road trip planning - Pitstops for Kids

25 travel blogger-approved road trip itineraries

September 21, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready to hit the road this summer with your crew? The open road awaits, and nothing beats a good road trip. If you’re not sure where to go, or simply want a vetted and approved itinerary to follow, read on! I asked travel bloggers across the US and Canada for their top summer road trip itineraries.

Western US:

The western states are prime road trip territory if you’re seeking nature, the outdoors, national parks, and adventure! Below are our two favorite national park road trips through the western US, as well as additional itineraries from other travel bloggers.

Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Zion National Parks road trip: This trip from yours truly at Pit Stops for Kids can be started in Portland, OR or Spokane, WA, and takes families through Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah to some of the most breathtaking national parks in our country. Plan to camp along the way, or look for historic lodging inside the parks.

Great Basin, Arches, Mesa Verde, and Grand Canyon National Parks road trip: This Pit Stops for Kids trip through the Southwestern US takes families from Nevada to Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. We ended in California, but where you go after touring the parks is up to you!

National Park to Park Highway road trip: If you want the ultimate national park road trip, follow this seven week wonder from Mountain Mom and Tots! It follows the original 1920s national parks driving route and visits 16 parks! What an adventure!

Colorado road trip: This road trip from Denver to Redstone Colorado takes families on the scenic path, with stops in Buena Vista and Aspen. It’s been approved by Traveling in Heels. If you have a few extra days, head five hours to Sand Dunes National Park as well.

Oregon-Northern CA road trip: This 11-day road trip from Wild Tales Of features my hometown! It takes visitors from Southern Oregon’s forests and valleys to California wine country and back again!

California coastal road trip: This Pit Stops for Kids trip along scenic Highway 1 on the California coast starts and ends in San Francisco, and takes families along windy roadways, through wine country, and to historic stops like Hearst Castle. If you’re looking for an iconic road trip that combines beauty with culture, this one’s for you!

Grand California road trip: For a more, well, grand trip down the California coast, Trekaroo‘s itinerary includes luxury digs and educational stops all down the coastline. It’s ‘bucket list worthy’, for sure!

Arizona road trip: This multi-day itinerary from Mira Terra Travel Blog touches upon all the national parks and national monuments in Arizona, with break taking scenery and desert landscapes dominating your days.

Pacific Northwest coastal road trip: This trip from Family Travels USA takes road trippers through Oregon and Washington follows the coastline and major interstates, like I-5, and hits major cities like Seattle and Portland, plus scenic regions like Crater Lake and the northern WA coast.

Four Corners road trip: Have you ever wanted to stand on the four corners (of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah)? It’s a fun family activity that always revolves around a larger road trip!

Midwest:

Ohio Learning Vacation road trip: Brought to us by Family Travels on a Budget, this Ohio road trip takes families on a tour of history through the state, from Amish country to Cleveland and everything in-between. Plan to spend about a week, and good news for kids: they can consider this summer school!

Tennessee family road trip: This road trip from Crazy Family Adventure goes from Nashville to Gatlinburg to Chattanooga with kid-friendly attractions at every stop. It features Ruby Falls, which was a favorite with our Midwest writer’s family! Find nature and city sights in one compact road trip.

Iowa/Nebraska/South Dakota road trip: This road trip ends up in the Black Hills, but it takes its time getting there…in the best way possible. If you’re starting from the eastern or southern side of South Dakota’s Black Hills, Oh My Omaha has the route for you!

Black Hills road trip: This outdoor adventure road trip through Black Hills country in South Dakota is tested and approved by Tips for Family Trips. It covers the Black Hills exclusively, including Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devil’s Tower, and the scenic towns dotting the region.

Eastern US:

American Colonial and Revolutionary History road trip: An epic Pit Stops for Kids road trip ideal for school-aged kids and teens, this trip through Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia spans US history from early settlement to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Best Ever East Coast road trip: If you want to see a little of everything, the title of this road trip, from Flashpacker Family, says it all. It spans from Maine to Florida, with all sorts of cities, historic sites, theme parks, and nature trails in-between.

New York to Florida road trip: For those not needing to start at the top of the country, this road trip along I-95 from New York to Florida is explained in clear steps by Kids Unplugged. I love that it includes useful tips on where to stop to stretch legs along the way. If you’ll be flying into NYC to start your trip and have a family larger than four, consider arranging for a limo with a service such as Limo Find to make the ground transportation much smoother.

Virginia road trip: This road trip from We3Travel covers highlights in the entire state, from Hampton to Shenandoah to Newport News. It takes families from history lessons in Jamestown to soft serve and museums in a two-week timeframe.

Vermont Leaf-Peeping road trip: The folks at Back Road Ramblers have the ideal, ready-made road trip itinerary for nature lovers in New England. From state parks to quaint towns to miles of autumn glory, you can easily fill 3-5 days!

Connecticut road trip: This quintessential East Coast road trip from Road Trips for Families takes families from riding roller coasters to enjoying New England charm. Centered around Litchfield Hills, it can be driven in just a few days, making it ideal for a long weekend.

