Tell me about your favorite trip

[kajamelu4]

The great summer plan-a-thon has started at my house. Every year I like to take my family on a trip. There are millions of places we would like to go, but when it gets right down to it, the decision gets difficult.
Multi-generational is the way we travel around here. I like to take my parents, otherwise they wouldn't get to go. Both of them have mobility problems, and can't walk very far. (So many travel sites are dedicated to activities that they could not do.) My children (ages 4 to 25) also will be traveling with us. So we need to go places that have a variety of activities available.
We will be traveling by cars. No planes, trains, or ships this year. We do like to take tours of the places we visit. All kinds, from buses, to boats, even horse drawn carriages (Vicksburg, Mississippi). My kids like activities from zip lines, swimming, cave tours, museums, etc. They are game for about anything. Even historical places are good for them.

So to cut this long story down some, tell me about a great place to visit. Help us decide where to go this year. Anywhere from Montana, to Florida. From California to West Virginia. Where have you been that you have great memories of? What activities did you do there? Your favorite place in the USA? Or maybe just a dream trip that you would like to do? I want to make great memories for my kids with their grandparents while everyone is still able to do so.

Karol

[Nathan N]

In searching for white water rafting and horseback riding to the west I stumbled upon a rental house in Ouray, Colorado. This fit the bill for us as we took our daughters and my mother. I couldn't find any suitable lodging in the Durango area.

The girls rode horses in Ouray. We went on a mine tour. We went on a jeep tour up to Imogene Pass. The girls went white water rafting near Durango. Wanted to get out to Mesa Verde but they had wildfires.

http://www.ouraycolorado.com/

Another trip we enjoyed Philipsburg, MT. The sapphire mining was enjoyable, toured the local museum, meandered the backroads enjoying the scenery and wildlife, visited the territorial prison at Deer Lodge, thoroughly enjoyed visiting Nevada City ( a ways southwest of Philipsburg)

http://www.philipsburgmt.com/

Good luck in your quest.

[P'colaTear]

I would recommend the Black Hills in South Dakota. Beautiful country and lots to do: Deadwood - gambling, shopping, history, Mt. Rushmore, Jewel Cave, just to mention a few. Beautiful lakes for water sports. Camping of all types. My son and I spent 2 weeks there back in 2003 and I would go back again. I have included a website if you want to check it out further - http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/

We weren't impressed with the Badlands, but to each their own.

[BrwBier]

Circumnavigating Lake Michigan is a good tour. Many things to do for all members of a family. Many vistas of more fresh water than you have ever seen. Museums, hiking, shopping, water parks, lake side parks for lounging, zoo's. Even a couple of car ferries to make it interesting.
Brwbier

[Guest]

Hello,


I think Miami and key west is the best places in Florida to travel.and los angeles and San Francisco is the best place in California. this places are my favorite places for traveling in these two states.



good luck!!

[kajamelu4]

Thanks for the replies! The votes have been cast, and tallied. Wyoming is the winner for this summer!

Several years ago, we (my parents, sister, her kids, and some of my kids) traveled to South Dakota. We did all the touristy things. Mt. Rushmore, The Badlands, Wall Drug, The Corn Palace, etc. We all had a grand time. It was the first extended trip for my kids with their grandparents. I really believe that trip changed our family for the better. My kids are alot closer to their grandparents now.

My mom has always traveled with us kids, but my dad didn't like to go. So he stayed home. But all that changed as he got older. And our travels together started with a phone call home to my dad, while my mom and I were gone on a trip to Kentucky. I asked Dad what he was doing, and his reply " Mildewing. It's what I do best." I then asked him what he would rather be doing, and his reply was "Looking at MT. Rushmore." I had no idea that he wanted see it. So the trip was on.

My dad has lots of health problems, and mobility issues. Heart problems mostly. My family keeps telling me that one day something will happen to him, but I keep telling them better out on the road, than just sitting at home. And the places that we've seen.......Wow! Since then we've been as far northwest as Alaska, and as far northeast as Maine, and up into Canada. And as far south as San Antonio, Texas. And one of these days, if I'm having to deal with hospitals, or worse, away from home....all I can say is that it is worth the time we had together. And my dad would agree.

And I think my siblings are finally seeing the light, so to speak. Both my brothers and their kids are going with us this summer. I believe it has the potential for becoming the new best trip ever.

Karol

[goramsey]

Saline Valley in Death Valley. The park service has now included Saline Valley into the park. Fantastic place to visit. Very rural. Lots of mining history. A tram was built over the mountains and to look through binoculars to see what remains blows your mind. How could they have built it. The best part is the clothing optional camping/hot springs. Wow, what a cool place. I took a couple of girl friends there on two different occasions of course. Do not go in the summer!! One day we sat in the hot springs and watched the Navy jets scream by overhead giving us a show you would not believe. The Navy comes to the springs to relax as well. They come in helicopters though.

