After experiencing my first road trip this past week, there were many things I realized I need to know and have in order to make the trip an amazing one. Aside from the actual destinations and venues, the traveling can be one of the most fun and exciting parts of the trip. Even though driving an ungodly amount of hours can be draining and sometimes boring, there are several things you need to make it more fun. So here's a guide and list of things you will need in order to have a perfect, successful, and adventurous road trip.
1. Don't travel alone.
Again, driving can get really boring. Having someone to travel with is an easy way to stay focused and it keeps the trip fun. Not to mention, you can take turns driving and lighten the load.
2. Create a wicked cool playlist before you leave.
A throw-back playlist is always a good idea. Beyoncé is definitely a good idea. Drake is always a good idea. Anything you can sing at the top of your lungs will make the trip great.
3. Definitely don't forget the snacks.
If you forget the snacks, then you are definitely not going to like a road trip. Take some junk food but make sure you also take some healthy things like some apples or bananas. At some point you won't want to eat Doritos anymore. And make sure you stock up on water. Dehydration is never a good idea.
4. Make sure to take a look at some of the driving laws in the states in which you are traveling.
As I learned the hard way, every state has different laws. Make sure you understand rules on turning right on red or about talking on your cell phone. Not every state is the same and you will get pulled over.
5. Let the inside jokes happen.
Inside jokes make any situation funnier. For example, try replacing every song that says "girl" with the word "squirrel."
6. Never forget a phone charger.
In order to capture all those memories, you have to have a phone that is not dead.
7. It's okay to Snapchat and use the filter of every state you drive through.
If you are sitting at home, no one cares what you are doing. And even if you are on the road, no one probably cares either. But as someone on a road trip should do, you should update your friends every 20 minutes proving that you are indeed in a different city than you were 20 minutes prior.
8. Make sure to take lots of pictures.
Capture and cherish every moment. Grandma will want to hear and see all about it later.
9. Plan to make pit stops at land marks in different states.
If you are driving through historic or just really awesome cities, give yourself some times to explore. It will make the trip memorable.
10. Expect different types of weather.
If you are traveling through different states, you can expect there to be different types of weather. Florida weather is going to be very different from the weather in New York. While packing, anticipate rain, warmth, cold, and sunshine because you never know what kind of weather you will encounter.
11. Don't just stop at McDonald's. Try something new.
While traveling through the different states, make sure you try some different foods. Look up what the signature fast food chains are and you'll be surprised.
12. Embrace your adventurous side and learn something new.
Learn how to use a subway, read a map, or go do something that maybe you wouldn't normally do. You never know what you will enjoy until you try it.
