Homecoming Week 2019 is upon us, and the theme this year is road trip. Whether you and your family are traveling over Thanksgiving to visit relatives, or your friends are already planning a summer cross country trip, here are some ways to ensure the perfect road trip.

       1. Gather up some of your favorite people

The best things in life are done with the ones you love, so talk to your friends or family and ask about their dream road trip.

       2. Stop, collaborate and plan!

While spontaneity is the spice of life, it’s always important to have an itinerary in place. If possible, compromise with your group so that everyone has an optimum experience.

       3. Step up your road trip game!

Even with some of your favorite people, long car rides can get dull, so everyone should have a few road trip games up their sleeves. Classics like I Spy, 20 Questions and Mad Libs are always a hit; and if you’re looking for something else, the ‘story game’ involves rotating around the car to all the passengers, each person saying one word. At the end of the game, the group will have created a story!

       4. Don’t drain the bank; divide and conquer 

As with any form of travel, road trips can be expensive. Gas, food and hotels add up, and if you have multiple people with you, dividing up the costs can prevent an empty piggy bank.

       5. Enjoy the ride!

While visiting places like the Grand Canyon and coastal beaches can be an amazing experience, it’s all about the journey, not the destination.