Travel Options for Families

When you have kiddos, you try so hard to get everything in a routine: wake up, breakfast, get dressed, off to school, home from school, homework, play time, dinner, bath, bed and repeat. 

Somewhere, in that routine, you’re doing a dozen things at the same time: working, scheduling appointments, answering emails, buying groceries and well the list goes on and on. Then the world came to a screeching halt and threw everything out of whack.

While you have rallied and made it through the past year of home schooling, exhaustion, uncertainty and endless meals made at home, you’re probably singing hallelujah that summer has finally arrived and things are getting back to a small sense of normalcy. 

While this summer still may not look how you envisioned, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time with family. You can still travel and explore while being safe, smart and socially distant if preferred. 

If you’re ready to safely get out of your house, travel and make some memories, then check out some of the best travel options for families this summer.

1. Outer Banks, North Carolina

The barrier islands that make up the Outer Banks set the backdrop for one of the most classic summer vacation spots. While there are chain hotels throughout the islands, it’s fun to rent a house on the beach for a week and spend that time pretending you’re a beach native. The area is full of activities for the kids to enjoy from the sand and surf, to boogie boarding, fishing and mini golfing courses. If you’re feeling like you need a little history and adventure, go tour any of the numerous lighthouses that dot the Carolina coast. 

2. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming 

Spend some time this summer breathing in that cool mountain air. Located right outside of Jackson Hole Wyoming, the Grand Teton National Park is one of the most stunning and breathtaking destinations in the country. You’ll have plenty of space to enjoy nature whether your family enjoys hiking, kayaking, biking or horseback riding. There are plenty of house rentals in the area which provide a safe, clean and comfy home base for everyone to spread out after an adventure-packed day in the park.

3. The Zoo

If flying or driving to a new place isn’t in the cards for you this summer, check out your local zoo or aquarium for a fun day trip for you and the kids. The best part about animal-themed attractions like a zoo or an aquarium is it combines entertainment and education all in one. Let your kids get in touch with their wild side and explore a “Day-cation” close to home.

4. Road trip through the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches from Virginia to North Carolina with over 450 miles and provides some of the most magical views of the Great Smokey Mountains. Throughout your road trip through the low-speed parkway,  you’ll find plenty of lookouts, rest stops and ranger stations to get out, stretch your legs, take in the views and even learn a thing or two about the surrounding nature.

 If you’re feeling super adventurous, why not rent an RV and take the whole family on a road trip?

5. The Grand Canyon, Arizona 

If you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, now is the perfect opportunity to make that bucket list trip. The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and rightfully so; it is absolutely majestic and breathtaking. This is a great option if you’re looking to social distance because the Grand Canyon is literally so expansive, even during peak season, you can avoid large crowds. There are multiple entrances to the park, but the South entrance has many great viewpoint pit stops, three lodges that provide refreshments and food, as well as sleeping accommodations and fun ranger activities for the kids to enjoy.

Even though things are opening back up, this summer is still going to look a little different than summers in the past. There may not be large 4^th of July firework displays or cruise ship vacations, but there are still plenty of exciting places to explore, all while remaining socially distant. 

I hope this helps to get your mind turning on all the options you and your family have this summer. Whether you’re looking for local day-cations, a relaxing beach getaway or an adrenaline adventure-packed trip, you’re bound to have an amazing time making memories with your kids. 

Until next time Kuties, 

Keon