It’s easy to make a long car ride more comfortable and seriously improve your experience with a few of the best road trip accessories. You don’t need to break the bank to upgrade your ride!
In this article, I’m going to share 37 must-have car travel accessories for long drives. Let us know in the comments if there are any we’ve missed that are must-have essential things to keep in your car.
A few car gadgets and extras can lead to better entertainment and car comfort during those long hours behind the wheel. A good selection of the best car accessories for road trips will do just that.
We’ve looked at the advantages and drawbacks of a wide range of products, as well as recommended some of our favorite road trip packing list essentials. Read our ultimate guide to planning a road trip for more useful tips and info.
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Best Road Trip Accessories
There are HUNDREDS of car gadgets and accessory options out there. We’ve trawled through and compiled a list of the most useful, so you don’t spend hours shopping.
Included in this best car travel accessories list are:
- Electronics to keep you connected on the go
- Accessories for keeping your car organized
- Smart accessories to maximize comfort
- Useful items that make your journey safer
- Camping accessories for nights out in the open
Whatever you’re looking for, this list of must-have road trip accessories has you covered.
1. Car Windshield Sunshade
If you plan to road trip in a hot climate, a car windshield sunshade is a helpful accessory. It reflects the sun’s rays, protecting the interior from UV damage. It’s one of the best ways to keep your parked car cool during a hot day. That means when you return from a day of fun activities your car will be significantly cooler.
- Shield Your Ride: EcoNour’s sunshade for car…
- Uncompromising Quality: Made from premium quality…
- Easy to Install: Effortlessly install our window…
If you have kids in the back these these car window shades are great to fit to the side windows. They’re designed to fit any windows and are certified to block 99.95% of UVR. It’s an option to consider if you want to block the sun in the back of the car.
- The only car window shades CERTIFIED to block…
- This set contains 2 transparent + 2…
- Made of 120 GSM,15S Film & a unique clamp, it’s…
2. Cleaning Gel for Car
This cleaning gel for cars is one of the most popular products on Amazon at the time of writing in the automotive category. It’s an awesome way to clean the dashboard/interior of your car. Simply push the gel into those difficult-to-reach places and pick up all the loose dirt and dust. Giving your vehicle a thorough clean is one of the ways to prepare your car for a road trip.
- PERFECT CAR CLEANING TOOL: PULIDIKI cleaning gel…
- EASY TO USE: Push car cleaning gel into little…
- FRIENDLY TO CAR: Car gel cleaning putty is a…
3. Smartphone Car Mount
A smartphone car mount is an essential road trip accessory for those who want to use their phones while driving… and I don’t mean scrolling through Instagram!
A smartphone mount is perfect for hands-free calls, using your phone as a GPS, or benefitting from one of our suggested best road trip apps.
Certain models such as the one below are designed to hold smartphones of all sizes, making it easy to install and remove your phone. The one below also has wireless charging!
- 【Auto-Precise Alignment Charging】This wireless…
- 【Upgraded Intelligent Auto-Clamping】The…
- 【Make Drive Easier】Combines the wireless…
Here’s a budget option to add to your road trip packing list if you want to keep the cost down. It doesn’t come with wireless charging though which I personally like.
- 3 IN 1 Car Phone Mount: Cell phone holder car is…
- Enhanced Suction Cup: Phone holder mount is…
- Perfect Flexibility: Car phone holder with 360…
4. Air Freshener
Isn’t it amazing how quickly a car can go from smelling like “new” to “who ate those fries three days ago?” With this refreshing air freshener from Amazon, your car will always be guest-ready, making every journey feel as invigorating as a breeze through a pine forest.
- See Brandstore for latest product
- Simple to activate
- Fresh scent
5. Trash Bin for Car
Ever noticed how candy wrappers, snack bags, and napkins magically multiply during road trips? With this handy car trash bin from Amazon, you can keep your vehicle clutter-free and comfortable, ensuring every mile is as pleasant as the destination.
- ✔ADJUSTABLE STRAP & COLLAPSIBLE SHAPE – The…
- ✔MAGNETIC SNAPS: There are 4 metallic magnetic…
- ✔DURABLE LEAKPROOF INNER LINING – This garbage…
6. Car Vacuum Cleaner
Keeping things clean while you’re on the road is not easy! You might have your furry friend with you and you’ve probably had at least a few snacks in there! A portable car vacuum is a nice easy way to keep the inside of your vehicle nice and clean.
The ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner can be plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter adapter and can pick up both wet and dry debris. It comes with additional nozzles for those hard-to-reach areas.
