A road trip is a famous American vacation, which you should try at least once to see the country. Natural wonders, sightseeing, meeting new people, the food you have never tried before, and generally, enjoying the outdoors because it is the best way to make your life colorful.
This article contains some of the best destinations and tips on making your journey comfortable and joyful.
Where to begin
Preparation always consumes time, especially when you want to get a budget trip. Make up your mind about transportation, hotels, and places to visit; calculate your daily expenses per person.
Don’t forget about finding promo codes, coupons, and cashback. Use Rakuten and Ebates as examples, and ask about corporate discounts. Draw more attention to the vehicle. Is it a question of bringing your car or renting another one?
Why rent a car
Generally, your personal vehicle can be affordable only for daily use, whereas car rental provides varied cars for any road. 7 passenger van rental may be the most advantageous option if you want a roomy car with a wide range of facilities like movable seats and luggage capacity. Rent a 7-seater van to feel free and calm in a spacious auto along the way with your family, and your trip will be successful.
Things drivers should do before setting in
Sitting behind the wheel for a long time requires a lot of energy. You should follow these tips to stay active:
- Use good scents. A suitable variant is a peppermint – keep it on hand during long-distance driving and take a sniff when you feel tired. Herb’s properties reduce fatigue and increase alertness.
- Plan your stops. You will need brakes after every 2 hours to limber up.
- Stay hydrated all the time and drink plenty of water for maximum energy.
- Greasy food can make you sluggish. Take dried fruits for fast grab and healthy snacks.
Top 9 destinations for family road trips in the USA
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Rolling green hills, caves, and pure Americana atmosphere in Kentucky Cave’s Country will come as great interesting subjects for exploration. Mammoth Cave National Park hasn’t fee to enter the park, and all ground activities are free. Cave tours are also low-priced (they range from $11 to $23), so if you want a budget trip, you are welcome to try this one.
Lake Michigan Coast
Little beach towns on the eastern edge of Lake Michigan look fantastic and extraordinarily cozy. We advise you to visit Holland, Grand Haven, and Saugatuck – there are numerous lighthouses, Dutch culture, and beautiful tulips in gardens and parks. Want to have more fun? In Ludington, you can fall into a maritime history time capsule and try dune rides.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
The natural paradise for sweet tooths – a whole city is dedicated to chocolate! What’s more, here is a big amusement park with 60 sweet rides, an outdoor waterpark, and a family campground. Get a free chocolate tour at Hershey Chocolate World and enjoy it together.
Other places you should visit include Hershy Gardens and Zoo America.
Black Hills, South Dakota
Abundant wildlife, clear mountain air, and fresh wind coupled with numerous historical monuments combine pleasant and useful. Get a dose of early ages at Mammoth Site in Hot Springs and stop by the Wall Drug – here, you can purchase the souvenirs which keep a piece of Wild West in themselves and try 5 cent coffee.
Washington, D.C.

Maybe, you are looking for a cheap-but-fun destination? The national capital offers many popular positions without admission. Familiarizing your kids with the national treasures is an awesome trip idea. Library of Congress, Capitol, National Air and Space Museum, Ford’s Theater, and Pennsylvania Avenue is just the start of the large list.
Florida Keys, Florida
Relaxation is the only word to describe this place. Driving through the sunny beaches is nothing more than pure joy. But on the other hand, the active vacation will cost you nothing to organize. Unusual diving activities like excursions at the Spiegel Grove Wreck, which is nearly two football fields long, will make your journey unforgettable.
Pasadena, California

Take your little vintage trip 10 miles from LA to another little world. There is a lot of entertainment for kids and family-friendly places. In Kidspace, you can observe educational exhibits, splash arroyo, and outdoor play areas. Don’t skip the Vroman’s – it is a huge bookstore with a rich collection of books in the children’s section.
Helen, Georgia
A cozy village in Bavarian style near Atlanta is the perfect getaway for a measured weekend. Watch sunsets at the Nacoochee Mound and enjoy Horsetrough Falls’ views, where you can also trail through the pristine forest during every season – it looks great when the wildflowers in spring/summer blooming lined with the scenery or fall leave colors pop with the trees.
Portland, Maine
Charming city with cobblestone streets, marvelous shops, and astonishing restaurants. A waterfront port city is well for a quick family getaway with many things to do. The best time to visit is summer when the Fairy Fridays at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are on. Feel the local flavor and get the best experience.
Summary
Family road trips aim for fun, happy moments, and time together. Consider every destination as a part of a big journey you should try and then want to go back, again and again, every time you remember it. We wish you a safe road and an excellent trip!