Family Road Trip Planning & Packing Printable List

When it comes to family vacations, a road trip can be an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. The open road, the freedom to explore new destinations, and the opportunity to bond with your loved ones make a family road trip a fantastic choice for holiday adventures. However, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, careful planning and strategic packing are essential. Here are some tips and ideas to help you prepare for the ultimate family road trip. Read until the end to see the ideal Family Road trip packing list printable! 

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I grew up as the oldest of five kids, and one of many cousins who often took family vacations together. Sometimes, we traveled to nearby destinations like the beaches of Delaware or New York City; other times, we ventured to further locations like the Outer Banks, Disney World, or the Great Smoky Mountains. With over 30 years of experience on family road trips- both from when my mom did all the preparation through now when my husband and I work together to plan the details, I have learned a lot along the way. 

We have taken a few road trips across Europe (my favorite road trips!), within the state of Florida, and the entire East Coast. Every trip has it’s own unique lessons and things to think about. 

Each year, we take at least two long road trips where we spend around 20 hours in the car. This post goes into detail of how we all keep our sanity, stick to a budget and attempt to stay healthy and active along the way. 

Why Choose a Road Trip?

Road trips offer the flexibility to create your itinerary, stop at exciting attractions along the way, and enjoy the scenic beauty of different landscapes. Unlike other forms of travel, a road trip allows you to set your own pace, making it ideal for families with diverse interests and preferences.

I LOVE being able to stop in various towns, so random attractions and see places I may not get to otherwise. Whether it’s to see the world largest frying pan, see a historic town, or get something to eat, it’s a nice way to break up a trip but also to ensure you are getting more of an experience rather than only focusing on getting from here to there. 

If you plan to visit National Parks, I highly recommend considering a road trip as there is usually a lot to see in the surrounding area, it’s most of the time a large park to drive through and there may even be other nearby parks depending on your location. A National Park road trip is a must do for many families! 

Tips for Taking a Family Road Trip

The road trip is only as successful as the people on it…or something like that! It’s helpful to get everyone involved before hand and thinking through these tips. Let each family member provide input. 

• Plan the Route: Research and plan your route in advance, considering the distances between stops and potential points of interest. Take into account the preferences of all family members when deciding on the destinations and activities along the way.
• Break Up the Journey: Long car rides can be tiring, especially for children. Plan regular breaks to stretch, explore new places, and avoid fatigue. Look for playgrounds, parks and areas to stretch your legs every few hours. 
• Entertainment: Prepare a selection of entertainment options to keep the entire family engaged during the trip. This could include music playlists, audiobooks, and car-friendly games. Many of my friends have Tonies for their kids, which can work on a road trip, but we love a variety of audiobooks, podcasts, music, and shows downloaded on iPads. 
• Rent A Car: This is an extra cost for your family vacation, but it could be worth it! You will avoid maintenance fees as listed below; you aren’t adding miles to your own vehicle; it’s usually a newer vehicle that could have some extra things like more chargers and outlets, and you could get a larger, more comfortable car if you have a small vehicle. 
• Keep A Charge: Make sure all electronic devices are charged and don’t forget external chargers and phone chargers and cords. 
• Download the Family Road Trip Packing Printable: head to the bottom of this post to download the guide to make your personal packing experience easier!

Tips for Packing for a Road Trip

• Luggage Organization: Pack efficiently by organizing clothes and essentials in separate bags for easy access. You want to keep as much in the trunk or back of the vehicle as possible to give each family member some room to spread out. 
• Prepare a Roadside Emergency Kit: Carry a basic emergency kit containing first aid kit with supplies, bug spray, sunscreen, motion sickness meds, flashlight, batteries, jumper cables, and other essential items for unexpected situations.
• Snacks and Drinks: Stock up on a variety of snacks and drinks to keep hunger and thirst at bay. Opt for non-messy options to minimize cleanup efforts in the car. We usually stick with a few sandwich options, water, hydration packs, and, of course, snacks! Save money when you stop at rest stops by already having delicious snacks within your vehicle! Read below for more specific details. 
• Comfort Items: Pack comfort items such as pillows, blankets, and favorite toys to make the journey more enjoyable for everyone. Personally, I bring a blaket and pillow on almost all road trips. I also like to bring socks if I am wearing sandals. My daughter keeps her favorite stuffie with her, and also has an extra sweatshirt on hand. 
• Essentials: The little things you may not always have in your car will be important when you are spending a lot of time in it. Think about bringing an extra plastic bag, toilet paper (you never know!), towels, a printed list of important details, and umbrellas. A general destination paper map could be helpful as well, you may not need a full road atlas but having something if you don’t have cell phone service will be nice. Having a change of clothes within easy reach by the luggage is helpful, too! 