- PRACTICAL: A mini vacuum for car or truck that is…
- POWERFUL: This hand held vacuum is made for…
- STRONG SUCTION: The cyclonic force and strong…
7. Portable Tire Inflator
It’s important to be prepared if you’re considering driving an old car long distance. Ever had a road trip interrupted by an unexpected flat tire? With this nifty portable tire inflator, you can tackle those sudden deflations head-on, ensuring you’re always road-ready and turning those dreaded flat moments into mere pit stops.
- TOUGHULTRA TECHNOLOGY, ENHANCED DURABILITY: This…
- PROGRAMMABLE INFLATION: Use the “M” button to set…
- COMPACT SIZE & EASY TO STORE: Featuring a…
8. Glove Box Organizer
You know that mad scramble searching for your insurance card or a forgotten charger in the glove box? With this glove box organizer, you’ll have all your essentials neatly arranged and at your fingertips, making every road trip smooth and stress-free.
- Glove Compartment Document Holder – multipurpose…
- Owners Manual Case – deep inside manual pocket…
- Car Paper Organizer – zippered outside pocket…
9. Lumbar Back Support Cushion
Have you read our article about avoiding back pain while driving? Adding this lumbar back support to your seat is a game-changer. Not only does it provide essential support to your spine, but it also complements those other tips we discussed, ensuring you drive pain-free and arrive feeling refreshed.
- 【Unique Design】Lumbar pillow adopts unique…
- 【Upgraded Premium Memory Foam】Lumbar support…
- 【Wide Applications】Designed for desk workers,…
This gel-enhanced seat cushion compliments the above lumbar support. You can use them either on their own or combine them.
- Most Comfortable Gel Memory Foam Cushion On The…
- Supports Tailbone and Relieves Pressure -…
- Provides Lower Back Pain & Sciatica Relief, Great…
10. Dash Cam
There are so many important reasons why you should get a dash cam. They can help protect you against false allegations, undisciplined drivers, and fraud. Using a dash cam can give you peace of mind when you’re out on a road trip as they provide indisputable video evidence in the unfortunate case of an accident.
What’s more, you can record your entire road trip with little effort (great for editing montages of beautiful roads). There are many dash cams on the market with varying features, making it tough to choose a particular model.
- 4K+1080P DUAL RECORDING- REDTIGER brings to you…
- SUPERIOR NIGHT VISION- The driving recorder adopts…
- WiFi/SMART APP CONTROL- You just need to connect…
- ⚠️ NOTE: MEMORY CARD NOT INCLUDED (Note that…
- ⚠️ Please be aware that connection to the app…
- 📸 2.5K*1440P Car Dash Cam: The front dash…
- 【2.5K+1080P FHD & 336°Wide Angle Dual…
- 【3.2 Inch IPS Screen & Aluminum Alloy…
- 【Loop Recording & Evidence Protection】-Even if…
You can also check out our article on the Best Dash Cams out there, to help choose which one is best for you.
11. Back Seat Organizer
If you’ve ever taken a road trip, you know how easy it is to lose things under the mountain of stuff in the car. A backseat organizer is perfect for keeping things neat and well-ordered during your trip, as well as keeping those in the back entertained!
The Helteko Backseat Car Organizer has numerous compartments to keep your items organized and accessible. If you need some ideas on how to keep the little ones entertained check out our collection of road trip activities for kids.
- ORGANIZE YOUR STUFF – With our kick mats your…
- PLENTY OF POCKETS – The backseat car organizer…
- CLEAR TABLET HOLDER – Our car back seat organizer…
12. Trunk Organizer
Ever opened your trunk only to be greeted by a chaotic jumble of items tumbling out? Enter the trunk organizer! It’ll transform that messy space into a tidy haven, making sure everything has its place and your road trip essentials are easy to find. This first option is a nice budget pick.
- COLLAPSIBLE – Car organization is now easy to come…
- SECURE – Skip the loose clutter. This car storage…
- CAPACITY – Each SUV & truck organizer makes…
The second one below is a little more pricey however it comes with a built-in insulation cooler bag, perfect for storing those delicious road trip sandwiches! It’s also collapsible for easy storage.
- PREMIUM CAR TRUNK ORGANIZER WITH COOLER BAG – The…
- SUPERIOR DURABILITY AND WATERPROOF – The K KNODEL…
- SMART DESIGN – Our product features sturdy walls,…
If you need some inspiration then we have plenty of awesome recipes and suggestions in our road trip food ideas article.
