Fodorites, will you help me pick a vacation?
 

I can't decide where we should go this summer for our family vacation. We've seen Maine, Boston, NYC, Wash.DC, Bethany Beach, The Outer Banks, DisneyWorld and the Caribbean. The husband doesn't want to go to Europe this summer. We have two early teen boys and 4 free plane tickets. Any suggestions? I'm having a terrible time deciding and I want to get started on plans. Where would you go?

Why not head out west? What are you interested in doing?<BR><BR>If you are interested in cities - SF gets my vote. <BR><BR>Beach vacation - I'd go to San Diego. <BR><BR>Mountains - either the Rockies or the Sierra Nevada - can't go wrong. <BR><BR>Utah has some incredible national parks. <BR><BR>Depending on how long your vacation is, you could do several. <BR><BR>Driving up or down the Ca coast is incredible. Start in SF, spend a few days and then drive down to LA or San Diego stoping along the way, then spend a few days in LA or San Diego and fly home - or do the tip in reverse. You could stop in Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon/Cambria/Morro Bay, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, go to Universal Studios, etc. <BR><BR>Another trip you could do in Ca would be to hit SF, Yosemite and/or Lake Tahoe, and Monterey. <BR><BR>You could tour Colorado and Wyoming - Rocky Mountains National Park, Glenwood Springs, Pikes Peak, Yellowstone, the Snowy Range, etc.

Or what about Canada? I think an incredible trip would be to combine Seattle, San Juan Islands, Olympic National Park, Vancouver Island, and Vancouver City.

One: How about a split San Fran/Yosemite gig?<BR><BR>Two: When I was a young teen, I remember enjoying the Seattle/Vancouver/Victoria jaunt, the ferry rides, the high tea at the Empress, and the whole Canadian Indian (or is it &quot;first Canadian&quot;? sorry, I don't know the term they use for this ethnicity?) history thang. There was a Canadian Indian museum I believe in Vancouver that I LOVED. Lots of interactive stuff, huts to crawl around in, etc.

Ha!! J_Correa, are you my sister??

J, <BR>Thank you! These are all such great ideas. Which one would be your favorite? Also, is the grand canyon worth the trip?

Ooops, Sorry Big Money,<BR>I didn't see your post when I responded. So Seattle and Canada, Eh?

Don't mean to butt in here if J_C is replying... but I think the Grand Canyon would be a great destination but after a few days of it I think the teens would start to tire of it. a GC trip is usually paired with Las Vegas, perhaps a few days at GC and a few at one of the family-style resorts in LV would be interesting to you? Depends on your preferences, some like LV as a vacation destination, others do not.<BR><BR>If you are into water fun, jetskiing, or perhaps interested in renting a houseboat... you could hit the GC, then head south and rent a houseboat on one of the Colorado River lakes?

I think Canada, Seattle or Southern California are great suggestions. I think San Francisco will be completely lost on the kids. Actually, the entire SF mystique is a complete mystery to me-- it's a pretty city, but that's about it. In SoCal, San Diego is a pretty good idea (Zoo, Balboa Park, beaches, Gaslamp District, TJ and Baja)-- but how about Huntington Beach? Get the kids some wave boards and let 'em hit the surf. There's plenty nearby (but not too nearby-- a car is essential).<BR><BR>Seattle is not a bad idea, and you can always drive over to Vancouver. How about Montr&eacute;al? I LOVE that city! Toronto's kinda cool too, but Montr&eacute;al is much more unique.<BR><BR>By the way, the native Canadians are often called &quot;aboriginals&quot; (it's NOT a pejorative at all). I think you can find lots of destinations related to aboriginal culture everywhere in Canada.

I agree - head west. You have gotten great California recommendations. Here is one for Yellowstone and the Tetons - fun, educational and gorgeous.<BR><BR>The Grand Canyon could also be paired with Phoenix/Scottsdale and some people on here recommend Sedona. <BR><BR>Canada is also a good suggestion - good on the pocketbook, Vancouver and Victoria BC, combined with San Juan islands in Washington is a good combination of busy city and relaxing laid back. <BR><BR>Sara

These are all such great ideas, I am going to print this page and discuss all suggestions with the family and let them pick!

