traveling road trip with friends

33 Fun Things To Do On A Road Trip With Friends

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Road trips should always be full of memorable moments and fun experiences! Whether you are planning the next journey with your pals or you are already on the road and need to make it more interesting, below you’ll find 33 fun things you can do on a road trip with friends!

Going on a road trip can be a nice way to bond with people and deepen your relationship. On this list there is a bunch of different activities: some are supposed to make you laugh together, others may give you the opportunity to be more authentic and really talk to each other. And of course, there are some silly ways to spend time on the road that you’ll all remember for years to come!

Because this is what road trips are all about, right? Being silly together, sharing amazing experiences, handling various issues that may come up, and being there for each other for all the good and not-so-good moments. That’s what friends are for.

How to make road trips more fun

Three core things that make every road trip fun and special are people, surprises, and memories. Take a couple of good friends or meet new ones along the way. Plan some fun activities but allow for unexpected things to happen. And take a ton of photos to remember your amazing trip!

You are the one responsible for making sure you have fun!

Always start with a positive mindset and prepare for emergencies so they don’t ruin your experience. Have a plan but make it flexible enough to be open to the opportunities that may be waiting along the road.

Surround yourself with things and people that make you happy. For someone, it may be a group of active enthusiastic friends, for someone else a peaceful beautiful location is more important for having a good time. Find out what fills you up with positive energy and make sure to have it with you on every road trip!

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Road trip essentials for adults checklist

Many things can happen on a road trip, so you gotta be prepared. Even if you don’t get to use half of these things, it’s better to have them handy just in case. Traveling is not always 100% predictable and you never know what could go wrong.

By packing all the essentials, you can handle any mishaps along the road without stressing too much about it. Traveling with friends usually shows different sides of people, especially in unexpected situations. Even Mark Twain had something to say about this:

I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.

Why not minimize the potential negativity by putting a bit more thought into the preparation phase, right? Here is my list of important things to pack for a road trip, whether you go with friends or alone.

• Drinking water
• Healthy snacks
• Travel-size hand sanitizer
• Car power universal charger
• Foldable car garbage can
• First aid kit
• Tampons – if there are girls on a trip
• Natural pills for motion sickness relief

Useful things

• Car seat organizer
• Reusable coffee cup or a foldable one
• Memory foam travel pillow
• Road trip discussion prompts
• Electric car blanket
• Seat cushion for the driver
• Portable hammock – if nature is in the picture
• Waterless mini toothbrush

33 fun things to do on a road trip with friends

Regularly spending quality time with friends is crucial for building long-lasting relationships. Going on a fun road trip together is one of the ways to keep your connection strong and, hopefully, forever.

Whether it’s getting lost together, engaging in cool adventures, or simply talking in the car about life, you are bound to get closer after spending hours on the road!

With that said, prepare to have a great ride with your friends and have lots of joy together by using this extensive list of fun road trip things to do!

1. Let your hair down

Going on a road trip means detaching from your daily reality for a little bit and doing something different.

I’m not saying you should get wild and end up in jail or something, but let yourself get loose a little! Mix up your routines, try to be more spontaneous, say yes to more things, and be open for new opportunities to come your way.

And the most important: have fun!

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2. Ride without navigation

Isn’t it fun to get lost together? This is likely an adventure you’ll always remember!

If you are used to always coming on a trip with a strict plan, maybe try to offer more freedom this time. If organizing everything is important to you, include being spontaneous to the plan! It may mean to only plan the big destination points without binding them to time intervals or to have chunks of the plan with no specific route.

In other words, plan your road trip well but allow for unexpected detours. Allow yourself and others to be more flexible and let the road give you more fun adventures!

3. Get inspired with some quotes about traveling with friends

Are you already in a car or just thinking about organizing a road trip? In any case, here are some fun quotes about trips with friends that will inspire you and get your mood up! Share a few favorites with your road trip buddies and discuss what they mean to you both.

A weird but true fact: sometimes other people can express your feelings more than you can express them yourself. Especially when they are writers and public speakers who know their ways with words, right?

4. Ask fun road trip questions

The main idea behind going on road trips with your friends is not only to relax and have fun but also to deepen your connections. Asking each other interesting questions, even silly ones, may result in having a discussion on subjects you’ve never touched before.

If you think you know your friends too well for this, these conversation starters can easily prove you wrong!

5. Listen to a podcast

When you are tired from all the talking from the previous point, a good idea is to shut up for a bit and listen to someone other than each other. Thankfully, it’s 2021 and you are not limited by the radio stations as people were before. While people on the radio often talk about random things, consider listening to a podcast dedicated to a specific topic that interests all of you.

Here is a good selection of podcasts to listen to during a long road trip.

6. Stop for a picnic

Instead of inevitably eating super unhealthy things like burgers or hot dogs at gas stations or in the car, why not plan a picnic as a part of your journey!

Find a beautiful spot while driving and pull over to have a bite together in a nice setting. You can prepare some food and snacks at home or get takeout on the way (preferably not your typical junk food – maybe grab a salad instead this time?). You can even combine this with ideas #23 or #31 from this list if you want!

If that’s something you may enjoy, don’t forget to pack an outdoor blanket and a pack of eco-friendly bamboo utensils instead of plastic ones. This picnic may also be a good time to play “Exploding kittens” or “Unstable unicorns” if you are into board games like me!

7. Play Would You Rather

I obviously didn’t invent this game, and you likely played it already if that’s not your first ever road trip.

In any case, you can still make it fun and unique every time by using different sets of questions. For example, here is a whole book with more than 500 Would-You-Rather questions you can ask each other.

Some of them are silly (“Would you rather have three arms or three legs?”), while others may lead to deeper conversations (“Would you rather make a small difference in the lives of ten people or a massive difference in the life of one person?”).

This is the kind of game that may uncover new sides of your friends for you, even if you know each other for ages.

8. Get out of the car and walk around

Unless you are on a highway, nothing stops you from pulling over once in a while to walk around and stretch your body. Your muscles likely get stiff after all the sitting so you’ll feel wonderful to get out of the car. At least stop for a coffee and don’t have it inside the car!

These five to ten minutes out will let the blood flow better inside your body and will give a refreshing feeling to all your muscles. This can also be a good time to have that picnic from idea #6 and get some fresh air and food at the same time!

9. Take a group photo that is special to this road trip

Instead of the usual selfie, try to capture something more special and unique this time. Maybe it’s a beautiful location, the feeling of happiness on your friends’ faces, or an interesting group activity you don’t usually do. Try to incorporate the mood of this road trip into your fun pictures.

If there are more than two or three of you on the road, consider taking a selfie stick or a tripod with you to make sure everyone can fit nicely in group photos. It gives you some flexibility when you can capture more than just your heads!

Put some thought into it cause these photos will remind you of your friendship and make you smile even decades later! How nice is it to find a picture you haven’t seen in years and immediately feel the wonderful atmosphere from that trip!

You can even print a mini photo book later with your photos from a road trip (and give it as a gift to everyone who was in it!).

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10. Read a book out loud

When exactly was the last time you read a book aloud? Did you ever do it as an adult?

I always bring either a book or my Kindle when I’m traveling but I never actually considered reading aloud to a person who is with me. Maybe it’s because I’m a shy introvert and don’t wanna bother other people. Or maybe our tastes in literature are too dissimilar…

Sometimes I read the best parts aloud to a person next to me but I’ve never thought about reading something together! I should probably consider it for my next road trip as well.

Anyway, if you have a book and others only have their phones, offer to read to them! You can take turns in reading so nobody gets too tired, just don’t involve the driver. Such a nice way to kill time together!

11. …or Listen to an audiobook

Not everyone is a very talkative person, especially when your road consists of many long hours. More often than not you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy something pleasant. Instead of everyone reaching for their phones and getting lost in scrolling social media, better listen to a good book and then discuss it together!

Depending on your road trip length, you can probably listen to a whole book, or even a few, during your journey. If you have an Audible subscription , you can choose from a variety of great books or switch to listening to another one if you don’t enjoy the current one.

Make sure to choose something that every one of your friends will enjoy too! While it may not be as easy with fiction genres, you may still try finding something in recent Amazon bestsellers . Or listen to an uplifting non-fiction book like You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero that will definitely improve everyone’s mood.

12. Play I wish I didn’t know

Wanna do something funny? How about a world’s filthiest trivia game ?

This is definitely not for kids. In fact, it has a 17+ age restriction on the cover! But play with a group of adults, and you’ll all get to learn many new things about the world that you’d rather not know.

There will be a lot of laugh, a lot of hope, and likely a lot of screaming “ewww, gross!”. But you want an unforgettable road trip experience, right?

13. Lock up your phones

While that’s not a fun activity by itself, it’s a prerequisite to having more fun together!

You probably heard by now about these smartphone containers that help people cope with digital addictions. If your friends are often distracted by their phones when you are trying to have a conversation, a safe like this may be a good solution!

You can all agree to take a break from social media and put all your devices in a box for a specified time interval. You can try it for an hour and see how it goes. I wouldn’t recommend blocking phone access for the whole trip ’cause there may be some situations when you’ll need them. For example, to pay for something if you are out of cash or to make a call in case of emergency.

Eliminating digital distractions like that is a great way to connect with your friends and spend more quality time together instead of endless scrolling.

14. Wear matching road trip shirts

If you want to make this trip more special, order a bunch of matching themed shirts in advance!

It can be a shirt with a special message like on this picture above, or a fun travel-themed T-shirt that everyone could wear more than just this one time.

Don’t do it for every trip or it stops being special. But do it at least once so everyone has something at the end to remember this particular journey. Also, the photos from your road trip will be much cooler if you all are wearing awesome matching shirts!

15. Find little souvenirs to remember this trip

You can be as creative with this as you want!

Postcards and fridge magnets are the most common things to bring back as souvenirs. I also used to collect sugar packets from cafeterias around the world.

If something especially interesting happens to you on this trip, think about something related to the situation that will remind you about it back at home. As long as it makes you smile, reminisce, and brings out warm feelings for your friends, take it as a souvenir!

If you travel to another country, a good idea can be to get a wall art piece. It can be a beautiful painting from a local shop or a minimalist photograph that would look nice in your room. Or you can print your own photo from this road trip on a canvas if you capture something worth being on the wall.

When it comes to souvenirs, it can literally be a little something from a gas station you stopped at. It doesn’t even need to mean anything to anyone other than you and your friends!

Whatever you decide to take, make sure it’s not illegal. For example, taking sand from some beaches is against the law so do your research in advance to avoid the trouble!

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16. Stretch together on the go

Sitting in a car for many hours at a time can feel very uncomfortable.

Don’t make it seem like another workday behind the desk! This may give your brain the wrong associations and make the trip impression much less fun.

The human body is meant to be active, and being in a limited space is not an excuse. There are a lot of things you can do to move around even in a moving car. Make sure to talk your friends into stretching with you so you aren’t the only one doing weird moves.

Here is a good example of the stretching poses you can do in the car (unless you are a driver):

17. Make a fun road trip playlist and sing along

Driving with feel-good music is usually more comfortable than listening to the radio, news, or going in silence. Fun songs help to tune the overall mood of your trip into a more positive one, and make you feel more energized.

Make a selection of your favorite songs that you can all sing along to together or find a ready-made playlist in a genre you prefer. Aim to choose uplifting and positive songs instead of depressing or sad ones, even if that’s what you are used to listening to. Remember that you want to make everyone smile on a trip, not cry!

Here is an example of a good playlist on Youtube specially made for road trips:

18. Meet new people

Even when you travel with friends , you can always meet more good people along the road. Be nice and friendly and allow for your path to cross with someone else’s. Who knows what might come out of it!

If you are visiting a new area, meeting locals can be very beneficial. Even if you don’t become instant friends, they may show you some local gems and add an unexpected spark to your trip. Literally even talking for a minute with someone can give you new ideas and place recommendations you never considered before!

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19. Count colorful cars

Watching cars is a fun simple game you can play with adults or kids.

Each person picks a color and whenever you pass a car of that color, you get a point. You can play till 10 or 50, or 100 points, or just play till the next stop and see whose color wins by comparing the points you all got.

This works very well to kill some time when everyone is tired and not really up for more intelligent games and deep conversations.

20. Answer some road trip trivia questions

If you have a growth mindset, you know that you can learn new things and continue to develop your intelligence at any age. A road trip is a very convenient place to expand your horizons by playing a trivia game that fills the knowledge gaps you may have.

There are all kinds of trivia question sets available online, for example, here on Amazon . Some are general knowledge questions, some can be more specific around one topic or location, and there are some tricky question sets that are especially fun to play with a group of close friends.

Here are some trivia cards that are good for the road trip:

• Good Guess: A Social Trivia Game
• I should have known that!
• Brain Quest for the Car

21. Make an Instagram contest

If you all like taking photos, come up with some kind of a photo contest for the trip. Aim to create one amazing photo each and then share all of them on Instagram and make people vote on the best one!

You can even decide on a prize for a winner to make it more interesting and competitive. And don’t forget to use some of the best friendship hashtags for more exposure!

22. Eat something unusual

With friends or not, road trips are meant to be different from your usual life!

One way to experience something new is to eat something new. We all have to eat every day anyway, so the only thing you need to do is to be more open-minded with your meal choices.

Before leaving for your trip, explore the target areas online: look through the restaurant reviews on Tripadvisor or find a few local gems that you will be passing. Try to not order anything that you usually order. For example, if you always eat pizza, then have pasta, or go to a Thai restaurant instead of Italian. Or try to find the food you haven’t tasted before! This will give you another new thing to remember about this trip.

As an alternative, make a new tradition with friends to eat something specific on a road trip! Whether it’s sharing a pizza, enjoying tacos, or indulging in oysters, why not let it become your special group thing?

23. Brew your own coffee in the wild

If you are a coffee lover like I am, you would enjoy making coffee outdoors for a change!

I once saw a video from one of my favorite videographers on Youtube and I have this idea in mind ever since. This is what I’m talking about:

Doesn’t it look amazingly cool?

The process doesn’t have to be as hard either: there are many great portable espresso machines designed specifically for camping and travelers so you can have a fresh cup of coffee wherever you are. This will impress your friends, too!

24. Catch up on sleep

Unless you are a designated driver, take some time in a car to catch up on your sleep. Especially if you aren’t sleeping the healthy 8-9 hours every day (who does?), this may be a good time to relax and have a nap.

Far away, in the middle of some unknown road, you can’t make yourself busy with a bunch of tasks like you would at home. That’s why there is no need to feel guilty even if you take a nap at midday. Call it a siesta, and enjoy it like Spanish people do!

To make sleeping in a moving car more comfortable, always bring an inflatable pillow to support your head. A sleeping mask and earplugs will also come in handy so others can talk without disturbing your sleep.

25. Take funny photos of sleeping friends

If you have a really long road trip, there will be time when some of you are sleeping. Many people sleep in funny poses, especially when there isn’t much room in a car. You can spend some time “decorating” them with whatever stuff you have at your disposal and taking a few pictures just for fun!

But please, please, don’t post those pics anywhere. It’s one thing to laugh together, but embarrassing them in front of other people may easily do harm to your future relationship. Chances are, they won’t ever go on another road trip with you!

If you are immature enough to paint your friends’ faces for fun, make sure to not use a permanent marker like Ross did to Rachel!

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26. Share your dreams

When was the last time, if ever, that you talked to your friends about your dreams and goals?

Unless you go on a trip with a bunch of strangers with whom you don’t feel comfortable sharing personal stuff, bring up the dreams subject somewhere along the way.

What would you do if money/society/age/physics/etc wasn’t an issue? What is the specific idea of a dream life for you and why does it seem unrealistic to you? What about your friends? Discussing these things may be very therapeutic because some things aren’t as impossible as you may think. By brainstorming together, you may share different perspectives and maybe come closer to achieving your dreams!

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27. Exercise your creativity with friends

There are many ways to be creative together on a road trip! Here are a couple of my random ideas:

• Create an interesting story together. One person starts with an opening sentence, the next one continues the story with another sentence, and so on. You can go as many circles as you want and come up with crazy plot twists. The fun part is to add an unexpected turn of events and make the next player look for the way out! And nobody knows how it ends until it does!
• Draw an unusual creature together. This is the one the driver should probably sit out because it’s too distracting. Take a piece of paper and a pen (or a tablet if you didn’t do #13) and draw a base of a character. It’s easier to start with some kind of geometrical or abstract shape to be your creature’s body. Then pass it on to someone else to add something to the picture, and so on. In the end, you should get a really fun and unique character in the creation of which each of your participated equally!

28. Participate in a silly dance together

Remember that road trip playlist from idea #17? Wait for an especially uplifting song and dance, even if that’s just with the upper part of your body. Engage the others and learn silly moves from each other to have more fun.

This is also a nice way to stay somewhat active during a long drive!

By the way, if you haven’t seen this guy dancing, I’ll just leave this video here for good vibes!

29. Talk about something deep

When you are driving in the dark and just can’t laugh anymore, it may be time for some deeper bonding with your friends. You may think you know who they are and what they are all about but in reality, you never know all of it. Humans are complicated beings, after all.

More often than not, we only see the top layer of someone’s life, personality, and feelings. If you are interested to see the rest of their icebergs (and let them see yours), deep conversation starters may be very helpful. Or just ask them how they feel and discuss each other’s long-term goals. You may be surprised!

30. Play magnetic chess or checkers

Stuck in the back seat and getting bored while friends in the front are talking without you?

Pull a travel chess board out of your bag and invite one of your friends to play with you! Make sure to bring a magnetic travel version so your pieces don’t get flying all over when the car jerks on a pebble.

If you aren’t sure whether your friends can play chess, consider bringing a 3-in-1 set with checkers and backgammon to have more options.

31. Watch a sunset

Beautiful pinky-orange hues of sunset always make the world more beautiful!

If your timeline allows for it, make a stop someplace nice to watch a sunset and spend some quiet time in nature surrounded by people you love.

Sunrise may also work but everyone is more sleepy and sometimes cranky, and it’s usually colder early in the morning, so personally, I prefer sunsets. But if you are on the road anyway and the sky starts to look especially beautiful, make a stop and let yourself enjoy it!

32. Catch little moments and make a video after

You don’t have to be a professional videographer to make fun videos these days. People do it every day with entry-level vlogging cameras or even in a form of Instagram reels captured with a phone.

I love taking photos but with videos, you get to capture much more of the mood and details of your journey, as opposed to a bunch of still moments. Shoot movement, landscapes, your friends having fun, and beautiful surroundings that give you the feeling of what that place is all about.

Here is an inspirational video for your road trip with friends. Try to make your own like that!

33. Enjoy the journey

Last, but not least, of my road trip tips with friends, is to enjoy every minute of it!

Don’t focus on the destination alone: you have hours in the company of great people, so why not make the most of it? Use the ideas from this list or do something completely different next time to stay away from boredom. Engage other guys in conversations and learn more about each other while you are stuck in a small metal box for all those hours!

Have an awesome road trip with friends!

These were my 33 fun ideas of what you can do on a road trip with friends. Keep this list handy for your next adventure so you never get bored and always have plenty of fun adult things to do together!

What is your favorite thing to do on a trip like that? How do you manage to stay active and prevent other people in the car from getting bored? Tell me in the comments if you have some fun road trip experiences or more ideas to share!

More fun resources for building warm friendships:

• 84 Travel Quotes With Friends To Inspire Your Next Adventure
• 82 Positive Affirmations For Lasting Friendship And Making New Friends
• 120 Heart Touching Quotes About Long Distance Friendships

125 Best Friendship Hashtags For Instagram In 2023

• 85 Hilarious Quotes About Crazy Friends

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Road Trip with Friends in the USA: 20 Best Stops!

Posted on Last updated: February 13, 2024

Planning a road trip with your besties? Well, you are in the right place!

With countless amazing destinations to choose from, I have collected the top stops for your road trip with friends through the United States.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure  here .

Key West, Florida

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Key West is the perfect destination for a road trip with friends. Since it is located on the last of the Florida Keys, to get there you will have to drive through the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge, which makes for one of the most scenic and epic drives in the United States.

Along the bridge, there are several cool stops to make. The coolest are the islands of Islamorada and Key Largo. Once you get to Key West, there is a handful of awesome things to do, like going to the beach, pub crawling, going on a classic Key West sunset sail, and even snorkeling with dolphins.

 Also, from Key West, you can go on a day trip to Dry Tortugas, one of the most remote and unique National Parks in the country. You can read about more awesome things to do in Key West here . Another great thing about Key West is all the great dining options it offers.

Make sure to grab a bite at Lobster Shack, Santiago’s Bodega, and Blue Heaven (which has the best brunch ever!) Regarding places to stay, the best choices are Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, Marquesa Hotel, and Ocean Key Spa and Resort.

Related: Dry Tortugas National Park

Mt Shasta, California

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Any road trip with friends in Northern California should include a stop in the town of Mt. Shasta.

Nestled five hours north of San Francisco and an hour south of Oregon, it’s the perfect destination with friends, either as a standalone trip or as part of a West Coast adventure.

Mt. Shasta is a treasure trove of stunning nature and tons of fun things to do . Best of all, it isn’t overrun with tourists so you can feel like you have the place all to yourselves!

Skiing and winter sports are abundant in the winter, and in the other seasons there are a ton of great hikes for hiking lovers.

Some of the best include hiking from Castle Lake to Heart Lake, hiking to Castle Dome in Castle Crags State Park, and hiking any of the awesome trails on the mountain of Mt. Shasta itself.

If you and your friends prefer relaxation, you can have epic picnics and swim in gorgeous spots including Mossbrae Falls, Hedge Creek Falls, and Lake Siskiyou.

You can then finish up an awesome day in nature during your road trip with friends with some spirituality and an incredible meal.

Be sure to check out the Gateway Peace Garden where you can say a prayer or meditate. Afterwards grab some food at one of the best eateries in town – Seven Suns for vegan fare, Lily’s for café grub, Crave for Mexican and BBQ, or Bistro No. 107 for burgers and a great selection of microbrews and wines.

Mt. Shasta is a hidden gem you and your friends are sure to love!

Burlington, Vermont

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Burlington, Vermont is a must stop if you are planning a road trip with friends through New England.

This vibrant city is located on Lake Champlain with the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains across the lake. Stroll through Waterfront Park to soak in the beauty.

For more active exploration, rent bikes on the Burlington Bike Path. Ride to some of the beautiful beaches along the trail. North Beach or Leddy Beach are perfect destinations.

Burlington is a foodie town with excellent craft breweries and Mad River distillery. The gang might have a blast tasting their way around town. Foam Brewers on the waterfront is very popular.

The next stop is a visit to the open-air pedestrian mall of Church Street. With its unique stores, street performers, and restaurants with outdoor seating, you can spend a whole afternoon there. Grab a table at Honey Road on the mall for scrumptious Eastern Mediterranean small plates to share with friends.

In the evening, check out the arts and music scene before heading back to Waterfront Park for a magnificent sunset over Lake Champlain.

Have a nightcap at upscale Hen of the Woods before retiring next door to the Garden Hilton Inn with rooms with views of the lake.

Las Vegas, Nevada

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Las Vegas is one of the most popular destinations in the USA to visit for some fun with friends. The glitz, glamour, and neon lights of Vegas are absolutely intoxicating.

Las Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the world. With its variety of entertainment options that include shows, museums, exhibits, pool parties, casinos, and themed hotels, you’ll never run out of things to do.

Each hotel will transport you to somewhere different. You could spend an entire day just wandering the hotels and soaking it all in.

The Venetian Resort brings Venice to the heart of Las Vegas through its detailed replicas. The Bellagio is a Las Vegas Landmark that draws inspiration from European villages.

The hotel also features the famous Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden.Do not be afraid to venture  beyond the Las Vegas Strip .

Free-fall from the sky, take a helicopter ride, ride along in a race car, or go hiking. The sky is the limit for what you can do and experience; it is what keeps people flocking to Vegas all year-round.Las Vegas is a foodie paradise.

You won’t find as many celebrity chefs anywhere else. However, if you don’t fancy spending an entire paycheck on a meal, you can have a great time at Tacos El Gordo, Secret Pizza, Robert Irvine’s Public House, or Nacho Daddy.

It also isn’t a perfect road trip with friends to Vegas without a group photo in front of the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign!

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

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Set just an hour away from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best destinations in the USA for a road trip with friends if you’re into nature and keen to explore one of the most  beautiful places in Colorado .

Boasting over 110 hiking trails, gearing up for a day spent hiking is one of the best things to do here (options are aplenty for both newbie and seasoned hikers).

Think crystal-clear alpine lakes, rugged ridgelines, and unbelievable awe-inspiring landscapes to get a picture of what hiking here is all about!

If you and your friends would prefer not to break a sweat, another option to explore the park is to go on a scenic drive to hit all the best viewpoints.

The Trail Ridge Road and the Peak-to-Peak Highway are considered two of the most beautiful roads in Colorado!

Eating options are aplenty in the nearby Estes Park. Some of the best eateries to grab a bite are The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern (hearty food to get you ready for the adventure), Trailhead Restaurant (classic American), and Estes Brewery (hand-crafted beer, pizza, burgers, and delicious sandwiches).

There are many lodging options close to Rocky Mountain in the nearby Estes Park (Della Terra Mountain Chateau and Estes Hotel are both great options).

For more budget-friendly choices during your road trip with friends, consider driving a bit further away on your road trip with friends to Lyons or Boulder.

Moreover, there are five campgrounds in the Rocky Mountains if you’re feeling up for an adventure!

Charleston, South Carolina

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A great stop on a road trip with friends in the USA is Charleston. Charleston is a great city to visit and there are many things to do and see there.

You find Charleston in South Carolina along the east coast of the United States.

The city of Charleston has a very rich history and culture, which is great to experience. One of the best things to do in Charleston is exploring the French Quarter.

You find here many beautiful streets that are great to wander around at with friends.

These beautiful places also make for great places for photography in Charleston .

For example, Rainbow Row is a street with many colorful houses. You could go here with friends to take photos together.  

Another great thing to do in Charleston is to go to one of the rooftop bars in the city. This is the perfect place to have a drink and watch the city from above.

Another great activity is to go to the beach. Folly Beach is a great beach near Charleston, with many fun water activities.

A great place to have food with friends in Charleston is CO on Lower King Street. Furthermore, a good place to stay is The Spectator Hotel.

