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Tech Travel for Kids

I can remember the good old days when staying occupied during long car rides consisted of my brother and me punching each other. My, how times have changed. Kids today still revert to the age old practice of tormenting their siblings, but at least nowadays there are plenty of distractions to keep them from making a road trip a living nightmare. IPod's, PSP's, DVD players, and the like have made travel quite a bit easier on parents. I have to say that my wife and I have fully embraced the new tech-age and our travels honestly are better off for it. But, at the same time, we don't want our little darlings to turn into drooling zombies from staring at screens for hours on end.

 

How do we do that? Well, it's not easy. Once the media gets its hooks in, it's hard to get them out. The key is moderation and regulation. Keep time limits and make sure there are ample breaks in between. You know your children best of all, so you’ll know their threshold before becoming over stimulated by games and movies. You’ll also know how long a media break to take before they start to turn on each other. For long road trips, this is an absolute necessity. For shorter road trips, it may not be necessary at all. It really depends on your situation. For example, if the road trip is any less than 2 hours, the DVD player doesn’t get any use. Likewise on long trips, when the DVD player is in use, take a break between movies before allowing the next one to be played. We’ve been guilty of not following this rule more than a few times, but it’s a sound rule.

Have chargers and/or batteries on standby as well. Portable media devices gobble energy like PacMan and you don’t want to be three hours into an eight-hour drive with the red light blinking.

Most of all, make sure your kids take notice of any special scenery that comes to pass, such as beautiful mountain views, the coastline, a 30-foot tall donut, or even a rare license plate. It’s still a family trip, so include them and make them feel like it is. Portable media can be a great thing for long trips, but if unchecked, they can also be a major detractor from your trip. Find the happy medium and your travels will be smooth.

Now, if there was only something we could do about the traffic.

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Ted Hardy also covers his family's travel escapades at Have Family, Will Travel.

Top 5 Cross Country Road Trips

  After getting a few successful shorter road trips under your belt, the next challenge before a Road Trip Planner is creating a Cross Country Road Trip.  Instead of exploring one state in depth, going cross country allows for a teaser taste of many states. Finding the balance between hitting as many states as possible and “enjoying the ride” can be somewhat relative, to be sure, but even with a cross country objective, quality still trumps quantity…best to see less in focus than more in a blur from the highway. 

 How much time a road trip planner can squeeze out for this trip also greatly impacts the total mileage you’ll put on the odometer, as does the number of people in your car.

Couples can drive further than families because children just get too antsy to sit still for long periods of time (DVDs & iPods notwithstanding).  A group of friends can probably cover the most distance because they can drive through the night and switch drivers every four hours while others sleep.

First, a quick checklist of things you absolutely need for a Cross Country Road Trip:  __Maps   __Cell Phone   __Music & Book CDs   __Camera    __Batteries    __Sunglasses    __Sunscreen    __Backup Tent    __Picnic Basket/Blanket   ___Games & Movies __Ready-2-Go Spare Tire __Emergency Car Kit

Okay…now to the Top 5  Cross Country Road Trips that every Road Trip Planner should try, David Letterman style:

#5 – The Great River Road (10 states – 2300 miles): American travelers do so love nostalgia and meandering alongside the great Mississippi River from bow to stern in a manner reminiscent of Mark Twain’s riverboat days gets many road trip planners excited about all the possibilities.  What’s fun is skirting along the edges of two states to follow the river.  The Mississippi River is much more romanticized than the Missouri River, which is actually the longest river in the U.S.  Your route could be considerably shorter (1500 miles) if you took the more direct route between the headwaters and the mouth…it’s up to you and how closely you want to follow the river.  Just make sure you include at least one ride along in a riverboat.

 #4 – Southern Exposure (8 states – 3000 miles):  This cross country road trip allows road trip planners to add a lot of spice to their trip!  Here’s where you’ll experience the good ol’ southern hospitality in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, the Cajun flavors of Louisiana, get a taste of the Texas BBQ, the southwestern spices found in New Mexico, Arizona and the laid back atmosphere of southern California.  US-80 will take you through the bulk of this trip which offers more varied cultural experiences than you’re likely to get in any other U.S. cross country trip.  And the variety is not limited to the cultural differences from town to town but the surrounding landscape which rolls from one type of terrain into another.  You start (or end) at the white-sand- clear-blue-sky beaches of San Diego, through the cacti-dotted southwestern desert, travel along the plains and into the Deep South cotton lands and plantations.  While some travelers are drawn to the green and serene found in a Northern cross-country road trip, many others revel in the South’s variegated russet-colored landscapes and straight highways stretching before them like the backbone of America disappearing into the horizon in a purple haze.

