ten things // road trip essentials.

Ten Things is a series from Pretty & Fun's intern, Emily of Em La Jolie, that was started to give you ten pieces of advice each month - from travel to lifestyle to food. If you didn't catch her previous posts, check them out!

// image via kate spade new york
Summer is meant for exploring, and while taking a plane or train to your next destination is perfectly acceptable, there's nothing quite like setting out in your car for a highway adventure. From cross-country to weekend getaway, I've compiled a list of things you must bring with you for the car ride.

1. Playlist // It can be on an iPod, CD, or even a cassette tape if that's your style. Music helps keep you sane during long hours of driving, and acts as a permanent memory trigger after the trip is over.

2. Cooler Full of Ice // Staying hydrated (and maybe even caffeinated) for long hauls is so very important. Pack a small cooler - make sure it fits nicely in the backseat or somewhere easily accessible - with all of your favorite sodas, juices, lemonades and, of course, water bottles to avoid frequent stops due to dehydration.

3. Good Book // While you may be driving some of the way, hopefully you're not solo on this mission and will have some down time. Bringing a good read with you will help cut up the monotony of the highway - if you're like me and get carsick easily, pick up the book on tape and the whole car can enjoy the story!

4. Lotions & Potions // Being in a car for a long time can make you feel pretty gross. Baby wipes, lightly-scented lotions, deodorant, dry shampoo and hand sanitizer can help combat the I-feel-like-I-haven't-showered-in-days blues. Along with these woes, there is no grosser feeling than stale breath. Be sure to pack a fresh-flavored gum, mints and/or one-use toothbrushes to help stay refreshed while you're on the road.

5. Comfy Blanket // I can't even begin to describe the wonders that blankets can do while on a road trip. From keeping you warm to acting as a pillow to helping with back support for a tired driver, I never forget to pack one of these, simply because I never know when (or how) I'll need it next!

6. Snacks // I'm big on trail mixes, like this or these, because they pack nutrients while being (relatively) not messy and delicious. You can even make your own at home before you go! Another good alternative is protein shakes and bars, which don't take up much space in the car, but can certainly keep the "hangry" at bay.

7. Journal // With so much going on during this trip, in and out of the car, you'll want to remember every funny thing, story-worthy moment and "never again..." that you encounter. Bring along a small, cute journal to record your experience. My favorite picks are here (so many colors to pick from!) and here - I have a thing for journals with elastic bands so any mementos you insert stay put.

8. Maps // Since most of us use our phones to get around nowadays (thank you, Google maps), having a car phone charger on hand is the best way to stay out of trouble. But for those times when even a fully charged cell can't help you (i.e. you're in the middle of nowhere), keep an old-fashioned map in the glove box to avoid being totally helpless in an unfamiliar place.

9. Extra Bags // The bags you packed your stuff in are fine & dandy, but, depending on the type of travel, you may be moving things around, splitting stuff up, etc. It's always a good idea to pack a few extra, lightweight bags (dirty laundry, anyone?) to keep in case the ones you packed aren't cutting it. Think big totes, bucket bags and crossbody style - the more versatile, the better.

10. First Aid // Blisters, bumps and cuts, oh my! There will inevitably be at least one injury during your trip, so stock up on your First Aid accessories and make sure they're easily accessible for the ride. Aside from the typical band-aids and alcohol wipes, anti-histamine cream, Tide To-Go, Tums and my cure for everything, Burt's Bees Res-Q ointment, are good additions to be prepared for anything!

Do you have any fun summer road trips planned? What are some of your essentials when you're prepping for a trip?