Many people cringe at the idea of long car rides. I, however, am one of the few people that will jump at the chance to get in a car and go somewhere, anywhere. I have always loved traveling. I keep a map of the United States in my wallet and color in each new state that I visit with the goal of visiting them all. In the seven months that I have been a student at Spring Hill College, I have colored in three additional states on my map and I am planning to color in two more states this May.

When I decided to go to a college 6 hours away from hometown of Decatur, GA, without a car of my own, I knew that I was in for a lot of car ride adventures. I have not been disappointed. I have made great friends that do not mind spending long periods of time with me in the car and for that, I am forever grateful. Car rides are the perfect setting for deep talks, loud music, and general contemplation of life. I enjoy every minute on the road, whether it is six hours to Mobile or 12 hours to St. Louis. Here are 16 thoughts that you probably have had at one point during a road trip, whether you were the car's driver or a passenger:

1. “I’m hungry, but I'm not hungry enough to eat McDonald’s ... yet.”

2. “I should really start counting the number of dead animals that I see.”

3. “I do not understand why people are concerned with deforestation, there seem to be plenty of trees to me."

4. “Wow, this is a really crappy road.”

5. “What are the odds that I would be murdered if I picked up that hitchhiker?"

6. “I really need coffee!”

7. “How much longer should I wait before I tell the driver that I have to pee?”

8. “This is the 10th time that they’ve played this song in an hour.”

9. “Shoot! I think that I forgot to pack _______!”

10. “How much longer?

11. “Please, don’t get in front of me and slow down.”

12. “I wonder what it’s like to be a truck driver.”

13. “That is a really pretty sunset.”

14. “Okay, now I think that I’m hungry enough to eat McDonald’s.”

15. “I wonder how long it would take me to walk this distance.”

16. “I am so blessed.”

Try to make the most out of road trips, even though they may not be the most enjoyable part of traveling. Road trips provide a great opportunity to grow closer to someone in the car with you, to sit and think, or to jam out to your favorite music. Never give up an opportunity to travel to a place that you have never seen before or even the opportunity to spend time with a friend or family member. Have fun, and most importantly, stay safe on the roads. Happy travels!