Start planning ahead of time. While there are people who love the completely spontaneous road trips, more people tend to like the idea, but get nervous or antsy once on the road without a plan or clear destination. Having at least a general plan of where to go and what to do, but not have it so tight as to squeeze out spontaneity, is the difficult part. But a very good flexible plan can help make the road trip a success.
Pick your group wisely. You want a group of people who have similar interests or views in regards to travel. You might love adventure camping in the wild, but does everyone else? Are you a city person? You want a group who not only enjoys travel, but whom can all enjoy the destination, as well.
Great mix CDs. Any professional road trip artist can tell you as with many things in life, the great road trip is all about the mix CD. There are so many options song wise to make a few great road trip mix CDs, so have fun with it.
Have a plan B. Part of the fun of road trips is that there's almost always something that "goes wrong" along the way. Having a good detour plan can turn a mishap that could kill a road trip into a side adventure that becomes a story you talk about for years.
Be willing to stretch your comfort zone a little bit, and have the right mind set going in. Those two things are huge in a great road trip.
Have fun. Road trips have a great way of proving the old saying, "It's the journey, not the destination." So have fun, enjoy the great mix CDs, and have a great road trip!
