Broke in college, but want to travel with your friends? A road trip just might be the perfect answer.
There are many steps that go into a successful road trip-you can't just pack up and start driving. Here is a short list of easy-to-follow steps to get you going.
1. Choose your Destination
It may be a specific place you've always wanted to go, or a certain state you want to explore. In my case, I had never been to the ocean, so we decided to drive South until we ran out of land. This led to a trip through Texas, where we made stops in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Mustang Island. Pick a destination, and see where the road will take you from there.
2. Pinterest is Your Best Friend
This is a picture I took at one of the state parks we went to. How did we find it? Pinterest! This little hike ended at a natural pool with a waterfall, complete with icicles. Yes, it gets icy in Texas too. Every little place we stopped, we found on Pinterest. This way, we could read what adventures others have embarked on in the same area, and what they liked the best. This is also a good way to find cheap or free places that not many others know of.
3. Tent or Hotel?
Camping is much cheaper, and more fun, especially if you already have access to the gear you need. We did, but unfortunately, a snow storm and low temps in Texas led to no camping for us. Make sure you check the weather weeks ahead, and keep checking to make sure temperatures will be high enough for camping. There are many places to camp at places like state parks, and these places are safe and wallet-friendly. If you choose to stay in hotels, many websites offer deals if you book ahead. You can also scout out the cheapest places with the best rating, and no bed bugs or creepy staff. I liked that I could read reviews for hotels ahead of time, and I ended up getting some great deals. Remember, always ask for a student discount!
4. Packing
Now that you have a destination, places to stop along the way, and a bed (or sleeping bag) to sleep in each night, now you need to do the most important thing: pack! I know you'll want to bring your entire closet, wear the cutest outfits for all the pictures you're bound to take, but what I learned quickly is that being comfortable is much more desirable than looking cute. I brought many cute outfits with me, but ended up wearing the one pair of leggings and two t-shirts I brought with much more than I had planned to. Layers are also important, especially if you're driving from a snow storm to sunshine and sandy beaches like I did. Pack as light as possible, you'll be thankful later when you have bags upon bags of things to unpack from the trip.
5. Budget
The most money you'll spend will be on food, gas, and lodging. It seems daunting, but you need to set a maximum amount of money that you're willing to spend, then subtract costs from there. Save money wherever possible; cheap but clean hotels, sack lunches, split meals (like the one above), and do your research on affordable but fun stops! Also, don't forget to set aside money for shopping, souvenirs and of course coffee. Yes, coffee is that important. Road tripping is exhausting, and you'll need fuel to keep you going and having fun! Make sure you have emergency money set aside, in case something happens to you or your car. Make sure you have a written plan with you at all times, and keep track of each dollar you spend along the way.
6. Document your Adventures!
Now, the fun part. Explore! Enjoy the adventure of getting to your final destination. Things will go wrong, you will get angry and frustrated, and tears may flow; but the important part is to document it all. Once you're back home, you'll look back on the good and bad times, and you will miss everything. Being able to be free and drive with your friends to a new place is such an amazing feeling. Take as many pictures as you can, especially when you finally reach that final destination (above is my first picture of the ocean). I got to experience the ocean for the first time, and I hope everyone gets to take a spontaneous road trip with a friend (or two, or three) someday, to a brand new place. It's an experience that I will never forget.
Safe (and affordable) travels!
