Category: Travel Tips

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Road Trip 101 Travel Tips

Our SECRETS to Keeping Kids Happy in the Car 

road
Let’s be real—spending hours in a metal box with kids is a unique blend of bonding, bickering, and bargaining. At some point between mile 12 and mile 243, you may begin to question all your life choices (especially the one where you packed three different trail mixes, and they only want the one with M&Ms).
 
But here’s the great news: road-tripping with kids can be fun. Really. With a bit of prep and a lot of snacks (okay, yes, we’re still packing those), you can turn your car into a mobile memory-maker instead of a rolling chaos chamber.
 
Below are 10+ tried-and-true tips to keep everyone smiling—or at least not shouting—until the next rest stop.

Embrace the Power of a Killer Playlist

Music can set the tone for the whole trip. Create a playlist before you go that includes:
  • Songs the kids know and love
  • Classics you can belt out together
  • Mellow tracks for quiet time or post-lunch wind-down
  • A few secretly-for-you songs because you deserve it
Bonus idea: let each kid DJ for 20-minute increments. It gives them a sense of control (which they’ll love) and helps you avoid hearing “Let It Go” on repeat for six hours straight.

Audiobooks & Podcasts Are Your Best Friends

Audiobooks are magical road trip tools. They quiet the car, capture imaginations, and reduce screen time without anyone noticing.
 
Great family-friendly audiobook ideas:
  • Harry Potter series
  • The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Charlotte’s Web
  • The Mysterious Benedict Society
And don’t sleep on podcasts! Try:
  • Brains On!
  • Story Pirates
  • Smash Boom Best
  • Circle Round
  • Wow in the World
They’re free, easy to queue up, and make the miles fly.

Pack Surprise Entertainment

Create a stash of dollar-store treasures or Amazon finds that you slowly unveil during the trip.
 
Some ideas:
Presenting something new every so often gives kids something to look forward to—and can instantly reset a grumpy mood.

Play Classic Road Trip Games (Yes, They Still Work)

They’re old-school for a reason—road trip games pass the time and engage everyone in the car.
 
Favorites include:
  • The License Plate Game – how many states can you spot?
  • I Spy – with younger kids, limit it to “inside the car”
  • Would You Rather? – endless giggles and debate
  • 20 Questions – especially fun with animals or movie characters
  • Alphabet Game – spot letters A to Z in order on road signs and billboards
Even teens will secretly enjoy some of these… as long as no one calls it “cringey.”

Snack Smart (and Strategically)

Yes, snacks are basically currency on a road trip. But don’t hand over the whole snack stash at once.
 
Here’s the strategy:
  • Pack several small snack bags per kid, separated by hour or stop
  • Choose mess-free options: cheese sticks, granola bars, dried fruit, pretzels
  • Throw in a “fun” snack per day—maybe gummies or popcorn
  • Avoid entire bags of goldfish. You’ll be vacuuming them up for years.
Oh, and pack trash bags. So many trash bags.
 

Related Posts:

Give Each Kid an “Adventure Bag”

Empower them with their own little domain of entertainment and essentials.  Our kids have been packing their bags since they were 3 or 4.
 
A basic kit could include:
  • Headphones
  • Notebook and pens
  • A favorite book or comic
  • A small toy or two
  • Water bottle
  • Wipes or tissues
  • A snack or two

We also add some of the items listed above under “Surprise Entertainment.”

 
Letting them organize it themselves gives them ownership—and maybe saves you from being asked where the crayons went every five minutes.

Keep Screens in Your Back Pocket

Yes, screens are a beautiful gift from the travel gods. But using them strategically makes them even more magical.
 
Use screen time:
  • For the toughest stretches (traffic jams, post-lunch slumps, long boring highways)
  • As rewards for good behavior
  • For quiet time or to wind down before a nap
Don’t forget to preload content! Nothing sours the mood faster than “No WiFi” messages when trying to start a movie.

Plan for Pit Stops (and Make Them Fun)

Rest stops don’t have to be boring. Plan for stretch breaks with a little flair:
  • Bring a ball or jump rope for a 10-minute energy burn
  • Look for quirky roadside attractions—giant dinosaurs, anyone?
  • Keep a scavenger hunt list going that includes “weird bathroom,” “funny billboard,” or “mini-mart with a random gift shop.”
Even a short dance break by the car can reset everyone’s mood (yes, even yours).

Embrace the Magic of a “Quiet Time Hour”

Everyone. Quiet. For 60 minutes.
 
No talking, no music, no games.
 
Just audiobooks or silence.  Perhaps a bit of coloring or reading.
 
Frame it as a grown-up thing they get to participate in. Or say the car needs a “power recharge” and it’s helping it run longer (because hey, that’s only slightly untrue).
 
Bonus: You might actually hear yourself think.

Celebrate the Little Moments

Kids will remember the weird, wonderful, and completely random moments more than the perfectly planned ones.
  • Laugh at the wrong turns
  • Let them pick the gas station snack once
  • Take goofy selfies at roadside diners
  • Write down one thing you loved about each day together
You’re not just passing miles—you’re building family folklore.

Final Thoughts from the Third Row

Keeping kids happy in the car isn’t about making every moment magical. It’s about making enough moments magical to get you through the not-so-magical ones.
 
With a bit of planning, a sense of humor, and maybe a small bribe in the form of animal crackers, you’ll create a trip full of connection, laughter, and “remember when…” stories that get told for years.
 
And hey—when the kids are grown and planning their road trips, you’ll be the one laughing when they realize what legends you were.

Free Family Road Trip Starter Kit

🎶 Ready to hit the road with magic in the speakers?

Don’t forget to grab our FREE Family Road Trip Starter Kit — packed with printable checklists, kid-approved games, and snack ideas for your next adventure!

🎒 Includes:

  • Packing checklist

  • I Spy game

  • Travel Bingo boards

  • Snack list

  • Activity ideas

👉 Click here to download yours now!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post “Keeping Kids Happy in the Car!”!   While you’re at it, take a look at our printable children’s travel journals, they are the perfect way to keep your kiddos entertained in the car.  Read about how you can start your own 50 State Challenge or how to plan the perfect road trip.. Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

📌 Save this post to Pinterest
📸 Follow us on Instagram @5suitcases
👍 Follow us on Facebook @5suitcases
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube @5suitcases

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Categories
Road Trip 101 Travel Tips

Expert Tips for Packing Light for a Trip

When hitting the open road, it can be tempting to pack for every possible scenario. However, overpacking can quickly turn your exciting adventure into a logistical challenge. Packing light isn’t just about saving space—it enhances your entire road trip experience. Traveling with less is a smart choice for your next road trip.

After we share the benefits of traveling light, we’ll give you all of our best tips for packing light for your trip!

 The Goal:
  • One carry-on per parent
  • One small backpack per kid

Why Packing Light for a Road Trip is a Game Changer

1. More Comfort and Space

Your vehicle is not a bottomless pit. Overpacking can make the car feel cramped and uncomfortable, especially when traveling with family or friends. By packing light, you free up space for everyone to sit comfortably and have easy access to essentials without digging through piles of luggage.

2. Easier Packing and Unpacking

Constantly moving between destinations? Packing light means less hassle when loading and unloading your car. You won’t waste time rearranging bags at every stop, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey instead of managing excess luggage.

3. Better Fuel Efficiency

Excess weight in your vehicle means your engine has to work harder, leading to higher fuel consumption. A lighter load helps improve your car’s fuel efficiency, saving you money on gas while also being kinder to the environment.

4. Less Stress, More Enjoyment

Overpacking can lead to decision fatigue—too many outfit choices, unnecessary gadgets, and clutter can overwhelm you. Simplifying your packing list makes it easier to find what you need and lets you focus on the experiences ahead rather than managing a car full of stuff.

5. More Room for Souvenirs

Let’s be honest—road trips often lead to unexpected finds. Whether it’s a handmade craft from a roadside market or a bottle of wine from a local vineyard, packing light ensures you have space to bring home meaningful souvenirs without the stress of squeezing them into an already full car.

6. Better Organization and Accessibility

With fewer items, everything has a designated spot, making it easier to locate essentials quickly. You won’t have to dig through mountains of clothes or multiple bags just to find a charger or a pair of sunglasses.

7. A Simpler, More Freeing Experience

Road trips are about spontaneity and adventure. Carrying less makes it easier to be flexible, whether it’s a last-minute detour, a scenic hike, or a quick overnight stay. A lighter load encourages a minimalist mindset, allowing you to embrace the journey without unnecessary baggage—both literally and figuratively.

Our Game Changing Tips for Packing Light

These tips aren’t just for road trips, in fact they are even better for flying!

