid foundation.

Petzl Actik Core

A rechargeable headlamp.

This headlamp emits bright light with the highest beam quality. And it stays charged for days, whether you charge it via USB or use AAA batteries. It’s the perfect headlamp for backpacking trips.

We’ve been testing headlamps since 2012, including our latest round of research and testing in 2022. For a road trip, we like the Petzl Actik Core because it’s rechargeable, so you won’t ever get caught with a dead battery, as long as you have a USB car charger on hand. Its 450-lumen light ranks among the brightest of all our picks. (As of early 2023, the Actik Core was updated and now has a 600-lumen beam ; we’re currently testing the new version.)

Twice during our trip we pulled into our camping site late, and our headlamp was the first thing we reached for. Knowing that it was always charged meant that we didn’t have to hunt for batteries or use our car lights and disturb neighboring campers.

Right out of the box, the Actik Core was easy to use. It has just one button and three brightness options: low (6 lumens), medium (100 lumens), and high (450 lumens). If you hold down the button for several seconds, the color turns to red; double-pressing lets you access the strobe setting. Compared with some other rechargeable headlamps, which require complicated button-press configurations to reach the desired setting, we found this one to be simpler, though we lamented its lack of a flood beam. We also liked the double-button setup of the Black Diamond Spot 400 and the Vitchelo V800 a bit better than the Actik Core’s single button.

Flare alternative

StonePoint LED Emergency Beacon

The best emergency beacon.

Crushproof and waterproof, this set of three beacons comes with magnets for car mounting. And these are much safer than traditional flares.

To keep yourself safe while your car is parked on the side of the road, we suggest StonePoint LED Emergency Beacon flare alternatives.

We like the StonePoint set because, for the price of one high-intensity model like the PowerFlare device, you get three separate lights that are all crushproof to 20,000 pounds, waterproof, magnetic, and easy to set up and turn on. The magnets are important because they let you mount the beacons on your car, which adds height; having a flare anywhere above the surface of the road greatly increases your visibility. By putting one on the road (preferably elevated on something and located about 100 feet before your car), another on the trunk, and another on the hood, you create a very visible early warning for drivers.

Traditional magnesium flares will almost always be brighter and more visible. But their hazards—both to your health and to the environment around you—are substantial. (Read the health and environmental hazards section in this report [PDF] for a breakdown of the risks and the potentially harmful chemicals involved.) Combine that with the fact that you can mitigate any differences in visibility simply by elevating an electric flare, and you end up with a compelling argument against using traditional flares.

Of the three beacon models we tested, we couldn’t figure out how to open or turn on the Wagan model. And the Smittybilt U.F.O. safety light, though tough, wasn’t especially effective during the day and came only one to a package. Only the StonePoint beacons were easy to fill with batteries and place on the road exactly when we needed them. They also happened to be the brightest flare alternatives we had with us.

I should take a moment here and repeat what the responding officer told us when he arrived on the scene. Regardless of what safety beacons you have laid out behind you, “Stay off the road, and when in doubt stay in your car.”

Leatherman Skeletool CX

The best multi-tool.

This light, slim multi-tool is easy to carry and built to last.

No emergency kit is complete without a multi-tool. Most minor situations—such as a loose Phillips-head screw or a need to create a rag for checking your oil—are easily fixed as long as you have the right tool. Multi-tools are small enough to carry in a jeans pocket or to attach to a belt, so you can take a set of useful tools almost anywhere. Our choice is the Leatherman Skeletool CX , which comes with pliers, a bit driver, a pocket clip, and a carabiner/bottle opener, in addition to a high-quality, 2.6-inch 154CM carbon-fiber stainless steel blade. The Skeletool CX stood out from the other 22 multi-tools we tested because it focuses on the functionality, ergonomics, and solid construction of a few essential tools, instead of cramming dozens of different tools into a single bulky body that makes it difficult to use. That means it’s easy to carry but still has just about everything you could possibly need (short of a hammer and a socket set) to make an emergency repair in the field and on the road.

Duck Brand Max Strength Duct Tape

The best duct tape.

This tape is super strong and sticky, flexible enough to wrap around corners, and easy to tear in a clean, straight line.

If you can’t duct it, fuhgeddaboudit . We tested the heck out of 11 rolls of duct tape and chose Duck Max Strength tape above the competition for its perfect blend of attributes, namely high material strength, a strong adhesive, and superior overall flexibility for easy wrapping around odd shapes and curved surfaces. Is it an absolute necessity on the road? No. But the moment you need to fix a ripped tent wall or to keep unruly motel shades shut, you’ll be glad you packed some duct tape. It can even handle first-aid duties when the right materials for the job are unavailable. Duct tape is, as any MacGyver fan will tell you, a very useful tool.

Reliance 4-Gallon Aqua-Tainer

The best water jug.

This water jug holds enough water for two people for two days, and it has a spill-proof screw-on vent cap.

The general rule for water in an emergency is that one person needs one gallon of water for one day. But four to five gallons is a good amount to throw into your trunk—enough to get you through being stranded, even with a passenger. You should increase that estimate if you plan to go out in the middle of nowhere, or if your travels take you to a desert region or some other dry place. We found on our trip through the Southwest that we were refilling our water bottles a lot more than we were stopping for gas.

After researching 16 different types of water jugs, we recommend the Reliance 4-Gallon Aqua-Tainer for most situations. The Reliance jug has two standout features: a screw-on vent cap and a spigot cap that reverses in on itself when not in use. These features work together to prevent major spills. The screw-on vent cap doesn’t come undone, unlike the pull-top vents on some competitors, which tend to pop open and spill water as soon as you hit anything other than the smoothest roadways. Spigot caps can be a weakness for some jugs, too. In contrast, when not in use, the Reliance jug’s spigot unscrews and drops into the jug itself, sealing up the whole canister nice and tight. On our road trip, we used the 4-Gallon Aqua-Tainer, which can provide water for two people for two days; for more people, consider the 7-Gallon Aqua-Tainer .

The Reliance Aqua-Tainer jug is made from BPA-free molded plastic. It’s easy to pack around in the trunk of a car—certainly easier than large, bladder-type jugs (like the MSR Dromedary Bag ), which, though excellent for camp showers and good for a backpack, are too difficult to pack around in a trunk because of their non-rigid shape. The Aqua-Tainer’s hard sides also make it easier to use for dispensing water from, say, the roof of your car. But be sure to throw a shirt or towel under the Aqua-Tainer before setting it atop your car like this: We learned the hard way that the molded plastic edge can scratch your car’s paint job if you’re not careful.

Before investing in a jug, you should know that water kept in plastic bottles won’t harm you, even if left in a hot car . A 24-pack of Poland Spring is not environmentally kind, but it is safe for a brief trip. Avoid gallon jugs, since they’re typically made out of HDPE plastic, which punctures easily. (Such jugs also have caps that pop off easily.) We wouldn’t buy collapsible jugs, either, since they are prone to leaks and are unruly when pouring.

It takes only a few minutes to get your vehicle checked out for a proper road trip. When in doubt, or when preparing for an especially long trip, see a mechanic first. There are plenty of potential mechanical troubles that a professional can identify—and that you’d rather learn about in their shop than on the side of a highway. Use these tips to determine where to go for help, based on the age of your car and what you need done.

• Dealership service departments: newer vehicles covered by factory warranty, or when specialized service is required
• Independent mechanics: general maintenance items such as brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, and fluid changes
• Quick oil/lube centers: oil changes only

Getting word-of-mouth advice from family and friends remains a very good way to find reputable mechanics. Sites such as RepairPal and Yelp are also helpful. And don’t forget to check local Facebook community groups.

The vehicle inspection: Six key areas

• Under the hood: Check the engine oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant, windshield wipers, washer fluid, and brake fluid.

• Tires: Check for proper inflation and good tread that doesn’t show uneven wear. For inflation, consult your owner’s manual to find your tires’ recommended PSI; don’t go by what’s printed on the side of your tire, which is the maximum PSI. For tread wear, stick a penny into the center (not the edge) of each tire’s treads, with Lincoln’s head facing down—if you can still see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tire is worn out. Also, if you have a spare tire, check it and make sure that a jack and a lug-nut wrench still accompany it. If you don’t have a spare, consider getting one from a dealer or a salvage yard. Or invest in an emergency roadside repair and inflation kit—like the Slime 50107 Smart Spair Emergency Tire Repair Kit —which includes sealant for small punctures as well as a small air compressor for reinflating tires. At the very least, bring along a portable sealer kit like Fix-A-Flat , but be aware that these options work only on very small punctures in the tread and could ultimately require you to replace your whole tire. So it’s really better to have a spare, if possible.

• Lights: Check all the bulbs, including the turn signals, headlights (high and low beam), brake lights, parking lamps, reverse lights, and license-plate lights.
• Smell test: You can sniff out potential problems in your car by paying attention to its odors.
• Sulfur/rotten-egg smell: You have trouble with your exhaust or emission system that could be dangerous. Get your car to a mechanic immediately.
• Sweet smell: This scent indicates an engine coolant leak; the smell could be strong when you’re using the heater, and accompanied by fogged-up glass. The coolant is toxic, and when it runs out, your engine will overheat.
• Burning carpet/paper smell: Your brakes are hot. Smelling this after you’ve used your brakes hard (such as after coming down a mountain) is not unusual. But if you smell this while you’re driving around normally, it means your brakes might be stuck, which is a serious problem.
• Musty/mildew smell: This odor is generally attributable to water getting stuck in the ductwork for your heating and air conditioning. It usually indicates that a drain plug is blocked, which you sometimes can fix just by running your fan on high for a few minutes.
• Burning rubber smell: Unless you’re doing burnouts, this smell can be caused by slipping engine belts or a tire rubbing. In these cases, the smell is usually accompanied by a noise, namely squealing (with belts) or grinding (with a tire rubbing).
• Noise test: Cars make lots of noises, and the following are some that should get your undivided attention.
• Clunking or rattling over bumps: This sound can indicate a variety of problems with the steering or suspension, but it often points to worn plastic or rubber bushings that allow contact between metal components. In extreme cases, these components can fail, causing major damage or even loss of control if the vehicle is moving.
• Clicking or groaning sounds when turning: Clicking is a sign of imminent axle shaft failure on front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles, so get to a mechanic immediately if you hear this sound. Groaning noises are less serious and occur because of a lack of lubrication in steering components or bushings.
• Loud humming that increases steadily with speed: This sound almost always points to a bad wheel bearing, especially if the noise gets louder or quieter when the car is turning.
• Grinding, squeaking, or squealing when stopping: Squeaking and squealing happen when the brake pads are worn and need replacing. Grinding means the pads are already gone, and you’re pushing metal against metal when you stop.
• Feel test: The following are a few situations that should warrant a visit to the shop.
• Soft or spongy brake pedal: Brakes should be firm; a soft pedal means something is wrong. Either you have a mechanical problem or the brake fluid is leaking.
• Shimmies or vibrations: These sensations usually indicate that a rim is bent or that a tire is out of balance, but they can also be signs of loose steering or suspension parts.

Pre-trip planning

Before heading out, check these commonly taken-for-granted aspects of road-tripping.

• Update your GPS system. Factory-installed GPS devices generally receive updates once a year and require CDs, SD cards, or USB thumb drives purchased from the manufacturer for installation through a dealership. Mobile third-party GPS units get updates throughout the year, and you can install the updates via most home PCs through a simple download from the GPS manufacturer’s website.
• Make sure that you have maps or a paper atlas. Sometimes technology fails. Having a current map for backup is always a good idea.
• Make sure you’re covered by a roadside assistance program. Auto-club programs are the most common source of roadside assistance plans, with companies such as AAA and Good Sam offering coverage to members regardless of what vehicle they drive or its age. Most new cars, however, come with complimentary roadside assistance that lasts a certain number of miles or a certain number of years, whichever happens first. So check your owner’s manual (and read the fine print, since these plans can be very limited). Many auto insurance companies also provide vehicle-specific roadside assistance, usually for a monthly fee. Some credit card companies offer a mix of complimentary and basic fee services, and even cell phone companies are now offering basic services to customers. Verizon’s roadside assistance plan costs $5 per month and covers any vehicle, as long as the phone is present. Most of these plans have limitations and plenty of fine print to study, so carefully review your coverage before hitting the road.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guides

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Wirecutter Staff

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Further reading

Road-Trip Essentials

by Eve O'Neill

We spend a lot of time driving each year, and this is our list of essential road-trip gear to include in your packing list.

Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

by Kerry Davis McGuinness

From compact car seats and cribs to portable blackout shades and white noise machines, the right tools for travel can lead to less fuss—and more fun.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

14 Best Road Trip Gadgets

Keep everyone entertained, connected and safe on your next road trip with our top picks.

Taking a road trip is one of the most fun things you can do with friends and family, but do you have everything you need? Beyond a full tank of gas, you'll want to have a charger to keep everyone's gadgets powered, a mount to keep your phone at eye level (great for GPS navigation) and a cooler to keep those iced coffees icy.

You'll also want to keep everyone entertained in the back seat, which is why it's great to bring a hotspot, a Bluetooth receiver for streaming tunes and a portable gaming console. And if you run into car trouble? We've got travel tech to help you there, too.

Based on our testing and research, these are the best road trip gadgets to take along on your next adventure.

Credit: Raven

Vogek Car Charger

You don't have to fight over who gets to charge their gadgets first on your next trip. Unlike many car chargers that have only one or two ports, the Vogek charger has four of them, allowing you to juice multiple devices at once. The Vogek doesn't support Qualcomm Quick Charge technology, but if you're in the market for a simple car charger and you like the idea of paying just $10 to get one, this is a winner.

Credit: Vogek

Tryone Car Headrest Mount

It's OK to be lazy. This headrest mount and holder is an outstanding option when your kids (or you) are in the backseat and don't feel like holding a smartphone, tablet or Nintendo Switch during the long ride. It's especially great for leaning back to watch a show or movie.

The affordable Tryone Car headrest mount attaches to the bars that support your front-seat headrests. The mount itself can be configured to increase or decrease in size to accommodate devices with screen sizes ranging from 4 inches to 10.1 inches. You can also adjust the headrest mount's angle to ensure the best viewing experience.

Credit: Tryone

One of the biggest problems with traveling is keeping track of all the important stuff you've brought along with you. And that's why the Tile Mate is such an important gadget.

The Tile Mate , which costs $20 for a single unit, is a Bluetooth-connected tracker that you can connect to your keys, your smartphone, or just about anything else. Once it's connected and working with the Tile app, you'll be able to see in real time whatever you're looking for. The Tile Mate offers a year-long battery life, so even if you lose something for a few days, the device's tracking function will keep working.

Credit: Tile

iOttie Easy One Touch 4

Whether you're using GPS navigation and you don't want to be distracted or you just want to be able to quickly change music tracks on the go, the iOttie Easy One Touch 4 puts your phone at eye level and within easy reach. It's so handy that it's our top pick among car phone holders .

The accessory attaches to your car and acts as a phone holder that's compatible with iPhones and Android devices. Simply place your phone in the cradle and close the arms on the side around your handset to keep it snug. Then when you drive, you can quickly glance at the screen without ever needing to hold your phone in one hand.

Credit: iOttie

Mpow Bluetooth 4.1 Receiver 2-in-1

If you're tired of fiddling with the car radio dial during road trips, the Mpow Bluetooth 4.1 Receiver 2-in-1 is for you. The device, which tested best among bluetooth car adapters , plugs into your car's auxiliary port and allows you to take hands-free calls and listen to music wirelessly via Bluetooth.

The Mpow receiver also has buttons on it, so you can turn your music on and off and answer a call with ease. Not only will the Mpow make your ride more convenient, but it should also allow for a safer ride.

Credit: Mpow

Anker PowerCore 20100

Between phones, tablets, hotspots and other gadgets you take on your road trip, it's easy to run out of outlets in a hurry. Or maybe you're going camping or to the beach. That's where the Anker PowerCore 20100 comes in.

This portable 20100-mAh battery has two full-size USB ports and a USB-C port that let you simply plug in your devices to deliver power. In our testing, the PowerCore charged a Galaxy S8 nearly three times before running out of juice, and it got the phone to 21 percent in just 15 minutes. The high capacity and fast charge time makes this accessory a no-brainer.

Credit: Anker

Wagan Cooler

Keep everyone's drinks chilled on the road with the Wagan Cooler, which has enough capacity to store 27 cans or up to four 2-liter bottles. The cooler gets as chilly as 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can also keep food warm with the flick of a switch, heating up to 140 degrees. The device plugs into your car's 12-volt outlet, and has a 7.5-foot cord.

Credit: Wagan

Anker Compact Jump Starter and Portable Charger

You never know when your car's battery might conk out. And that's why you should have the  Anker Compact Jump Starter and Portable Charger with you on your next road trip.

The multifunction device comes with a power bank that can jump-start your car. It can also be used to power up your smartphone via the two USB ports, and it comes with a built-in flashlight.

The built-in 10,000-mAh battery charges in 3 hours, and the whole thing is compact enough to place in your glove compartment. The package comes with jumper cables, a wall charger and a car charger, and it's backed by an 18-month warranty.

Magellan Dash Cam

Capable of recording high-resolution (2304 x 1296) video, Magellan's Dash Cam is a fun way to chronicle your family trip. The camera offers enhanced low-light performance, and its built-in GPS can show your location on top of the video. The Dash Cam comes with a 2.7-inch display, so you can view your footage on the go.

Magellan's gadget can be especially handy when you're parked; it can detect an impact and will wake up and start recording automatically. If you have a long ride ahead of you, consider getting a higher-capacity SD Card: The device accommodates up to 128GB of storage.

Credit: Magellan

Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot AC791L

It's easy to get online from your phone. But what if you want all of your family's devices to be able to connect at the same time? Just pick up the Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot AC791L from Verizon.

The device is portable and delivers fast 4G speeds to up to 15 devices simultaneously. The hotspot offers up to 24 hours of usage on a single charge and can last up to 27 days on standby. You can even charge other gadgets with this hotspot using the included cable attachment.

At its $100 price, Verizon's mobile hotspot comes with a two-year contract.. If you don't want to be locked into a contract, you'll need to fork over $200 for the device.

Credit: Verizon

BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool

When things aren't going so well on your ride, and it appears there's something wrong with your car, you'll be happy to have the BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool on board.

The gadget is a full diagnostic scanner that can tell you exactly what's wrong with your car at any given time. And since it works with the BlueDriver app, it'll give you a full readout on your handset of what's happening with your vehicle.

What makes the BlueDriver scan tool so impressive is its database of more than 6.6 million fixes to vehicle problems that have all been verified by certified auto mechanics. In other words, the scan tool will tell you what's wrong with your car and what should be done to fix it before you get to the auto shop.

Credit: BlueDriver

Garmin Speak Plus

"Alexa, do you want to ride shotgun?" The Garmin Speak Plus brings Amazon's assistant right into your vehicle along with a host of other features. The Speak Plus includes turn-by-turn navigation and  a built-in dashcam, but what really sets this gadget apart is the Alexa integration.

Just as you can with the Amazon Echo, the Speak Plus lets you check the weather, control your smart-home devices, play games and get all sorts of questions answered. You can also get directions by simply saying, "Alexa, ask Garmin…." To stream Alexa's responses through your stereo, all you need is a Bluetooth connection or an AUX cable.

Credit: Garmin

Raven is a versatile device that turns your dumb car into a smart one. It comes with both a front and rear camera, so you can capture your favorite driving moments and share them with friends and family. There's also a built-in security system to safeguard your stuff when you need to stop in a rest area on your trip.

Other highlights include GPS navigation and the ability for Raven to automatically contact family members with location info in case you're in an accident. Note that a subscription is required to use this device, as it uses a cellular connection. A basic $8 a month plan (using T-Mobile) lets you check on your vehicle 60 times a month over video.

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular game consoles of all time, and that's because you can play great games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe , The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and many more at home and on the go. Just undock the Switch and you can start jumping, shooting and racing on the big, 6.2-inch HD display. Expect about 3 hours of battery life.

By sharing Joy-Con controllers, players can go head-to-head anywhere. And when you get to your destination, you can prop up the Switch using the included stand and play in tabletop mode.

Credit: Nintendo

Don Reisinger is CEO and founder of D2 Tech Agency. A communications strategist, consultant, and copywriter, Don has also written for many leading technology and business publications including CNET, Fortune Magazine, The New York Times, Forbes, Computerworld, Digital Trends, TechCrunch and Slashgear. He has also written for Tom's Guide for many years, contributing hundreds of articles on everything from phones to games to streaming and smart home.

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Road Trip Essentials: The Best Tech and Gadgets, According to Experts

The experts at Good Housekeeping have tested and reviewed some of the best travel electronics and tech gadgets on the market. Here are some of the picks that will make your next road trip more memorable.

More Road Trip Gear: Best Driving Sunglasses | Best Travel Luggage | Road Trip Toolbox

Our Top Picks

Best Travel Portable Coffee Maker

Cera+ portable electric coffee maker.

Best Travel Wi-Fi Hotspot

Verizon mifi 6620l jetpack 4g lte mobile hotspot.

Best Travel Dash Cam

Garmin dash cam 57.

Best Travel Gadget Cooler

Koolatron thermoelectric iceless cooler and warmer.

Best Travel Gadget Radar Detector

Escort max 360 mkii radar and laser detector.

Best Travel Action Camera

Gopro hero9.

Best Travel Electronics Organizer

Bubm electronics organizer.

Best Travel Gadget for Portable Power

Anker 325 power bank.

Best Travel Gadget Charging Cord

Rolling square keychain charger cable.

Best Travel Mug

Ember travel mug.

We all have our own ideas about what tech we need and which gadgets and devices we enjoy, so the Gear Team could have simply thrown together a list of some of our favorites. But Good Housekeeping has been testing and evaluating products for over a century, and its testing has become an industry standard. So we hit up our colleagues over at the Good Housekeeping Institute to make sure we weren't missing anything.

Relying on the expertise of the Gear Team and the testing acumen of Good Housekeeping, here are some of the Best Travel Gadgets and Tech for your next road-trip adventure.

Note: Road & Track has paraphrased Good Housekeeping 's findings to reflect our purposes here; we have omitted some of the Institute's non-automotive selections and included other products more suited for our car-loving audience.

The Best Road Trip Gadgets & Tech

Don't settle for whatever truck-stop cup of joe you come across while on the road. The CERA+ portable coffee maker will allow you to indulge your inner coffee snob wherever you are. It can perform cold or warm brews, and its rechargeable battery allows you to make several cups, no matter the type of coffee you choose.

Wi-Fi on your road trip can be a game changer. For those who lack the luxury of integrated Wi-Fi found on many newer cars, the Jetpack allows Verizon customers to connect up to 15 devices to their personal Wi-Fi network in more than 200 countries. During Good Housekeeping’s testing, the battery showed impressive all-day life. As a plus, it includes an extra USB port for charging other devices.

Dash cams can be a fantastic tool for recovering damages, beating tickets, or recording incredible situations. The Garmin 57 mini dash cam takes the functionality up a notch with a Swiss Army knife–like list of features. It can record in 1440p and features incident detection, forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, and a cool option that lets you turn hours of driving into a time-lapse video. Best of all, it measures just about 1.0 by 2.0 inches.

Staying hydrated and keeping your appetite at bay while on the road can be tough if gas-station jerky and drive-thru fare aren't your thing. Koolatron 's thermoelectric cooler and warmer plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet and keeps the contents as cool as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as warm as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The 18-quart version can hold up to 23 standard soft-drink cans; the much larger 45-quart version is ideal for families.

Even if you don't consider yourself much of a speeder, having an additional layer of protection against hefty fines is a wise move. The Escort MAX 360 will keep you covered, just in case you lose track of your speed over hours of cruising. It's loaded with features, including dual antennas for increased range, 360-degree awareness, an easy-to-use app, and many more we don't have the space to list here.

GoPro has been offering compact action cameras since 2004, and the HERO9 is perfect for road-tripping. It's durable and waterproof up to 33 feet, allowing you to take it with you just about anywhere. It shoots in 5K so you're guaranteed sharp, high-quality memories once your trip is over. GoPro also offers an array of accessories for attaching it to a helmet, your chest, your car—even a toddler.

Keep your wires and other small gear organized with this neat-looking organizer from BUBM . It comes in ten different colors, and the testers at Good Housekeeping loved the compact fold-flat shape and zipper enclosures.

Charging ports can be a point of contention in cars and trucks, particularly when a family is on the road for extended periods. This Anker portable battery will help nip back-seat fisticuffs in the bud. The 20,000 mAh Li-ion battery allows you to charge up to two devices at a time via dual USB-A ports, and it can be recharged through either its micro-USB or USB-C ports.

Rolling Square's keychain charger is the perfect accessory to keep alongside your keys or in your glovebox. It offers multiple outputs and inputs including USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB, and even a lightning port for your iPhone. It complements the Anker portable battery above very nicely.

When you're on the road for hours on end, a warm beverage can be key in getting your body's motor started and keeping it going. This travel mug from Ember won't just keep your beverage warm, it will keep it exactly the temperature you prefer. The temperature can be controlled from an app on your phone, and its two-hour battery life can be extended by placing it on its charging coaster.

Apple AirTag

Many are already familiar with the invaluable functionality that Apple 's tiny tracker provides. It can be used to track anything from your valuables to your luggage and even your car, right from your phone. It does require you to use Apple's digital ecosystem, but its overall functionality could just be enough to convert Android users. Its one-year battery lifespan makes it an easy set-and-forget tool.

JACO ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Before and after long drives, it's important to keep tabs on your tires, as they are the only thing keeping you and your family on the road. Investing in a quality tire pressure gauge is key, especially if you drive an older car that doesn't come equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system. JACO 's gauge is calibrated accurately to professional ANSI 2A standards and offers a full lifetime warranty.

Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool

If you don't already carry a good multitool, it's about time you do. The Wave Plus from Leatherman is a handy everyday tool for popping bottle tops, tightening screws, opening packaging, and a plethora of other odd jobs. Out on the road, it's great for small inconveniences and quick fixes, such as replacing burnt-out bulbs, tightening hose clamps, or whatever other mishaps may arise.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone Bundle

This DJI camera drone will elevate your ability to log your road-trip memories. When you're no longer limited to the ground, the photo and video opportunities you'll realize are pretty vast. The GH Institute testers loved that it can fold away into a compact carrying case and lauded its sharp picture quality. The included Fly More Kit opens up the potential to capture professional-quality aerial shots of your car ripping through the twisties. It includes spare batteries, chargers, parts, and more.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer

The DJI Osmo gimbal is a nice piece of kit to keep handy if you’re even remotely serious about capturing solid images of you and your flock while out on the road. Even if you're solo-tripping, it's an excellent way to capture photos or videos of your car in action. During testing, the gimbal held the phone stable and has a nice feature that allows it to rotate in a single sweeping motion. The magnetic clamp attaches easily to almost any phone.

Reliefband Classic Wristband for Motion Sickness

Lots of us are burdened with the unfortunate affliction known as carsickness. This can get pretty messy on long drives, particularly if you have little ones prone to nausea. The Reliefband is a drug-free remedy to general motion sickness. If it really works—and most users claim it does—it's definitely worth it.

Bose QuietComfort OverEar Headphones

If you plan to spend many hours in a packed car, you will inevitably be met with conflict when everyone disagrees on what to fill your collective ears with. These noise-canceling cans from Bose provide a convenient solution, allowing your passengers to escape to their own audio reality for a bit. Testers found them very comfortable over extended periods and really appreciated being able to switch between Quiet and Aware modes to filter outside noise.

Caveat: No matter how tempting it may be to drown out the world around you, and despite settings that allow you to control ambient noise, we don't recommend over-ear cans like these while driving. Opt for a pair of AirPods or earbuds , if you must—but be advised, state laws vary on their use behind the wheel.

How do I determine which items are essential to my trip?

A good rule, particularly with gadgets, is if you can't name around two-thirds of the buttons on your device, you probably won't use it (or at least to its fullest potential). Carry only what you might need and use.

I'm new to road-tripping. Will all these gadgets be daunting?

Some gadgets like a DJI drone can indeed have somewhat steep learning curves. We recommend trying out your gadgets at home to familiarize yourself with their features and controls. Apps are a requirement for some gadgets, so having those pre-loaded onto your phone can save time and hassle.

Can I buy stuff on the road?

Lots of gear can be a hassle to keep track of, so sometimes it is more efficient to forgo some of the less essential pieces and just pick them up as you need them. Rechargeable electronics are a great solution—they keep working and alleviate the need to carry around or purchase extra batteries.

Why Trust Good Housekeeping ?

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products and providing expert reviews and advice on all types of travel gear in their labs, from luggage trackers and noise-canceling headphones to drones and mobile hotspots. The gadgets chosen for this list were evaluated by product testing analyst Selina Tedesco and updated by media and tech reviews analyst Olivia Lipski .

Why Trust Hearst Autos?

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers. If we're unable to test a product or category ourselves, we'll sometimes turn to noted experts such as the Good Housekeeping Institute .

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game SEO algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products to earn a buck. We're far more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek , Car and Driver , and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here .

The Assistant Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Justin Helton is an enthusiast with a passion for heavily depreciated autos and a penchant for philosophical debate. As a lifelong Manhattanite, he has mastered the ins and outs of classic car ownership in one of the least car-friendly cities in the world.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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37 Great Must-Have Car Accessories For Your Next Road Trip [Updated 2022]

Updated May 2022

So you’re planning a road trip soon, and you’re wondering which car accessories for your next road trip will be.

You may have gone on road trips before and you have no idea where to start and what you could need for a road trip.

Or perhaps you’ve been on a few road trips and you’re looking for other accessories that can make your car journeys more enjoyable.

Look no further than this post, where I share with you 37 great car accessories for your next road trip, that will definitely add comfort and ease to your car journeys!

Road trips are all fun and games until it’s time to make the most out of the space in your car, and you’re trying to get creative so that it’s a comfortable journey for all, especially the driver.

Nevertheless, road trips are such a fun experience to have, and to really appreciate your surroundings from flatlands to majestic mountains, rural countryside to bustling cities, and everything in between!

And with spring break quickly approaching, a road trip might just be on the horizon for you.

Living in a large country such as the U.S. where flights and train transportation can get really pricey and the car is the primary way in which people transport themselves on the daily, it’s no surprise that car travel is one of the main modes to travel long distances.

As someone who loves to drive in general and go on road trips throughout the Midwest throughout the years, I have accumulated my fair share of car accessories and I’ve also discovered other useful gadgets that I want to share today to help you make your road trips run smoother and easier.

So today, I’m going to be showing you 37 great must-have car accessories for your next road trip – a list of genius, incredibly useful car accessories that will help maintain organization, cleanliness, and clutter-free space within the small space of your car, for long distances.

Let’s get excited about discovering our own backyard this year, and making it a smooth and comfortable journey with the addition of these 37 incredibly useful car accessories!

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What's Inside This Post:

How can I make my car more comfortable on a road trip?

When planning a long road trip, you should consider a couple of things and people (if you’re traveling with others) in order to begin thinking of ways to make your car more comfortable on a road trip.

Road trip duration : For instance, consider the number of hours you will be driving. Will it be a 3-hour road trip or a 12-hour road trip? Depending on the number of hours you will be on the road, you will have to determine

Who are you road tripping with? : if you’re planning on traveling with others, you’ll have to think of their possible needs. Are you traveling with kids? It would be a good idea to pack their favorite snacks, and favorite toys, and download their favorite movies that you can play on an iPad or other child-safe tablet . Are you traveling with Teenagers? Consider packing a cooler with their favorite sports drinks, water, and snacks. pack fun card games for those stretches of the road where there may be low to no cell service.

Weather : Consider the weather, and if it will be a road trip in the winter, pack blankets, and heated blankets for naps, maybe even a nifty little portable kettle or espresso maker to warm you up. If it’s a hot destination, make sure that your car has received proper maintenance to turn on the A.C. but also stocking your car with portable, old-school portable fans wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Cleanliness and Organization : Car travel accessories definitely include those that help keep your car clean! No matter the distance of your road trip, cleanliness and organization should be a priority, especially with multiple people all sharing a small, cramped space. Organize your space with:

• Car organizers
• Backseat hooks
• Durable car mats
• Car air fresheners
• Stain removal solutions (eating in the car, accidents happen!)
• Portable garbage cans

What are the most essential car accessories?

The best road trip accessories for your car are the ones that will ensure your safety if you were to have an emergency on the road.

For instance, making sure that your car has received the maintenance it needs to fulfill a road trip, should be your first priority. Checking window washer fluids, oil, tires, A/C and heat, brakes, etc.

Additionally, consider buying roadside assistance if you don’t have it, in case of car issues in the middle of your road trip.

Lastly, also look into purchasing a roadside emergency kit that you can use for minor issues. Whether you’re the mechanic, or someone traveling with you is, it’s a good car travel accessory to always pack.

What are some cool things to add to your car for a road trip?

It seems like with the rise of #VanLife and the little house movement, there have been many household types of items that have been converted into versions ideal for small, car spaces and road trip accessories.

Everything from portable water kettles, to atmospheric car LED lights , USB star projectors , and solar panel car air purifiers – there are so many ways to not only make your car road trip ready with these car accessories but also SUPER comfortable and cool!

In today’s post, I’ll show more in-depth every type of car gadget and accessory, from essential car accessories to practical and cool car accessories for your next road trip.

37 Great Must-Have Car Accessories For Your Next Road Trip

1. 2 in 1 car seat gap organizer.

You’ve possibly heard of the seat fillers that, well, fill those pockets between your seat and the middle of your car where the cup holder is.

However, since we are trying to make the most of the space we have available, I would opt for these side seat gap organizers that can store useful items like your phone, money, and napkins (you always have to carry napkins in your car, right??).

They come in packs of two and have AMAZING reviews claiming that the quality is top-notch and that it’s easy to use right away.

