Image via Wikipedia

When deciding on your next vacation, it can be difficult to choose just one place. This can especially be the case when the whole family is in on the action. Certainly the children – or extended family – will have input that doesn’t match what you and your spouse would like.

One trick is to look at a certain landmark, and then plan the rest of the vacation around it. For instance, the Grand Canyon is a great place to visit, and will provide for plenty of “impact” on the trip, so to speak. Other items, such as exciting hiking trails and other outdoor adventures, could easily complement it on this type of vacation.

Try this in other regards when you plan a trip. More adventurous travelers might look at the Kazakhstan Democracy that is developing overseas, for an unorthodox vacation spot. In keeping with our theme, there would be plenty of options around this location, with the Khan Tengri (highest peak of the Tengri Tag mountain range), the Charyn “Grand” Canyon (this is the “little brother”), and the Singing Sand Dunes in the country as well.

This type of strategy can work for just about any location. Simply fill in smaller activities that you would like to do, planning extensive time for the landmark(s) that are important to your visit.

Give it a shot. Think about an exciting item that you would like to see. Perhaps other things that you would like to do could fall into place around that major item.

Image via Wikipedia

When summer rolls around, the family vacation is a big topic of discussion and consideration. Where to go and what to do can be fun, but you might want to consider a different type of trip this year.

Many people enjoy traveling the traditional Route 66 that extends from Chicago to the west coast, but it can truly be a rewarding experience for those who take the trip for the first time. The road follows the lay of the land, unlike many of the newer highways that cut straight through. Its winding and charming path leads you through many small towns, beautiful scenic vistas and to places that you would never expect.

There are several famous stops along the way which will take you back in time, teach you some unique aspects of American history and create unforgettable memories. This can include visiting a vintage gas station, driving through the desert and meeting people who drove the road when it was first built. You truly get an insight view into what life was like when it was the only major highway that the nation had.

You can choose to drive the route, but many love to take in the sights from their motorcycles. They can visit historic landmarks such as the Cadillac Ranch, the Painted Desert, Route 66 Drive-In and the Texacola Jail. There are also restaurants, hotels and curiosity shops that sport the unique character inherent to this beloved road. When you decide to take a road trip on Route 66, it’s one ride that you will never forget.

1. Fruit. Fruit is easy to eat, inexpensive, and it requires no eating utensils or plates. Unless you choose a particularly juicy type of fruit, like a peach, dripping juice shouldn’t be a problem. The best road trip friendly fruits include cherries, berries, apples, pears and bananas. Avoid oranges, watermelon and anything too juicy.
2. Snack bars. Snack bars and fruit bars are a great way to stay fueled while on the move, because they’re easy to eat and they are made to fuel your body for hours before you need to eat again. Because they come individually wrapped, snack bars are convenient to share and store in the car. Many snack bar types are covered in chocolate, so they will appeal to the kids, too.
3. Popcorn. Bagged popcorn is a great snack — it’s mostly air, and very light on the calories, but still satisfying to munch on.
4. Nuts. For a snack that sticks with you longer than most, nuts are the way to go. They are packed with healthy oils and fats as well as protein; the carbohydrates will make them stay with you for hours.

Pack some of these when you depart, and buy more at any grocery store along the way to eat healthy the whole drive!

Here’s a look at some things road trip drivers use to keep awake while driving.

Frequent Stops and Rest 

Image by reyesangela via Flickr

Even if you don’t feel tired you should make frequent stops and rest for a little bit. You don’t have to lay down and fall asleep but just getting out of the car and walking around will help. This will avoid any fatigue you might feel while driving and help keep you awake.

Keep a Window Open

Many drivers find the cool air that comes from keeping the window open a helpful way to stay awake. While it is recommended that you pull over if you are extremely tired, sometimes a little cool air can help you drive a little longer.

Play Music or Listen to the Radio

Playing music or listening to the radio is a great way to keep you awake. The loud music will force you to concentrate and keep you from falling asleep as many people find the quiet calming. Just make sure you don’t play the music so loud you are distracted while driving.

Using some of these tips will help you avoid any problems you might have while driving those long distances when you go on your next road trip.