Tag: ROAD TRIP

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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
Playlist

The Ultimate 40-Song Florida Road Trip Playlist for Sunshine & Vibes

One of my favorite things to do is create a road trip playlist that features songs about our destination.  If you’re heading to Florida, here’s a list of songs that talk about the Sunshine State!

Songs About Florida (Statewide Mentions)

  • “Florida” – Modest Mouse
  • “My Florida Home (Way Down Upon the Suwannee River)” – Stephen Foster
  • “Moon Over Florida” – Jerry Reed
  • “Florida!!!”- Taylor Swift & Florence Welch
  • “Floridays” – Jimmy Buffett
  • “Seminole Wind” – John Anderson
  • “Gainesville” – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Songs Mentioning Miami

  • “Miami” – Will Smith
  • “I’m in Miami Trick” – LMFAO
  • “Only in Miami” – Bette Midler
  • “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” – Billy Joel
  • “Havana Daydreamin'” – Jimmy Buffett
  • “Welcome to Miami” – Pitbull
  • “Moon Over Miami” – Eddy Duchin
  • “Miami, My Amy” –  Keith Whitley

Songs Mentioning Orlando

  • “Orlando” – Olivia Holt
  • “Orlando Breakdown” – Doc Watson
  • “Orlando” – Tony! Toni! Toné!

Songs Mentioning Jacksonville

  • “Jacksonville” – Sufjan Stevens
  • “Jacksonville Kid” – Tom T. Hall

Songs Mentioning Tampa & St. Petersburg

  • “Tampa Bay Lefty” – Jerry Jeff Walker
  • “Tampa to Tulsa” – The Jayhawks
  • “St. Pete Florida Blues” – Piedmont Four

Songs Mentioning Key West & The Florida Keys

  • “Key Largo” – Bertie Higgins
  • “Margaritaville” – Jimmy Buffett
  • “Last Mango in Paris” – Jimmy Buffett
  • “Coconut Telegraph” – Jimmy Buffett
  • “A Pirate Looks at Forty” – Jimmy Buffett
  • “Down in the Florida Keys”- Tom T. Hall

Songs Mentioning Pensacola & The Panhandle

  • “Pensacola” – Joan Osborne
  • “Down in Pensacola” – Widespread Panic
  • “Gulf Coast Highway” – Nanci Griffith
  • “Pensacola” – Deerhunter
  • “Maybe Angels”- Sheryl Crow

Songs Mentioning Tallahassee

  • “Tallahassee Lassie” – Freddy Cannon
  • “Tallahassee” – The Mountain Goats
  • “T For Texas (Blue Yodel No. 1)” – Jimmie Rodgers (Mentions Tallahassee)

Songs Mentioning Fort Lauderdale

  • “Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce”- Elvis Presley
  • “All Signs Point to Fort Lauderdale”- A Day to Remember

Songs Mentioning Gainesville

  • “City of Gainesville”- Less Than Jake
  • “Gainesville Rock City”- Less Than Jake

Planning Your Florida Road Trip

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, save our post: “40+ Songs for a Florida Road Trip Playlist”.  If you need more road trip playlist inspo, check out our Ultimate Family Road Trip Playlist!

Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. While you’re at it, follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest!

📌 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!

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Categories
Road Trip 101

Why Road Tripping with Kids is Totally Worth It

Let’s be honest—family road trips don’t usually start with a serene sunrise and a packed car full of cooperative children humming show tunes. No, they typically begin with someone asking if we really need five pairs of shoes, the baby losing their mind because you looked at them wrong, and a snack bag that somehow takes up more space than the actual luggage.
 
And yet, we do it anyway. Not just because we’re brave (though, yes, absolutely, we are warriors of the open road), but because road-tripping with kids is one of the most rewarding, hilarious, and memory-packed ways to travel as a family.
 
In this Family Road Trip 101 series, I’ll be walking you through everything you need to plan, survive, and even enjoy hitting the road with your crew. But first, let’s talk about the “why.” Why do parents pile kids into a vehicle and set off into the great unknown armed only with baby wipes, granola bars, and questionable optimism?
 
Well, friend. Let me tell you.

The Case for Chaos: Why You Should Road Trip Anyway

Sure, flights are faster, cruises have buffets, and staycations involve way fewer miles on your car. But road trips? Road trips give you something the others can’t: flexibility, spontaneity, and the chance to shout “Cows on the left!” with unbridled enthusiasm.

1. You Get to Actually See the Country

Planes may take you places, but road trips let you experience them. Want to stop at the world’s largest rocking chair? You can. Feel like detouring through a national park because someone saw a bear on TikTok? Go for it. Your itinerary is yours to bend, twist, or throw out entirely.
 
And your kids? They’ll remember the random roadside diner where you played Uno for an hour more than the airport security line or the all-inclusive resort buffet.

2. It’s a Built-In Family Bonding Machine

There’s something about long car rides that forces connection. You’re in a confined space together, with nowhere to hide from deep conversations or dad jokes. This is where spontaneous heart-to-hearts happen, where kids ask big questions about life and you realize your third grader has surprisingly strong opinions about road signs.
 
And yes, there will be bickering. But there will also be inside jokes, group singalongs, and that magical moment when everyone’s laughing so hard they can’t breathe—and you almost forget how long you’ve been in the car.
Almost.

3. It’s (Mostly) Budget-Friendly

Unless your kids have developed a sudden craving for gas station sushi, road trips are one of the most affordable ways to travel as a family. You can pack your own snacks, stay in budget motels or campgrounds, and skip expensive airfare.
 
