New Traveler...............Need Advice Please

I travel with a dog, but here are my "must-haves"

full size vacuum (for all that pet hair)
my own bedding (I use a Space Bag to pack it)
A Rubbermaid tote of kitchen essentials
Laptop, camera, video camera
Flat panel LCD TV
Pictures of family/friends
Microwave (if one is not being provided at your apartment)

I fit all of the above (plus 3 suitcases) into the trunk & half of the backseat of my car. The other half of the backseat is reserved for my dog, and my husband & I sit up front. It's a tight squeeze, but if you pack creatively, you can do it!

Things to bring for your cat:
toys, food/water dishes, leash, vet papers, medications

Don't forget litter and box and a collar with a name/id tag with your cell phone number on it (in case the kitty gets loose)

Also, I hear that Amarillo gets snow and ice storms, so don't forget the ice scraper, boots and cold weather clothing. The DFW area is where I am familiar with; but, I hear on the news the variable weather that's found in Amarillo. If it's anything like Dallas, be sure to have layered clothing available for those days that start out freezing and slowly heat up to unbearable and then go back down again, either slowly or with a sudden gust of wind that drops the temp 30 degrees.

Looks like I'll be in the DFW area until March, so drop me a PM if you have questions. Have a safe trip and remember that there are plenty of WalMarts in case you happen to forget something.

I am only on my 2nd contract but this is what is working so far for me......

I travel with 2 cats and we give them a medication called acepromazine-the vet prescribed it. It just makes them sleepy. I also dont go further than 8 or 9 hours before stopping for the night. The cats need that break to wake and eat and go to the bathroom because they wont use a litter box in the car. They are not crazy about traveling and are usually have an attitude for a day or 2, but they get over it.

As for packing, I only take what I need...clothes, personals, a flat screen tv (takes less room in the car), play station doubles as a DVD player, anything that can be packed small (like a mesh laundry container instead of a non bendable plastic one), and I take a sewing kit and scrapbook materials for entertainment. You will really see what is essential to live and what is just stuff.

And you will become a master packer....

I have a small SUV, so I got one of those hitch mounts so I have a small rack on the back of my vehicle too for the travel.

best wishes!

I also give my dog Acepromazine for the car rides, she tends to freak out otherwise- it's kind of like doggie or kitty versed- she just sleeps the whole ride!