Oregon is an amazing state and the best way to see some of its hidden gems is to take a road trip. Along the way, you will be greeted with waterfalls, caves, shimmering lakes, beautiful beaches, towering Redwood trees, and more.

Buckle your seatbelt because you are about to do some serious driving. I recommend renting a Chrysler Pacific for the trip. It’s by far the most spacious minivan allowing you and your family more room. Also, a good rental option would be a Dodge Durango that seats seven.

9-Day Southern Oregon Itinerary

I’m assuming that you are flying into Oregon to make this trip, therefore, I’ve got the Portland Airport as the starting point. You can adjust your starting point accordingly if this doesn’t work for you. The whole itinerary can be tweaked to suit your needs and the amount of time you have to travel.

Day 1: Drive from Portland to Steamboat Inn

It’s almost a four-hour drive from the Portland airport to Steamboat Inn. If you hit five o’clock traffic you can expect it to take five hours. There is an In N Out along the way near Salem if you get hungry. In Eugene, there’s a Sonic. However, if you can hold off eating until you get to Steamboat Inn. The food will totally wow you.

Check-in into Steamboat Inn:

Perched on a bluff with a commanding view of the North Umpqua River, Steamboat Inn offers beautiful accommodations, fine dining, local wines, exquisite gardens, and a tackle and gift shop. Located on Hwy 138 in the middle of 31 miles of “fly-fishing only” water on the North Umpqua River it is a destination in itself. Steamboat is also the perfect place to stay while exploring all the area has to offer including loads of waterfalls.

Dinner at Steamboat Inn: By the time you have gotten to Steamboat Inn you are basically in the middle of nowhere so you will be eating your meals here. If you rent a cottage you will have a kitchen and can prepare your own meals.

They have a wonderful kitchen that creates amazing breakfast and dinners. The menu is full of Steamboat Traditions and the daily specials feature fresh local products. Don’t forget to save room for our house-made desserts. If you are planning a fishing or sightseeing trip. Just order from the front desk by 8 pm the evening before. Espresso is available in the library lounge.

After dinner, grab a game or two in their library to take back to your room and play with your family. There’s basically no internet and no TV so it’s a great opportunity to spend quality time with the people you are traveling with.

Day 2: Flyfishing and Waterfalls

Breakfast: Kick-off your morning with a delightful breakfast at Steamboat Inn followed by a day of hiking the waterfalls in the Umpqua National Forest. Before you head out hiking don’t forget to pick up your sack lunch from the hotel. They have great sack lunch choices available in the morning.

Flyfishing: You can fish the North Umpqua the year around for steelhead, but do not do this without a guide if you have never fished here before. The rivers in Oregon are fierce. Never get in an Oregon river without doing your research first. You can get your fishing license online here.

• Ty Holloway – hollowaybrosfishing.com 541-729-0692
• Steelhead Water – www.steelheadwater.com Rich Zellman 541-890-7084
• Renton’s River Adventures – www.gourmetflyfishing.com Dillon Renton 541-480-8067

Waterfall Highway: Oregon has it’s very own waterfall highway. As you drive Highway 138 there will be one waterfall after another, ask the front desk for a free map. Some are quick and easy hikes, while others are a bit more difficult. In half a day you will have time to do two short hikes and one longer one.

• Toketee Falls – off Highway 138, this is one of Oregon’s most famous waterfalls renowned for its columnar basalt formation framing the two-stepped falls. Toketee Falls drops 113 feet, which includes a 28-foot upper-tier plunging into a pool flanked by a deep alcove, and then an 85-foot plunge into a large pool.
• Clearwater Falls – Off Highway 138. Unlike most waterfalls, this one appears to be springing out from beneath the green, moss-covered rocks and thousands of intertwined tree roots. On Clearwater Creek
• Fall Creek Falls – off Highway 138, the Falls Creek Falls Trail features two waterfalls. The first is an 80-foot drop, and 100 feet downstream is the lower 40-foot falls.
• Whitehorse Falls – 40 miles from Union Creek off Highway 138. Also on Clearwater Creek, Whitehorse Falls comes out of a narrow trough and tumbles 14 feet over a wall into a large pool down below.
• Watson Falls – Off Highway 138 is the third highest waterfall in Oregon, Watson Falls. It is a majestic sight with water cascading 272 feet over basalt lava cliffs – and you can walk under the falls. Located in the Umpqua National Forest, 47 miles from Union Creek, the trail is an easy .6 miles.

Day 3: Drive to Crater Lake

This morning after you check out of the Steamboat Inn head towards Crater Lake, an 88-mile drive. You will be going along highway 138 again, so if you missed out on one of the waterfalls you wanted to see now is the time to stop at it. If you drive it straight with no stops it should take you 3 hours.

Depart for Crater Lake National Park

Driving to Crater Lake can be challenging at times. Due to heavy snowfall, some of the entrances may be closed. The last time we visited two entrances were closed, this was during Memorial Weekend in late May. This added about two hours of driving on to our trip. So keep this in mind.

Depending on which way you drive, we have a few suggested stops to make.

• Natural Bridge in Prospect, OR, US, 97536
• Rogue River Gorge Viewpoint, located at 56541 Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, Prospect, OR, US, 97536

Crater Lake

Crater Lake is Oregon’s shimmering blue gem. It’s a must-see landmark during any trip to Southern Oregon. There are two ways many people enjoy the lake. One way is to drive the 33-mile Rim Drive and stop at the many vista points overlooking the water if the road is open. The other is to make the one-mile hike down a switchback trail to the water’s edge again only if the trail is open.

Visitors can swim, fish, take a boat tour, or just eat a trail lunch on the shores of Crater Lake. Crater Lake National Park rangers are on hand to explain the eruption of Mt. Mazama about 7,700 years ago and how the mountain collapsed, creating a 2,000-foot deep crater. The end result is a lake created solely from snowmelt–there is no river flowing in. Scientists have measured the water ’s clarity to as deep as 120 feet.

Tonight stay the night at Crater Lake Lodge. They have 71 rooms overlooking the lake at Rim Village. It is typically open May 15 through October 11. Rooms begin at $200 per night. Reservations can be made up to 365 days in advance either online or by calling 866-292-6720. I highly recommend making your reservation as far in advance as you can.

At the southern entrance of Crater Lake there is a Tesla Super Charger.

Day 4: Head to Klamath Falls

Drive from Crater Lake to Running Y Ranch Resort located at 5500 Running Y Road Klamath Falls, OR 97601.

Check-in at Running Y Ranch Resort: Inspired by the outdoors and bathed in the glow of 300 days of sunshine, Running Y Ranch Resort invites you to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Situated at the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range on 3,600 pristine acres, our Klamath Falls resort is surrounded by endless natural wonders. They have several charging stations in their parking lot of electric or hybrid vehicles. 

Dinner in Klamath Falls: There are lots of good places to eat in Klamath Falls. Some of our favorites include Klamath Basin Brewing Co., Rodeos Pizza, Saladeria, and Ruddy Duck. Fun fact, Noah and I live in Klamath Falls when he was two! I always thought the best part of living here was the food.

Day 5: Ziplining

Breakfast: Have breakfast at the Running Y.

Check out of Running Y Ranch Resort and drive out to Crater Lake Zipline located at 29840 OR-140, Klamath Falls, OR 97601.

Crater Lake Zipline: You will fly high ion 9 ziplines at heights of up to 100 feet in the trees, traverse two sky bridges, and conquer up to two controlled rappels! Crater Lake ZipLine participants ages 10 and up zip from tree to tree with two trained guides handling the gear and transfers.

They use state-of-the-art equipment and all tours include a ground school training session facilitated by the guides at the beginning of the tour. Participants learn to hand brake, (participants use their hands with a special glove to slow and brake themselves) sit in their harness, and other techniques needed for zipping. You will be here for about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

After zip lining drive to Grants Pass.

Lunch: You will pass an In N Out along the way. If you do not want In n Out, there are a lot of places to eat in Medford.

