Road trip
Keep a car bag within reach.
Snacks, wipes, chargers, a bin bag and the motion-sickness kit belong in one bag by the front seat, not buried in the boot.
Family road trip packing list
Last updated:
On a road trip the car is your base, so the trick is packing in two layers: what you need while driving (snacks, chargers, wipes, the motion-sickness kit) within reach, and everything else in the boot. Driving abroad also means checking the paperwork and safety kit each country requires.
This list is set up for a 7-day summer road trip abroad for 2 adults and 2 kids, staying in hotels. Use Customise this list to change the dates, travellers or where you stay.
This list is set for
- 7 days
- 2 adults · 2 kids
- International
- Summer
- Road trip
- Hotel
- Car
Before you go
Road trip
Check the driving rules for every country on your route.
Vignettes, low-emission zones and required kit like warning triangles or hi-vis vests differ by country. Sort them before you set off.
Travelling with kids
Keep a spare outfit in the cabin bag.
Spills and delays are easier when each child has a change of clothes, snacks, and headphones in the bag at your feet — not in the hold.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Documents
0/13
Our pick
UNBREAKcable AirTag Holder (4-Pack)
Protective AirTag cases with keyrings to clip a tracker to luggage handles, bags or keys. AirTags not included.
Toiletries
0/18
Health & Meds
0/6
Tech & Chargers
0/10
Our pick
Portable Travel Clothesline (12 Clips)
Retractable travel washing line with two hooks and 12 clips.
Clothing
0/11
Kids
0/12
Our pick
Botesty Volume-Limited Kids' Headphones
Comfortable over-ear kids' headphones with 85dB/94dB volume limiting and a built-in microphone.
Household
0/6
Last-minute
0/1
Questions
What car documents do I need for a road trip abroad?
Your driving licence, the car's registration document, proof of insurance and your breakdown cover details. Some countries also ask for an international driving permit, so check before you go.
What safety kit is required when driving in Europe?
It differs by country. Many require a warning triangle and hi-vis vests, and some also ask for a first-aid kit or headlamp beam deflectors. Check the rules for every country on your route.
How do we keep kids happy on long drives?
Plan a break every two hours, keep snacks and drinks within reach, and mix screen time with screen-free games. Sunshades on the back windows help on hot days.
Related packing lists
FamilyBeach holiday packing list for families
Everything for a family beach holiday: sun protection, swim gear, shade for the kids, waterproof phone pouches and the easy-to-forget extras.
7 days · Summer · 2 adults · 2 kids · 82 items
FamilyCamping with kids packing list
A family camping packing list: tent and sleeping kit, camp kitchen, lighting, sun and bug protection, and what keeps kids happy at the campsite.
7 days · Summer · 2 adults · 2 kids · 97 items
FamilyFamily festival packing list
Taking the kids to a festival? Packing list with camping kit, ear defenders, wellies and ponchos, sun protection and a plan if you get separated.
3 days · Summer · 2 adults · 2 kids · 97 items