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55 Days on the Road | Mexico, USA & Canada by Car
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items A long-form family road trip that spanned Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This list documents the early miles, small towns, long drives, and everyday moments that shaped a 55-day journey mostly traveled by car.
Sections
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Mexico Road Trip Kickoff
California | Family Stops & Big Cities
Las Vegas, Nevada
Utah Road Day | Zion to Salt Lake City
Utah to Idaho | Road Trip Stops
Pacific Northwest Drive Days
Mexico Road Trip Kickoff
The opening stretch of our road trip, starting in Mexico before heading north. Familiar roads, early travel hiccups, and the rhythm-setting days of a long journey.
We officially kicked off our 55-day road trip with a drive to Guadalajara. It is a route we have done before and one I genuinely enjoy. A beautiful drive, familiar scenery, and the feeling that comes with knowing a long journey is just beginning. As ...
Road Trip Day One | Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara
Day two of the trip was built around a practical goal: returning the rental car we had been using for the past year. After a quick McDonald’s breakfast, we left Guadalajara and headed toward Querétaro, choosing a different route this time to see some...
Guadalajara to Querétaro | Backroads, Checkpoints & a Familiar Coffee Stop
Our day in Monterrey left me genuinely surprised. With a metro population of around six million, it is one of Mexico’s largest cities, and it feels very different from anywhere else we have been. In some ways, it reminded me of Panama City, but witho... https://www.instagram.com/p/CulELnEtLNk/?img_index=1
Monterrey | Mountains, Mega Plazas & a Very Different Mexico
California | Family Stops & Big Cities
Stops in California that balanced iconic city sights with the grounding comfort of family time.
Our time in Los Angeles was one of those stays that makes you feel incredibly grateful. We were lucky enough to stay in the guest house at my auntie’s, and it quickly became one of those places you do not want to leave. Slow mornings with coffee outs...
Los Angeles | Family Time, Famous Streets & a Full Heart
Today was all about soaking in the California coast. From Santa Monica to Venice Beach and Muscle Beach, it was one of those days that feels both exciting and strangely nostalgic. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway from Malibu to Santa Monica, I could... https://www.instagram.com/p/CutEIq2uAj8/?img_index=1
Santa Monica & Venice Beach | California Coastline & Quiet Evenings
This was one of the biggest surprises of our time in Los Angeles and hands down one of the best family days of the trip. We surprised the kids with a full day at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it could not have gone better. We booked early access t... https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu1FJMgOjZk/?img_index=1
Universal Studios Hollywood | Why Early Access & Express Passes Are Worth It
Las Vegas, Nevada
Our first taste of Vegas as a family. Neon lights, over-the-top visuals, and fun stops that work even when you’re traveling with kids.
We rolled into Las Vegas after the drive from LA, already leaning into the weird and wonderful energy of the desert. One of our favorite stops wasn’t even in the city itself. The alien-themed gas station on the way to Vegas is impossible to miss, sha... https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu32wNhOQ9J/?img_index=1
Las Vegas | Neon Nights, Alien Jerky & Topgolf Fun
We took things slow today and focused on easy, walkable Vegas fun before the heat really kicked in. The classic tourist stops like the Coca-Cola Store, M&M’s World, and Hershey’s Chocolate World are exactly what you expect. Loud, colorful, and fu...
Las Vegas | Iconic Stores, Nerdy Wins & Midday Escapes
We wrapped up our Vegas stay with a short and sweet final night that felt very on brand for the city. Dinner was at Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, and honestly, it delivered. Crispy batter, solid portions, and an easy win when you want something fam...
Las Vegas | Fish & Chips, Neon Chaos & Knowing When to Leave
Utah Road Day | Zion to Salt Lake City
One of those classic road trip days where the drive itself becomes the highlight.
This ended up being a longer drive day, but detouring through Zion National Park was absolutely worth it. The desert canyon scenery is unreal. Towering red rock formations, wide open roads, and that feeling that only the American Southwest gives you....
Zion Detour | Red Rock Roads & Small-Town America
Utah to Idaho | Road Trip Stops
Short city stops and drive-day breaks that added interest without slowing us down too much.
Before leaving Salt Lake City, we took some time to visit the Utah State Capitol, and I’m really glad we did. It’s a beautiful building with surprisingly interesting history inside and a great way to stretch your legs before a longer drive. Even a qu...
