Thinking about a fun trip with your kids? It’s great. Sure, we all remember those disastrous family vacations. To avoid such memories, here are some tips to create a great vacation for you and your family.
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Spend time planning
As the saying goes, “Planning makes perfect.” While you can’t plan for every situation, the more you think about your trip, the more affordable it will be. Do your research, look for affordable prices, and compare available attractions. It’s also important to consider your schedule and plan activities around your family’s limitations. For example, if you have young children, don’t plan a full day of activities. Instead, consider taking a few breaks throughout the day to accommodate the younger members of your family’s relaxed energy. This will make a huge difference to the overall trip.
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What’s fun for you
Remember that you want this vacation to be enjoyable and memorable for everyone. But that may not be the exact definition for everyone. One family vacation can be completely different from another. So, take your friends’ advice with a grain of salt and remember that their ideas of fun may not be the same as yours.
Involving your kids in the planning stage is a great way to ensure they have fun during your vacation. Obviously, you’ll have the final say and you don’t want to give them any leeway. But it can be helpful to get their input. Pick a few acceptable destinations and let your kids choose the one they like best from that list. Give the older ones a stronger voice in the process; the younger ones will probably enjoy the absence and will be their turn to make decisions in a few years.
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Unplug
Some people, especially teenagers, may find it difficult, but taking a break from their devices can completely transform your vacation. We all need to disconnect from time to time, and if you’re on a family vacation, this is the perfect time to make a decision. Turn off your phones, put them in a safe, and disconnect in every way possible. You’ll have more time, energy, and focus on your family. You’ll be surprised how much more you enjoy spending time together when you’re not distracted by the media.
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Go with the flow
No matter how much you plan, setbacks are bound to happen. Relax, let go, and let life flow. The more relaxed you are about everything, the better you’ll be able to face the unexpected with calm and a smile when it comes. And sometimes, the spontaneous decisions we make while traveling are the most enjoyable.
Best Family Vacations in the USA:
Our 10 Favorite Destinations. Even if you’ve already started exploring, one thing’s for sure: this beautiful country is full of exciting vacation destinations that the whole family can enjoy. Here are our picks for the top 10 vacations the US has to offer. Can’t decide? The good news is that there’s always one next year.
1. Disney Adventures
Walt Disney left behind a legacy of animated films that will likely last forever. He also left behind a vast network of theme parks, known as Disney Adventures, that no childhood would be complete without experiencing. From the Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios, and many more, Disney is truly a magical experience for kids of all ages. The parks are located in Florida and California, including Orlando and Anaheim. They offer an exciting mix of enchanting experiences, including children’s classics, thrilling adventure rides, exotic animal exploration, sensational light and sound shows and parades, and international attractions.
2. Yellowstone National
If you’re looking for a family vacation in close proximity to nature, a national park is the best option. Yellowstone is one of the most popular options in this category. Spanning three states (Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho), Yellowstone offers breathtaking scenery, spectacular hiking and adventure, and beautiful wildlife. The park is also home to more than half of the world’s geysers and hydrothermal vents, including Old Faithful. Yellowstone offers hiking, camping, boating, fishing, sightseeing, and much more. You’ll fill your lungs with fresh air and create exciting memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re looking for more of the same experiences, Yosemite in California and the Grand Canyon in Arizona are also highly rated destinations. Washington National Park is also a must-see.
If you’re passionate about our beautiful country, perhaps a tour of its rich heritage would be a good fit for your family. Then you should visit Washington National Park. To start, you’ll see some of the country’s most famous monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and Constitution Gardens. Every corner of this hour-long tour is filled with fascinating artifacts and insights into American history. There are also stunning botanical gardens.
Additionally, the National Park is home to the Smithsonian Institution, a museum complex that includes 17 wonderful museums across a wide range of themes, including the National Museum of Art and the Renwick Gallery, the National Air and Space Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Best of all, most of these exhibits are completely free.
4. The San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
If you thought it couldn’t offer this much excitement, think again. First and foremost, the San Diego Zoo allows both children and adults to get up close and personal with animals through guided tours, educational adventures, and a wonderful variety of wildlife, including over 3,500 animals from over 650 species. The zoo is clean, beautifully designed, with animals in their natural habitats, and full of fun activities for everyone.
In addition, the zoo offers great entertainment, such as the Skyfari aerial tram, 4D cinema, kangaroo bus tours, and a botanical garden. If that wasn’t enough, the San Diego Zoo offers day passes, group passes, and annual passes that include other attractions. So, for one price, you and your family can visit over 35 exciting attractions in addition to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. And best of all, you’ll get free admission to LEGOLAND and SeaWorld, two of the country’s most exciting playgrounds.
5. IndianapChildren’sren’s
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is guaranteed to entertain kids of all ages. The sprawling complex includes indoor and outdoor exhibits that span the spectrum. Indoor exhibits include themes like American POP, a tribute to the exploration of pop culture, music, film, fashion, and more, as well as a fascinating showcase of the power of children. Child Ren offers a complete sports experience where kids learn about sports at the National Museum of Sports Arts, walk the Avenue of Champions, and even have fun playing their favorite sports, from baseball to tennis, golf, track and field, and more.
