Thrive by Following Road Trip Rules

There are few traditions that feel more American than the good old fashioned road trip. Whether a family holiday, the first solo trip of high school buddies celebrating graduation, or just scratching the itch to get out of a bubble and see more of the country, there are so many ways a good road trip just feeds that travel bug. While the RV rental seems like just the first step of a good travel adventure, the best road trips start well before renting the RV.

#1: Make Solid Plans

While the idea of a completely seat of your pants road trip might sound like a great idea, the problem is that this never works out the way the idea does. If you know of places you want to see, things you want to do, or experiences you want to have then why not set up your road trip around those? This helps guarantee you'll look forward to various stops on your trip and have actual experiences.

If you don't make any plans you'll drive a lot…but pay more for hotels, have trouble finding places to stay at times, and experience stress that should be taken care of already.

#2: Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Having a basic plan is important, but you also want to make sure that you give yourself free time, as well. Don't have a schedule that give you 2 hours for breakfast, 12 of travel, and an hour of hanging out at night. That will become old fast! Have open spaces in your daily schedule of several hours so you have the ability to stop at that awesome road side attraction, check out a hiking trail locals swear by, or hang out with some great people you meet.

A great road trip is well planned while also giving yourself time to enjoy spontaneous adventures.

#3: Be Prepared

Be prepared for all the worst case scenarios. Have a spare tire. Have a survival kit in the vehicle, have extra money put aside "just in case." Have shelter for all types of weather. The better prepared you are, the better your overall experience will be. This starts with the full car checkup before you even get started.

#4: Mix Favorite Experiences with New Experiences

Learning something new or having that new experience is often one of the highlights of a great adventure (or vacation). Is there a place you always wanted to visit? Something new you wanted to try? Whether learning about a vineyard or going down a zip line, mix in one of those new experiences and see what type of worlds those experiences may open up for you!

#5: Travel with Close Pals

While some people like to travel solo, and there's nothing wrong with that, traveling with one or two close friends can make for a truly special trip. Make sure you only travel with people you don't mind hanging out with 24/7, and generally you want to travel in small groups. This cuts down on potential conflicts while traveling, allows everyone easy input on what to do or where to go, and creates memories you can share with those closest to you.

There's just something about traveling with that core group that really creates incredible memories.

Basic Do's for good road trips:

• Make plenty of plans and backup plans

• Bring a wide array of snacks

• Only travel with friends you can spend days on end with

• Take an emergency fund in addition to 20% more money than you plan in budget

Basic Don'ts to avoid bad road trips:

• Don't be a schedule Nazi – give yourself time to enjoy the trip and explore unexpected discoveries

• Don't go full on "winging it," either – have a basic plan just put some freedom into that plan

• Leave before having your vehicle fully checked out

• Don't leave without an emergency credit card or emergency fund of some type