Road Trip Packing Tips for Michigan

Shalee and I are heading up north soon for a quick road trip to see a dear, old friend, and it got me thinking about things we bring or do on a road trip.

This list is by no means definitive, others have done a much more comprehensive job that you can find online, but these are a few things that may not immediately come to mind when considering a road trip in Michigan specifically, but applies in general to most road trips ¹:

• Take Side Roads: Obviously this is dependent on where you are going and why. If you’re going to Chicago from Michigan, side roads are probably going to add a significant amount of time to your trip. But in our case, heading to northern Michigan the side roads add about 15min to our trip. This creates the opportunity for adventure. One time we stumbled across some kind of fair in Newaygo, another time one in Lake City. We’ve stopped in Kalkaska and found deals on swimwear. We’ve found hidden gem restaurants that had amazing breakfasts or great burgers. You’re not always going to find something along the way, but taking the side roads increases the potential for adventure as you travel through small towns where you might not typically stop.
• Cooler: We often bring a cooler, because we take the side roads. There are roadside fruit and vegetable stands along the way, or you might run into a farm store that sells pasties or other unique food items. Also, you can bring fresh snacks and beverages with you, reducing the need to stop and get food/drink.
• Nalgene Bottles: I like to grab a couple of these, fill them with water, and freeze them. Sure, you can always put ice into your cooler, or cooling packs, which we do as well, but by Nalgene bottles can often be frozen without breaking (just don’t fill them all the way to the top). As the ice melts you’re left with cold water to drink when you get to your destination, which is helpful if you’re not immediately going to a hotel or AirBNB/VRBO. Maybe you want to head straight to the beach wherever you’re going; with a cooler and frozen water in your Nalgene bottles you’ve got more options.
• Growler: If you’re in Michigan you’re sure to pass a brewery at some point, so bring a growler so you can enjoy your new favorite beer on your trip or to bring back home. We have an insulated Coleman growler, but a glass one works just as well, they’re just obviously a bit more delicate and won’t keep the beer cool. Grab a sticker from the brewery to slap on it to remember your trip!
• Camp Chairs: During the summer our camp chairs live in our car because you never know when you’re going to have an adventure but also need to sit down comfortably.
• Portable Picnic Blanket: Maybe you don’t want to sit in a chair but just chill on the ground. You’re in your car, so you probably have room for a full-size blanket if you’d prefer, but I keep a Matador Pocket Blanket in my sling at all times just in case it is needed. They’re super small and can easily fit two adults. I’ve brought it the beach, to concert festivals, etcetera.
• Small, Packable Bags: Like the pocket blanket above, I always have two Nano Bags in my sling as well, because as I noted above, there are opportunities for roadside stands or farmer’s markets. Having these multi-use bags on hand prevents single-use plastics from coming into the mix, and between the two, can hold more than enough produce.
• Stainless Steel Spork & Straw: Again, I keep each of these in my sling. Sometimes when you’re on the road you may want to stop and get some food. Most times utensils are provided, or maybe you packed some food to eat at the beach and didn’t bring any utensils with you. Having this on me at all times means that I’m all set no matter what.
• Mini Deck of Cards and Dice: I always have a small, travel-sized deck of cards and some dice in my sling for playing rummy, euchre, Yahtzee, whatever, either at the beach, at a picnic table chilling, or waiting outside of a restaurant for a table. It makes the time go by faster if you’re waiting, and it’s just fun. Folding up a few Yahtzee score sheets works as well, or, take a picture of a score sheet and recreate it in your…
• Small Notebook and Pen: For games above, or just jotting down some quick notes about anything.
• Book/e-book: One of my favorite things to do at the beach is just chill and read. Also, I don’t get motion sickness while reading in the car, so if the trip is longer I may pick up whatever book I am reading at the moment. Just be sure not to ignore your partner for too long, either in the car or at the beach.
• Small, Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: Great to have for little stops or while at the beach, just don’t turn it up too loud as your neighbors may not care for your music as I almost certainly do not care for theirs.
• Rain jacket/Sweatshirt: The saying goes, “if you don’t like the weather in Michigan, wait five minutes.” I always bring a rain jacket just in case, but it also works well as a light jacket if the temperature plummets. Likewise, I often have a sweatshirt as well because though it may be warm during the day, sometimes it can get cold at night during the summer. I’d rather have these and not need them then need them and not have them.
• AAA Membership: AAA will tow your car 100 miles for free (well, technically you paid for it), a few times a year if you need it, and it doesn’t even have to be your car. If you have the membership it applies to whatever car you’re riding in. This can be very helpful while on the road and there’s an emergency. And often times, if you purchase it through your current insurance provider you can get a significant discount. I think the first year I had my membership my insurance actually dropped a touch. Subsequent years, with the credit I get for it I think it costs me an extra $10-20/year. I’ve used it three times since I’ve had my membership. With towing being $100-200 a pop, it has more than paid for itself. For me, the low cost is peace of mind, but maybe you already have towing included with your insurance, so maybe it doesn’t make sense for you. Look into it.
• Fix-A-Flat: You might have a spare tire in your car, but if you have a slow leak, Fix-A-Flat can be a lifesaver. ’Nuff said.

Safe travels!

© 2025 Michael A. Diaz