🎒Packing Mindset: Less is More

  • Choose versatile items: Pack clothing that can be mixed and matched. Think neutral colors and layers.
  • Follow the “3 Outfit Rule”: 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 pairs of underwear. Wash and rewear during the trip.
  • Use packing cubes: They help organize outfits and compress clothes to save space.
  • Limit shoes: One pair of comfortable walking shoes and one pair of sandals or water shoes.

✅ Essentials-Only Checklist For Each Child

  • 3-4 mix-and-match outfits
  • 1 light jacket or hoodie
  • 1 pair of pajamas
  • Swimwear (if needed)
  • Small toiletry bag (toothbrush, mini shampoo, sunscreen)
  • Comfort item (like a small stuffed animal or blanket)
  • Snacks and reusable water bottle

🎯 Smart Packing Strategies

 Roll, Don’t Fold
  • Rolling clothes saves space and reduces wrinkles.
  • Put socks and underwear inside shoes to maximize space.
 Pack Multi-Purpose Items
  • Lightweight sarong or scarf (can be a blanket, towel, or stroller cover)
  • Wet wipes (for sticky hands, surfaces, or spills)
  • Reusable ziplock bags (for snacks, wet clothes, or small toys)
Use a Packing list

🎁 Entertainment without Bulk

  • Download movies, audiobooks, or games on a tablet.
  • Compact activity packs (like travel-sized coloring kits or sticker books)
  • Small toys like LEGO or magnetic drawing boards (see our LEGO Binders below!)

🛑 Leave These at Home

  •  Extra “just in case” outfits
  •  Full-size toiletries
  •  Bulky toys or electronics

✨ Pro Parent Hacks

 Pack one carry-on per kid (small backpack with essentials and activities)
 Use a shared family toiletry bag
 Layer clothes for travel days to save space in the bag

🧳 Packing Light Sample for a 7-Day Trip

Item
Quantity
Notes
Shirts
3-4
Quick-dry and lightweight fabrics
Pants/Shorts
3
Neutral, mix-and-match options
Underwear
5-6
Quick-dry fabric for easy washing
Pajamas
1-2
Light cotton for comfort
Jacket/Sweater
1
Lightweight but warm
Shoes
2 pairs
Walking shoes & sandals
Toiletries
Shared family-sized bag
 
Entertainment
Minimal
Tablet, coloring book, small toy

Free Family Road Trip Starter Kit

🎶 Ready to hit the road with magic in the speakers?

Don’t forget to grab our FREE Family Road Trip Starter Kit — packed with printable checklists, kid-approved games, and snack ideas for your next adventure!

🎒 Includes:

  • Packing checklist

  • I Spy game

  • Travel Bingo boards

  • Snack list

  • Activity ideas

👉 Click here to download yours now!

Final Thoughts

Packing light for a road trip isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about traveling smarter. By bringing only what you need, you’ll create a more enjoyable, stress-free, and budget-friendly experience. So, before you throw everything into your car, ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” Chances are, you don’t—and your road trip will be all the better for it!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, save our “Top Tips for Packing Light”   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Learn how we plan our road trips, see how we pack our car, and check out our playlist for inspiration for your trip!

📌 Save this post to Pinterest
📸 Follow us on Instagram @5suitcases
👍 Follow us on Facebook @5suitcases
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube @5suitcases

Categories
Road Trip 101 Travel Tips

Packing Like a Pro (or at Least Like Someone Who Didn’t Forget the Toothbrushes…AGAIN)

Let’s be honest: packing for a family road trip is basically competitive logistics with a side of emotional negotiation. You’re balancing luggage Tetris, climate changes, snack distribution, and your child’s 11th-hour insistence that their rubber dinosaur collection must come along. All of it. Every. Single. Dinosaur.
 
But here’s the good news—you can pack like a pro. Or at least like a well-seasoned parent who’s survived a few too many “Mom, I don’t have any socks!” meltdowns in hotel parking lots.
In this post, we’re diving into what to pack, how to pack it, and a few hacks that’ll save your sanity when you’re halfway across the state with sticky fingers and someone yelling, “I can’t find my other shoe!”

Make a Master Packing List (Yes, You Need One)

Let’s not pretend you’ll remember everything. You won’t. You’re human, not a sentient spreadsheet.
Create a go-to packing list and save it on your phone, or better yet—print it and laminate it for future trips.
 
Divide it into categories like:
  • Clothes & Shoes
  • Toiletries
  • Medications & First Aid
  • Electronics
  • Entertainment
  • Snacks & Food
  • Car Essentials
  • “Kid Weirdness” Items (you know, the rock collection or the glitter glue journal)
Bonus tip: color-code by family member if you’re feeling fancy (or just need to visualize whose stuff you forgot).

Pack by Day, Not by Person

Here’s a pro move that many seasoned travelers swear by: instead of packing a separate suitcase for each person, pack by day—especially for shorter trips.
 
Use gallon ziplock bags, packing cubes, or large labeled pouches with:
  • Day 1: Outfits for everyone
  • Day 2: Pajamas, underwear, socks, outfit
  • Day 3: Same deal
Then all you have to do each morning is grab one pouch and hand out the clothes like the magical, organized road trip wizard you are.
 
For longer trips, do a hybrid: pack full outfits in cubes, but divide the cubes by week or occasion (casual vs. hiking vs. swimming).
 
Packing by day will help you see if Johnny has enough underwear packed so he doesn’t need to double up one day because, ew, gross.

The Car Bag: Your New Best Friend

You know that terrifying moment when you realize all the snacks, entertainment, and wipes are in the trunk under four duffel bags and a folding chair?
 
Yeah. Let’s avoid that.
 
Enter: The Car Bag. A tote, backpack, or storage bin that lives in the passenger seat or back row and holds the day’s essentials:
  • Wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Chargers
  • Trash bags
  • First aid kit
  • Pain relievers (for you)
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Snacks. All the snacks.
Treat it like your road trip command center. Restock nightly. Worship it daily.

The Entertainment Arsenal

 
Sure, your kids may be planning to watch movies the whole way—but what about when the tablet dies or they start squabbling over who gets the charging port?
Pack a backup arsenal:
  • Activity books or printables
  • Travel games (magnetic chess, Uno, etc.)
  • Audiobooks and podcasts
  • DIY scavenger hunts or car bingo
  • Printable travel journals
  • One “mystery toy” per kid—pull it out when boredom hits peak levels
If you’ve got older kids, let them help curate a playlist. Nothing builds road trip unity like belting out 90s hits and pretending you all know the lyrics.

Our kids each have an “Adventure Bag” that they pack for our trips.  It is a bookbag full of things that will allegedly keep them entertained for 8+ hours in the car.  They’ve been packing their own bags since they were about 4 years old, and they are freakin’ pros at it.

Pack Light… but Bring Backups

This is where we walk the line between “minimalist traveler” and “realistic parent.”
 
Yes, you want to avoid overpacking. But there are things you will want extras of:
  • Underwear and socks (trust me)
  • Diapers/wipes if applicable
  • Swimsuits (because they never dry fast enough)
  • T-shirts (because ketchup and jelly happen)
  • Chargers (because someone always forgets theirs)
Basically, if it touches food, sweat, or small children—it’s worth bringing a spare.

Rolling vs. Folding: Choose Your Team

If you’re short on space, rolling clothes saves room and reduces wrinkles. It also makes packing cubes easier to stack and squeeze in.
 
For younger kids, consider pre-rolling full outfits and labeling them. It makes mornings faster and more independent—even your five-year-old can grab a “blue pants day” roll and be dressed before you finish your hotel coffee.

Bring a Laundry Plan

Unless you’re okay with your car smelling like gym socks and graham crackers, have a laundry strategy:
  • Bring a pop-up hamper or mesh laundry bag
  • Pack a small bag of detergent pods or travel soap sheets
  • Check if any of your accommodations have laundry facilities (game changer on long trips)
If you’re camping or going rustic, quick-dry clothes and a clothesline can be lifesavers.

Think “Modular” When You Pack the Car

Packing the car is like playing a very high-stakes game of Tetris… in which the prize is not losing your mind at the next gas station.
  • Heaviest items first: Cooler, suitcases, folding chairs—pack them in the trunk closest to the back seat
  • Daily needs accessible: Put overnight bags and snack bins near the top or in the passenger area
  • Use seat-back organizers: These are great for small toys, water bottles, tissues, and kid-stuff you’ll need while in motion
If you’re staying overnight en route, pack a single “grab bag” with one night’s essentials so you don’t have to unload the entire car at 9 p.m. in your pajamas.

Don’t Forget the “Oh No” Kit

Nearly every time we travel, someone gets sick.  Whether it’s from the change in pollens, over-indulging on rich/sweet foods, or catching a stomach bug.  It happens.
 
