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May 18, 2023

37 Things To Get Before Going On Your Summer Road Trip

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

You'll wanna be prepared for whatever comes up as you drive on down the road.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "I had a cheap, untempered windshield which was awful in the rain. A friend of mine from college recommended Rain-X and I was shocked at the difference. I applied it with a soft rag and sat there wondering if it was even on properly. I trusted the system and then later that night took my car out for a drive; it rained while I was out and the difference was instantly noticeable. Before, when using my wipers, streaks would obscure my view so much that any lights would make driving in the rain hard. Now, the droplets don't smear and smaller ones sometimes just roll off. It's pretty great." —Alison J. Gong

Get it from Amazon for $5.87.

Promising review: "These shades work great. With a freshly cleaned window they stick to the glass quickly, even in Arizona. They fold up easily and stay on indefinitely." —Brad

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $14.01.

Prefer to have your phone mounted somewhere else in your car? Check out this phone mount!

Promising review: "Love the versatility of this product as you can turn it sideways and position it toward you as well. Holds on to the vents very well and I usually have to readjust it once a week if that. Holds my phone perfectly straight up or sideways with no problem. I recently had my father with me on a quick road trip and he loved it so much I gave it to him and bought another for myself! It’s also compact and doesn’t block any views where I have it placed. I’ve had it for about three months with no issues at all. Definitely recommend this product." —Mr. Dynamite

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

Promising review: "From the moment I plugged it in, it interfaced smoothly with the app. It is just like having my Echo Dot in the car. I have a 2008 truck without satellite radio capability. I was immediately able to access my SiriusXM account through the truck speakers using the aux setting. I have used it every day since I got it." —Cathryn

Get it from Amazon for $54.99.

You can order one for the driver's side seat or passenger's side seat.

Promising review: "I put this in last night and went to work today and everything was perfect. I did have to install the foam spacers (included) to make it a really snug fit. It would have still worked without it but I like things perfect. So now the coins go in the coin pocket and my keys and other work related accessories go in the bigger pocket. This is one of the best cheap life hacks you can get if you're a car person and/or just like being organized and neat." —R.Garcia

Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in four styles).

Glare Guard is a small biz!

Promising review: "Love this simple sun shield. It is so easy to put on my car's sun visor and still allows me to use the mirror as well. It blocks the glare without losing the visibility, whether I am wearing my sunglasses or not. It is wide enough to give good coverage and just low enough to give me the coverage needed without getting in the way. Better than the more expensive and more complicated ones." —BOB

Get it from Glare Guard on Amazon for $34.99.

Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Promising review: "I recently came back from a three-day cruise and I feel amazing. No nausea and no seasickness all because of these sea bands. I wish I found out about them sooner." —Eve

Get it from Amazon for $8.53.

Promising review: "I was SUPER stoked when they made a less drowsy version! The original put me out! I get motion sickness sooo easy even when driving and it slows me down to the point I can’t drive the hour to see family. This formula helps calm my stomach, my mind, and my anxiety while helping me stay awake and happy on my trips! Will recommend to anyone! A lot of my friends take it!" —Autumn Williams

Get eight tablets from Amazon for $3.97.

Promising review: “We go on a lot of road trips as a family. I would venture to say we're on the road for 8+ hours at least once or twice per month. Typically my husband drives and I take a much-needed mom nap. The captains chairs in our Ford Transit don't really allow for a comfortable neck position, despite being able to lay the seat pretty far back. Then comes this pillow! YAY! It's super customizable; it flexes and holds position and just really moves in any direction you need to get comfortable. We like it so much we sometimes just use it on the sofa watching movies. I like that you can snap the ends together and it takes up less space when put away. It fits in both my overhead compartment and my glovebox! I would absolutely recommend this to a friend. Without a doubt!” —tec

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in six colors and two styles).

Heads up — reviewers love these undies, but suggest sizing up!