Check-in at Redwood Hyperion Suites:  The Redwood Hyperion Suites are tucked among towering trees, tranquil water features, and award-winning gardens, in the heart of Grants Pass, Oregon and boasts a diverse variety of comfortable hotel rooms and suites to accommodate the most discriminating of guests.

Afternoon: You have the whole afternoon and early evening to explore Grants Pass. One extremely popular activity is going down the river in a jet boat.

Dinner: Tonight have dinner at Taprock Northwest Grill located at 971 SE 6th St, Grants Pass, OR 97526.

If there is good weather a firework show begins at 9:00 p.m. along the river and the restaurant offers great views. The restaurant will get very busy the closer it gets to the show, try to arrive early enough to get a table on one of the decks.

Day 6: Caves and Treehouses

Check out at Redwood Hyperion Suites and head to Oregon Caves National Monument.

 When you arrive at Oregon Caves National Monument head inside and sign up for the Oregon Caves Guided Tour right away. Expect to have to wait a bit.

The Oregon Caves are one of only five national parks or monuments in Oregon. The 480-acre Oregon Caves National Monument, located in the Siskiyou Mountains at elevations from 3,800 to 5,460 feet, was created in 1909. Temperatures in the caves hover around 42 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The caves are home to one of the largest, most pristine, and most complete segments of old oceanic crust in Western America.

Once you are done at the Oregon Caves, head to Out N About Treehouse Resort.

Tonight stay the night at the Out n About Treehouse Treesort. You will need to make reservations way in advance to stay here. It’s a really neat place and as you’ve already guessed, you stay in a tree house. How fun is that? It is definitely a splurge to stay here, but it’s worth the extra money, especially if you are traveling with children, because it’s a one of a kind experience.

Day 7: Horseback Riding and Redwood Trees

After breakfast, head out for a trail ride if you like. They also have zip lining available at the Tree House Resort.

Today you’ve got a big decision to make. You can wrap up your trip or you can cross into California and visit the Redwood National Forest then head back into Oregon along the coast.

I am going to assume you’ve made the right decision and you’re headed down into Cali to experience a little bit of the Redwood National Forest.

As you drive down you will have the opportunity to get onto Howland Hill Road, which is noted on the map. This is an unpaved trail that will take you through some giant trees. It’s not a great road, but I took a Chrystler Pacific down it and it was fine!

When you get to the end of the trail you basically pop out in Crescent City which is a bit out of the way, but an ideal spot to have some lunch while overlooking the ocean. If you are driving a Tesla know that there is a supercharge station here.

Lunch: Plan to have lunch in Crescent City. We recommend eating at Schmidt’s House of Jambalaya. There you can sit outside and stare at the ocean while you eat!

After lunch proceed north. You are now headed back into Oregon to Bandon, a cute little beach town along the coast. There’s lots of AirBNB places to stay as well as a Best Western on the beach.

Day 8 – Beach Day!

Morning: Take a windsurfing or a kiteboarding class at Flora’s Lake Windsurfing & Kiteboarding. Floras Lake Windsurfing is located at 92870 Boice Cope Road, Langlois, OR 97450 and their phone number is 541-348-9912.

Lunch: After your lesson head to Tony’s Crab Shack for lunch.

Afternoon: You’ve got two options for this afternoon. Enjoy a round of golf at Bandon Dunes golf resort or head out for horseback riding on the beach.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort located at 57744 Round Lake Drive, Bandon, OR 97411. Phone: 541-347-4380

Bandon Beach Riding Stables located at 54629 Beach Loop Rd, Bandon, OR 97411. Phone: 541-347-3423

Dinner: Have dinner at Broken Anchor Bar and Grill or Asian Garden. Both are excellent.

Day 9 – Head Home

Okay, that’s a wrap y’all. You’ve just completed an epic road trip that will have you reminiscing for many years to come. You will think back on all those glorious waterfall hikes, the majestic Crater Lake, the cool places you stayed, the towering trees, and those beautiful beach views.

On your way home there are lots of other places to stop. You could continue along 101 towards Newport or cut over to I5 and go through Eugene and Salem. If you are looking for places to stop in any of these places check out these posts.

Newport ,Oregon Travel Guide

17 Fun Things to do in Salem, Oregon with Kids

Top 12 Family Friendly Things to do in Eugene Oregon

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. 

The post The Ultimate Southern Oregon Road Trip – 9 Day Itinerary appeared first on Mommy Travels.

As a former military spouse, I had to road trip with my kids across the country multiple times and this was before every kid had a personal device to distract them. After road tripping well over 35,000 miles with my kids alone, I have some tips to make the drive easier for you and them. Here are my top 10 tips for road trips with kids.

10 Tips for Road Trips with Kids

1. Movie player!

It will make the entire trip better if the kids can watch movies.

A portable DVD player will let them watch their favorite movies while traveling. For older children, an IPad, or Fire HD Kids Edition with earphones so they can listen to music, or let them check out some books from the library before the trip to read while traveling. 

2. Get a new movie to watch during the drive.

Kids will watch a new movie over and over. You can buy a new movie or you can hit a Redbox. It doesn’t matter where you rent the Redbox movie, because you can return it to any other Redbox in the nation.

3. Plan and play road trip games.

Car games are a lot of fun for the entire family. But if you’re looking for things to do to keep the kids occupied during those long trips, there are lots of great games and things to do for all ages.

For children who can recognize letters, there’s the Alphabet car tag game. The object of this game is to find as many car tags as possible that start with different letters of the alphabet. Usually, you start with ” A ” and look for tags from a state that starts with that letter. Once you spot a tag from a state that starts with “A” you move to the next letter, in this game, it would be ” C “, and so forth until you think you’ve spotted tags from all states or until the kids get tired of playing this.

There are other ways to play the Alphabet game too, for instance. Looking out the window for things that start with each letter of the alphabet.

Another great car game is ” I Spy. ” Have the kids take turns describing objects inside or outside the car, then whoever guesses the object first gets to go next.

Doodle Bug is a fun game. See how many Volkswagens you can find and say Doodle Bug, the one who spots the most Volkswagens is the Doodle Bug Champ. You can change this up based on the state. For example, there are a lot of Teslas in California or in Oregon there are a lot of Prius cars. 

Another favorite is passing trucks, doing the horn motion, and seeing how many truck drivers will blow the horn.

Singing songs that fit your Child’s age helps pass the time. My four-year-old loves singing “Old McDonald” while passing cows, horses, or goats. School-age children know a lot of songs that they hear on the radio so for that age group singing along with the radio is fun.

For more game ideas, check out these posts:

• 8 Disney Games and Activities for Kids on a Disney Road Trip
• 11 Road Trip Games to Play in the Car

4. Maximize Stops

Make the most out of a stop. Instead of stopping to eat and again for gas, stop somewhere you can do everything: gas, eat, and restroom.

5. Don’t let the kids gorge themselves on drinks.

I let my kids have drinks, but I make sure to spread it out. This keeps us from making extra stops.

6. Pack meals

Pack a few meals around your schedule. If I’m waking the kids up at 5am to hit the road I feed them breakfast in the car. I will also pack a lunch to keep us from getting stuck in the drive through line during the lunch rush.

Fix a picnic lunch and stop at a rest area to eat, where there’s shade and a nice area the children can run and play a few minutes helps with having to sit for long periods at a time.

7. Bring snacks

I take fruit, chips, crackers, and anything else that’s simple.

• 13 Grab and Go Snacks to Keep Active Children Hydrated and Healthy
• 9 Healthy & Easy Travel Snacks
• 11 Emergency Travel Food Must Haves

8. Move to Music

Listen to an exercise song when everyone’s tired of being in the car. I have the Happy Butts cd. It’s a little silly, but it gets everyone moving and laughing. Best of all it keeps the driver active and awake.

9. Clean out the car at each gas stop.

Don’t wait until you are at your destination, instead of cleaning as you go will help maximize car space.

10. Take toys, for the drive.

I let each kid pack a bag of stuff they want for the journey.

Make sure there’s room for them to hold a coloring book in their lap or a toy that can be played with while sitting in a car. A window view of outside scenery and for you, access to an ice chest to hold bottles, sippy cups, soft drinks, sandwiches, and snacks without having to make frequent stops to get things out of the trunk.