#3 – The Oregon Trail (11 states - 3200 miles):  This road trip is for road trip planners who want to go the distance while traveling a goodly portion along a historic route.   You start (or end) out from the wild Oregon coastline, travel through increasingly diverse terrain, to – and through - dense urban populations and finish by the serene waters of Cape Cod.  The Oregon Trail is known best as the migration trail pioneers embarked upon when America was young.  Of course, you’re not traveling by wagon train so you don’t need to set aside four to six months just to traverse the 2,000 mile section they followed (Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska-Wyoming-Idaho-Oregon).  In fact, you could comfortably do this road trip in less than 3 weeks (if you rent a car & fly back). The main route you’ll follow here is US-20 where you get to hit some truly gorgeous places like Niagara Falls and Yellowstone Park. 

#2 – The Pacific Coast Road Trip (3 states - 1500 miles):  Even though you’re traveling through only three states, you’ll be cruising the length of the West Coast from Olympia, Washington in the North, through Oregon and to San Ysidro, California, right near the Mexican Border on the South.  Check out Things To Do Along The California Coastline for tips from a long-time Californian (California comprises the bulk of this Road Trip).   A good Road Trip Planner can create a kaleidoscope of experiences along this route as it takes you from primitive forests, secluded hideaways, historic towns to major cities with the latest innovations, always flanked by a stunning coastline holding beaches and beach-lovers of every shape and size.  Called Star Route 1, more known as Highway 1, with the California stretch called the Pacific Coast Highway, it is mesmerizing.

And the #1 Cross Country Road Trip of all time? (8 states - 2500 miles):  The mother of all highways, the most romanticized, most sung about, most appearances in a movie highway…drum roll please…Route 66!   It’s so popular that a Google Search for “Route 66” yields more than 6 ½ million results!  Covering eight states from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, it is the #1 recognized Road Trip and well worth any Road Trip Planner’s dedication.

Get your RV Revved up for Road Trip Adventures

Spring is in full bloom with summer just around the corner and that means Road Trip Planners across the USA are airing out their RVs for some highly anticipated road trip adventures.  Even if you aren’t an RV owner but want comfort of a hotel without having to pack and unpack your suitcases at each destination, there are many RV rentals available.

Nolan’s RV Rentals in Colorado offers another plus for traveling in an RV:  Tour in a bathrobe.  Imagine driving up Pike's Peak, dressed in pajamas with pillow creases still indented in your left cheek and you can imagine the convenient beauty of Nolan's RV Rentals.  

Going on an RV road trip with the family offers another huge advantage.  The dining out costs for a family of 5 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner runs conservatively $250/day.  You can cut that expense by 60% by utilizing the kitchen in the RV.  Not to mention the comfort of not having to dress for dinner (or wait for everyone else to dress).  And the road trip planner in the family saves time by not having to search for kid-friendly restaurants at each destination.

So where can you “hang your hat” when traveling in an RV?  Because of the increasing popularity of RV traveling, you’ll find many parks and campgrounds all over the United States.  Here are a few samples:

• Rivers End Campground and RV Park on Tybee Island (near Savannah, Georgia).  One of the Good Sam Parks, 150 sites are available and all are within blocks of the beach and the river.
  
• Southern Comfort RV Resort in Florida for the full resort treatment including 24-hour security, a swimming pool, bingo nights and musical performances.
  
• Lake Havasu RV Park in Arizona is right by the lake and makes for a wonderful RV vacation if you stayed there for the duration but you’re also close enough for some great day jaunts to the Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave National Preserve or Phoenix.

Before you head off, check out these RV fire safety tips from Nationwide Insurance.