Florida Keys road trip: One of the most scenic road trips in the USA, perfect for a summer adventure, is undoubtedly along the overseas highway from Miami to Key West. Couple Travel The World outlines the key stops to make along the way with everything from eating key lime pie in Key Largo, visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon to feeding giant tarpon in Islamorada included. If you decide to hire a red convertible mustang to complete the trip, even better!

All the way across!

Cross-Country road trip: If you want to do it all, or at least see a little bit of everything, this road trip from Walking On Travels starts in Seattle and ends in Maryland. It emphasizes national parks and off-the-beaten-path stops.

Epic Cross-Country trip: Readers will find several great road trip itineraries in this post from Flashpacker Family, but their cross-country trip takes the cake, with stops along Route 66 as well as national parks.

Park-to-park trip: Families can hit 16 major national parks in one trip in this post from Mountain Mom and Tots!

Canada:

Families could spend all summer road tripping through Canada! With incredible wildlife and natural beauty and lots of open road, Canada offers outdoor fun combined with city and cultural offerings on both coasts.

Vancouver Island adventure road trip: This trip was one of our all-time favorites at Pit Stops for Kids. Starting in the city of Vancouver, BC with a ferry ride to the island, this road trip includes kayaking, whale watching, hiking, and beach combing.

Ontario and Quebec road trip: On the other side of the country, We3Travel offers up an eight-day road trip starting in Niagara Falls and ending in Montreal. What a perfect way to combine nature with culture!

Nova Scotia road trip: From Mira Terra Travel Blog, this road trip spanning Nova Scotia’s eastern shore is all about wild, sandy beaches and untamed scenery.

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The ultimate family road trip through Spain: coast, city, and country

August 10, 2021 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Guest post written by Katie Belle.

Road trips and relaxation may seem like an oxymoron when travelling with kids. But, in fact, our two were so caught up with the sense of adventure, there wasn’t even one cry of ‘Are we nearly there yet?’. From the arid hills of Andalusia to the ultra-safe waters of La Manga, and vibrant Valencia to the mild green province of Girona, our brood covered just over 1200km. But not once did the journey seem laborious. Here’s a road map of our itinerary, easily duplicated!

Day 1-2: Andalusia

Malaga is the perfect starting point for a Spanish road trip as the airport offers plenty of international connections and has a range of car rental companies on site. All the hot spots of the Costa del Sol are within easy striking distance.

We head off for a little r and r in the rolling Andalusian hills. The villages of the Axarquia region are without doubt some of the most picturesque in all of Spain and our first stop is a sugarcube-esque villa just outside Comares. Our little ones are happy splashing about in the pool, which overlooks mile upon mile of orange groves and farmland. But, we do venture out to drive further up the Montes de Málaga foothills until we reach Comares itself.

Sitting atop a cliff some 725 metres above sea level, it’s not for those with a fear of heights. But the views are nothing short of spectacular, stretching down to Lake Vinuela and beyond. We hire donkeys for the children and follow the walking route of ceramic footprints which guide you around the narrow village streets.

But, no visit to the Costa del Sol would be complete without sampling some of this region’s bustling beachlife, so we’re soon back on the open road, heading down to the Mediterranean coastline to Nerja. It’s often referred to as the jewel of the Costa del Sol, and we can see why. The promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants, with musicians and mime artists keeping families, taking early evening strolls, entertained.

Day 3: La Manga

From Nerja, it’s a straightforward journey along the A7, which skirts the coastline, to our next destination, La Manga. After a week with only parental company, our kids are longing for other children to play with, so this is the perfect stop-off.

With a myriad of swimming pools to choose from, we opt for the complex at Los Molinos (the windmill), where the toddler pool is safe enough for our little boy and the bigger pool is challenging enough for our elder daughter. There are restaurants a plenty in the resort, but our favourite is the tapas bar in Bellaluz Square, where our daughter discovers a penchant for Spanish meatballs.

My last night is spent horse riding with my daughter on a trek from the on-site stables at La Manga through fields and down to the beach. We can’t ride on the beach in the summer season, but you can in winter so we’re determined to come back. We meet up with my other half and our youngest for a meal at La Canela, in a laid-back setting next to the riding centre. As dusk fell, the candles were lit and our prawns with garlic sauce, accompanied by a chilled bottle of white wine arrived. The children were able to run around beside the stables in safety. It truly was a magical evening.

Day 4: Valencia

Our shortest visit during our road trip to Spain was to Valencia, Spain’s third largest city. But, while it was short, it was certainly sweet, with impressive family friendly attractions. The Bioparc Valencia is the best zoo any of us have ever visited, with enclosures which faithfully recreate African habitats but allow visitors to get as close as can be to the animals. We walk within touching distance of the Madagascan lemurs – although there is a park warden there to make sure you don’t – before lunching in full view of the zoo’s resident giraffes.

The city’s Aquarium, the L’Oceanográfic, is no less impressive – on a par only with Cape Town’s Two Oceans. The biggest aquarium in Europe, it is home to 500 species from the world’s main marine ecosystems, with a dolphinarium containing a staggering 24 million litres of water.