13. Car Emergency Kit
For those who believe in being thoroughly prepared for any eventuality, this premium car emergency kit is a must-have. This comprehensive package not only comes with the standard essentials but also boasts a portable air compressor. Paired with an accurate tire pressure gauge, it ensures that you can tackle tire troubles with the right tools at hand.
- Quality Materials: Our Car Emergency Kit is packed…
- 90-Piece Premium Roadside Assistance Set: Our kit…
- Additional Kit: We’ve included only the best tools…
Being prepared doesn’t always have to break the bank. This budget-friendly car emergency kit offers a curated selection of essential items. It’s compact, efficient, and gets the job done. Perfect for those just starting out on their road trip adventures or anyone looking for a dependable backup without the hefty price tag. Safety and savings wrapped in one!
- 【Always Safe on the Road】 To help you deal…
- 【Multipurpose Roadside Assistance】 It’s a…
- 【Easy-to-Carry】 This auto emergency kit comes…
14. Portable Car Fan
Summer road trips can get toasty, especially when the AC just isn’t cutting it or you’re parked under the sun. With a portable car fan, you’ll enjoy a consistent breeze that keeps you cool and comfortable, turning those warm drives into breezy adventures. We also have other similar items in our full article on how to keep cool in a car without AC.
- 【Adjustable Car Fan】With 2 rotatable fan…
- 【Humanized Design】XOOL car fan has low noise…
- 【Easy to Use】The fan comes with a high-quality…
15. Travel Pillow
A travel pillow is a great road trip accessory for passengers looking to sleep in a moving car.
This Wolf Essentials Pillow is ideal for anyone seeking comfort on the go. Use it to support your head during a quick snooze or just wear it because it’s nice to use when you’re relaxing as a passenger.
- PREMIUM COMFORT-Our luxurious crystal fleece neck…
- VERSATILE – This travel pillow can provide extra…
- LIFE PROOF – Life can get messy, no worries here….
16. Reusable Coffee Cup/Flask
Coffee is a road-tripper’s best friend, right? Although there are other ways to stay awake while driving, I certainly like to drink a lot of coffee when I travel. As such, a coffee flask is one of my favorite road trip accessories.
A staggering amount of disposable coffee cups are used globally each year.
Be eco-friendly and take your own reusable coffee flask!
- Our lids are sealed: Autoseal technology is leak…
- For the long haul: Drinks stay hot up to 5 hours…
- Lend a hand: Easy one handed drinking from this…
And while we’re on the topic of being eco-friendly…
17. Reusable Water Bottle
Drinking enough water is important when aiming to stay healthy when traveling. Not only does it prevent dehydration, but it helps fight fatigue which can be a mood killer on long journeys. If you’re interested in the impact you have when you go away, check out our top tips for eco-friendly travel!
- The water bottle is double-walled and made from…
- Wide mouth makes it easy to clean, BPA-free lid…
- This Growler Won’t Leak. lid with handle for easy…
18. Cooling Seat Covers
Beat the summer heat with the Zone Tech cooling seat cushion. Designed with innovative Microfiber and mesh materials, this cushion circulates air, eliminating those stifling hot pockets and providing a refreshing layer between you and your seat. Easily adjust the temperature with a dial, ensuring a comfortable ride regardless of how scorching it is outside. Universally fit for most vehicles, it’s a breeze to set up—just plug into a 12V cigarette lighter adapter. Upgrade your drive with this cool companion.
- Circulates cool & refreshing air through…
- Adjustable temperature control dial for high,…
- Universal fit attaches securely to car, truck, SUV…
19. Kids Travel Tray
Remember our piece on surviving long car rides with kids? This kid’s travel tray is a lifesaver from that list! It provides a stable space for drawing, eating, or playing, making those extended journeys more enjoyable for the little ones and, let’s be honest, more peaceful for everyone else.
- Travel Tray for Kids Car Seat: Entertain your kids…
- Kid Safe Materials: Crafted from Oxford cloth and…
- No-Drop Tablet Holder: Compatible with various…
20. Baby Kids Mirror
If you’ve delved into our road trip with a newborn baby article, you know the importance of keeping an eye on the tiniest traveler(s). This baby car mirror allows you to sneak a peek at your little one from the driver’s seat, ensuring they’re comfy and safe while giving you peace of mind throughout the journey. It’s a must-have as part of your family road trip packing list.
21. Car Seat Gap Filler
Ever dropped your phone, keys, or a handful of change into the car’s abyss, also known as the gap between seats? The car seat gap filler is here to rescue you! It bridges that pesky space, ensuring your essentials remain within reach and not lost in the seat chasm.
