The Perfect Family Trip 2017: Can't decide where to go.
Many of you have followed along on our last two 6 week summer trips (if not, links in my sig). In 2014 we looped the SW, in 2016 we looped the NW.
Our plan was to do the NE summer of 2017. We were going to the big cities, the patriotic sites, lobster fishing, and Acadia NP. However, as the time draws near, we are not all that excited about doing the NE. On one hand, we are pulled by the adventure of seeing things we haven't seen. On the other, in 2014 we fell in love with the SW and want to do it again! We know that we skipped many, many things in the SW and feel we could make a similar loop and see all new things.
We have family in Michigan and they want us to make a summer out of Michigan. We want to, but being with family doesn't have the sense of adventure we're looking for.
We've tossed around California, but that would turn the summer into more driving than we'd like. The sites would be amazing, but after 6k miles each of the last 3 summers, the idea of an 8k mile summer makes my stomach turn. Sure would enjoy being there though. Besides, we're late to get reservations (Yosemite in particular).
We've thought about flying to the west coast and renting either a Class C or large van to car camp. However, this could be a whole different budget than we have in mind. And, car camping would be rough on us and require most meals in restaurants.
In the far back of my mind, I have an old college friend that owns a large coffee farm in Guatemala. She's asked for 30 years that I bring the family down there. I know NOTHING about international travel and all that comes to mind is the safety of my family. It's SCARY, but does sound like an adventure.
Also thought about backpacking Europe, but wanted the kids to be older. They are 12 now and thought maybe around 16 we would start considering that.
As you can see, we're all over the map. Maybe we're not giving the NE credit enough? It would be less driving, but likely similar money overall, as the cities are expensive. Oh, did I mention we live rural and that my skin starts crawling every time we go into town for supplies?
Any thoughts? In the end, everyone is different and only we know what to do. But it would be fun to hear you guys kick around thoughts and ideas. (We have 6 weeks)
Our plan was to do the NE summer of 2017. We were going to the big cities, the patriotic sites, lobster fishing, and Acadia NP. However, as the time draws near, we are not all that excited about doing the NE. On one hand, we are pulled by the adventure of seeing things we haven't seen. On the other, in 2014 we fell in love with the SW and want to do it again! We know that we skipped many, many things in the SW and feel we could make a similar loop and see all new things.
We have family in Michigan and they want us to make a summer out of Michigan. We want to, but being with family doesn't have the sense of adventure we're looking for.
We've tossed around California, but that would turn the summer into more driving than we'd like. The sites would be amazing, but after 6k miles each of the last 3 summers, the idea of an 8k mile summer makes my stomach turn. Sure would enjoy being there though. Besides, we're late to get reservations (Yosemite in particular).
We've thought about flying to the west coast and renting either a Class C or large van to car camp. However, this could be a whole different budget than we have in mind. And, car camping would be rough on us and require most meals in restaurants.
In the far back of my mind, I have an old college friend that owns a large coffee farm in Guatemala. She's asked for 30 years that I bring the family down there. I know NOTHING about international travel and all that comes to mind is the safety of my family. It's SCARY, but does sound like an adventure.
Also thought about backpacking Europe, but wanted the kids to be older. They are 12 now and thought maybe around 16 we would start considering that.
As you can see, we're all over the map. Maybe we're not giving the NE credit enough? It would be less driving, but likely similar money overall, as the cities are expensive. Oh, did I mention we live rural and that my skin starts crawling every time we go into town for supplies?
Any thoughts? In the end, everyone is different and only we know what to do. But it would be fun to hear you guys kick around thoughts and ideas. (We have 6 weeks)
