going on a road trip with friends

33 Fun Things To Do On A Road Trip With Friends

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Road trips should always be full of memorable moments and fun experiences! Whether you are planning the next journey with your pals or you are already on the road and need to make it more interesting, below you’ll find 33 fun things you can do on a road trip with friends!

Going on a road trip can be a nice way to bond with people and deepen your relationship. On this list there is a bunch of different activities: some are supposed to make you laugh together, others may give you the opportunity to be more authentic and really talk to each other. And of course, there are some silly ways to spend time on the road that you’ll all remember for years to come!

Because this is what road trips are all about, right? Being silly together, sharing amazing experiences, handling various issues that may come up, and being there for each other for all the good and not-so-good moments. That’s what friends are for.

How to make road trips more fun

Three core things that make every road trip fun and special are people, surprises, and memories. Take a couple of good friends or meet new ones along the way. Plan some fun activities but allow for unexpected things to happen. And take a ton of photos to remember your amazing trip!

You are the one responsible for making sure you have fun!

Always start with a positive mindset and prepare for emergencies so they don’t ruin your experience. Have a plan but make it flexible enough to be open to the opportunities that may be waiting along the road.

Surround yourself with things and people that make you happy. For someone, it may be a group of active enthusiastic friends, for someone else a peaceful beautiful location is more important for having a good time. Find out what fills you up with positive energy and make sure to have it with you on every road trip!

Road trip essentials for adults checklist

Many things can happen on a road trip, so you gotta be prepared. Even if you don’t get to use half of these things, it’s better to have them handy just in case. Traveling is not always 100% predictable and you never know what could go wrong.

By packing all the essentials, you can handle any mishaps along the road without stressing too much about it. Traveling with friends usually shows different sides of people, especially in unexpected situations. Even Mark Twain had something to say about this:

I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.

Why not minimize the potential negativity by putting a bit more thought into the preparation phase, right? Here is my list of important things to pack for a road trip, whether you go with friends or alone.

• Drinking water
• Healthy snacks
• Travel-size hand sanitizer
• Car power universal charger
• Foldable car garbage can
• First aid kit
• Tampons – if there are girls on a trip
• Natural pills for motion sickness relief

Useful things

• Car seat organizer
• Reusable coffee cup or a foldable one
• Memory foam travel pillow
• Road trip discussion prompts
• Electric car blanket
• Seat cushion for the driver
• Portable hammock – if nature is in the picture
• Waterless mini toothbrush

33 fun things to do on a road trip with friends

Regularly spending quality time with friends is crucial for building long-lasting relationships. Going on a fun road trip together is one of the ways to keep your connection strong and, hopefully, forever.

Whether it’s getting lost together, engaging in cool adventures, or simply talking in the car about life, you are bound to get closer after spending hours on the road!

With that said, prepare to have a great ride with your friends and have lots of joy together by using this extensive list of fun road trip things to do!

1. Let your hair down

Going on a road trip means detaching from your daily reality for a little bit and doing something different.

I’m not saying you should get wild and end up in jail or something, but let yourself get loose a little! Mix up your routines, try to be more spontaneous, say yes to more things, and be open for new opportunities to come your way.

And the most important: have fun!

2. Ride without navigation

Isn’t it fun to get lost together? This is likely an adventure you’ll always remember!

If you are used to always coming on a trip with a strict plan, maybe try to offer more freedom this time. If organizing everything is important to you, include being spontaneous to the plan! It may mean to only plan the big destination points without binding them to time intervals or to have chunks of the plan with no specific route.

In other words, plan your road trip well but allow for unexpected detours. Allow yourself and others to be more flexible and let the road give you more fun adventures!

3. Get inspired with some quotes about traveling with friends

Are you already in a car or just thinking about organizing a road trip? In any case, here are some fun quotes about trips with friends that will inspire you and get your mood up! Share a few favorites with your road trip buddies and discuss what they mean to you both.

A weird but true fact: sometimes other people can express your feelings more than you can express them yourself. Especially when they are writers and public speakers who know their ways with words, right?

4. Ask fun road trip questions

The main idea behind going on road trips with your friends is not only to relax and have fun but also to deepen your connections. Asking each other interesting questions, even silly ones, may result in having a discussion on subjects you’ve never touched before.

If you think you know your friends too well for this, these conversation starters can easily prove you wrong!

5. Listen to a podcast

When you are tired from all the talking from the previous point, a good idea is to shut up for a bit and listen to someone other than each other. Thankfully, it’s 2021 and you are not limited by the radio stations as people were before. While people on the radio often talk about random things, consider listening to a podcast dedicated to a specific topic that interests all of you.

Here is a good selection of podcasts to listen to during a long road trip.

6. Stop for a picnic

Instead of inevitably eating super unhealthy things like burgers or hot dogs at gas stations or in the car, why not plan a picnic as a part of your journey!

Find a beautiful spot while driving and pull over to have a bite together in a nice setting. You can prepare some food and snacks at home or get takeout on the way (preferably not your typical junk food – maybe grab a salad instead this time?). You can even combine this with ideas #23 or #31 from this list if you want!

If that’s something you may enjoy, don’t forget to pack an outdoor blanket and a pack of eco-friendly bamboo utensils instead of plastic ones. This picnic may also be a good time to play “Exploding kittens” or “Unstable unicorns” if you are into board games like me!

7. Play Would You Rather

I obviously didn’t invent this game, and you likely played it already if that’s not your first ever road trip.

In any case, you can still make it fun and unique every time by using different sets of questions. For example, here is a whole book with more than 500 Would-You-Rather questions you can ask each other.

Some of them are silly (“Would you rather have three arms or three legs?”), while others may lead to deeper conversations (“Would you rather make a small difference in the lives of ten people or a massive difference in the life of one person?”).

This is the kind of game that may uncover new sides of your friends for you, even if you know each other for ages.

8. Get out of the car and walk around

Unless you are on a highway, nothing stops you from pulling over once in a while to walk around and stretch your body. Your muscles likely get stiff after all the sitting so you’ll feel wonderful to get out of the car. At least stop for a coffee and don’t have it inside the car!

These five to ten minutes out will let the blood flow better inside your body and will give a refreshing feeling to all your muscles. This can also be a good time to have that picnic from idea #6 and get some fresh air and food at the same time!

9. Take a group photo that is special to this road trip

Instead of the usual selfie, try to capture something more special and unique this time. Maybe it’s a beautiful location, the feeling of happiness on your friends’ faces, or an interesting group activity you don’t usually do. Try to incorporate the mood of this road trip into your fun pictures.

If there are more than two or three of you on the road, consider taking a selfie stick or a tripod with you to make sure everyone can fit nicely in group photos. It gives you some flexibility when you can capture more than just your heads!

Put some thought into it cause these photos will remind you of your friendship and make you smile even decades later! How nice is it to find a picture you haven’t seen in years and immediately feel the wonderful atmosphere from that trip!

You can even print a mini photo book later with your photos from a road trip (and give it as a gift to everyone who was in it!).

10. Read a book out loud

When exactly was the last time you read a book aloud? Did you ever do it as an adult?

I always bring either a book or my Kindle when I’m traveling but I never actually considered reading aloud to a person who is with me. Maybe it’s because I’m a shy introvert and don’t wanna bother other people. Or maybe our tastes in literature are too dissimilar…

Sometimes I read the best parts aloud to a person next to me but I’ve never thought about reading something together! I should probably consider it for my next road trip as well.

Anyway, if you have a book and others only have their phones, offer to read to them! You can take turns in reading so nobody gets too tired, just don’t involve the driver. Such a nice way to kill time together!

11. …or Listen to an audiobook

Not everyone is a very talkative person, especially when your road consists of many long hours. More often than not you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy something pleasant. Instead of everyone reaching for their phones and getting lost in scrolling social media, better listen to a good book and then discuss it together!

Depending on your road trip length, you can probably listen to a whole book, or even a few, during your journey. If you have an Audible subscription , you can choose from a variety of great books or switch to listening to another one if you don’t enjoy the current one.

Make sure to choose something that every one of your friends will enjoy too! While it may not be as easy with fiction genres, you may still try finding something in recent Amazon bestsellers . Or listen to an uplifting non-fiction book like You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero that will definitely improve everyone’s mood.

12. Play I wish I didn’t know

Wanna do something funny? How about a world’s filthiest trivia game ?

This is definitely not for kids. In fact, it has a 17+ age restriction on the cover! But play with a group of adults, and you’ll all get to learn many new things about the world that you’d rather not know.

There will be a lot of laugh, a lot of hope, and likely a lot of screaming “ewww, gross!”. But you want an unforgettable road trip experience, right?

13. Lock up your phones

While that’s not a fun activity by itself, it’s a prerequisite to having more fun together!

You probably heard by now about these smartphone containers that help people cope with digital addictions. If your friends are often distracted by their phones when you are trying to have a conversation, a safe like this may be a good solution!

You can all agree to take a break from social media and put all your devices in a box for a specified time interval. You can try it for an hour and see how it goes. I wouldn’t recommend blocking phone access for the whole trip ’cause there may be some situations when you’ll need them. For example, to pay for something if you are out of cash or to make a call in case of emergency.

Eliminating digital distractions like that is a great way to connect with your friends and spend more quality time together instead of endless scrolling.

14. Wear matching road trip shirts

If you want to make this trip more special, order a bunch of matching themed shirts in advance!

It can be a shirt with a special message like on this picture above, or a fun travel-themed T-shirt that everyone could wear more than just this one time.

Don’t do it for every trip or it stops being special. But do it at least once so everyone has something at the end to remember this particular journey. Also, the photos from your road trip will be much cooler if you all are wearing awesome matching shirts!

15. Find little souvenirs to remember this trip

You can be as creative with this as you want!

Postcards and fridge magnets are the most common things to bring back as souvenirs. I also used to collect sugar packets from cafeterias around the world.

If something especially interesting happens to you on this trip, think about something related to the situation that will remind you about it back at home. As long as it makes you smile, reminisce, and brings out warm feelings for your friends, take it as a souvenir!

If you travel to another country, a good idea can be to get a wall art piece. It can be a beautiful painting from a local shop or a minimalist photograph that would look nice in your room. Or you can print your own photo from this road trip on a canvas if you capture something worth being on the wall.

When it comes to souvenirs, it can literally be a little something from a gas station you stopped at. It doesn’t even need to mean anything to anyone other than you and your friends!

Whatever you decide to take, make sure it’s not illegal. For example, taking sand from some beaches is against the law so do your research in advance to avoid the trouble!

You May Also Like: 36 Long Distance Friendship Gifts For Your Far Away Best Friend

16. Stretch together on the go

Sitting in a car for many hours at a time can feel very uncomfortable.

Don’t make it seem like another workday behind the desk! This may give your brain the wrong associations and make the trip impression much less fun.

The human body is meant to be active, and being in a limited space is not an excuse. There are a lot of things you can do to move around even in a moving car. Make sure to talk your friends into stretching with you so you aren’t the only one doing weird moves.

Here is a good example of the stretching poses you can do in the car (unless you are a driver):

17. Make a fun road trip playlist and sing along

Driving with feel-good music is usually more comfortable than listening to the radio, news, or going in silence. Fun songs help to tune the overall mood of your trip into a more positive one, and make you feel more energized.

Make a selection of your favorite songs that you can all sing along to together or find a ready-made playlist in a genre you prefer. Aim to choose uplifting and positive songs instead of depressing or sad ones, even if that’s what you are used to listening to. Remember that you want to make everyone smile on a trip, not cry!

Here is an example of a good playlist on Youtube specially made for road trips:

18. Meet new people

Even when you travel with friends , you can always meet more good people along the road. Be nice and friendly and allow for your path to cross with someone else’s. Who knows what might come out of it!

If you are visiting a new area, meeting locals can be very beneficial. Even if you don’t become instant friends, they may show you some local gems and add an unexpected spark to your trip. Literally even talking for a minute with someone can give you new ideas and place recommendations you never considered before!

You May Also Like: 82 Positive Affirmations For Lasting Friendship And Making New Friends

19. Count colorful cars

Watching cars is a fun simple game you can play with adults or kids.

Each person picks a color and whenever you pass a car of that color, you get a point. You can play till 10 or 50, or 100 points, or just play till the next stop and see whose color wins by comparing the points you all got.

This works very well to kill some time when everyone is tired and not really up for more intelligent games and deep conversations.

20. Answer some road trip trivia questions

If you have a growth mindset, you know that you can learn new things and continue to develop your intelligence at any age. A road trip is a very convenient place to expand your horizons by playing a trivia game that fills the knowledge gaps you may have.

There are all kinds of trivia question sets available online, for example, here on Amazon . Some are general knowledge questions, some can be more specific around one topic or location, and there are some tricky question sets that are especially fun to play with a group of close friends.

Here are some trivia cards that are good for the road trip:

• Good Guess: A Social Trivia Game
• I should have known that!
• Brain Quest for the Car

21. Make an Instagram contest

If you all like taking photos, come up with some kind of a photo contest for the trip. Aim to create one amazing photo each and then share all of them on Instagram and make people vote on the best one!

You can even decide on a prize for a winner to make it more interesting and competitive. And don’t forget to use some of the best friendship hashtags for more exposure!

22. Eat something unusual

With friends or not, road trips are meant to be different from your usual life!

One way to experience something new is to eat something new. We all have to eat every day anyway, so the only thing you need to do is to be more open-minded with your meal choices.

Before leaving for your trip, explore the target areas online: look through the restaurant reviews on Tripadvisor or find a few local gems that you will be passing. Try to not order anything that you usually order. For example, if you always eat pizza, then have pasta, or go to a Thai restaurant instead of Italian. Or try to find the food you haven’t tasted before! This will give you another new thing to remember about this trip.

As an alternative, make a new tradition with friends to eat something specific on a road trip! Whether it’s sharing a pizza, enjoying tacos, or indulging in oysters, why not let it become your special group thing?

23. Brew your own coffee in the wild

If you are a coffee lover like I am, you would enjoy making coffee outdoors for a change!

I once saw a video from one of my favorite videographers on Youtube and I have this idea in mind ever since. This is what I’m talking about:

Doesn’t it look amazingly cool?

The process doesn’t have to be as hard either: there are many great portable espresso machines designed specifically for camping and travelers so you can have a fresh cup of coffee wherever you are. This will impress your friends, too!

24. Catch up on sleep

Unless you are a designated driver, take some time in a car to catch up on your sleep. Especially if you aren’t sleeping the healthy 8-9 hours every day (who does?), this may be a good time to relax and have a nap.

Far away, in the middle of some unknown road, you can’t make yourself busy with a bunch of tasks like you would at home. That’s why there is no need to feel guilty even if you take a nap at midday. Call it a siesta, and enjoy it like Spanish people do!

To make sleeping in a moving car more comfortable, always bring an inflatable pillow to support your head. A sleeping mask and earplugs will also come in handy so others can talk without disturbing your sleep.

25. Take funny photos of sleeping friends

If you have a really long road trip, there will be time when some of you are sleeping. Many people sleep in funny poses, especially when there isn’t much room in a car. You can spend some time “decorating” them with whatever stuff you have at your disposal and taking a few pictures just for fun!

But please, please, don’t post those pics anywhere. It’s one thing to laugh together, but embarrassing them in front of other people may easily do harm to your future relationship. Chances are, they won’t ever go on another road trip with you!

If you are immature enough to paint your friends’ faces for fun, make sure to not use a permanent marker like Ross did to Rachel!

You May Also Like: 111 Best Relatable And Funny Quotes About Annoying Friends

26. Share your dreams

When was the last time, if ever, that you talked to your friends about your dreams and goals?

Unless you go on a trip with a bunch of strangers with whom you don’t feel comfortable sharing personal stuff, bring up the dreams subject somewhere along the way.

What would you do if money/society/age/physics/etc wasn’t an issue? What is the specific idea of a dream life for you and why does it seem unrealistic to you? What about your friends? Discussing these things may be very therapeutic because some things aren’t as impossible as you may think. By brainstorming together, you may share different perspectives and maybe come closer to achieving your dreams!

You May Also Like: 120 Heart Touching Quotes About Long Distance Friendships

27. Exercise your creativity with friends

There are many ways to be creative together on a road trip! Here are a couple of my random ideas:

• Create an interesting story together. One person starts with an opening sentence, the next one continues the story with another sentence, and so on. You can go as many circles as you want and come up with crazy plot twists. The fun part is to add an unexpected turn of events and make the next player look for the way out! And nobody knows how it ends until it does!
• Draw an unusual creature together. This is the one the driver should probably sit out because it’s too distracting. Take a piece of paper and a pen (or a tablet if you didn’t do #13) and draw a base of a character. It’s easier to start with some kind of geometrical or abstract shape to be your creature’s body. Then pass it on to someone else to add something to the picture, and so on. In the end, you should get a really fun and unique character in the creation of which each of your participated equally!

28. Participate in a silly dance together

Remember that road trip playlist from idea #17? Wait for an especially uplifting song and dance, even if that’s just with the upper part of your body. Engage the others and learn silly moves from each other to have more fun.

This is also a nice way to stay somewhat active during a long drive!

By the way, if you haven’t seen this guy dancing, I’ll just leave this video here for good vibes!

29. Talk about something deep

When you are driving in the dark and just can’t laugh anymore, it may be time for some deeper bonding with your friends. You may think you know who they are and what they are all about but in reality, you never know all of it. Humans are complicated beings, after all.

More often than not, we only see the top layer of someone’s life, personality, and feelings. If you are interested to see the rest of their icebergs (and let them see yours), deep conversation starters may be very helpful. Or just ask them how they feel and discuss each other’s long-term goals. You may be surprised!

30. Play magnetic chess or checkers

Stuck in the back seat and getting bored while friends in the front are talking without you?

Pull a travel chess board out of your bag and invite one of your friends to play with you! Make sure to bring a magnetic travel version so your pieces don’t get flying all over when the car jerks on a pebble.

If you aren’t sure whether your friends can play chess, consider bringing a 3-in-1 set with checkers and backgammon to have more options.

31. Watch a sunset

Beautiful pinky-orange hues of sunset always make the world more beautiful!

If your timeline allows for it, make a stop someplace nice to watch a sunset and spend some quiet time in nature surrounded by people you love.

Sunrise may also work but everyone is more sleepy and sometimes cranky, and it’s usually colder early in the morning, so personally, I prefer sunsets. But if you are on the road anyway and the sky starts to look especially beautiful, make a stop and let yourself enjoy it!

32. Catch little moments and make a video after

You don’t have to be a professional videographer to make fun videos these days. People do it every day with entry-level vlogging cameras or even in a form of Instagram reels captured with a phone.

I love taking photos but with videos, you get to capture much more of the mood and details of your journey, as opposed to a bunch of still moments. Shoot movement, landscapes, your friends having fun, and beautiful surroundings that give you the feeling of what that place is all about.

Here is an inspirational video for your road trip with friends. Try to make your own like that!

33. Enjoy the journey

Last, but not least, of my road trip tips with friends, is to enjoy every minute of it!

Don’t focus on the destination alone: you have hours in the company of great people, so why not make the most of it? Use the ideas from this list or do something completely different next time to stay away from boredom. Engage other guys in conversations and learn more about each other while you are stuck in a small metal box for all those hours!

Have an awesome road trip with friends!

These were my 33 fun ideas of what you can do on a road trip with friends. Keep this list handy for your next adventure so you never get bored and always have plenty of fun adult things to do together!

What is your favorite thing to do on a trip like that? How do you manage to stay active and prevent other people in the car from getting bored? Tell me in the comments if you have some fun road trip experiences or more ideas to share!

More fun resources for building warm friendships:

• 84 Travel Quotes With Friends To Inspire Your Next Adventure
• 82 Positive Affirmations For Lasting Friendship And Making New Friends
• 120 Heart Touching Quotes About Long Distance Friendships
• 125 Best Friendship Hashtags For Instagram In 2024
• 85 Hilarious Quotes About Crazy Friends

Juliet Hunter is an introvert who had a tough time making friends after relocating across the world at the age of 30. As she went on a journey to become more social, she launched Gifts Of Friendship to empower others with her proven strategies and resources and to show that finding your people is way easier than it seems.

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Road Trip with Friends in the USA: 20 Best Stops!

Posted on Last updated: February 13, 2024

Planning a road trip with your besties? Well, you are in the right place!

With countless amazing destinations to choose from, I have collected the top stops for your road trip with friends through the United States.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure  here .

Key West, Florida

Recommended by Cami from Travel Cami

Key West is the perfect destination for a road trip with friends. Since it is located on the last of the Florida Keys, to get there you will have to drive through the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge, which makes for one of the most scenic and epic drives in the United States.

Along the bridge, there are several cool stops to make. The coolest are the islands of Islamorada and Key Largo. Once you get to Key West, there is a handful of awesome things to do, like going to the beach, pub crawling, going on a classic Key West sunset sail, and even snorkeling with dolphins.

 Also, from Key West, you can go on a day trip to Dry Tortugas, one of the most remote and unique National Parks in the country. You can read about more awesome things to do in Key West here . Another great thing about Key West is all the great dining options it offers.

Make sure to grab a bite at Lobster Shack, Santiago’s Bodega, and Blue Heaven (which has the best brunch ever!) Regarding places to stay, the best choices are Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, Marquesa Hotel, and Ocean Key Spa and Resort.

Related: Dry Tortugas National Park

Mt Shasta, California

Recommended by Sumeeta from Sumeeta Seeks

Any road trip with friends in Northern California should include a stop in the town of Mt. Shasta.

Nestled five hours north of San Francisco and an hour south of Oregon, it’s the perfect destination with friends, either as a standalone trip or as part of a West Coast adventure.

Mt. Shasta is a treasure trove of stunning nature and tons of fun things to do . Best of all, it isn’t overrun with tourists so you can feel like you have the place all to yourselves!

Skiing and winter sports are abundant in the winter, and in the other seasons there are a ton of great hikes for hiking lovers.

Some of the best include hiking from Castle Lake to Heart Lake, hiking to Castle Dome in Castle Crags State Park, and hiking any of the awesome trails on the mountain of Mt. Shasta itself.

If you and your friends prefer relaxation, you can have epic picnics and swim in gorgeous spots including Mossbrae Falls, Hedge Creek Falls, and Lake Siskiyou.

You can then finish up an awesome day in nature during your road trip with friends with some spirituality and an incredible meal.

Be sure to check out the Gateway Peace Garden where you can say a prayer or meditate. Afterwards grab some food at one of the best eateries in town – Seven Suns for vegan fare, Lily’s for café grub, Crave for Mexican and BBQ, or Bistro No. 107 for burgers and a great selection of microbrews and wines.

Mt. Shasta is a hidden gem you and your friends are sure to love!

Burlington, Vermont

Recommended by Karen from Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Burlington, Vermont is a must stop if you are planning a road trip with friends through New England.

This vibrant city is located on Lake Champlain with the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains across the lake. Stroll through Waterfront Park to soak in the beauty.

For more active exploration, rent bikes on the Burlington Bike Path. Ride to some of the beautiful beaches along the trail. North Beach or Leddy Beach are perfect destinations.

Burlington is a foodie town with excellent craft breweries and Mad River distillery. The gang might have a blast tasting their way around town. Foam Brewers on the waterfront is very popular.

The next stop is a visit to the open-air pedestrian mall of Church Street. With its unique stores, street performers, and restaurants with outdoor seating, you can spend a whole afternoon there. Grab a table at Honey Road on the mall for scrumptious Eastern Mediterranean small plates to share with friends.

In the evening, check out the arts and music scene before heading back to Waterfront Park for a magnificent sunset over Lake Champlain.

Have a nightcap at upscale Hen of the Woods before retiring next door to the Garden Hilton Inn with rooms with views of the lake.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Recommended by Debbie from World Adventurists

Las Vegas is one of the most popular destinations in the USA to visit for some fun with friends. The glitz, glamour, and neon lights of Vegas are absolutely intoxicating.

Las Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the world. With its variety of entertainment options that include shows, museums, exhibits, pool parties, casinos, and themed hotels, you’ll never run out of things to do.

Each hotel will transport you to somewhere different. You could spend an entire day just wandering the hotels and soaking it all in.

