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My Perfect Road Trip Bag and A Giveaway!

I’m not sure if you know this about me, but I’m not really a joiner.

Like, I enjoy the company of humans and socializing with like-minded people (or open, un-like-minded people) over unprocessed nibblies and the warm buzz of alcohol, but when someone tries to add an element of organization to the gathering, I get all sweaty and uncomfortable.

It probably stems from my super awkward childhood and the fact that team sports were never my strong suit.

KatieT-Ball_web

But the beauty of the online world is that the friends I make can’t tell whether I’m wearing my shirt tucked into my plaid knee-length shorts, and they’ve never once asked for my tee-ball batting average. They’re pretty great. So when some blogging friends asked if I wanted to join a Blog Hop, of course I was like,

“What the deuce is a blog hop?”

So then, because they’re really nice and not judgmental, they explained it to me.

A Blog Hop is an event where bloggers get together to write content associated with a specific theme – in our case, “My Perfect Roadtrip Bag” – and YOU, the readers, get to move from one blog to another reading our posts and entering to win our giveaways. The caveat is that you don’t actually have to read our posts to enter the giveaways, but we’re working on the honor system here.

What’s great about this is that by visiting these other blogs and entering the giveaway on their pages, you can increase your chance of winning. PLUS, you have the chance to discover some really great blogs. (Because I wouldn’t send you there if I didn’t love them myself.)

IMG_6106-copystraight3

 

My Perfect Road Trip Bag

I love a good road trip. The Tracker and I have driven over 180,000 miles across this amazing country together, and for the past 13 years, we’ve bonded over mixed CDs of 90’s pop, rages against teenaged Dodge Neon drivers, and a mutual hatred of I-95.

Chevy_Tracker

We’ve moved my sister from Miami to Chicago, we’ve cruised the Pacific Coast Highway, and we’ve even driven through a giant Redwood tree.

Redwood Drive Through

Ever since making the 13 hour solo trek back and forth from my first college to home and back multiple times across the plains of Iowa and Indiana and always — always — christening the trip by belting “Omaha” by The Counting Crows through the factory sound system, I learned that cruising the road was a taste of true freedom.

Since then, I’ve become somewhat of an expert on truly enjoying the ride.

So what’s in my perfect road trip bag?

1) Music. Of course. You can’t rely solely on the radio — unless you’ve sprung for the satellite — to sustain your specific needs. When your eyelids begin to droop or you find your mind wandering back to the days when you thought plaid shorts were cool, you have to be able to reach for the Billy or the Michael or the Elton to pull you out of your funk. For me, these prime choices are best served up a la CDs I made for myself in the 90’s.

2) Re-usable water bottle. My water bottle is essentially my security blanket — especially on a road trip. I prefer this kind because it doesn’t have a straw that gets all gunked up and the lid pops open easily with one hand so I can keep the other on the wheel.

WaterBottle

3) The BEST tip for making it through an extra long road trip is audiobooks. I was never a book-on-tape kind of gal, much preferring the feel and smell of real paper and reading at my own pace in my own character voices. But it turns out it’s not a great idea to try reading while you’re driving, and when music just isn’t cutting it to keep your mind focused on the drive, a book on tape is the perfect way to pique your interest and occupy your mind on long stretches of highway.

DragonTattoo

I really enjoyed listening to The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo this way.

4) Trail mix. Rarely do I ever set off on the road without a bag of trail mix. And not some exorbitantly priced little store-bought package of salty grease nuts, either. I find it’s best to grab a gallon sized ziplock bag and fill it with 1/3 roasted peanuts, 1/3 raisins, and a whole crapload of M&Ms. Justin likes to get fancy by adding assorted cashews, dried apricots, and maybe even some macadamias, but I prefer to keep it simple with the basic salty-chewy-sweet trifecta.

5) Finally, every good road trip needs a navigator, and every good navigator needs a neck pillow so he can sleep while you’re busy getting lost. The J Pillow is REVOLUTIONARY, guys.

JPillow

Yes, it looks like a giant penis more than it looks like the letter J. But my friend Alaina brought one of these bad boys along on our trip to Italy, and the shape is genius. There’s something quite comforting about nestling your head between the two… um… branches of the J (*cough*nesticles*cough*). But in all seriousness, it’s the best neck pillow I’ve tried.

NesticlePillow

And if you can look at any of these pictures without laughing, you’re my hero.

 

BONUS: Technology & Entertainment

Now. I’m an old-fashioned maps and CDs kind of girl, but some people find that technology can make their road trips even smoother. And while sticking a tablet in front of your kids can provide hours of peaceful road trip entertainment, sometimes a good, old-fashioned family car game is still a fun way to pass the hours. (My little sister and I used to entertain each other on road trips by building impenetrable barriers between our seats to stake territorial claim, but that’s only something I only talk about in therapy.)

FM Wireless Transmitter — If you happen to drive a 1999 Chevy Tracker and haven’t upgraded the stereo, you might find one of these puppies extremely useful on a road trip. Just hook it up, and you’ll be able to listen to tunes and make calls from your smart phone — all through your vehicle’s sound system. This one happens to have a USB charger as well.

If you don’t want or need all the bells and whistles of an FM transmitter, then a USB car charger might be exactly what you need to keep all of those other gadgets charged.

