4 week family trip ideas
Sep 18th, 2014, 10:06 AM
#22
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Thank you Janis. Yes SD is very short on my itinerary - in fact, we were considering an extra day in San Diego by going to LA / Oxnard a day later.
We're not so keen on an 8 hour drive from Grand Canyon with 2 kids in the back hence the idea to break the trip!
We had considered travelling from GC via Sedona to overnight, and then to San Diego the next day - would you consider Sedona a good overnight stop (we'd have the better part of a day in Sedona). Or are there better options for the GC-S-Diego route?
Are we also seriously short changing San Francisco by only giving it 2 1/2 days?
We're not so keen on an 8 hour drive from Grand Canyon with 2 kids in the back hence the idea to break the trip!
We had considered travelling from GC via Sedona to overnight, and then to San Diego the next day - would you consider Sedona a good overnight stop (we'd have the better part of a day in Sedona). Or are there better options for the GC-S-Diego route?
Are we also seriously short changing San Francisco by only giving it 2 1/2 days?
Sep 19th, 2014, 12:53 AM
#24
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Thanks Janis. I had thought Sedona would be a good day outing? But based on above, perhaps a 'grin-and-bear-it' approach and drive straight through to SD may be the better option!
Thank you everyone for your inputs!
Thank you everyone for your inputs!
Sep 20th, 2014, 06:23 PM
#25
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Hi alexcactus,
In June/July 2010, we had a fantastic trip to the West Coast and Nevada. Our kids were a similar age to yours at that time.
I kept a diary along the way that I posted here as an almost live blog. Here is a link to it..
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...lden-state.cfm
Here is a link to our planning thread..
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...west-coast.cfm
Hopefully some of this may be useful to you.
In June/July 2010, we had a fantastic trip to the West Coast and Nevada. Our kids were a similar age to yours at that time.
I kept a diary along the way that I posted here as an almost live blog. Here is a link to it..
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...lden-state.cfm
Here is a link to our planning thread..
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...west-coast.cfm
Hopefully some of this may be useful to you.
Sep 23rd, 2014, 02:49 PM
#28
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Years ago we would typically take a month for travel with our three children. In our case it was camping and sightseeing mostly. By the way, a few years ago wife and I spent three weeks in South Africa while son was teaching Un. of Wits.
As to your plans, I can see you might want to do too much and so wear yourselves out. One important thing is consulting with the 9 and 12 year olds. What do they really want to see? Don't let them shrug their shoulders.
The U. S. is such a big country. Living in Boston I'd hate to have you miss our history and beauty of Cape Cod or Maine coast but surely NYC and DC are important as destinations.
Grand Canyon is indeed wonderful and does need an overnight. And other places might be Zion Nat'l Pk and Yellowstone Nat'l Pk if possible. Don't much see Sedona or Las Vegas as places. West Coast? San Francisco more than LA or San Diego.
Too bad you are missing the whole Midwest U. S. where we come from. This would be caves and rivers to paddle and beaches on lakes but also in cities wonderful zoos, museums, etc. The whole thing is what you REALLY want to see, and I do mean the kids, too!
The question of travel, i.e., car rental after being on the East Coast is a challenge.
As to your plans, I can see you might want to do too much and so wear yourselves out. One important thing is consulting with the 9 and 12 year olds. What do they really want to see? Don't let them shrug their shoulders.
The U. S. is such a big country. Living in Boston I'd hate to have you miss our history and beauty of Cape Cod or Maine coast but surely NYC and DC are important as destinations.
Grand Canyon is indeed wonderful and does need an overnight. And other places might be Zion Nat'l Pk and Yellowstone Nat'l Pk if possible. Don't much see Sedona or Las Vegas as places. West Coast? San Francisco more than LA or San Diego.
Too bad you are missing the whole Midwest U. S. where we come from. This would be caves and rivers to paddle and beaches on lakes but also in cities wonderful zoos, museums, etc. The whole thing is what you REALLY want to see, and I do mean the kids, too!
The question of travel, i.e., car rental after being on the East Coast is a challenge.
Oct 22nd, 2014, 10:56 PM
#29
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Thanks Ozarksbill, I appreciate your suggestions. I hope South Africa was good to you? Regarding the Midwest, my dream is to spend a year in an RV traveling with the family across the USA, so perhaps one day...
We're quite limited in our itinerary in that we're using timeshare exchange for much of our trip due to accommodation costs (and weak rand-dollar exchange rates!) But we are also planning to give up a few nights in the timeshare resorts.
So at this stage we're planning as below:
20-27 June New York (TIMESHARE), and perhaps a day trip or 2 from NY.