This is the kit you’ll hope you don’t need but will be so grateful for if you do:
  • Thermometer
  • Children’s meds (fever, allergy, stomach, motion sickness)
  • Adult meds (because that neck cramp from sleeping weird in the car is real)
  • Band-aids and antiseptic
  • Small sewing kit or safety pins
  • Ziplock bags (for wet clothes, surprise messes, or storing “treasures” like pinecones)
Trust me, packing Pepto can prevent you from having to poop in a diaper when your whole family has the runs.  Not that I’d know from experience or anything…
 
Bonus: include a few extra plastic grocery bags for dirty laundry or trash on the go.
 
 

Pack a Little Fun for YOU, Too

Let’s not forget: you’re on this trip, too. Pack something that keeps your spirits up:
  • Your favorite book or Kindle
  • Headphones for podcasts or music
  • A journal or trip log
  • A stash of adult-only snacks or that fancy chocolate you don’t want to share
Happy parents = happy road trip. (Or at least moderately less chaotic road trip.)

Final Thoughts From the Luggage Pile

Packing for a family road trip might not ever be easy, but it can be efficient—and maybe even kind of fun, if you embrace the challenge like a travel-loving ninja.
 
You’ve got this. With a solid plan, a few tricks up your sleeve, and enough snacks to satisfy a scout troop, you’ll be rolling out with confidence—and rolling home with stories, memories, and possibly a souvenir rubber lizard or twelve.
 
Next up in our Family Road Trip 101 series:
“Keeping Kids Happy in the Car (Without Turning into a Human Snack Dispenser)” – stay tuned!

Free Family Road Trip Starter Kit

🎶 Ready to hit the road with magic in the speakers?

Don’t forget to grab our FREE Family Road Trip Starter Kit — packed with printable checklists, kid-approved games, and snack ideas for your next adventure!

🎒 Includes:

  • Packing checklist

  • I Spy game

  • Travel Bingo boards

  • Snack list

  • Activity ideas

👉 Click here to download yours now!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post “Packing Like a Pro!”!   While you’re at it, take a look at our printable children’s travel journals, they are the perfect way to keep your kiddos entertained in the car.  Read about how you can start your own 50 State Challenge!  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

📌 Save this post to Pinterest
📸 Follow us on Instagram @5suitcases
👍 Follow us on Facebook @5suitcases
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube @5suitcases

Categories
Road Trip 101 Travel Tips

How to Masterfully Use Google Maps to Plan a Road Trip

Map courtesy of Google

So, you’ve got the travel bug, the snacks are packed (or will be), and your playlist is locked and loaded. Now comes the part that can either be super exciting… or super overwhelming: planning your route.

If the idea of piecing together a multi-stop road trip has you scribbling down random notes and bookmarking a hundred tabs, take a deep breath. We’re about to bring order to the chaos—and our best friend for the job is none other than Google Maps.

This post will walk you through how to use Google Maps to plan your road trip step-by-step, from saving must-see locations to creating organized lists and mapping out your route like a pro. Bonus? Once your map is set, you can access it from your phone or share it with your co-pilot (or the whole carful of kids). Let’s roll.

Why Use Google Maps for Road Trip Planning?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the why. Google Maps isn’t just for getting from point A to point B. It can be your travel guide, your food finder, your scenic route scout, and even your bathroom break planner (don’t underestimate this one with kids on board). Here’s what it offers:

  • Custom routes with multiple stops

  • Saved lists of locations (think: waterfalls, donut shops, quirky roadside attractions)

  • Reviews and photos for nearly every destination

  • Offline map access (key for remote areas)

  • Real-time traffic updates once you’re on the road

Step 1: Sign In to Your Google Account

You’ll need a Google account to save places and create custom maps. Most people already have one (Gmail counts!), but if you don’t, it’s free and only takes a minute to set up.

Once you’re signed in, head over to Google Maps on your desktop for the best planning experience.

Step 2: Start Searching and Saving Locations

Let’s say you’re planning a loop through the Pacific Northwest and want to stop at national parks, cool diners, and the world’s largest frying pan (yes, it’s a thing in Long Beach, WA).

Start by typing your destination in the search bar—like “Olympic National Park.”

Once the location pops up:

  1. Click on it.

  2. Hit the Save icon (a little ribbon).

  3. Choose a list to save it to (more on this below), or create a new one like “PNW Road Trip Stops.”

You can save any type of location this way—restaurants, gas stations, museums, even places like “cool rock formations near Bend, OR.” (Seriously, try searching that.)

Step 3: Create Custom Lists to Stay Organized

Now comes the real magic. You don’t want to just save 100 places to one giant list and sort through it later like a digital scavenger hunt. Organize your road trip dreams into themed lists.

Here’s how to create a list:

  1. In Google Maps, click on the Menu (☰) on the top left.

  2. Select Your Places > Saved.

  3. Scroll down and click New List.

  4. Name your list—like “Roadside Attractions,” “Kid-Friendly Stops,” “Best Eats,” or “Campgrounds.”

  5. Choose public, shared, or private access (shared is great if you want to let your partner or teens add suggestions).

  6. Add locations to this list as you go by clicking “Save” on each place and choosing the list.

💡 Pro Tip: Color-code your pins with emojis in the list title (like 🌮 for tacos, 🏕️ for campsites) to spot them easily later!

Since we’re on a quest to visit all 50 States, any time I stumble across a place that sounds interesting, I save it on Google Maps.  That way, when I’m mapping out an itinerary, I can try to include it.  We also want to take the kids to all of the National Park Sites, so I’ve saved all of them, as well.

Step 4: Build Your Route with Google My Maps (Optional but Awesome)

If you want to visualize your entire trip, step by step, and drop in your saved locations—Google My Maps is the tool for you.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Go to Google My Maps.

  2. Click “Create a New Map.”

  3. Use the search bar to add stops. Click “Add to Map” to drop a pin.

  4. Use layers to separate types of stops (like Day 1, Day 2 or Parks vs. Restaurants).

  5. Drag pins around to reorder stops and draw lines between destinations.

You can also add notes to each location (like “bathroom stop with playground” or “Lincoln’s must-see guitar shop”).

When you’re done, share the map with anyone joining the adventure—and open it on your phone during the trip for instant access.

Step 5: Use “Explore Nearby” to Fill in Gaps

Stuck with a long stretch of driving between stops? Google Maps’ Explore Nearby feature can help.

Just zoom in on your route and click the “Search this area” option. Then type in what you’re looking for, like:

  • “Playgrounds”

  • “Coffee with drive-thru”

  • “Nature trails”

  • “Weird roadside attractions” (you’d be surprised!)

You’ll get real-time suggestions with ratings, photos, hours, and directions—all just a tap away.

Step 6: Download Your Maps for Offline Use

We’ve all been there—cruising through a mountain pass or middle-of-nowhere backroad with no signal. That’s where offline maps save the day.

Before you hit the road:

  1. Open Google Maps on your phone.

  2. Tap your profile photo > Offline Maps > Select Your Own Map.

  3. Zoom in and select the area you want.

  4. Tap Download.

Boom! No Wi-Fi? No problem.

Have a kid who likes to track your progress?  Or are you super anal and like to have all of your plans printed out so that you can review them in your hotel room each night?  (Pssst….I’m talking about me here!) Copy and paste your maps into Canva and create a day-by-day itinerary.

This page of our Mason-Dixon Road Trip is a little cluttered, but it includes an outline of how we spent our day, hours of operation, a map with our route and drive time, parking information, info for Metro stops, and a walking map of the National Mall.  The Maps and Metro info were all pulled directly from Google Maps.

Step 7: Add Fuel, Food, and Fun Along the Way

Once you’ve got your major stops in place, layer in the extras. Try searching for:

  • Gas stations (filter by brand or reviews if you’re picky)

  • Rest stops

  • Local eats (search “diners near me” for the full road trip vibe)

  • Parks or trails to stretch your legs

Save anything that looks good to your lists so you don’t forget them when it’s mile 432 and someone really needs a donut.

Through playing around with the restaurants feature, I found one of my kids favorite YouTubers owns a restaurant that we were able to add to our itinerary.  I also found breweries in Iceland, a bangin’ pizza place in West Virginia, killer donuts in Orlando, and many more!

Bonus: Use the “Send to Phone” Feature

For any location you’re viewing on desktop, just click “Send to Your Phone” and Google Maps will push it to your app. It’s perfect for planning on your laptop and navigating from your phone later.

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Final Thoughts

Road trips are all about the unexpected detours, the unforgettable views, and yes—even the snack fights. But having a solid plan in your back pocket (or your phone) makes the adventure a whole lot smoother.

With Google Maps, you can keep everything from bucket list stops to bathroom breaks organized, visible, and easily shared. No more frantically trying to remember that cute pie place your friend told you about—save it once and let Google do the remembering.

So go on—start pinning, list-making, and dreaming up your next great family escape. And remember: the journey is the destination (but good directions definitely help).

Next stop: Packing Like a Pro (or at Least Like Someone Who Didn’t Forget the Toothbrushes)
We’ll make sure you’re ready to load up that trunk like a Tetris master.

