Day 1: Los Angeles to Las Vegas

Distance: ~270 miles (4-5 hours)

Start your road trip bright and early from Los Angeles. As you leave the city’s hustle and bustle, you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by the vast Mojave Desert. Be sure to make these stops along the way:

• Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande): A quirky roadside attraction filled with colorful bottle sculptures.
• Kelso Dunes (Mojave National Preserve): If time permits, take a short detour to see these towering sand dunes.

Arrive in Las Vegas by late afternoon and check into your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the Strip:

• Bellagio Fountains: Enjoy the iconic water show.
• The Venetian: Take a gondola ride or wander through its luxurious shops.
• Fremont Street Experience: Head downtown for live music and dazzling light displays.

Overnight: Las Vegas hotel (e.g., Bellagio, The Venetian, or a budget-friendly option like Excalibur).

Day 2: Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance: ~260 miles (4-5 hours)

Hit the road early to reach Bryce Canyon National Park. This drive is filled with breathtaking views as you approach the red-rock formations of southern Utah. Upon arrival, explore the park:

• Bryce Amphitheater: Stop at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point for panoramic views.
• Navajo Loop Trail: A 1.3-mile hike that takes you through the iconic hoodoos.

After spending the day soaking in Bryce Canyon’s natural beauty, drive to Cedar City for an overnight stay.

Overnight: Cedar City (e.g., Best Western Plus or Abbey Inn).

Day 3: Zion National Park to Monument Valley

Distance: ~360 miles (6-7 hours)

Wake up early and head to Zion National Park, just an hour’s drive from Cedar City. Zion’s dramatic cliffs and canyons are perfect for exploration:

• The Narrows: If you’re up for an adventure, hike through this iconic river slot canyon.
• Canyon Overlook Trail: A shorter, family-friendly hike with sweeping views.

By afternoon, begin your journey to Monument Valley. The drive takes you through picturesque desert landscapes, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Arrive at Monument Valley by late in the evening and check into The View Hotel, renowned for its incredible vistas of the valley’s towering sandstone formations.

Overnight: The View Hotel, Monument Valley.

Day 4: Monument Valley to Flagstaff via Route 66

Distance: ~245 miles (4-5 hours)

Start your day early to explore Monument Valley. Consider these must-do activities:

• Guided Jeep Tour: Learn about the valley’s history, culture, and geology while getting up close to its iconic formations like the Mittens and Totem Pole.
• Photography: Capture the sunrise or early morning light for postcard-worthy shots.

After a morning in Monument Valley, drive to Flagstaff. Stop at the Flagstaff Visitor Center to grab a Route 66 map and explore the city’s retro charm:

• Historic Downtown Flagstaff: Stroll through shops, grab a bite, or enjoy a craft beer.

From Flagstaff, head west to Seligman, a small town steeped in Route 66 nostalgia. Take your time exploring its quirky attractions:

• Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In: A classic diner with vintage vibes.
• Route 66 Memorabilia Shops: Stock up on souvenirs and learn about the highway’s history.

Overnight: Seligman or nearby accommodations.

Day 5: Seligman to Los Angeles

Distance: ~370 miles (6-7 hours)

Spend the morning soaking in the charm of Seligman. Enjoy breakfast at a retro diner and take one last look at the historic Route 66 landmarks before heading back to Los Angeles. The drive takes you through the Mojave Desert once more, offering a chance to reflect on your epic journey.

Arrive in Los Angeles by evening, concluding your unforgettable road trip.

Tips for the Road Trip:

1. Pack Snacks and Water: Desert drives can be long with limited food stops.
2. Gas Up Frequently: Fill up whenever you see a gas station, especially in remote areas.
3. Check Weather Conditions: Be prepared for sudden changes, especially in higher altitudes like Bryce and Zion.
4. Bring a Camera: You’ll want to capture the stunning landscapes along the way.
5. Plan Ahead: Book accommodations in advance, especially at popular spots like The View Hotel.
6. Get in Early : Make sure you enter National parks (Bryce & Zion) as early as you can to avoid long waiting lines

This 5-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and road trip nostalgia. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

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Hong Kong Visa :

You don’t need a visa to travel to Hong Kong if you are from one these 170 countries ,If you hold a Indian Passport you need to do a PAR (Pre-Arrival Registration) before traveling to Hong Kong. U.S. citizen holding a U.S. passport don’t need a Visa or PAR to travel to Hong Kong.

