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Top 10 Reasons To Go Camping in California

Every road trip planner should build a camping road trip for a memorable “hands on” vacation.  They are especially fun when you go as a family, though I went on 2-3 camping trips annually before I had kids and had wonderful experiences then as well.  Sure, luxury hotels give you the sense of spoiling yourself, certainly a desirable feeling, but being outdoors in natural surroundings rejuvenates the spirit, another sought after vacation objective.   Read on for 10 more reasons why a California Campout should be on your vacation list this summer.

No. 10--You get hands-on experience with California's state symbols. In one campout, you could spot the valley quail perched in a redwood tree while you hike through a field of golden poppies. You could also find evidence that a grizzly bear has visited your campsite: There's the smashed windshield of your car (you left sunflower seeds on the front seat) and the demolished ice chest (you didn't realize bears weren't deterred by flimsy storage locks).

An article in the Yosemite Guide newsletter mentioned that backpackers could protect their food from black bears by renting a bear-proof food canister instead of hanging their food from a tree.   This canister could hold a three-day supply of food and yet weighed only two and a half pounds. I told my husband I couldn't imagine how such a lightweight item could keep bears from getting at the food.   "The canister probably includes a big roll of cellophane wrap," Bill replied. "You wrap your food in it, and the bear goes crazy trying to find the edges."

No. 9--You get to wear all your grungy clothes. You know the ones; those faded T-shirts, torn shorts and baggy jeans that are so comfortable you just can't throw them out yet…even though your spouse has tried on a number of occasions to bury them in the bottom of the household rag bin.

No. 8--Your kids don't have to wash up before dinner. What's the point? Between the bathroom and the campsite are 100 yards of magnetic dirt. Speaking of bathrooms...

No. 7--You appreciate the overlooked luxuries of home. Like having a toilet that flushes. Or taking a shower that doesn't cost a quarter for every five minutes. Once, during a 10-Day California to Colorado Road Trip, Bill and I had only two quarters between us. I finished in time; Bill didn't. He stood there, covered in suds, while I dressed and ran out to try to find someone with change for a $20 bill. The suds nearly dried on him.

No. 6--You're prepared for an emergency. If a moderate earthquake should hit California while you're camping, you won't be inconvenienced because 1) your musty tent is suddenly a safe haven, 2) you've already got all your food on ice and 3) you have a portable radio and a lantern, so you won't miss what most people miss after an earthquake--electricity.

No. 5--You get to have barbecue for every night for dinner. And every morning for breakfast. And every afternoon for lunch. In fact, you can reach your barbecue quota for the entire summer in just one campout.

No. 4--You get to see just how many pores you have on your face. This is a good time to play connect-the-dots or mimic the Orion constellation on your left cheek. It's also the perfect opportunity to have your palm read by a fortuneteller, since all the lines in your hands stand out in stark relief.

No. 3--You get to commune with nature. Blue jays and squirrels enter your campground daily to clean up your crumbs. At dusk, there are bats flying overhead.  Do you really trust their sonar? Are you sure they won't get tangled in your hair? At Cherry Lake campground, there are the two-inch bomber pine beetles; these, I can tell you from personal experience, do get tangled in your hair.

No. 2--You get to exercise. This can range from trying to reach that mosquito bite in the middle of your back to chasing the raccoon that's absconded with your favorite bag of chips to consenting to a hike because the sign says it's only two miles long (but neglects to tell you that it's two miles straight uphill).

And the No. 1 reason why you should go camping? It's cheaper than staying in a hotel.   

Seriously though, camping is one vacation any budget can handle.  And truthfully?  My best vacation memories revolve around campfires, nights spent star gazing and counting falling stars, family hikes to the top of Mt. Hoffman, Lassen Peak, Mt. Tallac, Moro Rock.  Highlights include stumbling upon fern-bordered swimming holes or nearly-hidden from view waterfalls. 

The great thing about camping in California is that there are always more campgrounds to be explored.  I’ve camped for nearly 5 decades and yet, my latest Road Trip Planner is being filled with a destination I’ve never been to before; Hope Valley. 

Ingrid McCleary (portions of this article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun and the Cupertino Courier).

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.

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.

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.

Fall Road Trip Along the Appalachian Trail – Part I

If the thought of hiking the full 2,167 mile footpath following the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is too daunting, then consider using the Road Trip Planner to create a car or RV road trip instead.  Realistically, it would take about seven months to hike it all if you progressed 10 miles per day, though some dedicated fans manage it in one season.  So, for most of us, traversing the Appalachian Trail in a car or RV road trip is the choice alternative because you could cover the same distance in about two weeks at the leisurely pace.

This scenic road trip parallels the hiker’s route for the most part. This way, you can spend a couple of hours each day actually hiking the wilderness and be immersed in the colors and smells of the deep woods, then sit back in your car and enjoy nature unfurling before you.  A perfect start date to enter in your road trip planner is Fall because it allows you to experience the Appalachian Mountains at its colorful peak while also checking off another “Places to see in this lifetime” list: Enjoy New England’s legendary Fall Colors.

That’s not to say your trip itinerary will include nothing but trees and trails.  On the contrary, you’re passing through historically significant states so imagine the quaint villages and historic sites that’ll open up for you as you fill your road trip planner. 