Day 5: Girona

From city to country, our road trip is almost at an end, as we’re dropping our hire car off in Girona airport. But we’ve just time to squeeze in a few days at one of the country retreats surrounding Girona’s centre. With a grown-up vibe, there’s also a playground and mini-farm to keep our little ones happy. And, we can think of no better end to our journey as we enjoy Catalan specialities overlooking the swimming pool and the farmland beyond as the sun sets on our Spanish road trip.

Image credit: Bart & Co and elyob

Guest author Katie, a food and travel blogger from the UK, took her family on a road trip through Spain last year and is currently planning this year’s adventure. You can connect with her on twitter @delightsomeblog.

Five ways to keep your kids content on a road trip

August 10, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Children are naturally energetic. They’re impatient and rambunctious. When you take your children on a trip with you, it changes the vibe completely. While you want to relax if you’re on vacation, it can be difficult having kids around. This is particularly the case for road trips, when there is a lot of extra time sitting in the car. Luckily there are a few great tactics to help keep your children happy and content while being on the road for hours at a time. Here are a few of those tips to make sure the whole family stays in a good mood.

Be Clear about Durations of Drives

When you’re about to be on the road for hours, you might think that it’s a good idea to string your kids along and avoid telling them how long the drive will be. This is actually the wrong move. You should prepare them for it by telling them how long the drive will be, when you will stop, and what the final destination for the day is. It’s important to give them something to look forward to, which is why planning fun stops is so helpful. Whether you’re stopping at a national park or just a roadside attraction, giving your children something to look forward to will keep them content.

Plan Refueling

While you may have the idea that you should stop early to get gas as a tactic to quell your child’s impatience, this can actually lead to a distorted perspective on how long it is. It’s vital not to stop so often so when you do it’s for food, fun, and fuel. This is also imperative for those who drive electric cars because they need to plan where they will charge on public EV charging stations. It offers a clear plan for when you need to stop so map those out on your way and tell your children when and why you will be stopping. Managing expectations is a huge part of keeping your children happy on the road.

Reward Them for Good Behavior

Along the way, if your child is behaving you should reward them for it. When they’re quiet and polite, drive through their favorite fast food or go out of the way to stop somewhere they like. Whatever attraction, restaurant, sweet, or activity your children like can be a great way to reward them for good behavior and keep them content for the hours ahead.

Bring Snacks

One thing that’s essential for road trips is snacks. Healthy and tasty snacks are a great way to pass the time, avoid getting hungry, and wait to stop. You should, of course, limit the intake of fluids the kids have so you don’t have to stop for the bathroom every 50 miles. Snacks are essential when you’re on the road, but don’t bring things that are unhealthy. If your child eats a whole bag of chips, they will feel poorly and need to go to the bathroom. It’s all about balance. Bring the right amount of good, healthy, and filling snacks but don’t pack too much junk food.

Plan Bathroom Breaks

The biggest delay when you’re on a road trip is the bathroom break. You should be clear with your kids that you are going to stop on scheduled stops to go to the bathroom. This should coincide with when you need to fuel your car. Tell your kids that you will stop a certain number of times to go to the bathroom and they will have to wait if they don’t go to the bathroom when you stop. If you’re clear, your children will get the point.

These aren’t just the only tips to make sure your children are content during a road trip, but they are a great place to start. Talk to your kids. Be clear about what the plan is, what they will get when they are good, and where you will stop for fun, food, and fuel. It doesn’t matter where you are going, how long it will take, and what your child is prone to do, you can make the road trip with the family super fun and exciting.

Common mistakes that could ruin your road trip

June 11, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

What’s the best way to get out of the house and spend a few days exploring the country? A road trip. It’s one of the most popular ways to travel during the summer months. The roads are clear, and the weather is suitable to travel to a new city or state with loved ones. Road trips are like the gift that keeps on giving. You get to see several destinations in one trip, be outdoors, and get in tune with things you enjoy, from the beautiful sites down to the music you listen to along the way.

If you’re going to have a good time on your road trip, there are a few things you don’t want to overlook, beyond just using tax prep services to pay your car’s personal property tax.

Prepare Your Car

Driving puts wear and tear on your vehicle. If your car isn’t prepared, it could leave you stranded on the side of the road or in an accident. That’s why you must take care of necessary maintenance and repairs before your trip. Car owners should get the oil and transmission fluid changed and refill antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid. Changing air filters and inspecting tire conditions should also be a priority.

If you don’t know how to complete these tasks yourself, schedule an appointment with a mechanic. If your vehicle is old and in no condition to travel long distances, it’s best to rent a car instead.

Check For Important Docs

Before you depart, ensure that you have the necessary documents to operate a motor vehicle. You should have a valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance card. If you don’t have any of these things, ensure that you get it taken care of in advance to avoid running into conflict.

If you get behind the wheel and don’t have proper identification or get caught driving without proof of insurance, you could get a ticket or even have your vehicle towed. Not to mention, if you’re in an accident, you’ll need your insurance information to provide involved parties and file a claim.

Select A Second Driver (Or Take Frequent Breaks)

If you plan on driving more than two or three hours, you should enlist a second driver. The longer you’re behind the wheel, the higher your chances are of getting into an accident. Not to mention, driving is taxing on the body. You can suffer from road fatigue or get aches and pains that reduce your driving capabilities.

