Suggestions for next years vacation...

[pjlla]

Lots of fun suggestions here!

My input....

if you do Grand Canyon, try to put $$ aside for a helicopter ride. We took a "once in a lifetime" trip out there 10 years ago and VOWED that we would return within 5 years to take the kids on a helicopter ride (and to do more exploring)....and of course, that never happened.

We also saw the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest while we were out there and it was well worth the side trip!! So glad we detoured for it! We were driving from Albuquerque, NM to the Grand Canyon and then on to Las Vegas, NV and finally Disneyland. But DD had seen the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest in a book in school and suggested we look into it and I'm so glad we did! We ended up driving through near sunset and it was beautiful!

I'm not sure how many days you are planning for this trip, but DD and I went to Niagara this past May and I really felt like we saw it all (on the American side, at least) in just a few days. We did the Maid of the Mist ride, the Cave of the Winds (not really a cave... more like a boardwalk), the Aquarium of Niagara, the Imax movie about the discovery of Niagara, rode the tram through the entire State Park twice, saw the Falls lit up at night, plus did a lot of walking.... in just 2.5 days (we arrived early Wednesday evening and left early Saturday morning). If you have more time you might want to venture out and see the Erie Locks.... but we didn't have time.

Have you considered Boston?? Lots to see and do plus lots of history.... New England Aquarium is superb (IMHO), the Freedom Trail, Old North Church, USS Constitution, Museum of Science, Duck Tours....tons to see and do in Boston. If you can afford to stay downtown or near downtown on a T line, then you can essentially just park your car and not touch it while you are there. Of course, you could always drive to Cape Cod for a day as well! And there is a new Legoland in Massachusetts as well.

How about Maine? Tons of coastline, lighthouses.... and even Old Orchard Beach if the kids want a few carnival rides!

Have a great time planning your next vacation!..............P

 

[moniqueand2]

With boys that age consider Louisville KY. The Slugger factory and museum, Churchill Downs, Abe Lincoln birthplace to the south. Lots of suggestions on the DIS for Louisville. I just went this April.

 

[maxiesmom]

Have you considered going East to Tennessee? The Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area has tons to do! If you like the outdoors there is hiking, white water rafting, horse back riding, and swimming. There are more mini golf places than you can shake a stick at! And Dollywood is always fun.

 

[Minnesota!]

We really loved San Diego - it is a very cool, interesting place to visit.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Wisconsin Dells is an easy trip from MO, but you really only need a few days there.


For hiking & such, it really doesn't get much better than the mountains out West though. We could have killed a week in the Mt Rushmore area if we had had more time. Yellowstone is magnificent, and Colorado has endless opportunities for outdoor fun

 

[Bamagirl43]

Did you find that there was enough that you were able to do with kids - assuming that you took kids along? I've been told that they have a really nice zoo and park area for kids, as well as a few other things.

NOLA is one of my kids favorite places to go. There is the zoo, aquarium, swamp tours and so many other things to do. We all love staying in the French Quarter.

 

[scrapshappen]

Okay, I'll admit I'm a planner, lol. But I've started thinking about next years vacation already - I think we are planning on skipping WDW next year but that could always change. I'm wanting to head somewhere we haven't been before and looking for suggestions/thoughts on the below areas. My family consists of DH, me and 2 boys (right now 7 & 11). Kids are both into history and outdoors type things, but love a good amusement park too.

So I'm thinking of the following:
New Orleans
Tybee Island GA and Savannah (would likely take this and New Orleans trip at different times during the summer)
Gulf Shores area
Niagra Falls
Or going West of us (Missouri), so like Texas, Arizona, North Dakota, etc.

We would likely drive any of the places, as we tend to like the road trip element of the vacation...So we could look at doing other things along the way.

I'm really curious what you thought of these areas and the cost of visiting vs the fun of what you did.

Thanks!!

I haven't been to Tybee Island, but I have been to Savannah, and St. Simon's and Jekyll Island. Very beautiful part of the country and there is plenty to do in that area, especially if you add Jacksonville and St. Augustine since they are close too.