It also kind of fulfills the purpose of the plain seat filler by keeping things from falling into those little nooks and crannies by your seat, so whenever something does fall through, your organizer will catch it and it can easily be dumped out.

Easy peasy!

These are some of the best forms of car accessories – the functional, OMG-they-make-these type of car accessories, wouldn’t you agree?

2. Universal Silicone Anti-Slip Car Phone Mount

This car accessory is SO necessary and helpful to mount your phone and have accessibility to it whether it’s for GPS directions, or changing a song almost without looking too much at it.

Also, I don’t know about you, but if I can help it, I try not to put my phone on the vent like with other phone holders that hold on to the A.C./heater vents in the car for two reasons: it blocks the air from coming out, and I think that so much air hitting the back of the phone, hot or cold, is probably not good for it.

Plus I also really love the ability to hold your phone horizontally , so you have a wider view of GPS, why would you want it vertical, right??

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3. car steering wheel tray.

I mean, is this not genius??

I don’t know about you guys, and I know it’s probably not going to sound like the healthiest habit, but I love to eat in my car.

Even before the pandemic, I loved having car picnics and taking my food to go, and parking in a really pretty park, no matter what season.

Nowadays, it’s probably become more common, as eating in your car has become the new eating out, but in my books, that’s more than ok!

And whether you’re going on a long-distance road trip soon or you’re planning a car picnic, this car steering wheel tray is going to be even better with this car accessory that will make car picnics easier, cleaner, and way more fun!

Bonus : If you’re looking for a similar desk solution for those in the backseat, something like a multi-functional car computer desk is a good choice amongst the other car accessories in this category to look into!

4. Breathable Flannel Material Electric Car Blanket

This is electric heated car blanket is AMAZING! Whether you’re on a road trip, or you’re at home (can be used in either situation) having a heated blanket that seamlessly connects to the cigarette plug in your car is super helpful (especially if you’re traveling in the winter or to colder destinations by car).

When looking to buy this car accessory , make sure to look at the cigarette plug, and make sure it is 12V or 24V, as that is what this product explains is necessary to work.

This heated blanket comes with a timer for 30-60 minutes, and then it will automatically shut off, and it’s warm and breathable enough to have on for when you’re on the road, camping, or having lunch in your car and you’re feeling a bit chilly.

File this heated blanket under the car accessories you didn’t know you needed, because it’s definitely more of a luxury item than necessity – nonetheless, it’s a good one to have around.

This heated blanket will make your road trips more comfortable for you or your cold guests.

5. Car Headrest Hangers

You know road tripping is all fun and games until you start to pack up the car, and you realize that you have to get creative with how you organize your space for optimal comfort!

Too many things cluttering the already reduced space of the car floor?

These back seat hangers (which you can also switch to hang things in the front seat for easier access for the driver) are such an easy, helpful solution to hang your bags in your car, as well as clothes , jackets, or scarves.

They come in packs of two and are really easy to install and use.

You really won’t want to leave on your next road trip without this super simple but helpful car accessory!

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6. portable car garbage bin.

Let’s face it, road trips are messy. In between eating quickly on the road in order to get to your destination before sunset, having a snack to give your energy to drive, and everything else in between – a portable garbage can is so necessary and helpful.

This specific garbage bin, in my opinion, is better than having a plastic bag as a garbage bin because first of all, it’s not just floating around on the floor of your car, it’s got pockets to store other items, and it conceals all the trash with the lid and small opening on top .

It will make trash collecting and dumping at the rest stops way easier!

7. Memory Foam Back Cushion

This is a no-brainer for the driver of the road trip to invest in.

This car accessory is awesome for long car rides and road trips because it is designed to support your lumbar spine (prevent low back pain) and because of its length, it will help you improve your posture over time.

The exterior cotton material is removable and washable, and overall odorless.

You can take this car accessory from the car to your home office for those work-from-home days , and your actual office chair as it’s portable and easy to install! Save your back pain, and get one of these.

>> Read More: Travel Planning Freebies. All of them.

8. collapsible portable multi compartments trunk organizer.

As far as car accessories go, If you’re a fan of using packing cubes in your suitcase, then you’ll definitely want to invest in this collapsible trunk organizer to help you keep all your belongings from rolling around and tumbling over in the trunk – so annoying.

This organizer is made of a durable, water-resistant, easy-to-clean material, and it comes with a whole lot of customizable inserts, pockets, straps to keep it in place in your trunk, sturdy handles, mesh pockets on the side, and so much more!

This is such a great organizer that you won’t want to leave behind on your next road trip.

Plus, it’s super useful for other situations when you may be carrying extra delicate cargo.

>> Read More: The 8 Best Travel Day Bags For Every Occasion

9. emergency car roadside roadtrip kit.

Beyond being a car accessory, I’d consider this item more of a car necessity!

Car accessories are meant to help the road trip journey easier, but also help keep you safe in case of emergencies.

Even if you have roadside assistance a call away, it’s always a good idea to carry in your car a roadside emergency kit like this one, equipped with jumper cables, a shovel, gloves and so much more.

Another tip I want to share here is if you’re traveling in the wintertime, I strongly suggest packing in a few old towels or clothes you don’t need.

If your car loses traction or you’ve fallen into a ditch and you can’t get it out on your own, placing towels or old clothes in front/back of the tires will help with creating traction and grip for your car to get out on its own.

It depends of course, on the size of the ditch and the car, but it’s worth a try in some situations.

An emergency kit like this may be indispensable, for both taking a road trip and also in your everyday commuting.

It’s one of those things that you regret not having until you need it…trust me on that.

>> Read More: Packing Your Travel Essentials List? Here Are 18 SUPER Useful Things To Pack For Your Next Trip

10. a paper map: the original road trip accessory.

Because you never know when you’ll go through no service land, and then there you are, not knowing where to go, or which exit to take or if you’re going in the right direction – not knowing how long until you get service again.

Don’t get stuck, or worst, realize an hour into the drive that you’ve been going the wrong way!

A paper map, an atlas (remember those!?) are always super useful and helpful to carry in your car regardless of if you’ve been left without service or you want to double-check that Google Maps isn’t taking you through some weird route (even Google Maps gets confused, you know).

I really love this paper map one because it covers not only the U.S. but also Canada and Mexico, and is also really easy to read especially for those of us who may not be used to using paper maps.

So you’ve got all of North America in one book, and with that, all the confidence to know that you can’t get lost.

Let’s hit the road!

11. Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner

When it comes to best road trip accessories, a vacuum should be up there.

Think about it; a road trip where people are all sitting in one place for a few hours, eating, snacking, drinking, as well as tracking dirt back in the car every time they leave and come back; it can and will get messy, and quick!

Whether you’re traveling with kids or traveling with adult friends, the truth is, after a few days of road tripping and snacking in the car, there is bound to be a crumb mess happening.

Packing up an ultra-light vacuum can help you keep organized and clean, especially this vacuum that is compact, powerful, and does the job just right.

Getting a vacuum that can pick up wet and dry dirt, pick up food crumbs, has powerful suction, multiple vacuum nozzle heads to get to the crooks and crannies of the seats, and connects to the power outlet in your car, are all great things to look for in a portable car vacuum to help keep your car clean during long road trips.

12. Car Power Inverter

Another one of the best car travel accessories has to go to a portable car power inverter, which is super useful to connect more than one device at the same time.

This car power inverter by FOVAL is great because it’s the size of a credit card, and has 2 US standard sockets, as well as 4 USB ports and a DC 12V to AC 110V converter – which makes it powerful enough to charge anything from a phone, to a laptop or iPad.

A car gadget like this will make it super easy to keep your phone and other devices charged so you and your friends can keep playing music and tracking your route on Google Maps, keep working on your laptop, or keep reading on your e-reader. It’s definitely a necessity these days.

13. Car Air Fresheners

Don’t forget to pack in a few car fresheners to keep the air in your car smelling clean and fresh while on your road trip.

Again, being in a usually cramped space for a few hours where food is being opened, and spills may occur, smells are bound to sink into the seats of the car, as well as stay in the air.

Keep things fresh with a few car fresheners by Yankee Candle , which always come through with some classic scents from tropical, warm and cozy, to fresh and floral. Subtle, gentle smells that won’t nauseate the people in the car.

This pack car air fresheners by Yankee Candle comes with 2-4 weeks worth of frangrance (3 air fresheners), small and light enough to hang on your rearview mirror, and are recycable.

14. Car Backseat Organizer

Whether you’re traveling with kids, teens, or college students, these backseat car organizers are AMAZING to help keep everyone’s materials and belongings in order.

The sizing of this item is 24 x 16 inch size, and it is placed on the back seat of the front two seats. It comes with multiple mesh pockets of all different sizes to accommodate everything from a tablet/ small computer, to water bottles, umbrellas, snacks, books/notebooks and more. It’s also machine washable and water-proof.

Whether you’re using this for children and their schoolwork while on your road trip, or you’re using this for yourself to make most of the space in your car, this is a perfect car accessorie to include in our next road trip!

15. Cup Holder Expandable Tray

Ok, this is awesome! Talk about making the most out of your space. This is an ultra helpful and compact food tray that you can affix by placing it on the cup holder, extending the arm and opening the tray over your lap to enjoy your food on.

WHAT. So simple.

This nifty little road trip accessory can free up so much space and your hands trying to make sure that things aren’t falling over, and all the jazz.

And by the looks of it, you can fit not only one, but two drinks per expandable tray, and it can also fit Hydroflask and Yeti sized water bottles.

This expandable tray can sustain 40 lbs. it can rotate 360 degrees, and the tray is even detachable if you need it to be.

16. Car Visor Tissue Holder

Speaking of cleanliness on the road trip, have you ever gone to a restaurant and brought with you a handful of bunched up tissues, which end up remaining as such somewhere in the car? Yes, because same.

Getting a car accessory that can organize and neatly hold your tissues for those accidents is super helpful, especially one that attaches itself to the visor of your car. It’s hands-free, organized, and you always know where to get a napkin in a rush!

This visor tissue holder is great because it’s small and compact, yet fits in a lot of napkins for its size. It holds onto the visor of the car nicely, ensuring that the tissue holder won’t come off as soon as you pull the tissue, and it’s a minimalistic design, which is sure to fit in and blend in with you car’s interior.

It’s super easy to install, and just a lifesaver when you need napkins and you don’t have to go searching through all your bags to find a random one by luck.

17. Car Registration and Insurance Folder

How many of you grab your car’s insurance, registration, and other probably really important documentation and just have it stored in a paper envelope (probably the one where you got car insurance mailed in) and have that as your organization folder?

Getting a road trip accessory like this car registration and insurance folder (which is also super handy for everyday life) is so helpful to keep not only all your documents in one place, but to help keep them all at hand if you were to need them right away.

This car registration and insurance folder organizes all your car’s important documents with these easy-to-see cards and document slips with plastic covering to help you easily glance at your documents to make sure they’re all up to date.

Plus, it reduces clutter, and paper, and maximizes efficiency and organization, which are two important things to think about when thinking about the best road trip accessories.

18. Car Mesh Organizer

Looking for a way to maximize your space even more, and you’re looking for something that can make use of the space between the two front seats of the car for yourself or your guests? This car mesh organizer is for you.

Check out this car mesh organizer that has a 3-tier design, created to store everything from electronics, to snacks, umbrellas, and more.

It stretches 14 in. by 13 in. and also serves as a barrier between the front seats and the back. Perfect if you’re traveling with pets.

It’s a space-saving product that is very easy to install, take off, store, or wash, and customizable to fit all cars due to its size and stretchability. It’s definitely a car organizer that shouldn’t be missed when packing the best road trip accessories.

19. Car Trunk Organizer

On the topic of maximizing space in your car, let’s talk about keeping your car organized with the cleaning products and emergency tools needed while on the road.

If you’re packing the car with food/snacks/beverages, clothes , blankets, and more, then you definitely want to have a space, or organization method that will help you keep your cleaning items/car tools separate from the rest of the items in your car.

This car trunk organizer is perfect for that, because it goes in the back seat of your car (mainly for bigger cars like vans and SUV’s), it’s made with durable material not easy to puncture through, it’s compact, easy to install, and has many pockets of different sizes to include everything from jumper cables to emergency first-aid kits, and more.

Definitely remember to pack in all these essential road trip accessories/ car maintenance items, and also make sure to pack them efficiently in your car with this car trunk organizer .

20. First Aid Kit

Safety is very important, especially while you’re on the road.

Packing in a first-aid kit in your road trip accessories is super important in order to keep yourself and those you’re traveling with safe in case of an emergency.

Packing in this super compact first-aid kit that comes with 228 pieces , is a perfect additioni to your packing list, as it not only comes with 228 items from gauze, band-aids, antiseptic, but other medical grade tools.

It also comes neatly packaged in a waterproof carrying case that is easy to spot in the the items you’re packing for your trip, which is important if you need it fast.

This first-aid kit comes with all the basics that you’d need to cover small cuts, burns, and/or bug bites, so definitely pack one in!

21. Portable Mini Humidifier

Another way to keep the quality of air in your car at 100, is to pack in a mini USB portable car humidifier , especially if you’re road tripping in the winter.

What does a humidifier do? Essentially, a humidifier, as the name says, adds moisture to the air through vapor.

Many people purchase full-size humidifiers for their home in the winter, as sometimes the heater promotes dryness in the air, and in skin, throat, and more.

Carrying a little humidifier like this one is perfect as it can fit in your cup holder, and it can hold up to 6.8 fl. oz., and sprays around 1 fl. oz. per hour (can work for up to 9 hours). It’s quiet, compact, and even has cool LED lights to add ambiance.

22. Emergency Keychain Car Escape Tool

Add this little yet mighty important road trip accessory to your growing list, because you definitely do not want to be caught without one.

This little emergency keychain acts as a tool to help escape a car if for instance it went into a lake, or a ditch, and you need a quick escape route.

This tool helps you break glass, cut through seatbelts, and bust through stainless steel materials.

It’s so small, compact (it fits on your keychain or on your rearview window), comes in multiple colors, and most important, it can be mega life saving in an emergency.

Definitely a tool you want to keep in mind when packing your road trip accessories.

23. Portable Espresso Maker

Can’t stop for a quick coffee?

Or maybe you’re looking for an easy caffeine fix that is conveniently in your car?

Regardless of the circumstance, a cup of coffee has never been this close (literally at arms length) so if you’re a coffee lover, this is the perfect item to pack in your list of car travel accessories.

This manual espresso maker (that’s right, no batteries or power needed) is easy to use, as all it needs is ground coffee and hot water to operate in order to create a very decent cup of espresso.

Aside from the fact that this is a genius idea that actually works, it is also a compact machine that is easy to pack in and bust out when you’re feeling like you need a coffee pick-me-up mid drive .

This items comes with the machine itself, built-in espresso cup and scoop.

24. Comfortable Bed Car Mattress

Planning to spend a few nights in your car on your road trip?

Definitely don’t go without this ultra-comfortable car mattress, complete with 2 air pillows.

This backseat car mattress has the dimensions of 56.4″L x 34.3″W x 17.7″T (after inflating), and comes with a pump to inflate the mattress, a storage bag.

Add more comfort to your car with a backseat mattress like this, whether you’re traveling with pets, kids/teenagers, or other friends who want to stretch and lay down for a while on the road.

25. Tire Pressure Monitor

Taking adequate maintenance of your car is one of the best things to do before leaving on a road adventure, however to step it up a bit further and ensure better monitoring over your car’s health on the road, consider getting a tire pressure monitor.

A tire-pressure monitor basically is a tool that helps car owners determine the level of air there is in each of the tires, which can be especially helpful to know after driving for a few hours.

Most car experts say that if the tire pressure drops below 25% of the car’s manufacture recommendation, it is important to know so you can fill up your car’s tires and continue on your way safely.

This tire pressure monitor is amazing for it’s ability to not only advise drivers of low tire pressure, but to also avoid what else low tire pressure could mean, such as increased fuel consumption and tire wear and tear.

This machine is solar-powered and can be connected via USB, can be used in up to 4-6 tires, and more.

26. Kindle E-Reader

Catching up on your reading is a perfect idea to indulge in when you’re road tripping with friends, and what better way to do it than with a Kindle E-Reader.

The amazing thing about a Kindle E-Reader is the battery life it has, as a single charge can last for a whole week, vs. other e-readers that may only last one hour.

That alone makes it an appealing indulgence in case you don’t want to be constantly reserving the charger cable in the car.

Aside from that, the Kindle E-Reader mimicks paper tones , making it easier on the eyes for lengthy reading, it’s a distraction free device, you can look up definitions, adjust text to your liking, and even translate words on the page, wihtout leaving your spot.

It’s a very handy car accessory for your next road trip if you’re not behind the wheel.

Read More : 10 Must-Read Travel Books You Need On Your Bookshelf

Read More : The Best Reading Apps To Read Your Favorite Travel Books (With Free Options!)

27. Electric Portable Car Fans

Traveling in the summer? One of the most annoying things to feel is like the A.C. isn’t getting to you fast enough if you’re sitting all the way in the back, and more if it’s a packed car – yikes!

Getting these portable fans that can easily be placed behind a car seat, make it an ideal road trip accessory to keep your travelers cool.

Take advantage of the 2 rotable fans (can be rotated 360 degrees), crank it up or keep it low, and easy to use fan that can be used by conecting it to the cigarette power socket.

Another awesome use for it is to circulate air, and get rid of hot air, or de-fog the windows inside your car when it’s raining.

28. Shotgun! Card Game for Road Trips

Forge the electronics for a bit, and engage in some good old fashioned road trip games like Shotgun !

Created by the creators of the hilarious meme games “ What Do You Meme ” comes this fun game designed specifically for road tripping.

The way you play Shotgun is that one person will read off the instructions and play/answer based on the prompt. For instance, who can be the first to find a body of water, or who can get someone to wave to them?

Games like this one are such a fun way to take a break from technology, truly enjoy one another’s company, and allow time to pass faster if you’re not exactly driving through the most scenic of places, or you’re trying to kill time before the next road stop.

29. Wireless Bluetooth FM Transmitter

So maybe you’re going on a road trip in an older car that doesn’t have bluetooth or an Aux cord – totally been there until I bought one of these amazing car gadgets called a wireless bluetooth fm transmitter .

Basically, this little road trip accessory will allow you to connect your phone to play your favorite music or podcast using local radio waves.

You can connect this device into the cigarette lighter port, change the station to the one that the device indicates, and jam out to your favorite playlist!

What’s more, you can even answer phone calls on this device as long as your phone is connected, and you can also charge your phone with it. Win, win!

30. Portable Phone Battery

So you may have car power inverter to charge your phone, but it may still be a good idea to travel with a portable phone battery just in case.

I personally love and use this one by Bonai , and I really love it because it’s sleek and not too clucky, it quickly charges my phone, and is powerful enough to charge my iPad as well.

It also has a light indicating how much power it has left in it, so you always know when to recharge it before a road trip.

Nowadays even if we don’t want to admit it, we need our phones for many things from GPS to location services, so getting a portable phone battery is a good idea so you’re never caught on low battery.

>> Read More: 18 Essential Travel Items You Should Always Pack

31. backseat laptop desk.

Work from home? What about work from car?

If you’re planning on getting some work done while you’re road tripping with friends or family, consider getting a foldable desk for extra comfort.

This backseat laptop desk is great and can easily be used either on the steering wheel (if you’re taking a little roadside work stop) or the backseat.

It can hold up to a 15 in. laptop, and can easily fold up and down by zipping it, and it’s made with easy to clean material.

It’s a great road trip accessory if you have children as well, and they need to complete homework or want to watch a movie on their iPad.

32. Car Carpet Spot Remover

One of the best road trip accessories are oftentimes supplies that will help keep your car clean during a long drive, and that is the case for this carpet spot remover that will help wipe down food/snack stains from your car.

Whether you’re packing up the car with kids, teens, or your friends and their pets, prepare your seats and carpet by carrying in one of these handy little spot removers so you can wipe them clean sooner rather than later.

This spot remover promises to remove stains from grease, oil, ink, dirt, coffee or food, and it is child and pet safe. The solution is also water-based, and non-flammable, and leaves no odors behind.

33. Pet Hair Removing Brush

Traveling with your shaggy best bud?

Pack in a pet hair removal bush, and keep your car clean as you pack in your road trip accessories.

This FURemover brush is made out of rubber, which makes it ideal to attract and contain all loose hairs, while also collecting other debris that seems to float around and collect during long road trips.

Other than being safe to use in your car interior, this brush is also safe to use on your pet to detangle their hair, and it’s even useful to use to collect any lint from your clothes.

It’s a powerful little tool, whether you’re a pet owner who’s planning to road trip with their pet, or you want something to collect lint and dust off of other surfaces. It’s worth it for the low price too!

34. Cable Clip Organizers

Ok, so you got the electricity port in your car working, and you got the power inverter , and the FM transmitter going. But now you got all these cables getting tangled around the gear shift and your drinks. How can you keep them organized?

These cable clip organizers are great to use to keep all the chords organized, especially if you have more than one phone or device charging.

These cable cords are easy to stick to your car, sturdy to stay on without having to constantly keep sticking them back on, and can be safely removed without leaving residue.

35. Rubber Floor Mats

Keep your floors clean and easy to wipe off wet mud and debris with some durable rubber floor mats .

These rubber floor mats in specific are great because they are made with a type of rubber that can withstand extreme temperatures from scorching hot to subzero temps, without curling or cracking.

Additionally, they are customizable to the size you’re looking for, and you can trim them with scissors, or keep them as is. They have strong grips on the bottom, making it easier for them not to slip around the car as people get in and out.

Get some new, durable rubber floor mats , or replace the ones you have depending on the type of road adventure you’re going to get into.

36. Car Cargo Box

Another super helpful car accessory for your next road trip should be a car cargo, especially if you really want to maxamize your space, clear our floor space for legroom, and dependng on the type of trip you’re doing where you may need to pack blankets, mattresses, and other camping items.

This cargo box is perfect to carry sports gear like snowboards, and it’s super easy to install and take off when needed.

It’s dimensions are 88.4 x 20.7 x 15.9 inches, it weighs 33 pounds alone, and is made with extremely durable material.

37. Car Travel Pillow

File this one under one of the best and comfiest road trip accessories.

This amazing travel pillow is designed for maximum comfort on the road, from kids to adults.

It’s unique “U” shape is ideal for kids and really anyone to sleep supported without feeling like you’re bopping all over the place.

It’s ultra-soft, and pretty soon, you’re new favorite road trip accessory to travel with to rest up with.

Concluding thoughts on 37 must-have car accessories for your next road trip

I hope that this list of car accessories for your next road trip stirred up ideas and boosted your confidence when you’re planning on hitting the road!

The truth is sometimes we can easily get caught up in the things we need to pack for ourselves, that we forget what car accessories to pack for the road trip itself, and as this list hopefully shows you, some of these car accessories can prove to be pretty helpful and time-saving.

In between road trips and commuting for work and transporting from one place to another, it’s safe to say that our cars are basically an extension of our home.

We basically live in them, especially here in the U.S. where the majority of people own a car and prefer it more than public transportation (which isn’t very good, to begin with, but we also don’t have the best public transportation, so….).

And with so much time being spent in the car, road-tripping and commuting, cleanliness, and organization.

I hope these 37 car accessories helped guide your list of items to pack your car with for your next road trip!

To more travel moments like these, and safe commutes and road trips.

Hi! I'm the founder and writer behind Travel Notes and Things. I write posts about travel destinations, share travel tips and resources, as well as talk about transformative travel to help inspire Latinas to travel to their dream destinations!

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25 Best Car Gadgets and Accessories to Upgrade Your Road Trip

This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links. See our full disclosure here .

Road trips mean a lot of time behind the wheel. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to upgrade your ride and enhance your experience on the road by making it safer, smoother, and much more enjoyable.

Whether it’s keeping interiors clean and tidy, charging your devices on the go, connecting your smartphone to your vehicle, or saving your life, these cool car gadgets and accessories will have you covered on your motorized travels.

If you own a new, high-end car, chances are you won’t be needing most of these gizmos, but if you don’t, a touch of modern functionality can be crucial for your safety and comfort along the way.

GPS Vehicle Tracker & Diagnostics Tool

Once installed into the OBD II port, the Vivint Car Guard lets you monitor your car’s performance, status, and location. It’ll even send vehicle maintenance alerts, notify you of potential mechanical problems, and let you know how much gas is in the tank.

What sets this hi-tech car gadget apart from other GPS trackers on the market is its integration into the Vivint Smart Home platform, which means it can turn the lights on when the car arrives home, trigger outdoor security cameras and record video if someone disturbs the car while it’s in your driveway, or automatically open/close the garage door. The Car Guard is definitely not cheap, but it may be one of the best car gadgets you’ll ever buy.

Award-Winning 4K Dash Camera

Feeling safe at all times is essential to your experience on the road, which is why a dashcam is one of the best car gadgets you can buy. In addition to capturing fun videos of you and your friends on a road trip, they can be decisive in the event of an accident, being capable of providing evidence to law enforcement and insurance companies.

With the NextBase 622GW , you get stellar 4K UHD day and night captures in a small package that’s easy to install and use. The dash cam offers Alexa voice control, automatic emergency notifications, and parking mode, and features a large and accurate touchscreen display that attaches over your current rearview mirror so you can check what’s happening around you in traffic. Pair it with Nextbase’s rear, interior, and interior telescopic camera modules (sold separately), and you’ve got the best dash cam system on the market.

Portable Electric Tire Inflator

Say hello to our favorite portable electric tire inflator! Equipped with an easy-to-read OLED display, intuitive buttons, internal cooling fans, and a 2500mAh lithium battery, the Hoto Portable Electric Tire Inflator/Air Pump is one of the best car accessories you can get your hands on.

Not only is this sleek, smart air pump able to inflate anything, from car to bike tires to balls, but it automatically stops when the desired pressure is reached. And when it’s time to recharge, you can easily do so on the go via a Type-C port.

Automatic Car Tent

One of the coolest car gadgets we’ve come across lately, the Lanmodo Pro Four-Season Automatic Car Tent not only protects your vehicle from the elements but also keeps your devices charged while on the move thanks to an in-built lithium-ion battery. Made of fiberglass and triple-layer PU Oxford cloth, this portable car canopy withstands winds of up to 30 miles per hour, acts as a shield against snow, acid rain, fallen leaves, and bird droppings, and it’s a great product to keep your car cool in summer.

It’s easy to set up and take down with one click on the included remote and fits most vehicles, from motorcycles and sedans to dune buggies, SUVs, mini-vans, and trucks. Lanmodo also offers a range of compatible accessories, such as additional flaps to create a roomy camping tent for 7 persons or a stand to transform it into an umbrella for sunny/rainy days out with friends and family.

Car Air Purifier

Remove odors and clean the air inside your vehicle with Philips GoPure Compact . Sleek, modern, and easy to install, this high-end car air purifier uses a three-layer filtration system to eliminate up to 99% of the harmful bacteria, gases, smoke, and odors inside the cabin. It also has an integrated air-particles sensor that shows current air quality.

Head-up Display

Who says those of us who don’t necessarily own a new, high-end automobile can’t keep up with the latest in automotive technology? A really useful car gadget, Arestech 5.5 inches A8 OBD2 Windshield is a head-up display (HUD) for your vehicle designed to project essential information onto a transparent screen in front of you. Equipped with 3D reflection technology, it gives you instant access to crucial trip data like fuel consumption, battery voltage, and oil temperature, as well as a series of warnings for things like over-speed limit and engine fault.

One Amazon review stated that it is “Definitely getting your money’s worth, best in class for the price, hands down”.

Another must-have car accessory, Fellow’s Carter Move Mug + Slide-Lock Lid is the most practical way to enjoy coffee while driving. An advanced version of the Carter Move Mug with Splash Guard, it fits perfectly into the cup holder of any vehicle and has a uniquely angled lid that slides open with the flick of a thumb. Thanks to its double vacuum-sealed wall, it retains your drink temperature for six hours and sports a sleek design, which makes it a nice, thoughtful gift for the driver in your life.

When it comes to cool car gadgets, an innovative roof box certainly has its place. At 16 cubic feet, the Yakima GrandTour 16 is sure to accommodate all your family’s belongings on the next big road trip, including snowboards and skis up to 185 cm.

The hardshell roof rack is stylish, easy to mount, and features a dual-side opening for easy access to your gear from either side of the vehicle. Its flattened floor makes packing more efficient, and integrated interior tie-down points help keep your items from shifting while in transit.

Wireless Air Vent Charging Mount

Hold your phone in place and charge it wirelessly while on the go with the Velox Mini Wireless Air Vent Mount . Designed especially for MagSafe-compatible iPhones and cases, this stylish magnetic car mount from iOttie makes it easy to insert and remove your phone with one hand and comes with a built-in ventilation system designed to dissipate heat and maintain airflow. Though compact, it offers fast wireless charging up to 7.5W.

Smart Tire Safety Monitor

With ZUS, Nonda’s latest in-car gadget , you can track the tire pressure in real time from your mobile phone. The smart tire safety monitor detects slow leaks before it’s too late thanks to its innovative AccuTemp Algorithm. It also comes with an anti-theft locking system and a built-in USB port for charging other devices.

Car Escape Tool

What would you do if you were trapped in a disabled car after an accident? While the thought of this can be terrifying, being prepared for it could make the difference between life and death. In worst-case scenarios like this one, the WONDER POINT Premium Car Glass Breaker is your way out. Made of strong aluminum alloy and complete with a sharp hidden cutter, this 2-in-1 car escape tool serves as a window breaker and seatbelt cutter – both of which can be vital in desperate situations.

Personal Alcohol Tester

While we greatly discourage the idea of drinking and driving, we do believe it’s beneficial to have a device that lets you know whether or not you’re legally capable of getting behind the wheel. Equipped with police-grade sensor technology, the BACtrack S80 Pro is one of the best portable breathalyzers you can buy these days.

Aside from producing the most accurate test results, this top-notch personal alcohol tester is extremely easy to use & read and comes with disposable mouthpieces for hygiene.

Radar Detector

With its intelligent features and outstanding long-range detection ability, Escort Redline 360c is a trustworthy companion for travelers who are often on the road. The device is one of the most technologically advanced radar detectors on the market, and – if you have a lead foot – your best bet for avoiding annoying speeding tickets on the highway.

3-in-1 Car Battery Jump Starter

Upgrade your experience behind the wheel with NOCO Boost Plus GB40 , a powerful battery booster that doubles as a LED flashlight and portable power bank for USB gadgets. The 1000-amp device features a rugged, compact design and comes with a patented safety technology that provides spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection. Rated for gasoline engines up to 6 liters and diesel engines up to 3 liters, it can also be used for boats, lawnmowers, and more.

Heavy-Duty Multi-Tool

A multi-tool is a must-have car accessory. We love the Leatherman Surge for its fantastic build quality, full-size tools, and endless functionality. Made from 100% stainless steel, this workhorse has it all, and then some – namely extra-large scissors, full-size knife blades, replaceable wire cutters, sturdy pliers, and a mix of small and large screwdrivers.

Car Mini Fridge & Warmer

AC/DC power adapters and a thermoelectric system that allows it to switch from cooling to heating make this Cooluli Electric Cooler and Warmer an ideal companion for road trips, camping, and any other on-the-go adventures. With room for six 12 oz. cans, the mini-fridge is compact enough to fit on top of the armrest in your backseat, but powerful enough to keep your snacks and beverages chilled (or warm) all the way to your destination – while plugged into the cigarette lighter.

Electric Car Kettle

For real tea enthusiasts, it can be difficult to get a decent brew while driving around the country. That’s where the Sunsbell Electric Car Kettle comes in handy. Just plug it into your vehicle’s lighter outlet and boil your water from the comfort of the driver’s seat. Designed to fit most vehicle cup holders, this 750ml travel boiler comes with a safety lid to prevent spills and can also be used every time you fancy a hot cup of coffee or a steamy bowl of soup on the go.

Inflatable Car Bed

Add extra comfort to your extended car journeys with Luno Air Mattress . Suitable for over 1,800 vehicle types, this inflatable bed allows you to turn the rear seat of your automobile into a plush bed on camping trips, or whenever you feel tired. The package also includes 2 base extenders, a repair patch, a 12V air pump, and a carrying case.

Sunglasses Visor Clip

If your car doesn’t come equipped with a built-in sun visor sunglass holder, it may be worth the cost to add one yourself. Wrapped in leather and equipped with a built-in sponge, the Dualshine Car Visor Sunglasses Holder does an excellent job of keeping your sunglasses/eyeglasses scratch-free, within reach, and safely stored on the road. Its elegant, minimalist design and one-hand maneuverability will delight even the most discriminating car owner.

Hardshell Roof Tent

With the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 , travelers on the road can pitch their tent on top of the car roof wherever their adventures take them.

As the largest and most comfortable hardshell rooftop tent on the market, this innovative car add-on takes less than a minute to set up on SUVs and other large vehicles, and can comfortably sleep two adults and two children in all weather. Plus, it comes with quilted insulation, a redesigned high-density polyfoam mattress, and its signature Skyview window, which provides natural light by day and a view of the twinkling stars by night, ensuring a unique camping experience.

Car Swivel Tray & Storage Bin

If you spend a lot of time in your car, chances are you’ll also need to eat, drink, and work on the run. Pivoting back and forth between driver and passenger, the Car Swivel Tray and Storage Bin makes it easy for everyone to have a snack in a moving vehicle, or to keep their necessities at hand.

Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner

Keeping things spick and span on a road trip is no easy job, but a portable vacuum like ThisWorx can do wonders for the cleanliness of your vehicle. Lightweight, compact, and easy to use, this handheld device plugs into your car’s 12-volt outlet and can pick up both wet and dry debris. Designed especially for the interior of your automobile, it comes with an extension tube for hard-to-reach corners, as well as a brush head for carpets and upholstery.

