Summer Road Trip Essentials

Taking a road trip this summer? You'll want to be sure to bring all the right summer road trip essentials!

Off on a summer road trip?

As we just barely start thinking about traveling again, for many of us, our first trip will be a road trip - and there's really no better way to spend a summer's week or weekend!

Having spent many a summer as a child in the back of my parents' car, tooling around the Midwest, I've gone ahead and compiled a few of my summer road trip essentials - everything you won't want to forget before you set off on your trip!

And, while you're here, don't forget to check out my 8 Best Midwest Road Trips, for destination inspiration!

Summer Road Trip Essential: Snacks

In hindsight, this could be a list of just one essential! I'm all about the snacks. Chex Mix, Tootsie Pops, Goldfish - salty and/or sweet, I'm there! Depending on how much you'll be stopping and how far you'll be going, you may want to also include a cooler with cold beverages and lunch supplies!

Oh and don't forget your reusable water bottles! You'll thank me!

Summer Road Trip Essential: Playlist

Having the right tunes is key to road trip enjoyment! There are tons of pre-made road trip mixes out there, but as we've got some time on our hands, why not make your own?

Summer Road Trip Essential: Audiobooks

But, of course, tunes will only take you so far! Download a few great audiobooks to mix things up, particularly for a long road trip. Check out my list of cozy, English murder mysteries that'll keep you on the edge of your seat the entire journey!

Summer Road Trip Essential: An actual map

While there are plenty of apps (we'll discuss apps in a bit!) and digital navigation tools, there's always some chance of needing a physical map, in the event of a phone malfunction. If you'll be crossing international borders, you'll certainly want to bring a "real" map.

Summer Road Trip Essential: Great break spots

The breaks in your road trip are as much a part of your trip as the destination! Plan out a few special stopping destinations throughout your journey in advance, to make sure you hit all the best spots you'll be passing, but definitely leave room for spontaneity along the way!

Summer Road Trip Essential: The right apps! 

Of all the road trip apps out there, you'll definitely want to find one that helps you figure out how you can easily find the facilities you need at the rest stops (i.e. ​iExit). And, be sure to monitor the traffic along your route (I do this with Google Maps on my iPhone).

Summer Road Trip Essential: The right outfit

No "essentials" list on any topic would be complete without suggestions for the right outfit! So let's discuss the perfect road trip outfit! My road trip outfit consists of:

Sunglasses

There's no guarantee for a headache like not wearing sunglasses on a long road trip! Be sure to bring a polarized pair! I always buy mine at Nordstrom Rack.

Comfy short/pants

For me, it's light-weight long pants. If it's hot, hot, hot, try some longer shorts that won't ride up too much during all of that sitting! J. Crew Factory has some amazing deals on shorts.

The right shoes

Avoid flip-flops if you'll be taking over the driving! Check out the loafers from Birdies - comfortable, and safer for driving!

Something cozy

Sometimes, particularly on the hotter days, the AC levels in the car can get a little chilly for me. So, I like to include a sweatshirt or cozy wrap to warm up!

Summer Road Trip Essential: A full tank of gas

Do yourself a favor and fill up the tank the night before your trip! There's nothing worse than finally getting all packed up and getting on the road, and then realizing that a non-coffee-based pitstop is needed!

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you have a phenomenal road trip! Leave me your summer road trip essentials in the comments, below! And don't forget to check out my 8 Best Midwest Road Trips for all my favorite Midwestern road trip destinations!

Love it? Pin it!