Holiday Road Trip Essentials

When it comes to traveling, it’s no secret that flying is usually faster than driving. But for families, holiday flights mean paying sky-high costs for multiple plane tickets and baggage fees. Not to mention the headache of crowded airports, flight delays, lost luggage — and the possibility of one of the kids ending up in a “Home Alone” situation.

It’s easy to see why instead of worrying about what can be squeezed into a carry-on (or forgetting Kevin), many families are opting to hit the road for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s. By driving, you can pack more, stress less and keep the holidays focused on what matters most: being together.

Below are the must-haves that make your family’s holiday road trip easier, roomier and more fun.

Roof Basket

Whether you have one kid or five, extra cargo space isn’t just nice to have — it’s a game changer. This rooftop cargo carrier system expands your storage capacity so you can pack more, while freeing up space inside your vehicle. That means more legroom for the kids, fewer bags under your feet and a smoother ride all around.

It’s available in two sizes — Large and XL — with optional extenders that expand the length even more; it easily fits all your family’s travel essentials like luggage, strollers, pack-n-plays and more so that nothing needs to be left behind.

You can learn even more about Roof Basket here.

Hitch Basket

Need even more room? Hitch Basket has your back. This heavy-duty hauler handles everything you can’t (or don’t want to) cram inside your cargo area or lift up onto your roof — making packing feel less like a hassle and more like a win.

Lightweight, yet tough enough to handle up to 500 lbs. — our hitch-mounted cargo basket is perfect for your family’s heaviest suitcases (every family has at least one over-packer), winter gear, extra coolers, that one bag you swore wouldn’t fit and then some. It helps keep items secure, organized and easy to grab once you make it to your destination. 

FloorLiner HP

Long drives, winter weather and the kids’ snacks don’t mix well with clean footwells. FloorLiner HP shields your interior from the holiday chaos so you can worry less about the inevitable mess.

They’re custom fit to your exact make and model for seamless coverage with a high-walled design you can count on to catch and trap everything. Then, when the trip is over and you’re back at home, you can simply lift them out for easy cleanup — no more scrubbing stains from carpets or removing seats to vacuum up every cookie crumb from underneath.

Cargo Liner

The cargo area of your vehicle sees it all — heavy bags, platters of food, gifts for the family and more — which can take a toll on your interior over the course of your trip. That’s where Cargo Liner steps in to protect against wear and tear so you can pack with confidence.

The mat features a raised lip to contain spills, leaks from coolers or casserole catastrophes, and its skid-resistant surface helps keep items in place during the drive. Plus, just like FloorLiner HP, it’s custom fit to your vehicle for total coverage and easy to clean at the end of the trip.

CupFone

Holiday drives can mean new routes, traffic and more than one “Are we there yet?” from the back, the last thing you need is your phone slipping under the seat mid-drive. This phone mount keeps it safely locked in place, ready with your GPS front and center.

Plus, the interchangeable base cups mean you can slip it into the cup holder of your child’s car seat so they can easily watch a movie or TV show on your phone during the trip.

Whether you use CupFone as the road trip navigator or to entertain the kids, it’s the perfect accessory to keep your phone visible and hands-free — allowing you to focus on the road ahead. 

More Family Travel Necessities

Even with the best vehicle solutions, nothing truly makes or breaks a holiday road trip like the pint-sized passengers in the back seat. Below are a few must-haves that will keep the little ones occupied and (mostly) meltdown-free while you make your way across state lines to visit family.

• Plenty of Extra Snacks:

  Because “I’m hungry” is a guarantee on any long trip. Keep a mix of healthy bites and special treats on hand to buy yourself some peace and quiet between rest stops.

• Coloring and Sticker Books:

  Classic go-tos that help pass the time, are easy to pack and spark creativity.

• A New Toy:

  The magic of something new and exciting keeps kids occupied far longer than their usual favorites. Give it as a gift at the start of the trip or save it as a surprise for when the kids start to feel restless.

• Games:

  Magnetic puzzles and travel-sized board games are a great way for kids to play together in the back seat, perfect for when you need a group activity to break up the monotony. Plus, old-school I Spy games (like the alphabet game) provide screen-free fun that gets everyone involved.

• Fidget Toys:

  Small and surprisingly effective. Spinners, pop-its, squishy stress balls and more offer quiet, mess-free fun that keeps little hands busy and minds calm during the drive.

• Children’s Podcasts:

  Stories, songs and kid-friendly mysteries keep their brains engaged while giving you a break from back seat chatter.

• iPad/Tablet:

  A lifesaver during extra-long stretches of road. Download content ahead of time so you’re not at the mercy of spotty travel Wi-Fi or cell reception.

Holiday road trips come with their fair share of chaos, but the right essentials make all the difference. With additional cargo storage, mess-proof liners and plenty of distractions for the kiddos, you’ll be ready for whatever the road throws your way.

Drive safe and let the holiday fun begin — may your snacks outlast the trip and your kids nap at least once along the way.