What Items Should I Bring on a Summer Road Trip?

Ask Rolf: Vagabonding traveler Rolf Potts answers your questions about travel

06.13.07 | 3:10 PM ET

Rolf Potts

Dear Rolf,

I plan to take a road trip around the U.S. during the summer of my sophomore or junior year of college. I plan to go alone but might take one friend. I want everything that I bring to fit in the car and still not be cumbersome. What are the items that you think I would absolutely need? Also, any money-related tips? I plan to drive the whole way.

—Andrew

Dear Andrew,

Your summer road trip sounds like a great plan! My first vagabonding journey was an eight-month road trip in the U.S., and it was an amazing experience.

The secret to packing is to pack as little as possible. Seriously, be hard on yourself. Take only what you will absolutely need, not things that might only come in handy. Bring a few changes of clothes, some camping gear (stove, tent, sleeping bag, sleep pad, etc.), some footwear, some road music, some toiletries, and that’s it. Maybe a guidebook or two. Maybe a laptop, for keeping a journal or staying in touch via wireless Internet. Past that, most everything you need you can buy on the way (and you won’t need much).

As for money, bring very little with you, and just reload as you need to via ATMs. Keep track of your balance, of course, but don’t over-plan your finances. Just go cheap.

And of course the best way to save money on the American road is to camp (or crash with friends) and cook your own meals whenever you can. Motels and restaurants can really strain your budget, so go DIY when you can.

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