Road Tripping: A Family Adventure This Summer
If you’re planning a family road trip this summer, be ready for a mix of bonding moments and some inevitable chaos. I recently packed up my car with my husband and our two kids—one a teenager—for an eight-hour drive from Boston to Niagara Falls. We’ve done long trips before, but our kids, now 8 and 14, are at different stages and, needless to say, my son wasn’t too excited about the long ride.
Why Choose a Road Trip?
Many families agree that road trips are a wonderful way to connect and create lasting memories. For example, 18-year-old Samara Worsham spent 30 days traveling across 25 states with her family last year. Now preparing for college, she cherishes those moments spent together. The lack of cell service during long stretches forced them to talk, and those conversations became some of her favorite memories.
Furthermore, taking a car is often more economical than flying, especially for larger families. As Jamie Davis Smith, a lawyer and writer from Washington, D.C., notes, it also saves you the hassle of renting a car at your destination.
Include the Family in Planning
Travel expert Alain Robert emphasizes the importance of involving everyone in the planning process. Ask family members what they want to see or do, and build your itinerary around those interests. My kids were eager to reach our destination quickly, focusing more on that than the journey itself.
Make Fun Stops Along the Way
Jamie Davis Smith’s family loves quirky roadside attractions. Inspired by her story, I decided to map a few fun stops, like the Jell-O Museum in New York. However, we learned that our eight-hour journey didn’t leave much time for exploration. A good lesson: plan for shorter travel days if you want to discover along the way.
Consider Pet Care Costs
We briefly thought about bringing our dog, Rosie, but our hotel wasn’t pet-friendly, so we had to board her at the vet. We ended up with unexpected costs for vaccinations right before we left. Kelly Burch, a travel journalist, advises travelers to double-check pet policies as they can vary greatly.
Teen Needs
Knowing my teenager would need some personal space, I splurged on a suite. He appreciated having his own bed and a bit of privacy, not to mention the stunning view of Horseshoe Falls. It felt worth it, especially since we were saving money by driving instead of flying.
Balancing Screens and Activities
For younger kids, play traditional car games to keep them entertained. Freelance journalist Stratton Lawrence suggests that starting with screens can lead to challenges in engaging them with other activities later on. Even older kids will appreciate a deck of cards or a map to explore the geography.
Overall, my teenager seemed to have an acceptable time on the trip, especially when he found out a friend was also visiting Niagara Falls. If a trip ends with mostly positive experiences for a teen, I call that a success!
