Essential Gear to Pack for a Summer Road Trip

Hit the road in style, comfort, practicality — and fun — this summer. Make memories with family sing-alongs, impromptu picnics and stops at roadside attractions. After all, the best road trips are all about the journey. Safe travels — and consider taking some of these suggestions along for the ride.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Related:14 Beautiful and Budget-Friendly Road Trips Across America

 Price: $40 | Buy it at Target
For those who don't leave their healthy habits at home when hitting the road — or anyone looking to take a break from roadside diners — this portable fridge allows you to travel with your own yogurt, skim milk, six-pack of seltzer, and more (even medicine). Flip the switch and it turns into a tiny warmer, too. Plugs into the car charger when on the road.

 Price: $36 | Buy it from Parks Project
Show your support of America's natural treasures with this Trail Crew USA vintage-inspired T-shirt, a 50 poly/50 cotton blend sporting a unisex design and slim fit. Feel good about the purchase as proceeds of Parks Project goods benefit conservancies across the country to provide funding for the ongoing care of our national parks.

 Price: $20 | Buy it from Parks Project
No matter where the road takes you, you'll need to hydrate. Do it with a message by using this "Leave It Better Than You Found It" water bottle. It holds 32 ounces, features a carabiner and splash-guard removable insert, and is made of BPA-free Tritan. As with all Parks Project goods, this also supports conservation efforts.

 Price: $10 | Buy it at Oriental Trading Co.
Kids getting a bit too raucous in the back seat? Calm them down the retro-inspired way with some travel games. A set of 12 5-inch games, from tic-tac-toe to checkers to snakes and ladders. Includes printed instructions on each case.

Related: 18 Ways to Distract Your Kids from Technology This Summer

 Price: $100 | Buy it from Igloo
Igloo's been making coolers since 1947 so you know they have the on-the-go routine down pat. Invest in this spacious, sturdy cooler for this trip — and you'll likely have it for years to come, taking advantage of its durable construction with reinforced base, a comfort grip, and UV inhibitors.

 Price: $69.99 | Buy it at Target
Phone cameras surely do the job — but introduce the young (or delight the young at heart) with this compact camera that produces instant pictures that you can hold. Features a selfie-mirror, close-up lens attachment, and brightness adjustment dial. Say cheese!

Related: Amazing Places to Take a Selfie in Every State

 Price: $6 | Buy it at Barnes & Noble
The stops along the way often provide some of a trip's most memorable moments. It's fun when they're spontaneous — but a bit of planning never hurts, either. Use Pamela Chanko's "Totally Wacky Roadside Attractions," the thrifty (and easy-to-carry) paperback edition, to guide your way to some quirky must-sees across the nation. Who would forget driving through a donut to … buy a donut?

Related: Roadtrippers Go Out of Their Way for These Amazing Convenience Stores 

 Price: $109 | Buy it from Amazon
When you're serious about your drive — and your car isn't equipped with a built-in GPS, it's OK to skip relying on the phone and invest in a portable system. This one features lifetime maps, spoken turn-by-turn directions, direct access, driver alerts, and Foursquare data.

Related: How Gas Stations Have Totally Transformed Since the Early 1900s

 Price: $14.10 | Buy it from Wham-O
Legs need a stretch from all that driving? Kids getting stir crazy? Pull over to the next patch of green you see and whip out this classic diversion ideal for all ages. Soon everyone will be laughing at the spazzy moves dad is making, right?

Related: 11 Road Trip Games To Keep the Whole Family Entertained

 Price: $70 | Buy it at L.L. Bean
We're not suggesting you spend hundreds for top-of-the-line binoculars, but a quality pair can go a long way on a road trip, whether you're stopping at a scenic overlook or on a ferry ride. This compact pair, made for L.L. Bean by Bushnell, offers crystal-clear imaging, water-resistant construction, and easy-to-hold soft gel grips (perfect for the younger set).

 Price: $10 | Buy it from Amazon
Want to take "a 60-track journey through the heart of America?" If so, then this three-CD set is for you. Your musical traveling companions will include Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and more.

Related: 22 Locations From Famous Songs That You Can Actually Visit

 Price: $45 | Buy it at Walmart
This thrifty old-school electronic option allows kids — and adults — to zone out to their own choice of entertainment, in the back seat or at the hotel. With tilt-and-swivel design, you can watch DVDs or listen to audio CDs. Features include built-in stereo speakers and a rechargeable battery.

 Price: $15 | Buy it at Kohl's
The guys can not only look good but escape the glare with these gray gradient lens sunglasses.

 Price: $18 | Buy it at Kohl's
The ladies can channel old Hollywood with these sleek shades from former reality star-turned-designer and lifestyle guru Lauren Conrad. Available in three color options, they also offer UVA/UVB protection.

 Price: $17 | Buy it from Personalization Mall
You'll hopefully have many moments that you want to remember forever from your trek — a journal that pops into your tote will help you record those memories, from sights to special meals, jokes to inspirations. This handy-sized version can also be personalized with a selection of phrases and a name. Pick up one for each passenger and compare notes at the trip's conclusion.

 Price: $11 | Buy it from Amazon
Road trips are part of a grand tradition, but how much do you know about road-trip history? Pick up this book to read before you hit the highway — or even bring Richard Ratay's book along and take turns reading it out loud for a bit of bonding.

Related: Route 66: Then and Now

 Price: $8 | Buy it at Walmart
Everyone's bound to grab a catnap along the way, so why not enjoy those 40 winks in comfort? You can if you stock up on the Miami CarryOn Pink Zebra Microbeads Neck Pillow for Supportive Comfort, in plush polyester and stretchable spandex.

