If you are considering taking a road trip with friends, you’re in for a guaranteed fantastic time. It’s great fun, you can make memories that will last a lifetime, and you can see some great places along the way. Whether you’re planning a long route to see different sites, if you want to take hikes along the way, or if you want to plan a foodie trip, there are so many different things you can do. The most important thing is to plan ahead of time, ensure you’re all on the same page, and set a budget. Keep reading to find out more about how to take a road trip with friends so it goes without a hitch.
Plan together (but don’t overplan)
One of the biggest mistakes people make is having one person plan everything while everyone else just “goes along with it.” Before you set off, make sure everyone has input on the route, destinations, and general vibe of the trip. Are you after sightseeing, beach days, nightlife, or a relaxed countryside drive? Getting on the same page early helps avoid disappointment later and makes sure everyone gets what they want from the trip. While this is true, also make sure you don’t overplan as this can make it stressful rather than fun. Sometimes, spontaneous moments are some of the best things you have, whether this is a last-minute stop at a viewpoint, a random cafe you find along the way, or an unplanned detour where you see some fantastic sights. Leave room in the schedule for flexibility and go-with-the-flow moments.
Find fun things to do in the car
The next thing you need to do is find fun things to do in the car. You could get games such as freecell or Solitaire on your phone to play, which can really help pass the time. There are travel editions of many board games too. You should also download films and TV shows to watch in case there is no signal, and also be sure to get plenty of snacks to help pass the time. You could all do a shop together where you can choose items you want to feast on during the journey.
Agree on a budget early on
Money can quickly become awkward if expectations aren’t clear. Talk openly about budgets before the trip starts. This includes accommodation, fuel, food, activities, and emergencies. Decide whether you’ll be splitting costs evenly or using an app to track shared expenses. It’s also worth discussing spending styles. Some people love eating out at restaurants every night, while others are happy with supermarket meals. Finding a middle ground avoids resentment and ensures no one feels pressured to overspend.
Choose the right car for the trip
The car you travel in can make or break the experience. Make sure it’s big enough for everyone and their luggage, cramped conditions can get uncomfortable fast! If possible, opt for a vehicle with good fuel efficiency, reliable air conditioning, and space to stretch out. If more than one person is able to drive, rotate drivers to avoid exhaustion. Not only does this keep everyone fresh, but it also shares responsibility fairly. Always check insurance, breakdown cover, and that the car is road-trip ready before you leave.
Create a shared playlist
Music is a huge part of the road trip experience. Creating a collaborative playlist where everyone adds their favourite songs is a great way to keep the energy up and make everyone feel included. Expect a mix of throwback classics, guilty pleasures, and songs you’d never usually listen to, that’s part of the fun! It’s also a good idea to download playlists or podcasts in advance, especially if you’re travelling through areas with poor signal as you don’t want to be unable to listen to music and podcasts as you dive.
Pack cleverly and communicate
Overpacking is easy when you’re excited, but space is limited. Encourage everyone to pack efficiently and avoid bringing duplicate items. Things like chargers, hairdryers, toiletries, and snacks can often be shared.
Make a checklist of road trip essentials, including:
*Phone chargers and power banks
*Sunglasses and sunscreen
*Reusable water bottles
*A small first aid kit
*Wet wipes and tissues
*Snacks for the journey
Having these to hand can make long drives far more comfortable and avoid any last-minute emergencies or issues you could run into.
Set expectations about how you want to spend your time
Even if you’re best friends, being together constantly can be intense. Talk about boundaries before you go. Some people need quiet time, others like constant conversation. Agree that it’s okay to put headphones on, take a solo walk, or have downtime without it being taken personally. If you’re sharing accommodation, whether this is a hotel or a rented apartment, discuss sleeping arrangements, shower schedules, and morning routines early to avoid unnecessary tension. There is nothing more awkward than getting to your accommodation and there being a squabble about who gets the best room or a certain type of bed, particularly if there is a choice between a private room with a double bed or a sofabed in the living room.
Share responsibilities
A successful road trip isn’t a one-person job. Spread responsibilities like navigating, booking accommodation, managing playlists, and organising food stops. This keeps everyone involved and prevents one person from feeling overwhelmed or taken for granted. Rotating roles can also keep things fresh and make everyone appreciate the effort involved in keeping the trip running smoothly.
These are just a few top tips for taking a road trip with friends that should ensure you have the best and most successful time possible. Whether you are looking to make memories with friends for a celebration such as a birthday or another event, or if you want to see new places, or just spend time together, a road trip is the best way to do so. What are some top tips you have for a road trip that goes without a hitch? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
*Phone chargers and power banks
*Sunglasses and sunscreen
*Reusable water bottles
*A small first aid kit
*Wet wipes and tissues
*Snacks for the journey
Having these to hand can make long drives far more comfortable and avoid any last-minute emergencies or issues you could run into.
Set expectations about how you want to spend your time
Even if you’re best friends, being together constantly can be intense. Talk about boundaries before you go. Some people need quiet time, others like constant conversation. Agree that it’s okay to put headphones on, take a solo walk, or have downtime without it being taken personally. If you’re sharing accommodation, whether this is a hotel or a rented apartment, discuss sleeping arrangements, shower schedules, and morning routines early to avoid unnecessary tension. There is nothing more awkward than getting to your accommodation and there being a squabble about who gets the best room or a certain type of bed, particularly if there is a choice between a private room with a double bed or a sofabed in the living room.
Share responsibilities
A successful road trip isn’t a one-person job. Spread responsibilities like navigating, booking accommodation, managing playlists, and organising food stops. This keeps everyone involved and prevents one person from feeling overwhelmed or taken for granted. Rotating roles can also keep things fresh and make everyone appreciate the effort involved in keeping the trip running smoothly.
These are just a few top tips for taking a road trip with friends that should ensure you have the best and most successful time possible. Whether you are looking to make memories with friends for a celebration such as a birthday or another event, or if you want to see new places, or just spend time together, a road trip is the best way to do so. What are some top tips you have for a road trip that goes without a hitch? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
