The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials

There’s nothing quite like the Great American Road Trip—windows down, music up, and the open road ahead. But whether you’re cruising Route 66 or just hitting the highway for a weekend getaway, preparation is key to comfort, convenience, and safety.

From clutter to dead phone batteries to “no signal” zones, the open road throws plenty of curveballs. Luckily, AAA has curated this lineup of six must-have products to solve the most common road trip challenges before they even start.

Challenge #1: Keeping Clutter at Bay

Snacking on the go is part of the road trip charm—until the wrappers, napkins, and coffee cups start piling up. Instead of stuffing garbage in cupholders or on the floor, stash it where it belongs.

Solution: High Road StashAway Seatback Trash Station

This clutter warrior straps easily to the back of your seat and holds up to three gallons of trash. Its leakproof lining prevents spills and odors, and the lid keeps contents out of sight. Bonus: mesh side pockets give you a place to stash wipes or hand sanitizer.

Challenge #2: Maintaining Roadway Visibility

Ever try wiping a foggy windshield with your sleeve? It doesn’t end well.

Solution: Travelon Windshield Cleaner and Defogger

This windshield wonder-worker features a triangular microfiber head that reaches into corners and contours, quickly removing fog, dust, and smudges—no sprays needed. Compact and ergonomic, this tool stows neatly in your glove compartment and works on both interior and exterior glass.

Challenge #3: Powering Up on the Go

When your phone battery dies and the next gas station is 50 miles away, things can get dicey fast.

Solution: Smooth Trip Power Bank / GoTravel USB-A & USB-C Charger

The Smooth Trip Power Bank keeps your devices charged, even when you’re far from the nearest outlet. It’s slim enough to fit in a glove box or door pocket and delivers up to two full phone charges on a single cycle. With both USB-A and USB-C outputs, it supports a wide range of devices—from phones and tablets to portable speakers.

Once you arrive at the hotel or Airbnb, you’re likely met with exactly one usable outlet in the room. Instead of playing musical plugs with your travel companions, come prepared with the GoTravel USB Charger. This compact unit features both USB-A and USB-C ports so that you can power two devices at once from a single wall outlet.

Challenge #4: Navigating Off the Beaten Path

We’ve grown used to relying on our phones for navigation—until they can’t provide navigation. Whether you’re off-grid, deep in a national park, or simply hit a coverage dead zone, a physical map becomes your best friend.

Solution: Rand McNally 2025 Road Atlas & National Park Guide

This classic road atlas includes detailed state and regional maps, scenic routes, and major highway exits. It’s spiral-bound to lie flat and easy to read from the passenger seat or a picnic table.

Challenge #5: Securing Cargo for the Long Haul

Even road trips need structure—especially when you're packing for multiple people, climates, or activities.

Solution: Ricardo Beverly Hills Melrose Hardside Checked + Carry-On Spinner

The Melrose collection is built for travelers who don’t want to choose between extra shoes and their favorite sweater. It offers serious packing space, smooth-rolling 360-degree spinner wheels, and a lightweight yet ultra-durable shell.

Final Road Wisdom: Drive Smarter, Not Harder

The beauty of a road trip is in the freedom to explore—but that freedom comes more easily with a little smart prep. Your next Great American Road Trip starts at your local AAA Store or AAA.com/Shop for these and other travel-tested-and-proven essentials.