With the new year already begun, it’s time to think about planning your travels for 2020. If you’re considering a summer road trip, you have plenty of options to choose from. From the bustling streets of New York City to the winding roads of Northern California, the US is brimming with opportunities for a summer vacation.
Whether you’re an ambitious traveler looking for a new country to explore or you’re simply looking for some quality time off work, the US has plenty of adventures to offer. Here’s how you can make the most of your summer vacation in the US, from driving across the country to visiting ancient ruins to making the most of the warm spring weather.
Make Early Preparations
One of the best things you can do for your trip this year is prepare in advance. The earlier you start planning, the less stressed you’ll be on the road. You’ll have more time to make the most of your travel plans and won’t be rushed into making decisions. Plus, you can research the destinations and things to do beforehand so you’re not thrown off guard by anything. It may not be possible to plan everything during the last minute rush, so being organized will give you an advantage.
Drive To California
The best place to start your US road trip is the west coast. Not only is it closer, but the climate is much more pleasant. In fact, San Francisco is home to some of the most delicious cuisine and beautiful scenery in all of America. Not to mention that there are plenty of attractions and activities available for kids and adults alike. You can’t beat the warm California sunshine and mild weather during the summer months. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even continue north to the Oregon coast where you’ll find similar conditions. Of course, you can always choose to stay south of the border and explore the wonders of Central America. You’ll discover a whole different side of the country once you get there. (Visit the best of Central America on a spring break, but be aware that some areas aren’t safe for travelers.)
Exploring The Big Apple
If you’re a fan of New York City, you can’t miss a chance to visit one of the most famous urban centers in the world. Even if you’ve never been there, you know what it is. From its bustling streets to its incredible restaurants and dazzling array of street performers, there is always something going on. When the weather is nice, you can drive along the city’s scenic waterfront or stroll through its many parks. There are plenty of museums and galleries for you to visit, as well as cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
The Grand Tour
With the Grand Tour, you’ll travel across Europe in style, visiting the continent’s most famous sights. For an ambitious traveler or a fan of European history, this is a dream come true. There are no restrictions on where you can travel to or how long you can spend there, meaning you’ll have the freedom to roam wherever you like. You can start in Paris and explore the City of Lights. From there, you can continue to Italy, the home of the Renaissance and the birth of modern-day photography. You can even travel north to the Arctic Circle for a glimpse of the Northern Lights. This is a journey of a lifetime and one you should definitely consider taking.
Rough It Up
Another way to make the most of your summer vacation is to go on a camp-style adventure. Rather than sticking to the beaten path and visiting the usual tourist attractions, you can get out of your comfort zone and do something new. If you’ve never camped out of your car before, this is an ideal opportunity to try it. You may want to consider the Yacht Camper, a type of van conversion that allows you to spend your camping nights on the water. The rough roads of America are often a source of scenic delight, giving you a real sense of the country’s untamed beauty. If roughing it is something you’re looking for, there’s a whole world of adventure waiting for you. You just need to be willing to put in the work to make the most of it.
Don’t Forget The Little Ones
Even if you’re not into roughing it, you may want to consider bringing along your kids. Children will love the sunshine and warm temperatures of the US, giving you some quality time to yourself. You can let them roam free and have fun while you explore the parks or museums with them by your side. If you do decide to camp, there are plenty of family-friendly campsites nearby. You can give the kids their own tent and sleeping mats to sleep in. This way, you can be assured they will be safe and not bother anyone.
Whether you choose to explore the US by car or on foot, you will not get bored by the country’s endless attractions. There are plenty of museums and galleries to visit, historical sites to explore and nature parks to ramble through. Whether you have two days or two months to spend in the US this year, there are plenty of things to do. Make the most of it and have fun.
