The do’s and don’ts of road trips with mates
Friends are an essential part of the quintessential road trip. But let’s face it, sometimes travelling with friends can be plain annoying. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you maximise your friendships whilst on the road.
We’ve all been there. What seemed like it would be a fun getaway with mates, quickly descends into an 8-hour ordeal with 6 of you packed into a tiny car that smells like feet…
Ain’t nobody got time for that!
Check out our do’s and don’ts for maximising friendship (and the vibes) on your next road trip.
Do - PUMP the tunes
This one seems obvious, but there are some hidden catches that could quickly turn this do into a hard don’t. For instance, and let us be very clear, no one, yes, no one, wants to listen to your cousin’s four-hour sound cloud mix. On the topic of four-hour mixes, let’s remember that sharing is caring. We all have a mate who thinks they're a DJ 🙄, but it’s important that everyone has a go with the AUX.
Don’t - forget that it’s about the journey
We know it’s a cliche, but this one’s really important. It’s all too easy to become obsessed with getting to your destination in the shortest time possible. But that mentality could see you miss out on some truly magical sites like the BIG CANE TOAD in Sarina, Queensland. What’s more, your mates won't appreciate you denying them some choice Insta footage.
Do - bring snacks (duh)
Let’s take hangry out of the picture. No one wants a crabby, snack-deprived car. An assortment of chips, choccies and some fruit should tide you over between rest stops. Warning - think about the general odour of your car when planning snacks. Whilst protein is great, four hours of warm tuna smell is probably not the vibe you’re going for.
Don’t - drive your mate’s crappy car
This one should be obvious, but the allure of “free” may be too strong for some to pass up (even if free is a 40-year-old Corolla with no aircon). But is free really free if you break down on the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere?
Safety and comfort should be top on your list when choosing a vehicle to road trip in and with thousands of cars available Australia-wide, Uber Carshare has your next road trip covered.
Do - follow the essential rule “wind before wind”
Ok, this one might be confusing, but let us delicately lay it out. It's road trip etiquette 101 that you wind down your window before you toot hence “wind before wind”. No one’s nostrils need to be assaulted with the stench of your digested servo sausage roll, thank you very much!
Don’t - skip the toilet breaks
While we’re on the subject of toilet talk… don’t be that person who doesn’t stop for loo breaks. Come on, you need a rest. Your friend’s bladder needs a rest. Everyone benefits from comfort stops. That’s all we have to say on the matter.
Do - take lots of pics
Living for the Gram is great and all, but what we are talking about here is taking photos for laughs. Commemorate the time your soft drink got too shaken and exploded on your bestie, your friend Sam’s hilarious sleeping face, the goat you stopped to pet chasing you… You get the picture. Just remember that what goes on during the road trip, stays on the road trip. These photos are for you to laugh at together, share on socials, and your mates might think twice before road tripping with you ever again.
Don’t - be a hero
Share the driving. The whole point of a car full of friends means that many hands will make light work of the driving. With Uber Carshare, sharing the driving is easy (and no extra cost) providing you’re all approved members.
Now you're clued up to the rules of road trips with friends - why not book your next trip? Search road trip worthy cars.
Looking for more road trip prep ideas? Check out our friends at Broadsheet’s guide to Summer Getaway Essentials.