Free Family Road Trip Starter Kit

🎶 Ready to hit the road with magic in the speakers?

Don’t forget to grab our FREE Family Road Trip Starter Kit — packed with printable checklists, kid-approved games, and snack ideas for your next adventure!

🎒 Includes:

  • Packing checklist

  • I Spy game

  • Travel Bingo boards

  • Snack list

  • Activity ideas

👉 Click here to download yours now!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post “Mastering Google Maps for the Ultimate Road Trip Plan!”!   While you’re at it, take a look at our printable children’s travel journals; they are the perfect way to keep your kiddos entertained in the car.  Read about how you can start your own 50 State Challenge!  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

📌 Save this post to Pinterest
📸 Follow us on Instagram @5suitcases
👍 Follow us on Facebook @5suitcases
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube @5suitcases

Categories
Road Trip 101 Travel Tips

How to Plan the Perfect Family Road Trip Route

Map of our Kentucky Itinerary
Let’s get one thing straight: planning the perfect family road trip route isn’t about plotting a flawless course where nothing goes wrong and every rest stop has gourmet coffee and sparkling bathrooms. That place doesn’t exist. (If it does, please send me the link immediately.)
 
But with a little strategy—and a healthy dose of humor—you can map out a trip that’s fun, flexible, and not entirely fueled by desperation and fruit snacks.
 
Whether you’re a Type A itinerary-maker or a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-car-seat parent, this post is for you. Let’s break down how to choose where to go, how far to drive, and how to balance practical stops with just enough whimsy to keep everyone excited.

Start With Your “Why”

Before you open Google Maps or start color-coding a spreadsheet (no judgment, you beautiful planner, you), take a moment to ask: Why are we doing this road trip in the first place?
 
Knowing your “why” will help shape your route. A chill beach-hopping trip looks different than a history-themed trek through Civil War battlefields (Gettysburg, anyone?)  or a National Park power tour. Start with the vibe, then build the map.

Pick a Realistic Destination (and Back)

This is the part where we embrace a hard truth: just because you can technically drive from Chicago to Yellowstone in two days doesn’t mean you should. Especially not with a toddler whose favorite activity is removing their socks and throwing them at their siblings.  Been there, done that.
 
Here’s a good rule of thumb for drive time with families:
  • With Littles (0–5): 4–5 hours max
  • With Big Kids (6–12): 6–7 hours
  • With Teens: 7–8 hours if they have snacks, chargers, and noise-canceling headphones
  • With Freaks of Nature: Our kids are so down for an adventure that they’re content being in a car for even longer than 8 hours!  We pack a ton of snacks, and they have their road trip essentials to keep them happy.
 
Break up longer distances into segments. Give yourself cushion time, not just for bathroom breaks but for those magical, unplanned moments—like discovering a roadside petting zoo or a gas station that sells deep-fried Oreos. (Road trip gold.)

Scenic vs. Direct: Choose Your Adventure

This is the classic road trip dilemma: do we take the direct route, or do we meander?
 
  • The Direct Route
    Best for: tight timelines, younger kids, trips where you’re just trying to get there already
    Bonus: fewer chances of someone getting carsick on twisty backroads.
  • The Scenic Route
    Best for: longer trips, kids who can handle a bit of extra time, or families who enjoy the “off the beaten path” vibe
    Bonus: Instagram-worthy views, quirky pit stops, and better storytelling later
Want a compromise? Plan your scenic stops around practical needs. Hit a beautiful state park for a picnic lunch or detour through a charming small town when you need to refuel. It’s the road trip version of sneaking spinach into mac and cheese.

Build in the “Three S’s”: Snacks, Stops, and Surprises

Every great route has flexibility built in. That’s where the “Three S’s” come in:
 
  • Snacks:
    Know your route well enough to identify snack needs. Pack your favorites, but also note where grocery stores or healthy options might pop up. This isn’t just survival—it’s morale management.
  • Stops:
    Aim for a real stop (not just a bathroom sprint) every 2–3 hours. Think parks, playgrounds, cool roadside attractions, or even just a pretty rest area. Pro tip: picnic lunches = budget win + fresh air.
  • Surprises:
    Leave space in your itinerary for the unexpected. That funny billboard advertising the “World’s Largest Rubber Band Ball”? Go see it. Let your kids pick one random stop. The best memories are often the least planned.

Tools to Help You Plot Like a Pro

Tech is your friend—but don’t rely only on it. Here’s a combo of apps and good old-fashioned know-how:
  • Google Maps or Waze: For plotting routes and spotting traffic
  • Roadtrippers: Lets you see cool stops, restaurants, and attractions along your route
  • iExit: Tells you what’s coming up on your highway exit (restrooms, food, etc.)
  • Offline Maps (like Maps.me): Great for dead zones in rural areas
  • Paper Map: Because GPS betrayal is real, and you don’t want to explain to your kids why you’re crying in a cornfield in Iowa

Get the Kids Involved

Yes, even the little ones. If they feel like part of the planning, they’ll be more engaged in the journey.
 
Let them:
  • Help choose stops from a list of options
  • Pick a “trip mascot” stuffed animal that tags along
  • Create a travel bingo or scavenger hunt game based on your route
You’re not just making memories—you’re building travel confidence in tiny humans.

Time It Right

Leaving at 6 AM might feel like punishment, but it can actually be genius if your kids will sleep through the first couple of hours. On the flip side, traveling during peak traffic or nap-deprivation zones? Not it.
 
Some tips:
  • Avoid rush hour if you’re going through a major city
  • Plan to stop for a longer break in the mid-afternoon (when everyone’s cranky)
  • Know your kids’ rhythms: time your driving for their happiest hours

Back-Up Plans = Sanity

Your route is not set in stone.
 
Repeat after me: It’s okay to change the plan.
 
To help my pretend I’m not Type-A as s***, I always have backup plans built into my itinerary.  Places that we can visit if there’s time, things that we can ditch, if needed.  Things to do in the event or rain, or when the kids were younger meltdowns.
 
Have a few backup stops saved on your phone in case:
  • A park is closed
  • It rains
  • Someone suddenly must pee even though they “didn’t have to go five minutes ago”
Flexibility is your co-pilot. Don’t try to control the journey—embrace the adventure.

Don’t Overplan Every Minute

You are not a cruise director. You are a road trip parent. There is a difference.
 
Structure is good—chaos is not. But overloading your days with 17 things to see/do/photo will make everyone grumpy by 2 PM.
 
Pick 1–2 anchor experiences per day. The rest? Leave it open. That’s where the magic lives.

Final Thoughts From the Driver’s Seat

Planning a road trip route with kids isn’t about perfection—it’s about purpose. Where do you want to go, and what do you want to feel along the way?
 
You can’t control traffic, weather, or your child’s sudden distaste for their favorite snacks. But you can craft a trip that mixes practicality with play, purpose with whimsy, and plans with just enough flexibility to make room for wonder.
 
So fire up your map apps, charge the tablets, and get ready to play navigator, snack curator, and chief memory maker.
 
Our next pitstop will be Mastering Google Maps for the Ultimate Road Trip Plan.  See you there!

Free Family Road Trip Starter Kit

🎶 Ready to hit the road with magic in the speakers?

Don’t forget to grab our FREE Family Road Trip Starter Kit — packed with printable checklists, kid-approved games, and snack ideas for your next adventure!

🎒 Includes:

  • Packing checklist

  • I Spy game

  • Travel Bingo boards

  • Snack list

  • Activity ideas

👉 Click here to download yours now!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post “Planning the Perfect Family Road Trip Route”!   While you’re at it, take a look at our printable children’s travel journals, they are the perfect way to keep your kiddos entertained in the car.  Read about how you can start your own 50 State Challenge!  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

📌 Save this post to Pinterest
📸 Follow us on Instagram @5suitcases
👍 Follow us on Facebook @5suitcases
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube @5suitcases

Categories
Delaware Itineraries Maryland New Jersey Pennsylvania Travel Tips United States Washington DC West Virginia

Explore 5 States in 6 Days: A Complete Itinerary for West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and DC

Crossing New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland off of our list of places we've been!

On our quest to visit all 50 states, we embarked on a road trip that would take us to 5 states and Washington, DC.  Over 6 days we visited West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and Washington, DC while hugging the Mason-Dixon Line.  

Fun Fact:  The Mason-Dixon Line separates 4 states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia.  It later became known as the border between the Southern slave states and the Northern free states.

All five states would be new destinations for the kids, and New Jersey and Delaware were new for me.  We tacked on a day in DC since it’s the kids favorite city (so far!).

Our itinerary has all of the elements of an epic family road trip:

  • Adventure
  • Rollercoasters
  • Waterslides
  • History
  • Culture

Seriously, what more could you want?

