If you have roadside stops planned you can make an itinerary, I use the Evernote app for organizing trip plans.
You may already have these in your car, but sunglasses, flashlight and tire patch kit are the only things I can think of that others haven’t mentioned.
I got a ton of use out of hanging a hydration bladder/camelbak off the back of my seat. Being able to drink water one handed without have to fiddle with bottle caps felt much safer on the road.
Tooth brush, towel, and basic toiletries are nice if you want to get a quick shower at a truck stop.
You can download maps from google in advance in case you run in to spotty coverage. It might be worth getting an old school printed on paper road atlas in case you have any trouble with your electronics
Ymmv, but i have a couple of magnetic “yay police” and other right wing brainworms bumper stickers for driving through hostile territory. Idk if it helps, but anything that keeps thieving rural cops off your tail is worth considering.
Sunscreen! I’ve gotten sunburn on my left arm while driving for long distances before. I though car windows had uva/uvb filters but i guess not?
Bring some change in case you run in to an unexpected toll road somewhere.
The advice here is good, but it may be a little too safe.
If you want an adventure, use an atlas and truck stops like Loves or Pilot for snacks, a nap or shower. These places are rad, super safe and clean (the stigma is bullshit). It can be a little more expensive and take a little longer, but there are a LOT of great and interesting people in the US and it's pretty much the safest it's been since the sixties.
Also, I recommend favoring AM or FM radio (in that order) to hear some wild stuff out in the boonies.
Edit: Make sure your car's lights are all working so the cops don't waste your time. The US may be safer than it has been, but the cops sure ain't.
I’ve done coast to coast almost a dozen times now, some straight through, some meandering. He’s a large list of stuff I bring and do. This assumes you have all your roadside emergency equipment already in place, I’ll only add that roadside flares will save your life at night and for the love of God pay the $150 for AAA. Please forgive my lack of formatting.
Toilet paper, a towel to place on your lap when you eat, headlamp AND a flashlight, window squeegee & fluid, dark bedsheet to block out light (if you sleep in the car), a small dedicated garbage can, a cooler and a way to keep your stuff OFF the ice (small $1 store metal rack), if you have a thin steering wheel get a thick padded cover (less hand fatigue), make a photocopy off your license, insurance, and registration so it’s all on a single page, use Google Maps to plot your course, then print it out so you have a hard copy, a sharp knife, zip ties & roll of duct tape, assorted ‘rags’ (for stuffing in or taping/zipping to things that rattle), a hidden key, the small $25 Husky socket set from Home Depot, a pair of pliers and a pair of vice grips (the claw one), 4in1 screwdriver, a couple of garbage bags, extra toothbrush, wet wipes, a device stuffed with music (don’t count on streaming), a dual 12v lighter socket plug, sometimes one isn’t enough.
Dashcam and quality SD card for the obvious.
In addition to all that, I also purchase a pack of socks, and then some crappy clothes from Goodwill. Each day I do my best to bathe, and then I throw away that day’s socks & clothes (shirt usually). There’s enough smells going on, I don’t need BO clothes to spice it up or clog the intereworkings of the car.
I also have an old Android phone I set on the dashboard facing the windshield and use as a HUD (head up display) app. This is * SERIOUSLY * the single best thing I take that makes the trip better. Not having to shift your eyes from the road is a f*cking * game changer * . I’m sure Apple has something similar. --> play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.mrchops…
Try to always put the same stuff back in the same place. Never have to search for your wallet, CC, or paper towels etc. Never leave your wallet in the car. It takes 10 seconds to ruin your trip and leave you broke.
If you are a cannabis enthusiast (which I don’t recommend while driving) roll what you are taking and roll them small enough so that it’s gone when you’ve finished. Never ever never hold on to 1/2 Js or roaches. Ever. Do not bring non-combustibles with you, or any paraphernalia.
My last crosss country jag was in 2018 (Seattle - Miami 8.5 days, 2002 Toyota Echo w/2 cats, straight to), and I split my sleeping between Walmarts and truck stops. The Walmarts are well lit, and the bathrooms sparkle 1st thing in the morning and I could get my grub for the day & ice. Most large truck stops have showers, which really really makes your day so much better.
If you stop for pictures, make sure your GPS is on and allowed by your camera. I have a lot of neat pictures I have zero idea where they were taken.
I hope you have a blast. America is just comprised of a bunch of little countries that happen to use the same money. Soak it all up as you can.
[edit] I’ll also add make sure you have adequate arm supports (preferably to the elbow). 8+ hours at the wheel will give you crampy tyrannosaurus rex arms
[edit2] I also get a cheap CB Radio and a magnetic antenna. The Truckers use channel 19 and they always know what’s going on around and ahead of you. You also have another way to call for help.
Google Maps is better at straight forward directions (2018), but Waze allows its users to mark where accidents are and speed traps / check points. I use both (phone & tablet). If you can only use 1, use Waze.
Just want to say that this is a fantastic answer. Pay attention to the parts about printing/downloading stuff. There are huge parts of America where you won’t get a reliable cell signal sometimes for hours.
So I agree with most of the comments before. When I was young my family used to pile in a car and drove for a couple of days to visit family. Man, if you’ve got kids in the car you want to be sure you’ve got things for them to do. Unoccupied kids (speaking from experience) are distracting. We used to play the “license plate game”. We’d look for novelty plates and try to decipher what they mean, and look for each state plate too. Not sure if your driving alone or with someone.
I’d also recommend a couple blankets, towels (paper and fabric), a flashlight, and a first aid kit, and a roadside emergency kit too. Bring some cash, and have a backup payment method. Also if alone, make a plan to checkin with family at least daily. Let em know where your at, and where your headed.
Have fun and stop at cool sights and little touristy places too! Take lots of pictures. Wish you a safe and fun trip!
If you’re driving with someone, a good neck pillow for the passenger so they can rest when you trade off.
Back pillows for everyone.
Be sure to text someone everytime you make a stop for gas and let them know where you are, where you’re headed next and approximately when you’ll get there - that way if you don’t text they’ll know to call and have an approximate location to look for you.
building off the last item, add air tags in your car and belongings that you can track and also share the account info with trusted family/ friends to help locate you in the event something goes wrong
Bring little orange cones in case you break down or have to fix a flat. Safety first - vest doesn’t hurt either.
Download music or audio books as you won’t get reception in many areas.
good pair of sunglasses and a backup pair
extra prescription meds - split between two bags in case you lose one
cut proof and RFID blocking bag of some sort put your wallet, phone, keys in when you stop - fanny packs are great but not for everyone. Find one that works for you whether it be a backpack or something else. Travelon is a great brand.
stop for gas each time you get to half a tank. I know it sounds like overkill but you never know if you’ll be diverted for a road closure through the heartland with no services for 100+ miles. It never hurts to have a full tank, give yourself a stretch, bio break and caffeine refill.
I’ve done road trips with a partner and solo - you’ll have s blast. Make sure you’re safe first and foremost. Do tons of research before you go so you hit all the spots you’re interested in and have backup plans in case places are closed. Take some pictures but also just enjoy your journey.
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