27 June fly to San Diego
27 June - 2 July Escondido (TIMESHARE Welk Resort)- visit San Diego, Joshua Tree NP & Disneyland
2 July - 4 July - Las Vegas (yes I know I know...but its just gotta be done at least once, surely?!)
4-5 July Grand Canyon (overnight @ Bright Angel Lodge)
5-6 July - drive to San Francisco - scenic route preferred?
7-9 July San Francisco
9-10 July - coastal drive to Oxnard, overnight en route
10 July - 15 July Oxnard (TIMESHARE) - visit LA, Santa Barbara etc
15 July fly to Washington DC
15-18 July Washington DC and surrounds
18 July - Amtrak to New York
19 July - fly home
I know its a lot to cram in, and we're not doing justice to Northern California and the north East, but its just a heck of a challenge to fit it all in with time and budget restraints!
We're quite limited in our itinerary in that we're using timeshare exchange for much of our trip due to accommodation costs (and weak rand-dollar exchange rates!) But we are also planning to give up a few nights in the timeshare resorts.
So at this stage we're planning as below:
20-27 June New York (TIMESHARE), and perhaps a day trip or 2 from NY.
27 June fly to San Diego
27 June - 2 July Escondido (TIMESHARE Welk Resort)- visit San Diego, Joshua Tree NP & Disneyland
2 July - 4 July - Las Vegas (yes I know I know...but its just gotta be done at least once, surely?!)
4-5 July Grand Canyon (overnight @ Bright Angel Lodge)
5-6 July - drive to San Francisco - scenic route preferred?
7-9 July San Francisco
9-10 July - coastal drive to Oxnard, overnight en route
10 July - 15 July Oxnard (TIMESHARE) - visit LA, Santa Barbara etc
15 July fly to Washington DC
15-18 July Washington DC and surrounds
18 July - Amtrak to New York
19 July - fly home
I know its a lot to cram in, and we're not doing justice to Northern California and the north East, but its just a heck of a challenge to fit it all in with time and budget restraints!
Oct 23rd, 2014, 05:05 AM
#31
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You keep saying timeshare in NYC - and that isn;t something I was aware that we even had here. Can you share exactly where this timeshare is?
If not in Manhattan it could be a major problem in terms of taking big chunks of time out of your sightseeing - and involving a lot of expensive trains to and fro the city.
If not in Manhattan it could be a major problem in terms of taking big chunks of time out of your sightseeing - and involving a lot of expensive trains to and fro the city.
Oct 23rd, 2014, 05:32 AM
#32
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Hi nytraveler
I was actually also surprised at the timeshare availability, its called Manhattan Club near Carnegie Hall. Its a hotel and timeshare. From what I can see its quite well located (better than the ones in California).
I was actually also surprised at the timeshare availability, its called Manhattan Club near Carnegie Hall. Its a hotel and timeshare. From what I can see its quite well located (better than the ones in California).
Oct 23rd, 2014, 11:49 AM
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I appreciate your budget and time issues--so much to do, so little time (and money!). I think you are working toward a wonderful trip, though. A few comments on your new itinerary:
New York--fabulous that you will have 7 days there--it's a great city for both adults and kids. You mentioned early on that you would like to do a day trip or two and visit a smaller town. I suggest taking NJ Transit from Penn Station to Princeton, New Jersey, for a lovely day trip. The train ride is about an hour. Get off at Princeton Junction, which connects with the Dinky, a 5-minute, single-car train, into Princeton. You can explore the beautiful campus of one of the top U.S. universities, and enjoy the small town vibe too. http://www.princeton.edu/main/visiting/region/
Disneyland--smart to visit from Escondido rather than Oxnard, but you should still factor in the very heavy traffic you will encounter during rush hours. Best to leave Escondido as early as you can (say, 6 a.m.) to avoid the worst. You can eat a great breakfast in Anaheim and be at the park when it opens. Check the Disneyland website for tips on visiting. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/des...ns/disneyland/
Oxnard--not a the best place to stay on the southern coast but I understand your limitations, and you can spend your time in northern LA (again, try as hard as you can to avoid the lengthy rush hours) and Santa Barbara/San Ynez Valley. Be sure to spend some time in the little town of Carpinteria, on the coast between Oxnard and Santa Barbara. It's very local--not famous, but a nice little town with a cool local vibe and a good beach.
San Francisco--sad that you will have only two days in this wonderful city, since it could easily keep you busy for a week. But it's worth the trip anyway. Since you will have a car (which you don't need here but it doesn't make sense to drop it off and pick up another when you leave), look into staying at one of the motels along Lombard Street, which are less expensive than downtown hotels (many are recommended by posters on this forum). Or perhaps consider a VRBO rental in a real neighborhood, Noe Valley, where I live--friends just stayed at this one, and they loved it. Sleeps 3, but you could undoubtedly squeeze 2 kids in. http://www.vrbo.com/385262
Washington, DC -- great place to visit, but be aware that mid-July will be hot and HUMID, which detracts from one's enjoyment of the city. However, you can escape the worst of the weather in the awesome museums (most of which are free, and many of which your kids will love). Best prices in DC hotels are on the weekends, though.
