Summer Vacation
With most schools coming to an end soon for the summer, it is important to start thinking about what to do all summer long. The weather is warm, families will have more time to spend together, and vacation time is widely used. So what should small or large families do to enjoy the season that is the favorite of most people? Should you go on a long trip across the country or should you just take some days exploring the city you live in? Below is a list of possible ways to spend time with the family over the summer.
Beach Vacation
One of the most popular family trips to take during the summer is a vacation to a beach front town. There are many destinations to choose from on both coasts of the United States. Some offer clean sandy beaches while others offer boardwalk beachfronts filled with stores and attractions. Both types of beaches are great locations but are different. So, before you decide on what beachfront town to visit make sure you research what each has to offer. Make sure the location you pick has the type of activities you are looking for and that these activities are age appropriate for everyone who is attending. Beachfront hotels and Airbnb’s can be expensive so make sure you don’t spend money traveling to a city that will disappoint.
National Parks
The United States has a large number of national parks full of different and exciting attractions. While the kids are on summer vacation and the weather is nice, it is a wonderful time to visit one of these parks. They are spread across the nation and offer a large number of different activities. Most have camp sites nearby so a hotel might not be needed to take a family adventure to a National Park. This can help save some money and can help create a family bonding experience that camping provides. Once you get to one of these parks you can hike, bike, or do a number of outdoor activities. These parks are set up as nature reserves so you can see animal life that you do not get to see often in the city. Finally, look at what type of monuments each park offers and make a list of what parks you would like to go to, so you can ensure you see everything the park has to offer.
Fitness Events
If you are a fitness family, summer time offers great opportunities to travel to different cities to partake in marathons, triathlons, and other similar types of fitness competitions. Many cities host different events and traveling to compete in one or root on a member of the family who is competing is a great summer vacation. Not only does the trip promote a healthy lifestyle but it brings families closer together. Rooting for a loved one and celebrating their accomplishment is not only fun but gives a family a sense of unity. So spend a little time researching what events each city has to offer and enroll in one. In addition, the race or competition might be what gets you there, but it does not have to be the only activity. Once you pick a location and enter a race, see what other family friendly attractions the city offers and plan some additional stops and activities when you are there. Make sure everyone gets to do something they would like to do and ensure the whole family is included to make it a memorable trip.
Visit Family
Most people have relatives or close friends who live in a far away city. Summer is a great time to travel and visit. With so many travel destinations, having someone to visit can help narrow down where to go. You may only want to spend a day or a night with the family or friend but all major cities have other attractions to help make the trip a full family adventure. You can take the family to a baseball game or to a unique museum that the city might have. Finally the rise of smaller restaurants and foodie scenes across the country provides another activity. There are so many types of foods and many restaurants in every city that are trademarks. So when you plan a trip to visit a friend ask them what restaurants are the best and make some reservations so you can see what all the talk and great reviews are all about.
The Ultimate Stay at Home Vacation
How many people can honestly say they have been to every high quality venue, restaurant, or museum in their home city? Most people have not taken the time to see the sites and experience the activities their own city has to offer. The best way to correct this is to spend some time researching what events your city has during the summer. Odds are there will be festivals, museum events, and even a restaurant week. A great way to vacation and save some money is to treat these events like a vacation without traveling. Plan a day or a few days of activities in your home town and include your whole family. It will allow you to better understand what your home city has to offer and can provide the same fun and relaxation that a destination vacation offers. So don’t discount local attractions when planning some fun summer events.
Summer family vacations are about spending time with families and having fun together. There is no right or wrong destination or adventure. Just remember whatever you do, include everyone and make sure everyone has a say in the planning. Finally, remember to take lots of pictures and enjoy the moment.
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