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Best Minivans

Car and Driver 's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of more than 400 vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the Best Minivans based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.

Best Minivans at a glance

2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid

2025 Kia Carnival

2024 honda odyssey, 2024 chrysler pacifica.

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.css-gpjca5{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;margin:0rem;} 2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid

2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid

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A black Chrysler Pacifica minivan.

4 Best Minivans for Road Trips in 2022

Ah, minivans, can any other vehicle class really compare when it to comes to road trips ? Millions of Americans have fond memories of cramming into a minivan with family members and heading to a different city or state. Not every minivan has what it takes to keep every friend or family member comfy and entertained for thousands of miles of driving. Honda , Chrysler, Kia, and Toyota all have competitive minivans on the market. Here are the four best minivans for road trips in 2022.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey is fun for the whole family

A gray 2022 Honda Odyssey minivan is parked.

  • Starting Price: $33,040
  • Standard Engine: 3.5-Liter V6, 280 Horsepower
  • MPG: 19 City / 28 Highway

The 2022 Honda Odyssey is a minivan with amazing driving dynamics. Car and Driver gave the minivan a 9/10 overall rating. The Odyssey comes with plenty of standard driver assistance features and a spacious, comfy cabin.

The Odyssey’s second row of seats is adjustable, and seats can easily be joined or separated. It offers available features like Honda CabinWatch and CabinTalk, making it easy to keep a watchful eye on younger passengers and communicate. The Odyssey also comes standard with Intelligent Traction Management, a system designed to provide the smoothest ride possible on all sorts of terrain.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is one stylish minivan

A black 2022 Chrysler Pacifica minivan is parked.

  • Starting Price: $37,095
  • Standard Engine: 3.6-Liter V6, 287 Horsepower
  • MPG: 19 City, 28 Highway

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica has lots of cabin and cargo space. It includes Chrysler Stow n’ Go seating, a feature that allows owners to fold and store the second and third row of the minivan’s seats into the floor of the vehicle. The Pacifica comes in a hybrid option that has amazing fuel efficiency.

While the base model has plenty to offer, the real fun begins with its higher trim levels. The van has available Nappa leather-trimmed seats. It comes standard with a large 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Chrysler Pacifica also includes plenty of standard safety features.

The 2022 Kia Carnival is a tech-savvy minivan

A blue 2022 Kia Carnival minivan is driving on the road.

  • Starting Price: $32,100
  • Standard Engine: 3.5-Liter V6, 290 Horsepower
  • MPG: 19 City, 26 Highway

The 2022 Kia Carnival is the South Korean automaker’s “Multi-Purpose Vehicle.” Kia wanted to give the Carnival an identity of its own separate from the main rivals in its segment. The Kia Carnival certainly separates itself by incorporating plenty of standard tech and amazing advanced tech at higher trim levels.

The Kia Carnival comes standard with seven USB ports and power sliding rear doors. Second-row seats slide and are removable. The minivan also includes a standard 4.2-inch trip computer. Its SX trim features a dual-screen entertainment system complete with charging outlets, power inverters, HDMI ports, and screen mirroring for devices.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna is best for road trippin’ on a budget

A red 2022 Toyota Sienna minivan is parked.

  • Starting Price: $34,710
  • Standard Engine: 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Hybrid Engine, 245 Horsepower
  • MPG: 36 City, 36 Highway

The 2022 Toyota Sienna is a standard hybrid minivan. This makes it the most fuel-efficient base model minivan on the market. Aside from amazing fuel economy, the Sienna also provides a comfortable ride and an attractive exterior design.

The Toyota Sienna has a spacious, modern-looking cabin. It comes standard with a 9.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The minivan also includes plenty of standard safety features like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control.

The best new road trip minivans all offer space, comfort and tech

A black Chrysler Pacifica minivan.

The best minivans for road trips all include lots of cabin and cargo space. They also feature plenty of standard tech and value for their prices. The modern minivan has evolved to incorporate the latest technology to keep as many passengers entertained as possible.

The minivan vehicle class has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for practicality, style, or great gas mileage. The Honda Odyssey has won awards for being the best family minivan, but it has major competition in 2022.

Is the Honda Odyssey the Best Family Vehicle Ever Made?

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Charles Singh

Charles Singh joined MotorBiscuit as an Autos Writer in 2021 and brings his love of new electric cars to our site. As an Autos Writer, Charles draws inspiration from the ever-evolving automotive industry to provide MotorBiscuit readers with the latest news surrounding electric vehicles and automotive tech.

Charles earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Lehman College, CUNY, and has since combined his love of cars and tech with the art of storytelling.

Charles has earned a certificate in Digital Marketing from the Yale School of Management. He is also certified in Google Analytics.

minivan road trip

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2023 Chrysler Pacifica Road Tripper

A white 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Road Tripper Hybrid parked in a residential driveway.

Trip of a Lifetime, Every Time

Road tripping just leveled up. Embark on your next adventure in style in the Chrysler Pacifica Road Tripper minivan. Exquisite exterior trim details, impressive storage capacity, convenient towing ability for gas models and safety and security features make this the best road trip minivan in its class .  The Road Tripper Package is available in All-Wheel Drive for gas models, Front-Wheel Drive and as a Plug-In Hybrid for road trips on your terms .

Preproduction models shown throughout. Actual production model may vary.

Born a Ramblin' Van

We built Road Tripper for life’s great journeys. It’s equipped with the Stow N Place® Roof Rack System and rugged all-weather floor mats. On gas models only, it also includes the Trailer Tow Package which provides up to 3,600 pounds of Best-in-Class towing capacity . And with design details like Semi-Gloss Granite Crystal accents, Luster Gray wheels featuring Brilliant Orange center cap trim and a Road Tripper decal on the front doors, this machine is made to be seen from coast to coast.

minivan road trip

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minivan road trip

Our six favorite U.S. van routes

Looking back on our two and a half years of van travel, there are six stretches we especially enjoyed.

All of this is highly subjective, of course. But people often ask us, “What are your favorite places you’ve been?” And we find that the same answers pop up. So, without further ado, our favorite U.S. road trips:

1. Dark Skies and Red Rocks

Great Basin National Park > Moab, UT > Capitol Reef National Park > Bryce Canyon National Park > Zion National Park > Las Vegas, NV

Why We Loved It

Piety and sin, all against a backdrop of dramatic desert with red rocks you won’t see anywhere else—and far enough from city lights for views of the Milky Way

Best Times to Go

Spring and fall, since winters are freezing and summers are brutally hot (and crowded)

  • Great Basin National Park in NV, a newer and smaller park with excellent night-sky views
  • Dead Horse Point State Park in UT, sandwiched between Arches and Canyonlands national parks with fantastic hiking and a cart that has soft-serve ice cream
  • BLM campgrounds in Moab, UT , where you can stay for cheap along the winding Colorado River
  • Snow Canyon State Park in St. George, UT, where you can explore petrified dunes for hours
  • Kiva Coffeehouse in Escalante, UT, where you can sip coffee while looking out at the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument
  • El Coyote Charro in Mesquite, NV and St. George, UT , with some of the most authentic tacos we’ve had north of the border
  • State-run liquor stores in Utah , that make you feel like a freak but are crucial if you want beer that’s more than 3.2% alcohol
  • Valley of Fire State Park in NV, with stunning red rock formations and sheep

2. Hipster Appalachia

Greenville, SC > Asheville, NC > Johnson City, TN > Great Smoky Mountains National Park > Chattanooga, TN

Vibrant towns filled with makers, artists and outdoor activities, all with a dash of Southern hospitality

Almost any time of year, although it can snow in winter at higher elevations

  • Falls Park in Greenville, SC, where you can cool off by the Reedy River’s waterfalls right through downtown
  • Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville, SC, with miles of paved bike path that take you through woods and towns—stop at the Swamp Rabbit Grocery or the town of Traveler’s Rest for tasty food and drinks
  • Table Rock State Park in SC, where you can see sweeping views south from hikes along the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains
  • River Arts District in Asheville, NC, with open studios nearly every day featuring paintings, pottery, glass and more
  • Hole Doughnuts in Asheville, NC, with fried-to-order donuts in flavors you’ve never had, like orange cardamom and toasted almond sesame cinnamon
  • Johnson City, TN has newer microbreweries downtown that are worth a visit
  • The Downhome in Johnson City, TN, where you can see some bluegrass and Americana musical acts
  • The Appalachian Trail goes through Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you want to mingle with some thru-hikers and leave some trail magic
  • Southside Historic District in Chattanooga, TN, for craft cocktails and hip restaurants
  • Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN, where you can see seven states from the summit

3. Gentle Giants and Roaring Reptiles

Pretty much all of Florida—start in the panhandle, work your way down to the keys, then take a different way back!

It’s warm year-round, with plenty of campgrounds, water sports and subtropical scenery—plus some of the best state parks for wildlife

Fall, winter and spring, because it can be oppressively humid in the summer (and you probably want to avoid hurricane season)

  • Grayton Beach State Park , where you can walk along white sand beaches far away from the spring breakers in Destin
  • Tallahassee-St. Marks Trail , which offers 20 miles of paved bike path and ends in the coastal town of St. Marks where you can grab a meal
  • Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park’s La Chua Trail , which is littered with alligators that you can trip on if you’re not careful
  • Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail , with 16 miles of paved bike path through state park land
  • Ichetucknee Springs State Park , for tubing, kayaking or canoeing with turtles, manatees and beautiful birds
  • Cedar Key , for a taste of old Florida charm on the gulf coast
  • Blue Spring State Park , where you can see lots of manatees just relaxing in the St. Johns River from multiple viewing platforms
  • Everglades National Park , which we sadly didn’t make it to (we had our little dog and it was just too hot!) but is supposed to have amazing wildlife
  • The Florida Keys , for amazing views, boating, beaches and tourist traps
  • Miami’s art deco historic district , for excellent architecture and people-watching
  • Also, be sure to eat some Cuban food while in Miami and to have a blackened grouper sandwich somewhere on the coast

4. Reverse Lewis & Clark

Portland, OR > Eastward along the Columbia River > Pendleton, OR > Coeur d’Alene, ID > Highway 2 to Glacier National Park

Expansive forests, cooling lakes and rivers, and endless opportunities for hiking, biking and scenic drives

  • Late spring, summer and fall, because winter is too cold (unless you want to ski near Coeur d’Alene)
  • Portland, OR, for fancy coffee, craft beer, food carts, Powell’s Books and an all-around Portlandia experience
  • End of the Oregon Trail , a cheesy-yet-educational museum in Oregon City where you can learn more about the journey of westward settlers
  • Eagle Creek Trail , a spectacular hike with swimming holes, sheer cliffs and waterfalls
  • Hood River, OR, which is the home of many Columbia River Gorge-area breweries
  • Pendleton Underground Tours , to learn more about this western town’s history, including its brothels
  • Hells Canyon and the Snake River, for camping and water sports, like rafting, kayaking or canoeing
  • Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, ID, for biking and water sports
  • Kootenai Falls , MT, for a short hike with stunning views of sacred waterfalls and rope bridges
  • Flathead Lake , MT, for crystal clear water that’s perfect for lazing around or boating
  • Hike to Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park , MT, while there are still glaciers left

5. The Third Coast

Clockwise or counterclockwise around Lake Michigan, which takes you through Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan

Get a taste of large and small midwestern cities and enjoy incredible views of some of the Great Lakes, which look a lot like oceans

  • Summer and maybe early fall—we made the mistake of going in late May and it was far too cold and rainy
  • Chicago’s Lakefront Trail , for gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and great people watching
  • Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore  in IN, where you can hike, bike or relax and enjoy the faraway Chicago skyline—it’s connected to a state park as well, and not far from a cute town called Chesterton
  • Small “coastal” towns in southwest Michigan, with nice downtown areas and pretty views—just hug the highway that follows the water
  • Traverse City, MI, with microbreweries, water sports and a walkable downtown, along with state park camping along the bay
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore  in MI, an easy day trip from Traverse City with scenic drives, dune climbs and nearby wineries (who knew?)
  • Pasty and cudighi , two “ Yooper ” delights inspired by European immigrants
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in MI, with great hiking and beautiful views of the stunningly clear water of Lake Superior (there are boat tours, too)
  • Marquette, MI, a lakeside college town on the upper peninsula (U.P.) with a lot of character
  • Madison, WI, an artsy city with biking, good food and lots to see

6. Prairies to “Fourteeners”

Badlands National Park > Rapid City, SD > Cheyenne, WY > Denver, CO > Durango, CO

Wide open grassland and curious prairie dogs, leading to spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery, 14,000-foot peaks and outdoor adventure

Late spring and early summer have warmer weather and more greenery; Badlands National Park is an inferno in late summer, although the rivers will be moving more slowly in late summer if you prefer mellow paddling

  • Sage Creek Rim Road in Badlands National Park in SD, a less-traveled dirt road with excellent scenery and wildlife viewing
  • Black Hills National Forest in SD, with beautiful campgrounds, stunning lakes and, of course, Mt. Rushmore (that, in our opinion, is worth a quick drive-by, but nothing more)
  • Cheyenne Depot Museum , with history of the Union Pacific Railroad since Cheyenne is a train town (and a brew pub next door)
  • Fort Collins, CO, the home of New Belgium Brewing and nearby Horsetooth Mountain
  • Chautauqua Park in Boulder, CO, with hiking trails leading to the Flatirons and nearby access to forest land
  • Red Rocks Amphitheater outside Denver, CO, where you can see a show, take a hike, or both, among giant red rocks with a view of Denver
  • Frisco and Breckenridge, CO, for mountain towns that feel like the right blend of lived in and touristy
  • Salida, CO, for a colorful western town right on the Arkansas River, which is popular for rafting
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park in CO, where you can sled down North America’s tallest sand dunes
  • Pagosa Springs, CO, for a soak in natural hot springs at different resorts along the San Juan River
  • Three Peaks Deli in Durango, CO, for a legitimately awesome sandwich and friendly service
  • Mesa Verde National Park in CO, where you can tour ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings on paid tours or view them from afar on a scenic drive

There are still a lot of places we haven’t been, and a lot of places we enjoyed that didn’t make this list. We also didn’t include anything in our home state of California because, quite honestly, the whole damn state is beautiful and you’d spend all your time there!

