When are the US Summer School Holidays in 2008?

Summer. Really, this is a big country and there's no single answer. The end of the month will see more kids in school, but there are still going to be plenty of kids who won't go back to school until after Labor Day in September.

Expect to see lots of kids in all of those places

The schools in our town are on summer vacation usually from mid June to late August. My neighbor's children returned to school August 23rd this year.

I don't understand why you would go to waikiki from the east coast after being on west coast which is the closer side to hawaii.

Plus, I would do San Francisco if you've never been there and omit DC since there's not really much to see there except for the white house, the capital building and a couple monuments. DC could be seen in a few hours and is most certainly not worth five whole days of your trip to America.

California schools are mostly out June 12th to August 25th. East coast schools seem to be much the same. I'm afraid I have no idea about Hawaii!
I think it is sure to say that your trip conicides with most of the school hols, whether this is good or bad news I do not know!

"DC could be seen in a few hours"

ROFLMAO

So sad.

Well I did not like DC one bit. And IMHO, whatever is worth seeing there can be seen in a few hours. If everyone's favorite color were blue, there would not have been cloths in other colors on the market.

If you must spend a night there, then perhaps have dinner in Georgetown, which quite charming.

Vegas in the Summer? Put in San Francisco instead.

Thanks all. As I had thought, it seems the school holidays will be the most, if not the whole, of our time in the US. I would have preferred to travel in September, but the discount fares (we saved AU$700 each) required us to return home by 31 Aug.

MikeT - not sure what "ROFLMAO" means, but I assume you are in disagreement with mnss about DC.

mnss - our international flights are from Sydney to Honolulu. Hence the return to Waikiki at the end as we are doing a round-trip. On the way over we fly immediately on to LA rather than stopping in Hawaii. We had 3 bad reports about SF and my friend isn't interested in it anyway, so we have skipped it. As for DC, my friend is an avid US politics and history fan and it is one of the top 2 places she wants to see along with NYC. I may have done less days or skipped it altogether if not going with this friend, but I think 4.5 days will be fine. I'm interested in history too, but not so worried about past US politics.

Again, thanks for the input, but there is no need to advise on the actual itinery. We have booked and paid for all our internal flights, so the basic itinery is set. We are now just working on day to day activities. We are two single Aussie females in our early 30s. Neither of us have children.

Are you trying to avoid school holidays or you want to travel during school vacations? Many college kids don't go back to school until after Labor Day.

I never failed to have great trips whether kids are in school or not. I found that many homeschoolers travel after or before official school holidays. Or even if there are no school holidays kids take class trips any time of the year. Well, maybe they don't go to Las Vegas on school trips

Is this your final itinerary? You are all over the map. I agree with mnss about going to Honolulu from West Coast. Also it would make more sense if you went Boston, NYC and Washington DC or in reverse.

Too bad you won't be able to see Hawaii.

I apologize for giving my comments on your itinerary. You are all over a map but it is your itinerary not mine. I only hope with these many days in NYC you'll go beyond the city. There is much more to NY than NYC.

<<Also it would make more sense if you went Boston, NYC and Washington DC or in reverse.>>

I agree; flying from Boston to DC then to NYC is like flying from Melbourne to Brisbane, then down to Sydney.

BTW I can think of a good thing to say about DC in the summertime: it will be more green than any other large American city.

WayNorth, we would prefer to avoid kids/crowds where possible, but doing Disney in August is kind of the ultimate in kids and crowds. I thought summer holidays were in August, I just didn't know when they ended. I was hoping it would be a bit earlier. However, if kids go back to school in late August maybe most Americans will have done their travelling earlier in the summer break.

I don't agree that we are "all over the map". We see two places in the west and 3 in the east, before heading home (back west again) which has to be done via Honolulu. We are flying between all of the cities. The cost to fly from Boston to DC was similar to the cost to fly Boston to NYC, altough a little further in distance. However, we worked out it was cheaper to fly out of NYC back to LA (and onwards to Honolulu). (We're accountants and we crunched the numbers on a few different scenarios). Yes, our itinery is finalised.

We only have the one day in Hawaii, unfortunately. My friend has been before and therefore less keen to retrace her steps. However, it is cheaper and easier for me to return to Hawaii in future from Australia than to get to the US east coast.