Car First Aid Kit

Whether it’s a leisurely drive to the beach or a prolonged journey to another country, it’s absolutely mandatory to have a first aid kit in your car in case of an emergency. This comprehensive kit from My Medic , in collaboration with Popular Mechanics, packs both medical supplies and survival gear into a compact, durable carrying case weighing 2.4 pounds. Expect antiseptic cleansing wipes, a window breaker seatbelt cutter, medication, and all bandage types you can think of.

Portable EV Charger

Electric car? No problem! Pack up this cool car accessory in your trunk and hit the road! Compatible with all plug-in EVs, the portable 32A level 2 EV charger from MUSTART can charge your car up to 4X faster than the 16A level 1 EV charger available on most electric vehicles. All you need is a 220 Volt or 240 Volt NEMA 14-50 outlet to plug it into.

Alexa-Enabled Car Charger

Bring Amazon’s intelligent voice service into your car with Anker’s Roav VIVA . The first Alexa-enabled car charger, this dual-port USB device plugs into your cigarette lighter, juicing your staff while also offering access to over 25,000 Alexa skills. In addition to voice-controlled navigation, hands-free calling, and music streaming, it also offers you the opportunity to control smart devices in your home remotely.

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20 Most Useful Road Trip Accessories – Complete Guide

Looking for the most useful road trip accessories for your next adventure? I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide.

There are a few items that can make your road trip more enjoyable, though the first and most important accessory you will need is a map of the area in which you’re traveling.

It’s also wise to pack some type of survival gear, such as flares and water purification tablets, in case you get stranded or lost on the side of the road for an extended period of time. 

Also, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for when you start getting hungry or thirsty during your journey!

Table of Contents

THE MOST USEFUL ROAD TRIP ACCESSORIES

What’s not to love about a road trip? You can see the sights, get off the grid and you don’t have to worry about getting lost. Still, there are some things that should be planned out before you hit the open road.

Here are the 20 most useful and important road trip accessories for car that you should bring with you.

SMARTPHONE CAR MOUNT

A Smartphone Car Mount will help to keep your hands free and avoid any accidents while you’re on the road. The mount can be easily installed in seconds and with no tools required.

With a 360-degree rotation for portrait or landscape views, it’s much safer and more comfortable than having it in your hands while driving or asking a friend.

I personally recommend the iOttie Easy One Touch – built with heavy-duty materials that won’t scratch your phone, designed to fit most vehicles, and with an adjustable bottom that will make it more comfortable to reach.

What are you waiting for? If you want to make your next road trip even better, then get your hands on a smartphone car mount, one of the best road trip gadgets, right now!

A GPS is just as obvious as it is underestimated and can make your long road trips much easier. There are many benefits to having a GPS on a road trip, and not just by saving you from getting lost!

First of all, if your smartphone battery dies, you’ll have a good option and won’t need to worry if you have no time to stop charging it. Also, if you want to stop for gas or food, you don’t have to worry about looking up an address because it will tell you exactly where it is.

You can plan out your whole road trip ahead of time with directions on the screen so that when you arrive at your destination, nothing feels overwhelming or complicated. It’s also useful if there’s traffic in the area as you’ll know which route is quickest and which ones might take longer than expected.

Of course, installing Google Maps on your phone is a free and valid alternative. But, in case you don’t have access to the internet or no more battery, you’ll have no other choice than to charge it, which isn’t always possible on a road trip.

The Garmin Drive 52 and Traffic is your best bet. It has millions of points of interest, TripAdvisor ratings, real-time traffic maps, and is small enough to be used in any vehicle. The price is very affordable too, which is certainly something to consider.

ROOFTOP TENT

A rooftop tent is an excellent option for anyone who likes to camp and doesn’t want to be bothered with any of the traditional camping equipment.

The key benefits compared to a normal tent are the ease to set up and the lightweight. Also, you won’t need to find a precise spot since the tent is placed on your car’s roof.

In addition, this is simply the greatest accessory to sleep in your car comfortably.

With all the rooftop tents available on the market, I’d personally choose the Smittybilt Rooftop Tent by far. It’s compact, and easy to set up, all the tools come with the package, it’s made of high-quality and durable materials and it rests securely on top of your car.

A rooftop tent is one of the best car accessories for long road trips you can get.

A power bank is a must-have for your next road trip. It’s essentially a portable battery that can charge your laptop, phone, or other devices as you travel from one place to another.

They’re lightweight and come in all different shapes and sizes so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, making them great car road trip accessories.

Do you want to have the freedom to use your electronics without having to worry about running out of battery? Then it’s time you invested in a power bank!

The Anker PowerCore+ is a tiny, portable lithium battery with 3 USB connections. It charges quickly and can get your MacBook fully charged in 2 hours. On top of that, you’ll get the equivalent of 6.2 charges for an iPhone, 5.5 charges for a Samsung phone, and 1.2 charges for a MacBook Pro.

Needless to say, a portable charger is one of the most useful road trip accessories to carry.

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

It’s always important to stay hydrated while you’re on the road but it isn’t always easy, especially with no gas stations around or when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

This is where a reusable water bottle comes in and saves the day – Read on for one of the best gadgets for road trips.

With 500,000 plastic bottles produced every minute in the world, you’ll also save the environment and that’s a great cause.

But with so many bottled water companies out there, it can be tough to know which one is the best for you. The best one you can get is the GRAYL GeoPress .

The BEST reusable water bottle for travel!

The GRAYL GeoPress is a top-rated reusable water bottle perfect for backpacking, hiking, and traveling.

It allows you to purify water from anywhere and keeps you safe from all waterborne diseases.

Get a GeoPress today and never buy single-use plastic bottles again. Mama Earth will thank you for it!

ROOF CARGO BOX

One of the biggest concerns when going on a road trip is storage, especially if the vehicle isn’t big or when traveling with 4 or more people.

The only way to make these trips possible is by packing light and taking advantage of every single inch of your vehicle’s space.

However, there are many different ways to make sure you have enough room for all your items, even when they’re bulky or heavy, by investing in a roof cargo box. Spend less time trying to figure out how you’re going to fit everything inside, and more time enjoying your trip with this useful road trip accessory.

The MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK is one of the best roof cargo boxes you can invest in, and by far one of the best car travel accessories.

It comes in 2 sizes – 15 and 20 cubic feet and can be mounted using two basic techniques and includes a secure automatic lock system that is simple to use.

Don’t give up everything you don’t need for the sake of more cargo space in your vehicle. The MeeFar box is one of the best road trip accessories you’ll quickly fall in love with.

KINDLE E-READER

Road trips can be very long, and that’s why you want to take your Kindle along to find some distractions while you get around.

As a passenger, you’ll get to read amazing novels or books while exploring around. And as a driver, you’ll get to relax with your Kindle on a short break or at night after a day roaming around.

That’s right – Read an ebook in the car but also back at the swimming pool of your hotel or when bathing after a long day at the beach. Needless to say, a Kindle can quickly become your best friend when traveling.

USB CAR CHARGER

A USB car adaptor is one of the most important road trip accessories to take on a long journey. Charging your device on the go can be a hassle.

Sure, while other accessories such as a power bank make it easier, you just can’t compare it with a USB adaptor. With a USB car adaptor, you can plug in just as easily as if you were home!

This is an essential product for any driver who uses his smartphone for music and navigation. A model with two USB ports and powerful output like the Anker Car Charger lets you charge 2 gadgets concurrently.

Also, with over 40,000 reviews on Amazon, it goes without saying that the Anker Car Charger is the one that will back you up at all times on the road.

It’s affordable, compatible with most devices, and ultra-compact. All things considered, it’s one of the most useful road trip gadgets 2023 you should get.

There are several benefits to bringing a car vacuum on your road trip. To start with, it’s normal to get some breadcrumbs or general dirt in your car when traveling. Of course, this can get you in a bad mood for the day and that’s something you just don’t want.

This is where your brand-new car vacuum comes in handy. It keeps your car clean, it removes the dirt from seats, floor, and other places that are hard to reach.

The VARSK 4-in-1 Car Vacuum Cleaner can be powered by a vehicle lighter outlet and it removes both dry and wet waste.

It includes extra needle points for difficult situations and it will also assist you in removing moist and stinky objects from your car.

Lastly, it can also inflate your wheels and brush your air filters and all these features make it some of the most useful road trip gear for less than $100.

REUSABLE COFFEE CUP

Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages around the world and for good reason. It’s an excellent way to start your day off with some fresh energy, but it can also be a day saver when you’re on the go – especially if you’re tired of driving for long hours.

But what happens when you have no gas stations around or local stores? That’s where reusable coffee cups come in handy. With so many options available these days, it will never be more convenient than this to take your favorite beverage on the road with you.

A reusable coffee cup like the BPA-free bioGo Cup is your safest choice. It will keep your coffee as well as drinks hot for hours which is ideal on a road trip.

In addition, it has an appealing design with multiple colors available, which makes it one of the best road trip gadgets. Needless to say, you won’t be sleepy anymore on the road with such a great item.

PACSAFE HIDDEN WAIST WALLET

Everything is perfect on your road trip until you realize your wallet is missing. And that is your worst nightmare becoming a reality.

But don’t worry, Pacsafe Anti-Theft Hidden Waist Wallet is here to avoid that, and you’ll travel much more safely, wherever you stop on your road trip.

This small yet mighty accessory will keep your cash and cards safe and sound, tucked away from pickpockets. Investing in a good quality hidden wallet will bring peace of mind and allow you to fully enjoy your road trip without any stress.

Can you think of a more useful accessory for a road trip?

Protect Yo’ Thangs!

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with the Pacsafe Anti-Theft Hidden Waist Wallet .

With RFID-blocking and a slash-resistant strap, you’ll never be pick-pocketed again!

BACK SEAT ORGANIZER

One of the secrets of a peaceful trip is organization. A backseat organizer can come in handy when you’re on the road for a long period of time. These organizers are designed to keep your car neat and tidy, which will make it easier to find things when you need them.

Plus, if your kids have a meltdown – you’ll be able to put all their little toys in one place so they stop throwing them all over the place.

The Tsumbay Car Backseat Organizer with Tablet Holder comes with 3 large compartments including one tablet holder to watch cartoons, and movies, or read a book on a Kindle. The backseat racks are designed so the organizer is perfectly set up and organized while driving your car.

It’s simply one of the best road trip accessories to keep your car tidy, and organized, and to ensure a better journey.

A cooler box is the perfect travel accessory for a road trip. This will help keep your food and drinks fresh and icy cool for as long as you might need them to.

You can stop worrying about your perishable items spoiling and you won’t have to spend money on stopping at convenience stores either! This mobile fridge will make all of your road trip dreams come true.

The Coleman Rolling Cooler is capable of holding up to 95 cans and keeps ice for up to 5 days. The Coleman Cooler is a fantastic traveling companion.

You have the option to eat whatever you please because you’re not restricted to one location or keep your drinks cold for the days to come. I can’t recommend getting a cooler box enough and it’s certainly one of the best accessories for a road trip.

OSPREY 24L BACKPACK

While packing for a road trip, one of the most critical aspects to consider is having the right backpack to take along. The Osprey Stratos 24L backpack is a must-have when it comes to road trips.

With ample room to carry all of your essentials, the backpack boasts a sleek design that is as lightweight as it is functional.

Plus, whether it’s packing for a camping trip or exploring new cities, the Osprey Stratos 24L backpack is the perfect companion for any road trip.

It’s simply one of the most useful roadtrip accessories and I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Pssst! Check out this EPIC Hiking Backpack!

Perfect for shorter day hikes, the Osprey Stratos 24L is a tough pack made from sustainable materials.

With great internal organization, this is all you need for your next adventure, no matter the weather!

TRAVEL PILLOW

A travel pillow can make all the difference when you’re on the road for hours and hours.

These pillows are designed to be comfortable, supportive, and compact-making them perfect for any traveler who wants to sleep soundly at night. If you want the best sleep of your life, then these pillows will help!

The Thermarest Compressible Pillow is great for people who want to feel the same comfort that they do at home. It’s a small, portable pillow that offers all of the support of a bedroom pillow without taking up too much room or weight.

For travelers looking for comfort on the road, it’s an excellent travel buddy.

BACK SEAT AIR BED

A back seat air bed can be useful for travelers on the road who want to take a rest or save money on a hotel. A backseat air bed will provide you with all of the support your body needs while you travel.

The SAYGOGO Inflatable Car Air Mattress is your best travel companion and is overall one of the best road trip accessories you should get for trips longer than a few days.

It has a leak-proof design, it’s adaptable to the back seat or the half-trunk and comes with the car air pump as well as 2 pillows.

MIRROR DASHCAM

The WOLFBOX 12″ Mirror Dash Cam Backup Camera is another one of the must-have road trip accessories but also for daily use.

This mirror dash cam will keep you safe on the road with high-quality recording and touchscreen features that make it easy to focus on the road ahead.

The touchscreen allows you to change settings without taking your hands off the wheel. Plus, this model has a built-in microphone that can be used to broadcast messages or music from your phone.

The WOLFBOX has a unique double SONY camera system – front and rear – to keep you as safe as possible. For a safer parking lot experience, it can be equipped with a G sensor and a parking monitor.

I liked the capability of recording in 1296P Full HD quality and the 12-inch display. Naturally, while this is one of the best items to bring on a road trip, it is also extremely useful on a daily basis when commuting to the office or driving around town.

And this is why I include it in this list of best car trip accessories and you’ll want to check it out now!

FOVAL CAR POWER INVERTER

Another great product to invest in is a power inverter that can be used for powering up devices like laptops and cell phones while you’re on the go.

This means you won’t have to worry about running out of battery or waiting until you reach your destination before being able to charge up. You’ll be able to enjoy your time in the car without interruption and you’ll feel so much more relaxed.

Of course, a portable charger and a USB car adaptor are great solutions, but a car power inverter is simply one of the road trip accessories you must have on your trip.

The Foval Car Power Inverter , which is 300 watts and with 2 USB ports and 2 AC outlets, is only 5.1 inches tall and just as big as a credit card. The FCC authentication built-in on this charger will protect the equipment from overheating, overloading power surges, and short-circuiting.

So go ahead and get your hands on one of these now, it’s some serious road trip gear under $30.

ALL-PURPOSE FIRST AID KIT

The Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit can come in handy during a road trip. This first aid kit is designed to help you stay safe on the go, so they have everything they need to respond to emergencies.

It includes a variety of useful items – from gauze, bandages, and scissors for wounds, to adhesive tape for sprains and burns.

The kit also contains pain relief remedies and sterilized alcohol wipes that can be used as an antiseptic or eye cleaner. Plus, this first aid kit comes with a shoulder strap that makes it easy to carry around!

The Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit has a total of 140 pieces and it comes with medications that will be useful in all situations.

2-IN-1 STEERING WHEEL TRAY

The XERGUR Auto Steering Wheel Tray is a clever solution for those who are looking for a way to stay productive while on the go.

As you can see, this desk is designed to attach to the steering wheel of your vehicle or the back of the headrest. The sleek design also includes support to place your tablet or laptop.

Of course, it’s a great accessory to eat while watching some videos on YouTube or calling your loved ones. All things considered, it’s one of the essential car accessories for road trip you can’t leave home without!

HOW MUCH DOES A ROAD TRIP COST?

The cost of a road is relative to the place you’re leaving from and the country. If you’re planning to travel around Australia , the costs will be much different than in the U.S.

In the States, the national average price per gallon is $3.40 and tends to be cheaper on the East Coast than on the West Coast.

Also, if you’re planning to visit national parks on the way, make sure to get your annual National Park Pass for $80 and save some cash.

Moreover, if you plan to rent a car rather than use your own, that will certainly increase your budget.

As a general rule of thumb, a road trip will cost you around $150 per day considering gas, food, accommodation, or other personal requirements like buying souvenirs on the way.

Car Rental – Search, Compare & Save!

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Find the right car, in the right place, for the best price guaranteed!

HOW CAN I MAKE MY ROAD TRIP INTERESTING?

A road is fun and interesting per se, but there will, of course, be moments of boredom like when you’re stuck in a traffic jam or riding on a highway for hours with no cool stuff around. The positive note is that there are ways to make your road trip interesting at all times.

First and foremost, you’ll want to make a clear itinerary. For instance, if you’re preparing for a road trip around Switzerland or Cuba , make sure to include some local spots to visit right off the highway every 40 miles or so.

Or, if you’re in Mexico and willing to do a road trip from Tulum to Nayarit, for example, make sure to do some research on the coolest attractions on the way.

Apart from that, create a playlist that both you and your friends love in order to sing along together and make the most of your time.

Also, a Kindle is one of the best things to bring on a road trip as you’ll be able to read some interesting books along the way.

Furthermore, bringing your camera , lenses , and other favorite accessories to take amazing shots on the road will certainly make it cooler than a regular trip sitting in the car the whole day.

MORE PRODUCT GUIDES

If you are planning a road trip or an international adventure, be sure to check out these other product guides that will make your life easier abroad:

• 9 Best Canon Travel Lenses
• Best Camera Gear For Travel
• 9 Must-Have Camera Accessories For Photographers
• Best Affordable Camera For Landscape Photography

FINAL THOUGHTS – WHAT TO TAKE ON A ROAD TRIP

So there you have it – a complete guide on the 20 most useful car accessories for long drive when looking for what to bring on a road trip.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article about these useful car travel accessories for adults and if you have any questions at all, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations about road trip car accessories to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

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Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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The Best Road Trip Gadgets For An Easy Trip

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

Great road trip accessories make life on the road easier and help you travel safely. Let the gear do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the road and enjoy the journey.

We’ve pulled together all the best must-have road trip gear in this guide, tried and tested by us and other road trippers to help you decide what road trip gadgets you need for your next adventure!

Trunk Organizers

A trunk organizer – or boot organiser if you’re in the UK – really helps when it comes to packing and keeping things in their place during a road trip.  They come in a variety of sizes to fit the size of your car or SUV and you can find variations of different compartments sizes and configurations to fit your needs. If you are bringing luggage there are smaller trunk organizers that will not take up the entire trunk.

During a three-week road trip around  California  and the Pacific Northwest, we had a lot of stuff for different activities and climates. The organizer was perfect for keeping things handy like different shoes, clothing layers, car supplies like jumper cables, paper towels, first aid kits, and snacks.  Whenever we needed something we could just pop the trunk knowing exactly where we would find the things we needed. 

After the road trip was over we continued to use it, especially when shopping and most are collapsable for when you are not using it. 

We love this Fortem Car boot organiser , but must give a shout-out to the innovative Rati Nook luggage fixers which will help sort the junk in your trunk!

WiFi Hotspot

A WiFi hotspot is the ultimate road trip essential, as it allows you and your passengers to stay connected on the road when you’re taking an international road trip like mine in South Iceland , where your usual provider’s SIM card may not work.

Although some apps like Google Maps can work once the route is set, you still need data to get started. Many other navigation apps need you to have a connection at all times, and using a WiFi router means you can buy a local SIM card, pop it in the hotspot and you’ll have data. Some hotspots even have cloud SIM technology, meaning the SIM card is already in the device.

Another great feature of having a WiFi hotspot is that you can look up unique things to see along the way, find accommodation, or the best places to eat from the car. This makes it possible to take a road trip without having to pre-plan every small detail before your trip. A WiFi hotspot is a must-have essential for any road trip.

We love trialling mobile internet technology and have used and like the Huawei E5783 Travel Hotspot , which works with any local SIM card anywhere in the world, and the GlocalMe Numen Air 5G Mobile Router which enjoys no-SIM internet access.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when taking a road trip . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Cup Holder Expander

When you’re road tripping and spending lots of time in your car, it’s important to stay hydrated. Lots of us have large water bottles, insulated or not, but unfortunately, car cup holders are usually too small. When your water bottle doesn’t fit, it makes it harder to stay hydrated on the road.

Luckily, you can use a cup holder expander to effectively change the size of your cup holder to accommodate larger bottles. 

How it works is that it has a cup holder size portion that fits inside your standard cup holder but attached to the top is an expander that can hold your bottle! There’s no complicated installation and no permanent changes to your vehicle. Just pop it in and go!

These are especially handy for longer road trips like a multi-day  Blue Ridge Parkway itinerary , driving across Europe, or up the coast of California on the Pacific Coast Highway!

A lot of cup holder expanders are made badly from cheap materials, but the Seven Sparta Car Cup Holder Expander is robust and well-made and has been traveling with us for over 3 years. Just read the reviews and then compare to the rest!

Microfiber Towel

A microfiber towel is one of the best road trip essentials you can bring along. Weighing very little, this ultra-thin, and compact towel takes up minimal space yet is incredibly useful. I’ve used my microfiber towel on countless  beach trips in the Philippines , motorcycle rides through Thailand, and hikes and picnics all over Europe.

Made from microfiber, this towel is surprisingly absorbent yet dries incredibly fast. Its special fabric allows it to dry much quicker than a standard cotton towel. A simple wringing removes around 90% of the water. No more carrying around a damp, heavy towel.

Beyond drying off, on warm days it also doubles as the perfect picnic mat or sun protection from scorching rays. And during chillier evenings, it works great as a small warming pad.

A microfiber towel is a good investment considering how long it lasts. It’s one of the most versatile and useful pieces of gear for any road trip or outdoor adventure. Whether at the beach, on a hiking trail, or at a picnic, my microfiber towel has proven invaluable time and time again. It’s undoubtedly a must-have for any road trip.

Fit Flip microfiber towels are best sellers and come in all shapes, sizes colors and designs, but we are also loving these stylish Dock & Bay microfibre beach towels .

Before you hit the road for any  car trip , it is a good idea to prepare for car sicknesses, especially if you know any of your passengers—particularly those riding in the backseat, where the car motion is the strongest—have difficulty keeping things down. 

To protect your vehicle, and provide your riders a sense of ease, supply them with easy-to-access sick bags. Although any plastic bag, such as a Ziploc bag could do in a pinch, try to avoid the see-through ones like these, or grocery store plastic bags prone to developing holes and ripping. 

Instead, to increase your likelihood of avoiding an unpleasant cleanup, it is best to go professional grade. Your best option? To purchase a supply of affordable hospital-style   emesis (puke) bags likely to comprehensively catch anything that comes up that should have stayed down. Slip a few of these emergency barf bags into the back pockets of your vehicle seats and within easy reach of your road trip pals who might need them most. 

I can’t say that we’ve ever needed to use these, but these PukeBag vomit bags are recommended by my road tripping buddy and highly rated according to 4.4k+ buyers on Amazon!

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” from Ralph Waldo Emerson is one of my favorite road trip quotes. Sure as hell, to enjoy the journey, it’s best to be well prepared! One of the most important things when doing a road trip, whether it’s driving your car across the USA or hitchhiking through Kyrgyzstan is to have access to drinking water.

Unless you are driving to the desert, there is no better way to assure yourself of potable water than by taking a life straw with you. A LifeStraw is a portable water filtration device designed to provide clean and safe drinking water in situations where access to clean water is limited.

The LifeStraw works by using a series of hollow fiber membranes to filter out contaminants such as bacteria, parasites, and debris from water sources. When you drink water through a LifeStraw, whether it’s from the sea, a pond, a river, or even tap water, the membranes trap these harmful particles, allowing you to drink clean water.

It’s an absolute must to take this on your road trip, not only because it’s a fun gadget but because it can literally save your life in certain environments!

You can buy a LifeStraw personal water filter , that works literally like a straw, ot you can upgrade to a LifeStraw reusable water bottle , where the filter is incorporated into the bottle design, making it a bit more use friendly.

Electric Car Kettle

One of our most popular camping items for the perfect trip is our electric travel kettle, which you can use in your car or in any type of camper. Especially for long trips and strenuous excursions in RVs, campers, and cars, this little travel essential is a lifesaver.

And we love the fact that we don’t have to look for a restaurant or gas station when we’re driving somewhere. Last time we took it on our trip to  Vicenza in Italy , and again, it was such a useful gadget.

Plugged into the cigarette lighter, it boils water in just 10-16 minutes while you drive. It is perfect if you want to make yourself and your family a cup of tea, a glass of milk, or a hot chocolate on the road. What is also amazing is that you can also do some cooking.

With a good electric travel kettle you can make instant noodles, instant soups, and even boiled eggs. Especially when you need something hot instead of a cold sandwich, this is really a great thing. With this feature, a travel kettle will make traveling, but also camping in the great outdoors a lot easier and more comfortable! 

The super cool water kettle from SPARDAR is one of our favorites. The ingenious thing about it is the digital temperature display and the high-quality, scratch-resistant stainless steel that is used as the material for the inner and outer walls.

The super cool Spardar 12v water kettle is one of our favorites. The ingenious thing about it is the digital temperature display and the high-quality, scratch-resistant stainless steel that is used as the material for the inner and outer walls.

Planning a road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect road trip, or check out our Europe road trip ideas .

Bluetooth Car Adapter

The Bluetooth car adapter emerged as an essential road trip gadget during my car rental escapade in Bali . Seamlessly plugging into the vehicle’s audio system, it revolutionized our driving experience. Navigating unfamiliar terrain was enjoyable by wirelessly streaming our favorite tunes and GPS directions from our smartphones.

This gadget’s indispensability lay in its ability to convert any car into a tech-savvy haven. The absence of an integrated Bluetooth system was no longer an issue as the adapter bridged the gap effortlessly. Its user-friendly setup ensured a hassle-free connection, sparing us the trouble of dealing with tangled wires.

Remarkably, the adapter’s hands-free calling feature proved to be a game-changer, complying with local driving regulations and enhancing safety. Its noise-canceling capabilities ensured crystal-clear conversations, even amidst Bali’s bustling traffic.

 For anyone venturing on a road trip, especially in a foreign land, this car gadget is a must-have, making every moment on the road more convenient and enjoyable.

This sleek aluminium Sonru Bluetooth car adapter does everything you need – streams music, enables you to take hands-free calls, charges your phone and ask Siri or Google Assist for help.

Swiss Army Knife

One of the most useful items I bought specifically for my road trips is a Swiss Army Knife; its multifunctionality is exceedingly useful, and I’ve used it more times than I thought I would, making it an essential item to pack for any road trip.

It comes with a knife, scissors, a bottle opener, a screwdriver, a corkscrew wine opener, a saw… you name it, it has lots of functions, as we all know. Great for any outdoorsy activities, and of course, any emergency situations where you might need to cut through fabrics, fishing lines, etc.

A particularly useful (and perhaps unusual) function is the variation of Swiss army knives that come with cutlery. Swiss army knives with a fork or spoon have been a lifesaver for me. On the road, there are many times when grabbing a bite to eat is something quick from a petrol station or local corner shop, and having some cutlery built into your handy pen knife is everything! 

Victorinox is the proprietry brand of the Swiss army knife, with options ranging from seven functions to a whopping 49, as well as this brilliant credit card version . Phil swears by his Leatherman Rebar , which is similar but slightly better quality.

The ultimate travel companion, the cooler that fits behind the seat proved indispensable on my camping adventure across Australia . This ingenious gadget was designed to fit neatly behind the front seats and kept our drinks and perishables calm throughout our journey. As we traversed the vast Outback and coastline, the cooler’s compact size and easy installation allowed us to maximize space in the vehicle, making it perfect for smaller cars or tight packing.

Its exceptional insulation and temperature control made this cooler a must-have. The scorching Australian heat did not match its ability to maintain a refreshingly cool interior. The cooler’s rugged construction with durable materials ensured it could handle the road and off-road terrain rigors.

The cooler featured an innovative dual-power system running on car batteries and portable power sources. This feature proved invaluable during camping stops, as it could continue cooling even when the car was off. With convenient compartments and ergonomic handles, accessing and transporting our supplies was a breeze.

In the arid Australian landscape, this behind-seat cooler transformed our road trip, guaranteeing chilled sustenance whenever and wherever we paused, exemplifying why it’s an essential addition for any adventure-seeker.

Top Ten Road Trip Itineraries

The Ultimate Bucket List Italy Road Trip

Europe Road Trip – 24 Incredible Routes

Six Unmissable Germany Road Trip Routes

Adventurous Road Trip – 26 of The World’s Most Exciting Routes

Spain Road Trip: 8 Amazing Routes for an Epic Trip

France Road Trip – 13 Amazing Itineraries

Norway Road Trip – Three Unmissable Routes

Morocco Road Trip: An Epic Atlantic to Sahara Journey

Road Trip Portugal – Two Incredible Itineraries

Iceland Road Trip – 26 Epic Things to See & Do

Whether you’re cruising along scenic highways or embarking on an adventure to discover hidden gems, traveling is about making memories and enjoying the journey. And in this journey, a trusty travel companion becomes essential – the money belt or  money belt alternatives.  

Money belts are not just for globetrotters jetting off to faraway lands. They’re a must-have for any traveler and any road tripper. Every traveler should seriously consider having a trusty money belt by their side. 

Personally, I make sure to have a travel belt with me on every trip. 

With a money belt, my essentials are right there, accessible at a moment’s notice. Whether it’s cash or cards – everything is within arm’s reach. 

A money belt is a secure storage on the go and offers a secure way to keep your essentials on you, hidden discreetly beneath your clothes. It’s like having a personal safe wherever you go.  

Safety is paramount, especially in unfamiliar territories. Whether I’m exploring a hidden trail, chatting with locals at a roadside café, or capturing the beauty of a sunset over the horizon, my essentials remain discreetly tucked away. I can fully focus on the experience, knowing that my valuables are well-protected.

When we’re out and about Phil wears this Vantamo RFID security pouch , which is small enough to go under clothes, can stop your card details being stolen and comes with two ReturnMe global recovery stickers.

Portable Charger

One gadget that is highly recommended for road trips is a portable charger with jumper cables. This device saved me during my van life adventures, where in the middle of remote BLM land, my battery died somewhere between  Las Vegas and touring the Grand Canyon.

This versatile accessory is a must-have because it serves two important purposes. First, it can charge your electronic devices on the go, incredibly useful when you’re spending long hours on the road.

Second, it doubles as a jump starter for your vehicle’s battery. If your car battery dies unexpectedly, this gadget lets you jump-start your vehicle without needing another car nearby. 

And all this while being extremely compact and portable without taking up much space in your trunk.

A high battery capacity model gives you plenty of power and multiple USB ports, so you can charge multiple devices simultaneously, creating a portable power station.

Finally, check for built-in safety features like reverse polarity protection and overload protection to ensure a safe jump-starting experience. 

Just don’t forget to fully charge the portable charger before hitting the road!

We like the compact and well-made Noco Boost range , which offer a jump starters in a range of amps from 500 to 2000. Their guide will help you decide which size is right for your engine.

Portable Travel Safe

The great thing about road trips is that you can stop off at attractions and things to do on the way to your accommodation for the night. The bad thing? You probably don’t want to tote all your valuables around with you. And leaving them in the car doesn’t feel like the best idea.

That’s why, for us, a portable travel safe is a road trip essential. We lock all our valuables that we’re not taking on outings with us into the portable travel safe and then lock it to the metal d-rings that you get in the trunks of cars. We used it most recently on our Nordic road trip when we rented a car in Sweden, but we’ve used our portable travel safe in more than 100 countries when driving, camping, diving, and backpacking too.

The best portable travel safes are really portable and are very packable, but have a steel mesh cage inside them. They have a tough fabric cover, surrounding the steel mesh, and then a steel cable that closes and locks the safe, and that you then attach with a padlock to any immoveable (or difficult to move) object, which in a car is usually the metal D-ring in the trunk.

We used Pacsafe when we toured Europe on motorbikes, before we became overland truckers! Their Pacsafe 12L anti-theft portable safe is an awesome travel gadget and we highly recommend taking one on your next road trip.

I have always really struggled to stay awake on long journeys. Anyone whose traveled with me will know that a couple of hours in I’ll be drooling as I alternate between head back and mouth open or slumped forward as I try to find a comfortable sleep position.

My lovely hubby Phil bought me a travel pillow as a bit of a joke, but it turned out to be amazing and it’s now a permanent fixture in the cab of our truck!

Phil bought me the Eono neck pillow which is made from memory foam and supports my head, stopping it move around when I’m sleeping. I probably still dribble though!

Car Power Inverter

A car power inverter strip is an invaluable tool when on a long road, particularly if you have multiple people and multiple tech devices you’ll need to charge (and honestly, between phones, laptops, power banks, iPads, and headphones, who doesn’t have a lot to charge?). 

This device plugs into the car’s auxiliary power outlet (also known as the cigarette lighter), and then functions as a regular car charger, with multiple sockets to plug in and charge your devices quickly – you could even run a small car vacuum cleaner if you really felt the need!

While many cars these days have USB charging ports built into the car, those ports often charge slowly, and of course wouldn’t work for devices like laptops (that need a full plug, not just a USB to charge).

We’ve used our car power strip on just about every road trip we’ve done, whether we’re driving around our home country of the USA, and even taken it internationally to use when  renting a car and driving in Slovenia  or Iceland, for example. 

Bestek’s 500W car vehicle power inverter plugs into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter and provides power via one three pin socket and two USB’s, giving you a fast charge for devices and laptops.

Two Way Satellite Communicator

If you’re looking for the best road trip gadgets, then seriously consider a 2-way satellite communicator. This device is perfect for road tripping through areas where there’s little or no mobile phone service. It allows you to call for help in an emergency, even if the service is non-existent, with 2-way communication that can help you describe your location or the type of emergency. 

Furthermore, with a 2-way satellite communicator, you can actually send texts with your location or other simple messaging to your loved ones. So if you’re in an area with no cell phone service, you can still get a message out that you’re safe or simple communications like when you expect to arrive at your destination.

You can also use it when hiking, in a national park, or on the  best road trips in the USA  that are off the beaten path.

To use the device, you’ll just need clear access to the sky and an affordable monthly service plan. You can easily turn on and off the communications plan when you’re not traveling to avoid excess fees. 

The 2-way satellite communicator is really a great gadget for emergencies, but also to continue communication with loved ones when your cell phone simply won’t work.

