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Are you planning on hitting the open road with friends during these last few weeks of summer? Because we sure are! But before you set out on your grand adventure, it's important make sure your car is equipped with all the essentials that will keep you safe, comfortable and entertained. While we're sure you and your friends can easily keep the party going from departure to arrival, it never hurts to be prepared.
Since there's nothing we want more than for you to have the best summer ever, we searched far and wide to find all the must-have products you'll want to bring on your summer road trip. From practical items like sauce holders, organizers and cleaning essentials, to more fun finds that'll make your trip a truly memorable one, we've rounded up some must-have items to get before you hit the road with friends. Best part is, nothing is over $50.
Check out our finds below. Safe travels!
What to Bring On Your Summer Road Trip With Friends
Road Trip Shirt
How cute would it be to match with all your road trip buddies? These tees on Etsy come in 12 colors and you can also choose to get these in either crewnecks or v-necks.
TOPDesign Canvas Tote Bag
This large canvas tote from TOPDesign on Amazon can fit anything you need for your getaway. It's another fun thing you can get for you and your friends. Plus, there are other words you can put on the bag like Girl's Weekend, Escape, Getaway and so on.
World’s Smallest Bop It
Take turns passing around this tiny Bop It and see who can go the longest. Just don't annoy the driver too much!
Carpool Karaoke The Mic Bluetooth Wireless Karaoke by Singing Machine
Carpool karaoke, anyone? You and your friends can recreate James Corden's fan-fave segment on your trip with this mic that offers quick wireless connection to any car's FM tuner or you can connect via aux cord. It has over 8,400 five-star reviews and numerous Amazon reviewers said this has made their road trips so much more fun. Right now, it's even on sale for $33.
World's Smallest Dance Dance Revolution Arcade Game
This sure takes us back! This miniature Dance Dance Revolution Arcade Game lets your fingers do all the dancing.
Girl's Trip 2022 Shirt
This cute Girl's Trip shirt is another cute design you can get to match with your BFFs this summer. Etsy reviewers say the tees are soft, beautiful and get shipped out very fast.
Frito-Lay Fun Times Mix Variety Pack - 40 Count
Don't forget the snacks! This must-have snack pack has over 134,000 five-star reviews with Amazon shoppers calling it an amazing value. The chips are fresh, you get to choose between a variety of mixes including a Fiery Mix, a Cheesy Mix and a Tangy Mix.
MLVOC Travel Pillow 100% Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow
This Amazon shopper-fave memory foam neck pillow with over 15,000 five-star reviews is one you'll never want to travel without. As one reviewer wrote, it's "super cozy" and very supportive for the back and sides of your head. If you're prone to neck pains, this is one you may want to consider. Right now it's even on sale for less than $25.
Basic Concepts Nature Fresh Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags
When you're on a long car ride with several other people, you never know what kind of smells you'll have to deal with. Thankfully, these air purifying bags will help to keep the air in the car nice and fresh. these have over 7,600 five-star reviews and numerous shoppers say this is worth every penny.
Hion Anti-Motion Sickness Smart Glasses
If you're someone who's prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider getting these anti-motion sickness smart glasses that you may have come across on TikTok. Although they look pretty funky, Amazon shoppers say they actually work. In fact, these have over 1,000 five-star reviews.
One shopper wrote, "Looks goofy but works so great! I bought these glasses not thinking they would work but I was really mistaken! I get motion sickness and have trouble traveling in a car as a passenger, and if I eat out I definitely can not sit in the back seat. I bought these for a trip I was taking to North Carolina with my sister and when I put them on I was surprised that they were working. I started to read while wearing them and again, I was okay. I was surprised at how well these glasses worked. I don't care if I look goofy, they were great and really enjoyed this trip from Florida to North Carolina."
Pinch Provisions Road Trip Kit
This Road Trip Kit from Pinch Provisions is a cute little kit featuring both practical and fun must-haves. It comes with hand sanitizer, dental floss, bandages, a hand cleanser, a stain remover, a license plate game and more.
