Family Travel Planning Guides

Practical starting points, flexible plans and details to check before you go.

Pere Marquette State Park

Build the trip around the stops, not just the miles.

If you’re looking for a summer family getaway with unsalted beaches, endless room for kids to burn energy, and zero pretentious resort vibes, West Michigan needs to be at the top of your road trip list.

The Ultimate Family Weekend in West Michigan

Ocean Isle & Sunset Beach, NC: Our Slow-Paced Coastal Weekend Blueprint

If you’re craving a beach getaway that doesn’t require a massive budget or a rigid, minute by minute schedule, the coastal hideaways of Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach are absolute perfection. This is slow travel country at its best wide, flat, beautiful beaches and plenty of room for kids to run wild without feeling crowded.

When we plan a weekend down here, we keep our sanity intact by sticking to a very simple rule: one big beach window, one optional outing, and a whole lot of downtime. You don't need a packed itinerary to make a great family trip.

Waynesville & Asheville, NC: Our Go With The Flow Mountain Weekend

If you’re looking for crisp mountain air, small town charm, and spaces where your kids can explore without feeling rushed, Western North Carolina is hard to beat. Between the historic streets of downtown Waynesville and the vibrant energy of nearby Asheville, this is one of our absolute favorite places.

Don't overthink it, let the winding scenic roads dictate a slower, more exploratory pace where you can pull over whenever a roadside waterfall or a stunning overlook catches your eye.

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