Travel and Leisure recently had a great article (which I will borrow and add my own commentary) regarding ‘must do’ trips to take while the kids are young. Well our oldest is 12 and almost 13 (yikes I am getting old!) so it got me thinking how many more places we have to hit before our 10 year old hits the teen years. Our boys are blessed to be able to travel and with a rough count they have visited 15 states or territories. After this summer they will have visited 7 different countries. I think when I was twelve I had been to only 3 (FL, NH, and PA). Let’s take a look at experiences that are on the 'to do' list – these are also fantastic for those young at heart!
Costa Rica’s Rain Forest - has a wild frontier, primitive thicket of jungles, and beaches ripe for exploring. Add to that tree climbing, zip lining, and repelling down waterfalls – it’s a paradise for the adventurous kid.
Skiing in Colorado – In my teen and early adulthood years I have skied the ‘ice’ of the New England Mountains. But nothing beats the western mountains for skiing. Being so close now to the Rockies we might have to venture west down I-70 for some winter fun. – if my knees can handle the slopes.
Kauai by Land, Sea, and Air – This one we are hitting next spring break! I am looking forward to a helicopter tour to explore the awe inspiring settings for Jurassic Park. Visiting Waimea Canyon the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Hawaii is high on our to-do list.
Disney Done Right – You knew this one had to be here! I think our boys are now fully qualified to give guided tours of all the parks and resorts. For the full Disney experience staying at a Disney Resort such as the Animal Kingdom Lodge or Polynesian Resort cannot be beat.
Maine Family Camping – We enjoyed a lot of camping when we were living in New England. Being out in the mountains with the campfire and a night so clear you can really see the stars. From staying in tents all the way to our now sold ‘condo’ on wheels it was a blast!
A Great Urban Getaway – New York City, Washington DC, Chicago, and Kansas City (ok I added that one). Need I say more?
Yellowstone Adventure - We have done a great trip to the Grand Canyon but Yellowstone might trump that for kids. More than 300 gushing geysers; multihued ‘paint pots’ that look like melted Popsicles – only steaming; and America’s Big Five; bears, bison, bighorn sheep, elk, and wolves.
Colonial Williamsburg – Where else can you go to a living museum and have fun learning about history. Then also visit an awesome theme park!
Affordable Atlantis – The largest marine habitat in the Caribbean. One of the best beaches this side of Thailand. A five- story corkscrew waterslide into a shark pool. Is it any wonder Atlantis, on the Bahamas’ Paradise Island, is the ultimate long weekend extravaganza?
Ultimate Road Trips – These three itineraries showcase some of the most beautiful scenery in America: The Florida Keys, Utah’s National Parks (the boys loved this one!), and Olympic National Park, Washington.
Alaska’s Inside Passage – Glacier carved wilderness has bald eagles, humpback whales, and Dall sheep all against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains and dramatic fjords. I was a bit nervous for our trip a couple of years ago not knowing if the boys would like and appreciate it. Well they have stated it was one of the best trips they have ever taken.
The Annual Destination – Having a cherished family tradition for vacation is something truly special. Although we visit Disney almost yearly – Hilton Head Island is fast becoming our tradition. We had to skip this year but after 5 years visiting this has become our tradition and we will be back next year!
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