Listmania! I took a page from Amazon's lists o' joy and created my own list of items that should help you take a more comfortable road trip. Obviously there are some things in here where I my A.D.D. kicked in and I got sidetracked and had to add a couple of extra things in, but for the most part these items will do wonders to help you carry the comforts of home with you. I hope you find them useful. I'm pretty tired right now, but maybe at some point I will try to put these in a more logical order.

I am NOT about roughing it. But I do love taking road trips with my husband and teenage son, when he'll agree to accompany us. I recently returned from a week-long trip up the east coast and for once I planned ahead and had nearly everything I needed and the trip was SO much better. For once I didn't smack my forehead, going "WHY didn't I think to bring [insert object]??" I painstakingly recreated the list to assist future road trippers. Hope it makes your journey comfortable and enjoyable!

charmin-to-go (This stuff ROCKS! I bought at least three of these and still have plenty left over. To be a bit personal, you don't always have to use just this. I found that it was just as great using the rest area toilet paper and then wrapping several squares of this around it to cushion the pain of crappy rest area toilet paper.)

charmin to go freshmates (I don't think I need to comment on these...just trust me)

seat covers (I didn't use these specifically. Mine were cheapy, cardboard-like, and didn't work too well, but were still WAY better than nothing and, sad to say, I was more thankful for the seat covers than pretty much any other item on the trip. Rest areas have gotten better, but gas stations? Have NOT!)

Seat Covers - The Sequel - Wow. These are for kids (and I found them when searching for something else) but I think they'd be great for anyone. They're soft, they have adhesive to keep from sliding off the toilet, and they're long and drape over the toilet for kids who need to hold on for balance. GREAT idea!

Personal Hygiene Cloths (for the women...and to gross out the men)

deodorant wipes - for those times when you don't have time to shower, or are camping, or lost, or just need to feel ...better. I couldn't find the Dove brand wipes I found, but these look great, can be used on any part of the body, and have an added bonus in that they can be warmed in a microwave! How cool is that?

disinfectant wipes (because women are the filthiest creatures and never, EVER clean up after themselves in the bathroom...and then bitch about how dirty they are)

Purell antibacterial gel - Pack of three bottles, great size for traveling (2 oz). I don't use this cause I got freaked out by the report that our use of these things just breeds stronger germs, but...to each his own. (I'd make a great salesperson, wouldn't I??)

Purell Antibacterial Wipes - same as above...different format.

disinfectant spray (for anyone who's ever watched 20/20)

makeup remover pads with moisturizer - I use these almost every day, even when I don't have any makeup on. They feel fanTASTIC, cleanse wonderfully and are great at moisturizing. I have very sensitive skin and these never bother me.

Sunscreen cloths - easy way to apply. Recent research suggests that sunscreen actually works in the fight against aging (as though we really CAN), but not just because sun damage = bad. But something in the chemicals works toward better elasticity or...some shit like that. I dunno, I forget. I just know it's good for ya. Whatever.

Toner (it's like washing your face when you can't get to a sink or shower)

ZAPZYT Maximum Strength 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment, since something about being away from home tends to throw the skin off balance. This is the best I've found and it doesn't dry out my skin like other treatments do.

Dissolving soap strips - these are fantastic to keep in your purse/pocket. Great for those times when the bathroom has no soap and you don't find out until AFTER you've...done your thing. Need something a little girlier and larger? Try this Roger & Gallet Green Tea Perfumed Soap in a Travel Case.

Tide travel sink packets - wash your clothes in any sink with these packets. I'm allergic and can't use 'em, but YOU can!

Soap case - clear and large enough for a regular bar of soap from home.

Laundry Travel Soap - Woolite - for washing delicates on the road!

Samsonite Triple-Pocket Neck Pouch - From the Manufacturer: The Samsonite double-pocket money belt is for safety and peace of mind. Sleek, lightweight rip-stop nylon pouch, with soft, padded back, has 2 roomy, zippered pockets to store your cash, passport and checks. While worn comfortably under clothing, it helps keep valuables secure and out of sight. Adjustable elastic waistband fits up to a 45-inch waist and the sure-close buckle keeps it in place. Hand wash with mild soap.

Leg Money Belt - who knows? Someone might need it!