PAR :

PAR is a Pre-Arrival Registration form which you need to fill and submit before traveling to Hong Kong. It takes less than 10 minutes to fill up the form and when done, you need to take a print out of it and carry it with you to Hong Kong. You can find PAR form here.

Immigration :

Once you land, head straight to the immigration. The whole immigration process takes less than 5 minutes and all you need to show is the printed document PAR & your passport.

Even the process of getting back to our flight after we roamed around the country the whole day was smooth and it took less than 5 minutes at the immigration.

Baggage :

If you have a connecting flight, You don’t need to pick up your luggage from the baggage area. Because we were going out, we din’t want to carry our Carry-ons with us in the city and hence dropped them at the Luggage Storage area located in the arrival hall after Immigration. Fees to store your luggage is HK$ 14 per piece per hour , which is (1.80 USD).

Currency Exchange :

You can exchange your currency at the airport, there are so many booths before & after immigration. We Cashed out USD 500 which was good enough to spend the next 14 hours in HK.

Internet & SIM card :

You can rent pocket wifi rental for a day or get a SIM card with 1GB to 5GB internet for a day for just HK$38 (USD $5). I would recommend getting a SIM card as you will be needing a phone number to download the HK Taxi app (if you decide to take Taxis in HK).

Transportation & Taxis : 

We took AirPort Express (Train) from the airport to go to the City. It has three stops : Tsing Yi station , Kowloon station & Hong Kong station . We already had a plan where to go first which is the last station – Hong Kong station . I would highly recommend taking the AirPort Express as it saves a lot of time and cuts the traffic. Hong Kong’s traffic is as bad as LA & NYC so would recommend using public transport.

Taxis :

Uber works great in Hong Kong but most of the times it takes forever for the Uber to arrive (due to traffic). In Taxis, the quick and easiest one to get are Hong Kong Taxis which you can book via HK Taxi app. We were traveling with two little kids and choose Taxis to go around the city and that wasted so much of our time (Thanks to traffic again). If you can figure out public transport then congrats, you can actually explore most of the Hong Kong just in these 14 hours.

Exploring Hong Kong :

After we got down from our AirPort Express at Hong Kong Station , we booked a Uber straight to The Peak Tram which basically is a Tram station which takes you to Victoria Peak.

The Peak Tram, Victoria Peak & Sky Terrace 428 : 

One of the must and most visited places in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak where you can take the scenic Tram to go to the peak and enjoy the views of Hong Kong Skyline.

This place is huge up there with a shopping mall, restaurants and a lot of activities to do. You can easily spend a whole day here but we were there for just couple of hours. Had Brunch, did some shopping, bought souvenirs and enjoyed the views of Hong Kong City.  The views from the mall itself are amazing but if you want un interrupted views then you need to check out Sky Terrace 428 which is the top most areas of the mall.

Monster Building :

Next stop was a Instagrammable spot in Hong Kong which is Yick Fat Monster Building . I found this when I was looking for photo spots in Hong Kong. This was last on my list as I thought its just a building and there’s nothing great about it. But glad I went here, as we learnt more about the lifestyle of locals there , we walked around the streets, its markets , people and of course got some really good pictures which scream “Hong Kong”

Victoria Harbor :

We were stuck in traffic for hours and finally reached Victoria Harbor. It’s another beautiful spot where you can spend a whole day. It has ocean front Cafes and restaurants, Shopping mall for designer and luxury goods, you can hop on a ferry to go around harbor or simply sit down and enjoy the views of Hong Kong Skyline.

Avenue of the Stars :

Avenue of the stars is also located on Victoria Harbor.It pays tribute to the city’s film industry and features handprints of famous actors, as well as stunning views of Victoria Harbor and the iconic skyline making it a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.

