A coastal road trip offers stunning vistas, ocean adventures, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Whether you're hitting the road in an RV or setting sail on your boat, packing smart is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here's your ultimate coastal road trip packing list:
Shared Essentials
- Clothing: Pack for varying weather conditions: t-shirts, shorts, lightweight pants, rain jacket, warm layers, swimsuit, cover-up, hat, and sunglasses.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, water shoes (for rocky beaches or boat use).
- Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunhat.
- First-Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, antihistamine, motion sickness medication (if needed).
- Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from those pesky mosquitoes and sandflies.
- Reusable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
- Dry Bags: Keep electronics, documents, and valuables safe and dry.
- Maps & Navigation: Even with GPS, a physical map and compass are good backups.
RV-Specific Necessities
- Kitchen Gear: Camp-style cooking essentials (pots, pans, utensils), camp stove/grill, cooler, dish soap, sponge.
- Campsite Comforts: Folding chairs, table, hammock, lantern/headlamps.
- Bedding: Sleeping bags, pillows, sheets/blankets.
- Leveling blocks/Chocks: Ensure your RV is stable when parked.
- Tools/Spare Parts: Basic toolkit, jumper cables, fuses, tire repair kit.
Boat-Specific Must-Haves
- Safety Equipment: Life jackets (properly fitted for everyone), flares, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, VHF radio.
- Navigation Gear: Charts, nautical maps, compass, binoculars, GPS.
- Anchoring Supplies: Suitable anchor for your boat and bottom conditions, ample anchor rode (chain and line).
- Fishing Gear: Rods, reels, tackle, bait, fishing license (if needed).
- Dinghy/Tender: If your boat doesn't have one, it's useful for shore excursions.
Food & Provisions
- Non-Perishables: Pantry staples like pasta, rice, canned goods, snacks.
- Fresh Food & Cooler: Plan your meals considering your cooler space and how often you can restock.
- Cooking Supplies: Oil, spices, condiments.
- Water: Ample drinking water, especially for boating.
Personal Extras
- Camera: Capture the incredible scenery and wildlife you'll encounter.
- Beach Gear: Towels, beach umbrella, beach toys.
- Books/Entertainment: For downtime in the RV or peaceful anchorages.
- Waterproof Binoculars: Enjoy spotting marine life from your boat or the shore.
Pro-Tips
- Space Savers: Opt for collapsible gear and multi-use items to maximize your boat or RV's limited space.
- Check Regulations: Be mindful of local fishing and boating regulations at each destination.
- Weather Awareness: Monitor coastal weather forecasts closely, as conditions can change rapidly.
- Respect the Coast: Practice 'leave no trace' principles to minimize your environmental impact.
Tailor Your Trip
This list is a starting point! Customize it based on the length of your trip, specific activities you plan (kayaking, snorkeling, etc.), and whether you intend to stay mostly at campgrounds/marinas or go off-grid for extended periods.
An epic coastal adventure awaits! With thoughtful packing and a spirit of discovery, you're ready to create unforgettable memories along the shore.
