11 minute read

HIT THE ROAD HYGGE STYLE

COZY COMFORT FOR YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURE

Ah, the sweet scent of summer is in the air, and that can only mean one thing—it's road trip season! As the days grow longer and the wanderlust sets in, there's no better way to make unforgettable memories than embarking on a summer road trip with your loved ones. This year, take it up a notch and infuse your journey with the delightful Danish concept of Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) by creating a cozy and joyful atmosphere as you explore the great outdoors, visit charming towns, revel in bonfires, and indulge in stargazing.

Buckle up and let the cozy adventure begin!

BEFORE YOU ZOOM OFF INTO THE SUNSET, MAKE SURE YOU'RE FULLY PREPARED FOR MAXIMUM COZINESS: Pack those soft blankets, fluffy pillows, lanterns, and twinkle-twinkle fairy lights. And what's a road trip without your favourite books, magazines, or crafts? Tie-dyeing anyone? Plus, you absolutely can't leave behind the fantastic games from the Hygge Games company. Add some camping-themed games to the mix to spice things up! Charades, karaoke, or even a good old scavenger hunt will make this trip the stuff of legends.

NOW, LET'S TALK ABOUT ACCOMMODATIONS: Traditional camping or glamping is the way to go if you want to get up close and personal with nature without sacrificing comfort. Imagine setting up your cozy nest in a tent, complete with a hammock between two trees, fairy lights casting a magical glow, and enough blankets and pillows to rival a marshmallow kingdom! But hey, if roughing it out in a tent isn't your thing, fear not! You can always opt for an RV, Airstream, or even a Boler, fancier accommodations that bring the luxuries of home to the great outdoors. And let's not forget the charm of quaint Bed & Breakfasts, where cozy vibes and warm hospitality await.

AH, COOKING AROUND THE CAMPFIRE —THE HEART AND SOUL OF ANY ROAD TRIP: Let the warmth of the crackling fire embrace you. It's time for good old-fashioned storytelling, culinary adventures, and pure hygge bliss. But remember, let's keep things simple when it comes to cooking. No need to stress over complicated recipes! Pack some charcuterie-style snacks, fresh fruits, veggies, and trail mix in a cooler, and you're good to go. And don't forget the essentials for the ultimate campfire treat—grilled kabobs and gooey, melt-in-your-mouth s'mores! Toast those marshmallows to perfection, sandwich them between graham crackers and chocolate, and take a bite of pure gooey bliss. Oh, and be sure to bring the ingredients for Snobrød (traditional Danish Bonfire Bread) because nothing says hygge like baking bread over an open flame. And, of course, don't forget your trusty French press and your favourite mug for that heavenly cup of coffee or tea. Picture yourself sipping your favourite brew while the sun rises, casting a golden glow over the beautiful outdoors.

LET’S TURN OUR EYES TO THE SKY:

It's time for a celestial symphony of stargazing. Far away from the city lights, the summer nights become a mesmerizing canvas of twinkling stars. Spread out a cozy blanket, lie back, and let your imagination run wild as you spot constellations and make wishes upon shooting stars. And for the lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis!

WE CAN'T FORGET ABOUT EXPLORING CHARMING LITTLE TOWNS ALONG THE WAY: These hidden gems are full of delightful surprises, mouthwatering food, and local crafts that will make your heart skip a beat. Roll down those windows, play your favourite tunes, and cruise through cobbled streets lined with quirky boutiques. Indulge in homemade ice cream at the local parlour or simply sit on a park bench and soak in the delightful ambiance.

AS YOU JOURNEY, EMBRACE THE TRUE ESSENCE OF A ROAD TRIP—UNPLUGGED QUALITY TIME: Put away those smartphones and immerse yourself in old-fashioned fun. Sing along to catchy tunes, play car games that have you laughing uncontrollably, or engage in storytelling sessions that transport you to faraway lands. Discover scenic spots along your journey— riversides, meadows, or lakeshores, where you can lay out a cozy blanket and enjoy a leisurely picnic. As you savour delicious bites, surrounded by nature's beauty, let laughter and unhurried conversations fill the air.