The Venetian Resort brings Venice to the heart of Las Vegas through its detailed replicas. The Bellagio is a Las Vegas Landmark that draws inspiration from European villages.

The hotel also features the famous Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden.Do not be afraid to venture  beyond the Las Vegas Strip .

Free-fall from the sky, take a helicopter ride, ride along in a race car, or go hiking. The sky is the limit for what you can do and experience; it is what keeps people flocking to Vegas all year-round.Las Vegas is a foodie paradise.

You won’t find as many celebrity chefs anywhere else. However, if you don’t fancy spending an entire paycheck on a meal, you can have a great time at Tacos El Gordo, Secret Pizza, Robert Irvine’s Public House, or Nacho Daddy.

It also isn’t a perfect road trip with friends to Vegas without a group photo in front of the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign!

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Recommended by Meg from Fox in the Forest

Set just an hour away from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best destinations in the USA for a road trip with friends if you’re into nature and keen to explore one of the most  beautiful places in Colorado .

Boasting over 110 hiking trails, gearing up for a day spent hiking is one of the best things to do here (options are aplenty for both newbie and seasoned hikers).

Think crystal-clear alpine lakes, rugged ridgelines, and unbelievable awe-inspiring landscapes to get a picture of what hiking here is all about!

If you and your friends would prefer not to break a sweat, another option to explore the park is to go on a scenic drive to hit all the best viewpoints.

The Trail Ridge Road and the Peak-to-Peak Highway are considered two of the most beautiful roads in Colorado!

Eating options are aplenty in the nearby Estes Park. Some of the best eateries to grab a bite are The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern (hearty food to get you ready for the adventure), Trailhead Restaurant (classic American), and Estes Brewery (hand-crafted beer, pizza, burgers, and delicious sandwiches).

There are many lodging options close to Rocky Mountain in the nearby Estes Park (Della Terra Mountain Chateau and Estes Hotel are both great options).

For more budget-friendly choices during your road trip with friends, consider driving a bit further away on your road trip with friends to Lyons or Boulder.

Moreover, there are five campgrounds in the Rocky Mountains if you’re feeling up for an adventure!

Charleston, South Carolina

Recommended by Dymphe from Dymabroad

A great stop on a road trip with friends in the USA is Charleston. Charleston is a great city to visit and there are many things to do and see there.

You find Charleston in South Carolina along the east coast of the United States.

The city of Charleston has a very rich history and culture, which is great to experience. One of the best things to do in Charleston is exploring the French Quarter.

You find here many beautiful streets that are great to wander around at with friends.

These beautiful places also make for great places for photography in Charleston .

For example, Rainbow Row is a street with many colorful houses. You could go here with friends to take photos together.  

Another great thing to do in Charleston is to go to one of the rooftop bars in the city. This is the perfect place to have a drink and watch the city from above.

Another great activity is to go to the beach. Folly Beach is a great beach near Charleston, with many fun water activities.

A great place to have food with friends in Charleston is CO on Lower King Street. Furthermore, a good place to stay is The Spectator Hotel.

Rainbow Springs, Florida

Recommended by Rebecca from Whatever Packs Your Bag

Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida is a great underrated stop on a road trip with friends. It is located in Central Florida, right outside Dunnellon, Florida.

The natural spring produces over 490 million gallons of beautiful clean fresh water daily! 

It has a very interesting history, in the 1930’s it developed into a road side attraction, with submarines to view the water and wildlife.

It had a full zoo with exotic animals, however the interstate, and the new Disney parks soon made tourists dwindle. It was closed, and then donated to Florida.

Florida developed it as a state park as it remains to this day. You can go swimming in the swimming area, for an entrance fee of $2 per person. 

The real fun comes from tubing the Rainbow Springs River, there are several local options, but doing it at the state park supports the preservation efforts.

The tube and tram fee is $20 per person, and covers the ride down to the launch point as many times as you wish to go. You exit at the parking lot. You can bring your own tube and pay a slightly smaller entrance fee for just the tram.

It is super important to remember sunscreen as the sun will be pretty strong as you float down the river. It is relaxing, and the water is 72 degrees year round. It is the perfect road trip with  friends stop in Florida.

Leavenworth, Washington

Recommended by Chantelle from Flannels or Flip Flops

Leavenworth Washington is an amazing stop on a road trip with friends! There is so much to do in this tiny Bavarian Town that no matter what time of year you and your friends visit you will have so much fun! 

Leavenworth is just over 2 hours from Seattle and makes an excellent road trip destination, or a stop along  Washington’s most beautiful road trip the Cascade Loop.

The town of Leavenworth is a Bavarian themed town that oozes charm around every corner. It sits at the base of mountains so large, you’ll swear your are on a Hollywood Movie set!

You and your friends will enjoy wine tasting, and microbreweries up and down the main street.  There is also great food and super fun shopping! 

In the summer months, the town is beautiful for a road trip with friends with the Wenatchee River flowing through it.

There is excellent hiking, rafting, and biking in and around Leavenworth! In October, Oktoberfest is so much fun in Leavenworth. During the Christmas season, the whole town is sparkling with lights and has a nightly tree lighting ceremony.  

There are many Bed and Breakfasts located in and around Leavenworth, as well as airbnbs and hotels.  The most popular are the Bavarian Lodge and the Enzian Inn.

You’ll want to book your accommodations early, especially during Oktoberfest or the Holidays.  If you can’t find lodging in Leavenworth the nearby town of Wenatchee is a more affordable and not too far away choice.  

Rachel, Nevada

Recommended by Erin from Pina Travels

Rachel is a tiny town out in the desert of Nevada, about a 2 hour drive from Las Vegas. It’s the perfect stop on a road trip with friends because of it’s quirky reputation.

With a population of around 70 people, this little town is known for being a destination on the famous Extraterrestrial Highway (Nevada State Route 375).

It’s a 98-mile stretch of road that runs alongside the famously secretive Area 51, a classified United States Air Force facility that is off-limits to civilians.

The idea that Area 51’s secretive military base is a cover for alien research has become a popular part of pop culture alien lore.

Space enthusiasts believe that it’s possible to spot aliens and UFOs when you drive out into the Nevada desert on the Extraterrestrial Highway!

Because of all this alien lore, driving the highway out to the town of Rachel is a hilariously fun road trip with friends.

Along the way there are lots of alien-themed stops you can make for fun photo-ops. Be sure to stop at E.T. Fresh Jerk, the Alien Research Centre, and the Extraterrestrial Highway Sign!

When you get to Rachel on your road trip with friends, you’ll find the famous cafe, the Little A’Le’Inn. It’s an eccentric little bar, restaurant and motel full of alien themed kitsch and memorabilia.

There, you can have a drink and a meal (try the Alien Burger!) while chatting with locals who are likely to drop by and tell you their wild stories about Area 51 and alien sightings. If you really fall in love, you can check into the Little A’Le’Inn motel for the night.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Recommended by Martina from PlacesofJuma

New Orleans is a really cool city for a road trip with friends. Located in Louisiana, this city is famous for its vibrant nightlife and the really cool music scene.

Also culinary you can experience a lot: The cuisine of New Orleans combines the French with the African and American – and so you will find many amazing food to try!

Every year the legendary Mardi Gras takes place here, a huge carnival party, but the city is also worth seeing outside this time.

New Orleans is the city of music, and you can feel that at any time of the day or night! So you experience with your girls a really cool flair and you can switch off from the stressful everyday life optimally.

As soon as the sun goes down there is dancing in the city, there are countless possibilities for live music and nightlife. Perfect if you want to party all night long with the girls.

But also during the day you can experience a lot of amazing things. New Orleans has a beautiful historic old town (“French Quarter”) with numerous buildings in Spanish and French colonial style.

Interesting is also, that New Orleans makes it consistently to the list of the most haunted cities in America!? So if you believe in the paranormal you should definitely book yourself and your girls a spooky room in one of the haunted hotels!

Washington DC

Recommended by Cynthia from Sharing the Wander

Washington D.C. is an easy stop on a road trip with friends. All major routes down the East Coast pass through here and there’s tons to do, a lot of it free.

The DC Metro is clean and fast and makes it easy to move around the city.  Have kids in tow? Washington DC is also fabulous for families. Check out How to Have the Most Fun in Washington D.C. with Kids .

Toss down a picnic blanket on the National Mall, and hit up the various food trucks. There’s a great selection of trucks that park across from the National Museum of the American Indian.

This museum also has a terrific native café. Relax in the sun and people watch, or wander through the various monuments.

Catch the DC Circulator to the Tidal Basin to see some of the newer memorials including the stunning Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the FDR Memorial.

In the Spring, this area has an amazing concentration of cherry blossoms.

Catch up with your besties while you stroll through the National Portrait Gallery to check out the Obamas’ Official Portraits, or check out the original Declaration of Independence at the National Archives. Feeling adventurous?

Head to the International Spy Museum, where each of you will be given a secret mission and you can test your spy skills.

Ready to head out for the evening? Head to U Street, the birthplace of jazz legend Duke Ellington. There are lots of options, from upscale dining to Ben’s Chili Bowl. On the Eastern end of this area, you’ll find Little Ethiopia. There are lots of bars and music venues, from jazz clubs to live DJs.

Houston, Texas

Recommended by Gabby from Office Escape Artist

If you’re unfamiliar with Houston, you may think of Houston as a concrete jungle with hurricanes and oil companies.  Besides NASA, it isn’t really famous for anything touristy like Austin or San Antonio.

Don’t let these misconceptions fool you.  Houston is an underrated gem in Texas and is well worth a stop on a road trip with friends.  

If you’re spending the night, you’ll want to stay “in the Loop”. Houstonians call the I-610 loop the “Inner Loop” and that’s where the best and trendiest activity happens. For a quick trip, most of the action is west of I-45 in the Loop.  

If you’re a fresh college graduate and want to party, definitely check out the Midtown neighborhood during your road trip with friends. For young professionals still interested in the bar scene, Washington Avenue might be a better neighborhood for you.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood vibe with awesome restaurants, either the Heights or Montrose would be great for you.  Luxury travelers can’t miss either the Galleria or River Oaks neighborhoods but museumgoers should stay closer to the Museum District.

For a quick road trip stop, the best way to experience Houston is through the restaurants.  Houston’s dining scene is truly world-class, but still affordable and non-pretentious – really similar to Houston itself. Take your friends to get some amazing Tex-Mex at either El Tiempo or Ninfa’s on Navigation (and definitely  try the margaritas). 

Experience real BBQ Pinkerton’s and taste Viet-Cajun crawfish at Crawfish and Noodles (as seen on Netflix’s Ugly Delicious!)  

Dine at Beyonce’s favorite steakhouse, B&B Butchers, or enjoy  omakase  sushi at Uchi.   Houston has so many amazing restaurants so you won’t go wrong planning your road trip around food.

San Francisco, California

Recommended by Stéphanie from Bey Of Travel

During a road trip with friends in the USA, you should absolutely make a stop to enjoy  some time in San Francisco . Located in the north of the state of California, San Francisco is a peninsula on the Pacific Ocean. Reserve two to three days to enjoy your stay to the fullest.

Book a room in the InterContinental San Francisco located close to all of the city’s highlights. San Francisco is home to different backgrounds and cultures and the city embraces the hippie & LGBTQ communities. You will see the colorful rainbow flags all over the city. 

Rent a bike and head over to the Golden Gate Bridge, an absolute must while in the city. Take the time to explore the nearby Golden Gate Park. Fisherman’s Wharf should also be high on your USA bucket list , besides the many good restaurants you will see many sea lions sunbathing along the pier.

Take a boat ride to visit the world-famous Alcatraz, the place where many famous gangsters have been kept prison. In addition, there are plenty of beautiful parks to visit, beautiful streets to explore and art stores to visit. In need of some Sun? Enjoy a relaxing day on Ocean Beach.

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Recommended by Lina from Bucket List Places

Picture a spa getaway surrounded by mountains in a picture-perfect town in Colorado. Add a natural hot spring in the middle of the river in town.

Pagosa Springs is a destination to add to any Colorado road trip itinerary .Located on the Continental Divide, this quiet town is fed by mineral waters from the deepest hot spring in the world.

Famous for its sunshine, you can choose whether you prefer to visit one of the several luxurious spas or if you prefer the budget option, you can soak for free in the natural pools in the river right in town.  

If you are planning a road trip with friends during the winter, the area is also famous for Wolf Creek, the ski resort with the most amount of snow in Colorado.  

The surrounding San Juan mountains offer more than 2.5 million acres of hiking trails in the national forest. Other activities in the area include kayaking, rafting, waterfalls, biking and more.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Recommended by Ellie

If you are planning your road trip with friends in the Midwest, you are definitely going to want to add Minneapolis to your itinerary!

Minneapolis has long been a popular travel destination– whether visiting to explore the Mall of America or discover Minnesota’s natural wonders. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to explore this fascinating city on a budget.

There are dozens of fun and free activities in Minneapolis . Start off by strolling down the scenic Stone Arch Bridge while snapping some awe-inspiring photos of you and your friends.

Later, head over to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to explore the iconic red cherry and spoon. If you are looking for an urban natural escape, check out Minnehaha Falls Regional Park. This beautiful park boasts over 190 acres of natural land filled with limestone bluffs, river outlooks, and a 53-foot-tall waterfall.

A great way to spend time in Minneapolis on your road trip with friends is trying out some of the local-favorite restaurants! I actually grew up around 20-minutes south of Minneapolis, and can honestly say that Minneapolis boasts some of the best restaurants ever!

If you are into Vietnamese food, check out Hai Hai. If you prefer tasty cocktails and seafood, head over to Martina. Whatever you choose, I guarantee you will love what Minneapolis has to offer.

For places to stay during your road trip with friends, the Ramada located around 3 miles outside of downtown is far more affordable and comfortable than any hotel you would find in the heart of the city!

Joshua Tree, California

Recommended by Jacqueline from Your Travel Flamingo

In recent years, Joshua Tree National Park has exploded with popularity, namely with the influencer crowd.

It’s become an Instagram hotspot, and upon arriving here, it’s not hard to see why. Aside from being extremely photogenic, Joshua Tree is also a place like no other. Set in the Mojave Desert, this place is the ultimate playground for wild adventures in the untamed desert.

But it’s also a serene place for sundowners by the pool, nights spent stargazing, and admiring the dreamy lavender and pink hued skies during sunset. 

As a California native, I can tell you this is a local favorite pit stop for road trips with friends and outdoor adventures.

Things not to miss while here are hiking to Skull Rock, The Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden (best photo spot during Golden Hour!) and Barker Dam. Also, a great activity to do with friends, is just having a do-it-yourself photoshoot.

For the best photos, shoot during golden hour right before sunset. The iconic photos usually are with a native Joshua Tree, and you will have no trouble finding one of those guys!

For dining, head to Joshua Tree Town, where you’ll be transported back into the days of the wild west. Some of the buildings here resemble historic saloons, reminiscent of old cowboy movies.

A great place to eat is Joshua Tree Saloon, a quirky and lively restaurant serving up juicy steaks and burgers.

As for accommodation during your road trip with friends, there are endless options on Airbnb in Joshua Tree, from rustic cabins, to luxury glamping sites. The best way to enjoy Joshua Tree is by going out in the mornings and afternoons to avoid the heat, and relaxing at your chic cabin during midday. 

Recommended by Megan from Red Around the World

Moab is one of the best places to stop on a friends road trip, especially for outdoor lovers.  There is so much to do there, it’s crazy.  

If you’re on a budget, consider the Lazy Lizard Hostel (it’s not glamorous at all but it’s fun, even if you don’t stay, I’d highly recommend reading the Google reviews).  If you want to spend a little more, the Slickrock Quality Inn is good.  

As for food, there are tons of delicious options.  The Spoke, Josie Wyatts, Quesadilla Mobilla, and Tacos El Gordo (in the food truck park) are some of my favorites.  Now for the good stuff, all the awesome things to do in Moab.

Make sure to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks on your road trip with friends.  

Dead Horse Point is a state park with amazing canyon views, Potash Road has petroglyphs and some arches, hike to Corona Arch, drive the Colorado River Scenic Byway, or check out some of the amazing rock art in Moab.  

If you want to do something more adventurous, join a canyoneering, ATV, Jeep, or off-road tour.  And if you’re feeling super adventurous, sky dive over Canyonlands!

Savannah, Georgia

Recommended by Brittany from Travel by Brit

Savannah, Georgia, is an unforgettable stop on a road trip with friends—the charming city offers haunted history, fabulous restaurants, and stunning architecture.   

Since the entire city is walkable, Savannah is the perfect destination to spend some time out of your vehicle, stretch your legs, and explore during a long road trip. Also, Savannah is one of the only cities in the United States with open container laws, so you can sip on a drink while you stroll through Historic Savannah.   

During your time in the city, you can’t miss the opportunity to go on a haunted ghost tour, stroll through Forsyth Park, tour a historic home,  or explore City Market and River Street.   

Savannah is a foodie city, so one of the best things you’ll do during your road trip with friends is eat tons of delicious southern food!

You’ll discover tons of  excellent restaurants in Savannah , like The Olde Pink House for upscale, southern dining, Leopold’s for classic, homemade ice cream, and Huey’s along the river for fresh-baked, doughy beignets!   

Choose accommodations in Historic Savannah to be close to the action during your road trip with friends. You’ll love the DeSoto Savannah  for a classy, centrally-located hotel, The Hamilton-Turner Inn  for a charming bed and breakfast experience, and The Marshall House for a historic (and spooky!) setting.  

Solvang, California

Recommended by Olivia from the Girl With Blue Sails

The quaint city of Solvang, California is one of the best stops on a road trip with friends in the USA.

Often referred to as “a little slice of Denmark in Southern California,” you will feel like you’ve stepped into another country as you walk down streets filled with rural Danish architecture and windmills. No matter the length of your road trip,  planning one day in Solvang, California is a must do. 

The most popular things to do in Solvang include eating Danish pastries and wine tasting while you window shop.

Notorious for its decadent bakeries, Solvang has many to choose from, but one local favorite is Mortensen’s Bakery. Having a fresh bear claw or Danish kringle with your coffee is the perfect way to start the day. 

Embarking on a wine tasting journey is easy to do, as Solvang has tasting rooms set up in the center of town. The city is surrounded by lush wine regions, so there are plenty of local wineries featured.

The tasting rooms are used to groups of friends passing through, so they all have pre-selected wine flight recommendations from which to choose.  

When planning where to spend the night, location is everything. Highly recommended is The Landsby. The look and feel of this hotel is contemporary with a hint of traditional Scandinavian design.

Located right in the heart of town, it is the perfect place to settle down with your friends and toast the quaint town of Solvang.  

Seattle, Washington

Recommended by Karee from Our Woven Journey

Seattle is a perfect place to stop on a road trip with friends. There’s so much to do, you’re sure to find something of interest for everyone in your group to enjoy!

Start your day at the famous Pike Place Market where you’ll find fishmongers doing what they’re most famous for—throwing fish! They often put on a show for customers that draws quite a crowd.

Pike Place has over 500 shops and booths, so you’ll have plenty to explore besides flying fish. You’ll find fresh flowers, local artisans, quirky museum pieces and much more.

You’ll also want to spend time wandering the nearby area where you can add your contribution to Seattle’s Gum Wall (it’s as disgusting as it sounds) and stop by the original Starbucks store.

There’s no shortage of food at Pike Place Market, including those that serve local seafood. You can choose whether to snack your way through the day or stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants.

From there, make your way to the iconic Seattle Space Needle and treat yourself to an amazing view of the city. (Pro tip: if the sun is sunsetting early enough, time your visit to be there for it!) You can visit the beautiful Chihuly Glass Museum at the base of the Space Needle when you’re done.

For dinner, head on over to the Fisherman’s Wharf and have dinner at the Crab Pot, then wrap up your evening by taking a ride on Seattle’s Great Wheel!

Brevard, North Carolina

Recommended by Megan from Virginia Travel Tips

There are so many incredible stops along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway that winds through a couple of states on the East Coast, but one of the most underrated (and best) is the charming town of Brevard, North Carolina.

It is the ideal stop on a road trip with friends!There are so many cool  things to do in Brevard  but one of the absolute best reasons to visit the North Carolina town is to explore Pisgah National Forest and all of the waterfalls that naturally occur in the region!

Some of the most notable waterfalls near Brevard are Rainbow Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and more!

Another reason to stop in Brevard on your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip with friends is that there are some wonderful hikes there.

The Art Loeb Trail is one of the most notable extreme hikes on the East Coast and it is a perfect place to visit from April until November.

If nature isn’t your cup of tea, there is a plentiful craft beer scene in Brevard.  Be sure to check out the Brevard Brewing Co as well as Ecusta in nearby Pisgah Forest.

While the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to plenty of awesome stops, Brevard is often overlooked in favor of Asheville – but, stop at both!

Kansas City, Missouri

Recommended by Alexa from Travel in Missouri

Kansas City is known for a lot including the Kansas City Chiefs super bowl win in 2019 and of course some of the best BBQ & Jazz in the United States.

With more than 100 BBQ restaurants throughout the city and a history dating back more than a century, visitors simply can’t go wrong with KC barbecue. Kansas City is most famous for its burnt ends, no matter the meat.  

Some of the best places to stop for BBQ on a road trip with friends through Kansas City, Missouri are Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Slap’s BBQ. Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, Q39, Jones BBQ, Plowboys BBQ and Gates Bar-B-Q. 

Beyond BBQ, Kansas City, Missouri is also known for its music; rhythm and blues, big band and most of all, its jazz. There are many great clubs and joints to hear great jazz music in Kansas City. A few favorites are The Phoenix that features live music from local jazz bands and has a Saturday jazz brunch.

Another fun choice is the Blue Room which is a jazz club inside the American Jazz Museum, located in the historic ’18th and Vine Jazz District’ area of Kansas City where Kansas City jazz originates from.

Downtown Kansas City is a great choice for accommodations during your road trip with friends. There is an abundance to do and an easily walkable city.

There is also a free street car that runs from Union Station to the River Walk and the oldest farmers market in the city. Hotel Indigo Kansas City Downtown is a great choice for those looking to make their Kansas City road trip a weekend adventure. 

Dripping Springs, Texas

Dripping Springs, as one of the cutest Texas towns , is a fabulous stop to add to your road trip with friends itinerary! Located just 23 miles west of the world-renown city of Austin, you and your besties can explore a wide array of fun outdoor activities at a fraction of the cost.

Whether taking a refreshing dip in the beautiful Hamilton Pool Preserve (shown above) or exploring the unique olive trees at the Texas Hill Country Olive Company, Dripping Springs offers amazing activities and attractions as a fantastic stop on your road trip with friends.

Another great area to explore is the limestone cliffs found around Dripping Springs’ Pedernales River. This spot is perfect for adventurous rock climbing and picture-opts with your best friends.

If you and your besties are looking to go horseback riding or fishing during your friend road trip, make sure to head over to Reimers Ranch. Here, you can enjoy 3 continuous miles of pristine riverfront coastline to explore.

If you are looking for an affordable place to stay on your road trip with friends, I highly recommend checking out the Holiday Inn Express & Suites which is found not far from the center of Dripping Springs.

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Home » Roadside Attractions Blog » Road Trip Planning » Taking a Road Trip with Friends (Tips + Fun Things To Do)

Taking a Road Trip with Friends (Tips + Fun Things To Do)

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Windows down. Music blasting. Sunglasses on. It’s time to take a road trip with friends.

Sometimes when people picture cross country road trips they might think of a tired family packed into a station wagon sporadically chanting, “are we there yet?” while driving endlessly from home to their destination. But road trips are anything but that.

Road trips are an amazing way to see the country, even if you’re just seeing a small part of it. There is no better vacation freedom than packing up your car, going where you want to go, and stopping where you want to stop. And, if you’re bringing along friends: even better.

Taking a road trip with friends makes for a fun vacation and epic adventure. It allows you to spend more time with the person or people who mean the world to you, create a lasting memory, and get plenty of Instagram photos along the way.

Before your bestie calls shotgun, here are some helpful tips for taking a road trip with friends, fun things to do on a road trip with friends, and some suggestions for routes and destinations to take together. Ready to hit the road?