Wanting to rest your eyes from the glare of an electronic screen and interact with the people around you? Good, old-fashioned road trip games are the answer. Try this Trip Box of Questions by Melissa and Doug with the kiddos or my personal favorite, Mad Libs on the Road. (It was published the same year the Tracker was built, so you know it’s quality.)

 

The Giveaways

The Rules:

We’re giving away two prize packs: a Kindle Fire HD 6 + a Travelon backpack, and a Kindle Fire HD 6 + a Travelon crossbody bag. Travelon bags are perfect for travel because they’re designed to be anti-theft and have places for everything you take while on the road. Note that the bags come in other colors than the ones shown below.

For the prize #1 you must leave at least one comment on one of the participating blogs to enter. Additional entries via commenting on other blogs in the hop are available to you. This means each person is eligible for 8 entries (because there are 8 participating bloggers). **The links to the blogs are in the Rafflecopter widget below! Just click “Leave a blog post comment” to get the link for each blog. Or you can visit them all via these links:

For the prize #2 you must “follow” at least one blogger on Instagram. Additional entries via “following” the other bloggers in the hop are available to you. This means each person is eligible for 8 entries (because there are 8 participating bloggers).

There will be one unique winner for the grand prize and one unique winner for the second prize. The giveaway runs trough March 8, 11:59 p.m. PST. The winners will be announced after two weeks. Enter using the entry forms below. Your email is used for login purposes only–it will not be made public and or result in spam.

YES, YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENTER BOTH GIVEAWAYS!

PRIZES ARE ONLY ELIGIBLE TO SHIP TO THE U.S. AND CANADA.

BlogHop-Prize1

(1) Kindle Fire [Fire HD 6, 6″ HD Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB, Black] AND

(1) Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack This backpack features a locking main compartment and a zippered front pocket that fits an iPad® mini. The main compartment includes two padded pockets to protect your laptop (up to 15.4”) and iPad® or tablet. The wall organizer stores 5 credit cards and a passport. A zippered mesh pocket is also included. The RFID blocking technology prevents identity theft by stopping readers from picking up personal data from your ID, credit cards, and passport. The back side includes a zippered pocket to store your smartphone and other small objects. The back and straps are padded for extra comfort. There is one water bottle pocket on the side.

The links to the blogs are in the Rafflecopter widget below! Just click “Leave a blog post comment” to get the link for each blog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BlogHop-Prize2

(1) Kindle Fire [Fire HD 6, 6″ HD Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB, Black] AND (1)Travelon Anti-Theft React™ Medium Crossbody Bag.  Built with slash-proof construction and an adjustable, cut-proof shoulder strap that can secure to a post or chair, this bag contains locking compartments, RFID blocking card and passport slots, a rear zip pocket, and a mesh expansion water bottle holder. The main compartment is big enough for an iPad or tablet, and it includes a tethered key clip with LED light. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for participating in the “My Perfect Roadtrip Bag” Bloghop! I hope you check out my freinds’ blogs — you might just be inclined to add them to your list of sites to read while you’re supposed to be working.

You’re welcome.

Katie

Thank you for reading Domestiphobia! This post might contain affiliate links. Knowing you stopped by totally validates the time I spend here, so leave a comment. Preferably a nice one. I'm also on Facebook, Twitter, and sometimes Instagram if you want to connect.

Comments

Kelly (@KRod0519)
Reply

No doubt, snacks would be in my perfect road trip bag. It’s better for my body and my wallet.

Katie
Reply

I’m telling you, trail mix is totally the way to go. I could snack on that stuff all day. (And I have.) ;)

kim cooper
Reply

I wish I loved audiobooks. Unfortunately my mind wanders too much and all of a sudden i realize i have no idea what happened during the last 5 minutes of the story

Katie
Reply

Justin’s the same way. I thought I wouldn’t have the attention span for audiobooks, but I’ve found that if I’m getting sleepy while driving, music makes it worse because I know the music. But if I don’t know where the plot line of a book is headed, it can keep my interest and keep me awake.

Diana
Reply

First of all…that childhood pic is way too cute! LOVE IT! Secondly….you are too healthy with your water..It is gonna be coffee for me. MAYBE tea…and if hubby is driving, for sure it is gonna be a Prosecco (yes, in a travel cup – – I am SUCH a classy chick!)

Katie
Reply

Ha! What I didn’t mention is that the trip is 100% going to start out with coffee, THEN move to water. But coffee is really just water with bean juice, so it totally counts. And lady, if I lived in Italy, I’d keep Prosecco in my travel cup half of the time, and wine the other half. As long as I’m not driving. ;)

Colleen Brynn
Reply

Oh man, your explanations are way better and more thorough than mine.
Um and that picture of you MADE MY DAY. Thank you.
I also felt the same way about being invited to do the blog hop. I was like “YES… but I’m an idiot and don’t know what this is… GUYS help!!!” and no one was mean or judgmental (esp you!) and just explained it all to me.

Katie
Reply

But mine only has stuff — yours has EXPERIENCE! I love your photos and your dream trip — now I want to go on that one, too!

Pointsandtravel
Reply

Great collection! I would take it all…books, chargers, a scarf, music, a camera

Katie
Reply

You know, I often take a scarf but then never wear it. I want to be a scarf girl — I do. But I’m just not sure I can pull it off. ;)

Katie
Reply

HA! Love it.

tgruber
Reply

That picture is just too cute!

