The Ultimate Route 66 Packing List + Pre-Trip Prep Guide

Everything to Pack and Prep Before You Hit the Mother Road!

Getting ready for a Route 66 road trip is part of the fun. From road trip playlists to cozy sweatshirts and flip flops for quick photo stops, it’s all about the experience. Below is your complete, travel-tested packing list for what to pack, what to prep, and what will keep you comfortable, ready, and open to the unexpected magic of the Mother Road. You’ll be spending a lot of time in the car so having what you need and fun ways to pass the time will make the trip the adventure you’re hoping for.

Things to Do Before You Go

Before you even zip up your suitcase, check these off your packing list:

Download Amazon Audible audiobooks and your Route 66 playlist on Spotify
Locate your camera or charge your phone for photos
Get a TripTik from AAA or order & highlight paper maps
Print or save hard copies of all reservations (just in case Wi-Fi gets spotty)
Make sure your Route 66 guidebook and navigation app are downloaded
Purchase noise-canceling headphones for the plane (Mom’s return trip) and long stretches of road
Charge your battery pack, phone charger, and adapters (including headphone adapter and car adapter)
Get your car checked out by a mechanic

Car, Hotel & Road Essentials

On a Route 66 road trip, your car becomes your basecamp. Here’s what to have on hand in your vehicle or day bag for the ride:

Travel journal and pens
Sleep mask, neck pillow, cozy socks, and a travel blanket for comfort
Refresh eye drops, lip balm, hand lotion, and your contact lens supplies
Water bottle and a small cooler (stocked with Propel or your favorite hydration mix)
Emergen-C, daily vitamins, and any RX prescriptions
A well-stocked first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, hydrocortisone, and Neosporin
Easy road snacks: protein bars, nuts, trail mix, fruit, PB sandwiches
Travel-sized mouthwash, toothbrush and paste, hand sanitizer, deodorant, wipes
Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razor, lotion, and basic makeup
Day pack for short excursions and spontaneous roadside exploring
Sunglasses and glasses
Purse or small bag with cash and change for tolls and small-town stops
Laundry bag and small packet of detergent for mid-trip washes
Car organizer for keeping cords, snacks, and receipts in one spot
Power strip or multi-plug outlet for hotel rooms with limited outlets

What to Wear on the Road in Summer

This cross-country route runs through changing weather, quirky roadside attractions, historic cities, and plenty of Americana. Put these items on your packing list for comfort and style.

Bring a light rain jacket and travel umbrella, just in case, plus cool mix & match clothes like tank tops and tees for sunny days. Include a mix of:

Jeans, linen pants, shorts, and skorts for daytime wear
Yoga pants or comfy trousers for long car rides
Cotton long-sleeve shirts, like a white button-down or striped tee, for layering
Light sweaters, sweatshirts or jean jacket, for cool evenings or air-conditioned stops
Cute tops: black tank, black/gray/white tees, and a white blouse
Plenty of underwear, plus your favorite black & gray camis
Swimsuit and cover-up for hotel pools
PJs for lounging or hotel comfort
Straw hat and baseball cap for sun protection
Comfortable walking shoes, hiking shoes, tennis shoes, white slip-ons, sandals, flip-flops, and maybe even wedges for evenings out in Cali

Memory Makers & Nice-to-Haves

A real camera or fully charged phone with lots of storage
Tripod or phone stand for roadside photo ops
Props or signs for Route 66 photo fun
Binoculars for nature watching or scenic detours
Reusable shopping tote or packable bag for farmers markets and souvenirs

Entertainment for the Road

Your Route 66 playlist, ready to roll
Audiobooks or downloaded podcasts for stretches of open road
Travel games, Road Trip Journal & Activity Book, and trivia games for passengers
Headphones for quiet moments or winding down at the end of the day

Comforts for the Hotel or Motel

Travel pillow or full-size pillow if you need your own
Eye mask and earplugs to help sleep in unfamiliar places
Cozy socks or slippers
Power strip for charging multiple devices
Printed confirmation emails or backup copies of your bookings

Final Tip: Pack Light, But Smart

You don’t need to overpack. Just be thoughtful about what makes you comfortable. This trip is all about flexibility, comfort, and adventure. You’ll find most of what you need along the way if you forget something. But being well-prepared using this packing list means fewer headaches, more spontaneity, and better memories.

Ready to hit the road? The Mother Road is calling.

Before you go, don’t miss my companion Itinerary for a Route 66 Road Trip! It walks you through where to stop, what not to miss, and how to pace the journey so the drive feels just as special as the destinations.