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Road Trip Tricks & Tips

Sweet baby Jesus, I love me a good road trip. It’s one of my absolute favorite ways to explore the world. You can stop for as many bathroom breaks as your little cold heart desires while jamming out in your pajamas driving a minivan packed to the rim. I guess that’s just what comes to this crazy mind when I hear road trip.

Seriously though, they can be one of the greatest experiences when traveling, or turn into your worst nightmare. Like walking in on your uncle in the shower singing Britney Spears kind of nightmare. I have been on my fair share of long hauls and decided to let you in on a couple of secrets I’ve learned over the years (and by years I mean like 2). Here are some pretty damn good tips and tricks to go with you on your next adventure.

Pick the right co-pilot

I cannot stress this one enough. Do you know what it takes to be a good Co-Pilot? DO YOU?? If you don’t then you are not allowed in the passenger seat.ย Period.ย While I’m driving, trying to keep us alive, you are supposed to DJ an awesome set, hand me food and water when I need it, want to talk so I stay awake, make me laugh so I don’t run us off the road from insanity and adjust the temperature so we both stay comfortable.

I’m needy bitches, I can’t help it. But you know I’m right… how many times have you gone on a trip with someone who is the exact opposite, wants everything completely backward of you? What about the dumb ass who doesn’t tell you to turn right until .00001 second before your turn. Don’t have a bad road trip because your friends suck and no one is worthy of that infamous shotgun role. PICK THE RIGHT PERSON.

convertible

ย Pack lots of food/snacks/water

Main ingredients for disaster? Not having these items. By packing these essentials in the car, you save time AND money which is key on a road trip. You don’t want 50% of it to consist of finding food or a gas station because your thirsty ass needs some water. And think about it, a 24-pack of water is roughly $4 and 1 bottle of water at the gas station is sometimes $1.25! FOR ONE BOTTLE. Be smart here and bring all the goodies with you. Some food suggestions:

  • Beef Jerky which is high in protein and helps fill you up without being terrible for your health
  • Cheese Sticksย because they are freaking tasty, small and easy to eat (no mess!)
  • Popcorn since it can be salty or sweet to help you fight urges of needing to eat every hour
  • Hummus and Carrotsย 
  • Cold Pasta Saladย (literally my favorite thing ever) makes a great refreshing lunch to hold you over
  • Any kind of nutsย specifically Pistachios since you have to shuck the shell, making time go by just a littleย bit faster (or boiled peanuts but those can get messy…worth it though)

You get the idea…pack snacks, drinks, and food you know everyone in the car will eat!

Make an awesome playlist

Most cars have Bluetooth or USB capability nowadays and you need to take advantage of that. The radio is a bottomless pit of the same 5 songs played over and over and over to the point of wanting to drive off a bridge. Don’t do that.ย But DO make an awesome playlist for the car ride. Going for a fun girls weekend? Add those sing along’s like Back Street Boys and Justin Bieber. Summer vacation up the coast? Some Kygo or chill beach vibes will do the trick. Wherever you are headed, tailor your music to get you pumped up! It will make those long hours in the car much more enjoyable. Hell, even bring all those old CD’s of when you were in middle/high school. I know that Hip Hop I use to listen to was on point. #firemixtapes

[wp-svg-icons icon=”road” wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”pulse” animate_on=”scroll”] Use apps to help plan destinations ahead of time[wp-svg-icons icon=”road” wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”pulse” animate_on=”scroll”]

This does not mean you plan out every detail before.ย These tools are simply there to help you find parks, sites, hotels, etc on your existing route. Route Perfect helped me when planning myย European Backpacking Trip, showing me how much time in between cities and countries I would need. Even if you aren’t doing a 30 day self guided tour through Europe, these apps work great! I research the shit out of places before I go anywhere, you should know that by now…but along the way you stumble across things you never knew existed. THOSE make for some of the best times. Another app I love is called RoadTrippers and I use it to find off the beaten path parks or sites that you just don’t find online. I mean come on, lets say you’re driving through Witchita, Kansas (place where not a lot of people exist) and you need to find a hotel, or bathroom or some type of civilization…apps like those will help!