What are your favorite road trip routes? Let us know in the comments. Happy travels!

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  9 comments for “ our six favorite u.s. van routes ”.

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This is a great list and very well written. Keeping it for our future routes. Glad we’ve already done 2 out of 6 , yet so many things left to visit. I agree that Florida has amazing State Parks. Thanks for sharing!

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Glad you enjoyed it, Coralie! Hope you’re enjoying WWOOFing

Haha! We had to cancel the Minnessota Wwoofing because of really difficult climate conditions up there in the forest and lack of facilities offered from the host… but this is postponed at a sweet farm in Oregon,in August 🙂 (realistically easier conditions for a first,I guess). Take care, safe travers!

Sounds great! Let us know when you make it to California — we’ll be there starting September

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Love this list, thank you for taking the time to compile it! I can’t wait to explore some of your suggestions in a few months when my boyfriend and I begin our van life journey!

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Tamara and Chris, Starting my Nomad Journey in one week by myself. I’m a little scared actually but so excited. This is a great list. Thank you. I am in Bellingham Wa and will do the reverse Lewis and Clark to get my feet wet. I’m in a mini bus so will be learning how to navigate places to stay. Again, thanks for the advice. -Space Ghost and his Barn Dog

We are so excited for you! Have a wonderful journey wherever it takes you. Happy travels 😀

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My sister and I are planning to rent an RV Van and take a road trip in April of 2024. We love the Hipster Appalachia route….it’s just what we were thinking. We usually take 2 trips a year to go hiking but always fly to our destination and rent a car. I was wondering how many days you would suggest for this trip? We would be leaving from either Houston or Austin, Texas.

That sounds like a wonderful trip! Remember that it will likely take y’all two full days of driving to get from Texas to Tennessee. If you do the Hipster Appalachia route, you might consider finding a van/RV to rent in one of the cities along the route and flying there to save time. It’s also important to remember that, if you’re driving a good chunk of the day, there’s not much time for activities. I would give yourselves at least two nights in each destination so you have time for hikes and sightseeing. Don’t get me wrong — scenic drives are nice! But I imagine that you’d like to do more than sleep in these spots. If you stop at all the spots on the route, spending at least two nights in each spot and starting and ending in Texas, you’d probably want two weeks to not feel rushed. If you have less time, you could start closer by flying and/or cut some of the stops. Hope this helps!

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The 7 best hybrid cars, SUVs, and minivans for a fuel-efficient road trip

Shopping for a new ride? This hybrid lineup offers the high fuel economy, comfort, space, and technology you need for an epic roadtripping adventure

By Liane Yvkoff

Roadtrippers who are in the market for a new car may be debating whether or not an all-electric vehicle will give them enough freedom to travel without range anxiety and meticulous planning, which can put a damper on any great adventure. Thankfully, there are in-between options for those not ready to go all-in on electric but who want to be environmentally conscious. Hybrid vehicles are an attractive and financially savvy alternative to EVs. Plus, they give buyers high fuel economy and the ability to go places where electric charging stations can’t.

Related Interested in buying an EV? Here’s where to start and what to look for

Types of hybrids on the market

There are three types of hybrids on the market: conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and mild hybrids.

Mild hybrids

Mild hybrids are a bit of a misnomer; they’re basically gasoline-powered cars equipped with a 48-volt lead acid battery instead of a standard 12-volt. This upgrade powers onboard accessories such as electronic systems, air conditioning, and start-stop systems that automatically shut off the engine at stop lights and prolonged periods when the vehicle isn’t moving. The fuel-saving potential of these mild hybrid systems is gained through the automatic start-stop feature that improves fuel economy by an estimated 7 percent. 

Conventional hybrids

Conventional hybrids, like the pioneering Toyota Prius, primarily use a nickel-hydride battery that is more energy dense than lead acid batteries and is paired with an internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain system. However, a few manufacturers are now producing hybrids using lithium-ion pouches. These vehicles capture energy through regenerative braking and store it in the battery to propel the vehicle typically up to 45 miles per hour before the ICE kicks on for more propulsion.

Plug-in hybrids

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are a compromise between an electric vehicle and a hybrid car because they have two powertrains: a gasoline engine and an electric motor paired with a lithium-ion battery pack. These vehicles are considered a stepping stone for drivers who want to be able to travel a limited range using only electricity and also have the ability to travel longer distances using a combination of gasoline and electricity when the vehicle operates as a hybrid. Most drivers travel on average 40 miles per day, and many PHEVs have electric driving ranges long enough for drivers to rarely use their gasoline system.

Related How to find EV charging stations on a road trip

How far a PHEV can travel using only electricity depends on its battery size. Hybrids and PHEVs often cost more than gas-powered vehicles, and how long it will take to recover the higher premium paid for the electric-propulsion system varies between manufacturers and vehicles. PHEVs can especially save drivers money in the long run because, in addition to using less gasoline , they often require less money to maintain .

When shopping, keep in mind that manufacturers often add more optional features as standard equipment to hybrids and PHEVs, which makes it difficult to compare them side-by-side to their gasoline-only counterparts.

Hybrids we love for roadtripping

What’s the best hybrid vehicle for road trips? High fuel economy is just one factor to consider. Price, comfort, cargo space, off-roading and towing capabilities, advanced telematics, and driving enjoyment all play a role in choosing a vehicle that’s right for you and your lifestyle.

Ranging from SUVs and minivans to crossovers and sports cars, here are a few of the top roadtripping-worthy hybrids on the market today:

  • Subcompact crossover plug-in hybrid: 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
  • Compact SUV hybrid: 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
  • Midsize SUV plug-in hybrid: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
  • Midsize SUV plug-in hybrid: 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
  • Minivan hybrid: 2023 Toyota Sienna
  • Midsize sedan hybrid: 2023 Honda Accord
  • Convertible sports car plug-in hybrid: 2022 Ferrari 296 GTS

A red car carries extra cargo on its roof rack as it drives along a mountain road.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid stands out in a sea of subcompact crossovers for its driving dynamics, unique styling, and off-road capabilities. Available only in the top-of-the-line Limited trim, this plug-in hybrid is brimming with advanced drivetrain technologies and convenience features, including a full suite of driver assistance and safety systems, like EyeSight Driver Assist Technology . It also comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive, heated front seats, and an impressive multimedia system.

Features and options we love:

Active torque vectoring is a performance system typically found only on luxury vehicles but comes standard on the Crosstrek Hybrid. This technology monitors road and vehicle conditions to apply brakes and send power to individual wheels automatically for better traction.

More information on this vehicle can be found here .

The rear hatch of an SUV opens to reveal spacious storage space.

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

If you’re looking for a well-rounded and affordable compact SUV that is heavy on style, spacious, and gets high fuel economy, the Kia Sportage Hybrid checks all the boxes. It’s available with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain for drivers who are looking to save money at the pump, which means more money left to fill the best-in-class cargo area with souvenirs.

It’s not common to find a driver’s cockpit that seamlessly combines two 12.3-inch LCD digital displays in a mainstream crossover, but this feature comes standard on the EX and SV models. It’s also available with the Remote Smart Parking Assist system so drivers can remotely move the vehicle forward or in reverse, which is helpful for entering or exiting tight parking spaces where opening the door would be difficult. 

An attractive SYV pulls a trailer containing a smaller vehicle.

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a plug-in hybrid midsize SUV that seats five passengers across two rows. It’s available in five trim options: the base 4xe, 30th Anniversary, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. All models offer a 25-mile all-electric driving range and average 56 miles per gallon fuel economy. Plus, this vehicle comes standard with a robust suite of advanced driver assistance systems, making it ready for any adventure. It also has nearly 11 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording.

Besides its off-road capability, one of the standout features of 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is its optional massaging front seats with five modes available on the Overland and higher trims. An optional touch-screen for the front passenger seat makes it easy for the co-pilot to help out with navigation, camera viewing, and even their own private entertainment system. Jeep is also the only manufacturer to offer an available 950-watt McIntosh audio system.

An SUV follows a bridge path over a river.

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

All new for 2023, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a great daily driver for families needing a spacious midsize SUV that also holds its own as a capable weekend adventurer. With standard seating for seven across three rows, the Outlander PHEV has room for everyone and all their gear, and still manages to reduce the gas budget with its estimated 38-mile electric drive range. All-wheel drive and trailer stability assist come standard. 

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the only mainstream plug-in hybrid that has an available DC fast charging port, which means that drivers can recharge its battery from empty to 80 percent in approximately 25 minutes. Capitalizing on its reputation for outdoor adventure, the Overlander PHEV includes a 120-volt AC outlet in the rear, so you can power most appliances in the wild or on the go.

A minivan is parked on a dirt road alongside red rock formations.

2023 Toyota Sienna Minivan

Spacious interiors, sliding doors, available all-wheel drive, and a spacious cargo area behind the third row are features that make the Toyota Sienna a roadtripping stalwart for ages. Its recent hybrid powertrain upgrade doubles the fuel economy of its previous generation, making it a budget-friendly option for long getaways while providing room for everyone and maintaining its ability to tow most outdoor adventure gear.

Seating for seven is plenty of room for most families, but the 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid also has a stowable eighth seat to make room for one more. The second row in the upper trim models is outfitted with reclining heated and ventilated captain chairs with slide-out ottomans.

2023 Honda Accord Hybrid

This midsize sedan is a perennial favorite for its engineering, reliability, and sporty driving dynamics. Although its next-generation specifications remain unknown, we do know it will have adequate seating for five passengers, connectivity upgrades, and the sophisticated styling this vehicle is known for. 

The official reveal of the 2023 Honda Accord will be held in late 2022. Buyers can expect to see a completely redesigned exterior, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and embedded Google connectivity. Stay tuned for more details.

A red sports car shows off its convertible top at the top of a winding road.

2022 Ferrari 296 GTS

For some roadtrippers, the top down and wind whipping through your hair is the only way to drive. The 2022 Ferrari 296 GTS is the perfect way to go if you’re shopping for a convertible plug-in hybrid in the U.S. market—and you can afford the price tag. While supercars aren’t known for their fuel economy, this hardtop, two-seater spider can achieve up to 8 miles of electric drive range, although your mileage will definitely vary depending on how you drive it.

Related Romance vs. reality: Things to consider before planning a road trip in a convertible

Bottom line, it’s a Ferrari. This vehicle takes luxury to the next level with unparalleled design, technology, aerodynamics, speed, and power. While it’s by far not the most fuel-efficient hybrid on the market, if you’re looking for a high-end, sophisticated vehicle that’s fun to drive, it’s hard to go wrong with this class act.  

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minivan road trip

Liane Yvkoff

Liane Yvkoff has been writing about cars for 15 years, and has bylines in CNET, CNN, The Drive, Forbes Wheels, and Popular Mechanics. She seeks out cheap eats, farmers markets, and ethnic grocery stores, and prefers to take the backroads to get there. If there’s a shortcut, she’ll find it.

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Dutch Dutch Goose

A Travel & Expat Lifestyle Blog

Minivan Road Trip Prep

Minivan Road Trip Prep

This post contains affiliate links.

We traveled all around Europe by train, plane and sometimes in an RV. Moving to the United States meant more time in the car. We upgraded to the perfect family road trip car – the minivan. As we log miles traveling the southeast we’ve figured out a few tips and tricks to prep the minivan for trips whether they are down the road to the beach or eight hours across the state.