How We Ended Up Visiting These States

Each year we gift the kids a trip as part of their Christmas gift.  On January 1st, we randomly select the name of a state the kids haven’t visited and plan a trip to that destination.  For this trip, the kids pulled West Virginia.

Our family of 5 took a road trip from Florida up to West Virginia.  Since we were already in the area, it only made sense for us to visit a few other neighboring states so we could add them to the list of states we’ve visited.

Related Post:  How to Plan a Road Trip the Whole Family Will Love!

Using the strategy outlined in the post above, our itinerary quickly began to take shape, and Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and Washington, DC were added to our trip.

Day One- Davis, West Virginia

The kids at Blackwater Falls State Park

After a long drive from Florida to West Virginia, it was time for a bunch of Florida kids to experience some snow! The first stop on our road trip was Blackwater Falls State Park, home to the longest sled run on the East Coast.  

The park has a conveyor belt, called the Magic Carpet, that carries passengers to the top of a hill.  From there, it’s a quick 1/4-mile descent to the bottom.  What an adventure!  Smiley, Stinky, and I had so much fun!  Scoop and Ashley didn’t love it, but they took advantage of the hot cocoa bar and fire while we went sledding.

West Virginia is known for having wooden “Almost Heaven” swings (pictured left) that are sprinkled throughout the state.  We hiked the short, but icy, trail that led to the swing and the gorgeous Blackwater Falls.

Next, we went back to the Canaan Valley Resort.  There was plenty of snow on the ground and the kids were dying to go sledding again.  Lucky for them, we brought along a set of roll-up sleds.  They spent hours zooming down the hills surrounding the resort.

Even Scoop had fun this go around!  What a great way to kick off our epic winter road trip!

Dining:  Canaan Valley Resort, Mama Mia Pie & Pasta
Lodging: Canaan Valley Resort

The kids glimpsing at their first blanket of REAL snow

Day Two- Gettysburg & Hershey, Pennsylvania

The kids posing with Abraham Lincoln Statue at Gettysburg

We got up early and made the 3-hour trek to Gettysburg.  Not only are we trying to visit all 50 states, but we’re also trying to hit up as many National Park Sites as possible.    

Gettysburg was the site of the bloodiest battle in US History.  The Battle of Gettysburg was a three-day battle in the American Civil War between July 1 and July 3, 1863, where an estimated 50,000 people lost their lives.  The battle is considered the turning point of the Civil War- where the odds turned from being in favor of the Confederacy to favoring the Union forces.

While we were at the Gettysburg National Military Park we:

  • Visited the Museum and Visitor Center
  • Paid our respects at the National Cemetery
  • Saw where Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address
  • Saw the battlefield

About a mile away from the famous battlefield is another National Park Site- the Eisenhower National Historic Site.  This was the home of the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and his wife, Mamie.  The home was closed for tours during our visit (tours are seasonal), but we were able to explore the grounds.  It was nice having the whole place to ourselves.

While we could have spent longer exploring Gettysburg, we had more fun on the agenda for the day so drove an hour to Hershey.

The kids exploring the battlefield at Gettysburg
The Kids at Hersheypark

Our final stop of the day was Hersheypark.  Our daughter is a total theme park junkie, so I knew we had to visit Hersheypark, a place I visited when I was about her age.  When you purchase a regular ticket to the park, you can preview the park the evening before your visit.

After checking in to our hotel, we told the kids we were going out to dinner and surprised them with a nighttime visit to Hersheypark.  They thought we were sneaking in (lol) so it made it EXTRA exciting for them.

Check out the video below for their adorable reactions!

Dining:  The Chocolate Avenue Grill
Lodging:  Holiday Inn Express, Harrisburg

Day Three- Hershey, Pennsylavania

Day three of our trip was all about Hersheypark!  Since we visited during the winter months, and on a holiday, the park had limited hours.  However, since we previewed the park the night before, we didn’t feel like we missed out on anything.

The park opened a little later that day, so we started our day at Chocolate World which is a large shop that had a few add-on experiences for visitors to enjoy.  There’s also an eatery and a free ride that tells how chocolate was made, which we rode multiple times until the park opened.

We spent the rest of the day hanging out at the theme park.  The kids had a blast on the rides!  Unfortunately, the rollercoasters were all closed due to the cold temperatures, but we made the best of it!

Later in the day, we purchased tickets for the drive-thru light show.  We slowly crept through the 2-mile trail of holiday lights.

Dining: Applebee’s
Lodging:  Holiday Inn Express, Harrisburg

Day Four- Perryville, Maryland

The next morning was Christmas Day!  We got up bright and early and drove about 90 minutes southeast to Perryville, Maryland.

Originally, I considered visiting Philadelphia after our time in Hershey, but with it being a holiday (and many places would be closed), I opted to add a day at the Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, Maryland to our itinerary, instead.  The Great Wolf Lodge is a massive, indoor waterpark and kid’s entertainment complex.  They have an arcade, bowling alley, mini golf, ropes course, and much more.  What better place to celebrate Christmas?  

Sure, it was un-traditional, but the kids had an absolute blast, and in the end, that’s all that matters!

Day Five- Pennsville, New Jersey; New Castle, Delaware; and Baltimore, Maryland

William Penn statue, New Castle, Delaware

With New Jersey and Delaware so close, we couldn’t NOT visit.  I went back and forth between visiting Camden, New Jersey, and Pennsville, New Jersey before ultimately deciding on the latter.  Although Camden had way more things to do, it was a little further away. Since we would be backtracking to Baltimore, timewise, it made more sense for us to go to Pennsville.

Pennsville is the home of Fort Mott, which is one of the very few things to do in this part of the state.  Fortunately for us, we love a good fort so our kids were thrilled to check it out!  Fort Mott is a post-Civil War outpost located on the Delaware River. There was plenty of signage for us to learn about the fort…mostly our kids just enjoyed running around with the muskets they bought in Gettysburg. 

Afterward, we drove to New Castle, Delaware.  Oh my gosh, ya’ll, it was the CUTEST colonial town!  Our first stop was the New Castle Court House, which is part of the First State National Historical Park.

At the courthouse, we learned how Delaware declared independence from Pennsylvania and Great Britain and became the first state.  We also learned about the famous Americans who once called New Castle their home.

Afterward, we strolled around the town making stops at the Historical Society, a colonial cemetery (Immanuel on the Green), the old pillory, and other key sites around the courthouse.  I seriously could have spent an entire weekend checking out this charming town.  It reminded me so much of Williamsburg, Virginia.  I guess that just gives us a reason to return!

New Castle Courthouse, First State National Historical Park

Related Post:  How to Spend a Day in New Castle, Delaware

The kids learning about the history of Fort McHenry

After a couple of hours in New Castle, we backtracked to Maryland.  We took the Fort McHenry Tunnel (our kids’ first tunnel experience) and made a pitstop at Fort McHenry.  Fort McHenry was the scene of one of the most influential battles in American History.  The Battle of Baltimore was a conflict between the British and the Americans during the War of 1812.  The battle was a turning point in the war.  After the British invaded DC (and torched it!), they headed north to Baltimore.

The Brits pounded Fort McHenry for 25 hours, but the Americans were able to defend their brick fortress successfully.  From this point on, the Americans had the upper hand during the war.

During the battle, Maryland native Francis Scott Key witnessed the chaos at the fort from afar.  At dawn, he looked out and saw a large American Flag waving over the fort, which inspired him to write a poem that would later become our national anthem.

We really enjoyed the National Park’s Junior Ranger Program.  It was a great way for the kids to learn what happened at Fort McHenry.  They completed several different activities in an activity book and earned a Junior Ranger badge for their efforts.

By the time we finished with the fort, it was about 4 PM.  We planned to check in to our hotel and walk around the Baltimore Harbor.  However, after driving around, we realized that might not be the safest idea.  We noticed an increase in police presence, including 2 armed guards at Chick-fil-A.  It turns out, the harbor becomes a totally different place at night.  We took our dinner to go and walked back to the hotel to hunker down for the evening.

Dining: Chick-fil-A
Lodging: Staybridge Suites- Baltimore Inner Harbor

Map of the National Mall

Day Six- Washington, DC

The kiddos learning about the slave trade at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

On the final day of our Mason-Dixon Road Trip, we drove south to Washington, DC. DC is our kiddos’ favorite city to explore, so since we were in the area, we just HAD to make a pitstop.

On our last visit, we spent 4 days exploring the capital. This time, I wanted to hit some of the
sites we didn’t get to see last time.

We started our morning off at the National Museum of African American History and
Culture,  one of the newest museums in DC. The museum’s collection focuses heavily on the
slave trade, the lives of slaves, the Reconstruction Era, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Learning about this part of our nation’s history was an extremely somber (but necessary)
experience.

From there, we headed to the National Mall, also known as America’s Front Yard. The National Mall has more than 100 monuments, memorials, and museums. We started at the far end of the Mall and worked our way back toward the National Museum of African American History and
Culture.