Rainbow Springs, Florida

Recommended by Rebecca from Whatever Packs Your Bag

Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida is a great underrated stop on a road trip with friends. It is located in Central Florida, right outside Dunnellon, Florida.

The natural spring produces over 490 million gallons of beautiful clean fresh water daily! 

It has a very interesting history, in the 1930’s it developed into a road side attraction, with submarines to view the water and wildlife.

It had a full zoo with exotic animals, however the interstate, and the new Disney parks soon made tourists dwindle. It was closed, and then donated to Florida.

Florida developed it as a state park as it remains to this day. You can go swimming in the swimming area, for an entrance fee of $2 per person. 

The real fun comes from tubing the Rainbow Springs River, there are several local options, but doing it at the state park supports the preservation efforts.

The tube and tram fee is $20 per person, and covers the ride down to the launch point as many times as you wish to go. You exit at the parking lot. You can bring your own tube and pay a slightly smaller entrance fee for just the tram.

It is super important to remember sunscreen as the sun will be pretty strong as you float down the river. It is relaxing, and the water is 72 degrees year round. It is the perfect road trip with  friends stop in Florida.

Leavenworth, Washington

Recommended by Chantelle from Flannels or Flip Flops

Leavenworth Washington is an amazing stop on a road trip with friends! There is so much to do in this tiny Bavarian Town that no matter what time of year you and your friends visit you will have so much fun! 

Leavenworth is just over 2 hours from Seattle and makes an excellent road trip destination, or a stop along  Washington’s most beautiful road trip the Cascade Loop.

The town of Leavenworth is a Bavarian themed town that oozes charm around every corner. It sits at the base of mountains so large, you’ll swear your are on a Hollywood Movie set!

You and your friends will enjoy wine tasting, and microbreweries up and down the main street.  There is also great food and super fun shopping! 

In the summer months, the town is beautiful for a road trip with friends with the Wenatchee River flowing through it.

There is excellent hiking, rafting, and biking in and around Leavenworth! In October, Oktoberfest is so much fun in Leavenworth. During the Christmas season, the whole town is sparkling with lights and has a nightly tree lighting ceremony.  

There are many Bed and Breakfasts located in and around Leavenworth, as well as airbnbs and hotels.  The most popular are the Bavarian Lodge and the Enzian Inn.

You’ll want to book your accommodations early, especially during Oktoberfest or the Holidays.  If you can’t find lodging in Leavenworth the nearby town of Wenatchee is a more affordable and not too far away choice.  

Rachel, Nevada

Recommended by Erin from Pina Travels

Rachel is a tiny town out in the desert of Nevada, about a 2 hour drive from Las Vegas. It’s the perfect stop on a road trip with friends because of it’s quirky reputation.

With a population of around 70 people, this little town is known for being a destination on the famous Extraterrestrial Highway (Nevada State Route 375).

It’s a 98-mile stretch of road that runs alongside the famously secretive Area 51, a classified United States Air Force facility that is off-limits to civilians.

The idea that Area 51’s secretive military base is a cover for alien research has become a popular part of pop culture alien lore.

Space enthusiasts believe that it’s possible to spot aliens and UFOs when you drive out into the Nevada desert on the Extraterrestrial Highway!

Because of all this alien lore, driving the highway out to the town of Rachel is a hilariously fun road trip with friends.

Along the way there are lots of alien-themed stops you can make for fun photo-ops. Be sure to stop at E.T. Fresh Jerk, the Alien Research Centre, and the Extraterrestrial Highway Sign!

When you get to Rachel on your road trip with friends, you’ll find the famous cafe, the Little A’Le’Inn. It’s an eccentric little bar, restaurant and motel full of alien themed kitsch and memorabilia.

There, you can have a drink and a meal (try the Alien Burger!) while chatting with locals who are likely to drop by and tell you their wild stories about Area 51 and alien sightings. If you really fall in love, you can check into the Little A’Le’Inn motel for the night.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Recommended by Martina from PlacesofJuma

New Orleans is a really cool city for a road trip with friends. Located in Louisiana, this city is famous for its vibrant nightlife and the really cool music scene.

Also culinary you can experience a lot: The cuisine of New Orleans combines the French with the African and American – and so you will find many amazing food to try!

Every year the legendary Mardi Gras takes place here, a huge carnival party, but the city is also worth seeing outside this time.

New Orleans is the city of music, and you can feel that at any time of the day or night! So you experience with your girls a really cool flair and you can switch off from the stressful everyday life optimally.

As soon as the sun goes down there is dancing in the city, there are countless possibilities for live music and nightlife. Perfect if you want to party all night long with the girls.

But also during the day you can experience a lot of amazing things. New Orleans has a beautiful historic old town (“French Quarter”) with numerous buildings in Spanish and French colonial style.

Interesting is also, that New Orleans makes it consistently to the list of the most haunted cities in America!? So if you believe in the paranormal you should definitely book yourself and your girls a spooky room in one of the haunted hotels!

Washington DC

Recommended by Cynthia from Sharing the Wander

Washington D.C. is an easy stop on a road trip with friends. All major routes down the East Coast pass through here and there’s tons to do, a lot of it free.

The DC Metro is clean and fast and makes it easy to move around the city.  Have kids in tow? Washington DC is also fabulous for families. Check out How to Have the Most Fun in Washington D.C. with Kids .

Toss down a picnic blanket on the National Mall, and hit up the various food trucks. There’s a great selection of trucks that park across from the National Museum of the American Indian.

This museum also has a terrific native café. Relax in the sun and people watch, or wander through the various monuments.

Catch the DC Circulator to the Tidal Basin to see some of the newer memorials including the stunning Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the FDR Memorial.

In the Spring, this area has an amazing concentration of cherry blossoms.

Catch up with your besties while you stroll through the National Portrait Gallery to check out the Obamas’ Official Portraits, or check out the original Declaration of Independence at the National Archives. Feeling adventurous?

Head to the International Spy Museum, where each of you will be given a secret mission and you can test your spy skills.

Ready to head out for the evening? Head to U Street, the birthplace of jazz legend Duke Ellington. There are lots of options, from upscale dining to Ben’s Chili Bowl. On the Eastern end of this area, you’ll find Little Ethiopia. There are lots of bars and music venues, from jazz clubs to live DJs.

Houston, Texas

Recommended by Gabby from Office Escape Artist

If you’re unfamiliar with Houston, you may think of Houston as a concrete jungle with hurricanes and oil companies.  Besides NASA, it isn’t really famous for anything touristy like Austin or San Antonio.

Don’t let these misconceptions fool you.  Houston is an underrated gem in Texas and is well worth a stop on a road trip with friends.  

If you’re spending the night, you’ll want to stay “in the Loop”. Houstonians call the I-610 loop the “Inner Loop” and that’s where the best and trendiest activity happens. For a quick trip, most of the action is west of I-45 in the Loop.  

If you’re a fresh college graduate and want to party, definitely check out the Midtown neighborhood during your road trip with friends. For young professionals still interested in the bar scene, Washington Avenue might be a better neighborhood for you.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood vibe with awesome restaurants, either the Heights or Montrose would be great for you.  Luxury travelers can’t miss either the Galleria or River Oaks neighborhoods but museumgoers should stay closer to the Museum District.

For a quick road trip stop, the best way to experience Houston is through the restaurants.  Houston’s dining scene is truly world-class, but still affordable and non-pretentious – really similar to Houston itself. Take your friends to get some amazing Tex-Mex at either El Tiempo or Ninfa’s on Navigation (and definitely  try the margaritas). 

Experience real BBQ Pinkerton’s and taste Viet-Cajun crawfish at Crawfish and Noodles (as seen on Netflix’s Ugly Delicious!)  

Dine at Beyonce’s favorite steakhouse, B&B Butchers, or enjoy  omakase  sushi at Uchi.   Houston has so many amazing restaurants so you won’t go wrong planning your road trip around food.

San Francisco, California

Recommended by Stéphanie from Bey Of Travel

During a road trip with friends in the USA, you should absolutely make a stop to enjoy  some time in San Francisco . Located in the north of the state of California, San Francisco is a peninsula on the Pacific Ocean. Reserve two to three days to enjoy your stay to the fullest.

Book a room in the InterContinental San Francisco located close to all of the city’s highlights. San Francisco is home to different backgrounds and cultures and the city embraces the hippie & LGBTQ communities. You will see the colorful rainbow flags all over the city. 

Rent a bike and head over to the Golden Gate Bridge, an absolute must while in the city. Take the time to explore the nearby Golden Gate Park. Fisherman’s Wharf should also be high on your USA bucket list , besides the many good restaurants you will see many sea lions sunbathing along the pier.

Take a boat ride to visit the world-famous Alcatraz, the place where many famous gangsters have been kept prison. In addition, there are plenty of beautiful parks to visit, beautiful streets to explore and art stores to visit. In need of some Sun? Enjoy a relaxing day on Ocean Beach.

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Recommended by Lina from Bucket List Places

Picture a spa getaway surrounded by mountains in a picture-perfect town in Colorado. Add a natural hot spring in the middle of the river in town.

Pagosa Springs is a destination to add to any Colorado road trip itinerary .Located on the Continental Divide, this quiet town is fed by mineral waters from the deepest hot spring in the world.

Famous for its sunshine, you can choose whether you prefer to visit one of the several luxurious spas or if you prefer the budget option, you can soak for free in the natural pools in the river right in town.  

If you are planning a road trip with friends during the winter, the area is also famous for Wolf Creek, the ski resort with the most amount of snow in Colorado.  

The surrounding San Juan mountains offer more than 2.5 million acres of hiking trails in the national forest. Other activities in the area include kayaking, rafting, waterfalls, biking and more.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Recommended by Ellie

If you are planning your road trip with friends in the Midwest, you are definitely going to want to add Minneapolis to your itinerary!

Minneapolis has long been a popular travel destination– whether visiting to explore the Mall of America or discover Minnesota’s natural wonders. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to explore this fascinating city on a budget.

There are dozens of fun and free activities in Minneapolis . Start off by strolling down the scenic Stone Arch Bridge while snapping some awe-inspiring photos of you and your friends.

Later, head over to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to explore the iconic red cherry and spoon. If you are looking for an urban natural escape, check out Minnehaha Falls Regional Park. This beautiful park boasts over 190 acres of natural land filled with limestone bluffs, river outlooks, and a 53-foot-tall waterfall.

A great way to spend time in Minneapolis on your road trip with friends is trying out some of the local-favorite restaurants! I actually grew up around 20-minutes south of Minneapolis, and can honestly say that Minneapolis boasts some of the best restaurants ever!

If you are into Vietnamese food, check out Hai Hai. If you prefer tasty cocktails and seafood, head over to Martina. Whatever you choose, I guarantee you will love what Minneapolis has to offer.

For places to stay during your road trip with friends, the Ramada located around 3 miles outside of downtown is far more affordable and comfortable than any hotel you would find in the heart of the city!

Joshua Tree, California

Recommended by Jacqueline from Your Travel Flamingo

In recent years, Joshua Tree National Park has exploded with popularity, namely with the influencer crowd.

It’s become an Instagram hotspot, and upon arriving here, it’s not hard to see why. Aside from being extremely photogenic, Joshua Tree is also a place like no other. Set in the Mojave Desert, this place is the ultimate playground for wild adventures in the untamed desert.

But it’s also a serene place for sundowners by the pool, nights spent stargazing, and admiring the dreamy lavender and pink hued skies during sunset. 

As a California native, I can tell you this is a local favorite pit stop for road trips with friends and outdoor adventures.

Things not to miss while here are hiking to Skull Rock, The Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden (best photo spot during Golden Hour!) and Barker Dam. Also, a great activity to do with friends, is just having a do-it-yourself photoshoot.

For the best photos, shoot during golden hour right before sunset. The iconic photos usually are with a native Joshua Tree, and you will have no trouble finding one of those guys!

For dining, head to Joshua Tree Town, where you’ll be transported back into the days of the wild west. Some of the buildings here resemble historic saloons, reminiscent of old cowboy movies.

A great place to eat is Joshua Tree Saloon, a quirky and lively restaurant serving up juicy steaks and burgers.

As for accommodation during your road trip with friends, there are endless options on Airbnb in Joshua Tree, from rustic cabins, to luxury glamping sites. The best way to enjoy Joshua Tree is by going out in the mornings and afternoons to avoid the heat, and relaxing at your chic cabin during midday. 

Recommended by Megan from Red Around the World

Moab is one of the best places to stop on a friends road trip, especially for outdoor lovers.  There is so much to do there, it’s crazy.  

If you’re on a budget, consider the Lazy Lizard Hostel (it’s not glamorous at all but it’s fun, even if you don’t stay, I’d highly recommend reading the Google reviews).  If you want to spend a little more, the Slickrock Quality Inn is good.  

As for food, there are tons of delicious options.  The Spoke, Josie Wyatts, Quesadilla Mobilla, and Tacos El Gordo (in the food truck park) are some of my favorites.  Now for the good stuff, all the awesome things to do in Moab.

Make sure to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks on your road trip with friends.  

Dead Horse Point is a state park with amazing canyon views, Potash Road has petroglyphs and some arches, hike to Corona Arch, drive the Colorado River Scenic Byway, or check out some of the amazing rock art in Moab.  

If you want to do something more adventurous, join a canyoneering, ATV, Jeep, or off-road tour.  And if you’re feeling super adventurous, sky dive over Canyonlands!

Savannah, Georgia

Recommended by Brittany from Travel by Brit

Savannah, Georgia, is an unforgettable stop on a road trip with friends—the charming city offers haunted history, fabulous restaurants, and stunning architecture.   

Since the entire city is walkable, Savannah is the perfect destination to spend some time out of your vehicle, stretch your legs, and explore during a long road trip. Also, Savannah is one of the only cities in the United States with open container laws, so you can sip on a drink while you stroll through Historic Savannah.   

During your time in the city, you can’t miss the opportunity to go on a haunted ghost tour, stroll through Forsyth Park, tour a historic home,  or explore City Market and River Street.   

Savannah is a foodie city, so one of the best things you’ll do during your road trip with friends is eat tons of delicious southern food!

You’ll discover tons of  excellent restaurants in Savannah , like The Olde Pink House for upscale, southern dining, Leopold’s for classic, homemade ice cream, and Huey’s along the river for fresh-baked, doughy beignets!   

Choose accommodations in Historic Savannah to be close to the action during your road trip with friends. You’ll love the DeSoto Savannah  for a classy, centrally-located hotel, The Hamilton-Turner Inn  for a charming bed and breakfast experience, and The Marshall House for a historic (and spooky!) setting.  

Solvang, California

Recommended by Olivia from the Girl With Blue Sails

The quaint city of Solvang, California is one of the best stops on a road trip with friends in the USA.

Often referred to as “a little slice of Denmark in Southern California,” you will feel like you’ve stepped into another country as you walk down streets filled with rural Danish architecture and windmills. No matter the length of your road trip,  planning one day in Solvang, California is a must do. 

The most popular things to do in Solvang include eating Danish pastries and wine tasting while you window shop.

Notorious for its decadent bakeries, Solvang has many to choose from, but one local favorite is Mortensen’s Bakery. Having a fresh bear claw or Danish kringle with your coffee is the perfect way to start the day. 

Embarking on a wine tasting journey is easy to do, as Solvang has tasting rooms set up in the center of town. The city is surrounded by lush wine regions, so there are plenty of local wineries featured.

The tasting rooms are used to groups of friends passing through, so they all have pre-selected wine flight recommendations from which to choose.  

When planning where to spend the night, location is everything. Highly recommended is The Landsby. The look and feel of this hotel is contemporary with a hint of traditional Scandinavian design.

Located right in the heart of town, it is the perfect place to settle down with your friends and toast the quaint town of Solvang.  

Seattle, Washington

Recommended by Karee from Our Woven Journey

Seattle is a perfect place to stop on a road trip with friends. There’s so much to do, you’re sure to find something of interest for everyone in your group to enjoy!

Start your day at the famous Pike Place Market where you’ll find fishmongers doing what they’re most famous for—throwing fish! They often put on a show for customers that draws quite a crowd.

Pike Place has over 500 shops and booths, so you’ll have plenty to explore besides flying fish. You’ll find fresh flowers, local artisans, quirky museum pieces and much more.

You’ll also want to spend time wandering the nearby area where you can add your contribution to Seattle’s Gum Wall (it’s as disgusting as it sounds) and stop by the original Starbucks store.

There’s no shortage of food at Pike Place Market, including those that serve local seafood. You can choose whether to snack your way through the day or stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants.

From there, make your way to the iconic Seattle Space Needle and treat yourself to an amazing view of the city. (Pro tip: if the sun is sunsetting early enough, time your visit to be there for it!) You can visit the beautiful Chihuly Glass Museum at the base of the Space Needle when you’re done.

For dinner, head on over to the Fisherman’s Wharf and have dinner at the Crab Pot, then wrap up your evening by taking a ride on Seattle’s Great Wheel!

Brevard, North Carolina

Recommended by Megan from Virginia Travel Tips

There are so many incredible stops along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway that winds through a couple of states on the East Coast, but one of the most underrated (and best) is the charming town of Brevard, North Carolina.

It is the ideal stop on a road trip with friends!There are so many cool  things to do in Brevard  but one of the absolute best reasons to visit the North Carolina town is to explore Pisgah National Forest and all of the waterfalls that naturally occur in the region!

Some of the most notable waterfalls near Brevard are Rainbow Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and more!

Another reason to stop in Brevard on your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip with friends is that there are some wonderful hikes there.

The Art Loeb Trail is one of the most notable extreme hikes on the East Coast and it is a perfect place to visit from April until November.

If nature isn’t your cup of tea, there is a plentiful craft beer scene in Brevard.  Be sure to check out the Brevard Brewing Co as well as Ecusta in nearby Pisgah Forest.

While the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to plenty of awesome stops, Brevard is often overlooked in favor of Asheville – but, stop at both!

Kansas City, Missouri

Recommended by Alexa from Travel in Missouri

Kansas City is known for a lot including the Kansas City Chiefs super bowl win in 2019 and of course some of the best BBQ & Jazz in the United States.

With more than 100 BBQ restaurants throughout the city and a history dating back more than a century, visitors simply can’t go wrong with KC barbecue. Kansas City is most famous for its burnt ends, no matter the meat.  

Some of the best places to stop for BBQ on a road trip with friends through Kansas City, Missouri are Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Slap’s BBQ. Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, Q39, Jones BBQ, Plowboys BBQ and Gates Bar-B-Q. 

Beyond BBQ, Kansas City, Missouri is also known for its music; rhythm and blues, big band and most of all, its jazz. There are many great clubs and joints to hear great jazz music in Kansas City. A few favorites are The Phoenix that features live music from local jazz bands and has a Saturday jazz brunch.

Another fun choice is the Blue Room which is a jazz club inside the American Jazz Museum, located in the historic ’18th and Vine Jazz District’ area of Kansas City where Kansas City jazz originates from.

Downtown Kansas City is a great choice for accommodations during your road trip with friends. There is an abundance to do and an easily walkable city.

There is also a free street car that runs from Union Station to the River Walk and the oldest farmers market in the city. Hotel Indigo Kansas City Downtown is a great choice for those looking to make their Kansas City road trip a weekend adventure. 

Dripping Springs, Texas

Dripping Springs, as one of the cutest Texas towns , is a fabulous stop to add to your road trip with friends itinerary! Located just 23 miles west of the world-renown city of Austin, you and your besties can explore a wide array of fun outdoor activities at a fraction of the cost.

Whether taking a refreshing dip in the beautiful Hamilton Pool Preserve (shown above) or exploring the unique olive trees at the Texas Hill Country Olive Company, Dripping Springs offers amazing activities and attractions as a fantastic stop on your road trip with friends.

Another great area to explore is the limestone cliffs found around Dripping Springs’ Pedernales River. This spot is perfect for adventurous rock climbing and picture-opts with your best friends.

If you and your besties are looking to go horseback riding or fishing during your friend road trip, make sure to head over to Reimers Ranch. Here, you can enjoy 3 continuous miles of pristine riverfront coastline to explore.

If you are looking for an affordable place to stay on your road trip with friends, I highly recommend checking out the Holiday Inn Express & Suites which is found not far from the center of Dripping Springs.

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Home » Roadside Attractions Blog » Road Trip Planning » Taking a Road Trip with Friends (Tips + Fun Things To Do)

Taking a Road Trip with Friends (Tips + Fun Things To Do)

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Windows down. Music blasting. Sunglasses on. It’s time to take a road trip with friends.

Sometimes when people picture cross country road trips they might think of a tired family packed into a station wagon sporadically chanting, “are we there yet?” while driving endlessly from home to their destination. But road trips are anything but that.

Road trips are an amazing way to see the country, even if you’re just seeing a small part of it. There is no better vacation freedom than packing up your car, going where you want to go, and stopping where you want to stop. And, if you’re bringing along friends: even better.

Taking a road trip with friends makes for a fun vacation and epic adventure. It allows you to spend more time with the person or people who mean the world to you, create a lasting memory, and get plenty of Instagram photos along the way.

Before your bestie calls shotgun, here are some helpful tips for taking a road trip with friends, fun things to do on a road trip with friends, and some suggestions for routes and destinations to take together. Ready to hit the road?

Road tripping with friends?

Tips for taking a road trip with friends, fun things to do on a road trip with friends, where to go on a road trip with friends.

Make this book your third wheel!

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book features 100 activities to play in the car, at your hotel, or at stops along your route. It’s a must-have book for a road trip with friends. Create a road trip hashtag, complete a TikTok-inspired challenge, curate the perfect gallery, and record every turn of the wheel.

You love your best friends to pieces, so of course you should take a road trip with them! Right? Well… maybe. Or maybe not. Just because you get along with your best friend in daily life doesn’t mean you’ll still feel so chummy after being cooped up in a car together with no breaks for days on end. No matter how much you and your friends get along, be prepared for a fight or two with your road trip friends and some hurt feelings along the way. I’m not saying here don’t take a road trip with friends. Actually, quite the opposite. Traveling with friends can be an amazing, fun, memorable adventure. But only if you’re prepared. Here are our tips to make sure your best friends road trip is the best it can be.

Make Sure You’re on the Same Page

When taking a road trip with friends it is vital to have a conversation beforehand and make sure everyone is on the same page before you decide to journey together. Even best friends might have different travel styles. One person might be a strict planner while the other a more go-with-the-flow type. One person might be a night owl and the other an early bird with an early (and loud) morning alarm. One person might love living off the land and camping while the other might only order room service in five-star hotels.

Before making any concrete decisions make sure you and your friends are road trip compatible. There should always be room for everyone to compromise a little, but if your ideas on how to travel are wildly different it might be a better idea to travel apart. Here are some things to make sure you discuss beforehand:

• Who is coming on the road trip?
• How early or late do you want to start your day?
• Whose car are you taking?
• Who will be driving? Will you take turns? How often will you switch?
• What is your budget?
• What level of accommodation are you comfortable with?
• Are you OK sharing a bed and/or room?
• Do you prefer air conditioner or open windows in the car?
• What types of stops do you want to make?
• How often will you stop?

Make a Road Trip Route, Itinerary, and Plan

When traveling with other people it is always a good idea to have a plan. It doesn’t have to be an iron-clad itinerary no one is allowed to stray from. In fact, you should definitely plan to be at least a little flexible. But, with multiple opinions, tastes, and travel styles, figuring out your road trip route and itinerary before leaving will allow you to plan a trip with input from everyone in the car and agree on stops beforehand.

Need a little extra help with how to plan a road trip with friends? Join our challenge! Sign up below and in just five days you can have your entire route planned!

Road Trip Road Map

Five days to a better road trip route.

Take your road trip planning to the next level  join our five-day road trip planning challenge!  Over the next five days we will show you our method for planning a road trip route that will get you from point A to point Z without missing a letter in between. Sign up for our email list today and get ready to hit the road!

Decide How You’re Going to Pay and Make a Spending Spreadsheet

With road trips come lots of expenses: hotel bookings, gas, national park admissions, snacks. When traveling with friends it’s important to determine how you’re going to be paying for everything you need to pay for. You want to be fair to everyone and make sure everyone is paying equally. Sometimes one person will put everything on her credit card and others will Venmo that person their share. Sometimes everyone will pay for a different things until it balances out. There is no right or wrong answer, you just want to make sure that everyone on your road trip agrees to a method. No matter what you decide it’s a good idea to start a spending spreadsheet to track those expenses so you can make sure everyone paid their fair share.

Assign Roles

It isn’t necessary for everyone to take on roles, but sometimes it just makes sense. If one person is driving, another should be in charge of music. If one person is the impeccably organized planner in charge of keeping the itinerary on track, another should be in charge of sandwiches and snacks . Not everyone has to have a specific role, but you want to make sure one person isn’t booking all the hotels, driving, making the route, AND bringing the Cheez-Its.

Set Boundaries

While a roadtrip with friends will often come with a lot of compromise, it is also OK to set boundaries. If you haven’t driven since 2010 and aren’t comfortable driving someone else’s car, say no. If you’re an introvert like me and need some alone time at the end of a long day in the car, tell your friends you need to go hang out by yourself for a bit. Establishing boundaries is one of the most important road trip rules for friends.

Who says car rides are boring? Especially when you’re traveling with friends. You’re sure to have an amazing adventure that is fun on its own. But, just in case you need a few ideas on how to occupy your time in the car and in the hotel room, here are 25 fun things to do on a road trip with friends.

Stop at Some Roadside Attractions!

Whether you’re near the world’s largest strawberry , a fun muffler man , or a giant pink elephant , pull over at one of America’s best roadside attractions! Roadside attractions are fun stops for everyone and make great Instagram selfies. Use a website like ours here at Silly America or an app like the Roadside America App or Roadtrippers Plus to find fun road trip stops!

Make a Group Playlist

Before leaving on your road trip, start a group playlist with your friends. This will give everyone a chance to contribute their favorite songs. Shuffle the playlist and enjoy fun music your whole trip long. Need inspiration? Check out our list of the Best Road Trip Songs to Blast in the Car !

Play a Classic Road Trip Game

Road trip games are classic for a reason: they are easy, fun, and keep you entertained while stuck in a car. There are many road trip games to choose from so gather a few and pack them in your car. Here are some of the best classic road trip games to play in the car :

• License Plate Game
• Road Sign Bingo
• Road Trip Scavenger Hunt

For even more inspiration find our lists of 55 Road Trip Games for Adults , 25 Best Road Trip Games for Two , and Games to Play in a Hotel .