But you left Utah off of your trip west. Seriously, Southern Utah should be on everyone's bucket list. I live up north but I take every opportunity I can to visit the red rock canyons, arches, and hoodoos down south. It really is like nothing you can find anywhere else.

If you add the surrounding areas (southwestern Colorado and northern Arizona) it isn't difficult to hit seven national parks as well as several national monuments and tribal parks in a two week period: Zion NP, Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Bryce NP, Capitol Reef NP, Mesa Verde NP, Grand Canyon NP, Monument Valley and Four Corners Tribal Park, Hovenweep NM, Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, Glen Canyon NRA and more.

 

[scrapshappen]

For those considering the Grand Canyon, I will say this: it was a disappointment to me. I felt like every vista was the same there. I'm not sorry I went and everyone should see it once, but I'm in no hurry to go back.

I can't say the same about the rest of the parks I mentioned in my prior post. I loved them all and with the exception of Mesa Verde (which I do hope to return to someday), I have been to them numerous times and never get tired of the scenery. Zion is not that far from the Grand Canyon and is very much worth the drive. And not much further than that is Bryce Canyon which is my favorite. Pictures just do not to it justice.

I also love Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons too. Very much worth a visit and the summer is a great time to go there because the weather is pleasant.

 

[lindsey]

As others said, north rim grand canyon was great. But I really enjoyed Yellowstone. So many different aspects!

 

[kkwis2]

I have to make a pitch for going west as well. Two years ago we drove from MN to Yellowstone. It was absolutely fabulous. We all had a great time and want to go back. My kids were 9 and 11 then.

This summer we hit 6 national parks ~ Arches, Bryce, Zion, the North Rim (Grand Canyon), Mesa Verde and The Great Sand Dunes. All were unique. Each day we were experiencing something completely different from the day before. Again, kids now 11 and 13, we all had a great time and look forward to going back. Our only regret is not having more time especially at Zion.

Last summer we stuck closer to home and ventured through Michigan. That was wonderful as well. Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes are a must.

Whatever you choose, adventure is there for those who seek it!

 

[ajwolfe]

Have you considered going East to Tennessee? The Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area has tons to do! If you like the outdoors there is hiking, white water rafting, horse back riding, and swimming. There are more mini golf places than you can shake a stick at! And Dollywood is always fun.

We have actually done this trip twice with the boys. Love the area!! They would go again if we would let them, but want to try somewhere new.

 

[ajwolfe]

Love all the ideas for going West. Two things I'm worried about with it, is that my 7 year old will grow bored of it quickly and that since we usually can only get away for a max of 8 or 9 days at a time right now that we wouldn't have enough time to do a lot with driving there.
It is definitely something that's on my bucket list though!!

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! When I discussed with DH last night, he's definitely wanting to hit a beach next year so I've just got to find one to incorporate into our adventure.

For the PP that mentioned staying in the French Quarter - sounds like you had your kids with you....Do you have any recommendations on where?

I think I'm between a NOLA and Gulf Shores trip or a Savannah/Tybee Island or Hilton Head trip.

Thanks again!!

 

[luvsJack]

I live about half way between Gulf Shores and NOLA. LOVE both places. We do long weekends, day trips and week trips to both.

Gulf Shores has a lot to do. Of course there is the beach and all that goes with it. And you can rent jet skis, go parasailing, wind surfing, etc. There is a big waterpark/amusement park (we have never been but it looks like fun) and there is a go kart track that also has a great arcade, some kiddie rides, putt putt golf and bumper boats. Some great outlet shopping up the road in Foley. We love going there.

NOLA is also great. Never run out of things to do and things to see. Great food and just fun. WWII museum, a kids museum, the zoo, the aquarium, the insectarium, rides on the riverboats, etc. etc. etc.

Now, having been to both a number of times and enjoying both immensely, if I was planning a trip in the summer, I would choose Gulf Shores every time. The reason is the heat and humidity in NOLA. I live in the same climate but getting in the city among the buildings and very little breeze and it becomes unbearable. If you could time it right and go to NOLA early in the a.m., do some things and have a plan in place to spend the heat of the day somewhere cool and then back out to tour late in the evening, it wouldn't be quite so bad.

