Our Top 10 Family Road Trips USA awards go to the original family vacation: the road trip by car. Nearly 80% of Americans have said they consider road trips “a rite of passage” for their children, probably because they did them with their parents. While families looking for relaxation today may choose the beach to kick back and refuel, others will venture onto hiking or biking trails, mountain slopes, roller coasters or cruise ship decks in pursuit of their ideal vacation.
Most of us will, at some time, pack the car and hit the highway for a traditional American road trip. We may go because the country is diverse and beautiful and “getting there” adds to the memories… or simply because driving is the easiest way to reach a favorite beach, wilderness area, mountain or themepark. So, despite sky-high gas prices, browse our list below.
Need a car or SUV or family minivan to make your family road trip a reality? Check out these discount car rental rates from Discovercars.com
These top 10 driving itineraries are the most popular ones among family travelers, and we celebrate them by taking a new look at what each has to offer.
Family Road Trips Northeast
Did you know that Americans surveyed say the ideal road trip includes 13 total hours of driving?
An American History Tour Through Pennsylvania
Leaf Peeking in New England
Family Road Trips Southeast
We also learned that most people think five days is plenty for a family road trip.
The Blue Ridge Parkway From Virginia To Tennessee
Florida US1 From Jacksonville To Key West
Family Road Trip Mountain States
When you’re thinking about how to travel with, keep in mind that most drivers say the way to go is with a total of four passengers in a roomy SUV or Crossover vehicle.
Great Sights Of The West – Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone And The Grand Tetons
Family Road Trips Southwest
Our kids don’t like to sit still for very long, so we’ve broken down all these itineraries into several manageable days. Expect to keep under a few hours’ driving time per day.
The Grand Canyon From Phoenix To Las Vegas
Exploring The Diverse Cultures Of New Mexico
Family Road Trips West
Some of the most legendary Western road trips are the longest distances. Of course, you can pick and choose among the many suggested stops and detours, and stay for as long as you’d like in any one place. Make them your own.
The Pacific Coast Highway From San Francisco To Los Angeles
Around and About The Big Island Of Hawaii
The Pacific Northwest From Portland To The Olympic Peninsula
Here’s the video done by team member Jillian Ryan when we first rolled out our picks for the Top 10 Roadtrips. Although gas prices were 28% lower back then, it’s still a fun and brief look at what these trips have to offer.
Planning the Top Family Road Trip Journey on Your List
Today, more than two-thirds of Amerians surveyed say they plan to go on more road trips than prior to the pandemic. Please try out a few of our itineraries.
We offer all the resources you’ll need to download a map so the kids can learn to read one, and your navigator can find a place to stay each night.
Find discount family-friendly hotels for your next family vacation road trip here.
Make sure to have snacks and amusements on hand for the backseat set. And don’t forget to play some of our favorite backseat games en route. We hope that frequent stops, amazing sights, and colorful detours will help you avoid too many muttered “Are we there yets?”
Prefer a vacation rental or condo for your stay? Check-out options from VRBO.com.
Drive safe (here are some safety tips) and have a wonderful adventure! (And leave comments about favorite stops you’ve found so others can follow the fun.)
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Great advice. I took my girls to camp, and it was an amazing experience for all of us, as I had never been to camp as a child.
Luxembourg is well known for its cultural life and traditions. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions. So if you want to explore this city, rent a car, take a map and go places.Luxembourg Car hire will offer a wide variety of cars to suit your rental preferences.
Is that for real? That is the most beautiful thing that I ever seen. Really great. I think the first picture is really exotic. You still have time to capture this photo during your day? Awesome.
Yes nice place for faimly vacation
You explain your trip so wonderfully that i decided to go for it with my family on coming weekend.
Although it might a be a good time to go in winter, I prefer Vancouver in Winter days!!
Thanks very much for these tips, they are really helpful for me!!
Being a Harry Potter fan, I guess I will have to go to Great Britain to explore more….
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With that smartphone that we have we'll be able to communicate with all the people around us. This make our life easier and we stay connected even we are live in other place or even in another country.
Ohh nice movie to watch with faimly..