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation. The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book features fun and engaging journal prompts. plus 100 activities and games to play in the car, at your hotel, or at stops along your route.

Buy Gas Station Snacks for the Car

For a fun twist on gas station snacks, have everyone go into the gas station one by one and get snacks for the whole car. Either go in with a no rules except buy one for everyone approach or assign everyone a different category: salty, sweet, breakfast, drinks, hot, cold, etc. Need inspiration? Check out our list of the Best Junk Food Road Trip Snacks .

Sing some Car Karaoke!

Move a step beyond just blasting music in the car to becoming a highway superstar. Sing along to the car stereo at the top of your lungs! Or, better yet, get a wireless car karaoke microphone and take runs passing it around (to anyone who isn’t driving, of course).

Buy Funny Souvenirs

Funny souvenirs abound at gas stations and roadside stands across the country. There are magnets, mugs, t-shirts, hats, keychains, and so many other options to choose from. Make it a game to always find souvenirs printed with your names or a contest to find the weirdest souvenirs you can find on your road trip.

Record the Journey

Roadtripping with your friends will be an experience you will never want to forget. So be sure to record the journey. Take plenty of iPhone photos and post lots of Instagram stories , but if you want lasting memories, go one step further. Consider buying a road trip journal for everyone to contribute to. Or get an instant camera for instant souvenirs.

Take a Hike

Make time to get out of the car and stretch your legs. Taking hikes (whether multiple miles or easy strolls) is a great way to get some exercise in in the middle of a long drive.

Reminisce Over Memories

If you’re taking a road trip with friends, you’re probably pretty close. And if you’re pretty close, you probably have a lot of memories together. Spend some time in the car reminiscing over some of your best shared memories. You might even remember something special that you’ve forgotten!

Make a Road Trip Hashtag

#BestiesOnTheRoad Commemorate your road trip with your own hashtag Use it across social media when posting online about your road trip to organize your pics and to reminisce about the trip later.

Get Matching T-Shirts

Show the world you’re on a road trip together! Get matching road trip t-shirts! Matching t-shirts is a great way for a big group of friends to show the world they are traveling together. And they make for fun group photos!

Get Matching Tattoos

Want a more permanent reminder of your road trip with your friends? How about getting matching road trip tattoos! Stop somewhere along your route and get something to remember each other and your epic trip together.

Play Truth or Dare

Truth or Dare is a fun game for friends to play on a road trip. Have everyone take turns either answering a personal question or doing a small dare that can easily be done from the car. Something like, text your ex or blast classical music for the next ten miles. Just be safe: no daring the driver to swerve into oncoming traffic or anything that could get you hurt or a traffic ticket.

Make TikTok Videos

A fun way to pass the time on a road trip with friends is to make TikTok videos ! Find the perfect trending sound to film in the car or your destination. Or start a trend of your own!

Relax at the Hotel Pool

After a long day of driving and stopping at roadside attractions and other fun road trip stops, you deserve a little time to relax! Grab your bathing suits and go hang out by the hotel pool.

Listen to a Podcast

If you want to take a break from blasting tunes, try listening to a podcast in the car. If you all are addicted to the same true crime podcast, play the latest episodes. Or, have everyone in the car pick their favorite and take turns sharing.

Put Away Your Phones

For at least part of your road trip, have everyone put away their phones. It is easy to get distracted by social media or start texting with friends who are back at home. But spend some time with your full attention on each other, the amazing stops you’re making, and the road.

Eat Something New

Have you ever tried Rocky Mountain Oysters? Here’s a hint: they aint oysters. Make a pact to taste test local delicacies wherever you go. Sure, some might be weird (or seemingly gross) but you might just find your new favorite cuisine!

Stop at a Hot Spring

Hot Springs are often an overlooked road trip stop . But they are a super fun road trip stop, especially for a group of friends. Relax in a scalding hot pool while, often, overlooking nature, and give your weary muscles a break after being cooped up in a car.

Ask Each Other Questions

You’ll be stuck in the car for hours with your friends on a road trip, so use that time wisely. Ask each other questions and get to know each other even more! Ask things you’ve always wanted to know, silly scenarios, or a list of road trip questions .

Have a Picnic

Instead of stopping at yet anther fast food drive through, pack up a cooler with sandwiches , snacks, and drinks and have a picnic. Find a park, rest area, or even dine under a world’s largest thing.

Go Camping (Or Glamping)

If you’re the type of friends who feel more comfortable in nature over a four star hotel, go camping! Spend at least one night of your trip sleeping under the stars, starting a roaring fire, toasting hot dogs and marshmallows for s’mores, and telling ghost stories. If your style is a little more refined or you’re not quite into roughing it, give glamping a try!

Listen to an Audiobook

For another alternative to music, listen to an audiobook in the car. Pick a favorite amongst your friends, a current New York Times Best Seller, a steamy romance novel, a cheesy YA novel, or anything you all want to hear read! Try Audible Premium Plus and Get Up to Two Free Audiobooks.

Play Would You Rather

Would You Rather is another fun road trip game to play with friends! Give each other hypothetical scenarios where you have to choose if you world rather do one or the other.

Take Lots of Photos

Don’t forget to take lots of photos! If you’re taking a road trip with your friends it’s most likely because you love them, want to spend more time with them, and enjoy being together. Commemorate your epic travel adventure by taking lots of photos of your surroundings, stops, food, and, of course, each other.

If you’re taking a road trip with your friends, you can go anywhere you want! Travel as far or stay as close as you want. See the things you want to see. Eat where you want to eat. And do what you want to do. The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing a road trip route (or, OK, maybe the ocean). But what are some of the best places to road trip with friends? Here are some ideas for fun road trips to take with friends.

Route 66 is a classic road trip route and the perfect road trip to take with friends. The iconic road spans 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California. Though the official road was decommissioned in 1985, road trip loves from around the world still flock to the Mother Road for a sense of nostalgia and the thrill of the open road. At every turn of the journey that takes you through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California you’ll find plenty of fun things. There are weird roadside attractions, muffler men, national parks and monuments, classic diners, historic motels, museums, souvenir shops, and more. Ready to hit the Mother Road? Check out our list of the top must-see attractions on Route 66 or plan a Route 66 road trip !

Pacific Coast Highway: Highway 101 & Highway 1

The Pacific Coast Highway is the ultimate road trip for friends. Drive Highway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego or take the entire stretch from San Diego to Seattle. This West Coast Road Trip is full of breathtaking sites, beaches, forests, mountains, delicious food, and plenty of sun. You’re guaranteed to have an amazing adventure with your friends.

Themed Road Trip

Not every road trip has to follow a particular route. Sometimes it is most fun to chase a theme. I LOVE roadside attractions so I will often pick a state and find all the roadside attractions in it I can, no matter where it takes me. Here are some ideas for road trip themes you can take:

• Roadside Attractions
• Amusement Parks

National Parks

Looking for fun places to go on a road trip with friends? Consider building a trip around National Parks. Experience beautiful nature, natural formations, and scenic trails while bonding with the people you love most.

Disney World

A lot of times road trips are more about the stops along the way than the actual destination. But, sometimes, they are more about the destination. Disney World (Or Disney Land) is a fun destination for a girls trip. If you all love Disney spend the trip blasting your favorite soundtracks, pack some ears, and end up at the happiest place on Earth.

Pin this post on Taking a Road Trip with Friends to save for your next adventure!

Photo by Annie Theby on Unsplash Photo by Christian Lue on Unsplash Photo by  Rachel Claire  from  Pexels Photo by Alex Jumper on Unsplash

Valerie Bromann

Founder & road trip expert.

Valerie Bromann is a a website manager, content creator, and writer from Chicago, Illinois (currently living in Dallas, Texas). As an avid road tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, Val always pull over for a world’s largest thing. Founder of Silly America and author of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book , she visits, photographs, and writes about all the weird tourist destinations she visits and offers road trip planning advice and inspiration based on her own travels so you can hit the road for yourself.

Follow Valerie & Silly America

Plan your road trip.

60 Road Trip Puns

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Kansas Route 66 Map

Where does route 66 start and end, share this post ⤵, everything you need to have and record an epic road trip, by valerie bromann.

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

Silly America

Silly America is a roadside attractions blog designed to help travelers find unique stops for their next road trip. The website is a tribute to the great American road trip, devoted to all that is odd in America: roadside attractions, tourist traps, peculiar destinations, bizarre events, road food, fun festivals, and more! It’s a travel website and trip planner for those seeking an offbeat road trip.

Explore Roadside Attractions by State

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Travel Tips and Trivia

Last Updated: January 24, 2024

50 Epic Ideas for What to Do on a Road Trip With Friends

Wondering what to do on a road trip to keep the boredom at bay? This list of 50 fun things to do on a road trip with friends should help! Check it out!

Danny Newman

I hope these ideas on what to do on a road trip help out when you’re bored in the car!

I love road trips.

Ordinary life gets left behind, and a sense of adventure takes its place.

But when the excitement fades, and you’re facing hours or days in the car, they can get a bit, well… boring .

Want to avoid that fate?

Check out this long list of ideas for what to do on a road trip ! With 50 fun things to do on road trips with friends, you should never be bored in the car again.

[Last updated: July 2023]

50 Best Things to Do On a Road Trip with Friends & Family!

Looking for fun things to do in the car on road trips? The following 50 fun things to do during a road trip should help!

1. Journal the journey

One of my top suggestions for things to do on a road trip with friends is to keep a journal as you go.

Write about where you’ve been, what you’ve been doing, and how you’re finding the experience.

It doesn’t have to be a hand-written thing either.

I mean, writing in a moving vehicle isn’t easy! You could save yourself the hassle (and mess) by typing notes on your phone or even dictating into it.

However you do it, journaling about your journey will help a) pass the time, and b) provide a lasting record of the trip.

You’ll be able to look back on it long after it’s over and reminisce over forgotten details.

Need some help getting started? Check out these travel journal prompts .

2. Track your route on a map

Another cool thing to do on road trips is to track your route on a map.

I did this on a recent trip to Australia. I was travelling around in a rickety old campervan for 6 months or so, covering more than 20,000km and stopping all around the country to take in the sights.

Wanting to remember where I’d been, I dropped a pin on Google maps at every new place I went.

The result? I’ve now got a lasting memory and a visual display of my route to look back on.

You could do the same, or take it one step further with an actual physical map. I’ve heard of people literally stitching their route (with a needle and thread) as they went from place to place.

You’d have a fun task to do along the way and an awesome memento of your road trip at the end!

3. Take videos and photos (fun things to do in the car on a road trip)

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you to take lots of photos and videos as you go!

Most people will have their phones/cameras out at every opportunity on a road trip. It’s the perfect way to record your trip and all the amazing things you see and do.

Have some fun with it as well though.

For example, why not challenge each other to take a maximum of 5 photos per day? Or do a photo competition to see who can snap the best image. And so on.

It might also be cool to take a Polaroid camera with you on the road.

You’d end up with piles of physical photos that captured the moment to moment of your trip in a way that digital cameras and phones couldn’t.

4. Post about your trip on social media

You don’t want to spend all of your time on your phone.

But there’s no denying that social media provides another option for entertainment on a road trip.

Try to avoid any mindless scrolling though! The last thing you want is to let the trip pass in a blur of cat videos and random TikTok clips.

Think about creating a new Instagram profile and Facebook page for your adventures.

Record your endeavours, post photos, and write little stories of your exploits. People back home, and even random strangers, can then check in on what you’re up to. You never know, you could end up garnering a significant following.

5. What to do on long road trips? Play road trip games!

Games are a classic way to stay entertained on long car journeys.

There’s no shortage of options, either. License plate bingo, cards against humanity, and eye-spy are just a few examples of popular road trip games to try.

Here’s a great list from BuzzFeed with more ideas.

Wondering what food to take on a road trip too? Check out this post !

Tracking your route on a map might not sound like one of the fun things to do on a road trip in the car. But, by the end of the trip, you’ll be glad you did it!

6. Find out more about each other

You might have days on the road with the same road trip travel companions.

That’s a lot of time to kill! Why not take the opportunity to find out more about each other?

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve known someone for your entire life. There might still be things to discover about them. Now’s the ideal time to change that.

Have a heart to heart. Get political. Ask about their childhood. Enquire about their job, dreams, and goals. Divulge long-held secrets, get their opinion on noteworthy topics, and so on.

Need some conversation starters? These road trip questions should help.

7. Reminisce over shared memories

I love nothing more than reminiscing with good friends about days of old!

Whether you’re talking about old childhood stories, shared memories from college, or past adventures, it’s always fun to reflect, laugh, and feel the warm tinge of nostalgia on a best friend road trip.

8. Crack your favourite jokes

Is the atmosphere in the car getting a little grey?

Tell some travel jokes to brighten the mood! They’re a perfect antidote to lifting peoples’ spirits and putting a smile back on everyone’s face.

They don’t have to be good jokes either.

For more joke-related fun things to do in the car on a road trip, you could spice things up a bit and have a competition to see who can tell the worst one. Vote on the best/worst, and the winner/loser has to buy the beers at your next destination.

9. Play some music (essential stuff to do on a road trip!)

No road trip is complete without music blaring in the background!

Make sure your car has a good set of speakers, Bluetooth (or an aux cord), and something from which to play music. I recommend having multiple playlists of top tunes available to ensure you’re never short of a song.

Here’s an awesome road trip playlist from TimeOut if you’re looking for inspiration.

Want to mix things up a bit? Think about reverting to the good old days of CDs. Get everybody to bring an album and take it in turns to play them from start to finish.

Looking for more music ideas? Check out these awesome adventure songs .

10. Play movie soundtracks!

On the subject of music, why not play your favourite soundtracks as well?

There’s nothing better than driving along open roads with an epic movie soundtrack playing. Everything takes on a new sense of drama.

Whether it’s Batman, Braveheart, Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter, they’re a perfect addition to any road trip playlist!

Heads up, you might also like this post about the best gifts for road trippers .

On a road trip with friends? Get the music playing!

Wondering what to do during a road trip? Check out this list of 50 funny road trip quotes !

11. listen to podcasts and audiobooks (perfect road trip entertainment).

I often get tired of both the radio and my own music after a while.

That’s why I like having podcasts and audiobooks downloaded to my phone as well.

They’re ideal for quiet moments in the car and long stints behind the wheel. You can turn them on, tune in, and let the miles drift past.

12. Read each other stories (fun activities to do on a road trip)

Why not take it in turns to read to each other as well?

It might have been years since anybody read you a story! But, trust me, it’s bloody lovely. You feel like a little kid again.

It’s nice for the driver as well.

They can focus on the road without being distracted by loud music or boisterous conversation.

13. Read a book (entertainment for road trips is essential!)

Quiet moments in the car provide a perfect opportunity to read a book .

With a good novel or non-fiction in your hands, you can escape into the pages and easily kill hours of the drive!

That’s good news when boredom has started to settle in and time has began to drag.

14. Watch a movie/series

The same goes for watching a movie or series!

With TVs in the back of the car, or Netflix on your phone, you can get engrossed in your favourite series/film and see time pass by in a flash.

It’s even better if you can watch the same film/show with friends. The experience becomes less antisocial.

Spare a thought for the driver though! They’re having to concentrate on the road while you escape into the screen. Make sure they’re happy with the silence and take regular breaks to keep them company too.

15. Eat some road trip snacks

I think having a car full of snacks is a prerequisite for a successful road trip.

There’s nothing worse than being hungry on the road. Having an ample supply of tasty treats will prevent that eventuality and lift peoples’ moods.

Don’t overindulge in the unhealthy stuff though.

You’ll end up feeling sick, which is the last thing you want when you’re spending hours in the car. Pack a mixture of healthy and unhealthy snacks to keep you satiated and satisfied in equal measure.

Wondering what else to bring along on the road trip? Check out this post full of things to take travelling.

With so much road to cover, you’ll definitely need some road trip food to keep the munchies at bay!

Enjoying these fun things to do on a road trip in the car? You might also like:

• How to Plan a Trip on Google Maps
• The Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling By Car
• Amazing Quotes About Roads of Life
• 85+ Road Trip Trivia Games and Questions
• 20 Card Games from Around the World
• Comprehensive Guide to Responsible Tourism
• 10 Reasons Travelling is Fun

16. Sing karaoke songs (Awesome road trip fun!)

If you’re going to be listening to music, then you might as well sing along! Break out some classic songs and get your karaoke on in the back of the car.

You could even do one of those lip sync videos, like this epic one from a few years back:

Watch our lates video! https://youtu.be/T56op4xxLgs BECOME A SKETCHETEER: http://bit.ly/29hWPMG LIKE our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sketchshe https:/…

17. Take breaks

Don’t forget to take regular breaks from the car as well!

I mean, too much of anything is bad for you, right?

And that cliché seems particularly apt when you’re travelling at high speeds for hours at a time in a metal tin can with wheels.

Stop the car every couple of hours, stretch your legs, see the sights, and give yourself a rest.

18. Take turns driving

Got a few of you in the car? Divide the driving up between you as well.

For one thing, it gives everyone a turn behind the wheel, which means you’re getting natural breaks. That should stop people from getting too tired on the road, keeping everyone safe in the process.

An added bonus is that everybody gets to experience the joy of being a passenger!

I mean, driving’s great, but you have to be focused on the road all the time. Everything from looking out at the sights to engaging in the backseat banter becomes far harder.

19. Have a snooze (passengers only)

Things gone quiet in the car? Feeling tired and not your turn to drive anytime soon?

Well, I’d have a nap.

Road trips, like all travelling, can tire you out! You’re literally on the move all the time, fluctuating between excitement and boredom, stopping and seeing new things every few hours.

Having a periodic snooze can keep your energy levels up and ensure you keep enjoying yourself.

20. Turn off the GPS

I literally don’t know where I’d be without a GPS.

My sense of direction is notoriously bad and my memory isn’t much better. Take my GPS away when I’m driving and all hell breaks loose.

I don’t know where I’m going and can’t remember where I came from!

I can’t lie, though, it’s kinda fun. That’s how adventure happens! Give it a go if you aren’t in a hurry to get anywhere.

Turn off your GPS and see where you end up. You’ll be able to find your way back if you get lost (just turn the GPS back on!) and you might end up stumbling on some awesome and unexpected sights/places in the process.

Want an extra challenge? Don’t take a GPS in the first place and use an old-school map instead. It’s sure to make things more interesting…

Looking for things to do in the car on long journeys? Share the driving!

21. Take detours & see the sights

I’ve travelled a reasonable amount at this point and done my fair share of road trips too.

And I can honestly say that, for me, at least, the best kind of travel is slow travel.

I don’t like rushing anywhere, skipping things out, or being in a hurry to reach my final destination. Remember, the joy of travel really is in the journey itself.

You won’t look back on this road trip and remember much about where you ended up.

But you will recall, in vivid detail, how you got there and the adventures you went on along the way.

With that in mind, make sure you stop at every opportunity (where it’s practical and feasible) to explore, do fun things, and take in the sights. Take random detours (especially when you don’t know where they go) and embrace the adventures that come as a result.

Want some inspiration? Click here to read about the world’s greatest explorers and their epic stories.

22. Make profiles for each other on dating apps & go wild

Looking for fun things to do on road trips and fancy having a giggle?

Swap phones, set up a profile for each other on Tinder (or another dating app), and start swiping left and right. See who you can set your mates up with at your next destination!

23. Drive a classic route

It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, every country has certain roads and routes that are steeped in road-tripping prestige.

Think about the old Route 66 in America, the Skeleton Coast in Namibia, or the Grimsel Pass in Switzerland. All of them are epic road trips.

See which classic routes might be along the way on your chosen path and consider taking a detour to travel a section of them!

24. Goof around (AKA the most fun thing to do on a road trip)

Road trips should never be serious affairs.

They should be fun-filled, laughter-fuelled, joke-ridden rides that leave everybody in a good mood.

Take every opportunity on your trip to goof around. Plan some practical jokes, partake in plenty of (friendly) banter, and play silly games that everybody in the car likes.

25. Keep in touch with people back home

Don’t forget to let your loved ones at home know how you’re getting on.

There are all sorts of things that can go wrong on the road.

And, if your mum’s anything like mine, then they want constant reassurance that you’re a) still alive, and b) having fun.

…But mainly that you’re still alive.

Dropping them the odd message and giving them an occasional call will keep everybody happy! It’s also something to do when things are getting a bit dull in the car.

You could even download one of those apps that lets people back home check your whereabouts.

They’ll be able to track your progress without having to call/message all the time.

Fun road trips don’t always include much planning. Still, it’s worth stopping every now and again for a break and to check where you’re going next!

26. Research your next stop

I’m never a massive fan of planning.

I try to ‘go with the flow’ where possible, and see what happens. Sometimes, though, that tack backfires and I end up missing out on incredible opportunities that I simply had no idea existed.

Strike a happy balance: plan a little as you go, googling the next destination before you get there, checking what there is to do.

It’s a good way to pass the time when you’ve got nothing better to do and ensures you see the best bits of wherever you’re headed.

27. Come up with 3 must-do activities for each stop

This point leads on from the last.

Basically, while researching the next stop on your road trip, you could challenge each other to come up with 3 things to do there.

It could be activities to do, sights to see, places to eat, or points of interest to check out.

In any case, with multiple people coming up with multiple options, you’ll never be short of something to do when you arrive at each stop.

28. Check roadtrippers.com for ideas and inspiration

Roadtrippers.com is a gem of a website for anybody on (or planning) a road trip.

Plan your trip, decide your itinerary, get more travel tips, and so on. Check it out if you’re at a loss for what to do or how to get somewhere.

29. Wondering what to do on road trips? Make no plans whatsoever!

Plans sh-mans.

You could throw caution to the wind and ditch the lot of ‘em. Pile into the car with nothing but a physical map and your final destination in mind.

Figure it out as you go, with a general attitude of openness and adventure.

Find yourself planning in the car? Stop it! Take the next turn-off and see what you find.

30. Take/buy an air freshener

I suppose this is more of a practical suggestion for road trips than an idea for what to do on them.

Basically, there’s nothing like spending hours at a time in an enclosed space with your friends to make things a little ‘stuffy’. You’re eating food, sharing space, and sweating away in a hot vehicle!

Having an air freshener in the car will make an almighty difference.

…Oh, and crack a window while you’re at it!

Be sure to take your time, take detours, and stop to enjoy the scenery. These are often the most fun things to do on a long road trip.

31. Keep your electronics charged (use a multi-way charger)

Phone going flat? Camera battery running low? Laptop powering down?

Stick it all on charge!

First, though, you’ll need a multi-way adapter to plug into the cigarette lighter (or a power bank). They’re an absolute life-saver when you’re on the road with no access to mains power.

32. Remember the beers (and a bottle opener)

No, this isn’t me advocating or endorsing drunk driving!

But there’s no denying the benefits of having a case of cold beers in the back (preferable in a cooler). An ice-cold beer goes down a treat when evening rolls around and you’ve been driving all day.

Just wait until the driving’s done before you break them out.

Drunk driving causes countless accidents every year. Be safe, responsible, and only enjoy your beers when you’ve got nowhere else to go that day.

33. Camp out along the way (essential road trip things to do!)

Remember when I suggested making detours, stopping along the way, seeing the sights, and taking your time to have an adventure?

Well, camping out is a way of combining it all.

It’s also a really cool way to spend the night when you’re out on an extended road trip. Stick your camping gear in the back and keep an eye out for the perfect spot to free-camp.

Heads up, this is the perfect time to break out those beers I just mentioned…

34. Stargaze!

Driving at night? Or camping out along the way?

Look up at the stars! Use an app on your phone to highlight the constellations (assuming you don’t know them already) and take in the magic of the night sky.

35. Eat at local establishments

Stepping into local bars, cafes, and restaurants can be daunting sometimes- particularly in smaller, rural communities that don’t get too many travellers.

They can feel a little hostile. The locals don’t know you; you don’t understand the way they do things. It’s tempting to go to the big chains, the fast-food restaurants, or to cook for yourself/get take-out.

But I like (and recommend) doing it for two reasons:

First, it’s a way to support the local communities through which you’re driving. The result?

Well, it’s just good, ethical practice. But it has the added benefit of endearing the locals to travellers that come through after you.

Second, you end up challenging your stereotypes, meeting some lovely people, and learning more about where you actually are in the country.

Camping out along the way is an awesome thing to do on a car road trip with friends.

36. Speak to the locals

This point leads on from the last!

Get into the habit of talking to locals whenever you can. It’s the best way to get recommendations for things to do, discover a place’s history, and have a quality conversation all at once.

37. Turn your phones off!

Mobile phones are always useful on road trips.

They act as a communications device, cameras, video recorders, GPS, entertainment, and encyclopedia all at once.

However, they can also be very distracting.

You’re there to have fun, escape the mundanity or real life, and spend time with your nearest and dearest. But you end up on your phone the whole time, just doing what you always do!

Get everybody to put the phone away every now and again to stop that happening.

38. Take customized stickers to leave as reminders

Want to leave you mark along the way?

Why not bring along some custom stickers (e.g. ‘Pete and Dave’s US road trip 2020’- or something slightly more original…) and leave them in places along the way?

Obviously, respect the places you visit. Only stick them in locations where it’s vaguely acceptable. The bathrooms of dive-bars or nightclubs are often a good place to do it, for example!

If you ever go back there, you’ll be able to look for your ‘mark’ and reminisce about the trip you took way back when.

39. Buy a tiny souvenir at each stop

Stop and buy souvenirs along the way too! It’s an awesome way to remember the road trip when it’s over. Take the mementos with you in the car and then back home when you’re done.

You’ll have a tangible reminder of all the cool things you did to go with the photos and journal entries.

40. Watch the world go by (one of the best things to do on long road trips)

Sometimes the best thing to do on a road trip is simply to sit and watch the world go by.

I know, it’s hardly revolutionary!

But you’d be surprised how easy it is to just let the time slip by without taking in what you’re doing.

Whenever you’re not driving, try to sit back, relax, and observe the new places you travel through.

Watch the landscapes change, see what the weather’s doing, and acknowledge the way you’re feeling in each place. You’ll be present and far more appreciative of your road trip as a result.

Fun things to do in the car on road trips are great. Sometimes, though, it’s worth just stopping to watch the world go by, stay present, and enjoy the moment to moment experience of the trip!

