Expert Travel Advisor Based in Columbia, MD: Meet Kelly from Travelmation
Learn how we saved big, traveled smarter, and tapped into expert help from a FREE travel agent to plan a road trip that checked every box.
Let’s be real, family travel is expensive. And this year, when I started looking at flights for Spring Break, my jaw hit the floor. We’re talking hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars just to get from Maryland to anywhere warm. I had a choice: scale way back or get creative.
So I went with option three: bring back the classic American road trip.
We loaded up the car, turned on a fun playlist, packed enough snacks to feed a small army, and road-tripped to Charleston, South Carolina. And guess what? It was one of the most fun, affordable, and memorable trips we’ve ever taken. The drive gave us space to slow down, bond, and explore spots we never would have seen from 30,000 feet in the air (and doesn’t hurt that I got to have 8 hours of work time on my phone and laptop 😝).
That’s why I’m officially team road trip, especially for families trying to vacation on a budget.
And if you’re wondering how to make a road trip actually relaxing (because, kids), I have two words for you: Call Kelly.
Why You Need a Travel Agent, Even for a Road Trip
I know what you’re thinking: “A travel agent? Isn’t that for luxury trips or big cruises?” Nope. Kelly Wiemann with Travelmation plans all kinds of family vacations, including modest, budget-conscious ones like ours. And here’s the kicker: her services are completely free.
Seriously. No added fees, no hidden costs. She’s compensated by the travel partners she books through, not by you.
Kelly can help you:
Build the perfect road trip itinerary with family-friendly stops, lodging, and local gems
Find affordable hotels or vacation rentals along your route
Discover destinations you’d never think of (but your kids will love)
Maximize your budget while still making the trip feel special
Plan stress-free so you’re not glued to Google the night before your drive
Hidden-Gem Destinations That Are Budget-Friendly AND Fun
Let’s go ahead and debunk the idea that family vacations have to mean a beach, cruise, or Disney. Don’t get me wrong, those are amazing, but they’re not the only ways to make lasting memories. Some of the best family getaways are hiding in plain sight, just a few hours from Howard County, and come with way less stress (and way smaller price tags).
Here are a few budget-friendly gems we’ve got our eye on:
Asheville, NC – A road trip-worthy mountain town filled with family hikes, quirky shops, and creative eats.
Lancaster, PA – Yes, it’s Amish country, but it’s also packed with hands-on farms, kid-friendly shows, and charming countryside.
Pittsburgh, PA – Super driveable and surprisingly cool for families with museums, parks, and lots of skyline views.
Harpers Ferry, WV – Perfect for a weekend escape, full of scenic trails, history, and old-town charm.
The Poconos, PA – Affordable year-round fun with lakes, indoor waterparks, and cozy cabins.
Kelly knows how to take destinations like these and turn them into memorable, budget-smart adventures. She’ll help you stretch every dollar and uncover places you might never have thought to explore.
Skip the Plane, Not the Vacation
Traveling with kids is all about balance, and this year, that meant choosing the open road instead of a cramped flight and overspent budget. And honestly, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
We made memories, saved money, and had actual fun doing it.
So if you’ve been dreaming of a family getaway but the price tags are holding you back, don’t cancel the vacation, just rethink it.
Let Kelly Plan Your Family Road Trip!
Whether you’re looking for mountains, beaches, or a few days away without the airfare headache, Kelly from Travelmation can help make it happen—on your budget, with zero stress.
DM @kelly_wiemann_travelmation on Instagram or click here to contact her to start planning your next unforgettable family adventure.
Because the best trip? Is the one you actually take.
