Summer Road Trip Essentials: What to Pack

What to Pack: Stilettos Road Trip Essentials

What’s summer without the quintessential  squeezing in every second possible basking in the sun road trip? For me, the big question used to be what to pack. I’m notorious for over packing. This left little room for others traveling in the same stylishly sleek yet lacking in trunk space vehicle.  Over the years I’ve narrowed down my road trip essentials to a few must have items. These may or may not be what the experts (aka Sneakers) would recommend but they are my go to items every time I hit the road.

1. Michael Kors Wallet Clutch & Iphone 4s.

I am very much a spontaneous let’s get up and go kind of girl. This ultimate duo is the first item I grab whether I’m off for a cross country trek down the coast for a multiday excursion or for a short jaunt to the local beach for a weekend getaway. The clutch holds my credit cards and ID while the Iphone does the rest. I have a horrible sense of direction. However, with the Iphone I can get turn by turn directions to the nearest gas station, restaurant, mall, anywhere my heart desires. It can also make reservations or provide reviews of the local attractions and events. Once there it even has a built in camera for those split second Kodak moments that you can share with friends and family back home. It not only keeps you instantly connected, it is also handy to jot down your thoughts and reviews in a notebook for later use.  The uses are endless. This is truly the one must have essential road trip item.

2. Sunscreen 50+

Supposedly any sunscreen protection above 30 really is unnecessary. However, nothing puts a damper on frolicking in the sun quicker than getting sunburned on the very first outing. As fashionable as the latest Pucci cover up may be, I still prefer the look of a sun kissed head to toe tan in my favorite bikini. For this fair complexioned ginger, I trust my skincare to Clarins Sunscreen Care Milk- Lotion Spray Spf 50+. It sprays on evenly and gives me the protection I need to enjoy hours and hours of mindless soaking in the rays.

3. Complete Beach Attire

 When meandering along the highway, I want to be prepared for anything from a spontaneous roadside dip into a waterfall to a casual dinner on the pier.  With a few key easy to maintain coordinating pieces, anyone can make a memorable entrance anywhere with style.  It all begins with the right bathing suit. I like a bikini that can serve duo purpose as swimwear or a top with the flirty skirt or shorts. Another must have is a dressy tunic that can also be dressed up or down with a quick switch of accessories. Tunics chosen in a light weight fabric are so versatile. They can be belted as a dress, rolled up as a pillow, used as a towel, or transformed with a few knots into an emergency beach bag.  Finish the look by slipping into your fav gladiators, throw on your oversized shades, and you’re ready to roll.

4. Beach Bag

As much as I love designer luggage it’s not always the most practical accessory when trying to travel light. With limited space choosing the right designer bag is crucial. For me, the perfect beach bag will serve as not only my luggage but as my purse for the duration of the trip. It must be functional and stylish yet roomy enough to hold all of my travel essentials. I like the fresh look of a straw bag with multiple compartments and of course a zipper on top to keep everything in place. This J.Crew straw beach bag fits my needs perfectly.

5. Cleo

My prissy puppy is by far my favorite travel essential.  She looks darling with windswept fur and is an awesome ice breaker in any given situation. Seriously, who doesn’t adore a precious puppy? Plus, what is a road trip without my best friends? After all, road trips are meant to be shared experiences with others to create memories to last a lifetime.

Tags: fashion, road trip, summer, travel, vacation, what to pack