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Winter Road Trips – Not always Knee-Deep in Snow

Every season brings its own charm and gives you special reasons to pull out your Road Trip Planner and Winter is no exception.  Going on a Winter Road Trip can be a great experience, especially if you also have a Plan B for winter contingencies.

Ironically, Winter Travel is a good time to learn how to “go with the flow”.  Even though you may have to do some extra Road Trip Planning to have the extras on hand before you embark on the trip, bumper-to-bumper traffic may require you to “stop and smell the roses”, even if those roses are stowed in the trunk of your car.  If you’re a couple, this is a nice time to pull out a CD & simply kick back & enjoy the music.  If you’re a family, pull out those car games, watch a DVD together, or simply start a round robin joke-a-thon.  Keeping everyone comfortable and in good spirits will be the order of the day, but if you've planned for such things, it can actually be a fun time, albeit cramped.  

While you’re doing your road trip planning, pay extra attention to towns or cities near roads you think may pose traffic delays or closures.  Add activities to your itinerary that could keep you and your passengers occupied if delayed for more than four hours.  That way, you can pull off and go shopping, take in a movie, enjoy a long lunch or early dinner, or stroll through a museum.  Add a couple of nearby hotels to the unscheduled section of your road trip planner just so you’ll have the information on hand should the traffic delay be more than 8 hours.

Road Trip Planning Safety Tips

• If  you are traveling with your family by car, get your vehicle inspected and check the weather conditions immediately before the trip.
• Cancel the trip if you are traveling to winter destinations and the weather forecast predicts a snowstorm.
• Some roads are not recommended unless you have a 4x4 vehicle.
• Carry snow chains & battery cables at all times
• Include a Delay of Game kit filled with extra snacks, car games, energy drinks, surprise DVDs & blankets (if you don't end up needing them for the trip up, you can enjoy the contents on the trip home).
• Stow an emergency kit in your trunk containing batteries, blankets, a collapsible shovel, flashlights, food, gloves, an ice scraper, rubber boots, ski caps, and water for those times when you may be stuck in your car for 8 hours or more.
• Always keep your gas tank topped off.  Do not drive that last quarter tank assuming you will get to the next service station.

The above precautions aside, Winter Road Trips are fun! Just getting to the destination on your road trip planner is more exciting because snow transforms the landscape.  Snow-laden cabins take on a mysterious hue.  Ice caves form along river banks and dance with blue/white sparkles. You drive slower so everyone can catch glimpses of interesting niches, and icicles forming on rocky precipices, maybe even catch the wind brushing snow off tree branches in a miniature snow flurries.

And once you get to your destination, there's toasty fireplaces, snow boots creating puddles by the front door, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate.  And the activities! Sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides! Let's not forget snow angels and impromptu snowball fights (the best kind of fighting, with pillow fights coming in a close second :o).

So what are some prime Winter Road Trip Destinations? Here are some to get you started on your Road Trip Planning.

For the White Winter Wonderland Experience:

• Alaska Experience with All Alaska Tours (this Road Trip can give you the Winter touch even in the Spring)
• Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario
• Banff & Jasper National Parks in Canada
• Lake Tahoe in California & on the Nevada side
• Mount Rainier in Washington
• Pigeon Forge Winterfest in Tennessee  
• Salt Lake City in Utah

Winter does not always mean knee-deep in Snow:  Here are some grand Winter Road Trips where you’ll be hard-put to find snow (other than possibly some frosting atop distant mountains).

• Sedona Arizona - Red rocks, jeep tours, hot air balloon tours, shopping, spas, dining, festivals...great for a couple needing some time away from the kids.
• Las Vegas , Nevada – Vegas isn’t just about gambling & night-life, though it certainly carries both in abundance.  Vegas offers winter visitors a plethora of daytime activities to enjoy.
• Virginia Beach, Virginia - Go whale watching.

Winter getaways offer experiences you won’t get any other time of the year so make sure you utilize your Road Trip Planner to maximize your Winter fun!