Ellington In Flight Tote - best purse/bag I have ever owned in terms of reliability, strength, and size. I LOVE this bag. It can hold all your crap, plus bottle(s) of water, magazines, folders, laptop, anything and everything you can think of. I bought it as a carry-on bag for a business trip several years ago, but I still use it frequently, especially on vacations. It has a silverish, reflective lining inside, making it incredibly easier to find things. I'm notorious for stuffing everything AND the kitchen sink in my bags, especially on vacation, and the bag has held up for several years. The straps have never broken. Comes with regular hand/arm straps and a really long, adjustable strap with a moveable shoulder pad for comfort, which can be removed. Tons of pockets and zippers and space. Bonus: the bottom unzips to go over rolling luggage handles.

Traveling Toiletries Kit - with hook to hang anywhere. Many pockets for lotions, toothbrushes, etc., but also has pockets big enough to hold normal-size shampoo bottles.

Travel Clothesline - a loop at each end, stretches to six feet.

Skin So Soft Bug Guard

Skin So Soft Bug Guard spray with SPF15

Band-aid Anti-itch gel - this stuff is AWESOME.

Kleenex pocket packs - I use these all the time, as they fit perfectly in a purse or--duh--pocket. Also, the review on this page cracked me up. Who the HELL doesn't know how to open a packet of...anything?? Let alone Kleenex?!

shout stain fighter wipes - this has plenty more than you'll need for those annoying spills that inevitably occur on a road trip, especially when eating in a moving car, but you'll use them in your day-to-day life as well. They are AWESOME.

bug wipes

Purse Brite Lighted Organizer

Baggallini FLP180C Flip Phone Case - Product Description: This very versatile flip phone case carries your phone and much more. You can clip it to any bagg with the 3" strap or attach to your belt with the snap tab on the back of the case. Or use the clip-on shoulder strap when you want to travel light. The zippered pockets has inside compartments for credit cards, money and even a lipstick holder. Everything you need for an unencumbered trip to the store or a night out on the town.

Soft Foam Ear Plugs, four pairs, with case - I bought these before the trip and especially liked that they came with a little round case that holds two so I could put it on the night table, could always find them, and no lint or junk got stuck on them. I also like that the Noise Reduction Rating is 33 Decibels. It blocks out snoring partners and outside noises, but you can also still hear things if needed. Although...I usually only wear one at a time...in whichever ear is facing up (I'm a freak who tends to sleep in the exact position I fall asleep in).

Black and Decker Spare Car Battery Charger - we have one of these now...because our battery died while up in the mountains on a previous vacation and we had to wait HOURS for a fix. Just remember, though, that before you take this with you, it has to be charged for about 12 hours. Emergency Roadside Car Kit - This thing is amazing - includes anything and everything (read the description, you'll be amazed) in addition to 1-year membership in 24-hour roadside assistance club. The Safety Girl Roadside Emergency Kit - this is an emergency kit for GIRLS. I bought this as a gift and the recipient loved it.

Eye mask - the one I use apparently isn't made anymore. I love the look of this one, as it purports to do what I so very much need: is contoured to sit away from the eye and lashes, so they aren't smooshed when you wake up (and your vision isn't blurry) while still blocking out light. It also comes with a drawstring pouch for portability and a free pair of soft foam ear plugs is included with each set. It got great reviews by customers who've bought it, so I trust it will meet your needs (and mine!)

Neck pillow - or an inflatable neck pillow if you need to be able to carry it in your purse

Travel pillow - this is great not only for your back while driving, but also in bed at night. Hotel/Motel beds are NEVER as comfortable as home, nor are their pillows ever as good or exactly as fluffy as we're used to. Something about having one of these pillows to either "hug" or slip under your neck makes things a lot better.

Plush pillow - I always bring my own pillow with me. I use two: one regular pillow and then my beloved micro-plush pillow. That way, I can use the crappy hotel-provided pillow as the 'base' and then my plush one on top. These are so soft and luxurious that you can't help but relax and sleep happy.

these are cool - plush "speaker" pillows (in assorted colors) so you can fall asleep to your ipod music! rectangle and circular

Plush blanket and/or Chenille blanket - I have one of each and they are usually LOTS more soft and comfortable than the blankets at a hotel (plus I don't have to worry about what icky things are on the blanky!)

