I've spent 300 hours on road trips across the US. Here are 7 things I always pack for a long-haul drive.

Insider's reporter has been on a dozen road trips. Here are her essentials for a smooth ride.Joey Hadden/Insider

• Packing for a road trip can be a daunting task.
• But after 300 hours of US road trips, I know exactly what to pack to make your drive easier.

From the Southwest to the Northeast, I've traveled more than 20,000 miles on road trips around the US.

A silhouette of the author holding a camera with a sunset and cable towers in the background.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Read more: After road-tripping across Colorado, Arizona, Texas, and Utah nearly a dozen times, I planned the best itinerary through the Southwest

When it comes to packing up the car, I've certainly made some mistakes. I've forgotten important items and longed for essentials that I didn't even think of.

The author's bag on top of a car during a road trip stop in the Southwest.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

But 300 hours and more than a dozen trips later, I think I've mastered the art of packing for a road trip. Here are the things I'll always bring with me, no matter the destination.

The author and her partner on a road trip from Phoenix, Arizona, to New York City.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I forget to pack motion sickness medicine on road trips often, and I always end up stopping for some on the way. I've always been prone to motion sickness, but even if you're not, driving through the mountains could make you feel queasy.

The author's medicine for motion sickness in Europe.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I hate that I need caffeine to stay alert, but that's where I'm at. On a road trip, I prefer Mio Energy, a flavorful boost to add to water, because it keeps me hydrated.

The author's favorite Mio flavor.      Joey Hadden/Insider

When you're driving on open roads, you never know when you'll lose service, so I always download playlists and podcasts to keep myself entertained.

A screenshot of the author's downloaded music on Spotify.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I've always road-tripped with other people. And as someone who values alone time, packing headphones is the only way to get it in a cramped car.

The author's wired headphones with a standard 3.5 jack.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Especially when road-tripping with others, comfy shoes feel essential to sustaining my good mood.

The author wears her comfiest shoes for a 30-hour train journey in 2021.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Another mood booster for me is a clean car. And from empty food containers to candy wrappers, a road trip can make a car messy fast. So don't forget to bring a small trash can or bag to keep things tidy.

This car probably doesn't have a trash can inside.      victorass88/Getty Images

Read more: A woman says a 200-pound bear got trapped inside her sister's Prius. This viral video shows how the wild animal destroyed the car.

Lastly, wipes. When something spills or your hands are sticky, you'll be glad you packed them.

The author packs wipes for a trip.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Of course, there are other essentials for road-tripping, like emergency gear, sunglasses, and don't forget that reusable water bottle. But the items on this list have helped me make a long, bumpy ride go smoothly.

A southwestern landscape seen from a car.      Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Read more: 5 places to visit in the US where you'll feel like you've left the country — without leaving a big carbon footprint