Hopping into a sleek car and hitting the road with a bunch of friends is unquestionably one of the best ways of seeing this world. People and their creations, Nature and her vagaries, the good guys and the not-so-good ones, and your own capabilities - you can see them all, right there as you drive.

A couple of years ago, I drove with my friends from St Louis to New York City. It was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. More so 'cause it was an only-girls marathon of 3,000 plus kilometres, completed in just five days! To all that talk of 'girls can't drive that well' and 'chicks aren't good enough at reading maps', this trip was like a full and final vindication.

I've been addicted to road trips ever since. And getting better at them all the time.

Here's the checklist I've worked out to ensure that I have the perfect trip:

Choose The Right Destination

It's really important to pick the right places to visit. The traffic on the road and the landscape you see on the way can make or break your trip. Of course, go for the places you would expect to like. And it's safer to pick a road that's not totally deserted. This will help you get back on the route if you're off track, or to repair your car if need be, and meet some exciting people on the way!

Check The Weather

An important factor is the season you choose. Summers in India would not be the best time to drive. Higher up in the Northern countries, they would be ideal. If you think you can make it, there's nothing like seeing mountains in the snow. But remember, driving in the snow is far from a cakewalk.

Pack Right

Other than some food, clothes, camera et al, a first aid kit is a must. And yeah, you just can't start without a good CD collection. If you can, also take along a guitar. Make sure you have your car's paraphernalia. It also makes sense to carry a blanket and a pillow.

Know The Itinerary

Download the maps you need. You can get them on many sites, along with the exact route and the time required to travel. Make sure there are enough copies to last through the trip. If you can't get them off the Net, contact your local automobile association. Once you have all the maps, prepare a schedule to visit every place, with a day to spare for unexpected delays.

As much as possible, start early and drive during the day, rest in the night.

Get The Car Serviced

The car's going to be your home, and your friends and your family for the length of the trip. The car HAS to be strong and safe enough to house you, and friends, your real friends, with whom you can face any problem and still have a blast.

Make sure it's in perfect condition before you set off.

Share The Driving

While on the trip, make driving teams. For example, on the NYC trip I was one of two drivers, with my own navigator. We drove on days one, three and five. The other team drove on days two and four, when we were just being lazy in the back seat.

Feel The Wind In Your Hair

Once you hit the road, forget everything about this world. The road, your car and friends... just be with them. The road wouldn't care where you were going. The car will not ask you why you want it to take you there. Your friends will not judge you, they'll just be with you. So just be yourself and have a great time. And yeah... drive safely!