11. Make Sure Kids Are Comfortable

When traveling with children, if they’re too tight in their car seat, booster seat, or if they’re old enough to sit without this safety equipment and don’t have room to move a little they’re not going to be happy travelers.

12. Audible Books

Pass the time quicker by listening to a book together. Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks. Some great audible books for families are:

• Harry Potter Series
• Percy Jackson Series
• The Book Thief

Road Trip with Kids Packing List

1. Water
2. Snacks
3. Personal device
4. Tissues
5. Wipes
6. Chargers
7. Books
8. Headphones
9. Wifi Hotspot
10. Pillow
11. Blanket
12. Tylenol

Want even more tips? Check out my Road Trip Safety Tips!

Do you road trip with your kids? What is your top tip?

More Travel Tips:

Printable Travel Journal For Kids

How to Prepare for Your First Road Trip with a Baby

7 Tips for Traveling with Toddlers

The post 10 tips for Road Trips with Kids appeared first on Mommy Travels.

In many ways, it is easier than planning a road trip at any other time of the year, when you are likely to need more clothes and equipment to cope with the weather. However, there are still a number of things that you should do to prepare for a summer road trip.

Pick a route

In some ways, the benefit of a road trip is that you can go wherever you want; if you suddenly decide you want to go north when you were planning on heading south, you can.

However, it is a good idea to have an idea of where you want to go, just so that you can prepare what you need. If you’re heading somewhere with the aim of doing water sports, for example, you will need to ensure that you have the relevant clothing and equipment. Then again, that could take up a lot of space if you eventually change your mind. It will also help you to research where you want to go and give other people an idea of where you are heading.

Route Tip: Use the RoadTrippers app to find things to see and do along your route.

Have a first aid kit and sunscreen

When the weather is good, people tend to neglect first aid issues. However, even if you are in the car a lot of the time, you will be getting out and about in the great outdoors too and will need a good first aid kit, as well as plenty of sunscreen. At the least, ensure that you have ointment for cuts, grazes and bites; plasters; bandages; lotion for sunburn; pain killers; diarrhea tablets and any other form of medication that you and your family normally use in the summer months. Hopefully, you won’t need any of it, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

Ensure your kit includes:

• Band-aids of various sizes
• Antiseptic wipes
• Gauze pads
• Medical tape
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Cold pack
• Fever and pain relievers (for both adults and children)
• Motion sickness medicine
• Allergy medication
• A thermometer

Be sure to stay organized while you travel: keep your safety kit, some cash, and critical documents in a secure but accessible place, so that they can be quickly retrieved in an emergency.

Invest in a High-Quality Child Seat and Cutting-Edge Accessories

Although maintenance checks are important, your safety should not end with a well-maintained vehicle! Instead, take time to gear up your car, campervan, or RV with the right equipment. 

For example, a high-quality child seat and reliable car accessories ensure your little ones are secure and comfortable throughout the journey. You should also consider investing in accessories that enhance safety, like child seat mirrors that allow you to keep an eye on your little ones throughout the trip. 

Install Durable UV-Blocking Window Shades

With about 90 percent of holiday journeys made by car, it’s crucial to consider how prolonged exposure to sunlight affects your family’s health and well-being. 

If you are planning to spend several hours in the car, be sure to provide a basic defense against the harmful effects of UV rays with sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses. For babies and young children, also consider bringing with your hats and special clothing. 

If you are looking to make the journey more comfortable without these items, consider installing durable UV-blocking window shades, which not only protect against sunburn but also ensure a cooler, more comfortable ride for all passengers.

Have ready supplies of food and water

Particularly if you are heading out into the wilds, you will need to think about food and drink. There may well be rest places along the way where you can stock up, but don’t rely on them; consider what would happen, for example, if the car broke down and you were stuck somewhere for a few hours. Access to liquids is particularly important in hot weather and should not be neglected, especially if you have children. Take more than you think you will need; it is far better to err on the safe side.

With regard to food, taking a few tins and other items that won’t go off or be affected by the food is a good idea and will probably save you some money too.

• 11 Must Have Emergency Travel Foods

Work out how to keep the children entertained

Road trips for children can be a superb way of showing them a country and educating them on the various places that you visit. However, long drives can be tedious for children, particularly if it is hot – and when they start whining, you will start to find the process tedious too. Make sure you take plenty with you to keep them entertained. If they refuse to leave electronic games behind, make sure you work out how to keep them fully charged.

However, a much better idea is to take plenty of card games or ideas for games that don’t need much in the way of equipment. Here are some games you can play 11 Road Trip Games to Play in the Car. If you are Disney fans here are some 8 Disney Games and Activities for Kids on a Road Trip.

Here are a few more resources to help you plan a road trip with kids. 

• 10 tips for Road Trips with Kids – This will guide you through some logistical parts for taking a road trip with kids.
• How to Prepare for Your First Road Trip with a Baby – Road tripping with a baby is completely different and needs special planning.
• The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Perfect Kid-Friendly Road Trip

Summer Journal for Kids 

Before you head out on your summer adventures download our Kid’s Summer Journal and Fun Guide.

This Summer Journal & Fun Guide will give your kid’s motivation for filling their summer with new activities and ways to challenge themselves. It also serves as a keepsake journal to help them record their favorite memories with their own drawings, photos, and writing.

In this journal there are 22 pages of summer bucket lists, reading scavenger hunts and reading logs, reward charts, summer fun challenges, calendars, journal pages, and more!

Check and double-check the car

If your car breaks down, your road trip could be ruined. Before you go, get an oil change and make sure that the car is running as smoothly as it possibly can. During an oil change, they will check the basics for you, including the tires, brakes, hoses, belts under the hood, fluid levels, windscreen wipers, and of course, the air conditioning.

If you don’t know what you are doing, it is vital that you get someone else, preferably a mechanic, to check that everything is working and is not likely to break down any time soon. Ask around for a good mechanic instead of taking it to the dealership. It will save you a lot of money.

In the case of fluids, if you have an older car make sure you take water and oil with you to top up as necessary.

Carry a Car-Specific Fire Extinguisher

In the event of a fire, having a car-specific fire extinguisher onboard can make all the difference. This safety tool, designed for vehicle use, can tackle fuel, electrical, and small oil fires, preventing them from escalating. 

Equipping your vehicle with this kind of extinguisher offers not just a fighting chance against fire-related emergencies but also peace of mind. Plus, this tool eliminates all the guesswork and allows you to tackle a fire quickly and safely!

Make Sure Matching Spare Tire and Tools are Onboard

In the best-case scenario, a flat tire can represent an inconvenience that slows down your journey and cools down your excitement. In the worst-case scenario, however, experiencing a flat tire can put you in a dire situation, especially if this happens in a remote or highly trafficked area. 

Fortunately, this emergency can be easily tackled by having on board the proper equipment to fix a tire, including a spare tire, a jack, lug wrench, and tire gauge. Practice beforehand to make sure that your skills are still sharp!

Road Trip Safety Tips

Emergency car repair tips

Hopefully, if you drive on a regular basis, you will already have picked up some emergency car repair tips. However, it is a good idea to have a refresher course so that you can deal with any issues quickly and easily. The air conditioning is particularly vital when driving in the summer; find out how to deal with any basic repairs.

Ensure that you have access to a breakdown service on the off-chance that your car does break down, even if this means having to fork out money for a new policy. It will be well worth the money if anything does go wrong. Sometimes your car insurance includes towing and there are many credit cards with some coverage. I carry the American Express Platinum and it covers roadside assistance up to four times a year which includes towing.

Don’t run out of gas! I ran out of gas once and felt like such an idiot. Nowadays you don’t have to worry so much about it. You can use the Gas Buddy app to locate the nearest gas station. It will also tell you how much the gas costs.

Consider renting a car. If your car is a bit too old for a road trip, consider renting a car instead. Car Rental Hacks.

