Road Trip Packing Checklist

Don't forget the Shenanigans!

Photo by Marcin Simonides on Unsplash

Over the past year, as Downtown Dave and I have been planning our Epic Road Trip, we’ve spent a lot of time making lists and reservations, and reading and researching everything we possibly could by fellow travelers who took the time to record their experience. Now, finally, here we are on the eve of our departure, checklist in hand, amid boxes, coolers, totes, luggage, maps, (and a disappointing preponderance of charge cords) ready to load up our trusty Brown Audi, and hit the road!

Keep in mind, everyone’s packing list will be different based on individual preference, interests, season, space, abilities, finances, and time constraints. Your list should reflect that, and like ours, may contain some odd or quirky things. What follows is the packing list suitable for two retired Boomers on a fixed income; one, a history buff and Lincoln aficionado, the other, a word nerd, obsessed with seeing and experiencing everything the Mother Road still has to offer - then sharing those stories far and wide.

Early Fall Route 66 Road Trip Packing List

• Maps, Guidebooks, Route 66 app, GasBuddy app

• Five days worth of clothing, and swimsuits

• Shoes, socks

• Extra layers, sweat shirts, jackets, hats

• Toiletries, prescriptions, vitamins

• Shower bags, slippers/flip flops, microfiber bath towels

• Sleeping bags and pillows, extra blankets

• Travel/neck pillows

• Cook stove, propane

  • cast iron pans

  • spatulas

• Keurig, coffee pods, powdered creamer

• Plates, utensils

• Dawn Powerwash dish spray

• Scrub Daddy sponge

• Refillable travel water bottles, coffee mugs, wine glasses

• Coolers - hard and soft sided

  • re-freezable ice packs

  • butter, olive oil, salt and pepper shakers

  • sandwich supplies

• Non-perishable snacks

• Kleenex

• Wet Wipes

• Paper towels

• Garbage bags

• Windshield screen shade

• Sunglasses

• Charging cords for electronics, power bank, power strip/extra outlets

• Air-vent phone mount

• Selfie stick

• Earbuds/headphones

• Individual small flashlights

• Books!

• Passports, driver’s licenses, insurance cards

• Travel notebook, pens, pencils, sharpies

• Gallon Ziplock bags for daily receipts, polaroids, post cards, brochures, small souvenirs

• Polaroid camera

• Laundry detergent pods, dryer sheets

• Dirty clothes bag

• First aid kit

• Umbrellas

• Reusable shopping bags

• Bug spray, sunscreen, eye drops, lip balm

• Cash

I’ve also created a spreadsheet to record things like how much gas we buy and what it costs, how many miles we travel each day and the steps we take, what we eat, buy, and where we stay. In addition to those dry quantifiable items, Dave and I also want to prioritize fun and memorialize this adventure. To that end, we’ve added a space on our spreadsheet for Shenanigans, What We Learned, and something we picked up from our kids; each of our end-of-the-day Happys VS Crappys.

What crazy things would you add to your list? Do you have any suggestions for something we’ve left out? Anything we should cross off and leave at home? (And don’t say charging cords! ) Leave your ideas in the comments below.