Are you interesting in taking a road trip with friends? If so, you aren’t alone. According to a WCNC, many Americans are choosing road trips over flights this year.
Taking a road trip with friends can be a terrific way to travel and see more of the city/country/state you are visiting.
However, roadtrips can also be exhausting. Before you jump in the car and hit the road, you’ll need to do a little planning and preparation first.
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road trip with friends
1. SET EXPECTATIONS
Before you set off on your road with friends, make sure you have a discussion about what everyone expects. Here are some questions to consider:
- Do you plan on stopping along the way or do you want to maximize your time and just get to your destination?
- How will you divvy up driving? By hours, days, or until someone gets tired?
- How will gas be split?
- Will you stay in hostels, hotels, or apartment rentals?
- Will you stop for food in restaurants or get sandwiches and snacks along the way?
- Does the driver mind if everyone sleeps or does he or she want someone awake?
- Are impromptu stops okay or is there a schedule to stick to?
It’s best to have an idea of what everyone expects so that no one will be frustrated and compromises may have to be made.
It’s so much easier to talk about these things beforehand then to assume everyone is on the same page. Need 5 crucial questions to ask before you travel? These will help you have the necessary conversations with your friends.
Are you traveling with someone who won’t mind if you wear headphones/airpods? I don’t travel without my Bose headphones. I have used them for years and they never disappoint.
NOTE: Traffic in the USA can be horrific in certain cities. Los Angeles, New York City, Atlanta, and Houston are just a few of the cities that are known for their abominable traffic.
2. HAVE HARD COPIES READY
Sure, we are in the ‘digital age’, but there is nothing wrong with having hard copies.
Cell phones and technology aren’t always reliable, so having hard copies on-hand throughout your trip is always a great backup in the event of an emergency.
3. DON’T SKIP THE CAR CHECK
Even if you have a reliable car, it’s beneficial to have a licensed mechanic give your car a once over so that you can be certain there are no problems.
It is better to deal with any problems beforehand than on the side of the road during your journey.
If you have hair you want to protect while driving, did you know I created a product specifically designed to go on your headrest? It’s called Fro Friendly and it’s perfect for anyone who wants a little pizazz in their protection.
4. JOIN AAA
Many people think AAA (Automobile Club Of America) only offers roadside assistance, but they are also a wonderful resource for travelers.
AAA can help you plan your trip, give you books on the destinations you will be driving through, and help you with routes and general planning.
Or, if you are a traveler that doesn’t need help, you can get all of the information from them to plan on your own.
Don’t have AAA or there isn’t one in your area? Contact the local tourism boards of the areas you plan on visiting, because many have downloadable maps and brochures that you can print out.
NOTE: Some tourism boards and visitors centers will even send you hard copies if you request them.
5. PLAN YOUR OVERNIGHTS
There is nothing wrong with being spontaneous. In fact, it can sometimes add to the joy of the trip.
However, it may be a good idea to have a hotel destination in mind so that you know for sure you will have some place to stay and be certain that where you stay is within your comfort level.
And of course, you need packing cubes and my tip envelopes for your bags!
6. HAVE PLAYLISTS SETUP
With all the music apps and streaming options available today, you’d think you’d never run out of tunes—but don’t underestimate the power of a solid playlist.
If you lose signal or hit a dead zone, having a playlist downloaded and ready to go means the vibe never has to stop.
There is no reason to waste time trying to figure out which songs to play. It will take you a bit of time to get your playlists together for the trip, but you will be happy you have that out of the way, as it will be one less thing you won’t have to think about.
7. GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME
There is nothing worse than being rushed when you are trying to enjoy yourself. Driving gives you the flexibility to take your time, as well as enjoy the sites and attractions that you would like to see.
Do you want to have leisurely mornings and drive at night? Is your destination someplace you want to spend lots of time in? Whatever your day consists of, give yourself enough time so that you can enjoy what makes you happy.
8. TALK ABOUT MONEY BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Nothing will ruin a good trip faster than money drama. Before you hit the road, have an honest conversation about how expenses will be handled.
Will you rotate who pays for gas or use a shared app like Splitwise or Zelle to keep things even? Are you splitting everything 50/50, or will folks pay separately for food, lodging, and activities?
Don’t assume your friends have the same budget—or travel style—as you.
Being upfront about what everyone can afford keeps things clear and keeps friendships intact. And always bring a little cash—some small-town gas stations or food stops still don’t take cards.
9. THINK BEFORE YOU POST
Of course you’ll want to share that gorgeous overlook or hilarious pit stop—but not everyone in your group may want to be on camera.