Road tripping with friends?

Tips for taking a road trip with friends, fun things to do on a road trip with friends, where to go on a road trip with friends.

Make this book your third wheel!

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book features 100 activities to play in the car, at your hotel, or at stops along your route. It’s a must-have book for a road trip with friends. Create a road trip hashtag, complete a TikTok-inspired challenge, curate the perfect gallery, and record every turn of the wheel.

You love your best friends to pieces, so of course you should take a road trip with them! Right? Well… maybe. Or maybe not. Just because you get along with your best friend in daily life doesn’t mean you’ll still feel so chummy after being cooped up in a car together with no breaks for days on end. No matter how much you and your friends get along, be prepared for a fight or two with your road trip friends and some hurt feelings along the way. I’m not saying here don’t take a road trip with friends. Actually, quite the opposite. Traveling with friends can be an amazing, fun, memorable adventure. But only if you’re prepared. Here are our tips to make sure your best friends road trip is the best it can be.

Make Sure You’re on the Same Page

When taking a road trip with friends it is vital to have a conversation beforehand and make sure everyone is on the same page before you decide to journey together. Even best friends might have different travel styles. One person might be a strict planner while the other a more go-with-the-flow type. One person might be a night owl and the other an early bird with an early (and loud) morning alarm. One person might love living off the land and camping while the other might only order room service in five-star hotels.

Before making any concrete decisions make sure you and your friends are road trip compatible. There should always be room for everyone to compromise a little, but if your ideas on how to travel are wildly different it might be a better idea to travel apart. Here are some things to make sure you discuss beforehand:

• Who is coming on the road trip?
• How early or late do you want to start your day?
• Whose car are you taking?
• Who will be driving? Will you take turns? How often will you switch?
• What is your budget?
• What level of accommodation are you comfortable with?
• Are you OK sharing a bed and/or room?
• Do you prefer air conditioner or open windows in the car?
• What types of stops do you want to make?
• How often will you stop?

Make a Road Trip Route, Itinerary, and Plan

When traveling with other people it is always a good idea to have a plan. It doesn’t have to be an iron-clad itinerary no one is allowed to stray from. In fact, you should definitely plan to be at least a little flexible. But, with multiple opinions, tastes, and travel styles, figuring out your road trip route and itinerary before leaving will allow you to plan a trip with input from everyone in the car and agree on stops beforehand.

Need a little extra help with how to plan a road trip with friends? Join our challenge! Sign up below and in just five days you can have your entire route planned!

Road Trip Road Map

Five days to a better road trip route.

Take your road trip planning to the next level  join our five-day road trip planning challenge!  Over the next five days we will show you our method for planning a road trip route that will get you from point A to point Z without missing a letter in between. Sign up for our email list today and get ready to hit the road!

Decide How You’re Going to Pay and Make a Spending Spreadsheet

With road trips come lots of expenses: hotel bookings, gas, national park admissions, snacks. When traveling with friends it’s important to determine how you’re going to be paying for everything you need to pay for. You want to be fair to everyone and make sure everyone is paying equally. Sometimes one person will put everything on her credit card and others will Venmo that person their share. Sometimes everyone will pay for a different things until it balances out. There is no right or wrong answer, you just want to make sure that everyone on your road trip agrees to a method. No matter what you decide it’s a good idea to start a spending spreadsheet to track those expenses so you can make sure everyone paid their fair share.

Assign Roles

It isn’t necessary for everyone to take on roles, but sometimes it just makes sense. If one person is driving, another should be in charge of music. If one person is the impeccably organized planner in charge of keeping the itinerary on track, another should be in charge of sandwiches and snacks . Not everyone has to have a specific role, but you want to make sure one person isn’t booking all the hotels, driving, making the route, AND bringing the Cheez-Its.

Set Boundaries

While a roadtrip with friends will often come with a lot of compromise, it is also OK to set boundaries. If you haven’t driven since 2010 and aren’t comfortable driving someone else’s car, say no. If you’re an introvert like me and need some alone time at the end of a long day in the car, tell your friends you need to go hang out by yourself for a bit. Establishing boundaries is one of the most important road trip rules for friends.

Who says car rides are boring? Especially when you’re traveling with friends. You’re sure to have an amazing adventure that is fun on its own. But, just in case you need a few ideas on how to occupy your time in the car and in the hotel room, here are 25 fun things to do on a road trip with friends.

Stop at Some Roadside Attractions!

Whether you’re near the world’s largest strawberry , a fun muffler man , or a giant pink elephant , pull over at one of America’s best roadside attractions! Roadside attractions are fun stops for everyone and make great Instagram selfies. Use a website like ours here at Silly America or an app like the Roadside America App or Roadtrippers Plus to find fun road trip stops!

Make a Group Playlist

Before leaving on your road trip, start a group playlist with your friends. This will give everyone a chance to contribute their favorite songs. Shuffle the playlist and enjoy fun music your whole trip long. Need inspiration? Check out our list of the Best Road Trip Songs to Blast in the Car !

Play a Classic Road Trip Game

Road trip games are classic for a reason: they are easy, fun, and keep you entertained while stuck in a car. There are many road trip games to choose from so gather a few and pack them in your car. Here are some of the best classic road trip games to play in the car :

• License Plate Game
• Road Sign Bingo
• Road Trip Scavenger Hunt

For even more inspiration find our lists of 55 Road Trip Games for Adults , 25 Best Road Trip Games for Two , and Games to Play in a Hotel .

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation. The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book features fun and engaging journal prompts. plus 100 activities and games to play in the car, at your hotel, or at stops along your route.

Buy Gas Station Snacks for the Car

For a fun twist on gas station snacks, have everyone go into the gas station one by one and get snacks for the whole car. Either go in with a no rules except buy one for everyone approach or assign everyone a different category: salty, sweet, breakfast, drinks, hot, cold, etc. Need inspiration? Check out our list of the Best Junk Food Road Trip Snacks .

Sing some Car Karaoke!

Move a step beyond just blasting music in the car to becoming a highway superstar. Sing along to the car stereo at the top of your lungs! Or, better yet, get a wireless car karaoke microphone and take runs passing it around (to anyone who isn’t driving, of course).

Buy Funny Souvenirs

Funny souvenirs abound at gas stations and roadside stands across the country. There are magnets, mugs, t-shirts, hats, keychains, and so many other options to choose from. Make it a game to always find souvenirs printed with your names or a contest to find the weirdest souvenirs you can find on your road trip.

Record the Journey

Roadtripping with your friends will be an experience you will never want to forget. So be sure to record the journey. Take plenty of iPhone photos and post lots of Instagram stories , but if you want lasting memories, go one step further. Consider buying a road trip journal for everyone to contribute to. Or get an instant camera for instant souvenirs.

Take a Hike

Make time to get out of the car and stretch your legs. Taking hikes (whether multiple miles or easy strolls) is a great way to get some exercise in in the middle of a long drive.

Reminisce Over Memories

If you’re taking a road trip with friends, you’re probably pretty close. And if you’re pretty close, you probably have a lot of memories together. Spend some time in the car reminiscing over some of your best shared memories. You might even remember something special that you’ve forgotten!

Make a Road Trip Hashtag

#BestiesOnTheRoad Commemorate your road trip with your own hashtag Use it across social media when posting online about your road trip to organize your pics and to reminisce about the trip later.

Get Matching T-Shirts

Show the world you’re on a road trip together! Get matching road trip t-shirts! Matching t-shirts is a great way for a big group of friends to show the world they are traveling together. And they make for fun group photos!

Get Matching Tattoos

Want a more permanent reminder of your road trip with your friends? How about getting matching road trip tattoos! Stop somewhere along your route and get something to remember each other and your epic trip together.

Play Truth or Dare

Truth or Dare is a fun game for friends to play on a road trip. Have everyone take turns either answering a personal question or doing a small dare that can easily be done from the car. Something like, text your ex or blast classical music for the next ten miles. Just be safe: no daring the driver to swerve into oncoming traffic or anything that could get you hurt or a traffic ticket.

Make TikTok Videos

A fun way to pass the time on a road trip with friends is to make TikTok videos ! Find the perfect trending sound to film in the car or your destination. Or start a trend of your own!

Relax at the Hotel Pool

After a long day of driving and stopping at roadside attractions and other fun road trip stops, you deserve a little time to relax! Grab your bathing suits and go hang out by the hotel pool.

Listen to a Podcast

If you want to take a break from blasting tunes, try listening to a podcast in the car. If you all are addicted to the same true crime podcast, play the latest episodes. Or, have everyone in the car pick their favorite and take turns sharing.

Put Away Your Phones

For at least part of your road trip, have everyone put away their phones. It is easy to get distracted by social media or start texting with friends who are back at home. But spend some time with your full attention on each other, the amazing stops you’re making, and the road.

Eat Something New

Have you ever tried Rocky Mountain Oysters? Here’s a hint: they aint oysters. Make a pact to taste test local delicacies wherever you go. Sure, some might be weird (or seemingly gross) but you might just find your new favorite cuisine!

Stop at a Hot Spring

Hot Springs are often an overlooked road trip stop . But they are a super fun road trip stop, especially for a group of friends. Relax in a scalding hot pool while, often, overlooking nature, and give your weary muscles a break after being cooped up in a car.

Ask Each Other Questions

You’ll be stuck in the car for hours with your friends on a road trip, so use that time wisely. Ask each other questions and get to know each other even more! Ask things you’ve always wanted to know, silly scenarios, or a list of road trip questions .

Have a Picnic

Instead of stopping at yet anther fast food drive through, pack up a cooler with sandwiches , snacks, and drinks and have a picnic. Find a park, rest area, or even dine under a world’s largest thing.

Go Camping (Or Glamping)

If you’re the type of friends who feel more comfortable in nature over a four star hotel, go camping! Spend at least one night of your trip sleeping under the stars, starting a roaring fire, toasting hot dogs and marshmallows for s’mores, and telling ghost stories. If your style is a little more refined or you’re not quite into roughing it, give glamping a try!

Listen to an Audiobook

For another alternative to music, listen to an audiobook in the car. Pick a favorite amongst your friends, a current New York Times Best Seller, a steamy romance novel, a cheesy YA novel, or anything you all want to hear read! Try Audible Premium Plus and Get Up to Two Free Audiobooks.

Play Would You Rather

Would You Rather is another fun road trip game to play with friends! Give each other hypothetical scenarios where you have to choose if you world rather do one or the other.

Take Lots of Photos

Don’t forget to take lots of photos! If you’re taking a road trip with your friends it’s most likely because you love them, want to spend more time with them, and enjoy being together. Commemorate your epic travel adventure by taking lots of photos of your surroundings, stops, food, and, of course, each other.

If you’re taking a road trip with your friends, you can go anywhere you want! Travel as far or stay as close as you want. See the things you want to see. Eat where you want to eat. And do what you want to do. The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing a road trip route (or, OK, maybe the ocean). But what are some of the best places to road trip with friends? Here are some ideas for fun road trips to take with friends.

Route 66 is a classic road trip route and the perfect road trip to take with friends. The iconic road spans 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California. Though the official road was decommissioned in 1985, road trip loves from around the world still flock to the Mother Road for a sense of nostalgia and the thrill of the open road. At every turn of the journey that takes you through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California you’ll find plenty of fun things. There are weird roadside attractions, muffler men, national parks and monuments, classic diners, historic motels, museums, souvenir shops, and more. Ready to hit the Mother Road? Check out our list of the top must-see attractions on Route 66 or plan a Route 66 road trip !

Pacific Coast Highway: Highway 101 & Highway 1

The Pacific Coast Highway is the ultimate road trip for friends. Drive Highway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego or take the entire stretch from San Diego to Seattle. This West Coast Road Trip is full of breathtaking sites, beaches, forests, mountains, delicious food, and plenty of sun. You’re guaranteed to have an amazing adventure with your friends.

Themed Road Trip

Not every road trip has to follow a particular route. Sometimes it is most fun to chase a theme. I LOVE roadside attractions so I will often pick a state and find all the roadside attractions in it I can, no matter where it takes me. Here are some ideas for road trip themes you can take:

• Roadside Attractions
• Amusement Parks

National Parks

Looking for fun places to go on a road trip with friends? Consider building a trip around National Parks. Experience beautiful nature, natural formations, and scenic trails while bonding with the people you love most.

Disney World

A lot of times road trips are more about the stops along the way than the actual destination. But, sometimes, they are more about the destination. Disney World (Or Disney Land) is a fun destination for a girls trip. If you all love Disney spend the trip blasting your favorite soundtracks, pack some ears, and end up at the happiest place on Earth.

Pin this post on Taking a Road Trip with Friends to save for your next adventure!

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Valerie Bromann

Founder & road trip expert.

Valerie Bromann is a a website manager, content creator, and writer from Chicago, Illinois (currently living in Dallas, Texas). As an avid road tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, Val always pull over for a world’s largest thing. Founder of Silly America and author of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book , she visits, photographs, and writes about all the weird tourist destinations she visits and offers road trip planning advice and inspiration based on her own travels so you can hit the road for yourself.

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Last modified: December 21, 2023 Category: Road Trip Planning

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Everything You Need to Have and Record an Epic Road Trip!

By valerie bromann.

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

Silly America

Silly America is a roadside attractions blog designed to help travelers find unique stops for their next road trip. The website is a tribute to the great American road trip, devoted to all that is odd in America: roadside attractions, tourist traps, peculiar destinations, bizarre events, road food, fun festivals, and more! It’s a travel website and trip planner for those seeking an offbeat road trip.

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This Rare Earth

A travel resource for the adventurous and often-solo female

Things to Do on a Road Trip with Friends

USA , Blog , North America / February 28, 2023 by Monica / Leave a Comment

There is nothing quite like taking a road trip with friends. The laughs, the adventure, the wrong turns! Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do on a road trip with friends, including my top tips on how to manage expectations and budgets. Let’s go!

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If you have been here for a while, then you already know that I take solo road trips quite frequently. Like, very frequently.

But some of the best travel memories I have come from various road trips I took with friends over the years. There is always a lot of laughter, a lot of joking, and usually tons of unexpected stops and adventures along the way.

Now, if you are headed on a long trip, you are going to need some entertainment to pass the time. Here we are going to cover some of the best things to do on a road trip with friends.

In addition, we will cover some important road trip with friends tips, as well as some of the best road trips to take with friends!

Let’s dive in, there is a lot to cover.

Table of Contents

No matter how fun you and your friends may be, there comes a time on every road trip that you might start to feel a bit antsy. Maybe the route is just long, or you are stuck in traffic, or you are just looking for some good old fashioned entertainment.

Let’s cover some of the best things to do on a road trip with friends that (hopefully!) everyone can agree on!

1. Listen to a podcast

Podcasts are my go-to road trip activity. I love getting lost in a story or a mystery and becoming captivated on how it will turn out.

Before you and your friends head out on the road, download a variety of podcasts that you think you and your friends would be interested in. Perhaps interviews with their favorite celebrities, some true crime for suspense, or a comedy if you want to keep things light.

Be sure to actually download them rather than just bookmark them. You may very well hit areas with patchy cell service, and in those instances, you will lose your audio unless it has been downloaded.

Check out my top travel apps for my best suggestions.

2. Listen to an audiobook

Headed on a long journey? If your trip is more than a day long, you may opt for something longer. Like, an entire audio book.

Look up a few titles that sound interesting and send them out to your friends. Have everyone take a vote or download their favorite. If you are driving cross country, perhaps you will have time for more than one!

3. Play a road trip game

When I was a kid, we had all kinds of road trip games in the car for long drives to Florida or North Carolina. They kept me and my brothers, cousins, and friends entertained for pretty significant chunks of time… which I am sure that my parents were happy about.

No matter your age, invest in a few fun travel games to keep on hand! Whether its a card game, a thinking game, or a thoughtful word game, these are great ways to pass the time.

Here are a few personal favorites:

4. Stop for a hike or to do something active

Particularly if you are on a long trip, you are going to want to get out and stretch your legs. Me? I want to do more than just stretch. I often plan for a hike or some type of activity along my route to keep my muscles moving.

Check your route. Do you see any state or national parks on the way? Chances are you will find some very scenic hikes without much investgating.

Be sure to pack a day pack stuffed with all the hiking essentials before you go!

You May Also Like: The Best Hiking Gear for Women

5. Take some photos

Make an agreement ahead of time that when you hit scenic stretches of highway, you want to get out and take photos!

Rule number one, do it safely. Find a legal and safe area to pull over, and snap away. I’ve seen some pretty epic waterfalls and rock formations on some of my trips through the southwest.

The drive from Phoenix to Sedona has lots to see and do, and the drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is absolutely breathtaking. You are going to want to remember it.

Check out some of my most recommended photo gear here.

6. Document the trip

No matter how often you see them, you are going to want to document your road trip with friends. As you get older or move to different areas, you may not be able to see them as much or get to have an adventure like this anytime soon.

Take video, take group photos, and if it is an especially sentimental trip (like, a graduation trip or a bridesmaid trip) then you may want to even write in a journal about it.

7. Take turns sleeping

If your trip is quite long, or if you plan to drive through the night, don’t forget to get some shut-eye. Take turns sleeping and driving in shifts if you aren’t getting a hotel room for the night.

Side note, this is another instance where your podcasts can really come in handy. If its late and your friends are sleeping, that podcast just might keep you entertained while you are solo.

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8. Take all the detours.

Of all the things to do on a road trip with friends, this is easily one of my favorites. Take detours. Lots of them. In fact, all of them.

Hands down, I have made the best travel memories by stumbling upon the unexpected. So if you see an interesting street or a sign for the World’s Largest Pistachio, by all means go see it.

I can almost guarantee that years down the line, you and your friends will still be saying, “Remember that time when we saw……”

My Top Tips for Keeping a Road Trip with Friends Civil

Like I’ve already mentioned, taking a road trip with friends can be an unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect way to connect with old friends and even learn things about them you didn’t know.

That said, there are some things you should be mindful of when planning your friends road trip. These top tips may help ensure that your road trip is full of adventure and laugs rather than fighting or bickering.

Even the closest of friends are not immune to hurt feelings.

Let’s dive into my top tips for planning the best road trips with friends without any of the drama.

You May Also Like: How to Travel With Friends: Tips and Etiquette

1. Pick your road trip friends wisely.

I have no doubt that you have some fabulous friends. Smart friends, funny friends, wild friends, and adventurous friends.

That said, not all friends were meant to be tucked into a car with you for several days or weeks.

Be mindful about who you plan your road trip with in the first place.

You likely can think of one friend already that you love dearly, but you wouldn’t necessarily want to be stuffed in a sardine can with for the week. They could be the best person in the world… just be honest about your car compatibility.

2. Plan an itinerary.

You are going to want to have a chat ahead of time about the basic itinerary. Discussing your starting point, ending point, and how many days you expect to be on the road are all a must.

But beyond that, have a chat about what sights and scenic stops everyone in the car is interested in. It’s a good idea to try and hit everyone’s top sight at the very least. Obviously, it will create some resentment if the driver gets to stop and see all of their sights but ignores everyone else’s must-sees.

Got it? Good.

3. But make sure you all stay flexible, too.

Have you ever hit terrible traffic and ended up an hour late to your destination? Or, perhaps you got a flat and had to reroute to a tire shop.

It’s a good idea to be flexible on your road trip with friends, and to make sure that everyone else is on the same page too. Anything can happen on the road.

Have your ideal itinerary, but also have a backup plan. Maybe even a backup money stash for an extra hotel if needed. The point is, remember that things can always go awry!

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4. Be up front and communicate.

In every relationship, communication is key. Your road trip with friends is no different.

Both when in the planning phase and when on the trip, be up front an honest about expectations. Discuss the basics, like how you will split the budget and what date you must be home by.

This will help avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings in most cases.

While on the trip, if anything isn’t working for you, speak up – kindly. And, be equally willing to listed to your friends, too. Communication is the key to a smooth ride!

5. Know your boundaries.

Are you an introvert? Are you traveling with extroverts? Or, are you a night owl and your road trip friends are early risers? Knowing your boundaries is important when traveling with friends.

If you already know your travel styles or lifestyles don’t match, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t go on the road trip together. You just need to decide where the hard lines are drawn.

For example, one person is free to go out and party or stay up all night reading, but both must be aware that we hit the road by 9am. Or, one person typically takes over an hour to get ready in the morning, but the other gets up and is out the door. Perhaps you need two different alarms.

Whatever the situation is, you get the idea. Set whatever boundaries you all need to abide by together.

6. Take turns being in the driver’s seat.

Ya’all, I love road trips. I typically don’t mind driving them, mostly because I drive most of them solo.

but when I’m on a road trip with friends – especially a long one – I prefer to take turns. I want time that I can let me brain relax and I can curl my legs up and relax.

The same probably goes for you, and for whoever you are driving with. Things don’t have to be split 50/50 necessarily, but make sure you go with a ratio that works for both people. If both of you are tapped out, you probably need to refer back to the “Stop for a hike” section.

Where to Go on a Road Trip with Friends

Now that we’ve covered all of the planning aspects, let’s talk about where to go on a road trip with friends.

So, I like to consider myself somewhat of a road trip expert. I’ve driven across the United States nine times (yes you read that right) and have driven so much of the American Southwest that I know parts of it by heart.

I’m going to list all of my top road trip route suggestions that you could consider taking with friends. In no particular order, let’s dive in!

1. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway with friends.

There is a reason that this is one of the most popular road trips in all of America. It is downright stunning! Driving the entire Pacific Coast Highway is an unforgettable experience. I think everyone should do it at least once.

From the rugged beaches in Malibu to quaint Santa Barbara and all the way up north past San Francisco, this drive has it all. Loads of ocean views, plenty of stops for hikes, and even small wine towns if that’s your kind of thing.

Find out more here: A 7 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

2. Experience the California Deserts.

I know that when most people picture California, they picture beach. But for me, the California desert is my favorite area in the whole state.

I highly recommend taking a Joshua Tree to Death Valley road trip with friends. Or, exploring the Mojave National Preserve .

I bet you’d be surprised by just how fun the desert can be. Here are some more planning resources centered around Joshua Tree, which is the one desert requirement you can’t miss:

More Joshua Tree National Park Resources:

• One Day in Joshua Tree National Park
• The Best Joshua Tree Sunrise Hikes and Locations
• The Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
• A Joshua Tree Photography Guide
• All About the Joshua Tree: A Mojave Desert Staple
• Five Drawbacks of Joshua Tree – and How to Beat Them
• 10 Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
• A Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park Road Trip
• National Parks Near Los Angeles
• Desert Wear and Hiking Essentials for the American Southwest
• Ten Desert Hiking Safety Tips

3. Embark on a seven day New Mexico road trip.

I’ve driven through New Mexico many times. But recently, I returned back for a ten day road trip to re-visit some of my old favorite spots and explore new sights.

I traveled from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and soaked in some gorgeous hot springs . The Bisti Badlands was the perfect landscape to hike for days. I checked out the Aztec Ruins National Monument and made it all the way down to White Sands National Park and Roswell . It was incredible.

New Mexico has way more to offer than you might think! It’s such a great state to explore on a road trip with friends.

You May Also Like: The Best New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary

4. Or, go south of the border to Baja.

You may know, I love Mexico. And, my favorite area within Mexico is the Baja Peninsula.

There are so many fun things to do in Cabo – from boat rides to beaches to ATV adventures. La Paz and Balandra Bay offers some of the prettiest lesser-known beaches.

My personal favorite place to enjoy in Baja is hands down the Santa Rita Hot Springs . This is one of the best stops in all of Baja!

Staying in the north? Then check out San Felipe and the stunning Valle de Los Gigantes .

Get more info in my post about planning a Baja Sur Road Trip !

5. In the Las Vegas area?

If you are starting in the Las Vegas area, I have loads of road trips from Nevada to consider.

Nature lovers can enjoy Death Valley or the Valley of Fire . Art lovers should check out the Seven Magic Mountains at installation. And those looking for everything including hiking, good food, and spirituality should head to Sedona .

You May Also Like: The Top 10 Road Trips from Las Vegas

6. See one of the most popular national parks driving Salt Lake City to Yellowstone.

There is a reason that Yellowstone National Park is one of the most visited parks each and every year. Yellowstone is basically a legend!

