With the right antenna(*), this one might actually be able to achieve it’s range claims. This is NOT a CB or FRS radio. This is a GMRS radio which requires an FCC issued GMRS license to broadcast on.
A GMRS license is $70 (see edit), is good for 10 years, does not require any testing to get, and covers your immediate family (you, spouse, children). This will allow you access to higher power radios with removeable/interchangeable antennas and the ability to use repeaters (with permission from repeater owners).
GMRS is not nearly as powerful as HAM, but rather sits somewhere between “toy” license-free FRS radios and HAM.
(*) - Note this does not include an antenna. One will need to be purchased separately.
Edit - The fee is supposed to be lowered to $35. Even though the fee change was approved March 2021, the new fee has not taken effect as of Feb 2022.
More Edit - And just to note that FRS and GMRS share the same set of frequencies. FRS and GMRS radios may communicate with each other, but keep in mind GMRS is usually higher power so while the FRS receiver may be able to “hear” you, your GMRS receiver may not be able to hear them. Likewise FRS radios can hear repeaters, but cannot communicate back through them.
And full disclaimer, I myself do not have a GMRS license. I do have several FRS radios and pay attention to the rules and community as FRS/GMRS run alongside one another. I’m seriously thinking about getting a license as soon as the $35 fee takes effect. We have started camping more and a higher power GMRS radio could be useful in some of the out-of-the-way places.
I looked at HAM, but it seems to take more dedication and effort than I am willing to put into it.