Boogie Board

The kids love their Boogie Board drawing tablets for play in the car. We found ourselves using them to jot things down all the time, so one has found its home in our center console. These electronic tablets are perfect for taking short term notes, like directions or jotting down a phone number. If I need to keep the information I just snap a photo of it with my phone. When you push the Boogie Board button, the screen erases. These e-pads use a small battery that lasts for months or even years.

Grid It Sun Visor Organizer

The Grid It sun visor organizer keeps everything I need close at hand. I try to keep all those little things I might be digging for in the glove box here. The elastic straps can hold nearly anything, plus I can still use the sun visor. Most importantly, I keep my drive-through coffee card here. It is always at hand and never gets lost, which means more free coffee for me!

Plastic Bins

Plastic bins keep everything nice and tidy! I literally cannot have too many of these at my disposal. when I’m getting the minivan ready. I have one bin for snacks, one bin for books, one bin for extra toys and one bin for our everyday needs like water bottles and hats. These are just really places to store everything but it does keep things looking nice.

This tip came from my friend Susan and is pure genius. We laid an aging yoga mat down on the floor to keep things tidy. The rubber is super easy to wipe spills off of and the whole thing can be removed for major cleaning. It has saved the floor of our car from melted ice cream, missed potty stops and melted crayon. The only modification I made to the Yoga Mat was to put a small notch in it so it laid flat behind the driver’s seat. This also keeps it from slipping around.

Seat Back Organizer

I read lots of mixed reviews on these. The biggest downside was that they can become projectiles in an accident. I really needed something to keep the things in the car organized though, so opted to get them. They are great for keeping a few things at arm’s reach of my two forward-facing kids. I did not need the ones that hold tablets, so instead looked for ones with the most pockets. They seriously help curtail the mess in the van by providing a place for all those little things the boys tend to drag into the car.

I actually don’t love the ones we ended up with, as I don’t find the pockets as useful as they could be. This one looks good but I haven’t personally tested it. I still love that all the kids stuff is not on the floor of the van and that I can rotate what is in arms reach. Its particularly great for my Big Little who sits in the back and largely keeps his own things organized.

Silicone Muffin Cup

I have 24 of these muffin cup liners in the car and they serve various uses. Some of them live in the cup holders. They really do keep crumbs and dirt from collecting. They are so much easier to pull out and clean than the cup holder itself. I do have to pull them out for some of my larger cups.

I also use them to distribute snacks in the car. Say we are splitting a bakery treat or have a bag of pretzels. The muffin cups are easily used as small bowls to contain everyone’s snack in a pinch.

They are also great just to collect things that would otherwise be random in your car. I’ve used them when pulling bobby pins out of my hair or when the boys collect sea shells. The bright colors remind me to bring them in, put away the small stuff and return the cups to the car.

The Grabber

I stole this little tip from my friend Erica (check out her Instagram for more fun). She posted about using the grabber to reach things around the car and I instantly knew that I had to steal this. (Do not do this while driving!)

With the grabber I can adjust vents in the middle row and hand things back to my Big Little who sits in the third row. I can reach nearly anything that gets dropped. Practically, it means I’m very rarely climbing into the back seat from the front seat for things. Game Changer!

Disc Organizer

Keeping the CD’s and DVD’s organized in the car can be a problem. I don’t have room for all the boxes and I like to have all our options with us. I found this 80 disc holder which has plenty of room for all our DVD’s. It is easy to see the discs for changes and to make sure they all get back into a holder. I also have this smaller holder for our CD’s.

Small Hanging Trash Can

I use a small hanging trash can to keep things neat and tidy up front. Larger trash usually gets cleared out of the car (we have a leave no trash behind policy). Small items, like wrappers and sticker backs, are usually the culprit for messiness in my car. The little trash can provides a place for them. It is up front and easy to empty every time I pull into the garage or stop to get gas.

Packing Cubes

I love using packing cubes for travel, but I also find them seriously handy in the car. With five peoples stuff to keep organized the packing cubes help keep like items together. I use one to keep all our rain gear together and another for all our “explorer” gear. I also have one up front that keeps our sun gear, which we use nearly every day. Having a place to put everything when we get back in the car (mostly) prevents lost hats and means we always have them in the car.

Origami Fit for Emergency Supplies in the Trunk

I have a number of items I like to keep in the trunk just to have in the car. The Origami Fit helps me keep them together and also keep things easy to find. These are packing cubes that fit together and then fold on themselves. (Read my review of packing cubes here.)

In the trunk I keep items like a first aid kit, jumper cables, an extra blanket, sunscreen, bug spray, entertainment for the kids, emergency snacks and an extra (and full) water-bottle. Instead of having all these items rolling around in my trunk, I have them organized into these cubes.

A1 Sunshield Sunshade

Protecting the car from the sun, and attempting to reduce interior temperatures are a constant battle. The A1 Sunshield Sunshade is a huge help in this battle. It folds small and pops into life. The important thing is to use the sizing chart to get the right one for your car, one size does not fit all.

Extra Batteries

I always carry extra batteries in the car. We have three sets of bluetooth headphones. One of them is always running out of battery. I use an old sunglass holder to keep track of them. They are tucked into my center console so they are easy to find when headphones (or a beloved toy) runs low.

This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through one of our links provides a small payment to Dutch, Dutch, Goose! at no cost to you. We appreciate your support. As always, all opinions are my own.

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Mini Van Life: 5 Best Family-Haulers for Life on the Road

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1988 mitsubishi delica camper van driving along lakeshore

Minivans can be super adventure vehicles and great platforms for life on the road. Yes, you read that right — minivans.

While overlooked by many, a minivan’s inherent practicality, versatility, affordability, and comfort rank among the top for any vehicle. If you’re willing to let go of your preconceived stereotypes and explore options for a smaller adventure van, you might find some uncommonly good options out there.

So, which are the best? Here are our top five picks for the best minivans that can be great adventure vehicles and are perfect for life on the road.

5 Mini Van Life Top Picks

Toyota sienna — much more than your typical family-hauler.

2022 Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition minivan parked in front of a cabin in the woods

The Toyota Sienna is probably not what you think of when you hear “life on the road.” However, these vans have a reputation for longevity, reliability, and dependability.

Whether it’s an early model from the late 1990s or the top-of-the-line AWD hybrid variants sold new today, the Sienna is gaining traction among van lifers and adventure travelers.

In fact, Toyota has taken note of this and now offers the Woodland variant for 2022. The Sienna Woodland turns this minivan into more of an SUV thanks to increased ground clearance and electronic on-demand AWD . Granted, it’s only an additional 0.6 inches of lift, but more is more.

You also get roof rails with crossbars, a 1,200W JBL stereo, and an AC power outlet for most household items. Toyota will also donate $250 to the National Environmental Education Fund (NEEF) for every Woodland edition it sells.

The Sienna also comes in a Hybrid trim with AWD and offers 35 combined mph. The van’s rear seats fold into the floor for extra space and versatility. Plus, the interior is lavish and ultra-comfortable.

4wd vs awd: 4wd jeep gladiator

4WD vs. AWD: How to Choose the Right Adventure Vehicle for You

So, you’re ready to buy an adventure vehicle? Awesome! Let’s look at 4WD vs. AWD and how to choose the right one for your new adventure rig. Read more…

Say you’re not looking to spend $50,000 on a new AWD Sienna. There are loads of older versions available at much lower prices. This entry cost can allow you to focus more on building the van’s interior to suit your needs.

A Sienna isn’t as capable as an SUV, but that doesn’t mean you’re relegated to the tarmac. Aftermarket manufacturers sell small lift kits for these vans, allowing them to fit bigger all-terrain tires, so you don’t just have to stick to the highways. This extra height will also enable access to more trailheads, kayaking spots, or remote campsites previously out of reach.

With its longstanding reputation for reliability, its spacious, versatile interior, and with plenty of creature comforts, the Sienna is a fantastic choice for a road tripper.

Ford Transit Connect — Unlimited Conversion Options

Tasha Rivard standing in front of her Ford Transit Connect, adapted to the mini vanlife

Now on its second generation in North America, the Ford Transit Connect is a minivan that can double as a super travel setup. If any of the vans on this list are “sporty,” the Transit Connect would be the driving enthusiast’s choice.

They handle better than anticipated, and while they’re not exactly a sports car, they can be fun to drive . And, since you can buy these vehicles pretty much any way you want from the factory — including with or without rear seats or windows — they offer up a blank canvas for the vagabond van life.

These vehicles first appeared in the U.S. as a 2009 model (earlier versions sold in Europe first). And they’re easy to find used and relatively inexpensive. However, Ford only offers them in front-wheel-drive, so they’re best for on-road or mild forest-road travel only.

Inside view of Tasha Rivard's custom Ford Transit Connect converted to mini vanlife

But if you’re sticking to highways and byways, it can be a great travel platform. The 2014-2023 second-gen Transit Connect comes in two lengths. Seek out the long-wheelbase version for a more comfortable minivan life on the road.

There are several companies building these into campers, including Ursa Minor , a Portland, Oregon-based outfitter that makes a pop-top version for long-wheelbase versions of the 2014+ Transit Connects.

Transit Connects are all powered by fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, with older versions getting a 2.5L non-turbo powerplant. The newer ones have a 2.5L or 2.0L mill for more power.

A 1.6-liter EcoBoost turbo was available for a brief period but only produced in low numbers. Certainly not rocketships by anyone’s definition, but trips to the gas pump are seriously less painful than in most vans.

Tasha Rivard vanlife inside a 2010 Ford Transit Connect

The combination of utility, driving dynamics, and availability make these minivans a good platform for life on the road . Plus, the extensive network of Ford dealers means parts and service are easy-peasy.

Recently, Ford announced that it would stop importing the Transit Connect in the U.S. at the end of 2023 but will continue shipping to Europe and other countries.

 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon & Space Gear — All-Star Mini Van Life Personality

Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon and Space Gear is perfect for the mini vanlife

The Mitsubishi Delica launched in the 1960s. The name is a portmanteau of “delivery” and “car.” However, it didn’t become an iconic van until the 1986 Delica Star Wagon came along.

That van, which never sold in North America, paired a unibody car chassis with a rugged 4WD system — complete with a low-range four-wheel-drive system that enabled it to go anywhere.

There were a dizzying array of versions: low roof, high roof, glass tops, winter-themed Chamonix versions, models with bull bars, bench seats, captain’s chairs, and even 12V coolers.

In 1994, the Delica Space Gear came out. It got a more rounded-off minivan shape but didn’t lose its versatility, capability, or ability to become a great camper or travel vehicle. These vans also offered a few different gasoline or turbodiesel engines.

The Star Wagons were pokey but can still cruise at 65 mph — it just takes a while to get there. Space Gear 1994 and later models offered up more powerful 3.0L V6 engines or 2.8L turbodiesels that are much more comfortable cruisers.

mitsubishi delica space gear

While the Mitsubishi Delica was never officially sold in North America, they can be imported into the U.S. — as long as they’re 25 years old or more — and easily registered in most states —  Maine and Rhode Island are currently the exceptions .

The combination of versatile interior dimensions, available overbuilt driveline components, and being sold globally make the Delica a marvelous choice for life on the road. Perhaps the best van life configuration would be a 1994+ Delica Space Gear with the 2.8L turbodiesel, a high-roof setup, with a long wheelbase.

Nevertheless, foreign-market vehicles aren’t without some challenges. Parts availability is scarcer than your run-of-the-mill minivans. However, Canada has a number of great shops that often have parts on hand. Canada has a 15-year import rule, so these vans have been there longer than the U.S.

Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 Van

Some parts, such as brake pads and rear brake rotors, are the same as Mitsubishi’s Montero SUV, which was sold in the United States. For many, however, the Delica’s pros outweigh the cons, and these quirky minivans remain a darling of the overland travel set globally.

In fact, I own the 1994 Delica Space Gear pictured here and used to own the white 1989 Delica Star Wagon, also pictured here.

Volkswagen Vanagon — Minivan Life G.O.A.T.

Volkswagen Vanagon minivan is a classic platform ideal for the mini vanlife

This almost goes without saying, but the VW Vanagon is a classic. Available in 2WD and 4WD versions (called Syncros), the Vanagon is one iconic minivan. These vans have their roots tied to the original Microbus, which is the granddaddy of minivans. People were using these for van life well before van life was a thing.

Vanagons have been the darling of travelers worldwide for decades. Customized 4WD Syncro versions command a premium — sometimes well into the $70,000 range — due to their go-everywhere capability and high-end camperized interiors. When equipped with a pop-top camper, such as a Westfalia, they command even more money.

Scads of these have been turned into adventuremobiles over the years, with the best-known customs being done by Westfalia. Even 2WD versions can be expensive, but it’s a proven platform with lots of aftermarket support.

The Vanagons aren’t known to be quite as reliable as some of the Japanese vans, but they have their own rugged personality and capability. Of all the vans on this list, this is the model with the most experience with campers living out of them.

