As the summer winds down and a new school year begins, many families are fondly reminiscing their fun summer vacations. Many made memories at the lakes or the beach, in theme parks or at Grandma’s house. There’s just no other time of the year when the pace of life slows down and families come together to celebrate the warm, carefree days of summer.

If you’re remembering those fun-filled days of sun and sand with a bit of nostalgia, I have some good news for you! Today is the perfect time to start planning NEXT year’s summer family vacation! And if you’re looking for some exciting new destinations for your crew, I have five amazing vacation ideas just for you.

While there are so many awe-inspiring sights and historically important places to visit in the US, I’ve narrowed down this month’s list to these top five. Because I’ve personally journeyed to all these locations in my recent travels, I’ve gained first-hand knowledge to assist you in booking a hassle-free trip. Any one of these destinations will certainly be the grand highlight of your summer and will have your family reminiscing for years to come!

ALASKA

For our 5th year anniversary, my wife and I ventured out on a Norwegian cruise ship sailing through the southern ports of Alaska. The cruise lasted 7 days, beginning in Vancouver and disembarking in Seward, and stopped at 3 different Alaskan ports along the way. Our week was full of exciting adventures from watching whales breach right in front of us to hearing the snap, crackle, and pop of falling ice in the glaciers.

Venturing to the last frontier by cruise is one of the best ways to get an overview of our 49th state. With port stops and excursions as well as onboard activities and dining, a cruise affords travelers the opportunity to bond with loved ones in a variety of settings. To maximize your time, I suggest booking a port-intensive cruise that docks nearly every day with a limit of two and half days at sea. This will allow you and your family to stretch your legs, avoid seasickness, and see plenty of the sights. Although there’s many cruise-sponsored excursions to fill your schedule, I highly recommend booking excursions with the locals. You’ll get way more bang for your buck while learning from local guides.

ALASKA BUCKET LIST

Whale watching excursion
Sightseeing train ride from Seward to Anchorage
Eating as much fresh seafood as possible
Cruising through Glacier Bay
Wildlife Viewing (eagles, bears, goats, and more!)

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

No trip out west is complete without a trip to Yellowstone National Park. Full of iconic American scenery, thermal pools, geysers, and wildlife, this park is accessible from both Wyoming and Montana state lines.

If you plan a driving trip, I recommend scheduling at least a full day to view the various natural wonders, tour the gift shops, and enjoy the day. To avoid traffic, get an early start, pack a picnic lunch, mark a route with the Park maps, and try to opt out on holiday weekends. If you prefer a longer stay, there is a historic lodge with cozy, rustic accommodations. And for the adventurous types, there are plenty of spaces within the Park to set up camp.

A word of caution: Drive carefully! The drive up and down and around the mountains can be a stomach churner for an inexperienced driver. For extra safety, travel in daylight in a small SUV.

YELLOWSTONE BUCKET LIST

Catch the eruption of Old Faithful (see daily estimated times posted in the Park)
View the Bubbling Mud Pots
Walk up the Mammoth Hot Springs
Keep an eye out for wildlife

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

Of all the historic cities in the US, Philadelphia is one of our nation’s most outstanding treasures. Here you can trace Revolutionary War and early American history, tour the city’s amazing architecture, and enjoy a traditional Philly Cheese Steak sandwich.

If your goal is to focus on history, then I suggest staying in the Loews in the financial district. This hotel is just a few walking blocks away from the heart of the historical district and makes commuting back and forth fast and easy. I also recommend taking a map of the city with you as you plan your day. (We found Eyewitness Travel Philadelphia Guide a great resource!)

PHILADELPHIA BUCKET LIST

Visit Independence Hall
Check out the Liberty Bell
Tour Betsy Ross’s Home
Utilize the Hop-on-Hop-off Bus for a drive tour of the city

RELATED: Weekend Getaway: Chicago

LEWES, DELAWARE

While Lewes may be familiar to those on the East Coast, this quaint beach town is a hidden gem for those visiting from the South or Midwest. About an hour’s drive from Rehoboth Beach, Lewes is one of the more family-friendly towns on the quiet Delaware beach. Known as the first city in the first state, this iconic Atlantic summer town is full of charm, history, and beautiful waterfronts.

If you’re looking for a hotel on the bay with a bed and breakfast feel, I recommend trying The Inn at Canal Square. For those who prefer more modern accomodations, look for hotels near Rehoboth Beach. And be sure to try the wholewheat blueberry pancakes at the Nectar Café in the town square. They are out of this world!

LEWES BUCKET LIST

View the sunset on the beach
Check out the Dutch Zwaanendael Museum
Grab coffee at the local coffee shops
Rent a boat and sail the Atlantic
Take the ferry to Cape May for the day

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

For a taste of the sweet and genteel South, venture out to Asheville, a bohemian small town nestled in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. This charming town affords all guests a chance to slow down, relax, and absorb the beauty of God’s amazing creation. With outdoor sports and recreation activities in abundance, Asheville is an ideal place for families desiring to escape the bustling noise of the city.

When visiting Asheville, I recommend booking a room at the Biltmore Hotel on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate. With stunning views of the property and easy access to shopping, this is the best location for first-time guests in the area. After visiting the Biltmore, take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, check out the waterfalls, and drink in the gorgeous scenery!

ASHEVILLE BUCKET LIST

Book a tour of the Biltmore Estate and Gardens
Shop in Downtown Asheville
Visit some of the local scenic hotspots including Rainbow Falls in Pisgah Forest

As you prepare for next year’s family summer vacation, any of these five destinations would be an excellent choice for your travel plans. To book your next trip, contact my office. I’ll be happy to help you plan an exciting summer vacation to remember for 2018!

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