You and your family deserve a vacation! When you know it’s safe to get on the road, plan something with lots of fresh air and new scenery. So, how do you find the best vacation destination in the U.S?
Whether you choose to tent camp or decide to head into a city, it’s probably still a good idea to avoid congested spaces. Luckily, there’re plenty of cool places to see that aren’t too crowded.
California
If you’re interested in building up a stock of camping gear, renting a spot for camping in California is a great way to start. Many camping rental options already have a tent and a blow-up bed, so you can focus on buying a gear that will suit your clan for years.
Treat yourself to quality sleeping bags while using the rental cookware. Figure out what works best for you while you test drive the rented gear and purchase accordingly.
Remote camping in California offers several benefits. If you stay at higher elevations, you can enjoy
- Cool mornings
- Plenty of sunshine
- Great sleeping weather
- Amazing hikes.
Montana
No matter your travel goals as a family, everyone can find fun and relaxation in Montana. If you plan to camp, be aware many campgrounds offer cabin rentals if your tenting skills are rusty.
Some organizations will allow you to rent an RV for your family vacation. For your safety and sanity, make sure you
- Plan to travel slowly
- Only drive during daylight hours
- Get to an empty lot to practice a bit
- Find a campground with pull-through sites
If you rent a big RV or a trailer, you don’t want to be backing into your site in the dark. Make life easier with a bit of planning.
Wisconsin
If you can get to Wisconsin, make sure you bring your water gear. This gorgeous region is rich in lakes and rivers. For history buffs, a trip to Benton, Wisconsin, and a stop at the 1851 Village Schoolhouse Museum will fascinate adults and older kids.
From Benton, head east to the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Gorgeous scenery, pine forests and clear water make this area a wonder. You may even see Bigfoot on your Wisconsin trip. There have been five sightings of this reclusive and/or mythological creature in the state.
Upstate New York
If the grown-ups of your family enjoy wine, make sure to schedule a trip to the Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York. The wineries are gorgeous, and the scenery can’t be beaten. Of course, winters in this part of the world are harsh. When the flowers start to bloom, the hills and valleys of upstate simply explode with life.
Take a trip to Ithaca while you’re in the upstate. Visit the Farmers Market and stock up on fresh sweet corn, tomatoes, and salt potatoes. Treat yourself to a walk through the Botanic Gardens at Cornell. Get outside and celebrate the end of cold weather with the rest of nature.
Idaho
No doubt Idaho is one of the best vacation destinations in the U.S.Your family vacation in Idaho can be a study in simplicity. Get up, eat, hike, swim, sleep, repeat. Wake up rested and cool, enjoy the fabulous scenery and as much fresh air as you can handle.
The campgrounds of Idaho offer a wide variety of options, including rental tipis and yurts. If you’re thinking of building up your camping gear stock, consider a spot with a rental tipi and treat yourself to a good quality travel camping stove.
You and your family may be in the mood for some serious hiking, try to schedule a spot along the Snake River so you can hike Hell’s Canyon. If you need something a little calmer, consider a stop in Twin Falls.
You’ll have access to the Nez Perce and Flathead National Forest. Again, with an eye to camping gear, why not check out inflatable kayaks for your older children?
No matter your travel goals, this is a great year to get outside and burn off some energy. You can also avoid too much contact with other folks while you get to see this amazing country.
Check out local camping clubs in your area to see if anyone is selling their gear, or willing to lend or rent things to you. Test drive products before purchasing; if you won’t use it again, it’s never a good deal.
Apart from the memories you create, which by every means should be captured and framed, vacations provide an excellent opportunity to bond with family. What has been your best vacation destination so far? Let us know in the comment section.
