The open road, tunes and a group of best friends. For many students it may seem as if there's no better way to spend the summer then road tripping cross-country.
Although it may seem like a low-cost way to waste the summer away, students should beware of the dangers and irritations that await those that fail to do a little pre-planning.
"You should make sure you really like the people you're traveling with because being in confined spaces for a long time will tell you a lot about people you don't already know," said Shannon Davis, a junior history and English major.
Tam Dinh, a junior undecided major, says that a trip could turn nightmarish when traveling with individuals that don't get along. Arguments are almost guaranteed.
"Bring earplugs. It can be hard to achieve quiet when there's three other people in the car," Dinh said.
It may seem like a good idea to embark on a road trip when you're down on money and bored out of your mind, but it probably isn't. While having money on hand is a good idea, junior legal studies major Mackenzie Colt said it's best to carry it in a variety of forms just in case.
Have plenty of cash when stopping for a pick-me-up at small town stores that don't accept cards.
"I make sure to plan ahead and bring lots of money. You never know what will come up. Gas is expensive," Colt said.
Sophomore mathematics major John Kalamaras recommends calculating approximate gas costs ahead of time. He said it could be a potentially irritating situation if members of the group spend all of their money on souvenirs and food.
Kalamaras said that students should discuss ahead of time how much each person will pay, and what the group will do in the event that the vehicle breaks down.
Dinh insisted it was difficult and often unfair to designate one person to pay for food, one for room, and one for gas. To make it easier, she recommends riders simply take turns filling the entire tank.
"It's impossible and a pain to make change for everyone every time you fill up," Dinh said.
For many students, safety is a must on the road. Dinh recommends bringing jumper cables, a battery pack and a first aid kit with Tylenol and Dramamine. She also makes sure to pack a flashlight and plenty of water.
Davis also advises looking at the map ahead of time to mark off hotels and possible stops of interest. She says it's okay to be spontaneous as long as there is a tentative route in place.
The biggest safety concern while driving long distances on the road may be falling asleep at the wheel. Rebecca Anderson, a sophomore Spanish major, suggests bringing enough friends to switch drivers every few hours, day or night.
"Have someone stay awake with the driver if you're driving overnight," Anderson said. "If you start to fall asleep, pull off at the nearest exit and rest for awhile in a well lit area."
Davis said that road trippers should not procrastinate gas stops, especially when driving through unfamiliar areas.
"On certain stretches of road you are surrounded by small towns. It can be hard to find overnight gas stations," Davis said.
It may not seem trivial now, but after three days of driving in the car it's likely that everything and anything will be a topic of dispute, especially choice of music. John Battaglia, a junior business administration major, insists on steering away from genres of music not loved by everyone.
"Make some CDs or play lists on your iPod with good tunes everyone knows and likes. When the fight begins over the radio, pop one in," Battaglia said.
Potential irritations or not, the road trip has become a part of American culture. While it may not necessarily be as glorious as all the movies and books make it out to be, a little planning and some flexible friends may make the memories well worth the minor annoyances.
"You have to have a good attitude about it," Kalamaras said. "It's all about having fun and entertaining your friends, even if you're spending 50 percent of your time in the car."