Before posting group shots or tagging locations, ask your friends if they’re okay with it. Also, remember that broadcasting your location in real-time (especially if you’re far from home) can raise safety and privacy concerns.
Consider sharing your highlights after the fact. Capture the moment now, post later.
10. LEAVE ROOM FOR SILENCE (YES, REALLY)
When you’re on the road for hours, you don’t have to fill every minute with music, conversation, or podcasts. Let there be some silence.
Not every road trip needs to be a 12-hour podcast. It’s okay to be quiet.
Let people zone out.
Rest. Reflect. Even sleep.
Especially if you hit the road early—before sunrise—to get ahead of traffic.
It’s not rude to enjoy some silence. In fact, it might just be the most peaceful part of the trip.
11. ASSIGN ROLES BEFORE YOU PULL OUT THE DRIVEWAY
Who’s the DJ? Who’s on AC duty? Who’s navigating?
Decide that before you get 20 minutes down the road with three people reaching for the music and someone screaming that they’re cold.
It’s not about being bossy—it’s about avoiding chaos. Everyone should have a role, even if that role is “I’m the snack distributor and backseat hype person.”
12. AUDIOBOOKS: YOUR SECRET WEAPON
A good audiobook can make a 10-hour drive feel like 3. But—and this is key—download it before you leave.
Nothing’s worse than driving into the mountains and realizing you’ve got no signal and your thriller is stuck on “buffering.”
Choose something suspenseful (think: serial killers, twisted plots, or narrators with beautiful voices) that’ll keep you alert and your passengers entertained.
And if you’re not all into the same story, try podcasts—they’re easier to agree on and just as addictive.
13. MONEY, SPEEDING TICKETS, AND OTHER UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTHS
Speeding ticket while your friend is driving? That’s their souvenir, not a group expense.
Talk about this stuff in advance.
Same with gas, food, tolls, and parking. Don’t assume people know what to pay for or when. Apps like Splitwise can help, but a little pre-trip convo goes a long way.
14. BATHROOM STRATEGY IS REAL
Please, I beg you: don’t wait until it’s an emergency.
Bathrooms get sparse real quick in rural areas. Truck stops like Love’s are surprisingly clean and well-lit. McDonald’s is a decent backup (and there’s always fries).
And please give your driver some warning—you can’t expect them to pull over every 3 miles. Here are 10 best truck stops in America, according to truckers.
15. STAY CHARGED, STAY SAFE
Bring all the charging cords. Keep a multi-USB adapter in your car so everyone can charge at once.
If your phone stays on the dash with GPS going, also have offline maps downloaded—because signal isn’t guaranteed anywhere outside of a major city.
Portable power banks are great too, especially if someone wants to scroll or nap with their phone in hand.
Here are a couple extra tips:
16. YOUR CAR NEEDS BREAKS, TOO
Even if you’re saving money by driving all day, your car can’t run forever without rest—especially in summer heat.
Plan stops every few hours to give your engine (and your people) a breather.
Stretch your legs, hydrate, and maybe find a scenic overlook. Bonus: regular stops help keep the driver alert and the vibe from turning sour.
17. PACK LIKE A TRAVEL NINJA (ESPECIALLY IF MENOPAUSE IS COMING ALONG FOR THE RIDE)
Think layers—because everyone’s internal thermostat is different, and the AC is going to be a whole discussion.
If you’re in the menopause zone (hi, hot flashes!), you already know: you’ll need that car ice cold, and your travel companions need to be prepared.
Bring a mini fan (or two), wear breathable clothes, and keep a zip-up hoodie nearby for those poor souls who aren’t sweating through their eyebrows.
Don’t forget: pillows, blankets, refillable water bottles, sunscreen (yes, the sun will cook you through the window), and non-negotiables like wet wipes, paper towels, gum, tissues, Tums, and a solid trash bag. Comfort is queen.
FINAL THOUGHTS: ROAD TRIPS AREN’T JUST ABOUT THE DESTINATION
Whether you’re rolling with your girls, your kids, or your favorite playlist, a road trip is more than just getting from Point A to Point B.
It’s about the memories made in the in-between moments—the gas station laughs, the unexpected detours, and those little joys that stick with you long after you’re home.
With a little planning (and a lot of snacks), your trip can be smooth, safe, and full of stories worth telling.
Knowing how to plan a perfect roadtrip is simple if you do a bit of research and planning before you hit the open road. Need a route? This post from AAA is helpful and informative
Are you looking for some audio tours? This one is for San Francisco. Headed to Lake Tahoe? This audio tour could be for you.
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