Just curious what the "bad reports" of San Francisco were.

Too bad you're missing it.

Have a great trip.

I think you've got a great itinerary, especially since Honolulu will be a nice end to your trip!

I spent a week in DC a few years back...could have spent twice the time. Will congress be in session while you're there? That would be the only thing that I'd worry about.

With the Smithsonian, Supreme court, Library of Congress,Holocaust museum, and tons of historical sights both in DC and in neighboring areas, you may be hot, but you won't be bored.

Many American schools are year round now, so the crush may not be as bad as you think. In addition, I was in DC in May and the school field trip groups were much more annoying to me...Big bus loads of kids with too few chaperones on a tiring schedule pull up and swamp wherever they go....

Hi iamq. I was interested in going to SF. My friend's parents had been and not thought much of it therefore, that swayed her mind. My mum has been, albeit a long time ago and said there was a lot unsavoury characters in the city. She also had the bad experience of someone trying to get into the hotel room in the middle of the night, which would have swayed her opinion. Another mutual friend who has travelled a lot said it was okay, but nothing great. She said the Americans love SF, but it doesn't compare to Sydney.

In the end, my friend won out and we are not going. We only have 4 weeks and we don't want to do too many short stops (ie 1-2 nights) if we can help it. Also turns out that she and I have quite different ideas on what we'd like to see over there. I would have gone to SF and the GC, but my friend considers it a big dirt hole in the ground - she's more a city goer.

Technically, I have also been to SF. However, it was in 1979 when I was 6. Mostly what I remember is being scared I was going to fall out of the cablecar door.

Maybe oneday I'll get another trip to the US in and can go up the CA coast and maybe also to Texas and Florida where I won't be going this time.

The itinerary looks fine to me. If you're flying to Boston, DC, and NYC, the order doesn't matter much; doing NYC in the middle would save an hour or two of air time, which IMHO is not a major concern.

As has already been said, summer holidays are a thing of the past in many states, including parts of California and Hawaii. Our cousins in Honolulu went to different schools that were on a year-round calendar: The schools were open all year but individual kids attended 9 out of the 12 months. By scheduling kids during every quarter, the city effectively increased their classroom capacity by 33% without building anything.

By late August, many schools (especially in the South) are starting back and as you suspected, many families have completed their holidays. So the later in August you do DC, the fewer vacationers you'll encounter -- and the more likely that the weather will be pleasant, too.

DC will have a minimum of business and politicians in mid-August, probably a good thing in an election year.

Speckles,
You're right, you could do a West only trip later. The only place I think it will matter much with crowds and kids is Disney.

With Disney, it can help immensely which day of the week you go, and there are several books with strategies of how to minimize your wait times in line. Pick up one of the books and learn about FastPass. If you can afford it, consider staying one night in a Disney Hotel for early morning entry. I'll let you hunt out the details but it will make your time there more pleasant.

Enjoy your trip!

We have gone to DC many times and we never get tired of seeing everything there. I think you will enjoy your 5 days there - there is plenty to see. Have fun!!

I also think the itinerary looks fine. Americans need to realize that non-Americans view travel and vacations differently. Europeans and Australians don't do "death march" vacations cramming as much as possible into a single do. They tend to be more leisurely, spending more time, being more relaxed.

There's a lot to see in LA and the surrounding area and can be just as intriguing as San Francisco

Our schools don't go back until after Labor Day and most everyone around here with the means vacations the first couple weeks of August (high school sports practices start week 3 of August). It is an interesting itinerary and sees different pockets of the US. It is an enormous country and there is lots more to see (like San Francisco...don't let people deter you...try it next time) but you have some of the high points. Just please be prepared for the excessive heat in Vegas in August as well as the overwhelming heat and humidity in DC in August. Congress, the Supreme Court, the Executive branch, etc. will all be off on the August recess while you are visiting but the museums will be open and you still can tour the Capital, etc. It will be an interesting time to be in DC as the presidential nominating conventions will start at the end of the month. I also agree that a full week in NYC in August might be a bit much. Perhaps you can go to the beach for a day or two while there?

