I drove over 100k miles and visited all US states (except HI) and all Canadian provinces in a motorhome with my 4 young kids. AMA

How often did they ask "Are we there yet?" and what was your answer.

They only ask that when they want to try to make me mad. I answer that we'll never be there if they keep asking that.

except HI

Fucking lazy bastard.

visited Hawaii of course but not in the RV. sorry

Top three states/provinces? I have a friend who did a similar thing this summer, and saw 42 states. He bought a van and went with a friend. My friend said his favourite places were New Mexico and the Carolinas.

British Columbia, Idaho, New Brunswick, Canada.

As someone who's lived in both Maine and Nova Scotia, and whose family is from Quebec, I would not have thought that New Brunswick would be on your list in a million years. What about it intrigued you so much? I've travelled all over New Brunswick, and there's not much there...

something about the people there. genuine, inquisitive, intelligent, quirky. Maine is filled with too many kid-hating antique shopping NY weekenders (sorry).

Brit living in BC, and I can honestly say the beauty here is unlike any other, they have it all, beaches, endless forests, mountains, flat plains every ecosystem you can think of. I love it here.

don't forget all the benefits of big cultural city like Vancouver too. truly amazing province

What did you think of rainy Washington?

need to revisit. just passed through Seattle area a few times and haven't really gone in depth or visited Mt Rainer or Olympic NPs.

What was your least favourite state/province?

kansas

How did this Idea come up? How did you cope with the children's school?

We did it over 6 years during summers so didn't impact school

just took one trip and decided that it was education and family team building. Only decided to do ALL states once we had visited 3/4 of them.

What did you think of Minnesota?

Mall of America and turkey farms .enough said. unfortunately a drive through state. I want to go to Voyageur NP or to Thunder Bay to get to Isle Royale but it looks like one can't see or do much in Voyageur NP. ever been there?

Turkey farms? You must have only seen southern MN. Give northern MN a try. Definitely not a drive through state. Especially since you mentioned you like to fish.

ever been to Voyageur NP? need some tips on visiting up there.

Did you spend any real time in Minneapolis or just hit up MOA and leave?

MOA and leave unfortunately

I live in Thunder Bay. If you can ever get here, you should. Very beautiful landscape and lots of beautiful places to visit (Kakabeka Falls, Sleeping Giant, etc.).. I'd recommend it (but I may be a little biased ;)).

thanks for the tips. looking forward to visiting there. perhaps ferry over to isle royale for the day??

Unfortunately there's no ferry service to Isle Royale from Thunder Bay.. there are from some American points, though. You can usually get a ride from a private boat, though.

thanks for the tip. didn't think about a private boat...

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stopped at casino in Gulfport and drove Natchez Trace Parkway. Looked at the Mississipi River. saw an octagonal plantation (interesting enough to remember) Great fried catfish. Went to a restaurant where owner says they seat segregated...meaning by Auburn or Alabama fans!! was funny and shocking at first.

How was Alabama?

your right. catfish place was AL!! duh...visited Dauphin Island, Birmingham (16th St Baptist Church and civil rights park next door). Spent some time at Marshall Space center in Huntsville.

Do you know the story about the 16th street baptist church?

that's why we went there to see it.

forgot about visiting Nissan plant in Canton, MS. That was the best factory tour ever!

How was michigan?!

enjoyed saugatuck and Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island. Need to explore more there

Where to in the UP?? And yes our state is unreal!

escanaba, Manistique. My youngest loved the beaches there.

Next time check out Copper Harbor.

want to take the ferry to isle royale from there someday but they don't allow rvs on the island so it is very inconvenient.

What did you think of Oklahoma?

frankly it was one of the last state visits and is generally very hot in the summer when we do most of the travelling. We did enjoy visiting the OK City bomb site. Very moving and kids still remember seeing a doll that is in the museum that was part of the rubble. Also, OK was one of the few times I was pulled over for speeding!! just got a warning at least.

What would you say is the biggest difference between Canada and the US?

People in Canada are seemingly more intelligent and genuinely friendly except for Quebec. Gas is a lot more expensive in Canada.

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there is definitely an attitude there. I think Newfoundland and New Brunswick may have the friendliest and most interesting locals.

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my kids have been on reddit for while and I just looked today and decided to do an AMA to show them that we have done something interesting enough that people would care to respond. THANKS!!!