Socks for men and Socks for women

Plush flip-flops - these aren't exactly like mine...my flip-flops are the same fabric, but the tops aren't as wide and the sole isn't as thick. These look very comfy, though. Did I mention that I wear them like regular flip-flops? People compliment them, but they may just be being nice or trying to be funny in front of their friends...I don't know...don't care. They make my arthritic feet feel good, so ...joke 'em.

You cannot travel without a GPS unit. I have no idea how we managed without one. I love ours! It will help you find not just turn-by-turn directions from point of origination to destination, but also shows rest areas, restaurants, hotels, food, toll roads, water, etc. It will also save searches - can be set up ahead of time - will show recent routes - has touch screens - plugs into your lighter - and no wiring know-how needed! Garmin - apparently this is the most popular and beloved version (and also one of the more expensive ones). It will do all the common GPS functions, but also can play music, show pictures, and has a world travel clock. The next one down is the TomTom ONE Portable GPS Vehicle Navigation System, which I've heard about on television but haven't used. It's less expensive, too. If you need a handheld unit, there's the Garmin GPSMap 76CSx Handheld.

Imodium Advanced Anti-Diarrheal/Anti-Gas, Caplets - Hey. Don't look at me like that. No matter where you go, food and water are different than home and your stomach KNOWS it. Add to that the car ride and most men's near unwillingness to stop for any reason whatsoever? You NEED this. Trust me. (Note: pay close attention, folks, as Amazon wants you to know that gift-wrapping is NOT available for this product. *Snort*) - also funny? People who viewed this Immodium page? Also viewed GPS units. Hahahaha. I wonder if it was for the same reason I'm writing about...vacation travel knowledge? Or because they saw the price of the GPS units (no matter HOW worth it they are) and their sphincters cramped? Hmmmm.

Pepto-Bismol (liquid, chewable, or tablet)

Tums Antacid- second verse, same as the first

antibacterial wet naps (great for car - greasy burger - slippery steering wheel)

binoculars - compact, folding

Monocular - dude. How could I see this and NOT link to it???

I had always wished someone would invent something like this. Now they have. And I WANT one! It's binoculars...that take PICTURES of what you're seeing AND has an LCD screen. Digital camera inside binoculars. Duuuuuude.

Video camera (Video DVDCam) small, burns right to DVD. Also takes still pictures if desired. We just bought this for the vacation and LOVE it!

Portable DVD player - we got one of these free when we went back to satellite television. It did NOT have an iPod docking station or the wicked swivel screen! You can also hook up your camera, video camera, play the just-made DVDs in it, etc. This seems pretty freakin' cool.

(always remember to charge these ahead of time, despite charger kits!!)

Olympus C-740 digital camera - I've had mine for about a year now and I luhhh-huuuuhh-HUV it. You will too.

Triple car lighter adapter - we used this the entire trip. FanTASTIC. Can plug three items in at once!

ipod to stereo adapter - if your car isn't iPod-compatible and you want to share the musical love...ya gotta have one of these.

iPod - here are several options: iPod with video (with 30GB memory) which George won in a contest and loves, iPod mini (which George bought me in Hong Kong and I love), iPod nano which The Kiddo HAD but broke, and the iPod shuffle, which I received as a gift and gave to The Kiddo to replace his broken one. Wow. We suck. Sorry.

iPod (and iPhone) Charger kit - I bought this before the trip and it actually came with more than I needed, which is always good! It has a car lighter adapter, a USB to wall adapter so you don't have to lug around your computer to charge your ipod and it also has a retractable hotsync cable. It's excellent.

Sirius Satellite Starmate - with pause, rewind, fast-forward (stern? really is funny) - this is the one we got just before the trip to replace our out of date one. It's fantastic and the difference in sound quality is stunning.

Sirius Satellite Stiletto - this is the uber-portable one - very popular

Digital Voice Recorder and Music Player - because some conversations really should be captured. This is another item on my wish list, especially since I would LOVE to start doing some of my entries as podcasts, if people are interested in that. Drop me a note and let me know if that would interest you!

