Whether you want to hit the open road to find yourself or lose yourself along the way, keep in mind a road trip is all about you. You decide when to start and stop, you decide where to eat and sleep, you decide what is worth a second glance. "You're in charge," said Megan Edwards, editor of RoadTripAmerica.com, "for better or worse."

Road tripping isn't for everyone -- but even if you're accustomed to some hand holding, it still might be for you. Consider the possibilities: Maybe you tour Southern California in search of the country's best burrito, or your desire for the perfect fried clam takes you to New England. Maybe you're a baseball nut and want to visit the ballparks of the United States. Perhaps you're sick of package tours and you want to see where the road less traveled will take you. No matter what, you'll have an adventure as you explore what, quite literally, is just around the bend.

First and foremost, you'll need a detailed road map and a good guidebook, preferably one written with road trippers in mind. A first-aid kit is also a smart purchase. What else you bring depends on your personality and your destination. If you're headed for a warm climate, be sure to bring plenty of water and keep it on hand throughout the trip. If you're headed for cooler climes, make sure you have plenty of cold-weather gear -- if your car breaks down and you have to wait for help, you'll be thankful for the extra pair of gloves in the back seat.

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