The thing I love most about New England is its relative gloominess compared to the rest of the East Coast: cold, rocky beaches, vast pine forests, quiet, Sarah Dessen-esque seaside towns. (I also love the seafood, and the fact that you don’t feel guilty eating it for every meal when you’re here.)

Meanwhile, the thing I love most about road trips is the amount of agency you have behind the wheel. Sure, I’m talking about the ability to stop whenever you like, making it easier to explore the aforementioned nature, small towns, and seafood shacks at your leisure. But I’m also talking about the ability to pack whatever you want, so long as you can fit it into the trunk of your car.

Since we’re scaling down on air travel for a while, it’s nice to hit the road with the opportunity to focus on packing the little things I might otherwise leave behind, whether that’s a pair of too-chunky sandals, an extra hoodie, or more than 3.4 ounces of face wash.

3 New England seaside towns that are fun all year round →

1. M&Co Sky Umbrella

This trip was all about seeing the sunrise, but it certainly wasn’t sunny all the way through! My charming little friend here adds a little sunshine to the cloudiest of days.

2. A legion of black hoodies

Minimalism is controversial, but I pride myself on my all-black-and-white wardrobe. Fewer colors to coordinate = less time spent putting together looks = more time spent exploring! In other words, I’m justifying my ever-growing collection of black hoodies, which go with me everywhere (yes, even in summertime). 

To stay warm on chilly Northeastern beaches, I brought along my two current favorites: this super-soft one from We’re Not Really Strangers and another from ChilledCow (lo-fi hip hop beats forever). 

The ultimate beginner’s guide to planning a road trip →

3. Canon AE-1 film camera

Because no amount of digital editing will ever give you the excellent grain and haze a film camera can bring you naturally. The AE-1 is an older model, but they’re still pretty common and easy to find used on eBay or at local thrift stores. I’ve gone through about a million rolls of Kodak 35mm film this summer alone.

4. Doc Martens

I’m a long-time Docs devotee. For the colder months, my Jadon Max boots reign supreme; for summer, my Blair gladiator sandals go with me always.

5. Nike Orive running shoes

My Docs are stylish—but for days out hiking, camping, or being generally high-activity, my cushiony Nike sneakers are the go-to.

The founder of Camping Noire shares her best tips for first-time hikers →

6. Cera-Ve hydrating facial cleanser

My skin is as dry as the Sahara, and for some reason, travel always exacerbates that. This cleanser has helped me save face countless times and keeps my face baby soft.

7. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid serum

Diddo for hyaluronic acid. Wildly effective and inexpensive.

8. Göt2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray

Because my wigs don’t secure themselves.

9. Silk or satin pillowcase

My wigs also don’t protect themselves from damage! No matter what type you have (or where you’re sleeping, whether that be in a bed or a tent), a silk or satin pillowcase will be much kinder to your hair and skin. Try it now, thank me later.

10. Classic Yankees cap

Whenever I wear this hat with my Quay sunglasses, I feel less like I’m having a bad hair day and more like a fashionable celebrity trying to act low-key. 

11. Pseudo Labs Phreckles

I’m obsessed with freckles, and I recently discovered these faux freckles that have helped me live my dream. Just because I’m wearing a mask in public doesn’t mean I can’t feel cute underneath it (or take selfies before I leave the house)!

12. Reusable anime face masks

I liked these even before the pandemic hit, and in 2020, fun happened to meet utility.