Road trips don't happen every day. And if they do, you're either a door to door salesman, a fugitive, or a wealthy person driving a gas friendly car. Regardless of the purpose and unique planning of your trip, there are a couple of universal experiences.You know you're on a road trip when...
1. You realize your GPS isn't updated because you drove down a dead end, instead of a major highway.
2. You find random fruit peels, crumbs, and garbage in seats, under seats, and in your things.
3. Being the best DJ possible is suddenly your top priority.
I imagine that the wagon people on the Oregon Trail acted out scenes from movies, so it's only right that I act out songs from Broadway musicals.
4. Your bank statement is full of ATM service fees.
You didn't think to take out enough cash and suddenly have the need to buy coffee and an antique trinket for $30.
5. You think everything is an official monument or historical site.
Suddenly that ball of twine is picture worthy and that mound of dirt is definitely where some major general died. Trust me.
6. You and the driver turn into Lewis & Clark.
Who needs a compass or a map - just use you heart. And other navigation methods, like arguing.7. Everyone has a designated car job - no ifs, ands, or buts.
8. You stop by ANY distant relatives' place or recommended restaurants on the journey.
These people and places owe you nothing, but you're there and it's nice to go some place 'familiar' on a journey into the unknown.
9. Gas prices have you riding a wave of emotion.
It's like they're regulated by power wielding monkeys from town to town. You might as well drive on empty.
10. Your camera roll has 200 pictures of the landscape.
Some of them taken in the car, others by a rest stop. All of them poor quality and not good enough for Instagram.
11. You're willing to pee anywhere.
No shame in the urination game.
12. Your arm has an automatic reflex for truck drivers.
Nothing like getting honked at by a forty ton vehicle going 70 miles an hour.
13. You realize the world is much bigger than you are and there's so much to explore.
It's a terrifying and exciting feeling. Each mile is a chance for something special. So keep driving.
Happy tripping!
man running in forestPhoto by 
