An epic road trip with the one you love can be the spark that confirms your relationship, or the straw that breaks the metaphoric camel’s back. Planning, communication and patience are the keys to a successful extended road trip with your romantic partner. By keeping in mind a few simple tips and tricks, you and your spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend have a romantic, fun and revealing time embarking on a road trip.

Plan Ahead

The downfall of most road trips whether they are done by couples or not, is poor pre-planning. There are several aspects of a road trip that can go a lot smoother when given some forethought. For example, detailed and easy to read directions can make a long road trip easier and much less stressful.

You and your traveling companion should sit down with your driving directions and a map so that you both fully understand where you are going and how you are getting there. Keep in mind, that reading directions in a dark car at night can be difficult for a passenger and nearly impossible for the driver. Also, have an idea of where you might want to stop for food, lodging or sight seeing.

There are several websites that can help you decide where to stop by giving you accurate directions, reviews and descriptions:

• TripAdvisor
• Rand McNally
• AAA Road Trip Planner

Pack for Yourself

This may sound like an easy step to accomplish but it can be tricky. If you live with the person you’re going on a road trip with, the temptation to have one person pack for both travelers is very real. You live together; you know what the other person needs, right? Wrong! When one person does the packing for two people, something can and will get left behind. Nothing will start a sleepy, middle of the night argument in a hotel room than realizing your boyfriend only packed you one pair of pajama pants.

Share the Driving

One person should not be held responsible for all driving duties on a road trip. Not only is this a hassle for the driver, it can be dangerous. Fatigue can be dangerous when driving and by switching off the responsibility you can avoid putting yourself in a scary situation. If you don’t drive, staying awake and keeping a close eye on the alertness of your driver is the best thing to do.

Talk to Each Other

Long hours in a car can be revealing. Keep the conversations moving. You can learn more about your significant other stuck in a car for two days than you can in five years of dating. Be honest, open and ask questions. You have your travel companion’s undivided attention, make the most of it.