Exploring the Four Corners: Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah

A Road Trip Planner may not be able to journey to the four corners of the Earth in one lifetime, but a road trip to the Four Corners of the U.S. is certainly achievable!  And it’s cool to physically BE in four states simultaneously so make sure this road trip makes it on your “Places I want to visit” list.  Plus you get the bonus of knowing that this is the ONLY place in the entire United States where four states meet.

• Best time to Visit:  An excellent time to plan a road trip to this region is during the Fall because the red, orange and brown of the landscape will remind you of Fall Colors.  Late Spring is also nice as is Summer if you have a tolerance for dry heat and an ample supply of  bottled water.
• What states meet where?  Southwest Colorado, Northwest New Mexico, Northeast Arizona and Southeast Utah. There’s even a Four Corners Monument to mark the spot!
• What kind of terrain can I expect to find?  The Four Corners is actually part of the Grand Circle (which includes the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef, Natural Bridges, Hovenweep, Arches National Park).  What you’ll find is plains stretching into the horizon in golden hues.  And russet plateaus jutting up out of the earth in chaotic yet curiously patterned ways.  This terrain is ancient; a land of natives, a frontier set in a rough and tumble landscape.
• What kind of activities can I do there? You can fill your Road Trip Planner with activities that spark your particular interests because this region offers such variety that is makes a great trip for families, couples, or sports enthusiasts.  There are archaeological digs, cliff dwellings, historic railroads, and western towns.  Two of the corners are in the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Indian Reservation.  Not to mention the National Parks abundant in this region.

Highlights in Southwest Colorado:  Cortez is considered the archaeological center of America and is the near the Mesa Verde National Park.  Add this park to your road trip planner because it’s the first national park set aside to preserve the works of people, in this case, the ancient Puebloans and spans 14 centuries of history.  Bonus Festivals:  Check out the festivals happening year round in this region like the Mesa Verde Country Food, Wine & Art Festival, the 9th Annual Mesa Verde Country Indian Arts & Culture Festival, or the Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival.

Highlights in Northwest New Mexico: Yet another Southwest flavor can be found in New Mexico.  Sparsely populated with a strong blend of Spanish, Mexican and Native American cultures, New Mexico may very well give you a sense of what the pioneers saw when they first gazed across this mountain-desert land.  Farmington is the closest "big" city to the Four Corners but I’d add Santa Fe and Albuquerque to your road trip planner to enjoy the different ambiences found here.  Bonus activity: Take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the world’s longest aerial tramway.   It’ll take you above deep canyons and over breathtaking terrain for a unique vantage point.

Highlights in Northeast Arizona:  For a deep Navajo experience, add Monument Valley to your road trip planner. Explore the rock formations, buttes, mesas and canyons in this tranquil valley.  Some of these spires pierce the sky like needles (excellent photo op).  Bonus side-trips:  Further west, but well worth the 3 ½ hour drive is Lake Powell, a popular swimming/boating destination.  And since from here, you’re only 2 ½ hours away, head to the south rim of the spectacular Grand Canyon, truly a natural wonder.

Highlights in Southeast Utah:  Here’s where you’ll find the “Old West”.  From bandits and cattle rustlers to outlaws – and of course, the lawmen who tracked them down to justice -- all called this part of Utah their home.  Add Moab to your road trip planner for a real Wild West experience at the Bar-M Chuckwagon Live Western Show, which includes the Bar-M Village, a dinner show complete with a cowboy supper.   Bonus Features:  Three major national parks also call this region home:  Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park.  Even closer to the Four Corners is the Canyonlands National Park, a popular recreational spot.

Exploring the Four Corners is truly a remarkable experience.  The Wild West flavor combined with the Navajo and Ute cultures, mixed with history of the Pueblos, all set against a starkly etched landscape will give any Road Trip Planner a trip to remember.

Cruisin’ The Southern California Coastline Road Trip - Part II

Last time, we cruised along the Northern California Coastline; now it’s time to fire up your Road Trip Planner and skirt the southern coastline to complete your own California Cruisin’ Dream Trip.