Katie
Reply

Oh yeesh. I don’t think I could be any dorkier. :)

Kayla Kiteley
Reply

I need music when I am driving! So music is a must, I would pack a lot of CDs in case I hate what is playing in the radio. I would also pack trail mix because road trips make me hungry.

Katie
Reply

Sounds like we have the same road trip packing style!

Abbe Brown
Reply

Yes…music would be first on my list too! Anytime I’m in the the car for over an hour, I wind up plugging my phone in and putting music on from my Spotify app!

Katie
Reply

Good idea! I need to get hip with the apps. I use Pandora on my television at home… that would probably work great for me in the car!

shelly
Reply

thank goodness for podcasts because that’s what gets me through long road trips these days. Books on tape don’t work for me because I find myself spacing out too much. Podcasts work because I can space out and not miss terribly important plot points, haha.

Katie
Reply

I seriously need to figure out podcasts. Do you buy them or what? Is there an app? I’m so behind the times, but you make some excellent points!

Gina Poledna
Reply

I need this!!

Katie
Reply

It’s a pretty great giveaway!

Meg Anderson
Reply

I love audio books!! Great post and giveaway!!

Katie
Reply

Agreed. Except I’d probably stay away from Stephen King’s

    Under the Dome.

That thing was like 40 hours long and while I really love Mr. King for his writing ability, that one was a dozer. ;)

Madeline Anderson-Balmer
Reply

Love this one! But instead of trail mix, I always grab a pound bag of twizzlers, and I’d add a stuffed traveling companion to the mix! I remember a road trip I took with a college friend years ago. We traveled the highways of the midwest in a Chevy Vega with the hood tied down with rope, and between us sat a much loved teddy bear wearing sun glasses and a Racing cap. We were the dynamic trio and there never has been another experience like those drives in my life!

Katie
Reply

I can picture that road trip perfectly and wish I’d been there! They’re the best when you’re young, carefree, and have no chance of developing sciatica. ;) (And even though they’re a bit harder as I get older, you still wouldn’t find me passing on a good road trip anytime soon — especially if there’s trail mix involved!)

nicole dziedzic
Reply

If I was to build the perfect roadtrip bag what one item from Katie’s bag it would include the trail mix for sure.

Katie
Reply

Mmmm…. trail mix….

A.M.
Reply

I would include the neck pillow from Katie’s bag (J pillow) — A.M.

Katie
Reply

Seriously, its overall shape is unfortunate because it really is a great pillow! Fortunately on a road trip, no one would stare at you using it like they stared at me on the plane. ;)

Lauren
Reply

I would definitely include the reusable water bottle! That would definitely come in handy for me!

Shawna Peryea
Reply

Definitely would need the neck pillow. I fall asleep right away on road trips(If I am not driving of course). That pillow is so inappropriate looking but, sounds comfy!

Katie
Reply

That’s just like my husband — he’s a terrible “navigator” because he zonks out almost immediately. :)

Jeannine Bruner
Reply

Music. I must have good jams on a road trip. I have satellite radio for this purpose. SD isn’t exactly known for its diverse radio stations.

Katie
Reply

I LOVE satellite radio but I’m in the car so little anymore that I just can’t justify it. We used to have it at the house when we had cable, and I loved listening to the Coffeehouse station while I cooked!

Tatyana Pashnyak
Reply

Giant redwood tree — wow, how cool! Yes, great audio books are an absolute must for the road trip. I have wanted Kindle for so long but can’t afford it, so thank you so much for the opportunity to win!

Katie
Reply

Best of luck to you! The Redwoods are amazing — if you haven’t seen them, I highly recommend it!

shelly
Reply

I’m not sure if this is gonna show up as a reply to our original conversation, or not, tech savvy person that I am but about podcasts: I use an app on my iphone called stitcher. it centralizes the podcasts into one location and you don’t have to download them or deal with iTunes (hallelujah!) It notifies you when your favorited podcasts have updates. and they are free! at least the ones I listen to are

Katie
Reply

Ooh thanks for the tip Shelly! I will check this out.

tpaterson885
Reply

Chapstick! I’d be lost without it.

Katie
Reply

Good call! That’s always in my bag — not just for road trips!

heathersander
Reply

I need podcasts and books to get me through road trips!

Katie
Reply

Agreed on the books! Though as I get older I notice I have a harder time reading in the car. Bummer.

Tracey@WhatsforDinnerDoc.com
Reply

I’m a physician so of course I can’t leave home without my version of a first aid kit. I found you via. This is my Happiness. Tracey

Katie
Reply

That is definitely smart!! I probably should be better about that. :)

Kellee
Reply

A water bottle would absolutely be on my list. I lost mine the other day and I feel like a toddler without her blankie. And audio books, too. And music. Damn, your list is too good…

Katie
Reply

Haha, it’s like we’re the SAME. ;) (Isn’t it weird how the more water you drink, the thirstier you get? It’s like your body gets used to having constant water bottle access.)

Heather
Reply

Okay, that pillow, while hilarious, looks like it would be perfect for traveling! I want one! I also love my music, but I am more of an 80’s girl!

Katie
Reply

I can handle the 80’s, but it’s funny — even though that’s when I was born, I’m partial to the 90’s (teenage years) and the 60’s and 70’s simply because the music was phenomenal.

Deb Harmon
Reply

I’d take music and a water bottle and audio books and pretty much everything on your incredible list!!