VW-bus

Depending on where you live, these vans have over 20 model years to choose from, with myriad engine choices. None are going to be particularly rapid, but there’s an ultra-loyal community of Vanagon owners globally — many of which are more than willing to lend a hand if needed.

For those looking for more thrust, some owners even swap out the old VW engines for more modern and powerful Subaru powerplants to wake these German vans up from a performance perspective.

The Vanagon is a timeless classic; a minivan before minivans were, well, minivans. If one vehicle on this list personified minivan life on the road, the Vanagon would be it.

Chrysler Pacifica — Stylish, Fuel Efficient, AWD

2021 chrysler pacifica towing a boat in front of a lake

I recently spent a week with a new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, and I have to say, I was totally surprised and impressed by this vehicle. I grew up with a mid-’80s Dodge Voyager and rode in a 1990s Chrysler Town & Country from Minnesota to Mexico City in 1994. This is not the Chrysler van of yore with fake woodgrain and cheesy hubcaps. Pacificas are roadtrip machines!

The latest 2017-to-present Pacifica offers extraordinary levels of comfort and livability. Like the Sienna, the rear seat tumbles into the floor. Remove the middle row captain’s chairs to open up the Pacifica’s interior into a gargantuan place. Now there’s room to camp, hang out, or do whatever mini van lifers do.

cargo loaded inside back of Chrysler Pacifica

I was able to remove those seats, lay out a double-wide sleeping bag, and still had scads of room for gear. I could even watch TV or play games on the monitors located in the front seats’ headrests! Plus, my Hybrid model had a panoramic glass roof, which would be amazing for stargazing.

Let’s not forget that the front seats were heated, air-cooled, and ultra-comfortable. Factor in a world-class infotainment system, and you’ve got one heck of a vehicle that just happens to be a minivan.

dual video monitors inside chrysler pacifica mini vanlife

The more time I spent in the van, the more I thought about how it could be a great full-time travel vehicle with the right buildout inside. Even if you went barebones with an interior build, this thing was so good on the highway — and comfortable, too! The miles just passed by without fatigue or anything.

The fact the Hybrid model gets up to 82 MPGe or 30 mpg on gasoline isn’t bad, either. If you have to have AWD, there’s a Pacifica for you, too. It’s powered by a 3.6L V6 making 287 horsepower.

Fuel economy isn’t hybrid-like, but it does offer up that AWD capability. And yes, you can find small lifts for more ground clearance and larger tires .

Chrysler was the originator of the modern minivan as we know it. And after driving the new Pacifica, I’d say they’ve still got it.

minivan camper

5 Reasons Minivans Are the Ultimate Adventure Rigs

The minivan is full of juxtaposition. It’s possibly the most versatile and practical vehicle on the market. Yet it’s also the most stigmatized and unloved by Americans these days. Read more…

Andy Lilienthal

Andy Lilienthal has been writing about cars, trucks, and gear for 23 years at a host of publications. Prior to that, Andy spent time at/worked at a student newspaper at the University of Wisconsin – Stout. Based in Portland, Ore., Andy enjoys working on his Japanese domestic market 4WD Mitsubishis, traveling, and exploring new countries.

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minivan road trip

1,000 Miles, Golf, and a Puppy: Our 2021 Honda Odyssey Takes Us on a Special Road Trip

We test our one-year Odyssey on a trip that should put this minivan in its element.

Zach Gale Writer MotorTrend Staff Photographer Nov 29, 2021

minivan road trip

See All 66 Photos

One road trip, two dreams fulfilled. Few would think of the Honda Odyssey as a dream machine, but in our case, the minivan was key to making our nearly 1,000-mile round-trip journey happen so smoothly. Sure, enormous SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban can also seat five adults in comfort with room for four sets of golf clubs and a couple of suitcases, but those behemoths start at $50,000. And no SUV will have the ease of use provided by sliding doors.

This was no ordinary road trip. We were celebrating my father-in-law's birthday and retirement with a once-in-a-lifetime golf trip to Pebble Beach. And once that ended, we set off to Sacramento to say hello to our adorable new puppy before returning home. Here's a mile-by-mile look at how the Odyssey performed and how the trip went.

2 miles : No surprise here: Traffic is slowing our escape from Los Angeles. As we roll along, I'm wondering how many people realize how useful adaptive cruise control is in traffic. Every 2021 and 2022 Honda Odyssey gets adaptive cruise control as part of the Honda Sensing group of features, and, well, it's not perfect. But even when the tech is a little jerky with acceleration and braking, it can de-stress a short or long drive. I end up using it a lot on this trip.

minivan road trip

16 miles : We've barely left home, and already I want more screen real estate than this 8.0-inch touchscreen offers. Here's why: If you're listening to terrestrial or satellite radio, a split-screen function on a larger display allows you to see where your exit for dinner is at the same time your significant other  serves as the trip's DJ. There's more to automotive life than big screens, but this is one area the segment has passed the Honda by. The Toyota Sienna offers a 9.0-inch screen, the Chrysler Pacifica is now up to 10.1 inches, and the Kia Carnival goes big with an available 12.3-inch unit.

23 miles : As I negotiate a tight corner in a drive-through, I'm thinking about cameras. Our 2021 Odyssey EX-L is only $39,635, but I still would have liked a 360-degree camera system right about now in this 205.2-inch people mover.

37 miles : I prepare for the row of outlet stores by shoving the enormous sunshade to the side window and jokingly encourage my husband to look at the other side of the freeway. Oh look! A tree! Now a Victorian house! …

38 miles : "You know that's not the only set of outlet stores we're going to pass, right?"

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65 miles : We agree Michael McDonald would sound good singing Steve Winwood's "Higher Love."

89 miles : As the sun starts to dip below the horizon in the scenic Lake Cachuma area, a newer Audi Q7 passes an older black Q7. I can't help but think of how much more attractive the older model is. The old-versus-new comparison makes me grateful for how far minivan design has come. The Odyssey is no runway model, but I appreciate the dashes of style. There's the semi-hidden track for the sliding door along the base of the rear side windows, the interesting surfacing along the doors, and even the detailing on the Odyssey EX-L's 18-inch wheels. Now compare that to the basic slab-sided design of the very first Odyssey.

92 miles : It's our turn to pass that black Q7, and I'm grateful for the power from this 2021 Odyssey's 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6. With 280 hp, the Odyssey moves with authority, with a MotorTrend -tested 6.7-second sprint to 60 mph. It's helpful when you're passing on a road trip, but let's be honest: How often do you need to pin the throttle down in your daily life? This is one reason I'd still consider the hybridized Toyota Sienna. That new minivan won't deliver the oomph of others, but most of the time you're cruising around town at a sedate pace, appreciating the time and money it's saving you by not having to refuel.

minivan road trip

129 miles : As my husband takes an iPhone photo of the last traces of the orange sky over the gently rolling hills, he's making fun of my old phone. What else is new? Still, his comments remind me of how occasionally, you simply don't need the latest and greatest to compete. Take the Odyssey, which recently finished second in a four-minivan comparison test that focused on the top trim levels. The Odyssey is good to drive and spacious. As we noted in the comparo , it's "a really good all-rounder."

261 miles : We stop midway up the California coast for the night. The next day, we decide to take the long way up to Monterey, via Highway 1. This section features some of the most stunning views available anywhere in the state, and from the large windows of our Odyssey, it doesn't disappoint. Along our journey, we see some chill sea lions and decide this minivan could use a tuning knob. For road trip purposes, it's simply too time-consuming to change stations, though the driver can normally do this from the steering wheel controls.

290 miles : Driving performance is important in minivans, too. Around these winding roads, I can support what we found in our comparison, that the engine and transmission are well tuned, as is the steering. I also appreciate that the engine is relatively muted.

326-383 miles : We make it to Monterey and hold our breath as we fit into one of our bed-and-breakfast's parking spaces. Sliding doors and patience make this moment possible. The next day, the minivan's spacious eight-passenger layout makes our trips through Pebble Beach possible. Yes, it's a unique situation, but had our minivan (or three-row SUV) been equipped with second-row captain's chairs instead of a three-across second-row seat, we wouldn't have experienced the tall trees, passing deer, and ocean vistas together.

minivan road trip

Oh, and the main event—golfing at Pebble Beach—went well. OK, besides tons of lost balls along the way.

571 miles : Having said goodbye to Monterey and Pebble Beach, we drive to an area near Sacramento to meet our new puppy. We're extremely excited. Of course, before we say hello to the pup, the conversation turns to cars. The person we're getting the dog from drives a pre-refresh Chrysler Pacifica, and we agree the Honda could use a button on the sliding rear doors. On the Honda, when we don't want to fetch the key in our pocket and find the correct button to push, we extend the door handle toward us and then release it. That opens the sliding doors on the Honda; now compare that to the Chrysler. Even if you don't have the Pacifica's available hands-free feature, you just hit a button on the door handle, and it opens. This is a small difference, but during a weekend of many ins and outs, it's a convenience we would have liked.

696 miles : Our black pup blends in with our giant seat protector, but I can see his eyes reflecting from the rearview mirror. He's taking a day of driving quite well.

723 miles : We remember that the side windows have manual shades and pull one down. It's still over 100 degrees outside. That feature is standard on the Odyssey EX and EX-L for the second row; go for a Touring or Elite model and you get third-row shades, too.

906 miles : As interesting as Highway 1 was a couple days ago, our drive home is mostly devoid of scenery and curves. And that's given me time to think about … steering wheel controls. I've realized how good the ones on this Honda are. Too often, form follows function. Here, the edges of various controls are raised up from the steering wheel itself and shaped differently, making it easy to operate controls like volume and track forward without looking or lifting a hand from the steering wheel. That's helpful when everyone else is asleep and you want to keep your eyes on the road and the drive as smooth as possible.

minivan road trip

947 miles : We are exhausted. My father-in-law enjoyed himself, and we're puppy parents. Throughout the trip, I kept thinking how few vehicles could do what this minivan did so comfortably. Wagons are great, but they aren't as easy to enter and exit. SUVs? Yeah, that could have worked, but in addition to the ingress/egress issue, SUVs usually don't hold as much as minivans, and the load floor is often higher. So doable, but not as comfortable or as affordable. That leaves you with big SUVs such as the Suburban and Expedition, at which point you are far beyond the $30,000-$50,000 price range of a minivan.

As for our one-year 2021 Odyssey EX-L specifically, I'm mostly impressed. Our comparison focused on the high end of the market, where the Odyssey has trouble competing—especially with the dated instrument cluster and infotainment screens. In the middle, however, the Odyssey is more in its sweet spot. With tons of space and a good driving experience, the minivan does its job so you can focus on more important things, like spending time with family and, of course, a puppy.

More on Our One-Year Honda Odyssey EX-L:

Arrival Update 1: Breaking It in at the Test Track Update 2: The King of the Highway Speaks

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Best Minivans of 2024 and 2025

The edmunds experts test minivan contenders on our test track and in the real world. our ratings assess performance, comfort, technology, utility, value and more. how we rank.

  • Best Minivans

Minivans are the best way to carry a lot of people and stuff. With versatile and accessible interiors plus carlike driving dynamics, today's minivans are the ultimate in family transportation.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

2024 Honda Odyssey

Honda Odyssey

With comfortable seating for adults or children in all three rows, tons of versatility, a car-like driving experience and a list of available features the length of your arm, the Odyssey is an easy top pick. Read full review

2024 Toyota Sienna

Toyota Sienna

With its standard hybrid powertrain, the Sienna provides both excellent fuel economy and relatively modest acceleration. Available all-wheel drive further sets the Sienna apart. Read full review

2024 Kia Carnival

Kia Carnival

The Kia Carnival boasts distinctive styling, a ton of standard features, comfortable seats and a great warranty. However, an underwhelming driving experience and some unrefined technology features keep it from being a home-run hit. Read full review

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Chrysler Pacifica

There are two reasons to choose the Chrysler Pacifica over another minivan. One is the added convenience and versatility of its Stow 'n Go seats, which allows you to fold the second-row seats into the floor in mere seconds. The second reason is the availability of all-wheel drive. Otherwise, this minivan comes up a little short. Read full review

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Suburban

Suburban vs Minivan Road Trip: which is better (and why)

When you need to buy a bigger car for your large family , your choices are narrowed down to a Suburban or minivan. 

However, it might be a bit difficult for you to decide on the exact one to choose between both because both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Both Suburban and minivan are good for road trips but the better of the two options depends on individual preferences. 

Not sure if a Suburban or minivan is better for a road trip? This guide explains the main factors to consider in both vehicles and why one is better than the other for a road trip. Read on.

Passenger Capacity

The first thing to consider when choosing between a Suburban and a minivan for a road trip is the passenger capacity.

This is undoubtedly the number one reason why most families choose Suburbans over minivans. While minivans are actually more spacious, Suburbans offer more passenger capacity.

Some minivans have only seven seats while some have the eighth seat option (removable).

However, all Suburbans have at least eight seats – some Suburbans have nine seats. That means, if you’re in need of a 9-seater vehicle, a minivan is not an option.