[wp-svg-icons icon=”coin” wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”rubberBand” animate_on=”scroll”] Budget The Right Wayย [wp-svg-icons icon=”coin” wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”rubberBand” animate_on=”scroll”]

And by right way I mean my way. This is how you do it…duhh nuhh na na nuhh na. Sorry had to sing for a minute. Okay, on any vacation I ever go on, I budget, but in a different way. For example, when I was in Europe, I could take a train for $100 and get thereย in 2 hours or take a bus for $20 and get there in 2 1/2 hours. Now sometimes that didn’t always work, but for the most part, I budgeted where I could. Instead of just taking the train every time, I used that extra $80 to get drunk somewhereย ย to spend on fun activities or a fancy dinner. If money ain’t an object and you’re out there doin’ ya thang then I’m sure you wouldn’t be reading this anyway ha. I do not consider myself or my blog to be budget friendly because sometimes I ball out like Queen Elizabeth…but I will always somehow be frugal when I can be.

[wp-svg-icons icon=”alarm” wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”wobble” animate_on=”scroll”] Don’t have too much of a set scheduleย [wp-svg-icons icon=”alarm” wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”wobble” animate_on=”scroll”]

Seriously, don’t. I mean it! You hard-headed fuck ๐Ÿ˜‰ I usually have a start and an end date then fly by the seat of my glamorous little pants in between. You rob yourself of so much by have a set time to be in certain places. That is not to say don’t plan at all, that’d be a tragedy. Just plan enough where you know where and when you wanna go and then just do it. I feel like I should be endorsed by Nike because I am ALWAYS SAYING JUST DO IT! That’s the problem with lots of people in life, they never just go for it. Pussies.

Road trip to Austin City Limits

[wp-svg-icons icon=”remove-2″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”tada” animate_on=”scroll”] Keep the car cleanย [wp-svg-icons icon=”remove-2″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”tada” animate_on=”scroll”]

Wanna talk about stress levels being through the roof? Clutter…trash…unorganized mess. I HATE IT. When having a fun road trip don’t trash the car so that it smells like a damn porta potty or sweaty jock strap. Clean that shit up. Throw trash away anytime you have the chance, I promise it will make you feel better. My secret is bringing some extra grocery bags and putting them in the middle console and throwing away shit in there.ย 

[wp-svg-icons icon=”github-2″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”pulse” animate_on=”scroll”] Bring your pet alongย [wp-svg-icons icon=”github-2″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”pulse” animate_on=”scroll”]

Specifically dogs because I love them so so much. I hate cats and IDC what you say. BUT, bring whatever pet you have! They aren’t meant to be cooped up 24/7 inside your dark, lonely bedroom. I take my sweet Pippa the Pomeranian along on as many trips as I can. I love seeing how she sees the world. And if you’re a guy it’s a total babe magnet. Bring Fido is the perfect website to find pet friendly accommodations, restaurants and parks. Don’t leave them behind!

pippa the pom,

[wp-svg-icons icon=”camera” wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”bounce” animate_on=”scroll”] Take LOTS of Picturesย [wp-svg-icons icon=”camera” wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”bounce” animate_on=”scroll”]

As a travel blogger, I am the worst at taking pictures. I just get caught up in the moments that I forget. BUT IT SUCKSSSS when I get home and have almost nothing to go through. Don’t live behind your phone, but capture those moments that you will look back on and smile or laugh or even cry. Picture’s are the best way to piece together a story and allow you to re live your road trip journey.

road trip tricks and tips

[wp-svg-icons icon=”truck” wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”shake” animate_on=”scroll”] Pick the right vehicle[wp-svg-icons icon=”truck” wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#efb3e2″ animation=”shake” animate_on=”scroll”]

On our trip to Key West, I made sure we got a convertible for the 3 hour drive to the island. Hair blowing in the wind, music blasting, a brisk 85 degrees, it was perfect, especially for our first time experiencing the 7 mile bridge. Obviously a family of 6 going to Disney World would not even remotely fit in a convertible so you have to adjust. Our road trip from Lyon, France to the Alps, we opted for the Jeep with snow tires and snow chains! Depending on the location, climate and amount of people joining, always remember to plan accordingly!

Well, are you ready for your road trip now? Hopefully these weren’t (actually I know they weren’t) some boring, old basic bitch tips and tricks to follow! It’s 2017 bitches, you need to get with the time. Now that I have updated you on all my secrets, do you have any for me? I’d love to hear any you have to share so leave them in the comments below but until next time…

xo Bonvoyage Bitches

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  1. Hannah says:

    Haha so true! I have to say though I am the best co-pilot because I CANT SLEEP IN CARS. Perfect for driving at night because I also never shut up… haha.

