A Texan road trip is a quintessentially American experience - and Houston is a great starting point. From Houston, you can easily get to the Gulf Coast, to charming small towns, to key sites in American history, to beautiful forests, and more. However, the landscape can be surprisingly changeable, and you’ll need to think carefully about what to pack to get the best out of your Texas road trip. So, to help you out, here’s a quick guide to what you might need on a road trip from Houston.
The right vehicle
This may sound obvious, but the vehicle you use can make a huge difference to your Texas road trip experience. You might find that you’re more comfortable in a bigger vehicle - not just because you’ll have more luggage space and comfier seats, but because large vehicles are very popular in this area, and the general size of the vehicles on the roads can be intimidating if you’re in a smaller car. So, if you’re flying in and planning on checking out car rental options in Houston, bear this in mind.
Size aside, it’s essential that you take a vehicle with good air conditioning. The humidity in Houston can be stifling, and the heat on the roads is intense in the height of summer. As you’re likely to be spending a lot of time on the road, good AC is an absolute necessity - not just for your comfort but for your health.
Also consider the kind of terrain you’ll be covering. If you’re sticking to highways and interstates and going city to city on your road trip, you probably won’t need something too rugged. But if you plan to head off the beaten track a bit more, then you might want a road trip vehicle that can handle a range of terrains.
2. Lightweight clothing
Much of Texas and the Gulf Coast experiences prolonged heat for much of the year. As such, breathable fabrics and lightweight clothing are a must for long days on the road and outdoor stops. Light colors are also a good idea - they’re more comfortable in direct sunlight than darker colors, which absorb heat.
It’s humid around Houston and the Gulf Coast, which means the heat can feel very different (arguably more uncomfortable) than the drier western Texas heat. You’re likely to sweat a lot more in high humidity, so choose clothes that won’t get difficult to wear if you get sweaty - perhaps clothes with moisture-wicking elements.
3. LAYERS
Having just warned you about the heat, we’re now going to advise you to pack layers. Don’t worry, we’re not totally contradicting ourselves. While Houston and its surroundings are hot during the day, it can get surprisingly chilly at night. What’s more, if you’re heading up into the hills or towards desert regions, you’re likely to find the temperature dropping more than you might expect. So, it’s a good idea to pack a few extra layers you can apply when you start to feel the chill.
It’s also worth noting that a lot of stores and restaurants turn their AC up during the summer months, so you might feel cold when you step out of the Texas heat and into an air-conditioned venue. A light jacket or a hoodie can be a godsend in these situations.
4. SUN PROTECTION
Drivers often underestimate just how much sun exposure can build up through vehicle windows during long journeys. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from glare on the road, and sunscreen will protect your skin from the intense Texas sun. Hats are also a good idea - sunstroke can come on surprisingly quickly, even inside a car, but a hat will do a lot to protect you, especially if you pick a hat with UV shielding.
5. DEVICES, ENTERTAINMENT, AND DEVICE CARE
You’re likely to spend many long, uninterrupted hours on the road. So, it’s a good idea to bring some entertainment options along with you. Load up your phone with podcasts, audiobooks, and good music. Bring puzzle books and travel games for passengers or, if you’re relying on electronic devices for entertainment (Nintendo Switches, for example), make sure to pack plenty of charger cables. Portable chargers for cell phones and other devices are also a good idea, as you might end up spending a long time between places with electricity outlets, and charging too many things in the car can drain the battery.
5. EMERGENCY ITEMS
It’s always best to be prepared, especially if you’re taking your road trip during hurricane season. Flash floods can develop quickly during Gulf Coast storms, while western areas can experience dust storms, strong winds, and sharp temperature drops. Don’t worry - you’re unlikely to be in danger if you’re sensible and keep an eye on weather conditions, but it is still worth packing some emergency supplies just in case.
So, pack waterproof bags and spare clothes, first-aid supplies, and flashlights (wind-up flashlights are particularly useful, as they don't rely on batteries that can run down). Offline maps are also a good idea, in case you lose cell signal or your cell phone dies.
Enjoy your Texas road trip
Texas is an incredible place to take a road trip, and Houston is a good starting point. However, the distances involved and changes in terrain and weather conditions mean that proper packing is essential. If you have the right car, the right clothing, the right tech, the right entertainment, and the right emergency supplies, you’ll be well set for a fantastic road trip through Texas and the Gulf Coast.
