Road Trips can be long and boring if not properly prepared. To ensure your road trip is a success, I have gathered my expertise and made a simple checklist for any and all road trips.

1. You will always need beverages.

Trust me, you never know when the next gas station will come up and realistically, you will eventually get thirsty.

2. Map out your stops.

Again, you never really know when the next time you will find a rest room. Not everyone is okay with using bottles or the road side.

3. Food.

Look at the reasons for two. Also you will inevitably get hungry.

4. Music.

Whether it is a CD, cassette (yes they still barely exist), or a phone with Spotify premium, music will help the time fly and who does not like car karaoke?

5. Blankets and pillows.

Sometimes all you need is a quick power nap to get you back on the road towards your destination.

6. Gas money.

Without gas, you probably will not get far so plan ahead according to your tank or you will have a nice long walk ahead of you to the next town with a Western Union.

7. Phone.

I feel like there is no need to put this on here since most people seem to always be attached to them but it is always good to have a reminder. I sometimes forget I have a cell phone myself

8. GPS/maps.

For those who are tech savvy or has a smart phone knows how to operate their map apps. For older people or those who want to save battery life on their phones to play Pokemon and Candy Crush, get a road map and highlight your route.

9. Sunglasses.

Driving blind is not good for anyone. Sure it might be cloudy where you leave, but that does not mean everywhere else has the same cloud coverage. Besides, you will look like a boss.

10. A good friend.

Call me a cheese ball for this, but a road trip can be easily determined by the company you keep. If you cannot stand them normally, being trapped in a car with them for an undetermined amount of hours can make you want to leave them at the next truck stop.

Follow this checklist and you will have a wonderful time driving all over the nation. Unless you get truly lost in a state you do not know. Good luck and safe travels!