If you decide on the Grand Canyon you must not miss southern Utah; Arches, Monument Valley, Bryce and Zion, etc. Teenage boys would love these parks as well as adults

I guess great minds think a like - LOL.<BR><BR>I've never been to the Grand Canyon, but it's definitely on my list! I don't think I'd go there in the summer time though - just too hot. I'd opt for spring. <BR><BR>Of the suggestions listed, which would be my favorite? Hmmmmm..... I don't think I could pick.<BR><BR>My husband and I went to San Diego for the first time last month and enjoyed it so much we are going back in September. We are actually doing the drive down Hwy 1 on that trip - we've done this before as far as San Luis Obispo. The drive through Big Sur is incredible. I can't wait to drive the rest of the way. I haven't been to Santa Barbara or LA since I was a kid.<BR><BR>Lake Tahoe is also one of our favorite places. We haven't been in a couple years, but we used to go every year. It's a lot of fun - swiming, boating, hiking, gambling, nightlife, restaurants. <BR><BR>We have been to Yosemite once a couple years ago and are going back in May for a long weekend. The first time I saw Yosemite Valley, I was amazed. Pictures just don't do it justice.<BR><BR>SF is one of my all time favorite cities - we live about an hour from SF so we go up there several times a year. <BR><BR>When I was in high school my family drove from California, through Nevada (boring and hot) through Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming (absolutely incredible). <BR><BR>I've never been to Washington/British Columbia, but it's definitely on my list. <BR><BR>How to pick? How to pick? <BR><BR>I would pick the California Coast. maybe I'm biased because I grew up in Santa Cruz - LOL. <BR>

Just returned frim San Diego and can't see why anyone of any age wouldn't find something enjoyable there to do. It was totally delightful in every way.

What about a Dude Ranch someplace like Montana? My parents took us to one in West Virginia many years ago (maybe 30 years, yikes!) and we loved it. We fished in a stocked pond, rode horses and learned how to square dance. That was really fun, and from what I've read about ranches now, they are even more amazing.

So many great ideas! I like the Grand Canyon mixed with Monument Valley and Mesa Verde, and a quick trip into the Rockies to Telluride. We did that as a kid and it was memorable.<BR><BR>The dude ranch theme is appealing for a more relaxing trip where you land in one place and stay and explore the area. I would suggest Black Butte in Oregon for that one. You'd rent a house or condo. Lots of on-resort activities, like biking, swimming, organized activities, and more. Also, explore a lava cave, visit the High Desert Museum, visit the Newberry Crater National Monument. You could mix up active driving days with relaxing days.<BR>Yum, Yum.<BR>Seattle, San Juans, Victoria, Vancouver is a busier time. I'd slow it down to maybe the San Juans and Victoria.<BR>So much to see, so little time!<BR>PS We went to Puerto Vallarta over Christmas when we got free tickets for being bumped. It was great!

For a true California fun in the sun vacation you can't go wrong with LA and San Diego. There are a plethora of things for the entire family: San Diego Zoo, Catalina Island, great beaches, Santa Monica Pier, Getty Museum, Hollywood, Universal Studios, etc.<BR>You can't beat the weather in Southern California. Much nicer than summer fog, drizzle and high temps. around 60 degrees that you will experience in SF. <BR><BR>From LA, a sidetrip to Las Vegas would also be nice(about 4 hour drive or a 1 hour flight) Even if you are not into gambling, just checking out the unique hotels, going to the 107th floor observation deck of the Stratosphere, Fremont Street Experience(light and sound show), taking in a show, etc, you will finds lots to do. If you do go to Las Vegas, do go to the seafood buffet at the Rio.

I agree with rjw_lgb_ca that there is not much of interest to your kids in SF. As already stated, summer is probably the worst time to visit SF because it is mostly socked in with pea soup fog for most of the day. While it is not a bad city, many people find SF to be kind of dirty, especially with the significant homeless problem. Many of the down and out use the streets as their public restroom, which can be somewhat disconcerting to the unsuspecting traveller. Sad to say that SF has seen much better days.

I live in and grew up in San Diego and it is a wonderful place for a vacation. But my favorite vacation place is Hawaii. Kauai, Maui or the Big Island would be my choices. Sounds like your from the east coast so it would be a long trip. Kids absolutely love it. Snorkeling, surfing, kayaking - it's so fun and to me is the most beautiful place in the world.