The Convenience of the Extra Seat

Now we know that both Suburban and minivan have eight seats with Suburban having an option for the ninth seat. However, the eighth seat in a Suburban is always there, while it is removable in a minivan – this has its benefits and drawbacks.

It’s nice to be able to remove the extra seat to have access to the extra space (not for passengers), but it can also be a pain taking the extra seat in and out of the vehicle and keeping it in your garage (or elsewhere) while not in use.

All Suburbans have a minimum of eight seats, and if you’ve got the one with the optional ninth seat, you simply need to lift up the console to have a ninth seat if you need it. Hence, a Suburban offers more convenience of the extra seat.

Access to The Back Row

Since a minivan has a removable eighth seat, this eighth seat can be easily removed to access the back row. And if there is no eighth seat, then there is always a path – either in-between the two middle seats or by their side (if they are placed side-by-side).

In some newer minivans with the optional eighth seat, you only have to pull a lever on one side of the eighth seat to pop it up and forward to allow access to the back.

In Suburbans, you have to fold one of the side seats down to the floor to access the back seats. This creates a new “floor” (which is technically not a floor) for passengers to step on to reach the back row.

This will not only force passengers to duck as the floor of the vehicle is now raised a bit but will also create an incredibly dirty surface on the back of that seat.

Cargo Space

In terms of cargo space, a minivan gives you more space for your bags and baggage behind the third row (well over 30 c. f. ~ 850 liters), something that most Suburbans can’t offer (20-25 c. f. ~ 566-708 liters). This is mainly due to their low-floor construction.

Minivans don’t only offer a generous amount of space behind the third seat but also on the lower floors, giving you more space to accommodate your cargo. And when you fold up the third and second seats (including the stow-and-go seating), you have so much larger space to fit just about anything.

Though some Suburbans offer a very large space as much as 41.5 c. f (1,175 liters) or more, such Suburbans are more expensive and are less fuel-efficient.

Rear Door Type

If you’re concerned about the door type, you would want to choose between a sliding door and the normal door. All minivans come with automatic sliding rear doors that close with the touch of a button while Suburbans feature the normal doors.

If you have more kids or would be parking your car in a crowded car park, the door type may be a concern – you wouldn’t want yourself or your kids to open the car door and whack the car next to you. With a minivan, you wouldn’t have to worry about that.

Sliding rear doors are also very useful when it comes to loading in babies, other passengers, car seats, and cargo. Sliding doors are nicer with no drawback except for the door motors that are expensive.

Whether you’re parked on a driveway or an incline, the swinging heavy doors of a Suburban can be cumbersome and even dangerous, especially when trying to load a child in a car seat – remember, gravity is not your friend.

Towing Capabilities

Whether you’re going off-road or you need to tow a trailer or camper, Suburbans are your best choice. Almost all Suburbans (aside from crossovers) have superior towing capabilities than minivans. For instance, the most towing power a minivan can offer is about 1,588 Kg (3,500 pounds) while a Suburban can tow up to about 4220 Kg (9,300 pounds).

While Suburbans can tow more than minivans hands-down, towing is not an issue for us when going for a road trip.

Fuel Mileage

Normally, you shouldn’t expect great fuel mileage from both Suburban and minivan, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider this factor. In terms of fuel mileage, Suburbans are really horrible. Suburbans have higher fuel consumption mainly because they are less aerodynamic and tend to have more powerful engines.

While both Suburban and minivans are good for a road trip, the choice of which is better depends on individual preference and usage.

A minivan seems to be the go-to vehicle for large families who need more cargo space and want to save more on fuel consumption.

However, if cargo space or fuel efficiency isn’t on top of your priority list and you want a vehicle with more capabilities, power, and ability to accommodate more passengers, you should definitely go for an SUV.

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The 15 Best Camper Vans for Road-Tripping in Style

Now you can experience #vanlife in comfort and style..

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The 15 Best Camper Vans for Getting Away From It All in Style

The first years of this decade have already provided ample evidence that it’s important to get away from our daily lives from time to time.  And you don’t have to suffer the airport hordes or step foot on a plane to do so. We currently find ourselves in something of a golden age for luxury trailers, which has made it easier than ever to take your life on the road without sacrificing many, and in some cases any, of the comforts of home. And now, there are plenty of manufacturers and dedicated conversion shops giving the same treatment to vans and other similar vehicles. They may not be able to sleep as many people as their hulking cousins—with one key exception—but these all-in-one wonders come loaded with perks such as high-end kitchens, Wi-Fi-enabled multimedia systems, and plush beds. Plus, their relatively smaller size means they are more agile, off-road friendly, and easier to park. Below are 15 campers that will let you experience #vanlife in comfort and style.

Our Best Camper Van Picks

Best overall: airstream interstate 24x, best for off-roading: jayco terrain, best for weekend getaways: mercedes-benz eqt marco polo, best for off-the-grid trips: winnebago solis, best for cyclists: outside van tails, best for camping (anywhere): storyteller overland beast mode 4×4, best to live in: loki expeditions discovery series, best all-electric option: tonke eqv.

  • Best for G-Wagen Lovers: Terracamper Tecrawl

Best With a Bathroom and Shower: Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary

Best for $50,000: caravan outfitter free bird, best for families: winnebago boldt, best for winter road trips: sportsmobile sprinter 4×4, best conversion: boho old faithful, best for diy couples: ford transit trail.

Airstream Interstate 24X

Airstream. Thankfully, the company isn’t afraid to branch out. Just look at the  Interstate 24X , the trailer maker’s attempt to take the camper van to new heights. Built on the bones of a  Mercedes-Benz  Sprinter—like a lot of the models on this list—the vehicle has everything you need to rough it in comfort. Airstream has done a lot to maximize space in its climate-controlled cabin. A modular dining table doubles as a desk, and it can be easily converted into the largest sleeping area in a Class B Motorhome. There’s also a full mini kitchen and bathroom. You can take the van off-roading, too. In addition to a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 engine that churns out 188 hp and 325 ft lbs of torque, it also comes equipped with four-wheel drive, a height-adjustable suspension and all-terrain tires. Pricing for the all-around beast starts at $213,850.

Inside the Airstream Interstate 24X

Special Features: —A climate-controlled living area that has been designed to maximize available space. —A modular dinner table, a mini-kitchen and a bathroom with a toilet.

Jayco Terrain

Jayco is best known for its hulking travel trailers, but like Airstream, it can do compact, too (well, compact enough to fit in a parking space, that is). The US company’s new  Terrain  model, which starts at $192,000, is an adventure van designed for those who like to veer from the beaten path. As the name suggests, it’s designed for off-roading, with a turbo-diesel V-6, Koni shocks, a rear stabilizer and a rear hitch strong enough to tow an additional trailer if you need more room. Inside, it’s a little spartan compared to some other options on this list, but its kitchenette can be converted into a sleeping area with room for a full-size bed, as well as plenty of storage space beneath. There’s even a built-in awning when you need some shade in the summer months.

Inside the Jayco Terrain

Special Features: —Equipped with Koni shocks, a rear stabilizer and a heavy-duty tow hitch. —Kitchenette can be converted into a spacious sleeping area with room for a full-size bed.

The Mercedes-Benz Concept EQT Marco Polo from the side The Concept EQT Marco Polo

Mercedes-Benz clearly doesn’t want to relinquish its title as the go-to van maker for outdoor lovers. At last year’s Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, the German marque showed off a prototype based on its upcoming all-electric EQT van called the Marco Polo. The stylish EV has everything you need for a weekend at the campground and is more compact than the ubiquitous Sprinter. When the van’s rear seats are folded down, the back can be used as either a sleeping area with room for a double bed or a cooking and entertaining space. The kitchen doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the other entries on this list, but it does have a pull-out stove, fridge and sink. There’s also a pop-up, roof-mounted tent if your travel party includes more than two. The Marco Polo is a concept, but Mercedes will sell a module that will allow you to turn any EQT into a camper van when the $51,500 EV goes on sale in the spring.

Inside the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQT Marco Polo The Concept EQT Marco Polo

Special Features: —All-electric power train, so you don’t have to worry about doing too much damage to nature while you explore it. —Its  camping  gear—from the bed to the kitchenette—is part of a module that can be fully removed when you need more cargo room.

Winnebago Solis Pocket 36B

The Winnebago Solis is for adventurers who don’t want to be confined to the campground. The van is available with an optional power kit that has everything a group of up to four adults needs to spend a few days off-the-grid. The setup, which includes an inverter, a shore battery converter, a battery energy converter, a solar energy converter and an alternator energy optimizer, can produce enough power to keep the van and all its features running for up to 72 hours. On top of that, the van features a kitchenette, a convertible entertainment area with room for a double bed, and a full-width wet bath.

The Winnebago Solis Pocket 36B's dinette can be converted into a full-size bed

Special Features: —A unique power kit that can provide enough power to spend up to 72 hours off the grid. —Still has all the features you’d expect from a luxe camper van, including a full-width wet bath.

The Outside Van Tails next to a cyclist

If you like to mix biking and camping, Outside Van has the vehicle for you. The Portland brand’s  Tails  model is a camper van designed with cyclists in mind. The van, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, has everything you need for a few days away from home, including a kitchenette, a roll-over sofa and a convertible mattress. But what really sets it apart is the rear of the vehicle that’s basically an on-the-go bicycle repair shop, with a fold-down work table, an air compressor and Molle panels to hang all your tools. If that wasn’t enough, it somehow has room for six bikes, even when the bed is laid out for the night.

The interior of the Outside Van Tails

Special Features: —The back of the van is basically a bicycle-repair shop with a fold-down table, an air compressor and plenty of storage space for tools. —Has room for six bikes, even when its convertible sleeping area is out.

Storyteller Overland Beast Mode 4x4

This latest offering from Storyteller Overland, based in Birmingham, Ala., is a true adventure van. The  Beast Mode 4×4  is the outfit’s most feature-packed model yet and was designed specifically for overlanding (as you may have guessed from the company’s name). It’s a true 4×4 powered by a 188 hp turbodiesel V-6 that’s strong enough to tow an additional 5,000 pounds. Its slick retro-style livery is offset with loads of useful off-roading gear, too, such as an LED light package, a roof rack and a side ladder and custom wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich K02 tires. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to relax after a day of exploring, including a cushy lounge that can be converted to a full-size sleeping area. There’s even a climate-control system to ensure you’re comfortable no matter the weather outside. It’s priced at a flat $198,746, for everything listed above.

Inside the Storyteller Overland Beast Mode 4x4

Special Features: —Turbodiesel V-6 sends 188 hp of power to all four wheels and is strong enough to tow 5,000 extra pounds. —Surprisingly cushy lounge for an off-roading beast.

The Loki Expedition Discovery Series Expedition Vehicle

Let’s get this out of the way: the Loki Expeditions Discovery Series isn’t technically a camper van. It’s a giant expedition vehicle, but because its cabin is installed directly onto a heavy-duty truck chassis you also don’t need anything to tow it. The vehicle’s cabin is what separates it from anything else on this list. Loki Expeditions has turned a shipping container—yes, you read that right—into a full-featured living space that has all the amenities you’d expect to find in a luxury apartment, including a full kitchen with a large fridge, an entertainment area with a U-shaped banquet, and a wet bath with a cassette toilet. It’s also big enough to sleep six adults, with room for two in the dedicated bedroom and four in the entertainment area. And because the heavy-duty vehicle, which starts at $550,000, has all-wheel drive, you can take it practically anywhere.

The Loki Expedition Discovery Series's living area and kitchenette

Special Features: —Cabin has all the features you’d expect to find in a well-appointed apartment and can sleep six adults. —Built on a burly heavy-duty truck chassis that gives you the freedom to venture off the beaten path.

The Tonke Mercedes-Benz EQV Touring with its pop-up tent opened

Looking for an EV you can take to the campground. The upcoming EQV just might fit the bill. Despite its relatively compact size—it’s smaller than the ever-popular Sprinter—Dutch camping outfit Tonke has managed to outfit it with everything you need to spend some time communing with nature. It has an entertainment area that doubles as a workspace along with a kitchenette, both of which can be converted into a two-person sleeping area with a simple flip of a bench (a roof-mounted, pop-up tent means it can sleep two more, too). Best of all, there are two variants available—the Touring, which is designed for long road trips, and the Adventure, which is aimed at casual campers.

Inside the Tonke Mercedes-Benz EQV Touring

Special Features: —Fully electronic power train means you won’t have to worry about filling up the tank (though the battery is another story). —Can sleep up to four even despite its relatively compact size.