- Drop Stop provides 100% Gap Coverage in front of,…
- As Seen on Shark Tank, Drop Stop blocks that…
- Drop Stop is the Original and Patented Seat Gap…
22. Cooler Box
A cooler bag is an excellent road trip companion; it gives you the freedom to take foods that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to store. It is certainly one road trip accessory that will make your journey more comfortable.
Don’t forget to fill the cooler with delicious road trip snacks from your road trip food list!
- Large Capacity: Cooler bag can hold a volume of…
- Long-term Cooling Time: The main compartment uses…
- 100 % Leak-proof: The inner lining is made of…
23. First Aid Kit
Whether it’s a quick weekend camping or an epic journey through another country, a first aid kit is an absolute must. As a minimum, this should contain band-aids, sterilizing wipes, bandages, scissors, painkillers, and medication. I’d recommend buying one that is pre-packaged up like the one below so you know you have everything you need. Check out these other road trip safety tips before setting off on your adventure.
- Comprehensive Emergency Kit: Includes adhesive…
- Convenient Packaging: An ideal workplace and home…
- Easy Access: This convenient and versatile work,…
24. Power Adapter
In today’s tech-driven world, it’s easy for devices to run out of juice mid-journey. With this car power adapter, you can charge on the go, ensuring your gadgets stay powered up, the road trip songs keep playing, and navigation stays on point for the entire journey. This is one of those must-have car camping essentials you don’t want to forget!
- BESTEK Advantage: America’s leading power inverter…
- Fast Charging: two 110V AC outlets for charging…
- Ultra Compact and Lightweight: iPhone-sized design…
25. Portable Battery Pack
We all know how annoying it is when your battery dies – it always seems to happen just as you need your device, right?
Be it your smartphone, your laptop, or your camera, a portable battery pack or power bank will ensure you always have enough juice on the road.
Aim for a high-capacity power bank with multiple USB outlets like the Anker 20000mAh Power Bank, so you can charge multiple electronics for a number of days.
- Ultra-High Cell Capacity: The massive 20,000mAh…
- Advanced Charging Technology: Anker’s exclusive…
- Simultaneous Charging: Twin USB ports allow you to…
26. GPS
You might be thinking that a standalone GPS isn’t quite the road trip necessity it once was, but believe me, sometimes it is the way to go.
Should your journey take you off the beaten path (and out of signal), you might be happy to have a gadget with unwavering navigation. They can also help the social media addicts out there from being distracted by a cell phone.
Some models even offer helpful features such as driver awareness, to help you stay alert and focused.
This Garmin GPS comes with a database of historic sites and a U.S. national parks directory to help you find attractions along your route.
- 5″ GPS navigator with driver alerts and travel…
- Easy-to-use 5″ GPS navigator includes detailed map…
- Simple on-screen menus and bright, easy-to-see…
27. USB Car Adaptor
A USB car adaptor means you can charge your electronics through the car as you go. Simply plug it into the cigarette lighter port and you’re off.
This is a road trip essential for anyone using their smartphone for GPS, music, etc. – especially if you have an older vehicle with no built-in USB port.
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered…
- Faster Charging: Quick Charge 3.0 charges devices…
- Double the Charge: Dual ports pump out 39W. Enough…
If you plan on camping during your road trip, be sure to check out our complete road trip camping packing list so you don’t leave anything essential behind!
28. Air Purifier
Experience cleaner, fresher air on the go with this lightweight air purifier. Cleaning air at 9 cubic feet per minute, it targets allergies, sinus problems, and more. Its 2-stage filtration, featuring an Activated Carbon Pre-Filter and a True HEPA Filter, eradicates 99.97% of germs and unwanted particles. Cordless and travel-ready with a 12-hour rechargeable battery, you can purify your car air in just 20 minutes. Customize its positioning with an adjustable handle and pick from 3 fan speeds.
- PERSONAL AIR PURIFIER: This convenient, portable…
- TRUE HEPA FILTER: The 2-stage filtration system…
- CORDLESS & TRAVEL-FRIENDLY: The rechargeable…
29. Waterproof Rear Seat Cover for Pets
Your furry friend might be road-tripping with you, but your car doesn’t have to suffer! A pet-proof rear seat cover will protect the interior of your car whilst ensuring your pet is comfortable. Check out our article on taking a road trip with your dog for more useful tips. This rear seat cover for pets also makes it much easier to remove dog hair from your car!