1. Check extinguishers. Before traveling, be sure your fire extinguisher is functional and contains proper pressurization. You should keep multiple extinguishers on hand throughout the vehicle and understand which extinguisher is effective on different types of fires. Also, be sure to verify that your smoke detectors are in working order.
2. Avoid transmission fires. Many fires are caused by fluid leaking from the transmission, which can be ignited if it comes in contact with the exhaust system. Complete a thorough check of the underside of your RV as part of your pre-trip inspection.
3. Inspect electrical systems. A common cause of fire is a short in the 12-volt electrical system. Check the engine compartment wiring as another part of your pre-trip inspection. Replace any damaged or frayed wires and make sure the connections are secure.
4. Have an evacuation plan. While it may seem simple, a key step to fire safety is ensuring that everyone traveling knows how to operate the latches of doors and windows, allowing for a quick exit in an emergency situation.
5. Stay kitchen savvy. Be sure to keep clothes, linens and other combustibles far from the kitchen area. Stay alert while cooking as items such paper towels and curtains are likely to be close to the stove, creating a fire hazard.

 

Okay, where should you head with your RV? Where ever you want!  However, for the cream of the crop, read a few of our past blogs on two Top RV Road Trip Destinations to add to your road trip planner.  Both are tremendously fun and both are in spots where you’ll see some of nature’s finest offerings. 

Colorado Family Road Trip: Colorado is located in the Rocky Mountains.  This area offers a fabulous family adventure road trip with activities like a Dinosaur Museum in Fruita, rafting in Durango, the gorgeous Estes Park, and two National Parks:  The Mesa Verde National Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Going Wild with an Alaskan Road Trip:  Alaska offers vast mountains, colossal blue-white glaciers and an abundance of wildlife with activities unique to the state.  This combination earns an Alaskan Road Trip top honors in travelers’ memory books.

There’s no doubt about it…RVs aren’t only for retired folks. Road trip planners are finding RV travel makes sense for couples, friends, families, even a caravan of families for a truly unique family reunion.

Relaxing Spring Break Options

After all that textbook cramming, a relaxing Spring Break Vacation may be just what a stressed out road trip planner craves.   Relaxing on the beach or poolside and simply enjoying the warmth of the sun on their skin is as active as some Spring Breakers want to get.   Others are looking for a quiet place to catch up on their sleep to make up for their all-night cramming sessions.  And still others want to be near the action, but not immersed in it 24/7 so that they can choose which nightclubs or beach parties they’d like to attend.

But single college students aren’t the only ones who go on road trips during Spring break.  Students in a relationship may opt for a romantic getaway for two.  Families also plan vacations during this time to take their college student away as soon as finals are over.  Also, teachers and families of K-12 grades use their road trip planners to create a fun family getaway during this time.

Before you hit the road with your buddies and girlfriends…here’s a few road trip planning safety tips.

• Make sure all buckles in the backseat work.   
• Take turns driving and switch drivers every two hours.
• Passengers riding shotgun have the extra responsibility of keeping the driver alert (even if the others in the back seat get to snooze!). 
• Check that everyone has their driver’s license and that the vehicle registration is in the glove compartment before departure.
• Ideally, someone in your group should belong to AAA or another Roadside Assistance membership.  It’ll save everyone time and money if car issues arise during the trip.

First, hit the beaches!

South Beach, Florida – Overall, Florida is hands down, the favored Spring Break destination for road trip planners and this long section of Miami Beach is one of the reasons why.   One can walk on the beach literally for miles!

Key West, Florida – Probably a bit too pricey for most college budgets, but oh, those beaches are pretty!

San Diego, California – The water won’t be as warm as in Florida but rumor has it the sun shines there all the time (and it’s true… 75% of the time :o)

Romantic Hideaways

South Padre Island, Texas – This island is in the Gulf of Mexico and just north of the northeastern border of Mexico.  It’s been a popular Spring break destination for college students and other tourists.  Resorts and condominiums are strewn along the lovely coastline.

Big Island, Hawaii – While Honolulu is good for families and Waikiki in particular, is great for night clubs, the Big Island has a more relaxed atmosphere where most of your activities will take place during the day followed by a lovely sunset dinner.  There are a few bars but not anything like on Waikiki.

Scottsdale, Arizona – Dry sun and an abundance of spas make this a great destination for a road trip planning couple.  You’ll find an eclectic mix here, as evidenced by Old Town, which is flanked on the north end by the West's premier fashion shopping mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square , at the corner of Scottsdale and Camelback Roads. This mall offers wonderful shopping experiences, with more than 15 restaurants and anchor stores Neiman Marcus.  More than 500 specialty stores are also a part of this desert shopping oasis.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Once upon a time, more than 350,000 college students descended on Fort Lauderdale during Spring Break, but the city changed its party laws in the mid-80s and enforced the minimum drinking age so now only about 20,000 come, making this a good place for couples who want nice beaches & great views.

