Help Planning a Cross Country Trip summer 2013.

I have never went on a trip more than about 4 hours from home and im planning a trip next summer. I was just wondering if anyone could help out with any advice, such as packing essientials, route planning. I want to to go from central Texas, to New Orleans, down to key west fl, daytona beach fl, and back where ever on the way back. So at least to me its a pretty long trip. Dont want to get 12-15 hours from home and forget the nedded items. Oh and i dont have a bike with all the saddel bags so i have to by luggage to go on the seat. I have a 2012 Harley Iron 883. Thanks for the help.  

I've done a couple of long road trips, one in particular from NJ to Lake Simcoe, Canada (north of Ontario)... and the one thing you can count on is hitting some rain, so definitely pack rain gear and two to three pairs of leather gloves... its no fun wearing wet gloves, your hands get cold real fast.  I also bring three pairs of glasses, one to wear, one as a backup and one pair with yellow lenses for night time riding.  As for luggage, I purchased the Route 66 Tbag... it has wheels and a telescoping handle, easy to pack and has four outside side compartments.  HD has a great packing list on its website to give you some idea of what to pack.  I like using paper maps as well as mapquest to help map out the roads and I also belong to AAA (great for travel books and help with any construction areas to be aware of).  Hope this helps and have fun planning.  

Have a great time and enjoy yoursrlf.  Leave you cell phone at home.  Hit the road, and see what happens.

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Back in 2006, I did a 2 week run (3,000 mi) down thru the eastern states (far as N. Carolina). I had 2 saddebags, and a Tourmaster Cruiser 2 on my 800cc Kawi Drifter. I did install a sissy bar, and a luggage rack to put the bag on. For my spare jacket, I used bungie cords and strapped it down behind the windshield.
It was also my 1st long trip (and solo), and I made out just fine.
I packed a cell phone. I'd call my wife with: "Hi, I'm in Banner Elk, Tn, where a decent place to stay?".  

Are you going to camp or motel? What about food? Restaurants or cook your own? That will decide what you take.