4000 miles in a car with three kids may seem daunting but with a little planning and prepping, it can be a fun trip. I've spent the last week finalizing and confirming hotels and activities.  11 hotels/accommodations on the itinerary. I've confirmed them, checked their parking situation and whether they have breakfast in the morning. Saves money and time trying to find a restaurant in a strange city. I bring cereal and rice milk (no refrigeration) if we...

By George, I think I've got it! We have been trying to make the last leg of our trip through Nebraska and Iowa more tolerable. While watching Bizarre Food America, I got it. Iowa's State Fair is going on on our way home in Des Moine. Right on our route. The kids have never been to one. A little learning experience and a little fun. We will be coming from Omaha, Nebraska. It is only 2 hours from there. My thought is leave Omaha early, get to Des Moine in t...

I have been spending the last couple of months planning, finalizing, searching and booking the last of the hotels, sites and activities we will be doing on our trip out west. I really enjoy searching for the perfect location to stay that fits the place and mood we are looking for. It's a challenge for me. Recently, I booked our white water rafting and horse back riding trip in Yellowstone. Doesn't that sound perfect in Yellowstone? We will be there for 5 ...

Here it is in numbers. Pretty neat to look at. 16 days2650 miles13 statesApproximately 30 different cities, towns, Harbors and ports. 25 or more different attractions (historic, natural or amusement) 30 plus different restaurants. 170 gallons of gas. 11 different beds.9 hotels1 cottage1 house7 movies15 bodies of water (including lakes, rivers, bays, sounds, oceans)84 bottles of water6 strange aliens4 pizzas175 toot storms (in the vehicles, hotel rooms and othe...

We are one week away from taking off on the beginning of our US adventure. I've mapped everything out. I've booked places to stay. Now, I'm planning how to pack the car, what to bring and how to manage meals along the way. There is nothing that annoys me more than trying to figure out where to eat for 3 meals a day for a week or more. It begins to ruin the eating out process. Especially with kids. Plus, money flies out the window eating out that much....