If you drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone , you can turn a drive to a single destination into a fun and scenic road trip. Simply choose the right route for landscapes and pit stops. Read all about my recommendations here .

I hope that these suggestions on things to do, how to prepare, and where to go help you plan your road trip with friends! These tips have never failed me and will set you up for a good time.

Let me know below – which route will you be taking?

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About Monica

Monica has been a solo female world traveler for over 15 years. She is an expert on outdoor adventures, solo female travel, and off the beaten path destinations. She is the founder of This Rare Earth and is a firm believer that the world is not as scary as the media might have you think! Learn more about her here . Connect with her on Instagram .

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• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Go on a Road Trip with All Your Friends

Last Updated: May 24, 2023

This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg . Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country. This article has been viewed 24,213 times.

Going on road trips has been an American tradition for a long time - whether it's a couple hours to a big city, or a cross country road trip with no destination. This article will show you how you can take a road trip with all of your friends.

This article presumes you're taking a road trip in the USA, but some of the aspects could be applicable to other countries where road trips are also a tradition.

Basic Planning

• If you're taking a big road trip, it could be around 1 to 3 months. Reasons people go on these long trips include trying to find yourself, getting out of your comfort zone, having fun with your friends, or just traveling the USA before you can't. All are very good reasons.

• Can you trust the people you want to come with? Furthermore, make sure you know these people and know them. It might not be good to invite strangers.
• Will these people be able to contribute anything on the road trip?
• Will they want to do anything? Chances are, you're going to be driving a long time, then walking around, visiting the sights to see. If they can't handle that, they might be dead weight on the trip.
• Do these people have money they can contribute for gas, food, hotels, and things for themselves?
• Will they be able to handle the time they'll be away from home?
• Will they complain a lot like children when in the car for hours at a time? (To make sure this isn't an issue, see if they have experience being in a car for hours at a time.)
• If they are underage, will they have permission from parents or guardian?

• Almost every city you go to will have museums, art galleries, and gardens. Consider places with national memorials (like the 9/11 memorial in New York), natural phenomenon (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, etc), or iconic monuments (Space Needle in Seattle).
• Also consider the places your friends want to go, so they can be happy too.
• Spend only 2 to 4 days at each destination, so you can keep the trip going and make it short as possible.

• If you take a car, make sure you have enough room for luggage and everyone coming. Figure out who's you're going to take as well.
• If you pay for city buses or taxis, know where they are taking you and how much it will cost to ride. Although you might think you're saving money on gas, you might not be.
• If you decide to buy a bus, consider remodeling in it and putting furniture in it. You can also put entertainment in it of some sort. A bus might be your best option, since they have lots of room ad people won't feel so cramped. You can even buy some with TVs, tables, passenger seats, and a back luggage area. You can also decorate the inside of the bus to make it pretty.

• Find campsites along the way. You can pull out sleeping bags and tents and sleep under the stars, or sleep in your vehicle. (There's more room in a bus to do that).
• Find a Walmart parking lot to sleep in. They don't make you leave, and there's bathrooms and restaurants inside.
• Find Hostels. People prefer these because they feel homier and cost less.
• If you're still doing hotels, try to find a branch that has a point system. When you stay at their hotels long enough, you can earn enough points to earn a free night.

• Make sure everyone chips in for gas.

• Try to raise $200-$300 for every destination. You may not need that much, but it's better to have too much than too little.

• To convince them, make sure you have enough money, know where you're going, and who's coming. This will make you seem more responsible.

Before the trip

• Electronics
• Brush (if you feel the need to brush your hair along the way or the morning of the trip)
• Earbuds/headphones
• Snacks for yourself.

• Inspect your tire pressure to make sure that everything looks good. If you have an older car with lots of mileage, be sure to inspect the coolant, too.

The Morning of the Trip

On the Road

Expert Q&A

• Try not to plan out every detail, because road trips don't end up exactly the way you think they will. It's still good to plan. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure everybody knows how to drive the vehicle you're taking. If you're taking a bus, let everybody practice driving it before the road trip. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Be aware of others' health problems, allergies, medications, etc. so they don't get sick in any way. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Obey all traffic and driving laws to be save, and ensure the safety of all those around you. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car maintenance, check out our in-depth interview with Tom Eisenberg .

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16 Fun Things to Do on a Road Trip With Friends

• December 22, 2022
• Road Trips , Travel Planning & Tips

Road trips are usually just as much about the journey as it is about the destination. It’s one of those awesome things that puts you and your friends in cramped cars for a long period of time but everyone is happy because they are with friends experiencing something new.

When it comes to road trips, there is usually music, food, and maybe a bit of alcohol.

The destination may be important, but there’s always a chance that you have a good time along the way.

And of course, there are some people who will try and find ways to make the road trip more interesting.

Whether you’re building up a collection of fun games on your phone or putting together a scavenger hunt list for your friends to complete, here is a list of great things to do on a road trip with friends!

What's covered in this post

1. Play car games

2. listen to good music, 3. tell jokes, 4. make up stories about the lives of strangers you see on the road., 5. learn a new language, 6. share stories about your lives, 7. sing along together to the radio., 8. choose a different fork in the road, 9. go on a road trip scavenger hunt., 10. meet new people, 11. plan what you’re going to do when you get to your destination., 12. have a picnic along the way, 13. stop at a theme park or water park along the way., 14. find a place to set up camp, 15. keep track of all your activities, 16. don’t forget the souvenirs, in conclusion: things to do on a road trip with friends.

There are a lot of car games you can play on your road trip, and the list goes on and on. Here are a few of our favorites:

• The Alphabet Game – This is a classic car game that will help pass the time when there are long stretches of nothingness in front of you. Similar to Trivial Pursuit, this game requires players to name something starting with each letter in the alphabet.
• 20 Questions – This version is similar to Guess Who?, but without all those pesky faces! Instead, it’s just asking yes/no questions until someone guesses what’s inside the box!
• I Spy – This game involves picking an object (or person) out in nature or around town and describing it as best as possible while everyone else tries to guess what it is before time runs out!
• License Plate Game – Another way to keep things interesting while driving down an open road is by trying to see how many different license plates from different states you can spot during your trip! It’s fun for everyone involved since there could be some funny ones along with some boring ones too (if we’re being honest). You never know who’ll see something cool first!”

Listening to music is one of the most fun things to do on a road trip.

Bring your own playlists, and make sure everyone has a chance to choose some songs.

If you have a passenger who loves country music and another one who only listens to rap, you can have them bring their favorite music too!

It’s nice if everyone is given an equal opportunity in choosing what they want to listen to (even if they may not agree with each other).

Make sure that all passengers are included in the mix so no one feels left out or like they’re being forced into listening to something they don’t like!

Get each of the passengers to prepare a list of jokes beforehand.

This is an excellent way to keep each other entertained and make the long arduous drive ahead seem like a piece of cake!

There are a ton of websites out there where you can find these jokes, so make sure you take notes!

Not forgetting that this is a perfect way to channel your inner comedian or prepare to be one!

You and your friends can create a running list of stories about the people you see driving or walking along the road.

If there are other drivers, write down their license plate numbers and make up stories about who they are and what their lives are like.

This is an excellent time for you and your friends to pick up a new language, or simply be goofy trying to do so!

With so many hours spent together, a road trip presents a great opportunity to learn something new and practice with each other.

Better yet, if one of you speaks another language, have that person become the teacher!

Share some of your own childhood memories, or talk about how much you hope to accomplish in life.

Be open and talk about your dreams and where you see yourself going in a few years’ time.

The magical thing about such conversations is that it often leads to more discovery about each other and potential opportunities to explore together.

Whether you’re in the car or on a plane, singing together is a great way to pass the time.

The music can be loud enough to annoy your fellow passengers, but not so loud that they’ll want to punch you in the face.

The only downside is that some songs can get stuck in your head for days.

Obviously, if you are the organizer, you would want to find out some of the common songs between the passengers so that you can all enjoy it together!

You guys might have planned a certain route, but what’s stopping you from taking a small detour and checking out somewhere that you have not planned for.

Such detours can often bring about unexpected surprises and maybe become a future travel destination for some of you!

Road trips, and in fact most vacations, should be kept free-flowing and flexible. It’s all about adventure and discovery, so why not try this out!

Make a list of things to look for on your road trip scavenger hunt. It could be simple things like road signs, billboards, or a particular landmark.

Wanna make it competitive? Assign points for each item found and allow teams to compete against one another (if you’re in a car, this means making sure that no one is driving while playing).

Try not to get too distracted by looking at everything around you; keep safety in mind when participating in the game so that everyone makes it home safely!

Who’s to say that you need to limit your interaction to just that few of you?

Each new place that you visit offers plenty of opportunities to get to know the local people and understand what goes on there.

It’s the best way to get to know a place fast, with all the insider local knowledge.

You never know what you will discover!

Plan what you’re going to do when you get to your destination.

It’s important to plan ahead of time because if you don’t, it could end up costing time and money that could have been avoided.

The planning process can be fun and done while you are in the car and not necessarily before setting off.

For example, when my friends and I were in Washington DC, we planned out our entire trip: where we wanted to eat, how much food would cost us at each restaurant (and what type of food), how long each activity would take us (e.g., a day trip or an overnight visit) right there during the road trip.

This way we could make sure that we got the most out of our trip without spending too much money or getting bored with no activities planned for us.

Sometimes it can be pretty difficult to find a good place to eat when you are on the road, especially when you are heading into uncharted territory.

If that is your concern, you could easily plan a picnic along the way.

Not only is it a fun and engaging activity, but you could also potentially save a few bucks and have more stories to tell!

Check out this road trip food list for some inspiration!

Theme parks and water parks alike can be great places to stop for a rest—and because they’re typically located near major highways, they’re easy to get to.

Stopping at one of these during the middle of your trip is probably best, as it allows you some time away from the car.

If possible, try stopping either early on in your trip so that you will have enough time to reach the next pitstop!

Yes, I’m talking about real camping, not a place to call it a night.

There is something wonderful about being able to sleep under the stars, uninterrupted by the bright lights of the city.

There are many camping locations all across the United States as well as in many parts of the world, so be sure to check them out before you set off!

Sure, we all have mobile phones these days to take pictures and videos, and you definitely should do that to capture all the amazing moments.

What you can do to take it one step further is to document the whole trip with a notebook too!

Each person will get a chance to scribble their thoughts and feelings, and I can assure you this will make a much more meaningful memory for every single one of you!

We have a habit of buying a fridge magnet everywhere we go, but it can also be something else like a tee-shirt, ornament, or any little trinket that will instantly bring back the memories.

Quite often, each city will have something unique that they can call their own, so that could be where you gravitate towards.

Having a similar souvenir with your bunch of good friends is a great way to bring the bond closer!

Road trips are so much fun, and that is multiplied when you have a group of your closest friends with you.

Your options are endless, so keep that adventurous spirit in you and make the most of your road trip vacation!

What to read next:

• 5 Must-Have Essentials for Your Next RV Road Trip: What You Should Pack
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• 6 Creative And Fun Road Trip Games For Kids That Will Keep Them Entertained For Hours!​
• 15 Stunning and Unique Road Trip Ideas: Where will you go next?
• Road trip packing list: All the essentials you need​

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Awesome Ideas and Helpful Tips for a Road Trip With Friends

by Danielle Owen | Apr 1, 2022 | Group Travel | 0 comments

A road trip with friends can be the experience of a lifetime. But it takes some planning to make a group trip as stress-free as possible. While spontaneity is one of the best parts of hitting the road, there are still some things that should be figured out in advance.

Troupe’s group travel planner is the perfect pre-road trip tool to help you sort out your adventure. Share ideas for destinations and let trip members vote on their favorites to help plan out your route. You can also suggest dates that group members can approve and Troupe will let you know which dates work before for everyone.

Check out these top tips and ideas for a road trip with friends:

Plan a road trip based on a shared interest

• Take the scenic route

Everyone plan a day

Rent an rv or camper van, leave some wiggle room in your schedule, have a plan for splitting shared costs, play car games to pass the time, take lots of photos.

• Don’t be afraid to split up

Share driving responsibilities

• Have a positive attitude (and a backup plan)

Fun road trip ideas for friends

Maybe you all love music and want to catch a show in each city you visit. Or maybe you’re avid hikers who plan on tackling bucket list hikes across the country. Whatever you all love, consider basing the road trip around a shared hobby or passion.

Simply take the scenic route

Half of the fun of a road trip with friends is the time you spend on the road, listening to music, laughing, and enjoying the drive. There’s nothing wrong with taking a road trip simply for the sake of taking a road trip. Choose a scenic route near you, whether that’s a coastal highway or a mountain pass, and hit the road.

If you’re taking a multi-day trip, consider planning out a general route and splitting it up into one-day chunks. Then let each person on the trip be responsible for planning a leg of the journey. You can even keep the plans a surprise to make them more exciting. Each person would choose the city to stop in for the night and an activity at that destination or along the route.

While road trips in cars are great and everything, a road trip in an RV is a next-level experience. You and your friends won’t soon forget the week you spent in your home on wheels.

Top tips for a road trip with friends

Don’t plan such a strict road trip itinerary that you don’t have room to stop and smell the roses along the way. Whether that’s literally stopping to enjoy a beautiful, flower-strewn vista or deciding that a quirky pitstop town is worth spending an extra night or two.

Make sure you have a plan in advance for how to split costs or someone will inevitably get the short end of the stick. Using apps like Splitwise and Venmo are great for calculating who owes who what and to send payments instantly. Check out more tips for splitting expenses on a group trip .

No matter how much good music you listen to or how beautiful the scenery is, you’re bound to become a bit bored after full days spent in the car. That’s where car games come in. Everyone knows the license plate game (keep track of all the out-of-state plates you see and try to spot all 50).

But you can also play more thought-provoking games to keep you alert. Try choosing a letter and a category (e.g. ‘C’ and animals) and go around in a circle naming items that correspond (cheetah, cockatoo) until someone is stumped.

Don’t hesitate to take photos. Everything about a road trip with friends is meant to be remembered. Take photos (safely) in the car. Pull over as often as you’d like to take pictures of the scenery. Just don’t forget to take it all in without the camera, as well. Snap a nice shot and then put the phone or camera away and just enjoy the view and time with your friends.

Very few people would be happy to get stuck behind the wheel for the entire trip. And it’s also not the safest way to take a road trip. Rotate drivers every few hours so you’ll all have a chance to kick back and you’ll be alert when it’s your turn to take the wheel.

Dont be afraid to split up for a while

If you and your friends only have one or two days at any of your destinations and some people want to do a grueling hike while others want to visit a museum, don’t stress! Everyone’s interests aren’t always going to align. As long as everyone feels safe on their own, don’t be afraid to split up for the day. Meet back up for dinner to share your different experiences.

Have a positive attitude and a backup plan

Things can, and will, go wrong at some point during a road trip even if it’s just bad traffic at some point along the way. Have a plan in advance for what to do in case of an emergency.

Does someone in the group have AAA? Is there a spare tire in working condition? Consider learning how to change it yourself if you don’t already know. Do you have chains in case of snowy conditions? Who is going to hold on to the spare set of keys?

You should know the answer to all those questions that are frequent road trip mishaps. In addition, remember to roll with the punches. When planning a road trip with friends, carefully consider who you invite to spend all those hours with. No one wants a fun sucker along for the ride.

Most importantly, have fun, be safe, and enjoy the time together with your friends. While you’re at it, start planning your next epic group adventure. Check out these articles for group travel inspiration.

• Learn all there is to enjoy on a Lake Tahoe itinerary .
• Discover more about the best countries to visit in South America .
• Not sure where to go? Use this list of fun places to go with friends as a starting point.

How to travel with friends – without falling out

Sep 3, 2019 • 6 min read

Travelling together offers friends the chance to enjoy quality time awash with in-jokes, proper catch-ups and unforgettable experiences. Sound like bliss? It can be. But beware: even the best of friendships can be tested on the road.

Whether you’re about to embark on your first adventure with your mates in tow or are looking to improve on past experiences, here are writer Emma Sparks' 10 tips for having a harmonious trip with friends.

Beginners: start on the right foot

1. choose the right people to go with.

Pick any old pal with a passport at your peril. Just because you share a love of Nicolas Cage movies and Chinese food doesn’t mean you’re compatible travel buddies. Think twice before travelling with someone you only ever see in one context; your coffee-and-cake companion, yoga chum or work bestie might be a dream to hang out with at home, but a nightmare when it comes to exploring somewhere new. Opt for someone you’re confident you could tolerate for three days straight and you should have a reasonably hiccup-free trip – but there are no guarantees.

You might also like this:  All abroad: how to plan a group trip

2. Set expectations

Is this trip about winding down and going with the flow, or ticking off a list of sights the length of your arm? Will it be action-packed and outdoorsy, or heavy on the hangovers? It’s easy to make assumptions about your friends’ vision for a trip based on their usual behaviour, but travel can bring with it a different set of priorities and reveal a totally different side of people. Night owl travelling with early birds or vice versa? Proceed with caution – or agree to adjust your body clocks accordingly. Verbalise your needs: a simple conversation about what each of you wants to get out of the holiday – and what you don’t want to do – should do the trick.

3. Discuss your budget

You probably have an idea of how flash or frugal your friends are, but it’s worth chatting about what you intend to spend on food and activities before you go. In situ, manage money sensitively – some people are happy to split the bill every time, while others will find subsidising your dessert addiction stressful. Keep a tally in a group budgeting app like Splitwise if you like, but don’t sweat the small stuff – no-one likes a penny-pincher.

You might also like this:  What I learned from backpacking in my 20s and 30s

4. Prepare for close quarters

If you’re sharing accommodation, prepare to learn a lot more about your mates. Sleeping habits, bathroom routines and kitchen cleanliness (or lack thereof) can all cause friction between friends. Years of sharing rooms with incessant snorers, shower hoggers and the occasional gleeful farter have taught me that the best way to overcome small irritations is to make light of them – no doubt you have your own shortcomings too – and always pack earplugs...

‘When we travel as a three, Emily always gets a room to herself as she’s the loudest snorer. Emma puts up with my mild snores and I ignore the fact she leaves hair in the plughole’ – Mary, Emma’s travel buddy on many long weekends in Europe .

Intermediate: avoid common pitfalls

5. hanger and fatigue.

The needs of travelling adults often mirror those of a two year old’s. If someone’s acting moody, chances are they’re hungry or overtired. Punctuate sightseeing with plenty of pit stops and snacks, or work siestas into your holiday routine to keep the peace.

‘I like my sleep and I’m prone to energy dips if I don’t eat at regular intervals. Before a long hike through the Latvian wilderness, Emma made sure to buy some carb-heavy snacks and sugary sweets, which saved the day’  – Helen, Emma’s travel buddy in Australia , Latvia and Estonia .

6. Too much time together

Find yourself lingering in the loo, or volunteering to pop to the shops for the milk and a few precious minutes by yourself? Don’t feel bad about taking some time away from each other. Introverts in particular often need plenty of alone time to avoid burnout – but splitting up for a few hours here and there can refresh and revive everyone. 

7. Lack of flexibility

Travelling with friends is a masterclass in the art of the compromise. When Friend A is laser-focused on finding a tabbacheria for their strictly-on-holiday smokes, Friend B wants nothing more than an Aperol spritz and a sit down, and you want to get to the top local landmark before it closes, something has to give. If it isn’t essential to you, let it go – but don’t let dominant or demanding personalities get their way every time. If you’re lucky, everyone’s wants and needs can be met with some tactical shuffling of schedules. 

‘Emma has dragged us up church spires and medieval towers in Florence , Porto , Seville and more – we expect it now, just as she expects to skip a few sights so we can sample local tipples in the sun’ – Emily, Emma’s travel buddy on many long weekends in Europe.

8. Overenthusiasm

The weeks and months ahead of a trip can be saturated with hope and high expectations, excited text messages and squeals of anticipation. So much so that by the time you board the plane, you’re already exhausted. Then, in the face of adversity – a disappointing Airbnb, bad weather or mosquito invasions – one friend may appoint themselves as a hype man, ignoring glaring issues and refusing to let anyone whinge. While positivity is a lifesaver on group trips, you can still keep it real. It’s OK if things aren’t perfect, so don’t put pressure on yourself or each other to have the best time ever – go with the flow and it will happen naturally.

Advanced: be your best self

9. forgive (and apologise) quickly.

An intense dose of togetherness coupled with new, sometimes challenging experiences means minor niggles are almost inevitable. Left to fester, resentment and pettiness can thrive. Unresolved tension is a sure-fire way to spoil a trip, so be honest about the way you’re feeling. If anyone gets snappy, forgive and forget immediately – and always apologise if you’re the grump of the group.

You might also like this:   How travel helps me cope with grief

10. Be considerate and self aware

When it comes to maintaining a good group dynamic, basic courtesies go a long way – and taking extra care of each other (without fussing) will give you the warm and fuzzies. Make sure you’ve got the fundamentals covered, such as doing your fair share of washing up and collecting the morning croissants, then go the extra mile by keeping tabs on hydration levels and sunscreen top ups, or volunteering to drive.

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Fun Places To Go On A Road Trip With Friends in the US

Last Updated on September 23, 2022 by Rose Morah

If you’re looking for fun places to go on a road trip with friends, this article provides the best road trip destinations that you can take advantage of to help make your trip a fun getaway.

To break it down, in this article, we will cover friends’ road trip destinations in the US, fun things to do, and places to visit in those destinations.

Best road trip destinations

Here are some of the best road trip destinations while on a road trip with friends in the US:

Colorado road trip

Montana road trip.

• South Dakota road trip

California road trip

• Michigan road trip

First, to get the most out of a friend’s road trip, ensure you set aside some adequate time to plan. This could mean a minimum of 5 days to rent a car or an RV and prepare well before you finally hit the road.

Related: How to prepare and plan a road trip with friends .

A Colorado road trip is great if you are looking for some breathtaking scenic views.

TIP : Summer Colorado road trips are the best, but winter road trips are not that great!

Fun places to visit in Colorado on a road trip with friends

Before jumping into the fun places to visit, check out the map below to better understand what a Colorado trip will look like.

A WIDER OVERVIEW

28 Best and Must-have Road Trip Car Accessories .

How To Entertain and Keep Yourself Busy On A Long Car Ride (10 Tips) .

Here are the fun places to visit on your Colorado road trip:

• Red Rock Canyon 

The good thing is, there’s no entrance fee to Red Rock Canyon. You will enjoy great walking trails and places for picnics and biking. 

• Garden of the Gods

If you love walking, Garden of the Gods has beautiful trails for hiking that suit everyone.

These are some of its hiking trails:

• SIAMESE TWINS TRAIL is an easy 1-mile round trip (this was my best trail).
• RIDGE TRAIL – 1/2 mile.
• SCOTSMAN/BUCKSKIN CHARLIE TRAIL 
• CHAMBERS/BRETAG/PALMER TRAIL- 3-mile hike

Related: 20 Fun things to do on a road trip with friends.

While you are in the Garden of the Gods park, you can also indulge in other fun activities with friends such as:

• Taking a jeep and Segway tour.
• Going through the terrain while riding on rented bikes and electric bikes.

Did you know that the Garden of the Gods is the most photographed scenic attraction in Colorado?

So, enjoy the incredible views and don’t forget to take pictures.

N/B: You can access the Garden of the Gods park by car from many entrances. Find out more from here .

See also: A Complete Overlanding Trip Checklist .

• Paradise Cove Swimming Hole 

I remember having lots of fun at Paradise Cove Hole during our Colorado road trip.

We enjoyed cliff jumping into the water. We were also lucky to find a swimming hole which made the whole experience unforgettable. When traveling with friends in Colorado, this should definitely be on your bucket list!

Other sweet memories that we made in Paradise Cove Hole included an encounter with the chipmunks 🙂 . I remember them coming to steal our fries and feeding on the spilled foods. We also hand-fed them.

Then, while heading back home, we saw a cute baby deer!

If I could turn back time, I definitely would relive those moments once more. I must go back to the Paradise Cove Swimming Hole.

N/B: The best time to visit Paradise Cove Hole is from May to September.

