FREAKOUT IS GETTING REALLY CLOSE!
PACKING TIPS
For many of us, 2025's Fiat Freakout adventure begins in 10 or less days. (For Jennifer, Abi, and myself, it starts 11 days from now.) That means its time to start seriously thinking about what to pack and what you may need to go get to be ready.
Bug spray: If your spray uses DEET, Picaridin, or OLE/PMD, it will last up to 3 years. If it uses IR3535, it lasts about 2 years. Lemon eucalyptus and/or other essential oils only last about 1 year. Most sprays won't have expiration dates posted on the can.
Medicine: Do yourself a favor and take a couple extra day's worth of medicines you need - just in case. And it doesn't hurt to have some headache/pain relievers in an easy to get place in your vehicle.
Swimsuits: Wisconsin averages highs in the mid-80s and it has had a warm start to the summer. The Chula Vista Resort has multiple pools and both an indoor and outdoor waterpark. You may think you aren't going to want to go in the pool but how are you going to help us dunk Arman if you can't go grab a swimsuit???
Sunscreen: The FDA requires sunscreens to maintain their effectiveness for 3 years. However, their shelf life can be greatly diminished if it isn't stored in a cool place. That means if you keep a bottle in your convertible where the sun can hit it (like we do), it probably needs to be replaced every year. Many of the events at Freakout require time outside. Some, like the Concorso, require long periods of time outside. Make sure you bring adequate sun protection!
Hawaiian Shirt: While not required, the after dinner beach party Thursday night encourages you to wear Hawaiian shirts or dresses.
Electronics: Every Freakout has a few people who forget to pack their chargers, forget to change out batteries before they leave, etc. Don't be 1 of those people. By the way - you remembered your chargers. Did you remember your charging cords, too?
Cheese: If you're like us, you aren't leaving a Freakout in Wisconsin without taking home some delicious Wisconsin cheese. But, how do you get it home safely? Do not freeze it! Light refrigeration is recommended. A cooler or insulated grocery bag works great. Bring a kitchen towel to place between your cheese and a large baggie of ice and you will get your cheese home safely with no issues.
Sunglasses: If your sunglasses are getting old and are scratched or worn, consider buying some new ones. Long drives, bright sun, and worn out sunglasses don't mix well, especially if you didn't bring some headache relief.
Ladies: Are you bringing a shawl, sweater, shrug, or something similar? It may be hot during the day, but the evenings and mornings may not be. Plus, you KNOW how restaurants can be.
Car: Check ALL your fluids: brake fluid, oil, coolant, windshield cleaner, etc. Check the air pressure in your tires while you are at it. Check your belts, too. Nothing kills the joy of a long vacation like losing a belt in the middle of nowhere. By the way, how is the tread on your tires? How about their balance and/or alignment?
House: Don't forget to turn off your mail and place holds on deliveries if you frequently get packages. Before you leave, consider raising the temperature setting on your A/C a bit. But, don't turn it off. Unplug electronics. And be a good neighbor: mow and weedeat a day or two before you leave. Oh yeah: empty your trash before you go unless you like coming home to unqiue fragrances. If you can, have some lights set to turn on and off inside the house.
Snacks: No matter how good they taste, snacks that melt or crumble aren't good for car trips. Things like Cheetos have their own issues unless you like orange steering wheels. Small plastic snack bowls or ramekins make excellent containers for easy on the road snacking. We sometimes pre-portion small zip lock bags of snacks to make in trip munching even easier.
There are many other things you may have to think about. If this post got you thinking about what else is important, then it's done its job.
The biggst thing is: don't wait til the last minute/day to get everything done - that is a surefire formula for forgetting things.
I will leave you with a short video showing you how to pack an amazing amount of clothes in a small space. (This is presented special for Jennifer DiCanio)
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Tazilon Brenner
DFW Chapter Leader
FCA Board of Directors