Why This Blog?

Making Every Summer Count

18 Summers Atlas started from a simple but powerful realization: our kids are growing up way too fast. One moment, they’re babies, and the next, they’re double digits. It hit us that we only have so many summers left together as a family, and we wanted to make every one of them count—and share that journey with you. Friends and family were always asking us for details on our trips—like the best national parks for kids, how we planned a camping trip, or tips for epic family road trips. That’s when we realized this blog could help others, too.

Sharing Our Best Trip Itineraries

Travel has given us some of our best family memories. Sure, a beach vacation is great now and then, but it’s those thoughtfully planned, sometimes challenging outdoor family trips that really bring out the magic. The trip itineraries we share aren’t just thrown together—they’re built from our own experiences, filled with tips and insights you won’t easily find online. We wanted 18 Summers Atlas to be the resource we wished we had when planning the best family RV trips and camping adventures.

What Makes Our Outdoor Family Trips Different

We’re actually pretty normal! We travel as much as we can between sports and school, and we don’t have an endless budget for our trips. That’s why we focus on maximizing our time and resources wherever we go. Our travels are all about being outdoors, seeking out adventures, and pushing the limits just a bit so our kids can fully experience each city, national park, or country we visit.

But even with all the juggling, we’ve done it all. Whether you’re looking for the best national parks for kids, planning a camping trip, or searching for the perfect family road trip, we’ve got you covered. Rachal’s your go-to for camping adventures and the best Michigan itineraries, while Krista’s your expert for planning those epic family vacations, including overseas journeys like exploring Ireland. Our trips may vary in the details, but we share the same passion for adventure, a deep love for being outdoors, and the desire to pass this adventurous spirit on to our kids.

Inspiring Your Family Adventures

We want to inspire you to get out there with your family, explore the world, and make the most of those 18 summers. Our itineraries will be your guide, offering tips, lessons learned, and a few fun stories along the way!