The feeling of getting a driver’s license and hitting the road alone for the first time is not easily found again. Summertime can be the best time to go back to that time and feel the wind blow as the needle on the speedometer slowly goes up.

Whether inspiration comes from Britney Spears’ road trip movie “Crossroads,” Rand McNally’s infinite wisdom or parents’ sanity after hours in the car on family vacations, a road trip can be a lot of fun.

It is important to be prepared before embarking on a road trip, said Tyler Johns, employee at STA Travel, 2526 Lincoln Way.

“Know that things go wrong,” he said. “Expect the unexpected and be prepared.”

To be fully prepared to hit the road there are some necessities. These vary with the distance travelled and financial capabilities in terms of food and shelter.

Jeff Willis, employee of Car-X Auto Service, 429 S. Duff Ave., said there are a number of things to check on your car before heading across the country, and recommended that the owner allow a technician to look at the entire car.

“Sometimes it’s just a good idea to go in and have [the car] looked over, they’ll usually catch some stuff,” Willis said.

Beyond car safety, road safety is another concern for travelers on long-distance trips. With summer already seemingly underway, road crews are out in full swing.

“Getting a hands-free cell-phone system is a good idea,” said Ames Police Cmdr. Randy Kessel. “Check ahead of time with the states you will be driving through for construction.”

Although construction can seem like a huge delay and hassle, the short waits can easily become some of the best moments on the trip with just a camera and some music. No road trip is complete without an iPod full of music – or CD after CD – to fit the mood of the driver. Everyone has favorite driving music, so many songs should be on the list for a successful road trip.

One of the more fun ways to travel has usually been considered cheap and frugal, but with the rising cost of gas, road trips are becoming more expensive.

“Be prepared financially for rising gas prices,” Kessel said.

To avoid spending too much, always look for cheap meals and camping out instead of renting hotel rooms.

Along the road it is important to stop and smell the roses. Making side stops along the way to a destination, such as the birthplace of Kool-Aid in Hastings, Neb., can make the trip more memorable.

Deciding where to go once hitting the road can be an arduous task, but can be eased by planning around the locations of friends, family or interesting landmarks.

“A lot of people go along the eastern seaboard, New York City or Chicago,” Johns said.

No matter the destination, it is important to stay safe, Kessel said.

“Let friends and family know your itinerary and [let them know] if you deviate from that – and always travel with a companion,” he said.

A potential plan…

1 Ames to Omaha, Neb. – Ted and Wally’s Ice Cream

Stop for some ice cream near the Old Market in Omaha, Neb. Ted and Wally’s is a local favorite and many travel to devour their homemade ice cream. The workers provide a friendly and upbeat environment to go along with the special recipe and texture that makes the ice cream taste delicious.

– 171 miles; estimated time 2 hours 49 minutes

2 Omaha, Neb., to Hebron, Neb. – The world’s largest porch swing

Ever wanted to swing with 15 or more people? It’s possible at the world’s largest porch swing in Hebron, Neb.

– 150 miles; estimated time 2 hours, 34 minutes

3 Hebron, Neb., to Hastings, Neb. – Home of Kool-Aid

Hastings, Neb., where Kool-Aid was invented, has a portion of a museum dedicated to Kool-Aid and hosts Kool-Aid Days each August. Oh yeah!

– 160 miles; estimated time 2 hours 27 minutes

4 Hastings, Neb., to Alliance, Neb. – Carhenge

Not everyone can make it to England to see Stonehenge, but the trip across Nebraska to Alliance is a little bit shorter. Carhenge, a man-made sculpture created by Jim Reinders, is the next best thing – and a must-see for all those living in the Midwest.

– 350 miles; estimated time 5 hours 31 minutes

5 Sleep at Minatare Lake State Recreation Area, the home of Nebraska’s only lighthouse.

6 Minatare Lake State Recreation Area, Neb., to Estes Park, Colo. – “The Shining” hotel

Heeere’s Johnny! In the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining” and the setting for the ABC mini-series, the Stanley Hotel is know for its architecture. It also offers ghost tours of the apparently haunted hotel for just $10. Request room 217, where King stayed as he wrote the novel.

– 209 miles; estimated time 3 hours 56 minutes

7 Stanley Hotel, Colo., to Cortez, Colo.

– 429 miles; suggested time 8 hours 12 minutes

8 Sleep at Morefield campground, Mesa Verde National Park

9 The Four Corners – After exploring Mesa Verde

National Park in the morning, head south on Highway 160

“Hey mom, I’m in four states at once!” Although it isn’t the most exciting landmark, the Four Corners, where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah touch, has bragging rights. It also was one of Mandy Moore’s goals in “A Walk to Remember.” Neat.

10 Farmington, N. M., to Santa Fe, N. M. – Taos Pueblo

Stop for lunch or a snack and get out to rest those legs. While there, hit up one of the many museums, as Sante Fe has more than a dozen. Then head to the Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark – plus, it’s beautiful.

– 210 miles; estimated time 3 hours 50 minutes

11 Santa Fe, N. M., to Amarillo, Texas – Wonderland

In Amarillo, Texas, head to Wonderland. It’s isn’t quite as nice as Alice’s wonderland, but for any child – and we’re all children at heart – it’s totally cool. The theme park has a lot of rides, including four rollercoasters and six water rides for hot summer days on long road trips. This is the perfect distraction from the mundane road home.

– 279 miles; estimated time 4 hours 21 minutes

12 Sleep camping out in the wilds of the outskirts of Amarillo

13 Amarillo, Texas to Oklahoma City – Oklahoma City National Memorial

The memorial for the tragic events of the Oklahoma City bombing actually contains remnants of the building. 168 chairs represent each life lost, and the survivor tree – a tree that survived the blast – are all found at the memorial. This is chance to stop, think and appreciate the time spent with friends and family.

– 259 miles; estimated time 3 hours 52 minutes

14 Oklahoma City to Kansas City, Mo.

The road is long. Relax in Kansas City along the plaza before the road home and do a little shopping.

– 351 miles; estimated time 5 hours 10 minutes

15 Kansas City, Mo. to Ames

Home sweet home. Remember being dared to jump off that cliff in New Mexico? Man, that was good.

– 228 miles; estimated time 3 hours 33 minutes