Some people think sitting in the car for hours on end is absolute torture. Others, maybe yourself, find road tripping utterly relaxing. But taking your road trip from torture to tranquil is about more than just preference. Without the right planning, packing, and other road trip travel hacks, it’s impossible to be anything but miserable on the road.
This extensive list of road trip tips will help you plan smarter, stay safer, and have way more fun while traveling the open road. In fact, these tips may have you begging for more time in the car even after you arrive at your destination.
So buckle up (literally and figuratively), and let’s hit the road!
Road Trip Travel Hacks To Complete Before You Start Your Engine
Ensuring a safe, enjoyable road trip isn’t just about what you do on the road. It’s also about how you get ready beforehand. So here are some things to cross off your list before you get settled in your vehicle.
1. Download Offline Maps
These days we’re so used to having access to wifi and google maps at all times. It’s easy to forget the very real possibility of becoming stranded in the middle of nowhere with no service, no gas station, and no way of knowing how to continue your journey. Taking a quick minute before leaving home to download offline maps could make or break your trip!
2. Get Your Car Inspected
Nothing ruins a road trip like a broken car. Taking your vehicle in for a quick inspection prevents issues like overheating or blowouts, so you can be confident you and your car both get to where you’re going. And back home for that matter.
3. Pack A Roadside Emergency Kit
Even if everything about your car looks in great shape, you don’t want to be caught without jumper cables, a spare tire, or a car jack. Even a roll of duct tape could be just the life-saver you need to move on without a hitch!
4. Carry A Spare Key Stored Separately
This simple road trip tip could save you from locking your keys in your car. If you’ve got a co-pilot, give them the spare key to keep in their pocket. If you’re traveling alone, get a magnetic car key holder that you can stick under your car.
5. Double Check The Weather
The worst road trip rookie mistake is not checking the weather along the road. Sure, it might be a beautiful sunny day where you’re beginning your journey, and just a soft whisper of a breeze at your destination. But if a whiteout blizzard is raging halfway through, it can throw your whole trip off course.
The Weather On The Way App is the best way I’ve found to keep tabs on the skies during a road trip. It tells you exactly what the weather is predicted to be at the time you expect to pass through the area during your drive. Best road trip travel hack ever!
Packing Tips For Road Trips
Half the joy of the trip comes from what you bring with you! Sure, technically all you need to make the trip is yourself and your car. But you’re probably going to want a bit more than that! Check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List, or keep reading to get the basics.
6. Bring A First-Aid Kit
Having the medical basics on hand is an essential road trip tip that helps you handle headaches, scrapes, or allergies without having to wait till the next pit stop. You can also make sure you have all the brands and specifics you’re used to, so you don’t have to settle for whatever the local 7/11 is carrying that day.
7. Pack Layers For Changing Weather
The weather can change on a dime while road tripping. And sure, turning on the heat or AC usually does the job, but it’s still smart to keep a sweater or baseball cap outside your luggage and within reach. You’ll be glad you did when you need to hop out for gas or grab a quick lunch.
8. Carry Wet Wipes And Napkins
I can’t tell you how many times this road trip travel hack has saved me. At some point, you’re going to need to blow your nose, clean Cheetos powder off your fingers, or wipe up a spilled soda. Keep wet wipes and napkins within easy reach, you’ll thank yourself later.
9. Don’t Forget Sunglasses!
A no-brainer road trip tip for sure. But even so, how many times have you left on vacation without packing your sunglasses? You don’t want it to happen again!
10. Keep A Phone Charger Handy
One of the top non-negotiable tips for a road trip. Especially since your phone is your camera, map, and mode of contact. This fast car charger is my personal favorite to keep on hand!
11. Pack A Small Essentials Bag
If you’ve already got this road trip planned, chances are you’ve also got your toiletry bag packed with all the essentials. But it’s one thing to have it packed, and quite another to have it handy! Or, pro road trip travel hack, keep a separate car toiletry kit stocked with floss picks, lotion, chapstick, and anything you’ll want quick access to while on the road.
