This past summer I took a road trip to Disneyland with my family. To break it down for you that means 5 people, 20 days, 7,000 kilometers, and 1 car. It was a lot. So now I’m here to share some things I learned from experience about road tripping with family or friends.
- It’s all about the journey
-
You’ve picked road tripping for a reason, whatever that reason may be, so you really have to embrace the road trip philosophy. Don’t spend all your time worrying about your final destination and don’t forget to smell all the roses that lie between point A and point B. Look out the window and take in all the beauty along the way.
- Plan something fun everyday
-
It can be hard being on the road day after day, with the same people, in a tiny space. A great way to improve your road trip is to plan something fun everyday, even if it’s just something you see on the side of the road. This gives everyone a little bit of breathing room and works as a reminder as to why you’re on this journey.
- Have entertainment prepared
-
Music, it’s all about the music. A great soundtrack can brighten up any day. Make sure you include some songs for everyone to enjoy, and definitely lots of 90s jams. It can also be nice to have some movies on hand. You can download shows and movies from Netflix, just remember they expire fairly quickly
- Pack Light
-
Pack light. I’m not kidding, pack light. All those memes on over packing are hilarious, but in all honesty over packing will tire you out. Lugging giant suitcases in and out of hotels and Air BnBs almost everyday, and having to dig through your suitcase to find a specific thing, then repacking, is a useless hassle. Find your wardrobe essentials and only pack those. Almost every hotel will have a laundry room, so just do a wash anytime things are starting to get funky.
- Bring Your Own Food
-
Traveling is expensive, and eating out everyday will cost you an exorbitant amount of money. Bring some of your own food or munchies to cut down on costs (plus you’ll get very tired of eating fast food everyday, trust me.) Some ramen and granola bars will go far, and you can pop into local grocers or highway fruit stands for a fresh snack. Your wallet and your skin will thank you.
- Compromise
-
Lastly, remember to compromise. Whenever you’re traveling with other people you have to understand that everybody has different needs and wants. You might not have the freedom to see and visit all the places you want, but compromising will make your trip more enjoyable for everyone. Go with the flow, see where the journey takes you, and enjoy adventuring with your loved ones.
Give these 6 tips a try on your next adventure!