THISWORX Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner
This affordable best-selling portable vacuum has over 123,000 five-star reviews. It's lightweight at just a little over two pounds and comes with three all-purpose nozzles, a carrying bag and a 16-foot long power cord so you can vacuum your vehicle with ease. Have this handy to clean up all the dirt, sand, crumbs and more.
Portable Phone Charger 2-Pack
Sure, you can always plug your phone into your car to charge. However, what will happen if your car breaks down in the middle of the road? In those instances, you'll want to have a portable phone charger handy.
Crystal Geyser, Alpine Spring Water, 128 Fl Oz
It doesn't hurt to have a gallon bottle of water or two in your car just in case.
Lifeline Road Trip First Aid Kid - 121 Pieces
You should always have a first aid kit in your car, whether you're on a road trip or not. You just never know when you'll need it. This first aid kit comes in a compact carrying case and features over 100 pieces from bandages to alcohol prep pads.
Oumee Disposable Urine Bags
Unfortunately, a bathroom won't always be nearby right when you need it. These large capacity disposable urine bags were designed for both adults and kids to use. They instantly absorb liquid within a minute and turn it into odorless, spill-proof gels.
AK LED Flashing Warning Light for Roadside Emergencies
If you'll be driving at night, you may want to consider getting these alternatives to the traditional road flare. These have over 1,200 five-star reviews on Amazon and one shopper wrote these are bright, reliable, easy to use and perfect for travel. You can get a pack of four lights for $25.
Ticarve Cleaning Gel for Car Detailing
This viral putty helps you get in the crevasses of your cupholders or air vents to remove crumbs, dust and more. If your drink consoles haven't been cleaned in a while, this is your sign to give your car some TLC.
Lebogner Auto Steering Wheel Desk
This slim and lightweight desk easily clips to your steering wheel, so you can enjoy your meals in the car. Plus, you can also use this desk for your laptop if you need to catch up on work during your pit stop.
PALMOO Pu Leather Car Seat Back Organizer
This sleek organizer hooks onto the back of the front seats and includes eight separate compartments for easy access. Plus, kiddos can stay entertained watching movies thanks to the built-in iPad holder.
Saucemoto Dip Clip- 2-pack
As seen on Shark Tank, Saucemoto securely clips onto air vents of all shapes and sizes, so you don't have to sacrifice sauceless fries for a clean car.
MoKo Car Sunglasses Box
Never lose your sunglasses or risk sitting on them again with this chic glasses holder that clips onto your visor. Plus, it has separate compartments for credit cards and coins!
2-in-1 Multifunctional 2 Cup Holder
Besides creating another spot for a beverage, this adjustable cup holder will expand to fit your extra large sodas or coffees, too!
Drop Stop - The Original Patented Car Seat Gap Filler- 2-Pack
As seen on Shark Tank, this genius seat gap filler will save you and your family bouts of frustration by stopping keys, credit cards and phones from getting stuck in the gap between your seats.
Dependable Direct Universal 12-Inch Interior Clip-On Panoramic Rearview Mirror
Say goodbye to blind spots with this clip-on panoramic rearview mirror! With over 1,800+ 5-Star reviews on Amazon, this car accessory must be good.
Car Essential Oil Diffuser
Just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to this diffuser, that fits in your cupholder, to help the whole family find their zen. Plus, it offers a sturdy, leak-proof construction.
HOTOR Car Trash Can with Lid and Storage Pockets
Thanks to an adjustable strap, you can attach this waterproof and leakproof trash can on both the front and back headrest as well as the center console. Plus, it's collapsible for easy storage when you don't need it.
AstroAI Mini Fridge AC/DC Portable Thermoelectric Cooler
This mini fridge includes two plugs that work for standard wall outlets and 12V cigarette lighters in vehicles. So, now you can keep sodas, water bottles and juice boxes cool while on the road. Plus, this fridge has 15,000+ 5-Star reviews.
Looking for more summer must-haves? These Brumates Are What You Need To Keep Drinks Cold This Summer and They Have 61,800+ 5-Star Reviews.
-Originally published May 28, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. PST