A road trip doesn’t have to be an incredibly long distance or take several days. You can take an hour car ride to the next city over and consider it a road trip if you want.

Whether you have planned a trip for 120 miles or 12,000 miles, there are some essential items that you will need to bring along. I’ve made you a list, check it twice!

1. Awesome Playlist

The music for the trip is important. You’ll be in the car for a little while so you want to make sure that you have decent songs to jam out to with your friends. Start with the classics, check out the choice karaoke songs, and don’t forget all the best soundtracks. Make sure it lasts the length of the ride or more and don’t be afraid to add some new artists to your list as well. We all turn into a pop star when we get into our cars. Make sure your playlist is at its full potential.

2. Spare Tire

I learned this lesson the hard way. Public Service Announcement: if you drive a newer vehicle, yours might not come with a spare as mine didn’t (seriously, it did not exist), and this is not a good thing to learn when you’re six hours away from home on the side of the interstate and the sun is going down. Oh, it’s also Sunday and there isn’t a tire shop nor a car dealership open. Make sure you have a spare and know how to change it. If you don’t have a spare, buy one before you leave. Seriously, this is important.

3. Snacks

This one is kind of a thing you should have always, but especially on a road trip. Stopping at gas stations gets expensive very quickly, so pack some snacks before you leave and you won’t even cut into your travel time with snack stops. Don’t forget drinks as well. Nothing is better than your favorite snack while singing along to your top notch playlist.

4. Map

No, I’m not kidding. Yes, I know your phone has about 70 GPS apps. But, if you end up in a place with no cell phone service, it would be nice to have a map to keep you in the right direction. Plus, you're basically a pioneer. Sweet, right? P.S. It probably helps if you know how to read it.

5. Pillow/Blanket

Unless you’re traveling alone, you’re probably going to want to sleep while someone else takes a turn behind the wheel at some point. In which case, you’ll need a pillow and blanket to catch a few hours of comfortable rest. Plus, it’ll make the ride more comfy in general. Double win.

6. Camera

Of course you will be having the time of your life so you’ll obviously want to bring a camera to document it all. Don’t forget to put the camera down for a bit and take in your surroundings while you’re at it. After all, that’s the best part of any road trip: the incredible views and immeasurable memories you’re making.

I’m a firm believer that traveling is good for the soul and I have challenged myself and my friends, now I’m challenging anyone who reads this to take a trip. Just find a free day, fill up your gas tank and drive. Go somewhere new, but make sure you’ve checked this list first. Happy travels!