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    Home

    The Ultimate Family Road Trip

    Plan the best family road trip ever with these tips for planning your route, packing up the car, and keeping the kids happy on the go!

    Two girls in the back seat of a car for a road trip.

    If you've got kids, chances are you've been on at least one family vacation road trip.

    This classic family vacation style is popular with parents because it is such an affordable way to take the kids on an adventure.

    It sounds easy enough, doesn't it? Pick your destination, pack your bags, pile everyone into the car, and go!

    But if your planning stopped there, you may end up more than a little disappointed when you hear: "Are we there yet??" just two miles down the road.

    Learn how to plan the ultimate family road trip with these easy tips.

    Jump to:
    • Getting Started
    • Where to Go
    • Packing Tips for Road Trips
    • Enjoy the Ride
    • Tips for Road Trips with Kids
    • Hotel Tips

    Getting Started

    The first step to any vacation is choosing your adventure destination and planning your itinerary. This is my favorite part of the entire vacation planning process!

    • Two young girls in the back seat of a minivan are buckled in and ready for the road trip.
      How to Plan a Family Road Trip Itinerary
    • Quote says: Once a year, go someplace you've never been.
      Tips for Picking Vacation Destinations
    • A dog sits on a yellow kayak in the water.
      Should You Take Your Dog on Vacation?

    Where to Go

    Looking for inspiration for places to go on your road trip? Our family lives in Charlotte, NC and these are some of our favorite places that are all within an easy day's drive:

    • Amelia Island
    • Atlanta
    • Charleston
    • Charlotte
    • Pigeon Forge
    • Savannah

    Packing Tips for Road Trips

    You know where you're going and how you plan to get there, now it's time to grab your stuff! Road trip packing doesn't just stop at your suitcase though, don't miss my best tips for packing your car, too!

    • The front taillight of a car.
      Road Trip Essentials to Pack for Family Vacations
    • The back of a mini van is open so you can see all the items packed for a family vacation.
      Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 40+ Things to Keep in Your Car
    • An organized backseat for the kids.
      How to Organize Your Car for Road Trips with Kids
    • Piles of kids' clothing sits on a bed ready to be packed into a suitcase.
      Packing Secrets for Kids Clothing

    Enjoy the Ride

    Keep everyone entertained and well fed so you can enjoy your adventure:

    • The photo collage shows several audiobooks for family road trips.
      16 Best Audiobooks for Family Road Trips
    • A photo collage shows several easy breakfast in the car ideas you can grab and go.
      Grab and Go Breakfast in the Car Ideas
    • A young girls hands adjusting her cards for a card game that is set on the table.
      Best Travel Games for Kids to Play with Adults

    Tips for Road Trips with Kids

    Want to keep the kiddos peaceful in the backseat? Here are some of my favorite tips for making the road trip easier on your kids:

    • Two girls in the backseat of a car on a roadtrip.
      How to Survive a Long Car Ride with Kids
    • A spare stuffed bear for travel is in a backpack while the original bear stays home.
      Traveling Lovies: Protecting Kids' Toys on the Go
    • A kids' suitcase is filled with clothing and a few toys.
      What to Pack in a Grab Bag for Kids

    Hotel Tips

    Once you reach your final destination and you check into the hotel for your stay, you'll definitely want these tips for keeping your new "home away from home" neat and tidy so you can relax and truly enjoy your vacation:

    • A pair of full-size beds in a hotel room.
      Best Hotel Room Hacks for Families
    • A travel laundry basket has a shirt hanging out.
      How to Organize Your Hotel Room
    • A photo collage shows a sample of easy recipes that make great breakfast ideas for hotel rooms.
      Easy Breakfast Ideas for Hotel Rooms

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Tiffany! I believe the best memories are made on our family trips. I'm excited to share easy ways to connect with your kids and raise lifelong learners through family travel.

    More about me →

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