POP’S POV: Roadtrip Round Up: Fun I Discovered This Summer
Stepping outside my comfort zone led to one of the best weekends with my family
Growing to learn that there is so much joy to be discovered on the other side of spontaneity. I am quick to let folks know what I will not be doing. I prefer to be at home and try my hardest to avoid large crowds—it just isn’t my jam. However, a few weekends ago, a few friends and their children flew into town, and that turned into one of the most unplanned yet adventurous weekends my family and I have ever had—crowds and all.
It was a long weekend, so we ended up firing up the grill one day, doing Disney another, and spending the remainder of the weekend taking a road trip to Sequoia National Park in Tulare County, California. This was going to be our first road trip with the kids, and the commute was about four hours. With two children under three, you can imagine what was going through my mind as we were loading up the car to hit the road.
Before our children, my wife and I would go on road trips all the time. This time was going to be different—but little did I know it would be different in the best way.
Disney provided me with a bonding experience with my family—my daughter specifically—that I didn’t know I needed, but one that changed my entire perspective and approach to parenting, especially when it comes to going places I don’t necessarily enjoy.
Seeing the joy on my daughter’s face as we went on rides and met some of her favorite Disney characters really made me feel warm inside. The number of times we stood in line and boarded Dumbo—we should’ve reserved the ride just for ourselves for the day. Jackson would get off and say, “Again, Daddy,” and that we did.
Minnie Mouse is her absolute favorite character, and seeing her meet Minnie and engage by blowing kisses, giving the tightest little hug, and telling her how much she loved her was the sweetest. The day at Disney was long and intense, but I made it to the car and got in a nap, which gave me the refuel I needed to power through.
I don’t know what Walt Disney has pumping through the atmosphere, but it may just be the happiest place on earth. That day was amazing, and we’ll definitely be back for another round of good times.
The road trip to Sequoia National Park was much smoother than expected. The views in the mountains were absolutely breathtaking. After paying to enter the park, you’re provided with a map—because once you arrive, there’s no cellular service until you reach the information centers or your lodging.
It was quite the experience (and a challenge) navigating without Siri. You had to learn the terrain and rely on the map.
The food wasn’t my favorite—I’ll charge that to the experience. Sequoia isn’t known for fine dining, but it is known for its stunning, gigantic trees and untouched wilderness.
We visited the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest living tree in the world by volume—275 feet tall and about 2,200 years old. We also explored Moro Rock, the Tunnel Log, and King’s Canyon.
As the expedition came to a close and we were exiting the park, we saw a bear and some deer—which was amazing to witness up close in their natural habitat.
After such an adventurous weekend, I learned that there is beauty in impulsiveness. Sometimes you have to just get up and go—have an idea, no concrete plan, and let it flow.
I stepped outside of my comfort zone, and it rewarded me with some of the best memories I’ve made with my family while experiencing places and things I thought I wouldn’t enjoy. We had a time last night!
Road Trip Essentials
1. Avis
“You get a car! You get a car! You get a car!” Avis is my preferred choice when it comes to vehicle rental. If you know, you know—and you see what I just did there! As a loyal customer, I have preferred status, which allows me to get free upgrades, discounted add-ons, and overall rental cars at promotional rates. One of the best perks is the expedited check-in on the app to get you in and out of the facility in a flash, and when managing a family of four, this perk has become a gold standard for us.
2. Airbnb
Airbnb always comes through when I’m seeking lodging options while out of town. It offers more flexibility than hotels, home-like amenities, and one-of-a-kind experiences like the cabin we stayed in while visiting Sequoia National Park. Airbnb is always my top choice for places to stay when I’m looking for a home away from home.
3. American Express – The Platinum Card
My Platinum Amex is my right-hand man when it comes to travel—the perks are unmatched! From the purchase protection of up to $50K per year, travel insurance, and car rental loss and damage protection when I hit the road, I make sure it’s within reach to ensure smooth sailing, driving, or flying.
These shoes are made for walking… running, and even hiking too! My HOKA Men’s Clifton 10s have me walking on sunshine—and yes, it feels good! The Clifton 10s are extremely comfortable and great for everyday, and they caught me by surprise holding me up between pushing strollers and climbing hills I did not sign up for. I am definitely the father that advises comfort for the family activities.
5. Apple Watch
With all the hats I wear between home life and work life, I’m always on the go and can’t always find the time to manage routine. However, I still try to be intentional about my health and fitness, and the Apple Watch has proven to be the best way to help me stay on top of my game. With heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, and activity rings, I am able to see what I’m accomplishing when I’m not exactly in the gym. At this point, all of my parenting experience has to count as working me out — and this helps me build that argument in data.
