I had a great time joining the team at NBC Chicago this morning to talk about some of this summer’s biggest travel trends. We covered everything from the return of the great American road trip to “Vacation Maxxing” and my philosophy of “Memory-First Travel.”
As always with television, though, there are only so many minutes in a segment. For those who want a little more info, you’ve come to the right place. Be sure to follow FoodFamilyTravel here, on News Break, and on our social (Instagram: @food.family.travel Tiktok: @foodfamilytravel) for exclusive information and tips.
The Great American Road Trip Is Back
If there’s one trend I’m seeing this year, it’s that families are rediscovering just how much there is to explore close to home.
With America’s 250th anniversary and Route 66 preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary, iconic American road trips are having a major moment. Families are looking for vacations that are flexible, affordable, and meaningful- and road trips check every box.
Unlike air travel, road trips give you permission to slow down.
You can stop when you discover a quirky roadside attraction. Pull over for homemade pie at a family-owned diner. Spend an extra hour wandering a historic downtown because everyone is enjoying themselves. Some of the best travel memories happen when you leave room for the unexpected.
You Don’t Need Three Weeks to Experience Route 66
Driving the entire Mother Road from Chicago to Santa Monica is an unforgettable adventure, but not everyone has the luxury of taking that much time away (you can do it in two, but really you’ll need three weeks or more to savor the moments).
Fortunately, one of my favorite weekend getaways from Chicago captures much of Route 66’s nostalgia without requiring weeks of planning.
Start in Chicago and head towards Springfield, Illinois.
It’s impossible not to feel connected to American history here. Touring Abraham Lincoln’s home, walking the historic streets where he built his law practice, and visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum brings history to life in a way that textbooks simply can’t.
One of my favorite travel tips for families is to encourage kids to become the “tour guide” before you arrive. Have them learn three fun facts about Abraham Lincoln during the drive, then let them teach everyone else when you reach each stop. It turns sightseeing into an adventure instead of a history lesson. As always, be sure to check out the region or city tourism sites before you travel. They often have events, deals, family and kids information, and even suggestions for free activities.
Continue the Journey to St. Louis
Only a short drive farther, St. Louis offers another wonderful chapter of American history.
Of course, the Gateway Arch is the city’s signature attraction, and riding to the top is well worth it. But don’t stop there.
Forest Park is one of America’s great urban parks- larger than Central Park- and home to outstanding museums, walking trails, and beautiful green spaces that are perfect for a family picnic.
The City Museum remains one of the most creative attractions anywhere in the country. Built from reclaimed industrial and architectural materials, it’s part playground, part sculpture, part art installation, and unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Kids absolutely love it, but don’t be surprised if the adults are climbing right alongside them.
If your family enjoys baseball, catching a Cardinals game adds another unforgettable memory to the weekend. And food lovers should definitely sample St. Louis specialties like toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, frozen custard, and some of the city’s outstanding barbecue. Every time we visit, I HAVE to bring home a pound or two of Provel cheese. We freeze it overnight and pack it in our suitcase. Yes, I know it’s processed cheese, but it’s my favorite processed cheese.
My Favorite Road Trip Tips
One of the biggest mistakes families make is trying to squeeze in too much.
Leave room for spontaneity.
Some of our favorite family memories have come from unexpected discoveries- a local ice cream shop, a scenic overlook we hadn’t planned to visit, or a small-town festival we happened to drive past. I will stop for a great fruit stand or BBQ anywhere in the country.
A few other tips I always recommend:
- Download maps before you leave. Rural stretches of Route 66 can have spotty cell service.
- Pack a small cooler with snacks and drinks so you’re not forced to stop every time someone gets hungry.
- Build in “surprise stops.” Let each family member choose one attraction during the trip.
- Bring a notebook or travel journal. Kids love collecting stamps, ticket stubs, postcards, and funny moments from the journey.
- Don’t overbook your days. One memorable experience is better than racing through five attractions.
What Is Vacation Maxxing?
We also talked about Vacation Maxxing, a term that’s becoming one of my favorite ways to describe smarter travel.
Vacation maxxing isn’t about spending more.
It’s about getting more out of every dollar you spend.
Instead of automatically upgrading your rental car or paying for conveniences you’ll barely remember, invest in the moments that matter. Maybe that’s a sunset river cruise, an incredible local restaurant, tickets to a museum your children have been excited to visit, or extending your trip by one extra night because you’ve saved money elsewhere.
One of my favorite travel hacks is booking refundable hotels whenever possible. If prices drop before your trip, you can often cancel and rebook at the lower rate. I also recommend checking neighborhood rental car locations instead of airport counters- they’re frequently less expensive because they don’t include airport concession fees.
If your travel dates are flexible, flying on Tuesday or Wednesday often means lower fares and fewer crowds. Even on a road trip, leaving a day earlier or later can mean lighter traffic and lower hotel rates.
Vacation maxxing is about being intentional and knowing when to splurge and when to save your money.
Why Memory-First Travel Matters
Everything comes back to something I call Memory-First Travel.
I’ve shared this philosophy nationally because travelers are now looking to savor the memory first rather than just checking landmarks off a list.
Years from now, your children probably won’t remember that two-hour layover that saved you hundreds of dollars.
They’ll remember taking photos at the iconic Route 66 Begins Here sign.
They’ll remember standing beneath the Gateway Arch.
They’ll remember hearing stories about Abraham Lincoln while walking through the home where he once lived.
They’ll remember singing along to their favorite songs and eating great BBQ somewhere on Route 66.
Those are the moments that stay with us.
The best vacations don’t always require passports. Sometimes they begin with a full tank of gas, an open road, and a willingness to see familiar places through fresh eyes.
Thank you again to the wonderful team at NBC Chicago for such a fun conversation. I hope these extra ideas help inspire your next family adventure- and remind you that some of America’s greatest travel experiences are waiting just a few hours from home.