You are living my dream! If I ever win the lottery, I am packing up my 3 kids and seeing North America!! So awesome that you were able to do this for your family!

I call RV adventures "Trips" not "Vacations"...it's a lot of work

don't wait to win the lottery...can be done with less than that!!

We've had some tough times lately, always browse Craigslist for used RVs...I can daydream !! Maybe one day :)

I hear you loud and clear! good luck with the dream

would love to hear some of your favouite spots so that I can be sure to go to them.

Yay for Newfoundland!!! :)

it's hard for americans to learn to pronounce it like locals do. Newfund...land(accent on land).

How long did it take? What was your favorite place to visit?

probably about 11 months total in the RV. have favorite things for different reasons. less crowded national parks (Bryce, Canyonlands), British Columbia, Nova Scotia.

I have to ask...how was Montana? What did guys do there?

luv Montana. We do a lot of fishing while on the road so there are lots of opportunities in MT for that. one of favorite campgrounds is on Big Hole River. don't remember the name of it but right next to river so all can swim, fish, enjoy the clouds in the sky. had a very nice repairman do some work on RV generator in Bozeman and he didn't even want to charge us for the work. very friendly there. Glacier NP is great, flathead lake, valley driving into yellowstone from north is memorable

How did you like Newfoundland?

very remote. enjoyed boat ride on western brook pond, fished for atlantic salmon (only hooked a baby). visited L'anse aux Meadows. Lobster Cove Lighthouse players was a highlight. Ate cod tongue. Ferry ride was rough but sing along Newfie songs made the time fly.

How old are your kids? Mine are 7 and 2 and it's not fun to take long trips with them (they get car sick, antsy, lots of stops)i

they are 9-16 now but started them when 3-10. We let them free range around the RV when driving so they aren't stuck in seat. It works well. I also drive in morning while all are still in bed and getting dressed etc so driving days aren't too long for the kids. no need to bathroom stop when in an RV since you have one with you!!

I'm moving to British Columbia next year. I've never lived in North America, so it's comforting to see that you've rated BC as one of your top three. What specifically about BC lead you to like it so much? Anything I should visit/know during my stay?

it has everything, sea, mountains, valleys, cities, islands, temperate climate. others that live there have made other more informed comments about BC. you should love it.

Since everyone else is asking about their home state or province, how did you enjoy Prince Edward Island?

highlight except for Anne Green Gables crap and over hyped beaches and supposedly WARM water on north shore...it aint! Anne wasn't even a real person yet they act like she had a house there. Love the Gouda Lady. Need to go back and do some fly fishing but only when no cruise ship is in Charlottetown.

What time of the year were you there? The north shore is always cold except for late August free warm summers, and even then it's way colder than the south shore.

Anne is shit, but she pays the bills.

July. Read in some book that beaches where brilliant white sand and currents give warmest waters north of south carolina. Beaches were red and water was freezing and not blue as promised...more steel gray. Remember having dinner at Flex Mussels in Charlottetown. pretty good.

Don't know if you went there while in New Brunswick but Parlee Beach in Moncton has the warmest salt water in Atlantic Canada. I've been to some beautiful beaches in Cuba and I still prefer Parlee beach (well, ok, almost... there were free drinks in Cuba!)

went to kouchibouguac NP and water was ok but tons of jelly fish. couldn't enjoy the water cuz looking for them.

How did you like Iowa? :p And where all did you visit/drive there?

Have just driven thru Iowa. Visited a pioneer village type place near Des Moines that was memorable. Need some tips from you for next time.

Western Iowa has a hill range called the Loess Hills. It is one of two hill ranges like it in the world, the other being in Japan. The hills were formed during the last ice age when glaciers deposited loess soil in the area.

Another nice place to visit would be Lake Okoboji in North-Northwest Iowa, it's always a very popular vacation destination.

Iowa City in western Iowa or the Quad Cities on the Illinois border are probably the best cities to visit for city things. That or Des Moines.

thanks will check out the Loess Hills and Okoboji next time.

And I think you may be talking about the Living History Farms or something along those lines.

that's it!! people working there were really into it and made it fun.

keokia (sp?) in NE Iowa near Prairie Du Chien is a cool native burial/mound site, I'd recommend it. I visited it first when I was young right after my parents had taught me about it (I was homeschooling that year), so you could teach your kids about it and then go if you want.