Best for G-Wagen Lovers: Terracamper Tecrawl 

The Terracamper Tecrawl with its awning and kitchenette out

The Tecrawl isn’t a camper van per se, but it’s hard to leave something this cool off a list like this. Terracamper’s latest offering is based on one of Mercedes-Benz’s most legendary vehicles, the G-Wagen . The German shop has dreamed up a modular accessory kit for the luxury 4×4, that starts at $11,900 and includes a roof-mounted tent, a convertible sofa, and a pull-out kitchenette with a fridge box. Thanks to the ingenious setup, the boxy SUV can sleep up to three and act as your home base next time you want to rough it for the weekend. And because it’s a G-Wagen you can take it as far off-road as you want.

Inside the Terracamper Tecrawl's rear cargo area

Special Features: —A G-Wagen but has room for up to three people to sleep. —Packs a brawny powertrain that’s well-suited for off-road adventures.

Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary

Thor Motor Coach makes camper vans for those uninterested in making sacrifices. With the  Sanctuary , the company has taken Mercedes-Benz’s already excellent Sprinter 2500 4×4 and turned it into something you could easily live on—on or off the grid. The off-road-ready vehicle comes in two configurations—the 19P ($148,680), which features a back bench that converts into a bed, or the 19L ($151,060), which has a fixed double bed. Even with the bed there’s still plenty of room for other creature comforts, including a bathroom, an entertainment area with a TV and a kitchen with a sink, a dual-burner cooktop, a convection microwave oven and a fridge. An Onan 2500 LP generator keeps everything up and running, too, including an A/C system you can leave on for eight hours at a time. There’s also retractable power awning when you want to spend some time outdoors.

Inside the Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary

Special Features: —Full-featured bathroom has a sink, a shower and a toilet. —Available with your choice of either a convertible or a fixed bed.

The Caravan Outfitter Free Bird from the side

Caravan Outfitter’s third-generation Free Bird isn’t the most feature-laden camper van out there, but it has everything you and the family need to spend a weekend (or more) at the campground. The van, which starts at $50,810, is built on the relatively compact Ford Transit Connect platform but still has room for a full-size bed, a multi-purpose table that can be used as a dinette or workstation, and a pull-out kitchenette with a sink. Because it’s smaller than other options on this list, it only has room to sleep two, but there are several enticing add-ons, including roof- and rear-mounted capsule tents, in case you’re traveling group includes more people.

Inside the Caravan Outfitter Free Bird

Special Features: —It’s the rare camper van that’s small enough to be comfortably parked inside your garage. —Caravan Outfitters offers several intriguing add-ons so you customize it to your liking.

Winnebago Boldt

Airstream isn’t the only famous RV maker that’s gotten into the camper van game. Winnebago actually sells several, and our favorite is the luxe  Boldt . Despite being nowhere near as long as one of its campers—it caps out at 22 feet in length—the $230,276 van has everything you’d expect from the larger vehicle, including dedicated living and sleeping areas, a fully functional kitchen and a bathroom equipped with a shower. You also have several interior decor options to choose from, each of which delivers an updated take on classic Winnebago style. The Boldt is designed for paved roads and campgrounds, but if you want a more rugged ride, the brand also offers the off-road-ready  Revel.

Inside the Winnebago Boldt

Special Features: —Stretches 22 feet bumper to bumper, meaning there’s plenty of room for you and yours. —Enough space for dedicated entertaining and sleeping areas.

Sportsmobile Sprinter 4x4

Take one look at  Sportsmobile’s Sprinter 4×4  and it’s clear what its designers had in mind: off-roading. Whether you go with the 12- or 14-foot configuration, the Texas outfit’s stripped-down take on Mercedes’s ultra-popular van comes equipped with a 3.0-liter BlueTec V-6 connected to a five-speed automatic transmission and pumps out 188 hp and 325 ft lbs of torque. That should be more than enough to tackle even the toughest terrain. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living area with a full-featured kitchen. If you want even more room, you can also opt for a pop-up sleeping area that’ll make it that much easier to lounge in comfort.

Inside the Sportsmobile Sprinter 4x4

Special Features: —Well insulated throughout, but also has space for a propane furnace or heater. — 3.0-liter BlueTec V-6 and four-wheel drive mean it can take on any terrain.

The Boho Old Faithful from the side

Struggling to find a camper van that’s just right? Boho might be able to help. The Arizona-based company specializes in conversions and will work with you to create the vehicle of your dreams. The company offers several 20- to 24-foot layouts—of which the most popular is the appropriately named Old Faithful—that can be further tailored to meet your needs, whether your priority is multi-season versatility, lots of cooking space, or spending serious amounts of time on the road. The company also offers plenty of cool add-ons too, like wood paneling and flooring.

Inside the Boho Old Faithful

Special Features: —Versatile layouts that can be further customized so that you’re getting the exact van you want. —The wooden interior option looks better than it has any right to.

The 2023 Ford Transit Trail from the side

Ford’s ready to knock the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter off its perch. The Detroit giant unveiled its own camper van, the Transit Trail, last fall. The adventure-ready vehicle is based on its uber-popular commercial van but is taller, wider and outfitted with protective body cladding. It’s also powered by a potent V-6 that sends 310 horses and 400 ft lbs to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Right now, Ford seems content to let the $65,975 vehicle be the base for the camper van of your dreams, but it comes loaded with a slew of features that will come in handy at the campground, including a drillable wall you can use to install shelves, a kitchenette or furniture, along with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and a back-up camera. It also available in three body configurations—medium-roof, standard length; high-roof, standard length; and high-roof, extended length—one of which should fit your needs.

Inside the 2023 Ford Transit Trail

Special Features: —It’s basically a blank slate for you and your partner to create your own dream camper. —Still comes with premium features such as a 12-inch infotainment screen and a back-up camera.

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The best things to do and places to visit in Moscow, Russia

Updated On 14th October, 2021

While Moscow isn’t always at the top of everyone’s Europe bucket list , it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe if you’re looking for a more alternative adventure! In this blog post I plan on sharing some of the free things to do in Moscow, as well as the best places to visit in Moscow, so that you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Russia! 

Moscow, the capital of Russia, sits in the European part of the country. It’s an incredibly beautiful city, which I personally found to be more beautiful than Saint Petersburg (which is often people’s preference). The capital is certainly a lot busier, and less laid back than Saint Petersburg , but it’s a much more colourful and vibrant city, full of stunning and unique architecture.

Visiting famous landmarks such as The Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, enjoying some of the green space in Gorky Park, watching a ballet in the Bolshoi Theatre… these are just a few reasons that you should visit Moscow! On top of that, because of visa restrictions (we’ll get onto that later), it’s also one of the most unique destinations in Europe. 

There is a common misconception that Moscow is a dangerous city, but now that I’ve visited, I don’t believe this to be true. I would say the same rules apply here as to other large cities: avoid walking in dark areas alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings on public transport, and be streetwise. There’s no reason to avoid visiting this energetic city and miss out on these amazing things to do in Moscow! 

It would take months if you wanted to truly explore Moscow because it’s a huge city, but I’m going to share some of my favourite things to do in Moscow and places to visit in Moscow so that you can prepare for your upcoming adventure! Even if you’re only there for a few days, you should be able to fit in these highlights from my trip. 

Other blog posts you might be interested in...

  • The best things to do in St Petersburg
  • A 2-week Norway road trip
  • A complete guide to Helsinki
  • A complete guide to Tallinn
  • Europe: the ultimate travel guide
  • The best capital cities to visit in Europe
  • The best things to do in Europe: the ultimate Europe bucket list

Where is Moscow?

If you’re wondering ‘Where is Moscow, Russia?’ then you’ve come to the right place! Moscow in in west Russia, the European part, and it’s the capital city. 

How do you get to Moscow?

Getting a visa for moscow:.

To get into Russia, you need to get a visa. The processing time is approximately 20 days, and you’ll need to have your fingerprints taken at a visa centre in London , Edinburgh or Manchester. You can find out more about getting a visa for Russia here.  

Getting to Moscow:

Once you’ve got your visa, the easiest way to get to Moscow from the UK is by flying. Direct flights between London and Moscow take just under four hours, and with an airport layover you’re looking at a 6-7 hour trip. You can also fly in from many other major European and international cities. 

Top tip: Check out flights to and from Copenhagen on  Skyscanner here.

Check out how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase here.

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16 best places to visit in Moscow...

1. st basil’s cathedral.

The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Moscow, if not the best! 

St Basil’s is situated on Red Square, where you’ll also find many other popular places to visit in Moscow. In my opinion this still stands out against them all. There’s something about the multi coloured domes against the Moscow skyline that I found quite spectacular. 

Although I’d already been in Russia for several days, it wasn’t until I was at this amazing piece of architecture that I really felt I was in Russia.

The cathedral was built by order of Ivan the Terrible, and apparently after the architect completed it, Ivan blinded him so that he could never build anything more beautiful. Whether or not this story is true, it certainly adds a bittersweet feeling as you stand admiring the beauty of St Basil’s Cathedral.

Inside is a museum displaying many historic items once used at the cathedral, which costs 700 rubles to enter. In my opinion it’s worth the entry fee, as simply seeing the ornate interior walls is a spectacle in itself.

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

2. The Kremlin

This historic fortress that sits on Red Square is probably the largest landmark and one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. It’s the official residence of the President, although he doesn’t actually live there. It’s been rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1147 out of wood, before Ivan III the Great ordered it to be made from stone, which is the Kremlin you’ll recognise today. 

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

This place is huge, and there’s quite a lot to see. The first problem I had was finding where the entrance was. Even though I had a pre-booked ticket, I was then told I still had to visit the ticket office to exchange it for another ticket. I also needed my passport, so make sure you have yours if you plan to visit the Kremlin. After a lengthy queue I finally had a ticket I could use to enter the Kremlin, and had to go through security. The security here is thorough, so make sure you don’t take too much in with you. I had my pockets full, and it was a nightmare emptying them and explaining each item, before I was finally allowed in. Once inside you can pay for extra tickets to visit the various museums, however there’s also quite a lot to see simply on the grounds if you don’t want to spend too much. 

See more tips for travelling on a budget here. 

There’s so much to see here, including The Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower Complex, the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armoury Chamber and Diamond Fund. There is also the Tsar Cannon (a huge artillery cannon), and the Tsar Bell. The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world. An incident with a fire and water being poured over the bell caused it to crack and for a slab to break off from it, which can now be seen propped up next to it.

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

As you walk around the grounds you’ll hear the sound of whistles. The guards patrolling the area will blow a whistle at anyone walking where they shouldn’t. Even if it’s just on the grass, or towards more restricted areas. This can sometimes be funny to watch, as often the tourists will be in a world of their own whilst a guard is blowing a whistle at them. Sometimes a guard will be stood face to face with a tourist angrily blowing their whistle before the tourist realises they need to get back onto the main path.

This is perhaps one of the more unusual places to visit in Moscow! Gum is a huge department store situated on Red Square. It’s an interesting department store to walk around, with several levels, although the shops inside are certainly quite pricey. It’s a beautiful building when it’s lit up at night, and it seems to fit in nicely amongst the other famous sights on Red Square. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to take a quick look inside, although bear in mind there are usually security checks before entering.

4. State Historical Museum

The large crimson building on Red Square is now the State Historical Museum. It was originally the first pharmacy in Russia, and later a University before finally becoming the museum it is today.

Unfortunately I didn’t go inside as my time was limited and there was so much else I wanted to see, but if you have the time I think it would be one of the best things to do in Moscow. There are items dating back to the 6th century, and maybe even further. There’s also a library inside storing many ancient manuscripts and the largest coin collection in Russia. 

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

5. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi means big in Russian, so it roughly translates to large theatre. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the foremost ballet companies in the world. The exterior of the building is an impressive sight, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow, and it’s certainly worth admiring from the outside. There are guided tours of the interior, but if you really want to experience the theatre, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to watch a ballet here.

I was torn between booking a seat, but the ballets were very expensive. I’d have liked to have seen “Swan Lake”, (as at least I may have recognised some of the music). Unfortunately there were no performances on the days I was in Moscow, so I decided to pass. But if I return to Russia, then watching a ballet will be on my list of things to do.

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

6. Sparrow Hills

If you want a good view of the city, then Sparrow Hills is one of the best places to visit in Moscow. It’s a bit of a trek outside of the centre, but if you have the time then it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. There’s a viewing platform here which gives you fantastic panoramic views of Moscow.

Nearby you’ll see the magnificent Moscow State University building, which is one of the seven sisters of Moscow.

7. Seven Sisters

Whilst in Moscow, you’ll no doubt notice these magnificent soviet skyscrapers dotted around the city. At the time of construction they were the tallest buildings in Europe, Moscow State University being so until 1997. There are, as the name suggests, seven in total, which are: Hotel Ukraina, Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Apartments, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow State University, and the Red Gates Administrative Building.

If you visit Sparrow Hills, then you’ll come across Moscow State University, but I’m certain as you explore the city, you’ll see more of these giants against the Moscow skyline. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to see if you can locate all seven as you wander round the city! 