Katie
Reply

Well ya know… I’m pretty much a list making genius.

apleasanthouse
Reply

I love your items. I think mine are comparable. What do you think? (Ha!) NEWS Radio instead of music. Iced Tea for water. Me talking to myself instead of an audiobook. Cigarettes in exchange for trail mix. My built-n NAV hands down over a human navigator, and my VISA to find a pillow for my own tired head. We could be travel buddies I think! *wink*

Katie
Reply

LOL. We can’t travel together. Like… EVER. ;)

Belinda McNabb
Reply

my perfect road trip bag would have plenty of snacks. Keeps the kids and me from getting cranky

Katie
Reply

Mine too! Only it’s to keep ME from getting cranky. ;)

Valerie Theberge
Reply

I would put in my bag sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and camera :)

Katie
Reply

Good call on the camera — mine’s pretty much always with me, though. Not just on road trips! :)

Colleen long
Reply

I would bring a life straw they’re awesome

Katie
Reply

I had to Google that — they look great!

pc
Reply

I do love road trips (ok, almoast any kind of travel.) I have fond memories of growinig up driving everywhere on 2-4 week road trips. I was the middle child and had to sit on the hump in the back seat! A phone with GPS is my first item. After that, small ice chest to fill with yogurts, cold water, snacks/lunch; refill from ice machine daily. Music or audiobooks, a book reader (kindle) for when I’m not driving, oh, and sunglasses!

Katie
Reply

Hahaha my brother is quite a bit older but when he lived with us, I always got stuck with the back seat hump as well so I feel your pain. The ice chest is a really great idea but probably requires too much organization for the likes of me. ;)

Kristie
Reply

Thanks for the chance to win. That crossover bag is awesome!!! I never leave home without a good book.

Katie
Reply

Isn’t it?? I’m thinking of buying one. I have a Travelon carry-on bag and it’s amazing. I love their products!

Katie
Reply

I don’t have a powerstation, but I have a Mophie charging case for my smart phone. When my battery runs low, I just turn on my case and the phone charges! It’s fantastic.

Ash L
Reply

I always have water and snacks because I never know when I’m going to get hungry.

Katie
Reply

Definitely a good call. I do that because I don’t know when I’m going to get HANGRY. ;)

Andi
Reply

Okay you and I could definitely roadtrip together! I am not a big music fan, but when I do listen to it, it is the old stuff and my raodtrip playlist has TWO Counting Crow songs on it!

Katie
Reply

Ha, perfect! I often find that the music gets to be too much and I just turn off the radio for some silence. Few people realize how nice it is to drive like that sometimes. :)

BlondeBrunetteTravel
Reply

Definitely the neck pillow because I cannot stay awake in any moving vehicle (which means I don’t contribute a lot or get a lot out of road trips!).

Katie
Reply

JUST like my husband! Such a bad road trip buddy. :)

Wehaf
Reply

Audiobooks are *always* in my travel bag! They make time go so much more quickly.

Katie
Reply

They really do!! It took me way too long to realize that.

Kari Shifflett
Reply

Def a water bottle, but I’m thinking a beatified might be next

Kari Shifflett
Reply

*nesticle

Katie
Reply

Haha you should never leave home without a nesticle! (I can’t imagine why you got auto-corrected there. ;) )

steve weber
Reply

water bottles, snacks, music, lots of music

Katie
Reply

Perfect, perfect, and perfect.

Lucie Aidart
Reply

I would definitely bring a reusable bottle of water, it’s something I bring everywhere! And books of course! I always a book with me, a Kindle is even better!

Katie
Reply

Seriously — once you get used to carrying a water bottle, it’s REALLY hard to go anywhere without it!

Natalie
Reply

I would include the neck pillow because whenever I travel a lot I get neck pain!

Katie
Reply

Have you tried this kind? The shape, while kind of awful looking, is really quite brilliant functionality-wise!

jemsunn
Reply

I am a geeky traveler so I would include smartphone + tablet (for the longggg flights). And…confortable sneakers! ;-)

Katie
Reply

Well the phone is always — not just travel! Ha. I prefer flip-flops on the road so I can easily take them off in the car. ;) I just got my first tablet — we’ll see how addicted I get!

Kelsey
Reply

Audiobooks are a solid attendee for any long trip, but don’t forget podcasts for instant gratification!

Katie
Reply

I really need to get in the podcast game! I’m so behind the technology times…

Jennier Mallon
Reply

The neck pillow for sure!

Katie
Reply

It is a wonderful pillow! I highly recommend the splurge on this one.

james doyle
Reply

a nice pillow that will help me sleep in the car lol

Robert Tschinkel
Reply

I would have two reusable water bottles , and would keep filling them up, cannot get enough water

Tiffany S
Reply

Definetely would take a camera.

Susan R
Reply

I think you should recreate that outfit now as an adult. You could totally rock some plaid shorts with a shirt tucked WAY to far in. Also, I agree audio books are a must on a long road trip.

Dottie Sauchelli-Balin
Reply

Hi, I enjoyed your site and your travel bag. The best one item in your bag that I would take would be the audiobooks. I love to read books and I think this would be a great way to hear the story but yet still have your eyes to see what is going on around you on your road trip. I always enjoyed road trips, and this would be a great way to pass the time. Thank you for sharing your travel bag with us…I also like some of your other travel bag items. Enjoy your trip…Dottie :)

md kennedy
Reply

I SO hav eot have a pillow in my road trip bag – and although I am year’s-long fan of my “Total Pillow” (yup, bought it off TV and glad I “upgraded” to the double pack!) I woul so like to try your J Pillow!

susyslais
Reply

Love the Travelon backpack! It would be lovely to use it for my next trip to Peru! :)

Brian
Reply

I can’t take a road trip without music.

