Planning for a great road trip

Ladies and gentlemen start your engines! Get that motor running, crank up the tunes and head out on the open highway.

I don't know about you, but any good road trip must include the singing of Steppenwolf's "Born to be Wild" at the top of your lungs - music blaring, voices bawling and heads banging.

I can't think of anything more fun to me than a road trip. If you have a sense of adventure, a love for nature, a curiosity about the unknown and a great car or rental, the road is yours.

The concept of the road trip has forever been a classic tale told in the movie empire. From the beloved "National Lampoon's Vacation" to the new hit of "The Hangover," the freedom of the open road has endless possibilities filled with adventure, hilarity and memories that will last a lifetime.

As college students, we view road trips as a way to escape the drudgery of college exams, homework and studying.

We take off on a whim to unknown destinations with no road map, a quarter tank of gas, and little, if any, money in the bank.

We think this is a brilliant idea until we're lost and stranded in some god forsaken place, in atrocious temperatures and are forced to eat whatever's lying around.

One thing University students make sure never to travel without - their iPods. No matter where you're going, no matter how long the drive, you have to have some form of entertainment.

You have to bring something on your journey that is going to keep you occupied during your long periods of driving. Music is one way to keep your sanity while you're "On the Road Again."

The spontaneity and excitement of a road trip is unparalleled by any other and can be an experience of a lifetime.

Take "Road Trip" for example.

A raucous group of frat buddies decide to take their friend's videotape mishap and turn it into a blowout with a road trip of insane proportions.

With dad's car, hardcore partying, Nubian princesses, a boa constrictor and Tom Green along for the ride, this movie clearly gives a hilarious account of a road trip adventure.

Having said that, road trips can be a nightmare if not properly planned. So, for all of you who want to make your next road trip a fulfilling and fun experience, plan ahead of time.

The best thing you can do is make a road trip checklist. This should include checking your vehicle, preparing for emergencies, gathering your entertainment needs and getting your navigational tools in place.

Make sure that your car is up to par; get the oil changed and have your brakes and tires checked.

Bring a first aid kit for those unexpected setbacks.

Pack car chargers, directions to your destination and maps or a navigational system for added reassurance.

You've seen it in the movies - it's all downhill once your phone dies!

And don't forget the most important part of the road trip planning process - stocking up on your favorite food and drinks.

Having a small cooler along for the ride has its perks.

I know this may go against the spirit of spontaneity, but it will save you lots of hassles on the road, not to mention a significant amount of money.

Just make sure to limit everyone's liquids and sugary goodies so the passengers in your car aren't saying "Are We There Yet?" over and over again!

One of the hardest concepts of road trip preparation is determining what to bring.

The obvious rule of thumb when packing for any trip is to adopt the less is more attitude. Instead of stockpiling your car with unneeded miscellaneous junk you're not going to use, make a checklist of what you know you're going to need on the trip.

Making a checklist ensures that nothing is forgotten in a last minute hurry, freeing your mind to the road of possibilities.

Sweet summer time will be here before you know it.

Why not save up some spare change, get together with some friends and have a road trip adventure!

A word to the wise - plan ahead.

There is nothing worse than being unprepared.

Author H. Stanley Judd once said, "A good plan is like a road map. It shows the final destination and is usually the best way to get there."