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Top 10 Iconic Travel Destinations in the USA
With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about where you want to go this year for that much needed break from a hard year’s work. The kids will soon be off school for at least 8 weeks and you’ve put in for your annual leave but where to go? If you haven’t already made plans, you might want to consider taking a trip to one of the top ten iconic travel destinations in the USA. Not only can you have the time of your life, the kids can learn a few interesting facts about the country they are growing up in. Although they aren’t ranked in any specific order, they always seem to make it near the top of summer vacation destination short lists. You just might find one you’d missed!
1. Yellowstone National Park
Who could go through life without ever visiting Old Faithful? It’s amazing to watch the looks on your children’s faces when this spectacular geyser erupts, close to its predicted schedule. Stop by the park’s office to pick up information on when the next eruption is expected because they do run close to predictions but they can vary based on the length of time the previous eruption lasted. It’s pretty interesting to talk about this phenomenon with older kids.
2. Niagara Falls
While Niagara Falls is a spectacular sight on its own, families planning a summer vacation here should seriously consider a Waterpark Getaway Package. The indoors waterpark is an amazing three acres large and with water attractions for kids of all ages, the entire family can have a bit of fun rain or shine. With this type of package, you get a certain number of nights at the hotel and entrance to the attractions. Where else will you find three whole acres of water rides and slides all indoors?
3. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Many of the stars on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame would probably be unknown to your younger children, but with new stars being honored year after year, your kids will certainly find several that are their pop icons. This is where mom and dad get to talk to the kids about old-time movies and rock in the days when they were growing up. At night, pull out some of the old videos to watch at your hotel room so the kids can see the stars ‘in action.’ You will find this a thoroughly enlightening vacation. Don’t forget to take the kids to see the star of the lovable cartoon character, Snoopy! This is one they’ll surely know.
4. South Florida – From South Beach to Key West
With the explosion of the Latin dance craze, South Beach has hit the big time. Now several television series are filmed here and, of course, on any day of the week you are liable to see more than one celebrity roaming the streets. It has become the Hollywood of the East Coast and from South Beach it’s just a few hours south to Key West where you can find plenty of swimming opportunities and some amazing snorkeling as well. Take the kids to Ernest Hemingway’s Key West home and then spend some time talking about classic American literature. Why not blend a bit of learning with your summer fun? Your kids just might learn something they’d missed in school!
5. New Orleans
Much of New Orleans has been rebuilt in the decade since Katrina devastated the city, especially the French Quarter. Although you won’t get to experience Mardi Gras in the summer months, you will still be able to get a taste of life in the South and there are many famous restaurants that still feature world-famous jazz. Street performers also abound in New Orleans, so this is a trip where you can get in a bit of eating, shopping and a taste of a totally different culture in music.
6. The Wonderful Worlds of Walt Disney
Whether vacationing on the East Coast or the West Coast, take the kids to see one of the wonderful worlds of Walt Disney. With the original Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida, you can go from coast to coast and find Mickey and Minnie on either side. Perhaps the all-time favorite of kids young and old, this is one vacation that will provide memories to last a lifetime.
7. Independence Hall
So many kids today have never heard the old cliché, “Just put your John Hancock here.” This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed with that historical huge signature by none other than John Hancock himself. Have fun talking history with the kids and take a trip back through time, seeing displays and commemorative plaques that outline key events in American history.
8. Mt. Rushmore
It’s fun to take the kids to Mt. Rushmore National Monument with those huge sculpted carvings of famous American personages. Without telling the kids who is who, see how many of those four people they can identify. This is a great time to talk about what it is each of them are known for and why this particular landmark is a true national treasure.
9. Gettysburg
If you are taking a trip to Pennsylvania this summer to visit Independence Hall in Philadelphia, why not take a side trip to Gettysburg to get in a bit more history? Visit commemorative displays where the Battle of Gettysburg was fought and if you arrive in early July you can see a live reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg that runs from July 1 through July 3 this year and stay on to see fireworks on the Fourth!
10. Ellis Island
Did you know that at least 25% of all United States citizens alive today had one or more ancestors who entered customs through Ellis Island? This was the main point of entry between the years 1892 and 1954 so if you have grandparents back a few generations who emigrated from another country, chances are you will find their names documented in the Ellis Island registry.
Can’t make up your mind? Plan a trip to take in several or simply plan early for next year as well. You can’t go wrong vacationing in iconic locations because there is always going to be something to see, something to do and above all, something to learn along the way.