Brianna
Reply

I just spit out my citrus mint tea when I read nesticles! As for your Counting Crows addiction I have long suspected that you were the mysterious black haired flamenco dancer.

Katie
Reply

Maybe in a previous life, but in this one I can’t even dance the Macarena. :)

umayalreadybeawinner
Reply

I would love to have a reusable water bottle like Katie’s for my road trips..

Lauraleigh
Reply

Haha great picture! I bet if I had a sport shot from my childhood, it would be pretty similar. I must agree that music has to be on the top of the list!! :)

Katie
Reply

So glad to know I’m not alone. :)

Christina
Reply

Absolutely the music – every road trip needs good tunes. But what is this J-Pillow?! I’ll have to study those ridiculous instructional drawing some more to figure that out. :)

Katie
Reply

Just don’t study those drawings too closely at work! Would hate for you to get in trouble. ;)

mlklingen
Reply

It would have to be a camera, I’m old school

Gabrielle
Reply

I would absolutely have to have the music! There is no way to survive traffic, clueless drivers, and miles and miles where the only scenery is big box mini-malls without it.

Jenna
Reply

These are all great, but I could not live without music! It has single-handedly gotten me through some of the longest, most awkward trips of my life.

Ronald G
Reply

MUSIC…how do you go anywhere without it

H Gwen
Reply

90s music sounds awesome but I’d have to go with audio books. My husband and I spent a month last summer driving around the Midwest. We probably would have got in a few arguments had it not been for the audio books we bought at the start of our trip. I was usually sad when we had to get out of the car bc I wanted to know what happened next in the book.

Katie
Reply

Agreed — audio books are a great way to prevent argument. Though I still don’t think my husband and I could do a whole month in the car together. ;)

Shakeia Rieux
Reply

I would include the J pillow and music

Lee Durgan
Reply

The one thing I’d have to have would be the charger for my phone,and all the gadgets!

anne
Reply

I would need music. A whole broad variety mixed up so I’m in constant surprise!!

Terry Cover
Reply

I would need a camera to record so many memories that there be in no way remember everything. We carry two(2) just in case battery happens to slow down.

kathleen viviano
Reply

I also carry snacks and a drink in my bag.

paula v
Reply

water bottle for sure!

Kendra Dorty
Reply

I’m all about the camera! I love making scrapbooks and homemade cards of all my adventures!

sandra
Reply

I would include the trail mix. I have to eat

Brigitte Bauman
Reply

I would include my favorite audiobook to help calm me down when the kids start yelling in the backseat.

Katie
Reply

Ha! Maybe leave the kids with a sitter during your road trip. ;)

Kelly Maxwell
Reply

I would have to have a camera in my road trip bag!!

Sheila M.
Reply

Definitely carry a water bottle and like the idea of the Counting Crows cd.

barb stenby
Reply

I would definitely bring trailmix from your bag

hartfiction
Reply

Yes – Audiobooks are a must! And a water bottle comes a close second. ;)

Danielle Papsis
Reply

I would pick the trailmix from your bag.

CHRISTINA PETERS
Reply

Definitely would bring FM Wireless Transmitter.

Irene Newstead
Reply

I would definitely pack music

L.D
Reply

Trail mix for me too

Debra S
Reply

Well, yes, good list… I MUST always have water with me on anything that takes a while, and road trips are a MUST to have my water with me! And the bottle MUST NOT LEAK. Oh my gosh can’t we relate to a supposedly portable water bottle, and it LEAKS? nothing worse. maddening. garbage! My other must have on travel now is my tablet or laptop. LOL Yes I’m addicted. GPS? Nice to have for certain. MUSIC oh yes I HAVE to have music. My husband hates music so road trips are ruined for me with him. I’m devastated.

Katie
Reply

He hates music? Like ALL music?? How is this possible?!

Alysia Fellows Heward
Reply

I can’t do road trips without audiobooks especially if I’m driving, but when I’m a passenger I need a pillow and that J pillow looks awesome!

Cassie Korando
Reply

I agree that throwback music is a must have! I love listening to mix CDs or playlists created of music from my youth. It’s always a good time and everyone in the car knows the words!

Norma Maravilla
Reply

Re-usable water bottle is on my top as well! Mainly because I try to reduce the amount of plastic I use and because its a must have I don’t leave my house without my water bottle true story.

Katie
Reply

I’m exactly the same! And all of those other plastic bottles are sooo bad for the environment. It doesn’t take much to just buy one bottle and stick with it! It would save people so much money as well.

Courtney H.
Reply

I would have to say the trail mix or any other type of snack.

Patrick Siu
Reply

i would include a neck pillow

Sue King
Reply

I would have to have eye drops. My eyes get really dry after driving for a long time and these would help.

renee black
Reply

I can,t go anywhere without my Kindle Fire.

Camille
Reply

What!! That J Pillow looks revolutionary. I have spent a lot of the last few years road-tripping and catching flights, and that J Pillow could be a serious game-changer! Though I have to say… Good music is a number one priority, and the Counting Crows definitely count!

