Backroads: What to Pack – Stop No. 6

By Laci in Kansas, Travel Tales on
3 comments

We are off to see the wizard. Well not yet, before starting on a road trip we need to be a bit better prepared than Dorothy. This week we are heading down the road to Liberal, Kansas. Liberal has laid claim to the Wizard of Oz. We briefly discussed a few things to bring in the Road Trip Sustainability portion but this will be a more complete list.

  1. Clothes – This on is a no brainer but there are some smart ways to pack. Clothes can always be washed and most towns have a laundry mat. You can also use packing containers that help clothes take up less space.
  2. Masks – Unfortunately we are still on the fringes on a pandemic and many businesses are requesting customers wear masks. Make sure to pack a couple of extra.
  3. Rain Jacket and Sweatshirt – Weather can change in a moment and it is always best to be prepared. Depending on the location and time of year you may need more than just a light jacket.
  4. Extra Shoes – Most of us have been on a trip and had an inconvenient shoe malfunction. Bring a extra pair to save yourself some frustration.
  5. Toiletries – Again this sounds like a no brainer but here are somethings to remember: pack solids so a little as possible has a chance to spill and only bring necessities.
  6. First Aid – It is best to always be prepared. This doesn’t need to be a big first aid kit, just something that has enough to help.
  7. Maps – If you road trip enough you will probably end up out of cell service range. Make sure that you have an old fashioned map or maps downloaded to your phone or a GPS just in case.
  8. Chargers and Battery Packs – Car chargers, adaptors, and battery packs are must have for a road trip. You might also consider a solar powered lamp and charging station.
  9. Emergency Vehicle Repair – These can be purchased already put together but you want to make sure that you at least have the following: jumper cables, a flat repair kit, a tire change kit and a spare at the correct PSI along with a flash light.
  10. Backup Cash or Card – There are plenty of stories of people dropping their wallets or leaving them. To account for that keep emergency cash or a card somewhere safe in your vehicle.
  11. Water – Fill up your water bottle every chance you get. Keeping hydrated helps keep you aware and healthy.
  12. Snacks – All road trips need good snacks from candy to granola bars to fruit to stuff to make sandwiches.
  13. Collapsible Cooler – To piggy back off of snacks, if you do have things that need to be kept cool bring a collapsible cooler. These take up less spaces and can be stored away easily when not in use.
  14. Entertainment – I’ll get more into this later but road trips are long, bring something interesting that will keep you awake.
  15. Sleeping Gear – If you are camping or sleeping in your vehicle make sure that you have everything that you need to sleep comfortable and safely.
  16. Cleaning Supplies – I can make messes in my car on a normal Tuesday much less on a big trip. Make sure that you have things to help keep the vehicle neat from towels to Clorox whips to a small trashcan.

Depending on your activities while road tripping there are many more things that can be added to this list, these are just the basics. If you are bring you canine companion, don’t forget their gear. If you thing I forgot anything let me know in the comments!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

If you end up in southwest Kansas make sure to head towards Liberal, Kansas to visit Dorthey’s House and the Coronado Museum.

We didn’t get to explore all that this museum complex has to offer but we did really enjoy learning about all the local history. Kansas towns had a habit of arguing over which town got to be the county seat. The county seats had the post office and most of the time survived because the railroad was built through them. There are stories of stolen post offices and whole towns moving. The history of the small town American west really can be a crazy as it it made out to be and these little museums capture all of it that they can.

Where do you think we are off to next?

Can you guess where we are off to next? Also, let know your thoughts on the Land of Oz! Save travels.

Don’t miss the past stops and road trip tips!

Thank you KW Photography for allowing me to use your wonderful photos!

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Published by Laci

Texas born, I grew up hunting and fishing. Now I love travel and cooking, a good beer and a great story. People are their stories and I hope to share mine. I have a ridiculously adorable canine companion named Bear, a supportive family, and a wonderful husband.

3 comments on “Backroads: What to Pack – Stop No. 6”

  1. Pingback: Backroads: What to Pack – Stop No. 6 — McGee Travel Tales | Ups Downs Family History

  2. I don’t think you forgot anything. You two are much more prepared than me and Heidi. If we take granola and water, we’re ahead of the game. But usually, we just make day trips. The Wizard of Oz museum sounds cool. I can see a plains state towns bickering over county seats. One town probably didn’t much more advantage than the other. Really good post!

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    1. Thank you! I’d like to say we are always this prepared but one time we forgot Bear’s leash and harness for a hike… had to stop by Walmart on the way.
      Kansas history is actually fairly wild – it’s just all 90 minutes apart at minimum.

      Liked by 1 person

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