Road Trip Planning Blog | Best Road Trips | TripWiser.com

Take your family on a Canadian road trip!

Your road trip begins at the picturesque stretch of road at YoHo National Park, which is located on the British Columbia, and at the Alberta Border, which passes through Banff National Park. To throw in a bit of trivia for your family trip, Banff National Park is actually the very first national park in Canada, built way back in 1885.  If you want to go all out in history for your Canadian Rockies road trip, then you won’t be disappointed to know that you’ll actually be passing along two World Heritage Parks along the way, namely Icefields Parkway and Jasper National Park.  Both parks will enthrall you with their stunning landscape of glaciers and icefields bordered with springs, lakes the shade of brilliant emeralds, and alpine meadows. To complete the view, you may also have chance sightings of different wildlife animals like moose, black and grizzly bears, deer, mountain sheep, and elk, just to name a few.

To help you navigate better, be sure to make a stop at the roadside highway Rest Area, which is situated on the Alberta/British Columbia border.  This is about a little over two miles after starting out at the border. Here you can find the Visitor Information Center, where you can ask your questions, or get help you planning your Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary. If you want to stretch your legs a little, there are a number of places you can check out within the area. Try going to Takakkaw Falls or Kicking Horse River. If you feel like taking in a bit of solitude, the Natural Bridge should be worth your while.

Next, you will find yourself passing camping grounds, hiking trails, and one or two observation vista points.  If you are a golfer, you can opt to play a round of golf at the Banff Springs Golf Course while your kids enjoy the countryside going on Altitude ATV tours.  If your children are nature lovers, then your trip plan should definitely include the Brewster Lake Louise Stables.  If that isn’t enough, go on a river trip with the Canadian Rockies Rafting Company, get an adrenaline rush going wild water sports with Great Divide Nature Interpretation Hawgwild Fly Fishing Guides, or go heli-skiing and heli-hiking for that ultimate outdoor thrill.  If all this adrenaline-rush stuff is too much for you, enjoy the more lesiurely cruise on Lake Minnewanka, or visit the Whyte Museum of The Canadian Rockies.

A Canadian Rockies road trip is brimming with possibilities! You’ll have no trouble having fun there at all.

Plan a road trip to one of America’s most scenic drives

(image by Flickr user Catherine Trigg)

ALPINE LOOP, Colorado. If you want to ‘get away from it all,’ then going on a road trip to the Alpine Loop Back Country Byway will easily prove to match your idea of haven.  Situated in Colorado’s southwest, this picturesque destination effortlessly enthralls its visitors with a breathtaking landscape of snow-capped mountains, serene lakes and meadows dotted with wild flowers.

With its laid back feel and unspoiled beauty, and featuring an elevation of more than twelve thousand feet, The Loop is a place that will surely make for a memorable family road trip or a sought-after outing with friends.  Such a Colorado road trip will help you discover that The Loop is not lacking in activities to keep you – and everyone in the group – happily occupied. From hiking and biking, to several great camping options, or simply lounging away the hours sightseeing, a weekend trip here will open up the wonders of the great outdoors.

For starters, try navigating your trip map to check out some of the most popular attractions The Loop has to offer. If you want to get breathtaking views at an altitude of 12,800 feet, then the Engineer Pass should definitely be included in your family trip planning. It is bordered by Mt. Sneffels in the east, Uncompahgre Peak in the northeast, and the vanished Lake City in the east. Now, if you want to bask in a little solitude and detour from your companions, a trip alone to the Whitmore Falls will revive your
senses. The falls can easily be reached after a short trail.

