Summer Travel Essentials for 2025
It has been a HOT summer so far with high humidity, so this year, I am looking in particular for my summer essential list are things that help keep you cool!
Neck Fan!
My first big travel find has been a neck fan! My daughter shared that she had heard about this cool invention. When we were at a tractor show in Effingham, Illinois a couple of weeks ago, we stopped in at one of our favorite restaurants, Niemergs, and I saw a woman walk in with a neck fan after just explaining it to Keith! I asked her how she liked it, and she said it worked well. I went on Amazon and picked a moderately priced one and ordered three. One was for me, the other for Keith and the third if a battery ran out. You just charge it, and it is ready to go!
Hat
Hats are a recurring theme in my summer travel essentials each year. I can’t be outside in the summer sun without a hat, and my Karen and Keith hat, which I love the name because my husband ‘s name is Keith, is one of my favorites. This hat helps keep me shielded from the bright sunlight. This brand seems to be available almost anywhere. I like this one because I can wear it with jean shorts to tractor shows, or with a sundress for a dressier occaison.
Titan Cooler By Artic Zone.
As I get ready to head to Southern Illinois on a trip hosted by Southernmost Illinois Tourism to try new dining options for the upcoming Unique Eats and Eateries of Illinois I am excited to try the Titan Cooler Tote by Artic. This will serve two purposes. One is to travel with drinks and food that need to be kept cool helping me stay healthy and hydrate. The other is a holder to carry extra food that we couldn’t finish until it can be refrigerated. With the Super-Foam insulation and leak proof lining, it is easy to use and keep clean. Made of a faux leather exterior, there are multiple compartments, and multiple ways to carry the cooler.
Backpack by WANDRD
I was excited to receive the PRVKE 18 Liter Backpack from WANDRED. They sent it to me to review. Like the Karen and Keith hat, what I like about this is the flexibility. It is great for loading an IPAD, paper, and information for an interview about a place, a person, or a product because I write for a variety of publications. This is great whether going to a field, or a restaurant. The backpack is durable and can also serve as a carryon to hold your essentials or it is perfect for an overnight trip. It can serve as a purse too with a side pocket with a key hook. It has a sleeve for an IPAD, and a pocket for an iPhone and more. There is also an accessory strap that will hook it to a suitcase when moving through an airport, or trekking to, or through a hotel.
Healthy eating.
Being diabetic, I am always looking for a healthy Snack like these Calhoun County peaches a young lady was selling this morning fresh off the farm.
A couple of years ago, Keith planted some black raspberries next to our propane tank. A while back he built a pergola, and the berries have taken off like wildfire. Over the last few days, we have had a bounty. Yesterday I put some of these beauties into banana bread. My mom introduced me to the Bisquick recipe and it is simple and good. Having access to fresh food to share with friends and family is a blessing. T
This is a healthy snack I am using to keep me hydrated on my short trips during the height of the summer heat.
Route 66 Guide
2026 is the 100th anniversary of Route 66. A lot of effort is going into celebrating the Mother Road that winds through Illinois from Chicago south! Doing an article about Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire for Senior News & Times for Illinois, I interviewed his brother Buz. He shared the book, Illinois Historic Route 66, a true treasure by David Wickline. I am going through it and finding new things to see and do! The book sells for $40.00 which is almost a steal considering how much information is available.
Books are a continuing storyline in my travel essential guides because I begin to shake when I don’t have a pile to read. I go through major (I need a book!) withdrawal. Besides writing books like my latest Farm Girl Adventures, and soon to be released, True Farm Girl Adventures from House of Honor press, I love to read them as well!
What are some of your go to summer essentials that you can’t travel without? Keep checking back because I will be adding more items as I find them!
