Obviously by the scorching temps, it’s still summer and a lot of us are taking road trips.  I don’t mind an occasional road trip but quite honestly, I would prefer to travel by an airplane.  The last couple of months I did quite a bit of traveling up and down a highway having to go home to visit family.  Most of it was last minute and with the price of plane tickets – it was definitely cheaper to drive. With all the trips I’ve taken, I think I’ve learned (not quite mastered) what makes a car trip successful enjoyable…even if it isn’t your preferred choice of traveling.  Here we go: 

1.  Music

I cannot do anything without a good playlist.  Occasionally boyfriend and I will each make a playlist while traveling.  We’ve recently done a top 10 list of our favorite songs…ever and a top 10 Jay-Z playlist.  We still have quite a few lists on the burner…I just need to be coerced into getting in the car for another road trip.  This makes the trip fun and can also make you question each other’s musical choices.

2.  Snacks

From reading my blog it’s quite clear that I love food.  Getting snacks is very high on my list of starting and completing a road trip.  Snacks save you from having to stop too often if you’re on a time schedule and keeps passengers happy.  This also includes having plenty of liquids to go along with your snacks.  My favorite road trip snack:  Cheez-its.  I love them.  

3.  Reading Material

I know some people who can’t read in the car due to getting car sick but if you’re not one of those people, make sure to have something to read. While I’m picking out snacks, I love to search for new magazines that I can read.  Though it’s mostly food and fashion magazines, I’ll occasionally pick up a gossip magazine just to keep myself entertained.  For an especially long trip, grab a book you’ve been dying to start but haven’t had the time.  By the way, I’m currently reading Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns (the sequel to the Devil Wears Prada book) I’m secretly hoping for a sequel to the movie. One can hope…

4.  Research

Here’s what I mean by research: where ever you’re traveling, research the route and learn more about it.  Not only to ensure you know where you’re going but also for possible places to make breakfast, lunch or dinner stops.  Some of the best and most delicious places are in the most random towns.  If it’s not out of your way, why not try something new.  

5.  Games

This is an old suggestion but a good one – especially if you’re traveling with children, which I haven’t had the pleasure of doing yet; can’t wait [insert sarcasm].  Be creative.  Car games don’t have to be the usual punch buggy or I spy games we all used to play when we went on road trips.  Keep it fun, lighthearted and interesting; you may even learn something about your traveling partner!

Have a travel tip you’d like to share?  I’d love to hear it!