[Mrs Rayvillian]

One of the most memorable trips that Gary and I have taken is the first year we went to Minden. We left Minden, when over to Casper WY and then up to Thermopolis WY outside of Yellowstone. We went on a really great white water rafting trip. Then over to Devil's Den, down to Mount Rushmore ... actually stayed at the city park in Spear Fish SD .. one of the most beautiful parks to camp in. Then over to Mitchell SD to the Corn Palace ... and back to KC. Even though got home over the 4th of July weekend ... there was snow on the mountains in northern WY ... up on Powder Pass. Trudy

[scotta]

Just finished my first teardrop trip. north from ms. through tn.,ark.,mo.ia.,mn.,west on hiway 2 through n.d. , mt., id. wa.,south through or.,ca on hiway 101 and I 5, then east on hiway 50 through nv., ut., south on 550 through colorado then hiway 84 through n.m., then I 40 back to Memphis,tn. then home again. about 7200 miles 20 days
close to 1500 miles on hiway 2 enjoyed very, very much. Montana may be the prettiest state that I've visited, tho they all have their good points.Iowa went to John Wayne Festival and visited the covered bridges of Madison county. Sprint car races in Knoxville. Mall of America in Mn. and Headwaters of the Ms. River. North Dakota visited Kegs Drive-Inn and the Goegraphic center of north America. Mt. visited Glacier Nat.PK
Spent the night in Idaho at a park called "The Mudhole". Leavenworth ,Wa. is a Bavarian Village enjoyed a lot. Rode the ferry to Bainbridge Island. Camped on Pacific coast. Saw Mt. Ranier, Mt St. Helens
Visited Evergreen Aviation Museum saw Spruce Goose in Mcminnville, Or.
Visited Crater Lake before visiting the Avenue of the GIants to see the Redwood trees. Traveled HWY. 50 (THE LONLIEST ROAD IN AMERICA) according to the signs across Nv. and Parts of Ut. Corner of Co. to get to Chama, N.M. then on to Albuququer to vist friends before scootin home Kinda windy but I sure enjoyed this trip. BTW sold my TD the day after I returned.

[Robert005]

I am planning to visit Kerala, my first trip to India - in October and can't not decide where to go. I am looking for a nice beach, small hotel (AC and a soft bed), in a town with walking distance to restaurants and beach. Would like to some ayurveda treatments and take a boat trip. I like outdoor activites and to do excursions. What would you recomend? I am 30, solo female traveler.
Thanks!

[eamarquardt]

Suzy and I went to Philly for a week in May. Lots of history there! Saw the USNA, Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Amish country, Fort McHenry, and lot's of Philly.

Traveling is difficult for me as the motion, noise, and vibration set off the neuralgias (read pain) I experience. Went to Kauai in February and the flight was an ordeal as there was no escape from the triggers for the pain. I usually escape by sleeping but I don't sleep well on a cramped plane.

So I went to the doctor before going to Philly and asked for 6 vicodin (after she rejected my request: "as they come in bottles of a hundred, that will be fine"). Got a script for 15 valium and 30 vicodin. At the beginning of each transcontinental flight I took one of each. The plane and other passengers flew at roughly 35 thousand feet. I flew at 45 thousand feet. This was clearly the most enjoyable part of the trip!

These are the first pills I've taken in 7 years! I've tucked the remaining pills away for a "special occasion". Living the dream, the doctors will give me any painkillers I ask for!

Cheers,

Gus[/u]

[cdfnchico]

We always travel with the "whole fam damily" ourselves...making memories! So I can definitely relate! We've had some spectacular trips...but let me share a couple destinations close to our home.

Yosemite Valley is simply awe inspiring and not t be missed! Only seven miles long, the valley is packed with spectacular scenery. The Merced River meanders through the valley floor...waterfalls grace the sheer granite walls. Free shuttles take you around the valley floor and out to the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia. Picnic in El Capitan Meadow and watch climbers on the face. Hikes and bike riding are available for active folks...and brunch at the Ahwanee is a special event for all!

<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3348520415_ddfe222fd7_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Bridalveil Classic">

And...it's only 200 miles from "The City" ...San Francisco! The classic touristy things to see and do are fun for the whole family. The Golden Gate, Alcatraz, Palace of Fine Arts, Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, Cable Cars, etc...There are still relatively inexpensive places to stay...try the Cow Hollow Motor Inn and sister properties for some with free parking.

<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2069/2212399364_f173331c11.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Bay Bridge Streams 6"></a>

Don't forget to check out City Guides Walking Tours. These are free (by donation) tours of just about everything and every place in SF. They aren't strenuous...most are suitable for children. We have been on several and greatly enjoyed them!

Whatever you choose to do...have a great time and don't forget to share pictures!!

[eamarquardt]

The California Central Coast is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the LA to San Deigo urban sprawl and the Bay area. You have Big Sur, the coast, and a must see is Hearst's Castle. A bit cold and impersonal for my tastes but he definately had a bunch of money.

Food for thought.

Cheers,

Gus

[Arne]

My favorite trip was my first and longest. 5k miles, from CT to FL to New Orleans, Chicago, back to CT...

In LA, I rode the street cars, visited the French quarter, and Avery Island, where Tabasco is made (and had Tabasco flavored ice cream, which btw, was very tastey).