Our view of Glacier National Park.A buffalo at Yellowstone National Park.A horse on vacation.
When most people think of a relaxing family vacation, a cross-country adventure through nine western states plus a Canadian province doesn’t automatically come to mind. However, my parents weren’t looking for relaxing as they organized our summer vacation this year. My dad seemed to have taken it upon himself to plan the modern teenager’s worst nightmare: the ultimate family bonding trip. “Not enough people do this anymore!” was the line he and my mother spouted in the weeks leading up to our vacation as my twin brother and I shot each other horrified glances that screamed, “Well, there are probably good reasons why!”
Mid-June arrived. We crammed our SUV full of suitcases, coolers, and a wild assortment of clothing to combat whatever Mother Nature threw at us. Though I was thrilled, I was sure going to miss my privacy for the next two weeks. With barely enough room left for us inside the car, we set off on “The White Family Great American Road Trip”. As we left behind our spacious home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in favor of more “cozy” accommodations for the next five thousand miles, I wasn’t the only one in the car wondering what we were getting ourselves into…
We shot straight west, out through the Oklahoma panhandle. Though still close to home, we were not without our fair share of adventures. My family finally stopped for the night near Black Mesa, Oklahoma, under the darkest star-filled skies in the nation, but only after nearly being blown off the highway in a dust storm. We quickly learned the rule of the road: livestock gets the right-of-way! The next day, we were up at dawn and moving again. I sensed a pattern forming.
Desert gave way to mountains. The days began to blend together, but each adventure was still distinct. We left our footprints in the Great Sand Dunes, where a reenactment of The Mummy was necessary before moving on to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The heavy smell of sulfur in that friendly tourist town gave us a taste of what we were going to experience down the road in Yellowstone. Clinging to the mountainside near Ouray, Colorado, we learned that Jeep roads are best left to Jeeps. The fusion of ancient and modern could be seen everywhere we stopped. Dodging construction traffic became routine. Disappointment turned to laughter as we posed by the enormous “CLOSED” signs in front of the Four CornersMonument. We passed countless wind farms on our way to watch the setting sun cast its shadows over ArchesNational Park near Moab, Utah. “Bear jams” were simply expected while driving through Yellowstone, and a close encounter with a bison (and an anxious park ranger) left us with some unforgettable memories. As we drove, life back home faded away. The Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park, Montana, is a creaky ninety-five years old and has no internet or cell phone service. However, in exchange for these trappings, I got to experience the most magnificent place I have ever seen.
But all good dreams must come to an end. After watching a rainstorm blow through from a cozy perch in the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton, Alberta, my family and I made our free-fall south. It was bittersweet to be home, but I hadn’t killed my brother in our one hundred hours on the road! Three thousand photos chronicling our crazy journey waited to be sifted through and rediscovered. My parents had been right. You don’t have to escape to some exotic foreign land to discover something remarkable– it’s right here in America.
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0 Replies to “See America First: Bringing Back the Great American Road Trip”
Your thoughtful tips—like timing your visit for fewer crowds and savoring the local seafood—add so much value for planning a perfect summer getaway. Thanks for sharing such a beautifully curated list—I’m definitely adding these towns to my travel list!
This enthusiastic blog provides a huge list of 51 varied and exciting summer vacation ideas for families, offering options from theme parks to national parks both near and far.
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I had the chance to experience Denmark during the Christmas season, and it’s something I’ll always hold close to my heart. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen felt like stepping into a storybook. The way the entire park was dressed in soft, glowing lights, handmade decorations, and the comforting scent of mulled wine in the air made every moment feel special.
There’s a unique warmth about this place that isn’t just from the cocoa or winter drinks, but from the people, the laughter, and the little traditions scattered around every corner. Watching families gather, children’s faces light up at the sight of the reindeer, and the simple joy of wandering through beautifully decorated stalls reminded me how lovely the holiday season can be.
It’s not just about the decorations or the rides — it’s the feeling of togetherness, the calm, and the way time seems to slow down so you can really take in the small, meaningful moments. I left with a heart full of good memories and a deep appreciation for the charm and kindness of Danish traditions.
If you ever get the chance to visit, I promise it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
This article is incredibly informative and well-structured. It offers clear, practical guidance on a topic many travelers often overlook—traveling with minors. The detailed breakdown of required documents and the emphasis on consent letters provide much-needed clarity for parents and guardians planning a trip. A must-read for anyone traveling with children!