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

8. Nikolskaya Street

The start of this street is found by Red Square. It’s one of the most prominent pedestrianised streets in Moscow, filled with shops, restaurants and bars, so one of the best places to visit in Moscow if you’re looking for a bite to eat or some souvenirs!

What makes this street extra special are the thousands of bright lights in the sky above. After dark it looks simply magical with the many colourful lights overhead as you walk beneath them. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to visit Nikolskaya Street after dark and see them for yourself. It almost feels like Christmas in London!

There is another street nearby which also features similar lights, “Kuznetskiy Most”, which is also quite beautiful, but I thought “Nikolskaya Street” was ever slightly more impressive.

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

9. Izmailovo Kremlin and Izmaylovskiy Bazar

Did you know that The Kremlin in Red Square is not the only Kremlin in Moscow? Kremlin actually means a type of fortress, so there are many in Russia.

The Izmailovo Kremlin is a fairly new addition to the city, having been built in 2007 as a cultural centre. With its multitude of colours and historic style, it has a real fairytale feel to it. There are several small museums here for you to explore, devoted to subjects such as Russian folk art, vodka and bread (yes, bread). Visiting these is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Moscow! 

It’s a little way out of the centre, but it’s an interesting place to visit in Moscow to see something a little bit different, and it won’t be as overcrowded with tourists. 

Next to the Izmailovo Kremlin is the best market in Moscow for souvenirs. You’ll find good and poor quality items, but you’ll certainly pick up a bargain if you take your time and haggle for a good price. Many of the items here you’ll get for half the price you would in souvenir shops in the city centre. It’s here that I picked up several Matryoshka dolls for a very good price. I think I’d have paid more than double, or possibly even triple if I’d have bought them elsewhere.

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

10. Izmailovsky Park

Not too far from Izmailovo Kremlin you’ll find this huge park, one of the prettiest places to visit in Moscow. It’s easy to get lost here, so try to make sure you keep track of where you entered if you plan to go back the same way. There’s a lot to see in this park, a round pond, ferris wheel, playgrounds and sports grounds, shooting galleries, cinemas and a skate park.

There are often festivals, concerts and exhibitions at the park, on top of firework displays and dance parties.

The main reason I chose to visit the park was to find the painted trees. A local artist “Yevgenia Khlynina” has been painting on trees in this park, and one of the best things to do in Moscow is to explore the park looking for them. One of the most famous pieces of hers is the “Hedgehog in the Fog” from a famous soviet cartoon.

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

11. Gorky Park

The most famous park in Moscow is named after the writer “Maxim Gorky”. Although it’s likely you’ve heard it mentioned in the song “Wind of Change” by “The Scorpions”. 

There’s lots to do and see in the park with sports facilities and exhibitions. During the summer months this is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Moscow; there are often open air concerts and an open air cinema. There are many statues and sculptures in the park, including a small sculpture park area which features many interesting pieces.

One piece of advice: don’t visit Gorky Park or any other parks on 2nd August if you’re in Russia. 2nd August is Paratrooper day, which usually encourages a lot of drinking in the park, which is not always very welcoming.

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

12. Arbat Street

One of the oldest and busiest streets in Moscow, and the most famous pedestrian street in the city. Arbat is one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. There are several shops including many dedicated to souvenirs, but although these will have a good range of goods, they will be quite expensive . You may see street performers and buskers, and there are often poets reciting famous works, if not their own works.

It’s within walking distance from the Kremlin, which should only take around 10 minutes.

There are actually two streets with this name, Old Arbat Street and New Arbat Street. Old Arbat Street is where you’ll find the pedestrianised area. New Arbat Street is a separate street which runs alongside a main road, filled with many bars and restaurants.

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

13. Metro station art

The best way to get around Moscow is by using the metro, and the metro is a tourist attraction in itself.

Although I obviously didn’t visit every metro station, I believe that every single station is unique in its own beautiful way. Many of the stations I passed through were impressive, quirky or simply jaw dropping. You’ll more than likely pass through many of them on the way to other sights, but I’d recommend the following:  Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Teatralnaya, Arbatskaya, Prospekt Mira and Ploschad Revolutsii (be sure to pet the dog statue for good luck).

There are of course many others for you to explore, but these are the ones I considered to be some of the most impressive places to visit in Moscow (even if they’re only metro stations!).

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

VDNKh is an exhibition centre with many monuments and museums. Now that it’s combined with the Botanical Garden and Ostankino Park, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to spend the day at this recreational centre enjoying a mix of nature and culture. The most popular museum in the complex which you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Moscow is the Museum of Cosmonautics.

15. Lenin's Mausoleum

Despite requesting to be buried with his mum in St Petersburg, it is at the foot of the Kremlin on Red Sqaure that you will find Lenin’s Mausoleum, where Vladimir Ilych Lenin has been frozen in time since 1924. It’s only open for a few hours a few times per week. Photography is not allowed, and you should line up on the western corner of the square (near Alexander Garden) to wait you turn to see the embalmed body. 

16. Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow. Located south west of the centre you’ll find this stunning monastery. Inside you’ll find a cathedral and several churches, surrounded by high walls and 12 towers.

Where are your favourite places to visit in Moscow?

What about the best things to do in Moscow? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

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I’m Spike! Solo traveller, cultural explorer and world adventurer! With 57 countries under my belt, I live and breathe travel. I never plan to stop exploring new destinations and experiencing new cultures.

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The best places to visit in Moscow

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I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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  • Roughly 110 mi from Moscow City Centre, Ryazan is a must-do for many road-trippers. With attractions like Monument to Evpatiy Kolovrat, there’s no shortage of things to see and do here.
  • Around 110 mi away, Vladimir is another city worthy of a place on your road trip itinerary. Be sure to check out Vladimir Central Prison while you’re in town.
  • After all that driving, treat yourself to some time out in nature at Pavilion of Ostrovsky. It’s approximately 190 mi from Moscow City Centre.

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Michigan Coastal Road Trip: A Unique Adventure

I f you’re looking for a unique adventure and beautiful drive, a Michigan coastal road trip should top your list. Why? There are 129 lighthouses in Michigan and 3,200 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. Plus, Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state, dozens in the lower portion alone.

Though I didn’t plan to see them all, or not even many, this fact spurred me to realize I hadn’t seen enough of the Michigan coastline. So, I set off on a road trip.

Michigan’s West Coast

Van buren state park.

I began my Michigan coastal road trip by driving three hours from Detroit to Van Buren State Park on the lower west side of the state. Van Buren State Park, just a few miles south of South Haven, encompasses 400 acres along Lake Michigan. The park has a mile-long sandy beach, high dune formations, a big campground, and woodland trails.

The big, old-growth trees are perfectly spaced for a hammock, and I set mine up first thing. The campsites are large and wooded, and just through the trees is Lake Michigan. From most spots in the campground, a 20-minute hike will take you through a densely wooded forest and put you out on one mile of sandy beach on the Lake Michigan coast.

Fun Fact: Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. Remember them as HOMES: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior.

After a night in Van Buren State Park, I went north up Michigan’s western coast. Inspired by the dunes at Van Buren, I was eager to see the much greater dunes around Silver Lake.

I headed through Holland, Michigan, where they have the annual Tulip Festival and stopped for lunch in Muskegon.

It’s the most populous city along Lake Michigan’s Eastern shore and a popular location for fall hunters and summer beachgoers. Its downtown is filled with charming small businesses and cultural amenities like museums and Muskegon State Park is home to miles of trails and stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Fun Fact: Lake Michigan is the second largest Great Lake by volume and the third largest by surface area, after Lake Superior (deeper) and Lake Huron (bigger). The lake is 307 miles long and 118 miles wide. Its average depth is 279 feet, but its deepest is 923 feet!

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

I kept traveling north and found the Silver Lake Sand Dunes . This is a 2,000-acre park, made up of mostly sand, near the pinky finger of the mitten. It is home to some of the tallest dunes east of the Mississippi River. The dunes can reach up to 200 feet high and are a popular spot for off-roading (rentals available), sandboarding, and hiking.

Fun Fact : Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake entirely within the United States. It also borders Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

You can camp in the park , stay in a hotel in nearby Mears, or rent a vacation home in the area, but whichever you choose, book as far in advance as possible. The campground is small and the area fills up quickly with many long-timers returning year after year. It’s a highly touristed area, so you’ll find plenty of putt-putt golf and children’s activities, none better than the Mac Woods Sand Dune Ride.

Mac Woods Sand Dune Ride

The 40 minutes ride takes place on specially-designed, bus-size dune buggies with airplane tires that plow through the steep slopes of the dunes. They take riders through several trails and scenic spots, including Lake Michigan. I attest that the ride is an adrenaline-filled fun fest worth every penny. Moreover, the guides give you a history of dunes and information about Lake Michigan and the general area.

Fact : The Mac Woods property is called woods because it used to be a forest, but Mac cut the trees downs after the Great Chicago Fire and floated the logs across the lake to sell them.

Be prepared: the airplane tires enable the dune buggy to go faster than you might expect, but they also make it much smoother than other vehicles you might take on the dunes. Plus, they don’t tear up the trails – just glide over them. It’s a sort of lovely rollercoaster ride.

If you don’t want to rent a vehicle yourself – or use your own – Mac Woods Sand Dune rides are a great way to experience the beauty of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. They offer rides from May to October.

Fun Fact : There are dead dunes and live dunes. Live dunes constantly shift and move with the wind growing larger or smaller. Dunes become stable when anchored by root systems, so to preserve the area in the 1950s, boy scouts planted grass.

Little Sable Point Lighthouse

The Little Sable Point Lighthouse is only about a mile from Mac Woods. At 107 feet, it’s one of the tallest lighthouses in Michigan and on the National Register of Historic Places, so I drove there to see it. Dunes surround it and while there’s a parking lot for beachgoers nearby, there’s still a lot of sand to navigate.

The lighthouse is open for tours from May through September and visitors can climb the 130 steps to the top for stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

But wait. If it’s one of the tallest, why is it called “Little?” Its designer, Col. Orlando M. Poe, also designed the Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park, the second-tallest lighthouse in Michigan, at 112 feet.

Fun fact : The tallest lighthouse in Michigan is the Rock of Ages Lighthouse on Lake Superior, overlooking Isle Royale National Park at 130 feet tall.

I drove north for a few hours to Manistee and the Orchard Lake Campground.

The Orchard Beach State Park has a lake view at the top of the bluff with the relentless water crashing into the rocks, but downtown Manistee won my heart. Downtown Manistee is small, but it’s jammed packed with charm. Small businesses and historic buildings line Main Street with the Manistee River flowing behind them. On a much smaller scale, the vibe is like Traverse City; there’s even the Manistee Brewing Company for some craft brews.

Nearby, the Manistee National Forest has miles of hiking trails, scenic waterfalls, and old-growth forests. The city was founded from the lumber industry, which you can learn all about at the Manistee Historical Museum.

Stop by the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse at the end of Main Street, where the road meets Lake Michigan. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for tours. Visitors can climb the 145 steps to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Manistee River. It’s a great place to watch the sunset.

Further north, I drove through Traverse City . The breweries, wineries, beaches, watersports, small businesses and scenery make this a fantastic spot to stay for several days. Also, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore dunes range in height from 200 to 450 feet and, as some of the tallest in the eastern US, are worth seeing.

Since it’s the home of the Michigan state rock, I stopped for an afternoon in Petoskey, Michigan . Like the others, this Lake Michigan Community features many beaches and dunes, but that’s not all.

This historic town is as picturesque as the day it was incorporated and takes you back in time. Find out about Indian history at the Little Traverse Bay Indian Museum. Also, spend some time strolling the shops in the Gaslight Shopping District, a historic district with various shops and restaurants spanning several blocks. Or walk around admiring the historic homes and spectacular views of the lake.

Fun Fact : Petoskey Stones are fossilized coral. You can find them all over this part of the state, or just buy one – they’re for sale everywhere. As an avid rock collector, I can tell you they’re not easy to come by elsewhere.

Charlevoix is a unique place on a narrow strip of land between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, with the short Pine River running through it. It’s also the gateway to the largest island in Lake Michigan – Beaver Island . It’s a popular tourist spot with a charming downtown, a scenic lighthouse, and many small shops and tourist activities.

Beaver Island is a car-free island with a rich history, likened to Mackinaw Island, but much less known. The island is about 14 miles long and 7 miles wide, with about 650 residents.

No coastal Michigan road trip is complete without crossing the Mackinaw Bridge, so that’s where I headed next.

Michigan’s Upper Mitten

Mackinaw bridge.

Though I’ve crossed it many times, it’s always worth doing again because it’s just so unique. The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning a five-mile-wide channel that connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan across the Straits of Mackinac. This iconic bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the United States and it’s a grand site to behold.

In St. Ignace, just across the bridge, is the Straights State Park , where I camped for the night. St. Ignace is a great place to stay overnight if you’re traveling the area or heading further north into the upper peninsula. What I loved most about Straights State Park, aside from the 180 acres of old-growth forest, is the shoreline that makes up a large part of the park within view of the Mackinaw Bridge and nearby Mackinaw Island .

