5 characteristics of good road trip buddies

"Everyone needs a friend that will call and say get dressed, we're going on an adventure"

Matt Thomas, a driver for Roadie, explains in an interview with Yahoo Travel that picking a bad travel buddy is one of the worst things you can do. I agree. So I have developed 5 key characteristics your road trip buddies need to have.

1. Values

Your road trip buddies should share common values with you. I am not saying you have to be the same person in two different bodies. I think the best way to explain this is with an example, you are a very planet friendly person and your road trip buddy keeps rolling down the window to throw out trash. This isn't going to end well...

2. Diversity

Diversity is cool when it comes to exploring new places. The thing I like about diversity is it offers new perspectives. If you are road tripping with your five best friends from middle school you probably won't receive new insight.

3. Shared Vision

Make sure that your buddies are on the trip for the same reasons you are. If your goal is to take your time and live in the moment, but your buddy is in a hurry to get to the final destination, one of you will end up disappointed. The muse calls this the mountains vs. museums concept. Naturally, travelers have a different activities they are interested in. This is where some communication and an open mind will come in handy.

4. Responsibility

Road trips take a lot of time and energy to plan and execute. If your buddies aren't willing to help it will put a lot stress on you. I would recommend setting the expectation of responsibility for a couple of things early on; payments, navigation, setting up camp, carrying equipment, providing equipment and providing and/or preparing food. As Joanna Franco puts it in her Shut Up and Go article "Don't bring a friend that runs every time the check comes."

5. Good taste in music

In my experience the best road trips last at least a week. That is a lot of time in the car. Your road trip buddies should share your good taste in music if you want an entertaining ride. Who knows maybe a karaoke session will help pass the time.

Remember no matter who you decide to travel with, you deserve some fresh air.