41. Make TikTok Videos

TikTok’s all the rave, so this idea might be at the top of your list of things to do on a road trip already.

In any case, making TikTok videos would be a fun way to pass the time, record the trip, and let your friends back home know how much fun you’re having!

42. Vlog about the trip

On the subject of making videos on your road trip, why not vlog about it?

You could start a YouTube channel and record your adventures for the whole world to see (not to mention your friends and family)!

Now, this might be overkill for short road trips, but it’d awesome if you’re going on extended journeys in the car. You never know, with enough interest you could even turn it into a living online .

43. Blog about the trip

If you don’t enjoy being in front of a camera but like the idea of recording your travels, then blogging about the road trip might be a better bet.

This could kill a few birds with one stone.

First, assuming someone else is driving, you’d be able to kill some time by writing articles as you go.

Second, you’d end up with a cool account of the journey for other people to read. And third, you’d create what’s essentially a diary of the road trip to look back on down the line!

44. Play the quiet game

Ahhh the quiet game…

My favourite game to play when everything’s getting a bit too loud and overwhelming in the car.

The rules are simple: whoever stays quiet for the longest wins!

This could be particularly useful if you’re on a road trip with siblings, or have young kids with you.

45. Get Some Exercise

Last but not least, try to stop along the way to move your limbs, stretch your muscles, and get the blood flowing around your body.

Don’t, and sitting in the car all day is a recipe for restless legs in the evening (my nemesis).

You could go for a walk or a hike, do some jumping jacks or push-ups, do some yoga, or run around the block. Anything you can do to get some exercise is sure to make a difference! Feel free to check out this list of travel workouts for more ideas.

Still looking for things to do on a road trip? Here are 5 more ideas to finish.

46. Stop For a Picnic

Like the sound of stopping somewhere beautiful en route for lunch?

Well, plan ahead and pack a picnic to eat.

It’s a perfect excuse to take a break from driving, stretch your legs, refuel with some delicious food, and actually take in your surroundings properly.

In other words, it’s an ideal activity for anybody wondering what to do on a road trip!

47. See Who Can Get the “Trucker Salute” First

You know when you make a first and pump your arm to truckers to try and make them honk their horn?

Well, that’s called the “trucker salute.”

Another fun thing to do on road trips is to see who can make trucker do it first!

Do the salute whenever you see one drive past. The first person to get a response wins the universal adoration of everyone else in the car – or an actual prize (like a snack at the next service station…).

48. Take Photos of Your Friends While They’re Asleep

With all that gravity working against your jaw, it’s hard to look your best when you’re fast asleep in a car.

…Which is why it’s so funny to take photos of your friends when they take a nap.

You can have a good laugh about it later and compare pics to see whose is worst. Of course, it’s also fantastic blackmail material…

49. Meditate

This idea for what to do on a road trip can be easier said than done – especially when you’re travelling with kids in the car.

However, if you have chance, why not kill some time in the passenger seat by doing a meditation practice?

Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, you could stop, close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and try to stay as present as possible.

50. Have a Debate

Passionate about a certain topic? Why not have a debate about it?

For instance, let’s say your friend things Lord of the Rings is better than Game of Thrones. If you disagree, take turns justifying your position!

Other people in the car can then vote on who made the most compelling arguments.

Lay some ground rules beforehand, though, or ask someone else to mediate the discussion. After all, you don’t want the debate to derail your road trip.

Keep things light and respect each other’s views.

Exactly What to Do on a Road Trip With Friends

Road trips are always special. I mean, the very thought of going on a road trip is usually enough to get me dribbling with excitement!

They’re full of promise from the get-go. They’re exciting, liberating, fun-filled adventures that you share with awesome people in amazing places.

But they can definitely end up being a bit boring at times too. That’s why it’s so important to know what to do on a road trip! You’ll never feel bored or let down if you know the best things to do on a road trip.

Hopefully, this post will help in that regard! Want to read more articles like this one?

Click here for all of my general travel posts.

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How to plan an epic road trip with friends, how to plan an epic road trip with friends: a guide to creating lasting memories and unforgettable adventures.

Embarking on a road trip with friends is a thrilling adventure that allows you to create unforgettable memories and share incredible experiences. The excitement of hitting the open road, the freedom to explore new places, and the joy of spending quality time with your closest companions make road trips an incredible bonding experience.

However, to ensure a successful and enjoyable journey, careful planning is essential. Let's dive into the world of planning an epic road trip with friends and discover the tips and tricks to make it an unforgettable adventure. When planning your road trip, it is important to consider the interests and preferences of your travel partners.

Choosing the right destinations, creating an exciting itinerary, budgeting wisely, and organizing accommodations are key factors that contribute to a remarkable road trip experience. So, let's explore each of these aspects in detail to help you plan the ultimate adventure with your friends.

Choosing the Right Travel Partners

The first step in planning an epic road trip with friends is selecting compatible travel partners. Traveling with like-minded individuals who share common goals, interests, and financial capabilities can make the journey more enjoyable for everyone.

When choosing your travel companions, consider their travel style, willingness to compromise, and ability to contribute to the trip. Compatibility is crucial to ensuring a harmonious and stress-free experience on the road. For example, if you and your friends are adventure enthusiasts, you may want to travel with individuals who share the same passion for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and leisurely trip, it would be wise to choose friends who enjoy sightseeing, visiting museums, or exploring local cuisine. Open and clear communication is key to dealing with difficult travel partners. If conflicts or disagreements arise during the planning stage, it is important to address them openly and find common ground.

Taking the time to have honest conversations and understanding each other's perspectives can help navigate potential challenges and ensure a smooth journey. In some cases, it may be necessary to spend time alone during the trip if interests do not align. This can be a healthy approach to ensuring that each individual gets to enjoy their preferred activities without feeling obligated to participate in something they are not interested in.

By respecting each other's boundaries and allowing for personal time, you can maintain a positive and enjoyable dynamic throughout the road trip.

Selecting the Perfect Destination

Choosing the right destination is a crucial decision when planning an epic road trip with friends. The destination sets the tone for your entire journey, so it's important to consider factors such as the time available, weather conditions, budget, and the desired experience.

By taking these factors into account, you can narrow down your options and find a destination that suits everyone's preferences. To make the selection process easier, discuss destination options with your travel partners. Consider their interests, preferences, and any must-visit places they may have in mind.

By involving everyone in the decision-making process, you ensure that each person feels heard and valued. This collaborative approach not only helps in choosing the perfect destination but also strengthens the bond among friends. The world is filled with incredible road trip destinations, each offering unique experiences and adventures. National parks are popular choices for nature lovers, with iconic parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion providing breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities.

If you and your friends are fans of stunning coastal views, embarking on a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway is a fantastic option. The route spans from California to Washington, offering mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean and access to charming coastal towns. Themed road trips are also an exciting option, allowing you to explore specific interests or hobbies. For example, you can plan a road trip that focuses on visiting famous movie locations, exploring haunted sites, or indulging in culinary delights across different regions.

The possibilities are endless, and by tailoring the trip to everyone's interests, you can ensure a truly memorable experience.

Planning the Route and Stops

One of the most exciting aspects of a road trip is planning the route and deciding on the stops along the way. The route you choose can greatly enhance the overall experience, providing opportunities to explore scenic landscapes, visit interesting attractions, and immerse yourself in local culture.

When planning your route, consider factors such as the time available, the desired pace of the trip, and the interests of your travel companions. To make the route planning process more engaging, involve your friends in the decision-making. Gather their input and suggestions on must-see attractions or hidden gems along the way. By incorporating their ideas, you ensure that everyone has a chance to visit places that pique their interest. In the age of technology, navigation apps and online resources can be valuable tools to plan the most efficient and enjoyable route.

They provide real-time updates on traffic conditions, suggest scenic routes, and highlight interesting stops along the way. Take advantage of these resources to make the most of your road trip and discover hidden gems that you may have otherwise missed. While it's important to have a well-planned route, it's equally essential to embrace flexibility and allow for spontaneous detours.

Some of the most memorable experiences on a road trip happen when you stumble upon unexpected attractions or encounter interesting locals. Leave room in your itinerary for unplanned adventures, as they often lead to the most exciting and unforgettable moments. For example, imagine you and your friends are road tripping through the stunning landscapes of Utah. As you drive along the scenic byways, you come across a sign for a hidden waterfall. Without hesitation, you decide to take a detour and discover a breathtaking oasis tucked away in the canyons. Moments like these are what make road trips truly magical.

Budgeting for the Trip

Setting a realistic budget is an essential part of planning an epic road trip with friends. By carefully considering all potential expenses and finding ways to save money, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

From fuel costs to accommodation, food, activities, and unexpected expenses, it's important to budget for every aspect of the trip. Dividing expenses among friends can help alleviate the financial burden. Apps like Splitwise make it easy to track shared expenses and ensure that everyone contributes their fair share.

By openly discussing the budget and how expenses will be split, you can avoid any potential conflicts or misunderstandings. To make the most of your budget, consider ways to save money on food, accommodation, and activities during the journey. Instead of eating out for every meal, plan to have picnics at scenic spots or cook meals together at campsites.

This not only saves money but also adds a fun and communal element to the trip. Researching and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities and attractions along your route can also help stretch your budget while still enjoying unique experiences. For instance, many national parks offer affordable camping options, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without breaking the bank. Additionally, some cities have free walking tours or discounted admission days to museums and attractions.

By being resourceful and planning ahead, you can make your road trip more budget-friendly while still creating incredible memories.

Packing Essentials

Packing the right essentials is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable road trip. By being prepared and bringing along the necessary items, you can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. When packing, consider the duration of the trip, the weather conditions, and the activities you have planned. In addition to clothing and toiletries, there are a few road trip-specific items that you should include in your packing list. Maps or a GPS device, travel guides, and a camera are essential for navigating and capturing memories along the way.

It's also important to have healthy snacks and plenty of water to stay energized and hydrated during the journey. A well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have item for any road trip. Be sure to include band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary prescription medications. You never know when a minor ailment or discomfort may arise, so it's better to be prepared. To make packing more efficient, consider using packing cubes or compression bags to maximize the available space in the vehicle. This not only helps keep your belongings organized but also allows for easy access to items as you travel.

Additionally, pack versatile clothing that can be layered to accommodate changing weather conditions along your route. For example, if you're embarking on a road trip through different climates, pack items that can be layered, such as t-shirts, sweaters, and lightweight jackets. This way, you can adjust your clothing to suit the temperature and weather conditions as you travel.

Organizing Accommodations

Organizing accommodations is an important aspect of planning a road trip with friends. The type of accommodations you choose can greatly impact your overall experience, so it's important to consider the preferences and needs of your travel companions.

When deciding on accommodations, consider factors such as comfort, affordability, and location. There are various accommodation options available for road trips, ranging from campsites to hotels and vacation rentals. If you and your friends enjoy the great outdoors, camping can be a budget-friendly and adventurous choice. National parks often offer beautiful campsites with stunning natural surroundings. For those seeking more comfort and convenience, hotels or vacation rentals may be a better option. Research different accommodations along your route and read reviews to ensure they meet your expectations.

Booking accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, is crucial to securing the desired places to stay. For a truly unique and memorable experience, consider staying in unconventional accommodations. From treehouses and yurts to tiny houses and glamping sites, there are countless options available. These unique accommodations can add an extra element of adventure and excitement to your road trip. For instance, imagine staying in a cozy cabin nestled in the mountains during your road trip through Colorado. As you wake up to breathtaking views of nature, you and your friends can enjoy a warm cup of coffee on the porch, creating lasting memories in a one-of-a-kind setting.

Planning Fun Activities and Games

Planning fun activities and games is essential to keep the road trip entertaining and enjoyable. Having a variety of engaging activities ensures that everyone stays entertained and excited throughout the journey.

Whether it's enjoying captivating podcasts, playing classic road trip games, or embarking on adventurous activities, there are countless possibilities to make your road trip unforgettable. Listening to podcasts or audiobooks is a great way to pass the time and learn something new during the journey.

Choose podcasts that align with the interests of your travel companions, whether it's true crime, comedy, or educational topics. This allows everyone to engage in meaningful conversations and share their thoughts and opinions. Classic road trip games like "I Spy," "20 Questions," or the "License Plate Game" are perennial favorites that can keep everyone engaged and entertained. These games not only provide entertainment but also spark friendly competition and create lasting memories.

Additionally, creating a group playlist with everyone's favorite songs is a fantastic way to set the mood and enjoy a sing-along during the drive. To add an extra layer of adventure to your road trip, consider visiting quirky roadside attractions or trying new and daring activities along the way. Research unique attractions or adventure sports in the areas you'll be passing through.

Whether it's exploring a bizarre museum or attempting a thrilling zip line, these experiences will leave you with stories to share and memories to cherish. For example, if you and your friends are driving through the Southwest United States, you can plan a stop at the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.

This iconic roadside attraction features a row of buried Cadillacs that you can spray paint and leave your mark on. It's an interactive and creative experience that adds an element of fun to your road trip.

Ensuring Safety on the Road

Ensuring safety on the road is paramount during a road trip with friends. Taking necessary precautions and being prepared can help prevent potential hazards and ensure a smooth journey. Before setting off, there are several safety measures to consider to keep everyone safe and secure. Regular car maintenance is essential to avoid any unexpected breakdowns. Ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition by checking fluids, tires, lights, and the battery. If necessary, take your car to a mechanic for a thorough inspection before hitting the road. Safe driving practices are vital to ensuring a smooth and accident-free journey. Obey traffic laws, including speed limits and road signs, and avoid distractions while driving.

To prevent exhaustion, take turns driving and ensure that everyone gets enough rest. Fatigue can impair judgment and reaction times, so it's crucial to prioritize rest during the journey. Having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any road trip. Include items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and any necessary prescription medications. It's also important to be aware of any health conditions or allergies among your travel companions to ensure their well-being throughout the trip. In case of emergencies, it's important to have emergency contacts readily available. Keep a list of important phone numbers, including roadside assistance and local emergency services.

Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures of the areas you'll be traveling through to be prepared for any unforeseen situations. For example, imagine you're road-tripping through the scenic countryside of New Zealand. As you navigate the winding roads, you encounter a beautiful hiking trail.

Before embarking on the hike, ensure that you have a first aid kit in case of any minor injuries or emergencies. By being prepared and taking necessary safety precautions, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes with peace of mind.

Creating Lasting Memories with Friends

At the heart of any road trip with friends is the opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen the bond between travel companions.

To make the most of your time together, it's important to be present and fully immerse yourself in the journey. By embracing spontaneity, laughter, and shared adventures, you'll create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Take the time to capture the moments through photographs, videos, or journal entries.

These mementos will serve as a visual reminder of the incredible experiences you shared. Whether it's a breathtaking sunset, a funny roadside encounter, or a group photo at a picturesque location, these snapshots will transport you back to the joyous moments of your road trip. To further enhance the bonding experience, engage in activities that encourage laughter and camaraderie. Play group games, tell stories, or reminisce about past adventures. These shared moments of joy and laughter will create a strong sense of connection and leave you with heartwarming memories. For instance, imagine you and your friends are gathered around a campfire on a starry night. As you roast marshmallows and share stories, laughter and warmth fill the air. These simple yet precious moments are the ones that will stay with you long after the road trip ends.

Road Trip Etiquette and Communication

Effective communication and maintaining road trip etiquette are essential for a harmonious and enjoyable journey.

Open discussions and clear communication during the planning stage help ensure that everyone's opinions and preferences are heard and considered. By addressing potential conflicts or differences early on, you can find common ground and create a positive atmosphere for the trip. Respecting each other's boundaries, personal space, and the need for alone time is another important aspect of road trip etiquette.

Understanding and accommodating individual preferences and needs will contribute to a more enjoyable experience for everyone. It's crucial to foster an environment of mutual respect and support throughout the journey. Assigning roles and responsibilities can help distribute tasks and reduce the pressure on one person. Share the driving responsibilities, take turns selecting music, and rotate meal preparation duties.

By working together and supporting each other, you can create a sense of teamwork and make the road trip more enjoyable for all. During the road trip, it's important to avoid gossip or negativity. Focus on positive and uplifting conversations that foster a sense of camaraderie. By maintaining a positive atmosphere, you'll create an environment that allows everyone to relax and enjoy the journey.

Road Trip Games and Entertainment

Road trip games and entertainment are essential for keeping the journey fun and engaging. As you travel long stretches of road, it's important to have activities that keep everyone entertained and excited.

From interactive games to creating a personalized playlist, there are numerous ways to make the road trip more enjoyable. In addition to classic road trip games like "Would You Rather" or "Trivia," consider incorporating technology to enhance the entertainment experience. Play interactive mobile games or challenge each other with trivia apps. These digital activities can be engaging and provide hours of entertainment during the drive. Creating a road trip playlist is a fantastic way to set the mood and keep everyone's spirits high. Ask each travel companion to contribute their favorite songs, creating a diverse playlist that everyone can enjoy. Sing along to your favorite tunes and create memories with impromptu car karaoke sessions. To add an extra element of fun, consider making funny videos or taking wacky photos during the road trip. Capture the unique moments and create lasting memories that you can look back on with laughter.

These creative endeavors will not only entertain you during the trip but also provide a source of joy when reminiscing about the adventure.

Road Trip Food and Snacks

Food and snacks play a significant role in the overall enjoyment of a road trip with friends. By planning your meals and snacks in advance, you can save money, stay healthy, and experience local cuisine along the way.

Carefully considering your food options will ensure that everyone is energized and satisfied throughout the journey. Packing healthy snacks is essential to keep everyone fueled and energized during the road trip. Opt for nutritious options like fresh fruits, granola bars, or trail mix. These snacks will not only provide a boost of energy but also save you from frequent stops at convenience stores. To save money and have more control over your meals, plan your food options in advance. Pack a cooler with cold food items, such as sandwiches or pre-cut vegetables, and bring a separate box for pantry items like chips or crackers.

This way, you can have a variety of food choices while also minimizing unnecessary expenses. While it's important to pack your own food, don't forget to indulge in local cuisine and explore food options along your route. Each destination offers unique culinary experiences that can add a delightful touch to your road trip.

Whether it's trying regional specialties or visiting local eateries recommended by the locals, embracing the local food scene will enhance your overall journey. For example, if you're road tripping through the southern United States, be sure to try some mouthwatering barbecue in Texas, savory gumbo in Louisiana, or delicious pecan pie in Georgia.

These culinary delights will not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide a deeper connection to the local culture. By following these tips and embracing the excitement and adventure of a road trip with friends, you can plan an epic journey filled with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

From choosing the perfect travel partners to exploring stunning destinations, engaging in fun activities, and ensuring safety on the road, each step contributes to the overall success of your road trip.

So gather your friends, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will create bonds and memories to cherish for years to come. Happy road tripping!

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How To Prepare And Plan A Road Trip With Friends

Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by Rose Morah

It’s about that time of the year. Time for a road trip!

Going on a road with friends requires adequate planning. Otherwise, w hat was supposedly meant to be an epic road trip with friends may turn out quite the opposite.

Did you know, that 60% of best friends end up breaking up their friendships after and during the road trip?

Personally, I have had both good and bad road trip experiences with friends in the past.

But over years, I have realized that with a proper road trip plan and preparation, there is a good chance that you’re going to have an epic road trip. 

This article gives you great tips for preparing and planning a road trip with friends.

Tips to help you choose the right road trip partner

How do you deal with a bad travel partner, 2. choose your road trip destination, how do you split travel expenses with friends, how do i split my airbnb price with a friend, how should you split gas money on a road trip with friends, but what is a good road trip car, other safety measures, 6. divide up the task, 7. maintain effective communication, 8. craft a good road trip playlist, what are the best healthy snacks for your road trip, other road trip comfort essentials when planning a road trip, 1. choose the right travel partners.

Let’s be honest, not every friend is going to be your ideal travel partner. 

Therefore, knowing how to choose a travel partner is important. 

Traveling with friends on a road trip can really test your relationship, and I am talking about even with the closest friends. 

Perhaps you might have known each other during the good times.

But one thing’s for sure when you are in the midst of challenging or difficult times on the road, chances are you will have conflicts and disagreements.

• Find out if you share common goals and interests.

Discussing the needs that each one will want to achieve from the road trip and the kind of trip they are looking to have could be a great place to start.

You may have a best friend in mind, but if you don’t share goals, then you probably need to reconsider going on an extended road trip together.

• Find out if you both are capable of doing the trip, financially.

You should both be on the same page, financially.

If that’s not the case, you may experience the following challenges:

• One person may end up overburdened by most of the road trip costs.
• It will be difficult to plan a trip together. The places you would like to sleep or visit may not be affordable for the other person. This means you may have to compromise. 
• Some friends will never pay for anything. For example gas or even food. They will always come up with excuses every time they get asked to pay.

And you are wondering where arguments come from? This is one of the reasons!

If you happen to be traveling with a difficult partner:

• Ensure that you are both on the same page regarding travel responsibilities, style, and privacy.

You could also try to find  road trip activities  that you will both enjoy.

Having said that, it would be great if you could reflect inwardly on how you might also be contributing to the conflicts arising between the two of you.

Because most of the time, figuring this out may go a long way in alleviating arising issues when you are on the road.

And another thing, try to hear them out and gain a common ground.

But even more importantly, always remind yourself why you are still friends after all.

• You don’t have to stick together all the time.

You could wander alone for some time during the trip if your interests don’t align. 

Bottom line: Take a chance on a friend or someone you think will be a good road companion, then see what happens.

And…they don’t necessarily have to be your friend.  

Your choice of destination has a huge influence on how the journey will turn out.

When researching a road trip destination, there are a few important factors that you will need to consider to come up with the right choice:

• How much time do you have

The choice can be influenced by the amount of time you have, and of course, where you live. 

For instance, do you have a week, a weekend, or a month to go on this road trip?

If you only have a limited time, your destination will need to be somewhere closer to home. 

Otherwise, you might rush and end up not quite enjoying the trip.

Taking an extended trip with friends requires more time and planning, make no mistake.

• Who you are going with

When planning a road trip, your travel partner can dictate the choice of your destination. 

Some destinations are best suited for solo travelers, some for friends, and others are couples’ destinations. 

A friend’s destination will hence need to be a place suit for friends. And in other words, it should offer an experience that is practical for friends. 

See also: How To Entertain and Keep Yourself Busy On A Long Car Ride (10 Tips) .

• What will be the weather like?

Depending on the type of season you will be taking the road trip, the weather could determine the choice of a destination. 

The weather may cause a rise in the number of visits to a destination (peak season) or a fall (offseason).

Additionally, this change in the number of visitors could cause a rise or fall in the prices of the destinations.

This influences your choice of destination.

• What’s your travel budget  

Your travel budget will no doubt influence the choice of your destination.

If you are on a budget, you will be forced to visit destinations that will not put a strain on your budget.

Your travel budget will influence your accommodation, travel gear, and the type of vehicle you will use for the trip. 

See the 11 Best Cars To Sleep In (Tips From Avid Campers) .

• The type of road trip experience you want

The type of experience you want will influence the choice of destination. 

You could choose a destination for adventure, an outdoor experience, relaxation, a beach experience, a food and cultural experience, and so on.

When planning, be sure to use road trip planner apps to help you find a ton of amazing destinations that offer a wide range of experiences.

And once you have narrowed down the possible road trip destinations, look for a common ground before finally coming up with the final decision. 

Going on a backpacking trip? Check out these backpacking tips when you’re overweight or out of shape.

See also:  Fun places to go on a road trip with friends .

3. Set a realistic road trip budget

This is probably the most crucial part of planning. 

First,  you need to know how much everyone should contribute to the trip’s budget. 

Your budget will affect your trip in several ways – the length of your trip, dining and accommodations, distance, the vehicle that you are going to use – and the list goes on.

Therefore, having a round table meeting at a friend’s house would be important when it comes to money matters.

And perhaps more importantly, this will be a time well spent, instead of sending long texts or emails. 

First, you need to come up with the maximum expenditure per person, then work out the budget for the whole group. 

When you plan a road trip, y ou could split up the bills with the help of a mobile app- such as  Splitwise .  Splitwise helps you split up the bills and keep track of the expenses which you then settle up later on.

You could also opt for other ways of splitting the expenses.

For instance, instead of booking a hotel room, you could go to Airbnb. Airbnb will allow you to split the rent among yourselves equally.

You can easily split the Airbnb price with a friend at the time of booking.

One of you will simply need to book an Airbnb. This will allow you to access the invitation page, which will allow you to invite your friends.

The one friend who booked the Airbnb will pay their share, which in the meanwhile will be placed on hold. The rest will then have 72 hours to pay up for their remaining equal amount of shares.

If anyone on the invited list does not fulfill their payments, the booking will automatically be canceled, and the money returned to those who had already paid.

It’s also important to note that Airbnb will allow only a maximum of 16 people to split the rent.

The best way to split gas money on a road trip is by having everyone contribute equally, except for the car owner.

Let’s assume that the car owner had already gone the extra mile to service the vehicle. It wouldn’t be fair for them to contribute a similar amount towards the gas costs.

You could also consider creating a separate fund and having everyone contribute equally before the trip.

This is because it is easy to forget small miscellaneous expenses when budgeting.

Having a separate fund will also be helpful in case you exhaust the main fund before the end of the trip.

Each person will hence need to make an extra equal amount of contribution . And this extra amount should cover you until the end of the trip.

It is important to ensure that there is good communication throughout the budget process. 

For instance, communication on important details such as the amounts contributed by everyone needs to be well communicated.

And again, make sure that everyone is satisfied.

Finally, r emember to leave room for some extra cash in hand in case of any emergency change of plan or as a backup for a rainy day. 

Do keep it in a safe place. You just might need it when you least expect it!

See also: How to calculate the average cost of a road trip .

4. Choose The Right Car

Choosing the right car for the road trip will guarantee you safety and comfort.

Imagine going for an extended road trip in a vehicle with poor AC, uncomfortable seats, constant mechanical problems, and to top it off, a fuel guzzler – a car that is always thirsty for fuel. 

That’s an experience that no one would ever want.

A good road trip car should be able to give you and your friends a thrilling driving experience from its vehicle dynamics.

A good road trip car needs to fulfill the following key aspects:

You will be sitting in the car for long hours. Make sure the car is as comfortable as possible. 

To check, you can start by taking the driver’s seat.