Luxury Shopping : 

Did you know Hong Kong is the one of the best & cheapest place to buy luxury and designer brands ? Yes, you heard it right. Because Hong Kong has no Tax on Designer goods and Electronics which makes it cheaper to buy luxury brands. And one of the best places to shop these brands in Hong Kong is K11 Art Mall located on the Victoria Harbor. If you are into luxury and designer goods, then this is your place.

Lantau Island , Big Buddha & Cable Car :

Another place which we wanted to visit at the ned of the day but couldn’t as we got stuck in traffic for hours due to moon festival. Lantau Island is closer to the airport, so you can either include this to the rest of the activities or just do this and stay close to the airport.

Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong, known for its stunning natural landscapes, quieter places  and cultural landmarks. One of its most famous attractions is the Tian Tan Buddha, commonly known as the Big Buddha. To access the Big Buddha, many visitors take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride. This scenic cable car journey offers breathtaking views of Lantau Island, the South China Sea, and the surrounding mountains. The ride lasts about 25 minutes, with options for standard or glass-bottom cabins for an added thrill.

Indian & Halal Food : 

Did you know Hong Kong has a huge population of Indians and Muslims which means there’s so many Food options wherever you go. Some of the Halal restaurants we tried were :Islamic Centre Canteen (Chinese Dishes) , Nakhon Thai (Thai food) & Kim Chi Korean Fusion. Loved everything we ate and their spice level was just as how we Indians like. There were also Halal Indian Restaurants like Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant & Moksha. We had these two restaurants on our list just in case if we or kids crave for some Indian Food but din’t get to try them.

Some things to remember : 

• Hong Kong gave us a feel of Manhattan in New York City where everyone is in a rush.
• We were lost at one point and wanted to ask someone for directions but had a hard luck, we felt most of them were in rush, busy or shy to talk to strangers. But there were also few (1 in 5) who were willing to help.
• Our flight in Hong Kong landed at 9 am in the morning and the connecting flight was at 12 am in the night so we made sure we were in the airport by 10pm.

P.S : If you ask someone directions and they say, “it’s just close by , you don’t need a taxi, you can just walk”. Please don’t listen, as their version of close by will be different to yours. Hongkongers walk a lot & we Angelenos are not a huge fan of walking.

Summary :

Hong Kong is a vibrant city with plenty to explore, even on a short stopover. You can cover majority of tourists spots in 14 hours if planned correctly. With its blend of modernity and tradition, Hong Kong offers a captivating experience for every traveler.

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If you guys have been following us on Instagram, you should be knowing that we’ve been to The World’s first National Park – The Yellowstone National Park . It is a wonderland of natural beauty and adventure, making it a perfect destination for families. With its stunning landscapes, geysers, wildlife, and educational opportunities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here I am sharing my ultimate 2 day  family-friendly itinerary designed to make the most of your trip to Yellowstone with kids which is less tiring and more enjoyable.

Before I start, I want to mention that we have booked our hotel in Montana which is the west entrance of the Yellowstone (Note: Yellowstone has four entrances). The main attraction of YNP is Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful and both these attractions are closer to the west entrance.

YNP has two loops – Upper Loop & Lower Loop

Day 1 : Lower Loop points to stop : You can check lower loop video here.

Lower loop is all about Geysers and Springs and here are some of the kid friendly spots in Lower Loop:

1. Fountain Paint Pots : This is just few steps walk from parking lot and is doable with kids.
2. Grand Prismatic Spring : Few steps from parking lot
3. Grand Prismatic Overlook : 1.6 Mile loop, easy hike and doable with kids
4. Old Faithful geyser : Few steps from parking lot
5. Old Faithful Inn : Few steps from parking lot (same parking lot as old faithful geyser)
6. West Geyser Basin : Few steps from parking lot
7. Hayden Valley : This is a drive through valley for animal spotting. It has multiple trails & stops for animal viewing
8. Exit to west entrance via canyon center & Norris geyser . You will spot a lot of geysers and springs along the road .

Day 2 : Upper Loop points to stop : You can check Upper loop video here.

