Are you going on a road trip? A little preparation goes a long way in making your car ride more comfortable, saving you money along the way. Instead of overpaying at rest stops, I always make a stop at Costco before hitting the road. From practical car gear to snacks, Costco has everything you need to stay organized and road trip ready. Here are some of the best road trip essentials to add to your Costco shopping list.
Deluxe Memory Foam Seat Cushion
Long hours behind the wheel can take a toll on your back and hips. Make your drive more comfortable with a memory foam seat cushion. It adds instant comfort and support to any car seat, making those long drives feel way more manageable. It’s also great for passengers.
TrekTerra Backseat Organizer
If your backseat turns into a clutter zone during road trips, the TrekTerra Backseat Organizer is here to save your sanity. This 2 pack easily straps onto the back of your front seats, transforming dead space into smart storage. With compartments for drinks, snacks, toys, wipes, and even tissue boxes, it’s perfect for families—and anyone who likes to stay organized on the go.
Antipasto Snacks
This might be a bit unconventional, but it’s become one of my go-to road trip snacks. Years ago, on a family road trip through Northern Italy, prosciutto was sold at almost every rest stop. Ever since that trip, I’ve kept the tradition alive back home. Before any road trip, I pick up a pack of pre-sliced antipasto from Costco—they always have great prices. I keep it in the cooler and just like that, it feels like I’m bringing a little piece of Italy along for the ride.
Eurow Automotive Trunk Organizer
Packing for a road trip gets a whole lot easier with the Eurow Automotive Trunk Organizer. It’s collapsible, comes with removable dividers, and even has a lid to keep things contained. Use it to stash groceries, emergency supplies, or snacks, and say goodbye to trunk chaos. It adds instant order to your cargo area and folds flat when not in use.
Titan Zipperless Cooler
Small coolers are a must during summer road trips. Like this Titan Zipperless Cooler, which features a sturdy, leak-proof liner and a zipper-free lid for quick access. It keeps drinks and perishables cold for hours, making it the perfect “car fridge” for everything from soda cans to sandwiches.
Whiskware Snack Containers
If you’re road tripping with kids, snacks are a must. These Whiskware snack containers make snack time fun and organized. The twist-and-lock design keeps snacks secure, and the containers are dishwasher safe. They come in fun characters like Bluey and Paw Patrol—perfect for the little ones.
Snack Packs
It’s a good idea to pack more substantial snacks, especially on a long road trip. The Sargento Balanced Breaks single-serve snack packs are perfect. Each pack includes a combination of cheese and crackers—just enough to curb hunger without the mess. They’re individually portioned, easy to store in a cooler, and ideal for both adults and kids.
ThermoFlask Insulated Food Jar
The ThermoFlask Insulated Food Jar is a road trip essential for anyone who prefers real meals over fast food. It keeps food cold for up to 24 hours or hot for 12, making it perfect for pasta. I love the built-in handle and colorful design.
Portable Jump Starter and Power Bank
A portable jump starter is one of those emergency items you hope you never need—but you’ll be glad to have it if the situation arises. Costco frequently carries compact models at great prices. Many double as power banks for charging phones, which is incredibly handy if you’re camping or away from outlets for extended periods. A solid safety item for peace of mind on the road.
KeepCool Insulated Shopping Cooler Bag
Reusable bags are a must on any road trip. The KeepCool shopping cooler is an insulated, heavy-duty tote that’s perfect for keeping cold items chilled during hot summer days. Toss it in your trunk so you’re always ready for a grocery run, farmer’s market haul, or even storing leftovers from a roadside diner stop. It folds flat when not in use and holds a surprising amount.
Foldable Windshield Sun Shade
Keep your car cool and your dashboard protected from sun damage with a foldable windshield sun shade from Costco. This convenient 2 pack is easy to pop open when you park and just as simple to fold down for compact storage. Designed to fit most standard windshields, these shades block harsh UV rays and help maintain a cooler interior—an absolute must for hot summer road trips.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are perfect for those long stretches between meals on the road. Costco has an impressive variety, including my favorite Nature’s Bakery Oatmeal Crumble Bars. These bars are nut-free, making them ideal for my son with nut allergies, and they contain no high fructose corn syrup. My kids and I love them—they are delicious and each bar is a manageable size, reducing waste and mess during road trips.