Plus, when you save money on travel, you can splurge on meaningful experiences—like a guided cave tour, a once-in-a-lifetime zipline adventure, or a comically large gummy bear from a novelty store in Missouri.

4. The Teachable Moments Are Everywhere

From geography and history to problem-solving and patience (so much patience), road trips are a rolling classroom. Your kids will learn how to read a map, how to be flexible when plans change, and how to share the backseat without causing a diplomatic incident.
 
They’ll also see the diversity of the landscape, different ways people live, and maybe even start asking deeper questions about the world around them. Or, at the very least, they’ll learn not to underestimate your ability to make up games on the fly.

What to Expect From This Series

This isn’t just a blog series. It’s your new co-pilot (minus the ability to reach into the backseat and stop your kids from fighting over the window seat).
 
Over the coming weeks, we’ll cover:
  • How to Plan the Perfect Route (without losing your mind or your map)
  • Packing Like a Pro (or at least like someone who didn’t forget the toothbrushes)
  • Using Google Maps Like a Pro
  • Feeding the Troops (snacks, meals, and strategies for avoiding hangry outbursts)
  • Entertainment Ideas for the Long Haul (with and without screens, because let’s be real—both are useful)
  • Making the Car a (Mostly) Comfortable Place to Be
  • Budget Tips Without Killing the Vibe
  • Smart Stops and Fun Detours
  • How to Handle the Unexpected Without a Meltdown (Yours or Theirs)
  • And, of course, Why All the Chaos is Absolutely Worth It
Every post will come with practical tips, personal stories, and just enough humor to make you feel like you’re not the only one who’s had to explain to your kid why we don’t collect roadkill as souvenirs.

My Road Trip Philosophy

I’m not here to pretend every mile is magical. Road trips with kids are messy, unpredictable, and occasionally make you question your life choices. But they’re also where some of my favorite family memories were made. From impromptu dance parties at rest stops to the time we accidentally ended up at a llama farm (long story), it’s all part of the adventure.
 
The mess is the magic. The detours are the stories your kids will tell someday. And the joy is in the journey—even if that journey includes five renditions of the “Baby Shark” remix.
So whether you’re road-tripping for a weekend or crossing state lines on an epic summer trek, this series is for you.
 
Let’s hit the road, snacks in hand and expectations somewhere between “total disaster” and “best trip ever.”

Final Thought Before the First Exit

No matter what your road trip looks like—whether your kids are toddlers or teens, whether your car is spotless or full of goldfish dust—know this: You’re creating something they’ll remember.
 
And in the end, it’s not about the perfectly posed photo or the Instagram-worthy destination. It’s about the time spent together, the laughs, the lessons, and the moments in between.
 
So buckle up. Turn up the playlist. And remember: you’ve got this.
 
 
See you there, road warrior.

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!

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Categories
Itineraries Kentucky United States

4 Days in Kentucky: An EPIC Itinerary with Kids

Map of our Kentucky Itinerary

Kentucky is way more than just horses and bourbon trails, it’s a region steeped in history. In fact, Mammoth Cave holds 4,000 years of human history!  

With this itinerary, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Jesse James and Abraham Lincoln.  You’ll learn all about cave systems and Corvettes.  You’ll tour a few caves (one with an underground river you can explore by boat).  This itinerary takes you through the Kentucky countryside, past lovely farms to some lesser-known attractions the Bluegrass State has to offer.

Day One: Bowling Green, Kentucky

Did you know that Kentucky is the only place in the world that manufactures Corvettes?  Learn about the history of this muscle car and its part in American culture at the National Corvette Museum.  The museum has an excellent, interactive kids section that your kiddo will love!

Hop back in your own (less cool) car and head to the Aviation Heritage Park and Museum.  Even if the museum is closed, this spot is worth the stop!  There is an outdoor display that features several historical aircraft.

National Corvette Museum
Lost River Cave

Your last stop for the day is the Lost River Cave.  The cave was once a hideout for Jesse James, a nightclub!   The cave has an underground river beckoning you to explore it! 

Book a tour in advance for a guided walking tour/boat tour that you won’t forget!

The eco-park has a fun kids’ play space, hiking trails, mining and a butterfly garden.

If you have time, consider visiting the Kentucky Museum.

Day Two: Mammoth Cave

Today you’ll head to Mammoth Cave National Park.  Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world!  So far, about 400 miles of the cave have been mapped out…and they’re just getting started!  

Spend some time in the museum in the Visitor Center learning about the history of this monstrous cave.  

There are several different tour options available.  You should consider booking your family’s favorite in advance.  

If you have time to kill before your tour, visit the historical cemetery or explore one of the nearby trails.

Deep inside Mammoth Cave
The kids at Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave

Next, drive just a couple of miles down the road and check into Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Mammoth Cave.  Trust me, the kids are going to love this place!

Spend the day at the lake, at the pool, in the splash pad, and playing mini golf.  This place has endless amenities that your kiddos will love! 

There are different lodging options including camping and several different cabin options.

If you have extra days you can tack on to your itinerary, add them here! Book at least 3 nights her for this itinerary.

Day Three: Mammoth Cave Area

Today you’ll explore more of the Mammoth Cave Area.  Start your day by grabbing breakfast at Farmwald’s Dutch Bakery.  If you haven’t tried Amish food, you’re in for a treat!

Next, drive northeast to Kentucky Stonehenge, probably one of the quirkiest places in the whole state! 

