IT’S TIME FOR A ROAD TRIP
In December we decided to hit the road and run away for a little bit. We needed to get away from things and just take a break. Christmas was right around the corner and we wanted a weekend just the four of us, to relax and enjoy the holiday season. Plus, we had two little girls asking to see snow and go sledding. Off we went on a mini road trip to Squamish and Whistler.
We booked an Airbnb in Squamish for two nights, which was an even better deal than booking a hotel for one night in Whistler. Instead of staying in the mountain resort, we drove up for one day to explore. Our big regret was not bringing skates and a helmet for Addie to be able to go and try skating too. It was okay because Jason was able to take the stroller out on the ice. Evie had just started ice skating in gym class at school, this was her 4th time ever on ice.
Whistler has small snow hills in the middle of the village. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s perfect for younger kids who are not ready to brave the toboggan hills just yet. The girls could not get enough of going down the hill again and again. They worked up quite the appetite for lunch. You can’t go wrong when meals are $5. Macaroni, chicken wings, salad, and poutine… all $5 each. Everyone left happy and full.
It was nice to get away from the constant go, go, go back home. We were all able to relax and catch up on much-needed sleep. It’s become a tradition for us to decorate a gingerbread house when we go away to Squamish or Whistler before Christmas. The girls both snuck a bunch of candy and icing, but that’s part of the fun.
Do you go on mini road trips with your family?
Keep reading to find out some of the reasons why we do and to see more photos from our adventure.
6 REASONS WHY WE GO ON MINI ROAD TRIPS
- EASE OF TRAVEL. Living in beautiful British Columbia there are lots of tourist destinations and incredible places to travel to that are within a couple hours of driving. This makes for the perfect mini road trip with kids. Two of our favourite places to go to are Whistler and Squamish, they are both just over an hour drive from our home making them easily accessible for us.
- BUDGET FRIENDLY. Staying local we are able to find places to stay that work within our budget. This has become even easier with things like Airbnb and finding deals on Groupon if we’re planning ahead. Thank you to whoever introduced us to Airbnb because that made a huge difference on this trip. We had a place to stay with two bedrooms, full bathroom, kitchen and living room. Being able to cook our own meals is a huge help in staying budget friendly when we travel.
- LIGHT PACKING. Going away for a mini road trip often happens over a weekend for us. This means we only have to pack for two nights and a couple days. At this point, we can pack all 4 of us into one suitcase if we really wanted to but the girls still like to bring their stuffies, blankets, books and a sound machine is a must when we travel. So it’s normally two suitcases and some bits and pieces too. The nice thing about going on a mini road trip is that we’re often not far from stores if we do forget a key item.
- LOCAL TOURISTS. We love being local tourists and exploring the areas that surround us. Often we discover something new that we love. Maybe it’s a lake we love to visit or a coffee shop the locals love that has the best chai tea. Taking the time to appreciate what surrounds you is incredible.
- MAKING MEMORIES. My husband and I both have memories of going for little trips with our families in our province. We want the same thing for our kids. To get away together, as a family, and create memories that we will all cherish as the years go by.
- ESCAPING ROUTINE. It’s nice to change things up from the usual weekly schedule and routine we find ourselves in. Planning a mini road trip and get away gives us all something to look forward to. It provides the opportunity to do something different. Plus, the laundry monster is left at home – though we do have to face it when we get back.
“IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE YOU’RE GOING, IT’S WHO YOU HAVE BESIDE YOU.”
I may have to get your AirBnb recommendation, I love staying in Squamish too!
Mini road trips are a favorite of ours! What a fun couple days!!
We aren’t meant to live in one place! We’re meant to get around. Good on you x
I totally love this post. Your recommendations are great.
Mini-road trips sounds like a good idea! I feel like we tend to stick to day trips. I guess I need to be a little more adventurous 😉
What a beautiful home, and I couldn’t agree more road trips are the WAY TO GO!
Short trips are great. I’d rather have a bunch of short adventures rather than one long one.
Ok this is inspiring me to tackle my first road trip!
This is perfect timing! We’ve been discussing going to Whistler in a few weeks and were playing with the idea to stay in Squamish.
You are inspiring me to take my kids on a small road trip. They wouldn’t care where as long as we are sleeping somewhere not in our own house.