5 Things You Need For An Awesome Road Trip
Start writing a post
Entertainment

5 Things You Need For An Awesome Road Trip

Tunes, food, and more!

9
5 Things You Need For An Awesome Road Trip
Facebook

I've heard on more than one occasion that the average commuting time to Northern Michigan University is about six hours. My commute is eight hours, my roommate's is nine; thankfully we like each other so that the eight hour car ride to my house doesn't cause us to kill each other. But the ride definitely takes a tole on each of us. We've perfected (or at least we think we have) the essentials for the road and I'm letting you in on our secrets.

1. Tunes.

This should be a no brainer. Music is really important; it makes the time pass faster, drowns out the words you scream at the bad drivers, and allows bonding time with you and your passengers/makes you feel less lonely if you're by yourself.

The best way to utilize music is to make mix tapes/CDs or playlists by use of an AUX cord. Radio is great, don't get me wrong, but it can be spotty and you can end up listening to the same three songs twelve times over.

I recommend fast paced throwbacks more than anything (disco is the best in my opinion!). Top fifty is good and all, but it's always on and, like I said, can get old fast. It's great listening to songs that made up your childhood and jamming to hits like "YMCA" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" and dancing in your seat.

Make sure you have plenty of songs! One of the worst feelings is realizing that your playlist isn't long enough and you have to listen to it over again.

2. Snacks.

This one should also be a no-brainer. We all need food to survive and it's important to have some for long drives, that way you don't have to stop and you can get to your destination sooner (I know, I know, it's all about the journey, but sometimes you've just been sitting in a car for too long).

I recommend healthy snacks -- they help keep you awake! But whatever you can fit in the car works too. Apples are some of my favorite driving food, not really sure why, granola bars are too. Pop-tarts are too crummy and some other fruits can be too juicy. You just have to moderate what food you have.

3. Passengers.

Driving by yourself for hours on end can be excruciating. What if it's raining or bumper to bumper traffic? Who will read signs when you can't see them, listen to your screams about the dumb drivers around you, and belt out song lyrics at the top of your lungs with you? Honestly, driving with people is way too much fun to not do.

4. Emergency supplies.

I'm a fan of always being prepared and honestly, with Upper Peninsula winters, you've gotta be. I have a tow rope, a shovel, a blanket, cat litter, oil, a tire changing tools, jumper cables and other supplies that I can't remember. Michigan weather can be as unpredictable as ever and it can go from sunny and beautiful to white-out just like that. If you don't get stuck, somebody else might and it's always good to be a good Samaritan.

5. Coffee or other caffeinated drinks.

Driving can get boring, let's be honest. And boring means tiring. A tired driver is a bad driver, no doubt about it. And let's be honest coffee is good! I prefer water, honestly, but anything to keep you awake helps. Just don't drink too much that you have to stop at every rest area along the way.

Have a good road trip!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58545
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37742
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959319
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194143
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments