Scenting a summer road trip

road trip cheap honeysuckle
I’m heading out on the highway for a few days at the beach so I will be out of touch for a bit. My destination doesn’t offer much in the way of sniffing, so I’ll have to bring my own. But thinking of that long, often-monotonous drive, I wonder: What are the best scents for a summer road trip?

It needs to be a fragrance that works well in the enclosed space of a vehicle, is easygoing (for the passengers’ sakes) and makes you feel good – especially important if you’re the primary driver. And while we’re in vacation mode: What to pack in your purse or suitcase? Just in case you don’t have any good sniffing at your destination or you don’t find any souvenir scents along the way.

Now if I were going to a perfume-rich location such as London, Paris, NYC, L.A. or Chicago, I wouldn’t pack a thing and would roll through the city, happily testing scents with abandon as I went.

However, for my lovely, but perfume-pedestrian road trip, I’ve rounded up the refreshing Annick Goutal’s Hadrien and Aerin Lauder’s Mediterranean Honeysuckle for light and breezy drive time, and also Kai and Calyx for some fun and fruity island vibes.

I’m also planning to bring a dab of Carnal Flower for fancier dining one evening. Do you think it will be a bit too much in the 90-degree heat and humidity? So many of you say it really blooms then, but I’m a little bit timid. But I’ll wear it anyway.

Anyhoo, what are your best fragrances for a road trip or any kind of travel?

P.S. I’m also planning on taking another belly dancing class while I’m there, so maybe this time I’ll have a better handle on my shake and shimmy, AND might even be able to look in the mirror while I’m dancing, ha!

  • AnnieA says:

    I usually throw in a bunch of samples and decants and one usually becomes the winner. Last year it was Elixer des Merveilles and this year it was Heure Exquise.

  • Shay & Blue’s “Watermelon” is so fresh and juicy that it has the effect of making me feel clean, even if I’m salt and sand and, yes, sweat. I feel like it’s a perfect combo for open windows as you zoom crosscountry! I love your Hadrien rec, too! Have you tried Carner’s Costarela? Bergamot and saffron opener with a peppery amber drydown, but the heart is all ocean all the time.

  • HeidiC says:

    If you have a reason to wear Carnal Flower, you should always wear it! But your question about what to wear in a car is an interesting one — a scent you can enjoy without choking everyone. Maybe dab (not spritz) Songes or Dilettante? I also like Vero Profumo Rubj or Pamplelune in the summer in the car. Have a wonderful trip!

  • eldarwen22 says:

    I usually will pack one full bottle and 2 decants for a trip. If it will be hot where I am going, I will take Chanel no 19 or Kyoto or Zagorsk. My decants are usually vintage Bal and Sarrasins.

  • monika says:

    So funny! I live in South Florida, where it’s usually humid. The scents I wear the most are Kai for every day, and Carnal Flower for evening or special occasions. Even though CF is my favorite, I use it sparingly only because it’s so expensive. My other favorites in my perfume arsenal are Flowerhead and Blanche, of course both by Byredo. Then there’s always Chanel L’eau (that lasts all of 10 minutes on me!) or Eau Premier. Even though I’m out of the EdP at the moment, I still use Chanel No. 19 lotion for a little green pick me up now and then. Lovely fragrance, but I got bored with it. Safe driving and have fun!

  • Constance says:

    I love Portia’s suggestion of s coconut/jasmine/suntan scent- that’s a hole that is yet to be filled in my collection. And the Hermes Jardins are ALWAYS perfect for easygoing and light wear.
    For myself, I would pack Philosykos and maybe Eau de Mandarine Ambree.
    Oh! And Promenade des Anglais from Guerlain!

    I recently narrowed down (mentally) my perfume collection to the ten (okay, twelve) perfumes that are my favorites-VERY HARD. Would love it if you wanted to take a look and share your own!
    https://listmimsy.wordpress.com/2017/07/09/if-i-could-have-only-10-perfumes/

  • Portia says:

    Hey Ann,
    LOVE that you’re belly dancing. Are you taking something Amouage for that?
    I love the coconut/jasmine/suntan lotion vibe for summer driving so Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess, Keiko Mecheri Un jour d’Ete or Guerlain Lys Soleia are all top of my hit list. For refreshing Malle’s Geranium Pour Monsieur or Hermès Le Jardin de Monsieur Li.
    No matter what you wear have a safe and fun time.
    Portia xx