Switching seats with a responsible driver every few hours decreases the chances of that happening. If you’re planning a solo trip, then ensure that you schedule a pit stop regularly to stretch and give yourself a break.

Secure Children Properly

Are you taking the kids with you on your road trip? If so, you must prioritize their safety. In most states, children under the age of 12 and less than 100 pounds need to be in a child safety seat. Install the appropriate car seat for your child’s age and size. Whether it’s a rear-facing car seat or a booster chair, you want to ensure there’s enough space and that it’s properly secured to the vehicle. If you don’t have enough room for the car seats, it’s best to consider another car.

Print Directions (Or Bring A Map)

Although printed directions and maps may seem obsolete in this tech era, they come in handy for a road trip. Depending on where you’re traveling, there could be areas where there is no internet service, or the GPS system doesn’t work. Unless you want to waste time and gas wandering around, it’s best to have a backup.

It’s the perfect time of year to hit the road and enjoy a little getaway. If you’re going to have a good time, you must prepare. Although selecting a destination, reserving a hotel, and picking activities are at the top of your list, don’t forget to complete the above tasks. Failure to do so could cause your road trip to come to an end before it ever gets started.

Additional resources:

4×4 Reports – a guide to the best parts, accessories, gear, and equipment
Long-distance road trip guide: packing, planning, and more
How to prepare your vehicle for an epic road trip

Choosing the right snack bags for road trips

April 8, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Going on a road trip can be a lot of fun, but when you have children, it can make things a little challenging. You have to find ways to keep them entertained, and goodness knows they will eventually start complaining about being hungry. Chances are it will be at a time when there isn’t a restaurant in sight. That is why is a great idea to pack snack bags for road trips for each of your children.

Of course, choosing the wrong bag can also create problems. Your general brown paper sack doesn’t really cut it. They break too easily and offer no insulation. You are much better off with a soft style bag. Luckily, there are many of them from which to choose. When deciding on a bag, you should consider the following points so you end up with bags that will help make your trip much more pleasant.

Choose Something That Makes Eating Easy

One of the biggest challenges of feeding kids in a vehicle is there is no real great place to set out food. Balancing acts usually result in huge messes. So, if you can find a lunch box that has a built-in tray, it can be very helpful. It provides a nice organized way for your kids to eat. It also can keep food separated, which for some kids is a must. There is no reason for you to have to deal with complaints about this food touching that food.

Choose Something With Easy Access

You also should try to find a container that is easy to get into. Depending on the age of your children, they might not be able to easily open zippers, so consider a flap style that is simple to open up or a tote style that just snaps together and be reached right into. You certainly don’t want to have to be turning around, opening everyone’s bags as you are flying down the road.

Choose Something That Makes It Easy to Pack a Variety of Items

Kids are known for being picky when it comes to food. What may have been their most favorite thing at breakfast time suddenly becomes “gross” by the end of the day. You just never know what a kid will come up with when it comes to food. So, you have to pack a nice variety of snacks in their bags. In addition, you are likely going to need to pack items of different weights.

This means you need a lunch box that will hold different foods and allow you to keep delicate foods from getting crunched. There are lunch bags that have multiple compartments, which allow you to put heavy items, like water bottles or apples, in a bottom compartment, while putting lighter items in a top compartment. You may also find bags that have a separate drink bottle with its own compartment, which is great because you can easily refill it. It also helps to choose an insulated bag. This will let you pack warm or cold foods.

Choosing the right snack bags to take on a road trip can make the trip much more enjoyable for everyone. A simple choice like which bag to use may not seem like that big of a deal, but in the end, it can be the one thing that helps keep everyone happy.

Travel Gear We Use: 30 Road Trip Products

June 11, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

I know, your car is already packed to the gills for your family road trip. But trust us, you need these 30 road trip products and ideas to make your travel day run smoothly. We travel every month of the year, and test new road trip products every time we hit the road. Check out our list of road trip gear, updated to include new gear for 2017, and see what you’re missing!

Road trip safety gear:

1. My Bucklemate: This innovative little piece of plastic makes it easy for young kids to buckle themselves into their seats more easily…without mom or dad needing to crawl into the back seat to dig the seat belt clip out of the seat crease! Pick up Bucklemate on Amazon.

2. Cardiff Booster Seat Headrest: By far, the best headrest we’ve seen for toddlers and preschoolers. No more floppy heads when kids are trying to nap!

3. Bubblebum: This portable booster seat goes everywhere, from your own car to taxis to theaters. We guarantee you’ll use it in at least three ways on any road trip!

4. Adventure Medical Kit: There are several pre-made first aid kits to choose from when you browse the offerings at Adventure Medical Kits. Our favorites are listed here!

5. AAA Emergency Road Assistance Kit: Pick out a pre-made kit like this one, or design your own, ensuring you have flares, chains, and the gear you need to change a tire.

Car organizational gear:

6. Seatback car organizer: Every family needs at least one of these organizers that fit on the seat back, for storing books, DVDs, games, and cups. Don’t want to spend much money? Check for a hanging shoe organizer at your local dollar store. Pictured above: Prince Lionheart Backseat Organizer.