Have a great trip.
Taitai

You are right that there is no hard and fast rule about when school starts up again.

Kids in the US head back to school anywhere from mid-August to just after Labor Day. The southern states tend to head back earlier and the New England states are generally closer to Labor Day. I base this on having nieces, nephews, daughters and friends in Florida, Alabama, Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire and Tennessee. But every district has their own rules and sets their own calendar.

Sounds like a great trip to me. I envy being able to take a month to travel. Someday I'll do the same in Australia.

While in Boston, maybe you'll go to Fenway Park to see our World Champion Red Sox play, or try to get to a minor league game in Lowell or Pawtucket if you have any interest in American baseball. Lowell is really fun and you would get to see Americans at their goofiest.

Also look to see if there are any free concerts on the Esplanade while you are in Boston. Often there are free concerts for every type of music - rock, pop, country, classical etc. Nice to sit on the lawn under the stars by the water and have a picnic and hear great music. (Actually almost every city in the US is likely to have these type of events).

Have a great trip

Sorry that you're going to miss Chicago! In order to get a true sense of the US, you'll need to return someday to visit some our national parks, smaller towns & cities, historic areas, etc. I understand the draw to our big coastal cities at your age as I have two daughters in their early thirties... but come back again in about 30 years for a look at the heartland.

Unfortunately most of the kiddies won't be back in school until the end of August. On the plus side, senior citizens like myself won't be competing for good hotel rates as they won't start traveling again til after Labor Day (September 1st).

I have heard arguments all ways regarding traveling in August. In Boston, I hear many say "we" (those who live here) are "all" away during August to the Cape, islands, etc - which obviously is not true, but then again, for many, can be true - there can also be lots of kids in camps, etc - I don't think your trip will be hindered at all by "tons of kids" and where you have a few days in each city, you can also plan ahead on many things with pre purchased timed entry tickets - if lines bother you - for many sights -

I also do not think a week in DC is too long - there is much to see that is historic relative to the US and also to other places (the Holocaust Museum is an experience never to be forgotten and extremely well presented- and you can buy pre purchased entry tickets on line so you will walk right in -

You don't need an intense interest in past US history to enjoy the amazing architecture, the beauty of the monument when lit at night, a sunny day walk in the Mall, the Smithsonian museum and exhibits alone could take someone a week - the Washington Cathedral, Georgetown, also lovely summer spots along the Potomac and in the summer when people are boating, etc - see if you can't get out on the water for a day or half day to enjoy that also.

I would also highly recommend a day trip to Annapolis, MD if you can - gorgeous area, Chesapeake Bay, waterfront, about 40 min from DC

I'm sure you are investigating all the summer spots in each city too, but in Boston I would highly encourage you to get on the boats in the harbor for at least a 1/2 day or longer- the harbor islands are beautiful - and the view from the highest point on Spectacle Island is breathtaking, and on weekends they often have jazz/music and always the bbq going - a beach and porch/sitting area - and the other islands all each have something to offer - seeing Boston from the water is always a treat too -

Have a wonderful trip !

It varies very much by state - and by type of school.

Public (elementary, middle and high schools) in the NYC area are closed from the end of June to the first week of September. Colleges/universities differ depending on what semester schedule they're on - but many are closed for June, July and August.

In most places in the US schools will be closed during August.

Just to show how much school summer vacation vary, the Georgia public schools go back as early as the first week of August. Most of the private schools are back in school by the middle of August.

which is why you shouldn't even consider the vacation schedule.
If in college and play sports, they return as early as Aug 8-15 in many states. If freshmen, some as early as the last week of August - returning students the day or so after Labor Day....and on and on....

in Massachusetts, most private schools don't start until after Labor Day - unless freshmen or athletes who often start practice sessions and orientations -

other states public schools start in August.....

so just go and have fun !

At least, for the most part, except maybe for some rainy day camp outings, you won't be running into huge blocks of school field trips

speckles, be glad you aren't coming South! That is peak "H" time ( we don't say the "H" word out loud) and hotter than.....well it's hot. It is not much fun to walk out the door and be greeted with 100% humidity and 95+ temps.

We start school Aug 9 which is insane. Too hot for kids to be outside so they keep them in all day and then send them home . I doubt they are learning much during that time too darn hot!