(image by Flick user patriarca12's)

Another great Colorado road trip is the GUANELLA PASS.  If you want a family road trip  that combines your historical interest without boring your kids to death (let’s face it, very few children will find staring at old buildings amusing), then you might consider going on a road trip to Guanella Pass. This scenic pass, located in Colorado, stretches for 22 miles. The driving time takes roughly two hours, but with diverse things to catch your attention along the way. The trip map of Guanella Pass begins at Georgetown, an utterly quaint and charming place that reflects a great deal of Colorado’s genteel past. Plan a stopover there and take in the well-preserved old buildings, many of which have been converted to museums. While you’re looking at precious artifacts, let your kids explore the town via carriage rides, which is one of the most popular attractions of Georgetown – with good reason.

When you think you’ve had enough sightseeing, head on to Idaho Springs, which is situated nearby. There are several hot springs you can opt to soak in, and of course the tranquil view helps you relax even more. When everyone has replenished their energy, continue your road trip through the old gold mines, or a countryside dining experience the whole family can enjoy.   

If at last you’re ready to call it a day, there are bed & breakfasts you can stay in along the South Platte River. And don’t forget to cap off your road trip checking out the famous Coney Island Hot Dog Stand in Bailey!

From Vancouver to New Westminster: A Sky Train Away

(Photo by Flickr user Shizhao)

After exploring downtown Vancouver, you may want to see more historic sites and explore neary cities. Where do you go?  And what is the best way to travel for a last minute trip?

A mere 20-minute Sky Train ride will bring you to Western Canada’s oldest city and once the capital of British Columbia (from 1858-1866), New Westminster. Known as the Royal City, it was named by Queen Victoria after her favorite London neighborhood, the Westminster.

This quick trip is about 12 miles southeast of Vancouver, located in the north bank of the Fraser River. First stop must be at New Westminster Museum and Archives. This place houses the history of the city’s old glory. After getting nostalgic with the museum’s extensive collection of memorabilia, continue your walk through history by visiting the Irving House. It was the once the home of Captain William Irving, known as the King of the River because he was the most successful of all the riverboat captains. Continue learning about this city by proceeding to the floating maritime museum, the Samson V Paddler Wheeler.

What comes next is shopping at the New Westminster Quay Public Market. This is where you can stock up on souvenirs, feast on salmon, or enjoy a coffee break while enjoying the sights.

From the market, join a walking tour to the Fraser Discovery Centre, where the cultural and historical significance of the Fraser River are explained to visitors along the way. Tackling more of the city sites depends on your timetable. Recommended places are the Antique Alley along Front Street, Columbia Street (because of its old buildings and interesting shops), Old Court House, City Hall, Armoury, Burr Block/Queens Hotel, churches, Queens Park and Stanley Park. This trip route goes back to central Vancouver which is just a few minutes away via Sky Train.

From Downtown Vancouver to Richmond: Side Trip to Fun

(image by Flickr User Brian Vo)

When in Vancouver, you can always add a little adventure to your itinerary and launch a side trip to nearby Richmond. You can spend a night to enjoy this place, which is by the way also known as Island City, By Nature.  Just like New Westminster, Richmond is 20 minutes away from downtown, 12 miles south of Vancouver, south of Vancouver Airport and west of Highway 99.  It is a vibrant city where you can find lots of things to do such as shopping and recreational activities.  You can also indulge in international cuisine here. Take note of the festivals.  Every July 1st, there’s the Salmon Festival, while October’s highlight is the Cranberry Harvest and Slugfest held at Richmond Natural Park.

Come summer time, you can pay a visit to Steveston Village, a fishing village that attracts visitors because of its fresh seafood, sumptuous cuisine at local restaurants, shopping opportunities, markets and heritage sites.  After indulging in seafood, it’s time to visit Steveston Museum and discover the place’s past. Wonder at some 250 motorcycles and 51 at the Deeley Motorcycle Collection.  This village has also played home to numerous American movies such as Blade II and The 6th Day, and television series such as Supernatural, Outer Limits, Killer Instinct, X-Files, Smallville, Stargate SG-1, the Final Destination series and the Scary Movie series.

