Got your REAL ID? Stay prepared with top travel-friendly road trip essentials

• Planning a road trip requires preparation, especially with the new REAL ID travel requirements.
• Essential items for your car include a portable tire inflator, jump starter and other gadgets.
• Shop car organizers, games and seat cushions to stay comfortable on your next road trip.

Planning a road trip? Whether you find yourself taking a spontaneous weekend getaway or a well-planned cross-country adventure this summer, having the right essentials can make all the difference. With the new REAL ID travel requirements, it's more important than ever to be prepared while traveling, even domestically. From portable chargers and tire inflators to seat cushions and car games, we've curated the ultimate road trip checklist with popular, travel-friendly items to help make your next car ride smooth and stress-free.

Below, shop all of our favorite product recommendations and get ready to hit the road with confidence!

• Road trip essentials for your car
• Road trip essentials for yourself

Shop road trip essentials for your car

AstroAI Portable Air Compressor, Tire Inflator Air Pump for Car Tires

Get this helpful portable tire inflator to keep in your car in case of emergencies while on your next road trip. Buy at Amazon

Noco Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter

This popular jump starter with battery pack and jumper cables is a consistent best-selling Amazon purchase among our readers. Buy at Amazon

Emergency Roadside Kit for Cars

This safety kit has 124 pieces, including a tow strap, shovel and more so you are prepared in case of any emergency. Buy at Amazon

Lisen Retractable USB-C Car Charger Adapter

Get this top-selling car charger with retractable cables for your iPhone 16 at Amazon. Buy at Amazon

RedTiger Dash Cam

A top-rated dash cam is essential for any road trip, or just driving in general! Get this one at Amazon today. Buy at Amazon

Fanttik V8 Apex Car Vacuum, 4-in-1 Portable Mini Cordless Vacuum

Our readers love this portable car vacuum, and so do I! Get it for your next road trip to help keep your vehicle clean from crumbs and messes. Buy at Amazon

Hotor Trunk Organizer for Car

Keep your vehicle a little more organized with this convenient storage solution that our readers love. Buy at Amazon

Shop road trip essentials for yourself and passengers

Lamicall Car Headrest Tablet Holder

Keep the kids entertained in the backseat with this helpful adjustable tablet car mount. Buy at Amazon

ComfiLife Premium Gel and Memory Foam Seat Cushion

If you’re sitting in a car for a long period of time, this seat cushion with more than 14,000 five-star reviews will come in handy. Buy at Amazon

Portable Charger with Built-In Cables

When outlets and cords are hard to come by, this portable charger with built-in cables will be a life-saver. Buy at Amazon

Car Backseat Organizer with Pockets, 2-Pack

Organize your entire backseat with this set of organizers that double as seat protectors! Buy at Amazon

Games on the Go by Continuum Games

Perhaps not an obvious essential, but what’s a road trip without some fun games? Buy at Amazon

First Aid Only 299-Piece All-Purpose Emergency First Aid Kit

One of the most essential items on any road trip is a compact first aid kit with bandages, ointment, scissors and more. Buy at Amazon

FosPower Emergency Weather Radio

Get this charger, flashlight and SOS alarm that comes with a hand crank charger and can be battery operated. Buy at Amazon

Pulidiki Car Cleaning Gel Car Cleaning Putty

This viral interior car cleaner looks weird but works wonders. Get it at Amazon today. Buy at Amazon

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a security-enhanced state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal standards. Starting Wednesday, May 7, you'll need a REAL ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Do I need a REAL ID?

If you don't have a REAL ID, you can also use a U.S. passport, permanent resident card, Enhanced Tribal Card, foreign-government issued passport, and several other forms of identification accepted by the TSA for air travel.