Adjust the seat backward, forward, downwards, or upwards in a way that will make you comfortable, depending on your height.

Make sure you leave enough legroom to stretch and move your legs.

Additionally, if you are taking a trip when the weather is too cold, consider getting  a  seat warmer  and  travel pillows .  

• Size matters

A good road trip car should be spacious for everyone to fit in comfortably.

Your choice of vehicle needs to have enough seats for everyone. Larger models are better, of course, depending on the number of passengers on board.

See How To Pack A Small Car For A Road Trip .

• The gas   mileage  

To minimize the expense, you will need a vehicle that gets quality miles per gallon. And in other words, a vehicle that will be efficient to cover a large distance per gallon. 

This way, you only make just a few stops to refuel. 

• The vehicle air conditioner  

This is a must-have for a comfortable driving experience. Be sure to check if it is in proper working condition.

• The vehicle cruise control

The cruise control keeps the vehicle at a constant set speed when driving, which controls overspeeding. 

This also limits the amount of fuel consumption during acceleration and deceleration, reducing your overall road trip budget.

Other aspects include:

•   Backup camera  

A backup camera, also known as a rearview camera, is important. It helps you reverse without hitting objects from behind. 

• Trunk space  

Your luggage needs to fit in the trunk.

Therefore, you need to consider the storage capacity of the trunk before choosing your road trip car. 

To help fix your storage blues, here are a few hacks to help maximize the storage capacity:

• If you plan to go skiing on a winter road trip, getting a vehicle fitted with a ski rack on the rooftop would help preserve the boot space for other stuff.
• Installing a backseat and a trunk organizer,
• Carry a trash bin.

That being said, if you consider going on an adventure road trip, chances are, you will be carrying lots of kits. And most certainly, you will be driving on treacherous roads. 

An off-roader would hence be the best option in this case. 

You should hence consider 4×4 model SUVs such as VW Tiguan, Skoda yeti, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, the new Land Rover Defender (my personal favorite), or even a Range Rover Sport if you are looking to have a luxurious off-road trip. 

The good thing is, all these SUVs come with ample luggage space for your gear. 

7 smart Tesla long-distance road trip tips .

Tips for traveling by bus to Mexico from the US .

5. Prepare Your Car For The Road Trip

One or two weeks before embarking on the friend’s road trip, take the vehicle for a full tune-up by an automotive service technician.

In a nutshell, here are the basic things you will need to do:

• Change the Car Fluids

You should change the engine oil as opposed to adding it. I bet you’ll want to avoid unnecessary breakdowns during the trip.

You’ll also need to top off the coolant, oils, windscreen wash, transmission, power steering, and brake fluids. 

• Check the tire condition

Check the tire for air pressure and wear.

In any case, the tires should last for the entire trip. 

And needless to say, driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous.

Therefore, properly fill it up to the recommended tire pressure or refer to the manufacturer’s manual if unsure.

Be sure to check the tires when they are cold – when the car hasn’t been driven for a minimum of 3 hours.

When checking the tire condition (for wear and any need for replacement ), perhaps it’s worth noting that the average tire tread depth is 10/32 to 11/32 inches, and at least not less than 2/32 inches. 

Additionally, carry out a thorough tire inspection for bulges or bumps. If you happen to find any, then this means that there is a separation in the tire’s body.

You will also need to be on the lookout for any uneven wear, flat spots, and cuts.

If you don’t know how to check the tires, consider taking the car to a qualified mechanic.

Safety should be your number one concern, especially when going on a road trip with a friend.

See also: Tire Pressure Guide: What is the Proper Tire Pressure For Vehicles?

• Check the Engine Performance

To enhance proper and efficient engine performance, you need to inspect the air filters . to ensure that enough air supply to the engine. 

• Check the Lights and Signals

Check to ensure that lights and signals are in proper working condition.

To check, you can turn on the lights and signals and have someone check from the outside. 

Be on the lookout for any warning indicators and light symbols on your dashboard.

• Check the Car Battery

If it’s been long since you last changed your car battery , then it’s probably time you checked it for corrosion or for signs of the battery dying and have it changed.

For instance, the sluggish sound of your starter is one such indication.

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Remember to carry your reflective warning triangle in case of a vehicle emergency, and to also wash your car to enhance clear visibility on the road. 

Lastly, give your car a test drive.

Because you will need to have a feel of the vehicle on the road to detect any unfamiliar sounds or shakes, especially coming from the wheels.

You should do this before you hit the road.

On that note, if you notice a squealing sound coming from the brakes, that could indicate the brake pads have worn down and need replacement or the brake fluid needs a top-up. 

Repeat this process after the trip.

Note: There’s the risk of the car breaking down during the road trip.

Make sure you pack the following in your road trip emergency kit:

A fully inflated spare wheel , a jack stand , lug wrench , and owner’s manual in your vehicle emergency kit. 

See also: A Complete Overlanding Trip Checklist .

A vehicle emergency kit should at least have:

• A car battery (with an extra battery)
• Battery booster cables
• Tire pressure gauge
• A flashlight( with extra batteries) 
• Jumper cable
• A reflective warning triangle 
• Reflector jacket
• Whistle, window breaker 
• Road flares
• A fire extinguisher 
• And the most important, a first aid kit.  

A first aid kit should have:

• Pain relievers 
• Antibiotic ointment 
• Disposable sterile gloves
• Safety pins 
• An emergency blanket 
• A thermometer and 
• A first aid manual 

Essential vehicle documents to carry. 

• Your driver’s license and registration (copy and the original)
• Your own car insurance policy( with emergency contacts)
• Owner’s manual
•  A paper map –  or alternatively, you can use maps.me app offline 
• Your vehicle insurance copies

Must-have Road Trip Car Accessories .

A complete g uide for a motorcycle road trip for beginners.

I bet you’ll agree with me here:

When planning a road trip, getting everyone involved reduces the pressure and the burden of leaving the task to one person. 

It speeds up the planning process and minimizes disagreements arising from conflicting interests on destinations, accommodations, fun activities, etc.

So, how do you divide up the tasks?

You could for instance research the car rental deals and have someone else browse hotels and accommodations or research destinations. 

And to enhance effectiveness, try to assign tasks based on strengths.

Be sure that everyone focuses on a single task and works to its completion. 

Later on, you could discuss your findings together to make sure they match everyone’s needs and interests.

Crafting proper communication during the planning process is important.

You will want to make sure that you are not caught up in the thrill of booking and making reservations without checking up with the others.

You need to hear their word. 

The road trip planning process should, in fact, be a team effort.

Any communication affecting everyone in the group, such as the departure time and other important decisions, needs to be well communicated. 

This is for the sake of your relationship and the success of the road trip.

Be sure to give everyone a voice to vocalize their opinions, desires, and needs that they want to achieve from this road trip.

Let them feel that their needs are being met. 

The process of planning a road trip calls for patience, compromise, kindness, and most importantly, good communication skills.

Are you w ondering what you will do on the road trip?

Check out these fun things to do on a boring friend’s road trip.

Planning an extended road trip is impossible without some musical tunes from a good playlist. 

But even the choice of your playlist can make or break a road trip.

Don’t let a boring playlist ruin your trip.

Here are a few tips for crafting an ideal playlist for the road trip:

• Set a discernible playlist tone 

The tone of your playlist could have recurring musical lyrics of a certain topic. Let it also be a tone that evokes a certain mood or sensation from the tracks.

• Consider the length of your trip  

The playlist needs to cover the length of time you will be on the road.

• Take your time 

Start compiling as early as a few weeks before the road trip. This way, you will have room for some inspiration from online platforms such as Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, Pandora, etc.

• Ask everyone to contribute to the playlist  

Needless to say, it needs to be a collaborative playlist.

• Do a test run  

You need to add what’s missing and remove what’s not working.

Finally, don’t forget to download it before you leave.

9. Pack Some Healthy Snacks And Water

Consider taking various healthy snack options.

This will minimize the number of pit stops in fast food joints and will also lower your trip budget. 

The snacks need to be rich in proteins, full of nutrients, and should also be dry to avoid leaking into your bags. 

Check out these 5 Healthy Non-refrigerated Road Trip Snacks To Keep You Awake .

Here are 5 healthy snacks ideas to consider when planning a road trip;

• Peanut butter pretzels

This snack will greatly help you stay full till the next meal. It has healthy fat and protein, but ensure that you go for the natural peanut butter pretzels because they are not loaded with extra sugar.

They are great road trip snacks that will keep you full on long road trips. 

• Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds keep you awake when driving. They are also great due to their healthy fats and magnesium, which are great for your heart.

Popcorns provide you with energy while on a road trip. They are also an excellent source of complex carbs and fiber.

Avoid microwaved popcorns that are filled with chemicals.

You need yogurt on the road trip because it has probiotics (good bacteria) that are great for maintaining good digestive health. It is best when taken on an empty stomach.

Be sure to also carry plenty of water as opposed to excessive sodas or alcoholic beverages. Milk and juices are great alternatives.

When carrying lots of perishable foods, you will need a cooler. 

It provides storage for your canned drinks and other foodstuffs that normally go bad in hot temperatures.

See also: How To Keep Perishable Food Fresh and Frozen While Traveling .

Lastly, don’t forget to take your breakfast first thing in the morning before you hit the road. You will need that energy to start the trip.

10. Stay Connected During The Road Trip

It is important to have strong internet connectivity on a road trip with friends. Your devices also need to stay charged during the trip. 

This is because you’ll need to stay connected with your loved ones.

Having portable Wi-Fi helps you stay connected, especially if your phone does not have an international data plan.

Secondly, it is essential to have a Bluetooth hands-free car kit.

This kit enhances the safety of the crew in case the driver needs to make a call or stream audio on their mobile devices while maintaining focus on the road. 

• Sunglasses  

You need them to minimize the glare on the road due to sun rays or snow that blocks your vision of oncoming vehicles.

They also provide a better view of the road ahead without straining your eyes and protect you from direct UV light. 

• Travel mugs  

Look for those with sealable lids to prevent spillage on the floor or vehicle surfaces.

They also need to have an insulated double wall to keep your hot beverages hot and the cold ones cold.

• Hand sanitizers

Hand sanitizers keep germs and viruses out of the car.

When you are cramped in the car, you need mints to keep a fresh breath inside the car.

• Painkillers  

Sitting in a car for long hours with a pounding headache or muscle pain is fun.

Be sure to carry some painkillers in your first aid kit.

Hello there! My name is Rose. I’m passionate about electric cars and clean energy. My adventurous spirit and journalistic pursuits make each day fascinating and far greater. I consider traveling not just about the grandeur moments, but the little elements that transform the whole experience.

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This Rare Earth

A travel resource for the adventurous and often-solo female

Things to Do on a Road Trip with Friends

USA , Blog , North America / February 28, 2023 by Monica / Leave a Comment

There is nothing quite like taking a road trip with friends. The laughs, the adventure, the wrong turns! Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do on a road trip with friends, including my top tips on how to manage expectations and budgets. Let’s go!

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If you have been here for a while, then you already know that I take solo road trips quite frequently. Like, very frequently.

But some of the best travel memories I have come from various road trips I took with friends over the years. There is always a lot of laughter, a lot of joking, and usually tons of unexpected stops and adventures along the way.

Now, if you are headed on a long trip, you are going to need some entertainment to pass the time. Here we are going to cover some of the best things to do on a road trip with friends.

In addition, we will cover some important road trip with friends tips, as well as some of the best road trips to take with friends!

Let’s dive in, there is a lot to cover.

Table of Contents

No matter how fun you and your friends may be, there comes a time on every road trip that you might start to feel a bit antsy. Maybe the route is just long, or you are stuck in traffic, or you are just looking for some good old fashioned entertainment.

Let’s cover some of the best things to do on a road trip with friends that (hopefully!) everyone can agree on!

1. Listen to a podcast

Podcasts are my go-to road trip activity. I love getting lost in a story or a mystery and becoming captivated on how it will turn out.

Before you and your friends head out on the road, download a variety of podcasts that you think you and your friends would be interested in. Perhaps interviews with their favorite celebrities, some true crime for suspense, or a comedy if you want to keep things light.

Be sure to actually download them rather than just bookmark them. You may very well hit areas with patchy cell service, and in those instances, you will lose your audio unless it has been downloaded.

Check out my top travel apps for my best suggestions.

2. Listen to an audiobook

Headed on a long journey? If your trip is more than a day long, you may opt for something longer. Like, an entire audio book.

Look up a few titles that sound interesting and send them out to your friends. Have everyone take a vote or download their favorite. If you are driving cross country, perhaps you will have time for more than one!

3. Play a road trip game

When I was a kid, we had all kinds of road trip games in the car for long drives to Florida or North Carolina. They kept me and my brothers, cousins, and friends entertained for pretty significant chunks of time… which I am sure that my parents were happy about.

No matter your age, invest in a few fun travel games to keep on hand! Whether its a card game, a thinking game, or a thoughtful word game, these are great ways to pass the time.

Here are a few personal favorites:

4. Stop for a hike or to do something active

Particularly if you are on a long trip, you are going to want to get out and stretch your legs. Me? I want to do more than just stretch. I often plan for a hike or some type of activity along my route to keep my muscles moving.

Check your route. Do you see any state or national parks on the way? Chances are you will find some very scenic hikes without much investgating.

Be sure to pack a day pack stuffed with all the hiking essentials before you go!

You May Also Like: The Best Hiking Gear for Women

5. Take some photos

Make an agreement ahead of time that when you hit scenic stretches of highway, you want to get out and take photos!

Rule number one, do it safely. Find a legal and safe area to pull over, and snap away. I’ve seen some pretty epic waterfalls and rock formations on some of my trips through the southwest.

The drive from Phoenix to Sedona has lots to see and do, and the drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is absolutely breathtaking. You are going to want to remember it.

Check out some of my most recommended photo gear here.

6. Document the trip

No matter how often you see them, you are going to want to document your road trip with friends. As you get older or move to different areas, you may not be able to see them as much or get to have an adventure like this anytime soon.

Take video, take group photos, and if it is an especially sentimental trip (like, a graduation trip or a bridesmaid trip) then you may want to even write in a journal about it.

7. Take turns sleeping

If your trip is quite long, or if you plan to drive through the night, don’t forget to get some shut-eye. Take turns sleeping and driving in shifts if you aren’t getting a hotel room for the night.

Side note, this is another instance where your podcasts can really come in handy. If its late and your friends are sleeping, that podcast just might keep you entertained while you are solo.

I love helping my community plan amazing trips. When booking these services, consider booking them through the links below. Without any extra cost to you, you will be supporting This Rare Earth .

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8. Take all the detours.

Of all the things to do on a road trip with friends, this is easily one of my favorites. Take detours. Lots of them. In fact, all of them.

Hands down, I have made the best travel memories by stumbling upon the unexpected. So if you see an interesting street or a sign for the World’s Largest Pistachio, by all means go see it.

I can almost guarantee that years down the line, you and your friends will still be saying, “Remember that time when we saw……”

My Top Tips for Keeping a Road Trip with Friends Civil

Like I’ve already mentioned, taking a road trip with friends can be an unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect way to connect with old friends and even learn things about them you didn’t know.

That said, there are some things you should be mindful of when planning your friends road trip. These top tips may help ensure that your road trip is full of adventure and laugs rather than fighting or bickering.

Even the closest of friends are not immune to hurt feelings.

Let’s dive into my top tips for planning the best road trips with friends without any of the drama.

You May Also Like: How to Travel With Friends: Tips and Etiquette

1. Pick your road trip friends wisely.

I have no doubt that you have some fabulous friends. Smart friends, funny friends, wild friends, and adventurous friends.

That said, not all friends were meant to be tucked into a car with you for several days or weeks.

Be mindful about who you plan your road trip with in the first place.

You likely can think of one friend already that you love dearly, but you wouldn’t necessarily want to be stuffed in a sardine can with for the week. They could be the best person in the world… just be honest about your car compatibility.

2. Plan an itinerary.

You are going to want to have a chat ahead of time about the basic itinerary. Discussing your starting point, ending point, and how many days you expect to be on the road are all a must.

But beyond that, have a chat about what sights and scenic stops everyone in the car is interested in. It’s a good idea to try and hit everyone’s top sight at the very least. Obviously, it will create some resentment if the driver gets to stop and see all of their sights but ignores everyone else’s must-sees.

Got it? Good.

3. But make sure you all stay flexible, too.

Have you ever hit terrible traffic and ended up an hour late to your destination? Or, perhaps you got a flat and had to reroute to a tire shop.

It’s a good idea to be flexible on your road trip with friends, and to make sure that everyone else is on the same page too. Anything can happen on the road.

Have your ideal itinerary, but also have a backup plan. Maybe even a backup money stash for an extra hotel if needed. The point is, remember that things can always go awry!

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4. Be up front and communicate.

In every relationship, communication is key. Your road trip with friends is no different.

Both when in the planning phase and when on the trip, be up front an honest about expectations. Discuss the basics, like how you will split the budget and what date you must be home by.

This will help avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings in most cases.

While on the trip, if anything isn’t working for you, speak up – kindly. And, be equally willing to listed to your friends, too. Communication is the key to a smooth ride!

5. Know your boundaries.

Are you an introvert? Are you traveling with extroverts? Or, are you a night owl and your road trip friends are early risers? Knowing your boundaries is important when traveling with friends.

If you already know your travel styles or lifestyles don’t match, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t go on the road trip together. You just need to decide where the hard lines are drawn.

For example, one person is free to go out and party or stay up all night reading, but both must be aware that we hit the road by 9am. Or, one person typically takes over an hour to get ready in the morning, but the other gets up and is out the door. Perhaps you need two different alarms.

Whatever the situation is, you get the idea. Set whatever boundaries you all need to abide by together.

6. Take turns being in the driver’s seat.

Ya’all, I love road trips. I typically don’t mind driving them, mostly because I drive most of them solo.

but when I’m on a road trip with friends – especially a long one – I prefer to take turns. I want time that I can let me brain relax and I can curl my legs up and relax.

The same probably goes for you, and for whoever you are driving with. Things don’t have to be split 50/50 necessarily, but make sure you go with a ratio that works for both people. If both of you are tapped out, you probably need to refer back to the “Stop for a hike” section.

Where to Go on a Road Trip with Friends

Now that we’ve covered all of the planning aspects, let’s talk about where to go on a road trip with friends.

So, I like to consider myself somewhat of a road trip expert. I’ve driven across the United States nine times (yes you read that right) and have driven so much of the American Southwest that I know parts of it by heart.

I’m going to list all of my top road trip route suggestions that you could consider taking with friends. In no particular order, let’s dive in!

1. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway with friends.

There is a reason that this is one of the most popular road trips in all of America. It is downright stunning! Driving the entire Pacific Coast Highway is an unforgettable experience. I think everyone should do it at least once.

From the rugged beaches in Malibu to quaint Santa Barbara and all the way up north past San Francisco, this drive has it all. Loads of ocean views, plenty of stops for hikes, and even small wine towns if that’s your kind of thing.

Find out more here: A 7 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

2. Experience the California Deserts.

I know that when most people picture California, they picture beach. But for me, the California desert is my favorite area in the whole state.

I highly recommend taking a Joshua Tree to Death Valley road trip with friends. Or, exploring the Mojave National Preserve .

I bet you’d be surprised by just how fun the desert can be. Here are some more planning resources centered around Joshua Tree, which is the one desert requirement you can’t miss:

More Joshua Tree National Park Resources:

• One Day in Joshua Tree National Park
• The Best Joshua Tree Sunrise Hikes and Locations
• The Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
• A Joshua Tree Photography Guide
• All About the Joshua Tree: A Mojave Desert Staple
• Five Drawbacks of Joshua Tree – and How to Beat Them
• 10 Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
• A Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park Road Trip
• National Parks Near Los Angeles
• Desert Wear and Hiking Essentials for the American Southwest
• Ten Desert Hiking Safety Tips

3. Embark on a seven day New Mexico road trip.

I’ve driven through New Mexico many times. But recently, I returned back for a ten day road trip to re-visit some of my old favorite spots and explore new sights.

I traveled from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and soaked in some gorgeous hot springs . The Bisti Badlands was the perfect landscape to hike for days. I checked out the Aztec Ruins National Monument and made it all the way down to White Sands National Park and Roswell . It was incredible.

New Mexico has way more to offer than you might think! It’s such a great state to explore on a road trip with friends.

You May Also Like: The Best New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary

4. Or, go south of the border to Baja.

You may know, I love Mexico. And, my favorite area within Mexico is the Baja Peninsula.

There are so many fun things to do in Cabo – from boat rides to beaches to ATV adventures. La Paz and Balandra Bay offers some of the prettiest lesser-known beaches.

My personal favorite place to enjoy in Baja is hands down the Santa Rita Hot Springs . This is one of the best stops in all of Baja!

Staying in the north? Then check out San Felipe and the stunning Valle de Los Gigantes .

Get more info in my post about planning a Baja Sur Road Trip !

5. In the Las Vegas area?

If you are starting in the Las Vegas area, I have loads of road trips from Nevada to consider.

Nature lovers can enjoy Death Valley or the Valley of Fire . Art lovers should check out the Seven Magic Mountains at installation. And those looking for everything including hiking, good food, and spirituality should head to Sedona .

You May Also Like: The Top 10 Road Trips from Las Vegas

6. See one of the most popular national parks driving Salt Lake City to Yellowstone.

There is a reason that Yellowstone National Park is one of the most visited parks each and every year. Yellowstone is basically a legend!

If you drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone , you can turn a drive to a single destination into a fun and scenic road trip. Simply choose the right route for landscapes and pit stops. Read all about my recommendations here .

I hope that these suggestions on things to do, how to prepare, and where to go help you plan your road trip with friends! These tips have never failed me and will set you up for a good time.

Let me know below – which route will you be taking?

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About Monica

Monica has been a solo female world traveler for over 15 years. She is an expert on outdoor adventures, solo female travel, and off the beaten path destinations. She is the founder of This Rare Earth and is a firm believer that the world is not as scary as the media might have you think! Learn more about her here . Connect with her on Instagram .

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Awesome Ideas and Helpful Tips for a Road Trip With Friends

by Danielle Owen | Apr 1, 2022 | Group Travel | 0 comments

A road trip with friends can be the experience of a lifetime. But it takes some planning to make a group trip as stress-free as possible. While spontaneity is one of the best parts of hitting the road, there are still some things that should be figured out in advance.

Troupe’s group travel planner is the perfect pre-road trip tool to help you sort out your adventure. Share ideas for destinations and let trip members vote on their favorites to help plan out your route. You can also suggest dates that group members can approve and Troupe will let you know which dates work before for everyone.

Check out these top tips and ideas for a road trip with friends:

Plan a road trip based on a shared interest

• Take the scenic route

Everyone plan a day

Rent an rv or camper van, leave some wiggle room in your schedule, have a plan for splitting shared costs, play car games to pass the time, take lots of photos.

• Don’t be afraid to split up

Share driving responsibilities

• Have a positive attitude (and a backup plan)

Fun road trip ideas for friends

Maybe you all love music and want to catch a show in each city you visit. Or maybe you’re avid hikers who plan on tackling bucket list hikes across the country. Whatever you all love, consider basing the road trip around a shared hobby or passion.

Simply take the scenic route

Half of the fun of a road trip with friends is the time you spend on the road, listening to music, laughing, and enjoying the drive. There’s nothing wrong with taking a road trip simply for the sake of taking a road trip. Choose a scenic route near you, whether that’s a coastal highway or a mountain pass, and hit the road.

If you’re taking a multi-day trip, consider planning out a general route and splitting it up into one-day chunks. Then let each person on the trip be responsible for planning a leg of the journey. You can even keep the plans a surprise to make them more exciting. Each person would choose the city to stop in for the night and an activity at that destination or along the route.

While road trips in cars are great and everything, a road trip in an RV is a next-level experience. You and your friends won’t soon forget the week you spent in your home on wheels.

Top tips for a road trip with friends

Don’t plan such a strict road trip itinerary that you don’t have room to stop and smell the roses along the way. Whether that’s literally stopping to enjoy a beautiful, flower-strewn vista or deciding that a quirky pitstop town is worth spending an extra night or two.

Make sure you have a plan in advance for how to split costs or someone will inevitably get the short end of the stick. Using apps like Splitwise and Venmo are great for calculating who owes who what and to send payments instantly. Check out more tips for splitting expenses on a group trip .

No matter how much good music you listen to or how beautiful the scenery is, you’re bound to become a bit bored after full days spent in the car. That’s where car games come in. Everyone knows the license plate game (keep track of all the out-of-state plates you see and try to spot all 50).

But you can also play more thought-provoking games to keep you alert. Try choosing a letter and a category (e.g. ‘C’ and animals) and go around in a circle naming items that correspond (cheetah, cockatoo) until someone is stumped.

Don’t hesitate to take photos. Everything about a road trip with friends is meant to be remembered. Take photos (safely) in the car. Pull over as often as you’d like to take pictures of the scenery. Just don’t forget to take it all in without the camera, as well. Snap a nice shot and then put the phone or camera away and just enjoy the view and time with your friends.

Very few people would be happy to get stuck behind the wheel for the entire trip. And it’s also not the safest way to take a road trip. Rotate drivers every few hours so you’ll all have a chance to kick back and you’ll be alert when it’s your turn to take the wheel.

Dont be afraid to split up for a while

If you and your friends only have one or two days at any of your destinations and some people want to do a grueling hike while others want to visit a museum, don’t stress! Everyone’s interests aren’t always going to align. As long as everyone feels safe on their own, don’t be afraid to split up for the day. Meet back up for dinner to share your different experiences.

Have a positive attitude and a backup plan

Things can, and will, go wrong at some point during a road trip even if it’s just bad traffic at some point along the way. Have a plan in advance for what to do in case of an emergency.

Does someone in the group have AAA? Is there a spare tire in working condition? Consider learning how to change it yourself if you don’t already know. Do you have chains in case of snowy conditions? Who is going to hold on to the spare set of keys?

You should know the answer to all those questions that are frequent road trip mishaps. In addition, remember to roll with the punches. When planning a road trip with friends, carefully consider who you invite to spend all those hours with. No one wants a fun sucker along for the ride.

Most importantly, have fun, be safe, and enjoy the time together with your friends. While you’re at it, start planning your next epic group adventure. Check out these articles for group travel inspiration.