Gravel’s toiletry bags come equipped with organized pockets, so you know where everything is and don’t have to rummage around for ten minutes looking for a bobby pin. Plus, you can keep your toothbrush from fraternizing with your toenail clippers.
12. Bring Motion-Sickness Help
Speaking of handy items for road travel, motion-sickness help is a must. If you don’t get sick on the road, you’re one of the lucky ones! If you do, you likely already have your routine. Be it pills, tablets, a wristband, or essential oils. Whatever your go-to road trip travel hack for keeping nausea at bay.
Road Trip Travel Hacks Along The Way
Now that you’ve finally got yourself and your vehicle prepped and ready to ride, let’s get a move on! Here are some on-the-way tips for a road trip you’re not gonna want to miss.
13. Fill ‘Er Up!
There’s nothing worse than hitting your groove and making good time, and then coming to a sputtering halt miles away from the next exit because you didn’t notice that yellow warning light.
A good tip for road trips is this: every time you stop for gas, give your google maps a quick check for the next station along your route. This way you can continue on in confidence, knowing where you’ll be stopping next before running your tank dry.
And remember, it’s always better to fill when you’ve still got a third of the tank than to have to hitch a ride with that bright red gas tank of shame.
14. Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control as a road trip travel tip helps you maintain a steady speed and save on fuel. The cruise control feature takes some of the mental load off your legs and mind, making the drive smoother, more efficient, and a lot more comfortable over time.
15. Declutter At Each Stop
Snack wrappers, receipts, and tissues always seem to pile up out of nowhere on a road trip. That’s why my next travel tip for road trips is to declutter at each stop. A quick sweep of the seats and floor keeps the car feeling fresh, makes everyone more comfortable, and saves you from a huge cleanup later.
Car Comfort And Convenience
Keeping comfy is probably the number one tip for a road trip that keeps it from feeling like torture. As long as you’re comfortable, you could drive for hours on end with no issues.
16. Wear Comfy Clothes
It’s comfort over style when it comes to road trips, that’s for sure! Keep the fits stretchy, loose, soft, and cozy for maximum contentment during long hours of sitting.
17. Bring a blanket
One of the best cozy travel tips for road trips, blankets are perfect for chilly AC, mid-drive naps, and a little extra comfort along the way. And if you want one that’s designed specifically for travel, Gravel blankets are the way to go. They’re compact, cozy, and made to go wherever your road trip takes you.
18. Use a trash bag
Sure, it’s easy enough to collect the trash in the door pocket or on the floor until you can empty it at the gas station. But having a grocery bag to put it all in is much easier and contained, plus it keeps the car more tidy and pleasant.
Road Trip Food And Snacks
Food can make or break a vacation, so having the right road trip snacks is top priority. Great for boosting morale, holding you over if traffic jams delay your dinner plans, and even helping keep you awake for all those long stretches of highway.
19. Stock Up On Snacks
This is one of those no-brainer road trip tips that saves money and keeps hunger from derailing the mood. It’s easy enough to stock up on chips and candy, but it can also be a good idea to bring some healthier options.
Packing stable snacks like nuts, jerky, and protein bars can help boost your energy. Easy-grab produce like fresh cut fruit can also break up the monotony of junk food and keep everyone feeling good on long driving days.
20. Bring Extra Water
Staying hydrated is a prime road trip travel tip! Bringing a hydroflask to fill up at every gas station is a great idea, but you also may want to store backup water in the car. It’s sure to pay off if you happen to get stuck or rerouted.
On-The-Road Entertainment
Long stretches of highway call for more than just good company. A little entertainment planning goes a long way in keeping everyone energized, engaged, and excited mile after mile. These road trip tips make the drive just as memorable as the destination.
