The Magic of the Family Road Trip: Adventures on the Open Road

As someone who has chosen to live in cities like New York and Tokyo, I’ve never been someone who loves to drive. Public transportation and walkable neighborhoods are more my style. And yet, somehow, we’ve managed to embark on some truly epic road trips—including driving coast to coast across the U.S. not once, but twice! When planning our travels, we’ve always prioritized experiencing as much as possible, and road trips have given us a unique way to explore together as a family.

At the beginning of our Family Fun Year, before setting off on our grand adventure around the world, we kicked things off with a smaller road trip across the western U.S. We started in Orange County, CA, and made our way through Nevada, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho before heading back down the coast of California. It was a whirlwind of adventure, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable moments together.

One of the highlights of this particular family road trip was Utah. The twins loved it there! We spent time hiking (mostly to keep Ash happy) and also went off-road buggy riding—something we had done once before in Morocco. This time, however, we didn’t have to worry about camel traffic, though the bumps were just as intense!

Arches National Park was another incredible stop, where we wandered through giant rock mazes and soaked in the breathtaking beauty of the natural formations. The sunsets were absolutely unreal, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. There’s something about watching the sun dip below the horizon after a long day of exploring that just makes the whole experience feel magical.

Beyond Utah, each stop on our road trip had something special to offer. From the stunning landscapes of the Badlands to the wildlife encounters in Yellowstone, we found ourselves constantly in awe of the beauty of the U.S. We’ve also made it a point to visit national parks whenever we can, and they’ve never disappointed.

While I may not be someone who loves to drive, these road trips have reinforced just how special it is to experience the world together as a family. The long stretches of road, the spontaneous stops, the deep conversations, the shared laughter—it all adds up to something priceless.

If you’re considering a family road trip, I say go for it! You don’t have to drive from coast to coast (though I can vouch for the fact that it’s an incredible experience), but even a smaller road trip can be a fantastic way to connect, explore, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s through national parks, quirky roadside attractions, or just long stretches of open highway, the adventure is out there waiting for you.

No matter where we go, road trips will always hold a special place in our hearts. They remind us that travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey and the time spent together. And that, after all, is what our Family Fun Year was all about.