The elusive family vacation is arguably one of the most difficult things to get right. Not just in terms of being able to please every single member of the family, but you’ve also got to think about how to educate the children, and also make time for yourselves as parents. You’ve also got to minimize stress along the way. It’s a very difficult balance to get right. So let’s see if we can give you some ideas for the perfect family vacation, so it becomes an all-in-one approach to parenting, time, as well as something that can bring you all together as a family. Oh an fun…we’ll try real hard to actually have FUN too!
A National Park
National parks are one of the great ways to get your share of outdoor adventures, wildlife, but also helps you understand what it takes to survive in the elements. Because national parks are the backbone of America, it gives you the opportunity to explore the heartlands of this great country, while figuring out how to give your children the benefits of the great outdoors. As clichéd as it is, getting your children outside, in the days of smartphones and computer games, means that your children are missing out. And you can go on many adventures in Yellowstone National Park which has so many different things going on, that it’s not just a way to please the kids, but the entire family can come away with a great experience. Yellowstone has so much going for it come from the waterfalls, geysers in action, as well as an abundance of wildlife. You’ve also got the option to stay in the park, giving you the opportunity to be up close with nature. Visit while you still can, because someday, this too will likely be closed to the public or at least made much more difficult to access.
The Disney Vacation
Everyone knows I’m a Disney junkie; but I’m not the only one. .It’s an easy option for many families but there’s a great reason why Disney is so popular, not just because of the heritage of the Disney brand, but they truly know how to make it an unforgettable experience for the entire family. It’s not just replete with cartoon characters and parades, but there’s something for the parents as well! And while the focus is certainly on the family-friendly fun, the parents have the opportunity to have some adequate downtime together while the kids go off and explore in a safe environment. You want your kids to go and hit as many roller coasters as possible? The great thing for you as the parent is there there’s a very big queue, giving you the opportunity for you and your significant other to catch up with a nice cup of coffee. And as far as Disney is concerned, there are plenty of places to go to Orlando, Anaheim, Hawaii, but if you want to go further afield, you can go to Disneyland in Paris. As well as this, you could go on the Disney Cruise Line, giving you something a little bit beyond the standard theme park feel. Disney Cruises are increasing their scope, and provide entertainment for the more difficult ages, such as late teens and tweens.
Hitting The Road
As anxiety-inducing as a road trip might be, if you want to give your kids a diverse range of experiences across America or even the world, a road trip is one of the best ways to do it. Rather than giving yourself over to a vacation package provider, you can create the itinerary yourself. But a great road trip isn’t just about bundling everybody in the car, it’s about giving your children the experiences, good and bad, of hitting the open road. If you’ve ever done a road trip yourself, you will know just how challenging it can be. And yes if you’ve got young children, you might be braced for a tantrum or two, but as far as the long haul is concerned, it’s a great way for your children to see different walks of life. You can stay in cool hotels; see the heartland across Route 66 as well as other iconic images of America. And as you and your family spend more time together, while you may think it can contribute to a pressure cooker of emotions in the car, this is why you need to spend time separately, but also, making the most of places like national parks so you can stay overnight, and camp, rather than enjoy the benefits of plush hotels and motels.
Hit The Big Cities
One of the most appealing aspects of going on vacation these days is taking a long weekend. Many people can’t afford long luxurious vacations anymore. City breaks provide that good balance. Getting your kids up and taking them across the country to New York, Los Angeles, or the city of your choice gives everyone the opportunity to experience a different type of life, but also have all of the home comforts. That way, you can explore the culture of a different place, but still, have that taste of home. If you don’t like to go out of your comfort zone too much, this is most definitely the best way to go about it. The great thing about the big cities, whether it’s San Antonio, Denver, or Philadelphia is that there’s plenty of culture and fun to give your children the education of a family experience, while also having a whale of a time! A city like Nashville isn’t just one of the musical epicenters of the United States, but there are plenty of things for you and the kids to do. You can head to the Nashville Zoo and get on the Soaring Eagle zip line, or take them to the Nashville Children’s Theatre or if you want to head to a water park, Nashville Shores is a great attraction for the whole family.
Adventure, excitement, and downtime are all crucial components to a great family vacation. And if you are looking for ideas, these can provide you with the springboard you need. It’s very difficult to cover all the bases with a great family vacation, so take inspiration, and get planning for the vacation of a lifetime the whole family will appreciate! What are your favorite vacation destinations? Why do you love it? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!
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