<p>I took friends with all three of my kids and enjoyed it. Having a friend along gave them someone to talk with and compare notes with. I have to really think to remember if any of the friends applied to the schools we visited with them and I’m not really sure they did. I think people place too much importance on friends impressions or influence and the companionship aspect outweighs any slight negativity. At least that’s how it was with my kids. I really like just about any road trip and I think that rubbed off on my kids.</p>