Your Ultimate Summer Road Trip Checklist

Whether you're headed to Palm Springs, escaping out of town for the weekend, or just passing through the sun-drenched highways of California, one thing’s certain: summer road trips hit different when you’re prepared. The desert doesn’t mess around—and neither should you.

This checklist covers everything you need to stay cool, safe, and road-trip ready. From desert essentials to snack bag MVPs, here’s what to throw in the car before you hit the road.

🚗 Car Prep & Navigation

• Full tank of gas (or EV fully charged)

• Phone mount + car charger

• Paper map / offline GPS backup

• Spare tire, jack, jumper cables

• Sunscreen for dashboard + windshield sunshade

🧊 Cool & Hydrated

• Insulated water bottles or hydration jugs

• Cooler with ice packs

• Electrolyte packets (Liquid I.V., Nuun)

• Frozen grapes / watermelon slices

🕶️ Sun & Heat Protection

• Sunglasses (polarized is best)

• Wide-brim hat or baseball cap

• SPF 30+ sunscreen (face & body)

• Cooling towel or neck fan

• Aloe vera gel

🍿 Snacks & Vibes

• Trail mix, granola bars, jerky

• Fruit & veggie packs

• Spotify / Apple Music playlists downloaded

• Podcasts or audiobooks queued up

• Bluetooth speaker

🧴 Comfort & Cleanliness

• Wet wipes & hand sanitizer

• Lip balm with SPF

• Mini first aid kit

• Toilet paper / tissues

• Trash bag or container

🏜️ If You’re Stopping in the Desert

• Hiking shoes or sandals

• Flashlight or headlamp

• Bug spray

• Extra water and snacks

• Backup phone battery

💡 Bonus: Just-in-Case Items

• Swimsuit & towel (for spontaneous swims or Palm Springs pools)

• Light layers or jacket (it gets chilly after sunset)

• Emergency blanket

• Multi-tool or pocket knife