Promising review: "Absolutely love these. Wanted to give up buying sanitary napkins that irritate my skin and feel horrible in the summer heat. This was the best choice I ever made. So comfortable I would wear them anytime, and they fit better than any other underwear I have. No riding up, no leaking (and leaking was always an issue for me). I can go about my life as if I am not having my period." —Kris

Get it from Amazon for $17.49+ (available in sizes 4–13 and various colors/quantities).

Promising review: "I purchased this one because there is no bezel that takes up space when the rear view mirror is already so small, and you'll need whatever space you can get. The angle is also adjustable. Of all the ones I've purchased, this seemed to fit and look the best." —Peter

Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in packs of two or four and four shapes).

Promising review: "I’m happy to say this product works! I purchased this product due to my inability to provide my skin with appropriate sun protection one day this summer. I proceeded to spend a night wishing that I could safely freeze myself into an ice cube. Midnight discomfort lead me to this product. The initial use was a day or two after the day of regret, but it eased the discomfort and moisturized my reddened skin, helping to soften the leather layer I had started to form. Of course this review would not be complete without me faulting myself a second time. Two times in one summer I proved my inability to adult well. I applied this lotion the MINUTE I realized that I had experienced another exposure to the sun for too long a period. To my absolute joy, this product relieved my discomfort. It left a layer that stayed cool for a few hours (at which time I reapplied it), it was a little tacky to the touch (not sticky or oily), and my skin did not experience the crocodile and subsequent peeling experience it had earlier in the season. The scent is soft and not overpowering. I have experienced skin sensitivity in the past to products, but I had no issues with Burt’s Bees products. Thank you for providing me with such a helpful product." —Meghan

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising review: "The perfect addition to our road trip! We were constantly battling with dropped snacks, toys, etc. My kiddo loved the compartments to hold everything and the dry erase board was such a bonus! I love how well the removable pieces cling; it’s not your typical Velcro, much stronger and doesn’t seem like it will wear down over time." —ARose

Get it from Amazon for $28.95+ (available in eight colors).

Promising review: "These are perfect to take when traveling, because you never know if you’re gonna come across a nasty bathroom. They’re compact and they come in packs of 10, so they're small enough to put in your bag or even your pocket." —ChrisB_DZ

Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $11.99.

Promising review: "I bought this for our road trip desperate for something to keep our kids entertained. This was super fun! My husband, I, and our 5-year-old had fun playing it together. My 3-year-old was trying but is a little bit too young for it. The pictures are fun and engaging. I honestly had a great time and would recommend this to other parents looking for something to keep their kids busy!" —Heather

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising review: "These Maxsa boards of mine have been used in sand, mud, snow, and ice. They have assisted a number of vehicles to include pickup trucks, an Unimog-looking beast, Toyotas, Jeeps, and commuter cars. I've deployed them in 90 degrees Fahrenheit down to 20 degrees. They performed admirably." —Amazed

Get two from Amazon for $129.99+ (available in three colors and four styles).

Amber & Wood Co. is an Indiana-based small fragrance shop handcrafting high-quality aromatic goods for you and your home.

Promising review: "I love Amber and Wood Co.! The scents are great and the car diffusers last a long time! These are the only car air fresheners I use." —Mackenna Winslow

Get it from Amber & Wood Co. on Etsy for $9 (available in six scents).

Each box contains 50 sheets!

Promising review: "I saw these all over TikTok and since I'm going on a road trip across the states, I thought why not. We all know those rest stops that run out of soap so you either use hand sanitizer (if you're lucky) or wet your hands with just water to trick your conscience into thinking you didn't just leave a dirty bathroom without washing your hands. The sheets are super thin but when you wet them, they create so much lather. I probably stared at my hands in disbelief for a good solid 10 seconds. They definitely feel clean and the smell is a light floral type. Plus these little guys are super tiny and can go into the tiniest purses or even your pockets in your jeans." —Cookie Monster

Get a set of three boxes from Amazon for $6.99.

Promising review: "I love everything about this product. It smells amazing, is easy to use, fits in my purse or diaper bag, and it’s at a decent price." —catherine shoemaker

Get the pack of three from Amazon for $16.99.