Family Hot Spots

Orlando, Florida – One of the favorites among road trip planners because of the multitude of activities available there.  We recommend getting the Go Orlando Card which gives you unlimited admission to over 50 central Florida attractions, including the Kennedy Space Center, Splash Island Water Park, Daytona USA and more!

Honolulu, Hawaii – Because of the sheer number of hotels in the Honolulu area, budget-minded families can pick up a good deal here.  The beach at Waikiki is a great spot for the whole family because there’s a near-shore break for the kids, while more experienced swimmers surf the waves further out.

Daytona Beach, Florida – Once also a major Party Town, Daytona followed Fort Lauderdale’s example and now it’s known as a beautiful place for couples and families.

Favorite Party Towns – Book your hotel a few miles away from the heavy traffic areas and choose to relax one day, party the next. 

Cancun, Mexico – Known as the Riviera Maya, an excellent place for fun in the sun and under the night sky.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica – Actually, Montego Bay is the most popular destination in Jamaica, but Ocho Rios is a close second.  Located on the Northern Coast, it’s a great area for scuba diving and other water sports.

One more thing… before you start the ball rolling on your Road Trip Planner, make sure you check out these handy safety tips from SafeSpringBreak.org.

Heading Down Under for the Top 5 Beach Towns in Australia

If you’re a road trip planner and you see a trip with both the words February and Beach in the itinerary, you can bet you’re looking at a trip near or south of the equator.  While someone living in North America might say, “February & March are dang cold months,” an Aussie would say, “Nah, mate, that’s the hook end of summer here.” 

 

Summer is equated with beaches, on both sides of the equator.  And there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a summer road trip in July or August and get another taste of it in February or March (or vice versa).  Your twin summer vacations will still give you plenty of time to appreciate the nuances of each season at home.   

 

But first, did you know Australia is the only country that has a whole continent to itself?  While Antarctica is also a continent unto itself, it is not considered a country nor has it been claimed by any other country.  That said, even though it’s the “smallest” continent, it still has over 4 million square miles, a population of over 20 million people and some of the most awesome beaches you’ll find anywhere in the world. 

 

Australia’s seasons:

·         Summer: December to February (first rains in November with the Wet Season in January and February, into the last of rains mid-April)

·         Autumn: March to May (Last of rains into the beginning of the hot dry period)

·         Winter: June to August  (cooler dry period)

·         Spring: September to November (humid period into the first rains)

 

Okay, time for your road trip planning!  Here are 5 of the best beach towns to choose from for building your road trip itinerary.  Keep in mind you’re visiting during their peak season so it’s best to book early.

Byron Bay, New South Wales:   The locals head to Byron Bay when the Wet sets in.  The town has several beaches that are popular with surfers. This resort attracts international tourists as well as backpackers who like to travel along the Australian coastline.  Whales, bottlenose dolphins frequent this area known for its wildlife. Activities run the gamut from sunning on the white sandy beaches to  parasailing, hang-gliding, surfing and scuba diving.  The overall atmosphere of this town is laid back and non-pretentious.

Gold Coast, Queensland:  The Gold Coast is known for its sunny climate, popular surfing beaches, a dominate skyline and a lovely rainforest.  That’s not counting the active nightlife and the variety of things to do there.  It’s become an extremely popular destination for those living in North America.  You’ll find all sorts of water sports to add to your road trip planner.  More than 10 million people visited the Gold Coast in 2008 so this is definitely a place you’ll want to book your hotel early.

Jervis Bay, New South Wales:  Jervis Bay is stunning and one of the most popular spots along the South Coast.  Parts of it is protected as a National Park and includes areas for recreational fishing and scuba diving (popular diving sites include the Labyrinths, Gorgonian Wall, Point Perpendicular, a Fairey Firefly aeroplane, scallop beds, Middle Ground, Ten Fathom Reef, and Bowen Island).  Besides scuba diving, kayaking has grown very popular recently.  Since this area is only 2 hours south of Sydney, many locals head here for the weekend so start your road trip planner mid-week to get the best hotel rooms. 