Keep abreast of traffic issues

As soon as the sun is out, everyone wants to get out and about. If you’re heading for tourist destinations in particular, you will want to keep abreast of any traffic issues; if there is a festival in the area to which you’re heading, for example, you may want to try and avoid it for the duration so that you don’t end up caught up in traffic. Sitting in a traffic jam in the roasting heat can be unbearable, even if your air conditioning is adequate. You will also want to avoid accidents and road repairs as much as possible.

The radio is a good source of information, or you could arrange to get someone back home to check for you.

Traffic Tip – Waze is a great GPS app that will reroute you as you drive to avoid traffic. It will also alert you about police traps.

Road Trip Gadgets Not to Forget

There once was a time when road trips were made in vehicles without air conditioning, let alone a GPS and a DVD player. Technology has advanced so quickly that there is now a plethora of portable gadgets available to provide the modern comforts of home while on the road. The amount and types of gadgets that you bring on your road trip will affect the tone of your trip, so be sure to pick and choose which gadgets are right for you.

• Road Trip with a baby playlist
• Mommy Travels Road Trip Playlist

When preparing to take a road trip, there are a number of things that you may think that you need and ultimately overpack. But after many days of traveling and digging through mounds of unused items, you will wish that you had just left it all at home. When bringing gadgets, bring the things that you feel will enhance your safety and your comfort without distracting you from the sights. You can play Nintendo at home, but you probably can’t hike in desert canyons or see the Milky Way.

Summer road trips can be great fun, and are extremely cheap if you prepare properly. Make the most of the good weather and get out onto the open road.

The post Getting Ready for a Summer Road Trip appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Choosing the Right Destination and Accommodation

Planning a winter road trip with kids starts with selecting the perfect destination. Take into account the weather conditions and how easily accessible the location is. Instead of sticking to the usual tourist spots, why not consider exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer unique winter activities and attractions?

Look for places with a perfect blend of natural beauty, family-friendly attractions, and winter wonderland experiences. Check out hellotickets to book tours and activities at exclusive prices.

One option could be to head to a cozy mountain town nestled amidst snow-capped peaks. Imagine driving through picturesque landscapes, with snow-covered trees lining the roads, and arriving at a charming town that offers a range of winter activities for kids. From sledding down gentle slopes to building snowmen in the town square, there’s no shortage of fun-filled adventures.

When it comes to accommodations, choose family-friendly hotels or vacation rentals that offer amenities like indoor pools, game rooms, or on-site activities. This way, your kids will have many entertainment options even when you’re not out and about exploring.

You should consider the size and layout of the accommodations to ensure there is enough space for everyone to be comfortable. Look for hotels or rentals that offer adjoining rooms or suites with separate sleeping areas for the kids. This will allow for privacy and a peaceful night’s sleep for everyone.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Once you’ve chosen the perfect winter escape for your family road trip, there are a few key factors to remember to ensure a smooth and safe journey. First and foremost, you’ll want to plan out the logistics of your trip – taking into account the distance you’ll be traveling. This will help you determine the best route to take, considering any potential road closures or traffic congestion that often occur during the winter season.

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to stay updated on the current road conditions and weather forecasts along your chosen route. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments to your travel plans and avoid any potential hazards. It’s also a good idea to consider alternative routes in case of unexpected road closures or detours.

In addition to planning your route, it’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle is in excellent condition before setting off on your winter road trip. Schedule a comprehensive inspection with a trusted mechanic to check the condition of your vehicle’s brakes, battery, heating system, and other essential components. This will help prevent any unexpected breakdowns or malfunctions during your journey.

Equipping your vehicle with appropriate winter tires or chains is another important aspect to consider. Winter tires provide better traction on snowy or icy roads, improving your vehicle’s handling and reducing the risk of accidents. If you’re traveling to an area with heavy snowfall or icy conditions, it may be necessary to use tire chains for added traction and stability. 

10 Things To Include In A Vehicle Winter Emergency Kit

Entertaining Kids on The Road

Keeping your kids entertained during a long road trip is essential to avoid boredom and restlessness. Pack a bag with their favorite toys, books, and games. Consider investing in a portable DVD player or tablet loaded with their favorite movies or TV shows. Audiobooks or podcasts can also be a great way to keep them engaged during the journey.

Plan regular stops along the way to stretch their legs and let them burn off some energy. Look for rest areas with playgrounds or scenic spots where they can enjoy the winter landscape. Engage them in interactive road trip games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions” to make the journey more enjoyable. 

Another excellent method to keep the kids engaged is involving them in planning. Allow them to choose some of the stops or attractions along the way that pique their interest. This will give them something to look forward to and make them feel more involved in the trip.

If your children are old enough, give them a map or a GPS device and let them navigate. This will not only keep them occupied but also help them develop their navigation skills – it can be a fun and educational experience for them.

To ensure a more comfortable journey, bring along some pillows and blankets. This will enable the kids to relax and even take a nap during the trip. It’s important to ensure they are comfortable and well-rested to avoid any crankiness or tantrums.

Activities to Include in Your Itinerary

When planning a road trip with kids during the winter season, it’s important to include fun and engaging activities to keep them entertained. Here are some kid-friendly winter activities to consider adding to your itinerary:

• Snowball fights: Find a safe and open area where kids can have a friendly snowball fight. This classic winter activity is sure to bring lots of laughter and excitement.
• Sledding or tubing: Look for nearby hills or designated sledding/tubing areas where kids can enjoy sliding down the slopes. Bring your own sleds or rent them if available.
• Ice skating: Find an outdoor ice skating rink or a local indoor ice skating facility. This activity is a great way for kids to learn or improve their skating skills while having fun.

  

• Building snowmen: Encourage kids to get creative and build their own snowmen. Provide them with accessories like hats, scarves, and carrots for the nose to make it even more enjoyable.
• Winter nature walks: Take a leisurely walk in a winter wonderland, exploring the beauty of nature during the colder months. Look for animal tracks, icicles, and other winter phenomena.
• Winter scavenger hunt: Create a winter-themed scavenger hunt for the kids. Include items like pinecones, icicles, animal footprints, or specific winter-themed objects to find along the way.
• Visit a winter festival or market: Check if there are any winter festivals or markets happening along your road trip route. These events often offer various activities, entertainment, and delicious winter treats.

Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and ensure the kids’ safety during these activities. With these fun winter activities, your road trip will be filled with memorable moments for the whole family to enjoy. 

Dealing with Emergencies

When embarking on a family winter road trip, it’s important to remain optimistic and prepared for unforeseen emergencies. Ensuring that your cell phone is fully charged and having a car charger on hand is essential in case you need to reach out for assistance. Additionally, keeping a list of emergency contacts, including roadside assistance and local authorities, is crucial for quick and efficient help.

If you find yourself stuck or stranded due to inclement weather, a plan is vital. Pack extra blankets, warm clothing, and non-perishable snacks to keep yourself comfortable while waiting for assistance. If you’re traveling through remote areas, it’s wise to carry a portable power bank, a flashlight, and a first aid kit for added safety.

Lastly, before embarking on your winter road trip, always check the weather forecast and road conditions. Staying informed about potential storms or hazardous conditions will allow you to adjust your plans accordingly. Remember, when traveling with children during the winter season, prioritizing safety should always be your number one concern. Stay prepared and enjoy your journey.

Read Next:

The Ultimate Guide To Things To Do In Banff In The Winter

New York City Winter Weekend Getaway

The post Planning a Winter Road Trip with Kids: Essential Tips and Tricks appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park has one of the world’s largest collections of petrified wood. It is also home to fossils from over 200 different animal species. With lots of educational fun on offer, you can have a good time and collect information to fuel enough school projects to get all the kids through geography class with A+ marks!

Standin’ on the Corner Park

Have you ever been to a place immortalized in song? If you visit Standin’ on the Corner Park, you can join the ranks of thousands of people who have been “standing on a corner, in Winslow, Arizona” just like in the song “Take It Easy” by The Eagles. Now that’s a story!

Meteor Crater

Of course, you can’t miss Meteor Crater. The view of the crater is spectacular during the day, and at night you can witness impressive meteor showers. The nearby Meteor Crater Campground has an indoor pool and sets you up with discount coupons for local attractions if you stay there. Don’t forget the camera when visiting this one!

Lowell Observatory

If you’ve ever been interested in the majesties of the cosmos, Lowell Observatory is a stop you don’t want to skip! With plenty of kid-friendly fun like Mars movies, interactive presentations, telescope viewing, and guest astronauts, your family will feel like they can touch the stars!

Grand Canyon Deer Farm

Have an animal lover in the family? Check out the Grand Canyon Deer Farm, where you can walk amongst the deer, pet them, and feed them out of your hand. The adorable, friendly creatures are just begging for your love and attention, so what are you waiting for?

Grand Canyon

You can’t take a trip through Arizona without visiting its most stunning natural formation: the Grand Canyon. With a breathtaking view, the Grand Canyon is one of the biggest natural tour stops. The nearby Grand Canyon Caverns is a hotel within the natural limestone caverns and caves. Guided hikes and horseback riding are just some of the fun experiences available to be had. Top off your trip by having fun and getting some breathtaking photographs of one of nature’s most stunning works of art.

Arizona is a state with much to offer your vacation, and there are plenty of attractions right along Historic Route 66 that will give you and your family memories to cherish forever.

Read Next:

The Ultimate Road Trip Planning Guide for Route 66

10 Must-Visit United States Destinations for the Ultimate Classic Car Road Trip

The post Route 66 Attractions In Arizona appeared first on Mommy Travels.

But the best thing about this type of travel is that it’s flexible and affordable. You can adjust your route and schedule at a whim. Nothing’s stopping you from staying a few days longer at your new favorite location to calm a niggly toddler or moving on quickly when your teen starts complaining about being bored!

Since you aren’t splurging on flights, you have more freedom to explore travel- and budget-wise. Not to mention, it’s a great opportunity to bond with your kids!

I’ve discovered many amazing locations across the U.S., but some have truly stood out along the way. That’s why I’ve listed 10 of my must-visit destinations (in no particular order) for a classic car road trip. 

Grab your keys and get your classic car or van out of the garage. It’s time to hit the road for a family vacation you’ll never forget.

Grand Canyon National Park

Keen to visit a national park on your road trip? The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona should be at the top of your list. You will feel like you’re at the top of the world when you visit this timeless natural wonder, marveling at the beautiful rock formations from the canyon’s rims or floor. This landmark is truly memorable for its natural beauty, but you’re also spoiled for choice with a ton of family-friendly activities. This includes river rafting, helicopter tours, mule rides, and mountain bike trails. 

If you want to hit as many national parks as possible, we recommend starting at Angel’s Landing in Zion. Head out to Arches National Park next, and stop to explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon before you reach your grand destination. 

Central Florida

If you’re traveling with kids and looking for a destination that’ll keep them endlessly entertained, Central Florida—also known as the Theme Park Capital of the world—is the place to go. 

We’ve been to Disney World many times, so this is a must-see attraction for people of all ages. Your kids will tire themselves out with endless rides and attractions. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a good drink, a culinary experience, and even a spa treatment. 

The roads are also far smoother than those off the beaten track, so this is ideal if your classic car doesn’t cope well with rougher terrain. 

20 Best Kid Restaurants in Orlando

30+ Fun Things to do in Orlando

New Orleans, Louisiana

Looking for some cultural enrichment on your next road trip? Head to the vibrant city of New Orleans, which is famous for its art, culture, music, and amazing food. 

Explore the French Quarter, take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River, and indulge in Cajun and Creole cuisine. It goes without saying that you’ve got to experience the lively street performers and famous jazz. This city has got more to offer than Mardi Gras, so make the most of your sightseeing while you’re here! Stay at Bourbon Orleans.

Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is a must-see historical site that’s impressive and educational. This colossal sculpture features the faces of four iconic U.S. presidents, so it holds a special place in American history and culture. This mountainside carving is truly impressive. Its size and significance are nothing short of a marvel, and the evening lighting ceremony makes it all the more worth the trip. 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

A road trip isn’t for the faint-hearted, especially if you’re traveling with kids. After countless early mornings and long driving shifts, you deserve some downtime in a peaceful location. Cape Cod is just that; you can lounge on beautiful beaches, pass the days whale watching, and explore charming coastal towns. 

Cape Cod will give you the quintessential New England experience, and if you’re a seafood lover, the food alone is worth the trip. 

Glacier National Park, Montana

Who wouldn’t want to visit the ‘Crown of the Continent’? The breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park is not to be missed, and the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road will be one of the most memorable drives you ever make in your classic car. 

When you get to your destination, you can enjoy stunning waterfalls, kayaking along picturesque lakes, boat tours, and wildlife sightings—these include mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive grizzly bear. 

9 Day Summertime Montana Road Trip Itinerary

Aspen, Colorado

We all love a beachy vacation in the summer sun, but the colder months can be just as fun, especially around the holidays. Aspen is a charming winter wonderland nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Don’t let the cold stop you from having an adventure; Aspen is known for its perfect skiing and snowboarding conditions. If that’s not your thing, you can go ice skating, snowmobiling, and even catch a sleigh ride. 

This town has a magical atmosphere during the festive season when it’s beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments. Get into the holiday spirit by going to holiday parades, tree-lighting ceremonies, and special events. 

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is the perfect outdoorsy destination. If you’re feeling adventurous, camping along the shoreline is a great way to take in this area’s natural beauty, especially if you have an RV or classic camper van. 

Lake Michigan is nothing short of paradise, with beaches, scenic trails, and rugged cliffs. You can swim, kayak, paddleboard, and take a boat out on the lake’s calm waters or simply lay back on the beach and take in the view. There are also great hiking and biking trails in the surrounding areas. 

While you’re in the Great Lakes region, you can take a trip to Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. These make up the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, so a tour of the region makes for a great road trip route. 

Niagara Falls

 Niagara Falls is an iconic road trip destination on the U.S-Canada border, and its spectacular views attract millions of visitors each year. Witnessing the power and beauty of the falls in person is an unmissable experience! 

Thrill-seekers can try zip lining, helicopter tours over the falls, and even jet boat rides that plunge directly into the rapids. For a more relaxing experience, you can enjoy tastings in the wine country and walks along the vineyards. 

San Francisco, California

California is a great choice for the classic car road trip. As the third-largest state in the U.S., there’s much to explore while breezing along under the famous California sunshine, especially if you have a convertible!

As you journey to San Fran, take in the stunning coastal views while cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway. This destination offers the perfect beach getaway, and while you’re there, visit bucket-list attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Big Sur. You can also enjoy the city’s thriving cultural and arts scene.

A road trip in a classic car is a great adventure for the whole family. It’s a vacation you and your kids will never forget, especially if you pick some of the destinations on this list!

The Ultimate Road Trip Planning Guide for Route 66

5 Important Tips for a Road Trip with Toddlers

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post 10 Must-Visit United States Destinations for the Ultimate Classic Car Road Trip appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Before You Go:

Planning Ahead 

When planning a road trip on Route 66, it is essential to start by researching and gathering as much information as possible before you set out. Get to know the different stops and attractions you’ll be able to visit along the way, as well as any must-sees and activities you won’t miss. Some attractions you’ll not want to miss are the iconic “Trail of Tears” National Historic Trail, The Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest National Park, and the neon lights of Amarillo.

Budgeting 

A road trip is a great way to explore new places on a budget, but it’s still important to create one before you set out. Factor in expenses such as gas, food costs, accommodation expenses, and any other unexpected fees that may crop up along the way. This will help ensure that you are able to stick with your budget throughout your road trip.

 

Choosing the Right Vehicle 

It’s important to choose a vehicle that is comfortable and reliable for your road trip. Make sure you check the vehicle before you leave, and if possible, take it in for a service to ensure everything is running smoothly. 

You may find that an SUV is best suited for your needs, as they are more spacious and can easily navigate dirt roads or hilly terrain. 

But if you’re looking to save money on fuel costs, a hybrid vehicle may be the way to go. A hybrid vehicle will be able to conserve fuel when driving at lower speeds, so you won’t have to constantly stop for gas. 