Richmond has a Buddhist Temple so if the Asian heritage appeals to you, don’t miss this site. The Chapel in the Park called Minoru Chapel (circa 1891) is an inter-denominational chapel and welcomes everyone.

If you prefer golf trip, this place is a haven. Opportunities abound!  You can check out the Greenacres Golf Course, Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club, Richmond Country Club and Quilchena Golf and Country Club.

Other activities here include: Cycling with a start off point at Terra Nova (located at the North Western corner of Lulu Island and Garry Point Park at the South Western tip); Fishing at McDonald Beach on Sea Island; Crossing Sea Island will bring you to Iona Island where you can stargaze at Iona Beach Park; popular walking trails and jogging routes.

Wildlife Week Around Alaska

Alaska is a great destination for Road Trips, offering a panorama of sky, mountains and glaciers. It is not close for anyone outside the state, so a weekend trip is simply not enough time to enjoy this vast State. There are plenty of activities to do, historical places to see and foods to try. Are you ready?

Most people flying to Alaska will land in Anchorage.  A good starting point for a Road Trip is Tok, also known as the “main street” or “gateway” because it is the first major community that you will encounter after Anchorage.  Figure on at least a day’s drive from Anchorage.  Tok is a good place for rest and recreation and in the summer, expect lots of activities here like bicycling, hiking, hunting, nature watching and interesting tours.

From Fairbanks, continue to Denali National Park.  You can arrange a bus tour to explore the park or embark on a backpacking adventure.  Passing through the Alaska Highway, first stop up north is Fairbanks. It is second biggest city of Alaska and has the all the amenities of an urban community. You can also fly into Fairbanks.  The Gold Rush Street at Pioneer Park was a replica but a real operating gold mine exists in this proud city. Visit the Museum of the North, take a river trip for half-day cruise through the Chena and Tanana Rivers. In the summer, the Discovery III riverboat tour runs twice a day. Trip reservations are a must so make the necessary arrangements ahead of time.

A four- to six-hour drive down south and you’ll reach the town of Wasilla. Moose or bear sightings along the way are often part of the journey. For canoeing experience, go to the Nancy Lake Recreation Area. There are plenty of cabins to rent for overnight stays. Further south, visit the Big Lake for swimming, camping, jet-ski and fishing. Proceed to Mat-Su Valley and drop by Iditarod Trail Headquarters on Knik Road. Learn some history at Knik Museum and the Sled Dog Musher’s Hall of Fame.

Palmer, a town 15-minute away from Wasilla is your next stop if you want breathtaking views, campgrounds and recreational areas. Best time to be here is in late August when the Alaska State Fair is celebrated. Enjoy the rides, food and the biggest vegetables you’ve ever seen!  The midnight sun is not to be missed. 

Return to Anchorage, a very urban and chic city. It has plenty of hiking opportunities, cultural events and art exhibits. The Flattop Mountain and Chugach State Park are the city’s pride together with Alaska Zoo and Potter Marsh, a bird and wildlife sanctuary.

Drive along the Seward Highway, designated as the All-American Road, and enjoy the scenic view. Picnic opportunities are everywhere, and the picture perfect backdrop is hard to resist. Fishing, camping and canoeing activities in the Kenai/Soldotna area are nice options too.

If you have time to continue your Alaska road trip, you can continue to Homer and or Valdez, or just head back to Anchorage.

Experience The Valley Of The Swans

Planning a road trip?  Head to The Rockies!  Outdoor adventure awaits! Parks, landscapes, scenic mountains — expect all these and more. Pack your bags and let’s head to British Columbia.

There are many day trip opportunities in BC.  Depending on your personal level of adventure, you can swim, hike, follow naturalist trails and arrange camping trips. You can do all that in Creston. It is an enchanting town located in the south of Kootenay Lake in the southern Kootenays, at the junction of Highway 3, 3A and Highway 21. It runs 7 miles (11 km) south to the Canada/US border.