Spiral Travel journal - Just cause it SAYS it's for kids...doesn't mean you can't use it. But, if you really don't want that one, try the more mature, spiral-bound Traveler's Journal which also has photo sleeves in the back of the book. Or you can get the Everywoman's Travel Journal which has a clear, plastic dust-cover to protect it, apparently, has zipped pockets for credit cards, tickets, photos, etc. It also has spaces for addresses, phone numbers, notes, and much, much more. The reviewers apparently love this so much that they buy new ones for all subsequent trips they take.

A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland Indiana - this book is absolutely hilarious, is one of my favorites (thanks Pheebs!), and I wish I'd written it. Her latest book, She Got Up Off the Couch, is equally amusing and entertaining. Both made me laugh out loud in parts and both are great vacation reads.

Glad Zipper Storage Bags - Quart, 25 Per Count, 12 Per Case. Yeah, this is a big pack, but it's the idea that counts. I use zip-baggies religiously when I travel (after learning that hard way that just existing in a suitcase can cause shampoo to open and spill. So now I use these for packing anything that could spill, spray, leak, or slime, such as lotion, hairspray, or shampoo. Packing in ziplock baggies saves your clothes and other belongings. I double-bag them, too, both for safety and so I have a few extra in case I shop and need more bags for the trip home. I'll typically put the items in one bag, then insert it, upside down, in another bag, for double safety. (OCD = so much fun.)

"GIANT Light - Small Package" Flashlight - Small flashlight but with tons of power (LED)

Folding Cane with Flashlight - if you have back pain and need walking assistance and/or...a flashlight!

Memorex Mini DVD+RW 10 Pack - Mini DVDs save space and work just fine in the video camera!

Olympus LB-01 CR-V3 Lithium Battery 2-pack for Olympus digital camera (you can also use Kodak or other brand batteries, but be sure it's CR-V3 and that you keep several on hand for those times when you accidentally forget to turn the camera off before putting it down because, holy god, "Thar be WHALES here, sir!" and ya just couldn't be bothered to think about elecronics n' shit!)

Insulated, Spill-proof To-Go mug

Portable Vibrating Alarm Clock - comes with a pillow clasp too. Has loud alarm AND vibrating alert system to wake you out of the soundest sleep. Bose® QuietComfort® 2 Acoustic Noise Canceling® Headphones - I don't have these but I've always wanted 'em.

PANASONIC Noise Canceling Headphones - if Bose is a bit too expensive for ya!

Soft Silicone Gel Earplug White Headphone - These aren't everyone's favorites, but I have weirdly small ear...holes and regular in-ear headphones hurt like a mofo. These are fanTASTIC. They just rest in your ear, are very soft, and never hurt. I love them.

AT&T 8525 PDA Phone - George just bought this and I am SICK with jealousy. Me and The Kiddo have been devising ways to steal it. This was excellent on vacation when we needed to look up phone numbers for hotels, restaurants, to make reservations, get hours of operation, etc. The slide-out QWERTY keyboard was immensely helpful with typing and, when we didn't feel like doing that, the stylus worked on the touch-pad, color screen. It's a mini-computer and has all the typical office programs, can play video, has a calendar, IM, and more than I feel like going into now cause I'm jealous. Oh, and there is also a camera and it has video capabilities as well. It's wicked cool. Dammit.

Clarity® Lens Cleaner Moist Lens Cleaning Cloths - glasses and sunglasses get smudged and it's too difficult to rub them on your shirt. Use these pre-moistened wipes instead. We use them at home, too, and love 'em. These are especially great, as they are individually wrapped to lessen moisture-loss.

The Weather Channel web site - one of my favorites, of course, as with all OCD-ers, from what I hear. I mean, how can you NOT love it? Local, up-to-the-minute weather?? 10-day forecasts, hour-by-hour weather predictions?? MAP-IN-MOTION!? Come on! Anyway, while checking the 10-day weather forecast prior to--and for--our vacation, I found this handy Interstate Weather Prediction tool. Nifty, eh??

travel brush with mirror in the handle - i heart these.

Lewis N. Clark Toothbrush Holder - I don't know that I WANT to know what makes this plastic toothbrush case Lewis and CLARKY? But it works and it's cheap, so...whatever.

