The Essentials: Long-weekend road trips
Pack a fully prepped car with this list of must-haves.
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There’s nothing like a long-weekend trip to destress after a tough work week—or season, or year—unless you spend it dealing with a packed airport or canceled flight. That’s why some vacations beg to be taken by car.
Although gas prices may impact just how far you're driving, there’s a lot to love about the road trip—especially if you have the right gear for the ride. Below, we’ve rounded up the essentials that will make the journey feel as enjoyable as the destination.
Drinking luke-warm water from a plastic water bottle that’s been sitting in a warm car? No, thanks. This canteen from Corkcicle is triple-insulated to keep liquids cold for 25 hours, and comes with a pop-up straw for easy sipping on the road. The 40-ounce size won’t fit in most cup holders, so get the 20-ounce and plan to refill.
From $35
Polarized sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes on the road. Goodr’s frames feature a special grip coating to prevent slippage and glare-reducing, polarized lenses that block UVA and UVB rays, making them ideal for driving, running, and hiking. While they've got plenty of styles under $50, we like the fun, retro-inspired Artifacts.
From $249
Aer’s Travel Pack 3 backpack has a lay-flat main compartment for easy packing, plus handles on all sides that make it a breeze to grab and go. There’s a padded laptop slot and quick-access top, plus side pockets for small valuables, making it simple to stay organized. Load it up and you’ll still have room in the car for everything else.
From $250
Keep your favorite drinks and snacks cool with the Roadie 24. It's on the taller side, making it perfect for the floor space behind the front-row seats, which frees up trunk space for larger luggage. It makes a nice stool in a pinch, too.
From $100
No matter the season, you’ll want a shoe that’ll keep your toes warm without inhibiting your ability to drive. Enter these Birkenstock slippers, made from wool felt and lined with shearling for extra coziness and cushioning. But rest assured: They don’t look so much like slippers that they’ll warrant curious looks at rest stops.
From $199
Achy backs and stiff necks can make driving miserable; pack a Theragun mini to pound out sore muscles along the way. Use the device for just a few minutes every time you stop—your body will be grateful.
Ridley Games Travel Trivia
From $8
To help stave off road-trip ennui, pack Ridley’s road-trip-themed Travel Trivia, which includes 80 multiple-choice questions and fun bonus facts. Questions like, “Where can you stand on the Devil’s Kitchen cliffside observation platform?” will keep you entertained for hours—and may even inspire a future trip.
From $26
Having a charged phone essential for long car rides, whether you’re in need of an impromptu lunch spot or a bail-out from AAA. With both a USB-C and USB-A port plus 18 watts of power, Anker's charger can simultaneously charge two devices. Be sure to also bring a cord, too—Anker's fast-charging, six-foot-long cable can reach the back seat and withstand up to 30,000 bends.
A scarf or a blanket will make any ride feel a bit more luxurious. Made from 100 percent cashmere, Naadam’s lightweight ribbed throw also doubles as a chic shawl for nights out after you’ve arrived.
Keep your hands clean with Dr. Bronner’s lavender-scented sanitizing spray, which dries quickly and doesn’t zap moisture from your skin. Designed to kill germs, it’s also sustainable: Dr. Bronner’s sources its ingredients from organic farms.