• Hot Sulphur Springs 

Hot Sulphur Springs is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the water as you unwind.

And the restaurant food here is also great! 

• National Sand dunes 

The experience in Great Sand Dune National Park is breathtaking from its huge dunes. Definitely, a great place to stop and have a good time with friends as you take pictures during a road trip.

See also: Cheap Warm Winter Vacations In The US .

A Montana road trip is also quite adventurous, especially in the company of great friends.

The map shows you some of the best routes to take and scenic views that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Fun places to visit in Montana on a road trip with friends

1. glacier national park.

While on your way to Glacier National Park, pull over a few times and enjoy the beautiful mother nature. And if you have more time, you can use it to explore the woods to get a better view of nature, the river, and waterfalls.

Here are the things to do at Glacier National Park on your road trip with friends;

• Visit Lake McDonald – Remember to carry a hard copy map or offline map. GPS could fail due to poor connections in the place. While in Lake McDonald, you will also get to enjoy the beautiful sunset views in the evening.
• Hungry Horse Dam – You can access Hungry Horse Dam from the West or East entrance of the Glacier National Park.
• Bowman lake and Polebridge – This is on the West side entrance of the park. If you’re traveling in an RV, due to the road condition, some RVs may not fit well on that road and might experience difficulties getting there due to the limited pullouts.
• Avalanche Lake – The distance to Avalanche Lake is about a 7-miles-hike, which is not that hard to cover because of the great terrain. On our way there, I remember we found a cool jumping hole.
• APGAR Village – Stop and eat some good ice cream at APGAR Village. But, unfortunately,  if you are driving an RV it may be hard to find a parking spot.
• Downtown Whitefish – This is a great place to eat and spend the night. Whitefish also has a beautiful scenic view of the snow-capped mountain. 

2. Yellowstone National Park

Here are things to do in Yellowstone National Park;

• Artists Paintpots – This place is quite colorful. While you are here, you’ll get to see mud pots and colored bubbling hot springs. Artists Paintpots is definitely worth your time!
• Fairy lake – You get to see its spectacular waterfall.
• Mammoth hot spring – Mammoth hot spring has a very unique scenic view. It is located at the far south of the Yellowstone North entrance.
• Lamar Valley – Lamar Valley is located on the northern side of Yellowstone. It is mostly inhabited by wildlife. You will hence spot herds of bison, pronghorn, deer, elk, wolves, and many more animal species.

South Dakota road trip with friends

The best thing about a South Dakota road trip for me was getting to see animals by the roadside. Additionally, I enjoyed the beauty of nature and the air that smelled so fresh.

Fun places to visit in South Dakota road trip with friends

• SIOUX Falls – in South Dakota.
• Badlands National Park – in South Dakota.
• Black Hills National forest – South Dakota, northeastern Wyoming. Go hiking and get to see the Devil’s tower and the waterfalls.

Nothing like a California road trip along The Pacific Coast Highway with friends. The highway stretches along the coast of California, which gives you a spectacular view of the ocean and breathtaking attractions along the way as you drive on this road.

Fun places to visit on a California road trip with friends

• Hearst Castle
• Greyhound Rock Beach 
• Pfeiffer State Beach 
• Point Loma 

Michigan Road Trip

If you do not have much time on your road trip with friends, a Michigan road trip will be perfect for you. Take a trip to Torch lake and spend a few days there. It never gets boring.

• If you are going on a road trip in an RV check out Kampground of America, to get the best camping grounds.
• Carry food that is easy to cook while on the road.

Hello there! My name is Rose. I’m passionate about electric cars and clean energy. My adventurous spirit and journalistic pursuits make each day fascinating and far greater. I consider traveling not just about the grandeur moments, but the little elements that transform the whole experience.

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The Coolest Road Trips to Take With Your Besties

Hit the road and make some amazing memories with your friends.

Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

There's nothing better than a road trip with your best friends. Hitting the road with your favorite tracks blasting while eating tons of snacks and planning fun stops is the perfect way to spend a school break. A road trip is one of the best ways to make memories, and while the journey can be just as much fun as the destination, picking an amazing spot to visit for a few days will make the trip truly epic. The best part of a road trip is you don’t have to even make it a huge deal — you could go for a fun day trip or make it a whole weekend (or week long) excursion depending on your sked and budget. The memories alone will be worth the effort, not to mention, if you pick the right destination and route, you’ll have plenty of amazing backgrounds for some epic selfies. Check out our favorite road trip destinations for you and your besties, and get ready to hit the road.

Universal Orlando

Annapolis, Maryland

A fun drive from the D.C. area, the waterfront city has so many fun things to do: tour the Naval Academy, try paddle boarding or go for a boat ride, tour the historic homes, or chow down on lobster rolls. Stay at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel for amazing views of the harbor.

This west coast city has so much to offer, from good food (and coffee — it’s home to the original Sbux) to tons of Insta-worthy sites like the Space Needle, the “Gum Wall”, and the Seattle Great Wheel.

Disneyland in Anaheim, California

If you and your besties are in need of a mid-semester pick-me-up, there’s truly no better place to go. It’s not just for little kids. You’ll love going on the rides, checking out the attractions, and taking an obligatory pic of your ice cream cone with the happiest place on earth as the background.

D isney World in Orlando Florida

If you’re on the other side of the country, consider a trip Disney World. Make it a long weekend so you have time to hit up The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and if you can swing it, Animal Kingdom too. You and your bffs will have so much fun riding the rides (make sure to get the Disney Genie+ service to get Lightning Lane entrances so you can hit up the top attractions and rides without wasting precious time in lines), fueling up on all the IG worthy treats, and making TikToks and Reels everywhere you go. Stay at Disney's Contemporary Resort — it makes the perfect home base for exploring all the parks. The Monorail runs right through the hotel for easy access to the Magic Kingdom and other hotels and Epcot, and it's just a short shuttle ride to the other theme parks. Plus, you can catch the Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks show right from the hotel, and there's an arcade, pool with waterslide and tons of food options on site (including Chef Mickey's if you're looking for some fun selfies with your favorite childhood friends and California Grill if you want to treat yourselves to a special dinner).

Grand Canyon, Arizona

This natural landmark is a must-see, and not just because the stunning vistas will look amazing on your Insta. You can explore this natural wonder by foot or horse, depending how much time you have.

Litchfield, Connecticut

Calling all fans of Gilmore Girls ! If you always wanted to visit Stars Hollow IRL, grab your crew and head to Litchfield, CT. Gilmore Girls show runner, Amy Sherman-Palladino has said the fictional town was inspired by Washington, Connecticut. After checking out the area and snapping some pics, there are several other towns to visit in Litchfield, each with their own charm and shops and restaurants to explore. The ultimate country escape, Litchfield is filled with chic boutiques, adorable cafes and restaurants, and lots of hiking spots. There’s even skiing and snowboarding at nearby Mohawk Mountain. Book a room or two at The Litchfield Inn , which is the perfect backdrop for your cottage core-inspired content. There are 32 rooms, 12 of which are themed rooms, and your stay includes a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning, with everything you could want, including an omelette bar and all the coffee. When you’ve finished a long day of exploring, you can come back to the inn for cookies and snacks, and there’s a fun outdoor space with a fire pit where you can hang out and play corn hole.

New Orleans, Louisiana

While Mardi Gras may seem like the obvious time to visit, New Orleans is amazing year-round. Consider going in the fall or winter, when the weather is slightly cooler and it’s not so packed.

Charlottesville, Virginia

This fun college town is the perfect southern destination. You have to check out UVA, Thomas Jefferson’s alma mater, and hit up downtown Charlottesville for tons of cool restaurants, shopping, and live music.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

You may have gone with your family when you were younger, but you’ll have a blast with your squad hitting up Noah’s Ark Water Park, going on a Duck tour, and of course, enjoying all the local fudge and delicious fried foods.

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Poconos may sound like a random destination from NYC, but once you arrive at Woodloch Resort , you'll understand why this spot made the cut. If you're looking for a resort that has everything you need so you never have to leave, Woodloch is it. The resort literally has everything you could want from a vacation — pools, go carts, a climbing wall, tennis, mini golf, water slides, beach activities, archery, boat tours, game rooms, shows and dance clubs, numerous food options... we could go on. Even in the colder months, there's still plenty to do both indoors and out, making it a year-round escape from the city. Suffice it to say, everything you could ever want out of a vacation is here.

Austin, Texas

Live music, street fairs, and tons of restaurants and shopping — there are so many fun things to do in this Texas hotspot.

Lake Placid, New York

If you're looking to spend some time outside, breathing in fresh mountain air, hiking and enjoying lake life at its finest, grab your crew and head to Lake Placid, New York. Lake Placid was the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics, and there's plenty to do there any time of year. Visit the Olympic Ski Jump Complex and test your fear of heights by taking the elevator up to see how far you can jump. You'll also want to check out The Olympic Center and museum. In the summer and fall, you can hike or head out on Mirror Lake or Lake Placid to fish, canoe, kayak, canoe, or paddle board. Or just spend some time along the lake reading the newest YA book. During the wintertime, you can ice skate, sled, or cross country ski before cozying up in front of the fire. The town is filled with restaurants and shops to explore. Stay at the Mirror Lake Inn . The location simply can't be beat — it's right on Mirror Lake with beach access and just a few minutes walk to town or Lake Placid. The rooms and interiors have that old school Adirondack feel, and the property has everything you need — an indoor and outdoor pool, an amazing spa, a private beach with complimentary boat rentals and lounge chairs and towels, as well as two on-site restaurants. If you're feeling fancy, hit up The View, which not only has the most amazing views of Mirror Lake but an incredible breakfast spread and dinner menu. For a more casual experience, hit up The Cottage for lunch or dinner. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is fun, and the views are amazing, too.

The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota

If you and your besties favorite thing to do is shop, why not take a trip to the biggest mall in America? Save up because with hundreds of stores and over 50 restaurants (not to mention an arcade, aquarium, and more!) you won’t be able to leave without emptying your bank account.

Park City, Utah

While Park City is a popular wintertime destination thanks to its amazing ski mountains, it’s also an incredible place to visit in the summer or fall. Regardless of when you go, you'll have the best time bonding outdoors. Ski, snowboard, sled, hike, mountain bike, fly fish, horseback ride, or just take a chairlift up the mountain for some scenic selfies. And don't forget to enjoy all the shopping and good food along Main Street. Stay at the Lodge at the Mountain Village for easy access to all the mountain activities and town.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

This popular summer destination is amazing in the fall when the weather is still beautiful but there aren’t huge crowds. The beaches are beautiful, so pack all those YA novels you’ve been dying to read, a cooler and some blankets. There are also really cute restaurants and shops to explore.

The Catskills, New York

The setting for Dirty Dancing , the Catskills are a fun place to explore if you live in the New York-area. There’s no prettier background for amazing photos — waterfalls, lakes, mountains and colorful leaves everywhere. Go canoeing or hiking, or just drive around and take tons of cool pics.

Now that you’ve got the destination nailed down, you’re almost ready to go. To plan a really epic trip though, you want to make sure you have the right set-up. That includes plenty of bevs and snacks for the road, cash for stops along the way, gas money, a number for road side assistance in case something happens (and make sure you have a spare tire and kit in the car), and of course a killer playlist.

Stay at Scribner's Catskill Lodge , and you'll have all your TikTok and IG vids on lock. The setting couldn't be more beautiful and the resort has a cool rustic modern vibe. The rooms are spacious and perfectly nail the cool Catskills aesthetic. In summer, there's tons of hiking all around, lawn games and a pool on site. And in winter, you can snow shoe, cross country ski, and skate at the on-site rink. Definitely make a reservation at Prospect, the delicious on-site restaurant. Go for dinner, but you're going to come back for breakfast and maybe lunch too — it's that good.

Kennebunkport, Maine

While a bit further of a drive from the city, Kennebunkport is definitely worth the trek. The coastal beach destination could not be more beautiful. Embrace the New England vibe and enjoy lobster rolls, hang out at the beach, bike ride to town, and check out the local shops and restaurants. Stay at the Nonantum Resort , a historic hotel located right on the water. The interiors and rooms embody coastal chic, and provide the perfect backdrop for a weekend of New England fun. The resort offers a private dock, where you can grab sailing and fishing excursions and lobster tours, and a secluded beach, and an outdoor heated pool. The Nonantum prioritizes sustainability, so you can feel good about your stay, too. Don't miss the breakfast buffet spread — you'll look forward to waking up to it every morning. For waterfront dining with a view, book a table at Latitudes, and for delicious casual fare, there's Heckmans bar. The resort is so scenic, you'll have plenty of places to capture content, and it won't be hard to see why so many people choose to get married right at the resort.

Kristin Koch is the Editor in Chief  of Seventeen, overseeing the content and editorial operations for all of Seventeen's digital and print efforts. Before coming to Seventeen, Koch held editor positions at Glamour, Vanity Fair, and The Knot. In 2016, she founded lifestyle blog, Closetful of Clothes, where she covers everything from style and interiors to travel. A Chicago native, Koch graduated from Colgate University with a degree in History. She loves pizza, rom-coms and HGTV. 

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How to Plan a Trip with Friends

Last Updated: March 3, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Amy Tan . Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000. This article has been viewed 118,368 times.

The only thing better than a vacation with friends is a well-planned vacation with friends. With careful preparation and good communication, you can ensure that your group will stay energized and enthusiastic through the whole trip. Choose your friends, destination and activities wisely and your group will enjoy a fun and memorable holiday--and start getting ready to plan the next one.

Getting Your Group Together

• If you enjoy trips with lots of walking or hiking, but your friend would rather lounge by a pool all day, consider how much you’ll both be willing to compromise and if it’s worth it to invite them or not. Also consider whether a friend is an early riser or prefers to go to sleep late, and how high-maintenance they tend to be.

• If one or two people simply aren’t available, tell them that you’re sorry it didn’t work out for this trip and that you’ll let them know when you’re planning your next holiday with friends.

• For example, you could say, “I know it’s awkward, but we should talk about a budget before we start planning everything. I know I’d like to keep the full cost of the trip under $2,000, if we can!”
• If it starts getting too expensive for any of your friends, let them know that you understand if they’re not able to splurge for this trip, and that you’re excited to travel with them at a time that’s better for them.

Choosing a Destination

• Choose friends who aren’t afraid to try new things and who won’t be too grumpy in the face of jet lag or long days of walking.

• This is a great choice for a larger group of five people or more, because there’s something for everyone and the group can easily split up if some of the group can lay in the sun all day, while more active friends can rent jet skis or go snorkeling.

• Ask your friends to take turns driving, so one person isn’t behind the wheel the whole time.

Creating an Itinerary for Everyone

• Use online documents to share ideas as you create the itinerary, and send out a final version when it’s all done.

• Let your group know early on if you’ll be sharing rooms, so they can choose roommates and work out any issues.

• If some activities are similar, like boating and snorkeling, try to merge them. For example, you can rent a boat for the day and bring snorkeling equipment for those who want to swim.

• Plan for downtime in the afternoon, especially after lunch when the group may be full and sleepy or as a quick pick-me-up before dinner.

• Plan a meetup spot and time, especially if you’re in a foreign country where not everyone has phone service.

• Remind your friends that you won’t be able to accommodate everyone at every restaurant. If your group has widely varying tastes, compromise: choose a burger place one night, and go out for sushi the next. Not everyone will get their favorite food every night, but they’ll be happier to compromise knowing that their voice was heard.

Preparing for Departure

• Remind your group to bring any IDs necessary for traveling. If you’re going abroad, you’ll need your passport. If you’re staying in the country, make sure to bring your driver’s license or another government-issued ID card.

• Share luggage space and items like toothpaste, shampoo or camping tents.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Amy Tan. Travel Planner. Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.
• ↑ https://www.thecut.com/2016/03/group-vacation-guide-c-v-r.html
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMtirywlZjU&feature=youtu.be&t=43s
• ↑ http://vacationidea.com/ideas/best-girlfriend-getaways.html
• ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a9587944/how-to-plan-vacation-with-friends/

About This Article

If you want to plan a trip with friends, start by agreeing on dates that suit everyone in the group and a budget that everyone can afford. Then, choose a destination to suit your group, like a road trip for a small group that gets on well or a beach holiday for a larger, relaxed group. You’ll also want to designate 1-2 people in your group to organize an itinerary, including travel and accommodation, as this will ensure bookings are made more quickly. When the details are confirmed, email them to everyone in the group so they’re aware of the details. For tips on how to select friends for a trip and how to deal with currency exchange, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Welcome to Epic Travel Plans!

Epic Travel Plans

Destinations that will leave you Breathless. Plans to make it happen

30 Best Trips with Friends! FUN Weekend and International Places to Go

But before you decide on a destination, be sure to keep the personalities and preferences of your friends top of mind. Some friends are awesome to lay on a beach with, but not so great for trekking through the jungle or road tripping through Europe.

My top tip: Embrace the personalities and preferences of who you’re traveling with, and let it guide your destination.

After getting trip ideas below, check out my travel planning guide to help you make it epic.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to excellent travel-related products. If you use the links below to make a purchase, we’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

15 FUN Places to go with friends on the weekend

I highly recommend OFTEN taking fun trips with friends near where you live. Short and sweet trips are a great way to “test the waters” of traveling with friends without putting too much stress on a relationship. Especially if your travel styles are quite different.

Here are awesome places to go with friends on the weekend, including ideas across the US and Canada.

1. HOUSEBOATING near you

My very first BIG trip with friends was a houseboating weekend in beautiful British Columbia. It was perfect! 

We soaked in the hot tub and slid down the waterslide when we got too hot. Ate way too much ice cream. Met some cuties. And we even crashed. Yup, we did. There’s nothing like a little drama to pull you together! (Make sure you get insurance, ‘cause those boats are harder to steer than they look!)

Find the nearest pretty lake country near you, book a car and make it happen. It’s like camping but with a waterslide.

2. Fun LOS ANGELES weekend getaway for girls

A girls trip to LA is pretty classic. Strut your stuff like Pretty Woman on Rodeo Drive. Hit up the star-prone restaurants. And time it with the Oscars to experience the red carpet. It’s possibly THE most epic place to travel with friends on the weekend.

Or, if you’re not into the Hollywood mayhem, stay on beautiful Santa Monica Beach. Cycle The Strand bike path along the waterfront. Ride the ferris wheel on the pier. And people-watch while enjoying incredible beachfront restaurants.

Where to stay with friends in Los Angeles:

• Casa Del Mar resort and spa (Santa Monica): Right on Santa Monica Beach, with an outdoor pool, restaurants and live music on Sundays. Every room has a hydrotherapy spa tub and floor-to-ceiling windows, some with an ocean view.
• Beverly Wilshire (Beverly Hills): As close as you can get to Rodeo Drive, overlooking Rodeo Drive and the Via Rodeo fountain and steps. An epic place for a trip with friends to explore Rodeo Drive’s boutique shops and cafes.
• SIXTY Beverly Hills (Beverly Hills): Five blocks from Rodeo Drive along Wilshire Blvd, with a pretty rooftop pool and bar.

3. FLORIDA KEYS road trips with friends

A road trip from Miami to the tip of the Florida Keys is the perfect mix of beach and culture. It’s only about 3.5 hours, with plenty of time to stop along the way.

If you’re not from Miami, spend a day exploring its museums, Bayside Marketplace at the waterfront, or cultural neighborhoods like Little Havana.

Then, rent a car and head out to Key West. Along the way, stop to play with dolphins, feel the sand between your toes, and eat and drink with a view. Want more adventure? Where better to go skydiving with the girls than in Key West?!

Find all you need to plan your Florida Keys road trip with friends .

4. NEW ORLEANS weekend getaway with friends

Visiting the plantations in Louisiana would certainly make for a memorable travel experience with friends in the USA. Stay in a former plantation mansion, the elegant Nottoway Plantation that dates back to the 1850s. It’s the south’s largest antebellum mansion, located right on the Mississippi River. It features antiques and fireplaces in the rooms. Plus, an outdoor pool, hot tub, onsite dining and self-guided tours.

Plantations to visit near New Orleans, Louisiana:

• Oak Alley Plantation : Known for the stunning Oak-lined path entrance to this sugarcane plantation. Features tours of the “big house” (with a pretty wrap-around upper balcony), slave cabins, expansive garden and exhibits.
• Whitney Plantation : Famous for its ground-breaking slavery museum, with restored buildings and educational guided tours.
• Destrehan Plantation : Established in 1787, this sugar plantation was the site of one of the three trials following the 1811 Slave Revolt. Features interpretive tours, exhibits and pretty grounds.

5. Fun trips with friends to NEW YORK CITY

New York City can be anything you and your friends want it to be. 

Times Square and Fifth Avenue are perfect for high-end shopping, flashing lights and nightlife. Its museums, Broadway theater and The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts are epic for the culturalists. Foodies will love exploring Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. And for those who love relaxation, Central Park, Staten Island and Brooklyn waterfront promise amazing views. I’d argue that NYC is one of the BEST places to travel with friends.

On my trip with friends to NYC, we stayed in a boutique hotel in the Upper West Side . Within a block, we had a small pastry shop, grocery store and plenty of cute cafes. We could easily walk to Central Park and Riverside Park (perfect for a You’ve Got Mail walking tour). And since we were surrounded by residential streets, I got to meet so many dogs out for their walk! Plus, easy subway access to everything else.

Find your perfect place to stay in Manhattan , Brooklyn , Staten Island , Queens and the Bronx (a 3-part series).

6. SEATTLE jazz weekend trips with friends

I love Seattle, Washington. Its Pike Place Market and waterfront restaurants. Plenty of jazz clubs. And lots of excellent shopping and coffee shops, too. Seattle has beautiful waterfront parks, artsy museums, Space Needle views, and boat tours to stay busy. Time it with a concert, too!

When I visited Seattle with one of my best friends, we LOVED the comfortable beds and pillows at the Staypineapple Maxwell Hotel . You simply cannot get a better sleep! It’s colorful vibe is super fun, too, and it has an indoor pool and bikes you can use. Price includes wifi.

Now, as much as I love the Staypineapple beds, you can’t get a better location than The Edgewater . It’s right at Pier 67, with fabulous views of Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Elegant rooms have fireplaces, cozy furnishings and spa bathroom. The property features an onsite restaurant, gift shop and coffee bar. Price includes wifi and downtown shuttle.

7. Fun LAS VEGAS weekend trips with friends

I’ll admit that Las Vegas is pretty low on my list of places to visit, but I understand the appeal – especially with friends. Awesome shows. Epic shopping. Sights you just won’t see anywhere else.

If you want to embrace the chaos, Las Vegas Strip is the place to stay. If you want to come up to breathe, consider a place like Tahiti Village Resort & Spa near the airport and outlet mall.

You’ll also find some incredible house rentals on VRBO , both near The Strip or near the mountains.

8. Epic CANYON road trips with friends

A great add-on to a friends Vegas trip, especially for the outdoorsy adventurers at heart, is a 2-day canyon road trip . Hike the amazing canyons of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon North Rim and Antelope slot canyon.

You have some incredible options for places to stay, too. Under Canvas near Lake Powell has lovely tents with a cozy wood-burning stove and private balcony with canyon views. Or book the luxury Amangiri spa resort, tucked right into the rocks. It has an onsite restaurant, bar, concierge, sauna and spa. And the rooms look AMAZING.

9. AMUSEMENT PARK hopping trips with friends

Are you guys dare-devils? How fun would it be to go amusement park hopping together?!

Top on my list are Coney Island in New York City and Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. In Canada, Montreal’s Six Flags is lots of fun.

To visit a bunch on one trip, take a road trip through California or Pennsylvania. Yup, Pennsylvania! Check out this USA Today article for 17 awesome parks.

10. BEACH resort weekend getaway with friends

You can have an amazing beach resort getaway with friends even without leaving the continental USA. One of my favorite spots is about half an hour from downtown Jacksonville, Florida, at the lovely Ponte Vedra Beach seaside community. It’s also known as San Pablo Island, and is a great mixture of relaxing beaches and bustling Jacksonville nearby.

A wonderful place for a beach weekend getaway with friends is Ponte Vedra Inn and Club . Its beach and gardens are beautiful, with warm and comfortable rooms. Enjoy four heated pools, bikes, seven restaurants and lounges, and plenty of onsite shops and boutiques. Despite all of its amenities, it feels like a charming boutique inn.