Banana Boat Sport Sunblock Lotion, SPF 50, 8 Fluid Ounces (Pack of 2) - Sweatproof and works fabulously. Yeah, that's right. I said fabulously. Oh and PS, you can get it as a spray and with less SPF if, you know, you hate your life and want to die sooner.

Banana Boat Sooth-A-Caine Aloe Gel with Lidocaine Fast-Acting Burn Relief, 8-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 4) for when you forget to reapply (or ...apply at all).

Caladryl Calamine Plus Itch Reliever Lotion - despite the anti-itch gel being my new end-all, be-all? Some people prefer the old standby.

Jiffy Steamer Esteam personal travel clothes steamer Sometimes you don't have the time (nor inclination) to wash your hair when you're on the road. That's when a hat comes in handy! I have hundreds available. There are black hats, trucker hats, and canvas-type hats in white or khaki (your choice). Dry Cleaner's Secret Quick & Easy Dry Cleaning Sheets - Bagless formula makes it that much easier to freshen up without waiting for that one-hour martinizing crap. Which then requires a full hour of wondering what the HELL martinizing even MEANS and also whether or not they actually clean your clothes back there or if they just sorta spit on 'em, rub it on their elbow, and then put 'em on a hanger for 19.97. Per blouse. Fuck that. Just throw it in the dryer on low with one of these sheets!

If you just can't imagine throwing your delicate dry cleaning into the dryer just ...open? Then use the Dryel sheets system, which is really simple and comes with a zippered bag to "protect" the clothes from the ...dryer bin. You can also get Dryel refills without buying the whole bag n' shebang each time.

Not anywhere near a dryer or the desire to do things so full of effort as those items above? Screw it! Just squirt some Febreeze and go!!

I prefer the Shout wipes, prolly cuz the idea of hives is, well, a bit of a bummer for me? But some people loooove their Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover sticks. I wish they'd make these in other, non-Tide-hates-Gracie formats, like ooo! GAIN! But until then, I will get rid of my stains with my safe, tried n' true Shout pads and you can do these. The link is for a pack of six.

Portable Mosquito Guard

Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 6-1/2-Inch Skillet - keep in mind that this is a rather small skillet, not the typical 12 incher. My mother-in-law gave me one for Christmas last year and I LOOOOOVE it. I had no idea cornbread could taste so much better when made in a proper skillet. These can also be brought along on camping trips and used over a campfire. Just be sure to take really good care of it and never EVER put it in a dishwasher. You'll hear intimidating things like "treating" and such, but as long as you keep it dry, it should be fine. I've worked at keeping it oiled with some crisco and then hidden in the oven when not in use, but I get busy and forget sometimes and it's still fine. Folding chairs with carrying sleeve, cup holder, and 300 lb. capacity

Ginormous umbrella: this is the GustBuster Doorman 62" Umbrella and a compact umbrella for easier packing

External CD burner (if you don't have an ipod or you just prefer portable music - the perfect tool for this generation's mix-tapes!) SanDisk 1GB Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drive - these are the best inventions of all time (well, next to Tivo, of course). I had a 250MB SanDisk jump drive for the longest time and it was just fine. This will hold 1GB of data, mp3 files, pictures...anything that your computer can hold, this can hold, up to one gigabyte. It's tiny and fits right in your purse or pocket. It's great for sharing files and not having to deal with scratching CDs.

Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion - 5.5 Oz. Water is different everywhere you go and your skin can get so very dried out. I took this with me due to having a weird drying out of my hands before we left and with the use of this incredibly strong moisturizing lotion? Good as new!! Smells great, too. Of course, I can't talk about moisturizing lotion without discussing my fav...the Pomegranate lotion by Archipelago Botanicals. I bought a smaller, purse size for the trip (the link here is for the 4.8 oz. bottle, which fit nicely in my bag), but George was getting tired of the pretty yummy smell (he was too polite to complain, but I could tell) so I switched to the Gold Bond for him. I also noticed that this lotion has some slight highlighting in it for reflective purposes. It helps your skin look brighter, especially on the face and under the eyes. I am deeply in love with this lotion. Deeply. I may just marry it.

Mini Herbal Essence shampoo and conditioner - I couldn't find these at Amazon.com, but you can find them at Target and Walgreen's and pretty much any store like that. I prefer the travel size, of course, because it means I can pack more clothes, indulging my indecisive OCD side.

