Road Trips. Ah yes... every soul that teams with even the slightest bit of adventure dreams of embarking on one of these journeys some day. Sure, in the perfect world, a road trip is spent zooming down the highway with the wind in your face, mountains in the background, music in the air, smiles on every face, and artistic pictures at every corner. But lets get real... road trips aren't for the faint of heart. They require patience, endurance, an excessive amount of coffee, and a lot (A LOT) of driving.

1. Your Company

This is a give in. If you are going to be stuck in a car for 50 something hours, you want to be sure you are stuck with people you get along with.

Don’t travel with a huge group, as this increases the chance of arguments and differing opinions. Keep it small… 3 or 4 is perfect.

2. Don’t plan on sticking with… a plan

Shit happens. Weather, traffic, sickness, changes in route, pit stops, bathroom breaks, car troubles, random sightseeing, you name it. Be spontaneous and open to possibilities! But don’t be butt hurt if things don’t work out the way you expected.

3. Share the wheel

Make sure you switch off drivers fairly regularly in order to keep everyone keen and alert. Driving is exhausting.

Similarly… don’t be afraid to hand over the wheel if you are uncomfortable driving in weather, traffic, or if you are about to fall sleep. The goal is not only the enjoy ride, but also to get to the destination safely.

4. Take turns with the tunes

Or audiobooks. And if no one is particular to any type of music and insists on not picking the tunes, take the opportunity to listen to your music. Everyone will appreciate it. Trust me; If no one else is choosing the music. Just. Pick. The darn music. HOWEVER in a perfect world… the driver always gets to choose.

5. BYOS (bring your own snacks)

…For soooo many reasons. It saves money along the way, it’s always nice to have food on hand, it decreases the chance of someone getting hangry.

6. Play road games

My personal favorite game: My Cows. Every time you spot a group of cows along the way, be quick to claim them as your own by shouting “MY COWS” – ( this counts as one point folks). As you get closer to the cows and realize that they are indeed NOT cows… you loose a point. This game can go on for hours and keeps everyone on the edge of their seat (and on the edge of their temper). So play in moderation to reduce possible stress.

7. Take the time alone to get to know each other

Road trips can promote awesome talking time. Get to know each other, tell stories, share hopes and dreams and what not, ask for advice, give advice.

8. Use a paper map

Depending on where you are driving, phone service can be sketchy. Which is a great excuse to have PAPER MAPS AND FEEL LIKE A TOTAL HIPSTER. They are handy when lost without service, and make you feel like a boss.

9. Camp. Glamp.

Camping is no new concept. There are so many free campsites throughout the country set up in prime locations. Just be sure to set up camp before sunset… preferably. Glamping, however, is a new concept. These chic sites are becoming poplar throughout the U.S. and provide everything you need (wifi, shelter, amenities, group activites). Just make a reservation in advance and show up!

10. Visit family and friends along the way

Friends move, family moves, people move. This is an awesome opportunity to visit the ones your love and the ones you haven’t seen in ages. And lets be honest… how often do we really visit the friends and family who are far from us? Check to see if you will be passing through cities where they live, and give them a heads up that you are coming.

11. Take. Pictures.

Document the trip through photographs so that it is not lost in your memory. They make story telling easier, and provide nostalgia for the years following. Get artsy!

But don’t go crazy. Be in the moment when necessary, and just… enjoy the entire experience