Salt Lake City to Boise | Capitol History & Easy Drive Days
Pacific Northwest Drive Days
Scenic routes and drive-day detours that are absolutely worth the extra time.
This was our longest single driving day of the entire summer, but choosing the Highway 410 route made it completely worth it. Detouring to drive past Mount Rainier turned what could have been a grind into one of the most beautiful drives of the trip....
Boise to Seattle via Mount Rainier | One Epic Drive Day
Seattle, Washington
Easy, family-friendly stops that break up travel days and work well with kids.
The kids had an absolute blast at the Seattle Aquarium, making this one of the easiest wins of our Seattle stop. It’s a great option when you want something engaging without committing to a full, exhausting day. The aquarium focuses on marine life na... https://www.instagram.com/p/CvEOUQ7r7n7/?img_index=1
Seattle Aquarium | A Kid-Approved Waterfront Stop
We spent the morning visiting the graves of Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Lee, and surprisingly, the kids really loved it. Both sites felt meaningful in their own way and were a calm, reflective start to the day. Since we were already downtown for our aquar...
Seattle | Music Legends, Market Wandering & Iconic Stops
Seattle to Vancouver Island | Crossing into Canada
What the transition from the US to Canada actually looks like when you’re traveling with kids.
After returning the rental car, we grabbed breakfast and made one last stop at the fish market area near Pike Place Market. It was exactly what you’d expect. Elbow-to-elbow crowds, loud energy, and total chaos. That said, the boys loved watching the ...
Seattle to Vancouver Island | Pike Place Chaos, the Clipper & Island Arrival
British Columbia | Ferry Routes & Interior Drive Days
Ferry crossings and interior BC drive days that are worth slowing down for.
We booked the morning ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver and immediately knew this was going to be a special travel day. The ferry ride itself was a highlight. Calm water, open views, and even humpback whales spotted along the way. It set such a peacefu...
Nanaimo to Clinton | Ferry Whales, Interior Roads & a Perfect Stopover
British Columbia to Alberta | Mountain Drive Days
Iconic mountain routes and natural stops that are worth slowing down for when crossing into the Rockies.
On our drive toward Jasper, we made two stops that always feel worth it, no matter how many times you’ve seen them. First was the Ancient Cedar Forest. We had visited before in deep winter, when the snow was piled high and the whole place felt quiet ... https://www.instagram.com/p/CveEL2uuk2g/?img_index=1
Ancient Cedar Forest & Mount Robson | Classic Rocky Mountain Stops
Edmonton, Alberta
Slower city days in Edmonton focused on family time, familiar neighborhoods, everyday routines, and rediscovering the city through our kids’ eyes after years away.
Day 30 was exactly what we needed. A lazy Monday in Edmonton with no pressure to see or do everything. We slept in, JD made a simple bacon and egg brunch, and we headed out to West Edmonton Mall for a low-key afternoon. Some things felt instantly fam...
Day 30 | A Slow Reset Day in Edmonton
Day 38 didn’t come with many photos, but it came with a lot of tears. I’m not good with goodbyes anymore. Losing both of my parents changed that. It makes every hug feel heavier, every moment feel more fragile. Saying goodbye to Grandma that morning ...
Day 38 | Goodbyes Are the Hardest Part
Banff, Alberta
Short stops and transition days through Banff, capturing first impressions, travel realities, and the contrast between expectation and experience in one of Canada’s most iconic mountain towns.
Day 39 started with a stop in Red Deer to visit Sarah and finally meet the little peanuts. Never long enough, but really good to squeeze in a visit and grab a few photos together before getting back on the road. From there, we headed toward Banff. Up... https://www.instagram.com/p/CwCBaJNO-Jy/?img_index=1
Day 39 | Smoke, Mountains & a Stop in Banff
Vancouver, BC
Transition days in Vancouver shaped by travel logistics, last-minute pivots, and the reality of getting off the island and heading home.
Day 43 did exactly what we expected it to do. The plan was to fly from the island to Vancouver using WestJet dollars before they expired. We don’t trust Canadian airlines or airports at all, so my husband planned smartly and booked us a night in Vanc...
Day 43 | Flight Cancelled, Ferry It Is