7. Trash bags: Yep, good old-fashioned trash bags. Don’t forget them! You’ll need them for the obvious purpose, but trash bags also pull double-duty as wet storage for swimsuits or soggy gloves and hats, storage for muddy shoes, and, unfortunately, as a much-needed receptacle if someone gets car sick.

8. Packing cubes: Used by our family for so much more than packing, packing cubes are ideal during road trips as carry-alls for kids’ gear. Give each child a large packing cube to fill up with his or her items for the ride. Packing cubes are easier to stow under the seat than backpacks, take up less room, and are easy to open and close. Here are our favorites.

9. Mesh laundry bags: Go ahead and use these cheap, lightweight laundry bags for their intended purpose once you arrive at your destination, but while on your road trip, use them to store boots and jackets the family will want at pit stops in winter and sandals or swimsuits in summer. Grab one bag when you reach your pit stop, and off you go.

10. KIDS ‘N’ PETS All Purpose Stain & Odor remover: You might need it. Ok, you’ll probably need it. Fine. We always need it. If you want something more portable than the liquid version, try their new Stain and Odor Remover wipes! We keep a tube of these in one of the car’s drink holders.

11. Refresh your Car: These car freshener products are the only ones my kids will tolerate. Plus, you can use these products to clean your dashboard, too. Here’s our full review.

In-car and rest stop entertainment:

12. SOL REPUBLIC headphones: These are the only headphones we use now, because they’re nearly indestructible. Kids can twist them, step on them, or toss them into a bag, and they keep on delivering high-quality sound. Check out more info in our best electronics picks for travel.

13. Splitter for headphones: Don’t forget one of these! When kids want to listen to a DVD or CD together, they need a splicer for their headphones. Forget it, and you’ll be listening to the entire soundtrack of Frozen too, Mom and Dad. Pair with the screen of your choice. Don’t forget about Kindles!

14. Brunton Revolt: This power cube is worth the investment. Even with in-car chargers and USB ports, everyone needs more power at some point. The Brunton can go from the car to your hotel room, offering an extra place to plug in. Plus, it comes with lots of built-in cables, so there’s no need to bring a tangle of your own.

15. Family puzzle and coloring books: Guess what? It turns out you’re never too old for Where’s Waldo. Candlewick Press’ Where’s Waldo: The Totally Essential Travel Collection includes hundreds of pages of Waldo illustrations, all in a compact, durable book. Like to color instead? ColorIt sells adult coloring books also ideal for kids. Try the Greatest Adventure Adult Coloring Book…it’s packed with pages suitable for kids or adults, and is in a durable spiral-bound notebook ideal for the road. Keep it in the car…you won’t be sorry!

16. Redbox movies: Don’t want to (or can’t) stream movies en route? Get the Redbox movie app, and find Redbox kiosks en route via your car’s entertainment system or a portable DVD player. We like to utilize Redbox because we never have to pay late fees (we find another Redbox to turn movies into down the road) and we have a constant supply of new movies without needing 4G.

17. SOL REPUBLIC Punk Speaker: Want to listen to audio books or podcasts as a family on the road, but don’t have the capability of plugging a smart phone into the car’s audio system? Use a Punk speaker! This little portable speaker packs a big punch. It’s also good for small kids who don’t like to use headphones.

18. Outside Inside Adventure Games: Have you ever stopped at a rest stop so the kids could stretch their legs, only to find nothing to do? We absolutely love these portable games for kids! Some are best for the campsite or fire pit, but others are ideal for grassy spaces, playgrounds, and even hotel rooms. Plus, they all pack down for easy transport. The magnetic darts are our favorite for the hotel room, and the bocce ball set and ladder ball/cornhole games are our favorite for rest stops.

19. Wipe board and dry erase marker: Don’t underestimate the power of a simple board and marker. Kids can play classic games like ‘hangman’ or ‘tic tac toe’. No need to invest in expensive versions of these games!

20. Magnetic Fun: Can’t go wrong with these tried-and-true car entertainment kits! Magnetic Fun is ideal for the toddler and preschool set, but older kids will play too.

Road trip snacks and food:

21. Yeti cooler: A Yeti is a big investment, but if you road trip often, it’s well worth it to have this top-of-the-line cooler. Foods will stay cold in a Yeti far longer than in standard coolers, allowing families to stop and drain it less often and eat more meals on the road. We have the Tundra 45. Can’t swing the cost of a Yeti? Try Mountain Khakis’ new rugged Compass Cooler.

22. BooginHead Pack ‘Ems snack bags: We only use reusable snack bags. BooginHead are our current favorite, because they wipe down easily, are washable, and stand up on their own when packed. Plus, they velcro open and closed, making it easy for little hands to open them. They’re very affordable, too.

23. Sea to Summit Seal ‘n Go: We’ve long been fans of Sea to Summit’s bowls and cups for backcountry camping, and now they have a product perfect for families on the go, whether you’re on a road trip or simply serving kids a snack in the car on the way to school. The Seal ‘n Go comes in multiple sizes, and is a collapsible container with a threaded lid for secure food carrying. They pack down small when you don’t need them, and are virtually accident-proof. Of course, you can take them camping, too! Each piece is around $20.

