Summer's the perfect time to grab some friends and head off on an adventure to who knows where. Sometimes all you need to enjoy the freedom of summer is the windows down on a nice day with some James Taylor or Colbie Calliet blasting in the background. As you begin to think about your road trip, and all that it entails, take a few moments to stop to read my top pieces of advice to help make your trip a little more enjoyable, well at least in my experience.

1. Make sure you have a killer playlist

First things first, the music sets the tone for the entire trip. If you don't have a banging playlist to jam out to then your trip is going to be missing an integral part of the experience. I'd suggest taking a few days to compile some of your favorite tunes into a giant playlist. The more songs the better, no one wants to sit there and be like Marshall and Ted from "How I Met Your Mother" and be stuck listening to the same song a thousand and one times.

2. You have to have the right traveling partner

This one is pretty important, not because there is a "type" of person that is the perfect travel buddy, but because everyone wants the best possible experience when going on a road trip. That's only made possible when you travel with your closest friends or people you trust enough to go extended periods of time in a confined space with. My suggestion, don't stuff yourself in a car with someone you can't stand or merely tolerate for your friends benefit, but I'm sure you that wouldn't have been your first choice of travel companion.

3. The distance you travel doesn’t always matter

Whether you're traveling just over a hundred miles to go to the beach or you're going on a cross-country road trip it doesn't matter, all the same rules apply. If I'm honest it really is more about the journey than the distance you travel or the amount of time spent in the car.

4. The destination (mostly) doesn’t matter

Just as with distance, the destination isn't always the end all be all. Yes, it is pretty essential to have a destination in mind so you aren't aimlessly driving around with nowhere to go but enjoy the journey it takes to get there. Don't be in such a hurry to get where you're going that you miss out on the opportunity to stop and see the grilled cheese shaped like Elvis! It could lead to some rather interesting memories along the way.

5. Bring snacks!!!

If you plan on spending more than a few hours in the car snacks are a must. Everyone gets hungry every now and again, and it's easier to have snacks already prepared and ready than to have to get off at a random exit just so someone can grab a bag of chips and a coke from the nearest convenient store.

6. Bring a camera (that’s fully charged)

You have to be able to document the experience somehow, and an iPhone camera is only so great. Also, you probably need the phone for navigation purposes and don't want to fully drain the battery taking pictures of every little detail. A camera charged and ready to go is your best friend in situations like these.

7. Make spontaneous pit stops

As previously mentioned, stop and look at the freaking grilled cheese shaped like Elvis! When else are you going to get to see that? And trust me, you're going to regret not going to see the little things like that if you don't. Yes, it drags out your trip but in the end, the journey can be better than the actual destination.

8. Turn off the GPS and just drive for a few (hundred) miles

Enjoy the journey and let your instincts lead you for a bit. Maybe it takes you off course to somewhere out of the way, but it could lead to a great story. Don't let your trip get bogged down in the little details of where you have to be every second. Sometimes the best-laid plans are meant to be broken.

9. Or try using an actual map (yes, those still exist)

It never fails that whenever I try to go anywhere with my friend our GPS takes us somewhere further from where we intend to go. So for a few minutes stop being so reliant on technology and take out the old fashioned paper map and give it a try. Who knows it could be a fun experience!

10. Use a reliable car

All I'm gonna say is you don't want to head out on a multi-day road trip on a car that can barely make it down the road to Walmart. You've got to be able to reach your destination without having to stop for auto repairs every five miles.

11. Bring emergency cash money

Don't be the person who doesn't carry cash because their card is sufficient. Trust me, most banks don't understand the concept of a road trip so when you're stuck on the side of the road with no way to get gas because your card won't work you'll highly regret not stuffing some cash in the glove compartment.

12. Bring extras (of literally everything)

Trust me, you're going to hate it if halfway through your trip your charger breaks and you have absolutely no clue where you are going because your phone dies and that's your GPS for the trip. It may sound obvious, or like a mom tip, but it's one of those tips that everyone says but no one listens to. Just take it from someone who regrets it every single time, packing light is important but it is also important to be prepared for any situation.

13. Take back roads every chance you get

The highway is great and all, but there's nothing like the scenic views provided by the back roads. Also, there's less traffic so you can't complain there. This is coming from someone who lives in a place that has some of the most beautiful back road views this country has to offer. I promise you won't regret it at the end of the day because it doesn't matter how long it takes you to get there, it's the memories made that matter most.

14. Roll the windows down and just drive (unless it's raining of course).

Let your hair blow in the wind with the music blasting in the background, it may not be something you do the entire trip but do it for a few minutes at least. I promise, unless a bug flies in your mouth, it's almost guaranteed you smile while doing this.

15. Have fun!

If you go on a road trip and you don't have fun then you must not have followed some of the above tips and tricks. The main purpose, as said time and time again, is not always the destination but the journey itself. If you don't have fun while on your trip then it was all for nothing. So buckle up and let's go on a road trip.

Whether you actually take any of my advice or not, take the time to at least go for a road trip this summer. Whether it is a day trip to the beach or a week long excursion to who knows where. Everyone needs to take some time out of their schedule and go on an adventure when they can. The memories you make with your closest friends on trips like these last a lifetime, don't let the opportunity to go out and road trip go by without even a second thought. It may not be now or never, but it is now or maybe never. Enjoy and feel free to share your adventures with me, I love hearing about all the different places people go!