Camping in a National Park
Road Tripping Across America
That quintessential American road trip is like a rite of passage for all families. And one of the best parts about it is that the whole family can have a say on how to map out their adventure. Kortman and his family actually spent six months traveling from Michigan to Mexico. A few must-see spots he suggests squeezing in (from east to west) include Niagara Falls, driving the Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Highway; checking out the beach in Savannah, Georgia; jumping on the historic Route 66 in Texas; seeing the splendor of Zion and Bryce Canyons in Utah, as well as the Grand Canyon, and then wrapping the trip up in California at Yosemite National Park or San Diego.
Experiencing Paradise
Another must-experience tropical vacation is a bit further to reach—almost halfway around the globe to be exact—to a resort in the southern part of the Philippines or Thailand. But once you've been there, you'll already feel yourself longing to go back. For the kids especially, it will be one awe-inspiring adventure after another, says Paul Kortman, the blogger behind Home Along the Way and the podcast Nomad Together who travels full-time with his family of six. "The kids can play in the shallows and see so much marine life, and go to the end of the dock and feed the fish from above or snorkel with the fish swimming around them," he says. "These are better than the Mexican resorts because they are not very busy and quite small. Plus the kids get to try foods that are totally different!"
Speeding Across Europe
A European tour is a bucket-list item that parents will want to do as much as the kids. And doing it by train will be all the more magical, says Kortman, especially if you're able to sleep on trains, since it saves on lodging costs and makes it fun for the kids to keep waking up in different countries or cities. He suggests starting in England and then making your way to Paris, Versailles, Madrid, Lisbon, Frankfurt, Prague and then eventually into Italy. "All are very wonderful experiences and worth every penny," he says.
Boondocking in Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur Mexico
Here's how to do a trip of a lifetime for a steal: Rent an RV and head to the marine and wildlife reserve in Cabo Pulmo in Baja California Sur Mexico, suggests Kortman. In addition to snorkeling or diving among a dazzling array of aquatic wildlife (hundreds of types of fish, jumping rays and even some whales or turtles), there are also plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails to round out the never-ending adventure. Plus, you can set up camp on the beach for free and then stroll into the village to sample the inexpensive local fare or to buy your own groceries.
Image via SF Gate
African Safari
"You could spend six months in South Africa and not cover all of the wonders this country has," says Kortman. A few of his top picks include Cape Town and the V&A waterfront, which has plenty of shopping, bridges and ships to see; Robben Island to get a political and cultural lesson on Apartheid; Table Mountain (hike and then take the cable car down; Boulders Beach to see penguins followed by Addo Elephant National Park; and, last but certainly not least, head into Kruger National Park. "Spend at least five days at Kruger. Do an overnight safari and stay in a bush camp so the kids can hear and see the nocturnal animals," suggests Kortman. And if there's any time at the end of your trip, make the long (but worthwhile) drive to Victoria Falls.
River Rafting the Pacific Northwest
A river rafting trip will not only be one of the most unforgettable vacations your family takes, it can also strengthen your bond as you work together to traverse the rapids and completely disconnect from cell phones and Wi-Fi (and, thankfully, the kids can't even try to fight you on it because reception is nonexistent). One great option is Salmon River in Oregon, which offers plenty of stops along sandy beaches to explore and play. Another is Rogue River in Idaho, which also provides opportunities for hiking, exploring waterfalls and spotting deer, black bears and river otters. To take the guesswork out of where to stop, as well as taking the stress out of pitching a tent and figuring out meals, look into a guided trip, such as Family Magic Rafting at Salmon River or Rogue River Lodge to Lodge Rafting.
