Whether you’re headed to Palm Springs, escaping out of town for the weekend, or just passing through the sun-drenched highways of California, one thing’s certain: summer road trips hit different when you’re prepared. The desert doesn’t mess around—and neither should you.
This checklist covers everything you need to stay cool, safe, and road-trip ready. From desert essentials to snack bag MVPs, here’s what to throw in the car before you hit the road.
🚗 Car Prep & Navigation
- Full tank of gas (or EV fully charged)
- Phone mount + car charger
- Paper map / offline GPS backup
- Spare tire, jack, jumper cables
- Sunscreen for dashboard + windshield sunshade
🧊 Cool & Hydrated
- Insulated water bottles or hydration jugs
- Cooler with ice packs
- Electrolyte packets (Liquid I.V., Nuun)
- Frozen grapes / watermelon slices
🕶️ Sun & Heat Protection
- Sunglasses (polarized is best)
- Wide-brim hat or baseball cap
- SPF 30+ sunscreen (face & body)
- Cooling towel or neck fan
- Aloe vera gel
🍿 Snacks & Vibes
- Trail mix, granola bars, jerky
- Fruit & veggie packs
- Spotify / Apple Music playlists downloaded
- Podcasts or audiobooks queued up
- Bluetooth speaker
🧴 Comfort & Cleanliness
- Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
- Lip balm with SPF
- Mini first aid kit
- Toilet paper / tissues
- Trash bag or container
🏜️ If You’re Stopping in the Desert
- Hiking shoes or sandals
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Bug spray
- Extra water and snacks
- Backup phone battery
💡 Bonus: Just-in-Case Items
- Swimsuit & towel (for spontaneous swims or Palm Springs pools)
- Light layers or jacket (it gets chilly after sunset)
- Emergency blanket
- Multi-tool or pocket knife