A grand vacation is not the only way to create lasting memories with your family. Sometimes, it is the journey to the destination that leaves the greatest impact on your time together. Road trips are a fun way to incorporate the best of both worlds– adventure and pleasure.
Moments of Magic Travel agent Kristin Smith is an expert in magical destinations but also in making the trip there an enjoyable one.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s 100 miles or 1000 miles–location does not determine the joy in a destination, and my goal is to help create those moments for families, whether it’s in our backyard or across the country, land or sea,” she said.
Within her own family, she has experienced the joy of road trips and compiled valuable lessons to help other families plan their ideal vacations.
Some of her recommendations for nearby destinations include Omaha, Branson, St. Louis and Des Moines. These cities offer family-friendly activities with zoos, kids museums, and sports teams. By adding a few hundred miles to your radius, Smith highly recommends Eureka Springs, Arkansas and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“Eureka Springs is quirky, fun and unexpected for everyone. Nature is woven into the town and there are no big box stores, which makes it unique to me. I like Tulsa because it’s easy to navigate, artsy and gives a low pressure city vibe. This is a good option for a city vacation,” she informed.
For multiple days of car travel, Smith has planned vacations for families near Buffalo National River, Indiana Dunes National Park, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City and the Black Hills of South Dakota.
“Black Hills offers national landmarks, wildlife and outdoor adventure. This trip is definitely for the active family that wants to be on the go for their vacation,” she said. “I’m currently helping a Missouri family plan a trip to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. Last year, they booked a trip to Montana through South Dakota.”
Choosing a reliable travel agent can make road trip planning an easy, enjoyable experience. Smith provides support from the beginning stages of planning until the moment you arrive home. Even down to the details, she researches everything about your ideal location from restaurants and operational hours to how it fits into your travel schedule. Ultimately, she wants to customize a trip that fits your family best.
“Every family enjoys their vacation differently, and it’s important your planner listens to your requests and interests,” she said.
Practical Tips for Planning a Roadtrip
1. Pick a place that has a variety of activities and allow for downtime. The drive time should reflect the age of your children.
2. Pick one WOW moment that they will remember. Not every day has to be packed full of big moments. Focus your time and money into one incredible experience that your kids will talk about for years to come.
3. Pack a go bin that has everything you might need handy. (Wipes, trashbags, extra clothes for young kids and snacks)
4. Set realistic expectations. Plan ahead for the busy season, traffic (try to miss rush hour) or weather (being prepared for any weather you may experience) is huge. Shift your mindset when you hit a snag. Roll with it mentality.
5. Strategically plan stops and time out departures. If you know where you are going to eat it makes it less hectic. Even better packing a picnic to be able to stop when everyone is hungry to beat the hangry phase! Stop before you think you need to.
It doesn’t matter if it’s 100 miles or 1000 miles.