My summer vacations are not complete without a couple road trips. In my opinion all a trip has to do to be considered a road trip is it has to be a long enough car ride that your butt hurts at the end of it and you have got a least one good story out of it. I've found most road trips last at least two days but it really depends on your preference. Different Road trips call for different things but i've compiled a list of essentials that every road trip is not complete without.
1. A Final Destination
Your destination can be anywhere. I know it is cliche but sometimes it is not really the destination that really matters in the end, it is the journey. As long as you have fun along the way that is what is important.
2. A Playlist
Spotify is great for this or if you want you can even make a mixed CD to play. Music is key on road trips because it keeps everyone lively and keeps everyone in a good mood.
3. Snacks
On some of those back roads there will not be any where to stop for food, so snacks are essential to have the in car. Something easy and fast to eat is the best choice. I usually go with granola bars or those little snack packs you used to get in your lunchbox at school.
4. A Trustworthy GPS
A GPS is pretty much the most important thing in my opinion. A lot of cars nowadays have them built in but if your car doesn't, make sure you've got one either on your phone or one of the ones you can attach to your dashboard. Getting completely lost is no fun, trust me.
5. A McDonalds / Starbucks Run
At least one Starbucks run in the morning for coffee and one McDonalds run in the afternoon for a quick meal. For me it really is not a road trip if I haven't had at least one container of french fries.
6. Pit Stops
You would be surprised with some of the really weird roadside attractions I have seen while on my road trips. I love stopping at them just to get a little break from the road. They are usually free and do not add too much time to your trip so why not just go and see them.7. Enthusiastic Friends
Nothing is more important than having one or a few friends with you on your trip. The long hours lead to really deep conversations alongside the jokes and funny parts of the ride.
8. Car Games
9. An open mind
Really anything can happen on a road trip and you need to keep your mind open to what could happen. Sometimes they do not always turn out how you wanted them to but i would say 9 times out of 10 something interesting and memorable will happen.
