Hit the road this holiday season with ease! Discover expert tips for packing your car efficiently for a smooth and enjoyable holiday road trip.
Over the river and through the woods, to Grandma’s house we go! The holidays are a time full of travel — but not everyone chooses to go by plane. It’s a great time of year to get behind the wheel and experience all the beauty American highways offer.
Maybe you’re piling the kids up in the car for Thanksgiving spent with the in-laws, solo tripping cross country to spend Christmas with your parents, or taking a romantic getaway out of state. No matter the occasion or the crew along for the ride, you want to make sure you’re prepared and well-packed. Here are our top tips for packing your car for a holiday road trip.
What to Pack for a Car Trip
Essentials
Here are the basics you should ensure you have on every drive, especially before heading out on a long trip.
- Driving Documents: Always have your license, registration, and proof of insurance with you. Don’t forget any maps or parking permits you might also need.
- Car Essentials: The unexpected can happen at any moment. Double-check that you have jumper cables, a spare tire (with enough air!), your car manual, snow chains (if traveling somewhere colder), and a roadside emergency kit packed.
- Wallet Essentials: You don’t want to get halfway to your destination only to realize you left your wallet behind! Make sure everyone has their debit/credit cards, cash, and any necessary IDs.
Clothing
You’ve likely packed clothes for the time you’ll spend at your holiday destination, but what about the clothing you need for the drive?
- Weather-Appropriate Attire: Check the weather forecast for different stops along the way and pack accordingly, including layers for changing conditions.
- Comfortable Driving Outfits: Nobody likes sitting in the car for hours in jeans. Dress comfortably in sweatpants, leggings, t-shirts, hoodies, etc. Don’t forget to wear your most comfy shoes! (Or go shoeless if you’re a passenger just along for the ride.)
- Accessories: Pack any accessories you might need for the drive, like sunglasses, a hat, or gloves.
Tech and Entertainment
You need to stay connected as a driver and entertained as a passenger. Here are some must-haves to pack:
- Phone and Charger: You never know when you might need to call for roadside assistance or open up your map app for GPS directions.
- Music and Audiobooks: You don’t want to drive in silence, and radio reception can get spotty. Create a stellar playlist and download some podcast episodes or audiobooks before you hit the road.
- Camera: Road trips come with tons of roadside attractions and scenic views. You’ll want a camera to capture all the memories.
Food and Drinks
You’re human. You need to eat. And it’s not always feasible to stop at a convenience store or drive-thru for a quick bite.
- Water and Beverages: Have plenty of water, sodas, bottled iced coffee, and other favorites for every passenger.
- Non-Perishable Snacks: Pack easy-to-eat items like nuts, fruit, and granola bars and keep them within someone’s reach so you don’t have to stop whenever you want a quick snack.
- A Cooler: If you want to bring fruits, sandwiches, or other perishable items, make sure you have a cooler and plenty of ice to store them in.
Health and Hygiene
- Hand Sanitizer and Wipes: You never know where you might have to stop or what messes might come up. Hand sanitizer and wipes can help keep hands, faces, etc. clean.
- Toiletries: Even if you stay at hotels along the way, you might want a quick refresh during your drive. Make sure you have travel-size toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and other personal items.
- First-Aid Kit: Pack your kit with bandages, ointment, gauze, and any necessary medications.
Holiday Must-Haves
A road trip during the holidays is a special affair. Here are some more holiday-specific items you should bring along.
- Special Playlists: You might not want to listen to Christmas music for the whole drive, but a playlist you can break out for a few hours is a great way to get everyone into the spirit of the season.
- Host Gifts/Wrapped Presents: If you’re visiting family for Christmas, remember to pack all those wonderful gifts you bought. And if you’re visiting someone for Thanksgiving or another holiday, make sure you show up with a nice host gift, like a flower arrangement or bottle of wine.
- Holiday Treats: Who doesn’t love a quick cookie break while driving? Pack some cookies, cocoa, candy, and other festive treats with your regular food.
Packing for a Road Trip with the Kids
If you’re bringing little ones along for the ride, you want to make sure they’re happy, comfortable, and entertained.
- Toys, Games, and Tablets: Have plenty of entertainment options available to keep your kids busy during the trip, so you can focus on the drive instead of answering “Are we there yet?” every fifteen minutes.
- Comfort Items: Pack any special stuffed animals, blankets, or other comfort items to help keep children calm during a long drive.
- Baby Supplies: Bring plenty of extra diapers, wipes, food, and other necessities.
Miscellaneous
- Pillows and Blankets: You want passengers to stay comfortable for the ride, especially if you plan to spend days on the road.
- An Itinerary: If you have specific destinations you want to visit along the way, an itinerary can help you plan and keep track.
How to Pack a Car for a Road Trip
Now that you know what you should bring, it’s time to get packing. Here are some of our favorite packing hacks for road trips to help you maximize space and keep essentials reachable.
Start with a Clean Slate
Begin by emptying your car completely. You’ll have a clean slate to work with and a clear view of the available space, making it easier to plan how to fill and use the space.
Use the Right Luggage
The luggage you use can make a world of difference when maximizing space. Soft bags and duffel bags are more flexible than hard suitcases and can be more easily squeezed into tight spaces.
Pack Heavier/Bulkier Items First
Place the heaviest items on the bottom and as close to the center of the car as possible, near the rear axle. This can help with vehicle stability and handling. Plus, it’s easier to work around bigger items than trying to fit them in later.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Ensure that weight is evenly distributed on both sides of the car (also factoring in passengers) to help maintain balance and prevent alignment issues while driving.
Fill the Nooks and Crannies
If you have a lot to bring along, don’t leave any space unused. Fill gaps with smaller items. For example, shoes and small bags can fit under seats, and books can be slotted beside larger bags.
Stack Vertically
Build up from the heaviest items using sturdier containers as a base. Make sure you can still see out of all mirrors and windows. Don’t stack so high you block your rearview and create a hazard.
Pack Essential Items Last
Some items (like snacks, drinks, a first aid kit, and entertainment) need to be accessible during the trip. Pack these items last, and consider using a separate cooler or bag.
Have a Separate Overnight Bag
If you have plans to stop overnight, pack a separate bag with just what you need for the evening and the following morning. You won’t have to unpack everything or haul out your main suitcase.
Fold Unused Seats
If you have any seats that aren’t assigned to a passenger, you can fold them down to give yourself more cargo space to work with.
Add a Rooftop Cargo Carrier (If Applicable)
If you often run out of space, consider a rooftop cargo box or carrier for additional storage. Make sure it’s properly installed and check the weight limit for the carrier and your vehicle.
Use Backseat or Cargo Space Organizers
Backseat and cargo organizers are great for additional storage. They can help keep children’s items, travel documents, and small electronics organized.
Get Holiday Road-Trip Ready with Ed Hicks Nissan
Prepping for a holiday road trip? Ensure your vehicle is road-ready with a quick service check at Ed Hicks Nissan. Our team can help you stock up on travel accessories that make packing a breeze. From roof racks to cargo organizers, we have the essentials to keep you organized and comfortable on the road. Schedule your pre-trip service today so you can focus on making memories, not stressing about last-minute car issues!