Noosa, Queensland:  Noosa is about a two-hour drive from Brisbane. It's on that part of the coast known as the Sunshine Coast.  Popular as a holiday resort city, it’s quieter than the Gold Coast but more sophisticated.   Surfers love coming here even though accommodations are tougher to secure.  The many beaches surrounding Noosa offer varied activities, including optional clothing at Alexandria Beach. 

Port Douglas, Queensland:  Port Douglas is another place where you’ll need to book early if you want to stay there during peak season.   Its main claim to fame – and deservedly so – is the Great Barrier Reef.  Then of course, there’s  the primo surfing, and 4-wheel driving.  Snorkeling is always popular but this may be the spot where you decide to take it a step further & learn to scuba dive just so you can immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef.

You’ll have such a blast at the spot you choose that you know those other four beach towns will show up in your Road Trip Planner the following “winter”.  Four more reasons to throw another shrimp on the barbi.

Hot Maui Beaches in the Dead of Winter

Right about now, after weeks of rain and snow, a road trip planner starts getting cabin fever and hankers for some fun in the sun.  Hopping in your car to find a hot beach might mean a week or more of driving, so hop aboard a plane instead, fly to Maui, then rent a cool car for some prime beach time and road trip adventures. 

 

Apart from the Florida Keys and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you aren’t likely to find warm sandy beaches anywhere else in the United States during the winter.  Plus, a sweet bonus; you don’t need a passport to get there!

 

There’s something sinfully delicious about escaping the chilling rain and snow and stealing away to the warm tropics.  It’s more than a sneak preview, it’s telling the local weather, “You’re not the boss of me!”

 

So pull off your gloves and start adding entries to your road trip planner that will have you basking in the sun while others back home are bracing for yet another wind-chill factor.  Here are a few fun-in-the-sun recommendations to get you started.

North Shore

• North Shore action centers around Paia and the popular windsurfing found in Hookipa Beach.  A seemingly endless expanse of deep blue water, white rock and crashing waves, this beach has been called the windsurfing capital of the world and is popular with daredevil surfers as well. However, it is not recommended that you swim here. The surf is as perilous as it is beautiful, and sharp coral reefs lurk below the waves.
•  Paia the starting point for the Road to Hana. This spectacular 55-mile drive offers phenomenal views of the coastline as well as lush rain forest surroundings and picture perfect waterfalls.
•  Make a note on your road trip planner that, at about the 32-mile marker, you’ll find the exquisite Waianapanapa State Park.  This park has a small gem of a beach, black sand, great for swimming and will probably provide some of your best photographic moments.  The park is rich with Hawaiian history and stairs will lead you to an icy cave pool, the secret hiding spot of a Hawaiian princess.  It’s 122 acres big, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied for the entire day.  Red Sand Beach is has a small cove great for snorkeling as well.

South Shore

• The South Shore gets more than its fair share of sun and thus, you’ll find a multitude of fine beaches here.  Check out the world famous, Maui Ocean Center at the Maalaea Harbor.   You’ll find lots of local flavor at Kihei, and popular resort activities at Wailea.  Further south, make sure you explore Haleakala National Park.
• But since it’s beaches that brought you to Maui, here’s a few top beaches to add to your road trip planner:  Makena State Park, a long stretch of golden sand.  Visited often by dolphins and turtles.  Go to Cove Beach Park off Kihei Road if you want to surf…or learn how to!  Or have a blast sitting on the grass watching others surf…or learning to!  Wailea Beach is a great spot for easy swimming and snorkeling. 

 West Maui

• Steep cliffs separate West Maui from the rest of the Island.  Here’s where you’ll find the popular community of Lahaina, the largest city on Maui and the gateway to the famous Kaanapali and Kapalua beach resorts north of town.
• This is where you’ll probably do most of your souvenir shopping but a couple of beaches of note are:  Napili Bay, a few miles south Kapalua, is a round, turtle filled bay in a perfect white crescent stretch of beach.  Sunbathing, swimming, kid-friendly and a favorite sunset watching spot.   Kapalua Bay Beach, off Kapalua Place, is considered one of the world’s best beaches by travel magazines.  Walk through the tunnel and your eyes fall upon a pristine bay, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.

Upon your return, your golden tan will serve up a daily smile as a reminder that you really don’t have to hole up for the entire winter.  What better reason to grab your road trip planner and head off to the sunny beaches of Maui?