6. Sesame Place & Busch Gardens
Sesame Street is a cornerstone of many people’s childhoods. That’s why Sesame Street is a must-see for any kid. In addition to the life-size Sesame Street characters walking the streets, hugging and cheering on happy and completely confused children, the amusement park is unparalleled. Sesame Place offers a variety of rides and games for the whole family, including an American ice rink, bouncy castles, flying cars, and the ever-popular Mini-Monster Clubhouse, a giant soft play area for toddlers. There are also incredible water slides, like Bird’s Eye’s Rambling River and Ernie’s Waterworks, that kids will enjoy every second of their time there. And that’s not even counting the live entertainment, art exhibits, and, most exciting of all, the Sesame Street Pirate Parade.
Busch Gardens, in partnership with Sesame Place, is an enhanced version that awakens the spirit of adventure and play in children of all ages, even those who can no longer access SP. Busch Gardens is located in Tampa, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia. If you’re in the area, you can also visit Gettysburg for a live view of the actual battlefield. If you’re in the mood for a historical getaway, be sure to visit Colonial Williamsburg, just an hour’s drive away.
7. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This theme park is a must-visit for families with children. Haven’t you been captivated by the epic stories of Harry Potter and his gang? Now, kids and adults can experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in a magical world, an adventure theme park entirely dedicated to the cause. Tour Hogwarts, fly around the grounds on a hippogriff, and experience the entire world of Harry Potter through a motion simulator. There’s also a Hogsmeade tour, an exciting Triwizard Tournament, and the chance to dine on the Three Broomsticks. But the most exciting thing for aspiring witches and wizards? You can visit Ollivanders and have your own wand made.
8. Voyagaire
The Voyager is one of several houseboats you can rent. And let’s say you’re looking for an unforgettable family vacation. Then this quiet little secret in the heart of Minnesota should definitely be at the top of your list. The idea is simple, but great: rent your own houseboat and enjoy your family’s nature adventure. You can tour Voyager National Marine Park to see beautiful waterways, ancient rock formations, and uninhabited islands. You’ll also find great fishing spots, golf courses, and more. The boats come with fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, grills, and a waterslide.
9. Hershey Park
We thought a theme park dedicated solely to chocolate would make everyone squeal with delight. Hershey’s Park’s biggest attraction is the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, where you’ll learn about the making of these delicious chocolates, create your own chocolate bar, enjoy a 4D Chocolate Mystery Simulator show, and of course, get your own samples to enjoy.
But Hershey Park offers more than that, with exciting American roller coasters like the Candymonium, Dry Gulch Railroad, and Convoy, water rides, bumper cars, and other fun attractions. And you’ll meet all the Hershey characters, including Kisses, Jolly Ranchers, Kit Kats, and the Hershey’s chocolate bar.
10. US Space & Rocket Center
If you’re looking for a unique and unusual family vacation, we recommend a visit to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Explore the fascinating reaches of our solar system and beyond at this fascinating museum dedicated to providing kids with hands-on, interactive space experiences. Visit the “Lunar Crater” exhibit, where kids can see a model of the Apollo 11 landing site. “Spark! Lab,” where they can learn hands-on how to build, design, and manipulate technology and science to solve a variety of fun challenges; and the “Mars Climbing Wall,” where kids can learn about this rocky planet and use their muscles to climb a realistic planetary wall.
The U.S. Space and Rocket Center also offers a great planetarium, featuring an 8K star show in a digital dome using Christie laser projectors for seamless viewing, and a wide range of simulators to immerse you in an unforgettable space experience.
Domestic Vacationing, The Budget-Friendly Way to Have a Blast
It may surprise people that you’re planning a vacation in the United States. For some, it’s not a vacation if you’re not getting on a plane and you don’t need your passport when you land. However, with the current health situation and strict travel regulations, domestic vacations are a growing trend. And believe it or not, people are loving the change. Domestic vacations are easier to plan and require less travel time (which means more vacation time). Most importantly, domestic vacation destinations allow you to save money without sacrificing fun.
One study found that Americans spend five times more time traveling abroad than they do relaxing at home. Staying at home can reduce the cost of your vacation compared to traveling abroad in several ways, including:
- There are no currency conversion fees.
- Airfare is much cheaper.
- As well as other transportation costs for the trip.
- Don’t get ripped off by foreigners just because you don’t speak the language.
- You’ll spend less on food while you’re in the United States.
And if you want to save money on your family vacation in the United States, here are some helpful tips:
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Comparison shop for deals
Part of the planning phase should include spending time comparing prices. You can save a lot of money just by doing a quick comparison. There are also special coupon sites like Groupon or Jetsetter that offer incredible discounts on vacation destinations and activities.
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Get all-in-one deals
There are also many hotels and resorts that can offer exciting vacations for families. All-inclusive resorts like Snow Mountain, RaSmuggler’s Notch, The Main Mindjammer Association, and the Greenbrier offer activities for people of all ages, so everyone will find something fun to do. If you’re looking to save money, bundling your accommodations with your activities can often cut costs like transportation and entrance fees. If you’re looking for the best hotel, we’ve got you covered.
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Consider local getaways
Sometimes, absolute wellness is just around the corner. Obviously, if you want to get away, you have to go a little further. There’s no hard and fast rule that says you have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to enjoy a well-deserved vacation. Try camping in a nearby forest, visiting museums or tourist attractions you haven’t had time to see, or trying out fun activities just a state or two away. For example, if you’re from New Jersey or Connecticut, Central Park can offer a fun day out for kids and parents alike, with 21 playgrounds, the Loeb Canal, an ice rink, and an amusement park. You’re not far from the incredible Bronx Zoo.