National Mississippi River Museum is absolutely great, also in NE Iowa (Dubuque, my hometown), it has a historic steam paddle boat that is part of it, and lots of awesome aquatic life and interactive exhibits for kids and adults.

Iowa City has a better music scene than almost anywhere else in the midwest that I've seen, the best music being at either the University Main Lounge (IMU) or in bars like Gabe's or the Mill.

I've never found Western Iowa quite as interesting. Hope you return to IA and enjoy yourself!

thanks for the tip. we have seen some neat indian burial mounds in wisconsin and in Mississippi

What did you think of Alberta and Saskatchewan?

impression of saskatchewan is basically canola fields (thought they were mustard at first) and Alberta has banff, Jasper, Num-ti Jah Lodge (where I want my oldest to get married). Indoor waterpark at West Edmonton Mall was huge.

What were the northern territories like Nunavut and NW Territories like? Never been there myself

haven't been there yet. those are technically territories not provinces. Will do it some day.

So aside from the worst drivers, what did you think about California? I am going to go out on a limb and say "too many people, too expensive, too much traffic. " Anything else? Where did you go?

we've been all over ca. san francisco, napa, silicon valley, scotia redwood area, la, palm springs, yosemite, monterey peninsula, san diego, death valley, hearst castle. it's got the most variety of climates, and scenery change of any place on earth within 5 hour drive. only problem is that because it's so great there are tons of people wanting to be there so crowded campgrounds, rv parking restrictions everywhere etc.

What was the biggest lesson your kids learned from this experience?

visiting all the historic and natural wonders is educational but living together as a family in a small space and being on a true adventure together may be the most long lasting positive experience. time will tell. they seem to get along better than most siblings at this point.

In your experience, which state/province had the worst drivers?

I think California...just got back from a west coast trip and there seemed to be a lot of weaving drunk drivers out at all times. perhaps they were texting while driving.

What was the RV that best suited your family?

I have a big want to do this someday with my family... I would love for you to write about this experience?

another family has done similar trips but not quite as extensive. they have a wonderful website that documents the experience very well. check it out. http://www.cross-country-trips.com/

We started out in a 42 foot 4 slide-out diesel for a couple of years then switched to a 31 foot class C winnebago with 1 slideout. the smaller rv is much more accepted at state/national park campgrounds and is a more simple vehicle overall so there are fewer things to go wrong. The Class Cs have more sleeping room for families than most diesel pushers which are designed for older couples

a lot of people say they want to do this but don't. I cannot encourage you enough to try it.

How can you afford a summer long vacation every year, and how do you keep a job?

self employed but is a sacrifice.

How did you like Massachusetts?

Freedom trail in Bos is great. Concord also. Walden pond a bit of a let down and told not to visit Plymouth Rock.

Were you in a Ford motorhome that happened to break down around Colorado? Took it to a O'meara?

Ford chassis but never have broken down in it near Colorado.

What did you think of New Jersey

just visited Hoboken, and Atlantic City there. too afraid of snooki to go South!!

Any accidents or police stops?

thank god no accidents. got 1 speeding ticket in Wisconsin, warning in OK, warning in CO cuz cop thought I was drunk driving. It was so windy that RV was all over the road.

What did you think about the southeast (US)? Specifically KY and TN

already talked about KY. Like Nashville and The Hermitage there. Great Smoky Mtn NP is pretty weak. love Gus Fried Chicken and Peabody Hotel, Lorraine Motel museum in Memphis. Lookout Mountain is ok also

what did you think of Wisconsin?

we live in wisconsin so have been all over. so many pretty areas from "up north" to door county to western themed campgrounds. The famouns devils lake and peninsula state parks are always too crowded for us so we go for the day and stay in other places. I'm amazed that Apostle islands is the only US park service site in wisconsin. should be more.

As someone with 4 kids in a motorhome, what are your best tips for traveling with children? What were their favorite places?

the key is not to push things too much. maybe take a 1 mile trail loop instead of a 2.5 mile if everyone is going to be cranky and too tired. You have to avoid mutiny at all cost. The wife would chirp up more often than the kids.