The Garmin In-Reach Mini is one of the best compact satellite communicators onthe market. It easily attaches to your hiking backpack, purse or even clips to a belt loop and has a 90 hours battery life. We use it on every road trip and hiking trail!

Phone Holder

If you want to stay on the right side of the law when using your phone with navigation apps , a fixed holder is a must. Instead of propping your phone up somewhere, only to have it fall over, or have to look down at it in your lap, a fixed holder will allow you to have the phone unobtrusively within your field of vision.

This makes you much safer as you drive and navigate, as only a glance is necessary and no cumbersome road atlas is needed. It also means you can route your charging cable where it’s not going to get in your way.

RAM make the best mounts using high-quality materials making them sturdy and the fix solid. The RAM suction cup x-grip windshield mount fits most phones and is what we use in our car at home.

We never had a dash cam until about a year ago when some friends of ours had an accident traveling in Croatia. Basically, a driver overtook them at speed and then slammed on the brakes right in front of them. Inevitably, they rear-ended the car in the campervan and the smash was so bad, their van was written off and they had to end their year-long trip six months early.

Luckily, they were able to prove they weren’t at fault because of their dash cam, which had recorded and saved the whole incident. The car driver was prosecuted and our friends didn’t have to pay any excess on their insurance or recovery.

Whilst not a common occurrence, this type of accident does happen and the small cost of running a dash cam is well worth it to avoid the huge costs if you can’t prove you weren’t at fault. So anyway, we bought a dash cam and now run it all the time!

We bought the plug and play Kenwood DRV-A201 dashcam which has a windscreen suction mount and a power cable for the cigarette lighter. It’s simple to use, just set it up and let it run!

Car Seat Cushion

The passenger seat in our overland truck is a little elderly and has no fancy design or buttons to change position – it’s literally just an old-style sprung seat and boy, does it get uncomfortable on long travel days!

My gel memory foam cushion makes it much more bearable and helps to pad out the seat a little as well as supporting me to sit with good posture. When we’re not on the road, I can use it with my office chair too.

I have this Ergonauts gel enhanced seat cushion  which has heat dissipating cooling gel, a rubberised bottom to stop movement – great if you car seats are leather – and a removable cover so it can be washed easily.

We are avid travelers and regularly road trip to Florida (24 hour drive from our home in Canada). One gadget that we regularly use when we travel by car is an in-car oven or electric lunch box that plugs into the 12 volt power plug. It looks like a regular lunch box but it’s actually a little oven/warmer. It’s a popular gadget for truck drivers.

Before we hit the road we put our meal (pasta or thick stews work best) in an aluminum loaf pan (this makes clean up easy) and cover it tightly with foil. 

Three hours before we want to eat, we pour a little bit of water into the bottom of the lunchbox to create some steam. Put the aluminum pan inside, close the lunchbox lid and plug it in. 

Not only do we save money but it’s a great break from driving, while we enjoy a nice little picnic outdoors eating a comforting, hot, homemade meal. 

We don’t use one of there because we have our very own oven right behind us, but our road trip pal recommends this Travelisimo electric lunch box which plugs into your cigarette lights and heals a meal in 30 minutes or so.

If you’re always on the go and in a hurry, then a travel mug will be one of your must-have car accessories. Insulated and designed to keep your drink hot, or cold, a travel mug allows you to drink safely without risk of spilling.

There are thousands of designs of travel mugs out there, from van life mugs to personalized ones, some even come with a straw!

We like the range of Stanley travel mugs , for their robust double-wall design and classic style. You can choose your mug based on type, colour and size making them a really versatile option.

Looking for other gear and gadgets? Check out these top posts…

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I’ve driven across the U.S. three times and been on countless smaller road trips in North America and abroad, and have discovered that the right gear can turn a good trip into a great one. The best road trip accessories make the drive easier, safer, and more fun, whether you’re driving solo or with a group. Below, I’ve compiled a list of things that I have found useful and some items I wish I had along the way; these basically come down to two broad categories, things for the car and things for the people inside the car.

Accessories For The Car

The car is arguably the most important piece of equipment when it comes to a road trip, so you want to look at accessories that are helpful in your vehicle . For example, an over-the-seat organizer can make sure your back seat is clutter-free , and a handheld vacuum can clean up spills on the fly (especially if you’re eating in the car). When driving with a group, a dual charger that plugs into the car’s auxiliary power outlet is essential for keeping all devices at full power. And if you’re driving and need to have access to your phone, a phone holder is handy for keeping the screen clear and visible. Finally, for peace of mind, keeping a jump starter in the trunk can help get your trip back on track, just in case.

Accessories For The People In The Car

There are some accessories that are important to keep the people in your car clean and healthy, like sunscreen , wet wipes, and a first aid kit. Then there are the luxury items and fun gadgets that can take your trip to the next level of comfort; like a neck pillow , eye mask, and ear plugs for catching a quick nap; a mini-fridge for keeping drinks cool; or a portable espresso maker for a burst of caffeine. But don’t sleep on those little things like an instant camera to capture memories that’ll make the trip more fun, either.

No matter how far you’re going, the best road trip accessories on Amazon are sure to make your journey a memorable one for all the right reasons.

A 2-Pack Of Car Chargers For High Speed Charging

• Over 24,000 reviews and an overall 4.6-star rating
• Includes 2 chargers
• Charge 2 USB devices at the same time
• Available in 6 colors
• The 1.0A port is only suitable for charging phones

When you’re on the road and need to keep your devices charged, this two-pack of car chargers has got you and all the other people in the car covered. It fits into your car’s auxiliary power outlet and has a blue LED light that makes it easy to plug in devices when it’s dark. It can safely charge two devices at once — one of the USB ports is 1.0 amps, which is good for charging phones (but not recommended for tablets), and the other is 2.4 amps, which can charge any device at a higher speed. Plus, it’s available in six colors, and since it’s a two-pack, you’ll have a backup on hand.

Helpful Amazon review: “We (road) travel quite often, so these adapters are a great alternative for charging our tech equip while on long trips. Never need to worry if I miss place one; a second is included and always in the glove compartment. Nice deal!”

A Phone Holder That Can Be Mounted On A Dashboard Or Windshield

• Over 93,000 reviews and an overall 4.5-star rating
• Can be mounted on a dashboard or windshield
• Arm extends 4.5 to 6.75 inches and pivots 260 degrees
• Might need re-suctioning if exposed to direct sunlight for long hours

Whether you’re a driver or a passenger on a road trip, having your phone visibly displayed in a phone holder can be really convenient. The iOttie holder can be mounted in two places: on your windshield with the reusable suction cup or on your dashboard with the semi-permanent sticky pad. It has an arm that pivots 260 degrees for multiple viewing angles and extends from 4.5 to 6.75 inches when you want to bring your phone closer to you. Phones can easily be locked and released with one hand, and the cradle can fit smartphones and cases of any size. And if you’re charging your phone in the holder, there’s a magnetic tab near the bottom foot that can organize the cable and keep it out of the way.

Helpful Amazon review: “I've had this mount for some time now, even on long trips and bumpy roads. I have an old SUV that bounces quite a bit and this bounces so little it is almost hard to believe. The arm itself, when tightened, is incredibly sturdy. The only thing that gives any sort of movement is the suction cup, but even that is impressive and hard to avoid. It is super easy to put in and take out my phone, and it is very easily adjustable. I do have to say, the springs holding the phone in can get a little squeaky over time, but for the price, it's hardly even noticeable. You only hear it when you take your phone out and not while driving. 10/10 would recommend!”

A Portable Fridge That Cools & Heats On The Road

• Over 36,000 reviews and an overall 4.4-star rating
• Connects to your car’s power supply
• Keeps items cool or warm
• Comes in 6 colors

This portable mini fridge connects to your car’s power supply and can keep your drinks cool or warm when you’re on the road. Within an hour, it can cool 32 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit below the ambient temperature; for best results, insert already cold drinks (the fridge will keep them cool). For warm drinks, it can heat up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit within an hour — just note that it only keeps items warm and won’t heat up cold items. And if the door is closed, hot drinks will stay warm for several hours even after the fridge has been turned off. The fridge is freon-free, runs at a whisper-quiet 25 decibels, and features a built-in carrying handle. The inside dimensions are a compact 5.5 by 5.3 by 8.07 inches, which can hold up to six 12-ounce cans. Granted, it’s not as big as a cooler, but if you’re low on space and like your liquids to be at the perfect temperature, this is the mini fridge for you.

Helpful Amazon review: “We picked up this product to use for our road trips for keeping our drinks cool. It works exactly as expected. We needed something small enough that it wouldn’t take up too much room in an already stuffed car (including 2 larger dogs) and that would hold just a few drinks. This got cool in under 1/2 hour and kept our drinks cool enough for the road. Overall, we’re satisfied with this product.”

A 3-Pack Of Flushable Wipes For A Quick Refresh

• Over 5,600 reviews and an overall 4.7-star rating
• Flushable and biodegradable
• Hypoallergenic and toxin-free
• Made with plant-based extracts
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Reviewers report that when you pull out one wipe, it’s connected to the next wipe

No matter how long your road trip is, you’ll want to reach for this three-pack of wipes for a quick refresh. With a shea coconut scent (also available in lavender and rosewater ), they’re made of plant-based extracts and purified water that’s all been responsibly sourced. The wipes are hypoallergenic, safe for sensitive skin, and free of alcohol and harmful chemicals. And if you’re using them in a rest stop bathroom, they’re biodegradable and safe for septic systems, so flush away.

Helpful Amazon review: “I've used these for motocamping trips and they are great for all aspects of personal hygiene and can replace toilet paper if/when desired.”

A Neck Pillow With Eye Mask & Ear Plugs

• Over 23,000 reviews and an overall 4.4-star rating
• Cover is sweat-resistant and machine washable
• Includes eye mask and ear plugs
• Reviewers report it’s a little big for those with very slender necks

When you have to catch some sleep or relaxation on your trip, this neck pillow, light blocking eye mask, and ear plug set can be a lifesaver. The neck pillow is made of a memory foam filler that has a five-second return (goes back to its original shape within five seconds of force being removed) and has a buckle that lets you adjust the angle and tightness. Covering the pillow is a breathable, sweat-resistant case that’s removable and machine washable. Measuring 11 by 9.2 by 5.9 inches and weighing just 0.6 pounds, it’s lightweight and includes a travel bag that compresses the pillow down to half its size when traveling. Reviewers report the pillow is cushy and comfortable, but it may be too big for slender necks. If that’s a concern for you, check out this extra-large kids’ neck pillow that might be a better fit.

Helpful Amazon review: “Utilized this neck pillow on a cross country road trip and it was great. The unique shape of the pillow makes it much more comfortable than the typical U shape you find in neck pillows. We loved the addition of the eye mask which completely blocked out sunlight for napping during the day. The carrying case keeps it clean and protected for future use. It has now become a staple in the car for anyone who needs a little shut eye during a trip.”

A 2-Pack Of Water-Resistant Sunscreen Spray

• Over 6,300 reviews and an overall 4.8-star rating
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• Might have to rub in the spray for consistent coverage
• Might not want to apply in the car

When you’re on the road, sunscreen is a must. After all, UV rays can come through car windows, especially in untreated side windows and sunroofs , so it’s important to protect your skin with an SPF 30 or higher, depending on the length of your sun exposure. This two-pack of sunscreen spray can stop up to 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it’s free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, PABA, phthalates, and dyes and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The spray is easy to apply to your skin, but you might not want to do it in the car, so a sunblock cream might be a good backup option.

Helpful Amazon review: “​​Used this on my beach trip and NO SUNBURN on me nor my boyfriend. I get burned every year normally but not this time! I was there for three days! I even did an outdoor obstacle course while I was there. This stuff is amazing and I will be buying again.”

A Handheld Vacuum That Cleans Up Messes Along The Way

• Over 220,000 reviews and an overall 4.0-star rating
• Includes 3 nozzles, carrying bag, cleaning brush, and additional HEPA filter
• 16-foot power cord
• Plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet
• Not for deep cleaning

Keep the inside of your car crumb- and mess-free with this portable, handheld vacuum cleaner . It plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet, so you can clean up even if you’re on the side of the road. The power cord is 16 feet long, which means you can even reach around to vacuum your trunk. Three nozzles and a filter brush are included, plus an additional HEPA filter and a carrying bag for easy portability. It’s lightweight at 2.4 pounds and bagless — just empty the canister when it’s full. This vacuum isn’t made for deep cleaning, but it’s great for light messes that can happen along the way.

Helpful Amazon review: “This vacuum is great! All the little attachments come in really handy! It’s powerful yet not too loud. Definitely does the job! The kids always gets little crumbs everywhere! This fits perfect in the car so it can go with us on our road trip. I’ll be able to clean up any spills on the go. Super long cord can reach from the front the back or vice versa. Surprised it didn’t look for something like this sooner.”

These Organizers That Keep The Backseat Clutter-Free

• Over 6,700 reviews and an overall 4.6-star rating
• Nine storage compartments in various sizes
• Comes in a 2-pack
• Some reviewers report finding the smell a bit chemical-like at first

The backseat of any car can get cluttered quickly, but during a road trip especially, so having two backseat organizers can be a great option. These organizers have nine variously sized storage compartments, including a clear tablet holder (whose touchscreen can be used in the holder), four water bottle pockets, and large mesh pockets to hold whatever you need on the road. The straps and buckles are sturdy and adjustable, and reviewers report they’re easy to install. The organizers fit cars of any size, and since there are two, both sides of the car are covered.

Helpful Amazon review: “WOW! These exceeded my expectations. I drive a Jeep Cherokee and they fit perfect on the backs of the seats. I am going on a road trip with a friend but did not want to fill my cargo area and backseat with everything. This will allow me to put so much stuff in there and open up the other areas. They are really solidly made. Nothing cheap or flimsy at all. Very durable and nice looking.”

A Full First Aid Kit In A Compact Bag

• Over 60,000 reviews and an overall 4.8-star rating
• Contains 298 first aid items
• Lightweight nylon case
• Doesn’t include medicine for allergies, motion sickness, or diarrhea

Keeping a first aid kit in your car is essential for road trips and for everyday preparedness, too. This kit contains 298 items for treating pain and swelling, as well as cuts, scrapes, and burns. There are bandages, alcohol wipes, aspirin, burn gel, gauze, tweezers, scissors, and more, packaged in a clear liner in a lightweight nylon case. One reviewer reports, “It's small enough that it zips up and fits just about anywhere in your car or trunk. But not too small that it is missing things.”

Note that it doesn’t contain meds for allergies, diarrhea, or motion sickness (such as Benadryl , Imodium , or Dramamine ), which can be helpful on a road trip, but you can always purchase them separately.

Helpful Amazon review: “Bought 2 of these to put in vehicles. They're great. Simple, cheap, and have anything you need for the typical boo-boos you might have on a road trip. For more traumatic issues I have more advanced kits as well, but this covered 95% of anything you will typically have to deal with.”

A Wildly Popular Instant Camera To Capture Every Moment

• Over 25,000 reviews and an overall 4.7-star rating
• Takes up to 100 photos before batteries run out
• Comes in 5 colors
• Two AA batteries are included
• Easy to use
• Film not included

Capture your road trip memories the old-fashioned way with an easy-to-use instant camera . Just point and shoot, and the camera will adjust whether you’re inside or out. There’s also a built-in selfie mirror to get everyone in the shot. It runs on two AA batteries that are included, and according to the brand website, you can take up to 100 photos before they have to be replaced. Film is not included, but you can choose a camera and film bundle within the listing or get a variety pack with different borders right here . The camera comes in five fun colors and also includes two shutter button accessories to give it a different look.

Helpful Amazon review: “I almost have over than 65 pictures taken and shared also the joy of the advanced/ vintage picture taking with many people and made their day as made mine. I shall continue in using the camera as I consider it my true travel and memory companion, to capture the moments in few seconds and keeps it with you with no need to take the whole long process to download them and print it out.”

A Portable Jump Starter, Just In Case

• Over 60,000 reviews and an overall 4.7-star rating
• Can charge devices via USB
• Built-in LED flashlight with SOS and strobe modes
• Cables and clamps included
• Works best if fully charged

Having a portable jump starter in your car can give you peace of mind when you head out on your trip, and this one comes with over 60,000 reviews and a stellar 4.7-star rating. It has a 1,000-amp peak current that can jump start up to a 6-liter gas or 3-liter diesel 12-volt car immediately, and it can jump start up to 20 cars on a full charge (full charging takes 4.5 hours). If you’re somewhere dark, there’s a built-in LED flashlight with seven modes (including SOS and strobe), and there are two USB output ports, plus one Type-C port for quick device charging. The starter weighs just 2.4 pounds, and with an IP65 rating, it’s completely protected against dust and low water pressure. It also comes with clamps, cables, and a storage bag, so it has everything you need.

Helpful Amazon review: “I got this as a “good to have, just in case” for roadtrips, camping etc. but I suddenly needed it for two different vehicles on separate occasions during crazy cold winter weather! It worked exceptionally well! While I thought my batteries were good and my vehicles reliable, this saved the day when they failed me. I did think the light was an unnecessary gimmick when I bought the jump start, it really came through in a pinch as well. Definitely recommend adding this to your vehicles emergency kit! It is compact, powerful, easy to use and holds a charge well for multiple uses. I’ll never take a roadtrip without it!”

A Compact, Manual Espresso Maker For Caffeine On The Go

• Lightweight at just 12 ounces
• Hand operated, no batteries or electricity needed
• Cap can be used as a cup
• Only makes single shot espressos
• You need boiling water to make the espresso

Get a finely brewed espresso anywhere on the road with this portable espresso maker . It’s easy to use; just add the grounds, then some boiling water (which you can make with a portable electric kettle , sold separately), unlock the piston, and pump a few times for a single shot of espresso up to 1.7 ounces. It’s also lightweight (only 12 ounces), and since it’s hand-operated, there’s no need for batteries or electricity. Any variety of coffee beans or roasts can be used, and the cap doubles as a cup.

Helpful Amazon review: “I used this to make iced lattes on a long RV road trip. It is pretty easy to use & made a good shot of espresso. I’m impressed with its compactness, price, and the end product. So nice to have in the travel trailer!!”

Holiday Road: These Are Our Favorite Hacks and Gadgets to Make Your Road Trip Run More Smoothly

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Hitting the road for the holidays? You’re not alone — roughly 70 percent of Americans plan to travel more this year, more than they did in 2021, which increasingly includes road trips and RVing to get to their destination. Even if you’re all boosted up and visiting family and friends this season, you can still hit the road and make a great vacation out of getting there in your own car as opposed to braving the dreaded airport rush (although we do have tips on how to survive that, too ).

Of course, just because you’ll be hopping on the interstate to get to your aunt’s house for the holidays doesn’t mean you’ll have to do so begrudgingly. On the contrary, with so many companies striving to make your drive smoother than ever, you may be a little reluctant to get out of the car once you get to your final destination. From tech toys to ways to hack your comfort, the best travel accessories go a long way towards making your road trip experience more enjoyable.

1. Otterbox USB-C Fast Charge Car Charger

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Buy Otterbox USB-C Fast Charge Car Charger $59.95

2. BioLite CampStove Complete Set

Let’s face it—when you’re driving long stretches, there’s not always going to be time to stop for food. If you’re okay roughing it to save a few bucks on takeout, or if you just love campfire cooking, BioLite’s CampStove 2+ is a great option if you’re looking for a streamlined cooking appliance-slash-power source.

The CampStove 2+ is a wood-burning stove, simply use foraged sticks and twigs to heat the stove. Not only will you get a good flame going, you’ll simultaneously be generating electricity for your smartphone, headlamp and other road gadgets. With an extra grill piece add-on, you’ll be able to easily turn your road trip into a mini tailgate. The added KettlePot also boils water efficiently and nests right into the CampStove 2+.

We’ve reviewed the BioLite’s heartier companion, the FirePit+ if you want the full roaring bonfire, campfire cooking experience once you reach your destination. But the CampStove 2+ is an excellent choice anyone with an already overstuffed road trip car, since it weighs just under four pounds and folds up compact into a carrying bag.

Buy BioLite CampStove Complete Set $187.46

3. Weego 44S Jump Starter

The best beachfront airbnbs, a checked bag for cheap: this away luggage dupe is just $99.

But this compact contraption goes even further with a brilliant flashlight, a USB outlet for charging electronic devices and a 12-volt accessibility port (adapter sold separately) in case you need to power anything else along the way.

Buy Weego 44s Jump Starter $66.49

4. YETI Roadie 24 Cooler

With the YETI Roadie 24 Cooler, you’ll hardly need convenience stores because everything you want — food, soda (up to 18 cans) or ice all easily fit inside — will already be within arm’s reach.

And unlike the dinged-up cooler you’ve lugged around since sophomore year, this snazzy one proves thoughtful in its look (nine color options), design (easy fit behind the passenger’s seat; taller frame to hold wine bottles) and construction (Quicklatch for one-handed access). It’s durable enough to take out of the car and to your campsite or cabin too.

Buy YETI Roadie 24 Cooler $250

5. Bindle 24 oz Water Bottle With Storage Compartment

Part-water bottle, part-storage compartment and part-snack container, this smart, sustainable solution from Bindle may be all you need, drinking-wise, for your next journey. Simply twist off the top cap to use the BPA-free bottle for any drink, hot or cold.

No matter how you choose to use it, the vacuum-sealed stainless steel bottle will stay at the perfect temperature for hours. And if that weren’t enough, the leak-proof bottom can store a few snacks, your ID, keys, cash or whatever other small item you need to keep nearby.

6. Pendleton Yakima Camp High Ridge Blanket

If you’re trying to catch a few winks, it can be a bummer if the driver is blasting the AC. But rather than get tense over the temp, simply get comfortable under this Pendleton blanket. Outdoorsy types adore the company for its vintage-inspired prints and high-quality materials.

We love this earth-tone, wool/cotton blanket, styled like a favorite wrap or shawl. Oh, and if anyone else in the car wants to get in on the warmth, the queen-sized blanket offers more than enough coziness for two.

7. World’s Best Feather Soft Microfiber Neck Pillow

With flights, neck pillows are a traveller’s staple, to the point where you sometimes get a freebie on the plane (whether or not you’ll get good sleep with those is debatable, though). But we’re here to tell you that car naps enhanced by the right pillow are just as good as those in the air.

Take Pluto’s aptly named The Complete Travel Pillow, for example. Because of its structured, pillowy hood (no leaning against the window necessary), adjustable 360-degree shape around your neck and chin, and built-in eye mask, this pillow is the ideal combination of comfort and support. And with the nifty velcro closure at the front, you’re assured it’ll always stay in place.

Buy Pluto The Complete Travel Pillow $145

8. ieGeek Portable DVD Player

Streaming services are as popular as ever, but if you want to rediscover your movie collection during an upcoming road trip, a portable DVD player is the right tool for the job. Looking to create a backseat entertainment system in your car? IeGeek’s portable DVD player is the way to go.

It has a 10.5-inch screen, which can be folded over the disc drive. The display has a resolution of 720P (1280 x 720), so you can watch HD videos via a flash drive or SD card. The sound quality is also pretty decent, with a dual-speaker stereo system.

This DVD player can last between five and six hours on a single charge before needing to be plugged into an outlet. You can also plug it into a car’s cigarette lighter — both a wall and car charger are included in the box. This portable DVD player also comes with a game link that contains 150 retro games (controller sold separately) and A/V cable, so you can connect it to a TV when you reach your destination.

Buy ieGeek Portable DVD Player $79.99

9. Sony WH1000MX5

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Soft and plush earcups also make the WH1000MX5s as comfortable as headphones get, meaning you can keep them on throughout a long drive without any discomfort (unless you’re the driver, of course). With superb sound quality to boot, you’ll want to keep them on as long as possible. 40mm drivers deliver full, crisp audio, not matter if you’re listening to music or podcasts.

One big bonus: the headphones feature incredible 30-hour battery life, plus five hours of battery with a quick 3-minute charge.

Buy Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry… $348.00

10. Welly Excursion Kit

The Red Cross recommends keeping a well-stocked first aid kit in your home or car, and even provides a list of the items you should keep inside. Welly’s Excursion is stocked with everything you’ll need in a single, compact package that you can take with you on camping trips, hikes, or road trips

The kit comes with simple, flexible bandages, triple antibiotic first aid ointment packets, hydrocortisone cream packets, ibuprofen, rolls of tape and large, fabric bandages. This is the most travel-friendly first aid kit we recommend, and it’s a good choice if you have a small car, or want to keep one in the trunk just in case. The hard metal case is especially durable, and weatherproof to boot.

Buy Welly Excursion Kit

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33 Road Trip Gadgets That Will Make Your Journey More Enjoyable

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There’s something about a road trip that just feels freeing. The open road in front of you, the wind in your hair, and the possibility of new adventures around every bend in the highway. Road trips can be a lot of fun, but they can also be a bit daunting if you’re not prepared.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best road trip gadgets and accessories to help you on your road trip.

Road Trip Gadgets: Car Electronics You Should Bring

Bringing along some essential car electronics can make your road trip a lot more enjoyable.

1 – GPS system

A good GPS system is essential for a road trip. Google Maps can be unreliable, especially in rural areas. A good GPS system will always give you accurate directions, so you can avoid getting lost.

A GPS system also comes in handy for finding restaurants and other attractions along the way. And if you get lost, the GPS system can help you find your way back to the highway.

So if you’re planning a road trip, be sure to pack a good GPS system! It will make your journey much more enjoyable.

2 – Portable Phone Charger / Power Bank

Road trips are a great time to catch up on phone calls and texts. But if you spend hours in the car, your phone battery is likely to run out of juice before you reach your destination.

To avoid this problem, pack a portable power bank to charge your phone and all of your other devices. That way, you can stay connected without worrying about running out of power.

A portable charger or power bank is also a great way to keep your phone charged up in case of an emergency. It’s a must-have raid trip gadget.

3 – Power Inverter

If you’re traveling in a car with more than one person, you’ll probably want to charge your devices at the same time. A power inverter is a great way to do that.

The inverter plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter and provides two outlets for charging your devices. This means that everyone can charge their phones or tablets at the same time on long road trips.

4 – Jump Starter Pack

If your car battery dies while you’re on a road trip, don’t worry! A jump starter pack can help get your car started again.

Jump starter packs are small, portable devices that plug into your car’s cigarette lighter. They contain a battery that can start your car engine. So if you ever find yourself with a dead battery,

Road Trip Gadgets For Your Comfort

Road trip gadgets aren’t just for entertainment and navigation – there are a number of devices out there that can make your road trip more comfortable. Here are some of our favorites!

5 – Car Seat Cushion

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the car, it’s important to have a comfortable seat. A car seat cushion can help make your ride a lot more comfortable.

The cushion will support your back and keep you from getting stiff or sore. It’s also great for people who suffer from chronic pain.

So if you’re looking for some extra comfort on your road trip, be sure to pack a car seat cushion!

6 – Window Shades / Sunscreen

If you’re driving in the summer, it can be tough to keep your car cool. The sun will quickly heat up the inside of your car, and it can be hard to get comfortable.

One way to combat this problem is to apply window shades to your car windows. This will keep the sun’s rays out of your eyes and make it easier for you to see.

Window shades also help prevent glare, which can be distracting while driving on a long trip.

7- Seatbelt Adjuster for Kids & Adults

If you’re traveling with kids , it’s important to make sure their seatbelts are properly adjusted. A seatbelt adjuster can help make this process a lot easier.

The adjuster attaches to the seatbelt and helps keep it in place. It’s perfect for kids still learning how to buckle their belts.

But seatbelt adjusters aren’t just for kids – they can also help adults get a better fit.

8 – Car Travel Pillow

If you’re driving overnight, it can be tough to stay awake. Road trips can be tiring, and it’s easy to doze off while you’re driving.

To avoid this problem, pack a travel pillow. This will help keep your head upright and your neck comfortable so you can stay awake for the entire trip.

9 – Car Travel Blanket

It can get cold in the car at night, especially if you’re driving through the mountains. So pack a travel blanket to keep yourself warm.

A travel blanket is also handy for snuggling up on long trips. It can be a great way to relax and take a break from driving. In addition to that, it will keep you warm on cold nights.

10 – Car Air Mattress

If you want to have the flexibility to sleep in the car during your road trip, a car air mattress is a great option.

These mattresses are made specifically for cars and can turn the back seat of your vehicle into a comfortable bed. That way, you don’t have to find hotels all along the route – just pull over at any rest stop or scenic view and get some sleep!

These car mattresses inflate quickly and easily, so you can set them up in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for sleeping in the backseat or the trunk of your car.

Road Trip Gadgets For Safety

Your safety is the most important thing to consider on a road trip. Road trip gadgets can help you stay safe and enjoy your travels more. Here are some of our favorites!

11 – Roadside Emergency Kit

If your car breaks down on the side of the road, you should have a roadside emergency kit to help get things back on track as quickly as possible. The kit should include jumper cables, tools for changing tires and replacing bulbs in headlights or taillights, and a first-aid kit.

It’s also a good idea to keep some cash on hand if you need to take a taxi to the nearest service station.

So be sure to pack a roadside emergency kit before embarking on your next road trip! It could come in handy if something goes wrong.

12 -Tire Safety Monitor

If you’re driving on unfamiliar roads, it’s important to keep an eye on your tire pressure. Road trip gadgets like the Tire Safety Monitor can help with this.

The monitor attaches to your car’s tires and alerts you when the pressure drops below a certain level. This is a great way to avoid getting stranded on the side of the road!

Road trip gadgets like this are also helpful for people who drive on rough terrain regularly. So if you’re taking a road trip and want to stay safe, pack one of these handy little devices.

13- Car Safety Hammer & Seatbelt Cutter

A car safety hammer is an essential tool to have in your vehicle at all times. This device can be used to break the glass of your windshield or side windows in case of an emergency situation where you need quick access out of the vehicle!

This gadget is also useful for cutting the seat belts of passengers who may be trapped inside after an accident or other type of car trouble. Road trip gadgets like this can save lives, so pack one before heading off on your next road trip!

14 – Car Diagnostic Scanner

A car diagnostic scanner is a great way to keep track of your vehicle’s health. This tool connects to the OBD port on newer cars and provides real-time information about how well it’s running.

This road trip gadget can be useful for diagnosing problems before they become too serious, which means fewer unexpected breakdowns during vacation time! It also alerts you if any warning lights lit up on your dashboard might indicate trouble ahead so you’ll know when it’s time to take action or pull over safely at an upcoming exit ramp in advance (rather than driving blindly until something bad happens).

15 – Car Jump Starter

A car jump starter can be a lifesaver if your car battery dies while on the road. This device works by providing power to your car’s battery in order to start the engine.

It’s a good idea to keep one of these in your trunk just in case you ever need it. Car jump starters are especially helpful during winter months when temperatures can drop below freezing and make starting a car battery difficult.

So if you plan on taking a road trip this winter, pack a car jump starter! It could come in handy if you get stranded somewhere along the way.

Road Trip Gadgets For Food and Drinks

One of the most essential things to pack for a road trip is food and drinks. Many gadgets can help you with this! Here are some of our favorites:

16 – Car Fridge Freezer

A car fridge freezer will keep your food cold on long drives so it doesn’t go bad before getting there. Pack this gadget if sensitive items like meat or dairy products need refrigeration during transportation!

If you’re going somewhere hot, then bring along an ice chest as well – these two combined together make one of the best road trip gadgets around because they’ll help keep everything cool while driving through areas without air conditioning available at gas stations, etc., which can be really handy when traveling in warm climates such as those found across much of the United States during summer months (or even parts of Canada).

17 – Car Coffee Maker / Espresso Maker

A car coffee maker or portable espresso maker is a great way to make your morning cup of joe on the go. This gadget plugs into your car’s lighter socket and makes fresh, hot coffee in just a few minutes!

If you’re a coffee-lover, this is a must-have road trip gadget for you. It’ll help make your morning drive a little more enjoyable!

18 – Portable Grill

If you’re traveling with friends or family, why not pack a portable grill? This gadget lets you cook food on the go, so you can have a picnic-style meal wherever you are.

Grills like this come in all different sizes, so make sure to choose one that will fit in your car’s trunk or storage area. This is a great way to save money on food during your road trip – just pack some of your favorite ingredients and cook them up right there in the park or at the beach !

19 – Reusable Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle is one of the most essential road trip gadgets you can bring along. It will keep your drink cold and fresh while driving, so you never have to worry about running out or going without!

Travel water bottles like this come in all different shapes and sizes, but we recommend choosing one made from stainless steel because they’re more durable than plastic ones. Plus, it’s better for our environment too!

20 – Food Storage Containers

If you’re bringing along any food items on your road trip, it’s a good idea to pack some food storage containers. These come in handy for packing snacks, sandwiches, or leftovers from restaurants.

Food storage containers are also great for dividing up ingredients when cooking meals on the grill (see Portable Grill gadget mentioned earlier). Choose a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate all your needs while traveling!

21 – Cutlery Set

A cutlery set is another essential item to bring when packing food for a road trip. These sets usually come with a fork, knife, and spoon in one handy little package.

This is perfect for when you don’t want to use disposable utensils that can be difficult to clean and often end up thrown away. Pack a cutlery set instead and save some wastefulness while on the go!

22 – Cup Holder Tray

A cup holder tray is a perfect solution for eating in the car. It fits right into your vehicle’s cup holder, saving you time and energy by not having to reach over or under anything while enjoying a meal. This gadget is also great if you’re traveling with kids, as they will enjoy eating their meals from this table-like surface, too!

Road Trip Gadgets To Stay Organized

It’s important to be organized when you’re traveling. It can make your trip go much smoother and lead to fewer headaches down the road (pun intended!) Here are some of our favorite gadgets that will help keep everything in its place:

23 – Magnetic Car Mount

If you’re using your phone as a GPS on your road trip, you’ll need a way to keep it handy. A magnetic car mount is a perfect solution.

