There is something about loading up a big SUV and heading out on a road trip that I genuinely love. The whole family in one car, the open road, no airport security lines, stops at whatever random thing catches your eye on the side of the highway. We have done road trips every single year for as long as I can remember, and over time I have figured out exactly what makes or breaks one. It comes down almost entirely to how well you pack.
Shop Road Trip Essentials
The Right Family Car Makes Everything Better
First things first: if your family has outgrown a standard SUV, get the three-row. I cannot emphasize this enough. The extra row means kids have their own space, you have somewhere to store gear that is not in anyone’s lap, and the whole driving experience is fundamentally different. A large three-row SUV with a deep cargo area is genuinely a lifestyle upgrade for any family that travels by car.
What to Pack in the Cargo Area
The cargo area is your most valuable real estate. I pack it strategically: rolling suitcases first and flattest, then soft bags on top, then a designated “road bag” that is accessible without unpacking everything else. The road bag has everything you might need during the drive — snacks, a first aid kit, charging cables, sunscreen, wipes, extra layers. It lives right at the top and I can grab it in 30 seconds at any rest stop. We also love this roof top cargo bag for extra space.
Snacks Are Non-Negotiable
The fastest way to make a road trip miserable is to let everyone get hungry. I pack a separate cooler bag that rides in the cabin (not the cargo area) with: fresh fruit, cheese sticks, sandwiches, cold water bottles, and a couple of drinks as a treat. Then a separate bag for dry snacks — crackers, trail mix, granola bars, and individually packaged things that create minimal crumbs. I replenish from a grocery store every day or two and it is always worth the stop.
I love this car trash can with lid to keep all our road trip trash under control.
Entertainment for Long Drives
Loaded tablets with downloaded shows and audiobooks, a car organizer that hangs on the back of the front seats with pockets for tablets, crayons, small toys, and snacks. Headphones for each kid. A family playlist for the stretches when everyone wants to be together. These three things make a six-hour drive manageable for every age group in the car.
And when you’ve got to go, but there’s no rest stop in site, these disposable urine bags are a life saver!
What I Wear for a Road Trip
Comfort is everything when you are going to be sitting for hours. My road trip outfit is always: leggings, a cozy but polished puffer coat that I can take on and off easily, and my favorite crew socks in white. The puffer goes in the cargo area as soon as we are on the road and comes back on at every stop. Layers, always layers.
The Night-Before Ritual
Pack the night before — completely, not “mostly.” Load the car before bed. Have everyone’s bag at the door. Fill the snack bag. Charge every device. Make coffee ahead of time in a thermos. When the alarm goes off at 6am, you walk out the door within fifteen minutes and you are already on the road while everyone else is still waking up. That early start is genuinely worth the evening prep.
FAQ: Family Road Trip Essentials
What should I pack for a family road trip? A road bag with snacks and essentials, a cooler bag for fresh food, loaded entertainment devices, a first aid kit, and extra layers for temperature changes.
What is the best SUV for a family road trip? A three-row SUV with a large cargo area gives families the most space and flexibility for long drives.
