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by Gabriel Ember

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Road trips by their very nature are designed to be unpredictable, journeys of adventure into places we've never been before. But before you try anything, you need to have one clear notion in mind: what style of road trip are you taking? Is it a solo, soul-searching journey, a small group of your closest friends, or an army of spouses, kids, and relatives? What parts of the country will you be traveling through? How long will you be on the road? Do you have a specific destination in mind or are you just winging it and hoping for the best? After these questions have been answered, it becomes much easy to pick the road trip car of your dreams. The basic guidelines are as follows:

+ As a rule of thumb, never use your personal day-to-day car unless you're absolutely sure it'll survive the journey. Even then, have it serviced before venturing out and have a plan in place if something goes wrong.

+ If you can, rent a cheap, reliable car from a reputable service and make sure you get the full insurance coverage. That way should you lose it in a freak accident you are still covered for the losses and not held criminally liable.

+ If your own car has seen better days and renting isn't an option, try buying an old knock-around. Search the classifieds and local lawns for a cheap used car that still runs. That way if it breaks beyond repair it won't matter, and if it lives through the trip, you can store it for another or simply sell it again.

+ Keep the climate and terrain in mind. Obviously in winter you'll want a good heater and tires, but also remember that you'll need extra power for mountain roads and possibly 4X4 drive if you're thinking of leaving the asphalt behind. Scout the route ahead of time and you won't be stuck in the mud later.

+ Comfort is the most important consideration. Gas mileage is the second. You could drive the most stylish car ever made, but if it breaks your back and it needs refilling every 40 miles, it is not a road trip worthy car, plain nd simple.

Now, the ideal cars for each road tripping style...

- Going solo? Convertibles are the age-old standard.If the weather is on your side, nothing can beat driving through the country with the top down and the wind in your hair. Americana at its finest. If that's not an option, any two door sedan will work just fine, giving you the best mileage for your money and the control you need. Just make sure it feels comfortable.

- Got a small group? Try a spacious sedan or a small size SUV. This will give you enough space to avoid cramping and allow a pooled gas bill to go the distance. Sun roofs are a nice touch, but not necessary. Leg room on the other hand is.

- Family affair? Minivans, full size vans, and large SUVs are the ticket. Here gas gives way to comfort, as you'll need every cup holder and cushion available. Keep the family talking and laughing and it'll be just like a home on wheels.

- As a side note, RVs are always an option for extra long trips, but their amenities and large size take away from the road trip experience. Use at your own discretion.

So, answer the right questions, plan accordingly, and you'll have no problem delivering an experience that'll last a lifetime. Happy trails.

Learn more about this author, Gabriel Ember.

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