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Driving across country is an opportunity of a lifetime. It allows you to see what America truly has to offer, you dine on variety of cuisine, meet new and different people, and see things you may have never even known to exist. This is not usually an adventure that one embarks on solo, and that is where sometimes things become arduous. When starting out on a road trip everyone is excited to be travelling with their close friends or even relatives. However, that excitement doesn't always last very long and then the tension develops. To drive from one coast to the opposite is at least a week in length, and this is spent in relatively small quarters with people cramped together. This easily develops into a conflict because fights arise over even the simplest of things. Spending this long amount of time with anyone can lead people to become short tempered and cranky. Here are some tips I have found helpful from my own road trip nightmares:

Make sure you truly know the person that you are travelling with. This is so important because if you don't know this person inside and out you could be put in some situations that you may not wish to be involved in. You may think you know a friend, but be sure you are fully aware of their 'street smarts', temperament, even their driving abilities. You don't want to end up stranded in the middle of the country because your friend is foolish. Make sure you are travelling with someone you can tolerate for the expected length of time. Crossing the country is no small feat; it can be a long and strenuous journey. So if you barely tolerate your friend after a night on the town, a road trip with them might not be the best idea. If your friend starts to irritate you, stay calm and stop somewhere that you can get some space. Make sure all parties develop an agreed upon itinerary. The country is very big, and it seems even bigger when you're driving across it. Be sure that the routes are determined before you leave to avoid getting lost. Also, do research on where you would like to stay, eat, and sightsee. Find places that you both feel comfortable with and always have some back up options as well; since you may arrive at a hotel and find it unsanitary. Be prepared financially. Also, be sure your travel partners are also financially prepared. When driving across country it is likely that there will be unexpected costs. You may want to stop at a hotel; parts on the car may break, speeding tickets, etc. You certainly don't want to be footing the bill for your partners, so make sure that everyone is fully prepared.

These are just a few things I have learned over the years. Road trips are an amazing experience and the opportunity of a lifetime. However, it can also destroy relationships if not done advantageously to both parties.

Learn more about this author, Liz Lagerstedt.
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