Our equivalent for relaxation in Canada is Prince Edward Island. It’s super low-key and perfect for friends who just want to chill.

Dalvay by the Sea Hotel is classic and luxurious, located on the north shore. It’s inside a national park and has an onsite restaurant, bar, tennis courts and bike rentals. Or stay in one of many lovely historic inns in Charlottetown. I highly recommend the charming Fairholm National Historic Inn .

11. Fun ARTSY places to go with friends

Here are two very different types of artsy places to go with friends.

First, East Hampton Art Bed and Breakfast on Long Island. This sprawling property is perfect for art lovers and those looking for a refreshing getaway. Relax in the outdoor pool and jacuzzi while admiring the meditation garden, waterfalls, and lotus pond.

And second, head to Memphis to meet the king! If your friends are big music buffs, you’ll enjoy exploring the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum, Gibson Guitar Factory, and Orpheum Theatre. And of course, the iconic Beale Street’s shops and restaurants. 

Stay at the Peabody Memphis with an onsite dining room, spa, indoor pool and luxurious bathrobes. And don’t miss Peabody’s “March of the ducks” tradition!

12. LAKEFRONT retreat weekend trips with friends

Head to Upstate New York for a weekend trip with friends at the lake. 

Inns of Aurora is a community of five lakefront properties. They’re beautiful and cozy, with wine tastings, yoga and painting classes. Plus, a private beach, lakeside firepits, paddling and bikes. Organic, fair-trade coffee and fresh scones in the morning. Farm-to-table restaurant during the day. Book a room with a fireplace and lake views.

13. Fun weekend trips with friends in TEXAS

There are plenty of beautiful resorts in Texas perfect for weekend trips with friends. One of my favorites is the JL Bar Ranch Resort and Spa in lovely Texas Hill Country. This estate is grand, with a full-service spa, outdoor pool and two restaurants. Plus, pretty gardens to explore, complete with a fountain. Rooms offer warm decor, with gorgeous dark wood accents, furnished patios, bathrobes and slippers. Price includes wifi.

Another favorite is Commodore Perry Estate in Austin Texas. Its manicured gardens are gorgeous, as is the massive library with floor-to-ceiling bookcases and plush couches. You’ll also spend plenty of time in its elegant tea room, pool, terrace and restaurant. Book a room with a terrace for pretty views. Price includes wifi and shuttle service.

14. WINE AND SPA getaways with friends

Do you girls love sipping wine and relaxing with beautiful views? One of the best places to travel with friends in the USA is Napa Valley, California. Napa Valley is about 1.5 hours northeast of the San Francisco International Airport. You’ll find more than 375 wineries, more than 150 restaurants, and beautiful weather year-round. Napa Valley is nestled among two mountain ranges, with incredible views wherever you look.

For weekend getaways with friends at Canadian wineries, choose from gorgeous views in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, and Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. All three locations have excellent wines, spas and views.

Where to stay for a wine and spa getaway with the girls:

• Auberge du Soleil Resort (Rutherford, California): This gorgeous resort is the ultimate friends weekend getaway, surrounded by a 33-acre olive grove. Relax in cabanas at the pool. Indulge at the spa and fine dining restaurant.
• Therapy Vineyards (Okanagan, BC): Suites overlook the vineyard and Okanagan Lake, with oversized windows, fireplace, patio and oversized tub. The property also has an outdoor fireplace and hot tub, and serves breakfast.
• Prince of Wales (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario): This elegant Victorian-style luxury hotel is the perfect base for exploring nearby wineries. Features an onsite spa and indoor pool. Enjoy traditional English tea at the onsite restaurant and local wines in the cozy lounge.

15. CRAFTING retreat with the girls

There’s something about a crafting getaway that screams “treat”! How often do you dedicate time to create together?

You can find accommodations that offer things like cooking classes or join a retreat that focuses on a particular craft, like painting. For me and my friends, we’d just bring our favorite crafting supplies to a cozy cabin retreat with a hot tub and views.

15 BEST Places to travel with friends in Europe and the world

Taking international trips with friends is a sure way to create lasting memories and bonds. But the stress of international travel will put pressure on your friendship. Make sure you choose a destination that complements your relationship and how you enjoy spending time together.

In Europe, my favorite place to look for accommodations is Plum Guide . You’ll find the coolest house rentals ever, all verified and not all ridiculously expensive.

Here are awesome places to travel with friends in the world, including Europe.

16. European CASTLE getaway with friends

Take your international trip with friends around Europe chasing castles! The biggest challenge will be narrowing your castle adventure to a geographical area, like England or France.

Pick the most iconic castle or area you most want to see and plan the rest of your friends vacation from there. Here are three ideas:

• Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany): The most classic fairytale-like castle nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Take in its stunning architecture, lush surroundings, and panoramic views. Other (relatively) nearby castles to visit include the medieval and mountaintop Hohenwerfen Fortress in Austria and 
• Château de Chambord (France): A Renaissance masterpiece with elegant French architecture and vast gardens. It’ll enchant you with its grand halls and intricate details. Other notable French castles to visit include the lovely Château de Chenonceau built atop an old mill and the opulent Palace of Versailles.
• Eilean Donan Castle (Scotland): A remarkably enchanting castle among many in Scotland, with its charming bridge and moss-covered walls near the entrance to the Isle of Skye. My other favorite castles are on the opposite side of Scotland: the grand Sterling Castle and romantic cliffside Dunnottar Castle.

17. International trips with friends to AUSTRIA

Austria is a captivating blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural experiences. Start your trip with friends in Vienna , the capital city. It’s a hub of art, music and architecture, with magnificent palaces, cathedrals and museums. Pick accommodations near City Center so you can walk to St. Stephen’s Cathedral for evening drinks.

Then, travel through the Danube’s Wachau Valley before heading south to Salzburg. Wachau Valley is a beautiful area of vineyards and cute villages along the river valley. I also highly recommend a stop at Stift Melk Abbey .

Roam the streets and hills surrounding the lovely city of Salzburg , the birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. It’s a charming old town with cobblestone streets, lovely gardens, and the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress looming above.

18. ENGLAND road trips with friends

Take a road trip with friends through the English countryside. There are SO many romantic castles, parks and gardens. Quaint villages in the Cotswolds. Rugged rolling hills in the Lake District. And haunting mysteries of Rosslyn Chapel. Experience England’s beauty on a drive from London to Edinburgh .

If you’d prefer a relaxing group tour rather than driving yourself, check out excellent tours of England from Trafalgar . Include a tour of Scotland and Ireland, too.

Find amazing places to stay on PlumGuide.com .

19. EUROPEAN CRUISE vacation with friends 

A European cruise vacation with friends would be AMAZING. You have all the benefits of world-class service, entertainment and food. Plus the gorgeous cities, islands and rugged coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. Elegant spires off the Baltic Sea. Incredible history and the Cliffs of Dover off the North Sea. And then the more intimate cruise experience of exploring the Rhine or Danube.

Choosing your perfect European cruise option will be the toughest part. River cruises are quite unique, and an incredible way to experience Europe together.

20. Road trips through ITALY with friends

I’ve been to Italy only once and long to go back. There is SO much to see in Italy and it would be absolutely amazing to experience it with my best girl friends. Given the variety of sights to see, I recommend either getting a train pass for the time you’re there or renting a car.

On a road trip through Italy, start and stop in the vibrant city of Rome. Rome is a must-visit for historical landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain. Stroll its charmings streets while indulging in pastas and gelato.

Then head up to Venice, a unique floating city built on canals. On your return to Rome, stop in Florence to see the famous Statue of David and beautiful churches. Then calm things down with a few days exploring the stunning Cinque Terre coastline and Tuscany wineries.

If you have more time, continue south of Rome to explore the historic ruins of Pompeii. It’s just south of Naples, another gorgeous coastal city. Sorrento and the Amalfi coast promise more spectacular views and memories for an epic trip with friends.

Find amazing home rentals on PlumGuide.com and hotels on Booking.com .

21. Explore ICELAND on a trip with friends

Iceland is a magical land of fire and ice, with waterfalls, the Blue Lagoon and ice caves. It’s an amazing trip with friends who love exploring nature’s wonders … and don’t mind a remote experience. There are no Starbucks in Iceland! But you will find other delicious coffee.

Visit the famous Golden Circle, which includes the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Þingvellir National Park. Take in the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach. Hike through the mesmerizing landscapes of Landmannalaugar or the volcanic region of Mývatn. Discover rugged fjords and black sand beaches, and then soak in the soothing Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

If you want to explore Iceland’s famous ice caves or chase the Northern Lights, you must come in winter. Plan your friend’s trip between mid-November and mid-March.

22. Fun CARIBBEAN CRUISE trips with friends

A cruise is as easy as they come for trips with friends. Choose a destination, timing, and go!

A super easy cruise vacation for friends would be the Bahamas or Caribbean. Hop from beautiful island to beautiful island, all while enjoying luxury amenities, entertainment, and dining onboard.

A cruise is also a fantastic solution to taking trips with friends who have different interests. So long as you can agree on a cruise destination, you can go your separate ways in the afternoon and come back together at dinner.

Explore cruises on CruiseDirect.com .

23. INDIA adventure places to travel with friends

India is rich in cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable experiences for friends traveling together. Explore the bustling streets of Delhi and vibrant markets of Jaipur. Visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. And take a spiritual journey in Varanasi.

But to see the best of India on your trip with friends, you need to leave the popular northern cities. Travel south to the popular Kovalam Beach and witness the breathtaking landscapes of Kerala’s backwaters.

Find incredible treehouses for your next best adventure with friends! Check out these treehouses on Booking.com , including in India, Chile, Costa Rica and more.

24. International trips with friends to THAILAND

Are you and your friends intrigued by Asian culture and finding the perfect secluded beach (like in The Beach movie)? Then I’m guessing Thailand is on your radar for international places to visit with friends. 

My main tip for visiting Thailand is to get out of Bangkok as quickly as possible. It’s busy, smoggy and not especially friendly. Instead, head north to Chiang Mai to experience the floating markets . Climb an ancient temple and brush up against an elephant. Then indulge at a beach resort at Phuket or the Phi Phi islands . Bask on white sand beach, surrounded by gorgeous limestone peaks and perfect turquoise waters.

Interested in a guided group tour? I highly recommend Intrepid small group tours for an incredibly rich, “local” experience. They have tours into Northern and Southern Thailand, including food and beach tours!

You may also like 5 Charities in SE Asia Tourists Should Visit .

25. Epic CAMBODIA trips with friends

Ancient temples, jungle and Tomb Raider. And an incredibly resilient people that carry an awful history of genocide. Cambodia is a place that will touch your soul and guarantees a friends trip you’ll never forget.

You’ll want to visit both the capital of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, home to the famous temples. In Phnom Penh, visit markets, temples and gardens. But hold onto your food, because those monkeys are gutsy! And my opinion is that tourists should pay their respects at the genocide sites . How else can we begin to appreciate what their people have been through?

In Siem Reap, explore the gorgeous temple ruins of Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm. A local guide can also take you to lesser-known temples you can climb with a jungle view all to yourself. Be sure to have a drink at The Red Piano and ask for a Tomb Raider drink. Cheers!

When I was in Siem Reap, my sister challenged me to do more than visit, so I will challenge you. Read about my experience of donating blood in Cambodia . (Yes, it was safe.)

26. JAPANESE MONASTERY places to travel with friends

I’ve only had a taste of visiting Japan on a layover in Tokyo on our way to Vietnam, but they completely charmed me with their hospitality! Japan is now on my bucket list, and specifically the zen experience of staying in Japanese monasteries.

Two iconic Japanese monastery communities to visit on a trip with friends include Kōya-san (Mount Kōya) and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Mount Kōya is in a mountainous region about 7 hours southwest of Tokyo. It’s home to over a hundred temples including the famous Kongōbu-ji. Stay in shukubo (temple lodgings) with traditional Japanese-style rooms, vegetarian meals, and the opportunity to participate in morning meditations.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is right in Kyoto. It’s known for its stunning golden exterior, and creates a breathtaking view as it reflects off the surrounding pond. Explore its exquisite gardens and the historic tea house inside the complex.

27. Fun AUSTRALIA beach road trips with friends

Australia is known for powdery white-sand beaches. So, rent a car and go beach-hopping on a road trip with friends!

Fly into Sydney and start your trip with friends at the iconic Bondi Beach . It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent surf and coastal walks. Take in the lively beach culture as you sample the many beachside cafes.

Then, head south for about 3 hours to Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay. It holds a Guinness World Record for having the whitest sand. Swim and snorkel at these beautiful clear waters and enjoy the laid-back coastal vibe.

Along the way, stop at the coastal Royal National Park and inland Heathcote National Park . They offer rugged hiking and other adventures that balance nicely with beach-bumming!

28. International trips with friends to BRAZIL

Have you heard of Iguazu Falls? Iguazu Falls is the world’s LARGEST waterfall, made up of a massive 270 separate falls! Check it out for yourself in the best virtual tours of waterfalls around the world . Iguazu Falls is right on the Brazil and Argentina border. 

Along with Iguazu Falls, experience Brazil’s beaches, rainforest and Rio de Janeiro. Make the epic climb up to Christ the Redeemer for epic views.

If you’re interested in a guided tour, check out Trafalgar’s tours in South America . This would be an easy way to explore the best sights on a trip with friends.

29. COSTA RICA best places to travel with friends

I SO want to experience the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica. And stay in treehouse resorts. It sounds incredible.

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise known for its incredible biodiversity and natural wonders. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers breathtaking views, misty forests, and the chance to see rare wildlife. The nearby Arenal Volcano National Park provides thrilling hikes and hot springs for relaxing afterwards. 

For a beach experience, head to Manuel Antonio National Park. Manuel Antonio National Park is renowned for stunning beaches and lots of wildlife, perfect for relaxing and snorkeling. It’s on the Pacific Ocean and accessible by road.

With its lush rainforests, stunning coastlines, and eco-friendly practices, Costa Rica offers a memorable and sustainable travel experience for friends.

30. Fun MEXICO beach trips with friends

There’s a reason why North Americans flock to beautiful Mexico! Mexico has some of the world’s finest beaches, best preserved Mayan ruins and fascinating, colorful cultures. But with all the options, where should you travel with friends? I suggest two. 

First, Cancun is an obvious choice. It’s a world-class destination with something for everyone. Exquisite beaches, first-class hotels, a more authentic downtown area, Mayan ruins and fantastic weather year-round. For an incredible trip with Mom to Cancun, stay at the adults-only all-inclusive Le Blanc Spa Resort . 

A second, quieter choice is Playa Maroma. About 30 miles from Riviera Maya, Playa Maroma has arguably the best beaches in the world. Plus rainforests and snorkeling right off the beach. A beautiful all-inclusive resort to check out is Catalonia Playa Maroma .

You may also like:

• How to travel with friends: Trip planning
• How to find better accommodations
• Trips with Mom and Trips with Dad

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155 Road Trip Questions To Ask Your Friends and Family

Ever hit that point in your road trip where you’ve run out of things to talk about or you’re tired of listening to music? That's where these road trip questions come in handy. No matter where you’re headed or how long it takes to get there, these road trip conversation starters will spark some entertaining discussions, bring up forgotten memories, and build closer connections with your fellow travelers.

Travel and Adventure

If travel is your favorite topic (or anyone else’s in the car), this category will be breezy. From reminiscing about the good times on past road trips to dreaming up future trips, these fun road trip questions will fuel your wanderlust and inspire you to go on more epic adventures.

What is your favorite national park or forest?

What's the longest road trip you've taken?

Where's a place you'd like us all to go together someday?

Where did you go on your last road trip?

Which city in the world would you like to explore the most?

Where would you like to retire?

What’s the farthest place you’ve ever traveled in a car?

Would you rather climb a mountain or deep sea dive?

If you could take a month-long road trip, what would be your route?

Where is the most relaxing place you’ve ever been?

What’s something that is considered a luxury, but you don’t think you could live without?

What’s your goal for the next 12 months? How do you plan to reach it?

Family, Traditions, and Relationships

Dive into your family history, share laughs over inside jokes, and get closer to your car mates (and not just because you’re physically squished in a car with them) with these questions for car rides that focus on family and relationships.

What family vacations did you take as a child?

Who gets away with the most stuff?

Which family member is the funniest?

Who can you share your deepest secrets with?

What's a memory you have with your siblings?

How many more years will you work until retirement?

Do you play an instrument?

Who was your best friend growing up?

Do you know how many months we've been together?

Which family member is the smartest?

Do you remember the first house you lived in?

What is your earliest memory?

What is a family tradition you appreciate?

What will you remember about your grandparents?

Who's been your favorite pet?

What memory always brings a smile to your face?

Who are our closest friends?

What's something that gets on your nerves?

Who do you think looks up to you?

What is the one thing that would be a relationship breaker for you?

Who is the most athletic in the family?

What do you like most about your family?

What do you regret not doing or starting when you were younger?

Do you have a favorite family tradition?

Who would you want at your table for trivia night?

What are some small things that make your day better?

What was the first thing you did when you got home from a trip?

Trivia Questions

Are you a trivia master? We’ll let these trivia  questions   be the judge of that. You’ll test your knowledge and learn facts about a wide range of topics—perfect for passing the time and challenging your fellow road trippers.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? W ritten primarily by Thomas Jefferson.

Can you name all the continents? 

North America

South America

Can you name the three countries that start with the letter “J”? 

Name three people who signed the Constitution. 

George Washington

Benjamin Franklin

Alexander Hamilton

What were the ancient seven wonders of the world? 

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia

The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

The Colossus of Rhodes

The Lighthouse of Alexandria

Name the five Great Lakes. 

Lake Superior

Lake Michigan

Lake Ontario

List all four oceans. 

Pacific Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

Indian Ocean

Southern Ocean

Name ten capitals from countries around the world. 

Washington, D.C. (USA)

London (UK)

Paris (France)

Beijing (China)

Tokyo (Japan)

Moscow (Russia)

Berlin (Germany)

Rome (Italy)

New Delhi (India)

Brasília (Brazil)

Which states does U.S. Route 69 go through? Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California

Personal Reflection and Self-Discovery

As the miles roll by, it might just be the best time to look deep inside yourself. Explore your past, think about your future, and learn more about yourself and your other travelers with these questions for a road trip .

What's something you've always wanted to ask a family member?

What do you like about yourself?

Describe yourself using one word.

Have you ever broken someone's heart?

Has your heart ever been broken?

How would you like to be remembered?

What advice do you have for your 20-year-old self?

How is your life different than you thought it would be?

What is something that gets on your nerves?

Who's a significant person in your life you've lost?

Do you have a great disappointment in life?

How long have you gone without taking a bath/shower?

Do you have a favorite brand of clothing?

Do you have a favorite influencer?

Favorites and Preferences

Discover the quirks and preferences that make each person in your car unique with these fun car ride questions about favorite things, whether that’s music and movies or snacks and superpowers.

What songs are on your road trip playlist ?

Which holiday is your favorite and why?

Do you have a favorite flower?

Do you have a favorite breakfast diner order?

What's your favorite location to go camping?

Do you have a favorite celebrity crush?

What is your favorite kind of doughnut?

What are your must-have snacks on a road trip ?

What is your favorite movie quote?

What was your favorite TV show growing up?

What's your favorite event in the Winter Olympics?

Do you have a favorite video game?

What is your favorite part of travel?

What's something on your bucket list of things to do?

What is your favorite family tradition?

What was your high school mascot?

What was your college mascot?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

What era would you like to live in?

What do you think will the be “throwback” style of the 00s?

Would you ever consider applying for The Bachelor/Bachelorette?

What is your favorite kind of cereal?

What do you typically eat for breakfast?

Which of your scars has the best story behind it?

Reflections on Past Experiences

Time for a quick throwback. Reminisce about the past and share stories from your life with these road trip questions designed to be nostalgic and bring up lots of laughs.

What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in high school?

What was your worst date? Tell a play by play.

Have you ever had to go to the hospital?

What was the best toy of the 90s or 2000s?

What school project were you most proud of?

Dreams, Aspirations, and Regrets

From bucket-list items to career goals and those buried-down-deep regrets, these fun road trip questions will make you think about where you’ve been and where you still want to go. 

What was your first car?

If talent weren't an issue, which sport would you pursue professionally, and why?

What do you wish was taught in school that isn't?

What is your dream job?

What was your favorite subject in school?

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

What's a talent you wish you had?

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

What's a goal you've set for yourself but haven't achieved yet?

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?

What's a hobby you've always wanted to try?

If money weren't an issue, what would you do with your life?

What's one thing you regret not doing when you had the chance?

Do you have any unrealized career aspirations?

If you could change one decision you made in the past, what would it be?

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

Fun and Entertainment

Keep the mood light with these car game questions about your favorite hobbies, entertainment, and most memorable experiences. 

Name one of your Halloween Costumes.

What's a go-to karaoke song?

What was the best and worst piece of TRAVEL advice you’ve ever received?

What is the MUST SEE movie out right now?

Who is your favorite comedian?

What songs are on your road trip playlist?

What do you see out the window right now?

What shows are you currently into?

What was the first CD you ever owned?

More Questions!

Wrap up your road trip conversations with a flurry of fun car questions covering everything from food preferences to fears and favorite memories. Okay, go!

What word can you never remember how to spell?

How do you say croissant?

Do you like pineapple on pizza?

What do you like on your cheesecake?

What toppings do you put on your hamburger?

What toppings do you put on your hot dog?

Do you prefer warm weather or cold weather?

Do you have an irrational fear?

What is your go-to dance move?

What was the first national park you ever visited? If not, which one is on the top of your list to explore?

What has been your favorite photo you’ve taken?

What are your 3 favorite movies?

Who are the 3 greatest living musicians?

What is the best way a person can spend their time?

What is your spirit animal?

Have you ever tried essential oils?

What is the most illegal thing you’ve done?

Do you read the newspaper?

How would you describe your decor style?

What are three key elements in every successful relationship?

What’s the weirdest place you’ve ever slept?

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?

Which exotic animal would you want as your pet?

What do you remember about our first date?

What language would you like to master?

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• Destinations

320 Road Trip with Friends Captions and Quotes for Miles of Memories

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There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with a group of friends , windows down, music up, and endless possibilities ahead.

Road trips offer a chance to disconnect from the stress of everyday life and create unforgettable memories with those closest to us.

But while the journey itself may be full of adventure, the memories we make along the way are just as important. That is where captions and quotes come in handy!

Whether it is for your social media posts or just to capture the moment, having the perfect words to accompany your road trip photos can make all the difference.

In this blog post, we have compiled a list of the best road trip with friends captions and quotes to help you capture the essence of the open road and the adventure. So sit back, relax, and let the inspiration flow!

You Might Also Like: 

223 Sharp-Witted PROVERBS About TRAVEL (Collected From Around the World)

235 unforgettable family trip captions and quotes (perfect for vacation photos).

277 Life-Changing SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL Quotes and Captions (To Boost Your Confidence!)

• 1. Captions and Quotes for the Start of the Road Trip With Friends
• 2. Scenic Views on the Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes
• 3. Group Photos From the Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes
• 4. Captions and Quotes for Food and Drink on a Road Trip With Friends
• 5. Fun and Laughter on the Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes
• 6. Captions and Quotes for the End of the Road Trip With Friends
• 7. Short Captions and Quotes About Road Trip With Friends
• 8. Funny Captions and Quotes About Road Tripping With Friends
• 9. Inspirational Captions and Quotes About Road Trip With Friends
• 10. Sentimental Captions and Quotes About the Road Trip With Friends
• 11. Weekend Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes
• 12. Memorable Captions and Quotes About Road Tripping With Friends
• 13. Family Road Trip Captions and Quotes
• 14. Intrepid Scout's Tips for a Road Trip with Friends

Captions and Quotes for the Start of the Road Trip With Friends

The road trip with friends is an experience like no other. From singing at the top of your lungs to snacking on junk food and stopping at every quirky roadside attraction, a road trip with friends is full of memories that will last a lifetime.

1. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu

2. “Adventure is out there, let’s go find it.”

