The 12 Best Road Trip Accessories

Pros:

• Over 24,000 reviews and an overall 4.6-star rating
• Includes 2 chargers
• Charge 2 USB devices at the same time
• Available in 6 colors

Cons:

• The 1.0A port is only suitable for charging phones

When you’re on the road and need to keep your devices charged, this two-pack of car chargers has got you and all the other people in the car covered. It fits into your car’s auxiliary power outlet and has a blue LED light that makes it easy to plug in devices when it’s dark. It can safely charge two devices at once — one of the USB ports is 1.0 amps, which is good for charging phones (but not recommended for tablets), and the other is 2.4 amps, which can charge any device at a higher speed. Plus, it’s available in six colors, and since it’s a two-pack, you’ll have a backup on hand.

Helpful Amazon review: “We (road) travel quite often, so these adapters are a great alternative for charging our tech equip while on long trips. Never need to worry if I miss place one; a second is included and always in the glove compartment. Nice deal!”

Pros:

• Over 93,000 reviews and an overall 4.5-star rating
• Can be mounted on a dashboard or windshield
• Arm extends 4.5 to 6.75 inches and pivots 260 degrees

Cons

• Might need re-suctioning if exposed to direct sunlight for long hours

Whether you’re a driver or a passenger on a road trip, having your phone visibly displayed in a phone holder can be really convenient. The iOttie holder can be mounted in two places: on your windshield with the reusable suction cup or on your dashboard with the semi-permanent sticky pad. It has an arm that pivots 260 degrees for multiple viewing angles and extends from 4.5 to 6.75 inches when you want to bring your phone closer to you. Phones can easily be locked and released with one hand, and the cradle can fit smartphones and cases of any size. And if you’re charging your phone in the holder, there’s a magnetic tab near the bottom foot that can organize the cable and keep it out of the way.

Helpful Amazon review: “I've had this mount for some time now, even on long trips and bumpy roads. I have an old SUV that bounces quite a bit and this bounces so little it is almost hard to believe. The arm itself, when tightened, is incredibly sturdy. The only thing that gives any sort of movement is the suction cup, but even that is impressive and hard to avoid. It is super easy to put in and take out my phone, and it is very easily adjustable. I do have to say, the springs holding the phone in can get a little squeaky over time, but for the price, it's hardly even noticeable. You only hear it when you take your phone out and not while driving. 10/10 would recommend!”

Pros:

• Over 36,000 reviews and an overall 4.4-star rating
• Connects to your car’s power supply
• Keeps items cool or warm
• Comes in 6 colors

Cons:

• Small size

This portable mini fridge connects to your car’s power supply and can keep your drinks cool or warm when you’re on the road. Within an hour, it can cool 32 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit below the ambient temperature; for best results, insert already cold drinks (the fridge will keep them cool). For warm drinks, it can heat up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit within an hour — just note that it only keeps items warm and won’t heat up cold items. And if the door is closed, hot drinks will stay warm for several hours even after the fridge has been turned off. The fridge is freon-free, runs at a whisper-quiet 25 decibels, and features a built-in carrying handle. The inside dimensions are a compact 5.5 by 5.3 by 8.07 inches, which can hold up to six 12-ounce cans. Granted, it’s not as big as a cooler, but if you’re low on space and like your liquids to be at the perfect temperature, this is the mini fridge for you.

Helpful Amazon review: “We picked up this product to use for our road trips for keeping our drinks cool. It works exactly as expected. We needed something small enough that it wouldn’t take up too much room in an already stuffed car (including 2 larger dogs) and that would hold just a few drinks. This got cool in under 1/2 hour and kept our drinks cool enough for the road. Overall, we’re satisfied with this product.”

Pros:

• Over 5,600 reviews and an overall 4.7-star rating
• Flushable and biodegradable
• Hypoallergenic and toxin-free
• Made with plant-based extracts
• Safe for sensitive skin

Cons:

• Reviewers report that when you pull out one wipe, it’s connected to the next wipe

No matter how long your road trip is, you’ll want to reach for this three-pack of wipes for a quick refresh. With a shea coconut scent (also available in lavender and rosewater), they’re made of plant-based extracts and purified water that’s all been responsibly sourced. The wipes are hypoallergenic, safe for sensitive skin, and free of alcohol and harmful chemicals. And if you’re using them in a rest stop bathroom, they’re biodegradable and safe for septic systems, so flush away.

