AllMovie

Narrated by Matthew Broderick and made for the History Channel, this video looks at the institution of the American family vacation. Once a luxury reserved only for the wealthy, family vacations became accessible to the average American family in the 20th century. Social reforms brought more leisure time, and the inventions of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison brought convenience. "Tin Can Tourists" hit the road in Model T's to see America, taking snapshots and home movies, which are an integral feature of this documentary. There is a segment on resorts for the working class and minorities: the viewer learns about the vacation mecca for African-Americans, located in Idlewilde, MI, developed in response to racism in travel accommodations. Car camping in the National Parks, dude ranches, cityscapes, World's Fairs, and summer camps are featured, with family anecdotes. A notable vacation memory is the Georgia family member who became the millionth visitor to the White House, thus won a visit with President John F. Kennedy.