We left off in one of my favorite areas, Big Sur.  Simply put -- and the main reason to include this in your road trip planning -- Big Sur offers stunning views. It’s that stretch of highway where land meets sea in a jaw-dropping way because the Santa Lucia Mountains rise like colossal sentries from the Pacific Ocean.  I must confess to gripping the armrest a bit as we rounded some bends because of the sheer drop to the ocean below.  Exhilarating! 

While some would suggest a more direct route south by taking the inland Highway 101 or even the mid-land Highway 5, I recommend staying on Highway 1 for an unforgettable coastal road trip.  This way, your Road Trip Planner will include highlights like hiking at Limekiln State Park, and treasure hunting at Jade Beach, one of the few places in the world where you can find quality Jade strewn about like pebbles.

After all that hiking and beach combing, settle into your road trip with a scenic drive along the Cabrillo Highway till it turns into the San Luis Obispo North Coast Highway.  Soon you’ll find San Simeon, home of the opulent Hearst Castle. Hearst Castle is the palatial estate built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. It’s one of the largest of historic house museums in the U.S. and well worth the ticket price for the informative tour.  Believe me, you’ll be ogling all the sumptuous finery found here!

From here, suggested places to add to your road trip planner are Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, and Pismo Beach (a popular ATV camping spot because of all the sand dunes).

Now here’s where I’ll recommend cutting over to Highway 101 to discover a California city with a decidedly Danish twist, Solvang.  I found it utterly charming, with stores offering delicate lace and handmade quilts, Danish cuisine in quaint restaurants, and a European flavor to the buildings lining the main streets. 

Of course, you can’t be away from the ocean for too long and heading into Santa Barbara will give you the quintessential California coastal city experience.  If you want to taste the salt air & be completely surrounded by water, then add to your road trip planner a stop near Oxford, where you can hop aboard the ferry to the Channel Islands.  As you walk around these beaches, you’ll get a feel for what the land looked like before civilization descended because these islands have remained relatively isolated for 1000s of years.  But if you’re looking more for culture than nature, then plan instead to take the ferry near Newport Beach to Santa Catalina Island & explore the appealing city of Avalon.  This is a popular cruise stop destination so you can enjoy glass-bottom boat rides, take a trolley car up to some lush gardens, or enjoy snorkeling to the left of the pier (on the pier, facing land).

Below Oxnard, you’ll find the sexy city of Malibu, full of opulent homes on the lolling hills and beautiful bodies on the beaches.  Be sure to enjoy the Santa Monica Pier as you continue south. It’s a fun place to spend the evening.  But you’ll definitely want daylight to people-watch the myriad of characters found at Venice Beach.

By now, you’re in the thick of Southern California, a region where sunglasses, shorts, and flip-flops are the main attire.  Newport Beach is another well-to-do city worthy of a stop in your road trip planning.  As well as the Dana Point Harbor, one of the prettiest harbors I’ve seen in a long time.  Nearby, you’ll find San Juan Capistrano, another great cultural stop, this time with a Spanish twist, as you stroll the grounds of the California icon, Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Now it’s San Diego time, the biggest southern city before you hit the Mexican border!  There you’ll find a thriving city with distinct areas like Little Italy, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Balboa Park. Include in your road trip plans a fun side trip by driving to an island, compliments of the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. You’ll easily spot the famous Hotel Del Coronado, a sprawling white and red-roofed resort, which housed Presidents, movie stars & tycoons in its illustrious past.  From there, scoot along the Silver Stand Highway just for the sheer enjoyment of cruising a highway flanked by water on both sides.  For even more fun, enjoy a sunset gondola ride and pretend you’re in Venice, Italy!  From there, you’re less than 5 miles from the Mexico border with San Ysidro being the southernmost California community. 

So there you have it.  Between this blog and Cruisin’ The Northern California Coastline Road Trip – Part I, you’ve now hugged the California coastline from bow to stern, complete with side-trips that the locals would recommend.  To do this road trip justice, I’d recommend at least two weeks. But however you fill your Road Trip Planner, you’re guaranteed awesome photos, spectacular sunsets, and a lot of cool cruisin!

Ingrid McCleary

Fall Foliage in July!

If you are reading this, you are probably thinking that now isn't the time to be writing about a Fall Road Trip.  I agree!  However, a seasoned Road Trip Planner knows that now is the perfect time to plan your road adventure for the fall.

