5 Tips for a Fun Road Trip

Are you planning a road trip this summer (or right now as you scoll the internet for tips)? As someone who’s been on more road trips than I can count, I have a few tips to share with you – and I’ll try to make you laugh while I’m at it.

1. Bring snacks and water

This might seem obvious, but trust me, you don’t want to get hangry (hungry + angry) on a road trip. Pack some non-perishable snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or beef jerky, and don’t forget to bring water bottles. And if you’re feeling fancy, throw in a few pieces of fruit or some baby carrots. Your stomach will thank you. It took 6 hours of me navigating the mountains in Banff with my sister to figure this out, so save yourself the arguments and just remember the snacks!

2. Plan your route

Sure, it’s fun to be spontaneous and just drive wherever the wind takes you, but let’s be real – you don’t want to get lost in the middle of nowhere. Use a GPS or a map (if you’re old-school like that) to plan your route ahead of time. And if you’re traveling with friends, make sure everyone knows where you’re going and how to get there. No one wants to end up in Canada when you’re trying to get to Mexico.

3. Make a playlist

Music is a must on a road trip. But don’t just rely on the radio or random streaming selections – make a playlist ahead of time. Ask your friends for their favorite songs, or choose a theme like “summer jams” or “road trip anthems.” And if you’re feeling nostalgic, throw in some Backstreet Boys or Spice Girls. Don’t be ashamed, we all love a good throwback.

4. Take breaks

Sitting in a car for hours on end can be exhausting. Make sure you take breaks every few hours to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Stop at a rest area, a scenic lookout, or a local attraction. And don’t forget to take some pictures for the ‘gram. My dad always told me that if it looks interesting in the car, it will look even better up close, and he’s mostly right (except when it comes to bears, don’t get out of the car if there’s a bear!). If you see something cool, stop to look at it, smell the roses, and enjoy the fact that you might only see this once and that’s okay.

5. Pray

Last but not least, don’t forget to pray. Road trips can be stressful and unpredictable, but God is always with you. Take some time to pray for safety, guidance, and a good time. And if you’re feeling really bold, sing some worship songs at the top of your lungs. Who cares if the people in the car next to you think you’re crazy, it’s the good kind of crazy (plus you’llprobably never see them again)!

And there you have it, folks. Five tips for a good road trip, from a Christian millennial who’s just trying to make it to her destination without getting lost. Hopefully, you found these tips helpful – or at least entertaining. And if you have any tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments!