A road trip with friends can be a blessing or a curse. It comes out to be a roller coaster of emotions, but more than likely, you will have an amazing experience (as long as your end destination is somewhere warm). There are ways to make this experience the best it can be! Know the people you are driving with, as in, know what they are like in different situations. Also, bring things that will help make the experience the best it can be.
There are four different kinds of people to be prepared for:
1. The back seat driver
- Normally the most organized and plan oriented of the group (aka the stubborn one). She likes things her way, and she doesn’t like when people mess with her schedule.
2. The one with road rage
- The sleeper does not like this girl because she’s so loud while driving. Please calm down, not every car is out to get you.
3. The sleeper
- The only time this person will be awake is for food and if she absolutely has to drive. All other seconds of the drive she is passed out!
4. Girl with small bladder
- No one can ever drive for more than an hour because we have to stop for one girl to pee. The back seat driver is not a fan of this girl because she messes with the time schedule.
All of these combine for a very wild ride. The key here is to embrace your role! Know that this is you and let others know so that there are no surprises!
There are also so many positives to a road trip with your best friend:
- You learn so much more about each other
- You get to laugh and sing, and possibly dance (depending on car size)
- You are forced to solve driving and direction problems
What to bring to make this trip successful:
- Lots of food and snacks- everyone is happier when they are not hungry!
- Headphones- if you need to get away from the group, you can indulge in blocking them out.
- Your own selection of music- this is when the driver plays the weirdest music ever and you just can’t listen.
- Deodorant- So no one gets smelly!
- Caffeine- advised while driving to stay awake!
- Pillow and Blanket- So you can sleep.
- Ibuprofen- For any headache.
- Dramamine – To help with carsick riders.
- A smile!! – So you can have an amazing time!
I advise all best friends to take a road trip at least once in their lives because it really brings everyone closer. No matter how much you yell or get annoyed with one another, the experience as a whole is very rewarding. Just remember to not let stress or traffic ruin a trip or possibly a friendship! You are on your way to a special adventure together and the trip there is just part of the experience! Make the most of it!
