Never assume that driving to Atlanta, GA, and back in one night is a good idea. That said, here are a few things to know about driving to concerts in Atlanta on Thursday nights. 1. Find people you can relate to. Anyone you can spend six hours with in a small car is someone you’d want on that long trip to Georgia. The optimal situation is to go with people who are your friends. If you don’t have any, try to find people that either enjoy your common interests, like music or food.

2. It might seem obvious, but make sure to have enough money not only for gas, but for food. It takes several stops, $60 in gas, plus any food or coffee you might want.

3. Music is the most wonderful addition to any road trip. If you’re on the way to a concert, it’s considered bad luck to listen to the band(s) you’re driving to see. The best choice is to bring people that have lots of CDs, so you’re not left listening to Bad Religion’s “Suffer” for 12 hours.

4. Remember to buy your ticket before leaving. It really sucks to have to pay extra at the booth. It’s even worse if they sell out. You can persuade them to let you in as press, but that doesn’t usually work if you’re not on their list.

5. Mapquest is the very best way to get to anywhere. Period.

6. Cowpens is the best place to stop in South Carolina, simply for the Mr. Waffle. It’s better to ignore the obvious stares of the truckers and focus on the bathroom. It’s ok for people to wear skunk caps, but it’s harder for others to accept you as being serious. Don’t stare too much; most “country folk” don’t like it too much.

7. Atlanta is a great place to go, even if it’s not for concerts. There’s plenty to see and do there, since it IS a big city, and also the capital of Georgia. Try not to break the laws, as there are lots of police on the streets.

8. Despite your lateness, it’s always prudent to see the show, even if you do miss the band you’re driving there to see.

9. On the way back, Cafe Risque is a great place to break up the monotony, despite its sleaziness and overpriced, horrid onion rings. And don’t get too excited about it, premature exiting can result in driving through weigh stations. The exit is AFTER the weigh station, not before.

10. Try and get all your work done for Friday before you leave, unless you’re able to drive or sit in a car for over 12 hours and then go to all your classes. If you have lots of reading, and have a very illuminating cell phone or other source of light, bring the reading along. You’ll have plenty of time.z