Katie
Reply

If you get a J pillow, let me know what you think! People in the airports might look at you strange, but it’s worth it for a self-supporting system. Those crummy “c” pillows just can’t hang. :)

Betsy Dillon
Reply

Music is a MUST! :)

Cokie Evans
Reply

For me, I would have to have my iPod for music but if my son is in the car too? Then it’s the iPad or the portable dvd player and we bring the xbox too (for long trips)

Alicia Boarts
Reply

I always forget audio books.such a good idea

Angela P.
Reply

I couldn’t agree more about the trail mix. It’s healthy and filling… it can even satisfy your sweet tooth if you get one with a bit of dried fruit or chocolate. Trail mix is awesome.

Katie
Reply

Agreed! I’m tempted to just have a bowl of it sitting around the house, but if I did that, it would be less special for road trips. :)

Becky
Reply

The neck pillow. Definitely. Or the music. Maybe. Hmmm… Decisions, decisions!

anitakayduvall
Reply

I also have to have the perfect neck pillow to travel. This is a must for me also.

Narinder Chana
Reply

The neck pillow,

Edward Phillips
Reply

The J pillow would be Great for travelling on the Grey Hound Bus I wish I had one years ago

karissab
Reply

My cell phone and great music is a necessity!

Tonya Atkinson
Reply

A Travel camera and Healthy snacks

dailydealsjc1
Reply

I think a fun scarf and some delicious organic tea would be in mine!

dailydealsjc1
Reply

I’d definitely take music and a good pillow! Sorry, misunderstood the question. :)

Carolsue
Reply

I would bring Audio Books – I love listening to those on long trips.

Amy C.
Reply

Music is a must for me on trips! It’s what keeps me going!

Kimberly M.
Reply

I would have to have the neck pillow. I also would need some kind of not really trail mix but a granola bar or something to snack on. I prefer string cheese and bologna. There is usually quite a few of us on our road trips so the music would have to be low because there are too many people talking at once. We are all friends and most of us are divorced or widows so we talk a lot. LOL

Katie
Reply

Now that sounds like a fun car to be in!

Pamela Gurganus
Reply

If I were to build the perfect roadtrip bag, one item from Katie’s bag I would include is The J Pillow.

D.Petch
Reply

Reusable water bottles definitely!

Alouise
Reply

As soon as I saw the words “90s pop” I knew what my answer would be. Gotta have music on a road trip, although I’ve become fond of listening to podcasts and audiobooks as well.

Katie
Reply

High five to a fellow 90s pop fan!

Anne Marie Carter
Reply

My husband and I always bring audio books when we are on road trips. We listen to them together… I would also pack lots of nibbling foods and drinks.

LazyHomemaker
Reply

Reuseable water bottle is a MUST for any road trip

sarah
Reply

I take everything on your list but if I had to pick just one thing it would be the trailmix.

Judy G
Reply

I would have to say the camera.

Akila Narayanan
Reply

Definitely the snacks.. cant keep driving on empty stomach :P

Katie Grimmer
Reply

Audiobooks are SOOOO essential to a long road trip! My cousin and I drove from NY to AZ in 4 days and I’m pretty sure that’s how we didn’t end up killing each other.

denise low
Reply

It would be the water bottle. Can’t go anywhere without water. Thank you for the chance to enter.

lisa
Reply

I’m not alone in feeling the refillable water bottle is a necessity, trail mix would be a close second. The pillow would be the perfect luxury item.

Candice
Reply

Music would for sure be in my road trip. Trips go by so much faster with good music!

nancy munson
Reply

My camera would be a must-have for a road trip bag

Sarah S
Reply

I’d have to say that I’d take the water bottle for sure. I can’t live without one and carry it everywhere! Describing it as a security blanket is a perfect description :)

sherry klusman
Reply

My travel bag would need to be fairly roomy! Essentials would be watercolor crayons/paper and brushes for the times Mother Nature gives you one chance to capture scenery, good walking shoes, a big floppy sun hat, camera, water for sipping and nuts for munching, and every day personal necessities girls need — lip balm, scarf etc. Organization is a plus. I always carry a book with me for the times my mind needs to wander. How great to have a chance to win!

Maddy
Reply

No road trip is complete without music!

Leah
Reply

I totally need music for any road trip! i make road trip CD’s for trips to my husband’s grandma’s cottage and that’s only like 2 hours away! Also, I must confess, I kept giggling at the J-pillow illustrations!

carolntx
Reply

i would def take a neck pillow or any type of support pillow from your picks

husnah khan
Reply

I would include the Shinola journal. I’m from MI so I take my Detroit pride wherever I go!

robyn donnelly
Reply

I would definitely carry a camera and some food to snack on.

sandy evans
Reply

I need music, for sure, and plenty of water!

Lisa Johnston
Reply

music for sure, I would be one grumpy passenger without it lol.

Nicole Opfer
Reply

I can’t be without my music! I always have it with me :)

sherry fundin
Reply

I am always experimenting with the perfect travel pillow. Haven’t found it yet…unless….
sherry @ fundinmental

Jeanne
Reply

Music, pillow and blanket

Leela
Reply

The J Pillow .

rusthawk
Reply

I’d have to have my music and that pillow you showed me. That thing looks good.

Pamela
Reply

I can’t live without my phone!

Christine A
Reply

I would take the J Pillow because I’d like the neck support. I’m more of a visual learner so I love print books but I’ve recently tried audiobooks when I’m out for walks and I do like them. There would be a battle to listen to an audiobook in the car so I’d just listen to one when I’m not driving.

