Every year across America multiple groups take road trips: friends for spring break or families for reunions. If you have ever taken a major weekend getaway, you have a list of your essentials. Well no matter how well traveled you are, you always feel like you forget something! (I know I sure have.)

Whether it's your first major trip with a friend or your five-millionth with your family, in order for each trip to be somewhat successful, you need several things for the ultimate road trip. From junk food for the road to the most amazing playlist, it is important that nothing is overlooked and that every possible circumstance is prepared for. Now I don’t like to call myself a prepper but………I may or may not be that annoying person that overpacks for literally EVERYTHING.

Here is a list of the top 13 things every weekend trip needs to include, included with notes from a well-traveled girl and a newbie to weekend road trips alone.

1. An awesome playlist!

Now this one seems really stupid since the radio still works, but when you’re driving through the MIDDLE of nowhere, having music to jam out to is always essential. Along with having a phone or iPod, you should include CDs because there honestly is nothing better than listening to an old Aerosmith album you used to listen to as a baby. It is the driver’s responsibility to well, drive; it is the passenger’s responsibility to keep good songs playing. If no one is jamming out the song is a dud. Change it. Your fellow passengers and the driver will thank you.

2. Something to read!

Once again this seems super simple but when your phone dies or you are over taking naps, it is nice to have something else to occupy your mind. I normally include everything from a good ole gossip magazine, you know the kind with the crazy titles at the checkout lines, to a good book that I am super invested in.

3. FOOD, FOOD, and more FOOD. (And add a little liquid)

If you have ever been on a road trip with me or my family, you KNOW we get a little, okay a lot, hangry. Normal snacks such as puppy chow or trail mix are always important to have. But some of my favorites include: chocolate, goldfish, Starbucks coffee, ice tea, and potato chips. Some of Audrey’s favorite snacks are sour gummy worms, cheez-its, and of course Dairy Queen.

4. CHARGERS!!!

I know I am not the only person who has had to stop at the local gas station and pick one of these up for some extreme amount of money. So do your wallet a favor and just don’t forget it! You will want both one for the car and one to plug into a wall.

5. Directions/Map

PLEAAAASSSE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING because who wants to get lost in the middle of nowhere like the people in a bad horror movie with ax murders chasing you?! Think Tucker and Dale vs. Evil!

6. An itinerary

Now I am not the kind of person who needs every moment of every day planned out, that would probably drive me insane. But that all being said, you should have some idea of activities to do down where you are going. Google and the Yellow Pages will be your friend to find awesome (and FREE) things to do wherever you are!

7. An emergency kit

The odds are you will NOT need this but still, bad things can happen when you’re stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. We’ve all heard the stories of pretty girls getting kidnapped or raped or killed on the side of the road in the middle of the night when their car broke down. Not to be all gloom and doom, but I would rather have an emergency kit and know how to use the tools in it than praying that 1. I don’t have to use it and, 2. if I do, I know how to and won’t need a stranger's help.

8. Extra clothes/swimsuit

Now I am not talking “I am staying 2 nights and packed for 12” type of extra. But it never is a bad idea to bring along a few extra pairs of underwear and a shirt or two. Sometimes what you pack isn’t exactly what you want to wear and there is NOTHING worse than not loving your outfit while trying to explore a new city. The swimsuit is just a duh, you never know when you might need one, and let’s be real they don’t take up that much room.

9. Toiletries

DON’T FORGET THE DEODORANT!!!!! Please do the entire world a favor and brush your teeth while you’re at it too. I know this is probably the most ridiculous one of them all on the list, but once again save your money and just pack it before you leave.

Here is an ESSENTIAL (FOR THE LOVE OF GOD) packing list:
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Deodorant
Body wash/shampoo
FEMALE PRODUCTS
Hairbrush

10. Proper Footwear

This one is a no-brainer. For some girls it may be okay to walk around with stilettos and for others it’s not. Always make sure to take a change of shoes. Yes, it’s fine to take a pair of stilettos if you’re going to a nice restaurant or something fancy. But for shopping and seeing the sights, something like converse, flats, or some Nikes are more realistic. When it comes to concerts that’s another story. Flip flops are perfect for lounging by the pool with your BFF or just running to Starbucks for your 4th vanilla frappe of the day.

11. ROAD GAMES

The classic license plate game is so much fun! I personally see how many out of state plates I can find and how far they are from home.
Another classic is I-spy, where you make a list prior to departure of things you would like to see or think you will see.
When or if someone passes out in the back seat, the other coherent passengers make up one of the most outrageous, yet believable, stories and rehearse it for when the snoozing passenger wakes up, and tell the story as best as possible to make them believe that something that didn’t really happen actually did.

12. Camera

All of the fun times and memories you are making you will want to have down somewhere. Why not make a scrapbook when you get home or throw them into a frame for an awesome personalized gift. I have my favorite memories throughout my room in frames and I smile every time I pass by them.

13. Conversation

Children, put away the phones and technology and play stupid road games (see above) and converse with your family. This honestly could be a trip you look back at years from now and still talk about. I think we both have trips with our family that we took years ago and memories were made while in the car.

We both sincerely hope this list has helped ease your mind a little about those little things that might get overlooked. But remember this, the trip is about making memories and enjoying time with the people you have around you. Things in life are way too serious to worry about if you forgot your toothbrush or not, let’s be honest. MOST IMPORTANTLY have fun. It’s hard to enjoy yourself and make memories when you’re constantly stressing over where you’re staying and timelines.