This spring, we set out for two weeks in Spain and France. True to form, we couldn’t resist turning it into a road trip… from the rugged Costa Brava to the lavender-scented hills of Provence.
For us, driving internationally isn’t just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about the in-between moments, the places you stumble upon that don’t make the guidebooks, and the magic that happens when you take the backroads.
Why We Road Trip Abroad
When we travel, we try to drive whenever we can. Road trips let you wander off the main routes and discover towns you’ve never heard of, meet locals who don’t see many tourists, and soak in the landscape at your own pace. Backroads are where you find the treasures.
The Backroad Gem: Castelnou
One of our favorite days came from a simple question we asked Google’s Gemini: Where should we stop for a charming lunch when crossing the border into France?
That’s how we found Castelnou, a medieval village tucked into the Pyrenean foothills. Imagine cobblestone streets curling up to a hilltop fortress, artists selling their work from tiny shops, and the scent of fresh baguettes drifting through the air. If you’re smitten with stone walls, quiet plazas, and views that stretch for miles, Castelnou will win your heart.
Finding Our Travel Groove with West
Driving through Spain and France was dreamy—not just because of the rolling countryside dotted with medieval towns, but because we’d found our travel groove with West.
This time, the magic formula was a mix of our favorite travel toys and the discovery of a podcast that captivated him for hours.
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep kids happy on a road trip or plane ride, we’ve put together a ready-to-go kit with our most-loved travel toys—tested and approved by West himself.
Screen-Free Entertainment That Works
We typically travel with the Yoto Player for screen-free listening, but on this trip, we opted not to bring the full-size version on the plane. Instead, I downloaded a handful of kids’ podcasts… and it was a game-changer.
West listened for long stretches while Greg and I chatted and admired the scenery. Even better, he actually looked forward to getting in the car so he could listen, gazing out the window at the French countryside rolling past.
Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Podcasts for the Road
We’ve tested a lot of kids’ podcasts over the years. Our criteria: age-appropriate (West is four), a dash of education, and a storyline that sparks curiosity.
Here are our current top picks:
- Molly of Denali (PBS Kids) – My personal favorite. Molly is an Alaska Native who helps her family run a trading post in rural Alaska. She goes on outdoor adventures and shares her community’s traditions.
- Lyla’s Loopcast (PBS Kids) – Lyla and her cohost Stu take on fun challenges like creating campfire games and designing dream castles.
- Sesame Street Storytime – Short, under-10-minute classics.
- Peppa Pig Stories – Abridged story versions of the beloved TV show, perfect for quick bursts of entertainment.
Packing Tips for a Successful Family Road Trip
If you’re driving internationally with kids, a little planning goes a long way. We never leave without:
- A small stash of new toys to spark interest mid-trip
- Snacks that don’t melt or crumble
- A lightweight blanket for impromptu naps
- Screen-free entertainment like podcasts or activity cards
- A flexible mindset—because detours are half the fun
Your Turn: Plan Your Own Backroads Adventure
If you’re planning a family road trip from Spain to France, consider skipping the fastest routes in favor of winding country roads. Leave room for unscheduled stops, keep snacks within reach, and pack a mix of activities to keep little ones engaged.
And if you happen to cross the border near the Pyrenees, do yourself a favor—make a lunch stop in Castelnou.