The mount attaches to your car’s dashboard or windshield, and the magnet in the phone holder will keep your phone in place. This means that you can keep your hands free while using the GPS on your phone.

It’s a good idea to put the magnet in an easy-to-reach location so you can take it off quickly in an emergency.

24 – Car Trash Can

A car trash can is a great way to keep your car clean while you’re out on the road. Road trip snacks and drinks can make a mess, but with this handy trash can, you’ll never have to worry about it again.

The car trash can attaches to the back of your seat and is easy to take off when needed. It’s a great way to keep your car clean and organized during long drives!

25 – Backseat Car Organizer

The backseat of your car can get pretty messy, especially if you’re traveling with kids. A backseat car organizer is perfect for keeping everything in its place and out from underfoot. It’s also a great way to store toys or games that might otherwise be lost on the floor between seats!

This gadget attaches easily to any seat and has multiple pockets for easy storage. You’ll never lose another toy again when you use this handy device!

26 – Car Rooftop Box

If you’re taking a lot of luggage on your road trip, you may need to use a car rooftop box. This is a storage container that attaches to the roof of your car.

A car rooftop box can be a great way to store extra luggage when you don’t have enough room in the trunk. It’s also a good way to keep your luggage safe and protected from the elements.

Be sure to measure your car’s roof before purchasing a rooftop box, as not all boxes will fit every vehicle.

27 – Car Vacuum Cleaner

When taking a road trip, there’s always the potential for messes. Between food spills and spilled drinks, the car can get pretty messy, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

A c ar vacuum cleaner is a perfect solution for keeping your vehicle clean. It’s small and easy to store, and it can quickly take care of any messes that might occur during your trip.

28 – Car Seat Gap Filler

A car seat gap filler is a good way to keep your belongings from falling between the seats. This will prevent items like cell phones and keys from getting lost in those hard-to-reach spots in your vehicle, making them much easier to find if they do happen to fall out of reach!

Road Trip Gadgets That’ll Make Your Journey More Enjoyable

A road trip is already a lot of fun but these items will make your journey even more enjoyable.

29 – Road Trip Playlists

Road trips are a great time to catch up with friends, play fun games, or even just relax in silence as you take in the scenery. Road trip playlists can make the journey more enjoyable for everyone. Be sure to pack your favorite tunes to set the perfect road trip mood.

30- Road Trip Activities

Road trips can get monotonous, but they don’t have to be! Pack a variety of activities for the whole family, including books and travel games , so you have something to look forward to when the road gets boring. Road trip activities can make your journey more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Road Trip Gadgets For Entertainment

Road trip gadgets for entertainment help pass the time. You can use These fun devices to keep yourself occupied while on the road.

31 – Road Trip Tablet

Consider bringing a tablet if you’re looking for a way to entertain yourself on your road trip. Road trip tablets can have a variety of uses, from watching movies and TV shows to playing games and reading books.

Tablets are also perfect for keeping up with current events or catching up on work during long drives. Road trip tablets are a great way to stay entertained and productive while you’re out exploring the world!

32 – Road Trip Journal

Pack a road trip journal if you want to remember your trip for years to come. Road trips are all about having fun and making memories, and writing them down will help you relive the experience later on.

Road trip journals are a great way to document your journey. They can be a place to record your thoughts, impressions, and memories from the trip.

In addition to that, road trip journals can also be used for sketching out ideas or drawing pictures of the places you visit. They’re a great way to keep track of all the amazing things you see along the way!

33 – Road Trip Game: Travel Bingo

A road trip can be long and tedious. Be sure to bring along some family card games to help pass the time. Our top choices are the Travel Bingo Set from Regal Games, the Briarpatch Travel Scavenger Hunt Card Game, as the Loaded Questions On The Go Card Game

What should I bring on a long road trip?

When you’re taking a road trip, it’s important to be prepared for anything that might happen along the way. That means having essential items like food and water as well as safety equipment like emergency road kits and first aid kits.

In addition to that, you’ll also want to bring along some entertainment devices like road trip tablets and playlists, as well as gadgets to make your road trip more comfortable.

How do you make a road trip fun?

Some people might think that driving to an exciting destination is the only way to make a road trip enjoyable. But some many gadgets and accessories can make your journey more fun, regardless of your final destination. The best ones are road trip playlists, portable travel games, and comfortable travel pillows.

How do you entertain yourself on a road trip?

If you want to keep yourself occupied during your road trip, plenty of gadgets and accessories can help.

• Listen to a podcast
• Play road trip games
• Listen to music or audiobooks
• Look at the scenery
• Make up stories about other cars on the road

Conclusion: The Best Road Trip Gadgets

Road trips can be fun and exciting, but they also require some preparation to ensure everything goes smoothly.

If you plan on taking your own road trip this summer, make sure you’ve got these essential gadgets packed up!

From safety equipment like first aid kits and seatbelts to entertainment devices like road trip tablets and playlists, these 33 gadgets will make your journey more enjoyable. So don’t wait any longer; start packing up for your next road trip adventure!

These are just some amazing road trip gadgets that will make your journey more enjoyable. Be sure to pack a lot of them in order to have the best possible experience! Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, these road tripgadgets will help keep everyone entertained and happy. Have a great trip!

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41 Things You Need for Your Next Road Trip

Hit the highway in comfort and style with these travel heroes.

Related To:

Before you hit the open road, make sure you have all the essentials you'll need for a stress-free trip. From comfortable good-to-haves (like pillows and blankets) to safety just-in-cases (like first aid and emergency kits), you'll be glad you traveled prepared. Whether you're hitting the road for a day or two weeks, make sure these easy-to-pack items are in tow.

ESSENTIAL GADGETS

Adjustable Car Cup Holder Expander

Long road trips require large water bottles, but many standard car cup holders aren't large enough to fit larger reusable water bottles from popular brands like YETI, Hydroflask, Stanley and more. This adjustable handy gadget from the brand Swigzy allows you to expand the size of your cup holder and works in almost any cup holder and can fit a variety of styles of bottles and mugs, including those with handles.

Phone Mount

Texting and driving is never an option. And in some states, just holding your phone to talk while driving is against the law. If you want to stream a Spotify playlist or run Google Maps, invest in a phone mount to ensure those hands remain at "10 and two."

Car Power Strip

Going on a long road trip with multiple passengers? You need this 200W power inverter that plugs into the cigarette lighter and has four USB ports and two standard plugs. Plus, it features full-protection with short-circuit, low-voltage, over-charge, over-voltage, over-load and over-temperature protection.

Tablet Headrest Mount

There won’t be a peep from the backseat with this tablet headrest mount. It adjusts to fit any size tablet and is compatible with nearly all headrests. The kids (or adults) in the back won’t be asking “are we there yet?” because they’ll be too absorbed in their movie or game.

Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot

This mobile hotspot features super-fast Wi-Fi internet speeds and long-lasting battery life, providing the ultimate internet experience from anywhere right when you need it most.

Flexible Phone Tripod

Roadside photo-ops will be a breeze with this handy mini tripod . This flexible tripod grips to any surface — from a tree to a fence — and has a reliable rubber grip that secures a smartphone.

Portable Phone Charger

You’ll probably bring several gadgets on your road trip, including smartphones, tablets and e-readers. So gather them up, then power them up. There’s nothing worse than getting an hour into an all-day trip and having the iPad in the backseat run out of juice. We suggest bringing one or more portable chargers for the car, and make sure they work with the devices you plan to charge. Despite what’s written on the packaging, not every charger will power up all the devices they claim they can charge.

Emergency Car Kit

Before you plan your road trip itinerary, you should pack your emergency roadside kit. It’s not the fun part of road trip planning, but it’s the most important. A good car kit should include, at the very least, jumper cables, a spare tire, signal flares and a flashlight. Emergency items such as spare socks, a blanket and granola bars are good, too.

Fire Starter

Building a fire just got a lot easier with this handy fire starter that produces sparks in any weather or altitude. It has an ergonomic thumb guard for comfort and an attached emergency whistle, in case you need to call for help.

First Aid Kit

Road trip or not, keeping a first aid kit in the car is always a good idea. This 100-piece kit includes essential wound care supplies, like cleansing wipes, gauze pads, assorted bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch-stopping cream, acetaminophen caplets, an instant cold pack and much more.

You can’t always depend on Google Maps, especially when driving in rural areas. Even popular National Parks and National Forests can have spotty cell service. As a backup, you can download maps to use offline from Google Maps, and tucking an actual map in the backseat pocket isn’t a bad idea either.

Travel Pillow

Never struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position in the car again with the Trtl Travel Pillow. This neck pillow combines hypoallergenic fleece with hidden internal neck support to hold your head and neck in the best position for sleeping, preventing stiff necks and sore shoulders.

Travel Throw

Meet the hardest-working travel throw in the business: Unpacked, it’s a 52-by-75-inch insulated comforter that's lightweight, washable and super cozy.

Travel Hammock

After hours of driving, take a break in this lightweight travel hammock. It’s quick to hang after a long day on the road and packs down into a small pouch for easy storage.

Microfiber Towel

Whether you're washing off at your campsite or at a rest stop, this soft, microfiber towel will dry quickly and can be used over and over during your trip.

Air Freshener

With all due respect to those mysterious rear-view mirror trees, when you plan on spending serious time on the highway, you need a substantial and sustainable air scrubber. The porous activated charcoal in this baby will purify the stale air in your car instead of hitting it with chemicals, and it'll combat the effects of left-behind takeout for up to a year.

Car Window Shades

Block out 97 percent of harmful UV rays on long road trips with window shades that easily attach to your car's windows, keeping backseat riders cool and comfortable the whole trip.

HEALTH + HYGIENE

Car Diffuser

Fill this diffuser with water, add essential oils and plug it in to make your car smell amazing. Featuring automatic shut-off, t he diffuser emits a cool mist that adds moisture to the air, which helps with dry skin, lips, sinuses and coughs.

Nausea-Relief Wristbands

Nip motion sickness in the bud with these acupressure wristbands that provide effective relief from all forms of travel sickness without causing drowsiness or other side effects. There are even Sea-Bands for kids that come in cool patterns and colors.

Foaming Hand Sanitizer

Keep everyone's hands clean with this alcohol-free foaming sanitizer that's safe and gentle enough for babies. We love Babyganics for the whole family because the formula kills 99.9 percent of common bacteria; it's made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances and dyes; and it's dermatologist-tested and non-allergenic.

Essential Oil Towelettes

This assortment of towelettes is a league of essential oil superheroes: Defeat gas-station bathroom germs, freshen up after the A/C kicks out in the middle of nowhere, combat carsickness and wind down at the end of a long day with their aid.

Tissue Holder

Spare yourself the stress and strain of blindly reaching into the backseat, and snag this seriously convenient tissue holder. The chic black case clips right onto your passenger-side visor, so you can reach it without taking your hands off the wheel.

Insect Repellent

Whether you're spending a little time outside or a lot of time outside, it's always smart to keep insect repellent nearby. This 100-percent DEET formula offers more than 10 hours of protection against insect-transmitted diseases, including Zika and West Nile viruses.

Sleeping away from the comforts of home can come with some restless nights. Melatonin helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake up feeling refreshed. And since Natrol is a drug-free sleep aid, you won't wake up feeling groggy.

ORGANIZATION

Car Seat Headrest Hook

Free up seat space and foot room with these handy hooks that attach to the back of headrests. They'll keep purses, lunchboxes, backpacks and more out of the way but still easily accessible.

Car Ceiling Cargo Net Pocket

Out of space? This sleek cargo net adds more packable space to your car's ceiling. Use it to store pillows, blankets, food and more.

Car Trash Bin

Keep your car clean and organized with this hanging trash bin with a 1.85-gallon capacity and leak-proof interior bag.

Packable Daypack

You may not need it, but you'll be happy it's there if you do. This ultra-light packable daypack has a 25-liter capacity, multiple pockets and adjustable, breathable straps for comfortable all-day use. Plus, it can be stuffed into its own zippered pocket for space-saving storage and compact portability.

Laundry Bag

Truth be told, every trip calls for a laundry bag — hunting for clean undies is nobody’s idea of a good time. That said, a pre-sorted discard pile is especially important when you find a laundromat in the middle of nowhere and want to take care of business ASAP. Tuck one of these into your glove compartment and thank us later.

These Genius Items Will Keep Your Car Clean + Organized on Family Road Trips

A clean car? With kids ? Yes, it's possible.

FOOD + DRINK

Saucemoto Dip Clip

Never spill your sauce again! Sometimes, a drive-thru food stop is the highlight of a road trip after hours of driving. Keep your favorite sauce easily accessible and avoid spills with this handy sauce cady. It clips to the car air vent and creates the perfect spot to nest your dipping sauce.

YETI Cooler Bag

A cooler is a road trip must. Instead of a giant cooler out-of-reach in the trunk, keep your drinks in a small cooler bag. YETI’s Hopper Flip 8 is large enough for eight soda cans but small enough to throw around your arm for a pull-off picnic or impromptu hike.

Car Seat Organizer

For a more kid-friendly (and budget) option, this car seat cooler organizer would be the perfect backseat companion. It features an insulated cooler compartment, flat tray table top, two drink holders and side pockets for extra storage. It also features a handy seatbelt strap that holds it in place. The brand recommends using cold packs instead of ice for keeping items cold.

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated on the road with BPA-free Bobble Bottles that filter out impurities on the go, so you can fill up at the campground or rest stop water fountain worry-free. And with so many color options, no one will get their bottle mixed up in the car.

Portable Coffee Press

This portable brewer will brew a delicious cup of coffee, espresso or cold brew right over your mug. The total immersion brewing system means there's less grit than with a French press, and it's super-fast, too.

With double-wall vacuum insulation, the YETI Rambler 20-Ounce Travel Mug keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Plus the leak-resistant lid means bumps in the road are no problem for this traveler.

Collapsible Storage Containers

Useful for storing everything from travel-size toiletries to trail mix, these reusable containers work for jet setters or families always on the go. Not only are they eco-friendly and BPA-free, but these collapsible beauties also help save money on snacks. Fill them up before road-tripping to prevent overspending on pre-packaged goodies at convenience stores.

Kitchen Utensil Set

When fast food isn't your speed, this one-and-done kit — which includes a serving fork, a utility knife, scissors, a cutting board, a spatula, a wine opener, tongs, a ladle, a rice paddle, a carabiner and folding stainless-steel utensils — is ready to turn your roadside-farm-stand haul into the greatest picnic of all time.

BioLite CampStove 2

The eco-friendly BioLite Campstove 2 is pure genius. It doesn’t need fuel, and the heat created from burning just a handful of kindling converts into usable electricity that can be used to recharge your gadgets. Cook dinner, charge your phone and feel good about your carbon footprint — what more could you ask for?

15 Must-Have Items for a Family Road Trip With Kids

Keep kids of all ages happy and entertained while on the road with these gadgets, games and more.

ENTERTAINMENT

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Go on and celebrate reaching your destination with an impromptu dance party. This lightweight Bluetooth speaker fills your space with home-stereo-system-quality sound and claims less real estate in your luggage than a rolled-up pair of jeans.

Scrabble To-Go Board Game

Add some friendly competition in the car or at your destination with this compact Scrabble set. The snap-in letter board ensures tiles stay put while moving, and the zippered case makes it easy to fold up and keep everything in place mid-game.

Kindle Paperwhite

Cut down your packing weight by bringing a Kindle instead of a stack of books for lounging by the fire. The latest generation of Paperwhite Kindles are now hot tub-ready, too; they're waterproof, so they'll survive an accidental dunk.

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39 Best Car Accessories For A Road Trip (2024)

What are the best car accessories for a road trip? When you are preparing for your journey, you might wonder what items would be best to take along that will create a more stress-free, comfortable, and safe experience.

If you are fairly new to taking road trips, you might find lots of great items on this list that you had never thought of before. However, even if you are a road trip expert, you will still find some suggestions that would be a great addition to your road trip packing list .

So let’s get started! Here are the 39 best car accessories for a road trip!

Best Car Accessories For A Road Trip – Organization

One of the best things you can do to make a long road trip as stress-free as possible is to stay organized! You want to make sure you can find what you are looking for when you need it, and having the right gear to make sure everything has its own place is a great way to start.

1. Backseat Car Organizer

If you have kids, or even just have other people traveling in the back seat, being able to have easy access to your items and keeping them organized can be nice. You don’t want to have to keep digging through a pile of stuff on the rear seat if you don’t have to!

I really like this backseat car organizer because it has a specific place for a tablet that is touch-enabled, so kids can watch movies and never have to take the device out, and there are also two drink holders. It’s also easy to clean and install.

2. Car Seat Gap Filler

I didn’t know these existed until recently! I don’t know anyone who hasn’t lost a cell phone, wallet, charger, or something else down the black hole that is the gap between the front seats and the center console.

This nifty invention does exactly what you need it to – fill the gap and stop items from being lost between the seats. It has a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating from thousands of customers, and one size fits all vehicle types.

3. Sun Visor Organizer

You can never be too organized, right? Or is that just me?

A sun visor organizer is something everyone can find useful on their next road trip, or really anytime you are out for a drive. I like this option because it comes in a variety of fun colors to match your style, has a specific place for your sunglasses and a pen, and even has a zipper component. It’s also incredibly affordable and has fantastic ratings.

4. Rooftop Cargo Carrier

For those on a long drive or who need additional storage space, this rooftop cargo carrier is one of the best road trip accessories.

I like this one because it is heavy-duty, waterproof, and does not require a roof rack to use, but it can still be used if you do have one already on your vehicle. It also comes with all the straps and hooks you need to install it.

A rooftop carrier would be incredibly beneficial if you are traveling with family members who have a lot of luggage, you are going camping or backpacking and have all your gear, or you have some bigger items to bring that wouldn’t fit in your trunk.

5. Trunk Organizer

Even when I’m not on a long trip, having an organized trunk is really convenient. I do have a number of items that are always in my car, such as a blanket, ice scraper, air compressor, etc. so keeping them in one place is nice.

A trunk organizer also prevents the items from sliding all around in the back, and it can also come in handy with groceries! I’d consider this an essential accessory even when you aren’t on a car road trip.

6. Car seat hooks

Sometimes the little hangers on the passenger side doors are not big or strong enough to hold what you need them to. These car seat hooks are a good option and can handle a pretty heavy load (up to 55 lbs), and they also keep your rear windows clear so you can see better.

Best Car Accessories For A Road Trip – Comfort

Let’s be honest, long car rides can be pretty uncomfortable. Sitting for hours at a time, dealing with fluctuating temperatures, and trying to nap can make those long distances miserable if you don’t have the best car travel accessories for comfort.

7. Electric Car Blanket

Who doesn’t want to be warm and cozy when you are on a road trip, especially when you are traveling during the winter? This electric car blanket plugs into the cigarette lighter of any vehicle and will keep you snug.

I like this blanket because it has a long cord so passengers in the back are able to use it, and it is also a great item for emergencies, camping, or tailgating.

8. Car Window Sun Shade

A car window sunshade is one of the most useful road trip accessories. You can use it for privacy if you need to change or are car camping, and it is also great to keep the sun off of the faces of your passengers. A sunshade can also keep your car cooler in the summer because it has reflectors on the outside portion.

9. Car Seat Cushion

I know a lot of people who get very uncomfortable when they spend a lot of time in the car, and a car seat cushion is a great item to have if this is something you struggle with.

This one has a gel memory foam that keeps you cool and helps your posture as well. It is designed to help with lower back pain and to bring relief from other issues such as herniated discs, sciatica, and tailbone injuries. It has a machine washable cover, and can also be used in pretty much any other chair, so you can use it in more places than just the car.

10. Lumbar Cushion

A lumbar cushion is one of the best road trip essentials, especially if you get a sore back or travel a lot.

I used this one when I road-tripped while pregnant , and I love it so much that I still use it now! Trust me, you’ll thank me later when you realize what a difference it can make.

This option is made with memory foam and has a removable, machine-washable cover.

11. Car Mattress

For those of you who like to car camp, this car mattress is a great car accessory for a good night’s sleep. 

This back seat air bed allows you to lay flat without dealing with the annoying seat belt buckles digging into your hips. It also comes with 2 pillows, an inflator, and a carry bag.

12. Portable Car Fans

When you’re sitting in the back seat, you don’t always feel the air circulation or the AC, and it can leave you pretty uncomfortable on a hot day.

These portable car fans are a life-saver for a hot, sunny summer car trip. They can help circulate the air throughout the vehicle and have two adjustable fan heads that can be pointed in just about any direction. Customers have also said the fans are pretty quiet, so they won’t disturb anyone.

Best Car Accessories For A Road Trip – Safety

Safety should be a high priority on any road trip. Here are a bunch of accessories that will help out in an emergency and keep you safe while driving.

13. Tie Down Straps

Whether you are strapping something to the roof of your car or need to keep something secure within the vehicle, a good set of tie-down straps is important.

There are so many different types, but I have always favored the ratchet kind because I feel that I can get a tighter fastening with them. This set also comes with bungee cords, loops, and a storage bag so you have all you’ll need to secure whatever you have.

14. Seat Belt Cutter/Window Breaker

No one wants to think about getting into an accident or being stuck in their vehicle, but it’s better to be prepared than to wish you were.

In the instance that your seatbelt is stuck or you can’t roll down your window to escape, this tool will help you out. Just make sure you store it somewhere where you can reach it!

15. Dash Cam

While dashboard cameras can be used for fun, they can also be handy safety devices. They can record an accident and be used for evidence. This model can also enable GPS to record your route and driving speed. It also has the ability to record while parked, which means you can keep an eye on your car even when you aren’t there.

Another great feature of this model is its low-light abilities. It can record high-resolution details even in low light, which means you can still use it at nighttime.

16. Portable Air Compressor

If you get a flat tire on the side of the road, you can always limp along to the nearest gas station, but depending on where you are traveling, it might be miles and miles away.

That’s why a portable air compressor is one of the best travel accessories. No matter where you are, you can check the tire pressure and add air whenever necessary. We always travel with one of these because you never know when you might get a leak. We’ve definitely gotten our money’s worth, that’s for sure!

17. Portable Car Battery

Living in northern Minnesota, the frigid winters can really take a toll on your car’s battery. When it happens (because it definitely will if you live where we do), it’s so much nicer to have a portable car battery vs jumper cables.

We have the NOCO Boost Plus GB , and it has gotten a lot of use and is still working great! The juice lasts FOREVER, even when it is -20 degrees outside, and you can get a few jumps out of a single charge. It’s so much nicer to be able to take care of it yourself instead of having to rely on someone else and hook up to their vehicle.

Even if you don’t live in the arctic like we do, having a portable car battery is one of the most essential car accessories. Especially if you like to go off the grid or travel to remote places, you never know when your vehicle might leave you sitting. This will give you peace of mind and make jumping your vehicle a breeze.

18. Car Diagnostic Scanner

If you’re driving a high mileage vehicle , you might see the dreaded “Check Engine” light pop on every now and then. If you’re on a road trip, it’s one of the last things you want to deal with.

Instead of panicking and wondering if your car is going to explode at any moment, check out this car diagnostic scanner . It can read many of the error codes that pop up and can also give you lots of other data about your vehicle, including vehicle speed information, load value, engine coolant temperature, and engine speed.

If you’re handy with cars, this is one of the best road trip gadgets to have with you when you travel.

19. Roadside Emergency Kit

No one wants or expects to end up with a roadside emergency, but they happen to the best of us, and usually when we least expect it.

While you can’t plan for everything that might occur, having a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle is a great way to be prepared for as much as you can. Stocked with tire repair tools, gloves, jumper cables, a shovel, a whistle, and loads of other items, you’ll have lots of fantastic tools at your disposal.

20. First Aid Kit

It’s also a good idea to keep a first aid kit in your car when you’re on a road trip as well. Just like with vehicle emergencies, medical mishaps tend to happen at the least convenient times, so make sure you have what you need to deal with the little things.

I like this option because it has almost 300 items in it, including bandages, ointments, towelettes, tweezers, and a sampling of some standard medications like aspirin and ibuprofen.

Obviously, if you are in a serious accident or have a real medical emergency, call 911 and get to a hospital ASAP. But for the minor stuff, this kit can help in a pinch.

21. Road Atlas

Technology is great and all, but it has made us pretty incapable of going anywhere without our GPS and Google Maps. It can also be fickle. You can be driving along, listening to music and navigating your route, when all of a sudden your mobile phone can freak out and die and leave you with no clue where your next turn is.

A road atlas is practically a must for any road trip. This one is fantastic because it covers the entire United States plus a good chunk of Canada and Mexico. It also is in larger print than many other atlases which makes it easier to read and navigate.

Even if you aren’t in North America, get an atlas of your home country (or whatever country you are traveling in) and always keep it in the vehicle. You’ll be happy you have it when you need it.

22. Windshield Ice Scraper

If you live anywhere that gets snow and ice, you probably already have a windshield ice scraper in your car. But if you are from a warmer climate and are taking your first road trip to a colder region, make sure you have one of these in your car.

I especially like this kind that has a brush and long handle because you can reach much easier and also brush off the snow without using your glove.

23. Car Fire Extinguisher

I had never thought about keeping a fire extinguisher in my car before, but it actually makes a lot of sense. If something would catch on fire, what could you do about it? Honestly, nothing if you didn’t have a safe way to put it out.

This one is a good size and can be stored anywhere in the vehicle. Just make sure you know how to use it and make a note of when it expires.

24. Portable Safe

This is another item that I hadn’t really thought about before but would be a great idea to pack for a road trip. If you happen to be traveling with valuable items, like passports, jewelry, or lots of money, you might feel more secure if you kept those items in a portable safe .

This travel safe is cut-resistant and can be used with a TSA-approved lock, so you can fly with it as well. You can use the cables to attach it to any secure fixture, like trees or pipes. It’s also water resistant, folds up to a compact size, and is lightweight.

Best Car Accessories For A Road Trip – Electronics

Even if you’re trying to get off the grid on your road trip, you probably still have some electronics with you. Good or bad, they are part of our everyday lives. Here are a few items that are great choices for traveling.

25. Smartphone car mount

It is so much safer to keep your phone and other electronic devices out of your hand when you drive, and you shouldn’t be constantly looking away from the road to navigate or check something.

This car phone holder is perfect because it attaches either to your dashboard or the windshield and keeps your phone within your line of sight while you’re driving. This is the one I personally have and I love it.

26. Car Headrest Mount

If you’ve got kiddos or passengers in the back seat, this car headrest mount works as a tablet holder so your backseat buddies can watch a movie without having to hold the electronic on their lap. This also prevents the items from getting dropped or broken which causes your child to have a mental breakdown. No bueno.

27. Bluetooth Trackers

Maybe you’re someone who tends to lose their keys, wallet, purse, or other items while traveling, or you know someone who does. These Bluetooth trackers can be attached to your items and then located via the free app.

These are also great because if you are susceptible to losing your phone, carry a tracker with you and when you press it, your phone will ring, even if it’s on silent! How cool is that?

If you have an iPhone, AirTags are a great option as well because you can use your computer or phone to track your items from just about anywhere in the world, which is pretty incredible.

28. Power Inverter Car Adaptor

I like this power inverter car adaptor even more than a standard car charger because you can plug in up to 2 AC plugs and 2 USB ports, allowing you the freedom to charge things like camera batteries, laptops, or other items that don’t use a USB charger. This is pretty much all I use when I’m on a road trip and I haven’t needed anything additional.

29. Portable Power Station

If you’re a hard-core car camper or plan to be out in the boonies for a long time but still want to have the ability to charge up big devices for days, this portable power station is for you.

This is also a great option for emergencies like power outages, and you can even buy additional solar panels and make it completely solar! It’s also great because you can recharge it either through a standard wall outlet or through your vehicle’s 12V port.

Best Car Accessories For A Road Trip – Food & Drink

Is it really a road trip if you don’t have snacks with you? Here are some of the best car accessories for a road trip that will make your food situation that much sweeter (see what I did there?).

30. Car Cooler

One of the best ways to save money on a road trip is to bring your own food, and the best way to accomplish that is to have a cooler.

related: how big of a cooler do I need on a road trip?

You can definitely bring a standard cooler, and I recommend that if you already have one or are in the market for one, but if you are interested in a plug-in cooler that also works as a freezer and has fantastic reviews, check out this one from Bodega.

I’ll be honest, it’s not cheap, but it’s one of the best on the market. If you are going off-grid, you can even use solar panels to keep it cold. Seriously! It’s gone tons of gadgets, and while it’s probably overkill for most road trippers, if you want the whole package, this one delivers.

31. Car Microwave 

Sometimes it’s nice to not have to rely on a hotel room or a truck stop microwave to heat up your food. If you make some pre-made meals and want to eat them on the go, look into this car microwave .

I like this option because it comes in lots of color choices, it travels and carries easily, and you can heat up your meal in just about any food container.

32. Car Warmer & Cooler

Maybe you want something that can both warm and cool your food and drinks but you want to save space. This car warmer and cooler does just that! You can either heat up your food to 140 degrees or cool it down to 40 degrees, so you can use it for either purpose.

33. Portable Tea Kettle

Any other tea lovers out there? I don’t like coffee, but it seems like most truck stops and convenience stores only offer coffee, and if there is tea, there is one lousy choice.

Bring your favorite tea and reusable coffee cup on your road trip and heat up water on the go with this portable tea kettle . This option is great because it’s collapsible and packs up small, heats up your water in 3-5 minutes, and comes in a fun color.

34. Aeropress

For those of you who do like coffee, but want to save money and not stop every couple of hours to buy an overpriced and probably crappy cup, consider the Aeropress . This can work with either hot or cold water (so you could heat water with the portable tea kettle mentioned above) and then brew yourself a cup of your favorite joe.

The Aeropress also cleans up quickly and easily, and it’s a great option for camping or backpacking because you don’t need any electricity to use it.

35. Car Cup Holder Tray Table

Sometimes you don’t have any other option but to eat your food in the car. This car cup holder tray table makes it really nice for eating a quick meal without having to balance your food on your lap or on the dashboard.

I really like this product too because it also has a cup holder and a place to put your phone, in case you want to watch a quick episode of your favorite show while you eat.

Best Car Accessories For A Road Trip – Cleaning

I think one of the worst parts of a road trip is coming home with a dirty car that has wrappers, crumbs, and stains all over. It stresses me out just to think about it.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are some great items that will make cleaning (and keeping your car clean in the first place) easy peasy.

36. Car Vacuum Cleaner

This car vacuum cleaner plugs into the cigarette lighter and makes sucking up all those crumbs and dirt a breeze. It’s got a really long cord so you can reach just about every inch of your vehicle, comes with several attachments, and also has a storage and carry case.

37. Car Trash Can

I’ll be honest, I usually just use a plastic bag from the most recent gas station stop for my trash, but I really should get an actual car trash can . It holds a lot more than a plastic bag, won’t rip or leak, and can be used for other things in a pinch too.

38. Carpet Spot Remover

Whether you have pets, kids, or just really messy friends, you’re bound to have some spills in your car at some point.

Keeping some carpet spot remover in your vehicle is going to make cleaning up those messes much quicker and help prevent staining. This kind is really great because it’s water-based and safe to use around kids and pets, and doesn’t require rinsing afterward.

39. Car Seat Covers

If you want to try and prevent spills on the upholstery in the first place, consider getting car seat covers . These will also help keep pet hair at bay and they are machine washable.

Conclusion: Best Car Accessories For A Road Trip

I hope this list of the 39 best car accessories for a road trip was helpful! Let me know which items you’d love to have in the comments below!

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Stefanie Henne is an experienced road trip travel blogger who specializes in helping others plan their dream vacation, no matter their budget or time restraints. Go here to read more about Stef's story. If you want to send Stef a message, visit her contact page here.

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23 Road Trip Gadgets & Road Trip Essentials for an Amazing Road Trip

The great American road trip is back and it’s going to be bigger (and more needed!) than ever. Here are the must have road trip gadgets for your big trip this summer. Let’s get driving.

The road trip probably brings back fond memories of your family vacations. For us, it was drives from Arizona to Texas, or to Wyoming or California. Long drives in our Dodge Caravan that involved Motel 6’s, stinky socks, bags of Doritos, the obligatory argument with dad and lots of fond memories.

Indeed, the great American road trip is back and will be more important than ever this year and perhaps for the next few years. As the country reels from the effects of a devastating pandemic the road trip may ultimately be the safest and most affordable way to get your family out of the house.

AAA is predicting that the road trip will be bigger than ever this yea r and if you and your family are considering hitting the highways, you need to get your road trip gear dialed in. Here’s our guide to best road trip gadgets and gear for maximum comfort, fun and safety!

• Looking for good ideas for your road trip? Try this list from TripAdvisor

Best Road Trip Gadgets & Road Trip Essentials

We’ve divided our road trip gadgets list into several major categories including:

• Tech : the best road trip tech for your big adventure
• Fun : fun road trip gadgets to keep it light and silly
• Comfort : gadgets to keep your comfy on your drive
• Safety : gadgets and gear to stay safe on your journey

Got some air travel coming up? Check out our detailed guide to the must-have travel gadgets for air travel .

Tech Road Trip Gadgets you are going to want

Getting your technology setup correctly is crucial for any successful road trip. From navigational systems, to adequate power to entertainment solutions for the kids, it’s critical you spend the time getting the right kinds of road trip tech gadgets.

• Cell Phone Holder

One must have road trip gadget is the cell phone holder. If you are going to be driving for an extended period of time you are going to want to have your phone mounted somewhere.

Maybe you want to use it for navigational purposes, or perhaps to let your kids watch a movie, or for easy access to your playlists, but mounting that phone is definitely worth your while.

Here are a couple of choices including one that fits in your car’s cup holder.

Phone Holder for Car from Manords

See Price Here

bokilino Car Cup Holder

Check Price Here

• Multi Plug Cig Lighter Charger / USB Charger

Most new cars now have several USB ports rendering the need for the old fashioned cigarette lighter adapter unncessary, however, most cars also still have a cigarette lighted and having the extra ports may come in handy.