The trip to Creston is well worth it. Known as The Valley of the Swans, you will instantly fall in love with its snow-capped mountains, deep sparkling lakes, gentle mountain streams, open spaces and fields of grain. Here is a place where Kootenay River converges with Kootenay Lake.  Indeed, it’s best for those city dwellers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy lifestyle. Major festivals are the Blossom Festival held in May, the Apple Festival every October and the Fall Fair. Even without these festivities, there are enough places to see and do in this scenic town. Visit the Stone House Museum for some pre-historic lessons. Stroll the streets and appreciate the Murals of Creston which depict the life in the valley. You can tour the Glacier Brewery of the Kootenays, home of Kokanee Beer, in Erickson Street. If you’re going there mid-June to mid-September, you may join an organized tour and see how it has evolved from the Fort Steele Brewery established in 1898 to what it is today.

Have some nostalgic fun by watching a movie at the Valley Drive-In Cinema which has been in operation since 1955. Get a taste of the wildlife via a visit to the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. You have a choice between guided tours and canoe tours to appreciate this large expanse of preserved wetland. It is a sanctuary for up to 250 species of upland birds and waterfowl. It is also a major stopover for migrating Tundra Swans.

Raring for high adventure? White-water kayaking along Moyie, Goat and Salmo Rivers is waiting for you (experienced kayakers only).  Don’t worry if you aren’t qualified to kayak; instead, enjoy mountain biking at Stagleap Provincial Park during the summer or cross-country skiing and snowboarding during the winter. Drive up north a bit through Highway 3A along the eastern shores of Kootenay Lake and you’ll enjoy the beaches and campgrounds. Golfing and fishing are other good options.

Enjoy an organized family trip and discover adventure in a whole new way.

Impressive Finger Lakes: Romantic New York Road Trip

Any New York road trip wouldn’t be complete without exploring Finger Lakes, a scenic wine country located in Upstate New York. Planning a road trip to this beautiful region presents a different thrill and perspective. I needed to check out a Trip Map to actually appreciate its beauty and to make my trip different from trips I’d taken in the past.

The Finger Lakes Region is a booming wine country, a popular tourist destination, and an enchanting getaway location perfect even for a honeymoon as a road trip.  In winter, the Finger Lakes offer the opportunity to indulge in winter sports such as skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing.  During the warm weather months, you can easily use the lake region as a weekend getaway.

Finger Lakes were named as such because they resemble a hand when viewed from above. The region is composed of 11 lakes but only the seven largest have names. These are Otisco Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Owasco Lake, Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Honeoye Lake, Canadice Lake, Hemlock Lake and Conesus Lake.

For the romantic adventurer, the Finger Lakes region offers more than a scenic tour along the lakes. Being the second largest wine producing region in the U.S., just behind Napa Valley in California, you can easily plan a trip to the vineyards and wineries around Seneca, Cayuga, Canandaigua, and Keuka Lakes. Wine and dine after a round of golf or in winter, go cross-country skiing. There are so many things to do and see here. Don’t miss the magnificent mansions and awesome gardens. Come visit the Auburn home of William H. Seward, George Eastman’s (founder of Eastman Kodak Co.) mansion in Rochester, Susan B. Anthony’s home in Rochester and Gideon Granger’s Canandaigua Homestead. If you want to add more historical sites to your itinerary, there’s the Women's Rights National Historical Park and the National Women's Hall of Fame to visit, both located in Seneca Falls.

If you’d rather have more choices and enjoy a laidback country weekend, your trip plan can point you to bed and breakfast locations from Aurora to Avoca to Gorham to Hammondsport to Syracuse. The choices are just endless, and the same is true with the cuisine found there. You can have your choice of dinner cruises or waterfront dining. You are the master of your own adventure at Finger Lakes.

Trip to the Wine Country: From San Francisco to Napa and Sonoma Valley

 

White, red, sparkling, full bodied, light, fruity… when someone talks about wine, California always comes to mind.