24. Patagonia Provisions: Bet you haven’t heard of this! Patagonia (yes, the brand that brings you ski wear and down vests) also makes road trip-ready food. You can buy their energy bars, or better yet, get their breakfast grains to make in hotel rooms for an easy and healthy breakfast (just add hot water from a coffee maker). They also make healthy soup mixes for in-room dinners.

25. GSI Outdoors macro camp table: Made with camping in mind, the GSI Outdoors Macro Table is also excellent for road trips. It collapses completely for easy transport, is lightweight, and opens up for an instant table anywhere. We love it on road trips for pit stops at parks where we’re setting out a snack or lunch, in addition to a meal prep space at campsites. It comes in a micro size, too!

26. Jelly Belly candies: You have to have some candy on your road trip, and Jelly Belly candies entertain with their many flavor options while kids (and adults) snack on them. If you’re driving through California, take a Jelly Belly tour at the factory in the San Francisco Bay Area!

Miscellaneous items:

27. Water bottles: Everyone needs to stay hydrated on a road trip, and personal water bottles help families save money when they stop for food, too. We love HydroFlask bottles, because they’re insulated and stainless steel. For a lighter weight bottle, go with Camelbak Eddy or Chute.

28. Duct tape: We won’t judge parents on how duct tape is used, especially at the end of a road trip, but here are our ideas: use it to designate ‘territory’ within the car, to keep kids in their own space, or allow kids to create art with it. Ours like to make their own wallets or frisbees.

29. Paper maps: Go old-school when you stop at gas stations or welcome centers, and pick up paper maps of the region you’re road tripping. Allow kids to follow your route by themselves, or enlist their help navigating. Older kids can pick out pit stops en route, or calculate distance.

30. Pillows and blankets: Make your road trip a slumber party with small pillows and lap blankets to make the drive more comfortable. If you don’t have room for full-sized pillows, opt for travel pillows. We love Rumpl’s travel blanket, which packs down small and is waterproof against spills.

Need kids’ gear for the road and want to shop online? Find great deals on essential baby and child gear.

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Three best road trip itineraries for active families

June 1, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

No matter how much we vacation, road trips remain one of our favorite modes of travel. Why? Road trips offer a sense of adventure and freedom that’s hard to beat. Plus, they’re often more affordable, more flexible, and allow us to see the country up-close and personally. I’m offering up our three best road trip itineraries for active families in the western US and Canada:

1. Northern California Coastal Road Trip

Think a road trip down California’s fabled Highway 1 is only for romantic getaways, ideally in a convertible? Well sure, that’d be nice, but a Highway 1 road trip is excellent with kids in tow, too. Our trip started in San Francisco and ended in San Simeon, with both city and country stops.

Highlights for active families:

Hiking along Big Sur
Biking along Monterey Bay
Kayaking and seal watching
city exploration in San Francisco

Read our full Highway 1 itinerary.

2. Vancouver Island Road Trip

Head over the border to Canada, and explore all the rugged beauty of Vancouver Island, BC. We started in the city of Vancouver, then took a BC ferry at Horseshoe Bay. Once we were on Vancouver Island, we explored the east coast of the shore (known for its sunny weather), then crossed the island for breathtaking views and wildlife spotting on the western side.

Highlights for active families:

Kayaking in Ucluelet
Whale watching via zephyr boat in Tofino
Exploring Pacific Rim National Park
Ferrying to old growth forests in Meares Island

Read our full Vancouver Island itinerary. Want to add a bit more Pacific Northwest south of the border? Explore San Juan Islands, WA as well.

3. Western National Parks road trip: Montana, Wyoming, and Utah

Want to see Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Zion, but can’t decide which epic national park to visit? Neither could we! For this national park-focused road trip, we started in Spokane, WA, and drove to Montana to see Glacier, then dropped down Big Sky for some outdoor playtime before driving to Wyoming to see Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Next, we headed to Park City, Utah for a breather before driving south to Zion.

Highlights for active families:

Exploring 4 national parks in about 3 weeks
Camping in yurts and tents
Playing on ropes courses and zip lines in Park City and Big Sky
Boating on Glacier lakes
horseback riding in view of the Tetons

Read our full Western National Parks itinerary. Need a great detour? Drive to Cody, Wyoming after visiting Grand Teton to learn about Buffalo Bill and explore cowboy country.

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Best food containers and bento boxes for the road

August 30, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

One of the best ways to save money and stay healthier on road trips is to pack your own food. Almost every road trip we take, we pack lunches and drinks, whether we’ll be on the road a few hours or a few weeks. Since we banned plastic baggies and disposable plastic containers in our house years ago, the best food containers for our car include the following. Bonus: For a list of road trip friendly snacks, check here.

Bento boxes for the road:

Seal Cup Trio: This trio of round stainless steel containers come with soft rubber lids and are made by ECOLunchBox. We love that they nest together when not in use, so they take up less room in the cupboard, and that they’re not very heavy. If you’ve toted around glass containers, you know what I mean (see below). The Seal Cup Trio are perfect for snacks like pretzels, cut fruit, and granola. You can put wet items in, but not liquids. They’re $29, which is a good deal for three pieces.

ECOLunch Pod: These little 5 ounce rectangular containers are complete stainless steel, with stainless steel lids. We love them because they’re very versatile: you can use them for snacks, or as accessories to your lunch, storing wet wipes or even crayons or other crafty games for the car. They’re only around $8 each.