Helpful Amazon review: “I've used these for motocamping trips and they are great for all aspects of personal hygiene and can replace toilet paper if/when desired.”

Pros:

• Over 23,000 reviews and an overall 4.4-star rating
• Cover is sweat-resistant and machine washable
• Includes eye mask and ear plugs

Cons:

• Reviewers report it’s a little big for those with very slender necks

When you have to catch some sleep or relaxation on your trip, this neck pillow, light blocking eye mask, and ear plug set can be a lifesaver. The neck pillow is made of a memory foam filler that has a five-second return (goes back to its original shape within five seconds of force being removed) and has a buckle that lets you adjust the angle and tightness. Covering the pillow is a breathable, sweat-resistant case that’s removable and machine washable. Measuring 11 by 9.2 by 5.9 inches and weighing just 0.6 pounds, it’s lightweight and includes a travel bag that compresses the pillow down to half its size when traveling. Reviewers report the pillow is cushy and comfortable, but it may be too big for slender necks. If that’s a concern for you, check out this extra-large kids’ neck pillow that might be a better fit.

Helpful Amazon review: “Utilized this neck pillow on a cross country road trip and it was great. The unique shape of the pillow makes it much more comfortable than the typical U shape you find in neck pillows. We loved the addition of the eye mask which completely blocked out sunlight for napping during the day. The carrying case keeps it clean and protected for future use. It has now become a staple in the car for anyone who needs a little shut eye during a trip.”

Pros:

• Over 6,300 reviews and an overall 4.8-star rating
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes

Cons:

• Might have to rub in the spray for consistent coverage
• Might not want to apply in the car

When you’re on the road, sunscreen is a must. After all, UV rays can come through car windows, especially in untreated side windows and sunroofs, so it’s important to protect your skin with an SPF 30 or higher, depending on the length of your sun exposure. This two-pack of sunscreen spray can stop up to 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it’s free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, PABA, phthalates, and dyes and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The spray is easy to apply to your skin, but you might not want to do it in the car, so a sunblock cream might be a good backup option.

Helpful Amazon review: “​​Used this on my beach trip and NO SUNBURN on me nor my boyfriend. I get burned every year normally but not this time! I was there for three days! I even did an outdoor obstacle course while I was there. This stuff is amazing and I will be buying again.”

Pros:

• Over 220,000 reviews and an overall 4.0-star rating
• Includes 3 nozzles, carrying bag, cleaning brush, and additional HEPA filter
• 16-foot power cord
• Plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet

Cons:

• Not for deep cleaning

Keep the inside of your car crumb- and mess-free with this portable, handheld vacuum cleaner. It plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet, so you can clean up even if you’re on the side of the road. The power cord is 16 feet long, which means you can even reach around to vacuum your trunk. Three nozzles and a filter brush are included, plus an additional HEPA filter and a carrying bag for easy portability. It’s lightweight at 2.4 pounds and bagless — just empty the canister when it’s full. This vacuum isn’t made for deep cleaning, but it’s great for light messes that can happen along the way.

Helpful Amazon review: “This vacuum is great! All the little attachments come in really handy! It’s powerful yet not too loud. Definitely does the job! The kids always gets little crumbs everywhere! This fits perfect in the car so it can go with us on our road trip. I’ll be able to clean up any spills on the go. Super long cord can reach from the front the back or vice versa. Surprised it didn’t look for something like this sooner.”

Pros:

• Over 6,700 reviews and an overall 4.6-star rating
• Nine storage compartments in various sizes
• Waterproof
• Comes in a 2-pack

Cons:

• Some reviewers report finding the smell a bit chemical-like at first

The backseat of any car can get cluttered quickly, but during a road trip especially, so having two backseat organizers can be a great option. These organizers have nine variously sized storage compartments, including a clear tablet holder (whose touchscreen can be used in the holder), four water bottle pockets, and large mesh pockets to hold whatever you need on the road. The straps and buckles are sturdy and adjustable, and reviewers report they’re easy to install. The organizers fit cars of any size, and since there are two, both sides of the car are covered.

Helpful Amazon review: “WOW! These exceeded my expectations. I drive a Jeep Cherokee and they fit perfect on the backs of the seats. I am going on a road trip with a friend but did not want to fill my cargo area and backseat with everything. This will allow me to put so much stuff in there and open up the other areas. They are really solidly made. Nothing cheap or flimsy at all. Very durable and nice looking.”