 Price: $6 | Buy it at Kmart
If you're going to be napping or are the constant loser in the "please turn the A/C down" battle, then the 50-by-60-inch Essential Home Fleece Throw may make the difference between feeling chilly — and feeling chill.

 Price: $7 | Buy it at Bed Bath & Beyond
On the flip side, if you're traveling with those who hate air conditioning — or you expect side stops along steamy roads — consider the battery-powered O2 COOL Deluxe Necklace Fan, a product one reviewer said is so quiet that "people beside me won't notice I am using a fan …"

 Price: $15 | Buy it from B&H Photo, Video, Pro Audio
Park the car, unpack the picnic basket, and set up this portable radio (AM/FM/shortwave capabilities) to complete the vintage scene. Tune in to local stations to see what's on their top-10 list. Uses batteries or AC power cord, and includes design features like an easy-to-read tuning dial, a high-power speaker, and an LED power indicator.

 Price: $10 | Buy it at Dick's Sporting Goods
You may find yourself on a rocky shore or wanting to wade into the shallows of a lake. Protect your feet in unknown territory with the DBX Women's Water Shoes, a lightweight choice that offers a die-cut foam footbed for soft cushioning with each step. They're also available for men.

 Price: $8 | Buy it at Dick's Sporting Goods
Guys can slip into this warm-weather style for a trek down to the motel pool after a day of driving — or as a breather after an afternoon of sightseeing.

 Price: Starting at $36 | Buy it from Chewy
If a family road trip means bringing the family pet, then think about their comfort on the road, too. This playpen from EliteField offers a selection of sizes and colors, each designed for ease of use and safety.

 Price: $4 | Buy it at Petco
A furry friend has to eat and stay hydrated, too, so be ready for a roadside meal with this 1-cup collapsible accessory (ideal for a tote or backpack) that's easy to use and easy to clean.

 Price: $37 | Buy it at Pottery Barn Kids
Get the kids in on the fun — yes, they might even help with the pre-trip packing — with this bag in Mackenzie blue/gray with a glow-in-the-dark feature. The dinosaur motif will catch their eye; the tough handles, water-resistant polyester construction, and detachable shoulder strap will please the parents.

 Price: $20 | Buy it at T.J. Maxx
You don't have to look like a "ready-for-all-terrain" tourist. You can add a bit of glam — and pack quite a few necessities — in this gold-striped tote that features dual carry handles, a magnetic disc closure, and an interior pocket. City (or beach) chic!

 Price: $12 | Buy it from SwimZip
Protect your pretty face from a sunburn with this hat crafted from sun-protective fabric. Ideal for the pool or beach, the design — available in six color options — works equally well for hiking and walking. There are vented sides for comfort, with adjustable head and chin straps for windy days.

Related: 13 Effective Sunscreens That Will Leave You With Money to Burn

 Price: $10 | Buy it at Target
It's always best, as the scouts say, to be prepared. While nobody wants to be on the road in the rain, having a durable umbrella at the ready as you dash toward the rest-stop restroom will make the rainy run a bit less frantic. This is a compact version ideal for drizzle — or a downpour.

 Price: From $8 | Buy it at The Home Depot
Sure, you might feel like a geek — but you'll be a dry geek if you pick up on the Mossi XT Series Rain Poncho. With a full hood that sports a locking drawstring cord, you'll be protected from bad weather with this reliable, reusable poncho that comes in multiple colors (and children's sizes also available).

 Price: $28 | Buy it from Wayfair
Freeport Park's Pocket Picnic Blanket helps eliminate that "I-sat-on-wet-grass feeling" with colorful flair (four striped combinations are available). This easy-to-pack, parachute-style option comes with four stakes to hold the generous 83-by-85-inch stretch in place.

 Price: $35 | Buy it from Mag-Lite
It's far from sexy, but a quality flashlight is a worthy investment. This compact, performance-oriented number offers two power settings (to conserve the battery), has a powerful projecting LED beam, a blink mode for SOS, and a rugged case. You'll be happy you have it to light any unfamiliar path at night.

 Price: $21.99 | Buy it from Red Cross
Don't let a scratch or bug bite put a damper on the day. Be ready for minor mishaps with this portable pack that includes first-aid supplies for the most common injuries, from cuts and scrapes to sprains and swelling. An impressive 73 pieces are contained in a zippered soft pack.

Related: 25 Items You Should Always Keep in Your Car for Emergencies 

 Price: $1.89 | Buy it from Guitar Center
There's singing along to the radio and then there is making your own music. And the kazoo is perhaps the ultimate instrument for anyone who feels they have no musical talent. Laugh if you will — but the kazoo will add an undeniably fun element to your travels. And at this price, you can pick up one for everyone and start your own road-trip band.

 Price: $3 | Buy it at Target
Eating in the car is part of the road-trip experience. Ruining your new T-shirt doesn't have to be. Stock up on these portable, single-use instant stain remover pads to get a head start on spills until you can hit the local laundromat.

 Price: $6 | Buy it at Bath & Body Works
The classic road trip usually includes at least one roadside restroom that could give you nightmares. But we all know when you gotta go, you gotta go. Limit your time in the loo by bringing your own hand sanitizer. This clever 5-pack of 1-ounce containers from PocketBac features summer-themed scents from pineapple coconut "Mermaid BFFS" to "At the Beach."

 Price: $6 | Buy it from MoonPie
How fun was it to hit the roadside convenience store and be allowed to pick out something you just didn't get at home? Recreate that giddy fun by having a retro treat on hand. Bring your own box of "the Original Marshmallow Sandwich" — now available in a box of 12 individually wrapped pies. (Don't forget napkins).