Why do I live here? My husband makes me. LOL

B

As another Australian, I agree with your SF decision. It has taken me many trips (and a long time away from home) to come to love it.. my thoughts about it always were: this doesn't hold a candle to Sydney!

DC, on the other hand, puts Canberra in the ground. And you can escape the heat in the museums and galleries. NYC could be horribly hot in August. If you're there for a whole week, and you like art, I'd recommend buying a membership to the Metropolitan Museum. For out of state visitors, it's $50, which would let you come in and out as often as you like so you don't have to see the whole thing in one or two punishing sessions, get discounts in the cafes and store, and I think includes entrance to the Cloisters, uptown.

Not to mention skip the queues to get in..

Your itinerary looks fine to me, given how you broke it out in this relatively short period of time. Make sure to rent a car for the LA/Anaheim portion. You can do without one in other places, but may want to rent one in DC to go to neighboring towns. You may want one in Waikiki too, maybe for a day, to explore other parts besides the Waikiki beach. There is a lot to see and do.

In terms of school holidays, you will definitely be hitting Disneyland at a busy time. It would probably be best to stay in Anaheim overnight, and do 2 days there. It will be busy, but you can do it in 2 days pretty easily. If you can, plan on a weekday. Weekends will still be more packed.

Vegas will be very hot. Be prepared for 120 degrees F.

We only have one evening + one full day in Vegas and will hopefully spend most of it in shops or casinos just checking out what all the glitz is about.

While we come from a hot climate (it will be 41 C/ 106 F here tomorrow) neither of us like the heat. I would rather have toured in September, however the trip was booked on the spur of the moment and we saved AU$700 each by coming in August.

We'll just have to grin and bear the heat, drinks lots of water and take shade where we can.

Hi Curiouser. I've been told SF doesn't compare to Sydney, however I can't judge for myself as I've never been to Sydney. I've seen more of Europe than I have of Australia!

I'll keep the NYC museum idea in mind, but am just starting on my NYC plans (7 full days).

A lot of places in the south have kids back in school by mid August.

i think you asked your question because of the paralyzing affect 'schoolies" have on travel in oz, but it is nothing like that in the us. the country is 300 million plus people and there is ample room for everyone in hotels, at attractions, getting tickets for flights, etc.

the only time of year that becomes jammed up the way schoolies do would be christmas week.

i haven;t followed your other threads, but would be pleased to offer whatever oz to us translations you need!

don;t worry about school holidays interfering.

kerikeri

The only problem I see with your plan is Vegas in August. Ouch. You will need to stay indoors. Use the monorail if you want to get around.

Washington DC can also be abysmally hot and humid in August, but there are so many museums and other inside things to see and do (and they're mostly FREE which is a big plus). DC can easily fill several days, so long as you like museums. But there is also just walking around the mall and visiting the monuments, Georgetown, Adams-Morgan, the Zoo, Arlington cemetery, etc. Plenty to see and do.

You might want to keep in mind that if you want to do side trips outside the major cities (for example someone listed Annapolis or the Hamptons for NY, Boston Cape Cod, etc.) you might want to do those trips DURING the week.

Summers in the Northeast, everyone starts to get OUT of the city usually on Friday and back in on Sunday.

Keep this in mind because you can run into massive traffic jams if you are driving.

I just spent 6 days in D.C. last Feb. and want to go back, because I could spend at least another week, just for some more of the Smithsonian's and a few Art Museum's and more of Alexandria too.

Too bad you are missing Chicago.

If think a USA vacation without Chicago is like any dessert without whip cream.

It isn't like the Eastern or the Western cities and has a different scale- 20th Century onward.

Have a great time, and also know that you are just touching the edges of the continent, and there is all kinds of beauty for another trip inside.

And in the Midwest and Central States too, almost everyone is back in school BEFORE Labor Day. At the inland lakes, the last two weeks of August are nearly empty compared to July now.

Hi JJ5. We did consider Chicago, but didn't want to cut days off elsewhere as we didn't want to do too rushed an itinery. In the end we went for Boston instead.

We know we're only skimming the surface of the US. It is such a big country and so much to choose from we had to cut it down somehow.

