Road trips are the quintessential experience. Jack Kerouac and Thelma & Louise, anyone? If you are itching to hit the open road, be it in the United States, Canada, or even Europe, get ready for a true adventure. Driving is a very different experience from flying, and you are going to have some incredible experiences. To make them memorable for the right reasons, it would be wise to put some planning into your trip sooner, not later.

Consider very carefully how you will travel

When people think of a “road trip,” they usually have car travel in mind. If you want to take yours on the road, be sure it’s up for the challenge. Be realistic about its condition as well as the miles and wear and tear that travel will inflict on it. If your car is reliable, you should still have it be prepped for the trip a few weeks ahead of time. Be especially careful to look at the tires, radiator, transmission, and other major parts so that you don’t have any nasty surprises in the middle of your trip.

Consider just as carefully who you will be traveling with

You may have been best friends with your neighbor for years, but can you travel together for hours on end? Are your driving styles compatible, or is one of you a speed demon while the other drives like a grandmother? Does your friend chat nonstop while you prefer to be quiet? Those differences might not matter when you only see each other once a week, but on a road trip, they could be magnified. 

The point: be certain that you and your road-trip buddy really are compatible so that the journey is fun, not maddening.

Prepare for every situation so that it doesn’t become an emergency

Whether you’re in a major city or out on the highway, you aren’t going to want to stop for water, medicine, etc. Stock your car with a roadside emergency kit, and be sure to bring along several chargers for your phones. Create a routine so that you are never without food or water; going to the store first thing in the morning or at night can be useful. Stop for gas not necessarily when you need it but when you see a gas station – you’ll understand this suggestion when you’re out in the middle of the desert and the last pump was several hours ago.

Have a starting and ending point but be ready for side trips

Planning is good, as it allows you to be efficient and see what you really want to see. But, some of the best memories will come when you take a quick detour to see what’s down that little country road. You may discover a picturesque river or a county fair that becomes a fun afternoon. Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to get back on track so that your schedule isn’t thrown off too badly.

Be ready for long hours in the car, and remember to be fair about the music

Sometimes those miles on the road get pretty long. When that happens, having games, books, or other activities can make them go by faster. That brings up the question of music, the ultimate time-killer on road trips. Who will decide what’s played? This is especially important if you and your travel partner have different tastes in music. You can come up with a fair system, such as three-hour blocks of time when you alternate who chooses the tunes.

Book your hotels or campsites ahead of time

Spontaneity is good. Nowhere to stay is not. In high season especially, when everyone hits the road and competition for hotel rooms and campsites is fierce, it is wise to make reservations. That way, no matter how lost you get, you will know that when you arrive at your destination, you will have a safe, comfortable place to sleep.

Last, know something about where you’re going

You don’t have to become an expert on the Civil War to get something out of visiting America’s battlefields, but knowing a little about its background will make the sites more meaningful. So, before you hit the road, read up on where you’re going so that you can get more out of your trip.

See you out on the road!