3. “We weren’t made to just pay bills and die, let’s hit the road.”

4. “Life is short, let’s make every moment count.”

5. “Let’s escape reality for a while and make some unforgettable memories.”

6. “It doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you.”

7. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” — Saint Augustine

8. “Let’s go on an adventure, where the only direction is forward.”

9. “The open road is calling, and I must go.”

10. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” — Helen Keller

11. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” — Abraham Lincoln

12. “The best time for new beginnings is now.”

13. “Let’s hit the road and see where it takes us.”

14. “Life is a journey, enjoy the ride.”

15. “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” — Susan Sontag

16. “Let’s go on a road trip, make some memories, and leave behind a trail of dust and laughter.”

17. “Life is too short to wait, let’s go explore the world.”

18. “Adventure awaits, let’s go find it.”

19. “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”

20. “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” — Oprah Winfrey

21. “The road is long, but the company is good.”

22. “Let’s find some beautiful place to get lost.”

23. “The best things happen unexpectedly, let’s embrace the journey.”

24. “Let’s take the scenic route and make some memories along the way.”

25. “Life was meant for good friends and great adventures.”

26. “Let’s make this trip an unforgettable one.”

27. “Adventure awaits on the open road.”

28. “Let’s find some beautiful place to get lost.”

29. “The best road trips are the ones that take us places we never expected to go.”

30. “Life is about creating and living experiences that are worth sharing.” — Steve Jobs

31. “The world is full of wonderful things you haven’t seen yet. Don’t ever give up on the chance of seeing them.” — J.K. Rowling

32. “Life is a journey, make the most of it.”

33. “Let’s go on an adventure, take risks, and conquer our fears.”

34. “Let’s get lost in nature and find ourselves in the process.”

35. “Life is too short to stay in one place, let’s go out and explore the world.”

36. “The world is a beautiful place, let’s go see it.”

37. “Let’s make memories that will last a lifetime.”

38. “Life is an adventure, let’s go live it.”

39. “Let’s go on a road trip, make some memories, and come back with stories to tell.”

40. “The journey is the reward.”

41. “Good friends, great memories, and the open road.”

42. “The best therapy is a road trip with good friends.”

43. “Let’s go on a road trip, make some memories, and have the time of our lives.”

44. “Friends who travel together, stay together.”

45. “Let’s hit the road and leave our worries behind.”

46. “Life is a journey, and I wouldn’t want to take it with anyone else but you guys.”

47. “Let’s take a break from our busy lives and enjoy the simple pleasures of the open road.”

48. “Friends don’t let friends travel alone.”

49. “Let’s create memories that we’ll cherish for a lifetime.”

50. “The best trips are the ones taken with great company.”

51. “Let’s go on a road trip, make some memories, and come back with stories to tell.”

52. “Life is too short to not go on a road trip with your best friends.”

53. “Let’s go on a road trip and create our own adventure.”

54. “Friends + road trip = memories that last a lifetime.”

55. “Good friends and good roads make for a great journey.”

56. “The open road is calling, and I must go.” — John Muir

57. “Let’s wander where the wifi is weak and the adventures are strong.”

58. “Life was meant for good friends and great adventures.”

59. “The road is calling, and we must go.”

60. “Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.”

61. “Let’s go on a road trip, explore the world, and make unforgettable memories.”

62. “Let’s pack our bags and hit the road, the adventure awaits.”

63. “The best road trips are the ones taken with your best friends.”

64. “The journey is the reward, let’s make the most of it.”

65. “Let’s wander where the Wi-Fi is weak.”

138 GIRLS TRIP CAPTIONS and QUOTES for Unforgettable Moments Spent Together

Scenic Views on the Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes

One of the most unforgettable parts of a road trip with friends is the stunning scenery you’ll encounter along the way. From majestic mountains to serene lakes and everything in between, nature’s beauty provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable adventure with your closest pals.

And what better way to capture the breathtaking views than with the perfect caption or quote?

66. “The mountains are calling and I must go.” — John Muir

67. “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” — Chief Seattle

68. “The journey is as beautiful as the destination.”

69. “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu

70. “The earth has music for those who listen.” — Shakespeare

71. “The beauty of nature is the greatest gift to the human heart.”

72. “Life is a highway, I wanna ride it all night long.” — Tom Cochrane

73. “The freedom of the open road is seductive, serendipitous and absolutely liberating.” — Aaron Lauritsen

74. “The road goes ever on and on.” — J.R.R. Tolkien

75. “The open road is a blank canvas for adventure.”

76. “The view is better when it’s shared with good friends.”

77. “The world is a canvas, let’s go explore the colors.”

78. “Let’s go chase the sun and see where it takes us.”

79. “The mountains are my happy place.”

80. “The best views come after the hardest climb.”

81. “Life is a climb, but the view is great.”

82. “Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.”

Group Photos From the Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes

When it comes to a road trip with friends, nothing beats the joy of being with your favorite people and capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

Group photos are the perfect way to remember the moments of fun, laughter, and adventure that you share on your road trip. Whether you are posing in front of a famous landmark, on the beach, or in the middle of nowhere, group photos are a must-have for any road trip album.

But with so many group photos to choose from, finding the right caption or quote can be a challenge. So here are some of the best captions and quotes to accompany your group photos, so you can showcase the bond between you and your friends and cherish the memories for years to come.

83. “Squad goals.”

84. “Good friends and great adventures.”

85. “Friends who travel together, stay together.”

86. “Good times and tan lines.”

87. “Life is a journey, let’s take it together.”

88. “It’s not where you go, it’s who you go with.”

89. “Together is a beautiful place to be.”

90. “Let’s capture this moment and cherish it forever.”

91. “Good friends, great memories, and epic adventures.”

92. “We’re not lost, we’re on an adventure.”

93. “Let’s take a group photo, and show the world how much fun we’re having.”

94. “Life is a journey, let’s make it a great one together.”

95. “The best moments in life are the ones shared with great friends.”

96. “Let’s take a group photo and make it Instagram official.”

97. “Road trippin’ with my favorite people.”

98. “Adventure is out there, and we’re finding it together.”

99. “Good times and crazy friends make the best memories.”

100. “We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.”

101. “Exploring the world, one road trip at a time.”

102. “We didn’t know we were making memories, we were just having fun.”

103. “The best road trips are the ones taken with great company.”

104. “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.”

105. “Let’s take a group photo and remember this moment forever.”

106. “Travel far, travel wide, but never travel alone.”

107. “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.”

108. “The open road is calling, and we answered together.”

109. “Happiness is a road trip with good friends.”

110. “Friends who road trip together, stay together.”

Captions and Quotes for Food and Drink on a Road Trip With Friends

A road trip with friends is not just about exploring new places and enjoying the scenery – it’s also about indulging in delicious food and drinks along the way.

Whether trying out local specialties, sampling gourmet cuisine, or enjoying a refreshing drink after a long day on the road, food, and drink are an essential part of any memorable road trip with friends.

And what better way to capture the deliciousness of your culinary adventures than with the perfect caption or quote? So get ready to indulge your taste buds and add flavor to your road trip album!

111. “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” — James Beard

112. “Eat well, travel often.”

113. “Good food, good mood, good company.”

114. “Good friends and good food make for a great road trip.”

115. “The best part of a road trip? Trying all the local eats and drinks!”

116.”Life is uncertain, but coffee on a road trip is a sure thing.”

117. “Food is always better when shared with friends on a road trip.”

118. “Eating local on a road trip is like taking a journey through each destination’s flavors.”

119. “Food is the ingredient that binds us together on a road trip.”

120. “Good food, good company, and an open road – what more could you want?”

121. “A road trip isn’t complete without some snacks and drinks to keep us going.”

122. “The best road trips are fueled by good food and even better conversations.”

123. “Taking a break for some delicious food and drinks on a road trip is always worth it.”

124. “Nothing brings people together like good food and an adventure-filled road trip.”

125. “A great road trip is not complete without some tasty eats and drinks.”

126. “When in doubt, always stop for a bite to eat on a road trip.”

127. “Road-tripping with friends is always better with some snacks and drinks in tow.”

128. “Food and drink on a road trip are like the fuel that keeps us going.”

129. “Life is too short to miss out on the local cuisine during a road trip with friends.”

130. “The best moments on a road trip happen over a meal with friends.”

131. “Eating and drinking our way through a road trip is the best way to make memories.”

132. “A road trip is not about the destination, it’s about the delicious food and drinks we discover along the way.”

133. “Road trips and food are a match made in heaven. It’s always an adventure to try new dishes in new places.”

Fun and Laughter on the Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes

One of the best parts of a road trip with friends is the endless laughter and fun you share along the way. From silly jokes to unexpected adventures, every moment is a chance to bond with your friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.

And while pictures may be worth a thousand words, sometimes a perfect caption or quote can perfectly capture the joy and happiness of your road trip.

134. “Life is short, make it sweet.”

135. “Happiness is a road trip with your best friend.”

136. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” — Confucius

137. “A road trip is a way for the whole family to spend time together and annoy each other in interesting new places.” — Tom Lichtenheld

138. “Happiness is a road trip with good friends.”

139. “A good road trip is like a journey to the unknown, full of surprises and laughter.”

140. “A road trip is a chance to leave everything behind and create new memories with your closest friends.”

141. “The best part of a road trip is the laughter you share with your friends.”

142. “The greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination, it’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.” — Emma Chase

143. “Road trips are the equivalent of human wings. We only learn to fly by doing it.”

144. “The joy of a road trip is the journey, not the destination.”

145. “Road tripping with the best company.”

146. “Road trips aren’t measured by mile markers, but by moments.”

Captions and Quotes for the End of the Road Trip With Friends

As much as we hate to admit it, all good things must come to an end, including a wonderful road trip with friends.

Whether you’ve been exploring the open road for days, weeks, or even longer, the end of a road trip can be bittersweet – on one hand, you are excited to go back home and share your stories with loved ones, but on the other hand, you will miss the adventure, freedom, and camaraderie that you shared with your friends.

But just because the road trip is over doesn’t mean that the memories have to fade away – with the perfect caption or quote, you can capture the spirit and essence of your trip, and keep those memories alive for years to come.

147. “Home is where the heart is.”

148. “Memories made, adventures shared.”

149. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” — Dr. Seuss

150. “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.”

151. “The end of a road trip is not the end of a journey. It’s just the beginning of a new adventure.”

152. “All good things must come to an end, but the memories of a road trip with friends last a lifetime.”

153. “The end of a road trip is always bittersweet. You’re sad to say goodbye, but grateful for the memories made.”

154. “The last day of a road trip is always the hardest, but it’s the memories that make it worth it.”

155. “Saying goodbye is hard, but knowing you’ll see each other again on another road trip makes it easier.”

156. “The end of a road trip is not the end of a bond. It’s just the beginning of a stronger friendship.”

157. “The end of a road trip means going back to reality, but the memories will keep us going until our next adventure.”

158. “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. And our journey together on this road trip was unforgettable.”

159. “The end of a road trip is like the end of a great book. You’re sad it’s over, but grateful for the journey.” 

160. “The end of a road trip doesn’t have to be the end of the fun. Keep the memories alive and plan your next adventure.”

161. “The end of a road trip is not the end of the world. It’s just the end of a chapter.”

Short Captions and Quotes About Road Trip With Friends

Sometimes, less is more – and when it comes to captions and quotes for your road trip photos, a short and sweet phrase can often say more than a lengthy diatribe.

In this section, we have rounded up some of the best short captions and quotes for your road trip photos, so you can let the pictures speak for themselves.

162. “Adventures with my squad.”

163. “Squad goals.”

164. “Making memories with my favorite people.”

165. “Living our best lives on the open road.”

166. “Friends and good times, that’s all we need.”

167. “Life is better with friends and road trips.”

168. “On the road with my ride or die crew.”

169. “Exploring new places with my best friends.”

170. “The open road and good company.”

171. “Friends who wander together, stay together.”

172. “Road tripping with the best crew.”

173. “The road is our happy place.”

174. “The adventure begins with good company.”

175. “Friends and miles, that’s all we need.”

176. “Let’s go on an adventure and make some memories.”

177. “Making memories one road trip at a time.”

178. “Good vibes, good company, and good times.”

179. “On the road, living our best lives.”

180. “Let’s explore the world and have some fun.”

181. “Good friends and endless highways.”

182. “Wanderlust and good company.”

183 “Life is a highway, enjoy the ride.”

Funny Captions and Quotes About Road Tripping With Friends

Road trips with friends are always full of laughs, inside jokes, and good times. And what better way to capture those hilarious moments than with a funny caption or quote?

From ridiculous roadside attractions to unexpected detours, there are plenty of opportunities for humor on a road trip.

Whether you’re looking to poke fun at yourself or your friends, or just want to add some levity to your photos, a funny caption or quote can do the trick.

In this section, we’ve gathered some of the funniest captions and quotes for your road trip photos, so you can relive the laughter long after the trip is over.

184. “Are we there yet? Yeah, about 20 ‘are we there yets’ ago.”

185. “I’ve got 99 problems, but a road trip ain’t one.”

186. “Warning: May cause extreme laughter, inside jokes, and unforgettable memories.”

187. “Road trip rules: snacks, music, and lots of pit stops.”

188. “Let’s be honest, half of the fun of road trips is planning them with your friends.”

189. “Life is too short for bad road trips and boring company.”

190. “Friends don’t let friends road trip without snacks.”

191. “Let’s hit the road, and hope for the best.”

192. “What happens on the road, stays on the road.”

193. “Road trip motto: eat, sleep, drive, repeat.”

194. “We’re on a mission to find the best road trip snacks.”

195. “Our road trip playlist is better than your road trip playlist.”

196. “Road trips are just a way of unplugging from the world, and plugging into great company.”

197. “Friends who road trip together, stay together. Or at least until someone has to go to the bathroom.”

198. “Road trips with friends: because sometimes you need to escape reality and have some fun.”

199. “Road trip tip: always bring a friend who knows how to change a flat tire.”

200. “Why fly when you can drive with your crazy friends?”

201. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with friends on a road trip.”

202. “Road trips with friends are like therapy on wheels.”

203. “Let’s go on a road trip and make it a funny one.”

204. “Road trips: because the journey is just as important as the destination, or at least that’s what we tell ourselves.”

205. “On a road trip, the only thing better than a full tank of gas is a car full of good friends.”

206. “Life is short, the world is big, and the road is long. So let’s get going with our friends.”

207. “Road trips are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get, but you’re guaranteed to have a good time with your friends.”

Inspirational Captions and Quotes About Road Trip With Friends

Road trips with friends are more than just a fun way to explore new places – they are also an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.

Whether you are navigating a new city or navigating the twists and turns of life, a road trip can teach you valuable lessons about yourself and the world around you. And sometimes, all it takes is a few inspiring words to help you see things in a new light.

From quotes about taking risks to reminders to enjoy the journey, we have compiled some of the most inspiring captions and quotes to accompany your road trip photos.

208. “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.”

209. “Life is a journey, make the most of it with your friends by your side on a road trip.”

210. “A road trip is not just a journey, it’s an adventure with your friends.”

211. “The open road is a symbol of possibility and endless opportunities, especially when you’re with your friends.”

212. “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

213. “Sometimes the best therapy is a road trip with your best friends.”

214. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” — Saint Augustine

215. “Not all those who wander are lost.” — J.R.R. Tolkien

216. “Let’s go where the wifi is weak and the adventures are strong.”

217. “Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit. ” — Frank Borman

218. “The world is too big to stay in one place, and life is too short to do nothing. So let’s go on a road trip with our friends and make it unforgettable.”

219. “On a road trip, you don’t know where you’re going, but you’ll end up exactly where you need to be, especially when you’re with your friends.”

220. “Friends make the journey of life worthwhile, especially when it’s a road trip.”

221. “Life is a journey, not a destination. So let’s enjoy the ride with our friends on a road trip.”

222. “The road to success is always under construction.” — Lily Tomlin

223. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela

224. “The open road is a beckoning, a strangeness, a place where a man can lose himself.” — William Least Heat-Moon

225. “Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.” — Herbert Hoover

226. “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” — Anita Desai

227. “Freedom lies in being bold.” — Robert Frost

Sentimental Captions and Quotes About the Road Trip With Friends

There’s something special about hitting the open road with your closest friends. The memories you make on a road trip can last a lifetime, and the bonds you form can become stronger than ever.

As you watch the world go by through the car window, you can’t help but feel grateful for the moments you’re sharing with the people you care about most. Whether you’re singing along to your favorite songs or stopping at roadside attractions, every moment is a chance to make new memories together.

And when it’s time to head home, you’ll look back on your road trip with a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the time you spent with your friends. These sentimental captions and quotes capture the essence of those moments and help you express how much those memories mean to you.

228. “The joy of a road trip is the journey, not the destination, especially when you’re with friends who make the journey memorable.”

229. “There’s nothing like a road trip with your best friends to remind you of what truly matters in life: the people you love and the memories you make together.”

230. “A road trip with friends is a perfect time to disconnect from the world and connect with each other.”

231. “On a road trip with friends, the world feels a little smaller, and the bonds between us feel a little stronger.”

232. “We may not know where we’re going, but as long as we’re together on this road trip, that’s all that matters.”

233. “Sometimes the best travel companion is a good friend, especially on a road trip.”

234. “On a road trip with friends, we collect moments, not things.”

235. “Friends are the family we choose, and a road trip with them is a perfect time to strengthen those bonds.”

236. “A road trip with friends is not just about discovering new places, it’s about discovering new things about ourselves and each other.”

237. “A road trip with friends is a perfect reminder of how beautiful life can be when we have the right people by our side.”

Weekend Road Trip With Friends Captions and Quotes

A weekend road trip with friends is the perfect way to break free from the routine of everyday life and make some unforgettable memories.

You don’t need to travel far or take a lot of time off work to have an amazing adventure. With good company and a sense of adventure, even a short trip can be a chance to explore new places and try new things.

Whether you’re hiking through a state park, savoring a gourmet meal at a local restaurant, or simply spending time relaxing by the campfire, a weekend road trip can be just what you need to recharge your batteries and reconnect with the people you care about most.

These captions and quotes celebrate the joy of a weekend road trip with friends and help you capture the fun and excitement of those brief but memorable getaways.

238. “Weekend road trips with friends are the perfect antidote for a busy and stressful week.”

239. “When life gets hectic, take a break and hit the road with your friends for a weekend adventure.”

240. “A weekend road trip with friends is a perfect opportunity to unwind, explore new places, and create lasting memories.”

241. “We may only have a weekend, but with good friends and a sense of adventure, we can make it unforgettable.”

242. “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we make along the way. And a weekend road trip with friends combines all three!”

243. “In the end, it’s not the destination that matters, but the memories we create along the way. And a weekend road trip with friends is the perfect time to make some amazing memories.”

244. “Weekend road trips with friends are not just about the destination but about the journey and the moments we share together.”

245. “A weekend road trip with friends is a perfect opportunity to escape from the mundane routine and explore the world around us.”

246. “A weekend road trip with friends is not just an adventure, it’s a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.”

247. “Life is short, but a weekend road trip with friends can make it feel like an eternity in the best possible way.”

248. “The best way to spend a weekend is on the road with your friends, exploring new places and making unforgettable memories.”

249. “A weekend road trip with friends is not just a getaway, it’s a chance to reconnect and strengthen the bond of friendship.”

250. “Weekend road trips with friends are like a mini-vacation from the stresses of everyday life.”

251. “The best kind of therapy is a weekend road trip with friends and a good playlist.”

252. “A weekend road trip with friends is a time to let loose, be silly, and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

253. “The most memorable moments in life are the ones that happen unexpectedly, and a weekend road trip with friends is full of those moments.”

254. “There’s nothing like hitting the open road with your closest friends and seeing where it takes you.”

255. “A weekend road trip with friends is the perfect way to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.”

256. “A weekend road trip with friends is a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured.”

257. “The journey of a weekend road trip with friends is not just about the destination but about the adventure, laughter, and memories you create along the way.”

Memorable Captions and Quotes About Road Tripping With Friends

Some road trips with friends are simply unforgettable. These are the trips where everything falls into place, where unexpected detours lead to amazing discoveries, and where you make memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether it is the breathtaking views, the quirky roadside attractions, or the late-night conversations that stick with you, a memorable road trip with friends is an experience like no other.

These captions and quotes capture the spirit of adventure and the sense of nostalgia that comes with looking back on a truly unforgettable trip.

258. “The best memories are made on the road with your closest friends.”

259. “A road trip with friends is not just a journey, it’s an adventure of a lifetime.”

260. “There’s something magical about hitting the road with your best friends and exploring the world around you.”

261. “The beauty of a road trip with friends is that it’s not just about the destination, but the memories you make along the way.”

262. “A road trip with friends is a time to laugh, explore, and make unforgettable memories.”

263. “A road trip with friends is not just a trip, it’s a bond that lasts a lifetime.”

264. “The best stories come from road trips with friends, where the journey is just as important as the destination.”

265. “A road trip with friends is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the world and connect with the people around you.”

266. “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made. And a road trip with friends combines all three.”

267. “A road trip with friends is a reminder that life is meant to be experienced and shared with those closest to us.”

268. “We came, we saw, we had a blast.”

Family Road Trip Captions and Quotes

There’s something special about hitting the open road with your family!

From singing along to classic road trip tunes to stopping for ice cream at every chance you get, family road trips are all about creating unforgettable moments with the people you love most.

Whether you are exploring new destinations or revisiting old favorites, a family road trip is the perfect opportunity to bond, share stories, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

These captions and quotes capture the joy, laughter, and love that come with a family road trip.

269. “A family that travels together, stays together.”

270. “The best way to strengthen family bonds is to hit the open road and explore new places together.”

271. “Family road trips are a time to make memories that will last a lifetime.”

272. “The journey of a family road trip is not just about the destination, but the experiences and memories you create together.”

273. “A family road trip is a chance to escape the daily grind and create unforgettable moments with the people you love most.”

274. “A family road trip is an opportunity to disconnect from technology and connect with each other.”

275. “There’s no better feeling than hitting the road with your family and knowing that the adventure ahead will be filled with laughter and love.”

276. “A family road trip is a time to discover new places and make memories that will be cherished for years to come.”

277. “A family road trip is a chance to create lifelong memories with the people who matter most.”

278. “The beauty of a family road trip is that it’s not just a vacation, it’s a journey of discovery, laughter, and love.”

279. “A family road trip is the perfect opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.”

280. “The joy of a family road trip is not just about the destination, but the journey and the memories you make along the way.”

281. “A family road trip is a time to escape the chaos of everyday life and focus on the moments that matter most.”

282. “A family road trip is a chance to explore new places and experience the world with the people you love most.”

283. “A family road trip is a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed with those we hold dear.”

284. “A family road trip is an adventure that brings us closer together and strengthens our bonds.”

285. “The best part of a family road trip is the stories you’ll tell and the memories you’ll create that will be shared for generations to come.”

286. “A family road trip is a chance to create a shared experience that will be cherished by all.”

287. “A family road trip is not just a vacation, it’s a time to slow down and appreciate the little moments that make life so special.”

288. “A family road trip is an opportunity to make new memories and strengthen old ones with the people who matter most.”

289. “The fondest memories are made when gathered around the table.” 

290. “Family trips are a time for love, laughter, and creating unforgettable memories.”

291. “In the end, kids won’t remember that fancy toy or game you bought them, they will remember the time you spent with them.” — Kevin Heath

292. “The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege.” — Charles Kuralt

293. “A family road trip is not about the destination, but about the journey and the memories made along the way.”

294. “The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” — George Santayana

295. “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” — George Burns

296. “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” — Michael J. Fox

297. “Family trips are like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.”

298. “It’s not about the number of family members you have, it’s about the love that’s shared between them.”

299. “Family road trips are the perfect way to create lasting memories that will stay with you forever.”

300. “The best family road trips are the ones where everyone can disconnect from the world and just enjoy each other’s company.”

301. “Traveling with family is not just about the destination, it’s about the journey and the memories created along the way.”

302. “Family road trips are a great opportunity to strengthen bonds, learn new things about each other, and create unforgettable experiences.”

303. “There’s something special about going on a family road trip – it’s a chance to make memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.”