Just remember that car accidents can happen, so make sure you have the right car insurance coverage and a legal team before you set out on your journey.

Booking Accommodations 

Once you’ve researched the attractions and figured out your budget, it’s time to look into accommodations. There is a range of accommodation options along Route 66, from campgrounds and RV parks to motels and hotels. Depending on where you plan to stop for the night, you should book your accommodation in advance to save money and avoid disappointment. 

On The Road: 

Stops Along the Way

Route 66 is filled with interesting attractions, restaurants, and iconic landmarks that are just waiting to be discovered. 

• In Oklahoma City, take some time at Turner Falls Park or explore the awesome National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. 
• In Texas, make sure not to miss out on the famous Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. 
• At Seligman, Arizona, you can go back in time at the Route 66 Museum and explore the nearby Hualapai Indian Reservation. 
• In Santa Fe, New Mexico, make sure to check out some of the beautiful pueblo villages and architecture that are unique to this region. 

Must-have Items 

When packing for your road trip, it’s important to remember a few key items: 

• Sunscreen – You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors on your road trip, so sunscreen is essential. It will protect your skin from sunburns and help prevent premature aging.  
• Snacks – Make sure to pack plenty of snacks for the road. Not only will this help you save money, but it will also give you some energy and keep your hunger at bay during long drives. 
• Refillable Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is essential on any journey, so be sure to bring plenty of water with you. A refillable bottle is a great way to ensure that you never run out while traveling. 
• Maps or GPS – It’s always a good idea to bring along maps or use a GPS in case you get lost. It’s better to be safe than sorry! 

At Your Destination: 

Once you’ve reached your final destination, it’s time to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds that Route 66 has to offer. Make sure to take plenty of photos and create some amazing memories along the way. And when it’s time to leave, don’t forget to take a piece of Route 66 home with you in the form of souvenirs or gifts for friends and family! 

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to planning an unforgettable road trip on Route 66. 

Read Next:

Route 66 Attractions in Texas

Tips for Creating Incredible Memories When Traveling

The post The Ultimate Road Trip Planning Guide for Route 66 appeared first on Mommy Travels.

However, it is impossible to avoid going on a journey with your kids.  The stress of having your toddlers with you on a trip shouldn’t prevent you from taking them with you. You only need to have the right strategy, ideas, tips, and tricks to help you manage a journey with your toddlers.

5 Tips to Help During a Roadtrip with Toddlers

Below are six tips that will help you get the best experience from your next journey. Let’s dive in.

1) Plan for Sleep

Make provision for a moment of rest during the journey. If you have more than one kid with you, it is vital to plan how each kid would take a nap.

Have their baby blanket with you. Toddlers have a bias for their sleep. Your toddler will experience sleep difficulties if there are too many changes in their sleeping experience. Bring as much of their beddings as possible to keep their sleeping experience consistent.

2) Plan For Feeding

If you are going on a road trip with a single toddler, collect and arrange several snacks in a single holder. This pack should contain as many snacks as you feel will serve for the duration of the journey. Avoid the temptation of buying your snacks along the road while on the trip. The prices of snacks at the gas station could be high, which might affect your budget.

It’s better to be prepared than to be surprised. Pack all the snacks you need for the journey and collect them in a single holder. Putting your toddler’s snacks in a single pack prevents you from wondering where you kept all the snacks while on the trip.

If you have more than one toddler with you on a journey, put their snacks in separate packs. Label each collection with the name of each kid who owns it. Your kid has different tastes and preferences for snacks. Packing individual snacks for your kids helps you prepare for the variation of taste and preferences and makes it easy to provide each kid with the exact snack they want per time.

It is vital to avoid packing perishable snacks for the journey. Perishable snacks may mess up the entire content. However, if you feel your kids can’t do without the perishable, pack it separately and ensure they take it early in the journey.

For your journey, hold the collection of snacks and other food items in one single basket. It would help you avoid scampering through your language for food items or snacks. And it is vital to pack as much food as you would need for the entire trip.

3) Plan for Entertainment

Some toddlers are hyperactive. Holding them in a sitting posture for hours would get them bored to their bones. Make provisions to keep them entertained on the journey. Some of the best ways to include some fun in the trip include mobile gaming on your device, music, books, Netflix, and gist.

Don’t be too rigid in your plans. Make it as flexible and inclusive as possible. It also helps if you ask the kids to pitch in a few suggestions of fun stuff that you can have on the trip.

Don’t just pack some fun toys for the kids; get some for yourself too. Remember that a trip with the kids could be a little stressful for you, and you would need some form of distraction to reduce stress. For you, pick entertainment that would engage your mind and keep you relaxed.

A road trip with the kids may not be the time to listen to academic materials. You may want to opt for content that helps you stay more motivated and driven. It would counterbalance the stress of engaging the kids for hours.

4) Plan for Breaks

Traveling for hours at one stretch could be very stressful. If your journey would last for hours, work out some periods of breaks. Allow the kids to walk around, run around and have some moment of play before you continue the journey.

It is also vital to plan for a time when the kids would answer the call of nature. Plan the stops to coincide with the nearest restrooms or gas stations.

5) Pack Some Garbage Bags for You in the Car

To keep the environment clean, you need to take some garbage bags with you while on a journey. Remember that you will likely be in the car for hours, and your kids would generate a large volume of waste from their feeding. Having a garbage bag handy would help you manage the waste.

Conclusion

Most people plan for a journey without thinking about the drive home. Your preparation is incomplete if you don’t make plans for your return trip. Your kids’ experience on this journey should be consistent with their experience at home. The best tip anyone can give you when planning for a long trip with your kids and toddlers is that you should move as much of your home experience as possible.

Read Next:

How to Prepare for Your First Road Trip with a Baby

11 Road Trip Games to Play in the Car

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post 5 Important Tips for a Road Trip with Toddlers appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Day 1: Fly into Billings, Montana

Today fly into Billings and rent a car.

Dinner: Tonight have dinner at the local favorite, Montana Brewing Company. Opened in 1994, Montana’s first Brew Pub features a brewery, full bar, and grill right in the heart of downtown Billings!

You should also grab a cider at The Last Chance. It’s a cool building, and their ciders are great.

Stay at the Northern Hotel.

Day 2: Rappelling and Biking

Billings has some fun outdoor recreation opportunities. At the rim, you can do rappelling and rock climbing off the sandstone cliffs that serve as the northern border of downtown Billings. Although I don’t mind rappelling, I found it nerve racking to rappel off of a random anchor in the rock. If that is bothersome to you, I would skip this and do the Billings Brew Trail or visit the Yellowstone Art Museum.

Dinner: Tonight have dinner at Walker’s.

For more things to do in Billings, check out 10 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Billings, Montana.

Day 3: Livingston

Today you will start your drive. The Yellowstone River runs throughout the state, somewhat along I-94. Leave Billings and follow the Yellowstone River all the way into the park. Along the way, you will make a stop in Livingston. Plan to have either a late brunch here or lunch followed with some afternoon fishing or a scenic drive around the Paradise Valley loop. The Paradise Valley Scenic Loop is a paved, 62-mile “loop drive” that circles through the beautiful Paradise Valley of Montana

Livingston is an adorable little city that looks like it came out of the 1950’s, and it is easily walkable. It is home to lots of ranches, and for such a small town the real estate is expensive. Hunting and fishing are quite popular here, and they’ve got several fantastic art galleries. The Livingston Depot is a restored 1902 Northern Pacific Railroad train station that operates as a museum from about mid-May to early September.  Mark’s In & Out has great hamburgers for just $2.

Stay the night at Chico Hot Springs. This is a full-up resort with a spa.

Day 4: Gardiner, MT

Gardiner was officially founded in 1880, but the area has served as a main entrance to Yellowstone National Park since its creation in 1872. It looks like a town straight out of the wild wild west. Gardiner has lots of lodging for those wanting to go into the national park. Plus, there are lots of rafting companies located here.

Lunch: Have lunch at Wonderland Café & Lounge where they focus on organic & locally sourced food. It is located at 206 Main St., Gardiner, MT 59030.