Judy Schechter
Reply

I would pack music in the form of my tablet and Bluetooth speaker, and headphones. And maybe my archaic Sony Walkman and cd’s.

Liz
Reply

The water bottle.

belinda bell
Reply

I would need a camera is take pictures of where I was.

Tina F
Reply

Musts for me is first and foremost Tea, then water and trail mix and mixed nuts/fruit….but cannot forget my camera well its always with me in my purse so wont forget that :)

Lorin
Reply

I love audio books, but just can’t listen to them on the road. I like to pay attention to the books a bit more. So I’d say, a water bottle is a must for me. Gotta stay hydrated!

Steve Capell
Reply

Water and good audio book on my smart phone!

Laurel
Reply

I’d pack noise cancelling headphones and Dramanine tablets.

Diana
Reply

The pillow for sure!

velezita
Reply

I think your music is the best idea ever- we have a hard drive built into our van so we can load up the cds. I’m with you – I’ve been from Ohio to Texas to California (and all the iterations of those three states. From Cleveland to Miami, all over California, Up all kinds of east coast states. We drive Ohio to South Carolina all the time. We love a good road trip and good music is one of the best parts of it. Long Live Pandora radio, too!

ourpuddleboots
Reply

Yes, to the music and the trail mix. Audio books put me to sleep.

Jennifer Reed
Reply

I too love homemade trail mix on road trips but I am really wanting that J-Pillow for my next roadtrip.

sarah s
Reply

Music would be on my list too, as would the charger and trail mix.

Heather Sell
Reply

I’m thinking the neck pillow would be divine!

Amelia Drew
Reply

I would bring the J pillow- it looks GREAT!!

Dawn Monzu
Reply

I absolutely MUST have my music!!! I like to listen to my Eminem, maybe some Ed Sheeran….something to pump me up! Can’t go anywhere without my music!

Lisa Coomer Queen
Reply

Music! I need my music to make it through the day!

lindamoffitt02
Reply

I’m still laughing about your Neck Pillow LOL But i would bring like you My satellite radio and would love audiobooks to listen too I love to read and don’t have any yet

al
Reply

I’d take the Kindle Fire.

crystal sheckles-gibson
Reply

I love the neck pillow pictures! :) I have to keep snacks such as granola or trail mix for road trips.

livesimply1111
Reply

From Katie’s Bag, I would include the J Neck Pillow. I would also take my Kindle Fire.

cspmom
Reply

My road trip bag would definitely include the J Pillow. What a great idea!!! I NEED one!!

Suzanne G
Reply

I would include my iPhone if I had to choose just one item from Katie’s Bag.

ac
Reply

If you were to build the perfect roadtrip bag what one item from Katie’s bag would include? I would include motion sickness tablets.

Kim Poole
Reply

I would include the trail mix. Gotta have my snacks.

melikegarfield
Reply

I would include the J-pillow.

Chantelle Walker
Reply

I would choose your “Re-usable water bottle” for my road trip bag. Hate reusable ones!

bn100
Reply

snacks

RobRob
Reply

Ha – Nesticles. Love it. At first, I was like, what the??? But…it actually looks kinda comfy. I’ll have to keep my eyes open, and then send an unsuspecting traveling companion to buy one for me. Yeah…

Manuela
Reply

Everything sounds perfect, but if I have to pick one thing only it has to be MUSIC!!!! Oh yes! Can’t drive with out it!

che170
Reply

I love traveling, especially when I could drive & fly (which I still can, if only I had the dinero) LOL!

che170
Reply

Oh, and I absolutely need music when I travel!

Tracy C
Reply

Because my husband usually does the driving, I always have a book/ebook to read. But we also love to listen to podcasts when music gets old–this American Life, Nerdist, and the Moth are particular favorites!

Crystal Sell
Reply

audio books :) My husband and I love to listen to them when we are on the road!

Amelia
Reply

Audiobooks are a must, even on days when I’m just running errands around town in the car and definitely on any out of town voyage. I love that you are using CDs and maps-technology is so overrated! I love paper maps and only use the maps on my hubby’s phone if we get REALLY lost. So almost never (almost.) All I need now is a nice new bag to take on my next roadtrip, hmmmmm…

Joy | The Joyful Foodie
Reply

That pillow is hilariously awkward, but now I want one! I’ve actually never listened to an audiobook before. What a great idea for a long trip!

wilson king
Reply

Gotta include the digital camera.

Stacy
Reply

I have never heard of the J Pillow before. it looks complicated! But if it works, then it is worth it. There is nothing worse than a sore neck on a road trip!

sheila ressel
Reply

I would also definitely have to take lots of music along. Got to have something to sing along to.

Jacob B.
Reply

I would go for that pillow… just took my first long road trip and I super regretted not having one. ;)

Hillary
Reply

Definitely take audio books.

Alanna D
Reply

The Pillow looks highly complicated! would have to be the audio books

couponfreestuff
Reply

I would deifnitely choose the pillow!! Gotta have comfort!

Jaclyn Anne
Reply

I would bring trail mix and music as well!

Nicole Carter (Weasley)
Reply

I would chose music! Music just makes you in a happy, more tolerable mood!

Dawn Monroe
Reply

I would take the J neck pillow. A good pillow is a must have for any road trip.

twinky41
Reply

I would take the The J Pillow.

Maeghyn Koehler
Reply

Agree, Music is a definte must!