21. Create A Road Trip Playlist
Music sets the tone for your entire drive, which is why this is one of the most timeless road trip tips. Build a playlist ahead of time with a mix of sing-alongs, chill tracks, and upbeat favorites to keep things interesting. Try out this this playlist of songs about adventure to get you pumped!
22. Download Podcasts
When the scenery stretches on for miles or conversation starts to lull, podcasts are a lifesaver. Download a few episodes before you leave so you’re not relying on service. Whether it’s true crime, comedy, or storytelling, this is one of the easiest tips for road trips that keeps everyone engaged without draining your data.
23. Try Local Radio
One of the most underrated travel tips for road trips is flipping through local radio stations as you pass through new areas. You might discover a great song, hear regional news, or catch a quirky DJ that gives you a real feel for the place you’re driving through.
24. Play Road Trip Trivia
Road trip trivia is perfect for laughs, learning, and staying alert during long stretches of highway. It keeps everyone involved and makes time pass faster. Check out Gravel’s list of road trip trivia here!
25. Download Movies
While movies aren’t ideal for the driver, they’re a reliable road trip travel hack for passengers and hotel nights. Download a few favorites ahead of time so you’re not stuck buffering on weak WiFi when you finally want to relax.
Road Trip Safety
Safety might not be the most exciting part of road trip planning, but it’s one of the most important. A few simple precautions and you can drive easy, without having to worry that the worst could happen.
26. Share Your Route
One of the smartest tips for road trips is letting a trusted friend or family member know your route and destination. If plans change, a quick update keeps someone in the loop and adds an extra layer of peace of mind.
27. Lock Your Doors
It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget when hopping in and out at gas stations and rest stops. Locking your doors is a foundational travel tip for road trips that protects both you and your belongings.
28. Carry Pepper Spray (Where Legal)
If it’s legal where you’re traveling, pepper spray is a simple way to add personal security without taking up much space. It’s one of those straightforward tips on road trips that helps you feel more confident, especially when traveling solo.
29. Save Emergency Numbers
Save important numbers like roadside assistance, local emergency services, and a trusted contact. It’s a practical and often-overlooked road trip travel tip that can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.
Making The Trip More Fun
After all this planning and preparation, enjoying the trip is easy. And adding a few intentional traditions can make the journey even more special. These next road trip travel hacks focus on turning everyday moments into memories you’ll want to revisit long after you’re home.
30. Add Bucket-List Stops
One of the best road trip tips for creating lasting memories is planning some must-see stops along the way. Whether it’s a landmark, hike, or quirky roadside attraction, it gives the journey purpose beyond just getting from point A to point B.
31. Collect Postcards Or Magnets
Small traditions like collecting postcards or magnets is a charming tip that can turn your travels into tangible memories. They’re inexpensive, easy to pack, and fun to look back on once you’re home.
32. Try A Local Food In Every Town
Another great road trip activity is sampling something local wherever you stop. From diners to food trucks, trying regional favorites helps you genuinely experience each place instead of just passing through.
33. Start A Daily Photo Tradition
Whether it’s a group selfie, a photo of every cow pasture you pass, or a fun tiktok travel video trend, taking photos and videos really add meaning to the journey. It will help you remember the highlights long after the drive is over, and it’s a great way to show those at home what you’ve been up to!
Enjoy Every Mile With These Road Trip Tips
A great road trip isn’t about perfect plans or flawless timing. It’s about being prepared enough to relax and flexible enough to enjoy the ride. With these road trip tips in your back pocket, you’re set up for smoother drives, fewer surprises, and a whole lot more fun along the way.
Whether you’re chasing national parks, small-town diners, or just some much-needed time on the open road, remember: the journey is part of the adventure. Pack smart, stay curious, and enjoy every mile.
To enhance your road trip with the best travel gear, consider browsing our online shop for premium toiletry bags, travel blankets, and more.
Happy travels! 🧳🚗💨🛫🌍✨
