Summer is upon us, and with it come longer days, warmer weather and a greater sense of adventure -- but if you're stuck at your desk five days a week, summertime can feel like a bit of a drag.
When the weekly grind's got you down, a well-deserved road trip is one of the best ways to recharge. With the help of these traveling pets, we've compiled our top 10 keys to taking the best road trip ever.
SEE ALSO:
">Top 5 iOS Travel Apps for Your Summer Vacation
Ready? Let's go!
Image courtesy of Reddit, pizinch
1. Pack carefully.
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/DCtLnWC.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt="Road trip to NJ"]
Image courtesy of Imgur, 0galaxy0candy0
You and your friends want to be as comfortable as possible. Don't over-stuff the car with unnecessary items.
2. Only invite friends you don't mind being in constant contact with.
Image courtesy of Imgur, lucygoose
Remember, you're going to spend a lot of time in cramped quarters with these people -- choose your travel mates wisely to avoid a potentially "ruff" trip.
3. Make sure your most directionally-gifted friend rides shotgun.
Image courtesy of Imgur, scallaway92
Road trips rely heavily on maps and directions, so make sure your navigator knows her rights from her lefts.
4. Don't let bad weather get you down.
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/lpjWjPk.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt="Derpy Driving 101"]
Image courtesy of Imgur, awkwardlydisastrous
You're bound to hit a sun shower or two on a summer road trip. Combat the rainy blues with a summer driving playlist filled with everyone's favorite songs.
5. Decide ahead of time where you'll stay each night.
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/ijbTp.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
Image courtesy of Reddit, bellaiskira
It's most fun (and wallet-friendly) to stay with friends you already know and love --- because who doesn't love big slumber parties?
6. Look for fun daytime activities.
Sip a cold beer at an outdoor bar.
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/aJWxBcS.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt="The Original Party Dog"]
Image courtesy of Imgur, ProtectTheRedShirts
7. Try to be understanding when one travel companion gets cranky.
Image courtesy of Imgur, 0galaxy0candy0
When you're constantly travelling, it's inevitable that someone at some point is going to get cranky. Remember that dancing and jetskiing can take a lot out of a person, and do your best to give them some space for a few hours.
Image courtesy of Imgur, maegeneral
8. Don't succumb to road rage.
Image courtesy of Imgur, brillerment
There's just no way around it -- you're bound to share the road with some real jerks during your trip. Just keep your cool. Your trip is too short to spend time fuming over other drivers.
9. Plan to stop for the tastiest meals you can find.
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/uazwsTm.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt="^__^"]
Image courtesy of Imgur, Monako
The best part of any road trip is sitting down to a delicious meal with your friends. Research where you want to eat in advance or ask locals for recommendations.
10. Take pictures.
Image courtesy of Imgur, malcumxxx
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/pvLNP.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt="Our dog loves car rides."]
Image courtesy of Imgur, pirateduchess
Because if you follow these steps, it will be a trip you'll always want to remember.