From healthy snacks and natural energy boosts to creative tools and comfort must-haves—here’s how we pack for a relaxed and meaningful road trip
We recently took an 8-hour drive from St. Louis to Trussville, Alabama, for a long weekend visit. It was low-key, relaxing, and just what we needed. After years of overpacking—or underpacking—we’ve finally landed on a real-life road trip packing list for adults that actually works. No clutter, no chaos, just the essentials that make travel feel simple, comfortable, and even a little fun.
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a longer trip, this guide shares what we really bring on the road—from healthy snacks to car comforts to creative downtime tools.
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I use and love, and all opinions are my own.
Airbnb/VRBO Essentials: Skip the Surprises
We rented a VRBO for the entire trip, and since we’re driving, we always bring a few home comforts. If you’ve ever arrived to find no coffee maker, terrible coffee, or no filters—you know why this matters.
Here’s what we packed:
- Our French press, electric kettle, and our favorite coffee beans
- Basic pantry items like salt, olive oil, and our favorite seasoning blend
- Leftovers or simple ingredients for breakfast and a quick dinner
- Yoga mats and resistance bands to stretch and move each day
- Laptop and lap desk to write blog posts and go through trip photos
- And don’t forget to print your login and password information for streaming services (be sure to logout when you leave!)
When you’re traveling by car, it’s easy to pack a bin with these items, and honestly, they make a huge difference in how settled and relaxed we feel.
Affiliate Picks:
– Mueller Stainless Steel French Press (great for travel and keeps coffee warm!)
– Cuisinart Electric Kettle (with temperature control for coffee, tea, boiling water)
– Manduka X Travel Mat
– Fit Simplify Resistance Bands
– LapGear Home Office Lap Desk
How We Pack the Cooler (No Ice, No Mess)
One of our best travel hacks is skipping loose ice and freezing a few water bottles instead. They keep everything cold and double as fresh water later in the drive. I pack our food into an insulated grocery tote, surrounded by frozen bottles and drinks—no leaks, no mess.
This trip we brought:
- Pre-cooked bacon
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Cheese sticks
- Protein shakes
- Sugar-free jerky
- Homemade trail mix and popcorn
Having real food on hand keeps us from stopping for gas station snacks and lets us get to our destination faster—without the crash from sugary treats or heavy meals.
Affiliate Picks:
– Insulated Grocery Bag
– Hydro Flask Water Bottle
– Stainless Steel Blender Bottle
– Pure Zen Coffee or Tea Travel Mug (with infuser)
– Grass Fed Beef Jerky
– Levels Protein Shakes – strawberry or chocolate
How Our Road Trip Packing List for Adults Has Evolved Over Time
We’ve done road trips where we packed everything and used half of it—and others where we forgot simple things that would’ve made life easier. Over time, we’ve figured out what really matters for a relaxed, intentional road trip.
Car Comforts, Creative Tools & Natural Energy Boosts
We keep the front seat organized and bring only what we’ll actually use:
- Phone mount and charger
- Tissues, wipes, napkins, and a trash bag
- Sunglasses, reusable water bottles, and lip balm
- Pre-downloaded playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks (we love nonfiction and short stories)
When I’m not driving, I love to use the time creatively. This trip, I brought my lap desk and laptop to work on blog posts and sort through trip photos. It felt good to use the time for something fulfilling and relaxed—not just mindless scrolling.
And of course, we always bring a camera—sometimes my DSLR, sometimes just my phone. I like to capture little moments from the road: road signs, pretty skies, unexpected rest stops. It’s not about perfection; it’s about documenting the feeling of the trip as it happens.
And when that mid-afternoon slump hits? Instead of reaching for an energy drink, I keep a Super B Complex supplement in the car. It gives a clean, natural energy boost without sugar or caffeine crashes. Game-changer.
Affiliate Picks:
– Universal Magnetic Car Mount
– Anker PowerCore Portable Charger (for android & iphone)
– Auto Trash Bin
– Audible Free Trial
– LapGear Lap Desk
– Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Plus
– Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
Packing Smart with Our Suitcases
We don’t overcomplicate luggage. For trips with just one destination, we each pack our regular suitcase. Easy.
But for road trips with multiple stops, we’ve learned to plan ahead and split our packing. We’ll use one suitcase for the first half of the trip, and the second suitcase for the last half. That way, we’re not digging through everything we own every night. It saves time, keeps the car more organized, and makes transitions between places way smoother.
Here’s what we typically include:
- Light, comfy layers for unpredictable weather
- A rain jacket and umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes for quick stops or long strolls
- A travel pillow for naps
- Reusable shopping bags (because they always come in handy)
- And of course, our camera or phone with extra storage
Affiliate Picks:
– Packing Cubes – Great for keeping suitcases organized
– Travelpro Suitcase – Lightweight and road trip-friendly
– Memory Foam Travel Pillow – with washable cover
– Ray-Ban Wayfarers
– Hoka OneOne – women & men
Road Trip Safety Checklist
Before every trip, we do a basic car check (oil, tire pressure, windshield fluid), and we keep a few safety must-haves in the car at all times:
- Printed map or atlas
- Emergency kit with jumper cables, flashlight, and first aid
- A power bank and extra charging cables
- A bit of cash—just in case we end up somewhere that doesn’t take cards
Affiliate Picks:
– Roadside Emergency Kit – includes a first aid kit
– Rand McNally 2025 Atlas & National Park Guide
Final Thoughts: Travel with Intention
This road trip packing list for adults is less about “being prepared for anything” and more about making the trip feel good from start to finish. We focus on bringing what we’ll use, what makes us feel at home, and what supports the way we want to live—even when we’re on the go.
And honestly, that’s what makes road trips fun again: staying true to your rhythm, even when the scenery changes.
Got a favorite road trip item or must-pack essential? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!