What are some good ways to help make a long distance relationship successful?

So, I know that right off the bat, alot of people are going to tell me that long distance relationships never work, but for this one guy I am willing to try..
I’ve known this guy for almost 8 years, we’ve always had a very honest and close relationship, but we’d never been anything more than friends until last summer. We kissed and there were definetely some strong feelings there but, I had just broken up with another guy at the time and a couple other things had happened so we just left it at that. He lives in my hometown and I am a 10 hour drive away, for college..Anyways, we’ve been hanging out, snowboarding and we’re always together(it’s my Christmas break so I’m back home) and we’ve kissed and I feel like my feelings for him are just getting stronger every day.
I really think that I could fall in love with this guy and I’m pretty sure he feels the same way, I just don’t know how to handle the whole long distance thing…any words of wisdom, tips or encouragement for me? Thanks flutherites!