Upper Loop is all about Nature, Wild Life and Water falls. Here are some of the spots you can do with your kids:

1. Norris Geyser : Few steps from parking lot
2. Mammoth Springs : Few steps from parking lot
3. Undine Falls Overlook : Few Steps from parking lot
4. Tower Roosevelt (here you head to east entrance for Lamar valley drive)
5. Lamar Valley : A beautiful drive where you’ll encounter lots of wild animals
6. Upper Falls : Few steps from parking lot
7. Lower Falls :1.2 Miles loop from Parking lot, and considered moderately challenging route due to elevation
8. Inspiration Point : Few Steps from parking lot
9. Exit to west entrance via canyon center & Norris geyser .

Some tips to  make your visit fun and unforgettable:

Getting Ready
1. Think Ahead: Yellowstone has a huge area with lots to check out. Make a list of the main spots you want to see, like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yellowstone Lake. If you have kids, just simply note down the Stop points I have mentioned above.
2. Get Your Spot: If you are looking to camp or get a room inside the park, Make sure to book where you’ll sleep way before you go. People usually book 6 months in advance. If not, there are many hotels outside the park too.
3. Look at the Forecast: You can’t always guess the weather in Yellowstone. Bring clothes you can put on or take off, and don’t forget stuff to keep you dry if it rains. I packed summer clothes with jackets and had ponchos just in case it rains. It can rain in June-July too.
4. Get America the beautiful pass : Did you know, for just $80 , your entire family can visit over 2,000 federal recreation sites and all the National parks in US for free for a whole year ? This is the best way to save if you are visiting 3 or more National Parks in a year. And if you are visiting Yellowstone, you can also check out Grand Teton National Park which is just 10 miles from Yellowstone South Entrance.
5. Get a map : There’s absolutely no reception once you enter the park. So make sure you ask for a map when you show your Entry pass at the entrance. You can easily find all the spots I mentioned above in the map.

Travel Essentials
1. Bring Your Own Food: The park has few food choices, and they often cost a lot or fully packed with people. So pack enough snacks and picnic items for your family. We loaded our car trunk with Bars, fruits, Water bottles, Bread, bread spreads , Chips, Cookies, Fruit Juices for adults and kids.
2. Stay Hydrated: Make sure everyone has a water bottle and fills it up often. This is key especially when you hike.
3. Be Prepared for Minor Injuries: Keep a simple first aid kit with you. Include things like band-aids antiseptic wipes, and any meds you might need. Carry Bug/Mosquito repellent & Bear Spray too.

Safety Tips
Stick to Trails: To keep wildlife and plants safe and make sure you don’t get hurt always walk on marked paths and boardwalks.
Wildlife Safety: Stay far away from all animals. Use binoculars or a long lens to look at them. Don’t go near or give food to animals.
Bear Safety: Find out how to stay safe around bears. Bring bear spray and learn to use it. Make sounds as you hike so you don’t catch a bear off guard.

Activities for Kids
Junior Ranger Program: Sign your children up for the Junior Ranger Program. It helps them learn about the park and get a badge.
Educational Centers: Check out the different visitor centers and museums. They have interesting displays and hands-on exhibits.
Ranger-Led Programs: Join programs and talks led by rangers. Kids find these both fun and educational.

Exploring the Park
Early Starts: Begin your days to beat the crowds and have a better chance to see animals.
Short Hikes: Pick walks that are good for families – ones that are shorter and easier, like the boardwalks near geysers and springs.
Scenic Drives: Take in Yellowstone’s beautiful drives. The upper and lower loop shows you many stunning views and lets you get to main attractions .

Comfort and Convenience:

Restrooms: Get to know where the bathrooms are in the park. There are bathrooms at many places to stop and rest. Some are well maintained and some are not.
Breaks and Downtime: Make time for kids to rest and play. Bring books, games, or other stuff to keep them busy during breaks.
Stroller-Friendly Areas: You can use strollers in some parts of the park, but not everywhere. Think about using a baby carrier for little ones.

Environmental Responsibility :

Leave No Trace: Show your kids how to leave nature untouched. Take all your trash with you and keep the park as you found it.
Respect Wildlife: Stress how important it is to respect animals and where they live.

If you plan well and include different activities, your family trip to Yellowstone can be less tiring, more fun and teach kids of all ages something new.

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If you follow us on Instagram, you should be knowing that we’ve been to Sequoia National Park with our kids ages 3 & 8 and it was so much fun. So if you are wondering what to do at Sequoia National Park with kids, then this blog is for you.

