Road Trips
AAA Digital TripTik
The new AAA digital resource is even better than the printed, spiral bound TripTik of my youth.
Now they have an interactive map to plan your route and find points of interest, gas stations, campgrounds, etc. The TripTik was where we started when we planned our 35 day road trip to estimate travel distances and time between stops.
Google Maps
My #1 recommendation before you hit the road – teach everyone in the car how to use Google Maps. Picture this – you’re driving, the kids are hangry, and you’re the only one who knows how to use the app to find a restaurant on your route –a restaurant that meets everyone’s dietary preference. Speaking from experience, it’s a nightmare.
We used Google Maps almost exclusively for directions and finding interesting stops along the route.
Trip Advisor
Trip Advisor is a great resource to explore “things to do” in areas where you’re traveling. You can create a folder for each destination and save favorites. I also find it helpful to read reviews and see photos from other travelers.
I did this prior to our road trip so we had some fun things to do. That’s how we found out about the Opryland Hotel in Nashville and the Colorado River rafting company.
Harvest Host
If you are traveling in an RV, you should definitely check out Harvest Host. For a membership fee you can access their database of wineries, breweries, farms, and other privately owned businesses that invite RVers to stay on their property free of charge. All they ask is for guests to make a purchase at their business. Most do not provide electric or sewer, but they offer a unique place to stay.
We used Harvest Host for our travels and these were some of the best memories. We stayed at a winery, a cherry farm, and on a ranch in Wyoming.
Nature Walks & Hiking
AllTrails
AllTrails is a trail guide and map that is curated by users. You can find short walks in the woods, bike trails and long, difficult hikes. Create a free account so you can save favorites. I have a folder called “hikes to try someday”.
We use AllTrails to find local nature walks we haven’t done yet. I also find it helpful to check recent user comments on trail conditions before we head north to hike a mountain.
Mountain Forecasts
If you are hiking in the White Mountains, you need to be aware of the weather. It can change quickly and if you’re not prepared it can make for a bad, bad day.
We use Weather.com to get a rough idea of the weather for long range planning. We also use Mountain Weather Forecasts which gives the weather for higher elevations. Check it a few days before, the day before and the morning of your hike.
NH Audubon
The NH Audubon is a great resource if you’re looking for local nature walks. Their website offers a list of wildlife sanctuaries where the public can go for walks. Just be sure to see if dogs are allowed if you plan on bringing your canine sidekick.
One of my personal favorites is Ponemah Bog in Amherst, NH. It’s only .75 miles, but it’s incredibly unique with wood plank paths winding through a peat bog and the carnivorous pitcher plants.
Hike Safe
The NH Hike Safe card is a good idea for anyone hiking, paddling, cross country skiing or doing any other outdoor recreation. Think of it as an insurance card – if you have it and need to be rescued while out on an adventure (in NH), you are not liable to repay rescue costs. It’s worth the $25 / $35 annual investment.