Summer’s here, and we know what that means… the family cross country road trip is just around the corner! We’ve put together some cross country road trip tips for families hitting the open road this summer. Gone are the days when road trip games like eye-spy were all you had to keep the kids busy!
Whether this is your first family road trip or the whole family are seasoned pros, keeping every member in the backseat happy is the key to a successful cross country road trip.
Yes, electronic devices can keep the kids occupied for a while, but Interstate WiFi signals can fade faster than your patience.
This year take the kids to the library before you leave. Get them to grab some books, and while they’re there, research road trip games that are both fun and educational. Games such as Rhyme Time and Road Sign Scavenger Hunt are great for challenging young minds. For those with older kids, Mad Libs is an excellent game to improve their vocabulary and keep them engaged while you’re freeway bound.
Car-friendly card games can also be invaluable. Games like Uno, Dobble, and Sushi Go are also a perfect distraction as you clock up the miles.
Planning a road trip with a variety of entertainment options is essential. Kids can bury their heads in a book or three or join you in playing the universally enjoyable License Plate Game.
We know! You only hear from the kids on a road trip when they’re bored or hungry!
This summer, bring a stash of tasty road trip snacks on this cross country road trip. Popcorn, protein bars, and pre-packed snack boxes make perfect healthy road trip snacks that keep the kids (and you) happy between meal stops!
In a perfect world, we’d probably plan a road trip where the kids just wear their pajamas. But road trip snacks can be messy, and weather changes quickly when you’re traveling cross country.
We’d suggest keeping two clothing changes ready in the car for every leg of this cross country road trip. Packing light is vital, but always remember to bring a lightweight waterproof jacket for everyone, in case the rain sets in! However, never miss an opportunity to take a break if you see a great place to stop. Having bathing suits, galoshes, and a few dry towels to hand can turn a short pitstop into a mini holiday.
And don’t forget to get the whole family wardrobe synchronized ahead of time! Here at Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, we’d love to see your family all checking in wearing “The Smiths Family Road Trip 2022” this summer!
As the family’s road trip planner, setting realistic travel goals each day is essential. As a result, journeys become more enjoyable and done well; you can also incorporate National Parks and historic sites.
A few of our recommended tips for this summer’s cross country road trip include staying at the Best Western Winners Circle to see the sights in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. If you’re hitting the West Coast, stop in at the Best Western Rose Quartz Inn to tour the Lassen Volcanic National Park, California. And if you’re traveling the East Coast, pitch up at the Best Western Plus Columbia North East while you see the sights of the Congaree National Park, South Carolina.
Check out our Best Western® Hotels & Resorts National Park locations for more suggestions.
Another top tip is to always start off early, hit the road fresh, and beat the traffic. This prevents you and your family from getting lost in the middle of nowhere after dark.
With over 2,000 hotels across America, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts can help split the journey into manageable chunks. Why not get a warm welcome every night after a long drive and a great night’s sleep, too?
During this summer’s cross country road trip, your family can also earn Best Western Rewards® points as you travel.
Our members earn exclusive rates, instant rewards, and incentives, not to mention with enough Best Western Rewards® points – free night stays – redeemable at any of our hotels worldwide!
So this summer, plan a road trip with Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and make this cross country road trip one you and your family will never forget! For the right reasons!
Safe Travels!