After lunch: Check out the town and do a bit of shopping, or you can head into Yellowstone. On your way to into Yellowstone, be sure to take time to pull over and see the Roosevelt Arch.

There are more things to do in this area than you might think upon first look.

Day 5: Yellowstone National Park

Today you will dip out of Montana for a bit to visit Yellowstone National Park. While in Yellowstone, there are some must-see stops. In this itinerary, we are rushing through Yellowstone, but I recommend spending a minimum of 3 days in Yellowstone if at all possible.

Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces

Porcelain Basin at Norris Geyser Basin

Old Faithful

They have a large sitting area where you can sit and wait for the eruption. Also worth seeing while in the park is Grand Prismatic Springs.

6 Things to do in Yellowstone with Kids

Day 6: West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is part of Yellowstone Country. Yellowstone Country is smaller than Yellowstone park, but still sprawling. It is a collection of five counties in Montana surrounding the main park.

Breakfast:  Three Bear Restaurant

After breakfast: Visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center after breakfast where you can see otters, wolves, and bears. They bring out various bears at different times, but you are basically assured to see at least one if not 3 or 4. I saw quite a few during my visit, and kids will get a huge kick out of the otters. The center is located at 201 S. Canyon St., West Yellowstone, MT 59758.

Check into Gray Wolf Inn & Suites located at 250 S. Canyon St., West Yellowstone, MT 59758.

After you get checked in you have some free time to explore West Yellowstone. There are lots of cute shops.

Day 7: Big Sky

Head to Big Sky, home to fantastic skiing in the winter with 5,850 acres of ski terrain which spreads out from the summit of 11,166-foot. In the fall, there are golden aspen and cottonwood trees,  and fly fishing for feisty trout and bugling elk.

Lunch: Along the way have lunch at Horn & Cantle located at 750 Lone Mountain Ranch Road, Big Sky, MT 59716. You will need to make sure they are open and not closed for a private party. If possible at all make a reservation.

After lunch: Go for a local hike. There are a lot of places to hike in this area including Ousel Falls Park.

After your hike, pop into microbrewery Beehive Basin Brewery to try some interesting beers. They do not have any food available, but you are welcome to bring in your own food. They are located at 245 Town Center Ave., Big Sky, MT 59716. If you are grabbing food to go with you, I highly recommend sandwiches from Roxy’s Market Cafe. 

If you have kids with you and do not want to take them to a brewery, head over to Montana Whitewater Zipline instead for some super fun zip lining.  Be sure to make an advance reservation for ziplining at Montana Whitewater Zipline. The activity takes about 2 hours start to finish. You will need closed-toe shoes for this activity. It is located at 63960 Gallatin Road, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730.

@meaganwristen##ziplining at ##Montana Whitewater Zipline in Gallatin Gateway ##yellowstonecounty ♬ Stay – Kygo / Maty Noyes

Tonight stay at the Wilson Hotel. They have comfortable suites in Big Sky’s Town Center. (This is a Residence Inn by Marriott so you can get some points.) They’ve got a great hot tub and pool with killer views. In the mornings they serve a hot breakfast that is included in your stay. The hotel is located at 145 Town Center Ave., Big Sky, MT 59716.

Day 8: Fly Fishing

Today will be an absolutely incredible day. If you’ve never fly-fished, I promise you it will be an extremely rewarding experience. My first time to fly fish was here and it remains one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. (Not to brag but I caught 15 fish. Okay, I am bragging.)

Breakfast: Kick off your day with an early breakfast, ideally you have breakfast at your hotel if it is available. If your hotel doesn’t offer breakfast stop by Hungry Moose Market & Deli for breakfast instead. It’s located at 52 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky, MT. 

After breakfast: Head over to Gallatin River Guides for fly fishing. It is located at 47430 Gallatin Road, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730. Their guides are top notch and know the area intimately ensuring you catch some fish. If you have kids with you I recommend not crossing the river. Even for an adult it can be difficult. A child will fall in.

Lunch: After fly fishing depart for Three Forks and have lunch at Bar3BBQ.As a Texas girl, I must say I was very impressed. I often have extremely low expectation for bbq outside of Texas. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Bar3BBQ is located at 119 E. Main St., Belgrade, MT 59714.

After lunch: Learn some history, and take a hike if you like at Madison Buffalo Jump State Park. At Madison Buffalo Jump State Park you can learn about some of the techniques Native Americans used to capture buffalo. The park is located at 6990 Buffalo Jump Road, Three Forks, MT 59752.

Sacajawea Hotel

Tonight stay at the cozy boutique hotel, Sacajawea Hotel, located at 5 N. Main St., Three Forks, MT 59752.

Dinner: Have dinner at the Sac Bar, located in the downstairs part of the Sacajawea hotel.

After dinner: Hit a hot springs, Bozeman Hot Springs located at 81123 Gallatin Road, Bozeman, MT 59718.

Day 9: Bozeman

Breakfast: Jam! located at 25 W. Main St., Bozeman, MT 59715.

Museum of the Rockies

• • 600 W. Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59717

Lunch: at Mountains Walking Brewery

• • 422 N. Plum Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715

Afternoon: Hike at Drinking Horse Mountain Trail

Dinner: 14 North Restaurant located at 14 N. Church Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715.

After dinner explore downtown Bozeman.

Tonight stay at Element Bozeman 

Other great places to eat while in Bozeman

Fielding’s – Casual upscale dining with American fare conveniently located just off of West Mendenhall Street, Fielding’s is the namesake of prolific Bozeman architect Fred Fielding Willson, who designed the original Armory building in 1941. Montana’s local flavors are infused into every dish thanks to partnerships with local farmers and ranchers such as Wickens Ranch and Daniels Meats & Sausages. Intentional ingredients are paired with attention to detail when it comes to signature menu selections such as pan-seared Sweet Potato Gnocchi with brown butter and fresh sage, as well as Lamb Shoulder Navarin presented with pomme puree and French petit poix, which is a medley of vegetables including peas, fava beans and pearl onions.

Enjoy drinks here like “The Romeo” a spirit forward, Larceny bourbon based drink with Campari and Averna Amaro or “The Secret Garden” made with the restaurant’s house-made strawberry-balsamic gastrique with elder flower liqueur, basil, and lemon.

Tune Up – A basement Bar & Live Music Venue located in the basement of the Kimpton Armory Hotel, but it’s far from a speakeasy. The cozy whiskey and beer bar is located in the space where the Armory band used to practice and will pay homage to its musical roots with regularly scheduled live performances. The back bar features a library of whiskey that ranges from locally made Bozeman favorites to rare and hard to find spirits. Tune Up has a wide range of craft beers from Montana microbreweries including hometown Bozeman Brewing Company. Classic and creative cocktails also don the menu from the Poms of Wrath to the Light My Fire, a sweet and spicy concoction that brings all the elements of a good concert in one glass. The cocktail features house infused pineapple-habanero George Dickel Rye Whiskey, Demerara Sugar, Peychauds Bitters and served in a rocks glass over a large ice ball.

Sky Shed – Rooftop Lounge & Pool with a View
Set nine stories above Bozeman’s historic downtown, Sky Shed is an elevated social experience where guests can soak up the scene and enjoy boozy delights and light bites all year long. Unique indoor and outdoor spaces transform with the seasons, perfect for basking in the sun or getting cozy by the fire.

Sky Shed’s extensive cocktail program showcases a creative collection of drinks with flirty garnishes. Local breweries support the beer program, while the carefully curated collection of rosé and sparkling rounds out the elegant wine list. Sample Rosé all Day on Sundays with $20 bottles or visit the Sky Shed mid-week for Golden Hour happy hour special from 4-5 p.m. Monday through Friday including $1 off all draft and cocktails as well as $7 house wines by the glass.

Day 10

Fly home.

Montana Packing List

You will want to monitor the weather conditions leading up to your trip. The weather can change quickly.

