AND GO GUIDE
You don’t need to go far to connect with friends and family for a quick vacation and the jumpstart that togetherness brings, but it helps to have a road map and a few tips. This season, we’re hitting the road in pursuit of fun, adventure, and a whole bunch of smiles.
Read on for the ultimate weekend road trip guide presented by Tropicana Pure Premium™.
GET UP
PRESENTED BY
The key to every worthy weekend road trip is preparation.
To start, put together a playlist fully stocked with a mix of throwbacks and fire contemporary tracks so the whole family will never be too far from a song that they want everyone to sing along with. and classic throwback tracks. If you've got older kids, think about picking out a few interesting podcasts that might spark some cool conversations or get everyone laughing.
You’re going to want to plan your pitstops ahead of time. On more remote journeys, you might be driving for 30 miles at a time before the next rest stop or gas station, not to mention that you might lose cell service in some spots. For those moments, go old school and print out directions for backup. It sounds like a hassle, but it could also be a cool bonding experience if you empower your kids to serve as navigator.
Before venturing onto the highway, charge your devices, fill your gas tank, and confirm any reservations you have scheduled throughout your trip. Grab a snack and some delicious Tropicana Pure Premium™ to keep every passenger feeling fresh for the long road ahead.
Check these off your pre-travel to-do list, and your road trip will be smooth sailing. Er, driving.
EDITOR’S PRO-TIP: Don’t be afraid to deviate from the plan. We know it can be tempting to keep on moving, but trust us, it's worth the blip in your schedule to slow down for a family picnic, a hike, some farm-stand fruit, or some goofy group photos to capture the moment and make a memory.
PACK
Even if you’re working with an SUV, storage room for luggage and gear is scarce on family road trips. Focus solely on the necessary items and a few "must-have" extras that'll add to the adventure for everyone.
Pack lots of layers so you can stay warm for roadside camping and peel off your extras for day trips in the sun. In addition to your primary luggage, bring a comfortable backpack to carry supplies on stops between drives. Don’t forget to have sunglasses, sunscreen, and a bottle of water on hand at all times -- especially on long stretches of road when the sun is glaring down.
For added comfort and safety, it’s worth bringing a portable charger, cookware, sleeping bag and pillow, flashlight, and first aid kit. If you’re roughing it in the wilderness for a few days, it might even be worth investing in a portable shower. Remember, you’re going to be in close quarters with your family or friends in a car for several days – B.O. is a no-go. Lastly, if the little ones tend to get antsy from sitting in the backseat for too long, you may want to consider packing some picture books, a notepad, and colored pencils, or easily portable games that’ll keep them entertained with plenty of energy in reserve for the fun that's going to come at your destination.
EDITOR’S PRO-TIP: Cards, a frisbee, and a swimsuit are all vital for fun. You want to get off devices and into the wide world. Find that hot springs! Play on that sprawling roadside lawn! Gamble with candy in the tent! Play with the family dog on a beach!
The more fun you can have without electronics, the better.
Whether you take a scenic road trip up the coast, go on a riverside expedition, or plan the perfect "something for everyone" camp out by a lake with swimming areas and diving rocks, water never ceases to add an element of excitement to the mix, especially for the kids. Can you say family water fight? After a day full of splashing around why not start a cozy bonfire, mixing spooky stories, goofy pranks, and some Tropicana Pure Premium™ assisted cocktails for the adults and mocktails for the kids.
EDITOR’S PRO-TIP: Don't just lean on digital photographs. Use some type of classic disposable camera, knowing that you'll all get to relive some of these experiences together when the time comes to develop the pics and create some scrapbooks. As for what to actually do that’s photo-worthy, we always recommend talking to locals — ask eight or nine people their favorite spots and go to the first place that comes up three times.
If you’re with great people, the drive will be a blast all on its own. As for the destination, opt for somewhere near a large body of water.
FOR FUN
04.) for peace
03.) For ADVENTURE
Ahh. There’s nothing like a weekend trip in nature to help you and your loved ones connect.