I know you been asked by about 20 people about their state/province, But what did you honestly think of Georgia? I never see anyone badmouth or compliment it. And what parts did you visit?

we enjoyed the mlk center in atlanta. there is a neat civil war armory at ft chickamauga. really enjoy river road and walking around savannah. jekyll island and the federal reserve room are interesting

What did you do to pass the time? What did your kids do while in the car? I imagine it would be hard to keep 4 young kids entertained on road trips.

always plenty to see and do. kids play games, read books, look out window. I do most of the driving while they are alseep in the morning, evening, or during afternoon downtime. it's like being on a year long field trip

What did you think of IL? Where did ya go when you were here?

chicago all over, springfield for lincoln tomb, home, museum, dixon for reagon home

Did you pass through upstate New York, or just hit the city? The Adirondacks might pale next to the Rockies, but there's a lot of natural beauty and charm up here if you know where to look.

have some friends in lake placid. It is beautiful in that area and lots of trout fishing opportunities.

Did you use interstates and major highways when possible, or did you attempt to stay on smaller and more scenic roads?

we do a mix of interstates and scenic roads. there are benefits to both and for a large chunk of the US an interstate is the way to go. in scenic areas, smaller roads are normally better

Oh I see. Good for you. It's a lot like BC I find. U stop at the liard hot springs?

yes we did stop. it was incredible. one of the best hot springs we've been to.

What could you possibly have done in CT? I don't even know what to do here. All joking aside, sounds awesome. You made lasting memories for your family.

My brother was at Yale so we visit there, eat pizza, Mystic Seaport.

How far did you get into Florida? It's quite long.

Been along entire perimeter, down to Keys, across Orlando, Everglades, Panhandle, just about every road that can be driven there!

Glad to hear it. Try any Cuban food while down south?

just in South Beach, Miami. I understand that Cuban sandwiches aren't really eaten in Cuba however. Good Cuban food in Houston also.

One more question... Ever get lost or run out of gas? Any scary moments or anything like that?

had the accelerator pedal malfunction in Medicine Hat, Canada. A 3 fingered tow truck driver hauled us in and we slept in the RV in the repair shop. Very memorable experience!

GPS has sent us down some long roads that go to dirt roads to nothing with no way to back up. One time in Louisiana and one time in Nova Scotia. Almost got stuck and driving in some major cities can be very tight. Never have run out of gas. Only one wake up in Walmart parking lot from large female trucker wanting us to move but nothing life threatening.

Did your kids get schooled during the trip somehow? pretty long trip

did it over a period of years during summers, spring breaks, winter breaks

I would absolutely love to do this one day. I love driving long distances. What did you do in New Hampshire? Arkansas?

do it for sure. Visited Dartmouth and enjoyed the scenery.

arkansas is one of the prettiest states to drive. looked for diamonds at diamond crater. visited Clinton Library and Clinton home in Hope. Hot Springs NP is one of 5 worst National Parks. saw the new Crystal Bridges art museum in Bentonville, Daisy BB gun museum, Walmart museum.

What did you think of Arkansas?

just answered that.

What was your favorite part of New Hampshire?

only drove through and stopped in Hanover. On the list of states to spend more time in next time we are close by.

Visit Portsmouth! It's a beautiful town that has a lot to do and it's amazing at night.

thanks for the tip. will do so next time

How much did it cost and how much did you spend on gas?

probably over $35k in gas total!!

Did you ever get bored on the road? If so, how did you entertain yourself?

never get bored as scenerey keeps changing

All the Canadian provinces? You drove to Nunavut?

What was that like?

Nunavut is a territory not a province. haven't driven there.

That's awesome! My parents took me and my brother and sister on RV trips 2 summers in a row. We went west one summer, then east the other, so we've been to all provinces as well, quite the experience.

Do you have a favorite story of your journey?

no favorite story...too many good ones to pick from.

What did you see in Ohio? Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Rock and Roll Hall of fame, Cuyahoga Valley NP, no football hall of fame, sorry.

Where did you go in Pennsylvania? What'd you think?

really just philly area. It's hard parking an RV in town but we figured it out. When you visit Independence Hall, the ranger announces that it is the most historical place in the USA. After realizing all that happened there they may be correct.

Scariest tale from the road?

Funniest tale from the road?

Also, it has to be asked: How does sex work in the family RV?

stayed at a freaky christian camp one time and the owner accused my kids of stealing something. he was wanting me to beat them in front of him. of course they didn't steal anything.

too many funny things to mention.

as far as sex goes...I'm sure my kids are monitoring this and I don't want to give away any secrets.