Ideas to Keep the Whole Family Busy

1. Road Trip Games: Every good road trip includes classic road trip games such as “I Spy,” scavenger hunts, or car bingo to make the journey entertaining. Here are some classic road trip games along with instructions on how to play:

• I Spy: One player selects an object within sight and says “I spy with my little eye something that is [color or description].” The other players take turns guessing the object until someone guesses correctly. Then, the next player gets a turn to spy an object.
• 20 Questions: One player thinks of a person, place, or thing. The other players take turns asking yes-or-no questions to guess what the player is thinking of. Players have 20 questions to figure out the answer. You can also switch it up and check out these Would You Rather Questions. 
• The License Plate Game: Each player tries to spot license plates from as many different states as possible. Keep track of the states you see and whoever spots the most by the end of the trip wins.
• Name That Tune: One player hums or whistles a tune, and the others try to guess the song. You can also use a music app to play a few seconds of a song and have others guess the title and artist. 
• Car Bingo: Create bingo cards with items commonly seen on road trips, such as a red car, a billboard for a fast food restaurant, a specific type of animal, etc. When a player spots an item on their card, they mark it off. The first player to get bingo wins

2. Explore Pit Stops: Research interesting pit stops and attractions along the route to add excitement and variety to the trip. Check out these totally random pit stops that may be on your route if you are planning a Road Trip across the United States

• The World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kansas
• Carhenge, a replica of England’s Stonehenge using old cars in Alliance, Nebraska
• The Museum of Bad Art in Somerville, Massachusetts
• The International Banana Museum in Mecca, California
• The Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada
• The Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
• The House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin
• The Abita Mystery House in Abita Springs, Louisiana
• Salvation Mountain in Niland, California
• The World’s Largest McDonald’s in Orlando, Florida
• The World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock in Sugarcreek, Ohio

3. Educational Activities: Incorporate educational activities such as identifying different state license plates or learning about local landmarks to make the journey both fun and informative.

4. Listen to Podcasts: As mentioned above, we love family-friendly podcasts! We like The Official Average Boy, Daily Bible for Kids, Wow in the World, and Moment of Um. 

5, New Toys or Coloring Books: I’m a big fan of smaller items that are new to young kids. If your daughter likes small dolls, maybe have her pick out two new ones, or if your little boy loves Bluey and coloring, let him pick out a small pack of new crayons and a Bluey coloring book. Something new is exciting and gives them the opportunity to feel included with preparing for the trip. Give each kid their own bag to hold their toys and activities. 

Ideas To Keep Everyone Fed & Hydrated

I hate feeling like we need to buy something every time we make a rest stop or have to get gas. We avoid this by prepping in advance with snacks that everyone will enjoy! 

1. Pack a cooler with a variety of snacks and drinks such as fruits, vegetables, cheese sticks, and chilled water or juice boxes. This will ensure that you have healthy options readily available and will also save money compared to purchasing snacks at convenience stores.

2. Consider making sandwiches or wraps ahead of time and storing them in a cooler for easy access during the journey. This can help save time and avoid frequent stops.

3. Bring a refillable water bottle for each family member to ensure everyone stays properly hydrated. You can refill them at rest stops or gas stations to reduce the need to buy bottled drinks.

4. Pack non-messy snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, pretzels, and dried fruit to minimize cleanup efforts in the car.

5. Plan to have a picnic at a rest area or a scenic spot along your route for a fun and budget-friendly meal break. This can be a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy a meal together as a family. 

6. Consider bringing a small portable cooler or insulated bag to keep drinks and perishable snacks cold throughout the trip.

By planning ahead and packing a variety of snacks and drinks, you can ensure that the whole family stays fed and hydrated during your road trip adventure. 

Ideas to Prep Your Vehicle

Ensure your car is in excellent condition before setting off. Check the tires, brakes, oil, and other essential components to minimize the risk of breakdowns.

1. Check the tires: Ensure that the tire pressure is at the recommended level and that the tread is in good condition. Consider carrying a spare tire and the necessary tools for changing a tire. It’s also a good idea to ensure you know how to change a flat tire- some vehicles are a little difficult, so don’t wait until you are in the situation to figure it out. 

2. Oil change: If your vehicle is due for an oil change, it’s a good idea to have this done before your road trip to ensure the engine runs smoothly.

3. Fluid levels: Check and top up the engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid as needed.

4. Battery check: Inspect the battery and its connections for any signs of corrosion or wear. Consider having a professional check the battery’s condition if it’s been a while since the last inspection.

5. Brakes: Ensure that the brake pads and rotors are in good condition. If you notice any unusual noises or vibrations when braking, have a mechanic inspect the brakes.

6. Lights and signals: Test all headlights, taillights, turn signals, and hazard lights to make sure they are functioning properly.

7. Wipers and wiper fluid: Replace worn wiper blades and fill up the wiper fluid reservoir for clear visibility during the trip.

8. Air conditioning and heating: Check that the climate control system is working effectively to keep the car comfortable for all passengers.

9. Don’t forget the emergency kit as mentioned above! 

10. Vehicle documentation: Ensure that you have up-to-date vehicle registration, insurance documents, and any required permits for the areas you’ll be traveling through.

11. Navigation: Update your GPS or navigation apps and have a backup map or printed directions in case of technical issues.

12. Car cleaning: Give the vehicle a thorough cleaning, both inside and out, to create a pleasant and comfortable environment for the journey.

13. Install The Car Seat: This is obviously only helpful if you have a small child, but something you may not consider. The everyday location of your child’s car seat may not be the most ideal location for a long road trip, so think through if you want to move them around a bit. For us, the car seat is usually behind the passenger seat so when someone is driving they can reach back easily. However, when we are road tripping, there are two of us in the front and it’s easier for the passenger to manage and reach the car seat, so we move it to the other side. 

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By considering these tips and ideas, you can turn your next family road trip into an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, discovery, and unforgettable memories. I hope this post and the road trip essentials checklist provide everything you need to know to feel comfortable, ensure you have all of the important items, and get excited for your next road trip.