The Best Road Trip Packing List | Tips

With road trips back on the menu, it’s high time I share the best road trip packing list to ensure you have an incredible trip. Although I don’t take nearly as many road trips within the UK as I would like, when I do embark on a road trip for either a short staycation to Warwickshire or a longer trip, I always call upon the best road trip packing list. I am super excited to get back to travelling locally before I start international travels again in a few months time.

One of my favourite quotes reads, travel is the only thing you can spend money on that will make you richer (not in deep pockets but in wealth of information). The last road trip I went on was to Swansea Bay, thanks to the Swansea Bay tourism board who hooked us up with an incredible itinerary. Although I had heard of Swansea, I did not know of the beauty that was/is Swansea Bay, an impressive coastal area with incredible beaches and views, we can not wait to return.

The Best Road Trip Packing List

As I continue to day dream about better days, I thought I get ready with my first road trip of the year by sharing the best road trip packing list that I used all the time. As a frequent traveller, over the years I have perfected the art of taking only what I need, will use and is essential for the trip. For my trip to Venice, I packed one hand luggage plus a handbag even though I had more luggage requirements since I flew business but even then I only took the essential items. I wish sometimes I was that girl that packed extra items just in case you are invited to a posh party and you need to trade your rugs for something more presentable.

But, alas, I am not, I prefer to limit my luggage and only take items that I will use, can recycle throughout my trip and I have enough space for foreign goods. And road trips are no exception for me, I know that with driving you have more wiggle room of things you should take but I still have my practical mindset on always. All the extras that I pack on my roads are essential, necessary and required, I don’t like packing things I don’t need nor will I ever use. I am also trying to ensure I am a more mindful traveler, using more sustainable items and reduce my fast fashion wardrobe to more sustainable pieces.

And with that spirit in mind and not to ruin your road trip packing fun, below are the items I take with me on almost every travel including road trips.

• Clothing – more often than not it depends on the weather but the majority of the time these are the items I have in my luggage whether a local road trip or abroad.
  • Tops – depending on my trip I pack 2-5 tops of neutral colours that I can mix match with the bottoms
  • Bottoms – regardless of the weather I normally back 2-3 denim as that’s my go to favourites.
  • Swimwear – if the locale has a jacuzzi or a pool
  • Jacket – always important as the weather always cools down in the evenings
  • Underwear – obviously
  • Dress – I pack two, 1 formal and 1 informal and if I don’t wear them during the holiday
  • Skirts and shorts – depends on the weather but normally back 2 of each
  • Accessories like scarf or headbands – because my little afro needs all the help it can get.
• Toiletries – no explanations necessary because every trip I take I always make sure I have packed my own toiletries and road trips just mean I pack the bigger sized version as opposed to my airport ready bottles. I think this is one thing I love about road trips, I don’t have to worry about someone throwing away my cocoa butter because the tub it’s in is above the legal limit.
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Hairbrush and ties
  • Makeup wipes
  • Perfume and body spray
  • Suncream
  • Cleanser, moisturiser, toner, serum & masks
• Miscellaneous – now this is where it gets fun and you can split the over-packers, under-packers and the just-right packers. I like to think I am the latter regardless of the trip because I believe in only packing items that I will absolutely need and will use. There is no point packing extra stuff for ‘just in case’ unless it is a pretty dress but I still minimise the ‘non-essential’ items as I detest overpacking. I think years of constant travel and always having to meet the required airport standards, I have chosen a path of ‘pack only what you will need and use’.
  • Phone
  • Headphones
  • Camera
  • Keys
  • Sunglasses
  • Towel
  • Hat
  • Handbag
  • Books/kindle
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Games
  • Battery pack/portable charger
  • Picnic mat and blankets

There are many more items that I bring for when holidaying at self-contained facilities like: Beddings, cutlery and disposable plates and cups. I have had the worst experience of staying in not so great locations within the UK which were self-catered and made me realise its best to bring your own thing but even then, don’t bring everything including the kitchen sink (which just means don’t overpack). I am excited as I am sure many are to get back to travelling and whilst we might not be rushing to get on the plane, we can explore more of the home country and appreciate what we took for granted.

The last year has been a tough one for almost everyone and I think we can also see a little bit of hope at the end of the tunnel. I want to emphasise this, even though our restrictions will start to be eased doesn’t mean we forget to protect ourselves and our neighbour. It’s be thoughtful of others especially the vulnerable people in our society who are counting on us to be responsible. I am excited to see my family agree as its been way too long.

Have you booked any trips within your home country?