Taking the family on a cross-country road trip this summer? It may sound like the perfect idea and a great chance to bond while exploring our great country, but, with a few wrong moves, your idyllic, classic American road trip could end up more like something from the National Lampoon franchise. Here are four mistakes you’re definitely going to want to avoid.
Trying to Do Too Much in Too Little Time
Yes, you may think it’s no big deal to see a national park in one afternoon and then drive five hours to your next destination, but will that actually be preferable when the time comes? Probably not. Remember that while road trips can seem easy when you’re plotting out your route at home, they can actually become quite tiring when you’re out there on the road. All that driving wears on you and trying to cram an entire national park into the span of a few hours can be stressful. Give yourself extra time on everything you plan to do and see (and add an extra half-hour or hour to your anticipated driving time as well — you never know when bad weather, traffic, road work or even just waking up late, will impact your driving time), so you never feel rushed.
Not Booking Accommodations Ahead of Your Trip
Don’t assume you’ll just arrive in your destination city and book a hotel upon your arrival. Look into places to stay before you even drive your first mile and see what your options are before you decide you’ll go to a particular destination. Many national parks — if they’re on your itinerary — are located in remote areas where hotel pickings are slim. Without proper planning, you could end up staying in a less-than-ideal property for a much larger price than you want to pay.
Not Packing Snacks, Drinks
Regardless which cross-country route you choose or the destinations you visit, at some point, you’ll likely end up driving through the middle of nowhere. And that’s exactly when your children are going to suddenly be starving. Take a freezer bag with ice and drinks, along with a small supply of snacks, with you. You can replenish your supplies at varying intervals along the way, and you’ll always have a quick solution when someone complains of hunger or thirst.
Not Taking Enough Photos
Yes, it’s a road trip, so you’re going to be snapping Instagram shots at every turn. But while you’re getting gorgeous panoramas of the landscape and shots of your kids seeing their first bison up close and personal, don’t forget to ask a few fellow travelers to snap a photo of the entire family. Most will be more than happy to do so for you if you’re willing to take their photo in return. You’ll find yourself thankful you did so when you get home from your trip and find lots of family portraits from all the great destinations you visited
Read This Next
5 Family-Friendly Museums in Charleston
Destinations / North America
Aug 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Nov 7, 2024Velas Vallarta: The Perfect Family Stay in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Family travelers looking for the ultimate escape in Puerto Vallarta should consider booking a stay at Velas Vallarta. Located directly on the beaches of Banderas Bay, Velas Vallarta offers a luxury all-inclusive experience in one of Mexico’s most popular destinations.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway
East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.
Hotels
Nov 7, 2024Family-Friendly Holiday Packages from Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa will transform into a festive wonderland for family travelers this holiday season. Non-stop fun for all ages includes cookie decorating, face painting, hot chocolate and smores, and so much more.
Slideshow
Nov 7, 20247 Strasbourg, France, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Strasbourg, France, with us.
Hotels
Nov 6, 2024Discover What’s in Store for Kids at Ambergris Cay, Turks and Caicos
A private island resort in Turks and Caicos almost sounds too good to be true for family travelers, but true it is. Ambergris Cay, a private island resort about 600 miles south of Miami, is packed full of romance, relaxation and, now, incredible options for family fun.
Hotels
Nov 6, 2024Santa Claus is Coming to … Swissôtel Chicago
Family travelers to Chicago will want to book the Santa Suite at Swissôtel Chicago. Tickets and bookings are now available for the return of this beloved tradition. The theme this year is Holiday Songs, and 17 trees will be decorated with ornaments inspired by classic holiday favorites like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
ShareThis