happytrailstoyou

Since so many motels have refrigerators now, I carry blue ice and put it in the freezer for use the next day. (My cooler is small--just big enough for breakfast.)

Clousie

As others have suggested, organization is really the key. Folders, boxes or plastic bags, whichever work best for you, can really help.

For picnics, bring a tray to carry things from your car to table instead of moving entire cooler and other picnic supplies. Just take out what you need. Include a sharp knife in a cover, a small plastic cutting board or cutting sheets. Definitely bring a tablecloth. If you'll be washing dishes while camping, the tray is also good for putting wet/clean dishes on.

Put some of your ice (where ever you get it) in plastic jars with screw tops. You'll have clean cold water to drink. Besides meat in marinade, you can also freeze pasta sauces or other one pot meals to use the first few days for added coolant.

Include a non-plastic dirty clothes bag and those individual plastic clothes pins for things you might wash.

Buy special CD's, etc along the way to play and then remind you later of a great trip.

sunbabe

Take "On the Go" drink mixes--Crystal Light makes them, along with other brands. You can add them to your melted ice and have a different drink.

Don't know about western U.S., but the Midwest is full of bugs this time of year. Take bug spray.

SusieQQ

Since I am an avid coffee drinker...very strong coffee...I carry a small drip coffee maker just in case the motel doesn't have an in-room one and coffee and creamers. I also like to take my own pillow since I'm not always comfortable without it.