Rain-X All-Season Windshield Washer Fluid
Before every road trip, I make it a point to top off my windshield washer fluid—and Rain-X All-Season Washer Fluid from Costco is my go-to choice. It effectively removes bugs, grime, and light frost, ensuring clear visibility in all kinds of weather. Sold in a convenient 2 pack, it’s perfect for filling up before you hit the road and keeping a spare bottle in the trunk for emergencies. This simple prep step can make a big difference during long drives.
Reduce Cold1 Tumblers
Insulated tumblers are perfect for road trips. Like this, Reduce Cold1 tumblers, each 24 oz tumbler keeps drinks cold for hours, fits in standard cup holders, and comes with a reusable straw. Sold in a convenient 2 pack—great for the driver and passenger! Check out 26 Things I Never Pay Full Price at Costco
Protein Bars
If you’re going on a road trip with limited rest stops, protein bars are a smart addition to your snack stash. Costco sells a good variety of protein bars. My personal favorite is the Built Puff Bar—a soft, marshmallow-like protein bar covered in chocolate with 17 grams of protein and added collagen. They taste more like a treat, making them perfect for road trips. Check out 17 Costco Meals Cheaper than Restaurant Take Out to Save You Money
CleverMade Foldable Tote Bag on Wheels
Need to haul all those random road trip essentials? The CleverMade Foldable Tote Bag on Wheels is made for the job. It folds flat for easy storage but opens up into a sturdy rolling tote that can carry up to 75 lbs. With smooth swivel wheels and a zippered top, it’s easy to maneuver and perfect for loading and unloading everything from snacks to car pillows. Check out 28 Things I Always Buy at Costco
Samsonite Luggage
Costco is one of the best places to buy luggage at low prices. Like this Samsonite 2 piece spinner set, which includes both carry-on and checked sizes. Luggage sets often go on sale at Costco, so save money by waiting for the sale. Check out 10 Costco Shopping Mistakes that Waste Money for Couples and Small Families
Individual Snack Bags
Snacks are a road trip essential, and Costco makes it super easy to stock up. Look for large variety packs of individually bagged snacks like PopCorners, Veggie Straws, and Cape Cod chips. They’re perfect for snacking in the car. Check out 24 Best Kirkland Products I Always Buy at Costco
Applesauce Pouches
Applesauce pouches are a kid-friendly favorite that travels well. Costco carries a good selection, including Kirkland Signature and GoGoSqueez brands. They even have “big kid” pouches with larger servings, making them a no-mess, no-spoon snack. They’re shelf-stable and perfect for road trips. Check out 21 Best Bulk Buys from Costco that Will Last You All Year (and Save You Money)
Sparkling Water
Skip the sugary drinks with sparkling water. Costco is a great place to stock up because they have the best prices. For example, during a recent Costco sale, I bought a case of 24 cans of LaCroix for only $7.29 (that’s only 30 cents a can). Check out 23 Costco Items that are a Total Waste of Money for Small Households
Turtle Wax Renew & Restore Wipes
It’s always a good idea to keep a few car care essentials within arm’s reach—and these Turtle Wax Renew & Restore Wipes are a smart addition to your glove compartment. They’re designed to handle everything from water spots and hazy headlights to light scratches on your car’s clear coat. Perfect for quick touch-ups at gas stations or rest stops. Check out I Spend $1000 a Month at Costco, here are 22 Costco Pantry Items I Buy Again and Again
Juice Boxes
When traveling with kids, juice boxes are a must. Costco has a wide selection of juice boxes at great prices. You can buy a case to last the entire trip—and then some. Just pop a few in the cooler for chilled drinks during road trips. Check out Here are 12 Ways I Save Money at Costco
Car Air Fresheners
Keep your car smelling fresh for the entire trip. Costco usually stocks a nice selection of air fresheners in bulk packs, including popular brands like Yankee Candle and Febreze. The mini Yankee Candle jar-shaped ones are especially fun—they’re cute, smell great, and last a long time. Check out What I Buy at Costco But Never at Sam’s Club (and Vice Versa)