Afterward, head back south to the charming town of Horse Cave. Your first stop is the free American Cave Museum where you can learn more about how caves are formed.

There’s a super awesome cave, Hidden River Cave, adjacent to the museum.  It’s well worth a visit if you aren’t all caved out.

Horse Cave, Kentucky

Spend the rest of the day enjoying the amenities at Jellystone.

Map of our Kentucky Itinerary

Day Four: Lincoln's Birthplace

Drive north about 40 miles through the Kentucky countryside.  Today you’ll visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park.  Traipse through the 16th President’s old stomping grounds.  Visit the memorial which holds a symbolic cabin.

Travel just 10 minutes down the road to visit Lincoln’s boyhood home.

Spend the rest of the day enjoying the amenities at Jellystone.

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!

Afterword

While this itinerary barely scratches the surface of all of the things the Bluegrass State has to offer, it’s a great start.  You can easily sprinkle in some Kentucky Bourbon Trail and equine spots to enhance your trip. 

Our family traveled to Kentucky in the summer of 2023 and visited all of the sites listed.  This is the order I wish we visited things, but since we were on a sponsored trip our actual itinerary looked a smidge different.

Staying at the Jellystone Mammoth Cave, you have built-in entertainment each afternoon.  Our kids loved the amenities that the park had to offer.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference,  save “4 Days in Kentucky; An EPIC Itinerary with Kids”  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

For more inspo for your Kentucky trip, check out 8 Totally Fun Things to Add to Your Kentucky Itinerary, 6 National Parks in Kentucky, Kentucky Stonehenge, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave.

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Categories
United States

The 50 State Challenge: A Quest to Visit Every State

A map of where I've visited (2024)

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an innate love of travel.  When I was in my early 20s, I sat down and typed out my bucket list.  The first item I jotted down was “Visit all 50 States”.  

My parents got me started on this goal when I was younger.  With them, I visited:

  • Virginia
  • New York
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Pennsylvania
  • Mississippi
  • Louisiana
  • Wisconsin
  • Florida

Although, to be quite honest, I don’t remember most of those trips. 

Once we had kids, my desire to visit all 50 states (including revisiting the ones I went to as a child) grew.  Fortunately, our kiddos love traveling just as much as I do, and they’re always down for a road trip!

We’ve been tracking our travels on 5suitcases.com since 2020. In this post, we’re finally compiling a list of where we’ve been and our progress towards visiting all 50 states.  We’ll also help you set up your own 50-State Challenge!

Most Visited States in the US:

Least Visited States in the US:

Start Your Own Quest to Visit All 50 States!

Pick Your Path

Your first step is to set a goal.  Do you want to visit all 50 states before a certain age?  Or do you want to set an open-ended goal?  This part is entirely up to you.  If you want to quest to be a true challenge, you can set a specific age for which you want to achieve this feat.  Many people select milestone ages for this, such as 50 Before 30, 50 Before 40, 50 Before 50, etc. 

50 Before 50 has a nice little ring to it, but I opted for an open-ended goal instead.   

Decide What Qualifies as "Visiting" a State

This is another fun part of planning your 50 State Challenge.  Your next task is to determine what qualifies as visiting a state.

  • Will you count a state if you drive through it?
  • Do you need to do an activity in the state to count it?
  • Do you have to spend the night in the state to mark it off your list?
  • Will you need to purchase something in the state to receive credit?
  • Do states that visit on a layover in the airport count?

We decided early on that we needed to do something in a state for it to count as visiting it.  This means that although my kids drove through Tennessee in 2023, since we didn’t do anything there, we can’t count it as one they have visited. 

We also follow the general rule that airports don’t count.

Bonus Quests

Adding a Bonus Quest to your 50 State Challenge makes it even more fun!  Consider what your interests are in this step.  

Some ideas:

  • Visit all the National Park Sites
  • Visit all of the ballparks/football stadiums
  • Run a marathon in each state
  • Hike a trail in each state

We’re trying to visit all the National Park Sites in addition to our 50 State Challenge.  This is a huge challenge considering there are more than 430 National Parks Sites!

How to Visit All 50 States

Now that you’ve nailed down how to approach the 50-State Challenge, it’s time to start planning some road trips! This is my favorite part!

Start by planning road trips that are close to home.  If you’re from Tennessee or Missouri, you’re in luck because your state shares a border with 8 other states!  If you’re from Hawaii or Alaska…this will be more challenging.  Same for our friends from Maine.

We are from Florida, which shares a border with Georgia and Alabama.  There is only one other state, Washington, which shares a border with only 2 states.

The other 45 states share a border with at least 3 states, giving them a little advantage.

Decide how far you’re willing to drive.  Our kids have been going on 6+ hour road trips since they were knee-high to a grasshopper.  Driving with them from Florida to North Carolina is a breeze.  Now that they are older, we’ve bumped our radius to 12-hour drives. This means we can cover about 800 miles in one day.

Fun Fact: The average American visits 12 states in their lifetime.

A map of the places they kids have visited (2024)

The map above shows the states our kids have visited (in red) over the last 3 years.  Based on this radius, there are 4 more states that we can road-trip to: Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Ohio.  

All the other states will take a bit more creativity, such as flying or breaking our driving up into 2 or more days.

Our kids have visited these states over a series of different road trips.  We have family in North Carolina, so we travel through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina frequently.