  2. Ahaha sensible tips! And I love your tone!
    But I must disagree on one thing : beef jerky! If someone eats that in a closed car next to me I kill him – that stuff stiiiiinks!

  3. meg says:

    As an avid road warrior these are all excellent tips! Playlist especially!! I also LOVE bringing my 4-legged best friend along for the ride!

    • Tatum Skipper says:

      Yay glad you like them. A playlist is totally needed and I love bringing my pets along! They make it fun!

  4. Rosi C. says:

    Where are you for those pictures with pres. head. totally cool. Great advice for road trips. love roadtrips ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. I like the idea of planning not everything and have the best experience to plan only to a certain extent. Roadtrips are always an amazing way to travel. Thanks for the delightful content!

  6. Cali says:

    Sweet baby Jesus, I love me a road trip too!! Hysterical post with some great tips. Especially the part about the copilot. If I am driving, you are my personal servant. lol!

    • Tatum Skipper says:

      Hahah you like that intro don’t you! Yes its definitely a firm requirement!! Feed me, I need water and love and attention.

  7. Joanna says:

    Great tips! Co-pilots are essential especially when they know how to drive too. I can’t drive the whole way, we need to switch sometimes. lol

  8. “Choose the right co-pilot” – truer words were never spoken! There’s nothing worse than traveling with someone who has to stop at a restaurant for every meal or check in to their hotel by 4 pm. 4 PM! Even my grandpa didn’t do that.

    And the radio definitely sucks, especially since our best road trips are where we can’t get any stations. We try to rip a new cd for every big road trip so when we hear it later, it reminds us of that trip.

    Hey, which airline allowed you to have your pupper on the seat? We’ve only flown with our pets internationally and they were big sticklers about staying in their crates. Sadness.

    • Tatum Skipper says:

      Right?? There is nothing worse I swear. So she is certified as an Emotional Support Dog because I lost my other sweet Pomeranian of 3 years in a tragic accident so I get terrible anxiety leaving her behind. It’s only around $300, but you have to go through a series of writing and submitting things but to me it’s totally worth it!

  9. Danielle says:

    Love the “Don’t have too much of a set schedule” piece. My best friend and I road-tripped from Texas to Washington once and happened across Sacagawea’s gravesite. While we accidentally crashed a real funeral it was pretty cool to be able to go off our our trek a bit to see this.

  10. Anisa says:

    Great tips, I love road trips. I definitely agree that the co-pilot is the most important though. That can make or break the trip!

  11. Lol, your post has me cracking up. Totally agree with the right co-pilot, don’t want to be stuck in the car with someone that sucks! Also 100% on the food and drinks, that’s probably #1 in my book.

  12. The hardest part for us to find music what hubby and me likes too…haha ๐Ÿ˜€ Or not to stop constantly for better pics!

  13. Number 1 point is the most important!!!
    I’d add to pack the snacks according to temperature as well, so that they don’t spoil in the sun or – if it’s cold – break bottles.
    What has been your favorite road trip so far?

  14. Luca says:

    Since I like too much driving, having the right co-pilot for me it’s not that important, he/she could even sleep for what I care, the less talking the better!
    The only criteria important to me, in a co-pilot, is the music playlist! I couldn’t drive with someone not sharing something in common with me, speaking about music. I could kick him/her out of the car!

    • Tatum Skipper says:

      OMG same!! Music is super important…I hate when they love country and you love rap, like that just doesn’t even go!

  15. Marla Daye says:

    These are all great tips! I definitely abide by these rules when on any road trip. A GREAT co-pilot is KEY. They can make or break the whole thing. Thanks for the helpful tips!

  16. I know what you mean about having the best copilot. It can be such a pain otherwise. You also need the right gang when you are going on road trips else it would be no fun at all. Like you, I prefer some planning but keep the days in between without a set schedule.

  17. These are some great tips. Road Trip is real fun, stopping by taking pictures and getting lost in a small world you just discovered exploring the unexplored. Our road trips are always a great outing for our furry pet. Agree! an awesome travel mate and some beautiful songs on the playlist will make for a memorable road trip.

