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