DISCOVER SCENIC SPOTS ALONG YOUR JOURNEY –RIVERSIDES, MEADOWS, OR LAKESHORES, WHERE YOU CAN LAY OUT A COZY BLANKET AND ENJOY A LEISURELY PICNIC.

NOW, HERE'S A SECRET INGREDIENT FOR YOUR ROAD TRIP: SERENDIPITY! While having a plan is great, don't be afraid to embrace the unexpected. Take detours to explore intriguing landmarks, follow road signs to quirky roadside attractions, or simply go wherever your curiosity leads you. Some of the most unforgettable and lighthearted moments happen when we let go of strict itineraries and allow serendipity to guide us. So, go ahead, take that spontaneous turn, and let the road surprise you with its delightful wonders.

AND WHEN WANDERLUST CALLS AGAIN, DON'T HESITATE TO PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE: The world is filled with endless possibilities, waiting to be explored and experienced with a lighthearted and playful spirit. Whether it's another road trip or a different form of travel, let your curiosity guide you and create more joyful memories along the way.

So, fellow hygge road trippers, let's celebrate the joy of the open road, the thrill of new discoveries, and the cozy moments that bring us closer together. It's time to hit the road and create a symphony of laughter, coziness, and unforgettable moments. Let the hygge begin!

YOUR HYGGE ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST

1. SNAP THE SURPRISE

Embrace the nostalgia and grab a quirky disposable camera to capture your road trip moments. Challenge yourself to resist using your phone and eagerly await the developed photos for a delightful surprise reveal.

2. HYGGE-INSPIRED ADVENTURE KIT

Curate a whimsical summer fun kit filled with surprises. Include a special herbal tea blend, a nature journal for sketching or jotting down memories, an audiobook or podcast to spark your imagination, a snuggly blanket, and a few candles (just don't light them in the tent!).

3. COZY WONDER PICNIC

Pack a basket brimming with plush blankets, fluffy pillows, and an assortment of your favourite snacks. Seek out idyllic spots by the roadside, near babbling streams, or amidst picturesque flower fields for a relaxing and hyggelig picnic experience.

4. ROAD TRIP TALES

Dive into captivating audiobooks or podcasts that delight all travel companions. Choose thrilling stories, comedy shows, or engaging interviews that keep everyone entertained and eagerly listening.

5. PLAYFUL ROADSIDE FUN

Unleash the joy with a deck of quirky cards or an offbeat road trip game. Take a break from driving and let the laughter and friendly competition bind your travel companions even closer.

6. THE SERENDIPITY DETOUR

Keep an eye out for intriguing signs beckoning from the roadside and embark on spontaneous detours. Uncover hidden gems and unexpected wonders that add a touch of magic and unforgettable moments to your adventure.

7. ZENFUL ESCAPES

Begin each day by embracing mindfulness. Find tranquillity with morning meditation or gentle yoga amidst nature's embrace. Let the rustle of leaves and birdsong become your enchanting soundtrack.

8. NATURE'S SYMPHONY

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings. Whether it's the rhythmic crash of ocean waves or the majestic views of mountain peaks, allow nature's symphony to rejuvenate your senses and evoke awe-inspiring moments.

9. TASTE THE LOCALE

Embark on a culinary exploration by visiting local farmer's markets or roadside stands. Embrace the freshest produce and craft a scrumptious meal. Additionally, seek out local eateries to savour new flavours, a gateway to experiencing diverse cultures.

10. LITERARY ADVENTURES

Make a detour to a charming local bookstore and handpick a captivating book to accompany your journey. Indulge in the pleasure of reading before bedtime, unravelling fascinating stories, and uncovering hidden tales that weave with the places you visit.

