Road trips can be a lot of fun, or they can be a giant hassle if they are not planned correctly. If you do not know how to drive long hours, and eat a lot of fast food, then a road trip is probably not the best plan for you. After completing the drive from Lexington, Kentucky to Laguna Beach, California multiple times, I think it is safe to say I have learned a thing or two about successfully road tripping across the country. This is what I have learned from experience about having a fun and efficient road trip. If you follow the below tips, you will be well on your way to making it on your trek to your desired destination.

1. Plan the trip

When driving across the country, you must know how far you are going to drive each day, and how long the trip will take you. This includes the time it takes to eat, rest, and get gas. You also must decide how long you will take at each stop. Determine if you are the type that needs to get out of the car to grab food and to rest, or if you are able to swing through a drive through and eat on the road. If you are the type that needs to rest, I recommend you leave a day or so earlier in order to make it to your desired destination in time.

2. Stick to your plan

On day 2, if you planned to make it to Kansas City, then you must make it to Kansas City. Your next day will be way too long and you will be way too tired of driving if you don't.

3. Vacation, or Efficiency?

There are two types of road trips. The first being you are out seeing sights, eating at nice places, and you don't really have a time schedule to follow because the trip is about relaxation. However, if you are on a mission, say driving to college and need to make it by move-in day, you will have to regretfully decline when your road trip partner wants to only drive 4 hours in one day and wants to spend the night in a tourist vacation site where you can take in the activities. If you are driving for a purpose, take the most efficient route. There should be no major detours unless the were planned for ahead of time and worked into the schedule.

4. Drive with like minded people

If you are trying to drive with someone who wants to be on vacation, and you are trying to be efficient, the road trip will be very stressful for both parties. Drive with people who know the plan and are on board to stick to it, not ones that will complain that it is time to stop once the sun starts to go down. Make sure your road trip partner is someone that you can easily spend a lot of time with and that thinks the same way that you do.

5. Be Smart

When driving across the country, you will come across a lot of remote areas. Don't stop for too long at that sketchy gas station in the dead of night that has nothing else around it. Don't try to save a quick buck by staying at the creepy inn that is only 10 dollars a night. Be smart about where you stop, and who you talk to. Trip Advisor is a great resource for safe places to eat, and sleep when on the road.

If you follow these tips then you will be well on your way to a successful road trip. I have learned these lessons through trial and error. Have a great time, and safe travels.