Maybe your car doesn’t have USB ports, or maybe you just need a few more. Either way, snag one of these little gadgets for your road trip and you’ll be set.

Some newer cars have their own built in 5G connection which you can use for in-car WiFi, thereby using your car as a hot spot, but this capability is nowhere near widespread adoption yet. We always like to bring a hot spot with us on our trips and we usually will pick a different one than our main cell phone providers in case we find areas with different coverage.

Any popular cell phone provider will be happy to sell you one.

iPads for the kids

Staring out the window is cool for a while, but after a long while the kids will tire of this activity. Get them each iPads (with headphones, and backup headphones…) to help pass the time. That said, be sure to make them enjoy the beauty of this great country from time to time by turning off the electronics and checking out mother nature.

iPad Mini w/ WiFi

Don’t forget the case:

• Portable Charger

Notice a theme yet? Power. Keep your road trip gadgets charged at all times with a other gadget: a portable charger. Sure, you can and should use your car’s cigarette lighter (or USB ports if the car has them) to charge your devices, but it’s always nice to have some extra juice laying around.

Pin me for later:

• Aux Cable and get your tunes setup

Nowadays most cars have Bluetooth so Aux cables aren’t necessary. However, if you don’t have Bluetooth in the car grab an aux cable for maximum tunage. In fact, grab two…you will need that backup when your hubby’s knee catches on the cord and snaps the jack in half.

Headphones for every single kid!

Be sure to bring some headphones for the kiddos on your road trip. If you have young kids we don’t recommend expensive ear buds, instead, go for something more affordable – something you don’t care so much if it gets damaged.

And some backup headphones

We also recommend you bring some backup headphones for when your boy steps on your girl’s headphones and cracks them. Avoid the ensuing mayhem by simply producing another pair. Save space by making your backup pair a set of wired ear buds.

Seatback Organizer

Keeping track of all of your “stuff” on a road trip is hard. Especially for kids. We cannot recommend enough how important it is to get a seatback organizer like the one pictured below. Such a gadget will help organize your kid’s stuff in the back, keeping it within reach and handy. We like the one below because it has a shelf you can place the iPad on for easy viewing.

Tsumbay Car Back Seat Organizer

Fun Road Trip Gadgets

Your road trip fun can’t all be centered around the iPad. Do yourself a favor and consider bringing a few other road trip gadgets or road trip gear items that will add a little fun to your adventure.

Some travel games

We’ve written an entire guide on travel games (which you really should check out), but we highly recommend you bring a few travel games with you on your trip. Here’s an idea or two:

Our Moments

Binoculars for the Kids

This country has a lot of amazing beauty and on your road trip you likely won’t be able to stop and check everything out. Pass a cool looking rock formation off in the distance (maybe a cave!?)? Give your kids some binos to help them scope out things while you are driving. They will enjoy it. Check out these from Dreambox :

Best Gadgets for a Comfortable Road Trip

Do you remember those crazy beaded chair covers that were so popular in the 90’s? Yeah, those were terrible, but they were heading in the right direction: comfort.

For a long road trip you may want to bring a few car gadgets that help make things a little more comfortable. Here’s a few ideas.

• Seat Cushions

Maybe the beaded option isn’t the way to go (seriously, don’t go this route), but a seat cushion or two might be worth the investment.

Big Ant Seat Cushion for Travel

• Lumbar Support

Unless you are driving a crazy nice car, chances are your car’s lumbar support is total poop. Considering investing in a lumbar support pad to augment whatever failings your car has for the long drive. This will come in handy when your back is killing you on day 4 your road trip.

Dreamer Car Lumbar Support

• Travel pillows for sleeping

Ever driven across Kansas? It’s pretty flat…and perfect for taking a long nap in the car. Or maybe you’ve got a dad who drives hard through the night (no stopping!!). Bringing a pillow really isn’t even a question: you are going to bring one, the only question is which one.

Rather than load up full size pillows in your car (which take up a lot of space, and get dirty easily), bring a more purpose built solution: a travel sized pilow.

There’s a few options to go with here including: a smaller pillow, a traditional neck pillow, an innovative travel pillow like the Trtl Pillow (which has a good kids option too).

Smaller Travel Pillow

Traditional Neck Pillow (popular model)

Trtl Pillow Plus ( check out our review here )

Trtl Kids Pillow

• Travel blanket

If you need a pillow you will need a blanket. But, instead of lugging around a full sized “nice” blanket from home, we suggest you opt for something a little lighter and potentially disposable. It will also save you the hassle of doing a bunch of extra laundry when you return from your road trip.

A Travel Cooler is a must have

Any road trip would be incomplete with loading up on snacks. Maybe your mom likes to make sandwiches, or maybe it’s just full of water and mountain dew. Whatever your family includes, a travel cooler for your car is a must have road trip gadget. We are partial to a soft sided cooler like the Coleman listed below.

Coleman Soft Cooler for Travel

Trash can for your car

It’s astonishing how much trash you can accumulate on a road trip. At least make some attempt to keep it organized with a travel sized trash can for your car.

Pro tip: every time you stop, look for a can and trash out of your car. A little bit at a time is better than a massive cleaning 6 days into your trip. Trust me.

Mavoro Car Trash Can (see price)

• Travel Vacuum

Crumbs, crumbs and more crumbs! Who knows where they come from, but every road trip is sure to dirty up your car in ways you’ve never imagine. We recommend bringing a small cordless vacuum cleaner to touch your car up on the go. If you are tight on space, however, ditch the vacuum and use one from a gas station.

Uplift Portable Handheld Vacuum Cordless Cleaner

Safety Gadgets & Gear for every road trip

Staying safe on your road trip is a must. Here are several pieces of road trip gear or road trip gadgets designed to help you stay safe while traveling and be more prepared for the unexpected.

• Here’s some more tips on how to stay safe on your road trip this summer.
• For general travel safety tips check out our guide here.
• First Aid Kit

You’d be a fool not bring a first aid kit with you on a road trip. So much can go wrong and having some of the basics handy is just plain ole smart. Here’s an option:

Check Price on this First Aid Kit

A can of fix a flat can be game changer. Hopefully you have AAA or some other similar road side service, but sometimes you just need to inflate a tire! Grab a can and toss it in the back. You will thank me.

See Price for Fix a Flat

• Road safety kit

Be prepared. An important lesson for any traveler, but never more important than when on a road trip. One collection of road trip gadgets you need to include on every trip is a road safety kit. From some basic tools, to safety items, and jumper cables, keeping this kit handy could be a lifesaver. The kit below is a good one, although it could use some road flares which we recommend adding.

Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit

Face coverings / masks – road trip gear for today’s world

Face masks are a must have road trip essential these days. Not only are they still required in many parts of the country, they will help protect you and others from getting ill. Grab a bunch for your road trip and stay safe.

We also recommend some disposable masks too – always a good thing to have around on a road trip in this day and age.

Pandemic or not, having some wipes to help sanitize things is a must have for any road trip. Stock up on these and wipe everything down. It’s gross out there!

Hand Sanitizer – not really a road trip gadget, per se, but super important!

Keeping clean and safe on the road is a must and stocking up on hand sanitizer is a no-brainer. Just do it.

Summary of Road Trip Gadgets

To make it a little easier, we’ve summarized all of our road trip gadgets and gear here.

• iPad for kids
• Headphones for every single kid…but cheepos
• Seatback organizer
• Travel Games
• Face coverings / masks
• Hand Sanitizer

Final Thoughts on Road Trip Gadgets

We hope you get a chance to get out this summer (and all future summers!). There’s some special, almost spiritual, about a road trip. This great country has an innumerable amount of things to see and do and a road trip can be a relatively affordable and safer way to get out of the house and experience things!

Use this list of road trip gear and gadgets to maximize the fun and enjoyment you and the family have!

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn commissions from other affiliate programs as applicable.

Jeremy Ballou is the editor of the CBoardingGroup.com and a long-time writer in both the travel and tech industry. Most days he's in thinking about travel or writing about it.

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15 Best Car Accessories for a Road Trip

Posted on Last updated: January 13, 2024

Home » Road Trips » 15 Best Car Accessories for a Road Trip

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Heading on a road trip? Find out the best car accessories for traveling that will keep you safe and make your trip a lot more fun!

This best car accessories for a road trip post was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

If you’re looking for the best car accessories to make your epic family road trip more manageable, I’ve got you covered!

There are many products out there that can help make your road trip even more fun and safe.

More and more families are choosing road trips for their family vacations. The US has SO many incredible National Parks and amazing destinations that are worth the drive.

It’s a great opportunity to make amazing memories with your kids, but road trips can be uncomfortable and long.

The road trip gadgets on my list are all noteworthy and can be helpful in many different situations. They’re sure to come in handy on your next big adventure.

Take a look and see which best car accessories you should order before your next road trip!

15 Genius Road Trip Gear Ideas

#1 wagan electric car cooler and warmer.

Everyone needs to keep snacks and drinks cool on a long trip. It’s the best way to stay comfortable on a road trip! And this cooler is the best at just that.

You see, this cooler is not just your typical cooler. It’s basically a mini fridge that can also function as a warmer!

The key is that the power cord that plugs right into your car’s AC outlets. It’s not great at cooling things down, but if you add cold items, they stay cold hours later.

It can hold around 27 cans or four 2-liter bottles. And it stands vertically so you can easily fit it into a packed car.

With the flip of a switch the cooler turns into a heater, making it perfect for road trips, as well as camping trips, tailgating, and fishing trips. Check the latest rates and availability .

#2 OBDII Scanner and Code Reader

This is a universal diagnostic tool for cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans. It’s one of the best car accessories you didn’t know you needed!

It helps you diagnose what’s going on in case you were to run into trouble with your vehicle while you’re traveling.

Something like this will give you peace of mind if your check-engine light comes on, especially when you have kids in the car.

The LCD display screen shows you the meaning of over 3000 generic error codes.

That way you can fix any simple problems on your own or decide if it’s time to head to an auto repair shop.

Its compact size allows the OBDII code reader to easily fit in the palm of your hand, as well as your glove compartment.

And with only 2 buttons, it’s incredibly simple to operate. Check the latest rates and availability .

#3 TIKECO Charging Phone Mount

These days, phones are one of the most essential car accessories for a road trip! It’s you’re navigation system, your entertainment, and more.

So, you need the perfect car charger and mount for those long road trips. This mount is ideal for hands-free navigation.

I love that this car mount clamps onto your vent so it’s at eye level. This also means that you can keep your eyes on the road and the mount won’t disrupt your view.

The TIKECO charging phone mount includes wireless charging and fits most commonly used phones. Plus, includes auto-clamp (which comes in handy more than you’d think).

And it comes with a power cord that plugs right into your cigarette lighter. Check the latest rates and availability .

#4 JZCreater Car Headrest Pillow

Your co-pilot deserves to be comfortable during the long hours on the road! One of the best accessories for car travel is this adjustable headrest pillow.

This headrest attachment is easy to install and completely adjustable, so it works for both adults and children. When you’re done using it, just raise it up to its flush with the headrest.

Plus, it features a sleek design of PU leather and gel memory foam, making it feel like it’s part of your car!

It’s been tested for safety. And it includes a mount on the back that’s perfect for backseat passengers to hold their phone or other car accessories. Check the latest rates and availability .

#5 KMMOTORS Cooling Car Fan

This mountable fan will help get cool air to the back seat during those hot summer road trips.

There are tons of mountable car fans out there, but I think this one is so handy because it comes with 3 different mounting options.

Most car fans attach to the front seat head rest. If you have a child in a rear facing child seat, you know this can be a problem.

You can mount this fan on the rear window, an air vent, or a head rest. And it’s easy to rotate it so baby gets cool air!

I also like that it comes with 3 different speeds, and you just plug it into your USB ports for long trips. Check the latest rates and availability .

#6 GENIANI Cool Mist Humidifier

This small, portable diffuser has a 250ml water tank with cool mist that plugs into your cigarette lighter and can run up to 8 hours.

You can choose to have either an intermittent or constant mist. It also has an auto-off feature when you run out of water. 

This cool mist humidifier is easy to clean and is the perfect size for a 4-door sedan, truck, or car. You can also enjoy essential oils by applying them to a small insertable tray!

It’s super quiet and comes with an option to use a soft white light. And the small size fits perfectly in a cup holder. Check the latest rates and availability .

#7 WACACO Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker

A great way to cut down on stops and also save money is to make your own coffee!

This simple and efficient travel coffee maker allows you to easily make your own expresso on the road.

It’s light weight and has a compact design. And a great feature of the Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker is that it uses manual force, not electricity!

This particular machine is compatible with Nespresso pods only and heats your water for you. So, you can still enjoy a hot cup of coffee on the go.

It’s perfect for car camping, overnight trips, and long road trips. No need to boil water or drink bad coffee from gas stations (gross!). This little machine does everything for you. Check the latest rates and availability .

#8 AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

For the average driver, this digital power gauge is one of best car accessories to add to your glove compartment.

IT includes an easy-to-read digital display and a backlight LCD display for when you’re using it in dimly lit areas.

The nozzle forms a seal with the valve stem easily on Schrader valves so it can give you a quick and accurate reading on the tire pressure.

The non-slip texture on the outside also makes it easier to hold. This is a huge plus if you have mobility concerns or plan to wear gloves. Check the latest rates and availability .

#9 CozyPhones Kids Headphones

If you have younger kids who won’t wear headphones, they might wear these ones. 

The headphones actually look like a head band! But inside, they feature very thin speakers for kids who hate using earbuds or bulky headphones.

The cozy design and flat speakers make them easy to sleep in during a long road trip, too.

Plus, they come in a range of cute designs, so your kiddo can help you pick the one they want! Which means they’re more likely to wear them.

Kids can use them with all their favorite devices. And they will easily fold to be stored away in any small pocket, backpack, or travel bag. Check the latest rates and availability .

#10 TF TAKEFLIGHT Tactical Pen

Keeping safe is a must on a road trip, and that’s where this tactical pen comes in handy.

While it may look like an actual pen, it functions as so much more.

With its heavy-duty design, the pen doubles as a self-defense system, LED tactical flashlight, bottle opener, and an emergency escape glass breaker!

And yes, it’s a pen you can write with. Check the latest rates and availability .

#11 Drop Stop Seat Gap Filler

If you’ve ever dropped your phone while driving, you know how frustrating it is! And there’s nothing worse than the mess that a road trip causes.

The Drop Stop is one of those car accessories for road trips that you’ll never let go of. It fills the gap between the seat and the console of your car.

It secures over you seat belt and works universally for cars, trucks, and SUVs. Plus, you get 2: one for the driver’s side and one for the passenger’s side!

That means no more unnecessary stops to find your phone or messes in hard-to-reach places. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and keep the car clean. Check the latest rates and availability .

#12 Lusso Gear Car Seat Organizer

A great way to stay organized when traveling with kids is to use a car seat organizer.

This structured container fits perfectly in the front or back seat and is split into different compartments.

I love using a container like this when I’m taking road trips solo with kids.

I put it between my sons’ car seats in the back and fill it with books, games, and other things to keep them entertained.

And a wonderful feature are the seatbelt straps which will securely hold the basket organizer in place and prevent spills! Check the latest rates and availability .

#13 STDY Car Roadside Emergency Kit

When you’re out on the open road, you should be prepared for anything. One of the best road trip gadgets you can invest in is an emergency kit.

This one includes a complete first aid kit, a roadside assistance kit, jumper cables, reusable reflectors, a flashlight, thermal blankets, and more.

It has all the tools you’ll need in the event of an emergency on your family road trip.

To complete this kit, I’d add a few items, like a universal power bank like this one and more first aid kit supplies. Check the latest rates and availability .

#14 6-Port USB Car Charger

On a road trip with multiple electronic devices, you don’t want to be fighting for the car charger! So, another must-have car gadget is a power inverter.

Just plug it into your cigarette lighter USB port and you have 6 available for fast charging. And its surge protected.

It also includes a 4-foot-long cord, so it can reach all the way to the backseat if you only have 1 cigarette lighter in the car. Check the latest rates and availability .

#15 MIGHTYWIFI Portable HotSpot

The MIGHTYWIFI portable hotspot is a global WiFi hotspot that provides fast, secure and cost-effective mobile internet around the world.

It’s ideal for a family road trip, especially if you still have to work. I also love it for international travel when you’re not sure if you’ll have WiFi at your destination.

Keep your locked smart phone, tablet and laptop connected in over 100 countries! Service is pay-as-you-go, simply buy a data package whenever you need one.

You can connect up to 5 gadgets at once and it has a 12-hour battery life. Check the latest rates and availability .

Get Your Hands on The Top Road Trip Car Accessories

Safety and comfort are both things you need to plan for when planning your ultimate family road trip. These car accessories and gadgets will definitely help you breathe easier.

Now you can focus on making lasting memories and having a blast!

Looking for more road trip accessories? Check out this list of winter road trip essentials and family road trip packing hacks !

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Does YOUR Road Trip need these? The Best Travel & Road Trip Gadgets

What ARE the best travel & road trip gadgets? How do you know which accessories are worth the money and which ones are… well… not! Fear not, brave explorer. After a year of Road Trippin’ around Europe,  we’ve found some awesome bits of kit which have definitely enhanced our adventures! 

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

Road Trip Gadgets for Photography

Photography is one of my favourite parts of a road trip. I love trying to capture the beauty of the places we visit and sharing them on Facebook and Instagram, so I’m starting with my favourite gadgets that help.

iPhone & Android Travel Gadgets

I’ve said it many times, but most of our photos are taken on an iPhone, because I’m rubbish and I keep forgetting/ can’t be bothered to lug a camera around with us. My FAVOURITE iPhone accessories are – Clip on lenses, Bluetooth selfie button and plug in microphones.

All of these are small enough to fit into a pocket or handbag, which means I actually USE them.

I also LOVE my glass photo ball, which allows me to take pretty pictures like this! I can’t believe how cheap it was or how pretty the pictures look. Definitely one of my favourites.

GoPro Road Trip Gadgets

GoPro camera’s have been around for a while now and are one of the most commonly used compact, wide lens cameras. One of my first, was the GoPro 7, the latest models you can get are 10, 11 and 12.

There are TONNES of epic GoPro Accessories you can get to make your experience with the camera even more awesome. You can get accessories here .

Road Trip Gadgets- Drone

Since getting a drone, we have filmed some INCREDIBLE places, like John o’Groats, Lands End, Mont Blanc , Switzerland and the Italian Lakes, to name just a few. Obviously, you have to be INCREDIBLY careful and attentive to the rules in each country, but getting a drone has really enhanced our travels.

We recommend the DJI Mini 3 Pro, so you can get shots like this that was taken on a recent trip to Iceland.

Portable Telescope

What’s the point of going on a road trip, if you can’t take some random but very cool gadgets with you? Our telescope definitely falls into this category and I guess it’s only exciting if you’re an astronomy nerd like me, but I love looking at the sky and the stars – a clear night is my perfect present.

Road Trip Gadgets for Wifi

Having connection on the road is important – if you want to stay connected the world. This is especially a must if you want to post all your fab photos on your Insta or Facebook. So having a good WiFi system in your van can be a daunting choice, as there are so many options out there, but here we recommend these of which are 2 of the popular brands- Netgear & Huawei:

Road Trip gadgets for fun!

I fought this for such a long time, as I LOVE books. I love the way they smell, and feel and taste …(  uh…sorry, got carried away there!)  In all seriousness, I thought I’d never love reading on a tablet. Turns out, it’s so easy! I use the Kindle app on my iPad and it’s brilliant, but if you don’t have an iPad, a Kindle saves you have to carry a million books with you. (It also allows you to read Harry Potter for the millionth time without anyone else knowing…!!) 

I recommend getting a Kindle with WiFi- it makes it so much easier to sync/ download new books as you’re travelling- especially if you’re Road Trippin’ for a while.

There is nothing worse than being on a quiet, tranquil campsite, and then some idiot pulls up next door and starts blaring loud music. Especially if it’s bad music! 😉 Still, I know you aren’t that inconsiderate, so here are our favourite speakers which last for hours and have GREAT sound quality.

Road Trip gadgets for POWER!

I think Power management is one of the hardest things about Road Trippin’, especially if you work from the road as we do. We’ve found various ways to make life as simple and efficient as possible. Firstly, I charge as many things as possible whilst we are driving. I charge laptops via the inverter and phones/ ipads by 12v chargers, so that when I arrive somewhere everything is (hopefully!) ready to go!

My laptop (MacBook Pros) is brilliant but VERY power-hungry. The battery on mine lasts about 8 hours of non-stop usage, which is a shock after my previous laptop which lasted a couple of days! I carry the Ecoflow River in my van and they are also useful for things like blenders/ juicers other smaller appliances which you might want to use whilst wild camping. You can check out the full reviews I have done for the Jackery and the Ecoflow .

Solar Panel

We debated for a long time whether we needed a solar panel or not. If you only go a day or two without a campsite and electric, my opinion is you probably don’t. If you plan to go for longer, it’s a good addition to your motorhome. We have a Sargent solar panel, which we ordered direct but can’t find it on their site anymore. It’s very similar to the one below. A flexible solar panel might also be a great idea, based on your vehicle.

Road Trip Gadgets- Portable BBQ

Not every campsite allows campfires- sad, but true! However, most will allow BBQs- and this clever bit of kit allows you to have a fire in a BBQ, watching the flames as you sip your hot chocolate. Is there a better ending to a day? Just be careful of lighting it in really dry conditions, especially if you’re in the middle of nowhere and make sure you have a supply of water to hand. Just in case. Here you find the post I have done, that covers BBQ’s for vanlife!

Blimey! Is that enough Road Trip gadgets to keep you going for a while?!?! With all those, I think your Road Trip is going to be EPIC- let me know where you end up!!

How else can I help you today??

– i want to find more awesome road trip accessories, – help- i need to stop condensation in my camper, – i want to road trip europe, – inspire me with beautiful travel & road trip quotes.

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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10 Great Gadgets For Your Next Road Trip

Although your eyes are on the road, that doesn't mean gadgets can't turn a good road trip into a great one.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Here are a few options to consider that will bring upgrades and additional conveniences you can add to any car—old or new.

iOttie Easy One Touch Qi Wireless Car Mount

There’s no more important road trip gadget than your smartphone, which makes a good smartphone car mount a near necessity. iOttie’s Easy One Touch Qi Wireless Car Mount may cost more than your average car mount, but it also offers more features, including a telescopic arm that can be mounted on either your dash or windshield, dual USB charging ports for your passengers and, most importantly, Qi wireless charging.

It comes recommended by both Android Central and 9 to 5 Mac , while The Wirecutter gives the (considerably cheaper) non-Qi version its recommendation if you don’t need wireless charging.

Belkin Road Rockstar

If you take regular road trips with a car full of people and really want to accommodate your passengers, Belkin’s Road Rockstar will let you put two USB ports within easy reach of the backseat in addition to another pair up front. The two ports in the front are only 1 amp so they’ll charge some devices a bit slower, but the pair of backseat ports are each 2.4 amp for faster charging, and the charger unit itself can either be tucked into a seat pocket or attached to a surface with the included double-sided tape to keep it out of the way.

It’s always a good idea to bring a spare set of keys with you on a road trip, but a Bluetooth tracker like the Tile Mate is a great and relatively inexpensive way to give yourself a bit of extra piece of mind. Just add one to your keyring and you’ll then be able to use your smartphone to track your keys down or trigger an alarm in the event you lose them.

As a bonus, you can also use the Tile Mate itself to help find your phone if you happen to lose it. Leave another Tile Mate in your car and won’t have to worry about remembering where you parked it, either.

Anker Compact Jump Starter and Portable Charger

You can never have too many sources of power when you're on the road. Anker's Compact Jump Starter and Portable Charger will not only help keep your portable devices powered, but it can also jump start your car. The last thing you want on a road trip is a dead battery. Anker even includes a built-in flashlight for good measure.

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug

You can easily find a cheaper travel mug, but Zojirushi's stainless steel wares have long been racking up recommendations as the go-to mug if you want to make sure your beverage stays hot (or cold) for hours on end. They're available in 12, 16, or 20-ounces, and in a range of different colors—all of which come with a five year warranty on the mug's vacuum insulation.

Wagan 12V Cooler/Warmer

Sure, you can bring that old beat up cooler you've had since college, or you can step up to something like Wagan's 12V Cooler/Warmer that can keep your beverages cold or your food warm until you're ready for a lunch stop. It's big enough to store four 2L bottles upright and can get up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit on the warm setting or 32 to 36 degrees below room temperature when switched to cool.

iClever Himbox HB01 Bluetooth 4.0 Hands-Free Car Kit

This is another gadget that may be unnecessary if you're driving a newer vehicle, but anyone with an older ride can make a cheap and easy upgrade by adding a bluetooth car adapter. iClever's Himbox HB01 is singled out by The Wirecutter for its ability to pair with multiple devices, which could make things easier if you have a couple of passengers looking to take turns playing music.

Anker PowerDrive 4 with USB-C

Whether you're using your smartphone for navigation or not, you'll want to make sure you have a car charger, assuming your car doesn't have its own USB ports. Anker's PowerDrive 4 will give you four USB ports that'll charge everyone's smartphones and tablets. If you're traveling with a smaller crew or a less gadget-inclined bunch, however, you can probably get by with the two-port version , which save you a bit of space.

Garmin DriveAssist 51

A standalone GPS unit isn't the must-have gadget for a road trip that it used to be, but there are some advantages to leaving your smartphone in your pocket in favor of a dedicated navigation device. That's even more true with a high-end unit like Garmin's DriveAssist 51, which offers a range of driver awareness features to keep you alert as well as a built-in dash cam that can automatically save video and log GPS details in the event of an accident.

Mobile Hotspot

You can always use your smartphone's tethering feature to get your laptop or tablet online when you're on the road, but a mobile hotspot could be a better option whether you're traveling solo or with a group. The best hotspot for you will depend on your carrier, but one like AT&T's Unite Explore ( $50 on contract), recommended by PCMag , will let you easily provide wifi to a car full of people and all of their devices. It will also likely pick up a signal in areas your phone may not, and you can even add an external antenna if you really want to push the limits.

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The Best Travel Gadgets and Tech For Your Next Road Trip

The experts at Good Housekeeping have tested and reviewed some of the best travel electronics and tech gadgets on the market. Here are some of the picks that will make your next road trip more memorable.

Our Top Picks

Best Travel Dash Cam

Garmin dash cam 57.

Best Travel Portable Coffee Maker

Cera+ portable electric coffee maker.

Best Travel Gadget Wi-Fi Hotspot

Verizon jetpack wi-fi hotspot.

Best Travel Action Camera

Gopro hero9.

Best Travel Gadget Radar Detector

Escort max 360 mkii radar and laser detector.

Best Travel Gadget for Portable Power

Anker 325 power bank.

Best Travel Headphones

Bose quietcomfort overear headphones.

Best Travel Mug

Ember travel mug.

Best Travel Gadget Cooler

Koolatron thermoelectric iceless cooler and warmer.

Best Travel Tracker

Apple airtag.

We all have our own ideas about what tech we need and which gadgets and devices we enjoy, so the Gear Team could have simply thrown together a list of some of our favorites. But Good Housekeeping has been testing and evaluating products for parents and homes for over a century, and its testing processes have become an industry standard. So we hit up our colleagues over at the Good Housekeeping Institute for some tips, just to make sure we weren't missing anything.

Relying on the expertise of the Gear Team and the testing acumen of Good Housekeeping, here are some of the Best Travel Gadgets and Tech for your next road-trip adventure. Note: Car & Driver has paraphrased Good Housekeeping 's findings to reflect our purposes here; we have omitted some of the Institute's non-automotive selections and included other products more suited for our audience.

Dash cams can be a fantastic tool for recovering damages, beating tickets, or recording incredible situations. The Garmin 57 mini dash cam takes the functionality up a notch with a Swiss Army knife–like list of features. It can record in 1440p and features incident detection, forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, and a cool option that lets you turn hours of driving into a time-lapse video. Best of all, it measures just about 1.0 by 2.0 inches.

Don't settle for whatever truck-stop cup of joe you come across while on the road. The CERA+ portable coffee maker will allow you to indulge your inner coffee snob wherever you are. It can perform cold or warm brews, and its rechargeable battery allows you to make several cups, no matter the type of coffee you choose.

Wi-Fi on your road trip can be a game changer. For those who lack the luxury of integrated Wi-Fi found on many newer cars, the Jetpack allows Verizon customers to connect up to 15 devices to their personal Wi-Fi network in more than 200 countries. During Good Housekeeping’s testing, the battery showed impressive all-day life. As a plus, it includes an extra USB port for charging other devices.

GoPro has been offering compact action cameras since 2004, and the HERO9 is perfect for road-tripping. It's durable and waterproof up to 33 feet, allowing you to take it with you just about anywhere. It shoots in 5K so you're guaranteed sharp, high-quality memories once your trip is over. GoPro also offers an array of accessories for attaching it to a helmet, your chest, your car—even a toddler.

Even if you don't consider yourself much of a speeder, having an additional layer of protection against hefty fines is a wise move. The Escort MAX 360 will keep you covered, just in case you lose track of your speed over hours of cruising. It's loaded with features, including dual antennas for increased range, 360-degree awareness, an easy-to-use app, and many more we don't have the space to list here.

Charging ports can be a point of contention in cars and trucks, particularly when a family is on the road for extended periods. This Anker portable battery will help nip back-seat fisticuffs in the bud. The 20,000 mAh Li-ion battery allows you to charge up to two devices at a time via dual USB-A ports, and it can be recharged through either its micro-USB or USB-C ports.

If you plan to spend many hours in a packed car, you will inevitably be met with conflict when everyone disagrees on what to fill your collective ears with. These noise-canceling cans from Bose provide a convenient solution, allowing your passengers to escape to their own audio reality for a bit. Testers found them very comfortable over extended periods and really appreciated being able to switch between Quiet and Aware modes to filter outside noise.

Caveat: No matter how tempting it may be to drown out the world around you, and despite settings that allow you to control ambient noise, we don't recommend over-ear cans like these while driving. Opt for a pair of AirPods or earbuds , if you must—but be advised, state laws vary on their use behind the wheel.

When you're on the road for hours on end, a warm beverage can be key in getting your body's motor started and keeping it going. This travel mug from Ember won't just keep your beverage warm, it will keep it exactly the temperature you prefer. The temperature can be controlled from an app on your phone, and its two-hour battery life can be extended by placing it on its charging coaster.

Staying hydrated and keeping your appetite at bay while on the road can be tough if gas-station jerky and drive-thru fare aren't your thing. Koolatron 's thermoelectric cooler and warmer plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet and keeps the contents as cool as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as warm as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The 18-quart version can hold up to 23 standard soft-drink cans; the much larger 45-quart version is ideal for families.

Many are already familiar with the invaluable functionality that Apple 's tiny tracker provides. It can be used to track anything from your valuables to your luggage and even your car, right from your phone. It does require you to use Apple's digital ecosystem, but its overall functionality could just be enough to convert Android users. Its one-year battery lifespan makes it an easy set-and-forget tool.

Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool

If you don't already carry a good multitool, it's about time you do. The Wave Plus from Leatherman is a handy everyday tool for popping bottle tops, tightening screws, opening packaging, and a plethora of other odd jobs. Out on the road, it's great for small inconveniences and quick fixes, such as replacing burnt-out bulbs, tightening hose clamps, or whatever other mishaps may arise.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone Bundle

This DJI camera drone will elevate your ability to log your road-trip memories. When you're no longer limited to the ground, the photo and video opportunities you'll realize are pretty vast. The GH Institute testers loved that it can fold away into a compact carrying case and lauded its sharp picture quality. The included Fly More Kit opens up the potential to capture professional-quality aerial shots of your car ripping through the twisties. It includes spare batteries, chargers, parts, and more.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer

The DJI Osmo gimbal is a nice piece of kit to keep handy if you’re even remotely serious about capturing solid images of you and your flock while out on the road. Even if you're solo-tripping, it's an excellent way to capture photos or videos of your car in action. During testing, the gimbal held the phone stable and has a nice feature that allows it to rotate in a single sweeping motion. The magnetic clamp attaches easily to almost any phone.

JACO ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Before and after long drives, it's important to keep tabs on your tires, as they are the only thing keeping you and your family on the road. Investing in a quality tire pressure gauge is key, especially if you drive an older car that doesn't come equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system. JACO 's gauge is calibrated accurately to professional ANSI 2A standards and offers a full lifetime warranty.

Rolling Square Keychain Charger Cable

Rolling Square's keychain charger is the perfect accessory to keep alongside your keys or in your glovebox. It offers multiple outputs and inputs including USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB, and even a lightning port for your iPhone. It complements the Anker portable battery above very nicely.

Reliefband Classic Wristband for Motion Sickness

Lots of us are burdened with the unfortunate affliction known as carsickness. This can get pretty messy on long drives, particularly if you have little ones prone to nausea. The Reliefband is a drug-free remedy to general motion sickness. If it really works—and most users claim it does—it's definitely worth it.

BUBM Electronics Organizer

Keep your wires and other small gear organized with this neat-looking organizer from BUBM . It comes in ten different colors, and the testers at Good Housekeeping loved the compact fold-flat shape and zipper enclosures.

How do I determine which items are essential to my trip?

A good rule, particularly with gadgets, is if you can't name around two-thirds of the buttons on your device, you probably won't use it (or at least to its fullest potential). Carry only what you might need and use.

I'm new to road-tripping. Will all these gadgets be daunting?

Some gadgets like a DJI drone can indeed have somewhat steep learning curves. We recommend trying out your gadgets at home to familiarize yourself with their features and controls. Apps are a requirement for some gadgets, so having those pre-loaded onto your phone can save time and hassle.

Can I buy stuff on the road?

Lots of gear can be a hassle to keep track of, so sometimes it is more efficient to forgo some of the less essential pieces and just pick them up as you need them. Rechargeable electronics are a great solution—they keep working and alleviate the need to carry around or purchase extra batteries.

