Any good summer involves at least one road trip. 

Whether it’s a five or fifteen hour drive, being cooped up in the car isn’t always fun, no matter what movies lead you to believe.  As a girl who’s lived ten hours away from her family practically her whole life, I know firsthand.  This summer alone I’ve spent forty hours in the car on road trips.  The endless hours and countless trips have qualified me… I’m a pro.  I know I’m not the only one who has it down to a science, so if you’ve already mastered these pointers, you’re ahead of the game. 

1. Pack light.  Not only does it give you more space, but also packing less usually means packing the right amount. I can’t tell you how many times clean clothes have sat in my suitcase after the trip because I packed too much. 

2. Take a pillow and blanket.  It will probably get cold in the car eventually, plus it’ll help you get more comfortable.  Sleeping is a great way to pass the time, especially if you’re cozy. 

3. Bring drinks and snacks, or stop and get them when you’re gassing up.  I wouldn’t have made it through a few trips without junk food. Treat yourself since it’s a special occasion.  It makes the ride much more enjoyable. 

4. Leave early.  It sucks to get up and go, but it’s worth it.  If you’re a passenger and not the driver it’s extra great because you can just resume your sleep when you get going.  Arriving at your destination with plenty of daylight gives you time to do more and makes your trip seem shorter. 

5. Always go to the bathroom when you stop.  Unnecessary stops are the worst.  Even if you don’t need to go, at least try so you can save time later on in your journey. 

6. Eat well. You don’t have to eat fast food to be fast. There are plenty of good restaurants right off the interstate that you can call ahead and pick up food from. This keeps it quick if you’re on a time schedule like I usually am, but if you can afford to spend more time at a stop, do it.  

7. Make a playlist, or even a CD.  There’s no better way to pass time than listening to music.  CDs may be a little outdated, but they’re fun and can keep you from using up battery life on your phone.  My favorite songs for road trips are classics that you can’t help but sing.  It definitely lightens the mood. 

8. Set your cruise control.  Sounds like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t.  Save your legs, and prevent yourself from accidentally going too fast or too slow.  

9. Obey the laws… for the most part.  Obviously going a little above the speed limit isn’t going to kill you, but going way over does more harm than good.  Getting a speeding ticket will ruin anyone’s day, and you have to consider how much time you’re actually saving by speeding—probably not a whole lot.  Also, don’t forget to keep your seatbelt on, because they really do save lives. 

10. Keep in mind the last couple hours are the worst.  Way too often, I get lost in the excitement of being close, when really the last leg of the trip drags on like no other.  Don’t let that frustration kill your mood.   

Now you know everything, so hopefully you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put these tips to good use.  

Safe travels!