Indeed, a California trip wouldn’t be complete without traveling to the Napa Valley and trying their world famous wines. And what could be more fitting than a visit to the northern part of sunny California, where the divine wines will prove to be just the icing on the cake.

Intrigued? There’s every reason to be!  But before you book your flight, take the time for some trip planning. You’ll discover there are many other fun things to do & see along the way.

Located 35 miles north of San Francisco, lies the charming Napa and Sonoma Valley, home to the world-famous California wines. There you’ll find a  romantic meeting of the Russian River and the Pacific coastline. Aside from gently rolling hills and pastoral farmlands, you’ll also come across massive Redwood trees, quaint historic towns and lush gardens.

Plan your trip with friends for a fun adventure trip. Or plan a romantic getaway for just the two of you. Don’t forget your camera; the remarkable scenery is a big part of this journey.

Heading up north, Calistoga and St. Helena will welcome you with vineyards and lovely farmlands. Calistoga, also known as the “hot springs” of the West offers more than mud baths. You’ll also enjoy the Sharpsteen Museum, the Faithful Geyser and hot air balloon rides. St. Helena, on the other hand, is nestled in the heart of Napa Valley. The things to do here are easy to remember: eat, drink and be merry!   assing through Sonoma and driving north, you’ll discover Healdsburg, a town in the center of three valleys, which houses 60 wineries. Healdsburg is known as the heart of wine country. A trip along the West Dry Creek Road will reveal more wineries. Stop for wine tasting at Lambert Bridge, Quivira, and Preston and delight in the subtle differences each vineyard produces.  Cheers!

From Healdsburg, head west to Bodega Bay, where you’ll reach the old settlement of Miwok and Pomo Indians. Up until the fall of 1775, this hilly terrain was home to the hunting and gathering lifestyle as well as harvesting the seas and rivers. Today, it is now better known as the setting for Alfred Hitchcock’s, The Birds. Enjoy a dinner at one of the many restaurants offering grand views of the Pacific Ocean.

As you travel through Napa Valley, you’ll sense the calming embrace of the slower-paced lifestyle. It is at once endearing and welcoming, and soon, you’ll find yourself smiling for no reason at all! Enjoy!

Santa Barbara: A Glimpse at Old World Culture

The nice things people are saying about Santa Barbara are all true!  It is a place where beauty, relaxation and culture  mixes beautifully, thanks to the scenic beaches and interesting places to visit. Looking at a California map, I found out that Santa Barbara is a coastal town right in the middle of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Not as busy as the two most popular cities but just as vibrant when it comes to people, culture, lifestyle and activities. And so, I’m ready to go and explore!

While planning for my trip, I noted that Santa Barbara is a 1 ½ to 2 hours drive up north from Los Angeles, off the 101, depending on traffic. There is really no need to fly. A road trip is more like it.

With the lush surroundings, the sun-drenched setting, the laid back lifestyle and rich cultural heritage, Santa Barbara is worth at least a three-day trip.

Day 1
Cultural discovery in Santa Barbara always starts with a trip downtown called the “Red Tile Walking Tour”. Passing through the arts district, one will readily recognize that red tiles were a prime material used in the 1920s. The influences of the Chumash, Spanish, Mexican, and American heritage are also very obvious. Any visitor  will enjoy the 1929 Santa Barbara County Courthouse. It reflects the Spanish-Moorish architecture interspersed with sunken gardens. Your sense of wonder escalates inside the building — murals, tiles, chandeliers, doors — interior accoutrement reminiscent of old world charm. Right across the street is the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, where you can continue enjoying the fine art collection including a mural made by Mexican artist, David Alfaro Siquieros.