What did you think about my home state aka Louisiana?

I'm from Texas so spent a lot of time RVing in LA. wonderful people, food, scenery. Like being in a foreign country. We went after Katrina and saw a lot of the devastation which could only be done by RV since most places closed. Love the WWII museum in NOLA. Was interesting by contrast to be in Nova Scotia where the Acadians started before heading to LA

Well, shit. You're my neighbor. Haha

Everyone says Louisiana is like a different country, which I find weird, I guess. I agree that the WWII museum is bad ass.

best thing is the people's attitude of "let's live for today and let the other guy live how he wants to today"

My bf is originally from Chicago and his opinion on people in Louisiana is this, "They don't care about anything except family, food, and alcohol. Everything else is just bull shit and other peoples' business."

Do you agree?

hit the nail on the head. better said than I did. most places and people aren't like that and it is refreshing.

Hell yea! Texas! Where in Texas are you from?

Houston

Ehh. I'm sorry that you have to return home there every summer. Unless your in Kingwood or the woodlands. Than it's ok.

moved to Wisconsin in the middle so home base Houston and Milwaukee.

What was the cost per summer?

If you had to include meals, food, gas, RV expenses etc.. What could you say was the average cost per summer?

We own the RV so no rental fees there but probably $5k for gas, eat most meals in RV, campgrounds etc. RV only gets 8-10 mpg and Canada has expensive gas. Campgrounds are around $40 per night. Walmart parking lots are free for the night.

How far down did you go to Florida? I assume that you only went for the history which mostly happened up north in St. Augustine.

been all the way to key west of course and all around the entire perimeter as well. Best beach in North America may be Cape San Blas. We love the panhandle towns like Rosemary Beach, Seaside. We have spent a lot of time in Palm Beach area surf fishing etc. St Augustine was interesting on one hand but like a tourist trap on the other. got out of there after Castillo San Marcos

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totally agree. we prefer the rich white spoiled kids in Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach now but head to Apalachicola, St George Island, Cape San Blas for better beaches with no people.

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we always get the code and crash the Alys Beach pool area. very nice!!

what was your favorite place you visited?

too hard to pick very favorite. normally out of the way places that are unexpected versus overhyped Grand Canyon type places crawling with tourists.

Did you like kentucky?

visited Mammoth Cave. pretty good but can't appreciate the mammothness of it from any one location. Been to all the Lincoln sites like cabin, boyhood home etc. went to Churchill Downs, Maker's Mark, Louisville slugger factory tour.

Boyhood home is less than 6 miles away from where I was raised. It's beautiful there.

There are many lincoln sites in KY, IL, IN, DC. Been to them all. Love Lincoln...wish the recent movie wasn't as boring as it was to me.

what'd you think of alaska?

honestly, getting there from lower 48 was better than being there. Denali NP was very controlled (have to take park buses everywhere) and cruiseship tour buses everywhere. Went all over on every road that can be driven and it's a beautiful state but prefer Yukon etc cuz fewer people.

How far north did you make it in Canada? Demster Highway? Inuvik? any advice for going far north?

drove alaska highway to Tok in Alaska and to L'Anse aux Meadow in Newfoundland. Those are desolate places and some of the most memorable as a result.

What did you think of (Insert every town, state and province) Where are you FROM?

I guess that's a natural reaction. wish people would recommend a hidden gem in the place that they live so I can learn where to go next!!

How young were your kids when you started? My dad did something similar w/ me and my siblings, but I was the oldest at about 6-7 years old.

We didn't travel the whole country, but I got to visit the grand canyon and four corners. All that stuff is lost on me. I ask how old your kids are because if they are under 12, it probably wasn't worth bringing them. Of course if you want to do something like a large trip you gata bring your kids, but what I mean is, when your kids are your age, they will probably want to do it again because the experience is lost on them :)

started when they were 3-10. now they're 9-16. The oldest and next to youngest remember everything. The youngest was too young and the second one just doesn't have a mind for that. I think it depends on the kid. Even the young one gets the benefit of adventure and family togetherness but agree that particular sights are lost on them. If you wait too long like after 13 you won't get them an RV so start young.

How did you prepare your finances for the trip?

saved up enough $$ to be able to travel and online banking etc for along the way.

How much did this entire trip cost you??

did it during summers over 6 years. about $5k per summer.