Ah, summer. The perfect time to feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and great music and conversation all around you. Yes, it’s definitely the perfect time for a road trip! But not just any road trip. Oh no, you’re on a mission to have the ultimate summer road trip, and as luck would have it, here is the perfect guide.
The Logistics
Before any sort of journey, wise road trippers should take a moment or two to really hammer out some of the logistical details of their trip. Details regarding your packing situation, the route you’ll take, what (if any) cash you’ll bring, what lodging options are available, etc. Logistics are a necessary pre-road trip task that even the most spontaneous traveler would do well to at least touch upon, particularly if there is a group to consider and a consensus must be reached for each and every decision. We all know how much time that can potentially take!
Packing Logistics
One of the first sets of logistical decisions you’re likely going to have to make is in regards to packing. Of course, a lot of this depends on what exactly you’ll be doing and where, but there are a few key things to keep in mind, regardless of final destination. One, pack more underwear than you think you’ll need. Something always happens (surprise rainstorm, sweaty hike, whatever) and there is nothing worse than running out of clean underwear. Two, coordinate your efforts. If you’re traveling with three friends, there is absolutely no need for there to be four packed hairdryers upon arrival.
Road Logistics
When thinking about road logistics, there are lots of decisions that might be made as you go. You might excitedly choose each and every bathroom break and food stop as a fun, spontaneous way to “see the world”; however, there are also a few things that are better not left to chance. First, the drive times must be at least roughly outlined. Sleep deprivation is a real issue on the road, and you don’t want to push it on a road trip. There are also some places where night-driving can be a bit of a challenge, so it’s best to think and plan ahead here. You’ll definitely also want to have a map (either a paper map or a downloaded, offline version) because you won’t be guaranteed a signal the whole time and getting lost at some point is inevitable.
Car Logistics
Of course, another logistical aspect that many people tend to forget is car maintenance. Not everyone is aware of important upkeep elements like how often to change engine air filters or how to know if your car needs an oil change; however, car troubles are one of the most likely causes of road trip disasters. And while ending up on the side of the road looks like fun in the movies, IRL it’s sure to put a bit of a damper on the fun. So when doing your pre-trip planning, be sure to remember your gallant steed and make sure it is as prepared for the long road ahead as you are.
The Accessories
Once all the necessary organization is in place, it’s time to accessorize. First of all, you do not want to be stuck in a car, heading west, directly into the sun without any sort of eye protection, so sunglasses had better make your list. Not only do they protect your eyes and prevent the headaches and wrinkles caused by excessive squinting, but how else will you take those fabulous, into-the-sunset selfies? Another absolutely necessary accessory: hair ties. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing, someone always seems to need one, especially with all the man-buns out there nowadays. Be someone’s hero.
Of course, some other useful accessories to have in your car have to do with keeping it and everyone in it clean and dry. Remember to bring an umbrella because if you don’t, it will surely rain the whole time. You might also consider a towel (just in case) and/or some paper towels or tissues. Road trips tend to offer up some interesting bathroom options, so it’s best to go in armed with your own paper products in hand. There’s really no telling what you might find. That’s half the fun though, right? Speaking of…
The Fun
Obviously, the most important part of a road trip is the fun you have and the memories you make. There are likely many reasons why you chose to take a road trip, and you definitely want to make the most of it. While we can sometimes get bogged down in all the prep and logistics (which are definitely important and can also be fun in their own way), it’s really just as important to set that all aside and learn to live in the moment during your trip. Be present, enjoy the little things, and, ultimately, relax and have some fun!
Car Fun
Having fun on the ultimate summer road trip absolutely has to include the all-important tunes. Definitely make sure someone has an aux cable because you don’t want to get on the road and realize you can’t really jam out because your phone speakers can’t quite live up to the whooshing highway sounds. If your connections and cables are all ready, then you should also take some time to gather just the right music for whatever vibe you want: a summertime playlist, mixed tapes from an ex, Elton John’s Diamonds CD, whatever floats your summer road trip boat!
Depending on how long you’ll be traveling, you can expect a lull or two in the conversation, and even the best music is meant to be enjoyed in intervals, so you might also want to come up with some fun games to play. These are a classic element of road trips (even for the strictest non-game players among us), and fortunately there is a wide variety available these days. You can harken back to your childhood with classics like the license plate game or 20 Questions or you can take it into the 21st century and download car game apps. Whatever your style, this is a great way to bond and laugh away the long hours of driving.
Destination Fun
This wouldn’t be a complete summer road trip guide if there was no mention of post-car fun. Wherever you’re going, remember to bring some things to amp up the time spent at your destination and to continue the party there as well. When you arrive at your terminal stop (and you can ditch the car and the designated driving that goes with it), you might want to crack open the Bev alcohol that you smartly packed ahead of time and just chill. In addition to some adult beverages, you can also use that trunk space to pack all sorts of things that can really allow you to live it up at your predetermined destination: coolers full of snacks, camping chairs, sporting equipment, so many options!
Ultimately, you’re going to have an amazing time. This guide is meant to help put your mind at ease and give you some things to think about when planning and executing your big trip, but in reality, not everything will go to plan. No worries though, that’s where the magic really happens. So just sit back and enjoy every minute as you cruise along this summer.