Promising review: "I have been suffering from sciatica pain for a couple years now. In the last few months it has been so bad I had to stop sitting at work, and as a computer programmer, that can be hard at times. If I had to go to a day of meetings, I would be miserable for weeks afterward from the pain. Then I found this cushion. I bought it initially for a road trip thinking maybe it would save me from hurting too bad. I was surprised to find I didn’t hurt at all despite being in the car for over six hours. So I tried it at work and guess what? ZERO PAIN. I still really can’t believe just how good it works. Since getting this my sciatic pain is COMPLETELY GONE. That is no lie. Amazing. Recommend a million times over." —Anna Petersen

Get it from Amazon for $47.95+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "I am a magnet for bites of all kinds and carry topical and medicines with me at all times, so I figured this would be a good product to see if it really works. It arrived Monday and Tuesday morning I woke up with a bug bite on my arm, so I used this little tool (three times per the instructions) and immediately after use, it stopped itching! And less than 24 hours later the bite = gone! There is a very faint red mark from using the thing but that is a small price to pay IMO. Bottom line: it’s awesome. I’m carrying it with me everywhere!" —Rebecca

Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in five colors).

Promising review: "OK I NEVER EVER write reviews but this surely deserves one. I ordered this product, and a few other bling products for my car from other companies. When I opened my box my mouth dropped to the floor, this visor tissue box was on top and I couldn’t believe how bling and awesome it was. The pictures really don’t show justice just how awesome this thing is. It has hooks to fit onto your visor and it Velcros shut and stays shut." —I❤️Amazon

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in six colors and packs of two).

Promising review: “I really love this urination device! Not only does it give me convenience when out hiking and camping, but it makes 'going' more comfortable! No squatting, which is great because I have a bad back and squatting is hard for me to do without pain. This is a new 'must-have' road trip item!” —Jacqueline Desiree Punzo

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "When searching for a water bottle, I initially was tempted to get a Hydro Flask, but found this Iron Flask was cheaper. What sold the Iron Flask for me was that while it does keep water immensely cold over long periods of time, like the Hydro Flask, the Iron Flask comes with two additional lids and an extra straw. I like to use the water bottle wherever I go, and when filled with light ice, it has kept the water ice cold for up to 6+ hours. I have run my bottle into things by accident, and it has held up well. I've also knocked it over and left it on its side while driving, and there has been no leakage. Overall, if you're looking for an alternative to the Hydro Flask without breaking the bank, the Iron Flask is more affordable, and better from what I've experienced." —Marissa

Get it from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in 6 sizes and 28 colors).

Promising review: “No longer does my beastly Yeti roll all over my truck slamming into things when I make a hard turn. I must be old because this brought way too much joy to my life. I’m sure it works with the Hydro Flask as well; keeps it secure and doesn’t bounce. Will be purchasing another as a backup. The adjustable base fit snug in both cup holders.” —Mammoth117

Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in black and gray).

Promising review: "I installed this in my Freedom 1620 pop-up camper. It's plenty powerful and keeps the camper cool in any heat." —Marc Brooks

Get it from Amazon for $1,199.

Need a USB-C port? Check out this charger!

Promising review: "This is the best car charger for phones that I've found. It fits nearly flush with the 12-volt port so if you have a door covering your port it will still close. It does quick charge so modern phones charge super fast, and it has two ports for charging two devices at once without needing a splitter. My car only has one port up front, so this is great for the two front-seat users at once. Feels very high quality; it's held up through regular use including road trips over a couple months, so hopefully it lasts longer than the cheaper ones I've gone through." —Eric Rechlin

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "My car is an older model, so it doesn't have built-in Bluetooth, so I have small Bluetooth adapter that connects to the AUX jack. I use a cable clip in a hidden part of the dashboard to keep my phone charging cable, and the audio cable from the Bluetooth device in place. If you have devices that need to be charged and you want to keep your cables neat, tidy, and in place, you need this product. You could also use your imagination to find other uses! I have purchased two packs of these and used them all! I simply could not imagine life without these cable clips!" —Mike Tickle