We have planned 2 trips from east coast with free plane tickets in past couple of years. Our criteria is that since hotels, food, etc. cost no matter where you go, we try to get as far as possible on our free tickets. We have discovered both times that &quot;round trip&quot; can be defined as arriving in one city and leaving from another, so we have done one-way car rentals. Also, ask the kids - while we certainly don't let our kids tell us where to vacation, they have always had some ideas we never would have thought of.<BR><BR>First time we flew Boston-Seattle, drove to San Francisco (seeing stuff along the way) and flew home from SF. This year we are flying Boston-Las Vegas, staying there one night then seeing Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon and driving to San Diego and flying home from there. Both trips were considered round trip as far as FF miles were concerned from USAir.

Okay,<BR>I think it's either going to be the Vegas, Bryce and Grand Canyon thing or the Coast of California. These have all been such great ideas and I really thank you. Yes, I am from the east coast. 40 years old and never been out west, can you even believe it!<BR>By the way, am I correct in saying that you only need one day for the grand canyon?

I just wanted to give another opinion about SF. Others have said it is lost on kids, but I disagree. I always enjoyed spenting time in SF as a child and a teenager as did my cousins and friends. It's a very fun city with lots to do. Summertime is pretty foggy - the hoter it is inland, the foggier it gets on the coast - but I don't really think that is a deterent to visiting. I'll take a foggy day with temperatures in the low 60s over a hot humid east coast summer day anytime - but that's just me.

Agree with previous posters that SF is not the best place to visit with kids. As far as the weather is concerned, even though it is warmer maybe 30 or 40 miles inland than right on the coast, the heat in California is dry. Nothing like the humidity of the east coast. In fact, coastal weather in San Francisco, for example, is rather humid and accounts for the fog sticking around. Southern CA and Las Vegas would be my pick for a vacation out west.

You Definitly have to come out West! Here is a list of the future desired vacations I would like to take within the U.S.: <BR><BR>California Coast<BR>San Fran to San Diego (Which I have already booked!) <BR><BR>Las Vegas <BR>(FUN,good food, entertainment, Hoover Dam nearby &amp; close to Grand Canyon and Utah attractions)<BR><BR>Yellowstone<BR><BR>Alaska<BR>( Cruise and Land tour)!!!<BR><BR>Hawaii <BR>(Self explanitory) <BR><BR>East Coast Drive <BR>(you've probably already seen but it's in my list!) <BR><BR>New England Drive <BR>(In the fall, stay at B &amp; B's) <BR><BR>Seattle<BR>(head up to Canada while there) <BR><BR>Arizona <BR>(Tucson where I lived for half my life, Phoenix, Grand Canyon)<BR><BR>Colorado <BR>(Denver where I live now, Summit County, Rocky Mountain Natl Park)<BR><BR>Utah <BR>(Moab, Bryce which is pretty even driving near it on the Highway) <BR><BR>I pretty much want to see everything so I could go on!

How do you feel about driving and how much time do you have?<BR><BR>I'd fly to Denver and rent a car. Spend the day in Breckenridge and drive the next day to Grand Junction. The next day through Utah to Zion and the next day on to Vegas. From Vegas I'd drive to Grand Canyon and spend the night inside the park. After sunrise the next day I'd head for Monument Valley then back into Colorado. Do Mesa Verde the next day then spend the night in Pagosa Springs. Make your way back to Denver from there. <BR><BR>I know it seems like a lot of driving but you'll see beauty that will take your breath away - and there's plenty for your kids to do at each stop. We did almost this same route a couple of years ago when my kids were 13 &amp; 15 but we went on to California and Mexico too. I was really worried they'd be bored but in 2 1/2 weeks I didn't hear one complaint. Have fun ;^)

Big_Money_D - I think you're talking about the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, on UBC campus. Unless you're talking about the Royal Museum of British Columbia in Victoria which is more of a natural history museum.<BR><BR>Also, the term for &quot;Native Americans&quot; in Canada is &quot;First Nations&quot;. :) &quot;Aboriginal&quot; is used, but not as often.