Outdoor Clothing

• Mid-weight fleece layer and winter jacket, a fleece or wool jacket/ pullover. (It can still be quite cold at high altitudes and in the mornings and evenings.)
• Waterproof and windproof outer layers; lightweight/breathable jacket and pants recommended
• Close-toed shoes
• Pants or jeans
• Hat, for sun protection
• Bathing suit

Other Necessities

• Daypack with the capacity for things you may need during a hike.
• Camera
• Sunscreen/lip balm (Sun and wind can take a toll at higher elevations.)
• Sunglasses
• Bear Spray
• Medicine

The post 9 Day Summertime Montana Road Trip Itinerary appeared first on Mommy Travels.

You know the score, getting stuck in rush hour traffic, children screaming, parents frazzled. The good news is that this doesn’t have to happen in your travel car. That’s right; with a little planning, you can make the best of your road trip and create wonderful memories that last a lifetime. We’ve included our best car travel tips in this article to keep both parents and children happy on your epic journeys.

But before hitting the road, there are a few things you should know… 

Travel Car Journeys with a Toddler

How soon can a newborn travel long distance by car? You might think it’s okay to take your infant on lengthy journeys. It should be fine, as long as you get the right kind of seat for him or her… right? Wrong!

According to the latest research, newborns under four weeks are not ready to travel for more than 30 minutes. Why is this so? Here’s the thing: your toddler has not developed a strong enough immune system yet. Doctors strongly warn against taking your infant traveling before the age of 3 months.

• How to Prepare for Your First Road Trip with a Baby

Once your child is ready to travel, you can take them along on your trips. But first a warning: the number of children injured every year in car crashes is very high. Your primary job as a parent is to keep your kid safe, and you can do this with the help of safety seats.

Picking the best travel toddler car seats for your child depends on his or her size, age, and needs. If you’ve been struggling to find the best one, then this booster car seats review is for you.

Before getting into the actual preparations, let’s look at another situation… If you’re expecting a new baby, you’re probably wondering how late in pregnancy can you travel by car. 

Car Travels When Pregnant

In general, you’re safe to travel on your second trimester of pregnancy (13 to 28 weeks).

It is the time when you feel your best, and the dangers for premature labor or miscarriage are minimal. However, health experts advise you to take precautionary measures for every long trip even if the pregnancy is going well, and you have no complications. 

When taking the trip, make sure to drink plenty of water. Make lots of stops for stretching, and pack extra doses of supplements and vitamins in case the trip takes longer than expected. 

Warning: you should not make any long travel car during the last three weeks before the estimated due date. 

• 10 Tips for Traveling Pregnant

Now that we’ve covered who can come along with the trip, let us show you some of the travel vehicles for families.

The Best Car to Travel Long Distance

If you’re thinking about buying a new vehicle and you love taking your family to the open road, then you should consider cars that are roomy and reliable. Quite simply, you and your family are going to spend long hours together inside this machine, so it must be comfortable. And let’s not forget safety!

Some of the models that are spacious, dependable, and have rated well in crash-tests, are Chevrolet Impala, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry Hybrid. Moreover, these cars are quiet and can attain the best fuel efficiency.

With a good car, you are ready to hit the road with your family. And every Trip Starts With what? You guessed it: packing

What You Should Bring Along and Where to Put It

Car travels can be long, so it’s important to make them as comfortable as possible. How do you do that? For starters, you can avoid placing any luggage in the footwells and make sure that the backpacks children bring along are small. 

Depending on the age of your kids, you can put different activities in each bag. It is anything the kids can use… pens, games, books, comics, and some toys for the smallest ones. 

The activity packs don’t need to be filled with the latest toys or fancy gadgets. Just some blank paper and color crayons can keep your kids entertained for hours. A word of caution: leave the sharp pencils at home!

But you’re probably wondering whether the backpacks won’t take too much space? Don’t worry. There’s a solution. To save space, hang the backpack over the front seat’s headrest and secure the pack with a binder clip for extra safety. 

• 11 Road Trip Games to Play in the Car
• 8 Disney Games and Activities for Kids on a Disney Road Trip

But hang on a minute. We haven’t talked about the most important things that go into the packs…

The Snacks

Don’t forget: children don’t eat only because they’re hungry. How’s that? Let us explain. You see, food is a way for them to relieve boredom. What this means is that they’ll be asking for snacks all the time. Here’s what you have to do to be prepared: 

• Have lots of options available – sandwiches, dried fruit, sweets, crisps, nuts, and crackers. 
• Pack all the snacks and drinks individually. It prevents your children from fighting over them. 
• Avoid foods like chocolate that can cause a mess.
• Have trash bags ready to stash all the rubbish. 

However, since it’s a long way, don’t start handing out the treats right away. Keep something for the whole road. And when it comes to liquids, there’s only one way to prevent the messy spillages. Give each kid the must-have car travel accessory: a simple cup holder. 

• 13 Grab and Go Snacks to Keep Active Children Hydrated and Healthy
• 9 Healthy & Easy Travel Snacks

After all the eating, it’s a good idea to get out of the car.

The Importance of Frequent Stops 

Children need to move a lot. Even the best car seat for travel will become uncomfortable after a long ride. And needless to say, parents can benefit from physical activity as well. 

Bring along some sports equipment, like a Frisbee, or a football to get some fun exercise in the play parks and rest stops along the way. 

If you feel like your car is too packed already for any extra items, you can also simply play tag or compete in foot races. 

Fact: exercise helps to reduce stress as it releases the “feel-good” chemicals called endorphins. That’s right, and being less stressed will make you much more effective when dealing with any problems along the way.

Plan Your Trip Carefully to Avoid Rush Hours

Nobody wants to sit hours in traffic, so make sure you pick the right time of day for your travel car to leave. That way, you can stay clear of rush hours and reach your destination sooner. 

The chances are that at some point you’ll still hit a traffic jam. The cool thing is that there are some awesome apps now that help you choose alternative routes easily. 

A word of caution: always check for any road constructions on the path. The delays caused by roadworks can easily turn the fastest route into the slowest. 

Journeying With Back Pain

Traveling with back pain can be an ordeal, I know because my back hurts everyday. You might understand the finer differences between spondylolisthesis vs spondylolysis, but that doesn’t matter when you have discomfort. 

To make travel more bearable, try the following tips: 

• Use heat or cold therapy in the most painful areas (by applying a frozen patch, for example)
• Get out and move around every hour or so when convenient
• Take time to get comfortable before you set off, making any adjustments you require to your seating position
• Get a mechanic to soften your vehicle’s suspension before you make your trip
• Find ways to divert your attention from the pain, such as listening to music
• Bring a travel foam roller with you.

Alongside these essentials, taking care of every family member’s health during a road trip is crucial. If anyone suffers from back or spinal issues, it’s important to be aware of the available spine proceduresthat can help alleviate discomfort during long drives. From preventive measures to minimally invasive treatments tailored for post-travel recovery, ensuring a pain-free journey is essential for everyone’s enjoyment.”

Above All: Chill Out! 

If your children are close in age, they may start arguing easily, especially when having to spend a lot of time together in close quarters. The driver needs to focus on the road, so the other adult should be in charge of dealing with the kids. If the fight is impossible to break up by only one parent, find a safe spot, and pull over. But don’t forget: stay calm! 

And another thing: believe it or not, but kids can enjoy some quiet time. Don’t worry too much about having to entertain them all the time. That’s right, sometimes just looking out the window and describing what they see can be enough to keep them excited. 

Conclusion

Are you ready to take your kids on a long road trip? Have you chosen the best portable car seat for travel? By now you’ll have realized that taking your kids on a trip takes a lot of planning. But using the tips from this article should give you a good starting point to start organizing your trips. Now make it happen. Kids grow fast, and road trips are the perfect way to spend quality time with them. Can you afford not to? 

Have you used any of our tips? We’d love to know your thoughts and hear more about your own experiences!

What are some of the hacks that have helped you in your journeys? Leave comments below, as your opinion is important to us! 

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• The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Perfect Kid-Friendly Road Trip
• 10 tips for Road Trips with Kids
• Road Trip Safety Tips
• Maintaining Sanity on the Road Trip: Slow Down and Listen

The post Secrets to Surviving a Long Road Trip With Children appeared first on Mommy Travels.