2022- Road trip from Florida to Virginia.  Flight to DC.
2023– Road trip from Florida to Kentucky
2024-  Road trip from Florida to Alabama.  Mason-Dixon Road Trip from Florida to West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and DC.  See our full itinerary here.

Fun Fact:  More people visit North Dakota as their 50th state than any other state!

How We Select Our Destinations

On January 1, 2024, we added a bit of spontaneity to our road trips.  We placed the names of all of the states the kids have not visited into a hat and selected one at random.  Each kid got to pull a state from the hat.  We then placed only those 3 states into a hat, and a grownup selected a state.  

The kids selected West Virginia so I quickly went to work to plan a road trip to West Virginia.  Since we were so close to Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey, we crossed those off our list, too.

While this spontaneity might not be for everyone, we love the idea and decided to make it our New Year’s tradition!  This year, the kids pulled Arizona, New Mexico, and Tennessee.  I was really hoping for New Mexico (since it is the only one from those 3 that I haven’t been to, yet), but we ended up drawing Tennessee.  Within hours, we booked flights to Tennessee.  

Download your Printable US State Cards!

Our Adventures (Thus Far!)

Alabama

We took the kids on a road trip to Alabama to visit a friend.  We visited the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site and explored Auburn University.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✅
  • Scoop ✅
  • Stinky ✅

Alaska

Ashley and I went on a cruise to Alaska with friends and family in 2017.  We hiked and visited neighboring islands via rib boat in Ketchikan, strolled around the town of Skagway, and hiked to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✖️
  • Scoop ✖️
  • Stinky ✖️

Arizona

In 2011, I flew to PHX with my mom and Nana for a West Coast road trip.  We visited Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and the Hoover Dam.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✖️
  • Smiley ✖️
  • Scoop ✖️
  • Stinky ✖️

California

On the same West Coast road trip, we hit up San Diego, La Jolla, and Calico, California.  We visited Mission San Juan Capistrano and Balboa Park.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✖️
  • Smiley ✖️
  • Scoop ✖️
  • Stinky ✖️

Delaware

One of the stops on our 2024 Mason-Dixon Road Trip was New Castle, Delaware.  We toured the historic New Castle Courthouse, an old cemetery, and the historic district.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✅
  • Scoop✅
  • Stinky ✅

Florida

We call the Sunshine State home.  Despite looking smaller on the map, Florida is huge.  It takes about 8 hours to go from northern Florida to the southernmost point in Key West and just over 5 hours to cut across the state to the western border.

We’ve spent most of our time exploring north and central Florida.  We plan on exploring more of the panhandle and Gulf Coast next.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✅
  • Scoop✅
  • Stinky ✅

Georgia

We live about 10 minutes from the Georgia border, so we visit the Peach State frequently.  

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✅
  • Scoop✅
  • Stinky ✅
A map of where I've visited (2024)

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa

Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos from my visits to these 3 states.  We lived in Illinois when I was young.  While we lived there, my parents took me to Indiana and Iowa, but I have only vague memories of the states.  Looks like I’ll have to revisit with the kids and add photos at a later time!

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✖️
  • Smiley ✖️
  • Scoop ✖️
  • Stinky ✖️

Kentucky

We visited Kentucky in 2023 on our first sponsored trip.  We visited Mammoth Cave National Park, Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace, the National Corvette Museum, and other popular attractions.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✅
  • Scoop✅
  • Stinky ✅

Louisiana

I visited Louisiana with my parents when I was a teenager.  We spent a few days exploring the Latin Quarter and the Garden District.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✖️
  • Smiley ✖️
  • Scoop ✖️
  • Stinky ✖️

Maryland

We visited Maryland in 2024 on our Mason-Dixon Road Trip.  We visited Baltimore, where we learned about the War of 1812 and the battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner at Fort McHenry.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✅
  • Scoop✅
  • Stinky ✅

Mississippi

On our road trip to Louisiana, we made a pit stop in Biloxi, Mississippi.  We spent time enjoying the beach, as a family.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✖️
  • Smiley ✖️
  • Scoop ✖️
  • Stinky ✖️

Nevada

One of my West Coast Road Trip stops was in Las Vegas, Nevada.  We hung out on The Strip and visited the Hoover Damn.

I visited Louisiana with my parents when I was a teenager.  We spent a few days exploring the Latin Quarter and the Garden District.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✖️
  • Smiley ✖️
  • Scoop ✖️
  • Stinky ✖️

New Jersey

We visited New Jersey on our 2024 Mason-Dixon Road Trip.  We stopped by Fort Mott to explore the post-Civil War fort.

I visited Louisiana with my parents when I was a teenager.  We spent a few days exploring the Latin Quarter and the Garden District.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✅
  • Scoop ✅
  • Stinky ✅

New York

My parents are both originally from New York.  Growing up, I would spend my summers staying with both sets of my grandparents in upstate New York. Over the years, I’ve explored several places, such as Niagara Falls, Syracuse, and the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✖️
  • Smiley ✖️
  • Scoop ✖️
  • Stinky ✖️

North Carolina

Fun Fact:  North Carolina was the first state our kids visited outside of Florida!  It is also Ashley’s birth state.

Ashley and I have family in Western North Carolina, so we visit often.  

