Driving cross country with the family is a great way to spend some quality time together and enjoy the outdoors. Whether your goal is to knock out some roadside attractions, meet up with friends, or like most families, end up somewhere unknown after 5 days on the road – we hope this article helps you plan for success.
Where To Go
Below are some family road trip ideas that will work for anyone out there that enjoys traveling on the open road with family to see what you see.
Lincoln Highway
The Lincoln Highway is considered the first coast-to-coast highway and was dedicated in 1913. Although it no longer exists (in an official capacity), you can still follow its path thanks to the many historic markers commemorating each of its original cross-country stops and attractions.
The entire journey is documented at the Lincoln Highway Association website and we recommend you check it out.
Road To The White House
Chosen by First Lady Pat Nixon (back when she was Patricia Ryan) as her favorite place to relax, the grounds of the President’s Mansion are open to visitors this time of year.
Hours vary depending on the day and time visited; for the best chance of avoiding the peak tourist times like weekends and holidays, visit between 8-11 am or 3-6 pm.
Keystone Xing
Located smack dab in the middle of the country in Altoona, PA near the home where famed railroad tycoon John J. Pershing was born, this place is a must-see for anyone who enjoys history and trains!
We recommend visitors arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled tour time to enjoy all that Keystone has to offer including an indoor museum, outdoor exhibits, train simulator ride, and museum store.
Family Road Trip Essentials
Saving money is just as important when planning a road trip as it is when planning for any vacation.
Carry Enough Gas
We recommend refueling before getting too low in fuel levels rather than waiting to find a gas station in an unfamiliar area. You can usually locate the cheapest prices by using GasBuddy or PlanoGasPrices and then look for the closest location on this map. Using apps like Waze can also help you navigate around any traffic jams that may be slowing down your journey.
Pack Food & Snacks
We recommend buying groceries ahead of time to avoid spending unnecessary money at restaurants along the way. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is also a good idea just in case you hit any unexpected delays that extend your drive times beyond what you originally planned.
Pack Smarter
We recommend packing light so you can stay safe by wearing comfortable clothing, shoes, and seatbelts while you are driving. We also recommend packing plenty of entertainment to keep the kids occupied during long stretches on the road.
You can also pack disposable wipes in case anyone gets food or dirt on them when you’re out sight-seeing at each destination along your route. Also, when it comes to electronics, don’t forget your chargers!
Prepare For Emergencies
The last thing you want is for something to happen along the way that throws off your schedule. We recommend stopping at places like AutoZone or Walmart to pick up any items you might need (or forget) before starting out on your journey. You can also check with your car insurance company about what coverage you have already included for this trip.
Above all, we hope that you have an awesome time on your family road trip and make lots of great memories to last a lifetime. We recommend taking plenty of pictures so you can remember where you went, what you saw, and who was with you on the way there.