Some people like to stay put on the weekends and do busy work whether that be cleaning the house, catching up on homework, or just relaxing. Other people can't seem to sit still as they're just itching to hit the road again. Road-tripping doesn't have to be a cross-country endeavor-- it can just be between states even. Whatever the case, if you road-trip frequently you've probably noticed these few things.
1. Your Playlists are Ever-Changing and Always Poppin'
Being that there's no real visual entertainment during long drives, prepping your music is essential to avoid boredom and practice your solo riff that nobody will ever hear. It's possible that you even tune in to a few podcasts if the music's run dry.
2. Gas Money is Killer.
It's quite likely that the majority of your paycheck is spent filling up that tank. But being a road warrior means that you know which cities and states have lower gas prices and plan accordingly. It's even better when you can get someone to accompany you and chip in. Pro-Tip: carry around hand sanitizer as gas station pumps are some of the most germ-covered things we touch.
3. You Have Friends in Many Different Places.
And you're not opposed to driving a good ways to see them. Whether the distance is from college, work, or even just a change of city, you still value your friendships enough to make the journey. Besides, it's so much better to see someone special occasionally than everyday without running the risk of getting sick of them. Of course, you do expect the favor to be returned at some point.
4. You Know All the Speed-Traps.
You learned very quickly that small towns get their funding through fast drivers. You know exactly where these sneaky spots are and what time the police officers are scattered about trying to catch anyone going 5 miles over the speed limit (Hint: usually just below a hill and on Fridays). Chances are in your first months of road-tripping, you got caught. But now you know to just set cruise control right at 55 and let the officers weep at your obedience.
5. There's nothing like that last hour.
During the hour one and two, you're solid but after hitting that halfway mark or driving the last leg, you just want to get there already. Maybe it's the waiting, but the last hour definitely seems like five hours in one. Your playlist has started repeating songs and you really have to pee but don't want to stop until you get there. God forbid if you hit traffic on that last part of the drive.
6. You know where the traffic is and exactly how to avoid it
You know especially on Fridays to avoid any major cities on your way to your destination. You have all your GPS devices find alternative routes if one's telling you to drive through Atlanta on a Friday afternoon. While it may add a couple extra miles to your drive, it's better than sitting in one spot for an hour cursing the one car that had a fender-bender (and also the rubber-neckers because who's the real cause of traffic in this situation?)
7. You finish everything in a timely manner.
You know that lugging your homework with you just takes up space and it's not going to get done anyhow so why bother? If you got a weekend road-trip coming up, you know to finish your homework before you even begin to pack. As for working, you make sure to notify your manager way before you take off and make up for the hours missed during the weekday. Even though you take spontaneous trips, you're probably one of the most planned out and organized people.
8. Packing takes about two seconds.
Either you just live in your car or your go-to duffle bag is always stocked with essentials. Whichever way, packing for you is no biggie and you probably can get it done in the same amount of time it takes to eat a sandwich. You've found the balance between overpacking and under-packing and never feel a time crunch when you're throwing your stuff together. Tip for Packing: bring stuff you can wear more than once without washing, like jeans.
9. Some people think you're crazy but...
You know the world is your oyster and the road is just a way to explore. There's nothing quite like the feeling of driving on a open, empty highway with the sun on your neck and your music blasting.
May the driving gods bless you with open roads!