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✅
  • Scoop ✅
  • Stinky ✅

Ohio

It’s been nearly 20 years since my last visit to Ohio, and I haven’t stumbled across any photos.  I was supposed to visit again in 2024, but my trip got canceled.  I’m sure we’ll make the trip with the kids sometime.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✖️
  • Smiley ✖️
  • Scoop ✖️
  • Stinky ✖️

Pennsylvania

I’ve visited Pennsylvania on numerous occasions.  My most recent trip was with the kids in 2024.  We visited Gettysburg, Eisenhower’s Home, and Hersheypark.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✅
  • Scoop ✅
  • Stinky ✅

South Carolina

South Carolina is another state that we have visited countless times.  Some of our favorite places to explore are Charleston, Beaufort, and Congaree National Park.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✅
  • Scoop ✅
  • Stinky ✅

Tennessee

Despite having visited Tennessee many times, I don’t have any photos from my trips.  We are flying to the Volunteer State for Thanksgiving this year so the kids can cross it off their list.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✖️
  • Scoop ✖️
  • Stinky ✖️

Virginia

Fun Fact:  I was born in Virginia!

The kids have now visited Virginia twice.  Our favorite trip took us to Williamsburg, where we got to see, firsthand, what life was like during colonial times.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✅
  • Scoop ✅
  • Stinky ✅

Washington

Ashley and I spent some time in Seattle before our 2017 Alaskan cruise.  

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✖️
  • Scoop ✖️
  • Stinky ✖️

West Virginia

In 2024, we took the kids to West Virginia, where they experienced real snow for the very first time!  We went sledding on the longest sled run on the East Coast and spent some time at Blackwater Falls State Park.

Fun Fact: 2 weeks after they saw snow for the first time, it snowed at our home in Florida!  It was the first time it has snowed here since 1989.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✅
  • Smiley ✅
  • Scoop ✅
  • Stinky ✅
  • Blackwater Falls State Park: Home to the Longest Sled Run on the East Coast

Wisconsin

Wisconsin is another state I visited when I was younger.  I honestly don’t have any recollection of visiting…so I almost can’t even count it.  Looks like I’ll have to make new memories with the kiddos when we go.

  • Elle ✅
  • Ashley ✖️
  • Smiley ✖️
  • Scoop ✖️
  • Stinky ✖️

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
Europe Iceland Itineraries

How to Experience the Best Iceland Has to Offer in 8 Days: An Itinerary

Bruarfoss

Our trip to Iceland was, hands down, the most incredible experience of my life.  The 8-day trip, touring the Ring Road, was the perfect way to celebrate my 40th birthday.  During the week, we visited countless waterfalls, snorkeled between the tectonic plates, and explored the gorgeous countryside.  To summarize our trip in one word, it was unbelievable. 

I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I said, “Wow!” on our trip.  Every time we turned a corner, my jaw dropped to the floor.  Iceland is truly the most beautiful place I’ve ever experienced.  I would love for you to have a similar experience, so I’m sharing our jam-packed 8-day itinerary of Iceland.  

Below, you’ll find our 8-day itinerary that took us all around the Ring Road.  Each day, I’ve included suggestions of things for you to do, what we did, where we stayed, and what we ate.  To help keep the article as brief as possible, I didn’t go into a ton of detail about each stop, but there are links embedded throughout the post that will help you learn more about what we saw, what we did, and where we stayed.  We hope that sharing this information with you will help you plan for what will surely be one of the most incredible adventures of your life!

Rainbow Road, Reykjavik

Day One: Arrive in Iceland

When we arrived in Iceland, I was underwhelmed.  The airport, located in Keflavik, is on a peninsula in the western part of Iceland.  This is the least attractive part of Iceland.  Don’t worry: it gets better!  Much better.

Your first stop is the Blue Lagoon.  What better way to unwind after a long flight than by relaxing in a geothermal pool?  Stop by the mud mask bar (or the regular bar) to enhance your experience.

Related Post:  Visiting a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland for Newbies

After you’ve been rejuvenated at the spa, it’s time to head into the city.  In Reykjavik, you’ll find plenty of places to explore.

You can spend the rest of the day:

  • Walking along the harbor (start at the Sun Voyager Statue and make your way to the Harpa Concert Hall)
  • Shopping on Laugavegur 
  • Stopping by the Penis Museum
  • Snap a selfie at the Rainbow Street
  • Join a walking tour
  • Go into the tower of Hallgrímskirkja (Iceland’s tallest church)

Suggested lodging:  Sand Hotel by Kea Hotels
Suggested Eateries: Rossopomodoro (Italian), BrewDog Reykjavik, Ísbúðin litla Valdís (ice cream), Sandholt (bakery)

Our Experience

We arrived at the airport early in the morning and picked up our rental car.  We immediately went to the Blue Lagoon where we had reservations to enjoy the lagoon.  Our package came with a total of 4 different masks and 2 beverages.  Despite the early hour, we grabbed some local beer to try while we indulged in the masks.

We spent about 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon before showering off, getting dressed, and driving to Reykjavik.  Our post on the Blue Lagoon goes into detail about the various packages and what you can expect at the lagoon.

The drive to Reykjavik was a breeze.  We quickly found a parking garage near Harpa Concert Hall (Arnarhóll, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland) and set out to explore the harbor area.  Our first stop was the Penis Museum which…was…interesting.   

Next, we walked to the Harpa Concert Hall.  We stepped inside to marvel at the incredible glass structure.  We walked along the seawall down to the Sun Voyager sculpture. 

Realizing we were close to our hotel, we walked that way and checked in.  Our hotel was surrounded by a bunch of shops, so after dropping off our luggage, we did a bit of shopping. We stopped by the iconic Rainbow Road before grabbing dinner and calling it a night.

