It is almost inevitable that at some point in your life, you will find yourself on a road trip. Whether it is six hours or 16 hours, road trips seem to be a commonality in most people's lives. These trips can be the base of your favorite memories or the bane of your existence. Personally, I have found myself on both types of road trips. Through my many days road tripping back and forth from Colorado to Kansas, I have picked up a few tips that seem to help me make the most of my time on the road. So, here are my top five tips for making the best (or simply surviving) your road trip:
1. Good music is a must.
On my drive over the plains between Colorado and Kansas, I have found that good music is hard to come by. The only station that seems to be dependable is the classical orchestral music. Now don't get me wrong, I love me a little classical music. However, on hour seven in the car, it gets a little old. This is why it is so helpful to provide your own music for the trip. Whether that means having a playlist on your phone to pump through the aux cord, or going old school and burning road trip CD, music is an absolute must. And the best part? You get to sing along the whole time.
2. Sunflower seeds
This is a personal favorite for any and all road trips. When I find myself becoming sleepy and struggling to focus, sunflower seeds are my go to. Not only are they a tasty snack, but they keep your mouth moving, and subsequently, your mind, alert. Spitz Dill Pickle flavor is my go to when spending a substantial amount of time in the car.
3. GPS or map
Odds are if you are road tripping, the final destination is not a place you know like your hometown. Even if you do, it is inevitable to make a few stops along the way and run into territory you are not so comfortable navigating. This is where a GPS or map comes into the picture. Thankfully, the majority of us have a tiny little voice in our phones that happens to be very good at bossing us around and telling us where to go. As much as I would like to strangle my Siri sometimes, there are others where her direction guidance was greatly appreciated. Even if an electronic GPS is not an option, maps prove to be just as helpful. Having a tool such as these can keep you safe and out of trouble on long trips over the road.
4. Good sunglasses
Commonly overlooked, a good pair of sunglasses is a must have on road trips. There have been a few times I have found myself driving into the sun, struggling to keep my eyes on the road because I just happened to forget my sunglasses at home. Having a pair that you are comfortable in and offer ample protection from the light can act not only as a fashion statement but a safety precaution as well.
5. A good road trip partner
Obviously, the most important part of every road trip is someone to share the adventure with! Sometimes it may not be possible, but when it is, a good road tripping friend makes any trip easier. When I travel with my friends, time seems to fly so much faster and the trip itself is much more pleasant.
