Where We’ve Been: Destinations & Sample Routes

Traveling as a family has shaped how we see the world and how we spend time together. We’ve explored stretches of highway across the United States, wandered through villages and beaches in Central America, soaked in the rhythms of Thailand, and circled back to California—the place that grounds us. This hub gathers our stories, tips, and sample routes in one place so you can get a sense of what worked for us, and maybe adapt it for your own journey. For reflections on what travel means to us, you can also read our Travel Perspectives page, and for practical guidance, see Reviews & Tips.

United States Road Trips

Highlights

The Great Plains at Dawn: Driving across long horizons taught us patience and wonder. Our kids pointed out cloud animals while the sky shifted from pink to gold.
National Park Campfires: Evenings in Yellowstone or Zion were not just about scenery, but about shared meals, stories, and that quiet crackle when the day slows down.
Unexpected Small Towns: Sometimes a diner in Wyoming or a music festival in Kentucky turned out to be more memorable than big-ticket attractions.
Pacific Northwest Rain: Walking through dripping forests felt like entering another world, and the kids learned the fun of puddle-stomping without complaint.

Family-Friendly Pacing

We discovered that driving more than four hours a day made everyone restless, so we built in long stops for playgrounds, picnics, or short hikes. Rotating who picks the snack stops gave the kids some ownership, making the long drives feel less like endurance tests.

When to Go

Spring and fall road trips often gave us the best combination: fewer crowds than summer and easier conditions than winter. Desert areas are more forgiving in cooler months, while northern routes shine in late summer.

Sample Route

Denver, Colorado: Start with mountain air and family-friendly urban parks.
Yellowstone National Park: Geysers, wildlife, and easy boardwalk trails.
Glacier National Park, Montana: Stunning drives and kid-friendly lake stops.
Seattle, Washington: Mix of city culture and nearby forests.
Portland, Oregon: Playful parks and vibrant food markets.
Redwood National Park, California: Towering trees and short, magical trails.
San Francisco, California: Finish with coastal views and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Central America with Kids

Highlights

Beach Afternoons in Costa Rica: Long stretches of sand where the kids built castles and we slowed down enough to watch the tide roll in.
Guatemalan Markets: Bright textiles and friendly vendors turned shopping into cultural immersion.
Mayan Ruins Exploration: Climbing ancient steps sparked big questions about history and human imagination.
Volcano Vistas: Safe viewpoints gave us a chance to marvel at natural power without pushing comfort zones.

Family-Friendly Pacing

Travel days were shorter here—usually just a few hours by shuttle or boat. We often stayed three to four nights in each spot so the kids could settle in and we could find favorite cafés or playgrounds. Familiarity balanced out the excitement of new places.

When to Go

The dry season (roughly December through April) was best for easy travel and sunny adventures. We did manage short trips during the rainy season too, but flexible plans were essential.

Sample Route

San José, Costa Rica: Begin with a gentle landing and city parks.
La Fortuna: Hot springs and views of Arenal Volcano.
Monteverde: Cloud forest walks with suspension bridges.
Manuel Antonio: Beaches paired with wildlife spotting.
Antigua, Guatemala: Colonial charm and colorful markets.
Lake Atitlán: Village hopping by boat.
Tikal: Explore iconic ruins surrounded by jungle.

Three Months in Thailand

Highlights

Bangkok’s Canal Rides: Boats weaving through local neighborhoods gave us a fresh look at city life.
Chiang Mai’s Temples: Gentle introductions to Buddhist practice and the beauty of quiet courtyards.
Street Food Feasts: From mango sticky rice to noodle stalls, food became a daily adventure.
Island Time in Krabi: Days of swimming, snorkeling, and letting routines dissolve into the rhythm of tides.
Songkran Festival: A city-wide water fight that turned into pure joy for our kids.

Family-Friendly Pacing

With three months to explore, we slowed down considerably. We picked apartment-style stays where laundry and cooking were easy, and we balanced busy city days with quiet neighborhood walks. Keeping a few “do-nothing” days every week was crucial.

When to Go

November to February was most comfortable—cooler, drier, and easier for kids to handle. Hot season (March–May) was manageable with lots of swimming, while rainy season (June–October) brought lush landscapes and lower crowds but required patience.

Sample Route

Bangkok: Begin with canals, temples, and family-friendly markets.
Ayutthaya: Explore historical ruins in a bike-friendly setting.
Chiang Mai: Temples, cooking classes, and elephant conservation visits.
Pai: Laid-back countryside and hot springs.
Sukhothai: Ancient ruins with open, bikeable grounds.
Krabi: Islands and beaches for relaxation.
Koh Lanta: Family-friendly island stay with slower pace.
Bangkok (return): Wrap up with familiar favorites before departure.

California: Our Base

Highlights

Coastal Drives: Highway 1 never gets old—the cliffs, the ocean, the sea breeze.
National Parks Nearby: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree became quick getaways that still felt epic.
Everyday Wonders: From local farmers’ markets to weekend hikes, we discovered that adventure doesn’t require passports.
City & Nature Balance: San Francisco’s culture, Los Angeles’ energy, and countless natural spaces in between kept us inspired.

Family-Friendly Pacing

Since this is home, pacing comes naturally. We fit day trips around school schedules or take three-day weekends to stretch further. Familiarity gives us confidence to try spontaneous detours, knowing we can always return.

When to Go

California’s size means every season has an option: beaches shine in summer, deserts are best in winter, mountains are glorious in spring and fall. Shoulder seasons often give the best mix of access and comfort.

Sample Route

San Francisco: Start with Golden Gate views and family-friendly museums.
Monterey: Aquarium, beaches, and coastal trails.
Big Sur: Scenic drives and cliffside picnics.
Santa Barbara: Spanish-style charm and ocean play.
Los Angeles: Mix of cultural stops and kid-friendly attractions.
Joshua Tree National Park: Desert landscapes and easy hikes.
San Diego: Beaches, parks, and a relaxed finish.

How We Choose Places

We don’t just pick destinations at random. Our choices come from values we hold:

Curiosity: Places that spark learning for both kids and adults.
Balance: A mix of adventure and downtime so no one feels rushed.
Accessibility: Routes and destinations that fit family energy levels.
Connection: Opportunities to meet people, not just check off sights.
Sustainability: Traveling in ways that respect local communities and the environment.

Our goal is not just to go farther but to go deeper—finding meaning in the journey as much as in the arrival.