Why Trust Good Housekeeping ?

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products and providing expert reviews and advice on all types of travel gear in their labs, from luggage trackers and noise-canceling headphones to drones and mobile hotspots. The gadgets chosen for this list were evaluated by product testing analyst Selina Tedesco and updated by media and tech reviews analyst Olivia Lipski .

Why Trust Hearst Autos?

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers. If we're unable to test a product or category ourselves, we'll sometimes turn to noted experts such as the Good Housekeeping Institute .

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game SEO algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products to earn a buck. We're far more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek , Car and Driver , and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here .

The Assistant Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Justin Helton is an enthusiast with a passion for heavily depreciated autos and a penchant for philosophical debate. As a lifelong Manhattanite, he has mastered the ins and outs of classic car ownership in one of the least car-friendly cities in the world.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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42 BEST Road Trip Gifts: Fun, Useful, & Essential [2024]

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

Short on time? Our picks for the best road trip gifts are the Tile Car Key Tracker and Nintendo Switch Lite .

BEST road trip gifts to make road trips a breeze and help the hours on the road fly by.

I grew up in the midwest of the United States. That means it took hours by car to get anywhere else in the country. 

Road trips were a staple of my childhood – long and short ones. 

My family often drove an hour in and out of the city that we lived near. Twice a year, we drove six hours each way to visit family in a nearby state. 

The most extensive trip of them all? We took 24-hour road trip adventures from Illinois to Florida for spring break. 

I’ve completed some road trips completely alone as well. I know what it’s like to be the backseat passenger as a kid and the adult driver behind the wheel. 

What I’m trying to say is, I’m no stranger to this form of travel. So, when it comes to gifts for road trips, I’m your girl. 

I’m here to share some of the best gift ideas for road trips based on my personal experience.  

Table of Contents

Tile Tracker

What’s the single most important item to keep track of? The car keys.

I mean, you can’t go anywhere without them – plain and simple! Therefore, a road trip lover can’t afford to lose them. 

Getting road trip lovers a Tile car key tracker will ensure they always have a way to know where their keys are. 

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Car Mount Phone Holder

What’s a good gift for someone who travels a lot in a car?

A phone mount.

We use our phones for everything nowadays. On road trips, a driver’s phone is usually their source of music, communication, and most likely their GPS.  

Gifting a phone mount like this allows the phone to be placed on the dashboard, as close to eye level as possible. Instead of looking down to check Google Maps, they can quickly glance to the side. 

I’m not encouraging phone use while driving by any means, but realistically, people glance at their phones. 

Phone mounts make navigation and DJing hands-free, so it’s a little safer.

Nintendo Switch Lite

When I was a kid, one of the best ways to pass time on a long car trip was playing my Nintendo DS.

The Nintendo DS has aged out, and the Nintendo Switch has entered the picture.

For a road trip, I’d recommend the Nintendo Switch Lite. It’s a bit smaller than the regular-sized switch console because it’s primarily for personal play and is more portable. 

There are endless games available for purchase, so they’ll never get bored!

I grew up before the era of Kindles. I was always torn between which book to bring on a road trip.  

Later, I’d find myself fidgeting with a clip-on reading light after the sun went down and the car was dark.

Kindles help eliminate both those problems. A world of books lives inside a Kindle, meaning they’ll have numerous books with them at one time. 

Multiple lighting settings allow them to read at any time of day, in any lighting. 

A Kindle is one of the best road trip gadgets, birthday gifts, or holiday gifts to get someone. They’re helpful during the car ride and after.

Car Backseat Organizer

An organizer is the perfect road trip gift for anyone riding in the backseat. 

I’ve been in some cars where the seats don’t have back pockets. Even when they do, a single pocket is usually hard to stuff belongings into. 

Road trippers don’t have to worry about that with a gift like this. 

They simply slip this organizer over the front seat headrest, and ta-da! There’s space for all of their belongings at their fingertips.

Car Window Screens

One time, my whole family was going on a long car journey, so we rented a larger and more equipped car for the trip. 

The car had pull-down screens for the windows, which made such a difference in keeping sunlight at bay during the trip.

This pack of window screens comes with both transparent and semi-transparent shade options. 

The screens have a no-residue cling design and work when pressed to a car window.

They’re helpful to keep sun rays at bay during any time of the year — especially, during the summer months, to help keep the car cooler. 

These are the best road trip gift ideas for road-trippers with babies in the backseat.

Foldable Car Seat Back Portable Tray for Food

My family didn’t eat fast food often during our day-to-day lives, but it was a staple during road trips. 

As a backseat rider, you have no idea what I would have given to have something like this foldable tray that attaches to the front seat headrest.

This cuts down on drink or dipping sauce spills, an unfortunate event I know too well!

Of course, my mind went immediately to food, but it also holds a laptop or book.

Any road trip lover who finds themselves in the back seat will appreciate this.

200 Conversation Cards

Consider conversation road trip games if you’re looking for the best road trip gifts for a family. 

It can be hard to get the whole family to be interested in the same thing. The prompts on these cards encourage conversations that everyone can partake in.

There are questions like, “What do children know more about than adults?” and “What is the one thing you couldn’t live without?”

My favorite thing about these cards is that they involve the driver, which is important.

It’s easy for all the passengers to plug into their phones or Kindles, but the driver has to keep their eyes on the road. 

Do note that some of the cards are not appropriate for kids, so parents might need to sort through the deck beforehand.

50 States 5,000 Ideas Book

As the title states, this book offers insight into the 50 states of the USA. It has valuable travel tips about where to go, what to see, and what to do in each one.

Inclusive travel gifts like these are great road trip gift ideas because they inspire future road trips! 

They probably won’t drive through all 50 states in one journey, but as they read, they’ll find places and sights to drive to next time.

Road Trip Journal

I’m sentimental – I  love to collect and document everything. If your giftee is anything like me, a journal like this is the perfect great road trip gift idea. 

There are two types of pages: open note-taking and easy-to-fill-prompt pages. 

They can quickly fill in the answers to questions like the weather, route taken, highlights, and so forth.

This road trip gift idea is suitable for a range of ages, meaning it’ll keep anyone entertained. 

Plus, they’ll have something to reflect on in the future.

Rand McNally Road Atlas

Nowadays, we rely on our phones or built-in car systems. But as a kid, I remember my parents opening up physical paper maps for directions.

This spiral notebook contains large-scale maps of highways for every US state.

There are no advertisements inside, which helps you focus on the routes. There are also maps of specific cities and national parks.

A physical road atlas is one of the best gifts for a road tripper who likes things old-school.

Personalized Road Trip Map

Before my family began our road trips, my dad always sketched out our route on a big paper map so my sisters and I could visualize our road trip route. 

We loved getting this perspective when we were kids.

If someone you know is heading on a monumental journey (like a cross-country road trip through the national parks or driving the Pacific Coast Highway ), this is the perfect gift to memorialize it.

Know someone who loves National Parks? Read our guides to the best National Park gifts , National Park Passport , National Park scratch-off maps , and the best National Park books .

Hammocking is a universally enjoyable pastime, so hammocks make great road trip gifts for guys and girls alike. 

Eno hammocks are popular but pricey. I recommend Wise Owl hammocks as a more affordable alternative. Wise Owl hammocks even come with straps to secure them to trees, which Eno hammocks don’t include.

There are plenty of color options, and you can choose a single or double-person size, making hammocks one of the top road trip gifts for friends heading out on long car rides that may have scenic stops along the way. 

They’re a particularly great option for those road-tripping through National Parks.

Ever heard of hammock camping? Read about the best hammocks with mosquito nets and portable hammock stands .

Car Headrest Tablet Holder

This car headrest tablet holder is a great way to entertain anyone in the backseat. Whether they’re using their phone or an iPad, they can stay hands-free and comfortable. 

It attaches quickly and easily without disrupting the headrest for the driver. The arm can be bent in a variety of angles and tilted.

This is a great road trip gift for road-tripping friends who are planning on watching movies or binge-watching a new series in the backseat.

Picnic Blanket

A picnic blanket is helpful in so many situations – whether you’re actually using it for a picnic or not. I use my blanket anytime I’m sitting on the ground in an open area. 

This is another perfect road trip gift for loved ones heading into nature. A blanket will come in handy, whether they’re going on a day trip or a long-haul journey.

This one is great because it’s waterproof and sand-resistant. Plus, it comes with large handle carry straps, making it easy to transport once it’s rolled up.

Doodle Boards

These kinds of doodle boards will keep kids entertained for hours. 

Not going to lie, I’ve also found myself fiddling around with them.

It’s easy to forget how relaxing and fun doodling is. They’re especially on a road trip, when any form of entertainment is welcome.

Compression Socks

I’ve gone road-tripping by myself and driven for 13 hours straight on multiple occasions. 

By the end of those long stretches, all I wanted was to put my feet up! 

Compression socks are one of those road trip accessories that can help a loved one have a more pleasant experience. They help prevent swelling during any period of prolonged sitting. 

I think compression socks are some of the best road trip gear or road trip gift ideas for adults because they’re the ones doing the driving.

Picture this: you’re best friend is rushing out of the house because they really need to get on the road. They have that nagging feeling that they’re forgetting something.

Pretty soon, they’re driving on the highway, blinded by the sun. That’s when it hits… they forgot their sunglasses.

This is why I always keep spare sunglasses in my car glove box. They’re solely my ‘car sunglasses’. My extra sunglasses have saved the day more times than I can count.

If you want to be that lifesaver, consider getting this set of polarized sunglasses for road trip lovers.

Slip On Shoes

I always preferred to be barefoot in the car. It’s just more comfortable and clean.

Of course, whenever it was time to make a pit stop for food, gas, or the bathroom, it became a scramble to find my shoes. 

Especially during winter road trips, my boots took too long to lace up and tracked snow or gunk back into the car afterward.

Gift someone special a pair of slip-on shoes. Your giftee can keep them in their car as their ‘road trip shoes’. 

This way they’ll always have something to slip on and off during those quick pit stops. 

A spare pare of driving shoes is also helpful for anyone who likes wearing heels but not driving in them.

My mom tried to keep our car as clean as possible. It wasn’t easy, and I wish she had a portable vacuum like this.

A mini car vacuum is the best road trip gift for anyone who likes a tidy car.

This handheld vacuum is wireless, rechargeable, and comes with an array of attachments – making it suitable to reach any crevice. 

Road trip gifts like these make it a quick and easy way to keep their limited space feeling clean.

Car Trash Can

As backseat riders, my siblings and I always passed our garbage up to my mom in the front seat. 

That’s why I think this car trash can would have been one of the best road trip gifts for her.

Instead of making someone in charge of the ‘garbage bag’, they can have a car trash can like this. Everyone knows where to put their garbage (cough cough, not the floor).

Engraved Tumbler

Road trippers don’t have access to heat their drink or add ice while driving. That’s why a tumbler that keeps coffee hot and iced tea cold is an excellent road trip gift idea.

Especially when I’m on a road trip alone, I like preparing my secondary beverage before leaving home. 

I take a juice or soda out of the cooler and pour it into a tumbler so it stays cold until I’m ready to drink it.

Tumblers are also a good road trip gift for anyone who appreciates personalization options. You can tailor this gift specifically to your road tripper.

Car Cup Holder Expander

If you want gifts for a road trip that go above and beyond (literally), check out this car cup holder. 

I use a large hydroflask water bottle. Because of the big base, it doesn’t fit in a standard car cup holder. I was so excited when I found an enlarged cup holder that could accommodate its size.

You can go a step further with this car cup holder. It has an enlarged cup holder and a standard-size cup holder above. 

Next to that is a swiveling tray. This creates a space to put some small, easy-to-grab items for the driver. If there’s a passenger riding, it could also function as a tray for them.

If you’re looking for funny road trip gifts for couples, this is a good choice. It benefits passengers and drivers.

Bendable Pillow

Road trip travelers know the struggle of finding a comfortable position to take a snooze. That’s why one of the best gifts for a road trip is a pillow that bends into any shape. 

Molding the pillow to meet their needs makes it much easier to get comfortable in an awkward space like a car.

There are also button snaps on either end of the pillow so that it will hold a standard travel pillow shape.

Great road trip gift ideas involve items that can stay in the car, so they never have to worry about forgetting them. 

This blanket is a perfect example.

It’s always nice to have a blanket like this in the car. Even if they’re traveling during warmer months because it zips up into a pillow shape.

Sound Proof Earphones

Road trips put everyone in tight quarters. Sound-cancelling headphones are the best way for your loved one to take a break. 

These headphones are budget-friendly, but you could always upgrade by gifting a brand like Bose .

Plus, this is one of those gifts for road trips that will be useful outside of the car, too.

Car Inverter

For the most part, I grew up as a road-tripper without iPhones or tablets. There was minimal electronic usage, and once the battery ran out, that was that.

By the time I was in high school and had a laptop, I always wished there was a way to charge it while in the car. 

When I discovered a car inverter, I was sold. 

This inverter distributes and maximizes the existing power from the cigarette lighter plug in your car. Once plugged in, your giftee can access regular outlets, USB ports, and a USB C port.

It’s one of the best road trip gifts for a car full of music streamers.

Solar Power Bank

Solar power banks make fantastic gifts for anyone going on an adventure. This power bank charges using the solar panels on the front of the device (don’t leave it in a hot car in direct sunlight, though). 

It’s a perfect gift for road-trippers headed through the national parks, where they’ll run their battery down taking pictures.

It’s waterproof and has a built-in flashlight. Portable chargers are a great gift idea that ensures they have a power source no matter what.

Inflatable Car Mattress

Sometimes the best road trip gift ideas focus on getting enough sleep. 

Road travelers who sleep in their car know that having the right set-up is essential for feeling rested enough to drive day after day. 

Most people I know heading on multi-day trips have a hotel room booked or plan on driving through the night. 

But sleeping in the car has grown increasingly popular.

This inflatable car mattress is perfect for overnight road trips. The pump plugs into the car cigarette lighter for quick inflation. 

I prefer this style of car mattress over others on the market because it lays across the backseats without emptying the trunk.

Here’s the thing about car air conditioning systems: they’re often not set up well for the backseat riders.

I can’t begin to tell you how many times my sisters and I bickered about the airflow direction from the small vents in the backseat section.

Solve that bickering problem with a gift like this: a car headrest fan.

Whether you purchase one or two for your road tripper, travel gifts like these will make their upcoming trip more peaceful.

Games on the Go

After a while, it can be hard to come up with road trip games on your own. 

If your friends are tired of the classics, Games on the Go prompts some of the best road trip games.

It’s a deck of cards full of guessing games, riddles, trivia, and searching games (to name a few). 

It’s perfect for the car because Game on the Go states, “The only material you need is your imagination”.

Drop Stop Car Seat-Gap Filler

This gap filler seems like a funny road trip gift, but it’s actually so helpful.

During road trips, my sisters and I constantly passed things up to my mom, who sat in the front seat. 

Quite a few times, whatever we were passing would drop into the abyss between the seats. 

I can guarantee even seasoned road trippers don’t enjoy crawling around on the car floor with a flashlight looking for dropped M&Ms and toys under the seat.

Eliminate that issue with a car seat gap filler like the Drop Stop.

A road trip lover will make many road trips in their life, and they can use a dash cam to capture all of their incredible adventures.

And for any road trippers turned full-time car travelers, dash cams add a level of security.

A dash cam can attach to the front or rear of a vehicle and record video. Should they ever need evidence of good driving habits or what really happened during an accident, they’ll have it. 

Other pros to having a dash cam include deterring theft and potentially lowering their car insurance premium. Dash cams are one of the best gift ideas for road trips when your loved one wants to take every precaution possible.

Fold Out Chairs

You may be looking for road trip gift ideas for someone heading to campgrounds at national forests. If your road tripper needs some outdoor gear, help them out. 

These chairs have armrests, pockets, and cupholders. They’re easy to keep tucked in a car trunk because they fold quickly and come in a traveling case. 

Grab this road trip gift idea for anyone who likes stopping to enjoy the view.

Ready for the comfiest camp chairs? Read our buying guides for reclining camp chairs and heavy-duty camp chairs .

My family always ran out of space on car trips to and from holiday gatherings. Not only did we have to fit all of our luggage in the trunk, but also gifts to and from family members.

Car travel gifts like roof bags are handy when the car is too full. This bag sits on top of a protective mat and securely attaches to the car’s roof with straps. 

It’s made from waterproof material, so belongings inside stay safe.

When it comes to gift ideas for the road, consider getting your favorite road trip travelers a collapsable cooler.

Soft-sided coolers are a good way to keep drinks cold and food temperature regulated on the drive. Road trip lovers will appreciate that this cooler fits in the middle seat and is less bulky than a hard-sided cooler.

This Maelstrom Soft Cooler Bag has a five-layer insulation design. The outside even features outer pockets, a bottle-opener key chain, and bungee gridding.

It also comes in a variety of colors, like blue, grey, black, and orange. 

Looking for more cooler recommendations? Read our article on the best coolers for camping .

Road Trip Gift Basket

I love unique gift ideas, like anything you assemble or personalize on your own. If you’re the same way, consider making a road trip care package.

This is the same premise as a road trip gift basket – but uses a road trip gift bag like the one pictured.

Throw in some road trip essentials like wet wipes, water bottles, road trip snacks, and so forth.

If your giftee is traveling with children, include some fun road trip gifts like these themed printable road trip games from Etsy.

Roadside Emergency Kit

Roadside kits are one of those gifts you hope they’ll never have to use. I know it sounds a bit backward – not wanting the recipient to use the gift?

A roadside emergency kit is a road trip essential. Thinking back, I would have been so relieved if someone had gifted me one.

This kit comes with survival road trip gear, like jumper cables, a seatbelt cutter, a glass breaker, and a portable air compressor. 

This specific option comes with a first aid kit – it hits two birds with one stone.

If you’re gifting it to a new driver or new car owner, there’s a good chance they don’t have an emergency kit like this yet.

Triple AAA Membership

Similar to a first aid kit, roadside assistance is one of those things you hope they’ll never have to use. Regardless, it’s important to have for a road trip. 

Triple AAA will help if their car breaks down and has complicated issues beyond a roadside assistance kit.

So, when it comes to road trip gift ideas, consider getting someone an annual membership to Triple AAA.

Pro Tip: Triple AAA offers special coverage for recreational vehicles, horse trailers, and boat trailers.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Consider getting a national park pass for road trippers heading to National Parks. 

The most popular choice is the America the Beautiful Pass.

Having this with them on their road trip covers park entrance fees for a driver and all passengers in the vehicle (up to 4 adults).

This pass works for national forests and sites managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and others. Check out the full list here .

Plus, when you purchase from REI, they donate 10% of the proceeds to outdoor beneficiary organizations!

Road Trip Gift Cards

What do you give someone who is going on a long trip?

What.they.want!

You can never go wrong with a gift card – especially if the other road trip gift ideas aren’t speaking to you.

When it comes to great road trip gifts, a gift card opens doors to so many options. And the best gifts make their life easier.

If you’re making someone a road trip gift basket, it wouldn’t hurt to throw a Starbucks gift card in.

When I was driving halfway across the country solo, audiobooks and music were my best friends. Find out if your friend or family member has Audible or Spotify Premium.

I even had a friend get a gift card to a gas station once. Anything helps! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Monroe Dziersk

Monroe Dziersk is a gift giver by nature and an expert at finding gifts to show the people in your life you care. She comes from a family of designers, adding a unique flair to her gift-giving method.

Monroe was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After discovering a world outside of Midwest winters, she was quickly drawn to the southeastern coast of the United States. While attending Elon University, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy. A switch was flipped, and she quickly fell in love with European culture and lifestyle. You can often find her accompanied by a good book and her calico cat.

Looking for more gift guides and road trip inspiration? Check out these related posts below! 

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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Taking a Road Trip? These Gadgets Make Things Easier

High-tech (and some low-tech) items that will make for a smoother journey.

Luggage? Check. Money and ID? Yep. Snacks? Of course.

The necessities of a road trip haven’t changed much through the years. But technology has made the experience considerably better: apps that can sniff out the lowest prices at the pump , spoken GPS directions instead of fumbling with paper maps, access to tens of millions of songs through streaming music services .

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Some tech toys can even help reduce the dreaded “Are we there yet?” from grandkids in the back seat. Along with your smartphone — an invaluable device for staying connected and informed while on the road — here are a few other gadgets you might want to pack ahead of your trip.

Dashcams cams can record a big road trip

Once reserved for police vehicles, dashboard cameras (dashcams for short) have become popular with civilian drivers. These small cameras continuously record both video and audio to a memory card, from a first-person perspective, and are usually mounted on a vehicle’s windshield, near the rear-view mirror.

Dashcams are ideal for two reasons: security and recreation. They can provide photographic evidence of an accident or incident, but you also can capture your adventures, such as a road trip through the mountains, and play it back later on a big-screen TV.

At the other end of the vehicle, aftermarket backup cameras let you better see what’s happening behind you. Garmin models start at $129 and feature 1080p (progressive scan) full-HD video recording with a 140-degree or 180-degree field of view and support for hands-free voice control. A parking mode records activity if it senses movement or impact while parked, such as if someone dings or hits your car in a parking lot, tries to break in or writes you a parking ticket.

The Thinkware line of dashcams, from $70, archives footage for you. Some models, such as the U1000 ($350), can record 4K footage for even sharper resolution and boast night-vision technology.

Thinkware bundles some models to include a rear camera. The X700 Front + Rear Dash Cam Bundle ($170) cameras both record 1080p full-HD video. The dashcam has a 2.7-inch LCD touch screen and includes a GPS antenna to track speed, time and route history, and can warn you of speed traps and red-light cameras, the company says.

Voice-activate your vehicle infotainment

Many newer vehicles include support for Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which make your dashboard look and feel more like your smartphone’s screen. That's in addition to a vehicle's integrated infotainment system.

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With CarPlay, plug in your iPhone and put it away as it’s charging. Some newer cars support wireless CarPlay, too, so there’s no need to plug it in — but do realize that it can drain your phone battery. Now your vehicle’s dashboard will resemble your familiar iOS home screen, displaying many supported first-party apps, including Apple Maps, Apple Music, Contacts and iMessages and a growing selection of third-party apps.

Press the  Voice/Speech  button on the steering wheel or simply say, “Hey, Siri,” followed by commands like “Read me my texts,” “Take me to 123 Main Street,” “Play Taylor Swift on Spotify,” and so on.

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You also can use the large app icons on the dashboard screen — not while you’re driving — or a passenger can do so any time.

Google’s Android Auto is very similar: Connect your Android smartphone to your vehicle via its USB cable, then press the  Voice/Speech  button on the steering wheel or say, “OK, Google,” followed by a question or command to access contacts, messages, music and other info while keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

If you prefer Amazon’s Alexa as a personal assistant, you can add it to any vehicle. You can find it for only $20 these days; it’s usually $70. Amazon’s Echo Auto is a small device that plays through your car’s speakers, Bluetooth or an available auxiliary-input port that looks like the socket a wired earbud plugs into. Echo Auto features eight microphones and far-field technology, so it can clearly hear you over air-conditioning, music and outside road noise.

You can use your voice to check the news and weather, make calls, manage your calendar, or stream  content from Audible , Amazon Music, Spotify, SiriusXM and others. An air-vent mount is included.

Emergency kits can be saviors

A battery booster in your vehicle is prudent. It could jump-start your car’s dead battery and save you from having to wait for roadside assistance.

A portable multifunction jump starter and power bank features a 12.8-volt jump starter and built-in USB port for charging your smartphone, too. An integrated LED light can also help you see under the hood when it’s dark. A generic Home Depot model starts at about $80. Some models, such as the QuickCable Rescue Pack 950 Booster Pack ($205), have an air compressor and air gauge that can inflate tires.

Other kits to keep in a trunk for an emergency are not high tech but are certainly handy, such as the AAA-branded 76-Piece Excursion Road Kit ($110). Included are an air compressor, booster cables, bungee cord, duct tape, an emergency warning triangle to place beside your vehicle on the side of a road, first aid products, an LED flashlight with batteries, poncho, screwdrivers, utility knife and whistle.

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Dollar store purchases worth making

Believe it not, your local  dollar store  has several smartphone and tablet accessories worth keeping in the glove box. From USB cables to charge your electronics to spare headphones — and perhaps a headphone splitter for two people in the back seat to hear the same thing from one device — to headrest mounts to slip an iPad into for back seat viewers, you might be surprised what’s available. And some items hardly cost more than spare change.

A smartphone clamp can lock onto your vehicle’s air vent so your phone is propped up for you to safely glance at maps and other info. That can be helpful for older-model cars without display screens and Android Auto or CarPlay.

While you’re at the dollar store, also consider matches and candles to keep in your car, in the event of an emergency, especially for those who reside or travel through colder states.

Other great gear for road trips

Finally, a few goodies for passengers. A tablet’s portability and touch screen make it an ideal travel companion.

Apple iPad, from $329, is powered by its A13 Bionic chip, has a 10.2-inch Retina display, dual cameras for FaceTiming or shooting pics and videos, at least 64 gigabytes (GB) of storage and support for countless apps. Use your fingertip to browse the web, listen to podcasts, play games, swipe through e-books and watch videos. If you prefer Android devices, you can try the Amazon Fire HD 10 ($150) or the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus (around $208).

Pro tip:  For streaming video and music services, including Netflix and Spotify, be sure to download media while still at home with Wi-Fi available, so it doesn’t use any data while on the road.

Also consider Apple Arcade, a $4.99 monthly subscription service for access to more than 240 premium games, all with no ads or in-game purchase options.

If cell reception is spotty, a booster can significantly strengthen the signal. SureCall’s products (from $200) work with all North American cell carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, UScellular and Verizon, to increase data, text and voice signals.

The Fusion2Go 3.0 ($400) is a strong solution for rural, suburban and urban areas with an up to 50-decibel gain in amplification. It includes a low-profile external antenna with magnetic mount for the top of the vehicle and has no monthly fees. Some models are designed for RVs, too.

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8 Totally Genius Road Trip Gadgets

Planning a road trip adventure? Make like a scout and be prepared. With these eight awesome road trip tools, you can do everything from keeping your devices charged to pulling your own espresso shots, all on the go. Seriously—who needs an apartment anyway?

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10 Gadgets for Your Next Road Trip

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You already know the downsides of a long trip by car: traffic, road construction and boring hours with nothing but the highway to look at. Any device that can make the journey easier, safer and more entertaining for you and your passengers is going to be well worth the cost. There are many gadgets available today that can help make the journey more pleasant -- even fun.

The key thing to remember is that a road trip doesn't mean going without. Whether it's phone service, your favorite television programs, games , or the full range of information and entertainment available over the Internet, you can have it at all your fingertips while you travel.

Travel gadgets are aimed at making your time on the road easier and more enjoyable, so it's not unusual for people to become completely attached to them. Take global positioning systems. A novelty not too long ago, GPS is now something many drivers can't live without. The latest GPS devices not only give you driving directions, they guide you into the proper lane at intersections and offer updates on weather and traffic. Many new cars come with GPS built in.

These 10 cool gadgets may soon make it onto your must-have list for future highway excursions.

• Mobile Wireless Internet
• LED Road Flares
• Mobile Satellite TV Receiver
• Bluetooth Headset
• Mobile Video System
• Satellite Phone
• SteriPEN Traveler
• CarMD Vehicle Diagnostics Kit
• Power Inverter

10: Mobile Wireless Internet

Systems like the Autonet Mobile router let you take the Internet with you in your car. You can file a sales report, listen to Pandora radio or surf for restaurant suggestions without ever leaving your seat. The Autonet folks have developed a technology using the 3G network that gives you seamless connections even when you're speeding along the interstate. For even better reception, you can mount an external antenna to your vehicle.

Mobile wireless routers offer the same range of services as any home network. Use your laptop to connect to weather sites and get full-size pictures of conditions up ahead, or take advantage of the connection to access the latest traffic flow reports. Passengers can watch YouTube videos or send instant messages. Because the signal travels up to 150 feet (45.7 meters), you can still access your mobile network from your motel room if your car is parked nearby.

9: LED Road Flares

If your car breaks down on a curve or along a stretch of busy highway with a narrow shoulder, you could definitely be in danger. Placing a bright flashing light on the roof of your car or farther up the roadway could save your life.

Road flares have gone high-tech. The old combustible types were handy, but they could be dangerous, they burned toxic chemicals and they lasted less than half an hour. New light emitting diode (LED) warning lights put out a bright flashing beacon designed to alert oncoming drivers. They're safer, more effective and reusable.

The Aervoe LED road flare is shaped like a hockey puck and includes a rechargeable battery. It will flash for up to 60 hours and can be seen for up to half a mile (0.8 kilometers). In addition to warning other drivers of road peril, LED flares help police or roadside assistance personnel to locate you.

8: Mobile Satellite TV Receiver

If you subscribe to DirecTV or Dish Network, you're used to a wide range of television options, many in high definition. A mobile TV receiver lets you take that entertainment on the road. All you need is a television, a power source, a satellite antenna and a subscription to a service. (This is obviously not a gadget to use while driving.)

The power source can be your car battery, a dedicated battery pack or even a small electrical generator. The DirecTV Sat-Go system includes its own rechargeable battery. Antennas are compact, but you'll need a direct view of the sky -- trees or tall buildings can interfere. Just a few minutes of setup time will get you up and running. It can be a kick to watch your favorite shows while at the edge of a remote lake, keep up with the news in a national park, or enjoy sports highlights at a tailgate party.

Some gadgets are practical and sensible. Others are, well, a little weird. The RoadPro Sandwich Maker plugs into your car's power outlet and delivers a hot sandwich in minutes. If you can't wait until you reach the next pizza shop, the same company offers a portable oven and pizza maker. A 12-volt curling iron that plugs into your car's lighter socket can help you look your best while you travel.

7: Bluetooth Headset

Using a handheld cell phone while driving is illegal in numerous states and the District of Columbia. If you must take calls on the road, the answer is a hands-free system based on Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth allows your phone to communicate with a wireless headset and microphone. You can make and receive calls and never have to fumble with the phone. Advanced models can even read text messages to you or let you know the status of the phone's battery via voice prompts.

Bluetooth can also send signals to full stereo headphones, giving you better sound quality and letting you play music as well as. You should not use headphones while driving. Yet another alternative is a Bluetooth speaker phone, which fits onto your dashboard and lets you or a passenger make hands-free calls.

Try out the device before you decide. Make sure the earbud is comfortable or that the speaker is designed to be heard in an environment like your car's interior.

6: E-reader

Some passengers love to curl up in the car with a good book, and that no longer means filling the car with a small library. Today, e-readers like the Amazon Kindle or the Barnes & Noble Nook give readers access to hundreds of books with the push of a button. The e-paper screens on these readers are great for reading in cars because they reduce glare and eye strain.

E-readers are steadily improving. The Kindle DX boasts a nine-inch screen. Newer versions of the Nook offer color images -- ideal for kids' picture books.

Another great feature of e-readers is that when you finish your Janet Evanovich thriller, you can download her next book over a WiFi or 3G network. You can also keep up on your favorite magazines and newspapers so you stay in the know while you're on the road.

Kids often find car trips BOR-ING, but gadgets can help them enjoy road travel. The Leapster 2 handheld video game system help tots pass the time, and it's both entertaining and educational. A Fischer-Price Kid-Tough digital camera lets kids take pictures as they go and is rugged enough to survive being dropped.

5: Mobile Video System

They're standard in many minivans, but you can install a mobile video system in any car, too. They're the perfect antidote to that dreaded query, "Are we there yet?" Some systems mount the video monitor in the back of the driver's and front passenger's headrests, so that backseat passengers have a good view. Other systems have screens that drop down from the ceiling. The sound can play through the car's stereo system, but individual headphones usually make more sense. Noise cancelling headphones filter out road noise.

In addition to watching movies or television shows on DVD, passengers can play video games, including head-to-head competitions. Systems come with USB ports and card readers, allowing them to play any video or audio files you've saved. For example, you might collect a group of internet videos or DVDs about your destination or attractions along the way, so passengers can get excited about the places they're about to visit.

4: Satellite Phone

Everybody knows the frustration of dropping a cell phone connection. On long trips, especially to remote locations, it's likely to happen more than once. The solution is a satellite phone. Services like Iridium, Globalstar and Thurya provide coverage virtually everywhere in the world by using satellites to transmit signals instead of antennas mounted on earthbound towers.

A satellite phone is an especially good choice if you're going to be driving into areas where cell service may be spotty or nonexistent. The only restriction is that you need a clear view of the outdoor sky -- if you're at the bottom of a canyon, you may have to hike up to the rim for reception.

If you don't travel frequently enough to merit purchasing a satellite phone, you might consider renting one for your trip. Keep in mind that you'll pay more for calls, typically $1.69 a minute. Text messaging can save you some money, as they usually cost only 50 cents per message.

Gadgets are great. But it's important to keep in mind that even few seconds of distracted driving can result in an accident. Studies have shown that using a cell phone, even a hands-free one, slows driver reaction time as much as a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent -- the legal limit. Is your conversation worth that level of risk? If you're driving, let the passengers handle the gadgets.

3: SteriPEN Traveler

Salmonella, streptococcus and cryptosporidium -- these exotic-sounding inhabitants of unsafe drinking water can play havoc on your digestive system and turn a vacation into a nightmare. Keep them from tagging along on your travels with an effective water purification system. The SteriPEN Traveler uses ultraviolet light to deactivate germs in almost any water. It uses four AA lithium batteries and fits into most commercial water bottles. The SteriPEN takes less than a minute purify a bottle of water and retails for about $50.

The device is ideal for those days you stop your car to take a hike, especially in hot weather. As long as there are water sources along the way, you won't have to bring bottles of water for each hiker. And the SteriPEN, at 3.6 ounces (102 grams), is lighter and less bulky than most filters.

