Unexpected Highlights

We’ve all been there. You’ve envisioned how a trip would go and what would amaze and delight your children. The magic of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night. The immense power of Niagara Falls. The thrill of exploring a coral reef with a snorkel for the first time. And yet, when you ask your kid to recount their top memories, often times what sticks out the most to them aren’t these grand places, but rather more mundane (in our minds, at least!) or ordinary things. These unexpected highlights from a trip are simply small moments that tickle their brains in some way and leave a lasting impression.

On one particularly hectic travel day last summer, we were visiting Kravica Falls in Bosnia and Herzegovina before crossing the border back into Croatia to drive south to Dubrovnik. It was a long day, but the highlight was supposed to be these waterfalls where we would swim in the emerald waters surrounded by lush nature. My kids were excited, and I was certain this memory of swimming in the Bosnian waterfalls would become a top trip moment.

On the drive through the mountains to Dubrovnik, however, our little rental car was stopped, literally, by something apparently more impressive. An unattended herd of cattle just waltzed along and stopped in the middle of the road. We were stuck. Not wanting to risk damage to the rental car, my husband wisely decided we needed to wait them out. Our wimpy rental car horn did nothing to persuade the cattle from moving along. Yet while Mom and Dad were frustrated (“We’ll be so late to check in! What about dinner plans? Why won’t they MOVE?!”), our children were utterly fascinated and entertained. These lazy mountain cows didn’t care one bit about us and had zero intention of getting a move on. There were so many jokes made and at many points my kids were in fits of laughter, especially as my husband’s annoyance grew at the wayward Balkan bovine.

When we reminisce on that trip, there are many moments that are “top” memories for the kids, but what always sets off the giggles is when someone says, “But remember THOSE COWS?!” A seemingly insignificant, and certainly unplanned interaction became an unexpected highlight of the trip. You just never know what will stick out in a child’s mind!

Why a road trip is a great decision…even with kids

Some of my fondest memories as a child revolve around piling into the back of our Ford Aerostar minivan and setting off to destinations unknown. From our home in Texas, we ventured all up and down the East Coast, out to Niagara Falls, down through the Appalachians and covered a lot of ground all around the Gulf of Mexico. It was memory-making at its finest.

And yet, the thought of a road trip…with kids?!…can be quite daunting. Here are our top three reasons we think a roadtrip can be worth it.

Explore more places

Ever been to Castine, Maine? How about Sylva, North Carolina? The reality is that road trips allow you to explore so much more of a country. A few summers ago, as our family made our yearly trip to Santa Rosa Beach, we made a pitstop in Montgomery, Alabama and explored the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. It was by far one of the most impactful experiences in my life…and we would’ve missed it if we had taken our normal flight down to the beach. Could we make a separate trip to some of these smaller places? Sure. But road trips can be a natural way to explore these smaller but no less beautiful and impactful areas.

Take your time

Is it just me, or is making sure you’re constantly running on time- can’t miss that flight/train/tour/restaurant hours/shop- one of the most stressful parts of travel as a family? When you take a roadtrip, you more fully control your own schedule. If you need to stop to play at a park to get some wiggles out? Do it. Forgot to pack enough diapers? Detour at a local grocery store or pharmacy. Someone need a potty break, after a potty break, after a potty break? Annoying, but possible when you’re on a road trip.

The costs are usually lower, and the time together as a family is so valuable

While gas prices aren’t exactly low these days (who remembers filling up a tank of gas for $20?!), generally speaking, roadtrips in your own vehicle are significantly less expensive than flying. Yes, they sometimes take more time (thought when you add in getting to the airport early, security, etc etc, maybe not)- but the time spent as a family really can be so valuable. When we travel, my husband or I read a world history book out loud to our kids and discuss what we’re learning as we go. The kids now ask us to read any time we’re in the car, even on short trips around town! Audible has excellent children’s books options. Or maybe you just need to hand your kid a tablet and some headphones so you can stare out the window in peace for a little bit. And that’s ok too- because what matters most is that you’re wandering well, together.

What are some of your favorite roadtrip memories or tips? Share them with us on our Instagram, @wanderwelltravelers