1. Driver

Arguably the most important job of any road trip, The Driver is in charge of, you guessed it, driving. The Driver must be someone willing to put in long hours, usually six or seven a day on average, behind the wheel.

Many believe that The Driver must follow any and all highway and vehicle laws that exist. However, I'm suggesting that a better contender for The Driver would be someone who's willing to bend these rules a bit for the good of the trip.

Before this person is chosen, think to yourself, "Who would I trust most to get us through a high-speed pursuit?" The answer could, and should, affect your decision.

2. Music and Snack Provider (MSP)

Definitely, the second most important individual of any car-centered adventure, The MSP sits shotgun, no exceptions, as this allows the greatest access to the radio/ AUX cord. Driving to the grocery store might be okay with no music and no Doritos, but is completely unacceptable for trips longer than 30 minutes. Thus enters the MSP.

This individual is cognizant of the car's musical tastes and food preferences. Is someone gluten free and not a fan of country music? It's up to the MSP to cater to that and have a cooler full of goodies and a phone full of bumping playlists come road trip time.

3. Navigator

The Navigator is in charge of planning the best route to get from the start to the desired destination with the least amount of hiccups. An unexpected detour because of an accident, slow traffic due to road construction, and pit stops for car members are all possible road trip occurrences The Navigator should be prepared for.

The Navigator should sit directly behind The Driver. This allows for easy communication if an exit is coming up or there is a change in the planned route. I strongly recommend having a paper map detailing the road trip as well as any GPS device. You know technology is going to break as soon as you need a gas station, so it's better to be prepared than stranded on the side of a highway.

4. Budgeter

Every road trip has a budget, and it's The Budgeter's job to keep meticulous records of it. Do you want continental breakfast at the hotel or do you want to put an extra few gallons of gas in the car so you can see the world's largest ball of twine? The Budgeter can tell give you the green light for purchase questions like these.

I want to make it clear that The Budgeter isn't the only one paying for the road trip in question. Each member should provide funds equally, it's simply The Budgeter's job to take those funds and work out what you can and cannot afford on your trip.

5. Event Manager (EM)

The EM is in charge of making this road trip the road trip you tell your grandkids about (except about that one night in Panama City. . .). Every city has something interesting in it, but The EM chooses which of these your caravan has the time and the money to see.

The EM needs to work closely with The Navigator and The Budgeter in order to choose sites and activities that are both on the way and in the budget. Remember, it's not about the destination, it's about the journey.

6. Optimist

Think about it. You're in a car for many hours a day with your favorite people. It'll be great for a bit, but let's face it: fur will eventually fly. The Driver won't listen to The Navigator and will miss a turn or The Budgeter will say, "No can do," to something The EM says, "Guys, we HAVE to see this."

Cue The Optimist. This person is chiefly in charge of keeping the peace in the car. Whether it's helping find a new route quickly or asking if that site is really worth $100 admission, The Optimist is there to make sure everyone is still friends by the end of the trip.

Each of this duties is essential to making a road trip the experience of a lifetime. Who will you take?