// Summer Roadtrip Essentials

We're headed to Florida in just 3 days and I'm ecstatic! We're driving the RV (and towing the Jeep behind) so we'll be able to lounge around on the bed/couch while haulin' down the interstate. Just knowing that we won't be cramped up in one small SUV (like last year in my Xterra) makes me breathe a sweet sigh of relief! I've been trying to plan what I'll be packing, but let's be honest here - I'm a last minute kind of gal... I don't even have the first thing sorted out haha! Instead I just waste time making lists like this. It's all good! Here are my summer roadtrip essentials!

1 // Comfortable sunglasses

You know what I mean... the ones that sit lightly on your nose and don't make your face sweat. Haha I really love the shape of these, and tortoise is my far my favorite shade!

2 // Headphones!

It's inevitable that someone is going to want to listen to music you're just not into (this is especially true if you're traveling with family... which we are. Love you, Mom!). Sometimes it's nice to just quietly jam out by yourself. (I guess my family doesn't love female singer/songwriters as much as I do... heh)

3 // Comfortable dresses!

Maxi dresses are perfect for roadtrips. You still feel free and comfy, but you're also covered up. I like to put my feet up on the dash (totes dangerous, I know) but I don't want to flash all of the truck drivers we pass. Maxis are the best of both worlds, yea? This black and white number would be perfect with bright accessories! (Real talk: I picked up 4 lightweight, cotton sundresses at Walmart of all places the other day... $9! They're so comfortable and perfect for lounging by the pool or whatever. I love them!)

4 // Sandals

Saltwaters are the perfect example of a comfy Summer shoe! You might end up with some interesting tan lines, but at least you won't get blisters! (I really like that the leather is stretchy enough to just slip on rather than unbuckling 'em to wear!) #lazylyf

5 // Tote bag

An oversized tote bag is the perfect Summer bag! Toss in your beach blanket, sandy shoes, and a bottle of water. Pick up some fresh fruit from a roadside stand. Load it up with souvenirs from the boardwalk! Bonus points if it's loud and bright like this one!

6 // iPad + iPhone

Games, Netflix, and Spotify (hey #8!) are just a few reasons why these gadgets are the perfect roadtrip companions. You can also snap some quick on-the-road photos for your customized hashtag on Instagram! (Yeah, you know what I'm talking about!) You have to Instagram the crap out of your trip. otherwise it didn't happen, right?! ;)

7 // Disposable cameras

Mike and I are film photographers at heart and we love us some fancy photo lab processing... but disposable cameras have this raw, unfiltered feeling about them! Even the grainy, out of focus photos can be treasured memories. I love to purposefully alter the functionality of disposables in order to get cool effects. Plus it's neat to develop them after your trip and sort of relive all of the captured moments!

8 // Spotify!

Spotify is essential for any road trip! The $10 "Premium" account is worth every penny. That way your entire Library (and the entire Spotify database) is available on your phone/iPad in the car! No need to spend your pennies at iTunes!

9 // Scarves

Lightweight scarves are the perfect summer accessory because you can tie your hair up, wear it as a swimsuit coverup, use it as an impromptu pillow or blanket, or top off any casual outfit for a jaunt around town. Don't limit yourself to wearing scarves only in the wintertime!

10 // (Guilty Pleasure) Beverages

Gotta stay hydrated, right?! Roadtrips are a fun excuse to indulge just a little bit! My roadtrip indulgences are totally SunDrop and iced coffee! Mike prefers Red Bull (but I hate the smell so much! Can't be in the same car with it haha!)

11 // Truck stop blankets!

Am I the only person who really really loves the cheap truck stop blankets that you can get for like $6?! They're so cheap and usually really pretty! They make great beach/picnic blankets, too. And you don't have to feel guilty about ruining an expensive/sentimental quilt.

12 // Swimsuit

If you're headed to the beach or anywhere with a pool, a rad bathing suit is a must! I love this retro inspired two-piece! Sunbathing in style!

13 // Snacks!

Just like my guilty pleasure drinks, I've got my snack choices, too! Mike is all about the sour gummy worms, and I love me some Cheez-its!

14 // Trashy tabloids!

I usually limit my tabloid reading (err, buying) to three occasions: at the gym, on the road, or at the tattoo shop. I've had an Us Weekly subscription for nearly 2 years now and it's one of the only tabloids I don't feel guilty reading haha

15 // Cash moneyyyy!

Gotta have some cash on hand for the little roadside stands and mom-and-pop type shops you might run across. You don't want to miss the chance to pick up some local, fresh fruit or that uber tacky (but amazing!) souvenir at the truck stop.

I'd say that's a pretty comprehensive list of what I like to throw into my bags. How about you? Feel free to share some of your absolute, must have, summer roadtrip essentials in the comments below! You might help me remember something I forgot! xo