By the way, your analogy doesn't work too well for me as I prefer my desserts without cream!

Hi,

I hope you have a great trip to the U.S. I saw the comment about the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and while you can buy a membership there, it's not necessary since the entrance cost is a "suggested" donation of $12, meaning you can pay less (or more) to get in. When I was a poor student, I used to go for $1.

You might consider buying the NYC City Pass, which is good for a week, and gives you entrance to the "must do" sights of New York (Empire State Building, Guggenheim, MoMa, Statue of Liberty) for a lower price. Also, if you want to go to the Statue of Liberty, you need to reserve your spot well ahead of time online, otherwise, you can't go in to the statue (no one is allowed in the crown anymore).

Since I live in NYC, some other suggestions, since you have some time to spare: check out the cathedrals/churchs around town (St. Thomas, St. Bart's, St. John the Divine). Take a walk around the resevoir in Central Park. Attend a free concert in the Park. Take the Staten Island ferry (free!). Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan at sunset. Visit Prospect Park in Brooklyn and/or Brighton Beach/Coney Island. See a Mets or Yankees game (Mets games can be cheap). Do a wine tour on the South or North Forks of Long Island. Take a daytrip to visit Philadelphia, a short (1.5 hour) busride from Manhattan. If your friend is interested in history, touring the sights there for a day will be a great for American history.

I live in Chicago and although I love it I don't think it is essential given the other cities on your list. Chicago is especially strong in modern architecture and museums, but you'll see plenty of that elsewhere. All of your city stops are museum rich--even Vegas has an outpost of the Hermitage! In L.A. I highly recommend the Getty Center in Brentwood, as much for the setting and views as for the collection. Also consider a drive out to Pasadena to see the Huntington Library and Gardens.

In NYC, if you are interested in American Art don't miss the Whitney Museum, which isn't too far from the Metropolitan. Another great museum in the same general neighborhood is the Guggenheim, which has an unusual snail shaped design by Frank Lloyd Wright. I'd also recommond the trip to Ellis Island, which tells the story of 19th century immigration to the U.S., and also gets you out onto the water, which can be a nice break when in New York. The trip will take up most of a day, however.

Since Jenolen and I posted at the same time, I wanted to add that the trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are normally done at the same time, though you can do the statue and skip Ellis Island if you wish. Going inside the Statue of Liberty is a bit claustrophoic in my opinion, but obviously many think it is a must-do.

As for Jenolen's suggestion that you take a side trip to Philadelphia, I have mixed feelings. There are great things in Philly but the main Colonial American history sites are similar to what you will see in Boston.

Thanks jenolen and chaucerquest, I've taken down your suggestions. I still have a lot of work to do on the NYC itinery.

There is so much to see in the DC area that five days hardly does it justice. Can second Annapolis - beautiful city. Add all the free Smithsonian museums/monuments, The White House, Mount Vernon/Alexandria, Harper's Ferry, WVa (little further out but worth a day's trip if you have wheels, you'll hardly have time to rest. Georgetown is a fun place to visit and eat, but I'd also go to Adam's Morgan.

Speckles,
I grew up on the East coast (Boston, New York), and we always returned to school after Labor Day, at the beginning of September. I now live on the West Coast, and we begin school in the middle of August. It is the same in Phoenix and, I believe, Las Vegas. I hope this helps.
As far as your travel plans go, those are all great cities with plenty to see and do! Washington DC needs AT LEAST three days--it's a wonderful city. Boston is absolutely beautiful! It will be a wonderful trip.

Too bad you're not able to spend anytime in the middle of the US, e.g St Louis, Kansas City, lots of interesting things in those & other areas. Maybe "next time".

As far as school hols go, kids are out generally from late May/early June to mid-August/early Sept. The school year's 9 mo, with occasional days off + 10-14 days at Christmas. I like the European-style system w/longer breaks & year-round school.

Hope you have a great visit!

Most kids are back to school by the end of August. Many school sports like football begin practices by mid-August.

GREAT TRIP! You are right - can't see everything.