OTOH, Gulf Shores, while it can be hot, you have the option of on the beach, under an umbrella and enjoying that breeze coming off the gulf. And the water is there to cool you off.

We save NOLA for fall and winter trips. Gulf Shores for spring and summer.

 

[HeatherC]

If you are considering Hilton Head, a couple places I would recommend are Palmetto Dunes Resort, Hilton Beach and Tennis and Hilton Head Resort. All are reasonable and have great beach access.

Hilton Head is great! It has miles of hard packed beaches as well as miles of nice flat bike paths under the shade of gorgeous trees providing a nice canopy from the heat.

There is also mini golf, parasailing, kayaking, ziplining, great shops and restaurants, horseback riding, etc. It is also 30 minutes from Savannah and about two hours and fifteen mins from Charleston for daytrips.

We love it so much, we even drive twice a year from Massachusetts with three kids.

also..we always rent through homeaway or vrbo.com. Much cheaper than through a resort directly.

Have fun researching wherever you go!

 

[we3travellers]

Didn't read all of the responses, but giving you a Canadian perspective! If you choose to do Niagara Falls, you can then come over to the Canadian side and hit Toronto. Lots to do and I would be happy to answer any questions for you. Big plus....you dollar goes further here!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Love all the ideas for going West. Two things I'm worried about with it, is that my 7 year old will grow bored of it quickly and that since we usually can only get away for a max of 8 or 9 days at a time right now that we wouldn't have enough time to do a lot with driving there.
It is definitely something that's on my bucket list though!!

With a limited amount of time, I'd look to SD or CO for a Western road trip. Both are a reasonable distance & plenty to do. Yellowstone, SW Utah, and AZ are all spectacular, but you're talking about a much longer car ride AND you're passing many places you'll want to see along the way.

Last year, we went from MO (~ an hour West of STL) to:
Mitchell, SD to:
Custer, SD to:
Scotts Bluff, NE to:
Kansas City, KS to:
Home

We hit Mitchell on day 1 in time to see the Corn Palace before checking into our hotel (and that's stopping for sit-down meals in Cameron, MO & somewhere in Eastern SD). To avoid KC traffic, we went North from Columbia on 63 to US 36, then West to I-29 before heading North into IA/NE & SD.

Day 2 Badlands & Bear Country USA just outside of Rapid City.

Day 3 Mt Rushmore, Iron Mtn Road, Needles Highway, and Crazy Horse

Day 4 down to Scotts Bluff, NE for a stop at the Oregon Trail Historical Center (youngest wanted to see it), then Southeastward in NE down to I-80.

Day 5 drove to KC, KS

Day 6 & 7 Schlitterbahn waterpark

Day 8 home.


If I had it to do over again, we'd head West out of Rapid City and see Devil's Tower in Eastern, WY before heading South. But, DW wanted to chop a day out of the trip, so that stop had to go

Really, the only long drive of the entire trip was on the first day where we went about 670 miles. But, it's the first day of the trip, everyone's excited, and it's all 65+ MPH



Front range in CO is another option. You could head out after work Friday night, stop in Eastern, KS the first night, and be in Co Springs by supper the next day. You could spend several days in & around that area, or head North to Rocky Mtn National Park. Can't lose with either plan



As for the beach, we really like the Holiday Inn Resort in Panama City Beach. The nice thing about a resort is everything is THERE. We were there a couple weeks ago & only left the hotel once in 5 days. Something to think about wherever you end up

 

[GaBelle]

Awesome!! Would love to hear your suggestions on what to do in Savannah with the boys and which tours are neat to take. I'm really leaning towards this trip just because I think it looks like it would be fun to see all the old houses and such.

If they are into history- Ft. Pulaski and old Ft. Jackson. Wormsloe cemetery.
Gray line tours are a good solid bus tour.
Be sure to visit Forsyth Park, Leopold's for ice cream and Bonnie van go go's for pizza!
Several of the ghost tours are corny, but the one at the Old Sorrell Weed house is awesome. Scary awesome.
Really savannah is a nice walkable city and you could just stroll around.
There are wonderful b&bs too if you want to skip chain hotels.