Our first stop was the Lincoln Memorial. It was a cool spot to tie in our visit to this morning’s
museum and our time in Gettysburg (the monument has the Gettysburg address engraved in it).

The Lincoln Memorial

Related Post:  5 Inspiring National Monuments Every American Should See

From there, we made our way along the north side of the National Mall. We stopped by the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Constitution Gardens, Signers’ Memorial, and the
Lockkeeper’s House. Next, we cut across to the World War II Memorial before seeing the
Washington Monument.

Our last stop of the day was National Archives where we saw the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. Although we could
have easily popped next door to the National Museum of Natural History or the National
Museum of American History, we chose to get on the road instead. We knew traffic would be
heavy and our hotel was two hours south.

Free Family Road Trip Starter Kit

🎶 Ready to hit the road with magic in the speakers?

Don’t forget to grab our FREE Family Road Trip Starter Kit — packed with printable checklists, kid-approved games, and snack ideas for your next adventure!

🎒 Includes:

  • Packing checklist

  • I Spy game

  • Travel Bingo boards

  • Snack list

  • Activity ideas

👉 Click here to download yours now!

Planning an Epic Road Trip

Now that you’ve seen how we spent 6 days traveling through West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and DC, we hope that we’ve inspired you to take your own road trip.

Here are some handy posts to help you start planning your own road trip!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference,  save our “Our 6-Day Itinerary for West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and DC.”   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Read about how you can start your own 50 State Challenge! Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

📌 Save this post to Pinterest
📸 Follow us on Instagram @5suitcases
👍 Follow us on Facebook @5suitcases
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube @5suitcases

*This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience

Categories
Favorites List Gift Guide Road Trip 101 Travel Tips

How to Survive a Road Trip with Kids: Entertainment Ideas for a Stress-Free Ride

Our kids have become road trip experts at 7, 7, and 10 years of age.  They’ve been going on long car trips for as long as they can remember.  Our standard road trips are about 7 hours long, but they’ve spent as much as 12 hours in the car. 

Since they were about 4, they have been responsible for packing their own “Adventure Bags”.  Adventure bags are backpacks full of things to keep them occupied while they’re being chauffeured around the country.  Here are our kids favorite things to pack for a road trip.

Smiley's Travel Essentials

Now that our daughter Smiley is 11, her adventure bag looks a little different than it did when she was younger.  Before she was all about drawing and coloring while we were in the car, now she’s more into playing games.

Here are our daughter’s road trip essentials:

Nintendo Switch
Road Trip Trivia
Guess in 10
Car Backseat Organizer
Origami Puzzle Game
On the Go Games
Travel Pillow
Smartest in the Car
Kanoodle

 

The Boys Travel Essentials

The twins are now 7 and are at the age where they are obsessed with video games, but they can also still entertain themselves with things like Wikki Stix, magnetic tiles, and cars.

Here are our boys road trip essentials:

Nintendo Switch
Doodle Tablets
Wikki Stix
Car Bingo
Mini Magnetic Tiles
Magnetic Men

Our Road Trip Playlist

It wouldn’t be a proper road trip without a bangin’ playlist. Head on over to Spotify to listen to our Road Trip Playlist. The playlist is full of some of our favorite jams and road trip classics.

You’ll hear everything from Jellyroll and Fall Out Boy to Taylor Swift and Queen.  There’s a little something for everybody. 

When we go on trips, we sprinkle in songs that mention the places on our itinerary.  

Road Trip Planning

Want to plan a killer road trip but you’re not quite sure where to start?  We’ve mapped out our tried and true way of planning a road trip the whole family will enjoy!

In this post, we outline:

  • How to pick a destination
  • Our research tips
  • Budgeting
  • Lodging tips
  • Our road trip essentials

Free Family Road Trip Starter Kit

🎶 Ready to hit the road with magic in the speakers?

Don’t forget to grab our FREE Family Road Trip Starter Kit — packed with printable checklists, kid-approved games, and snack ideas for your next adventure!

🎒 Includes:

  • Packing checklist

  • I Spy game

  • Travel Bingo boards

  • Snack list

  • Activity ideas

👉 Click here to download yours now!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

📌 Save this post to Pinterest
📸 Follow us on Instagram @5suitcases
👍 Follow us on Facebook @5suitcases
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube @5suitcases

*5 Suitcases is an Amazon affiliate.  If you purchase something from our website, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Categories
Favorites List Playlist Travel Tips

Ultimate Family Road Trip Playlist: 50 Best Road Trip Songs

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with the windows down, the cruise control set, and a jammin’ playlist pulsating through the speakers.  A good road trip playlist is essential for getting your vacation started on a high note.  And by high note, I mean it makes being trapped in a car with the whole family slightly more bearable.  😉

We’re heading out on a road trip soon, so I’m compiling The Ultimate Family Road Trip Playlist.  It’s a collection of bangers- both new and old.  Our family’s taste in music is all over the place: Fall Out Boy, Taylor Swift, Elton John, etc.  Our playlist includes a bit of everyone’s favorite all mixed up together.

Playing music in the car is a great way to expose your kiddos to some of your favorite songs.  Might as well start teaching them to love your favorite band from high school while they’re young.  

How to Create the Ultimate Family Road Trip Playlist:

A family road trip playlist should include a mix of songs that everyone in the family enjoys.   Our list has songs spanning 50 years of music!  Our kids have been exposed to music across all genres from the last several decades.  Try introducing your kids to Aerosmith, Elton John, or Queen.  Chances are, they’ll dig it.

Our Ultimate Family Road Trip Playlist also includes some of my favorite songs from when I was in high school.  Might as well introduce the babes to the heroes of the boyband era while they’re young, right?  Sprinkle in some BSB, *NSYNC, and Hanson and you’ll be amazed at how quickly the miles will pass by.

 There should be a combo of upbeat and slow songs to suit different moods. Oh…and they should also be songs that have high sing-along potential.

You can also include songs that are specific to the places you’re visiting.

Tips for creating the ultimate family playlist:
    • Pick a strong opener: Start the playlist with a strong song- one that everyone loves!  
    • Time the tempo: Consider the tempo of the songs. 
    • Mix it up: Include a variety of genres and songs. 
    • Avoid music that’s too chill or hyped up: Choose songs that help you stay alert and level-headed. Some good genres for driving include rock, pop, and hip-hop

On our next road trip, we’ll be driving from Florida all the way up to West Virginia.  So, I headed over to Spotify and typed “Florida” “Georgia” “South Carolina” “North Carolina” “Carolina” “Virginia” and “West Virginia” into the search bar.  You’ll be amazed at how many songs pop up!  I previewed a handful of them and added them to our Spotify playlist.  Many of these songs will be new to use, but it’ll be fun for the kids to hear the names of these states in the songs.

We’ll also be visiting Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware, so I ran a similar search.  I did the same for some of the cities we’ll be staying in.  Can you believe there’s actually a song about Hershey, Pennsylvania?  I would have never known!

50 Best Road Trip Songs

To help you get started, we’ve come up with a list of 50 of the Best Road Trip Songs to add to your playlist.  We only included 1 song by each artist- you could easily expand this list by adding more songs from these artists.  Can you ever have too much Taylor Swift on your playlist?  We don’t think so!

  1. Radioactive- Imagine Dragons
  2. Cruel Summer- Taylor Swift
  3. Shut Up and Dance- Walk The Moon
  4. Everybody Talks- Neon Trees
  5. I Want It That Way- Backstreet Boys
  6. Don’t Stop Believin’- Journey
  7. Tiny Dancer- Elton John
  8. Miles on It- Marshmello, Kane Brown
  9. Can’t Stop the Feeling- Justin Timberlake
  10. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles )- The Proclaimers
  11. Old Town Road- Lil Nas X
  12. Since U Been Gone- Kelly Clarkson
  13. Bad Guy- Billie Eilish
  14. Bohemian Rhapsody- Queen
  15. Call Me- Blondie
  16. Livin’ On a Prayer- Bon Jovi
  17. Party in the USA- Miley Cyrus
  18. Who Let the Dogs Out- Baha Men
  19. Happy- Pharrell Williams
  20. Pumped Up Kicks- Foster the People
  21. We Didn’t Start the Fire- Fall Out Boy
  22. Beautiful Things- Benson Boone
  23. Roar- Katy Perry
  24. Thunderstruck- AC/DC
  25. It’s Gonna Be Me- *NSYNC
  26. Mr. Brightside- The Killers
  27. Sunflower- Post Malone
  28. MMMBop- Hanson
  29. Born to Run- Bruce Springsteen
  30. Beautiful People- Ed Sheeran
  31. Fast Car- Tracy Chapman
  32. Life is a Highway- Tom Cochrane
  33. We’re Not Going to Take It- Twisted Sister
  34. All Star- Smashmouth
  35. On The Open Road- A Goofy Movie Soundtrack
  36. I Gotta Feeling- The Black Eyed Peas
  37. Hotel California- Eagles
  38. Here I Go Again- Whitesnake
  39. Free Fallin’- Tom Petty
  40. Shut Up and Drive- Rihanna
  41. Wagon Wheel- Darius Rucker
  42. Take Me Out- Franz Ferdinand
  43. Sucker- Jonas Brothers
  44. Come on Eileen- Dexys Midnight Runners
  45. What Makes You Beautiful- One Direction
  46. Take Me Home, Country Roads- John Denver
  47. Friends in Low Places- Garth Brooks
  48. You’ve Got a Friend in Me- Randy Newman
  49. A Bar Song- Shaboozey
  50. Surface Pressure- Plain White T’s

Road Trip Planning

Want to plan a killer road trip but you’re not quite sure where to start?  We’ve mapped out our tried and true way of planning a road trip the whole family will enjoy!

