Road Trip Essentials for Your Next Getaway

[Photo by William Christen]

If you’re itching to get away but don’t want to fly on a plane, going on a road trip is a great way to enjoy beautiful scenery while driving and enjoying time outdoors. In addition to being more budget-friendly, it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends—and you can even bring your beloved pets along.

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Depending on how far you’re traveling and what type of accommodations (hotel vs. camping), traveling can be challenging at times, especially when you’re forced to leave behind the comforts of home and essentially pack everything you need into one or two bags.

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Here, we’ve put together a list of road trip essentials for your next vacation—whether it’s a girl’s trip, family outing, solo endeavor, or a quick getaway with your main squeeze. From beauty products and tools to fun games and savory snacks, read on to discover and shop the innovative items that will make packing for your next trip a breeze!

Act+Acre Plant-Based Dry Shampoo ($22)

Keep hair fresh between washes while you’re on-the-go with this mineral-rich, plant-based dry shampoo. It’s formulated with organic rice and tapioca powder to absorb oil efficiently and detox the hair, while at the same time improving overall scalp health and hair texture.  

Barefoot Scientist PreHeels+ Blister Prevention Spray ($16)

For long-lasting comfort in all types of shoes and to prevent blisters, this unique spray creates a durable, invisible barrier that blocks friction on skin where shoes rub back and forth. It’s also flexible, sweat-resistant, and able to withstand friction for six hours. Perfect for trips that include lots of hiking, walking, cycling or other activities that require you to be on your feet for periods of time.

Bath & Body Works Endless Weekend Car Fragrance Refill ($4)

Featuring summer-inspired notes of fresh summer mandarin, magnolia, and coconut water to get you into a vacation state of mind, this fun fragrance fits into any car fragrance holder and keeps your car smelling fresh with continuous fragrance for four to six weeks.

C’est Moi Sunshine Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick ($10)

Keep yourself protected from the sun (even when you’re sitting in the car with the windows rolled up) with this mineral, water-resistant, and reef-safe formula that protects you while you stay out and play. Formulated with zinc oxide, cocoa butter, and a blend of super-fruit antioxidants.

COCOOIL Face Oil with Rosehip ($17.99)

This mini-sized face oil is luxurious and non-greasy, made with fair-trade, cold-pressed organic coconut oil and rosehip oil, which help skin retain moisture while reducing dryness. It also supplies vitamins and essential fatty acids to skin, absorbing quickly to hydrate and brighten. Can be used as a daily facial oil or to complement your daily moisturizing routine.

eos Chill Honey Almond 2-Pack Lip Balm ($4.99)

Keep lips moist while giving yourself a moment of chill with these lip balms that contain sustainably-sourced ingredients and seal in moisture. The luscious fragrance combines a mug of warmed sweet cream drizzled with botanical lavender honey. Features a hypoallergenic formula.

Formula 10.0.6 Butter Up Moisturizing Body Stick ($9.99)

Combining the dreamy scent of plum with the deep hydration of cocoa butter, this handy moisturizing stick has everything you need to keep yourself from getting dry—without carrying around a big tub or bottle of lotion! Just apply the stick directly to skin, press gently, and massage over legs, arms, or anywhere else that needs a boost of moisture.

Good Essentials Aromatherapy Face & Mask Mist ($9)

This multipurpose spray can be use on your face for an instant refresh and it can also be used as an air freshener to help kill bacteria in the air thanks to its anti-bacterial properties. The spray blends lavender, rosemary, grapefruit, and lemon essential oils, which help boost the immune system while offering soothing, calming properties, as well as cold relief. Just a few spritzes of this and you can feel the stress melt away as your mind becomes calmer!

HandiGuru On-the-Go Refillable Wristband Kit ($11.95)

This handy device disinfects your hands before you touch your car keys, door handle, and wallet—helping to limit the spread of bacteria and viruses. The silicone wristband dispenses hand sanitizing gel (can also be used to hold mosquito repellant or sunscreen) from a reservoir that is integrated into the bracelet, which can be worn on the front or back of the wrist. Also available in black and white.