The type of travel chronicled here might be too hardcore for most families, but this kind of travel could offer a greater bonding experience. There are several Guide services that run this river in rafts. making it much easier and safer for families.
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I think that it could be nice to take advantage of insider tips, and since I'm also planning a trip it is very tempting for me to explore this website even more.
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JW Marriott has the distinction of excellence and I suspect that this location is no different to the other Marriott owned hotels and resorts.
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On June 4, 2011, American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country for the 19th annual celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers.
See http://www.AmericanHiking.org for details on one of the 2,000 events near you.
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Colombia is a great country. We have a very rich and diverse culture. It is a modern city where you can find everything you would in any other touristic spot. Bogota has lots of museums, parks, and universities, thus it is called "The Athens of South America". Everyone is so welcome to come!
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Hi; We are looking to do a family reunion this summer for 20 adults and 13 kids. The last two weeks in July are the best weeks. We are looking at a 5 to 7 day stay. Do you have any availability?
Thanks
Tom
Wow! My girls thought the dog sledding looked really cool and the cable gliding too. Wish we were there with you guys!
Cybele
Yeah.. Its great i am planning for my next vacation and it's looking that i am at the right place.
omg
how fabulous
I really enjoyed this article. As a cold weather hating person in a family split between winter/summer weather lovers, this article and video have inspired me. The cold stuff actually looks FUN for once, and the water park at the end will make up for it in case it's not… Thanx for the tip off!
Railing across Europe is the only way to travel! Convenient, cheap, and easy with kids!
You can sign up for an RSS feed by going to this page:
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What a great story about the butterfly hatching; that is so much like the Belizean love for nature.
I love this place too. It is unique and quiet, and with so much to do. Menno was great–he knows so much about the medicinal plants and that knowledge is disappearing from many of the caribbean Islands. In some it has been actively discouraged by telling people it is "black magic." Pharmaceutical business interests guarding a monopoly more likely.
Has anyone been back since Tomas in Oct. 2010? I have a few articles on my HubPages site, but from before the destruction of Hurricane Tomas.
Great page! That is what I need. Thanks very much!
Look….How cute he is looking Mikel …..We Really missed him.
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Upon checking in, a staff member brought us a little box house with a pupa, which would hopefully hatch into a butterfly during our stay, and which we were instructed to set free
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This is insanely beautiful! I regret so much that I've missed it!!!
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I couldn’t agree more with this article, these days holidays are really a luxury and by vacationing in a place like New Rock City will keep the kids wildly entertained but won’t hurt the wallet.
When you are taking in the sights in Barcelona city go to the Carrer de l'Hospital road and there is a Tapas bar there that welcomes kids. From there all other attractions are within walking distance.
2011 and there is still fantastic bargains across the world. Regardless of budget and type of travel there is something for everyone.
Go to http://www.ridebrightside.com and discover Barcelona cruising on a Sidecar motorcycle!
Your private guide will take you on an amazing journey into the city’s famous attractions, the authentic Mediterranean lifestyle and hidden secrets, away from the touristic areas.
The Aegean is spectacular. It is really amazing to see so many blindingly white buildings that have such striking historic relevance in Mykonos.
The Aegean is amazing! The white buildings of Mykonos will blind you on a sunny day and the elegance and age of it is truly spectacular.
What a special gift to take your grand children on a cruise and show them such striking destinations.
I have been through the whole content of this blog which is very informative and knowledgeable stuff, So i would like to visit again.
Your idea to post the required documents information for the 10 most popular travel countries is a great one, but unfortunately, that information might change depending on where the family was coming from and going to each of those 10 countries.
For American citizens, the U.S. Dept of State website at http://travel.state.gov is still the best and most up to date resource, as you can search their Country Guides for the one you will be visiting, and read the latest regulations.
Citizens of other countries should check their own foreign ministry to determine what is required in terms of visa and childrens permission documents.
I would have to admit that any location in South America is a great option for a family vacation. The lifestyle, the culture, the weather and the variety of activities will leave you all wanting more.
I like this direct no nonsense article and it is accurate and how it should be. I just hope this is taken seriously in all countries.
Great story, going to bring my daughter up now!