Tess

Our family's best U.S. trip was to NYC four years ago, 10 days before 9/11. Our first time there and we couldn't get over how friendly everyone was, from taxi drivers to policemen on the street (who helped us when we had the dumb-tourist-I'm-lost look to just about everyone else. It was America's last few days of innocence, really.

We loved New York and it's my personal mission to get back there as soon as possible.

Favorite purely for fun trip? Vegas baby!

dcespedes

As much as I love love love San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado and Utah I would have to say our trip to Alaska last month was the best

beach_dweller

Tough one!

Many contenders, but my favorite was the first major vacation of our married lives (after 4 years).

I was changing jobs and had a little time in between, so my better half planned a 10 day trip out to California. We, from medium-sized cities in NC, had never flown together, never navigated an airport alone, never rented a car even. We flew into San Francisco, couldn't believe Chinatown, North Beach, Golden Gate State Park, etc., toured the wine country, marveled at the giant redwoods in Muir Woods, thought the view from Sausilito was amazing, drove south to Monterey Bay and stayed in Carmel, did 17 mile drive (one of favorite vacation pictures ever was a great shot of the lone cypress tree), drove down Highway 1 not quite making it to Big Sur, but just amazed at the contrast of ocean and cliffs.

We had so many firsts on this trip, had our eyes opened to what a big wonderful world it is. I think this great first experience led to every other great travel we've taken.

BetsyG

1. Carmel (twice)
2. Southern California, but this was mainly because of who we were with, former neighbors, who we could really laugh with, share the angst of parenting!
I have to believe its not just the destination but who you are with & what is going on in your life.
Betsy

JBHapgood

I'd have to say it was a trip I took 10 years ago. It was two-week road trip with a good friend with whom I normally wouldn't get to spend much time. He then lived in North Carolina, so that's where we started out. It was early in October, and a hot Indian summer. We set out toward Virginia and visited Monticello, then the Shanendoah Valley and into West Virginia for fall foliage (it was quite a bit cooler there). Then to Pennsylvania, where we visited Gettysburg, the Amish country of Lancaster County, and Philadelphia. On the way back to North Carolina we visited Williamsburg. When we got back to my friend's house Indian summer was over and it was chilly autumn. Quite a change of pace and scenery for a native Southern Californian.

It had to have been the combination of an interesting itinerary and enjoying travel with a good friend that made this my best US vacation. I almost always travel solo (by default rather than preference). While I've enjoyed many good and memorable trips by myself, it's just not the same.

OldSouthernBelle

My new best vacation: Maui/Oahu!! Just back last night! Belle.

MillerParcel

Within my past of traveling, the influence of riding Amtrak has impacted my life from the beginning. I've taken 3 trips, though I can't truly decide on a favorite one, all of them had a different touch to the ease of relaxation. In addition, an opening to a different more well rounded way of life. Traveling by train with my family couldn't have been better. I stayed in the sleeper cars as we traveled for quite a few days i.e. New York which took 4 days from California, Seattle, and Minnesota. Wherever you go, I think it's a wonderful experience for children. The states you travel through and end up make the entire vacation much more than it is planned out. The sight seeing car, the restaurant, the parlor car and so much more provide the perfect environment. Could you imagine living life as your passing it by? With your loved ones experiencing the well set up dinning, while the tracks underneath soothe the setting as you watch out the window town after town. I can't emphasize more how much of an impact Amtrak had on my life. I recommend it for young kids, newly weds, and the elderly that have a heart and understanding of people whom desire the need to witness the world in the same aspect and driving a car, but the experience is a completely different feeling towards life.

Vera

Driving trip from southern Arizona with stops at North rim of the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion and a week in the Tetons and a week in Yellowstone. Saturated in western beauty.

frchteaze

My favorite vacation was an 8-day driving trip to Yellowstone. I have to admit, Yellowstone was never on my list of places to go see. I'm not an outdoorsy person and walking around looking at sulfur pits doesn't impress me.

Oh, how wrong I was. We stayed in a little cabin on the Lake and hung out in the lobby of the hotel just playing games and watching people. Drove around during the day tracking down animals and waterfalls. Horseback riding and a wagon trip that ended with the best steak I can remember. Not to mention, this was also one of the cheapest vacations I ever took.

(And I ended up staying an extra day just to see the sulfur pits. Very cool!)

Jacqueline1212

My favorite was many years ago when the boys were 10 and 12, we rented an RV and drove from the Boston area to Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Tetons, did a float trip down the Snake River, the Million $ Highway, Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde and several other places on the way back. After 18 yrs, we all still talk about it even though we have traveled to many places far and wide since then. This country is SO beautiful and diverse, I just love traveling around it.

hilda

Agree with the posters who love the National Parks, I also want to mention the beauty of an Alaskan Cruise into Glacier Bay. I'm always happy to spend money in the USA.