At some point in your life, you're going to end up having to drive or be driven for a long time. Whether it's a trip across the country or just across the state, make it a good one! It's not hard to make a 5, 7, or 10-hour trip more fun with a little preparation, a sense of adventure, and some awesome friends.
1. Look forward to your destination.
You don't necessarily have to know where you're going, but having a goal in mind is a good way to kick off the trip, even if your only goal is to have fun. If you aren't even a little bit excited, you aren't going to have a good time being in a car for hours on end.
2. Make your packing list in advance.
Know what you need to bring in advance so you don't over-pack and have no room for souvenirs or under-pack and realize you have to buy a toothbrush... And toothpaste... And underwear. One of your goals for the trip should be to not spend a crazy amount of money; forgetting the essentials won't help you with that.
3. Snack are the most important part.
Buy snacks that are easy to eat and that won't make a huge mess -- not as important if you're the passenger, but if you're the driver, you want something easy and mess-free. If you're fiddling with packages or hard-to-hold food, you're putting yourself and your passengers at risk.
4. Choose your navigator wisely.
Make sure your shotgun passenger knows how to read a map, or at the very least, won't get so distracted that they forget to actually give you the directions. A competent navigator is essential for a stress-free and safe trip!
5. Settle on music beforehand.
Your navigator often doubles as DJ for the majority of the trip, so either make a playlist, have similar taste in music, or agree on the kind of music you want to play beforehand. If your DJ decides to play nothing but country for your six-hour car ride, it could get a little annoying.
6. Play road games.
There are lots of games you can play while you're on the road. The license plate game, the alphabet game, yellow car, slug bug, I spy, or you can create your own. Do a little research before your trip and have fun with your friends! It will also help keep you and your passengers awake for longer. Quiet cars are boring and make it hard to stay focused!
7. Stop at scenic overlooks.
Chances are, the place you're driving through is prettier than you expect! Take some time to stretch your legs, snap some pictures, and enjoy the view! It will help break up the monotonous long stretches of driving and give you a chance to enjoy the scenery your passengers are getting.
8. Clean your car and get maintenance done beforehand.
Stop ignoring the "check engine" light on your dashboard and take your car in for regular maintenance. Nothing ruins a road trip (or puts you in danger) like getting stuck in an unfamiliar and possibly unpopulated highway! Take care of your car and clean it while you're at it. No one wants to sit with their feet buried in garbage.
9. Know where the traffic will be.
Be ready to get stuck in traffic somewhere along your trip. Don't get caught off guard and do a little research ahead of time. It can save you and your passengers some serious road rage!
10. Stop somewhere random or off track.
See a billboard for something crazy? Follow it! have a mini, unplanned adventure and make some memories that might end up being one of the highlights of your trip!
11. Pack GPS and phone chargers.
Running out of battery could mean losing your main form of communication if there's an emergency, not to mention music and directions, too! Keep a charger with multiple USB ports so everyone can charge their phones at the same time.
12. Find a funky souvenir and buy it.
Stop somewhere and buy the dorkiest little trinket you can find! If it's a good trip, you'll be able to look at the knick-knack for years to come and be reminded of the trip with a fond smile.
No matter what you do, make the road trip memorable and exciting. The journey is one of the most important elements of any trip. Don't take it for granted!
