2,700 miles, 7 states, 9 cities, 4 people, 2 weeks, 1 van, and a new outlook on life. There’s nothing quite like a family road trip to test to your patience and tolerance. I’m not talking about the quick plane ride to an exotic destination to spend some quality family time. I’m talking about the grueling 15 hour car rides with interim bathroom and food breaks, construction, traffic, bad weather, lots of mountains to drive through, sun poisoning, a torrential downpour while zip lining, a few really crappy hotel choices, and some massive temper flare-ups. Yet I learned more about myself in those weeks than I had in a long time, I uncovered some of the most glorious landscapes I have ever experienced, and was overcome by peace that I didn’t know existed.

There’s something magnificent about hiking up a mountain and being met by a massive waterfall that dwarfs everything here in the plains of Illinois. The immense nature mixed with pure elegance and grace was so captivating, I didn’t think I would ever leave. All my life, I’ve been surrounded by fields. I don’t want to take away from the fun that can be had among stalks of corn; however, it doesn’t even come close to the beauty that standing atop a mountain does. Something as simple as the clouds rolling in while the sun sets is a wonder in its own right. Sometimes it only requires shifting your perspective to finally realize the beauty that actually surrounds us.

Although this trip had some unforgettable moments, there are a few things I would definitely do differently. Here is a must-have travel list that I wish I would have known prior to leaving for our excursion:

1. Go with people you work well with.

I learned that I cannot go on road trips with my family. Don’t get me wrong, I adore them all, but our personalities clash like no other. Travel with people that coexist peacefully.

2. Make sure you take a vehicle with plenty of room

There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a car for hours packed in like a bunch of sardines. If you can’t make it 3 hours without getting a leg cramp, it probably shouldn’t be your method of transportation.

3. Make some good playlists

Whether you’re into '80s rock, country, or the Top 40, make sure you bring plenty of tunes to make the ride fly by.

4. Pack sunscreen

And actually USE IT. Sun poisoning is no joke and neither is skin cancer. Nothing ruins a trip like not being able to dress yourself.

5. Bring anti-itch cream

If you decide to become one with wilderness, I applaud you. But make sure you're not in torturous discomfort after your journeys are over and your body is covered in mosquito bites. It isn’t fun.

6. Understand that the GPS is your friend

Finding alternate routes and going through strange little towns can be fun, but only if you make sure not to get lost and strand yourself there. Don’t be the inspiration for the next horror film.

7. Bring a camera

No, I don’t mean your phone. Phones are distracting and the cameras aren’t usually that good. Take it back to those good old days with a camera to keep track of all the sights you experienced, but don’t get too caught up in keeping your eye behind the lens. You’re going to want to look back at all the places you visited and have memories attached to them too.

8. Make (some of) your own meals

Eating out every single meal gets real old, real fast. Not only is it bad for your health, but it wastes a lot of extra money that you could be using on better things - zip lining, sky diving, or even gas to go the extra 500 miles.

9. Use proper rules of the road

No one likes that guy that drives slow in the left lane, can’t keep a consistent speed, or refuses to use his turn signal. Keep in mind that there are other people trying to stay safe, so learn what a cruise control does and don’t be an jerk.

10. Be willing to experience sights beyond your wildest dreams

This is your time to soak up everything around you. Whether you’re going to cities and experiencing the man-made skyscrapers that tower overhead, or if you’re touring the vast landscapes of the countryside, remember that everything has a history and you have now become apart of it.

Many people get the chance to travel the world, but what about the wonders that are right outside your back door? Pack a swimsuit, your hiking shoes, lots of sunscreen, and plenty of food. Figure out what it is you crave and go find it.

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that you can have if only we seek the world with our eyes open.” – Jawaharlal Nehru