- Hammock seat cover to keep your car tidy while…
- Designed with two pockets to conveniently store…
- Protects the back seat from scratches, dirt,…
30. Foldaway Picnic Blanket
A foldaway picnic blanket is the absolute road trip accessory for groups looking for epic picnics along the way. Stopping off for lunch with a scenic view is one of my favorite things to do on a road trip with friends.
There comes a point where everyone needs to get out of the car and stretch their legs, after all, and what better way than a picnic with a view?
This waterproof picnic blanket is the ideal companion for everything from beach afternoons to roadside picnics. What’s more, it’s easy to fold away and store, with integrated straps.
- COMFORTABLE LARGE HANDLE STRAPS – The handle strap…
- LARGE SIZE, PORTABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT- Unfolded…
- WATER RESISTANT MATERIAL and WATERPROOF…
31. Jumper Cables
Jump leads are important safety road trip accessories. If your battery dies while you’re on the road, you’re going to need a boost to get going again!
Before your trip, ensure you can handle any eventuality. Our article on preparing your car for a road trip will help you through getting your car ready!
- ENERGIZER 16 FEET JUMPER CABLES – 6 Gauge, 16 FT…
- THICK VINYL COATING – Includes a strong spring and…
- CARRYING CASE INCLUDED – Our Energizer jumper…
Even better than simply Jumper Cables…
32. Portable Auto Battery Booster
If you’re traveling a long way or anywhere remote, I strongly recommend you take a battery pack as well as jumper cables. Otherwise, you rely on someone else being around to help you!
The NOCO Car Battery Jump Starter has enough power to jump-start most vehicles on the road.
Keep it charged and ready in case of an emergency!
- Start Dead Batteries – Safely jump start a dead…
- UltraSafe – Safe and easy-to-use car jumper…
- Multi-Function – It’s a car jump starter, portable…
33. Ice Scraper
An ice scraper is a hugely important accessory for road trips in colder temperatures and should definitely feature in your winter road trip packing list. In winter conditions, your windows might freeze up overnight. An ice scraper will help you effectively remove this.
- Paint Protection Design: The bristle head looks…
- Built to Last: You’ll only need one, the…
- Push and Scrape: Brush off snow and scrape the ice…
34. Headlamp
In my mind, this is one of the most underrated road trip accessories.
A simple headlamp makes it so much easier to do anything at night, whether that’s sorting out an issue with your car or putting up a tent. A rechargeable one is even better, so you don’t need to carry spare batteries.
If you’re camping, ensure it’s on your road trip camping packing list!
- SUPER BRIGHT – Experience powerful hands-free LED…
- ADJUSTABLE COMFORT – The removable, washable, and…
- VERSATILE DESIGN – Our premium headlamps feature a…
35. SUV Tent
This cool SUV tent is an interesting idea that I hadn’t seen until recently. It’s a tent that attaches to the open trunk of your SUV, allowing you access. This means you can keep all of your car camping essentials in the trunk during your overnight stay.
- Spacious 10’ x 10’ tent providing over 7’ of…
- The universal vehicle sleeve fits all CUV’s,…
- Full rainfly with taped seams and built-in storm…
Check out our full guide on SUV car camping for more tips and advice to make it a trip to remember!
36. Back Seat Air Bed
A car-compatible air bed slots perfectly into the rear seat to make a comfortable double bed whilst on your road trip. If you struggle to drive long distances without getting tired this can be a useful accessory. You can use it to get a few hours of comfortable sleep in your car before continuing your journey
This inflatable car mattress is compatible with both SUVs and sedans and includes 2 pillows, a repair patch, and an air pump.
- 🚗 Split Flocking Car Inflatable Mattress…
- 🚗 Car Inflatable Mattress Wide Usage: children,…
- 🚗 Car Air Bed: Car Bed is made of thickened…
37. Roof Cargo Box
A roof cargo box is the ultimate accessory for those with a lot of gear on their road trip packing list. You can effectively double your trunk space by moving larger awkward items to your roof.
The Thule Force XT comes in multiple sizes and provides a minimum of 16 cubic feet of extra space. It is easy to fit with a simple click system and has a secure automatic locking system.
Don’t compromise on the essentials you think you can’t fit in the car and get yourself some added cargo space.]
- A versatile roof-mounted cargo box for everyday…
- Provides 16 cubic feet of additional packing space
- Designed to fit a wide range a vehciles with…
So there you have it. 37 of the best road trip accessories you need right now. But now it’s your turn.
Which road trip accessory is your favorite?
Or do you have something else you like to take on road trips with you?
Either way, leave a comment below and let us know!
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