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.
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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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Yes, recent trends suggest that Americans are regaining confidence in vacations and travel. As travel restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase, many Americans are showing a greater willingness to travel and explore destinations again. However, it’s important to stay updated on travel advisories and safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Reading Fran Falkin’s insights took me back to my first trip with Whiskers, my feline companion. The chaos of ensuring he was comfortable amidst the hustle of the airport was a lesson in patience. Had I come across these invaluable tips earlier, our journey would’ve been as smooth as a calm sea.
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