I took a 3,000-mile road trip across America's West. From Flaming Hot Cheetos to podcasts, here's how I survived the long drive.

Business Insider's author outside of the van she traveled 3,000 miles in.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

• In October, I embarked on the longest road trip of my life, and I did it alone.
• The drive would cover 3,000 miles and six states.

As I hopped in the driver's seat of the Ram ProMaster van I had rented for the next two weeks, reality set in that I was embarking on the longest road trip of my life.

In the next 13 days, I'd drive through six states, cover 3,000 miles, and conquer eight-plus-hour days of driving.

It was a massive feat to do alone, but I was prepared. Between snacks, distractions, and preparation, here's how I survived the long road trip.