My family and I are thinking about where to go this year on our summer vacation and we would like your input.

We are trying to decide between going to Alaska, Hawaii or the Grand Canyon. We are thinking about staying in Las Vegas if we decide on the Grand Canyon and taking side trips to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm.

Is there anybody out there who could offer an opinion on what we should do? When you recommend a place, please recommend important things we should do.

Keep in mind we have a 12-year-old daughter.

Thanks a lot for any input.

Hi, Duke,
I think basing yourself in LV for trips to the Grand Canyon or So. Cal. attractions doesn't work because of the distances, each about 6 hrs driving time, not to mention the heat, which tends to keep you indoors in LV, a bummer for a 12 year old.

Hawaii would be OK but I would also be concerned about the boredom factor for your daughter.

My vote would be for Alaska, starting with a trip up the inside passage from Bellingham WA to Juneau or Skagway on the Alaska State Ferry; a visit to Denali park to see mountains and critters, a civilization break in Anchorage... something for everyone and plenty of daylight in the summer. Does your family have any particular outdoor interests?

These are 3 very different destinations which different pros and cons. 'Vegas will be very hot in the summer and it is not convenient to use it for a base and go to So. CA, it's a 5-6 hr. drive. I'd say in So. CA and do a side trip to 'Vegas instead. For a 12 yr old I'd say So. CA would be more fun then Alaska but that depends on your daughter. Personally Hawaii is my favorite place and if you all enjoy the beach and beautiful scenery etc. go there. Maui is almost everyones favorite island and has many things to do. You can also combine Hawaii and So. CA with a few days for Disneyland, etc. and then on to the islands. Depending on where you come from that would be a good way to breakup a long flight too.

I've been to all three in the past couple years and would vote for Hawaii...specifically Maui. Alaska is unbelievably pristine and beautiful and unique. But, it may not be too much of a kick for a 12 y/o...it very much depends on her personality, though. If she really loves the outdoors, it might be a very nice trip for her.
LV in the summer ends up being a trip restricted to the casinos...you can do that anytime, and you can't take your daughter into the casino gaming areas (which makes up most of the indoor territory in LV). Driving to SoCal and the GC both would drive you crazy.
Maui can be entertaining in many different ways if you like. A day up on Haleakala (morning bike ride down), snorkeling, beachgrazing, shopping, driving to Wailea/Lahaina/Kapalua and maybe even Hana, depending on where you stay. If you can swing it, stay at the Grand Wailea and your daughter (and you, yourselves) should have a great time.

I've been to all three and consider all of them in my top ten as far as US destinations go. However, I totally concur with others that basing oneself in LV with side trips to So Calif and the Grand Canyon is out of the question, and that LV is horrendous in the summer.

So, Alaska or Hawaii? I recommend the former if your family prefers wilderness, animals in the wild, and gorgeous mountain scenery; the latter for relaxing at the beach, welcoming people, ethnic diversity, and lush forests. But BOTH places will be wonderful, so don't worry about the "wrong" choice -- you can't.

I would definitely forget about Vegas. Besides the intense heat in summer, people have posted here saying that it is still full of sleaze and not suitable for children.

Obviously the Grand Canyon is supposed to be spectacular, the question is whether or not summer is a good time for it and whether or not you and your family will be as satisfied with it as you would be with either Alaska or Hawaii.

Either Alaska or Hawaii should be very special. Personally, I would pick Hawaii because even in summer, Alaska is still cooler than I like and Hawaii appeals to me more but of course this depends on your preferences and what you are looking for in a vacation.

One of the first factors you should consider is the expense and length of the trip invloved in getting to each location from where you will be departing from.

I suggest ordering as many brochures as you can and picking up some books such as Fodor's and other travel guides for each destination. I would also recommend posting to and monitioring some Usenet newsgroups, such as the following:

rec.travel.usa-canada
rec.travel.misc

A lot of info. has been posted on this forum so search it.

Then, after getting as much information as possible, sit down together and discuss it. Make a list of your priorities and then list the pros and cons of each destination.

See my post of travel url's for some online resources.

If you go to Hawaii, be sure to explore the less touristy areas at least a little. Even on the most-populated and developed island of Oahu there are places more off the beaten path. Frommers.com had a feature on this very subject which you should be able to find on their site.

Hopefully the great 'Ruth' will reply to your inquiry soon.

Best wishes and keep us posted!

Keep in mind that renting an apartment, condo. or even house can be much more affordable than staying at a hotel.

Thanks to everyone for all of the great feedback so far.

I guess I should tell you that we aren't really beach people, but would like to go to Hawaii to see the sites (U.S.S. Arizona, whatever the name of the big volcano is, and stuff like that). I'm not saying we wouldn't go to the beach, but it's not our first love. My question then would be are there enough sites to keep our interest piqued for a few days, and how long would you recommend? If you have any ideas, let us know. Also, we love things like the Royal Gorge, Mount Rushmore, Devil's Tower, etc. Now what do you think? Please respond.

Again, thanks for the responses so far.

Duke:
I think you still have a choice between HI and AK....if you go to AK you'll have lots to see and do that you'll enjoy I'm sure. Just doing the basics (Denali Nat. Park, Seward/Kenai Peninsula, fjords/whale boat trip, etc) will keep you very busy. While it's cool in the evening, days can be warm when you're hiking. Plan well in advance as summers are packed in AK.
If you go to HI, sounds like you'd most enjoy Kauai and Maui. You know, I've been to HI 5 times and haven't sent an hour on the beach. A few poolside, but there's plenty to enjoy without spending lots of time baking. Hiking, biking trips (down the big volcano on Maui for instance), snorkeling, sightseeing, boat trips, helicopter tours, golf, car trips....no shortage of options.
As someone said above, you'll have a great time either way....

Duke,

Based on your interests, I think the best option would be a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. It is the best of all worlds, in my opinion. We just returned from 12 glorious days, and our party ranged from age 7 to 60. We all had a wonderful time and spend just about 2 hours total sitting on the beach.

You could spend at least three days at Volcanoes National Park (Kilauea Lodge in Volcano Village has great little cottage that would be nice extra space with a 12 year old). Then drive along the northern Hamakua Coast with several hikes/stops at beautiful waterfalls, valleys, black sand beaches, etc. Waimea is a great ranch town (go figure) with horseback riding among other things. Then spend several more days along the Kona Coast enjoying the sun, going whale watching, snorkeling, or taking many great hikes (from easy to difficult). There is also the Mauna Kea observatory (one of the most advanced in the world), which is suppose to be a great experience.

I haven't even mentioned the fine restaurants, condos, and resorts, so just let me know if you'd like more information!

Aloha, Kelly

My vote would be for Hawaii especially Maui. There is so much to do. We never sat on the beach, and I am a beach lover. We met many families that go there every year and never get tired of it. Bike riding down the Haleakala volcano was a blast, snorkeling off a catamaran at Lana'i was fun, going to the luau at Lahina was exceptional, sailing on the Americus II was neat, horsebackriding at Oheo stables near Hana was beautiful, visiting Charles Lindbergh's grave was educational, I could go on and on. There were kids everywhere. I would suggest choosing a hotel that caters to kids like the Sheraton at Kaanapali Beach. She could watch the cliff divers and the torch lighting ceremony with all her new friends. Go-go-go and have a ball! Cheryl

Unless you really enjoy winter activities and don't mind extremely cold weather, chances are that you will not want to go to Alaska during the winter. Therefore, you may want to consider whether or not it would make sense for you to go to Alaska this summer and save Hawaii for a winter, spring or fall vacation.