In this post, we outline:

  • How to pick a destination
  • Our research tips
  • Budgeting
  • Lodging tips
  • Our road trip essentials

Read about how you can start your own 50 State Challenge!

Free Family Road Trip Starter Kit

🎶 Ready to hit the road with magic in the speakers?

Don’t forget to grab our FREE Family Road Trip Starter Kit — packed with printable checklists, kid-approved games, and snack ideas for your next adventure!

🎒 Includes:

  • Packing checklist

  • I Spy game

  • Travel Bingo boards

  • Snack list

  • Activity ideas

👉 Click here to download yours now!

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Categories
Travel Tips United States

How to Plan a Road Trip the Whole Family Will Love

Are you at a loss of where to begin when it comes to planning a road trip?   Don’t worry, you’re not alone.  Tons of people struggle with where to begin when it comes to planning a road trip.  In this post, we’ll show you how to plan a road trip.

Road trips are one of our favorite ways to travel.  There’s nothing better than throwing your suitcases in the back of the car and hitting the open road.  Our 3 kiddos (and even our pups!) are expert road trippers.  They’ve been on countless road trips throughout Florida and all over the eastern US to places like Kentucky, Virginia, Washington DC, Alabama, and more!

Pick a Destination

Our next road trip will take us from Florida to West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and DC.  

For this trip, we put the names of all of the states the kids have yet to visit into a hat.  Each of the kids drew the name of a state.  Once we narrowed it down to 3 states, we selected one of the states at random and centered our trip around that state.

Download your state cards here!

As you can see in the reel, we selected West Virginia, which became the starting point for our Christmas trip.

While this is a super fun idea, the spontaneity of it might not be for everyone.  Consider what kind of activities your family likes to do.  Do you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities?  Consider looking into the mountains.  Are you more of a beach person or a lake person?  Do you want bustling cities or quaint towns?  Would you prefer museum hopping or shopping? Are you aiming to visit all of the National Parks?  

Time to Do Some Research

Once you pick out a destination, it’s time to do a bit of research.  For this step, I head over to my favorite blogs and the socials to see what others recommend.  Some of my favorite Facebook groups to scour are:  Visit All 50 States, US National Park Travel, Families Who Love to Travel, and Girls LOVE Travel.  I posted a question asking for suggestions of things to do for this trip and had nearly 400 responses on the post.  It was a great jumping off point for my planning!

I take each of our family members interests into consideration when I’m mapping out our trip.  For instance, when I planned our 4 day trip to Washington DC, our kids were into art, dinosaurs, and space so we went to the the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, a STEM museum called the National Children’s Museum.

Pro-Tip:  When you see a place of interest on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or the blogs save it on Google Maps!

To do so, search for a place in Google Maps, such as the Statue of Liberty.  Next to the Directions icon is a “Save” button.  Click the button and all of your saved locations will appear on a map as pictured above. 

I’ve found this incredibly helpful for trip planning.  

We established that our first stop would be the Canaan Valley Ski Resort in West Virginia.  We wanted to include winter activities in our Christmas Trip and the resort offers snow tubing, ice skating, etc.  If there isn’t real snow on the ground, the state park has fake snow, so it offers the perfect backup plan.

Pro-Tip: Always have a backup plan in case of weather, closures, or temper tantrums.

On this particular trip, we knew we wanted to tackle a few different states in our quest to visit all 50 states.  So, it was time to look at neighboring states. West Virginia is bordered by Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky.  The kids have already been to Virginia and Kentucky, so we focused on Pennsylvania and Maryland since they can easily be paired together.  Plus, our kid’s favorite city is DC, so this gave us an excuse for a return visit.

Many popular museums require you to reserve a timeslot for your visit.  While you’re researching things to do in your location of choice, be sure to make note of this. For instance, in DC many of the Smithsonian’s require you to have a timed ticket that you can reserve 30 days out.  I set a reminder on my phone or Alexa to look into tickets.

Pro-Tip:  Purchase tickets in advance whenever possible.  You’ll often have shorter lines and save money.  

Take Drive Times Into Consideration/Make Necessary Cuts

Come up with a list of things that you want to do each day.  I like to include opening and closing times in my plans, just so I have that information handy.

I also add driving and walking maps in my itinerary, whenever necessary.  For instance, when we are in DC, we typically walk or take the Metro.  So, I included a map of where I plan on parking and the walking directions for the sites we’ll slated to hit up that day.  We’ll most likely take the Metro from the Lincoln Memorial to the National Archives Museum, so I screenshotted the route info for that, as well.

Once you have a list of everything you want to do each day, it’s time to plug everything into Google Maps and assess drive times.  

Pro-Tip: Check Google Maps for drive times more than once!  Jot down the travel times and take an average to come up with a rough idea of how long it will take you to get from place to place.  You’ll be amazed at how much the drive time changes if there was an accident impacting travel time on your original search.

Be sure you factor in travel time for each day to help determine whether you need to cut things from your list of things to do.  As you can see in the image below, even though I’m obsessed with Abraham Lincoln, I decided to skip visiting the memorial site of his mother’s birthplace, and I nixed Harpers Ferry.  Despite our goal of visiting all of the National Parks with the kids, we won’t be able to dedicate much time to Harpers Ferry, so instead of rushing through it, we’ll save it for another trip.

Our plan for this particular day is to make it to Hershey, Pennsylvania by at least 6 PM.  We have tickets to Hersheypark and with our tickets, we’ll be able to access the park at 7 PM the night before and get a 2-hour preview of the park.   Since our kids are really into theme parks, we decided this was a no-brainer- sorry Harpers Ferry!

As you can see, instead of removing these sites completely from the itinerary, I simply crossed them out.  That way, if something comes up and we have extra time, these places can be a contingency plan.

Take a Look at Your Budget

Create a budget based on the length of your trip and the sights you want to see.

To do this, I jot down the name of the attraction, where it’s located, and how much it would cost for our family of 5.  At this point, I begin making cuts.  

For instance, our family only counts states that we have done something in when we add up the list of places we’ve been.  So, if we simply drive through a state, it doesn’t count (for us).  This meant we needed to do something in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey, for them to count for us.

My outline went a little something like this:

West Virginia: Ski lodge
Pennsylvania: Hersheypark, Gettysburg, Eisenhower National Historic Site, Amish Country
Maryland: Fort McHenry National Monument, Star Spangled Banner House, National Aquarium 
Delaware: New Castle Court House National Park, Old Swedes National Historic Site
New Jersey: Fort Mott, Adventure Aquarium, Diggerland USA

From a budgetary standpoint, some of these things needed to go.  Hersheypark and Diggerland are both amusement parks.  While our sons would love Diggerland USA, everyone would enjoy Hersheypark.  Financially, it didn’t make sense for us to do both, so we nixed Diggerland USA.

We plan on hitting up New Jersey, Delaware, and part of Maryland on the same day, so we needed to get crafty with our budget and time.

It would cost us $220 to do the National Aquarium in Baltimore. While that is doable, it would eat up a large chunk of our time and we wouldn’t have much time to do some of the other things we wanted to do.  So, we cut the National Aquarium.

We had another aquarium on our list, the Adventure Aquarium, in New Jersey, which would only cost us $170 to visit, as a family of 5.  Though it’s $50 cheaper than the National Aquarium, it would still take up a considerable amount of time for that day.  There’s no way we’d be able to fit in things in Maryland and Delaware if we did the aquarium, so we crossed it off our list.  That left us with visiting Fort Mott State Park, as our Jersey activity.

Decide Where You'll Stay

There are two ways to decide where you’ll stay: 1) Determine how far you’re willing to drive each day and figure out what destinations are within that parameter, or 2) Select your locations based on places you want to visit on your trip.

I tend to go with the second option.  This trip is over our Christmas Break.  Most places will be closed on Christmas Day, which limits our options.  Instead of going from Hershey, Pennsylvania to Philadelphia (where we would run into lots of things being closed), I got a little crafty and booked us a visit the the Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, Maryland.  