Romantic Road Trips for Anniversaries, Honeymoons, or Valentine’s Day

The pressure is high for the road trip planner who wants to make this Valentine’s Day special by creating a romantic weekend road trip for two.  But relax…you’re already earning bonus points just for planning this getaway! 

 

If you want to infuse the element of surprise into your road trip planning, secretly pack a suitcase and stow it in the trunk of the car.  Admittedly, this works better if it’s the woman who’s doing the surprise.  Men generally aren’t as picky as to what they’ll wear out to dinner while women have definite ideas, so men, if you want to keep the road trip a total surprise, I’d recommend on packing at least 3 different outfits for her or pack just the day clothes and add shops to your itinerary to take her shopping for her to choose an outfit to wear out for dinner.

 

Things to pack for your romantic getaway (Tip: Copy/paste this section directly into the Trip Notes section of your road trip planner):

·         A picnic basket with a wine bottle opener, cutting board, utensils, etc.  Stop at a local store to pick up the wine, cheese, crackers.  This is also a good time to ask the locals about their favorite spots for a picnic.

·         A blanket to take for your picnic in the sun or for night-time star gazing.

·         Scented candles for the hotel room.

·         Romantic CDs for the hotel room, upbeat CDs for when cruising on the highway.

·         A good road map (nothing kills the romantic mood faster than arguing about how you missed the turnoff or why you can’t pull over and ask for directions).  However, if you should get lost, view it an adventure and use it as an opportunity to stop for refreshments or pick up a souvenir from your unexpected detour. 

 

So, what will fill your road trip planner?

·         You can create a theme for your Romantic Escape like choosing wineries or museums, or outdoor markets, or base it around events like festivals. 

·         If you’re anywhere near the Finger Lakes Region in New York, check out this detailed blog loaded with details to make this trip a truly romantic getaway.

·         If you enjoy wine and vineyards, this blog will give you some great ideas on where to go.

·         If you have kids, make sure you check out this page for tips on how to best blend family life with romantic encounters with your spouse.

·         Beaches or lakefronts are always romantic backdrops.

·         A room with a fireplace adds warmth and a soft light setting for romance.

·         Dressing for dinner sets the tone for your night out.

·         A nice restaurant with a view is a nice touch.

·         Walk along Main Street after dinner, and explore those shops that catch your interest.

 

If your anniversary or when Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of the week and your road trip isn’t scheduled till the weekend, earn some bonus points by doing little things before the trip:

·         Bring home a dozen roses.

·         Better yet, have those roses delivered at her office during lunch hour.

·         Better yet, bring home a single rose (in this case, less is more…go figure).

·         Make heart-shaped toast, pancakes, French toast or apple wedges.

·        Sprinkle the dining table with rose petals (be it at home or at a restaurant).

A romantic road trip is a great excuse to awaken the road trip planner within you and fire up your relationship. 

Going Wild with a Alaskan Road Trip

The sheer size of Alaska is enough to intrigue any road trip planner because they wonder if Alaska can really be explored in one road trip.  Alaska offers vast mountains, colossal blue-white glaciers and an abundance of wildlife with activities unique to the state.   This combination earns an Alaskan Road Trip top honors in travelers’ memory books.  

For most road trip planners, their itinerary will start with flight plans.  Most people flying in will land in Anchorage.  At this point, they’ll either rent a car and stay in hotels along the way (reserved in advance of course!) or they’ll rent an RV to explore Alaska at their own pace (with their itinerary allowing impromptu exploration options). 

After exploring Anchorage’s offerings, many place the city of Tok as a destination in their road trip planner because it helps create a good triangle for your road trip.  Tok is known as the "Sled Dog Capital of Alaska”.  Plan on 5 ½ hours driving time from Anchorage but you’ll want to stop – even spend a day or two – around the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  This is the largest and most magnificent of the National Parks of Alaska, with nine of the 16 highest peaks in the United States. This mountain region contains numerous glaciers, lakes and mountain streams and is home to a rich variety of wild life. It is superb country for climbers, walkers and water sports enthusiasts.

Fairbanks would be the third point of your trip triangle to add to your road trip planner (Anchorage to Tok to Fairbanks).  Some travelers start their Alaskan Road Trip by flying in to Fairbanks, so for them, their trip triangle would be Fairbanks, Anchorage, Tok.  Fairbanks is second biggest city of Alaska and has the all the amenities of an urban community.   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 Riverboat Discovery Tour runs twice a day.  Trip reservations are a must so make the necessary arrangements ahead of time.

