5 unforgettable family road trip itinerary suggestions

If you’re eager to travel a bit beyond the US and have at least two weeks available, Australia should be at the top of your travel list. During my family road trip there, we began in the Northeast at Cairns, where we explored Rainforestation Nature Park to see koalas and kangaroos, and learned about Australia’s indigenous culture through the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Next, we journeyed to Airlie Beach, a delightful town that serves as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

As you continue your picturesque drive south, you’ll arrive at Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which features gorgeous beaches, tasty dining options (Betty’s Burgers was our favorite), and modern city conveniences. The Royal on the Park is an excellent choice for accommodation, conveniently located just a short stroll from the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Further south, you can explore the latest fashion trends in Byron Bay before heading to Sydney, where iconic attractions like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are must-sees.

Costa Rica: An exciting family road trip

The diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica create an ideal setting for an unforgettable family road trip. This vibrant Latin American nation boasts volcanoes, cloud forests, rainforests, top-tier coffee plantations, and surfing-friendly beaches. I suggest flying into San Jose and venturing north to the Central Valley, where you can witness the impressive Poás Volcano, which remains active yet hasn’t shown significant activity in over a century. Proceed northwest to La Fortuna, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the majestic Arenal volcano. Here, you can indulge in activities like ziplining, river rafting, and horseback riding. For overnight accommodations, consider staying at The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal.

Once you’ve explored enough volcanoes and rainforests, it’s time to hit the beach. Drive east to the Pacific coast, where the charming town of Tamarindo awaits. You'll find an array of beaches, bars, and restaurants to enjoy your day, as well as surfing lessons to help you catch some waves. Be sure to stay for some truly breathtaking sunsets. Costa Rica is a natural haven for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, making this family road trip perfect for older children and teenagers.

Tips for keeping your kids entertained, tailored to their age

For many, the idea of a long family road trip with children can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be that way. With proper planning, setting expectations, and scheduling breaks and activities, the journey itself can become a memorable part of the road trip. Here are some tips to ensure a fun family road trip for kids of all ages.

Advice for road-tripping with a toddler

Toddlers thrive on routine and consistency, so it's essential to maintain that during your road trip. Make sure to pack their favorite safety blankets and toys, and stick to their usual eating, napping, and play schedules as closely as possible. If you're facing a long drive, try to align it with your toddler’s nap time. Additionally, plan for extra stops as needed, allowing them to stretch their legs and enjoy a change of scenery if they start to feel restless.

Ways to keep kids aged 5 to 11 entertained during a road trip

Kids in this age group usually have a greater tolerance for longer drives, but it's still important to keep them engaged with activities along the way. Road trip games are essential, as they can make the journey feel quicker while providing entertainment for everyone. Whether it's 'Hot Seat,' 'I Spy,' or a podcast trivia challenge, having a diverse selection of go-to games and activities can significantly enhance the road trip experience.

Tips for traveling with teenagers on a family road trip

Traveling with teenagers offers a fantastic chance for quality family bonding, especially during drives. Prepare by having interesting conversation topics ready, whether it's about movies, philosophy, future aspirations, or friendships. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with your teenagers on a deeper level, especially since they may have fewer distractions in the car. Additionally, consider involving them in planning the road trip, such as selecting snacks for the journey.

Keep distance in mind when organizing your family road trip

It's crucial to consider each family member’s comfort with driving distances before planning your journey. Long stretches can sometimes be unavoidable, so ensure you prepare activities for the car, such as road trip games, books, or movies on a tablet.

Identify gas stations, grocery stores, and restrooms along your route

It may seem straightforward, but it’s essential to keep a close eye on your fuel, food, and water supplies during your trip. You don’t want to end up stranded or discover a gas station is unexpectedly closed when you need to refuel. It's always wiser to have several alternatives for gas stations, grocery stores, and public restrooms. When in doubt, consider planning your next fuel stop when you’re down to half a tank of gas.

Establish your budget in advance

Budgeting is crucial for a family road trip because the freedom and flexibility of driving can sometimes lead to overspending compared to your initial plans. In addition to standard expenses like accommodation, meals, and activities, be sure to calculate the mileage you'll cover to accurately budget for fuel costs, especially when traveling abroad where prices may differ.

Essential packing tips for your family road trip

Preparing for an adventurous family road trip differs from getting ready for a flight to a specific location. Typically, you have greater flexibility regarding how much you can bring. However, there are notable differences in packing for domestic versus international trips.

Essential tips for unforgettable family road trips in the US

When embarking on a family road trip within the US, you enjoy greater flexibility regarding your packing since you won't have to deal with airline baggage restrictions. It's wise to pack based on your planned locations and activities rather than giving each family member their own bag. This approach saves time searching through multiple bags for the right items and helps keep your storage area tidy and organized.

Navigating a road trip overseas

Unlike a domestic road trip, traveling abroad usually requires flying to your destination and selecting the appropriate rental vehicle to begin your journey. This means you'll be limited in what you can bring beyond your checked luggage. However, road trips grant you the freedom to fill your car with snacks and activities purchased once you arrive at your starting point. For instance, many countries have wholesale stores where you can utilize your US membership to buy supplies at bulk prices (something I did during my visit to Iceland).

Final Thoughts

A family road trip is an ideal choice for those seeking the freedom to craft their own journey while allowing time for unexpected stops and spontaneous adventures along the way. For more valuable insights on road trips, be sure to check out Dinogo’s rental car guide and explore additional road trip tips.

What informs Dinogo’s content selection?

Over the past six years, my family and I have embarked on road trips throughout the US and visited international destinations such as Ireland, Australia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand, and Italy. Along with the expert insights from the Dinogo team, I've put together this guide to assist others in preparing for enjoyable, safe, and unforgettable family road trips. While reaching the destination may be the main objective, it is entirely possible to make the journey enjoyable for everyone with the right attitude and preparation.