We’re ready to begin packing for our Route 66 trip later this month. I’m counting down the days, planning as I go so that our trip has a better chance of fewer hiccups.
Today I’m adding pre-addressed mailing labels and a roll of postcard stamps to my list. Whenever I travel, I love sending postcards, but I often find it time-consuming to address postcards and write them while on the road. A few years ago, I began purchasing blank mailing labels and addressing them ahead of time, and throwing in a roll of postcard stamps and a couple of pens in a Ziploc bag each time I travel (I also roll my pens with several layers of Duck Tape, using the barrel as the tape core just in case we need to repair something). This stays in my backpack so that if a store sells postcards, I can purchase them right there, write a quick message, stamp and label them, and ask if they have any outgoing mail. I did this in record time in Luckenbach, Texas in February 2022 so that I could get the Luckenbach postmark from their tiny post office rather than mailing them from a different location later.
It makes sending mail from the road more efficient, and I like to send the grandchildren postcards so that they can see where we are in the world and learn a little history of the places we visit. Perhaps, too, they’ll catch a case of travel fever and we’ll be able to take them to a couple of places that spark their interest.
My love of travel hacks started years ago when I read on Pinterest that I should travel with my makeup and moisturizer in contact lens cases, and I realized that if I found ways of scaling back, I could travel with nothing but a carry-on bag. The hardest part is deciding which pair of shoes to take.
Other than pens rolled in Duck Tape, makeup in contact lens cases, and pre-addressed mailing labels, what are some of your favorite travel hacks? I can use all the handy tips you’re willing to share in the comments.
Common Threads 
I love your postcard sending prep. You show how with just a little bit of prep-planning, you can share while traveling with loved ones. Your grandkids are so lucky!! Feel free to add my address if you have an empty white rectangle – 5218 N 12th Street Arlington, VA 22205 Safe Travels!!
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Sally, thanks for sharing your address! Absolutely I will send you a postcard from the route! I’m getting my labels ready today, so I’ll add your name and address and anyone else who would like a card! Thanks for reading and commenting today!
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What a great idea and a very clever way to carry duct tape! Are you taking the entire Route from Chicago to LA? Happy trails!
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Hi, Debbie, thanks for reading today! We’ll be traveling a little over half the route, from Chicago to Albuquerque, with my husband’s brother and his wife. I wish we could go the whole way, but…..time…..
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Yes, I was intrigued and went back to read your previous posts. Sadly, the national parks are just about impossible to get into and are beginning to show their wear and tear from an overabundance of visitors. Obviously while passing through St. Louis, it’s a must to visit the arch AND ride to the top-nothing compares with the ingenious elevator that takes you to the top. But, for a ‘free’ activity go to the History Museum in Forest Park. One (or two) of the rooms is the “History of St. Louis” with a display of historic Route 66 and the World’s Fair. Also, you might as well take in the St. Louis Zoo, because ‘it’s free!’ And north of town is the Chain of Rocks bridge where Route 66 began in MO. Have a fun trip!
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Kim,
I adopted your bag trick a couple years ago, and now I have even more post cards than I strayed with when I began sending them. I should get address labels. I have a small address book I bought to take on trips. I’m hit and miss on mailing. I could not find a place to purchase stamps in Canada, but I’m sure I did not try hard enough. Since your route takes you through Joplin, Missouri, stop at the little Route 66 marker on Main street. Debbie is right about St. Louis. You’ll be close to the Dred Scott decision courthouse, too, so be sure to visit it. St. Louis has the most famous botanical garden in the country. I can’t wait to follow your trip. Like you, I try to travel w/ a carryon and a backpack. I also use a small crossbody bag for safety. I bought a new one for our trip to Thailand. It has locking everything. I love it.
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Glenda, I can’t wait! I’m so excited. I would love to know the brand of the crossbody. Is it Travelon by any chance? It makes me think of my locking backpack with the hooks, and I’d love to have a crossbody like that. Please, please share your info! I added the place you suggested previously – I think Sid’s or something in El Reno. I’m using the Roadtrippers app, so I can just click on stops people recommend. Thanks so much for your great travel insights that you share so freely. I really appreciate them.
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Having been a part of a big family before and after marriage, I know hunger is always on call! So, i always carry bread, butter, boiled eggs, cucumbers and fruits like oranges and bananas. No cleaning or washing required, hassle free healthy food on the go!
Liked your post a lot. Thank you!
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Thanks for the great suggestion! A snack basket of fruit is on the menu. In fact, my sister and law in I went to the fresh fruit and veggie stand in our town this afternoon and talked about just this idea of some protein bars and fruits. Thank you for the idea to stock up on what’s good for us – – we’ll need healthy things after all those milkshakes and hamburgers, I’m sure!
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The prepped address labels and stamps are an excellent hack – as is that duct tape around your pens (brilliant!). I don’t think I have any hacks as good as these – I do pack light, very light…clothes in the same mix/match ‘hue’ and easy to wash. Happy travels! I look forward to your words and photos!
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Kim, one place I think you would enjoy in St. Louis is the Botanical Gardens. I love your travel with postcard hacks. Since I haven’t traveled a great deal, I need to be sure to return to your post to see what others have to offer. The only hack I ever learned was to roll my clothes, and I agree, shoes is a biggie. I try to stick with one pair but try to add something that may look a little dressier when needed.
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Thanks, Barb! I didn’t see your blog today – – it looks like you’re changing it up. Thanks for the great tips. I can’t wait to see St. Louis! I hope we can see those gardens.
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I cannot get onto my original blog account and cannot find a way to contact WordPress. The advice I’ve gotten isn’t helping.
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Kim, I have another friend who is “the Queen of Small Things” – she will love this contact lens case cosmetic trick! I learned this one from another teacher colleague long ago: Pack several paper towels, band-aids, and a trashcan bag in a Ziploc bag, making sure to press out all the air when sealing. Voila – a virtually-weightless emergency kit that takes up zero space. You would not believe the number of times these items have come into use. I add a couple of disinfectant wipe packets also. And I love this postcard documentation for grandkids…especially your determination for obtaining the locale-specific postmark. As always, your words and stories are full of wonder and love – I remain in awe of all the ways you embrace life!
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