PlanetBox food tray: No doubt about it, PlanetBox food systems are expensive. However, we use one every day for our son’s lunch for school, then again on the road. What I love: it’s all one unit, so it’s easy to transport and not lose pieces, and the included dip containers never leak. For what it’s worth, we never use the included cover…just one more thing to lose in the car! Pick one up for $64.

Life Factory: For bigger food items, such as prepared salads and sandwich rolls, we use Life Factory 2-cup and 4-cup containers. Beware: these glass containers are heavy to lug around (so they’re best for road tripping where food transport is at a minimum). However, we love them because they’re encased in rubber to prevent breakage and seal very well. Pick up the 2-cup version for $17.

HydroFlask growler: We love everything HydroFlask (hey, it’s an Oregon company, and we’re Oregonians!) but many families don’t think of buying a growler for road trips. Usually used for beer, growlers are ideal for keeping drinks cold on the road: we fill our growler with water, tea, and fruit juices to dole out along the way. Plus, if the adults in the family come across local brews, they can easily fill up! They’re under $50 on Amazon. We also use HydroFlask water bottles and food containers, but note: in our experience, the food containers do not keep liquids like soup hot for more than five hours.

What to carry road trip snacks in:

For short term road trips and outdoor pit stops, we love to use our bulga basket. We picked ours up for under $25. I use bulga baskets more than soft-sided coolers because I can easily access everything and see all the items I’ve packed, which I find very convenient. However, I cannot keep foods very cold in a basket. When we need to transport foods longer than a few hours, I turn to my Yeti cooler. No, buying a Yeti isn’t overkill: this high end cooler may have been designed for hunters and explorers out in the wilderness for days and weeks at a time, but trust me, after using one, you’ll never go back to a regular plastic cooler again. Our Yeti Tundra keeps our food cold and fresh for days!

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WiFi hotspot in your car: ZTE Mobley review

November 4, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

AT&T reached out to us to product test their mobile hotspot, the ZTE Mobley. We said we’d give it a whirl on a seven-hour road trip, because I was curious about the pros and cons of having a WiFi hotspot in your car: after trying it out, would we want to keep it? Would we decide we needed it, or not?

We opted to set up the ZTE Mobley mobile hotspot in our Toyota van for use during a seven-hour road trip from Southern Oregon to Eastern Washington. I figured it was a good journey for testing: most of the route is on interstate, with plenty of cell towers close enough to be in range, with only occasional loss of coverage during mountain passes. It’s also a mixture of rural, suburban, and urban areas. It’s a typical road trip route for us here in the Northwest.

Note: this review is written for AT&T customers. If you’re not with AT&T, you can skip the set up instructions and scroll down to the part where we describe whether we think the hotspot is worth bringing on road trips.

Setting up the ZTE Mobley:

I tend to dread the ‘set up’ process when it comes to new technology, but as it turned out, setting up the mobile hotspot was easy-peasy. The ZTE Mobley is shaped a lot like an ink cartridge, and inserts directly into the OBD II connector port in your car (yeah, I didn’t know I had one, either). All you need to do is start your car’s engine, then connect your smart phone (or other WiFi-enabled device) to the network. To do this, you go through the usual steps: under WiFi on your phone, search for the WiFi network name and input password. Launch your browser.

Note: you can always manage your hotspot at http://attwifimanager.com.

On the road:

Once we were up and running, we could connect up to five wireless devices to the mobile hotspot, shared across main and guest networks. Parents: you can block certain devices from logging onto the WiFi, though it would seem to me that if you have activated the hotspot in your car, you’re ok with everyone using it. Just like any other WiFi network, you can change the password as desired.

The ZTE Mobley worked great for us on our road trip, during which we had three devices logged onto the WiFi. My teenaged sons streamed some Netflix TV shows, and I was able to work on my laptop, researching an upcoming travel story, when not in the drivers’ seat. Normally, we have a ‘no streaming’ rule on road trips, because we go through 4G data so fast when we allow it. The kids thought it was a nice treat to entertain themselves with Brooklyn Nine-Nine episodes.

Of course, there were a few places en route where we lost connection due to signal strength, but this was expected. We simply refreshed. I read criticism of the Mobley that sometimes, the signal dropped from LTE to 3G or lower, but we didn’t experience this problem.

So, do you need a WiFi hotspot in your car?

Potentially, a hotspot in your car can allow you or your kids to entertain themselves with gaming in the car, movies, TV shows, and other apps that require WiFi. I really enjoyed the ability to get work done. We were also able to stream audio books we didn’t want to have to download, saving us time and storage before our road trip. That said, in my opinion, a WiFi hotspot in the car is a nice luxury, but certainly not a necessity. We don’t personally allow screens in our car for short trips, but do allow them on long trips, making the hotspot desirable sometimes, but not all the time. With a two-year contract, however, you unfortunately can’t turn your hotspot on and off as desired.

My conclusion: I view car WiFi much like I view GoGo Inflight WiFi: well worth paying for when you need it, but not needed for every trip.

With a two-year contract, you can’t, unfortunately, turn your hotspot on and off as desired.