Day Two: Golden Circle

You better double up on your caffeine this morning, today’s going to be a busy day!  Say “Bless” (goodbye) to Reykjavik and drive to the Golden Circle.  Your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, one of the most important sites in Icelandic History. 

Suggestions for Thingvellir: 

I cannot emphasize how awesome snorkeling between the tectonic plates was!  I was nervous leading up to the experience, but oh man, all that anxiety was worth it.  It was such a magical experience!

Next, you’ll head deeper into the Golden Circle, heading towards Vik on the southern coast.  There are several places you can stop along the way, including Geysir, Brúarhlöð, Secret Lagoon, Kerid Crater, and Laugarvatn Fontana (to make geothermal bread). 

Our stops included:

Suggested Lodging: Black Beach Suites

Pro Tip: If you have an extra day that you can tack on to your trip, this is an excellent place to do it.  We missed a lot of things in the Golden Circle because we only had 1 day in this region.

Our Experience

Our first stop was Thingvellir National Park.  We were in the park by 9:15, which ended up being perfect.  Had we gotten there any later, we would have had to nix a few things later in the day due to time constraints.

I really wish we had more time to spend exploring the Golden Circle.  Had we not spent as much time as we did at Thingvellir National Park, we would have been able to squeeze more in.  However, we booked a 12:00 tour to snorkel between the tectonic plates at Silfra that lasted about 3.5 hours.

If you skip the snorkel tour (don’t), you’ll have time to squeeze in a few extra things like Brúarhlöð, Secret Lagoon, Kerid Crater, and Laugarvatn Fontana. 

Snorkeling Silfra at Thingvellir National Park

We got on the road around 4 to visit Geysir Geothermal Area.  It was kind of neat to see the OG Geysir (this is the natural phenomenon where all other geysers get their name), but after seeing it erupt once or twice…you can pretty much just move on.

Iceland is home to thousands of waterfalls.  As we made our way down to Vik, we passed tons of them.  We made pitstops at some of them; Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Kvernufoss.

One of the benefits of visiting Iceland in the summer is the extremely long days. Take a guess at what time it is in the photo above.  I’ll reveal the time in just a minute.

Our last stop of the day was Skogafoss, one of the more popular waterfalls along the route.  What’s neat about Skogafoss is that it is 1) close to the parking lot, so it’s easy to access and 2) you get the view the waterfall from the base of it.  You can literally feel the spray from the falls hit your face or dip your toes in the pool at the base of the fall.  

What many people don’t realize is that there’s another (perhaps even more incredible) waterfall right next door!  Kvernufoss (pictured above) was my favorite waterfall in all of Iceland!  Not only can you view it from below, but you can also walk behind the waterfall!  When we visited, there were several sheep grazing along the trail leading to the waterfall.  It was a really neat experience.

And now…to answer the question…the photo above was taken at 10:48 PM!

Our hotel was about 30 minutes east of Kvernufoss, which meant we didn’t get in until about midnight, which made for a really long day. If I were to do this itinerary again, I’d tack on an extra day at Black Beach Suites and backtrack to Gljufrabui, Seljavallalaug swimming pool, Skogafoss, and Kvernufoss. We also didn’t get to visit the famous Reynisfjara Beach, which is right near the hotel, so I’d add that on, as well.

Day Three: Southeastern Coast

Today is all about ice!  Book a tour of the Katla Ice Cave.  The cave is everchanging, so  each visit/tour is a unique experience.  You’ll start your tour with a walk through a lava field before arriving at an ice cave.  Your guide will lead your group across a series of planks and into the ice cave.  It’s a pretty cool experience!

Afterward, drive to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park.  Here, you’ll embark on one of the most incredible hikes we experienced on the trip: the trek to Svartifoss.

From Vatnajökull National Park, you’ll continue east to the world-famous Diamond Beach.

Suggested Lodging: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Suggested Eateries: The Soup Company, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Our Experience

After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we drove 10 minutes down the road to the meeting spot for our tour.  We were escorted in a Superjeep through an old lava field to the base of the ice cave.  After a safety briefing and an overview of our equipment, we followed our guide into the Katla Ice Cave.  

Walking on ice, and using crampons, was new for us Florida girls, but once we adjusted we had a great time.  It was neat to hear the Icelandic folklore about the cave, and the science behind how it was formed.  Because it is constantly melting/freezing, the cave is continuously changing.  No two tours experience the same cave.  In fact, the entrance to the cave changes every couple of years due to this process.

Our next stop was probably the most challenging/exhilarating part of our entire trip.  Yes….it beats snorkeling between the tectonic plates in freezing cold water and exploring an ice cave.  The hike to Svartifoss is one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.

Now hear me out…the hike itself was about 2 miles round trip (1 mile in and 1 mile back), but man, was it tough. It probably didn’t help that I had an asthma attack before we even started our hike.  I’ve read several people’s accounts of the hike, and most have said it’s an easy/moderate hike.  They’re all damn liars.  I’mma keep it real with you.  The hike was tough.  And that’s not just because I’m 40 and overweight, I saw many people struggle.  Hell, Ashley didn’t even end up finishing the hike.  She went back to the car while I finished it solo.

Much of the trail is uphill and the trail is rather steep.  What made things worse was that we were all layered up from our ice-cave experience, so despite the fact it was less than 60 degrees (15 degrees Celcius), it was hot as hell.  Like, to the point where I stripped down to my undies on the trail and removed a couple of layers.  

