The 8 Stages Of The Long Road Trip | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The 8 Stages Of The Long Road Trip

The make-or-break moments for any friendship.

40
The 8 Stages Of The Long Road Trip
Rolling Stone

There you are, planning for that fun weekend or spring break you are going to have away with your friends. You have the trip itself planned out, but are you really prepared for the make-or-break hours that are the journey to your destination? If you've ever been in this situation, you know that those long hours in a small space are no small thing, and you know all of these moments if you've ever spent more than five hours in a car with your friends at one time.

Stage 1: Initial Excitement

We all know it, the lame shouts of "ROAD TRIP" and the one person who always sticks their head out the window in weird excitement.

Stage 2: The Awkward Lull

The fact that you will be in a small space together for many hours is setting in and you realize you have already covered most topics of conversation in the first thirty minutes.

Stage 3: Cabin Fever

The road is a little too windy, your phone doesn't have service, you've been waiting for what seems like years for your next stop, and you're pretty sure you might die if you don't get out of the car in the next five minutes.

Stage 4: The First Stop and Excitement Resurgence

After three hours, you've finally been able to breathe air that hasn't been sitting in the car with you and your friends in a small space, you got to stretch your legs, and look for a snack without the company of your road trip partners for a glorious five minutes. You're ready to get back in the car and knock out the next part.

Stage 5: Loud 80's Music

You've got new energy and your lungs are ready to belt out "Bohemian Rhapsody" or dance in the worst way possible to "Electric Avenue" with no shame when it comes to passing cars.

Stage 6: "Are we lost?"

You're using Google Maps but you're still not totally trusting since that one time you wanted it to take you to Starbucks and you ended up in the middle of a bad neighborhood with no coffee in sight.

Stage 7: Existential Conversation

It's starting to get a little bit dark outside, your "get psyched" playlist has gotten pretty old, and someone brings up a touchy subject, and there's really no going back from there. You have reached the point of no return, the heart to heart.

Stage 8: You Have Reached Your Destination

The moment you've all been waiting for, when you can finally be more than three feet away from one another.

If you survived through all of these stages and you don't totally want to murder one another, then you must truly be the best of friends and ready for another round when you have to go back.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

20513
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8652
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6261
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5397
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments