Summer's just around the corner, and even amidst making time for future internships and summer jobs, this season is still one of the greatest chances we get for a little adventure, and that adventure doesn't necessarily have to include the usual going to the beach or hiking in the mountains. Adventure comes in many forms, and one of my favorites is road trips. It's the best chance you get to see the country and the people and attractions within it, but don't get me wrong. If there's one thing you need to know, it's that taking a road is going to take some planning.
1. Where are you going to go?
First thing's first, once you have a group of friends that is, you have to figure out where you want to go. My friends and I have been planning the ultimate road trip for the summer after we graduate from college, but it hasn't been a recent idea. No, we've been planning since the summer after we graduated high school. It's going to be a road trip years in the making, but the first thing we had to do was figure out just exactly what it was we wanted to do.
What do you want to see? Where do you want to travel? The Grand Canyon, San Francisco, maybe both? Make a list of all your potential destinations, and don't worry about it changing, just try to get your thoughts down, you can always go back and add in some stops later.
2. Break out the maps.
Next, you have to make a game plan, and by that, I mean you might have to dust off a good ole fashioned map and mark out just how you plan on making it from one end of the country to the other. If it sounds tedious, it's because it is, but don't let that deter you from the adventure of a lifetime.
3. It's time to figure out the logistics.
Once you have a general idea of where exactly this trip is going to take you, it's time to start figuring out the logistics. This includes transportation. Basically, whose car do you plan on taking, and where do you plan to stay? Are there any hotels along your routes? Are you going to camp out on a few campgrounds? Just to let you know, there's KOA campgrounds basically everywhere in the country, and they're definitely a cheaper alternative.
You also need to figure out what all you're going to take. How are you going to pack all of the things you'll want to wear and bring? If you stay at a campground, are you going to need a tent and a sleeping bag? Start making a running list of all the things you're going to NEED to take with you, and all the things you're going to WANT to take with you.
4. Money, money, and then a little more money.
Lastly, and arguably as important as planning the trip itself, you're going to have to save up some money for it. This is another reason why a little advanced planning is a good thing. If you plan on going anywhere, you're going to have to pay for it. So figure out how much it's going to cost you, from gas money to the cups of coffee you'll stop to get in the mornings on the road. Once you know how much you think you'll need, start saving up that plus some. It'll definitely be worth it.
It might sound like a lot of work, but nothing good comes without a little effort being put into it, and if you follow these steps, then you'll be more than prepared to go on the adventure of a lifetime.