Anyway, you should have a great trip! Welcome to the United States.
New York--fabulous that you will have 7 days there--it's a great city for both adults and kids. You mentioned early on that you would like to do a day trip or two and visit a smaller town. I suggest taking NJ Transit from Penn Station to Princeton, New Jersey, for a lovely day trip. The train ride is about an hour. Get off at Princeton Junction, which connects with the Dinky, a 5-minute, single-car train, into Princeton. You can explore the beautiful campus of one of the top U.S. universities, and enjoy the small town vibe too. http://www.princeton.edu/main/visiting/region/
Disneyland--smart to visit from Escondido rather than Oxnard, but you should still factor in the very heavy traffic you will encounter during rush hours. Best to leave Escondido as early as you can (say, 6 a.m.) to avoid the worst. You can eat a great breakfast in Anaheim and be at the park when it opens. Check the Disneyland website for tips on visiting. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/des...ns/disneyland/
Oxnard--not a the best place to stay on the southern coast but I understand your limitations, and you can spend your time in northern LA (again, try as hard as you can to avoid the lengthy rush hours) and Santa Barbara/San Ynez Valley. Be sure to spend some time in the little town of Carpinteria, on the coast between Oxnard and Santa Barbara. It's very local--not famous, but a nice little town with a cool local vibe and a good beach.
San Francisco--sad that you will have only two days in this wonderful city, since it could easily keep you busy for a week. But it's worth the trip anyway. Since you will have a car (which you don't need here but it doesn't make sense to drop it off and pick up another when you leave), look into staying at one of the motels along Lombard Street, which are less expensive than downtown hotels (many are recommended by posters on this forum). Or perhaps consider a VRBO rental in a real neighborhood, Noe Valley, where I live--friends just stayed at this one, and they loved it. Sleeps 3, but you could undoubtedly squeeze 2 kids in. http://www.vrbo.com/385262
Washington, DC -- great place to visit, but be aware that mid-July will be hot and HUMID, which detracts from one's enjoyment of the city. However, you can escape the worst of the weather in the awesome museums (most of which are free, and many of which your kids will love). Best prices in DC hotels are on the weekends, though.
Anyway, you should have a great trip! Welcome to the United States.
Oct 23rd, 2014, 03:56 PM
#35
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Yes, that's a great location - very central and easy to get to any major sight.
For day trips I would probably do one up the Hudson by train - there are a host of choices from state parks to the West Point Military Academy, famous mansions and historic houses. Also there are trips by boat )but limited - check may only be available on the weekend)
The Hamptons are fantastic - but one day is not enough. If you want an old fashioned day at the beach you can do Coney Island - be sure to eat at Nathan's.
For day trips I would probably do one up the Hudson by train - there are a host of choices from state parks to the West Point Military Academy, famous mansions and historic houses. Also there are trips by boat )but limited - check may only be available on the weekend)
The Hamptons are fantastic - but one day is not enough. If you want an old fashioned day at the beach you can do Coney Island - be sure to eat at Nathan's.
Oct 25th, 2014, 11:15 PM
#36
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Hearst Castle - impressive, but just another rich man's palace.
Consider something very different?
Visit President Ronald Reagan's library on the way to SF.
http://www.reaganfoundation.org/
We have visited: Reagan, Truman, Ford, Ike, Johnson, Clinton, Bush I. All interesting with Ike # 1.
Driving to SF. Highway 1, Big Sur, is a must-do drive.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_1
Vaga
Consider something very different?
Visit President Ronald Reagan's library on the way to SF.
http://www.reaganfoundation.org/
We have visited: Reagan, Truman, Ford, Ike, Johnson, Clinton, Bush I. All interesting with Ike # 1.
Driving to SF. Highway 1, Big Sur, is a must-do drive.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_1
Vaga
Nov 3rd, 2014, 03:31 AM
#37
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Thank you aprillilacs, janis, nytraveler and Rvvagabond for the additional suggestions and the warm welcome to the US!
Princeton does seem like a great day trip from NY, as does West Point academy. I will do more reading on this.
I have updated our planned agenda YET AGAIN to take into account all the tips and suggestions on this forum and elsewhere, particularly to spend more time in SF. This new plan allows us 7 nights NY, 4 nights San Diego area, 1 night in Death Valley, 2 nights in Vegas, 4 nights in SF, 2 days on the coastal route, 6 nights in Oxnard (LA area) and 3 nights in Washington DC, without too much driving with restless kids in the back!
