In college we become more and more independent from our parents. Over breaks, it might seem more fun to go on vacation with your friends, but don’t neglect your parents. Because we are growing more independent, your parents feel less pressure to take care of you, and this means that you can have more fun than ever together. Sometimes it's challenging to re-get to know your parents at home because there are so many memories of your childhood there, and sometimes it's just more fun to take your parents out of their element and go on an adventure together.
Here are 10 reasons that next time you plan a trip, you should plan it with your pops.
1. You’ll learn things about each other you never knew.
Fun fact: my dad knows all the words to all the songs in Les Mis and is not shy about belting them out.
2. You’ll have conversations you never would have had otherwise. 
There’s something about being trapped in a little car together for hours on end that lets you talk about things you never would have before. I heard stories from his youth that I had never heard before, and told him a few more recent ones that I’m pretty sure he’s still trying to forget. You know you have his attention and time, so if there’s something you want to tell him this is the time.
3. He knows you. 
Your dad already gets it if you’re one of those people who is useless without coffee in the morning. He will know that you will definitely want to stop to see that cool waterfall that's just a 30 minute hike from the road. (See above photo for proof that it was 100 percent worth it.) He won’t be surprised if you want to go into every bookstore you pass, just because. He also knows if you should bring a sweater or wear more “sensible” shoes and will tell you so.
4. His “boring” interests might seem more interesting now. 
My dad loves churches. He thinks they’re beautiful, he’s a religious man and he enjoys strolling around with his hands behind his back “hmm”ing at different structures. If there is holy water at the back of the church, he will always cross himself with it. This used to drive me nuts. I thought all churches were the same and that he was the most boring person to want to be in a quiet, empty building that was basically the same as all the other ones we had just been in. However, after taking an art history class I was almost as eager as he was to dissect the different aspects of a church. I was even able to teach him a thing or two! It is amazing to share an interest and learn things from each other. There’s really nothing like it.
5. He appreciates the importance of good food.
I cannot emphasize this enough. I am so lucky that my dad appreciates both fine cuisine and good old grub. We savored one of the best meals I have ever eaten together, almost giddy on the fact that we were enjoying such inventive and artistic food. Conversely, we equally enjoyed the best fish and chips I’ve ever had on a picnic bench with a seagull insistently calling out to us. Another good thing? He will likely pay for your meals.
6. He might let you nap, fart, or put your bare feet up in the car.
My dad was very patient with me. It is a mark of how much he loves me that he didn’t leave me on the side of the road because I did all three of these things.
7. He understands when you’ve had enough.
Sure you’re on an adventure but travel is tiring. Sometimes all you want is to chill out and watch some TV. With all the wonderful conversation you’ve been having he understand if you just want to lay down, read that new book and not talk for a while. He doesn’t take it personally and (if he feels like it) might even take the opportunity to go do some exploring on his own.
8. You will laugh harder than you ever have. 
My dad is hilarious. There is always something to laugh about with him. We kept coming across warning signs for "Elderly people" on our road trip. Similar to the signs you see for deer or elk crossing, but instead they were for elderly people. My dad and I could not get enough of them and we laughed at every one we saw.
9. He’s prepared.
My dad knew our whole itinerary front to back, and even though we planned the trip together and I helped research hotels and such my dad was the real ringleader. Chances are, this isn’t his first road trip. He taught me so many tricks that will be useful for future trips I take when he's not there to look after me.
10. These memories will last a lifetime. 
Some friends come and go, but family is forever. My relationship with my dad is one that I care deeply about. Besides the fact that the road trip we went on was super fun, I know that these are memories we will share for the rest of our lives