 

Leaving Fairbanks, include the impressive Denali National Park in your road trip planner before hitting Anchorage.   Denali contains Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America and is definitely worthy of some heavy-duty exploration.

 

A four- to six-hour drive down south from Denali National Park, passing through Talkeetna, 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.

 

Another town to add to your road trip planner is Palmer, only 15 minutes away from Wasilla.   There is a great RV campground here as well as some cool farms like the Musk Ox Farm.   Best time to be here is in late August when the Alaska State Fair is celebrated.

 

Leave another day in your road trip planner to explore more of Anchorage.  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.

 

If you have more time, add another leg of your road trip by driving 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.

 

Now that I’ve shared one road trip example, make sure you customize yours to best reflect your vision of Alaska.   Below are some tips to help you get the most out of your trip.

When is the best time to…?

• See the Northern Lights; plan on coming either late fall and early spring.

• Enjoy the Midnight Sun; place June 21^st in the middle of your road trip planning.

• Go whale watching; head to Alaska anytime from mid-May through mid-September.

• View the most wildlife; summer-time will get you sightings of moose, bear, mountain sheep, caribou, coyote, wolves, sheep, beaver, otter, mink, or hare.   In addition, birdwatchers can photo-capture eagles, hawks, jays, owls, spruce hens, grouse, and ptarmigan and migratory waterfowl coming north to nest each summer.

What are the Top 10 attractions in Alaska?

Glaciers
Historic mining towns
Inside Passage
Museums
National parks and monuments.
Native Arts & Culture
Russian heritage and
Sport fishing
Trans-Alaskan pipeline
Wildlife viewing

Make this the year your road trip planning takes you North to Alaska, knowing in advance, you’re building advance memories for a trip of a lifetime.

New Year Highway and Byway Road Trip Resolutions

Forget about ho-hum New Year’s resolutions like “lose weight” or “save more”, add FUN to your year by vowing to use your Road Trip Planner at least once a month to find adventure near and far.  

Lest you think that there’s no way you could afford a monthly excursion, keep in mind that many itineraries can be filled with free activities.  A road trip can be for as little as one day or as long as three months (any longer and it’s really more of a life-style change or a walkabout).  Whether you’re packing up the car with a picnic basket, a backpack or a 5-piece luggage set, if you’re hitting the road, you’re on a road trip! 

Your 12 road trip itineraries might look something like this:

January & March: Imagine a perfect day trip within two hours of your home to an area you’ve always wanted to explore more thoroughly but usually just pass by it to and from your “real” vacations.  Sometimes it’s simply that city across the bay or in a neighboring county. You could be near someplace like Day Tripping in Seattle or Explore La Jolla Cove on the West Coast; By Car, Cape Cod or Touring nature's green spaces, Niagara Falls - New York in the East.  Consider the places between like Scenic tour from Dinosaur Ridge to Red Rocks Park, Denver or Walking Tour of Downtown, Memphis.  Even though the weather might be chilly, as long as you dress accordingly, the fun factor’s equal to the task.  Walking along the beach in the winter is invigorating! Grabbing the kids for some ice-skating is a blast and provides a great photo op (think bright-eyes & pink-cheeks).  Just do a bit of road trip planning so you’ll have the addresses and directions on hand then fill your itinerary with some activities in the area.  Add in a restaurant and some shops and you’ve successfully gotten yourself out from under the pile of household chores and into an all-day adventure, definitely more fun in anyone’s book.

February & April:  An overnight stay is just enough time to give you a taste of escape.  Here, your road trip planner might include an overnight stay in an 1860 Antebellum mansion B & B (especially around Valentine’s Day).  Strolling along a park under an umbrella big enough for two is romantic.  Finding your gal a filigree necklace in an antique shop earns you major points.  Or you might find yourself in the Tioga State Forest in Pennsylvania, staying Black Bear Log Cabin with your kids just to get everyone outside and hiking along the trails.

May & June:  Now the weather’s warming up and you’re digging in the closet for your t-shirts and shorts. This might be where you go on a couple of 3-Day Weekend Getaways as teaser vacations.  Now your road trip planner might easily include 200-250 miles of road before getting to your destination but when you have 3 or 4 days set aside, 4 hours driving time isn’t bad at all.  