20-27 June New York
Sat 27 June - fly to San Diego (Escondido)
Sat 27 June - Wed 1 July Escondido
Wed 1 July - Thurs 2 July - Furnace Creek, DV
Thurs 2 July - Sat 4 July - Las Vegas
Sat 4 July (pm) - FLY Vegas to SF
4 July - 8 July SF
8 - 9 July - drive via coastal h'way Monterey, Carmel etc (overnight)
9 July - 15 July Oxnard (LA)
15 July fly to Wash. D.C.
15-18 July Wash. DC
Any suggestions regarding my new line of thought will be GREATLY appreciated - this forum has been so very helpful!
Apart from Union and Lombard St in SF, is Presidio area also worth considering (Travelodge around $190 per night)?
I know a lot of people on the forum are anti-DV in Summer, but others feel its still a worthwhile overnight trip? Or am I absolutely crazy to do this?
Princeton does seem like a great day trip from NY, as does West Point academy. I will do more reading on this.
I have updated our planned agenda YET AGAIN to take into account all the tips and suggestions on this forum and elsewhere, particularly to spend more time in SF. This new plan allows us 7 nights NY, 4 nights San Diego area, 1 night in Death Valley, 2 nights in Vegas, 4 nights in SF, 2 days on the coastal route, 6 nights in Oxnard (LA area) and 3 nights in Washington DC, without too much driving with restless kids in the back!
20-27 June New York
Sat 27 June - fly to San Diego (Escondido)
Sat 27 June - Wed 1 July Escondido
Wed 1 July - Thurs 2 July - Furnace Creek, DV
Thurs 2 July - Sat 4 July - Las Vegas
Sat 4 July (pm) - FLY Vegas to SF
4 July - 8 July SF
8 - 9 July - drive via coastal h'way Monterey, Carmel etc (overnight)
9 July - 15 July Oxnard (LA)
15 July fly to Wash. D.C.
15-18 July Wash. DC
Any suggestions regarding my new line of thought will be GREATLY appreciated - this forum has been so very helpful!
Apart from Union and Lombard St in SF, is Presidio area also worth considering (Travelodge around $190 per night)?
I know a lot of people on the forum are anti-DV in Summer, but others feel its still a worthwhile overnight trip? Or am I absolutely crazy to do this?
Nov 3rd, 2014, 06:49 AM
#38
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Why did Death Valley get back into your itinerary?? I think most everyone gave a loud NO vote to this. I usually keep an eye on the temps in various places in Calif, and they can reach 120 degrees there in July. People have been stranded in their cars on back roads, and have died from the extreme heat. I know - you'll plan to take precautions - but that's probably what the people who died planned to do too!!!.
Here are my ideas for the San Francisco Bay Area
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm
Stu Dudley
Here are my ideas for the San Francisco Bay Area
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm
Stu Dudley
Nov 3rd, 2014, 07:37 AM
#39
DV is marvelous . . . I LOVE DV. But NOT in the middle of July. It will be too hot to do anything during the day. Very early morning is it -- otherwise you will be inside air conditioning.
Can I make a completely different suggestion . . . drive from Escondido to Las Vegas, 2 nights. Then VERY early in the AM drive through DV just to see it in your air conditioned car, and up hwy 395 through the mountains. Then over Tioga Pass into Yosemite and stay 2 nights in Yosemite Valley. This is a looong/beautiful drive so you could break it in Bishop or Lone Pine. Then after YNP, on to SF and the Travelodge . . .
As for the Travelodge in SF . . . as long as it is the one at the western end of Lombard Street right outside the Presidio it is absolutely fine. (There is another Travelodge farther up Lombard that isn't nearly as nice). The rooms have all been refurbished and the Presidio is a terrific place to explore/amazing views. But the main reason to stay there is the free parking.
Can I make a completely different suggestion . . . drive from Escondido to Las Vegas, 2 nights. Then VERY early in the AM drive through DV just to see it in your air conditioned car, and up hwy 395 through the mountains. Then over Tioga Pass into Yosemite and stay 2 nights in Yosemite Valley. This is a looong/beautiful drive so you could break it in Bishop or Lone Pine. Then after YNP, on to SF and the Travelodge . . .
As for the Travelodge in SF . . . as long as it is the one at the western end of Lombard Street right outside the Presidio it is absolutely fine. (There is another Travelodge farther up Lombard that isn't nearly as nice). The rooms have all been refurbished and the Presidio is a terrific place to explore/amazing views. But the main reason to stay there is the free parking.