As much as I’d love to see all of the historical sites in Philly, spending Christmas Day at an indoor waterpark is totally a kid’s dream come true.  We could have booked the GWL in The Poconos, but visiting Maryland would add another list of states to our kid’s list.  Heading to Maryland is a win-win.

On this particular trip, we’ll be staying at 1 ski lodge, 1 Great Wolf Lodge, and 2 hotels.  For the hotels, I narrowed our options down to hotels that we accrue points for.  When I search for hotels, I always ensure they include breakfast and try to find one that includes on-site parking (which is often a challenge/next to impossible in some cities).  You should also consider what eateries are nearby and the proximity to things you want to do.

Pro-Tip:  Include your hotel confirmation plans in your itinerary, just in case.

Wrap Everything Up in a Nice Neat Package

Now that you have everything all mapped out and ready to go, it’s time to wrap everything up in a nice little package.  Your itinerary doesn’t have to be fancy, but you should have all of your notes organized and your trip outlined so that it is easy to follow.

I have a generic template that I created in Canva that I use for all of our trips.  The detailed version on the left is for me and the more simple version on the right is for the kids to follow along with.

You might notice I have a Flex Day built into our schedule.  This is just me being extra (hell the whole itinerary presentation is me being extra), but there are 3 separate plans ready for that day.  We’ll probably go with plan #2 (as seen in the picture above left).  We’ll play that day by ear but it could take us into Philly, or it could have us spending a little more time in Baltimore.  Only time will tell!

Pro-Tip:  Leave a copy of your itinerary with a loved one.

Our Road Trip Essentials

You’ll find items like these every time we pack a car for road trips.  They help keep our items tidy, organized, and most importantly- accessible.  Some things that we have found that work for us include lap desks, hooks, storage totes, tablet holders, and snack boxes.

  • Cargo Trailer
  • Bungee Cords
  • Lap Desks- these were in the video but we love this one!
  • Backpack Hooks
  •  Tablet Holder- we use these so we can adjust them to see from the third row.  If you don’t need that flexibility, these are great too!
  • Snack Boxes–  we recently started using these snack boxes on road trips and our kids love them!  Some of the things we pack into them are: trail mix, peanut butter crackers, apple chips, dried fruit (bananas, coconut, strawberries, etc.), granola bars, Nutrigrain Bars, rice cakes, fruit snacks, etc.  We used these snack boxes on our last road trip (which was about 8 hours each way) and we found that it was enough snacks for driving up and back!  Only the Nutrigrain Bars needed to be replaced.  If your kid is a big snacker, you may need to replenish it before your return trip.
  • Collapsible Cooler

Other Things to Think About...

Vehicle: Get your vehicle inspected before you hit the road.  Have your tires balanced and rotated, get an oil change, and make sure everything is good to go.

Weather/Driving Conditions: Monitor weather conditions, take breaks, and get enough sleep. You can also use cruise control to reduce fatigue

Distance: Nobody wants to spend their entire road trip in the car.  Make sure you have plenty of stops planned along the way and that these stops aren’t super far from each other.  Our longest driving day, aside from the day we drive up to West Virginia and the day we drive back to Florida, is about 4 hours.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post “How to Plan a Road Trip!”!   While you’re at it, take a look at our printable children’s travel journals, they are the perfect way to keep your kiddos entertained in the car.  Read about how you can start your own 50 State Challenge!  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Categories
Travel Tips

10 Road Trip Essentials- Things We Never Leave at Home

Road trips are our favorite way to travel!  Over the last few years, we’ve become experts at tossing our road trip essentials in the car, packing in the kids and dogs, and hitting the open road.  With each road trip, we’ve perfected our list of road trip essentials and are ready to share everything you’ll need for the perfect road trip!

In this article, I’ll share all of our favorite road trip essentials including items you’ll want to have on hand when you’re traveling with the family.

About Our Road Trips

Our road trips typically last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours.  Whether we’re packing for the Florida Springs, a theme park, or our annual trip to Jellystone, how we pack a car for road trips is pretty much the same.  Our video (below) shows how we set up the car when we bring along our dogs, LB and Parker, as well.  

When we take family road trips, we typically take our Ford Explorer.  Every once in awhile, we’ll take our Jeep Gladiator.  On longer trips, we use our cargo trailer, which you’ll see in the video.

Our Road Trip Essentials

1.  Car Chargers

Phone chargers are #1 on our road trip essentials list for obvious reasons.  We use our phones for navigation, photos, videos, Googling information, and sharing our adventures on our social media channels.

We’ve learned to pack a handful of car chargers, tombstones, and other chargers to ensure our electronics are fully charged. 

2. Portable USB Battery

These bad boys are a total game changer for road trips!  We pack them when we’re hiking, hitting up the theme parks, or spending the day popping in and out of museums.  The portable USB batteries are a great way to keep your phone charged when you can’t be attached to an outlet.  I usually use the iWALK if we’re going to be indoors and the Solar Power Bank if we’re spending a lot of time outdoors.

3. Snacks

If it was up to my kids, this would be #1 on our list!  I swear, they like to travel just so they can experience eating snacks in different locations.  As soon as we pull in somewhere, they’re all magically hungry and need a snack.

We recently started using these snack boxes on road trips and our kids love them!  Some of the things we pack into them are: trail mix, peanut butter crackers, apple chips, dried fruit (bananas, coconut, strawberries, etc.), granola bars, Nutrigrain Bars, rice cakes, fruit snacks, etc.  We used these snack boxes on our last road trip (which was about 8 hours each way) and we found that it was enough snacks for driving up and back!  Only the Nutrigrain Bars needed to be replaced.  If your kid is a big snacker, you may need to replenish it before your return trip.

4. Cooler

Packing a cooler helps open up even more options on the snack front.  With a cooler, you’re able to enjoy cold drinks, fruit, cheeses, veggies, sandwich meats, hummus, and much more!

We prefer taking a collapsible soft cooler so that we can squish it down when it’s not in use.  However, if we’re camping, we take a hard cooler because it keeps items colder longer. 

5. Skin & Lip Protection

I don’t know if this comes from living in Florida most of my life, or if it’s a generational thing, but we’re really big on skin protection.  Whenever we travel we pack sunscreen and Chapstick to protect our skin and lips.

6. First Aid

We keep a first aid kit in our car at all times.  With 3 kids, someone is always in need of a Band-Aid!  You can purchase a pre-packaged kit or throw together your own.

Road Trip Essentials for First Aid include:

  • Bandaids
  • Gauze
  • Ace Bandage
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Tourniquet
  • Ibuprofen
  • Acetaminophen
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors

7. Emergency Kit

It’s always important to be prepared for roadside hazards, as well.  We suggest keeping a Car Emergency Safety Kit in your vehicle at all times.  You can purchase a prepackaged one, or throw your own together.

Road Trip Essentials for Road Side Emergencies include:

  • Air compressor
  • Tow Rope
  • Tire Repair Kit
  • Window breaker/seat belt cutter
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Multi-tool
  • Reflective triangle
  • LED Headlamp flashlight
  • Electrical tape
  • Bungee cords
  • Cable Ties
  • Work Gloves
  • Blanket

 

8. Water Bottle

Staying hydrated while traveling is super important. Whether you’re planning on just driving or making stops along the way to hike, you’ll need to stay hydrated.  

9. Cash

Cash?  I know what you’re thinking, “I’ll just use my card…”  If you frequent parks like we do, many of them use the honor system where you place cash inside of an envelope and leave it in a cash box.  We always keep a few dollars on hand in case we make a pit stop at an honor-system park.

10. Tissues, Napkins, and Wipes

These aren’t just necessities for moms!  Chances are, if you’re on a road trip someone is going to sneeze, spill, or need to wipe the Cheetos off of their face.  

Our Road Trip Essentials for Kids

We recently shared a blog post called, “How to Pack a Car for Road Trips- Our Set Up for a Family of 5” where we shared some of our favorite ways to keep the kids entertained on the road trip. Some of those items include:

Be sure to check out the article for a full list of our favorite road trip essentials for the kids!  

It wouldn’t be a proper road trip without a bangin’ playlist. Head on over to Spotify to listen to our Road Trip playlist!  The playlist is full of some of our favorite jams and road trip classics.

You’ll hear everything from Jellyroll and Fall Out Boy to Taylor Swift and Queen.  There’s a little something for everybody. 

When we go on trips, we sprinkle in songs that mention the places on our itinerary.  

Road Trip Planning

Want to plan a killer road trip but you’re not quite sure where to start?  We’ve mapped out our tried and true way of planning a road trip the whole family will enjoy!

In this post, we outline:

  • How to pick a destination
  • Our research tips
  • Budgeting
  • Lodging tips
  • Our road trip essentials

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

 

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

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