 

[Ilovemyprincesses]

There is nothing to do in Niagara Falls.

 

[GaBelle]

Sorry! Vinnie van go go's for pizza! Autocorrect.

 

[rnorwo1]

I live about half way between Gulf Shores and NOLA. LOVE both places. We do long weekends, day trips and week trips to both.

Gulf Shores has a lot to do. Of course there is the beach and all that goes with it. And you can rent jet skis, go parasailing, wind surfing, etc. There is a big waterpark/amusement park (we have never been but it looks like fun) and there is a go kart track that also has a great arcade, some kiddie rides, putt putt golf and bumper boats. Some great outlet shopping up the road in Foley. We love going there.

NOLA is also great. Never run out of things to do and things to see. Great food and just fun. WWII museum, a kids museum, the zoo, the aquarium, the insectarium, rides on the riverboats, etc. etc. etc.

Now, having been to both a number of times and enjoying both immensely, if I was planning a trip in the summer, I would choose Gulf Shores every time. The reason is the heat and humidity in NOLA. I live in the same climate but getting in the city among the buildings and very little breeze and it becomes unbearable. If you could time it right and go to NOLA early in the a.m., do some things and have a plan in place to spend the heat of the day somewhere cool and then back out to tour late in the evening, it wouldn't be quite so bad.

OTOH, Gulf Shores, while it can be hot, you have the option of on the beach, under an umbrella and enjoying that breeze coming off the gulf. And the water is there to cool you off.

We save NOLA for fall and winter trips. Gulf Shores for spring and summer.

I live near NOLA and vacation in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach (which we prefer to Gulf Shores) often, and agree completely with all of this. You can enjoy about 3, maybe 4, days in NOLA, and then be in in AL for the beach in just a few hours. The heat and humidity here are terrible, so alternate outdoor and indoor activities. I cannot stress enough what our humidity is like, it feels like you can cut the air it is so thick, and even being in the shade offers little relief. I've been to some of the best zoos all over the country, and Audubon Zoo in NOLA is the best, IMO. They opened a decent little water area (more than a splash park but not quite a water park) a few years ago, and there's another little "creek" that runs down a "hill" in a shady part of the zoo that our kids can spend an hour running up and down in with their shoes off. The insectarium and aquarium are nice, City Park is great fun if you can go during a cooler time of the day, we have tons of festivals throughout the year, the WW museum is very impressive (although maybe a tad boring for your little one), and then there are simple, neat things to do like taking a ride on a street car through the Garden District. If there is a show you would be interested in at Saenger Theater during your dates, go, the theater is beautiful! It just reopened in 2013 post-Katrina damage. I would not stay in the French Quarter if you are looking to walk around in the evenings... Many of the scenes can be very adult oriented . But you can stay within walking distance (like Drury Inn on Poydras), and have easy access to a street car and more family friendly places to walk to in the evenings. There are tons of boutique hotels that are nice that I have used when I need to stay the night for work, and we don't normally stay as a family since we live so close... But Drury and Embassy Suites are nice for families.

As for Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, we always stay in condos (usually one of the Phoenix resorts, once we stayed in Caribe which is bay side, not gulf front, but it had fabulous pools, slides, lazy river, etc) which can be very pricey during the summer. I think prices tend to drop around the first week of August. And I would definitely make reservations early... Some of the more desirable places are already booked for certain weeks next summer.

I think you would have a very nice vacation with this plan, but....
Given your kids' ages, I strongly encourage you to reconsider Williamsburg. We did a 16day road trip this summer, and that was our last stop, staying 5 nights there. Truly an amazing trip, and I would not have wanted to split time there with DC, both of those places deserve their own attention! We went to williamsburg, jamestown, Yorktown, busch gardens, and water country. We also had time to enjoy the nice resort, kingsgate. The kids just loved all of the hands-on historic activities, it was a fabulous learning experience, and just an all around great vacation. Had a blast at Busch Gardens, too! I think VA beach is just a little over an hour away (??), so you could still have a beach vacation, too. Then, you can come to NOLA during a fall or spring break and not feel like your skin is melting off!

Either way, I am sure you will have a fabulous trip, have fun planning!