If driving across the U.S. is on your bucket list, you certainly aren't alone. Plenty of people aspire to hit the open road with nothing but a full tank of gas and a dream. While technological advances like GPS apps and AUX cords have made road tripping easier than ever, driving across the whole country still comes with plenty of challenges. Eager to fire up your Ford and cruise down Route 66? Use these essential road trip tips for the ultimate experience.

1. Clean your car in advance
Before you take off, it's vital that you carve out some time to clean your vehicle. While fast food wrappers, stray gym clothes and a few spare pairs of shoes might occupy your car most of the time, you won't want that extra clutter taking up valuable space during your road trip. Not only will it get in the way of efficient packing, but let's face it – you're bound to accumulate plenty of junk throughout your travels. You don't need to be lugging along more odds and ends than necessary.

2. Create a flexible plan
One of the best parts of driving across the country is the spontaneity it affords you – after all, you can change course whenever you like and pull over for every roadside attraction that sparks your interest. However, hitting the open road without even a loose plan isn't a smart idea. You should have a general idea of what you want to see, where you want to stop and what route you plan to take. According to the Huffington Post, it's best to at least map out where you'll be spending each night so you can make tentative hotel reservations. Of course, don't let your agenda keep you from exploring opportunities that pop up along the way!

3. Don't take gas stations for granted
If you're from a populated city or suburb, you're likely used to seeing gas stations at every corner. When you're driving across the U.S., however, you'll find yourself in plenty of areas that don't have any gas options for miles…and miles…and miles. Yahoo! Travel explained that, for much of the country, gas stations are few and far between, so it's important to fill up your tank whenever you can. The source noted that Interstate 90 in South Dakota boasts a billboard that reads "Better to fill up the tank and not the can." Keep this adage in mind as you roll toward the open road.

4. Always stop at attractions that claim to be "World's Largest"
Want to have an authentic American road trip experience? Don't hesitate to pull into any attraction that claims to be the "World's Largest." While these roadside pit-stops might be kitschy, they're what makes the U.S. countryside worth cruising through. According to Thrillist, some must-sees include Alabama's "World's Largest Brick," Indiana's "World's Biggest Ball of Paint" and Nebraska's "World's Largest Ball of Stamps."

5. Take lots of pictures
Driving across the country means that you'll be a tourist no matter where you are, so you might as well own it. Snap photos wherever you can, whether you use your smartphone or a professional camera. A cross-country road trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you'll surely treasure these captured memories for decades to come.

6. Be conscious of the forecast
Driving long distances each day means that you may enter different climates every few hours. Because harsh weather can make roads unsafe, it's crucial that you stay a step ahead of the forecast throughout the duration of your trip. Use weather apps on your smartphone and information from local radio stations to stay aware. If you do find yourself driving in inclement weather, Yahoo! recommended watching what truck drivers do and following their lead. Because they're always on the road, their instincts are worth following. So if you see a group of trucks pulling over as rain starts to fall, take yourself off the road as well.

7. Pick the right vehicle
Driving for 10 hours or more each day can take a toll on your car – there's no doubt about it. Not all vehicles are created equal, and some are more up to the challenge of making the expedition than others. Before you commit to using a certain car, have it professionally inspected. Independent Traveler noted that in addition to checking fluid levels and tire pressure, it's smart to let a mechanic know your plan and have him do a thorough automotive checkup. If you find out your car doesn't make the cut, consider shopping around for another one. Plenty of used cars are both affordable and durable.

8. Make the perfect playlist
Driving across the country is like running a marathon – without the perfect playlist, you're bound to get bored and tired. While you'll pick up some local radio stations along the way, you might not be able to sustain a strong signal in really rural areas. Download your mix to your smartphone, or even burn some CDs as backups. Include a variety of genres and artists to keep things interesting.

9. Befriend the locals
Looking for local cuisine, quirky hotels or attractions that are off the beaten path? Don't expect to find the best of the best in any tour book – turn to locals for the real scoop about what's worth eating and seeing. Strike up conversations with gas station attendants, convenience store clerks and whoever else you meet during your travels. Chances are, you'll have some great experiences that expose you to the local flavors that make America great.

10. Always trust your gut
Setting out on a road trip is a lot different than staying at an all-inclusive resort. It's an adventure, and anything can happen during adventures. Because of this, it's important to trust your instincts. If the local bed and breakfast is giving you the creeps, drive the extra 30 miles to the nearest big-name hotel. If your eyelids are fluttering with exhaustion, pull over and take a quick snooze. Respecting your own limits means you'll have a safe and happy experience.