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The summer is the perfect opportunity to spend more time with and get closer to your boyfriend. During the school year, you guys are both spending time on going to school, after-school activities, doing homework, trying to make school day curfews… you get it. But during the summer, you both should have more time to devote to each other (unless one of you is in summer school or has a very demanding part-time job).

So how can you use all of that extra time to your advantage? There are tons of summer-fun bonding activities you guys can do together that will make the most of the great outdoors (think going to the beach, the pool, hiking trip), but there’s another thing you should do that you might not have even thought of: road trips!

Those of you who are old enough to have your own car should definitely consider taking at least one road trip with your boyfriend this summer. Why? A recent survey done by Ford and Your Tango found that 90 percent of couples think that road trips can actually help improve their relationship. What’s more, 88 percent of couples surveyed said that they’ve had their best couples conversations ever during car trips.

So basically road trips equal some seriously great bonding sessions with your boyfriend – which makes total sense. You guys are sitting in a tiny, enclosed area with nothing to do but listen to music or chat. The longer the car trip is, the more connected you two will feel and the easier it will be to spill your secrets and really get to know each other. I know this is true for me. I’ve found out more about my boyfriend during our long road trips to go skiing than I have at any other time. I don’t know what it is about the car, but there’s something soothing about driving for a long time and just talking. I normally hate long car rides and the only ones I look forward to are the ones that involve my BF.

This doesn’t mean you need to get crazy and start on a wild cross-country road trip… obviously a lot of you are probably unable to do that (I know I am). An hour or two hour long ride should do the trick. Go somewhere fun for the day where you guys don’t normally go to. Not only will the car ride bring you closer together, but the adventure you two have together afterwards will be exciting and super fun.

Oh, and for you single girls out there? Take a road trip with your girls! Car rides aren’t only great for bonding between couples, but they’re also something that you and your friends can have a lot of fun with as well. Get three or four of your closest friends together and plan a road trip somewhere cool for a day or a weekend. You guys will have an awesome time in the car gossiping, jamming out to your favorite music and swapping scandalous hookup stories. Trust me on this one.

Get your music together, buy some comfy car clothes and save up your gas money – I promise you won’t regret taking two or three road trips this summer, with your boyfriend or your besties.

Have you ever taken a road trip with your boyfriend before? What about with your friends? Did you think it was a good bonding experience? Tell me in the comments!

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Road trips are like a really hard gym class—they seem like a great idea until the novelty of it wears off and then you’re like WTF why did I do this? Even worse, when you’re trapped in a car with your fam, you can’t always be your usual oh-so-honest self…

Seating Arrangements

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She said: Mom, why should Kylie get to sit shotgun, you know I get car sick in the back seat!

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She meant: The six bags of candy I eat every road trip ensure that I get sick. Sooooo worth it to sit in the front!

Another Pit Stop 

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She said: Um yes I have to pee again, Jeez. What, I’ve been drinking a bottle of water…

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She meant: Pfft, I could totally hold it. But I’m getting like, zero reception right now and if I don’t download this Flo Rida song that’s stuck in my head I’m going to lose it.

Rolling Down the Window

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She said: Shut up Kylie, your hair is fine it’s not like we’re seeing anyone for the next six hours. I’ll roll the window down if I want to!

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She meant: Heeeheee I feel like the piglet in the Geico commercials. Weeeee! Wee wee weeeeee!

Ulterior Motives

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She said: Daddy you should probably get gas there, I think it’s the last station for a super long time…

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She meant: And OH LOOK it just happens to be next to that outlet mall! What a completely random, unplanned coincidence!

Entertainment

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She said: Yes Mom, of course I’m listening to your story about that time Dad locked himself out wearing only his boxers. No I’m not texting. I’m just looking at my phone to make sure it’s…not…um, roaming.

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She meant: Adults can be so adorably gullible.

Souvenirs

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She said: Oooo that “I Put the Ass in Vegass” hat is sooooo hilarious but I think I’m just going to save my money…

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She meant: Yeah…so I can fly back home!

What was the last road trip you were on? If you could go on a road trip to anywhere, where would you go? Tell us everything in the comments!

Funny But True Things You Should NEVER Tell Mom!

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If you’re the Kardashians, a family vacation means private jets to the Maldives, luxury yachts, and 5-star dinners. But for the rest of us, it’s usually more about endless car trips, gas station meals, bratty little sisters, and about ten trillion embarrassing moments. Here’s how to talk to your fam on your family vacation ….without being totes honest about how miserable you are!

Trying to Get Out of It

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She said: Mom, I really think I should just stay home. I mean I’ve got all this AP English summer reading.

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She meant: I also have an overwhelming need to throw an insane, unforgettable party for 4^th of July!

Deciding Where to Go

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She said: The Grand Canyon? Umm…I guess. What about Miami?! We can take in the cultural sights like…the…aquarium. And stuff.

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She meant: And when you and Dad fall asleep at 9:30pm, my sister and I can sneak out and have some actual fun!

Getting There

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She said: I seriously don’t understand why we have to drive there. I mean why not just go in a covered wagon?

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She meant: Great, now there’s not even a chance to meet a hot guy in the window seat on the plane. Thanks Dad.

When Your Parents Plan the Day

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She said: I think I twisted my ankle yesterday at the Museum of Modern Art. Or maybe at the Ancient History Museum or the Native American Museum. But it was definitely hurting by the time we got to the Museum of Math and Science. I should probably stay back at the hotel today.

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She meant: I’m so bored I’m thisclose to spraining my own ankle if it means NO MORE MUSEUMS. Besides, I’ve got a tan to work on!

Nightlife Activities

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She said: You guys are going to bed? Ok, I’ll just go down to the lobby and read for a bit. Like, three hours maybe. Um, have you seen my patent wedges and bandage skirt, btw?

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She meant: Ok so the hotel restaurant isn’t exactly the Soho House, but if I don’t have some social contact with people my age—or at least who aren’t related to me—I’m going to lose it.

Souvenirs

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She said: Mom seriously—a t-shirt from the planetarium? How lame do you think I am??

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She meant: Ok fine I secretly love this shirt. The constellations glow in the dark!!!!

 
Are you going on a family vacation this summer? Where was your last family vacation? Tell me everything in the comments!

Now, Here’s What To NOT Tell Dad This Father’s Day!