Road trips are a great way to explore the beautiful, wonderful world before us. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows when you set out on a trip and wind up crammed in a car with a few irritable people. When heading out on a long-distance road trip with a big group, heed the following tips to maximize fun and prevent headaches.

Take Regular Breaks

One of the keys to a fresh and happy set of passengers is taking regular breaks. The point of a car ride is not just to travel long distances and see interesting sights, but also to enjoy the journey. That’s easiest when you take time to smell the roses and stretch your legs. Whether it be at a rest stop or an interesting side street, it pays to take regular breaks and take a chance on a new place. This plan should also include some ways to rotate through your drivers. You don’t want a fatigued or drowsy driver behind the wheel for too long. Make a schedule for driving so everyone has a turn and doesn’t get too tired.

Communicate

Communication will solve most problems before they even happen. If you’re traveling with a lot of people, it’s a great idea to talk about what everyone would like to get out of this trip. Although you can’t stop at every single place each passenger would like to visit without some serious delays, you can develop a strategy so everyone feels satisfied. Tell each passenger to pick one or two stops on the planned route they absolutely must visit. Make those plans sacred, and let everything fall into place. This way, everyone can experience what they want without feeling left out or ignored.

Avoid Politics

It may seem obvious to avoid contentious subjects in the car, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless. The last thing anyone wants is to be stuck in a small space during a heated debate. There are some topics on which people will simply never agree, so save your arguments for later. From politics to the latest gossip from your friend group, some subjects should stay out of the car. Make a rule of subjects that will be taboo under the car roof before everyone gets in.

Diversify Your Music

One of the best parts of a road trip is the endless hours of music as you traverse the open road. Unfortunately, everyone seems to have different tastes when it comes to their favorite songs. The best way to remedy this is to prepare a music playlist before heading out, so you have something on hand for everyone. If music won’t ever be agreed on, try a book on tape everyone can enjoy.

All in all, road trips are incredibly memorable experiences that everyone should enjoy. These quick tips show off the best ways to ensure everyone in your car has a great time on your exciting journey.