If you’ve been following me on Twitter, you will have
noticed that I am in the midst of planning a road trip with Kate (@thatgirlcartier) to Montreal next weekend! As
most of you know – I have done my fair share of road trips over the past few
years, Toronto to Las Vegas; Las Vegas to Vancouver and Vancouver to Toronto. Well, this girls weekend away couldn’t have come at a better time! I’m in dire
need of some quality friend time, as well as an escape from the city!
Road trips can be an amazing way to build memories. But, before heading out on your own road trip with friends, here
is some advice to think about.
Choose your road trip travel partner wisely.
Traveling can be stressful. You’re in the car for hours on
end and worse - you may hit traffic. Traveling is supposed to be a fun way to
build great memories. So think before picking your travel partner. Are you complete
opposites? Do they like to plan everything down to the last detail and you’re
more spontaneous? If there are too many differences between you, this may cause
some friction on your trip.
Do you know which way is which?
Before hitting the open road, you will have to decide who
will drive and who will navigate. When one person is doing all of the driving,
the partner should help with the navigation. Through all of my road trips, I
went the old-fashioned route and had paper maps. Even when I drove solo across Canada from Vancouver
to Toronto , I
had paper maps that I referenced – no GPS. Your partner should be able to read
a map and voice direction when needed.
I’m all for being spontaneous and going with the flow….but
that being said, I’m also quite a planner. I plan ahead and know what I want to
see and do when going on vacation. Talk it over with your friend, set your
goals for the trip and ensure both your expectations will be met.
Is your friendship based on the “opposites attract” theory?
If you are a homebody who would prefer to stay in with your
Snuggie and watch a movie while your friend is a party animal who parties until
the sun rises…your trip may be a bust! Being on vacation though is a perfect
time to break from your normal routine and expand your cultural horizons and
experience new things. Not only will you
get to broaden your horizons, but you will also build some fantastic memories
with your friend. However, if your ideas of fun are vastly different, and no
one is willing to compromise – it may make for some unpleasant times and an
awkward drive home.
Show me the money!
While planning your trip be sure to work out a budget with
your friend. Traveling with someone who has much more expensive taste than you
could lead to problems on your trip. When deciding on hotels, dining options
and attractions you plan on seeing – be sure to openly discuss your ideal
budget frame and work within it to meet the expectations you both have set for
the trip.
The memories I have from my multiple road trips across North America are ones I will cherish forever. With a
little planning and a lot of communication – a road trip with friends could be
one of the best experiences of your life.
Be sure to follow both Kate and I and follow along with our
Montreal adventure!
Montreal adventure!
@thatgirlcartier
@AwesomeJennJenn
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