I Take a 1,200-Mile Road Trip Every Summer—Here’s Everything I Pack

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Every year, my family takes a 1,200-mile road trip to visit my parents. Not only do I have Tetris-like trunk-packing skills, but I've also figured out what deserves a spot in the car and what doesn't. Some road trip essentials are obvious, like sandwiches, a water bottle, and comfortable clothes . With this list, I'm focusing on things you can bring that will make the trip easier on everyone, not to mention safer.

For example, this set of car seat gap fillers will spare you the hassle of digging between the seats for your dropped phone or lip balm. A gel-infused seat cushion is a game-changer when you're driving for hours on end. And I don't go anywhere without a portable jump-starter, so I can get back up and running without needing to ask strangers for help. Check out my list of road trip essentials, and grab what you need before your next adventure .

1) ComfiLife Gel Seat Cushion

Sitting in the same position for hours on end isn't good for anyone. If you have joint issues or back pain (like me), you know that being comfortable is a priority. Treat yourself to a cushion that has memory foam and a soft gel, so you can power through the miles.

2) Helteko Backseat Organizer (Set of 2)

When my kids were little, car seat organizers like this were life-savers. They could keep all of their toys and books within arm's reach, and I didn't have to crawl over the seat to retrieve stuff from the floorboards. We still use one, only now it holds tablets, chargers, lip gloss, and snacks.

3) Givifive Car Seat Gap Filler (Set of 2)

Real talk: Few things are more annoying than your phone falling between your seat and your console when you're driving. This gap filler fits securely around your seat belt catch. It doesn't just fill the gap, it also provides a place to hold small things like coins, devices, or key fobs.

4) Tales Family Edition

I always hit the road with a set of conversation cards and believe it or not, my two teenagers are all in . It's a great way to get them off of their phones, and we're creating new memories as we relive the old ones.

5) Loncaster Car Phone Holder Mount

I haven't had good luck with magnetic phone holders in the car—one big pothole, and my phone goes flying. Instead, I use this dash-mounted stand. You just put your phone on the stand, and it's held in place without the need to fuss with knobs or clamps.

6) NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Car Battery Jump Starter

Dead batteries happen, and if there's no one around to give you a jump start (or if you don't feel comfortable asking strangers), this tool is a must-have. Per the brand, once it's fully charged you'll have enough power for 20 jump starts. The set only weighs 2.5 pounds, and it's easy to store in your console or trunk. Plus, you can charge your devices on it, and there's a built-in flashlight that includes an emergency strobe.

7) Vriexsd Mini First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a smart thing to keep in your car at all times, but honestly, I've only ever opened mine when we're on a road trip. Paper cuts and mosquito bites are easily taken care of, and you don't have to remember to pack a bunch of stuff. It's all here, even spare safety pins and tweezers.

8) Lisen Retractable Car Charger

You may own countless portable chargers and even more cords, but I'm willing to bet that someone will forget to pack theirs for the road trip. Plug this block into your cigarette lighter, and it can charge up to four devices at once. There's a retractable USB-C and lightning charging cord built in, and additional USB and USB-C plugs.

9) Drift Car Air Freshener

You don't want your car to smell like old ketchup packets and despair by the time you reach your destination, so treat the whole crew to one of these air fresheners. There are eight scents to choose from (teak is my personal favorite), and the wooden block that clips to your visor looks way more attractive than those cheap paper trees.

10) Igloo Electric Plug-in Cooler

Electric car coolers like this budget model from Igloo can keep drinks and food cold just like a mini-fridge, saving you money in the long run and sparing you the mess of dealing with melting ice. This one is narrow enough to fit between most back seats, but you can also keep it on a floorboard or in the trunk thanks to its 8-foot power cord.

11) Hotor Car Trash Can

I have this exact trash can (more than 50K reviews on Amazon convinced me), and it gets the job done. It doesn't hold a lot, but it's great for things like wrappers, tissues, plastic lids, juice boxes, and straws. It's easy to empty and clean, and I like that there's a strap I can loop around my console lid so it stays in place in the back. You can also mount it on a headrest pole (shown here).

12) Kingmas Reusable Folding Totes (Set of 2)

For quick trips to a supermarket or a road-side farm stand, reusable totes keep you from accumulating plastic bags. They fold down into a small pouch (about 5x4 inches), so you can keep one in your purse or glove box and always have a bag when you need it.

13) Carsun Digital Portable Tire Inflator

If you're in the middle of nowhere and your tire light comes on, you'll be glad you have this under-$30 tool. It plugs into your car's cigarette lighter (so you don't have to worry about keeping it charged), and it works just like the tire inflators at a gas station. Set the pressure you need, start inflating, and it'll shut off when your tires are properly inflated.

14) Coop Home Goods Small Travel Pillow

Sleeping in the car is difficult, but a small memory foam pillow can help you get comfortable. You can add more memory foam fill (or take some out) to get the firmness you prefer, and I love that it packs into this compressible bag, saving space in the car when it's not being used.

15) Goodwipes Extra Large Wipes (Set of 6)

That stash of fast food napkins in the glove box isn't going to cut it. All-purpose wipes are a must, not just for bathroom breaks, but for cleaning up messes and generally keeping everyone feeling fresh and happy. Plus, these smell really good.

16) Nebo Torchy Rechargeable Pocket Flashlight

This little flashlight has some power to it. It shines at 1,000 lumens, which is about 50 times as bright as your phone's flashlight app and something you'll be thankful for if you have to change a tire in the dark. You'll get five light settings, including a strobe light for emergencies. Use the clip or the magnetized end to mount the flashlight, and you can use it hands-free.

17) BAGSMART Mini Clear Toiletry Bag

My favorite road trip hack: Give everyone one of these. It'll hold their chargers, cords, mints, lip balms, earbuds, mini deodorants, hand sanitizers, hand lotion, or whatever they want to use regularly. The clear window makes it easy to see what's inside, and small things won't get lost in a backpack or tote.

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