Arriving at the waterfall, marveling at the hexagonal columns, and cooling off with the refreshing water made the trip so incredibly worth it.  I’m glad that I toughed it out!

After meeting Ashley back at the car we drove about 45 minutes east to Diamond Beach.  The beach was beautiful.  The contrast between the black sand and the crystal-clear ice was stunning.  

Our hotel was about 20 minutes west of the Glacier Lagoon, so we had to backtrack a little, but it wasn’t a huge deal.

When we arrived at the hotel, we reserved a time for the sauna and made dinner reservations.  Dinner was scrumptious- one of the best we had in Iceland!

Day Four: The East Coast

Today will be your first long driving day. Don’t worry, it’s an incredibly scenic ride.  At times you’ll be hugging the coastline high up in the mountains.  Oh, and I should probably mention that the Icelandics don’t believe in guardrails.  

The drive is about 4.5 hours.  We didn’t make any stops along the way, aside from a few unnamed roadside waterfalls (which you’ll find plenty of). 

In Egilsstaðir, you can:

  • Visit the East Iceland Heritage Museum
  • Hike to Fardagafoss
  • Scope out Heavier Mountain
  • Hike to Gufu Waterfall

Suggested Lodging: Hotel 1001 Nott
Suggested Eateries: Askur Pizzeria 

Our Experience

The drive up to Egilsstaðir was absolutely breathtaking.  Could this be my favorite corner of Iceland?  Our four-hour journey took us along a windy path tracing the Icelandic coast. We zoomed through tunnels, scaled mountains, and passed through charming little villages.  One interesting thing about Iceland is that the 820-mile long Ring Road doesn’t have any guard rails.  There were times when the road was dangerously close to a cliff, and there was nothing to stop you from going over.

We didn’t make any stops along the way, choosing instead to take in the beauty of the countryside.  Since we missed out on the amenities at our previous hotel, we wanted to take advantage of the ones at today’s hotel.  We got checked into the hotel, and within 10 minutes, we were in the hot tub.

We didn’t have any big plans for the day, so we each went online to find things to do in the area.  Ashley found a reindeer sculpture and a waterfall for us to check out.  

The hike to the waterfall, Fardagafoss, was easy.  I’m glad we had waterproof hiking boots because we had to cross a little creek a couple of times to get to the falls.  

Leading up to our trip, I saw countless photos of women posing topless in front of waterfalls.  So, there, in the light rain, with no one else around, I started removing layers of clothes until I was exposed.  You’ll have to DM me for that pic (LOL kiddddddinnnnnngggg……).

Each morning of our trip, I’d grab fruit from our hotel and bring it with us in hopes of running into some of Iceland’s famous horses.  We passed a least 14,249,843,216 sheep along the Ring Road, but we had yet to see any Icelandic horses.  It turns out the sheep wanted nothing to do with me, so I was holding on to the hope of seeing the horses.

Today was finally my chance to feed Icelandic horses!  Near our hotel, there was a pasture with horses practically begging me for a treat.

I should probably note that I’m not really a horse person.  My only real experience with horses was horseback riding in St. Maarten and that ended with me being covered in horseshit.  But that’s a story for another time.  

The horses were gorgeous!  But man, was a a bit intimated by them.  I approached them cautiously, and after dropping the apple about 46 times, I was finally able to feed one.  Lemme tell you, feeding apples to a horse is nothing like feeding apples to my labrador.  

Day Five: The Northeastern Coast

Today, you’ll make your way from Egilsstaðir to Akureyri, the capital of the north.  It’ll be a busy day, so you’ll want to get on the road early.

There are plenty of places that you can stop along your way, including:

  • Dettifoss waterfall
  • Lake Mývatn
  • Mývatn Hot Baths
  • Husavik
  • Godafoss
  • Akureyri

Husavik and Akureyri are both well-known for their whale-watching opportunities.  Consider booking a whale-watching tour.

Suggested Lodging: Hotel Kea
Suggested Eateries:  Húsavík öl Brewery, Restaurant Salka

Whale Watching in Husavik

Our Experience

 The tricky thing about booking tours in Iceland is ensuring you have enough time to get from Point A to Point B.  Everything is pretty spread apart, so you have to account for the drive time.  In addition, if there is any kind of accident on the Ring Road you’re pretty much screwed because it’s just a two lane road.  The weather in Iceland is also unpredictable and constantly changing, so it’s always best to give yourself plenty of time to get somewhere.

We had a 3:00 whale-watching tour in Husavik, a 3-hour drive from Hotel 1001 Nott. We were on the road by 8:30, battling the rain as we headed north.  

Whale Watching in Husavik

Our first stop was a trio of waterfalls called Hafragilsfoss, Dettifoss, and Sellfoss.    Dettifoss is the second most powerful waterfall in Europe.  The hike to both falls was a breeze and a welcome break from being in the car.  It was a great stop!

Next, we made a pit stop in the Lake Mývatn area.  Honestly, I don’t see the hype behind this region. Mývatn is a volcanic lake with some geothermal hotspots.  Don’t get me wrong, the lake is pretty, but we didn’t end up lingering in the area.  Instead, we chose to continue making our way up to Husavik.

Husavik made up for everything that Mývatn lacked. Husavik is renowned as being the whale watching capital of the north.  It’s a charming, busy little town filled with vibrant restaurants, bustling shops, breweries, and impressive views.  

After a quick picnic lunch along the shore, we set out to explore Husavik on foot.  We stopped by the old Husavik Wooden Church and grabbed drinks at Húsavík öl, a small brewery. 