Must sees (besides the usual):

Los Angeles - Getty Center CANNOT be missed. If I lived there I would take my Sunday paper up there every week and have coffee with my news. If you are lucky the air will be clear from a rain (Yea right - in August!) and you will see for miles. This is the epitome of how architecture can move the soul. Spend some time up and down the coast on the Pacific Coast Highway - Newport (see Rogers Gardens and South Coast Plaza), Malibu, etc.

Boston - Cape Cod. Beautiful old America feel (get off the freeway) and Provincetown is fun (but only if gay doesn't bother you). Shopping on Newbury Street.

Las Vegas - any Cirque du Soleil show (particularly "O" or "Love" if you like the Beatles: worth every big dollar you will spend. I like the floor in the Venetian entrance. Good restaurants if you go beyond the quick casino cafes and bars.

DC - don't miss Arlington Cemetery. Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers is amazing. The Federal monuments are particularly beautiful at night.

NYC - The harbor tour is a must do starting point, even if you don't do the Statue. Do the Empire State Building at night for the lights - Warning! it is pretty tacky but cool when you are up top looking at the city. Philadelphia is a great day trip (as suggested by another). The restaurants in NY are amazing - I love Molyvos near Carnegie Hall. It is impossible to run out of things to do there, and if all else fails - shop!

What a great time you will have. . .

Another suggestion. While in Vegas take the airplane tour of the Grand Canyon. Will only take a couple of hours and you fly fairly low over Hoover Dam and the Canyon. The quickest way to see a spectacular area. And your friend won't feel she has wasted "city" time.

Something no one else has mentioned is that Americans are SO charmed by Australians. Even though Americans are not as tourist-oriented in general as the citizens of Europe, for example, a few words from you in your special accents will have everyone dying to help you out, no matter where you are visiting. Americans have a large reservoir of good will towards Australians, from World War II, through Crocodile Dundee, to the present moment.
I hope you enjoy your trip.

San Francisco is a beautiful and sophisticated city. And... Grand Canyon a big dirthole in the ground? You've got to be kidding!

It depends on what state and city you live in. Most schools end at the start of June to mid June and they begin school late August some even early September.

San Francisco is somewhere between NYC and a European city in its feel. It's too bad you're missing it. I wouldn't dismiss it altogether as it seems you like Europe. Sydney is more like LA. SF has the charming feel rather that the developed clean Sydney.

We live in Nelson New Zealand and visited SF in April only spent 3 1/2 days there and fell in love with the place. We plan on going back and spending a lot more time there next time. In saying that we love Sydney also so if you live in Sydney you may think the two places are similar. However I think you would be very pleasantly surprised if you visited there. It's much more compact than Sydney.

By the way we didn't come across any unsavoury characters but had been warned about them by people who had also visited SF many years ago.

We also flew across country and spent four days in New York. One of the great places to see art is the Frick collection. You will have a great time exploring New York with the time you have allocated to there.

We also stayed just outside Washington DC in Columbia Maryland for a week but only spent two days actually visiting the city. We stepped inside a couple of Smithonsian museum's but they were so big and crowded, (spring break) that we spent only a couple of hours in each. We just didn't have time to do them justice. We did a day trip to Harpers Ferry which was excellent, and also a day trip to Annapolis.

In the Summer.

I just finished laughing at the "unsavoury characters" in San Francisco remark.

Hi Speckles,

We've just returned to Sydney via Honolulu (great way to go). Had an xlnt time in Colorado and California.
I think you're mad not to go to SFO - its easily the most civilised city on the planet - and I've lived in a fair few including Europe for 6 years. San Francisco wins hands down. I'd swap Sydney any day.

HOT! It will be hot everywhere you go in August! ~30-35C (~80-95F).

While in NYC, instead of going up the Empire State Building, go up to the observation deck of Rockefeller Center, then you can SEE the Empire State Building. And if you time it right, go around sundown so you can see the city in the daytime and stay long enough to view it at night as well. Beautiful!!

ROFLMAO = rolling on floor laughing my arse off.

In boston, we enjoyed the hop on/hop off tour buses (the orange and green I think are best). You travel a pre-designated route, but can get off at any stop you want to visit, then get back on the next trolley that comes by. I recommend to ride the full circuit once, then get off at the various stops you want to visit at length.

Enjoy the US!!