    • Tatum Skipper says:

      I always forget to take pictures so definitely need to get better at it. But yes, the furry pets MUST come along!! All of those things will make it unforgettable ๐Ÿ™‚

  18. There really is a lot to take into consideration when planning a road trip. As you say, it is important with a good co-pilot. To be handed water etc will driving can really be important in the end. ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. Joanna says:

    Packing enough snacks and keeping the car clean are very important tips for a road trip. Especially when you eat the snacks, don’t just throw away the wrappers in the back but prepare a garbage bag and put them in there. A smelly car can never be pleasant to drive in.

    • Tatum Skipper says:

      I’m the worst with beef jerky because I tend to leave the wrapper stuck in the side of the door, then get mad later on and blame it on someone else haha.

  20. Wonderful post and so so funny too ๐Ÿ™‚ I love how you have your priorities set, starting with the loo breaks (which is often pain in buses in India because we don’t have toilets in the bus). I love being the pilot on the road trips and hate when my companion is bad with navigation – if there is one thing I want first, this would be it! Somehow I am more lenient about music – since there is always a bit of tussle about who gets to drive, I let go of being demanding if I am on the wheels ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Tatum Skipper says:

      haha thanks doll! Yes you have to have those priorities in check to make it an easy road trip! I guess if you demand to be the driver you can be lenient on the music ๐Ÿ™‚

  21. Adam Biernat says:

    Really cool tricks and tips ๐Ÿ™‚ I love it! Keep the car clean is my main problem during the road tri. I should work on it, thanks for advice ๐Ÿ˜€

  22. Yes, you’re so right. Nothing worse than going on a road trip with someone that’s not on your wave length. Sometimes it’s hard to know beforehand whether your travel buddy is the right road trip partner or not, but a good co-pilot can make all the difference. If it’s a long drive it helps if both people have a license to share the load and the fun of course.

    • Tatum Skipper says:

      It’s such a downer if they just don’t mesh well with you! It can definitely make all the difference!!

  23. These are all really important points especially having the right co-pilot and snacks/water. I like how much your personality comes through in your writing and the jokes like budgeting to save money for fun activities. It’s surprising on what kind of deals you can get on travel/accommodation without going for the full on budget traveller hostel route.

    • Tatum Skipper says:

      Thanks for commenting on my writing…it’s nice to hear that people appreciate little ol crazy me ๐Ÿ™‚ You really can find the best days, people are just to lazy to research just a tad beforehand! Can make all the difference.

  24. Yes… having the right mindset is the best way to enjoy a trip. We must not worry too much about thngs. I think the best way to enjoy is not plan too much and let things happen. This is unless of course you are visiting some dangerous area.

    • Tatum Skipper says:

      Totally agree! If you keep thinking something is going to happen, most likely they are! People just need to go with the flow ๐Ÿ™‚

  25. Love road trips. They give you the freedom of exercising your will on when, where and how long to stop.
    These are good tips to male the experience more enjoyable. But the unexpected is what makes road trips exciting.

  26. Indrani says:

    So funny! I look forward to reading your witty posts ๐Ÿ™‚ Traveling with you will be a fun I am sure.
    I can relate to some of those driver problems… telling to turn at the last moment… vehicle getting dirty… and how the waste too should be stashed away… great read ๐Ÿ™‚

  27. Dane says:

    I just did a 5 day road trip through the alps in Italy and we 100% did not keep the car clean and it was the most frustrating thing ever especially considering it was below minus 10 the whole time which made finding anything when you got back to the car freezing cold the worst haha.

  28. Elena says:

    I love road trips too! And your list really guarantees everyone a good time while living new experiences. The problem is that usually you can’t have it all (especially the keep-your-car-clean part!) and you just have to learn how to deal with minor inconveniences ๐Ÿ™‚

  29. Not usually much of a road tripper, but these tips would probably help! Especially having good music to listen to, that’s key!

  30. I’ve never been on a road trip because I don’t know how to drive! I take buses and trains everywhere. But your tips are very funny. And I agree that a good playlist is super important even if you are just riding instead of driving. I like the Pandora app because it plays music I like without me having to listen to the same songs over and over again.

    • Tatum Skipper says:

      wow thats cool actually. I hate driving but love to ride. Have you heard of 8Tracks? It’s an app similar but with playlists that other people make. You can put in your mood like “chill, summer, indie” and it will play playlists that have that tag! Pretty cool.

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