Many families enjoy the same camping or beach trip every summer. They pack up the kids and the car and for a week or two, they head to the beach and the sand, or to the mountains. It’s a tradition, and adult children will remember the memories fondly, even if they groan while the memories are being made. However, this year may be a good time to change things up. Instead of the same old experience, try something new and exciting. Choose a city that no one in the family has visited and plan a trip to see the sights and sounds of a new place. The trip can have any theme you choose. You can travel to the Northeast and enjoy delicious seafood and evenings out on the cape. Or you can head to the Pacific Northwest and enjoy Seattle coffee, fresh fish, and modeling. Seattle is modeled after some of the most well-known cities in the US, so there will be plenty to see and do. If none of these suit your tastes, consider another option.
If your family is looking for a place filled with art, music, great cuisine, and more personality than you can handle, head to New Orleans, Louisiana. After Hurricane Katrina, an effort was made to rebuild the downtown portion to its former grandeur, and most believe it has been accomplished. Bourbon Street is lively every night of the week and whether you want a gourmet meal or a simple beignet, they have it. Younger children may not appreciate what New Orleans has to offer, but teens and parents will love the chance to experience Cajun culture in one of the most exciting cities in the country.
You may want to expose the family to the politics and history of the country. If this is the case, head to the Mid-Atlantic region, where you can experience the Colonial, Civil War, and Revolutionary periods, all within a few hours’ drive of one another. A few days exploring the Gettysburg Battlefields will give kids the opportunity to learn about the battle between North and South and experience fascinating stories of the supernatural. Drive a couple of hours south and check out Ft. McHenry in Baltimore, where the Star Bangled Banner was written. Then head to DC where you can see the inaction of our government. After that, it’s just a few hours south of Williamsburg, Virginia, where you can tour towns created to look like those from colonial times. This is a vacation full of adventure and learning. If you’re worried about boring the kids with too many lessons, schedule a day to visit Busch Garden Williamsburg or Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. Few can resist the sweetest place on earth and all its delicious chocolate.
If none of these options appeal to you and your family, there are countless other places to choose from. Miami, San Francisco, Dallas, Denver, Chicago, and New York are all great destinations and cities you’ll want to add to your must-see list.