Several campers set up chairs on the beach as the sun set and the bridge lights came on. Spectacular.

Colonial Michilimackinac

The next day, back across the bridge, I continued my Michigan coastal road trip along the top of the mitten, but first, I stopped at Fort Michilimackinac. Colonial Michilimackinac is an 18th-century French and British fur trading post and military outpost on the Straits of Mackinac. Historians have reconstructed the fort based on historic maps and more than 60 years of archaeological excavations.

Today, visitors can see reenactments of colonial life at the fort with demonstrations of blacksmithing, ironworking, basket weaving, boat building and other 18th-century practices that made up daily life at the fort.

Tickets are $14.50 each, but the view of the Mackinaw Bridge from its ramparts is worth the price alone.

Mackinaw City

Nearby in Mackinaw City, there are dozens of tourist amenities and hotels and the ferries to Mackinaw Island – another popular tourist stop with a historic downtown and no motorized vehicles allowed. While in Mackinaw City, stop and take a picture of the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. You can also buy tickets to the top and see its restored quarters and bridge views.

After Mackinaw City , at the tip of the mitten, my Michigan coastal road trip turned back east beyond Cheboygan with views of Lake Huron outside my driver’s window, and my thoughts turned to shipwrecks.

Lake Huron Shipwrecks

Many people may not know that the Great Lakes are a popular scuba diving location because of the many shipwrecks near shore and in excellent condition. The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects a nationally significant collection of nearly 100 historic shipwrecks in Lake Huron off the Michigan coast. There are a few that can even be seen from the shore.

Joseph S. Fay shipwreck

The Joseph S. Fay was a 216-foot wooden freighter that transported iron ore from Lake Superior to Cleveland. In 1905, the boat encountered a storm in Lake Huron and the heavy seas and gale-force winds drove it ashore on 40 Mile Point, near Rogers City, Michigan. Today, you can see the wood boards and huge metal nails that remain on the beach. The rest of the ship is about 16 feet underground, just off the shore.

I read the following on a sign at one of my Lake Huron stops. I’m not sure it’s true, but it’s amusing after you’ve seen dozens of lighthouses and shipwrecks.

Lake Huron Harrisville State Park

The tip of the mitten is the shortest part of my Michigan coastal road trip and before long, I am heading south through Alpena and the Huron-Manistee National Forest. This area, too, is part of Thunder Bay and the shipwrecks and marine life make it a popular tourist destination. I don’t stay long before heading to camp for the night at the Lake Huron Harrisville State Park .

The best thing about the Michigan state parks is that many are on the Great Lakes seashore. Here too, the views of the massive lake are spectacular. I pull up my chair and watch as the day fades into night amid the sound of crashing waves large enough to compare with any ocean.

Stop by the Sturgeon Point Light Station. It’s a historic example of a Cape Cod-style Great Lakes lighthouse.

Michigan Thumb

My Michigan coastal road trip continued through Oscoda, Tawas and Bay City into the thumb of the mitten. If you’re looking for Michigan farmland, you’ll find it here. The communities here are more rural, the houses along the shoreline are smaller, and the opportunities for significant tourism diminish. However, there is still a lot to see, especially near the S hiawassee National Wildlife Refuge , where bird lovers better bring their binoculars to explore the 9,800-acre birders’ paradise in this inviolate sanctuary for migratory birds.

Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park

My Michigan coastal road trip has been peppered with hours of driving and intermittent stops to walk in the woods. But this was the first area where I’d walk back in time.

The Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park resides in the middle of the upper portion of the thumb and is on the National Register of Historic Places for the petroglyphs carved into rocks in the area. The Sanilac Petroglyphs are a collection of Native American petroglyphs (rock carvings) that depict various images, including animals, humans, and geometric shapes. There are a series of trails around the park to hike but go when the park is open for the ranger tours and access to the best petroglyphs, which are locked in a gated area after hours. The petroglyphs were likely carved by the Ojibwa people, who inhabited the area before European settlers. Admission is free.

After a long, rainy night in the van, I finished my Michigan coastal road trip by driving along the coastline of the thumb and eventually back to Detroit, where I began.

Despite living in Michigan most of my life, I learned a lot about the state’s industry, people, places and history that I never knew before. I’ve been to most of the states in this country, but Michigan is the only one surrounded by lakes seemingly as big and fierce as an ocean. Few states have as much shoreline coupled with forests and even fewer maintain their original character. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind road trip, this is it.

Read other stories about Michigan here.

Let’s connect on social media and email.

By clicking submit, you agree to receive emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt-out at any time.

The post Michigan Coastal Road Trip: A Unique Adventure appeared first on Middle Journey .

If you’re looking for a unique adventure and beautiful drive, a Michigan coastal road trip should top your list. Why? There are 129 lighthouses in Michigan and 3,200 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. Plus, Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state, dozens in the lower portion alone. Though I didn’t plan to see them all, or not even many, this fact spurred me to realize I hadn’t seen enough of the Michigan coastline. So, I set off on a road trip. Michigan’s West Coast Van Buren State Park I began my Michigan coastal road trip by driving three hours from Detroit to Van Buren State Park on the lower west side of the state. Van Buren State Park, just a few miles south of South Haven, encompasses 400 acres along Lake Michigan. The park has a mile-long sandy beach, high dune formations, a big campground, and woodland trails. The big, old-growth trees are perfectly spaced for a hammock, and I set mine up first thing. The campsites are large and wooded, and just through the trees is Lake Michigan. From most spots in the campground, a 20-minute hike will take you through a densely wooded forest and put you […]

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Our top tips to plan a road trip in France in a camper van

Inspiration

Le voyage en van entre amis à Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, en Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Reading time: 0 min Published on 21 March 2024, updated on 17 April 2024

Some people like deciding where to go at the drop of a hat, and this is what is so appealing about a holiday in a camper van. But just like any other holiday, it still requires some planning. Road trips around France in a van are becoming more and more popular. There’s no better feeling than waking up with a view of the dunes in the Landes or across the Alpine peaks. So follow this guide!

Choose a specialist hire company

In France, specialist van hire companies can provide you with a top-quality service (fully comprehensive insurance cover, recent vehicles that are kept in good condition, etc.). Some of the most well-known companies are Blacksheep , We Van and Van-Away .

  • Good to know: some hire companies offer unlimited mileage, others don't. Some allow a second driver free-of-charge, for others this is an extra option that will cost you more, etc.

Rencontre insolite au sommet de l'Artzamendi, au Pays basque lors d'un voyage en van.

Another option is to hire from a private individual (or a car-sharing scheme)

© Wikicampers – Expérience du voyage nomade dans les Landes à Seignosse

Wikicampers , Yescapa , Ouicar... Private van owners usually offer their vehicles for hire via one of these platforms, which also takes care of the management, security, insurance cover and deals with the transactions between the owner and holidaymaker.

The advantage of this option is that the rental price is usually more competitive. The condition of the vehicle is usually checked via the platform application, in your presence. Another top tip: if you are looking to try out a vehicle because you’d like to buy one, it would probably be easier for you to find the right model if you go through a specialist hire company. Last but not least, this is the most eco-friendly option because you won’t be hiring a van from a fleet that is only used for rental purposes.

Choose the right van that is suited to your needs

© Wikicampers – Camping-car sillonnant entre les montagnes pyrénéennes

A combi van, utility vehicle or a pop-top camper van? An over-cab or low-profile motorhome? For every trip, there is a perfect van. Before setting off, make sure you take the time to choose the right vehicle for the number of people and with the right level of comfort to suit your needs.

Choosing a van with or without toilets might seem like an amusing detail, but it could make a big difference to your trip. And insulation and heating would be important factors to consider in winter.

A van adapted to off-road terrain would be better suited to trips off the beaten track than a motorhome that is more difficult to manoeuvre. In some vans you can stand up, in others you can't. This might seem insignificant for some travellers, but for others it would make a big difference.

Download useful applications

© Vanlifegoeson x WeVan – Chambre avec vue sur le lac du Salagou au coeur du département de l’Hérault

Any seasoned fan of the van life will tell you that the top priority is finding the perfect place to sleep. There’s no better feeling than waking up with a view of the dunes in the Landes or the Alpine peaks to start off your day with a smile. In France, some destinations are more welcoming than others when it comes to camper vans and motorhomes. Wild camping is subject to regulations.

In the Basque Country or Brittany, you might not always be able to stay overnight along the coast for free, especially during the peak season. Don’t panic, wherever you are, there’s always a plan B. Use the Park4night application to find an authorised parking area near you. It was designed specifically with this use in mind. Use the filter to search for the type of location you’re looking for (campsite, staying with the locals, free parking area, rest area, etc.). You’ll find plenty of useful reviews to get an idea of these locations before choosing one, and many of the reviews include photos. You can get any extra information you might need from maps.me and Google maps, and these applications will also help you if you want to venture off the beaten track.

  • Top tip: choose the locations that have been given the least number of reviews. If you are looking for some peace and quiet, opt for a parking area that is at the departure point of a hiking trail, rather than alongside a busy road. It’s often a good idea to spend the night away from the main roads.

Plan your route

© Atypix x WeVan – Préparer son itinéraire dans un champ du Haut-Doubs

Just like your luggage, the route needs to be as simple as possible. The advantage of a road trip in a camper van is the freedom it gives you. You don’t need to plan the entire route out in advance but you can use the apps we’ve mentioned to decide on the mileage you’re aiming for each day. As a general rule, try not to plan too many miles on your road trip in France. A good indication is to spend around 2-3 hours on the road each day. This will limit fatigue. And you’ll have more time to make the most of a place you’d like to explore. There’s nothing like changing your plans to suit your needs, and adapting to the weather!

Be aware of the basic rules

On a trip in a camper van in France, you’ll be embarking on a whole new experience, where you are free to travel around as you please. But this independence does not mean you need to be completely self-sufficient.

The number one rule to respect for a successful trip is to travel light. Leaving your belongings and your daily comfort behind you is all part and parcel of the experience. For example: choose to use backpacks and lightweight camping gear rather than suitcases and fancy camping equipment than is better suited to staying in one place. And you’ll be delighted to be reminded that the lighter the camper van, the less fuel you’ll consume!

Another basic rule is to respect the locals: avoid making excessive noise at night (this also applies to other tourists nearby) and leave your overnight locations exactly as you found them, i.e. clean. It’s all about being respectful. For example, you should avoid using parking areas that are used by the locals to do their shopping, or those used by holidaymakers to go to the beach during the day.

Other useful precautions include being aware of any regulations regarding forest fires. A campfire might add a magical touch to your experience, but in France, you are not permitted to light fires in a national park, a protected nature reserve or in forests during the summer or in periods of drought. In any case, if you are not sure of the rules, it is better to avoid lighting fires.

Take what you need for the vehicle with you

© Vanlifegoeson x WeVan / Pause déjeuner dans un van

If you hire your vehicle from a professional company, chances are you won’t have much to think about, if anything at all (read the following paragraph). Pretty much everything you need for cooking will be provided. You’ll also most likely be provided with bed linen, a camping table and chairs (make sure you check before setting off).

The most organised of travellers will bring a toolbox, engine oil, a piece of cloth to wipe your hands after checking the oil levels (when the engine is cold and the ignition is switched off), a small air compressor for the tyres, etc. But with the breakdown cover, you’re not likely to need any tools whatsoever!

A checklist of the essentials you’ll need:

© Vanlifegoeson x WeVan / Bien équipée pour un café au grand air

Paper versions of a travel guide and road map, a Swiss army knife, a camping stove, USB chargers and plug strips, plenty of water, solar- or battery-powered torches, head lamp, hammock, microfibre towel, Tupperware boxes and containers, bin bags, etc.

Are you still with us? If so, that means you’re ready to set off on the roads of France for your first trip in a camper van. All that’s left for us to do is wish you “Bon voyage”!

  • Tips and suggestions:

Are you planning on travelling in an electric van? You'll need to find out how far you can go with a full charge. Depending on the model, this can vary from a hundred kilometres to almost 800 km, which would have a huge impact on how you plan your trip and your route in the camper van. There are plenty of tools you can use to plan your route, and they will suggest the best places to stop and charge your vehicle along the way: A Better Route Planner or Charge Map . To benefit from an overnight charge, opt for campsites with electric charging terminals. This is the ideal solution so you don’t need to worry about it overnight. Getting around the local area by bike is always a good idea, especially if you are staying on a campsite or with the locals. If you’re planning on cycling, you’ll need a bike rack. This can be booked as an option from your hire company

Further reading :

Insolite : 6 écrins de verdure pour jouer les Robinsons modernes

8 réflexes pour voyager durable en France

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By Alicia Munoz

Alicia, a journalist with a passion, writes about sustainable development, the environment and travel. Her love of nature, sports activities and the great outdoors becomes obvious in her articles.

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