Planning a road trip is even more important today than any other time.  With gas prices being sky-high, a good plan can help save money, find free activities and fun events along the route.  TripWiser has lots of great trip ideas, tips, and all the information you need.  With trips in Connecticut, Vermont and many more fall destinations.

The colors of fall are very weather dependent, but a good rule-of-thumb is that the change starts further north, and works its way from Maine and northern Vermont down to Massachusetts.  Enjoy a cruise on Lake Champlain, or a cool brew at a local pub.  If you have a sweet tooth, head over to Ben & Jerry's factory, and get your fill of some fine ice cream!  If you prefer a different scene, try one of the many fantastic restaurants on the Maine coast.  City visits are always a good way to go for more culture and night life.  From Boston to Philadelphia you can enjoy the upcoming fall from Central Park to Valley Forge.

Regardless where you might be headed this fall, checkout the TripWiser Road Trip Planner, and enjoy your vacation.

Summer Road Trip Ideas: Five Kid-Friendly National Parks

The main purpose of family vacations is to spend time with your spouse and children, and build lifelong memories with them. On summer road trips, for instance, there are priceless occurrences that you can count on that will surely help in building those memories. National Parks in the United States are very popular road trip destinations. There are officially fifty-eight designated national parks in the country, all unique on their own defined by their dependent areas. Here are five of the top family-oriented national parks in America:

1- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Aside from the usual Ranger-led educational and interpretative talks and other programs for kids the national park offers, children will enjoy joining hiking trips on trails that are suitable for their age and get excited to spot some wildlife, including bears. In addition, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is coined the Salamander Capital of the World! Your kids are sure going to be thrilled seeing those amphibians.

2- Shenandoah National Park – The national park is stunningly beautiful. It also offers various hiking trips for adventurers of different ages, including children with accompanying adults. It is one of the places in the world where you would want to have your cameras with you to capture the amazing views and waterfalls. The park also has daily programs for children during the long summer months that you can sign your kids up for.

3- Carlsbad Caverns National Park – The main attraction of this national park is what lies underground. There are, however, incredible hiking trails above ground that you can explore with your family. Guided tours such as the Blue Tour and Big Room, and the Red Tour are available. It is highly recommended, though, to just get a map and list of things to do from the park’s visitor center, and wander on your own with your spouse and kids to be able to move at your own pace.

4- Olympic National Park – If you are on a family vacation in Seattle, be sure to include a trip to the Olympic National Park in your itinerary. The adventure immediately starts as soon as you embark on the ferry ride from the city to the park. A visit to this national park is like visiting three parks in one trip. There is what they call The Mountains, The Rain Forest and The Ocean. A hike to any of the three areas of the park will give your children a truly memorable time discovering lots of wildlife.

5- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – The trip to Hawaii will sure be well worth it! The idea of stepping on a volcano alone will definitely excite the kids. Take the family to the Crater Rim Drive to witness actual craters and lava flows. Other things in the park you can check out with the kids are the Volcano House, Sandalwood Trail (located just outside the Volcano House), Tree Fern Forest and the Lava Tube. Be sure to catch the Hawaii Volcano Waterfalls Tour!

National parks not only serve as landmarks to us. They are there for us to discover and learn from. They also serve as a refuge for us to escape from the fast pace of the busy city and be in touch with Mother Nature. The best thing about national parks is that they provide the most budget-friendly family summer road trips!

Summer Road Trip To Utah's National Parks

It is not surprising why Utah is among the top summer road trip destinations in the United States. The fact that within the state are five national parks to visit is enough reason. Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Zion and Canyonlands national parks all give you the chance to witness and experience the most mesmerizing and robust landscapes. Plus, they are all filled with amazing summer activities for every traveler.

Arches National Park has a lot of things to do for everyone. For starters, you can get acquainted with the park by joining guided tours or discovering the park on your own with an automobile tour. Arches National Park offers activities that will dare you to get physical. You can go backpacking and camping, climbing and biking. Hikers have so many trails to choose from for an adventurous trek such as the Double Arch Trail, Balanced Rock Trail, Devil’s Garden and Tower Arch Trail. If you wish to just relax and enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds you, Arches National Park gives you the best scenes and backdrops for photo opportunities.