Hey Dewy Portable Facial Humidifier ($39)

Keep skin hydrated (especially during desert adventures) with this portable USB humidifier that provides up to 10 hours of continuous (or 12 hours of intermittent) quiet and efficient cool mist control. It conveniently plugs into your car’s USB so you can enjoy its benefits while you’re in the car. Includes a soft evening LED illumination for added relaxation benefits.

I’m Outside Forest Bathing in a Bottle ($28)

For those long drives when you’re stuck in the car for multiple hours on end, this aromatic essence offers the benefits of nature in a bottle to bring the outdoors inside! Featuring all-natural ingredients such as vitamin D, fulvic acid + microalgae, and tree oil phytoncides, you’ll instantly feel balanced, refreshed, and recharged. Indulge in the subtle and woody scent of cypress, hinoki, spruce, Japanese mint, and pine. Just spritz and close your eyes, and you’ll instantly be transported to the center of a magical forest.

Kayo Body Beautiful Fragrance ($18)

More than just a fragrance, this roll-on formula features hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamins B3 and B5, which nourish skin instead of drying it out like some perfumes. The intoxicating aroma, which includes notes of green tea, vanilla, and coconut gives off major beach vibes—it’s paradise in a bottle!

Luli Bebe Monaco Travel Bag ($219)

Travel in style with this stunning bag that is crafted with premium faux vegan leather and also features a distinctive quilted texture front pouch with classic gold enameling. Features include an adjustable shoulder strap and two clutch handles, 100% stain-resistant exterior and smooth wipeable interior, magnetic flap front pouch with large zippered core storage space for extra secure packing, as well as 10 total storage compartments inclusive of large, spacious central space for bulk items, plus additional compartments and pockets for extra storage throughout the bag exterior and interior. Available in Ebony Black, Pearl White (pictured), Stone Grey, Latte Brown, and Pastel Pink.

Lunata Cordless, Convertible Curling Iron/Wand ($250)

Maintain that mane when you’re traveling with this cordless, convertible curling iron/wand that includes a removable clip so you can turn your wand into a traditional curling iron in seconds! Features a titanium barrel for even heat distribution and heats up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Includes a removable battery and lasts for up to 40 minutes. Now you can enjoy perfect beach waves even when you’re camping or somewhere where you don’t have access to an outlet. Also available in a cordless flat iron version ($185) so you can create silky smooth styles on-the-go.

Mineral Air Skin Renewal Serum Skincare System ($70)

Treat skin to rapid hydration with this touch-less application tool that delivers the luxurious Renewal Serum as vaporized micro-sized drops—all without touching your face with your fingers. Can be used as a makeup prep, refresh throughout the day, nighttime treatment, post-shave soother, as well as a rehydrator when traveling in especially dry climates.

Mouth Road Trip Snacks ($70)

Instead of loading up on junk food filled with preservatives from the local gas station, save yourself some time (and calories) by bringing this yummy collection of organic, all-natural, and non-GMO snacks with you! Packaged in a signature cotton tote, this curated box includes:

• Feta Popcorn by Zesty Z

• Spicy Cheddar Shortbread Coins by Willa’s Shortbread

• Lemon Zest Almonds by Giddy Up Nuts

• Beer-Infused Beef Jerky by Righteous Felons

• Carolina Dirt BBQ Kettle Chips by Lillie’s Q

• Dried Cranberries & Blueberries by Vincent Family Cranberries

• Peanut Butter Frittle by Newfangled Confections

• Raspberry Rhubarb Goat Milk Caramels by Big Picture Farms

Nabee Compression Socks ($29.99 each)

Available in multiple fun colors and patterns, these cute compression socks alleviate paint, fatigue, and swelling, while also preventing spider and varicose veins.  Larger openings make pulling them on much easier, while a new ‘stay-up-cuff’ is larger and non-binding for more comfort below the knee. Soft and durable, these are a must when you’re sitting in one place for long periods of time.