July & August:  This is the Prime Time of vacations (if you’re north of the equator that is; otherwise you’re looking fondly at January and February to give you that feeling of anticipation).  This is where you do your best road trip planning because you’ve got a 7-10 day itinerary to fill.  Choose a National Park for an outdoor vacation in July and then a cultural city like Boston or San Francisco for August.  This is also about the time you realize that while you’re working for a living, the living’s mighty easy when you’re on vacation.

September & October:  You can still get some Dog Days of Summer in September, even if the official day for Fall is September 21st.  This might be the time you’ll need that 5-piece luggage set to have the correct clothes on hand for the changing weather.  But really, all it takes is layers; make sure you have that extra jacket or sweater in the trunk of the car, maybe an extra pair of shoes.  Your road trip planner might include checking out the Fall Colors in the East, the desert in the mid-west, or the always-warm waters surrounding the Florida Keys.  Stretch your vacation out as wide as you can because the remaining two months will most likely be filled with holiday travel.  Campground choices range family oriented ones like Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground to luxury cabins in the Smoky Mountains in Gaitlinburg, Tennessee.

November & December: Try grabbing an overnight getaway before mid-November.  Once the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays grab a hold of your time, it won’t let go until January.  So sneak away to a lodge with a fireplace, or get away for a golf and spa weekend.

There you have it… a year’s worth of highways and byways to keep your road trip planner running like a well-oiled machine.  Enjoy the rides!

Treasure Hunting in a Winter Weekend Getaway

 When the weather outside is frightful…grab your road trip planner and go antique hunting!  Once the Holidays are safely behind us, what lies ahead are about 18 weekends where you’ll most likely be warmer indoors than outdoors but that doesn’t mean you’re restricted to the confines of your home.  On the contrary, this is an excellent time to check out other interiors, if only for the money-saving deals.  Hotels routinely offer off-season rates.  Restaurants, especially those in popular summer destination-zones, offer winter specials.  Stores also offer deep discounts on inventory that didn’t sell over the holidays. 

So really, any winter weekend is a good time to go shopping, but to make it a road trip worthy of your road trip planning, make it a treasure hunting weekend getaway by choosing towns and cities known for their antiques and collectibles.  Visit some of the best towns to find those treasures that excite you, from antique jewelry and country collectibles to handmade quilts.  The places listed below will take you to those “tucked in the corner” gems as well as entire malls devoted to antique aficionados.

Fredericksburg, Virgina - A 40-block national historic district embraces the city’s downtown area and contains more than 350 buildings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries.   Your road trip planning will be rewarded here as you’ll find plenty of shops in this historic town.

Hartwood Gardens in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania – There are actually six Allegheny County Parks, but the Hartwood includes a magnificent 16th century-style Tudor mansion filled with original English and American antiques.  Check out this link for the awesome photos.

Mount Dora, Florida – Enjoy staying at an award winning B & B and spend some time exploring the Amish Cupboard & Country Stuff, which has a wide selection of antiques and collectibles in an Amish-themed store.

Quechee Gorge Village in Vermont  - This village features a country store, an antique mall, craft center, toy and train museum, and a diner.  This makes for a particularly easy road trip to plan and one that gives you the bonus of driving in a section of Vermont known for its scenic beauty and Quechee Lakes, a private community located on the border of Vermont and New Hampshire.

San Diego, California – Known more for its splendid beaches and summer fun, San Diego also has Antique Row. Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, this spot offers a variety of vintage gems in several specialty shops like jewelry, hats, clothing, and rare records and soundtracks. 

Savannah, Georgia - Savannah's has a charm built on the city's respect for its past and well worth your road trip planning. Nowhere is this more evident than in the many small neighborhoods, which often seem more like pictures from a storybook.  The Old South permeates throughout and you’re sure to find antiques with interesting stories behind them.

St. Louis, Missouri – For an interesting theme change, try Cherokee Street Antiques Row. This is an old neighborhood shopping district that's become known for its antique shops.  It attracts people looking for antiques of all kinds, from books to furniture to jewelry and certainly what is best termed as "one man's junk is another man's treasure".  This district includes 5 blocks of shops, open daily (though some close on Mondays).

So, as Winter makes itself known with bluster and rain and snow, a road trip planner knows she can be warm indoors and enjoying the thrill of the treasure hunt.