5 Essential Tips For The Best Road Trip

Growing up, road tripping was the de facto way of travel for my family. From summer vacations to the beach, to family reunions, and everything in between, if we went—it was a road trip. (In fact, I didn’t board my first flight until I was in college.)

Times have surely changed—for my family and likely most travelers—with the road trip being eclipsed by air travel as the more common way of travel. 

And then came a global pandemic that changed everything. 

Now, as many are preparing to travel this Summer and beyond, the road trip is taking center stage once again as a popular way to go and explore against the ongoing pandemic backdrop. 

If done right, road trips are travel goals for taking in more than a singular destination, going at your pace, soaking in scenic routes and attractions, and bonding with travel companions on another level. 

Here are my 5 tips for making your journey one to remember—for all the right reasons:

1. Know Thyself.

Your travel personality (get there already, stop & smell the roses along the way, or a mix of both) will be key for embarking on a road trip that feels like a joy vs. a cruel sentence. Knowing how you typically like to go and flow (with some flexibility built in for surprising yourself) will put you in a positive space for embracing the journey ahead.

2. What happens in the car—matters. 

One of my most memorable road trips growing up was one where we sang all of Whitney Houston’s new (at the time) album. I knew every song by heart by the time we were done. Talk about fun! So prepare your playlists (music, podcasts, audio books & such) to keep the good vibes in gear. 

3. Food, food and more food. Keep the “hangries” at bay with a good stash of stacks. A mix of healthy snacks (fresh fruits, nuts, popcorn, flavored waters) and indulgences (chips, jerky, cheese and crackers, sweet treats, etc.) can go a long way in between stops and fuller meals. And if you have kids, it's a non-negotiable for keeping everyone sane and satiated. :)

4. Prepare for a safe journey. 

Be sure to check your car, stash a first aid kit, extra gallons of water, chargers and more, before hitting the road. 

5. Add travel resources to your arsenal. 

Roadtrippers, AAA, and other road trip apps, are essentials for seamlessly planning the perfect getaway. 

I wish you a safe, healthy Summer and lots of...

Happy Traveling!

Photo Credit: Bon Traveler

The Holidays! {A Playlist}

Did anyone ever dare to celebrate the holiday season and make merry without music (errr, a playlist)? Well in case there's the remote chance that you haven't given the slightest thought to festive tunes, or would prefer a little help on this front, allow me to share a few of my favorites.

From classic, nostalgia-inducing songs, to soul-stirring renditions, to a hint of pop and old school hip-hop (no rhyme intended), this playlist has something for everyone's musical delight and is equally perfect for entertaining.

So here's to more merry, merry and happy, happy in your holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Link Love: Weekending

Photo Credit: Bon Appetit

It's the weekend!  There are few phrases that get as much acclaim and evoke more genuine excitement than this one does.  And beyond the obvious reasons of more time for ourselves, our families--our worlds (and things we love)--it's also the perfect excuse opportunity for food, fun and a bit 'o entertaining.  

This weekend will be an especially prime opportunity for said pleasures as we prepare to bid farewell to the Summer Olympics for another four years.  I'm sharing a few links from around the web to make your weekend something special whether you opt to go it alone or enjoy with others.

So here's to the weekend...and, as always, to Happy Eating!

Have fun with dessert and throw a BYOP (Bring Your Own Pie) Social! (bonappetit.com) 

Wind down (or up!) with some great tunes.  Create your own mix or sample Tory Burch's Summer Getaway Playlist for variety. (ToryBurch.com)

Sleep in--and afterwards enjoy a decadent brunch. (MarthaStewart.com)

Make a date for afternoon tea at a local hotel or tea parlor!

Link Love: The Valentine Edition

There's no dearth of Valentine's Day inspiration during this time of the year--and for good reason.  It's the one day when it's not only excusable--but expected--that we pull out all the stops for those who are special to us. 

I've happened upon my own batch of inspiration from around the web and want to share the love with you.  So here's to link love with a Valentine's twist!

1. A Valentine's Day Gift Guide (for The Food Freak in Your Life)

2. Recipes for Romance + More!

3. Valentine's Day Playlists

4. Date Night: Cooking Classes