15 Road Trip Aesthetic Ideas for Your Next Adventure
Road trips aren’t just a means to get from A to B; they’re a vibe, a feeling, a mood.
Some of my earliest memories of road trips are feeling like I had produced a proper aesthetic — my playlists were fresh, my snacks looked straight off of Pinterest, and each stop was an event.
It is the reason behind how I began to travel that left the journey just as memorable as the destination.
So in this guide, I’m sharing 15 ideas to inspire your own road trip aesthetic.
Whether it’s about getting Instagrammable shots or simply amplifying the magic of your trip, here are some ideas that will send your adventure into the stratosphere.
1. Vintage Maps as a Theme
Put Google Maps on pause and go old school with a fold-out vintage map.
Not only does it set a nostalgic tone for your trip, but it’s also delightful to fill in spots with a pen as you drive. Spread it on your car’s hood for some killer shots.
I’ve framed maps from former trips as keepsakes, and they always serve as reminders of the adventures to which they choreographed.
2. Polaroid Cameras: to Capture Memories Instantly
What you’ll do: Put your phone camera aside for a bit, have a Polaroid camera to capture moments.
The soft tones and distinct texture of instant prints can be nostalgic for travel. Hang them in your car or slip them into your travel journal.
I still have a Polaroid of a roadside diner from a trip years back — it feels like more of a keepsake than any digital photo I’ve ever taken.
3. Snug Blankets and Car Pillows
Furnish your backseat with loads of soft blankets and cushions to turn it into a cozy little nook.
For that Instagrammable look, stick to muted colors or earthy shades. Bonus: They’re great for picnics or stargazing, too.
During one trip, we laid out a blanket in a field of sunflowers, and simply took in the view — it was the best part of the day.
4. Mason Jars for Your Snacks & Drinks
Instead of those boring snack bags, fill mason jars with goodies.
Add layers of granola, fruits, and even candy for a colorful, aesthetic look in your jars. For a little more style, add iced coffee or lemonade in jars.
It’s such an easy thing to change, but it turned every snack break into a little event on my travels.
5. Handmade Road Trip Playlist
Nationality and identity Julie’s playlist tones up the entire trip.
Aim for a mix of nostalgic tracks, road trip classics and indie tunes. You may want to name the playlist after your trip, which can keep the memory lingering long after the trip is over.
I once created a playlist of my favorite ‘80s songs, and now whenever I hear those songs again, I’m immediately transported back to shadowy mountain roads.
6. Themed Outfits for Each Day
Coordinate clothing styles to create a vibe for your trip.
Think flowy frocks for desert trips or oversized flannels for forest adventures. A planned outfit not only looks nice; it sets the vibe as well.
On one road trip I adhered to a boho-style dress and hats, which made every photo feel like a spread in a magazine.
7. Fairy Lights For Evening Halts
Fairy lights make any stop feel magical instantly.
Drape them over your car, hang them in trees, or stick them in jars for a warm, cozy glow. They’re great for campsites or evening breaks.
I once used fairy lights at sunset on a picnic by a lake — it transformed a simple moment into a spectacular one.
8. A Journal or Scrapbook
Keep a journal or scrapbook to document your trip in real time.
Write down funny things that happened, paste in ticket stubs or draw a memorable view. It’s a hands-on way of keeping your memories alive.
I have a scrapbook from a road trip I took decades ago and it’s one of my biggest treasures — to me, it’s a time capsule of that trip.
9. Roadside Diner Stops
Avoid the chain restaurants and visit classic roadside diners.
The neon signs, old-timey interiors and grubby food imbue your trip with a vintage charm. Not to mention they photograph well.
And I recall a little diner in Arizona that had milkshakes as good as the stories the locals told.
10. Mood Lighting in the Car
Place LED strips or battery-powered string lights inside your car.
They allow you to choose warm tones or fun colors to help create an atmosphere while on night drives. It makes the car feel like a miniature oasis.
Drive-ins under the stars and soft lighting in the car made one of my journeys feel cinematic.
11. Books or Magazines for the Vibe
Pack a few travel-themed reads or magazines.
In addition to looking great in photos, many can provide entertainment during long stops or lazy afternoons.
During one journey, I read Jack Kerouac’s On the Road and felt it was the perfect companion for my odyssey.
12. Creative Roadside Photoshoots
Use gas stations, motels, or even open highways as your photo backdrops.
Experiment with angles, props and natural light to take creative shots. The most unassuming places can be iconic.
One of my favorite photos was taken outside of a colorful gas station in New Mexico—it’s a whole vibe.
13. Reusable water bottles and eco-gear
Pack reusable bottles, bamboo utensils and cloth bags.
Not only is it great for the environment, but it looks good to have in your kit too! Seek pieces in rich hues or sleek shapes.
It was nice to know my trip was somewhat gentler on the planet, while still keeping things aesthetic.
14. Picnic Stops with a View
Fill the picnic basket with what you need and pull over somewhere beautiful.
Stick with the classics with a checkered blanket, cheese, and fruit for an effortlessly chic vibe.
The view from one of my favorite stops, on a cliff overlooking the ocean, was as unforgettable as the food.
15. Notes or Postcards That Are Handwritten
Pack postcards or stationery for sending notes to family and friends.
Document your journey, or write little notes to yourself to read later. It’s an intimate and considered detail.
I’ve saved postcards from trips with tiny notes about the day, sort of like reading a journal entry from your past self.