The incredible list of outdoor activities that Bryce Canyon National Park offers draw thousands of holidaymakers every year. Families are thrilled to join the summer family programs that the park prepares. Information on the different family activities and age requirements are available in the Visitor Center, where you can also sign up for joining. There are lots of guided hiking trips you can join, but there is one, in particular, that stands out – the Full Moon Hike. It is definitely a different kind of nightlife as you trek two miles of the park under the moonlight.

Like Arches and Bryce Canyon national parks, Capitol Reef also offers hiking, biking, camping and backpacking opportunities. You can test your endurance on any of the trails in the park such as the Cohab Canyon, Frying Pan, Navajo Knobs, Old Wagon Trail and Rim Overlook. You can check on the difficulty levels and any other information you might want and need to know on these trails at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center.

A summer road trip to Zion National Park gives you amazing things you can enjoy. Aside from the staple hiking, camping, backpacking and climbing, Zion National Park offers horseback riding rides. Bicycle rides are also offered along the paved Pa’rus Trail. There are, of course, ranger-led programs that the kids can join, and, as an added bonus to the kids, they also have the opportunity to spot over two hundred species of birds while birdwatching.  Go to the Zion National Park Visitor Center to get your kids a bird checklist.

The last of this roll call of Utah national parks is the Canyonlands. One of the best ways to go around Canyonlands National Park is to join any of the offered tours of the RIM Tours, Inc. It provides breathtaking backcountry mountain bike adventures to everyone. Or you can always experience the park through its waters. Have an afternoon of Colorado River Rafting where you will find yourself surrounded with Mother Nature’s gifts. Kids will have the best time observing cool rock formations and other activities they can join, particularly those of the Junior Ranger Program.

All the great adventures can be found in Utah’s national parks. Whether you choose to visit just one of them or see them all in one trip, you are guaranteed to have one of the best summer road trips you have ever had.

Exhilarating Summer Road Trip To The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Situated on both sides of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park still remains the most popular national park for every road trip planner. Attracting over nine million adventurers and sightseers every year, it is the most visited national park in the United States.  This summer, grab your gear and head off to the massive Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Planning your summer road trip will make you realize that there are so many things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  You would most certainly want to experience all of them. The size of the park might pose as overwhelming, but the Smoky Mountain Heritage Driving Tour will surely help you discover the park at your own pace on a self-guided automobile tour. Take your time driving yourself around to seek out landmarks, mountain culture and heritage, the captivating aura of the neighborhoods and, of course, the history of the Smoky Mountains.

If you are looking for a unique way to wander around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then the English Mountain Llama Trek is perfect for you. The llama treks also allow you to move at your own timetable as you are welcome to arrange them for varying lengths of time. You have the option to choose a trekking trip with a picnic or even an overnight stay at one of the cabins and/or campgrounds affiliated with English Mountain Llama Trek. Children six years of age and older can join the treks as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.

You can also spice up your summer road trip with an adventurous biking tour around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smoky Mountain Bicycle Tour offers both guided and self-guided tours. Mountain bikes and road bikes are offered for touring the mountains, the historical sights and other scenic areas in and around the park.

There are also horseback riding opportunities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Walden Creek Stables' Mountain Adventure Trail promises nothing but the best time. The four-hour ride will take you through the valley, across the streams and to the top of the mountains where you can enjoy the most breathtaking views.

Note: During the summer months, the horseback rides are scheduled as early as 9 a.m. Arrangements can be made prior to your desired schedule, should you wish to take the tour at an earlier time.

Dare to challenge yourself physically on this summer road trip by conquering the bubbly and frothy whitewater. Raft yourself away with Rafting In The Smokies, which offers you the chance to experience the waters of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a very scenic and exhilarating way, even if you have no prior rafting experience. Reservations are highly recommended as it is sure to be packed during the summer.

