After several years of taking family vacations over spring and summer break, I have come to realize all the beautiful places I have gotten to experience! I thought it would be a great idea to share my thoughts and opinions on the best 5 vacations my family took me on. From when I was a young girl to the present as a college student, I have loved these trips so much and have made so many amazing memories that I will cherish and love forever! I hope you learn something new while reading that may convince you to make a trip with family or friends!
Mount Haleakala is a giant Shield Volcano in Maui, Hawaii. The elevation is 10,023 feet and feels as though you are in the clouds! This vacation spot provides many opportunities for fun and adventure! The air is fresh, and there are many sightseeing places to view Mount Haleakala with breathtaking views and dramatic scenery.
However, don’t be fooled, the higher up you go in elevation, the colder it gets. A sprinkle of rain is also possible, so be prepared with jackets!
The Grand Canyon is located in Northern Arizona. It consists of natural features with a variety of rocks as products of erosion. The Colorado River also flows through deepening and widening the canyon. The fresh air provides for great weather conditions to hike and explore the canyon. There are beautiful views all around, with great photo opportunities from many different views. The Grand Canyon is also home to so much history! Fun fact: President Theodore Roosevelt was a major proponent of the preservation and visited many times to hunt and enjoy the scenery! In addition, for thousands of years, the area has been continuously inhabited by Native Americans.
However, be aware of the time you plan your trip! The summertime can reach record-high temperatures! As well as keep in mind summer can be popular and large crowds are likely!
Mount Rushmore (Black Hills, South Dakota)
Mount Rushmore National Park is located in Black Hills, South Dakota. It is a symbol of hope and freedom for people from all cultures and backgrounds. As it was dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of all North America’s tribes. When you visit you will see the Avenue of Flags, which consists of 56 flags (50 states, 1 district, 3 territories, and 2 commonwealths of the U.S.). You will also see the Grand View Terrace, which includes a visitor center below with information about the history and construction of the project! This is a great vacation spot that all families seem to love! The memories made here last forever, and the smiles in the pictures prove the trip was worth it!
However, keep in mind weekends tend to be the heaviest crowds, so plan accordingly (mornings tend to have the lowest crowds, hint hint!)
Arches National Park (Utah) Moab, Utah “Where Adventure Begins”
Arches National Park is located in Utah, North of Moab (“Where Adventure Begins”). When you visit, you will be taken aback by the scenery of red rocks against the clear blue sky. The views are breathtaking from any angle you look from. You can even see arches, towers and balanced rocks from paved park roads! Opportunities include hiking trails or making the 19-mile scenic drive! To get the most out of your trip, I highly recommend going hiking on some of the trails to really get up close and personal and get the full effect! Some stops I suggest you make include Balanced Rock, Landscape Arch and the Delicate Arch. Balanced rock is 128 feet tall, and is a 3,600-ton boulder that has worn away from erosion but still balances on a skinny pedestal. Landscape Arch is the widest arch on the planet that stretches 306 feet across and 11 feet at its central point. I save the best stop for last, Delicate Arch. Although this requires a bit of hiking – a challenging 3-mile hike round trip, especially if you want to see the arch up close – it’s worth it!! Delicate Arch is 46 feet tall and 32 feet wide! It’s the largest free-standing arch in the park!
However, there is not much shade, so bring plenty of water and drink throughout your trip! Coming from Illinois, the air in Utah is not the same! Your best bet is to complete this challenging hike up to the Arch at sunrise or sunset, and not during the heat of the day!
Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Bryce Canyon is located in Southern Utah. It is known for its unique landscape of famous crimson red hoodoos (spire-shaped rock formations). There are also a variety of interconnected hiking trails if you’re feeling adventurous! On a perfect day, the sky will be clear and wide open allowing you to see all the way to Arizona and Mexico! Some highlights to make note of are the Navajo Loop Hiking Trail, as well as the Rock Formation named Thor’s Hammer! You have the opportunity to either take a scenic drive or hike into Bryce Amphitheater to observe up close! I strongly recommend if you have the time in your itinerary to take a horseback-ride trip down into the Canyon! It is well worth it to go down and see the rock formations from bottom to top, looking up toward the sky!
However, it is scary going down at first, so having some knowledge or experience riding horses or knowing about them could come in handy to help nervous riders, like myself for the first time!
I hope this travel itinerary of popular vacation spots around the U.S. will help you plan your next trip with family and/or friends!