2: CarMD Vehicle Diagnostics Kit

You're 800 miles (1287 kilometers) from home and the check engine light begins to glow ominously. Now what? You might be glad you invested in a CarMD Vehicle Diagnostics Kit. Every car made since 1996 has built-in computerized diagnostic circuitry; mechanics use it to quickly identify problems in your vehicle. The CarMD lets you do the same. A check engine light can mean something as simple as a loose gas cap, or it can alert you to a serious mechanical problem. With the CarMD, you'll know what you're dealing with.

The CarMD system doesn't just present you with a trouble code. It works with a computer program to convert that information into a description of the problem, a list of parts that might need replacing, and even the likely cost of parts and repair. It also alerts you to recalls and technical bulletins from the manufacturer. Run a scan on your car before you leave, and it will give you a heads-up on looming problems. Use it on the road if trouble pops up to figure out what you need to repair.

The CarMD readout can be a boon when you're approaching a mechanic while away from home. You'll know what's needed and what a fair price for the repair should be.

Before you take off on your car trip, you should pick up an emergency tire repair kit, such as Slime Quick Spair or Fix-A-Flat. These products inflate and seal your tire in seconds so you can keep rolling until you can get a professional repair.

1: Power Inverter

One of the most useful gadgets you can take along on your car trip is the one that lets you power up all the other gadgets. An inverter changes the 12-volt direct current from your car's battery into the 115-volt alternating current used by most appliances. You can operate a small television, a laptop computer, a toaster or a coffee maker with that.

Inverters come in a variety of sizes. Smaller ones, like the Kensington K38037US, fit into the glove box and plug into the lighter/power outlet. In addition to giving you AC power, it lets you charge your smart phone or iPod through a USB cable. Larger inverters can be wired directly to the battery. A model from Power Line looks exactly like a coffee cup. Plug it in and you have two AC outlets in your cup holder.

Keep in mind that the power in your battery is limited. You'll have to look at the maximum load of any inverter you use. You may need to turn on and run your engine periodically to make sure you're not draining your battery.

Solar chargers, some only a few inches across, use sunlight to supply power to an internal battery. That power can then be used to charge a cell phone, MP3 player or other device that draws power through a USB connection. It's a great way to keep your gadgets powered up when you're on the move or camping in the woods.

Road Trip Gadgets: Lots More Information

Related articles.

• Our Top 10 Stops for a Tech Road Trip
• 10 Tips for Planning a Cross-country Road Trip
• Top 10 Stress-free Road Trip Ideas
• What was the first road trip?
• What was the first cross-country U.S. road trip?
• Can you transfer road trip plans to your GPS?
• Aervo. LED Road Flare. (July 1, 2011) http://www.aervoe.com/paints_coatings/LED-Road-Flare-single.html
• Amazon.com. "Kensington K38037US Auto/Air Power Inverter." (July 1, 2011) http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K38037US-Power-Inverter-Ports/dp/B002DUD1RE
• Amazon.com. "Powerline By Original Power 0900-66 200-Watt Coffee Cup Inverter." (July 1, 2011) http://www.amazon.com/Powerline-Original-Power-0900-66-200-Watt/dp/B000QFISDK/ref=sr_1_44?ie=UTF8&qid=1309388947&sr=8-44
• Autonet Mobile. "Buckle up because this is a whole new way to experience the Internet." (July 1, 2011) http://www.autonetmobile.com/service
• CarMD.com. "What is the CarMD Vehicle Health System?" (July 1, 2011) http://www.carmd.com/72.4.0/Article/What-Is-It
• CarToys.com. "In-Car Theater." (July 1, 2011) http://www.cartoys.com/cartoys/webpage.cfm/WebPage_ID/101/action/Incartheater
• DirecTV. "Sat-Go." (July 1, 2011) http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/equipment/satgo
• Governors Highway Safety Association. "Cell Phone and Texting Laws," July 2011. (July 1, 2011) http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html
• McEvoy, Aoife M. "How to Buy a Bluetooth Headset or Car Speakerphone." PC World, March 2, 2011. (July 1, 2011) http://www.pcworld.com/article/155222/how_to_buy_a_bluetooth_headset_or_car_speakerphone.html
• Nationwide. "Driving While Distracted: Statistics To Know." (July 1, 2011) http://www.nationwide.com/newsroom/dwd-facts-figures.jsp
• Rubin, Ross. :Switched On: E-readers drive to digital distraction," Engadget.com, June 19, 2011. (July 1, 2011) http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/19/switched-on-e-readers-drive-to-digital-distraction
• SatelliteInsight.com. "Satellite Phone Tips and TricksTo Maximize Your Service." (July 1, 2011) http://www.satelliteinsight.com/satellite-phone-tips.html#service
• Slime. Quick Spair. (July 1, 2011) http://www.slime.com/product/871/Quick-Spair.html?utm_source=slime.com&utm_medium=Banner&utm_term=Quick%2BSpair&utm_campaign=Featured%2BProducts
• Steripen.com. "Traveler." (July 1, 2011) http://www.steripen.com/traveler
• Sub5Zero.com. "CarMD: Health Care Reform for Your Vehicle?" (July 1, 2011) http://www.sub5zero.com/gadgets/carmd-handheld-vehicle-diagnostic-tool-review

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Plug In All Kinds of Road-Trip Gadgets with a Power Inverter—We Tested 5 of Them

Posted: May 9, 2023 | Last updated: July 8, 2023

As occupants of a vehicle—both driving and riding—our list of plug-in gadgets is ever-growing. Gotta charge your laptop on the way to the office? Need a charging port for that. What about that plug-in coffee mug to keep your morning fuel piping hot? Hmm, gotta find a plug for that too.

Thankfully, most vehicle manufacturers have heard our cries and are including multiple power ports in their vehicles, including USB, 12-volt cigarette lighter, and even AC outlets. While this is great, not all of us drive new cars with all of those bells and whistles. Or maybe you do and you want a few extra plug-in options. Whatever the scenario, buying a power inverter adds electrical ports to your vehicle for a plethora of things.

But which one should you get? To aid in your power inverter buying process, we put five of the top-rated options to the test. We analyzed each inverter through a range of parameters in our Gear Team gauntlet. Here's what we uncovered.

Our Top Picks

How we tested power inverters.

We tested power inverters as practically as we could, plugging in common devices to see how much juice each would deliver. We tried a variety of electronic accessories ranging from iPad chargers to a hair dryer and a blender. To get a sense of which power inverter works best for any given situation, we tested the following parameters:

• Supported devices
• Cord length
• Number of ports
• Surge protection results

We assembled our notes and testing data to decide which power inverters were the best for certain situations. Our data contained both objective and subjective observations and, surprisingly, none of these units had the smaller USB-C ports that are used by a lot of the latest electronic devices. Here are our picks for the best power inverters .

SuperOne 150W Power Inverter

For a light-duty power inverter that does a little bit of everything, the SuperOne 150W is our pick. Featuring two USB, one AC, and two cigarette lighter–style ports, there's room for a host of different gadgets.

The cupholder design is nice, but only if you have the room to spare (a road-trip beverage is the priority, right?). During our device test, the SuperOne handled the phones, iPads, and battery chargers, and regulated our hair dryer to a low output without blowing any fuses.

It's rated for 150 watts, which might not sound like a whole lot but is enough for most electronic devices necessary for a pleasant family road trip. Because of its versatility, it's our pick for the Best Light-Duty Power Inverter.

Energizer 500W Power Inverter

If you need a power inverter for higher-draw devices, we recommend the Energizer 500W . With the ability to plug into your vehicle's cigarette-lighter port and connect directly to the battery, it offers a few more options.

There are four USB ports and two AC outlets to choose from, so there's room for everyone. In our device test, the Energizer was able to handle two iPhones, two iPads, and the battery charger, but blew the internal fuse when we tried to power on a blender.

To utilize the full 500-watt rating, you'll need to connect it directly to your vehicle's battery with the included alligator clamps. Because of the six plug options and internal protection, this is our pick for the Best Power Inverter for Higher-Draw Devices.

DeWalt 140W Power Inverter

If you just need a couple of charging ports, the DeWalt 140W is a great option. The inverter is built with durability in mind, featuring rubber grips and a thick power cord. This thing isn't going to break any time soon.

There's also a handy status light that burns blue when power is being supplied and red when a fault is detected. In our device test, the DeWalt survived a phone, iPad, and blender, but blew the internal fuse with the hair dryer.

We loved its rugged construction and the status light but wish it had more options for plug-ins. Regardless, it's an honorable mention and a fine choice.

Bestek 300W Power Inverter

While the Bestek 300W looks slick, it did fail our device test. It was able to power an iPhone, iPad, battery charger, and hair dryer for 5 seconds—until it popped our van's 20-amp fuse.

Is this the Bestek's fault? Not necessarily. It's rated for 300W (our van's circuit was rated for 240W) and goes to show that you need to check your vehicle's capacity if you want to avoid replacing a fuse all the time. Bestek says the internal fuse is rated at 40 amps—which seems really high compared to our vehicle's 20-amp fuse.

It's a solid power inverter that looks great, but be careful—it will pop your vehicle's fuse if too much load is demanded.

Duracell 800W High-Power Inverter

No, this isn't a supersized Duracell battery, but we do like the design. The Duracell 800W power inverter is a true brick, capable of producing up to 800 watts when directly connected to the battery. It's rated at 175 watts when connected to the cigarette-lighter port.

It's lacking in port options, with just one USB and two AC outlets. It also failed our device test, powering an iPhone, battery charger, and hair dryer—but blowing the vehicle's fuse. It should've blown its internal fuse before that but somehow didn't.

While there are definitely applications for larger devices connected to the battery, this inverter is just too unwieldy to keep and use regularly inside the vehicle.

We wanted to test power inverters in the same way most people would use them. The no-brainer test ended up being, "If I plug this in, will it work?" While this was the main parameter we wanted to try, we included other valuable data in our test results. Gear Team Tester Katherine lent her dependable 2001 Ford E-150—affectionately known as Rhonda—for this test, and it was a true vehicular champ.

For our main supported devices test, we plugged in various gizmos starting at the lowest wattage and working our way up. Our first devices were iPhone and iPad chargers, then we progressed through a Milwaukee battery charger, a blender, a dual-action polisher, and finally, a hair dryer. Here's the power draw for each device we measured with a Kill-A-Watt :

• iPhone charger: 14 watts
• iPad charger: 14 watts
• Milwaukee battery charger: 90 watts
• Blender: 290 watts at peak, 125 watts continuous
• Polisher: 260 watts at peak
• Hair Dryer: 547 watts at peak

We stacked these devices in ascending watt-usage order until the internal power inverter fuse popped or, in two cases, the 20-amp vehicle fuse blew. We then took notes on how much each inverter could take and which fuse blew first for our surge protection test.

We counted the number of USB and AC ports each inverter had, along with the weight via a mail scale. We then measured the power-cord length from the base of the inverter to the end of the plug. And finally, we took notes on the usability of each inverter.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Power Inverter

There are a whole bunch of different power inverters out there, each with different wattage ratings. Which one do you get? To make your power-inverter party run smoothly, here are some things to consider.

Wattage rating: This might be the most important factor when it comes to buying a power inverter. All it takes is some simple math to know if an inverter can handle what you want to plug in. Multiply the voltage (5 volts for USB, 12 volts for cigarette lighter, and 120 volts for an AC) by the amperage of your device to get the wattage. Compare that to the wattage rating of your power inverter, and that'll tell you if it can handle the draw.

Another thing to check is your vehicle's fuse rating for the 12-volt port—the fuse on our test van was 20 amps. By doing the math, that circuit can handle 240 watts. Any draw above that will pop the fuse.

The easy solution is to just install a larger fuse, right? Wrong. That entire circuit, including the size of the wiring, is rated for no more than 20 amps. If you demand more, you run the risk of starting an electrical fire. If you need to run a high-wattage device, consider getting a power inverter that hooks directly to the vehicle battery—which can handle a lot more juice than the 12-volt cigarette lighter.

Number of outlets: Check to see how many USB and AC outlets the power inverter offers. They're all a bit different, and it's important to double-check that an inverter has the ability to handle what you need.

Power-cord length: If you need devices to reach the inverter from the back seat, it's important to take the power-cord length into consideration. There's nothing worse than taut cords reaching from every seat like a spider's web.

Heat: These little devices work hard to put out the power you need. A side effect of this is heat, and the devices can get piping hot if powered on for long periods of time. Keep that in mind, and make sure it doesn't melt delicate surfaces or those road-trip chocolate chip cookies.

What does a power inverter do?

In short, a power inverter changes 12-volt direct current (DC) from your vehicle's cigarette-lighter port to 120-volt alternating current (AC). The devices you plug into wall outlets use AC, although some of them, such as phone chargers, convert that back to DC.

Do power inverters drain your vehicle's battery?

Yes, and it's important to keep an eye on the battery charge level or keep the vehicle running. Some power inverters feature an audible "low-power" beep or shut off when low power is sensed. If you're looking at getting a larger power inverter that runs off the battery, it's important to verify your vehicle's electrical system can handle the strain. Consulting a professional is a safe bet.

How long will it take a power inverter to drain a car battery?

If you use a smaller power inverter for a low draw like charging your laptop, you can expect to get between 30 and 60 minutes of power before your vehicle's battery dies. This, of course, depends on the draw and state of the battery. It's best just to leave the vehicle running.

What kinds of things can I use in a power inverter?

It depends on the wattage rating of said power inverter, but typical devices include phone and laptop chargers, small televisions, and gaming systems. Larger power inverters are capable of powering just about anything—your vehicle's electrical system needs to be significantly upgraded, though.

What do you do if the power inverter's fuse blows?

Most power inverters come with some extra fuses, and they're generally easy enough to replace. Simply unscrew the end of the 12-volt plug adapter, remove the cylindrical fuse, drop a new one in, retighten the end, and you're good to go.

What do you do if the vehicle's fuse blows?

If your vehicle's 12-volt cigarette-lighter fuse blows, check the owner's manual for the fuse locations—there are typically multiple fuse boxes on any given model. Find the fuse for that circuit, and pull out the old fuse with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Hold it up to the light and look for a break in the metal portion. It might even look burnt. Replace it with a fuse of the same amperage rating, and you're good to go.

Why Trust Us?

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. The Gear Team has tested a wide variety of automotive products, parts, accessories, and gear, such as GPS trackers for cars , OBD2 scanners , and EV chargers . We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers.

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products to earn a buck. Instead, we're more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek , Car and Driver , and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations.

Visit our Tested & Trusted page to see the very best in automotive gear. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here .

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60 Useful Road Trip Gifts and Basket Ideas for Travelers in 2023

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: March 2, 2023

Planning a road trip or know someone who is traveling soon? For travelers that are heading out soon, how about you surprise them with some road trip gifts — perhaps you’ll even make them a road trip gift basket! As someone who has taken dozens of roadtrips, these are some of the best road trip gifts you can pack.

These ideas are also perfect for auction gift baskets – this road trip basket below is one I made for our class school auction!

In this article:

Best Road Trip Gifts Ideas

As someone who has taken a LOT of road trips, here are 60 of my favorite road trip gift ideas! This list has a mix of road trip gifts including road trip essentials, road trip gadgets, games for road trips, unique gifts, and even some ideas for family road trip gifts!

Affiliate links are included in this post so I may earn a small commission if you purchase with my link.

Road Trip Essentials

These items are essentials that will help make a road trip more comfortable, safe, and clean. They make great road trip gifts as they're practical gifts and most have a low price. Many of these can be added to a road trip gift basket to fill in space.

Rand McNally 2022 Large Scale Road Atlas

While we all rely on google maps on our phones these days, there's always a chance you'll lose your coverage while driving. A road atlas helps you navigate to where you need to go if you lose signal for some reason. Rand McNally makes great road atlases, this one is spiral bound with large-scale maps but they also make a traditional staple-bound atlas. A road atlas is one of the best road trip gifts.

If you're staying in one particular state or region, you might consider a paper map for that state that you can just store in your glove compartment versus a whole atlas.

Also, keep in mind that digital maps will probably tell you the best way to go to save time or mileage, but it might not be the most scenic way to go. A road atlas can help you look for scenic drives and routes.

While traveling in the car there's nothing worse than getting something on your hands and not being able to wash them. Wet wipes are a great item to pack as they can be used to wipe up spills and messes -- not just for kids! I recommend buying biodegradable eco-friendly wipes.

Hand Sanitizer

Of course over the past couple of years having hand sanitizer handy has been a big part of traveling. But our family has been packing hand sanitizer on road trips for a while. The 8 oz Purell pump bottles fit well in our van cup holders and is easily accessible for all. It's great for using after stops, after fueling up, and before eating.

Paper Towels

Going along with the keeping things clean theme, a roll of paper towels is a great item to pack for a road trip. These come in handy in a variety of situations, cleaning up messes, wrapping up wet or dirty items, or even cleaning up spills in the car.

Facial Tissues (Kleenex)

Having some facial tissues, aka kleenex on hand is helpful since there's a good chance someone will need to blow their nose at some point. These can also come in handy if you need to use an outhouse or "green latrine" while on the road. These travel packs work well for the car but I know some brands make canister-style facial tissues that are supposed to fit in cup holders, too.

Car Trash Bag

While you can certainly use a plastic shopping bag for this purpose, a car garbage bag can make a great road trip gift. This is the one we use and I love that it has an elastic neck which makes it easy to push trash in, plus it has a rolled velcro bottom that you can simply unroll to empty out the garbage when you get to a large garbage can. Great (cheap) gift for road trip travelers!

5 Organization Tips for Road Trips

Here are some tips for keeping your car clean and organized during a road trip -- which will help everyone enjoy the trip more!

Roadside Emergency Kit

A roadside emergency gift is an excellent road trip gift idea -- especially for teen drivers! You never know when you'll have an issue on the road and one of these items might just help you avoid a serious issue or inconvenience.

5 Steps to Prep Your Car for a Road Trip

And don't forget to make sure your car is road-ready and any car maintenance is up to date. You'll also want to make sure your spare tire is in good condition and ready if you get a flat tire.

Car Battery Booster Pack

While the roadside emergency kit above comes with jumper cables, that relies on having another car available to give you a jump. When you're on the road, a car battery booster pack is a good idea since you can jump your car without relying on the help of strangers.

First Aid Kit

While you should make sure you're covered for serious medical concerns and can access a hospital, minor scrapes can be fixed with a travel first aid kit. Remember some ibuprofen/acetaminophen, stomach chews (Pepto Bismol), allergy pills, and bug bite cream. We've used them all on road trips.

Helpful Tips for What to Pack in a Travel First Aid Kit

If you're traveling as a family, here are some helpful tips for what we pack in our travel first aid kit - many items are useful for traveling with kids!

Odor Eliminator Spray & Air Freshener

Let's face it, long stretches in a car with one or more people are going to lead to some stink. Pack along a bottle of air freshener / odor eliminator to help manage smells while on the road. This is an item that many don't think about packing and so makes a great road trip gift!

Reusable Insulated Water Bottle

Water bottles are great for road trips as they help you stay hydrated and can save you money from buying drinks at every stop. Insulated bottles can also be used for coffee in the morning and water later in the day.

I like to have a bottle that has a flip/slider lid and a straw option as those are the easiest for using while driving in my opinion (versus a screw cap bottle). Just make sure to get a bottle that will fit in most cup holders (like these Simple Modern ones)!

A reuseable water bottle is one of the best travel gifts!

If you're planning a long drive with multiple rest stops along the way, it can be useful to have a simple day bag that you can grab if you leave the car for a hike or even to run into a store. A sling bag like this can even hold smaller tablets and books, plus it has a pocket for a water bottle or umbrella.

Facial Wipes

For long, multi-day road trips, facial wipes can come in handy, especially in the summer. These work for men and women and can be useful in helping you feel refreshed and

Being in the car for a long time can lead to some dry lips, so having some lip balm on hand

There's nothing worse than dry eyes, especially when you're driving! Having some eye drops packed in the car can be a real lifesaver on a long road trip.

Dental Floss Picks

Since eating in the car or on the go is pretty standard for road trips, having some dental floss picks packed can help keep your mouth feeling clean after meals. I also try to buy biodegradable ones so I'm not adding plastic to the landfills.

Another comfort item for road trips is lotion. We like to use a pump bottle, but you can also use a travel-size tube,

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

These microfiber cloths are especially handy for cleaning eyeglasses and sunglasses. But they can also be used for cleaning mirrors or windows or even the screens of DVD players, phones, and tablets.

Polarized Sunglasses

Driving in bright sunlight can be overwhelming and even dangerous. I have eyes that are sensitive to sunlight and a pair of polarized sunglasses is a huge help for driving during the day. Even people who don't normally drive with sunglasses can find these useful on the open road!

Slip-On Shoes

While these aren't necessarily a road trip gift you can gift someone you don't know well, slip-on shoes are definitely a road trip essential. You'll be making stops often and wearing shoes that tie will slow you down and become an annoyance for taking on and off when you're not driving. Of course, if you're a solo driver, you can wear whatever shoes you want since you won't be taking them off while in the car.

Travel Pillow

If you're going to be a passenger on a long road trip, you'll want to pack a travel pillow. Pillows like this one can be useful for traveling and make great gifts for a road trip passenger.

5 Reviews for the Best Travel Pillow

Check out my reviews for these different travel pillows.

Travel Blanket

Another road trip cozy item is a small travel blanket. This is useful for passengers if one person wants to keep the car at a cooler temp than others prefer. I also think being cozy makes it easier to fall asleep. This blanket also makes a great filling item for a road trip gift basket.

Travel Towel

If you're making stops along water and beaches, a travel towel can come in handy. We've stopped at roadside beach pull-outs and have always appreciated having a towel to dry off our legs and feet after taking a little walk in the waves.

Picnic & Outdoor Blanket

Planning some picnics or beach stops along the way? One of these fold-up picnic blankets is one of the best gifts for road trippers who like to enjoy nature along the way.

Reliefband Anti-Nausea Wristband

Keep in mind if anyone suffers from motion sickness while traveling. If so, be sure to pack some items to help with that. You can use medicine like Bonine, essential oils, ginger candies, or a Reliefband tech bracelet that uses electricity to help combat motion sickness.

Car Road Trip Accessories & Gadgets

For techy travelers, many of these road trip accessories and gadgets will seem like essential items! I'm making them their own category as they do offer some convenience and will certainly help plugged-in travelers stay connected while on the open road.

Car Power Inverter USB Charger

So many of us have electronics that will need to be kept charged during a long road trip. This power inverter also allows you to charge larger electronics like a laptop, in addition to having multiple USB ports for everyone to be able to charge their device. Great gift for a road trip with friends or family!

Portable Cooler Refrigerator

For road trippers that want to save money and eat on the road, a portable refrigerator that hooks to a car 12V outlet works great. It keeps food and drinks cool to enjoy later on the trip. This one comes with an AC plug too, so you can bring it in to plug in your hotel room.

We all know that driving can be dangerous, and these days proving who is at fault during an accident can come down to who has proof. A dash cam like this can help you prove what happened if something does go wrong while you're on a trip. (note, some US states do not allow you to mount dashcams to windshields, only dashboards)

If you're an Alexa-loving road tripper, consider "teching out" your car with one of these Echo Auto devices. You'll be able to go hands-free to play music, listen to audiobooks, and even play Alexa games.

Kindle Paperwhite

For travelers who love to read, having a Kindle can be a great gift idea. And for road trips, the glare-free Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for in the car. You can even get them with a trial for Kindle Unlimited which is a great service for avid readers!

Car Charger Phone Vent Mount

We love having this car mount in all our cars and I love that it charges my phone, too. Fits most phones and vents.

Handsfree Bluetooth FM Transmitter

If you or your friends have an older car, they might want one of these Bluetooth transmitters that let them connect their phones to their car through an FM radio station. Great for allowing you stream your favorite playlists and audiobooks from your phone to your car sound system.

If you like to keep your car clean while traveling, having a car vacuum on hand can be useful. This one plugs into a 12V outlet in the car and can help keep crumbs and dirt at bay. Make a great road trip gift!

Portable HEPA Air Purifier/Deodorizer

Since most road trips involve fast food and eating in the car, it's no surprise that your car can start to stink. This car gadget works to clean, purify, and deodorize the air. No more coming out to a car that smells like french fries from the day before!

Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

This handy road trip accessory gadget helps you check your tire pressure. It's always a good idea to drive with proper inflation and know if you might have a leak so you can get it fixed quickly!

Car Trunk Organizer

Here's another handy organization item that makes a great gift for road trips! Help your best friend keep things in order with a hanging trunk organizer. This one is great for vans and SUVs, but you can get sedan-sized organizers that work well for cars.

Car Window Shade

If you're buying a road trip gift for a group or someone who is traveling as a group, these car window shades can be useful. Often they're used by families for babies, but they work well for any passengers that don't want the sun beating down on them while they watch movies or sleep.

Cleaning Gel for Car

Here's another fun road trip accessory that makes for an affordable gift. This cleaning gel (aka slime) will seep into tight crevices and pick up rogue crumbs that a vacuum just can't quite reach.

Family Road Trip Gift Basket Ideas

Here are some great family road trip gift ideas that are perfect if you're shopping for someone who will be road-tripping with kids! These road trip gift basket items will keep the kids entertained and comfortable on the open road.

Road Trip Travel Games Gift Box

Here's a fun set of road trip games and activities for kids and it's already packaged together, making it ideal for adding to a family road trip gift basket!

Kids Travel Tray with Dry Erase Board

This travel tray can be a lifesaver for traveling families. Kids will have a surface to help them draw and eat, plus handy storage pockets for keeping their toys and activities from falling in between the seats!

Backseat Car Organizer with iPad Holder

If the kids are planning to watch some movies or shows on a tablet during the road trip, having a hanging pocket or mount can come in handy. This seat organizer serves that purpose as well as offering pockets for storing away other items.

Car Seat Organizer with Cup Holders

If you don't like the backseat mounted organizers, these organizers can sit in the middle seat next to kids to give them easy access to toys and snacks. Plus this one has cup holders!

Car Seat Headrest Pillows

One of the best ways kids can stay happy on a road trip is by sleeping, whether you're talking toddlers or teens. This neat road trip headrest gadget creates a cushioned rest for kids or adults to lean against which supports their heads.

Printable Road Trip Games for Kids - License Plate, Bingo, I Spy...

Check out my post with free printable road trip activities!

Shotgun! The Hilarious Family Card Game for Road Trips

Here's a fun road trip game perfect for grade school and teen-aged kids. Adults can even play along. This game is sure to bring laughs and great family memories!

Hidden Pictures Book Set

These are classics and I remember loving them when I was a kid. This pack of hidden picture books will keep kids entertained in the car and give parents a bit of peace and quiet while they search. :)

Free Printable Road Trip Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Print off this fun road trip scavenger hunt.

These are fun sensory toys for kids, letting them use their imagination to craft and build. They're fairly mess-free although you likely don't want to leave them in the hot sun as they're coated in wax to allow molding.

Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free

The Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free art sets are perfect for traveling kids. The markers only work on the special paper, so no worries about marker messes on your car, and no stress about melting crayons!

Kids Travel Bag Activities to Pack for Vacation

Here are some fun travel activities kids can bring on the road.

Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal

This fun book is packed full of road trip games and activities for traveling kids. Great gift for kids who are writing.

LCD Writing Tablet for Kids

This brings back some memories of etch-a-sketch for me! Kids can draw whatever they want and then at the push of a button the screen is clear and ready for a new design. The name-brand version of this toy is Boogie Board in case you want to avoid the "knock-off" versions.

Dramamine Motion Sickness for Kids

If you're buying a road trip gift for a family who hasn't traveled much with their kids, adding these kids' motion sickness tablets could be a lifesaver.

Road Trip Gift Cards & Memberships

Another great idea for road trip gifts is to give travel lovers gift cards or memberships that will be useful on the road.

Roadtrippers Plus

One of my favorite tools I used on a recent road trip was Roadtrippers. It's a road trip planning app that helps you find great spots to see and things to do along your route. It even includes reviews and photos from fellow travelers. It's a perfect road trip gift!

National Parks Pass

If the road trip will be heading past national parks in the US, giving the gift of a National Parks Pass ($80) can be a great idea. Plus, there are even ways people can get a parks pass for free!

Audible Membership

Audiobooks are great to listen to on road trips, and a gifted membership to Audible will help road trippers stay entertained and maybe even learn something new while on the road.

AAA Membership

AAA is the leader in roadside assistance memberships, so a membership for their service can make a great gift. Many hotels also offer a AAA discount on hotel rooms which could help a traveler save money!

Gas Gift Cards

Buying a gift card for gas can be a bit tricky as you might not know what gas stations will be popular on the road trip route. However it's a fun gift idea with a definite road trip theme, so even a small amount to a local area gas station can get used.

Road Trip Snacks

Lastly, there’s nothing quite like snacks to help make a road trip great! Read my full list of road trip snacks , but these are a few of my favorites that make great gifts for a road trip gift basket!

• Fruit Leathers/Snacks
• Granola Bars
• Rice Krispie Treats
• Animal Crackers

I hope this list has been helpful. Many of these road trip gifts are a great way to prepare travel lovers for their upcoming trip while also providing useful gifts that they might not have thought of! Let me know if you have any other gift ideas I didn’t list.

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Breaking news, prepare for low batteries of all kinds with this battery jump starter and power bank, only $69.99.

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TL;DR:  Prepare for an emergency with a TYPE S 12V Battery Jump Starter. This  compact gadget can give your car a jump , power your phone, or light a small room with built-in LEDs, and it’s available for only $69.99 (reg. $119).

Whether you’re gearing up for a road trip or  prepping an emergency kit , a backup power source is a great gadget to have. And it’s even better if you can use it to jumpstart your car. The TYPE S Jump Starter and Power Bank is like an electrical multitool. You can use it to give your car battery a jump, power your phone, or even light up a room. Normally, this battery jump starter would cost $119, but you can get one on sale for just $69.99 for a limited time. 

This portable power bank can give all sorts of batteries a boost. If your car battery needs some help, connect the integrated jumper cables while following the directions displayed on the LCD screen. This jump starter also has standard safety features like polarity and overheat protection, so you can power up your vehicle with a little peace of mind. This gadget is capable of jumpstarting 6.0L engines and under and 3.0L diesel engines and under.

TYPE S 12V 6.0L Battery Jump Starter

Your car isn’t the only thing this little power station can charge up. Use some of that  8,000mAh battery to power your phone or tablet using the USB-C cable . Or you can wirelessly charge Qi-enabled devices on the top of the power bank. It even offers speedy charging for devices powered by USB-A.

If the lights go out during an emergency, this Battery Jump Starter is also equipped with LEDs. Switch between a multimode flashlight and red hazard lights that can flash, strobe, or display Morse Code patterns to ensure others can see where you are.

Whether it’s in your camping kit or your emergency bag, this battery jump starter is a great gadget to have on hand to ensure you have a reliable power supply, light source, and more.

For a limited time, get the  TYPE S 12V Battery Jump Starter  for just $69.99. 

StackSocial  prices subject to change.

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• The 50 Best Bars in North America for 2024, Ranked

Mexico City's Handshake Speakeasy takes top honors.

Tori latham, tori latham's most recent stories.

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For the first time ever, the best bar in North America is in Mexico.

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In all, the United States saw the most bars make the grade, with 26 entries in the top 50. Including the three in the top five alone, a dozen are located in New York City. Mexico continued its strong showing with a total of 15 bars on the list, followed by Canada with seven and the Caribbean with two. Canada’s best bar, sitting at No. 21, is Civil Liberties in Toronto, while the Caribbean’s is La Factoría in Puerto Rico at No. 18.

“North America is the melting pot of the world, where cultures, flavors, ingredients, and techniques combine,” Elisa Gregori, the global business unit director of Perrier, a sponsor of the awards, said in a statement. “This is on display like nowhere else in the bar community that leads the way in terms of innovation and creativity, where hospitality is more of a way of life than just a job.”

The 50 Best Bars in North America Complete List:

• Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
• Superbueno, New York
• Overstory, New York
• Martiny’s, New York
• Rayo, Mexico City
• Jewel of the South, New Orleans
• Double Chicken Please, New York
• Thunderbolt, Los Angeles
• Licorería Limantour, Mexico City
• Tlecān, Mexico City
• Zapote Bar, Playa del Carmen
• Katana Kitten, New York
• Café La Trova, Miami
• El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara
• Employees Only, New York
• Aruba Day Drink, Tijuana
• Café de Nadie, Mexico City
• La Factoría, San Juan
• Kumiko, Chicago
• Dante, New York
• Civil Liberties, Toronto
• Service Bar, Washington D.C.
• Allegory, Washington D.C.
• Botanist Bar, Vancouver
• Herbs & Rye, Las Vegas
• Baltra Bar, Mexico City
• Bekeb, San Miguel de Allende
• Kaito del Valle, Mexico City
• Bar Pompette, Toronto
• True Laurel, San Francisco
• Attaboy, New York
• Meadowlark, Chicago
• The Dead Rabbit, New York
• Selva, Oaxaca
• Library by the Sea, Grand Cayman
• Century Grand, Phoenix
• Arca, Tulum
• Pacific Cocktail Heaven, San Francisco
• Cloakroom, Montreal
• Bar Mordecai, Toronto
• Maison Premiere, New York
• Hanky Panky, Mexico City
• Angel’s Share, New York
• Milady’s, New York
• Brujas, Mexico City
• Mírate, Los Angeles
• Cure, New Orleans
• Best Intentions, Chicago
• The Keefer Bar, Vancouver
• Atwater Cocktail Club, Montreal

Culinary Masters 2024 Don’t miss the food event of the year. Register for  Robb Report ’s  Culinary Masters  now. Or, for more information on  Robb Report  experiences, visit  RR1 .

Tori Latham is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. She was previously a copy editor at The Atlantic, and has written for publications including The Cut and The Hollywood Reporter. When not…

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