Road trips are some of the first family vacation memories many of us have, which makes us want to pass these nostalgic adventures on to our own families.
And with all the flight restrictions and hoops you have to jump through thanks to COVID, traveling the open road is making a comeback.
But where do you go that not only is a great destination – but the journey along the way is just as amazing?
1. Charleston, South Carolina to Savannah, Georgia
There’s nothing like going to a warm, down-to-earth southern state where the food is amazing, the people are friendly, and the memories are infinite.
That is exactly what you get in the culture-rich cities of Charleston and Savannah.
Once you arrive in Charleston, or the Holy City as it’s admirably nicknamed, head to small-town Folly Beach so the kids can stretch their legs in the warm sand.
We recommend a stay at Hotel Bennett where the bright lights and classic sounds of the piano playing in the background are sure to delight the whole family.
And, of course, make sure to sample as much Low Country cuisine as you possibly can!
After experiencing the vibrancy of Charleston, head south to Savannah, Georgia where a stay at the retro Thunderbird Inn is a must!
The 1960s décor of sock monkeys and a vintage popcorn machine is topped-off with moon pie and lemonade every guest receives upon arrival.
After you get settled, head to Tybee Beach for the day, then spend the evening exploring the historic mansions and museums around town.
2. New York City to Philadelphia to the Poconos
New York City is definitely eye candy for the kids with all the interesting people, bright lights, and bustling streets.
Unfortunately, it’s not a great time to make a pit stop in New York City with their overbearing vaccine mandates and citywide restrictions, so be sure take a bathroom break before driving through the city.
As you get closer to Philadelphia, the government noose begins to loosen and it’s safe to explore historic icons like the Liberty Bell or the famous steps Rocky Balboa climbed during the classic Rocky films.
After the kids have had enough of your pretend boxing, head to the Poconos Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Poconos use to be a ritzy location only visited by the rich and famous, but now it offers a little something for everybody, like Woodloch Pines Resort – voted the number one family resort in America.
3. Tucson to the Grand Canyon, Arizona
Visiting the Grand Canyon is a family trip in itself, but there’s so much more of Arizona to see – so taking a few extra days to drive around the state is definitely worth it.
Saguaro National Park in Tucson features the saguaro cactus – which will remind the kids of the desert depictions in cartoons. And to top it off, they’ll likely see a roadrunner zip across the red desert sand.
Scottsdale is a great next stop where the family can grab a legendary waffle cone at Sugar Bowl before riding through Old Town in a horse-drawn carriage.
Turning to the red rocks of Sedona is an obvious stop in this epic adventure. Take the family and spend the day hiking Eagle’s Nest Loop at Red Rock State Park.
Last – but certainly not least – you’ll want a couple of days to explore the famous Grand Canyon, where layers of geological history are revealed in brightly colored rock to depths of 6,000 feet.
The verdict is in – taking a road trip with your family is definitely a better option than trying to get your toddler to wear a mask on a flight.
With all the scenery, you can take a family vacation without electronic devices and rely on quality conversation and building memories that will last a lifetime.
