Travel Experts - What would you pack for a cross country road trip
Jul 1st, 2006, 06:23 AM
#42
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Our Garmin C340 GPS was a blessing on our road trip. This was by far the best investment we've ever made. Not only did it give excellent directions with his manly "Jack" voice..but gave us the nearest gas stations, restaurants, lodgings, recreation, etc. But best of all, it eliminated arguments with my husband and the right way to go!! Have maps as a backup..but get a GPS!
Jul 1st, 2006, 07:13 AM
#44
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based on some recent trips (4200 miles in March), I would strongly consider buying a CB radio or pulling the 20 year old one out of the attic. We were surprised to find many, many places where our cell phones did not work (Cingular)and this was all east of the Appalachians. We had previously experienced vast areas of "No Signal" in the West. If you need emergency communications, even calling AAA with a flat, you can't count on a cell phone, even on many interstates (at least you can't count on Cingular!).
Jul 1st, 2006, 07:32 AM
#45
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A good sense of humor and lots of patience!
Lots of Freon in the car! Couple towels for hot seats, chilly riders, spills, tire patch, and a gallon of water for the car, just in case! Nat'l Parks = sun visor/cap, sunscreen and bug spray!
Always: you're own pillow!
Lots of Freon in the car! Couple towels for hot seats, chilly riders, spills, tire patch, and a gallon of water for the car, just in case! Nat'l Parks = sun visor/cap, sunscreen and bug spray!
Always: you're own pillow!
Jul 1st, 2006, 07:35 AM
#46
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Wow. What great tips from everyone! I definitely got some ideas that I never would have thought of. We bought Microsoft Maps and Trips software and planned out the whole route and then printed it out (similar to TripTiks from AAA). I also do have a map of each state just in case.
I've told my son about some of your suggestions and he thinks he may be happiest if I let him bring all his 'stuff'. He likes your ideas Gail!
And no, we would never go over the speed limit...at least not intentionaly. Had a bad experience in another state once. Heard from a state trooper that they look for speeding out of staters. I use the cruise control to keep myself in check.
Any more suggestions are welcome. I think lots of people are finding this helpful.
I've told my son about some of your suggestions and he thinks he may be happiest if I let him bring all his 'stuff'. He likes your ideas Gail!
And no, we would never go over the speed limit...at least not intentionaly. Had a bad experience in another state once. Heard from a state trooper that they look for speeding out of staters. I use the cruise control to keep myself in check.
Any more suggestions are welcome. I think lots of people are finding this helpful.
Jul 1st, 2006, 07:41 AM
#47
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OldSouthernBelle....funny you should mention Freon. Last week I noticed the A/C did not seem as strong as usual. Took it in to the mechanic and they found a slow leak that probably would have emptied the freon by the time we hit the midwest. Had it fixed $$$$ but can't imagine driving through Utah canyon country with out it.
Jul 1st, 2006, 07:52 AM
#48
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We have an electric cooler that plugs into the power outlet in the car and comes with an adapter so we can plug it into a regular wall outlet in the motel room. Great for keeping drinks and picnic foods cold. We even kept milk in it and had cereal in the room at the National Parks.
Jul 1st, 2006, 10:08 AM
#50
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Snow or frost is not at all uncommon in Yellowstone any time of the year. We had wet snow up in the northeast corner last July as well as frost. In fact in all my trips there I cannot remember a time that we did not have at least one frosty morning.
Something else to bring on your trip. A low cost pre paid phone calling card (we use Sam's Club calling card) for the places out there somewhere when you have no cell signal.
Something else to bring on your trip. A low cost pre paid phone calling card (we use Sam's Club calling card) for the places out there somewhere when you have no cell signal.
Jul 1st, 2006, 04:15 PM
#52
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Thunderdog: We used a plug in cooler for a 2 week road trip through Canada. Just be sure to REMOVE THE PLUG when you get out of the car or your battery will be drained. We brought along a wheelie luggage cart to bring it into the hotel.
Jul 3rd, 2006, 11:26 AM
#53
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Be careful to pack all your "stuff" in the trunk while stopping during the day and completely unpacking the car at night so as not to attract as many would be thieves.
I know of two families who had their cars stripped of everything on vacation-one instance was overnight at a motel and one was in a parking lot of a tourist sightseeing spot.
I know of two families who had their cars stripped of everything on vacation-one instance was overnight at a motel and one was in a parking lot of a tourist sightseeing spot.
Jul 3rd, 2006, 03:45 PM
#54
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amwosu
Last year we stayed at a motel on SR-9 in Seminole OK. When we pulled in the car next to us had two Nikon Cameras and other equipment on the front seat, windows down. Next morning when we departed they were still there.
Last year we stayed at a motel on SR-9 in Seminole OK. When we pulled in the car next to us had two Nikon Cameras and other equipment on the front seat, windows down. Next morning when we departed they were still there.
Jul 4th, 2006, 09:00 AM
#56
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I fixed up one thing that came in very handy. I took a heavy big bath towel and used it to make a bundle for a paring knife, bottle opener, (with a punch on one end) scissors and a can opener. the towel made a nice tablecloth when stopping for a snack at a rest stop. I kept it rolled up with the things in it and secured with rubber bands. It could be tucked anywhere. Also, a pack of plastic disposible cups. Sometimes you need to get a cup of ice from your cooler.
Jul 5th, 2006, 11:29 AM
#59
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sparkerlaw, I just ordered new polarized prescription sunglasses. Chances are they will be ready the day after we leave for our trip! We are leaving in one week. Thanks for all the great suggestions!
