School’s getting out, the weather is heating up, and the open road is calling your name. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or solo this summer, we wanted to give you a few tips and tricks for making this the summer of the best road trip ever.
- Choose your destination.
Perhaps your family has a traditional spot or maybe you and your friends are ready for a new adventure. Whether you travel the same roads every summer or need to map out a brand new route, choosing a destination is step one. Find somewhere that has a variety of activities if you’re going with a group, or find a place that you’ve always wanted to explore if you’re headed out alone. Keep in mind the weather, the costs, and safety (especially if flying solo). - Pack your bags.
You’ll want to determine what you pack based on your destination and the weather. Don’t forget a swimsuit, a jacket, and sunscreen no matter where you go. The best thing about driving versus flying is the only luggage limit is the size of your car! Bring any equipment you might need (umbrellas, beach chairs, water skis, etc.) and shop for souvenirs ’til you drop once you get there. You can play a fun game of Road Trip Tetris as you load up! - Map your route.
We’re tempted to just plug the destination address in our phones and strike out on the road. However, the journey is often the best part. See if you’ll be passing near any fun stops on your way. Maybe you’ll be able to stop, stretch your legs, and take a photo with the World’s Largest Ball of Twine just to say you have. Or maybe you’ll realize a fun city is only 30 minutes outside your route and decide to spend a day exploring on your way. - Never be afraid to stop.
The Great American Road Trip is not about speed. If you see a sign along the way advertising something interesting, hit that exit ramp. You may get to your destination a little later, but you might also get some fun photos or some yummy snacks. Often the stories you tell years later feature these quirky unplanned stops. - Look out the windows.
To entertain kids and grownups both for hours, consider limiting screens. Come up with a Bingo card of things you might see on your trip (a cow, a red sports car, a train, a windmill, etc.), and play until everyone has a chance to win. Play the alphabet game where everyone tries to find each letter of the alphabet in order first to win. Give older kids vacation journals to write down things they see and what they do on the trip. These make great keepsakes for years to come! Download an audiobook or check one out from the library and listen together. Podcasts are another great way to pass the time. And don’t forget to make a road-trip playlist complete with lots of karaoke classics for singalongs. - Soak it in.
Consider extending your screen-less time for the majority (or the whole) of your vacation. Be sure to look around, to revel in the moment of being somewhere new and different and fun. Stay up late playing games, sleep in and eat donuts for breakfast every day, be adventurous and seek out activities you can’t do at home. Try new foods and meet new friends. Take pictures! Enjoy your time on the road and at your destination. - Come home.
All good things must come to an end, and you’ll be glad to get home no matter how fun the journey is. As you’re shaking sand out of all your clothes and vacuuming out the road-weary car, be sure to print a few photos, jot down a few memories, and keep your relaxed, adventurous vacation self a little longer.
We’d love to hear about your favorite road trips and what tips and tricks you would add to our list!
