Travel is a popular way to relax, explore new sights, and spend quality time with loved ones. In fact, more than 70% of respondents indicate that they are planning summer travel, according to the 2024 Bank of America Summer Travel Survey, which examined results from 2,010 adult respondents in the United States. While many may have big international trips planned, domestic travel is a great way to explore local surroundings — especially when it comes to nature. From fishing to camping and beyond, preparing for a nature-filled adventure that is enjoyable for the whole family doesn’t have to be a complicated endeavor.

How to Plan a Nature-Filled Family Adventure

 

Choosing the right vehicle

 

Even when staying local, nature-filled adventures will likely involve road travel, meaning that the vehicle you choose to take can make or break the trip. With that in mind, it’s imperative to consider several key elements of your trip, including how many family members will be coming along and the space you’ll need for a comfortable drive. Considering what you’ll be taking is a great place to start — for example, it’s important to account for each person’s individual luggage as well as the gear you’ll need if you’re headed on a weekend camping trip.

 

If you plan to embark on a fishing or camping trip, it’s crucial to choose a vehicle that will accommodate all of your gear. Mid-size pickup trucks are a great option, as they will allow you to haul everything from fishing rods to large tents, coolers, and anything else that you may need. Mid-size pickups are well-known for their utility and versatility, not to mention the fact that they are easier to maneuver than their full-size counterparts. Ratings and reviews of the best mid-size trucks on the market are crucial when making an educated decision, as they will provide great insight into various features of different models. For example, while owners of the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado like the sound quality of the vehicle’s audio system, the experience of using the truck’s safety systems is rated lower than average. Regarding the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, ratings and reviews reveal that customers give high ratings for “feeling that the vehicle would protect them in an accident,” while getting in and out of the front seats is rated as “less easy than most.”

 

Embracing sustainability along the way

 

Whether you’re hiking, camping, or fishing, there’s no question that you will need to bring along some type of gear. From water bottles to a packed lunch, injecting sustainability into your nature-filled travels is essential — especially when aiming to protect and preserve the surrounding environment. Treehugger cites many simple ways to embrace sustainability while traveling, including switching to reusable items and simply respecting the local environment by taking out what you brought in. Skipping the travel-size toiletries is another tip that can help the environment, as it’s noted that single-use travel size toiletry bottles are a major source of tourism-related plastic pollution. Treehugger goes on to point out that this contributes to the nearly 11 million metric tons of plastic pollution that makes its way into oceans annually. “Switch to refillable and reusable bottles made of glass, silicone, or even recycled plastic material and fill them up with products from your larger sized bottles at home.”

 

The power of planning together 

 

Planning out the ultimate nature-filled trip can be an intimidating feat, especially if you’re trying to please everyone in the family. Thankfully, the planning process doesn’t have to be stressful at all, and you don’t have to go far to have a good time. In fact, staying local is a great way to explore your own backyard. Asking your family for their input in the planning process is a great way to involve everyone (and avoid any conflict during the trip). For example, if one family member hates fishing, providing alternative choices for a nature-filled holiday — such as a family road trip to a picturesque hiking location — can make for a great compromise. Choosing a mutual goal for the trip is another way to inject some fun into an otherwise mundane planning process, whether it’s trying new food on the trip or learning about the destination’s history.

 

A nature filled trip doesn’t have to include a jam-packed road trip or a complicated cross-country adventure, as even something as simple as choosing to visit the nearest national park can present an enjoyable trip for the whole family. Choosing to visit one or two is a great way to plan out a simple road trip that is packed with nature-filled activities, from canoeing to hiking, fishing and beyond. National parks are becoming popular choices all-around — according to the National Park Service (NPS), there were over 300 million visits to national parks in 2023, a four percent increase from the previous year. Other options include visiting nearby botanical gardens, or taking a family hike at a nearby trail.

 

Planning a nature-filled adventure for the whole family is a great way to explore the great outdoors while fostering an appreciation for the local environment. By choosing the right vehicle for the trip, planning to embrace sustainability along the way, planning an enjoyable family vacation with a focus on natural destinations can be made simple and fun.