Plenty of families enjoy the same trip camping or to the beach each summer. The whole family fills the car and, head out to the surf and sand, or to the mountains. This is their tradition, and grown kids will look back on the memories with fondness, even if they complain as the memories are being made. Maybe it is time for a change and may be a great time to shake things up. Instead of the same old experience, try something new and exciting. Choose an unfamiliar destination and plan a trip to see the sights and sounds of a different place. The trip can even have a theme. The Northeast may be right for you and you can enjoy delicious seafood and evenings on the cape. Or you can head to the Pacific Northwest and enjoy coffee, fresh fish, and Seattle modeling. Seattle models itself after larger U.S. cities, so there will be plenty to see and do. If none of these suits your fancy, consider another option.
If your family prefers a large city that offers art, music and great cuisine then head to New Orleans, Louisiana. Following hurricane Katrina, an effort was made to rebuild the downtown portion to its former grandeur, and most believe it has been accomplished. Bourbon Street is hopping every night of the week and whether it is a gourmet meal or simple beignet you crave, they have it. Younger children may not appreciate what New Orleans has to offer, but teens and parents will adore the charm of Cajun culture in one of the most fascinating cities in the country.
Perhaps you have a desire to teach the politics and history of the country. If this is the case, head to the Mid-Atlantic region where you can experience the Colonial, Civil War, and Revolutionary periods all just a few hours apart. A few days exploring Gettysburg will give kids a chance to learn of the battle between the north and south, and experience fascinating tales of the supernatural. Just a few hours south is Baltimore’s Ft. McHenry is where the Star Bangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key. You can see our government in action if head over to D.C. where you can see our government in action. Following that, it is just a few hours south to Williamsburg, Virginia where you can tour villages created to be just like those during Colonial times. This is a vacation that will be jammed packed with adventure and learning. If you are concerned about boring the kids with too many lessons, schedule a day to visit Busch Garden Williamsburg, or Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. Few can resist the sweetest place on earth and all of their delicious chocolate.
If these cities are no appealing, there are countless other places on the map. Miami, San Francisco, Dallas, Denver, Chicago, and New York all feature plenty of action and will have you talking about this vacation for years to come.