Native Atlas Supreme Clean Waterless Hand Wash ($16)

Keep hands clean and nourished with this naturally anti-bacterial and anti-microbial herbal blend that features arnica, rosemary, tea tree, and 65% organic grape alcohol. Unlike many commercial hand cleaners, this maintain’s skin balance and hydration levels so you don’t have to apply lotion after.

Ready Set Jet Beauty Baton Collection ($32 each)

Mix and match these multi-tasking beauty batons, which can be swapped out with different baton add-ons that range from waterless cleaner and primer to highlighter, lip and cheek stain, and more. Now you can leave the heavy makeup bag at home and just take this wherever you go, whenever you need to glam up or touch up your look. Also available as a set of three batons for $85.

Recess Travel Kit ($12-$26)

When you don’t have access to a shower or you need a quick refresh, these set includes bacteria-fighting wipes for the face, aluminum-free deodorant wipes, and aloe wipes. Perfect for outdoor adventures, gym sessions, long flights or rides in the car. The mini kit includes two of each type of wipe and the full kit includes five of each type.

Rosebud Ritual Travel Kit ($28)

This handy kit comes with travel sizes of four of the brand’s signature intimate skincare formulations so that you can stay fresh and comfortable no matter where you are. Their flagship offerings are luxury vaginal and vulvar skincare formulations made with plant-derived ingredients and OBGYN-approved. Includes Refresh Cleansing Wipes, Soothe Calming Cream, Arouse Stimulating Serum, and Honor Everyday Balm.

Samsonite NuRoad Hanging Travel Kit ($59.99)

Keep all your toiletries in one place with this handy travel kit, which features Samsonite’s Recyclex® lining made from 100% recycled bottles, a metal hook to hang, and more pockets for storage. Additional features include:

• Two side zippered pockets, one wipe clean, offers storage for need-it-quick essentials

• Top handle for easy, grab-and-go carry

• 3 open mesh storage pockets

• Open packing area for larger items

• Nylon and polyester primary fabrics which include a water-repellent coating, leather-like PU trim, and Recyclex® Lining

Skinesiology Vibrational Skincare Auric Mist ($34)

Whenever you need to clear the air or energy around you, or if you simply want a relaxing refresh, just spritz this auric mist around and on yourself to instantly feel uplifted. It features pure essential oils, flower essence formulations, and botanicals—each spray contains a specific formula that carries a vibration connecting to your spirit. It can also be used as a light perfume. Four different auric mists are available depending on your mood and vibe.

SugarBearHair Hair Vitamins ($29.99)

These tasty and cute gummy vitamins are formulated with biotin, folic acid, and vitamin D to help you meet your hair goals. Easy to take and gentle on your stomach, all you have to do is take two a day and you’re good to go. Each bottle includes 60 gummies (a month’s supply). Vegan, cruelty-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Flavored with natural berries for a sweet taste that’ll have you looking forward to your daily vitamins!

Table Topics To Go “Road Trip” ($9)

Add some fun to your road trip with this travel-size deck that fits perfectly in your glovebox. It includes 40 travel-related question cards that are designed to spark fun and meaningful discussions between family and friends. And who knows, you might learn a thing or two!

The Adventure Challenge “Friends Edition” Camera Set ($147.99)

This mystery scratch-off book includes 50 creative challenges that are designed to help you make lasting memories with your friends that are out of the box, nostalgic, and inspiring. This special set includes an award-winning Lomography Automat Instant Camera so you can snap pics and keep track of all the fun you’ve had along the way. Also available for $39.99 without the camera, as well as in Couples and Family adventure editions as well.

Totts Safe Travels Kit ($19.99)

Keep yourself and those around you protected with this essential kit that has everything you need for safe and hygienic travels—be it by car, boat, train or plane. Each kit includes:

• 1 packet of Clorox Disinfectant Wipes

• 1 Safetec Hand Sanitizer with Aloe

• 1 packet of Sensitive Hand Wipes

• 4 Disposable Face Masks

• 4 Safetec Alcohol Device Wipes (individually wrapped)

• 2 sets of Vinyl Disposable Gloves

[Images courtesy of brands]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk