What to pack in your car for a road trip, according to travel expert Samantha Brown – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Travel host Samantha Brown has logged more than 2.5 million miles across over 65 countries in her career, including a recent 2,448-mile journey along Route 66 featured on her Emmy-winning PBS series. That multi-state drive through the historic Mother Road deepened her appreciation for the open road’s spirit of tenacity and optimism. As the 100th anniversary of Route 66 approaches on Nov. 11, 2026, Brown offered practical advice on must-have car items for any long-haul adventure, blending her favorites with time-tested options.
Games and Gear for Family Fun
Brown emphasized the value of simple outdoor games during her road trips with kids. She always packed a Frisbee or ball to encourage breaks for stretching legs and resetting after hours in the car. These portable items turned rest stops into chances for play, even for non-athletic families.
Inside the vehicle, activities kept boredom at bay. Options included LCD writing tablets, reusable activity books, road trip bingo, and seatback holders for tablets or iPads. Brown noted that even stunning scenery could grow repetitive, especially for children asking endless questions about arrival times.
Comfort Items for the Long Haul
Comfortable clothing topped Brown’s list for road trips, unlike flying where nicer outfits might appear. She chose versatile pieces that shifted easily from driving to hiking or dining. Staff insights echoed this, suggesting blankets or sweatshirts for varying car temperatures.
Snacks and water proved essential to avoid costly gas station stops. Brown recommended stocking up initially, saving room for occasional treats. Reusable water bottles allowed refills at fountains, protecting both wallet and environment. Wet wipes handled messes from hands or pumps, fitting neatly in the glove box.
Key Road Trip Comforts: Comfortable layers, reusable bottles, wipes, and a stash of non-perishable snacks.
Safety and Emergency Preparedness
An emergency roadside kit ranked high for Brown, much like car insurance – hoped-for but vital if needed. These kits contained jumper cables, tire tools, flashlights, air compressors, safety gear, and first-aid supplies. Portable chargers ensured device power for groups, with multi-port models charging several at once.
Anti-nausea options helped passengers prone to motion sickness. Wristbands or over-the-counter tablets offered relief, alongside tips like avoiding screens and mint candies. AAA membership extended beyond towing to include travel planning, discounts on attractions, hotels, and rentals, starting at $72 yearly for up to three people.
Navigation and Convenience Tools
Brown relied on physical guidebooks over apps alone for Route 66’s twists through interstates and historic paths. Jerry McClanahan’s “EZ66 Guide for Travelers” provided mile-by-mile details, attractions, dining, and scavenger hunts. Such books offered local insights beyond directions.
Sunglasses served as backups against glaring windshields, while trash bags managed inevitable garbage – grocery sacks or car-specific systems worked well. Downloaded maps, music, movies, and shows countered spotty cell service, with apps like Apple Maps enabling offline navigation.
These items transformed potential hassles into smooth travels. Brown’s decades of experience underscore that preparation fosters the joy of discovery on roads like Route 66.
