Spending quality time with your kids is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of being a parent. Hanging out with your kids on a regular basis is crucial to staying in tune with their lives and sends an important message that you care. Besides doing everyday things together, like cooking or playing soccer, taking a family vacation can be a great way to make some unforgettable memories. Road trips, in particular, offer wonderful opportunities to spend quality time together—and they’re typically less expensive and less stressful than flying.

With so many awesome travel destinations right here in the U.S., why not pack up the car and hit the open road? Here are five reasons a road trip rocks:

1. You’re in Charge.

Forget the stressful last-minute dash to the airport. When it comes to taking a road trip, you’re the captain. Driving gives you the freedom to determine your own schedule, so you can set off at a time that suits you—a real luxury when it comes to getting the entire clan ready to go. What’s more, without a rigid travel itinerary to stick to, it’s much easier to be spontaneous. Why not take a scenic detour or stop off at a nice picnic spot? The journey is often just as much fun as the destination, and driving allows you to make the most of it.

2. Travel in Style (Without the Cost).

In addition to eliminating the need for airline tickets, taking a road trip can also save a pretty penny on accommodations (roughing it is not necessarily required). Renting a motorhome, for example, lets you travel in style—without needing to take out your credit card to pay for hotels or camping gear. It also gives you more options for keeping the kids happy on a long journey. RV rental firm, Campanda, has a wide range of motorhomes and trailers to suit all budgets, complete with sleeping quarters, kitchenettes, and lounge areas. Take a look at Campanda.com to get your road trip started.

3. Enjoy the Great Outdoors.

With children spending an increasing amount of time in front of screens, taking part in tech-free activities—especially those that involve being outdoors—has never been more important. And what better time to enjoy those outdoors than on a road trip? Being away from civilization presents the perfect opportunity to do something out of the ordinary, whether it’s exploring a nature reserve, swimming in a lake, or roasting marshmallows round the fire. Wherever you decide to go, simply being out on the road and at one with nature is an adventure in itself and will do you and the kids the world of good.

4. Play Car Games.

One of the best things about taking a road trip? Not having to be considerate of other passengers (at least in the same way as you would on a plane or some other mode of public transportation). This means singing, laughing, and playing rowdy car games to your heart’s content. And with luggage restrictions, traveling by car leaves plenty of room for toys, games, CDs, or whatever else you think might make a fun journey for you and your kids.

5. Soak Up Family Time.

The biggest plus is spending uninterrupted family time away from the distractions of everyday life. Taking a road trip is all about soaking up the journey, making your own fun, and enjoying a rare block of time with the people you love most. Be sure to plan your route in advance, fill up the tank, and pack plenty of in-car entertainment. Bon voyage!