Holiday Road Trip Packing List for Families
Pack a winter car kit, warm layers, gifts, food and a bag each child can manage. Here is the checklist by category, with a note on coats and car seats.
A holiday road trip packing list should cover five things: a winter car kit, warm clothes for stops, gifts and food packed so they do not spoil, a bag each child can manage and the documents and medicines you cannot replace on the road. Pack the car kit and the first-day bag where you can reach them, and plan to take bulky winter coats off before buckling children into car seats. Here is the checklist by category.
Before you pack
- Check the forecast and road conditions along your route and at your destination. Winter weather can close roads, so build in an extra day or leave early if a storm is coming.
- Get the car ready. Check tire pressure and tread, wiper blades, washer fluid, lights and the battery. Many people have this done at a shop before a long winter drive.
- Fill the tank at each stop instead of letting it run low. Charge electric vehicles when you can.
- Set a packing deadline. Load the car the night before so you do not forget anything in the morning.
The car kit
Emergency-preparedness lists, including those based on guidance from the National Weather Service and Ready.gov, tend to include similar items. Check the official lists for your region, and adjust for your trip and the number of passengers.
- Flashlight with extra batteries (or a hand-crank model)
- Warm blankets, one per person
- Extra gloves, hats and socks
- Water and non-perishable snacks
- Phone charger and a portable battery
- First-aid kit and any required medications
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Small shovel
- Sand, salt or kitty litter for traction
- Reflective triangles or flares
- Paper map or offline map for areas with no signal
Car seats and winter coats
Bulky winter coats and snowsuits can keep a car seat harness from fitting snugly. NHTSA says bulky clothing can prevent a snug fit, and the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that thick padding can compress in a crash and leave the harness looser than it looks. Take the coat off, buckle the child in snugly, then lay the coat or a blanket over the harness. Dress children in thinner layers such as fleece for the ride. See the AAP’s winter car seat safety tips and NHTSA’s car seat guidance, and ask a certified car seat technician if you are not sure about the fit.
Clothing and gear
| Category | Pack |
|---|---|
| For the ride | Comfortable layers, socks, easy slip-on shoes, a hat for each person |
| For rest stops | Coats, gloves, boots; keep in a bag within reach |
| For the destination | One outfit per day plus extras for kids, pajamas, a nicer outfit for the holiday meal |
| Weather extras | Rain jackets, a sled or snow gear if you expect snow |
| Toiletries | Toothbrushes, hairbrush, sunscreen and lip balm, diapers and wipes if needed |
Gifts
- Pack gifts in the trunk or under a cargo cover, and avoid leaving them visible in a parked car.
- Wrap at your destination if you can, or use gift bags and tissue instead of paper.
- Bring a small roll of tape, a pair of scissors and a few gift tags.
- Ship large gifts ahead of time if they take up too much room.
Food and drinks
Plan snacks that are easy to eat without much mess and do not need refrigeration. For more detail, see our guide to road trip snacks for families. If you are bringing a dish for the holiday meal, pack it in a cooler with ice packs, and keep the cooler in the cabin where the temperature is easier to manage. Bring a water bottle for every person and a bag for trash.
A bag each child can manage
Give each child a small backpack with items they choose within limits.
- A stuffed animal or blanket
- Two or three small toys or books
- Coloring supplies or a notebook
- A water bottle
- A snack bag
- A tablet or headphones, if you allow them
- A change of clothes in case of spills or motion sickness
For games and ideas that need almost nothing, try our road trip games for kids. If you have a toddler along, our road trip with toddlers guide covers planned stops and a sample day.
Documents and health items
- Driver’s licenses, insurance cards and car registration
- Roadside assistance info
- Medications, in their original containers, plus a pain and fever reliever suited to each child’s age (ask your pediatrician about dosing)
- Allergy medicines and any emergency plan for a child with severe allergies
- A list of emergency contacts and your hosts’ address and phone number
For any questions about your child’s health on the road, talk to your pediatrician. The American Academy of Pediatrics also has guidance for families at HealthyChildren.org.
Quick checklist to print
- Car serviced and fueled
- Winter car kit loaded
- Coats in a bag, not on children in car seats
- Gifts packed and hidden
- Snacks and cooler
- Kids’ bags
- Documents and medications
- Phone chargers and maps
Bottom line
Pack in layers: a car kit in the trunk, a small bag within reach and a bag for each child. Take coats off for car seats, plan for weather and keep medications and documents with you. Our family vacation packing list covers longer trips.
FAQ
What should I keep in the car in winter?
A flashlight, blankets, water, snacks, a phone charger, a shovel, an ice scraper and jumper cables are common items. Add warm hats and gloves for each passenger.
Can children wear coats in a car seat?
NHTSA says bulky coats can make the harness fit loosely. Buckle the child in without the coat and place the coat or a blanket over the straps.
How do I keep holiday food safe on the road?
Keep perishable food in a cooler with ice packs and limit how long it sits out after you arrive. USDA’s general rule is two hours.
How much should kids pack?
A small backpack with a few favorites. Let them choose, and check it before you leave.