Also in the itinerary, is a visit to more historic places like El Paseo, the oldest freestanding shopping center in America. Moorish style tiles are still prominent, built around the time of the de la Guerra homestead. If that didn't quench your thirst enough, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum surely will. Get enthralled with collections dating back to 15th century. Presidio Fort is also an option if you to want to visit the site that started the cultural journey for Santa Barbara.

The opera house Lobero Theater caps your evening. Catch the latest performance and have an artistic indulgence.

Day 2
(image by Flickr user hsivonen) 
Make a social trip on your second day with a visit to Mission Santa Barbara, a mission founded by Spanish Franciscans in 1786. Its signature twin bell towers are not to be missed as well the gift shops, Moorish fountain, historic cemeteries and cloister gardens. Say a little prayer in the chapel, snap some pictures, and you're ready to proceed to Santa Barbara Tours de Arte. This is a haven for those who want to experience real encounters with artists; some 60 of them will open their studios for you to get inspired!                                                                                           

In the evening, visit the Arlington Center for the Performing Arts. Reflecting 1920s charm, its interiors impress with exotic courtyard ambiance. This is also the home to the Santa Barbara Symphony, Community Arts Music Association (CAMA) events where world-class performances converge.

Day 3
Have a light-hearted third day in town by visiting the world of fairy tales at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Solvang. Get reacquainted with well-loved stories such as The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and The Princess and the Pea.

The journey continues with the viewing of the Lompoc Murals Project, where 60 murals established Lompoc's reputation as the "City of Murals in the Valley of Flowers."

Complete this day with Santa Barbara's resident theatre company, the only one located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts.

Day 4 & 5
(image by Flickr user Flashfonic)
Don't ever go home without the signature Santa Barbara tan so squeeze in some time to get sun-kissed! Visit the beaches and bask in the sun. Try some surfing, too.

Whenever you need breathing space from the hustle and bustle in the city, it's time to slow down, unwind and revive tired spirits. Let's go to Santa Barbara!

From Buffalo to Niagara: New York’s Architectural Treasure

Sleepy, serene and calm—we present Buffalo City, the home of the world-famous buffalo wings and Niagara Falls. Buffalo is the second largest city in New York, next only to New York City.

But being the originator of a nationwide favorite, Buffalo wings, is not Buffalo’s only claim to fame. There’s also the stupendously awesome Niagara Falls, the modern American architecture, the urban shopping centers, top-level cuisine, and nature trips, all of which offer visitors lots of things to do to make this trip a truly grand experience.

You can reach Buffalo via the Buffalo Niagara International Airport located in Cheektowaga. If you’re coming from NYC and want to travel by land, it is accessible by train. Let’s start exploring!

If Niagara Falls is your main reason for driving to western New York, you won’t be disappointed. It is simply mesmerizing, a true wonder of nature. The Niagara Falls State Park offers a complete experience of nature tripping, food indulgences (don’t miss the Top of the Falls Restaurant), educational tours (the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center provides information on local history of the place), one-of-a-kind adventures (Niagara Gorge Trails) and park visits.

After that, take a side trip into Buffalo’s architectural riches. Buffalo was a progressive town back in the late 1800s. Once known as the City of Light, a literal moniker because electric streetlights were in widespread use at that time, it is now a haven of urban culture and art, tree-lined streets and numerous parks.

Not too many people know that designs of America’s greatest architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and H.H. Richardson can be found here. Not to be missed are parks and the parkway system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Buffalo, simply put, is one big art gallery.

Exploration of the city is never complete without visiting and appreciating the architecture of the Market Arcade, McKinley Monument, Guaranty Building, Ellicott Square Building, Jacobs Executive Development Center, Birge Mansion<, Millionaires Row, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Darwin D. Martin Complex. If this sounds too daunting to tackle on your own, consider taking Architectural Treasures Tours.

Add to this the diverse cuisine offered in Buffalo, from Asian and Austrian to German to Mediterranean, you’ve sure to find a restaurant to please everyone’s tastes. Just don’t forget to try those sizzling hot wings!