Planning Your Route & Stops

The first step to an awesome family road trip is picking where you want to go! Do you dream of sunny beaches, towering mountains, or bustling cities? Once you have a general idea, start looking at maps (both old-school paper ones and new-school map apps like Google Maps or Waze!).

Think about:

• How far you want to drive each day: Don’t try to go too far! Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.
• Cool landmarks: Are there any bizarre roadside attractions, national monuments, or unique museums you want to see along the way? These make great road trip stops!
• Where to sleep: Book hotels or campsites ahead of time, especially during busy seasons.

Having a plan helps you relax and enjoy the ride, but always be ready for a spontaneous detour – that’s where some of the best memories are made!

Packing Smart: Your Road Trip Essentials

What should you toss in your bag (and the car!) for a successful cross country adventure? Here’s a quick list of what to pack for a road trip:

Road Trip Must-Haves:

• Snacks, snacks, snacks! Think non-messy items like granola bars, fruit, crackers, and plenty of water.
• Entertainment: Books, audiobooks, podcasts, portable games, drawing supplies. Don’t forget chargers for all your devices!
• Pillows & blankets: For comfy naps in the car.
• First-aid kit: For any minor scrapes or headaches.
• Music playlists: Create epic soundtracks for your journey!
• Trash bag: Keep your car tidy!

Packing smart means you’ll be ready for anything, from hunger pangs to boredom busters!

Keeping Everyone Happy (Especially You!)

Long hours in the car can sometimes lead to boredom or arguments. But don’t worry! Here are some fun ways to keep spirits high:

Fun Car Activities:

• Road Trip Games: “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” license plate bingo, or car karaoke!
• Take Breaks: Stretch your legs, explore a park, or grab a meal outside the car.
• Switch Drivers: If there’s more than one licensed driver, take turns so everyone gets a rest.

Remember, a happy crew makes for the best memories on any family road trip with kids!

Denali National Park: Alaska’s Crown Jewel

Speaking of amazing places, let’s talk about Denali National Park in Alaska! This place is truly wild and wonderful. It’s home to Denali, which is the tallest peak in North America – a giant mountain that scrapes the sky!

Denali National Park is famous for its incredible wildlife, too. You might spot grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and even wolves roaming freely in their natural habitat. The park has just one main road, and much of it is only accessible by bus, keeping the wilderness preserved. This makes for an unforgettable experience where you feel truly connected to nature.

Now, here’s a cool fact: while you can’t sail a cruise ship directly into Denali (it’s way inland!), many Alaska cruise tours offer fantastic land excursions that take you straight to this iconic park. So, if you’re thinking about an Alaska road trip adventure that combines the best of both worlds, starting with a cruise and then heading inland to Denali is a popular and spectacular option. You get to see the stunning coastline and glaciers from the water, and then explore the wild heart of Alaska on land. It’s the ultimate combo trip!