• Learn all there is to enjoy on a Lake Tahoe itinerary .
• Discover more about the best countries to visit in South America .
• Not sure where to go? Use this list of fun places to go with friends as a starting point.

How to travel with friends – without falling out

Sep 3, 2019 • 6 min read

Travelling together offers friends the chance to enjoy quality time awash with in-jokes, proper catch-ups and unforgettable experiences. Sound like bliss? It can be. But beware: even the best of friendships can be tested on the road.

Whether you’re about to embark on your first adventure with your mates in tow or are looking to improve on past experiences, here are writer Emma Sparks' 10 tips for having a harmonious trip with friends.

Beginners: start on the right foot

1. choose the right people to go with.

Pick any old pal with a passport at your peril. Just because you share a love of Nicolas Cage movies and Chinese food doesn’t mean you’re compatible travel buddies. Think twice before travelling with someone you only ever see in one context; your coffee-and-cake companion, yoga chum or work bestie might be a dream to hang out with at home, but a nightmare when it comes to exploring somewhere new. Opt for someone you’re confident you could tolerate for three days straight and you should have a reasonably hiccup-free trip – but there are no guarantees.

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2. Set expectations

Is this trip about winding down and going with the flow, or ticking off a list of sights the length of your arm? Will it be action-packed and outdoorsy, or heavy on the hangovers? It’s easy to make assumptions about your friends’ vision for a trip based on their usual behaviour, but travel can bring with it a different set of priorities and reveal a totally different side of people. Night owl travelling with early birds or vice versa? Proceed with caution – or agree to adjust your body clocks accordingly. Verbalise your needs: a simple conversation about what each of you wants to get out of the holiday – and what you don’t want to do – should do the trick.

3. Discuss your budget

You probably have an idea of how flash or frugal your friends are, but it’s worth chatting about what you intend to spend on food and activities before you go. In situ, manage money sensitively – some people are happy to split the bill every time, while others will find subsidising your dessert addiction stressful. Keep a tally in a group budgeting app like Splitwise if you like, but don’t sweat the small stuff – no-one likes a penny-pincher.

You might also like this:  What I learned from backpacking in my 20s and 30s

4. Prepare for close quarters

If you’re sharing accommodation, prepare to learn a lot more about your mates. Sleeping habits, bathroom routines and kitchen cleanliness (or lack thereof) can all cause friction between friends. Years of sharing rooms with incessant snorers, shower hoggers and the occasional gleeful farter have taught me that the best way to overcome small irritations is to make light of them – no doubt you have your own shortcomings too – and always pack earplugs...

‘When we travel as a three, Emily always gets a room to herself as she’s the loudest snorer. Emma puts up with my mild snores and I ignore the fact she leaves hair in the plughole’ – Mary, Emma’s travel buddy on many long weekends in Europe .

Intermediate: avoid common pitfalls

5. hanger and fatigue.

The needs of travelling adults often mirror those of a two year old’s. If someone’s acting moody, chances are they’re hungry or overtired. Punctuate sightseeing with plenty of pit stops and snacks, or work siestas into your holiday routine to keep the peace.

‘I like my sleep and I’m prone to energy dips if I don’t eat at regular intervals. Before a long hike through the Latvian wilderness, Emma made sure to buy some carb-heavy snacks and sugary sweets, which saved the day’  – Helen, Emma’s travel buddy in Australia , Latvia and Estonia .

6. Too much time together

Find yourself lingering in the loo, or volunteering to pop to the shops for the milk and a few precious minutes by yourself? Don’t feel bad about taking some time away from each other. Introverts in particular often need plenty of alone time to avoid burnout – but splitting up for a few hours here and there can refresh and revive everyone. 

7. Lack of flexibility

Travelling with friends is a masterclass in the art of the compromise. When Friend A is laser-focused on finding a tabbacheria for their strictly-on-holiday smokes, Friend B wants nothing more than an Aperol spritz and a sit down, and you want to get to the top local landmark before it closes, something has to give. If it isn’t essential to you, let it go – but don’t let dominant or demanding personalities get their way every time. If you’re lucky, everyone’s wants and needs can be met with some tactical shuffling of schedules. 

‘Emma has dragged us up church spires and medieval towers in Florence , Porto , Seville and more – we expect it now, just as she expects to skip a few sights so we can sample local tipples in the sun’ – Emily, Emma’s travel buddy on many long weekends in Europe.

8. Overenthusiasm

The weeks and months ahead of a trip can be saturated with hope and high expectations, excited text messages and squeals of anticipation. So much so that by the time you board the plane, you’re already exhausted. Then, in the face of adversity – a disappointing Airbnb, bad weather or mosquito invasions – one friend may appoint themselves as a hype man, ignoring glaring issues and refusing to let anyone whinge. While positivity is a lifesaver on group trips, you can still keep it real. It’s OK if things aren’t perfect, so don’t put pressure on yourself or each other to have the best time ever – go with the flow and it will happen naturally.

Advanced: be your best self

9. forgive (and apologise) quickly.

An intense dose of togetherness coupled with new, sometimes challenging experiences means minor niggles are almost inevitable. Left to fester, resentment and pettiness can thrive. Unresolved tension is a sure-fire way to spoil a trip, so be honest about the way you’re feeling. If anyone gets snappy, forgive and forget immediately – and always apologise if you’re the grump of the group.

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10. Be considerate and self aware

When it comes to maintaining a good group dynamic, basic courtesies go a long way – and taking extra care of each other (without fussing) will give you the warm and fuzzies. Make sure you’ve got the fundamentals covered, such as doing your fair share of washing up and collecting the morning croissants, then go the extra mile by keeping tabs on hydration levels and sunscreen top ups, or volunteering to drive.

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Tips & Tricks · May 3, 2022

The Ultimate Guide For Traveling With Friends [15 Tips]

Traveling with friends isn’t always easy. You are dealing with sleep schedules, expectations, quirks, and budgets that are not always in line. The goal is to enjoy time and new experiences with your friends, but sometimes you quickly realize people are more complex when you spend 4 days in close quarters vs. a night out for dinner.

Group trips are usually amazing or quite the opposite and the truth is, the little things usually make the difference! Here are 15 tips for traveling with friends that will help create a positive travel experience and create memorable moments.

Make sure everyone has a good time—the whole time.

Before You Commit to Traveling with Friends

There are top things to consider before you even sign up to take a trip with friends. The first step…

1. Understand WHO You are Saying Yes to:

You are not required to travel with everyone and anyone. It’s not always a good idea are simply people we are compatible with and those who we should spend a limited amount of time with—even if we appreciate it to the fullest.

Red flags? You’re a morning person and get up at 6:00 am and your potential traveling companions prefer 11:00 am. Maybe they can’t walk .5 miles without complaining or they only eat kale. Take some time to think about who your good friends are, how they operate, and if a trip together is a great idea.

If you have common travel styles and are able to set similar expectations, book those flights! There’s nothing like traveling with those closest to you. And who doesn’t love finding “vacation friends?”

Here are a few questions to think about:

• Does their travel style line up with mine?
• What about travel costs? Do you have similar budgets? (At least for this trip)
• Can I voice honest opinions with these people?
• What do I love about them?
• What really annoys me about them? (And is this list longer than the question above…)

2. Understand WHERE You are Saying Yes to:

You’re not done thinking yet. Equally as important, you need to consider which travel destination they are asking you to go. If the destination is on your list (and you’ve decided they are a trusty travel companion)—great! But if it’s somewhere that has never been of interest or looks boring, chaotic, or unappealing, you should say no.

Maybe they want to head to the boundary waters but sleeping on the ground makes you cringe. Or they want you to join their kids birthday party in Wisconsin Dells because “it will be fun for the adults too.” (Okay, Megan…) You know what you are interested in and what will be fun for YOU. Unless it’s required, don’t commit and spend money on a trip you know is going to drive you nuts.

Commitment Rule of Thumb: If It’s Not A Quick Yes, It’s a No.

Let me explain. You get a text from your best friend Hey! Me and Brittany are thinking about going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras! Wanna come? What is your VERY FIRST thought? Listen to that. It’s your intuition.

Maybe it’s OMG I have always wanted to experience Mardi Gras. On the flip side, it might be, Mardi Gras with Sam and Brittany…those two partying together is bad news…

Your first thought is going to give you A LOT of what you need to know. If it’s excitement, keep the door open. If it’s negative, you probably don’t want to do it and shouldn’t force yourself.

3. Pick One Way or the Other

It’s not required that you say yes to traveling with friends. We all have priorities. If you have reasonable friends, they are going to understand if you don’t have the money right now, or are committed to something else, feeling burnt out, or not interested in the destination.

That said, one thing to stay away from is the middle ground. That sounds so fun, let me think about it! And then…crickets. Don’t put your friends, or yourself, in that position. For them, it’s hard to continue planning. For you, you are wasting time thinking about your decision when you likely deep down already know the answer.

If it’s a no, don’t fall into avoidance mode. Thanks for the invite but I’m going to have to pass. I don’t have the money right now and it’s not great for my schedule. I hope you guys have a blast! Or Thanks for the invite. I’M IN. LET’S GOOOOOO!

Tip: Set a date for decisions to be made as a group so everyone knows that’s when the next steps are going to happen.

Once you’re committed to traveling with friends.

You’re all in! It’s time to start planning what’s going to be an unforgettable time traveling with your friends—assuming you follow the rest of these tips.

4. Appoint a Leader

In most cases, this happens naturally. It could potentially fall on the person who ties the group together. Or maybe it’s the one friend who knows what she’s doing 18 weeks from now—she just loves planning and being a travel agent.

She can schedule the pre-trip chats, book the hotel, provide information, and give reminders. Have the planner start a group text or email chain which is a great way to keep a record of your plans.

5. Schedule a Group Chat

This is one of the best things you can do! Trip plans and details are easily sorted out when you meet in person. Avoid only communicating through text where you can’t gauge emotions and feelings. Make it fun and grab happy hour after work one night (in-person or on Zoom) to discuss the next steps.

Tip: If you can’t meet up before the trip, use the first breakfast as a time to align.

6. Determine Transportatio n as a Group

Planes, trains, and automobiles. Determine the times of day first. Are you aiming to leave Thursday night and return Sunday afternoon? Great, now the group knows what to look out for instead of scanning every available flight, as well as the information needed to take off work and other activities. It’s also helpful if you are coming from different cities in order to align the arrival times as closely as possible. (And don’t forget rental cars!)

Tip: if you purchase on one credit card, you are much more likely to sit together without paying any extra fees – even if you don’t choose the seats yourself.

If you are taking a road trip, make sure to lock down who is driving and what vehicle you are taking. Schedule a time/place to meet and don’t forget to tell the notoriously late friend a solid 30 minutes earlier. In addition, be mindful of how many bags can fit with the number of bodies going! Notoriously late friend’s suitcase has to fit too!

7. Determine Where You are Going to Stay as a Group

AirBnbs are great options when traveling with friends and are typically budget-friendly. A hotel room allows for great perks like pools with swim-up bars. Figure out the following:

• Max budget; Most websites will have a filter to only show what is in your price range. Four people, $75 per day = filter at $300/night (likely a little below due to taxes/fees). Don’t even look at what’s not in everyone’s range.
• Location; The heart of downtown for the experience and walking accessibility? A nearby suburb to save money? Near one particular attraction?
• Special Accommodations; Free breakfast, outdoor pool, etc. Note: this may cost more upfront, but think about a day at the pool—very inexpensive compared to other activities, so it may be worth it. (I take that back if you opted for the swim-up bar.)
• The key to finding the perfect place to stay is determining all of the above and then filtering. It’s much easier to pick and choose between 3 than it is to sort through the 100s that come up in your initial search of the city.

8. Choose One Priority Each

As you’re discussing how to get there and where to stay, listen to everyone’s feedback. It’s likely going to give you answers as to what everyone wants to do. Make a mental note or write down any restaurants, shops, museums, and activities people mention.

Talk about the list of things along with any other ideas and have each person name one experience they want to make sure you do. You want to make sure everyone has input. Plus, it allows people to try new things and get out of their comfort zone!

While Traveling with Friends

9. make splitting expenses easy:.

When traveling with close friends, credit cards are going to be flying around left and right. Paying the bill at dinner, purchasing tickets for the group, hopping in Ubers after the unnecessary round of shots. To make it as easy as possible, here are my tips:

• Don’t “figure it out later:” when someone pays, make sure you determine who owes what and at least have a running note on your phone. You are going to forget if you go through 4 days of expenses.
• Venmo App ; the easiest and best way to pay others back—if you don’t have it, it’s time to get with the times!
• Community Fund ; have everyone in the group throw in $50 or so that can be used throughout the trip on Ubers, a round of drinks, or any other smaller purchases that requires everyone to pitch in. That way, you’re not constantly sending $5 back and forth.
• Don’t count pennies ; we all have that friend Becky who calculates the bill and says “Okay, everyone owes me $22.47.” Don’t be, Becky. Pennies all come full circle in the end.

10. Break Off Into Smaller Groups

Is your group not agreeing on an activity? Not. A. Big. Deal. Don’t let this turn into tension or a fight—you don’t need to be together the entire trip. Split off into smaller groups, or head somewhere alone if you’d like.

Tip: make sure to set a time to meet up again.

Whether it’s the end of the day or even the next morning. This helps set expectations and no one is left out or feels bad. Continue using the group text for communication and everyone can enjoy their own great adventures!

11. Find Personal Time

Traveling with a group of friends forces you to be around people at all times. If you are any bit of an introvert, you will likely need to make space for some alone time.

Spend an hour at a coffee shop in the morning or head to the hotel lobby. Maybe it’s before bed as you scroll your phone and watch the day’s best YouTube videos. The chance to unwind and be alone, outside of the shower, is crucial and the best way to remain a good travel companion.

12. Do NOT Gossip About Each Other

If she talks about her boyfriend one more time I am going to freak out. Stop. Do not talk crap about your travel buddies; it’s the best way to end things in disaster. This will cause a divide for the rest of the trip and it’s likely not worth it at all. Have FUN with each other; that’s why you are together and you want to spend as much time HAPPY as possible.

13. Always Carry a Few Snacks

For when your friend starts whining about something dumb. They need a Snickers. (Nuts, apples, and beef jerky are healthier, easy to carry, no mess options as well.) Ha, seriously, this is one of those small ideas that end up being one of the most important things.

Final Tips for Traveling with Friends

14. communication is key..

Make sure everyone is on the same page with travel plans as often as possible. And don’t be afraid to speak up. Did your friends do something they weren’t thrilled to take part in? Say thank you. Travel companion annoying you? Tell them, nicely, to cut the shit. Just kidding, but do nicely say something. If you’re traveling with them and they are true friends, you should feel comfortable being honest.

Most group travel frustrations are due to a lack of communication and expectations.

15. and remember….

Traveling with friends can be an amazing experience and bring you closer than ever before. You will share good times and memories you remember forever, learn more about them, and experience new places. Make planning, listening, and communicating a priority, and you are going to have an incredible time.

Enjoy your next adventure with your closest friends!

My Best Group Trip Recommendations? Sedona , Las Vegas , and Austin !

Do You Have More Tips for Traveling with Friends?

Let me know in the comments how you can have the best time with a travel buddy or five!

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The Dos and Don’ts of Traveling With Friends

In theory, traveling with friends should be the ultimate vacation. What could go wrong? Here are the dos and don’ts for a great “friendcation”

In theory, traveling with friends should be the ultimate vacation. The itinerary is filled with beautiful landscapes and awesome adventures, and your besties are by your side. What could go wrong? Spoiler alert! The answer is a lot can go wrong!

We all want that great adventure we can reminisce over when we’re old and gray. Every group trip offers the possibility for these kinds of memories. However, each trip also has the potential to cause strife and even ruin your friendship. Put simply, group travel can deepen bonds, or destroy them. Obviously, we would all prefer the first option, so we have gathered all the best travel tips, to ensure that your ”friendcation” is a fun-filled and healthy one

Made for Travel—Made for Friendship

Let’s Roam was founded by two brothers who were also best friends. At the very heart of our company is the idea that there’s nothing like good company. So if you’re looking for the best way for you and your BFFs to take in the views, look no further than our world-renowned scavenger hunts ! We can scare you silly or point you in the direction of the best beverages in town . Whatever adventure you’re after, the Let’s Roam app will make sure you enjoy it together.

“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” Mark Twain

Tips for Traveling with Friends

The biggest tip we can give you for successful group travel is to not assume anything. If you have never traveled with friends before, you don’t realize just how much your vacation ideals might vary from someone else’s. Each person has a vision for their getaway, and everyone has different ideas about how and where money should be spent and what activities are and are not fun. Take nothing for granted. A lack of planning and discussion is a recipe for disaster.

1. Start with a short trip .

If you’re traveling with a friend for the first time, you will certainly get to know them better than you ever have before, even if you have been close friends for years. The last thing you want to do is find out you and your bestie are not compatible as travel companions on day two of a two-week international trip!

Start small. Book a short weekend road trip to a fun destination. This will allow you to test the waters, so to speak. If it goes swimmingly, then consider a more expansive next trip.

2. Discuss your trip expectations .

As stated above, it might surprise you just how different your expectations are from your friend’s expectations. If your vision of the perfect Parisian vacation is a loaded itinerary, with museums, excursions, and guided tours in every fifteen-minute slot, but your friend was expecting to wander the city aimlessly and sip coffee in cafes, you’re heading for a disaster.

The key to success is to have a friendly conversation about what each of you wants to get out of this trip. A good friend listens to the needs of their companions, but that doesn’t mean you need to forfeit your trip dreams either. If you can reach a compromise, then great! If not, then maybe you aren’t meant to travel together, and that’s ok.

3. Choose the right destination .

Choosing the right travel destination is quite possibly the most important aspect of the whole trip. It’s important for a group trip that everybody involved is excited about the location. If you want to visit Thailand, but your buds all want to go to Venice, you have three options. You either skip the group offer and solo travel to Bangkok, put Thailand aside for a while and join the group, or work out a compromise destination you all want to visit. Ideally, your travel destination will be somewhere that everyone is interested in.

It shouldn’t just be somewhere you all want to visit, but it should also be a destination that has a wide variety of entertainment options. No two friends are going to want to do all the same things on a trip. Each person must have the ability to choose a few adventures that cater to their tastes. If you pick a beach destination that has no other options, besides sitting and looking at the waves, chances are one of you is not going to be fulfilled.

4. You may need to compromise on travel style .

Travel style is a key conversation that you need to talk about before you leave for the trip. Are you an all-inclusive resort traveler or a hostel traveler? Do you prefer local experiences and immersing yourself in the culture, or do you like to stay on the safe tourist track? Do you prefer high-end restaurants, or do you gorge yourself on street food? Do you use public transit, private shuttles, or rental cars?

There is no right or wrong way to travel! Everyone prefers different things, and to successfully travel with friends, you may find that you all have to compromise a bit. You might need to split an Airbnb, or spend a few nights in a hostel, to accommodate your friend’s financial needs, and they may need to give up a day of beach-sitting to join you at the local festival. True friends are usually willing to compromise, and remember, travel is about new experiences!

4. Plan the itinerary together .

There is usually a more seasoned traveler in every travel group. This person often gets tasked with planning the whole trip. It makes sense, in a way. They know all the best ways to find deals, and they have connections. However, seasoned travelers also tend to travel very differently than novices, and the trip they plan may not be satisfactory to those in the group who only have one two-week vacation a year to enjoy. Plus, it isn’t fair to put all that pressure on one person!

Grab some snacks and schedule a night to plan your basic itinerary. You don’t need to have every minute accounted for, but the big stuff should be decided together. You can still have your travel expert gather all the info if you want, but the choices like destination, hotels, transportation, and expensive tours should be decided as a group. If one person has done the research, they should present all the facts to the group and ensure that everyone looks at the online pictures, descriptions, etc. It works best if the planner brings multiple options for the group to choose from.

An even better approach is for each member to bring their favorite options to the table, and everyone can choose from the options presented. We suggest that each person bring their pick of the hotel and their bucket list attractions. You can rate attractions with a 3,2,1 star system if you want, but try to make sure that every person’s 3-star attractions are included in the itinerary. The best way to keep the peace is to make sure that each person gets to see the things they wanted to see.

5. Talk about the budget .

Budget is the number one friend-killer category! When you’re in the moment, it’s easy to just agree to go on that tour, eat at a fancy restaurant, or stay in that nice hotel last minute. However, at the end of the trip, or somewhere in the middle, resentment begins to build at how much money is being spent, especially if one of you is usually a frugal traveler.

It’s best to set a budget for the trip in the beginning, including a breakdown of major items. This way everyone knows what is expected, and there is already an agreement going into it. It will likely take some compromise on each member’s part, but a good budget strategy can save you from major blow-ups later. If a budget cannot be agreed on, then it might be a dealbreaker. As stated previously, not all friends are good travel partners.

6. Schedule some alone time .

While we have mentioned the importance of compromise and an agreed-upon itinerary, that only applies to the major aspects of your trip! For smaller things, like excursions, meals, or shows, it’s perfectly acceptable to go alone. Everyone on the trip will be happier if you do! Why drag along the whole clan who will just be miserable all day? They will resent having to go and spend money on something they don’t like, and you will have your day hampered by knowing they are miserable.

Avoid this by scheduling alone time, but do it during the planning stage. If a friend just wanders off on their own during the trip, it can cause hurt feelings, as the rest of the group feels like you don’t want to spend time with them, or they feel guilty for not going with you. These slights are easily avoided by having each person schedule the things they want to see from the beginning. This way, everyone knows that there are no hard feelings, you’re just going to that super nerdy museum that no one else was interested in. No big deal. People need space! Go do you for the day, and then meet up for drinks in the evening.

7. Try new things .

While we have talked a lot about compromise in this article, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Traveling with someone who has a different style can help you bust out of your comfort zone and experience the world in a whole new way! Seasoned travelers will tell you that some of their most memorable moments have been on unexpected journeys they never intended to take. Traveling with other people broadens your horizon and opens your mind to possibilities that you didn’t even know existed. Be brave. Take a chance on something new, you just might love it!

8. Communicate openly and honestly .

Good friends are honest friends! If you don’t want to do something, or you don’t feel safe, communicate it. If you feel like you’re compromising everything you wanted out of the trip, then communicate that too. It doesn’t need to be a fight, and you will likely find that your friend feels like they have been compromising a lot too. This is why “number 6” is so important!

Compromise is important, but it should not be a one-way street. Certainly don’t take advantage of meeker travel buddies, but don’t be taken advantage of either. Keep the communication open and honest, reassuring everyone, from the beginning, that if they are unhappy, this is a safe community of friends, and they can speak up! Keeping it in breeds resentment, which will eventually explode.

9. Pick your travel companion wisely .

Now that we have discussed some of the in and outs of group travel, you can probably see that who you choose to travel with is of utmost importance. Just because they are your best friend, doesn’t mean that the two of you’re compatible as travel companions. It’s better to say no to a trip than to ruin a friendship during it.

Do you have similar schedules?

It can be really hard for early birds to travel with night owls! If your idea of a vacation is sleeping until noon, and your bestie wants social media sunrise pics, bitterness awaits!

Do you have similar financial means?

As discussed, money can be a dealbreaker for traveling together. Be respectful of your friend’s budget needs, and if you just can’t agree on it, then don’t take the trip together. For some people vacation equals luxury, for others, it equals adventure and local experiences. Sometimes those aren’t reconcilable.

Are they good company?

We all have friends that we love dearly, but they aren’t the kind of people you want to spend all day, every day with. Make sure your travel companions are people that you enjoy spending time with. It should be easy, not a struggle.

Do you have similar tastes?

If everything about you is different, you might be fantastic friends. Opposites do attract, but you likely won’t travel very well together. One of you is going to have to compromise incessantly.

Do you have similar travel experience?

It’s easiest to travel with someone who has similar life experience. Newbies will stress out seasoned travelers with all their questions and doubts, and seasoned folks can be too hardcore for casual vacationers.

Do you have similar eating habits?

This one might sound silly, but if you’re a carnivore trying to travel with a dedicated vegan, you will be surprised at how much strife this can cause. You have to eat several times a day, and some people will spend hours trying to find a place that fits their dietary needs, leaving you hangry. Others will want to lecture you on your eating habits. It can get old quickly.

Dos and Don’ts

We have covered all the umbrella topics, but any good travel planner knows that “the devil is in the details.” To make sure you have the absolute best vacation with your buds, this section covers some very specific dos and don’ts to help maintain the positive vibe!

1. Do be flexible .

Going with the flow is important on a group trip. You have planned well, but the joy of travel is that nothing ever goes exactly as planned. This fact can be super stressful for the one who did all that organizing, as they feel responsible for the contentment of the group. It can also be stressful for inexperienced travelers. The whole group will fair better if you set the tone with a laid-back vibe. Just go with the flow!

2. Do pay attention to the vibe .

At some point during the trip, the mood will start to shift. Someone gets tired. Some activities didn’t live up to the expectation. A million little things go wrong, and it finally gets to one of the crew. It’s ok, you just need to take a break and adjust. Paying attention to social cues is a big part of heading off disasters. If someone needs a moment alone, suggest they take it. If you need to cool off, take a walk. If everyone is feeling wiped, drop the plans for tomorrow and take a rest day.

3. Do split money fairly .

You need to have a system for who pays for what. You can split everything amongst the group, or you can have certain members handle certain categories and shore up at the end of the trip. It’s up to you, there is no right or wrong way, as long as it’s agreed upon and fair.

4. Do pull your weight .

Renting a car? Then take your turn driving. If you’re too scared to drive in another country, then offer to buy the next tank of gas instead. Sharing a hotel room, then make sure your space is clean. If your friend bought takeout last night, then you buy it tonight. Everyone has to pull their weight.

5. Do have an opinion .

Some travelers think that going with the flow means never voicing an opinion. “I don’t care” seems like a laid-back response, but it usually just puts more pressure on the other person. If they give you options, just pick one. If you have a better option, speak up.

6. Do soak up the moment .

At the end of the day, this trip is about bonding with your friends! Be present. Enjoy their company. If you’re in a bad mood, adjust yourself. The most important aspect is togetherness, not the hotel, not the activities, not the dinner. Those things will fade. The lasting thing is the memories you make with your besties.