TIGI BedHead Power Trip Hair Gel, 7-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2) - this gel is fantastic and has managed to tame even my crazy cowlicks.

Bed Head HARD HEAD - Hard Hold Hairspray (10 oz) - They sell smaller cans of this at Publix, Target, etc., but it's worth even the bigger can. I switch between this and Freeze It Mega Freeze Hair Spray, 24 Hour Hold, 7 OZ

Planters Trail Mix, Mixed Nut and Raisin, 6-Ounce Bags (Pack of 12), - this particular flavor-set is my favorite, as I'm not a fan of crunchy bananas or chocolate mixed in with the other flavors in my nuts! Keep in mind that this link is to a set of 12 bags, so you will have PLENTY for the whole trip and for later, when you find you're as hooked on this as me!

Dove dark chocolate (dark is better for you, of course, but these are phenomenal. I don't like any other type of chocolate...hershey's, godiva, etc. Dove chocolate, though? Milk or dark? Pure heaven.)

honey

Chai tea latte concentrate - this is the brand starbucks uses in their chai tea lattes. keep in mind, this is a box of liquid concentrate, but well-sealed (and resealable), and it's fantastic with a little half and half, cold (on the rocks or by itself) or hot. I am addicted to this almost as much as the hot chocolate.

portable coffee maker - hooks up to car lighter - makes one cup in about 8 minutes.

This is another 12v portable coffee potthat plugs into a cigarette lighter, but is more like a normal coffee pot. makes more, uses regular filters, has a warming plate, etc.

I couldn't find a portable mug warmer (though I really want THIS mug warmer for at home use! It's not as nice or expensive as others, but seemed to get the most consistently positive reviews) but I did find this 12-Volt Hot Pot that plugs directly into your car's cigarette lighter socket and acts as a thermos. It holds up to 20 oz. of liquid, has safety circuit protection, the inner lid closes securely to prevent spilling, and the outer lid can be used as a cup. And I found this mug warmer/cooler with a USB cord so you can plug it into your laptop or PC. The bonus to this (and why I also want it for myself!) is because it will keep things cool OR hot. And in the hot Georgia summers? Being able to keep something cool without it being overly watered down due to melting ice would be great!

TIGI S factor Straightener, Seriously Straight, 6.31 oz - this stuff is amazing for straightening and detangling hair.

If you want detangling but NOT straightening? Use this: Bed Head Health Goddess. And this item keeps the frizzies away: TIGI BedHead After the Party Smoothing Cream, 3.4-Ounce Bottles.

The Godfather DVD Collection

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Items found while searching for the above items - look neat, but haven't used these personally or...they just had nothing to do with the above items. Of course, now that I'm done with the list above, it seems I went off track up there a few times, too, so...whatever:

Screen Wipes - to clean your laptop screen

Air Duster - and to clear the dust crumbs

MISS OOPS Set of 2 Rescue Sponges Removes Deodorant & Powder Marks

new york coffee cups - ceramic replica of the old ones. i remember these from my childhood and they scream "New York" to me. Always reminds me of home.

Ceramic Starbucks mug - (much like the item above, this is a replica of a famous cup, made ceramic. for some reason these things make me happy.)

Starbucks hot cocoa - i am addicted to this, even in the summer. It's fan-freakin-tastic in the store. I can't imagine it wouldn't be nearly as wonderful in this form.

West Virginia Mountaineers Trash Can Cooler/Laundry Hamper NCAA College Athletics Sports Merchandise

White Sox - same but black w/white "sox"

Ziploc Heavy Duty Big Bag XXLarge - 3 Per Box, 8 Boxes

Steam Cleaner - for home use. ohhhh, dear god. Lookit I found while searching for the socks. Male Power Super Sock Folding Sofa Chair TIGI Body by Bed Head Oatmeal Cookie Body Lotion - this has NOTHING to do with vacation, but as I was searching for the links to the other TiGi Bedhead items, I saw this and had to put it up here. I get my hair done at Toni & Guy and am frequently swayed by their samples out on the counter. I bought this because it actually does smell like cookies (though I'm not so sure it's oatmeal, per se). It smells delicious and George actually bit my neck one day when I wore it.

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