ESSENTIALS FOR THE ACTIVE, CONSCIOUS WANDERER

CEDAR & VINE LINEN SHIRT & TAPERED TROUSERS

Ah, linen, how do we love thee? You get softer with age, and we never have to pull out an iron since your natural creases give our clothing its relaxed charm.

Cedar & Vine is a brand that knows linen, with a collection of stylish pieces, including dresses, tops, pants, and jumpsuits. Their designs have a minimalist aesthetic, with clean lines and a relaxed fit, making them suitable for both casual and more formal occasions. We love their Linen Shirt and Tapered Trousers, available in a range of cozy hues from oatmeal to terracotta to slate.

As a women-led team of makers, they know that finding clothing that fits isn’t as simple as picking a number on a size chart, so they offer customization at no extra cost. This made-for-you approach gives you the freedom to alter pieces, whether you want a little more room in the hips or a higher rise.

Cedar & Vine prioritizes sustainability and ethical production practices, ensuring their clothing is made with high-quality materials and produced under fair working conditions. Their goal? Hearing you say, “I live in this.”

Shop cedarandvine.net

This lightweight and compact camping chair is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who value comfort and convenience. Weighing in at only 1.1 pounds, it is one of the lightest portable chairs on the market. Despite its featherlight construction, it offers impressive durability and stability, capable of supporting up to 265 pounds.

The Chair Zero features a minimalist design and utilizes Helinox's proprietary aluminum alloy frame. Setup is fast and easy, as the chair quickly unfolds and locks into place, providing a comfortable and surprisingly ergonomic seating position. The seat is made from a durable and breathable ripstop polyester fabric.

When not in use, the Chair Zero packs down into a small stuff sack which can be stored in a backpack, carried in a gear bag, or attached to the outside of a pack using the integrated strap.

Whether you're embarking on a backpacking trip, camping adventure, or need a portable chair when it’s BYOC, the Helinox Chair Zero is your reliable and lightweight best bet.

Shop helinox.com

Specializing in comfortable and supportive undergarments and activewear for women, Knix’ mission is to make women feel more comfortable in their own skin. Their products are designed with innovative features like moisture-wicking fabrics and leakproof technology, allowing women to feel confident and comfortable in their everyday lives and during physical activity.

Going braless has never felt better than in their one-of-a-kind tank, featuring the wire-free, built-in support and luxurious feel of their LuxeLift Technology. It has a sleek and seamless design that contours to the body, providing a comfortable and secure fit. The tank is made from a soft and breathable fabric blend that wicks away moisture and offers support for cup sizes A to G.

The Leakproof Skort is a game-changer, combining the comfort of a skirt with the protection of leakproof underwear. Made with a moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric, the skort is perfect for getting sweaty or just taking a stroll. It also features hidden pockets for carrying essentials like keys and a phone.

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Designed in Vancouver, Canada, this incredibly comfy oversized linen button down shirt sits below the bum and is super flattering with an intentionally washed look. It’s fast drying—great for humidity and sweaty days—and feels light and breathable against the skin.

You can leave the sleeves down or roll them up, and wear it tucked in, untucked, unbuttoned, half buttoned, buttoned all the way up, or under a sweater, so it’s perfect for casual outings, casual offices, weekend getaways, as a beach cover up, and so much more.

Founded by two former Lululemon execs, Left on Friday is widely known for their swimsuits and sponsor Team Canada’s Women’s Beach Volleyball team. The brand has a sophisticated yet relaxed aesthetic, with a collection of pieces that can seamlessly transition from casual to more formal occasions, making it a go-to choice for those seeking fashion-forward and responsible clothing options.

As for the button down, maybe get two, since you will want to wear this every day.

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Miik is a Canadian clothing brand that specializes in sustainable and ethically-made clothing. Their Lisa2 "smoothwear" legging is a standout piece in their collection, featuring a wildly popular 4" waistband that can be folded over at the hip or worn high-waisted for an ultra comfortable, flattering control top.

