If you follow along on Twitter, you know Belle and I are headed to Williamsburg for her birthday weekend this morning. I spent all day yesterday getting packed and prepped for our trip.
While I loaded up the car, it struck me—I’ve spent most of my life on the road. That’s what happens when your parents live on opposite sides of the state. From an early age, I learned how to make a car feel like home, pack with precision, and embrace the rhythm of highways and rest stops.
In those early years of back-and-forths between Canton and Wilmington, I learned a few things about getting packed for a road trip. By the time I was an adult, I was a professional.
So what does the NC Queen do to prepare before she hits the road for a few days? Let me give you the rundown.
Getting Packed for a road trip
Cooler
If I’m heading out on an overnight trip, you can bet I’m packing a cooler. Why spend $2 on a single bottled water at a gas station when I can grab an entire pack at the grocery store for less than $5? It’s just good sense. My cooler is always stocked with the essentials: plenty of water, a couple of Gatorades, and a few Cokes—because sometimes, you just need a little caffeine and fizz to keep you going.
Snacks
There’s no room for hangry vibes on a road trip, especially if you’re an hour away from the nearest Waffle House. Snacks are a non-negotiable. In the back seat, you’ll always find a backpack packed with my favorites: Nabs, Oatmeal Cream Pies, and beef jerky. Together, they hit all the cravings—salty, sweet, and satisfying.
A Good Playlist
I cannot travel without iTunes. My playlist is longer than Target checkout lines on Black Friday – and more diverse, too. Country? Alternative? Gangsta rap? Oldies? I want to hear it all, without commercials. Music keeps the miles rolling by and sets the tone for the trip.
Hiking Bag
You never know when adventure will call, so I take my hiking bag everywhere. It’s like my mini survival kit. Inside, you’ll find a first aid kit, ponchos, sunscreen, snacks, binoculars, and anything else I might need if we wind up exploring in the middle of nowhere.
Duffel Bags
Suitcases on a road trip? No, thank you. They’re bulky, heavy, and take up way too much space. Duffel bags are the way to go—light, flexible, and easy to toss in the car. And let’s be honest, as a Southern woman, the cuter and more colorful, the better. Bonus points if it’s monogrammed.
I always overpack just a little. There’s nothing worse than spilling mustard down your shirt and not having a spare in your bag. A little extra never hurts.
Car Wi-Fi
Yes, I’m spoiled—but car Wi-Fi is a game-changer. It powers everything from iTunes to GPS and even lets me work on the go. Whether I’m hosting a Twitter Space, putting the finishing touches on a blog post, or recording a podcast, I need reliable Wi-Fi to make it all happen. Without it, my phone bill would be astronomical.
Hygiene Bag
Some women pack train cases full of makeup and hair tools for a trip—that’s not me. I stick to the essentials: a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, a comb, deodorant, perfume, my Shark SmoothStyle (to dry and style my hair), and a small bag of makeup. The less time spent getting ready, the more time I can spend exploring.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is always a good call when you’re traveling far from home. The last thing I want to do if I’m stranded is waste time Googling a tow truck. With the touch of a button in my car, help is on the way.
Camera Bag
My camera has always been a road trip essential, but since becoming a blogger, my setup has grown. Now, I travel with two camera bags: one for my DSLR and another for my laptop, GoPro, gimbal, microphones, chargers, and all the extras I need to create content on the go.
Comfort Items
I’m not shy about the fact that I suffer from PTSD. Being in strange places can throw me off and make me anxious. I counteract that by bringing comfort items on overnight stays. For me, that means one of Brandon’s worn hoodies to sleep in, my flannel robe, my own pillow and blanket, and my iPad so I can read before bed. These little things keep me cozy and make me feel more at home in new surroundings.
It might sound like a lot, but with a little planning, packing becomes second nature. By the time the car is loaded and the music is queued, I’m ready for anything the road has in store.
Williamsburg, here we come! Belle’s birthday weekend is shaping up to be one for the books. What are your road trip must-haves? Let me know—I’m always looking to level up my travel game!