304. “A family road trip is not just a vacation, it’s an investment in quality time and meaningful experiences.”

305. “The best part about family road trips is that they bring everyone together and create memories that will last forever.”

306. “Family road trips are like a reset button – they allow you to escape the routine of daily life and create new memories with the people you love most.”

307. “Family road trips are the perfect opportunity to create new traditions and memories that will be passed down for generations to come.”

308. “A family vacation is a little bit of heaven on earth.”

309. “As a family, we make the best team.”

310. “Family adventures are the best adventures.”

311. “Family road trips: creating lifelong memories.”

312. “Buckle up, family adventure awaits!”

313. “Our family, our journey.”

314. “Family road trips: the ultimate bonding experience.”

315. “Cruising with my favorite people in the world.”

316. “Hitting the road with my tribe.”

317. “Laughter, love, and a lot of miles with my family.”

318. “Family road trips: a time to reconnect and make memories.”

319. “The open road never looked better with my family by my side.”

320. “Going on a family road trip, be back never.”

Intrepid Scout's Tips for a Road Trip with Friends

Here are some practical tips and advice for planning a road trip with friends:

• Choosing the right destination: Consider everyone’s interests and what kind of trip you all want to have.
• Planning the route : Decide on the route you’ll take, and make sure to factor in rest stops and sightseeing opportunities along the way.
• Packing essentials: Make sure everyone has packed the necessary essentials for the trip, such as comfortable clothes, snacks, and a first aid kit.
• Budgeting: Agree on a budget for the trip ahead of time to avoid any awkwardness or misunderstandings later on.
• Music and entertainment: Plan a playlist or bring along games to keep everyone entertained during long stretches on the road.
• Staying safe: Discuss safety rules and precautions, such as not driving tired.
• Documenting the trip: Encourage everyone to take photos and videos to document the trip and create lasting memories.

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30 Best Quotes about Traveling with Friends

Home | Travel | 30 Best Quotes about Traveling with Friends

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These quotes about traveling with friends will inspire you to round up all your favorite travel buddies and plan your next big adventure together. After all, friends make great company when you’re traveling, since they’re supportive, fun, and hopefully up for anything.

This collection of friendship adventure quotes has it all, from short travel quotes with friends and friends road trip quotes to funny friends trip quotes and inspirational quotes about traveling and friends . You’ll be amazed and inspired by all of the incredible things people have said about friendship and travel.

• Short travel quotes with friends
• Funny sayings about travel with friends
• Road trip with friends quotes
• Inspirational friendship and travel quotes

Don’t forget to save your favorite friends and travel quotes to share with your best buds. You can read them while you’re sitting around the campfire, when you’re on the road together, or to help pass the time on a trail. If you want even more inspiration, be sure to check out our list of the top 100 quotes about travel .

Short Travel Quotes with Friends

These short friends on vacation quotes are perfect for sharing with your pals before you start out on your next adventure.

1. “A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

This quote about traveling with friends points out that a great trip is not just about the friends you bring with you. It’s also about the friends that you make along the way – hopefully, lots!

2. “Good company on a journey makes the way seem shorter.” – Izaak Walton

As this quote about adventures with friends suggests, traveling with friends makes the journey fly by. You’ll be having so much fun that you’ll arrive at your destination before you know it!

3. “Friends that travel together, stay together.” – Unknown

I love this journey with friends quote because it’s so true that travel is a great way to bond. You go through so much together in a short time, which creates memories that will last a lifetime.

4. “There is an unspoken bond you create with the friends you travel with.” – Kristen Sarah

Traveling with a friend means you’ll share unforgettable experiences that will hopefully bring you closer together.

5. “Life was meant for great adventures and close friends.” – Unknown

If you’ve got a bad case of wanderlust and love to travel with friends, then this friendship journey quote is for you!

6. “Good friends follow you anywhere.” – A.A. Milne

This adventure quote with friends shows that the best friendships involve lots of support, loyalty, and spending time together. Hopefully, you’ve found friends who want to travel the world with you!

7. “As with any journey, who you travel with is more important than the destination.” – Unknown

As anyone who’s traveled with not-so-great company will know, this quote about friends traveling together is spot-on. Having your best friends by your side as you explore is sure to enhance any travel experience.

8. “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together.” – African Proverb

This lovely quote about trips with friends goes to show that mutual support can take you far, both physically and emotionally.

9. “There is a whole world out there. Pack your backpack, your best friend and go.” – Anonymous

If you’re on the fence about traveling with your best friend, this travel with best friend quote is your sign to start planning your trip together!

10. “As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.” – A.A. Milne

As this friendship and travel quote suggests, sometimes you just know when someone’s going to make a great travel companion. Have you met your adventure buddy yet?

Funny Sayings about Travel with Friends

These funny travel with friends quotes capture the fun, hilarious side of going on an adventure with your closest buddies.

11. “Sometimes all you need is a great friend and a tank of gas.” – Thelma & Louise

Thelma & Louise is an iconic movie about friendship and a road trip, so this quote about road trips with friends is the perfect choice if you need a good caption for a photo from your big adventure.

12. “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” – Mark Twain

Hopefully, you’ll already know whether you like traveling with your friends before you go on a trip together. However, as this witty quote about trips with friends shows, you may just find out while you’re traveling.

13. “You can pack for every occasion, but a good friend will always be the best thing you could bring!” – Unknown

As this friends holiday quote suggests, it’s always a good idea to bring a friend along on your travels. After all, they’ll be great to have in just about any situation!

14. “We are more than friends. We are like a small travel gang!” – Anonymous

If you and your friends travel together frequently, you’ll probably relate to this quote about best friends traveling together .

Road Trip with Friends Quotes

These friends road trip quotes will help you get excited about heading out on the open road together.

15. “Just grab a friend and take a ride, together upon the open road.” – A Goofy Movie

As this road trip with friends quote shows, friends make the ideal company for a long trip full of driving.

16. “Road trippin’ with my two favorite allies – fully loaded, we got snacks and supplies. It’s time to leave this town, it’s time to steal away. Let’s go get lost anywhere in the U.S.A.” – Red Hot Chili Peppers

There’s nothing quite like going on a road trip with your best friends. This quote about a road trip with friends sums up the fun of going on a long journey filled with snacks and good songs on the radio.

17. “Everyone needs a friend that will call and say, ‘Get dressed, we are going on an adventure.” – Unknown

This outing with friends quote captures the excitement of going on a spontaneous friends’ trip. Not all big adventures need to be planned !

Inspirational Friendship and Travel Quotes

These inspirational quotes about friends traveling together will put you in the right mood to plan an epic friends’ vacation.

18. “A good friend listens to your adventures. A best friend makes them with you.” – Unknown

As this friends adventure quote points out, some friends will want to go with you on your travels, while others will just be happy to hear your stories. Both are great types of friends to have!

19. “We are all travelers in the wilderness of the world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

This beautiful quote about travel with friends works for travel and also as a metaphor for life. Friendships really do make our lives (and trips!) better.

20. “The fastest way to make a friend for life is to travel with a stranger.” – Unknown

This friendship and travel quote makes an interesting point since travel is a great way to bond with people. Still, you’re probably better off traveling with people you already know!

21. “I get a friend to travel with me… I need somebody to bring me back to who I am. It’s hard to be alone.” – Leonardo DiCaprio

While some people love solo travel, others find it hard to be alone in strange places. If you’re someone who needs a friend to travel with you, don’t worry – you’re not alone!

22. “Travel has a way of removing the gaps in your friendship timeline.” – Christina Pfeiffer

As this travel and friendship quote suggests, going on a trip together can be a wonderful way to catch up with an old friend.

23. “The more I travelled, the more I realized fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.” – Shirley MacLaine

I love this quote for travel with friends because the idea that the world is full of potential friends is a beautiful one. Time to get out there and start meeting your new best buds!

24. “When you get lost in a really strange place, nothing is more comforting than finding your friend whom you trust and can show the way.” – Toba Beta

This traveling with friends quote expresses the joy and comfort that come from having a familiar friend with you in an unfamiliar place. Friends can provide that feeling of home, even when you’re far away.

25. “Having a best friend is like having your own little corner of the world to escape to.” – Unknown

This best friend travel quote is a celebration of close friendship. I hope you’ve found a friend who makes you feel that free!

26. “Let’s wander, and decorate our memories with wild love, epic adventures, and soul talk with badass people. Help me collect stories people won’t believe, and memories that will keep us warm when we’re old.” – Brooke Hampton

As this memorable trip with friends quote reminds us, a trip with your friends will give you lots of amazing memories that you can relive again and again.

27. “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all people cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou

This beautiful quote about friendship and travel is a wonderful approach to viewing the world. Thinking about strangers as potential friends makes travel exciting and a way of becoming closer to others.

28. “Wherever it is you may be, it is your friends who make your world.” – Chris Bradford

As this friends travel together quote points out, friendships are one of the most beautiful, powerful parts of our lives. Traveling with friends means carrying a bit of home with us everywhere.

29. “It’s the friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey.” – Anonymous

This friends travel together quote expresses the power of friendship to transform our lives for the better.

30. “A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.” – Maya Angelou

This travel and friends quote reminds us to see the people we encounter around the world as people like us, who we have more in common with than we might think.

I hope these quotes about adventures with friends spark your imagination and inspire you to travel the world with your best friends! Don’t forget to share your favorite quotes with your travel buddies or use them as captions for traveling with friends .

Happy traveling!

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16 Reasons Introverts Make Better Road-Trip Partners That Extroverts

Posted: May 9, 2024 | Last updated: May 9, 2024

Are you planning a road trip this spring or summer? Whether your road trip takes you somewhere in the U.S. or to Canada or Mexico, nothing beats hitting the open road.

But in addition to taking the right vehicle, you should find the right passengers. If you’ve earmarked the date for a road trip and want to go with co-workers or friends, it’s always best to travel with people you get along with. That’ll make for a trip you remember for the right reasons.

Here are 16 reasons you’ll enjoy road-tripping with one or more introverts.

1. They’re Good Listeners

While introverts don’t talk a lot, they are good listeners. So, if you’d rather not have someone talk your ears off when you’re behind the wheel, introverts make the perfect travel companions.

2. They Won’t Distract You

Have you ever traveled with people who expect the driver to make eye contact regularly when conversing? You’d think they’d appreciate a driver focused on the road ahead. You won’t have to worry if your passengers are introverts. They shy away from needless chatter.

3. They Won’t Mind Taking Breaks

When road-tripping, the journey is a big part of the overall experience. Introverts won’t complain about taking breaks. Even if the car seats are super comfy, they won’t want to be locked away in the car for hours without taking time to get out, stretch, and use the bathroom.

4. They Won’t Spend the Entire Trip Talking on the Phone

Introverts don’t spend a lot of time talking on their phones. Too much talking drains their internal batteries — not just their smartphone phone batteries. If using their phones on a road trip, they’re likely to do so electronically by email or text message rather than call someone.

5. They’ll Be Okay if You Bring Your Dog

You won’t get any push-back from introverts if bringing your dog. Introverts love animals — many of them do, anyway. Pets are loving, non-judgmental, and don’t jibber-jabber. So, introverts will be okay if you bring your dog. In fact, they might be overjoyed at having a dog seated next to them in the backseat rather than another human being

6. They Don’t Need to Be Entertained

Remember that introverts tend to do things solo. They don’t need other people to entertain or amuse them. Introverts will be fine reading a book and enjoying the scenery.

7. They Like You (They Really Do)

Introverts don’t go with the crowd. If they’re road-tripping with you, they feel comfortable in your presence. And they’ll be loyal to people they have a good rapport with. You’ll have a buddy for life — just don’t take them for granted by violating their boundaries.

8. They’re Not Demanding

Road-tripping with demanding people can grate on anyone’s nerves. If you have a car full of people and all but one is okay with going to a specific restaurant for dinner, things can get tense if that one person throws a hissy fit. You can be sure that any hold-out won’t be an introvert. They won’t place undue demands on the group or expect anyone to cater to them.

9. They’ll Set a Good Example for Other Passengers

When you’re in the driver’s seat on a road trip, you can’t afford to have people distract you. Introverts who don’t engage in unnecessary talking will serve as good examples to other passengers who might want to dialogue with the driver for the entire trip.

10. They Won’t Share Your Personal Information

If sharing confidential information with an introvert on a road trip, you won’t have to worry about them spilling the beans. They’re confidential by nature, don’t enjoy gossip, and won’t feel the need to blab to the first person they see.

11. They Probably Won’t Sing at the Top of Their Lungs

It can get annoying if passengers want to blast the radio and sing along to their favorite songs. You can bet that no introvert will start belting out renditions of any song while in your car. They’ll save such behavior for when they’re showering at home.

12. They Can Take the Wheel When You Need a Break

Since introverts aren’t concerned about being entertained or engaging in small talk, you can count on them to take the wheel when you need a break. They’ll enjoy doing something that doesn’t involve engaging in purposeless small talk.

13. They Have What They Need

Introverts won’t depend on others for anything they need on a road trip. They won’t expect you to cover the bill at a restaurant or step up and do anything else on their behalf. They will travel prepared and be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

14. They Want to Have Fun — But Also Want to Arrive Safely

An introvert will be more willing to warn you if you have a heavy foot than an extrovert. Introverts don’t just focus on the destination — they focus on the journey. They’ll let you know if you’re driving too fast or aggressively. And that’s good for everyone on the road trip.

15. They Can Give You Answers to Life’s Most Perplexing Questions

Remember that introverts listen more than they talk. If you and an introvert are on a road trip, that can be a great time to pick their brain and see how they tackle the big questions in life. You might be surprised at the different perspectives of an introvert.

16. They’ll Show How to Appreciate the Finer Things in Life

An introvert can get a lot of joy in some of the simpler things in life. They get a kick out of alone time during a busy day or a good flick on a streaming platform. Even on an epic road trip with fun and excitement, an introvert can show you the importance of taking a breather.

Are You Going on a Road Trip? Introverts Can Make Great Passengers!

When going on a road trip, the people you go with can make the excursion memorable — whether for good reasons (hopefully) or bad reasons (hopefully not). Introverts can make great road trip companions for the 16 reasons mentioned above.  

More From SewCanShe

• 16 Things You Can Do (Or at Least Try) When Riding as a Passenger in Someone’s Car

12 Ways to Start a Conversation With an Introvert

• 12 Ways to Start a Conversation With an Introvert (That Just Doesn’t Want to Talk to You)

• 16 Dangerous Things to Avoid While Driving a Car

16 Telltale Signs Your Introverted Friend Wants You to Back off a Little

• 16 Telltale Signs Your Introverted Friend Wants You to Back off a Little (Or a Lot)

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How to plan - and survive - a trip with friends

Illustration by Salini Perera

Sometimes, we keep it simple and go to a cottage. Other years, we journey farther, to the Bahamas, Palm Springs, Mexico and Spain, where we walked the Camino de Santiago to celebrate our 50th birthdays. While our lives have taken us in different directions, my girlfriends and I stay close because each year, we reunite to catch up and laugh until our sides hurt.

Our trips have been planned and executed with so little friction and fuss over the past 40 years that we never considered a friend trip could be an absolute bust. We’ve since realized how lucky we are to have a group that travels so easily together.

Friend travel can be fraught: personalities can clash and resentments build. In worst cases, tempers erupt and a dream trip with friends becomes a nightmare.

One of the most common mistakes Calgary travel consultant Andrew De Angelis sees people make is naively assuming everyone will get along fine – just like they do when they see each other socially at home.

“That easygoing dynamic can suddenly change when you’re travelling with a person 24 hours a day,” warns De Angelis of Civilized Adventures.

Long before flights are booked, Julia Hayhurst, founder of Toronto’s Hayven Travel, says it’s important to talk about what each person expects from the vacation. Everyone needs to be comfortable with the budget, the destination, the itinerary, even the personalities in the group.

Aly Tsourounis, owner of Toronto-based public-relations agency ART PR, says it is smart to book a holiday with a planned activity in mind, such as tennis. (Courtesy of Ruth + Bud) Handout

“If one or two people are unhappy with any of those things, hurt feelings and resentments can build, eventually ruining the trip, and possibly, even the friendships,” says Hayhurst. Before you go, everyone needs to talk about basics, such as: How active do you want to be? Do you want to travel with a guide or not? Do you want to share rooms, or each have your own?

Aly Tsourounis, owner of Toronto-based public-relations agency ART PR, has travelled many times with girlfriends, and over the years, has learned how to make each successive trip run smoother than the last. For instance, she met a small group of women through her daughter’s school, who hit it off instantly, and decided to go away for a four-day weekend. They chose a tennis trip in the Bahamas.

Given that they were all still getting to know each other, it was smart to book a holiday with a planned activity, she says. Their mistake was not choosing one individual to be the “voice” of the group. “Everyone was piping in, with ideas and suggestions, but no one wanted to overstep, so we were almost too polite,” says Tsourounis. “A couple of girls didn’t drink and wanted to go to bed early. Others wanted to stay up late. That wasn’t communicated beforehand.

“The next time we went away, we had a frank and honest conversation beforehand about what we wanted to do. That trip was so successful, the next year, we took our husbands.”

She is now in the throes of planning a 40th-birthday trip with eight girlfriends, whom she has known since high school. One of the women – a former management consultant turned stay-at-home mom – has taken the reins. Tsourounis said her friend did a “brilliant” thing, and sent everyone an anonymous SurveyMonkey with questions such as: What budget are you comfortable with? What are some of the places you would like to go (and do not want to go)? What time of year is most convenient?

“From the outset, we agreed: majority rules,” says Tsourounis. “Establishing ground rules is key.”

One great way to get everyone pumped about a trip is to start a dedicated group chat for sharing information and posting pictures of places they’d like to visit or things that inspire them, says Annie Pattillo, co-founder of Antigua-based travel adviser firm Ruth + Bud. Then it’s imperative to put one or two people in charge of the overall process.

Annie Pattillo, co-founder of Antigua-based travel adviser firm Ruth + Bud, says the bottom line 'is you have to pick the right friends for the right trip.' (Courtesy of Ruth + Bud) Handout

“If you’re not working with a travel designer, make sure you split up who does what in terms of booking hotels, excursions, restaurants or flights,” says Pattillo. “If you are working with a travel specialist, you still need someone to communicate the needs of the group. In other words, I need to know if the majority want to fly and flop on a beach or if they want to wake up and go golfing or hit an 8 a.m. yoga class.”

She also can’t stress the importance of choosing your travel companions wisely. Travelling with your college roommate or best friend from work might seem like a great idea, but you must consider if your likes and dislikes are in sync.

“The bottom line,” she says, “is you have to pick the right friends for the right trip.”

Group travel tips

Julia Hayhurst has a few more suggestions to make your next friend trip the best one yet.

• Don’t feel you need to spend every second together. It’s okay to go your separate ways and reunite for meals.
• Honour everyone’s need for downtime. Some people feel recharged by sleeping in, taking a nap or getting a massage. Others may recharge with an early-morning workout or a round of golf.
• If you’re travelling with friends who like to post on social media, have a quick chat about your comfort level. If you don’t feel like being featured in photos, make that clear ahead of time.
• Figure out the best way to split costs. Some pool their money in a “kitty” at the start of each trip, others use apps, such as Splittr and Splitwise.
• Go with the flow! Travelling with friends may require compromise, but it’s 100 per cent worth it.

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10 of the Best U.S. Road Trips for Families

Create memories with your kids on these short but sweet journeys that feature stunning scenery and unique landmarks.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

A road trip is a classic American vacation, but it takes planning to make it great — especially when little ones are involved. To help you plan your family's next journey, we've rounded up some of the best road trips around the United States for families with kids, from single-day jaunts to journeys that can take more than a week. With stops the whole crew will enjoy, these drives are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia

Explore two popular Southern cities on one trip with this short-distance getaway. The drive from Charleston straight to Savannah takes just under two hours, but we'd recommend extending your itinerary over a few days so you can stop to enjoy the outstanding hotels and beaches along the way. You can stay at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island an hour south of Charleston, or fill up the tank for a beach day at Hilton Head , only an hour farther. Once you've passed through Savannah, drive one more hour south for a stay at The Cloister at Sea Island . This five-star resort is another good option for families, with plenty of swimming, fishing, and nature walks.

San Diego to Los Angeles, California

At around two hours, this drive is easy for parents and just long enough to be exciting for the kids. San Diego, Los Angeles, and the stretches of coast between them are packed with beaches and a plethora of crowd-pleasing attractions. Explore the San Diego Zoo, Legoland California, and Disneyland, about a 30-minute from downtown L.A. in Anaheim.

New York City or Boston to Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Whether you choose to stay in a shingled cottage or beachfront apartment, your kids will fall hard for the Cape . Wellfleet is a particularly great destination for families, reachable in two hours from Boston or five hours from New York City. You'll want to stop in other charming towns along the way, like Falmouth and Chatham, before settling in the sands of the Outer Cape. Once you're there, no trip is complete without a visit to Mac's on the Pier , where you can gaze out at the harbor and feast on whole belly clams. Exploring one of the Cape's kettle ponds, which families often have all to themselves, is also a must, as is checking out the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary , home to five miles of trails and salt marshes.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Beginning in Orange County's Dana Point and reaching north to San Francisco, this popular drive can be completed in under eight hours. But why keep it short? With many major stops — from Los Angeles to Carmel-by-the-Sea — you could make this road trip last for days. Driving northward, head to the top of the Topanga Lookout in Malibu for incredible views of the San Fernando Valley. A few hours north in Santa Ynez wine country, relax with a glass of vino as you plot your visit to Hearst Castle. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the media magnate's vast estate, with its sprawling gardens, Roman-style pool, and extensive art collection.

New York City to Philadelphia to the Poconos

At Woodloch Resort in the Pocono Mountains, you'll feel like you're back at summer camp — in a good way. On and off the property, there's plenty to do, including golf, paintball, fishing, and more. A variety of accommodation options are available, too, perfect for families of any size. Whether or not you're headed to the Woodloch, though, the Poconos are an easy getaway for East Coasters. New York City is about a two-hour drive and Philadelphia is about three hours; the two cities can easily be combined with a Poconos visit for a fun multiday adventure.

Boston, Massachusetts, to Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont, is a great destination in all seasons for families road tripping within New England. Just three hours from Boston, the town offers some of the East Coast's best skiing in wintertime and an abundance of outdoor adventure in summer. On your warm-weather visit, cool off with the kids at the Waterbury Reservoir in Waterbury Center State Park , or enjoy the fresh mountain air with a hiking or biking excursion.

There are few roads as iconic as Route 66 , so why not take your kids on this classic American trip? Whether you embark on the full journey from Chicago to Los Angeles or opt for a smaller section, you're bound to have a memorable time. Little ones will love the route's kitschy roadside attractions (world's biggest ketchup bottle, anyone?), while adults will be wowed by the scenery, from the wide-open spaces of west Texas to the mountains of Santa Fe.

Tucson to the Grand Canyon, Arizona

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Take in some of the country's best views on a multiday road trip through Arizona . Start in Tucson and visit Saguaro National Park to see the namesake cacti before heading to Scottsdale. Next up, drive to the stunning, red rock-surrounded town of Sedona. Finally, continue north to Grand Canyon National Park for a couple of days in the great outdoors, reveling in this massive natural wonder.

Rocky Mountain Loop from Denver

If you'd like to swap red rocks for snowy mountaintops, set off on a Colorado road trip through some of the state's incredible national parks and charming small towns. From Denver, head northwest to Boulder and Estes Park, a perfect home base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park . Drive farther into the mountains to check out towns like Glenwood Springs, Telluride, and Durango, all located in the western part of the state. Spend a day at Mesa Verde National Park , home to ancient Native cave dwellings that will fascinate kids and grown-ups alike before turning back east. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Colorado Springs are great stops en route back to Denver.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Beautiful year-round but especially colorful in spring and fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway makes for an excellent family road trip. Connecting Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park , the Blue Ridge Parkway offers scenic mountain and foliage views across the Appalachian landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina. Plus, there are plenty of great hikes for all skill levels and places to camp along the parkway if you want to spend a few nights under the stars.

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9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

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Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

______________

ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

______________ Advertisement

SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

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