Growing up in Guatemala, some of my most treasured memories were from road trips with my family. I still remember the excitement of piling into the car, the windows rolled down, singing songs with my siblings, and marveling at the changing landscapes. Those road trips weren’t just about reaching a destination – they were about the adventure, the laughter, and the little moments in between. Now, as a parent, I want to create those same magical memories for my own kids.
I love that we’ve already been to so many places where we’ve created so many memories. From exploring the cobblestone streets of Antigua to watching the sunset on the Gulf Coast, each trip has its own special place in my heart. One of the most peaceful family getaways we’ve had was to the Outer Banks in North Carolina — wide open beaches, wild horses, and quiet mornings made it unforgettable. We stayed in a vacation rental that felt like a home away from home, and it made all the difference. If you’re planning a visit, First Flight Rentals offer a cozy, local experience that really lets you soak in the area’s natural charm.
However I’ve learned that while road trips with kids can be fun, they also come with their challenges. From boredom and meltdowns to packing woes and unpredictable detours, a lot can go wrong. But with a little planning and a lot of flexibility, road trips can become your favorite way to travel as a family.
Here are my top tips (learned from experience!) for making your next family road trip a memorable and stress-free adventure:
Plan Fun Stops Along the Way
I used to think the goal was to get to the destination as fast as possible. But I’ve learned that one of the best parts of road-tripping is discovering hidden gems along the way. Now, we always plan a few interesting stops. Whether it’s a quirky roadside attraction, a scenic overlook, or a playground where the kids can run around, these little breaks help break up the drive and make the journey feel like part of the vacation.
If you’re looking for ways to make those breaks even more fun, consider trying out some road trip games to keep everyone entertained.
Choose Kid-Friendly Accommodations
After hours in the car, everyone is tired and cranky. Trust me, the place you stay matters. We always look for accommodations that offer a little something extra for the kids – like pools, game rooms, or being right on the beach.
During one of our trips to Myrtle Beach, we stayed at Hotel BLUE. The kids were obsessed with the lazy river and the beachfront pool. It was so relaxing for us to be able to sit on the balcony with a view of the ocean while the kids splashed around and had fun.
3. Embrace Nature and Unplug Together
I love finding places where we can slow down and connect as a family. One of our favorite stops recently was The Pines at West Bay in Panama City Beach. It was peaceful and surrounded by nature, which gave us the perfect setting to unwind. Even though it was close to local attractions, it felt like a quiet retreat. The kids explored the trails while we enjoyed our morning coffee on the porch.
Pack Like a Pro
Packing for a road trip with kids is an art form. You don’t want to overpack, but you also don’t want to be caught without the essentials. Over the years, I’ve learned to keep a bin in the backseat stocked with snacks, water, wipes, small toys, a first-aid kit, and some plastic bags (for trash or emergency messes). I also pack a small bag for each child with their favorite books, games, and a cozy blanket.
If you’re planning to enjoy meals outdoors, don’t forget to bring supplies from your favorite picnic ideas list to make it more special.
Entertainment is Everything
Long drives can feel even longer if the kids are bored. We always bring a mix of activities to keep them engaged. Audiobooks are our favorite – we choose a series that we can all enjoy and listen to it together. I also keep a playlist of road trip songs that we all sing along to.
For screen time, we try to keep it limited, but having a few downloaded shows or games on a tablet has been a lifesaver more than once. Don’t forget the headphones!
And if you want to make your road trip more educational without it feeling like school, check out these tips for making road trips educational for kids.
Choose Vacation Rentals for Longer Trips
When we’re traveling with extended family or planning to stay in one spot for a few days, vacation rentals are our go-to. Having a kitchen, extra bedrooms, and a living space makes a huge difference. It gives everyone room to breathe and space to relax.
We once booked a stay with Harris Vacations in Gulf Shores for a beach getaway near the Alabama Gulf Coast. It was one of our most relaxing vacations. The house was spacious, with ocean views and direct beach access. We grilled dinner, watched the sunset from the deck, and spent hours at the beach with no schedule to rush us. If you’re heading that way, I highly recommend it – they have so many family-friendly options.
If you’re heading to Orlando instead, we’ve loved staying in the spacious Reunion Resort vacation rentals in Orlando – perfect for family groups and full of kid-friendly amenities.
Make Mealtimes Easy
One thing I’ve learned is to not get too ambitious with meals during road trips. We usually do a mix of picnics, local diners, and cooking in our vacation rental. I pack a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and snacks, and we plan at least one fun food stop each day.
Be Flexible
Things will not always go according to plan. There will be traffic jams, spills, detours, and maybe even a forgotten stuffed animal. I’ve had to learn to let go of perfection and embrace the messy, spontaneous moments. Sometimes those detours lead to the best memories.
If you want to avoid common issues, be sure to read these things not to do on a road trip so you’re ready for anything.
Create Traditions
One of the most beautiful parts of family travel is the traditions that form. For us, we always start our road trips with a stop at the same gas station for special treats. We also keep a travel journal where everyone writes or draws something from the day. These little routines make the trips feel even more special.
If you’re planning a beach road trip, we’ve got some tips for a beach road trip that make it even more fun and memorable.
Focus on Connection, Not Just the Destination
In the end, what matters most is the time we spend together. I want my kids to look back on these trips and remember how we laughed, explored, and simply enjoyed each other’s company.
Whether you’re headed to the beach, the mountains, or just exploring nearby towns, road trips with kids can be an incredible way to bond as a family and create memories that last a lifetime.
And if you’re hoping to make those moments stick in your kids’ memory, check out some tips for making road trips unforgettable.
So pack your bags, load up the car, and hit the road – adventure awaits!
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