Pros:

• Over 60,000 reviews and an overall 4.8-star rating
• Contains 298 first aid items
• Lightweight nylon case

Cons:

• Doesn’t include medicine for allergies, motion sickness, or diarrhea

Keeping a first aid kit in your car is essential for road trips and for everyday preparedness, too. This kit contains 298 items for treating pain and swelling, as well as cuts, scrapes, and burns. There are bandages, alcohol wipes, aspirin, burn gel, gauze, tweezers, scissors, and more, packaged in a clear liner in a lightweight nylon case. One reviewer reports, “It's small enough that it zips up and fits just about anywhere in your car or trunk. But not too small that it is missing things.”

Note that it doesn’t contain meds for allergies, diarrhea, or motion sickness (such as Benadryl, Imodium, or Dramamine), which can be helpful on a road trip, but you can always purchase them separately.

Helpful Amazon review: “Bought 2 of these to put in vehicles. They're great. Simple, cheap, and have anything you need for the typical boo-boos you might have on a road trip. For more traumatic issues I have more advanced kits as well, but this covered 95% of anything you will typically have to deal with.”

Pros:

• Over 25,000 reviews and an overall 4.7-star rating
• Takes up to 100 photos before batteries run out
• Comes in 5 colors
• Two AA batteries are included
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Film not included

Capture your road trip memories the old-fashioned way with an easy-to-use instant camera. Just point and shoot, and the camera will adjust whether you’re inside or out. There’s also a built-in selfie mirror to get everyone in the shot. It runs on two AA batteries that are included, and according to the brand website, you can take up to 100 photos before they have to be replaced. Film is not included, but you can choose a camera and film bundle within the listing or get a variety pack with different borders right here. The camera comes in five fun colors and also includes two shutter button accessories to give it a different look.

Helpful Amazon review: “I almost have over than 65 pictures taken and shared also the joy of the advanced/ vintage picture taking with many people and made their day as made mine. I shall continue in using the camera as I consider it my true travel and memory companion, to capture the moments in few seconds and keeps it with you with no need to take the whole long process to download them and print it out.”

Pros:

• Over 60,000 reviews and an overall 4.7-star rating
• Can charge devices via USB
• Built-in LED flashlight with SOS and strobe modes
• Cables and clamps included

Cons:

• Works best if fully charged

Having a portable jump starter in your car can give you peace of mind when you head out on your trip, and this one comes with over 60,000 reviews and a stellar 4.7-star rating. It has a 1,000-amp peak current that can jump start up to a 6-liter gas or 3-liter diesel 12-volt car immediately, and it can jump start up to 20 cars on a full charge (full charging takes 4.5 hours). If you’re somewhere dark, there’s a built-in LED flashlight with seven modes (including SOS and strobe), and there are two USB output ports, plus one Type-C port for quick device charging. The starter weighs just 2.4 pounds, and with an IP65 rating, it’s completely protected against dust and low water pressure. It also comes with clamps, cables, and a storage bag, so it has everything you need.

Helpful Amazon review: “I got this as a “good to have, just in case” for roadtrips, camping etc. but I suddenly needed it for two different vehicles on separate occasions during crazy cold winter weather! It worked exceptionally well! While I thought my batteries were good and my vehicles reliable, this saved the day when they failed me. I did think the light was an unnecessary gimmick when I bought the jump start, it really came through in a pinch as well. Definitely recommend adding this to your vehicles emergency kit! It is compact, powerful, easy to use and holds a charge well for multiple uses. I’ll never take a roadtrip without it!”

Pros:

• Lightweight at just 12 ounces
• Hand operated, no batteries or electricity needed
• Cap can be used as a cup

Cons:

• Only makes single shot espressos
• You need boiling water to make the espresso

Get a finely brewed espresso anywhere on the road with this portable espresso maker. It’s easy to use; just add the grounds, then some boiling water (which you can make with a portable electric kettle, sold separately), unlock the piston, and pump a few times for a single shot of espresso up to 1.7 ounces. It’s also lightweight (only 12 ounces), and since it’s hand-operated, there’s no need for batteries or electricity. Any variety of coffee beans or roasts can be used, and the cap doubles as a cup.

Helpful Amazon review: “I used this to make iced lattes on a long RV road trip. It is pretty easy to use & made a good shot of espresso. I’m impressed with its compactness, price, and the end product. So nice to have in the travel trailer!!”