tips for the road!

Ok, so I've been compiling a list of some helpful tips for traveling the road! Here are a few:

 
 • GSI OUTDOORS FAIRSHARE MUG: This mug/bowl/tupperware has too many uses to list. Just buy it. Trust me. I just noticed they sell a collapsable one... even better! 

• ORGANIC VALLEY ORGANIC NONFAT DRY MILK: I understand the thought of dry milk probably makes you want to dry heave, but don't let it! This is truly one of my best discoveries. Put a few tablespoons of dry milk in your Fairshare mug (above), add water, close the lid and shake! WALLA! You have milk! Now just add your favorite cereal (directly to the mug) and you have breakfast! No need to cry over spoiled milk! Instead you can just cry over the fact you've turned into your grandmother!

UPDATE: I checked to make sure this link still worked and it appears Organic Valley Dry Milk is not available anywhere! REAL FOOD makes an organic dry milk that seems just as good. 

• DUSTBUSTER: Growing up, there were times we barely had enough money for food, but we had a Dustbuster! Ironically, it sat charged gathering "dust" most of the time. NOW, it's my best friend (next to Lulu of course). It's impossible not to track dirt into the camper and the only way to get it (all) is with this clever little gadget from 1979.

• RAIN X BUG REMOVER WIND SHEILD FLUID: I highly recommend bug remover, always. But it's an absolute neccessity when you're traveling through Wisconsin and Minnesota. YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT! The creators of Mothra vs Godzilla must've gotten the story idea after driving through these two states. I had no idea bugs could be so big. Seriously, they look like prehistoric monsters out there. The only way to get the large splats of bug guts off your windshield is with this stuff! Regular wiper fluid just smears it (dry heave). Even with this Bug Remover you'll still need to stop at the gas station every 20 miles to wash your windshield, but at least it helps.

• UNBREAKABLE FRENCH PRESS: I've broken a french press on the road, so trust me, buy shatterproof. 

BTW: Here's the recipe for Cowboy Coffee. You haven't lived until you've tried it (not really, but it sounds good). Some new friends in Michigan gave me the tip. I chose NOT to include the eggshell as I couldn't figure out why the heck it was in the recipe in the first place. Seemed to have no brewing merit what-so-ever. End result: my coffee didn't taste very good and I kinda made a large mess (again, I know you're gonna blame user error, or the lack of egg). NOoooooooo  

• WINDEX WIPES: If your travel companion has four legs (or even two) and likes pressing and smearing her wet nose against the glass and sometimes licking it, then you need Windex handy! Otherwise the smudges will drive you crazy.

Note: If your 2 legged companion is licking the glass, you might need more than Windex. 

 
• KOOLATRON THERMOELECTRIC COOLER: I've said it before and I'll say it again, BEST PURCHASE EVER! This little fridge has saved my diet. It's a must for road trippin' but I also highly recommend for families traveling around town (smaller model). 

• QUARTERS! You'll always need them, trust me! And not just for laundry and pay meters! I stood chilly and naked trying to get the shower to work, in Wisconsin's Wyalusing State Park, only to peak outside the curtain and notice the pay machine! I had to run outside naked, wrapped a towel, to look for quarters! I only found 2! errrr (2 = 6 mins) :(

• WET WIPES: You can never have enough wipes!! NEVER!

• REI ONE CUP COFFEE MAKER: My friend, Robin, gave me this coffee tip and I thought it was worth adding to the tip list!