1. Don’t gossip .

When things turn south on the trip, and they might, it’s best to confront the situation with the person who is having trouble. Usually, that person isolates themself, and everyone else talks about it when they aren’t around. This is a recipe for a ruined friendship. If you notice one of your travel companions is struggling, go to them privately and see what you can do to help.

2. Don’t assume anything… remember?

Do not assume that your travel companions will want to go here or there. Don’t assume they know the customs of the region. Don’t assume they don’t. It’s best to discuss all aspects of your trip and to ask questions, especially before making any big decisions.

3. Don’t drink too much .

Most people are going to enjoy themselves on vacation, nothing wrong with that. However, if your hangover is holding up the group every day, or you’re belligerent every night, no one wants to hang out with you for very long. Have a good time, but read the room.

4. Don’t share a room if you don’t have to .

You will be spending a lot of time together on this trip, and while sharing a room can help with the budget, it can also add major stress to the situation. Some travelers are very messy. Some like to sleep with the TV on. Others like to walk around naked. Some like to bring home sexual partners while on vacation, while others do not. When possible, it’s best to have your own space to retreat to in the evening.

5. Don’t lock in too many activities .

Travel plans change, especially when groups are involved. While you want to make sure you lock in your appointment for heavily visited attractions, leave the other stuff unbooked, or at least make sure your booking is completely refundable. You may get there and find something else you all would rather do or a much better deal. Keep the itinerary as adjustable as possible.

Book those tickets !

“Friendcations” can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life! Take that trip, but do your research, pull your weight, and above all be flexible. It takes a lot of work, but a successful trip with your besties is worth the effort.

What if your travel partner is more of a stranger? It’s common to meet like-minded travelers on the road and want to continue your adventure together. Check out our guide “Tips for Traveling With Strangers” for the deets on traveling with new companions. Or if you’re traveling with friends, you might consider taking an organized group tour. Here are “20 Types of Group Tours You Won’t Regret.”

Do you have a hilarious or moving story about the time you went traveling with friends? We want to hear it! Drop us a comment below.

Frequently Asked Questions

If done correctly, traveling with friends provides a chance to deepen bonds, experience a different kind of travel, and travel inexpensively.

A successful friendship trip requires open communication and good planning. You need to decide on a location, plan your itinerary, and have a discussion on the budget before anything is booked.

For the first time, book an adventure that is short to test your travel compatibility. Take a fun tour of a nearby city , adventure in your closest national park, or go on a road trip.

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320 Road Trip with Friends Captions and Quotes for Miles of Memories

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There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with a group of friends , windows down, music up, and endless possibilities ahead.

Road trips offer a chance to disconnect from the stress of everyday life and create unforgettable memories with those closest to us.

But while the journey itself may be full of adventure, the memories we make along the way are just as important. That is where captions and quotes come in handy!

Whether it is for your social media posts or just to capture the moment, having the perfect words to accompany your road trip photos can make all the difference.

In this blog post, we have compiled a list of the best road trip with friends captions and quotes to help you capture the essence of the open road and the adventure. So sit back, relax, and let the inspiration flow!

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• 1. Captions and Quotes for the Start of the Road Trip With Friends
• 2. Scenic Views on the Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes
• 3. Group Photos From the Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes
• 4. Captions and Quotes for Food and Drink on a Road Trip With Friends
• 5. Fun and Laughter on the Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes
• 6. Captions and Quotes for the End of the Road Trip With Friends
• 7. Short Captions and Quotes About Road Trip With Friends
• 8. Funny Captions and Quotes About Road Tripping With Friends
• 9. Inspirational Captions and Quotes About Road Trip With Friends
• 10. Sentimental Captions and Quotes About the Road Trip With Friends
• 11. Weekend Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes
• 12. Memorable Captions and Quotes About Road Tripping With Friends
• 13. Family Road Trip Captions and Quotes
• 14. Intrepid Scout's Tips for a Road Trip with Friends

Captions and Quotes for the Start of the Road Trip With Friends

The road trip with friends is an experience like no other. From singing at the top of your lungs to snacking on junk food and stopping at every quirky roadside attraction, a road trip with friends is full of memories that will last a lifetime.

1. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu

2. “Adventure is out there, let’s go find it.”

3. “We weren’t made to just pay bills and die, let’s hit the road.”

4. “Life is short, let’s make every moment count.”

5. “Let’s escape reality for a while and make some unforgettable memories.”

6. “It doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you.”

7. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” — Saint Augustine

8. “Let’s go on an adventure, where the only direction is forward.”

9. “The open road is calling, and I must go.”

10. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” — Helen Keller

11. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” — Abraham Lincoln

12. “The best time for new beginnings is now.”

13. “Let’s hit the road and see where it takes us.”

14. “Life is a journey, enjoy the ride.”

15. “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” — Susan Sontag

16. “Let’s go on a road trip, make some memories, and leave behind a trail of dust and laughter.”

17. “Life is too short to wait, let’s go explore the world.”

18. “Adventure awaits, let’s go find it.”

19. “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”

20. “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” — Oprah Winfrey

21. “The road is long, but the company is good.”

22. “Let’s find some beautiful place to get lost.”

23. “The best things happen unexpectedly, let’s embrace the journey.”

24. “Let’s take the scenic route and make some memories along the way.”

25. “Life was meant for good friends and great adventures.”

26. “Let’s make this trip an unforgettable one.”

27. “Adventure awaits on the open road.”

28. “Let’s find some beautiful place to get lost.”

29. “The best road trips are the ones that take us places we never expected to go.”

30. “Life is about creating and living experiences that are worth sharing.” — Steve Jobs

31. “The world is full of wonderful things you haven’t seen yet. Don’t ever give up on the chance of seeing them.” — J.K. Rowling

32. “Life is a journey, make the most of it.”

33. “Let’s go on an adventure, take risks, and conquer our fears.”

34. “Let’s get lost in nature and find ourselves in the process.”

35. “Life is too short to stay in one place, let’s go out and explore the world.”

36. “The world is a beautiful place, let’s go see it.”

37. “Let’s make memories that will last a lifetime.”

38. “Life is an adventure, let’s go live it.”

39. “Let’s go on a road trip, make some memories, and come back with stories to tell.”

40. “The journey is the reward.”

41. “Good friends, great memories, and the open road.”

42. “The best therapy is a road trip with good friends.”

43. “Let’s go on a road trip, make some memories, and have the time of our lives.”

44. “Friends who travel together, stay together.”

45. “Let’s hit the road and leave our worries behind.”

46. “Life is a journey, and I wouldn’t want to take it with anyone else but you guys.”

47. “Let’s take a break from our busy lives and enjoy the simple pleasures of the open road.”

48. “Friends don’t let friends travel alone.”

49. “Let’s create memories that we’ll cherish for a lifetime.”

50. “The best trips are the ones taken with great company.”

51. “Let’s go on a road trip, make some memories, and come back with stories to tell.”

52. “Life is too short to not go on a road trip with your best friends.”

53. “Let’s go on a road trip and create our own adventure.”

54. “Friends + road trip = memories that last a lifetime.”

55. “Good friends and good roads make for a great journey.”

56. “The open road is calling, and I must go.” — John Muir

57. “Let’s wander where the wifi is weak and the adventures are strong.”

58. “Life was meant for good friends and great adventures.”

59. “The road is calling, and we must go.”

60. “Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.”

61. “Let’s go on a road trip, explore the world, and make unforgettable memories.”

62. “Let’s pack our bags and hit the road, the adventure awaits.”

63. “The best road trips are the ones taken with your best friends.”

64. “The journey is the reward, let’s make the most of it.”

65. “Let’s wander where the Wi-Fi is weak.”

138 GIRLS TRIP CAPTIONS and QUOTES for Unforgettable Moments Spent Together

Scenic Views on the Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes

One of the most unforgettable parts of a road trip with friends is the stunning scenery you’ll encounter along the way. From majestic mountains to serene lakes and everything in between, nature’s beauty provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable adventure with your closest pals.

And what better way to capture the breathtaking views than with the perfect caption or quote?

66. “The mountains are calling and I must go.” — John Muir

67. “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” — Chief Seattle

68. “The journey is as beautiful as the destination.”

69. “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu

70. “The earth has music for those who listen.” — Shakespeare

71. “The beauty of nature is the greatest gift to the human heart.”

72. “Life is a highway, I wanna ride it all night long.” — Tom Cochrane

73. “The freedom of the open road is seductive, serendipitous and absolutely liberating.” — Aaron Lauritsen

74. “The road goes ever on and on.” — J.R.R. Tolkien

75. “The open road is a blank canvas for adventure.”

76. “The view is better when it’s shared with good friends.”

77. “The world is a canvas, let’s go explore the colors.”

78. “Let’s go chase the sun and see where it takes us.”

79. “The mountains are my happy place.”

80. “The best views come after the hardest climb.”

81. “Life is a climb, but the view is great.”

82. “Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.”

Group Photos From the Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes

When it comes to a road trip with friends, nothing beats the joy of being with your favorite people and capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

Group photos are the perfect way to remember the moments of fun, laughter, and adventure that you share on your road trip. Whether you are posing in front of a famous landmark, on the beach, or in the middle of nowhere, group photos are a must-have for any road trip album.

But with so many group photos to choose from, finding the right caption or quote can be a challenge. So here are some of the best captions and quotes to accompany your group photos, so you can showcase the bond between you and your friends and cherish the memories for years to come.

83. “Squad goals.”

84. “Good friends and great adventures.”

85. “Friends who travel together, stay together.”

86. “Good times and tan lines.”

87. “Life is a journey, let’s take it together.”

88. “It’s not where you go, it’s who you go with.”

89. “Together is a beautiful place to be.”

90. “Let’s capture this moment and cherish it forever.”

91. “Good friends, great memories, and epic adventures.”

92. “We’re not lost, we’re on an adventure.”

93. “Let’s take a group photo, and show the world how much fun we’re having.”

94. “Life is a journey, let’s make it a great one together.”

95. “The best moments in life are the ones shared with great friends.”

96. “Let’s take a group photo and make it Instagram official.”

97. “Road trippin’ with my favorite people.”

98. “Adventure is out there, and we’re finding it together.”

99. “Good times and crazy friends make the best memories.”

100. “We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.”

101. “Exploring the world, one road trip at a time.”

102. “We didn’t know we were making memories, we were just having fun.”

103. “The best road trips are the ones taken with great company.”

104. “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.”

105. “Let’s take a group photo and remember this moment forever.”

106. “Travel far, travel wide, but never travel alone.”

107. “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.”

108. “The open road is calling, and we answered together.”

109. “Happiness is a road trip with good friends.”

110. “Friends who road trip together, stay together.”

Captions and Quotes for Food and Drink on a Road Trip With Friends

A road trip with friends is not just about exploring new places and enjoying the scenery – it’s also about indulging in delicious food and drinks along the way.

Whether trying out local specialties, sampling gourmet cuisine, or enjoying a refreshing drink after a long day on the road, food, and drink are an essential part of any memorable road trip with friends.

And what better way to capture the deliciousness of your culinary adventures than with the perfect caption or quote? So get ready to indulge your taste buds and add flavor to your road trip album!

111. “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” — James Beard

112. “Eat well, travel often.”

113. “Good food, good mood, good company.”

114. “Good friends and good food make for a great road trip.”

115. “The best part of a road trip? Trying all the local eats and drinks!”

116.”Life is uncertain, but coffee on a road trip is a sure thing.”

117. “Food is always better when shared with friends on a road trip.”

118. “Eating local on a road trip is like taking a journey through each destination’s flavors.”

119. “Food is the ingredient that binds us together on a road trip.”

120. “Good food, good company, and an open road – what more could you want?”

121. “A road trip isn’t complete without some snacks and drinks to keep us going.”

122. “The best road trips are fueled by good food and even better conversations.”

123. “Taking a break for some delicious food and drinks on a road trip is always worth it.”

124. “Nothing brings people together like good food and an adventure-filled road trip.”

125. “A great road trip is not complete without some tasty eats and drinks.”

126. “When in doubt, always stop for a bite to eat on a road trip.”

127. “Road-tripping with friends is always better with some snacks and drinks in tow.”

128. “Food and drink on a road trip are like the fuel that keeps us going.”

129. “Life is too short to miss out on the local cuisine during a road trip with friends.”

130. “The best moments on a road trip happen over a meal with friends.”

131. “Eating and drinking our way through a road trip is the best way to make memories.”

132. “A road trip is not about the destination, it’s about the delicious food and drinks we discover along the way.”

133. “Road trips and food are a match made in heaven. It’s always an adventure to try new dishes in new places.”

Fun and Laughter on the Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes

One of the best parts of a road trip with friends is the endless laughter and fun you share along the way. From silly jokes to unexpected adventures, every moment is a chance to bond with your friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.

And while pictures may be worth a thousand words, sometimes a perfect caption or quote can perfectly capture the joy and happiness of your road trip.

134. “Life is short, make it sweet.”

135. “Happiness is a road trip with your best friend.”

136. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” — Confucius

137. “A road trip is a way for the whole family to spend time together and annoy each other in interesting new places.” — Tom Lichtenheld

138. “Happiness is a road trip with good friends.”

139. “A good road trip is like a journey to the unknown, full of surprises and laughter.”

140. “A road trip is a chance to leave everything behind and create new memories with your closest friends.”

141. “The best part of a road trip is the laughter you share with your friends.”

142. “The greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination, it’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.” — Emma Chase

143. “Road trips are the equivalent of human wings. We only learn to fly by doing it.”

144. “The joy of a road trip is the journey, not the destination.”

145. “Road tripping with the best company.”

146. “Road trips aren’t measured by mile markers, but by moments.”

Captions and Quotes for the End of the Road Trip With Friends

As much as we hate to admit it, all good things must come to an end, including a wonderful road trip with friends.

Whether you’ve been exploring the open road for days, weeks, or even longer, the end of a road trip can be bittersweet – on one hand, you are excited to go back home and share your stories with loved ones, but on the other hand, you will miss the adventure, freedom, and camaraderie that you shared with your friends.

But just because the road trip is over doesn’t mean that the memories have to fade away – with the perfect caption or quote, you can capture the spirit and essence of your trip, and keep those memories alive for years to come.

147. “Home is where the heart is.”

148. “Memories made, adventures shared.”

149. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” — Dr. Seuss

150. “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.”

151. “The end of a road trip is not the end of a journey. It’s just the beginning of a new adventure.”

152. “All good things must come to an end, but the memories of a road trip with friends last a lifetime.”

153. “The end of a road trip is always bittersweet. You’re sad to say goodbye, but grateful for the memories made.”

154. “The last day of a road trip is always the hardest, but it’s the memories that make it worth it.”

155. “Saying goodbye is hard, but knowing you’ll see each other again on another road trip makes it easier.”

156. “The end of a road trip is not the end of a bond. It’s just the beginning of a stronger friendship.”

157. “The end of a road trip means going back to reality, but the memories will keep us going until our next adventure.”

158. “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. And our journey together on this road trip was unforgettable.”

159. “The end of a road trip is like the end of a great book. You’re sad it’s over, but grateful for the journey.” 

160. “The end of a road trip doesn’t have to be the end of the fun. Keep the memories alive and plan your next adventure.”

161. “The end of a road trip is not the end of the world. It’s just the end of a chapter.”

Short Captions and Quotes About Road Trip With Friends

Sometimes, less is more – and when it comes to captions and quotes for your road trip photos, a short and sweet phrase can often say more than a lengthy diatribe.

In this section, we have rounded up some of the best short captions and quotes for your road trip photos, so you can let the pictures speak for themselves.

162. “Adventures with my squad.”

163. “Squad goals.”

164. “Making memories with my favorite people.”

165. “Living our best lives on the open road.”

166. “Friends and good times, that’s all we need.”

167. “Life is better with friends and road trips.”

168. “On the road with my ride or die crew.”

169. “Exploring new places with my best friends.”

170. “The open road and good company.”

171. “Friends who wander together, stay together.”

172. “Road tripping with the best crew.”

173. “The road is our happy place.”

174. “The adventure begins with good company.”

175. “Friends and miles, that’s all we need.”

176. “Let’s go on an adventure and make some memories.”

177. “Making memories one road trip at a time.”

178. “Good vibes, good company, and good times.”

179. “On the road, living our best lives.”

180. “Let’s explore the world and have some fun.”

181. “Good friends and endless highways.”

182. “Wanderlust and good company.”

183 “Life is a highway, enjoy the ride.”

Funny Captions and Quotes About Road Tripping With Friends

Road trips with friends are always full of laughs, inside jokes, and good times. And what better way to capture those hilarious moments than with a funny caption or quote?

From ridiculous roadside attractions to unexpected detours, there are plenty of opportunities for humor on a road trip.

Whether you’re looking to poke fun at yourself or your friends, or just want to add some levity to your photos, a funny caption or quote can do the trick.

In this section, we’ve gathered some of the funniest captions and quotes for your road trip photos, so you can relive the laughter long after the trip is over.

184. “Are we there yet? Yeah, about 20 ‘are we there yets’ ago.”

185. “I’ve got 99 problems, but a road trip ain’t one.”

186. “Warning: May cause extreme laughter, inside jokes, and unforgettable memories.”

187. “Road trip rules: snacks, music, and lots of pit stops.”

188. “Let’s be honest, half of the fun of road trips is planning them with your friends.”

189. “Life is too short for bad road trips and boring company.”

190. “Friends don’t let friends road trip without snacks.”

191. “Let’s hit the road, and hope for the best.”

192. “What happens on the road, stays on the road.”

193. “Road trip motto: eat, sleep, drive, repeat.”

194. “We’re on a mission to find the best road trip snacks.”

195. “Our road trip playlist is better than your road trip playlist.”

196. “Road trips are just a way of unplugging from the world, and plugging into great company.”

197. “Friends who road trip together, stay together. Or at least until someone has to go to the bathroom.”

198. “Road trips with friends: because sometimes you need to escape reality and have some fun.”

199. “Road trip tip: always bring a friend who knows how to change a flat tire.”

200. “Why fly when you can drive with your crazy friends?”

201. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with friends on a road trip.”

202. “Road trips with friends are like therapy on wheels.”

203. “Let’s go on a road trip and make it a funny one.”

204. “Road trips: because the journey is just as important as the destination, or at least that’s what we tell ourselves.”

205. “On a road trip, the only thing better than a full tank of gas is a car full of good friends.”

206. “Life is short, the world is big, and the road is long. So let’s get going with our friends.”

207. “Road trips are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get, but you’re guaranteed to have a good time with your friends.”

Inspirational Captions and Quotes About Road Trip With Friends

Road trips with friends are more than just a fun way to explore new places – they are also an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.

Whether you are navigating a new city or navigating the twists and turns of life, a road trip can teach you valuable lessons about yourself and the world around you. And sometimes, all it takes is a few inspiring words to help you see things in a new light.

From quotes about taking risks to reminders to enjoy the journey, we have compiled some of the most inspiring captions and quotes to accompany your road trip photos.

208. “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.”

209. “Life is a journey, make the most of it with your friends by your side on a road trip.”

210. “A road trip is not just a journey, it’s an adventure with your friends.”

211. “The open road is a symbol of possibility and endless opportunities, especially when you’re with your friends.”

212. “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

213. “Sometimes the best therapy is a road trip with your best friends.”

214. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” — Saint Augustine

215. “Not all those who wander are lost.” — J.R.R. Tolkien

216. “Let’s go where the wifi is weak and the adventures are strong.”

217. “Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit. ” — Frank Borman

218. “The world is too big to stay in one place, and life is too short to do nothing. So let’s go on a road trip with our friends and make it unforgettable.”

219. “On a road trip, you don’t know where you’re going, but you’ll end up exactly where you need to be, especially when you’re with your friends.”

220. “Friends make the journey of life worthwhile, especially when it’s a road trip.”

221. “Life is a journey, not a destination. So let’s enjoy the ride with our friends on a road trip.”

222. “The road to success is always under construction.” — Lily Tomlin

223. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela

224. “The open road is a beckoning, a strangeness, a place where a man can lose himself.” — William Least Heat-Moon

225. “Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.” — Herbert Hoover

226. “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” — Anita Desai

227. “Freedom lies in being bold.” — Robert Frost

Sentimental Captions and Quotes About the Road Trip With Friends

There’s something special about hitting the open road with your closest friends. The memories you make on a road trip can last a lifetime, and the bonds you form can become stronger than ever.

As you watch the world go by through the car window, you can’t help but feel grateful for the moments you’re sharing with the people you care about most. Whether you’re singing along to your favorite songs or stopping at roadside attractions, every moment is a chance to make new memories together.

And when it’s time to head home, you’ll look back on your road trip with a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the time you spent with your friends. These sentimental captions and quotes capture the essence of those moments and help you express how much those memories mean to you.

228. “The joy of a road trip is the journey, not the destination, especially when you’re with friends who make the journey memorable.”

229. “There’s nothing like a road trip with your best friends to remind you of what truly matters in life: the people you love and the memories you make together.”

230. “A road trip with friends is a perfect time to disconnect from the world and connect with each other.”

231. “On a road trip with friends, the world feels a little smaller, and the bonds between us feel a little stronger.”

232. “We may not know where we’re going, but as long as we’re together on this road trip, that’s all that matters.”

233. “Sometimes the best travel companion is a good friend, especially on a road trip.”

234. “On a road trip with friends, we collect moments, not things.”

235. “Friends are the family we choose, and a road trip with them is a perfect time to strengthen those bonds.”

236. “A road trip with friends is not just about discovering new places, it’s about discovering new things about ourselves and each other.”

237. “A road trip with friends is a perfect reminder of how beautiful life can be when we have the right people by our side.”

Weekend Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes

A weekend road trip with friends is the perfect way to break free from the routine of everyday life and make some unforgettable memories.

You don’t need to travel far or take a lot of time off work to have an amazing adventure. With good company and a sense of adventure, even a short trip can be a chance to explore new places and try new things.

Whether you’re hiking through a state park, savoring a gourmet meal at a local restaurant, or simply spending time relaxing by the campfire, a weekend road trip can be just what you need to recharge your batteries and reconnect with the people you care about most.

These captions and quotes celebrate the joy of a weekend road trip with friends and help you capture the fun and excitement of those brief but memorable getaways.

238. “Weekend road trips with friends are the perfect antidote for a busy and stressful week.”

239. “When life gets hectic, take a break and hit the road with your friends for a weekend adventure.”

240. “A weekend road trip with friends is a perfect opportunity to unwind, explore new places, and create lasting memories.”

241. “We may only have a weekend, but with good friends and a sense of adventure, we can make it unforgettable.”

242. “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we make along the way. And a weekend road trip with friends combines all three!”

243. “In the end, it’s not the destination that matters, but the memories we create along the way. And a weekend road trip with friends is the perfect time to make some amazing memories.”

244. “Weekend road trips with friends are not just about the destination but about the journey and the moments we share together.”

245. “A weekend road trip with friends is a perfect opportunity to escape from the mundane routine and explore the world around us.”

246. “A weekend road trip with friends is not just an adventure, it’s a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.”

247. “Life is short, but a weekend road trip with friends can make it feel like an eternity in the best possible way.”

248. “The best way to spend a weekend is on the road with your friends, exploring new places and making unforgettable memories.”

249. “A weekend road trip with friends is not just a getaway, it’s a chance to reconnect and strengthen the bond of friendship.”

250. “Weekend road trips with friends are like a mini-vacation from the stresses of everyday life.”

251. “The best kind of therapy is a weekend road trip with friends and a good playlist.”

252. “A weekend road trip with friends is a time to let loose, be silly, and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

253. “The most memorable moments in life are the ones that happen unexpectedly, and a weekend road trip with friends is full of those moments.”

254. “There’s nothing like hitting the open road with your closest friends and seeing where it takes you.”

255. “A weekend road trip with friends is the perfect way to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.”

256. “A weekend road trip with friends is a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured.”

257. “The journey of a weekend road trip with friends is not just about the destination but about the adventure, laughter, and memories you create along the way.”

Memorable Captions and Quotes About Road Tripping With Friends

Some road trips with friends are simply unforgettable. These are the trips where everything falls into place, where unexpected detours lead to amazing discoveries, and where you make memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether it is the breathtaking views, the quirky roadside attractions, or the late-night conversations that stick with you, a memorable road trip with friends is an experience like no other.

These captions and quotes capture the spirit of adventure and the sense of nostalgia that comes with looking back on a truly unforgettable trip.

258. “The best memories are made on the road with your closest friends.”

259. “A road trip with friends is not just a journey, it’s an adventure of a lifetime.”

260. “There’s something magical about hitting the road with your best friends and exploring the world around you.”

261. “The beauty of a road trip with friends is that it’s not just about the destination, but the memories you make along the way.”

262. “A road trip with friends is a time to laugh, explore, and make unforgettable memories.”

263. “A road trip with friends is not just a trip, it’s a bond that lasts a lifetime.”

264. “The best stories come from road trips with friends, where the journey is just as important as the destination.”

265. “A road trip with friends is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the world and connect with the people around you.”

266. “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made. And a road trip with friends combines all three.”

267. “A road trip with friends is a reminder that life is meant to be experienced and shared with those closest to us.”

268. “We came, we saw, we had a blast.”

Family Road Trip Captions and Quotes

There’s something special about hitting the open road with your family!

From singing along to classic road trip tunes to stopping for ice cream at every chance you get, family road trips are all about creating unforgettable moments with the people you love most.

Whether you are exploring new destinations or revisiting old favorites, a family road trip is the perfect opportunity to bond, share stories, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

These captions and quotes capture the joy, laughter, and love that come with a family road trip.

269. “A family that travels together, stays together.”

270. “The best way to strengthen family bonds is to hit the open road and explore new places together.”

271. “Family road trips are a time to make memories that will last a lifetime.”

272. “The journey of a family road trip is not just about the destination, but the experiences and memories you create together.”

273. “A family road trip is a chance to escape the daily grind and create unforgettable moments with the people you love most.”

274. “A family road trip is an opportunity to disconnect from technology and connect with each other.”

275. “There’s no better feeling than hitting the road with your family and knowing that the adventure ahead will be filled with laughter and love.”

276. “A family road trip is a time to discover new places and make memories that will be cherished for years to come.”

277. “A family road trip is a chance to create lifelong memories with the people who matter most.”

278. “The beauty of a family road trip is that it’s not just a vacation, it’s a journey of discovery, laughter, and love.”

279. “A family road trip is the perfect opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.”

