12 Products That Will Make Any Cross-Country Road Trip Easier
By Jackie Ann|Published May 20, 2024
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
The best way to see America is through a cross-country road trip. You have the flexibility to travel at your own pace, and you’ll get to stop off at some of our amazing small towns along the way. Before you gas up the car and set off on your epic adventure, check out this cross-country road trip packing list we’ve created. We are all about traveling smarter, not harder, so be sure to grab some of these products before you take off. They’ll make your road trip much easier!
These days, traveling with a device is almost mandatory. Whether you want to ensure you have enough power to watch your favorite shows or just a new way to organize all of your cables, these products will be useful.
Streamline your charging center, I promise you it will make things much simpler. I’ve traveled with an individual charger for all of my devices for years and switching over to a one-stop-shop method was a game changer. Not only are you less likely to leave something behind, but you’ll be saving so much space in your luggage.
This mini charger is just the right size. It can easily fit in your pocket and it will power up your device quickly. It comes in multiple colors, too, so everyone in the car can have their own color.
If you want a charger with a little more power, this is the one. Anker is one of the most popular brands in the industry. I personally have two of them and they never have let me down. They charge your device quickly, they hold a charge for a long time, and their slim design makes it easy to store in your bags.
Keeping the car organized is easier said than done. We start out with everything in its place but somehow by the end of day one the car looks like a disaster zone. Having a designated place for everything can do wonders for keeping your car organized during your road trip, and this car organizer will set you up for success. It’s got cupholders and tons of pockets, and the lid flips closed so it can become a tray. Plus, the insulated cooler will keep your road trip snacks nice and cold until you need them!
Driving can take its toll on the body. This heating pad is powered by USB and will do wonders for your back while you’re driving. It folds up super thin so you can keep it in the glove box, and since it’s powered by USB, you can also use it once you get to the hotel. Plus, it’s flexible so you can use it on your legs, neck, feet… wherever!
Once you try a cable organizer, you’ll never go back. This one from FYY has a pocket for everything, and the entire thing is waterproof! Keeping everything in its place is also a great way to make sure you won’t forget anything in the hotel.
We don’t want any speed bumps, but it’s important to be prepared. The United States is massive and there will be long stretches where you’re driving through remote areas. Add these essentials to your cross-country road trip packing list for peace of mind. Hopefully, you won’t need them.
If you’re going to be driving across the country, you want to be prepared. This LED Road Flare Kit comes with three LED roadside beacons. You can set them to flashing mode or a steady red light so other motorists can see you.
You never plan on a flat tire, but if it does happen, it'll happen at night. I know your phone has a flashlight, but having a proper headlamp will make everything so much easier for you. Having a hands-free light source is important, especially if you're on a solo adventure without anyone to hold a light for you. This headlamp can easily be stored in your glove box and can be used for anything! Night hikes, searching for crabs on the beach, whatever!
The best defense is a good offense. This roadside emergency kit covers just about everything you could need, should you need it. The 125-piece kit has everything from jumper cables to first aid and comes in an organized bag that's small enough to keep in your trunk without taking up much space.
This blanket will come in handy when you reach those moments in the road trip when you need to be outside and stretch your legs. Clocking in at 72” x 60”, it’s large enough to fit the whole squad and it packs down small, too.
S’well makes some of the best water bottles and thermoses around. These bad boys will keep your hot beverages hot and your cold beverages cold for HOURS. I like the condensation-free exterior, so I don’t have to worry about the bottle sweating. There are eight colors to choose from, so everyone can pick their favorites. These will come in handy during those long stretches where there are no stops to pull over and refill.
Passengers are inevitably going to fall asleep during long-distance road trips. When I was a kid, I mastered the art of balancing my head against the seatbelt strap, but we’ve come a long way since then! Travel pillows are typically associated with flights, but they also work great for long car rides. They don’t take up as much space as a full-sized pillow, and they’re designed to help you get as comfortable as possible. It’s tricky to sleep when you’re sitting upright, but these pillows make it a little bit easier.