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $6.96

Promising review: "Thankfully I haven't needed to use this item...BUT if I ever do, I have it in my car in the pocket of the driver side door. I live in Florida where we are surrounded by water and there are lakes, canals, drainage ditches, flood control ditches, and many bridges. There are constantly stories on the news about vehicles losing control and heading into the waters. One of the last news stories showed using this little tool. I immediately purchased several of them and gave them out to family and all of my neighbors." —Shesinstpete33710

Get it from Amazon for $9.45+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: “I'm very pleased with this product. We live in the PNW and see lots of persistent humidity and light drizzle/rain that molds just about any car's interior that sits for more than a month. I was using RV dryer bags, which are expensive and single use. These guys are great, they pull humidity quickly (within 12 hours the car with fully dewy/fogged windows is bone dry), restore quickly, and are renewable. We need less single-use plastic crap out there.” —Kane & Zack

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

Be sure to keep your eyes on the road when the car is in motion!

Promising review: "This camera is a new mommy must-have. I was using a mirror and constantly was readjusting it and relying on my mirror to see his mirror and it was stressful. I knew there had to be something better when I ended up driving at night with my 2-month-old to the hospital and he was freaking out and I couldn’t see him so I was pulling over to check on him every few minutes and it was a nightmare. This camera has been my saving grace. I was hesitant at first reading reviews saying it’s not night vision but mine automatically switches even in parking garages to night vision. I love that I can see my baby and not have to fix a mirror. Or turn my head to see fully what’s going on with him in the back. I really really recommend this for peace of mind!!" —Jennifer K

Get it from Amazon for $29.98.

Snatched Flames is a small business making products to protect your hair.

Promising review: "This is perfect for my needs. I didn’t want my hair oils to get on my headrest, and I didn’t want my hair style to get messed up while rubbing against the headrest. So this purchase is a win!" —Lillie Fenderson

Get it from Snatched Flames on Amazon for $14.99.

These blankets are made by a Portland-based small business called Rumpl that specializes in blankets made for the outdoors. They were also featured on Shark Tank, BTW.

Promising review: "Took this quilt camping and it was perfect! Kept me warm and cozy all night when temps dropped down to the upper 50s. This is my new favorite summertime quilt and I won't leave home without it!" —K. Kovaleff

Check out our full Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket review to learn even more!

Get it from Rumpl on Amazon for $125 (available in 39 colors)

Promising review: "I'm glad to have such great stuff in my car. Yes, it is not a powerful as my vacuum cleaner in the house, however, it cleaned out all the garbage, which I accumulated over the past autumn and winter in the car. At the end of October my husband and I went to the ocean and even though we tried to be neat, the sand was still in the car. Finally, I got rid of it! Now my beauty again is clean as it was the first day I bought her!" —JULIA BRIGHT

Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in four styles).

It's even got adjustable straps you can use to tie it down so it doesn't move around.

Promising review: "I bought this to organize food and other supplies in my trunk for a road trip. It worked perfectly! I love all of the compartments, and the soft sides make it easy to wedge things in to make full use of the space. It seems very durable. I've got it loaded down with some heavy items and the handles and bottom have held without issue." —Megan S.

Get it from Amazon for $26.50+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "I love this thing. I was definitely skeptical but it is sort of miraculous how the water stays in the bowl. (It is even a little tricky to dump the water on purpose because of the design.) I needed a bowl so my pup could have water at all times during a cross country road trip. It doesn't slide around and didn't spill. He has even stepped on it and it barely splashed. Perfect. Totally recommend." —Siena

Get it from Amazon for $13.95 (available in two colors)

Some reviewers even use this for their strollers!

Promising review: "I love this trash bag. My car has never stayed this clean. I have had it since last December and every time I go to empty it out, I am amazed as to how much it holds. It obviously isn’t made for super big items, but the paper that comes off of straws, gum, or whatever snack my kids are having in the car that day holds it and then some. The reason I’m even writing this is because I just emptied it and found a paper plate in it. I love the Velcro bottom too. It is easy to unwrap and wipe down the inside." —Maddie S

Get it from Amazon for $5.99.

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.