Imagine music you want to listen to, sights you want to see and friends you want to be with. Freedom begins with the open road and a full tank of gas. Who cares if you're living off of tortilla chips and coffee and showering in the sink at diners? Loosen up; this is an adventure.

If you've never been on a road trip, don't worry; it's basically impossible to screw up. All you need is a car. Although the underlying spirit might be to just jump into the car with your buddies and go where the road takes you, a few general guidelines will help everything to run a little more smoothly. You can't help but have memorable experiences with your best friends in such close proximity. So, make those memorable experiences good ones.

Travel with like-minded people. It will be much easier if everyone has the same interests, spending habits, and idea of what makes for a good time. Figure out the plans ahead of time because you are "all for one" from now on. For starters, try to agree on a budget to cover the cost of gas and food. Keep in mind that it's usually a little cheaper to gas up each time if you venture a few miles off of the freeway, rather than right off the exit. And, if you plan ahead and pack some snacks and/or meals for the car, you'll pay less than you would at a gas station or a convenience store along the way. You'll also need to decide on lodging, which can include hotels, campgrounds, and parking lots. If you happen to be driving a RV, many Wal-Marts offer free overnight parking. See freecampgrounds.com for more details.

Many road trips start under the "anything but another summer in this forsaken town" mindset. But, after a few days of driving, it may suddenly dawn on you that those little dots on the map aren't quite as close together as they seem. Some strategy early on will save you time, and more importantly, gas. Knowing where and how far you will go is a must. Remember, the cost of gas really adds up. For example, taking my 1990 Global Explorer camper van with its built-in TV and fully automated fold down love seat seemed like a great idea last summer. Then I figured out that, at about 12 miles to the gallon, I wouldn't be able to afford to drive over the state line.

It is also worth noting that a shorter trip can be just as much fun. Camping, getting up to the mountains or out to the coast all make for a good time. National parks are a great option. Not only are they very cheap, but the open space is a nice change after all those hours in the car. Big cities have a lot to offer, but they come with a big price tag. It'll likely cost you two to three times more money per day.

If you want to save money, camping is the best option. Another way to save is to book cheaper hotels like Motel 6 in advance. It may limit some of your flexibility, but the rates will be better, and you'll have a guaranteed bed to sleep in. Finally, relax and keep an open mind. Things will go wrong, but that is part of the adventure. And remember, the wheel is in your hands now.