Even though the Appalachian Trail runs through 14 states, this blog will include details on the first 6 of them (not including Maine): New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania.  This leaves New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia for another blog.  Keep in mind, that even though your initial road trip planning might show a 1200-mile route on places like Mapquest or Google Maps, you’ll be meandering through the states in order to follow the Appalachian Trail, so tack on another 200 miles to your road trip.

Choice spots to include in your road trip planner
In New Hampshire : You’ll be traveling west from Gorham to Orford before turning south.

• Pinkham Notch Camp
• Mt. Washington in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range
• Mount Washington Cog Railway
• The five granite ledges of Old Man of the Mountain at the Franconia Notch
• Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich

In Vermont: Your entry point is White River Junction; exit through Bennington.

• The historic town of Woodstock
• Gifford Woods State Park in the heart of the Green Mountains
• A panoramic view of Mt.  Snow as you descend into Wilmington

In Massachusetts : You’ll be skirting the west on Highway 7 all the way from Williamstown to Ashley Falls.

• Mount Greylock State Reservation
• Hancock Shaker Village
• Mount Washington State Forest in South Egremont (stay at the Weathervane, a great B & B).

In Connecticut : Enter in Canaan on Highway 7 and exit through Danbury.

• Norfolk, for its sheer beauty, including its private forest
• The Appalachian Trail crosses Highway 7 and the Housatonic River at Cornwall Bridge.
• Allow one luxury stay at the Berkshires (here's an affordable one).  The Berkshires is to western Connecticut what the Catskills is to New York and the Poconos to Pennsylvania. 

In New York : We’re only going to include the Appalachian Trail segment in this road trip planner and keep the “other” New York for another trip (unless you really can’t help yourself & decide to spend a few days in New York City…it’s your vacation after all :>).  Drive along US 6 to Highway 7, touching the southeastern part of New York and exiting through Port Jervis.

• West Point, the Army’s famous military academy
• Bear Mountain State Park
• Harriman State Park

In Pennsylvania :  Come in at Dingman’s Ferry and exit through Gettysburg (you’ll actually dip a bit in the Garden State of New Jersey).

• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
• The Poconos
• Roadside America in the village of Shartlesville to see a scale model of bygone Americana.
• The Pennsylvania Dutch Country
• Gettysburg

That’s it…so far.  Check back again soon because we’ve got another 7 states to add to your Road Trip Planner to make this a truly magnificent Fall exploration of the Appalachian Trail.

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!

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!

Adventurous Canadian Rockies Summer Road Trip

It is no wonder  that a road trip through the Canadian Rockies is one of the best things to do for a summer vacation.  Located at the easternmost part of the mountains of Western Canada called the Canadian Cordillera, the Rockies promise amazing sceneries of glaciated mountains, rivers, waterfalls, gorges and lakes.

Within the Canadian Rockies lie five national parks that each offer incredible sights and activities for everyone taking the road trip this summer.  Four of the five national parks interlock with each other, forming the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.  These are Jasper, Banff, Kootenay and Yoho.   Waterton, the national park that does not interlock with the other four, is located along the international USA border.

Wherever you are coming from, it is best make your way through your Rockies summer road trip with Jasper as the starting point.  Being the largest among the five national parks in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is abundant of things to see and do.   The Maligne Canyon, the Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, and the Athabasca Falls are some of Jasper's most spectacular gifts.  Guided sightseeing tours are available.  Between May and October, Pyramid Lake offers an extraordinary Canoe Experience that will give you a chance to witness the mesmerizing beauty of nature. There are lots of lodging options in Jasper such as the Lobstick Lodge, that have kid-friendly facilities which is perfect if you have children in tow.

Continue your summer road trip to Banff where you will find the large, highly popular Jewel of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, known for its natural beauty.  Discover Lake Louise and the world renowned Moraine Lake with the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Summer Tour that will not only allow you to explore the two lakes' shorelines and take photographs, but also educated you about the mountaineering history in the area and the events that helped shape Canadian mountaineering culture. Other attractions in Banff are the Bow Falls, the Cave and Basin Center, and the Banff Gondola. Banff National Park offers a lot of recreational activities such as soaking yourself up in the pool at Upper Hot Springs, nature hiking on mountain trails, cruising on Lake Minnewanka and swinging your clubs on a golf game.

Yoho National Park sits between Banff and Kootenay National Parks. Maximize your Yoho experience by visiting the Spiral Tunnel Viewpoints, the Emerald Lake and the Kicking Horse Pass. Yoho Valley offers a day hike that will definitely test your endurance. Visit the last of the interlocking national parks, the Kootenay National Park, next. Explore the park's Radium Hot Springs, Marble Canyon, Redwall Fault and more!

Carry on with your road trip by driving yourself to the only park that does not interlock with the first four: Waterton National Park. It is located in the farther south that borders Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. The park offers lots of fun summer activities that you can do during your vacation. You can go horseback riding, boating or canoing over the Cameron Lake, and hiking to one of Canada's top rated hiking trail, the Crypt Lake.

Driving through the Canadian Rockies brings you close to nature. With all the bodies of water you get to encounter along the way, and the numerous opportunities for wildlife sighting, this summer road trip will definitely be etched in your memory for a very long time.