While at the brewery, we noticed a Pride Parade was kicking off outside.  We downed our drinks and joined in on the fun.  After exploring the town (via the parade route), we made our way to the port, where we met up with our whale-watching guide.  

We were outfitted with gear and given a brief rundown of what to expect before we headed out on the rib boat.  Our guide scanned the horizon, looking for the spray of a humpback.  As soon as he spotted it, the captain would race in the direction of the whale(s). We chased whales for well over an hour, anxiously hoping one of them would jump out of the water. 

We grabbed dinner at a local restaurant before heading to our hotel in Akureyri.

Húsavík Wooden Church

Day Six: Akureyri & The Troll Peninsula

You’ll spend day six exploring Akureyri, the capital of the north, before driving west to Siglufjordur.

While in Akureyri, you may want to:

  • Stroll through the Akureyri Botanical Garden
  • Soak in the Akureyri Geothermal Pool
  • Browse the Christmas House
  • Visit the Home of writer Jon Sveinsson
  • Go horseback riding

Suggested Lodging: Siglo Hotel by Keahotels
Suggested Eateries: Seagull 67 Brewery, Torgid Restaurant

Akureyri Rainbow Stairs

Our Experience

We learned early on into our trip that we enjoyed the Icelandic countryside more than we did the towns, so we didn’t spend too much time in Akureyri.  Our hotel was off the main shopping thoroughfare, so we spent some time popping in and out of the shops and walking along the waterfront.  

Our favorite part of Akureyri was the stunning botanical garden.  The park is home to more than 7,000 different plant species, which is pretty impressive considering how harsh the Icelandic weather can be.  We spent well over an hour strolling through the beautiful free garden before getting on the road to Siglufjörður.  

Fortunately, today’s drive was the shortest one yet!  Our hotels were only 70 minutes apart, so we arrived in no time. 

It turns out that Siglufjörður is an incredibly sleepy town on Sunday mornings.  Since it was too early for us to check into the hotel, we hopped back in the car and drove to the town of, Hofsos.

Akureyri Botanical Garden
Hofsos Geothermal Pool

Hofsos is known for 3 things: the cute church with a blue roof, the Staðarbjörg basalt columns that plummet into the sea, and the geothermal pool.  Ashley didn’t want to get wet and deal with the wind, so she read near the pool while I took a dip.  The warm weather was incredibly relaxing.  I loved being able to look out at the sea from the infinity pool.

One of my favorite things about Icelanders is that they have a folktale for everything! Every waterfall and every landmark has a story behind it.  The basalt columns are no different.  

The story goes that a group of trolls were building a bridge or a fortress along the coastline. While they were working, they were caught by the rising sun, which turned them—and their unfinished construction—into stone. This explains the eerie, geometric appearance of the columns, as if they were carefully crafted but never completed.

Staðarbjörg basalt columns
Siglufjörður

Back in Siglufjörður, we walked along the harbor.  We visited the newly erected sculpture, “The Herring Girl,” and enjoyed dinner at Torgid.  After exploring the small fishing village, we checked into our hotel and took advantage of the hotel’s hot tub and sauna.  It was refreshing to have a day to relax and take it easy, especially since many of our days involved quite a bit of driving.

Day Seven: The West Coast

If you have an extra day, you could tack on time in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula here.

Today, you’ll start making your way back down to Reykjavik.  It’s about a 5-hour jaunt from the northern coast to the capital city.  

Along the way, you can stop at:

  • Kolugljufur Canyon
  • Grabrok
  • Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
  • Krauma Health Spa
  • Hraunfossar
  • Barnafoss
  • The Cave Vidgelmir
  • Selgil Hot Spring

Our Experience

Today we traveled south down the west coast and began our journey back home.  Our first stop was the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring.  Deildartunguhver is known as the highest-flow hot spring in Europe, producing around 180 liters (47 gallons) of boiling water per second at a temperature of about 97°C (207°F).  It was kind of neat to see the bubbling hot water shooting from the Earth’s crust.

While we were there, I tried something I hadn’t eaten in about 35 years…a hot dog.   Leading up to our trip, I kept reading about how incredible Icelandic hot dogs are.  Hot dogs have always grossed me out, so I nixed the idea of trying one.  While we were at the spring, Ashley spotted a food truck that sold hot dogs, so she grabbed one.

Deildartunguhver Hot Spring

I cautiously grabbed the hot dog from her and took a little nibble.  It wasn’t horrible.  The rémoulade that it was served with had a bit too much mustard for my liking, but I tried it.  And for me, that’s huge. 

Hraunfossar

20 minutes down the road, we made a stop at Hraunfossar.  Hraunfossar is unique in that it doesn’t flow from a river.  Instead, the water comes pouring out of a lava field before cascading down to the river.  It’s a pretty cool sight and well worth the stop.

If you make the pit stop, make sure you walk over to the neighboring waterfall, Barnafoss, as well.

In retrospect, I wish we had visited The Cave Vidgelmir while we were in the area instead of heading down to the city.  Vidgelmir is Iceland’s largest lava cave.  

 

Instead, we drove the rest of the way to Reykavik, where we shopped and looked for souvenirs to bring home to our loved ones.

Day Eight: Reykjavik to Keflavik

Today’s plans depend on your departure time. 

You could:

  • Explore more of the city
  • Spend some time at a geothermal pool
  • Relax at the Blue Lagoon,
  • Tour the Reykjanes Peninsula
  • Sleep in

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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.

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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!

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