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Your thoughtful tips—like timing your visit for fewer crowds and savoring the local seafood—add so much value for planning a perfect summer getaway. Thanks for sharing such a beautifully curated list—I’m definitely adding these towns to my travel list!
This enthusiastic blog provides a huge list of 51 varied and exciting summer vacation ideas for families, offering options from theme parks to national parks both near and far.
Absolutely love the insights you’ve shared in this blog!
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For the people that are planning to go to Aruba, I would also suggest this website: https://canitravel.net/countries/aruba . I used it last month when I went to Aruba and it always had up-to-date travel restrictions. I hope this helps 🙂
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Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks
for the post. I will definitely comeback.
This is such helpful information! Traveling with minors can get complicated, and having all the required documents ready makes the process so much smoother. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly!
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I haven’t checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I had the chance to experience Denmark during the Christmas season, and it’s something I’ll always hold close to my heart. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen felt like stepping into a storybook. The way the entire park was dressed in soft, glowing lights, handmade decorations, and the comforting scent of mulled wine in the air made every moment feel special.
There’s a unique warmth about this place that isn’t just from the cocoa or winter drinks, but from the people, the laughter, and the little traditions scattered around every corner. Watching families gather, children’s faces light up at the sight of the reindeer, and the simple joy of wandering through beautifully decorated stalls reminded me how lovely the holiday season can be.
It’s not just about the decorations or the rides — it’s the feeling of togetherness, the calm, and the way time seems to slow down so you can really take in the small, meaningful moments. I left with a heart full of good memories and a deep appreciation for the charm and kindness of Danish traditions.
If you ever get the chance to visit, I promise it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
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This article is incredibly informative and well-structured. It offers clear, practical guidance on a topic many travelers often overlook—traveling with minors. The detailed breakdown of required documents and the emphasis on consent letters provide much-needed clarity for parents and guardians planning a trip. A must-read for anyone traveling with children!
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Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to search out anyone with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!
Thank you for such praise, I am glad I could present the material in a way that made you want to see and experience St. Augustine’s Black history for yourself.
Of course, this beach town has lots more to offer but if you are willing to walk the lanes and dig a little bit, the history of the first Blacks and how much they contributed to protecting the colony is fascinating.
Hope you get there and enjoy your trip.
Your trip sounds absolutely incredible! Lisbon is truly a magical city, and your experience during the EuroCup must have made it even more special. If anyone reading this is planning a trip to Lisbon, I highly recommend taking a free walking tour to explore the city’s rich history, charming streets, and hidden gems with a local guide. You can check out this great option: https://www.guruwalk.com/lisbon. It’s a fantastic way to get an insider’s perspective on the city!
It’s iin reality a great and helpful piece oof info.
I’m satisfied that you shared this helpful information with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing
Great content for cruise lovers !! One of the most advantage of cruising is you do not have to pick your luggages every day , and every day you discover a new country. Although one day is not enough to see everything it gives an idea about a country ! With my experience since 2007, 99,9% of my guest said that Kusadasi/Turkey is their favorite port among all the other ports. Because we have a lot of options for every traveler. The most popular places , if your ship is docking at Kusadasi, is Ephesus ancient city which is only 25 min. drive away. Ephesus was the 4th largest ancient city of the world in 2 c AD.Most of the ruins are reconstructed and gives an idea about Roman’ glorious times. If you ever visit Ephesus, I suggest you to see Terrace Houses , where the rich were living and houses are decorated with beautiful mosaics and frescoes from 3rd c AD.If you want to add a spiritual break , thats House of Virgin Mary is there. It is believed that she was taken by St. John the apostle to there.Another place you must see Ephesus Museum.. Forget all that boring museums you have seen . While guiding , I explain the most interesting artifacts , including original staue of Artemis. BTW. did you know that one of seven wonders of ancient world was located there? Well… not so much left , but it is still worth to be seen. If you ever visit Kusadasi,and want to have private tour, please feel free to contact with me ! I am very happy to answer your questions and customize your trip to Ephesus. Please visit my website,not only for Ephesus trip but also to get an idea about my beloved country Turkey/Turkiye. You can see different types of tours that I organize. Archaeological , culinary or lets customize your tour to Turkey together!! luxurytoursofturkey.com/