By Alex Carrington, Travel Editor at 247 Packing List · Last updated: ·

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USA Road Trip Packing List

A USA road trip is one of the great travel experiences — whether it's Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway, the Deep South or national park circuit. Distances are vast, conditions vary wildly, and packing for the car is as important as packing for the destinations.

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Carla Car Rental

Car hire — Carla

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Find a car › AWIN · Traverseon

Ultralight tent & SUV camping gear

A 1.58kg tunnel tent that packs to 35×15cm, plus a modular SUV sleeping platform that fits 90% of common cars — built for weekend trips, not backcountry expeditions.

See Traverseon gear ›

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🛒 Top picks for this trip

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Cool Bags & Boxes Keep food and drinks cold on hot days.
Amazon ›

✅ Essentials Checklist

👕 Clothing Checklist

⭐ Nice to Have

Ovago

Flights — SUMMER50 deal

Search 500+ airlines. Save up to $50 with code SUMMER50.

Search flights › AWIN · Airparks

UK airport parking

Gatwick, Luton, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle — book ahead and save.

Compare parking › AWIN · Priceino Holiday

Book your accommodation

Compare hotels, apartments and holiday lets for this trip before you lock in dates.

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Rexing

Dash cam — cheap insurance for drivers

10,000+ reviews, 18-month warranty — protects you if something goes wrong on the road.

See dash cams ›
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an ESTA to visit the USA?

UK, EU and most developed-country passport holders need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for visits under 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — cost is $21 USD. Apply at least 72 hours before travel. An ESTA is not a visa — it's pre-authorisation for the Visa Waiver Program.

What is the best USA road trip route?

Pacific Coast Highway (California) is the most scenic single route — Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Big Sur. The national parks circuit (Utah's Mighty 5 — Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef) is outstanding. Route 66 (Chicago to Los Angeles) is the classic cross-country drive. The Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina) is stunning in autumn.

Is travel insurance necessary in the USA?

Absolutely essential. US healthcare is among the most expensive in the world — a single night in hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A basic travel insurance policy with medical coverage of at least $1 million USD is the minimum. Check that your policy covers emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Alex Carrington is the travel editor at 247 Packing List, building destination and trip-type packing guides from flight-delay experience, family trips and a lot of over-packed suitcases. Every list on this site is cross-checked against the destination's actual climate and airline baggage rules before publishing.

Check the weather and best time to visit before you finalise your USA Road Trip packing list — and see country facts and travel info for entry requirements and local tips.

Not sure which suitcase size or clothing sizes you need? Check 247Sizing's luggage and clothing size guides before you pack.

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