After the very exhilarating whitewater rafting experience, cool off and relax with the Smoky Mountain Angler, the oldest fly fishing guide and outfitter in Gatlinburg. The Smoky Mountain Angler is authorized to give fly fishing guided services in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offer these services to both professional fly fishermen and beginners.

The things you can do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park definitely spells out the words fun and adventure. You can bank it as one of the best summer vacations any road trip planner will have in his or her lifetime!

Detroit Summer Road Trip

Detroit's long list of things to do and its organized freeway system make it one of the best destinations for a holiday vacation.  Grab your keys and head out to have one great summer road trip to this beautiful Michigan city!

Joining tours is still the best way to start a trip to get acquainted with a new place. It is also a good opportunity for you to take a break from the wheel as soon as you get to Detroit. The Detroit People Mover is a good start for you to discover the city's downtown area. The ride takes you to thirteen stops, including some of the most popular attractions located downtown. Make the most of this short driving hiatus by stopping at the Greektown, the Renaissance Center and the Joe Louis Arena, which are all accessible via the Detroit People Mover.

Music enthusiasts have a specific Detroit attraction in their itinerary for this summer road trip: the Motown Historical Museum. Motown Records is largest independent music label in the world that has produced big stars such as Stevie Wonder, the Jackson Five, Rare Earth and many more. Go back in history as you browse through the galleries of musical legends and visit the world-famous Studio A where numerous hits were recorded.

For those who are traveling with kids, there are lots of great attractions and activities in Detroit that you can check out. Drive yourselves just a few minutes from Detroit to Royal Oak  and head to the Detroit Zoo, which offers kids (and adults) the chance to be face to face with both backyard and wild animals. The highlights of the zoo are the Penguin Aquarium and the Polar Bear Exhibit. Next, drive to East Grand River Avenue to have a little down time with the kids and enjoy an incredible and creative puppet show at the Detroit Puppet Theater (also known as PuppetART). For the months of July and August, the theater features the classic Sleeping Beauty “on stage”. The Detroit Puppet Theater also hosts puppet-making workshops to Detroit residents and visitors, and has  exhibits of the most unique puppets they have created. The New Detroit Science Center is always a hit to the curious minds. It has an interesting way of introducing and/or educating science to children. The center's interactive exhibits, the theater and the planetarium will definitely make them ask questions with answers they will be eager to learn. Summer is also Major League Baseball season, and there is no doubt that a trip to the Commerica Park is included in the list of things to do for this Detroit road trip. Join the Detroit crowd as they cheer on their very own team,  Tigers. If there is no game scheduled during your visit, let the kids enjoy themselves with a carousel or a ferris wheel ride, or by running around the bases.

The Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival happens every summer on Labor Day weekend. Celebrate it this year with thousands of other jazz fanatics at the Hart Plaza on August 29th until September 1st. Hundreds of artists perform during this four day-music filled event, which is certainly one of the best ways to conclude your Detroit summer road trip.

Arizona: Family Summer Road Trip

A summer road trip to Arizona is the perfect family vacation idea this season. There are lots of things to see and do in Arizona that will cater to the interests of travelers with children.

The best way to make the most of your Arizona road trip this summer is to visit attractions  located in different cities in the state. Start your journey in Scottsdale with an extraordinary Desert Storm Hummer Tour. The tour takes you to the Goldfield Mountains that lets you experience jaw-dropping Sonoran Desert landscapes and witness interesting rock formations. It lasts about four hours with a stop halfway through the Sonoran Desert trail for an unforgettable nature and/or wildlife encounter. This is one off-road adventure on board a high-performance Hummer that you will surely remember!

Continue your summer road trip with a visit to Out of Africa Wildlife Park for more animal interaction. The park is more of an improvised natural habitat than a zoo where visitors are allowed to get acquainted with the wild animals. The most popular attraction in the park is the Tiger Splash (featured daily) where facilitators swim with the tigers. The adventure-filled day will surely get you all-hungry. Grab some dinner at AZ88 before retiring for the night.

