All packed up and ready to hit the open road!

Our family has been going on road trips together since our two boys were infants.  By packing up the car to visit family in Indiana and Michigan, cruise the California Pacific Coast Highway, vacation at a lake resort in northern Minnesota, ski in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, explore the waterfalls of Canada (including Niagara Falls), take in all the natural beauty of National Parks we have become expert road trippers.

So, what makes for a great road trip?

1.  Research stops along the way

Finding great parks or short hikes on your route is a great way to stretch your legs for a little bit.  Combine this with a meal or gas stop to save some time.  On our road trip through South Dakota, we stopped in Sioux Falls for lunch and a climb up an observation tower at Falls Park.  We ended up staying at Falls park longer than planned because it was such a fun place to hike around and explore.  We have also found some fantastic ice cream parlors, overlooks, visitor centers, lighthouses, etc. on our road trips. 

2. Snacks and Dining Options

Let’s face it, it’s all about the food!  Hungry stomachs make for crabby road trippers and that’s never good.  Maybe I am speaking for myself, but “hangry” is a real thing.  We always pack at least a small cooler with waters, juice boxes, cheese sticks, carrots, celery, etc.  This way when hunger strikes, we can take care of it on the road without stopping.  As for your meals, try to stop at some local diners and restaurants to really take in your destination.  You can find many dining recommendations on Pinterest for lots of destinations. 

3.  Entertainment

Movies, games, arts n crafts can all make the time go faster.  Loading tablets with games and movies prior to leaving home is important as this typically require internet access.  Purchasing lap tables for kids to have in the back seat for kids to use for snacking, playing games or doing arts n crafts has proven helpful for our family.  I usually pack and activity bag that goes in the backseat with the kids to be able to access on their own as needed.   

4.  Spontaneous Stops

If it catches your eye, give it a try.  Don’t stop everywhere as this will put you way behind schedule and create problems down the road (literally).  But if it looks really cool to you or your kids, then stop and check it out.  Who knows when you will have the chance again.  One of my favorite memories of our South Dakota road trip is driving through Custer State Park at night.  We were really trying to get back to our hotel as our dinner went later than planned.  It was very dark as there are no streetlights.  We were looking out our windows at the many stars.  I had my husband stop at the side of the road and we all got out of the car to check out the night sky.  My son, who was 7 at the time, looked up and said, “This is so awesome!”  We had never seen so many stars!

5.  Plan and plan some more

Now, I know I just said to be spontaneous and I meant it.  However, having plans is important as well.  First, plan your overnight stops ahead of time and book those accommodations.  Some destinations such as Wall, South Dakota, do not have many hotel options so they could be all booked when you arrive.  You don’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere without a place to sleep for the night. 

Know your final destination or home base and book those accommodations in advance.  This will insure you have comfortable accommodations in a convenient location with all the amenities you want or need.

You will also want to know if there will be tolls along the way.  If so, you will want to pack  change in the car with you or sign up for the appropriate electronic toll paying system ahead of time. 

If you are crossing an international border, such as Canada, you may want to read up on what documents you need to pack how the process works.Research some of your “must do” activities ahead of time.  You may be able to purchase a discounted pass that gives you admittance to numerous attractions. 

What can a travel agent do to help you plan an amazing road trip?

By helping you plan, research, and book your accommodations and attractions, I can save you time and overwhelm.  It takes a lot of time to plan a great road trip.  This is something I find just as much fun as actually taking the trip.  Researching the distance between stops or destinations, how much time is needed to take in the sights of each destination, if there are early booking discounts on tickets to dinner shows or museums or national parks is something I excel at.  Not to mention providing you with my experience in packing up my family and hitting the open road on many road trips.  I can offer suggestions and tips on destinations we have visited as well as ways to survive being in the car for long periods of time.