Smartphone: The number one gadget to make your life easier. No matter the carrier or data plan, a smartphone will get you turn-by-turn navigation, make mobile hotel bookings, stream music, take photos and connect with friends back home. It's an absolute essential.

Portable wifi: The folks at Virgin Mobile loaned me an MC760, a 3G USB air card that gets my laptop online anywhere there's a cell signal. The connection isn't the fastest, but it will let you upload blog posts about the final shuttle launch from inside your tent in Titusville--or anywhere else you can't find wifi.

Rain gear: File this one under "only because I have the space." Gear maker Arc'teryx loaned me the Beta AR, a high-end shell that I've only used once, when a downpour in Orlando dropped three inches of rain in three hours. If only I'd had the waterproof pants to go with.

Laptop: I packed my personal MacBook Air on this trip, and I use it much more often than my work-issued machine that weighs twice as much. So far, it's held up to my abuse: It's even survived crashing into the pavement in Detroit, with only minor battle wounds.

Sunscreen: I've been on multiple beaches this trip, and of course walking the streets of cities puts you out in the sun. Spray-on sunscreen is dead easy to apply and isn't greasy. I keep it in a cup holder for easy access.

Tents and sleeping bags: Whether you're camping out or just crashing on a friend's floor, packing your own bedding can be a life-saver. You never know when plans will change: As long as you have the trunk space, better to pack your own campground-ready hotel.

Something fun: I brought along a parafoil kite, which has no rods and therefore packs down into a tiny stuff sack. It's great on the beach, fun in a park, even a conversation starter if you pull it out at a roadside rest stop. It's fun, and isn't that what road trips are supposed to be?