Drive just eighteen miles from Scottsdale to Phoenix the following day to carry on with your family road trip this summer. Get an incredible introduction of the Old West and the New West with the Phoenix/Valley Area Highlights Tour. It showcases the fascinating beauty of the area and takes you to the State Capitol, Camelback Mountain and the Wrigley Mansion as well as the different saloons and shops in the Old Town area.

A visit to the Papago Park should be in your list of things to do in Arizona for this summer road trip. The park offers various all-day activities for everybody. You can take a hike, play golf, ride a bike and visit the Phoenix Zoo. The Alexander Bar and Grill serves the traditional American cuisine that will fill you up after the whole day of action. For your accommodation needs, there is the comforts of Quality Inn Downtown that you can stay at for the Phoenix part of your trip.

Still in Phoenix, the road trip continues with a visit to the Mystery Castle, which is said to have been built in mortar, cement, calcium and goat milk. The structure has an interesting architecture and interior, but the owner herself, Mary Lou Gulley, whose father started building the castle for her when she was a toddler,  is the most interesting figure you will see. You can also drop by the Heritage Square to see restored houses dating back to the city's early years. Aside from the historical sights, the Heritage Square also has restaurants and shops where you can buy your souvenirs.

The last city to visit for this adventurous excursion is just nine miles from Phoenix. Glendale is home to stadiums and arenas that hold both professional and amateur sports games like hockey and football. A day at the Water World Safari would be the best last activity for this family adventure. The themed rivers and the six-story thrilling slides make up the perfect conclusion for this Arizona summer road trip.

Road Trip To Chicago, Illinois

Here is a great idea for the road trip planner: Chicago, Illinois!

Start your trip from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and instead of going straight to Chicago, swing by Indianapolis, Indiana for a longer higher-quality trip.

When planning a road trip, remember that everyone in your family have their own interests. It is best to plan at least one attraction or activity each family member wants to do, especially if you have children of different ages.

Milwaukee offers a lot of things to see and do for the whole family. Start your road trip with a treat for the young ones. Betty Brinn Children's Museum is particularly built for children under ten as it houses different themes such as Curious George along with their all-year kiddie exhibits. As a treat to the teens, take the family for a Harley-Davidson experience. Enjoy an hour free tour and learn how those big Harley bikes are made. It will be best to end the day with something everyone in the family could all appreciate -- a basketball game! Head to the Bradley Center and catch the Milwaukee Bucks in action in their home court before checking in at the Ambassador Hotel for the night.

Note: If you plan to take the road trip in the summer, the Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater is something you should not miss. It is a big annual musical event that lasts eleven days. Everyone in the family can get in at a very cheap price (and kids under three can get in for free).

Start early the following day for the four-hour drive to Indianapolis. Visit the Indianapolis Zoo and White Water Gardens. At the zoo, your family gets to meet hundreds of wild and backyard animals. The White Water Gardens is a unique glass building that celebrates Midwest gardening. The grounds are perfect for parents to relax and allow their kids run around. Head next to The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500. Feel the atmosphere of NASCAR race and enjoy the speedway all for yourselves. Before finally driving to Chicago, take a break from your road trip with a meal at Capital Grille and a good rest at the Indianapolis Travelodge.

Drive a little more than 180 miles to your main destination - Chicago! The Windy City has lots of attractions and activities waiting for your family to enjoy. Before exploring the city, see all of Chicago from its tallest building, the Sears Tower Skydeck. Enjoy having the bird's eye views of  the entire city, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding suburbs. On a clear day, you can even see parts of Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. Designated drivers can take a break from the wheel for a while by taking an open-air Chicago Trolley Tour led by a knowledgeable and entertaining guide. The tour takes frequent stops to museums and other top attractions for visitors to fully explore Chicago, and even a meal at the Rainforest Cafe or other nearby restaurants. Take the family to see some more animals - mostly aquatic ones this time - at the John G Shedd Aquarium. Join an entertaining crew on a Wacky Pirate Cruise loaded with fun that is sure to delight both parents and kids. Conclude your road trip with a stroll at the Chicago Park District at dusk where you get to unwind and enjoy nature in the midst of a busy city.

There is a lot more of Chicago you can explore. Checking out all the Things To Do In Chicago will help every road trip planner create his or her road trip.