280. “The joy of a family road trip is not just about the destination, but the journey and the memories you make along the way.”

281. “A family road trip is a time to escape the chaos of everyday life and focus on the moments that matter most.”

282. “A family road trip is a chance to explore new places and experience the world with the people you love most.”

283. “A family road trip is a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed with those we hold dear.”

284. “A family road trip is an adventure that brings us closer together and strengthens our bonds.”

285. “The best part of a family road trip is the stories you’ll tell and the memories you’ll create that will be shared for generations to come.”

286. “A family road trip is a chance to create a shared experience that will be cherished by all.”

287. “A family road trip is not just a vacation, it’s a time to slow down and appreciate the little moments that make life so special.”

288. “A family road trip is an opportunity to make new memories and strengthen old ones with the people who matter most.”

289. “The fondest memories are made when gathered around the table.” 

290. “Family trips are a time for love, laughter, and creating unforgettable memories.”

291. “In the end, kids won’t remember that fancy toy or game you bought them, they will remember the time you spent with them.” — Kevin Heath

292. “The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege.” — Charles Kuralt

293. “A family road trip is not about the destination, but about the journey and the memories made along the way.”

294. “The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” — George Santayana

295. “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” — George Burns

296. “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” — Michael J. Fox

297. “Family trips are like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.”

298. “It’s not about the number of family members you have, it’s about the love that’s shared between them.”

299. “Family road trips are the perfect way to create lasting memories that will stay with you forever.”

300. “The best family road trips are the ones where everyone can disconnect from the world and just enjoy each other’s company.”

301. “Traveling with family is not just about the destination, it’s about the journey and the memories created along the way.”

302. “Family road trips are a great opportunity to strengthen bonds, learn new things about each other, and create unforgettable experiences.”

303. “There’s something special about going on a family road trip – it’s a chance to make memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.”

304. “A family road trip is not just a vacation, it’s an investment in quality time and meaningful experiences.”

305. “The best part about family road trips is that they bring everyone together and create memories that will last forever.”

306. “Family road trips are like a reset button – they allow you to escape the routine of daily life and create new memories with the people you love most.”

307. “Family road trips are the perfect opportunity to create new traditions and memories that will be passed down for generations to come.”

308. “A family vacation is a little bit of heaven on earth.”

309. “As a family, we make the best team.”

310. “Family adventures are the best adventures.”

311. “Family road trips: creating lifelong memories.”

312. “Buckle up, family adventure awaits!”

313. “Our family, our journey.”

314. “Family road trips: the ultimate bonding experience.”

315. “Cruising with my favorite people in the world.”

316. “Hitting the road with my tribe.”

317. “Laughter, love, and a lot of miles with my family.”

318. “Family road trips: a time to reconnect and make memories.”

319. “The open road never looked better with my family by my side.”

320. “Going on a family road trip, be back never.”

Intrepid Scout's Tips for a Road Trip with Friends

Here are some practical tips and advice for planning a road trip with friends:

• Choosing the right destination: Consider everyone’s interests and what kind of trip you all want to have.
• Planning the route : Decide on the route you’ll take, and make sure to factor in rest stops and sightseeing opportunities along the way.
• Packing essentials: Make sure everyone has packed the necessary essentials for the trip, such as comfortable clothes, snacks, and a first aid kit.
• Budgeting: Agree on a budget for the trip ahead of time to avoid any awkwardness or misunderstandings later on.
• Music and entertainment: Plan a playlist or bring along games to keep everyone entertained during long stretches on the road.
• Staying safe: Discuss safety rules and precautions, such as not driving tired.
• Documenting the trip: Encourage everyone to take photos and videos to document the trip and create lasting memories.

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30 Best Quotes about Traveling with Friends

Home | Travel | 30 Best Quotes about Traveling with Friends

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These quotes about traveling with friends will inspire you to round up all your favorite travel buddies and plan your next big adventure together. After all, friends make great company when you’re traveling, since they’re supportive, fun, and hopefully up for anything.

This collection of friendship adventure quotes has it all, from short travel quotes with friends and friends road trip quotes to funny friends trip quotes and inspirational quotes about traveling and friends . You’ll be amazed and inspired by all of the incredible things people have said about friendship and travel.

• Short travel quotes with friends
• Funny sayings about travel with friends
• Road trip with friends quotes
• Inspirational friendship and travel quotes

Don’t forget to save your favorite friends and travel quotes to share with your best buds. You can read them while you’re sitting around the campfire, when you’re on the road together, or to help pass the time on a trail. If you want even more inspiration, be sure to check out our list of the top 100 quotes about travel .

Short Travel Quotes with Friends

These short friends on vacation quotes are perfect for sharing with your pals before you start out on your next adventure.

1. “A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

This quote about traveling with friends points out that a great trip is not just about the friends you bring with you. It’s also about the friends that you make along the way – hopefully, lots!

2. “Good company on a journey makes the way seem shorter.” – Izaak Walton

As this quote about adventures with friends suggests, traveling with friends makes the journey fly by. You’ll be having so much fun that you’ll arrive at your destination before you know it!

3. “Friends that travel together, stay together.” – Unknown

I love this journey with friends quote because it’s so true that travel is a great way to bond. You go through so much together in a short time, which creates memories that will last a lifetime.

4. “There is an unspoken bond you create with the friends you travel with.” – Kristen Sarah

Traveling with a friend means you’ll share unforgettable experiences that will hopefully bring you closer together.

5. “Life was meant for great adventures and close friends.” – Unknown

If you’ve got a bad case of wanderlust and love to travel with friends, then this friendship journey quote is for you!

6. “Good friends follow you anywhere.” – A.A. Milne

This adventure quote with friends shows that the best friendships involve lots of support, loyalty, and spending time together. Hopefully, you’ve found friends who want to travel the world with you!

7. “As with any journey, who you travel with is more important than the destination.” – Unknown

As anyone who’s traveled with not-so-great company will know, this quote about friends traveling together is spot-on. Having your best friends by your side as you explore is sure to enhance any travel experience.

8. “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together.” – African Proverb

This lovely quote about trips with friends goes to show that mutual support can take you far, both physically and emotionally.

9. “There is a whole world out there. Pack your backpack, your best friend and go.” – Anonymous

If you’re on the fence about traveling with your best friend, this travel with best friend quote is your sign to start planning your trip together!

10. “As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.” – A.A. Milne

As this friendship and travel quote suggests, sometimes you just know when someone’s going to make a great travel companion. Have you met your adventure buddy yet?

Funny Sayings about Travel with Friends

These funny travel with friends quotes capture the fun, hilarious side of going on an adventure with your closest buddies.

11. “Sometimes all you need is a great friend and a tank of gas.” – Thelma & Louise

Thelma & Louise is an iconic movie about friendship and a road trip, so this quote about road trips with friends is the perfect choice if you need a good caption for a photo from your big adventure.

12. “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” – Mark Twain

Hopefully, you’ll already know whether you like traveling with your friends before you go on a trip together. However, as this witty quote about trips with friends shows, you may just find out while you’re traveling.

13. “You can pack for every occasion, but a good friend will always be the best thing you could bring!” – Unknown

As this friends holiday quote suggests, it’s always a good idea to bring a friend along on your travels. After all, they’ll be great to have in just about any situation!

14. “We are more than friends. We are like a small travel gang!” – Anonymous

If you and your friends travel together frequently, you’ll probably relate to this quote about best friends traveling together .

Road Trip with Friends Quotes

These friends road trip quotes will help you get excited about heading out on the open road together.

15. “Just grab a friend and take a ride, together upon the open road.” – A Goofy Movie

As this road trip with friends quote shows, friends make the ideal company for a long trip full of driving.

16. “Road trippin’ with my two favorite allies – fully loaded, we got snacks and supplies. It’s time to leave this town, it’s time to steal away. Let’s go get lost anywhere in the U.S.A.” – Red Hot Chili Peppers

There’s nothing quite like going on a road trip with your best friends. This quote about a road trip with friends sums up the fun of going on a long journey filled with snacks and good songs on the radio.

17. “Everyone needs a friend that will call and say, ‘Get dressed, we are going on an adventure.” – Unknown

This outing with friends quote captures the excitement of going on a spontaneous friends’ trip. Not all big adventures need to be planned !

Inspirational Friendship and Travel Quotes

These inspirational quotes about friends traveling together will put you in the right mood to plan an epic friends’ vacation.

18. “A good friend listens to your adventures. A best friend makes them with you.” – Unknown

As this friends adventure quote points out, some friends will want to go with you on your travels, while others will just be happy to hear your stories. Both are great types of friends to have!

19. “We are all travelers in the wilderness of the world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

This beautiful quote about travel with friends works for travel and also as a metaphor for life. Friendships really do make our lives (and trips!) better.

20. “The fastest way to make a friend for life is to travel with a stranger.” – Unknown

This friendship and travel quote makes an interesting point since travel is a great way to bond with people. Still, you’re probably better off traveling with people you already know!

21. “I get a friend to travel with me… I need somebody to bring me back to who I am. It’s hard to be alone.” – Leonardo DiCaprio

While some people love solo travel, others find it hard to be alone in strange places. If you’re someone who needs a friend to travel with you, don’t worry – you’re not alone!

22. “Travel has a way of removing the gaps in your friendship timeline.” – Christina Pfeiffer

As this travel and friendship quote suggests, going on a trip together can be a wonderful way to catch up with an old friend.

23. “The more I travelled, the more I realized fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.” – Shirley MacLaine

I love this quote for travel with friends because the idea that the world is full of potential friends is a beautiful one. Time to get out there and start meeting your new best buds!

24. “When you get lost in a really strange place, nothing is more comforting than finding your friend whom you trust and can show the way.” – Toba Beta

This traveling with friends quote expresses the joy and comfort that come from having a familiar friend with you in an unfamiliar place. Friends can provide that feeling of home, even when you’re far away.

25. “Having a best friend is like having your own little corner of the world to escape to.” – Unknown

This best friend travel quote is a celebration of close friendship. I hope you’ve found a friend who makes you feel that free!

26. “Let’s wander, and decorate our memories with wild love, epic adventures, and soul talk with badass people. Help me collect stories people won’t believe, and memories that will keep us warm when we’re old.” – Brooke Hampton

As this memorable trip with friends quote reminds us, a trip with your friends will give you lots of amazing memories that you can relive again and again.

27. “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all people cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou

This beautiful quote about friendship and travel is a wonderful approach to viewing the world. Thinking about strangers as potential friends makes travel exciting and a way of becoming closer to others.

28. “Wherever it is you may be, it is your friends who make your world.” – Chris Bradford

As this friends travel together quote points out, friendships are one of the most beautiful, powerful parts of our lives. Traveling with friends means carrying a bit of home with us everywhere.

29. “It’s the friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey.” – Anonymous

This friends travel together quote expresses the power of friendship to transform our lives for the better.

30. “A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.” – Maya Angelou

This travel and friends quote reminds us to see the people we encounter around the world as people like us, who we have more in common with than we might think.

I hope these quotes about adventures with friends spark your imagination and inspire you to travel the world with your best friends! Don’t forget to share your favorite quotes with your travel buddies or use them as captions for traveling with friends .

Happy traveling!

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70 Traveling With Friends Quotes to Remember the Good Times

One of the most epic things to do in life is to travel with your friends and make  crazy  incredible memories! Explore the unknown, try new food, and make mistakes that you will remember for the rest of your life . To accompany the legendary trip with friends , here are some of the best traveling with friends quotes that are perfect for captioning that photo or video! Don’t forget to check out some  travel tips with friends  to ensure your trip goes smoothly! Want more quotes for your travels? Check out our other posts!

• Best Captions for Sunsets
• Inspirational  Solo Travel Quotes
• Powerful  Quotes about Waterfalls
• Sweet  Family Travel Quotes

Our Favorite Traveling With Friends Quotes

These are our personal favorite quotes about traveling with friends. Whether it is to capture the difficulties when it comes to traveling with friends or the precious memories made, you will find a quotation here that works! 

• “There is a whole world out there. Pack your backpack, your best friend and go.”
• “A good friend listens to your adventures. Your best friend makes them with you.”
• “It doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you.”
• “Life is meant for good friends and great adventures.”
• “I would like to travel the world with you twice. Once, to see the world. Twice, to see the way you see the world.”
• “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.”
• “Good friends are like stars, you can’t always see them but you know they’re there.”
• “In life, it’s not where you go, it’s who you travel with.” – Charles M. Schulz
• “A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.” – Maya Angelou
• “Good times and crazy friends make the best memories.”

Short Traveling Quotes With Friends

Short traveling quotes with friends are perfect for those Instagram posts that you want to keep short and sweet. Nowadays, not a lot of people are willing to read through long captions. Use one of these and get straight to the point and engage your audience!

• “Friends that travel together, stay together.”
• “Ten minutes with a genuine friend is better than years spent with anyone less.” – Crystal Woods
• “No road is long with good company.” – Turkish Proverb
• “Every day is an adventure with you.”
• “Together is our favorite place to be.”
• “A journey well shared is a journey well enjoyed.”
• “The tans will fade but the memories will last forever.”
• “We all start as strangers.”
• “Let’s get lost.”
• “Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret.” – Oscar Wilde

Funny Quotes About Friends Traveling

An awesome trip with friends will unquestionably come with plenty of hilarious moments. That is why these funny quotes about friends traveling are the ideal captions. Funny captions are perfect for social media because everyone loves a good joke!

• “When you’re in jail, a good friend will be trying to bail you out. A best friend will be in the cell next to you saying, ‘Damn, that was fun’.” – Groucho Marx
• “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” – Mark Twain
• “You and me, we are more than friends. We are like a small travel gang!”
• “Good friends pee together, but best friends puke together!” – Akansh Malik
• “When life gives you best friends, use them.” – Areej Farooq
• “You can pack for every occasion, but a good friend will always be the best thing you could bring!”
• “As long as we don’t die, this is gonna be one hell of a story.” – John Green
• “Every brunette needs a blonde best friend.”
• “If your friends don’t openly laugh at you, are they really your friends?”
• “I want to live in a world where searching for flights burns calories.”

Road Trip With Friends Quotes

Nothing in this world is quite like a road trip with friends. The hours spent driving in the car, taking in the incredible views, listening to your favorite music, and talking about nonsense with your friends, that is the life we all dream of. Here are some of our road trip with friends quote to capture that moment!

• “Life is about doing things that don’t suck with people who don’t suck.”
• “As with any journey, who you travel with is more important than the destination.”
• “Follow your heart a little more and listen to your head a little less.” – Fabiola Francisco
• “Because the greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.” – Emma Chase, Tamed (2014)
• “And just like that, we’re on our way to everywhere.” – Emery Lord, Open Road Summer (2014)
• “Just grab a friend and take a ride, together upon the open road.” – A Goofy Movie
• “Adventure is out there.” – Up
• “Road trippin’ with my two favorite allies – fully loaded we got snacks and supplies. It’s time to leave this town it’s time to steal away. Let’s go get lost anywhere in the U.S.A.” – Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Road Trippin’
• “The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself.” – Wallace Stevens
• “Road trips aren’t measured by mile markers, but by moments.”

Profound Travel Buddy Quotes

Whether you like it or not, travel isn’t always just fun and games. Sometimes travel is profound, life-changing, and challenging, especially if you have a travel buddy. These profound travel buddy quotes are best to express those emotions!

• “If you have two friends in your lifetime, you’re lucky. If you have one good friend, you’re more than lucky.” – S.E. Hinton
• “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart” – Eleanor Roosevelt
• “There is an unspoken bond you create with the friends you travel with.” – Kristen Sarah
• “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together.” – African Proverb
• “There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.” – William Butler Yeats
• “We are all travelers in the wilderness of the world & the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
• “Best friends are people hard to find, difficult to be, and impossible to live without. They are the people you get along with so easily in the journey called life.” – Khushi Parwal
• “The struggles we endure today will be the ‘good old days’ we laugh about tomorrow.” – Aaron Lauritsen
• “Distance means so little when someone means so much.”
• “Will you come travel with me? Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?” – Walt Whitman

Inspirational Travel With Friends Quotes

Our inspirational travel with friends quotes are perfect to encourage you to take that trip or motivate you to continue on when it gets rough. Travel isn’t always rainbows and butterflies and these quotes will certainly help!

• “Don’t walk in front of me… I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me… I may not lead. Walk beside me… just be my friend.” – Albert Camus
• “Friendship is not something that you seek but something that finds you.” – Mokokoma Mokhonoana
• “What we find in a soul mate is not something wild to tame, but something wild to run with.” – Robert Brault
• “It’s the friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey.”
• “Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” – Amy Poehler
• “Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world.” – John Evelyn
• “You never really travel alone. The world is full of friends waiting to get to know you!”
• “As with any journey, who you travel with can be more important than your destination.”
• “I’d love to travel the world with you by my side.”
• “Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” – Tehyi Hsieh

Simple Quotations About Traveling With Friends

Simple quotations about traveling with friends are perfect for any occasion. They get the point across without sounding too tryhard. Pair that with your adventures with friends and you have the perfect post for social media!

• “It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “A true best friend may get you into trouble, but they will always be there to pull you out of it too.” – Kaylee Stepkoski
• “Anyone can have a friend, but the one that would walk in a storm to find you is all you will ever need.” – Shannon L. Alder
• “When life gives up on you, know that your best friend will always be there.”
• “Best friends are forever. That’s why they’re called BFFs.” – Lauren Conrad, Sweet Little Lies (2010)
• “Beach girls now, beach girls tomorrow, beach girls till the end of time.” – Luanne Rice, Beach Girls (2004)
• “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill
• “Let the adventure begin.”
• “Sometimes all you need is a great friend and a tank of gas.”
• “Friends, sun, sand, and sea, that sounds like a summer to me.”

Bonus Adventure With Friends Quotes

• “Having a best friend is like having your own little corner of the world to escape to.”
• “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all people cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou
• “The more I traveled, the more I realized fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.” – Shirley MacLaine
• “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all people cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou
• “Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” – Izaak Walton
• “Life by the water is always better, especially with a few good friends in tow.”
• “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” – Anais Nin
• “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” 
• “As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.”
• ​​“When traveling life’s journey, it’s good to have a friend’s hand to hold on to.”

Like this post? Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest!

Those are the 70 best traveling with friends quotes for Instagram or any kind of social media. We hope you found the perfect quote or captions for your trip! Any questions? Leave them in the comments!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at  no extra cost to you ! The money will help run this site! Thank you !

World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer

LivingOutLau

Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog!

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What should I prepare for a family trip? The Bucket List Family knows better than most.

Jessica Gee only wanted to do “a little bit of traveling.”

“Those were her words,” her husband, Garrett Gee, chimed in. “She should have known better because I always take whatever she thinks up and take it to the extreme.” 

In their first vlog as The Bucket List Family in 2015, he announced, “We’re going to sell everything we own in our little apartment and then we’re going to go westward.” 

They set out from Provo, Utah, with their then two kids and a plan to share their adventures on social media with family, friends and “whoever wants to tune in back home.” Millions of people have followed along.

“We wanted to see what else was out there, explore a little bit, learn from different cultures and people,” Jessica told USA TODAY. 

Now she’s sharing her tips and tricks in her new National Geographic book, “ Bucket List Family Travel .”

“As soon as you start to see what's out there, you realize, oh, there's so much more," she said. "You're so excited to just be a part of it.”

Here’s some of what they’ve learned.

Trying something new

“Growing up, my family was like a Disney World family . We made that trip every year,” Jessica said, adding that she still loves it and visits with her kids, but they try to switch up other destinations. 

“As we've traveled more of the world, we've kind of made an unspoken family rule that we try our best not to go back to places because it's been so rewarding to experience new places,” Garrett said. 

The Gees have visited more than 90 countries and gone on adventures like surfing in Fiji and safaris in Tanzania with her kids Dorothy, Manilla and Calihan, whose ages range from 6 to 11.

“Trying something new, I feel like it's never been a bad thing for us,” Jessica said.

After three years of full-time travel, that new thing was settling down in Hawaii.

“The thing that we missed the most was community,” Jessica said. “Garrett and I both grew up in very traditional American homes with good friends and being a part of sports groups and stuff. We always planned on that for our kids.”

The family still travels about 12 weeks of the year , juggling what they call a double life of wanting to travel but not miss Field Days and birthday parties.

“We travel almost every school break. Last year we went to 12 countries," she said.

They spent last summer in Africa and are presently on a 25-day trip to Antarctica .

“Our oldest, she definitely grasps like, ‘I will most likely never go back to Antarctica. And the fact that I get to do that with my family on this beautiful boat, I get it.’ She gets it,” Jessica said. 

Family vacations: Why some families keep going back to the same place

How to afford more travel

The Bucket List Family’s level of travel may not be possible for most families, but traveling abroad can cost less than some domestic theme park trips.

“Some of those trips are very expensive, and you could do a really incredible international trip where you see a new culture and try new foods in a whole new place that you might just fall in love with for probably the same price, if not less,” Jessica said. 

A lot depends on the destination, Garrett pointed out.

“If you’re traveling to Southeast Asia … depending on where you’re coming from, it could be expensive. But once you're there, it can be incredibly cheap, where you have this beautiful private villa all to yourself, a private chef, overlooking the rice fields for just a fraction of the price that you would spend most anywhere else.”

Jessica adds airlines occasionally offer deals , and credit card rewards points add up.

“If you're signing up for the right credit cards and using points, and just spending your money appropriately, it's set up now in the world where you can get airlines and hotels covered,” she said. “So if you're just a little bit savvy with how you're spending your money, that's a brilliant way to start.”

Another option she recommends is booking through travel agents , many of whom don’t charge clients for their services.

“I loved nickel and diming and making the spreadsheets,” she said. “But now, I’ve realized that going through an agent, who it’s their absolute profession to do things A to Z, they can actually get a better rate.”

How do you plan a trip with kids?

“Start now or start early,” Garrett said. “If you start earlier than later, then they just grow used to it and accustomed to it. And oh my gosh, traveling with kids adds just such a joy to it. When you can experience something through the eyes of a child, they just have a whole new level of joy and curiosity.”

Jessica noted, kids can also help break the ice when traveling.

“People are so much more willing to talk to you and open up to you,” she said. “They see our little kids running down the street or at a restaurant and they're way more friendly and willing to talk (than) had it been just Garrett and I.”

They try to stay flexible traveling as a family.

“A lot of parents really depend almost too much on a very strict routine. It can work, but the tough thing is, as soon as you break that routine, then you’re dealing with a very difficult child,” Garrett said. “Our travels almost forced us to just kind of do away with routine. And when a child is hungry, they eat and when a child is tired, they take a nap.”

Their kids never got to the beige phase of only wanting things like chicken nuggets or french fries. 

“They either eat something new or they don't eat at all,” Garrett said, noting that they always try to eat locally. “You don’t have to eat it all, but you at least have to try it once.”

He credits travel with their kids’ adaptability, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.

“Parenting is parenting no matter where you are,” Jessica said. “My kid’s going to throw a tantrum at the grocery store or he's going to throw it in Italy.”

Practical tips for traveling with kids

Jessica always starts trips with the best-laid plans.

“A lot of that is props to Jess and why she was able to do such a good job writing this book, because she experienced everything that could go wrong in family travel.” Garrett said. “The fact that she packs a second outfit for each of the kids can basically tell you, oh, you've traveled with a child with diapers and something has gone horribly wrong on that long flight.” 

Jessica also carries what she likens to a small pharmacy , with things like allergy medicine and bandages.

“When I check bags, I take a picture of the luggage receipt. I take a picture of my bag. I always now have an AirTag inside,” she said. Garrett recommends tying a colorful ribbon on luggage, so it stands out. 

When things go awry, Jessica encourages choosing a good attitude.

“The kids are going to feed off your energy,” she said. ”So if you're like, ‘Oh no, we're stuck on the tarmac for another two hours,’ you're not the one complaining, but you're like, ‘OK. That’s OK.’ Just trying to be as upbeat as possible.”

When that’s not possible, she recommends taking turns losing it, like when an airline made them check their carry-on luggage only to misplace it.

“Garrett will give me my space,” she said. “He could tell I was really frustrated and just needed a minute, so he takes the kids, he gets them out of the way, he lets me handle it. … And then we come back together and I was able to change my attitude in like an hour, but that was not fun. That was five days wearing the same clothes in Botswana.”

Is traveling good for child development?

In one of their early videos from Bali , Garrett said: “We take our kids on this adventure and these travels, and you hope that it’s good for them. You hope that they’re benefitting from it, but you never know.”

But a particular memory sticks with Jessica from Bali, when they were volunteering at an orphanage.

“It was kind of Dorothy's first school experience and to have her with kids the same ages, (who) didn't look the same, didn't talk the same, but at the same time they were dancing together, they were singing together, they were doing art together, it was just the most magical thing for Dorothy at such a young age – I mean she was 3 – to see that race and language and beliefs, they all vary, but at the end of the day, we're all the same people.”

Their family has found so much in common with people they’ve met all around the world, but Garrett said travel has also taught their kids to embrace what makes them unique.

“Because if you were to ask our kids, they consider themselves very weird and very different than the kids at school, but they love it and they're proud of it and that's what makes them special,” he said. 

Travel has changed how he and Jessica see things as well.

“When you're only hearing the negative about these other places, you just kind of think that they're dark, scary places with a lot of violence,” Garrett said. “Oh my goodness, as we've just traveled from country to country and just seen nothing but so much goodness and been welcomed with such friendly, amazing people and made really good friends, it's just definitely changed our perspective on the world.”

More From Forbes

9 travel contests offer free taylor swift and dave matthews tickets, trips to italy.

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Win another dream trip to Italy, this time with pizza

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Between now and April 10, North Italia’s latest Pi Day promotion is offering what it calls a “love letter to Italy.” The winner will receive a five-night trip to Italy with flights, accommodations and activities covered by an allowance. Who is eligible for the prize? Anyone who purchases a Pi Day pizza via OLO between now and April 10 is automatically entered into the sweepstakes.

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Good Sam wants to encourage next generation of road trippers to get out there and go with their “Good to Go” sweepstakes. The company helps with trip planning including things like vehicle rentals and finding a campsite and adding a reliable insurance policy. Between now and the end of August, visit GoodSam.com to enter for three chances to win the ultimate summer road trip. This includes a five-night RV rental, campground credit and one year’s Good Sam membership, roadside assistance platinum policy and TravelAssist Premier plan.

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