Sequoia Sign :

As soon as you enter the park, you’ll be welcomed by a huge Sequoia Sign where you can park the car and take a picture together as a family. We do this with all the national parks as it will serve as a beautiful memory for you and kids.

Stop by the Visitor Center : 

Visitor Center is your one stop for all the information you need regarding Sequoia National Park. Stop here for information, maps, books, gifts, and restrooms. Browse exhibits about the ecology and human history and join a free Junior Ranger Program.

Junior Ranger program : 

All the national parks in United states offer Junior Ranger Programs which is basically to do the tasks mentioned in the program while you explore the parks. This is completely free and is the best way to keep your kids engaged and educate them about each National Park you visit. And the best part is each kid will receive a NPS Badge upon completion of the given task. You can get the info and the necessary booklet regarding this program at the Visitor Center of every National Park you visit.

Tunnel Rock :

After you cross the Visitor Center, the first attraction you’ll find is the Tunnel Rock. It stands as a testament to the power of nature and the perseverance of ancient giants.  This massive granite formation is an iconic landmark within the park. You can either hike up to the Rock to take a picture or just stay under it, either way it definitely makes a unique photo opp.

Moro Rock :

Stop by Moro Rock and Hike up  for panoramic views of the park. This is one of the easiest Hikes you can do with kids of all ages . The trail is of about 0.5 miles out-and-back with around 350 steps to climb to enjoy the stunning views of Sierra Nevada mountains.

Giant Forest:

You know you’ve reached the majestic trees once you enter the Giant Forest up on the mountain. It was around 50 minute drive for us from the Tunnel rock . Take a leisurely stroll or a guided hike through one of the park’s giant sequoia groves, such as the Giant Forest or the General Sherman Tree area. These majestic trees will awe both kids and adults alike.

Visit General Sherman Tree:

Make sure to visit the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. It’s an awe-inspiring sight for kids and adults, and there are informative signs along the trail explaining more about these incredible trees.

 Tunnel Log:

Drive through the Tunnel Log, a fallen sequoia that was carved out to allow cars to pass through. Kids will love the novelty of driving through a tree!

Picnics and Nature Walks:

Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. There are many picnic areas throughout the park, offering a chance to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings. After lunch, take a short nature walk to explore the local flora and fauna.

 Camping:

If you’re up for it, camping in Sequoia National Park can be a memorable experience for families. There are several campgrounds in the park, offering a chance to sleep under the stars and experience the sounds of the forest at night.

 Ranger Programs:

Check the park’s schedule for ranger-led programs and activities. These may include guided hikes, campfire talks, and stargazing events, which can be both educational and entertaining for kids.

Wildlife Watching:

Keep an eye out for wildlife throughout the park. You might spot deer, black bears, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. Remember to keep a safe distance and never approach or feed wild animals.

Scenic Drives:

Take a scenic drive through the park, stopping at overlooks and viewpoints along the way. The Generals Highway offers stunning vistas of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the surrounding wilderness.

Some Things to keep in mind : 

• Check the park’s website for any alerts, road closures, or special events that may affect your visit. Make reservations for camping or lodging well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• There’s no Reception once you enter the park, so make sure you have your map in hand.
• Entrance Fee is $35 with with you can explore both Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
• Get a America the Beautiful Pass if you planning 3 or more National Parks in a year . This card us $80 and is valid for 1 year . It gives access to all the National Parks for 1 Car and upto 4 adults (Kids go free).
• Weather is always unpredictable during shoulder seasons or Winters/Springs.  So always carry chains to drive up to the mountain, if you forget to bring chains then you can rent them in the stores near the entrance of the park for $40 per day.
• Carry umbrellas, waterproof clothes and shoes for kids.
• Much of the park is at high altitude, so be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. Drink plenty of water and take it easy, especially if you’re not accustomed to high elevations.
• Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a map or GPS device, snacks, and a first aid kit. Cell phone service can be limited in some areas of the park, so it’s essential to be self-sufficient

Remember to check the park’s website or visitor center for any current alerts or restrictions, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this beautiful natural wonder for future generations.

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