Cost:

If you decide a mobile hotspot is right for your family, it’s pretty affordable. If you’re an AT&T customer, the Mobley is free with a two-year contract. You can get 1 GB for $20/month or 3 GB for $30/month.

Disclosure: We tried the ZTE Mobley free of charge for six weeks, for the purpose of review. We are AT&T customers, and unfortunately for us, AT&T does not pay our monthly cellular bill.

Harry Potter road trip: UK filming sites worth visiting

July 22, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

There’s are many filming locations for the Harry Potter movie franchise scattered over the UK and Scotland, but frankly, not all of them are visit-worthy. For instance, the campsite Harry and Hermione find themselves in during the last book and movie is really more of a sewage treatment center with some grass outside. Other sites, however, have been destinations in their own right for years, and a few gems were virtually undiscovered by visitors until Harry Potter put them on the map. We’ve compiled our favorites. All you need to do is grab a flight and rent a car to check out these stops along a Harry Potter road trip of the UK.

Start in London:

King’s Cross Station: Visiting King’s Cross, the site of famous Platform 9 3/4 is a must for most Harry Potter fans. The wall that witches and wizards run into to access it is actually located between platforms 4 and 5. You can check out the location, then enjoy the decidedly Muggle ambiance of the busy station.

London Zoo: The Reptile House where Harry first learned he could talk to snakes on Dudley’s birthday looks just as it appears in the movie. Plan to stay and enjoy the rest of the London Zoo for at least the better part of a day. The zoo has an excellent lion exhibit and ‘sunset safari’.

Whitehall: The Palace of Whitehall was the main residence of the English monarchs in Londonfrom 1530 until 1698. While filming the Harry Potter series, the Ministry of Magic was set between Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.

Drive to Oxford:

From London, take A40 to M40 to Oxford. Once in the area, there are numerous Harry Potter sites to visit.

Oxford Library: The Hogwarts library, pictured numerous times, including when Harry researches Nicholas Flamel, is located in Oxford’s Duke Humphrey’s Library, which is one of the special collections reading rooms at the Bodleian. Hermione also reads about Polyjuice Potion there, and Harry and Hermione discuss who to take to Slughorn’s Christmas party here.

Divinity School: The Divinity School at Oxford is the setting for the Hogwarts infirmary. Even if you know nothing of Harry Potter, stop in here. It’s breathtakingly beautiful.

From Oxford, continue on A40 to Gloucester:

Gloucester Cathedral: The corridor that leads to The Fat Lady and Gryffindor’s common room is located in the cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral, beautiful to visit whether a Potter fan or no. You may also recognize it as the corridor where Ginny writes “The Chamber of Secrets has been opened” in blood on the walls.

Drive to Wiltshire:

Drive the A417 out of Gloucester to the A361 to Wiltshire. Continue out of town to Lacock.

Lacock Abbey: Lacock Abbey is a treasure trove of Harry Potter sites. Professor Snape’s classroom is located in the Lacock Abbey Sacristy. Also located in the Wiltshire Abbey is professor Quirrell’s classroom. Of note: this room houses a genuine cauldron. The room where Harry views his deceased parents in the mirror is also in Lacock Abbey. In Chamber of Secrets, professor McGonagall uses the same room for her lesson on how to turn animals into water goblets. Horace Slughorn’s house is nearby in Chapel Hill, Lacock, Wiltshire.

Return toward London:

12 Picket Post Close, Martins Heron: Better known as 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, this is the exact home depicted as the Dursleys’ house in the films. Martin’s Heron in en route back to London, but it’s fairly close to the city, so this stop can certainly be done as part of your London itinerary as well.

Going further afield:

To continue your Harry Potter tour through the north, start by driving up A120 toward Suffolk.

Lavenham: This charming village is the filming site of Godric’s Hollow. A wonderful medieval village worthy of your visit, Lavenham may not be covered in snow during your visit, as it was during Harry’s Christmas pilgrimage, but you’ll still find plenty to occupy yourself here.

Goathland Station: The station that serves both the village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts is actually Goathland Station, on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

More to see in Scotland:

Alnwick Castle: Known as a popular filming location (it was featured in Downton Abbey, Robin Hood, and more), Alnwick Castle, Northumberland is the location for Madam Hooch’s first flying lesson. You’ll need to walk to the Outer Bailey (courtyard). Harry and Ron also land the Ford Anglia here in Chamber of Secrets.

Loch Shiel, Glencoe: The setting for the Hogwarts Lake (most of the time, anyway), Loch Shiel is located near the Glenfinnan Viaduct. You can definitely see both in a day.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber: One of the most recognizable settings from Harry Potter, this viaduct is the one the Hogwarts Express is crossing when Harry and Ron almost crash the Ford Anglia. During the summer months, you can take a ride along the track through West Coast Railways.

Bonus stops:

Wales: In scenic Pembrokeshire, Dobby’s tragic death takes place at Freshwater West.

Ireland: The well-known Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast of County Clare are featured when Dumbledore takes Harry to find the Horcrux in the sea cave. If you also want to see the rock on which Harry and Dumbledore stand, however, that’s 90 miles away off Iveragh Peninsula.

This post was written in partnership with Alamo Europe. Photo credit

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