Every now and then I get the itch for a road trip. Back in Missouri we usually scratched the itch by visiting family or venturing to St. Louis but these days I'm itching for an epic, summer time, college flashback kind of road trip. No plans as of yet but I thought I'd get warmed up by sharing what I like to pack whenever I know I'll be sitting in a car for awhile.
Sitting for hours in between destinations calls for something to keep my hands busy. It's usually an art journal or craft project and only when the kids are occupied or asleep! I keep a coin purse on hand for those unexpected gumball machines or parking meters, a vintage scarf for that second day without a shower or to add extra color to my outfit, my iPhone to catch those moments when I don't have my DSLF handy, and of course, a great pair of sunglasses!
You never know what kind of pit stops you'll make along the way so it's nice to have easy shoes to slip on and off and a spare pair just in case. I think a comfortable pair of neutral flats and an easy pair of leather sandals go with just about anything be it a dress or shorts, a fun necklace on a long chain feels whimsical and helps dress up a casual t-shirt kind of day, and healthy snacks help with my road trip sweet tooth.
Details: Yellow purse, ModCloth. iPhone case, Casetagram. Sunglasses c/o Tumbleweeds. Sand Timer Necklace c/o Unexpected Expectancy. Local Native flats c/o ELF. Saltwater sandals, My Saltwater Sandals. Vintage silk scarf, thrifted. Coin purse, local shop. Art Journal and colored pencils, Hobby Lobby.
Elsie and I co-wrote an art journal e-course earlier this year and this is the art journal I used. It's about half way filled up from e-course prompts with a few pages full of DIY ideas and house projects I want to finish. I love having a space to create with no pressure. It's one of the most relaxing creative outlets I have. It also lends itself well to sitting still through a few states and possibly time zones.
Any road trips in your future? What are your favorite things to pack?
-Rachel
I love getting a peek at your road trip essentials. I like to pack an art journal for my road trips too.
Catherine Denton
Posted by: Catherine Denton | 05/15/2012 at 02:41 PM
I loved this post! My hubby + I are planning a short trip tomorrow to Nashville to see Jack White play. I've been wanting to plan a longer one though. Sounds like so much fun! ♥
Posted by: Lindsay | 05/15/2012 at 02:46 PM
This is so funny, I just posted a road trip essentials post today! I like yours better, an art journal is a great idea!
http://light0a0candle.blogspot.ca/2012/05/guess-what-guys-its-summer-time-its.html
Posted by: Kaitlyn | 05/15/2012 at 02:47 PM
I love everything about this (especially that purse). Road trips are the best trips, in my opinion!
Posted by: Lauren | 05/15/2012 at 02:48 PM
Just took a road trip to Salvation Mountain (in southern California) and it was so hot, but SO much fun! This little set brings me back and makes me wish i never left the road.
http://christijay.com
Posted by: christi | 05/15/2012 at 03:01 PM
i love this collection of stuff. i live in texas right now and i feel like it is just made for road tripping. there is so much empty space that needs to be experienced!
sophie
Posted by: Sophie | 05/15/2012 at 03:21 PM
I'm about to take a mini road trip and this is a great list of essentials to give me ideas!
Posted by: Amanda | 05/15/2012 at 05:20 PM
Argh! We are just about in winter in Australia, but I want summer back! Love your road trip collection! Sensible AND fun :)
Cass
http://www.awalkingthought.blogspot.com
Posted by: Cassandra | 05/15/2012 at 06:12 PM
My sister and I are doing your ecourse - love it!!!
Posted by: Kim | 05/15/2012 at 06:30 PM
This is similar to mine!
Amanda Rose
http://sewmuchtosay.blogspot.com
Posted by: Amanda Rose | 05/15/2012 at 06:39 PM
beautiful flats and bag! what a great idea for a post :)
Posted by: Kelsey | 05/15/2012 at 06:39 PM
Oh this makes me want to jump in the car and GO! I love these essentials...stylish and necessary! Can't wait for our summer trips :)
Brooke
thebebebirds.blogspot.com
Posted by: Brooke | 05/15/2012 at 07:08 PM
Love the Salt Waters! I have them in yellow and pink but I love your brown ones!
xx
http://www.thrifted.ca
Posted by: A Twitter User | 05/15/2012 at 07:28 PM
love the art journal :).... great choices
Posted by: grace | 05/15/2012 at 08:05 PM
Oh! I wish I could take a road trip. My favorite part of preparing for a trip is making the playlist. Also your post inspired me to buy a vintage silk scarf... just in case the open road calls.
Posted by: Stephanie | 05/15/2012 at 08:54 PM
We just took a road trip from AZ to MO so it was 15 hours in the car each way...so a LOT of driving with a 4yr old and 5mo old! I brought a lot of books for me and the kids and the DVD player came in handy quite a bit too:) Other than that, my husband had a great time just sitting up front and talking while the kids slept. Kinda felt like a date...until one of them needed something;)
Posted by: Melissa @ Honeybee Vintage | 05/15/2012 at 09:05 PM
I do not know what has me drooling the most
1. the journal
2. the bag
3. the salt water sandals!
Beautiful as usual!
http://nateandabbyclark.blogspot.com/
Posted by: abby clark | 05/15/2012 at 09:15 PM
i'm dyinggggg for a road trip!
Posted by: jorjiapeach | 05/15/2012 at 11:11 PM
I adore road trips! But with littles... they can be less than enjoyable. All your picks here are lovely- I especially like the purse. And I'm thinking I may need some saltwaters.
Posted by: ruthie | 05/16/2012 at 07:16 AM
RUTHIE,
YOU DOOOOOO need some saltwaters!
Posted by: Rachel Denbow | 05/16/2012 at 08:44 AM
I'm itching for a road trip to visit my daughter and a basketful of friends in the Virginia area. (I live outside of Chicago.) I have a very old art journal I have never finished and you've inspired me to try to find it and see where I left off. Since I'm single, I'd be the driver and passenger so my list of carry-ons is small. I hope you can scratch your itch but remember to give yourself extra time so you can yell, "Pull over! I want to photograph that!" Then you don't have to use the iphone. I usually wind up regretting that I didn't allow an extra hour so I can pull over and not try to shoot something through the windshield.
Posted by: Deb | 05/16/2012 at 09:17 AM
Is need to come up with a checklist myself. I love road trips.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
Posted by: Rachel | 05/16/2012 at 09:19 AM
What a great list. I've got a road trip this Saturday from Denver to Clarksville(right outside of Nashville)...so a good 16hours in the car with my sister, 5yr old and 14mo old. I've just started packing and i think I'm going to bring my smash journal or art journal along to pass some time:)
Posted by: Tara | 05/16/2012 at 12:26 PM
Roadtrips are always the best. I always have at least 3 types of cameras (ha!), sunglasses and a tasty beverage, like raspberry lemonade or a frappucino!
Posted by: Kristin | 05/17/2012 at 01:37 AM
This post is great and you have an awesome blog!
http://www.afrenchinlosangeles.com/
Posted by: Constance | 05/17/2012 at 05:13 PM
Oh man, I'm pretty sure I need to order a pair of Saltwater sandals for an upcoming trip to the beach. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Emily | 05/18/2012 at 07:23 AM
Love this post and makes me want to head out on the road right away!
Posted by: Bri Kim | 05/22/2012 at 11:41 AM