Fun Road Trips to Take During the Holidays

Your guide to memorable escapes and quality time on the road

The holiday break offers an ideal window to take a break from the classroom, pack up the car, and hit the open road. Whether you’re seeking snow-covered peaks, desert wide-open spaces, or charming small towns, here are three toad trips well worth the drive, perfect for educators craving some downtime, family time, or a change of scenery.

From Las Vegas to Zion & Bryce Canyon, Utah

Set out from the Las Vegas region and head north into Utah’s spectacular national parks. First stop: Zion National Park, with towering sandstone cliffs, late-season quiet trails, and crisp air. It’s an excellent way to reset. Continue to Bryce Canyon National Park for its iconic hoodoos glistening perhaps with a dusting of snow. The contrast of red rock and white is pure holiday magic. In the evenings, stroll the small-town streets of Bryce Canyon City or Springdale, enjoy local lodging, and reflect on the semester’s accomplishments. Tip: Check weather and road conditions, as winter storms can affect access.

Southern Nevada & Death Valley Loop

If you’d rather stay closer to home but still feel a grand escape, take a loop from Southern Nevada into the wild and vast Death Valley National Park. Departing from Las Vegas, you’ll pass high desert, dramatic valleys, and unique landscapes. In wintertime, Death Valley can be surprisingly pleasant—mild days, stunning light, and fewer crowds. Visit vantage points like Zabriskie Point or the stained Badwater Basin flats. Overnight in Photovoice-friendly towns such as Beatty or Pahrump, then return via rider-friendly scenic highways. The relative ease of this trip (shorter drives, fewer hotel transitions) makes it an excellent choice for educators with limited time off.

Northern Arizona Escape: Flagstaff & Sedona

For a wintery mountain escape, drive to northern Arizona. Aim for Flagstaff, Arizona, and nearby Sedona, Arizona. Start with a crisp morning arrival in Flagstaff, enjoy local coffee, a stroll downtown, and make a short ski or snowshoe if the season’s right. Then continue to Sedona’s red-rock scenery bathed in golden light. Winter crowds there are lighter, and you can enjoy hiking trails, scenic drives, or simply relax in a cozy lodge. The drive through Oak Creek Canyon is stunning in winter. For educators, this trip offers both active and restful moments.

Why These Trips?

• Timing: The holiday season means lighter traffic, fewer crowds, and schools being closed.
• Variety: You’ve got desert, mountain, canyon, and snow-converted landscapes, something for all tastes.
• Flexibility: Each route allows you to choose pace and lodging based on your energy level and budget.

Tips for Educators on Holiday Travel

• Book Lodging Early: Even off-peak times fill up in scenic areas.
• Pack Layers: Desert days may be mild, while nights can be chilly, and mountain areas may experience snow.
• Use the Drive Time for Reflection: Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or simply enjoy silent moments to decompress.
• Bring Along an “Out of Classroom” Mindset: This is your break, so allow for spontaneity, detours, and simply unwinding.
• Consider Your School Calendar and Traffic Patterns: Aim to leave just after class end, before the rush of other travelers.

Whether you’re chasing majestic canyon vistas, desertwide stillness, or mountain snow-tipped pines, the holidays are the perfect chance to get away and come back refreshed, inspired, and ready for whatever the next semester brings. Pack the snacks, pick your playlist, and let the road lead the way. Here’s to memorable holiday road-tripping and the well-earned rest every educator deserves on this break!