10. Pick a scenic route if you can.
Sometimes boring fields of corn are as good as it’s going to get, but if you can go a little bit out of your way to get a gorgeous view of mountains, valleys, or beautiful forests, then go for it! Remember what we said about the journey being half the fun?
9. Try not to overpack the car.
It’s going to be hard to get everyone’s luggage in there without stuffing the car like a burrito, but pack light if possible. The more room you have in the car for people, the better. Also, packing and repacking the car, trying to fit the pieces together like a game of Tetris is not going to be fun, so don’t put yourself through that.
8. Bring extra chargers.
These things have a way of going missing like nobody’s business. Seriously, where do they go?
7. Bring emergency supplies!
A first aid kit, extra money, jumper cables, a flashlight, flares… It pays to be prepared, even if you feel silly packing your car like you’re expecting a hurricane. You never know when you might need that stuff.
6. Refresh yourself on basic car maintenance.
Again, it might seem silly, but you should know how to check the oil, change a tire, and refill various fluids in your own car. It’s all part of being safe on the road.
5. Know the rules in the states you’ll be traveling through.
Some states have laws that say it’s okay for passengers to drink in the car. Their open container laws dictate that as long as there’s one less open drink than there are people in the car, it’s okay. That doesn’t apply in all 50 states, though. Check it out before you travel. It’s not worth the risk doing anything illegal.
4. Take turns driving.
Fatigue sucks, and it can lead to dangerously drowsy driving. Switch drivers every few hours so everyone gets a chance to rest and enjoy the relaxation of road trip life.
3. If you’re not driving, take advantage of the opportunity to sleep.
That way, you’ll be refreshed for your next turn at the wheel or for late nights hanging out with friends in the motel room.
2. Play some road trip games to pass the time.
The same games you used to pass the time during those road trips of your childhood are still fun now that you’re an adult. The license plate game or the alphabet game are good choices. If all else fails, you can even play a game of truth or dare, although you’ll be a little limited in your choices of dares.
1. Stop to take in the sights whenever possible.
Some states have some gorgeous scenic outlooks, historical sites, and natural formations that are worth stopping to check out. Other states are painfully boring and the best you might hope for is a rustic looking barn or the world’s biggest ball of twine. Either way, you should stop and take a look. Think of the memories you’ll be making!