If you’re looking to detach from the busyness of everyday life and enjoy some quality time off the grid connecting with family and friends, venture to less frequented places like lesser-known state parks and nature preserves. Basically, look for secluded hideaways that have yet to go viral on TikTok. Embrace the natural wonders and dive into fun outdoor activities with family and friends by hiking. Kickstart each morning with Tropicana Pure Premium™ to get the vibe high and head out for some exciting exploration, creating a bond through experiences and memories that wouldn't have had on a typical weekend or more basic outing.
EDITOR’S PRO-TIP: A hike is about more than the benefits you get from the sights and sounds of nature, it's also a chance to learn and to spark a greater understanding of nature's rich diversity. Challenge yourself and any young ones you're with to read up on the area's natural flora, looking out for cool photo opportunities and tossing out pop quizzes that'll gamify the experience of a nature walk.
CONNECT
GO
Take the road less traveled and get your dose of adventure by ditching your own car and opting for #VanLife. Rent a refurbished camper van or RV trailer, and the drive itself will become a memorable experience for the whole family.
If you take this approach, bring your home on wheels to destinations that are a little more rigorous. Your best bet for adventure is driving to the mountains (or to a National Park). Do your research and seek stopping points on the way. You’re sure to find plenty of hiking trails, rock climbing, and outdoor excursions like kayaking or zip-lining that are accessible for all ages. Reserve guided tours ahead of time for added safety and education.
EDITOR’S PRO-TIP: If you’re a part of a family of adventure seekers, always bring goggles and swim fins. You can hit rivers, lakes, check the depth for rope swings -- plus, kids love looking underwater and exploring.
FOR ADVENTURE
Wherever you decide to go, you’re going to need nutritious snacks and drinks to hold you over between stops. Pack snacks that are easily portable, such as trail mix or beef jerky. Instead of caffeine-packed coffee that’ll make you jittery while you drive, sip on some Tropicana Pure Premium™ - an 8 oz serving packs 100% of your daily dose of vitamin C and get a fresh start for you and your family's amazing adventure.
Between early morning drives, daily outdoor adventures, and late nights under the stars, the fuel you choose to consume on a road trip can make all the difference.
EDITOR’S PRO-TIP: Not too much candy or gas station grub. You’ll want to stop at cool roadside spots and it would be a shame to miss out on some farmstand operator's apple cobbler because you feel like you (and the kids) already indulged on something less memorable and special.
Your car isn’t the only thing that needs fuel to make it through a long drive.
FUEL
04.) for peace
03.) For ADVENTURE
02.) FOR FUN
AND GO
Pack lots of layers so you can stay warm for roadside camping and peel off your extras for day trips in the sun. In addition to your primary luggage, bring a comfortable backpack to carry supplies on stops between drives. Don’t forget to have sunglasses, sunscreen, and a bottle of water on hand at all times -- especially on long stretches of road when the sun is glaring down.
For added comfort and safety, it’s worth bringing a portable charger, cookware, sleeping bag and pillow, flashlight, and first aid kit. If you’re roughing it in the wilderness for a few days, it might even be worth investing in a portable shower. Remember, you’re going to be in close quarters with your family or friends in a car for several days – B.O. is a no-go. Lastly, if the little ones tend to get antsy from sitting in the backseat for too long, you may want to consider packing some picture books, a notepad, and colored pencils, or easily portable games that’ll keep them entertained with plenty of energy in reserve for the fun that's going to come at your destination.
EDITOR’S PRO-TIP: Cards, a frisbee, and a swimsuit are all vital for fun. You want to get off devices and into the wide world. Find that hot springs! Play on that sprawling roadside lawn! Gamble with candy in the tent! Play with the family dog on a beach!
The more fun you can have without electronics, the better.
03.) For ADVENTURE
03.) For ADVENTURE
04.) for peace
02.) FOR FUN
04.) for peace
Author: Chloe Caldwell
Designer: Daisy James/Joseph Petrolis