These opaque leggings will not lose their shape or fade, and they feel fantastic against your skin with minimal stitching. In addition to being exceptionally comfortable, these leggings are versatile and can be dressed up or down for a seamless transition from day to night. They are available in both regular and capri lengths in black and navy.

Miik's commitment to sustainable practices and ethical manufacturing is evident. They custom mill their fabrics from sustainably-sourced fibres to be buttery soft, breathable, and feature 4-way stretch—no stiff, restrictive, scratchy clothing here! The High Waisted Legging embodies Miik's dedication to creating fashionable, eco-conscious clothing options that allows women to look and feel their best.

Shop miik.ca

Based in Israel, Ripple Yoga Wear has a clear vision: to design and create clothing from earth (and body) friendly materials that enable optimal movement.

Whether worn for yoga, to the market, or just lounging around, their Slouchy Capri Pants are crafted from a bio-based, oh-so-soft modal fabric made from the bark of the beech tree. They are comfy and breathable with deep pockets, a wide waistband, and leg cuffs to pull up or down.

Paired with the Slouchy Capri Pants, Ripple’s Lounge Kimono Cardigan completes a chic and effortless look. This lightweight cardigan is designed with a relaxed fit and a flattering drape, making it an ideal layering piece that exudes a sense of laid-back sophistication.

Ripple believes comfort is more than simply being comfortable, it's about the ease of mind and body that comes when all your needs are met, and they hope that how you feel in what you wear will ripple through to other places in your life.

Shop rippleyogawear.com

Ruffwear is all about high-performance gear for dogs, offering durable and functional products that enhance the outdoor adventures of our furry friends.

Their Bivy™ Collapsible Dog Bowl is a portable and lightweight solution for providing food and water to pups on the go. Made from a rugged and waterresistant fabric, this bowl is built to withstand the outdoors. Engineered to have structure while expanded, the collapsible flat-pack design and welded fabric loop make it easy to carry along in a backpack or attach to gear when you’re ready to go.

Featuring a stable base, non-slip bottom, and a capacity of 1.8 litres, the bowl is suitable for both small and large dogs. It has a wide opening, making it easy to pour water and allowing dogs to comfortably drink. The bowl is not only practical but also super light, easy to clean, and quick-drying, with reflective trim for visibility (a surprisingly awesome feature in low-light!).

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YETI is renowned for its durable and high-performance outdoor products, and their Rambler line is no slouch.

The Rambler One Gallon Jug is designed for outdoor adventures or long trips. It features double-wall vacuum insulation and a sturdy stainless steel construction. With its large capacity, this jug offers up almost 24 hours' worth of water to follow you from the gym to the ranch and back home.

YETI's 14 oz and 24 oz Rambler Mugs are designed for everyday use and are equally suitable for outdoor activities. Constructed with kitchen-grade 18/8 stainless steel, these mugs are incredibly durable and resistant to rust and punctures. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold, while the welded handle means a firm grip. The mugs feature a clear, dishwasher-safe lid that prevents splashes.

YETI's Rambler products are renowned for their ruggedness and ability to withstand the toughest conditions. The gorgeous High Desert Clay colour line you see here is a limited edition so get ‘em before they’re gone!

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Committed to innovation, Solight Design is paving the way for beautifully designed and energy-efficient lighting solutions. Their solar lanterns are crafted using lightweight, flexible, and recyclable materials. The lanterns feature builtin solar panels that harness the power of the sun, converting it into clean, renewable energy, making them ideal for off-grid adventures, camping trips, or emergency situations.

Solight Design's solar lanterns are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. They come in various designs, providing ambient lighting that adds a touch of style to any space. The lanterns are collapsible and compact, allowing for easy storage and portability when not in use.

Through their "Give a Light" initiative, Solight Design donates lanterns to communities in need during times of natural disaster and war, providing safe and sustainable lighting solutions to those without access to electricity. These solar lanterns not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also contribute to positive social change, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious folks looking for reliable and environmentally-friendly lighting solutions.

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