How To Survive A Road Trip With Your Friends

Four words: just don't do it.

I kid, I kid!

I fully intended for this post to be a cautionary tale: if you value your friends, don't subject yourselves to hours upon hours of being pent up in too close of quarters on the open, winding road. Someone's bound to get testy, or carsick, or hangry, and who knows how you'll take it out on each other.

But I stand corrected. Although the three of us were hesitant to embark on two back-to-back eight-hour drives, especially as they were bookended by busy work weeks, a friend in need is a friend in need. But what we didn't realize was that we needed this roadtrip just as much as she did, and perhaps even more so. Blessedly, we emerged feeling recalibrated and rejuvenated.

Here's how we did it without killing each other:

Communicate.

Not but forty minutes into our drive, I forgot that I was in charge of navigating and we missed a key exit that cost us an extra thirty minutes. Own up if you made a mistake. Communicate. Sheepish, I asked Leah – are you mad? Do you hate me?

Maybe a little, but I'll be fine in ten minutes, she replied shortly. So I shut up for about ten minutes, and then after that we were all good. I begged out of navigating from then on out though, that's for sure.

Let each other know if you're tired or need to pee even if it's inconvenient. Ask your friend to stay awake if you're feeling groggy. It's all about keeping everyone as comfortable and safe as possible!

Surprise each other.

In preparation, I suggest having everyone buy a variety of snacks and choose an assortment of entertainment separate from one another.  This way, there are surprises a'plenty. This is the way to keep toddlers happy on flights, and this is also the way to keep adults happy on roadtrips, yes sirreee. 

Every so often, ask "what are you thinking right this second?" It'll start a deep conversation in no time. This here was key for us, and sparked dialogue that had us yapping away for hours. You see, even though I see my friends often, we tend to get lost in the shuffle of every day details. This is the perfect time to hash it all out: a random funny story, revelations about the future, the worries and problems currently plaguing you. Anything and everything. Clearing your cache and whatnot. It did wonders for our souls.
Avoid starting a long roadtrip in the evening, after a long day at work. I urge you to learn from our mistakes.
Try not to continuously check your ETA. It's torture.
Download beltable tunes. Bonus points if they're oldies. Bonus bonus BROWNIE points if it's Britney Spears.
If all else fails... donuts. Duh. 
Ooh, and get this. On our way back, we were blasting that song Bright by Echosmith and not even kidding you right now, when they crooned "did you see the shooting star tonight" ... a FRICKEN shooting star tore across the night sky. I can't even make this up, you guys. Also, I missed the stupid thing and no I am not bitter, can't you tell. Whatever. I'm claiming the story as my own, too. It was a nice little nod from the universe that this road trip indeed held healing powers.
Have you ever roadtripped with friends? Any lessons learned? Did you love it or hate it?