Helpful items!

As we travel, there are a few essential items that have made this trip manageable.

AAA TripTiks and Guidebooks:  I brought our itinerary into the local AAA office.  In return, the woman handed me Guidebooks and maps for the states we would be visiting.  She took the itinerary and created a TripTik and had it spiral bound.  These items from AAA have been essential as we venture into unknown territory.

Satellite radio: The invention of Satellite radio has eliminated the need for using the seek button on the radio, carrying CD's (or tapes), and allows us continuous music as we drive between states.  Our favorite station has been channel 147- Road Trip radio!  (Update-- Sirius XM cancelled Road Trip Radio on 7/5!!!  We have phone calls and emails in to the company in hopes that it will be reinstated for our drive West!)

Igloo electric cooler:  After reading many articles on Pinterest about road trips, we bought an electric cooler.  It plugs into the 12V DC outlet in the back of the Suburban.  At the recommendations of many, we bought the adapter so that when we are in the hotel, we can plug it into the wall.  No need for ice and the mess that comes when the ice melts.

Roadtripper app:  You plug in your starting point and your ending point and what categories you would like featured (historical sites, odd roadside attractions, restaurants, hotels, etc) and it will map it out for you.  This is how we found the California Trail Museum.

Rubbermaid bins:  The plastic bins have helped us organize the back of the Suburban.  Everything has its place and when you need something- it is easy to find!  We also use the soft sided Rubbermaid storage bins to store beach towels and an extra blanket.

Seatbelt pillows: 

My mom visited us right before the road trip and worked on the Pinterest project for car pillows with the kids.  I did not want full size pillows in the car taking up room when we have 3 bodies and car seats sitting across the middle row.  The kids use them to rest their heads when driving.  The adults fold in half and use them as lumbar support.  

Aerobed:  Bringing along an extra queen sized bed has been helpful- both in staying in hotels and with family. It takes up the same amount of space as 2 sleeping bags and is more comfy.  We keep the sheets on it, roll it on up and store it in the bag.