Birdiebee
Reply

The camera is a “must have” for me when on any type of road/hiking trip.

Wendi Watson
Reply

i would for sure love the music!! it gives you that extra boost you need

Margot C
Reply

The J-Pillow does indeed look revolutionary and I’m going to just buy one. I have always thought that those neck pillows lacked a fundamental buttress or sense of support. Obviously an (ahem) third leg was needed.

Debbie menconi
Reply

The FM wireless transmitter could be amazing in an emergency, or just a music or game, or audio book emergency! But it sounds like the thing to have!

Candice M
Reply

Snacks and a reusable water bottle, especially with all the time I spend int he desert.

Emily Durham
Reply

Snacks are must! And I usually spend the night before a road trip packing a cooler of all the goodies I love (usually includes pasta salad, string cheese, fruit, assortment of beverages etc..). I also take a dry goods snack bag (hey I like to plenty of options). On roads I tend to take everything! Like everything. I try with each one to cut back but it never works and I usually don’t use Half of the things I take, but they are there, you know, just in case. I love this blog hop contest and have definitely enjoyed reading some of the new bloggers that I’m being introduced to. Thanks so much Katie! Happy travels :)

DIANE HAMEL
Reply

I need the water bottle, a camera and sun

nipa
Reply

i would need my sunglasses

PaulaMS
Reply

I would have to have the refillable water bottle.

Laurie Nykaza
Reply

The Re-usable water bottle is something we always keep with us. We like to carry our own powder drinks that are natural to add some flavor to them as well.

Megan C.
Reply

I would pack the FM Wireless Transmitter from your bag. I do not have blue tooth and this would be so helpful when making phone calls.

Allie
Reply

I would definitely bring snacks!

shadowluvs2read
Reply

music! i need music. lol tho, i want your whole travel bag. can i just take the works? lol that neck pillow looks pretty awesome!

Nicole Michelle (@BeingTheWriter)
Reply

God, I love that neck pillow! Lol! But audiobooks should be on my list. Road trips are fun, but they make me so tired! Maybe audiobooks would help!

Ellen Casper
Reply

Music of course – the radio goes on the minute au get in the car.

evelyn
Reply

my camera for sure!

Laura P.
Reply

I would definitely take a reusable water bottle and snacks. I’d bring my Kindle too.

angela smith
Reply

camera i love taking pictures.of course i would need snacks,coca cola,music (bon jovi)

anna
Reply

What a way to feed the mind, feed the spirit and feed the soul. Thank you

Lauren E.
Reply

If I was to road trip, i’d take trail mix also. YUM!

Kathy
Reply

I love to travel. Road trips are fun. My son and I have the backpack. Having bought it on our trip to Europe.

Bailey Dexter
Reply

Great tips! There were a few I never thought of. Thanks I now will carry a neck pillow, I always just grabbed a pillow but this would be so much better for when I am a wake!

Maria Ruiz
Reply

Definitely love the audiobook accompaniments–nothing beats the open road and a good story:)

Albert Ruis
Reply

Good reminder to drink more water!

Frank P
Reply

I would take the reusable water bottle.

dv8
Reply

The item that pops out is the water bottle since I have a bad habit of getting dehydrated.

Maria Griffin
Reply

So handy. All the work has been done putting it together. Great!

Shelley Carter
Reply

I enjoyed reading your blog entry I personally would not be able to have books on tape or audiobooks as I would get to into the book and never know where I am going or where I have been.

Kimarie Stebbins
Reply

That neck pillow would be great! I need to get one of those.

Vickie Mason
Reply

I would have to have the Luna bars in my bag…about 10 different flavors!!

I
Reply

I always wanted to write travel books. This bag is perfect.

125am
Reply

Seriously, you gotta pack some Trail Mix!! :D

margaret Goodrow
Reply

awesome

Rebecca Leigh
Reply

Audiobook. That can really make the time fly when you’re traveling.

justwin4once
Reply

I love that J-Pillow, but I also carry trail mix with us when we travel.

echase
Reply

That neck pillow is equal parts brilliant and pornographic.

My perfect road trip back definitely includes a reusable water bottle. I need water, especially when walking around all day and I’d rather not got through 3 plastic water bottles a day!

tamra64
Reply

I could travel with you with no problems. The audibools/ music wld be great but my favorite is the neck pillow. I never can get comfy on a road trip. I fall asleep and my head looks like a bobble head

barbara langley
Reply

The j pillow us a must, though not a trip withoutout a camera and music as well

Mary Beth
Reply

Very happy with the giveaway..I’m all about a neck pillow and camera. :)

Deborah Gullett
Reply

My phone is getting older so I would definitely need to include the Mophie Powerstation!

Deborah Gullett
Reply

I’m thinking I need that FM Wireless Transmitter for my road trip!

Thomas Murphy
Reply

I would take the J Pillow

Alayne Langford
Reply

I definitely need the neck pillow wherever I go and since I just LOVE to embarrass my kids, your penis shaped neck pillow is just PERFECT!! :) :)

Michelle Tucker
Reply

La la la la la la la. Music, most assuredly music. :)

Christy Caldwell
Reply

I would definitely have to have my Kindle. Also some music and surely my chapstick. Thanks!

Alicia Arsenault
Reply

My perfect roadtrip would would have to include Music. I can’t imagine a roadtrip without tunes.

Elbistan
Reply

Wouw best contents, thank you admin.

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