So, you're planning a trip to the states
with your family this year, but with so many American tourism destinations to
choose from, you're not sure where to start?
Most attractions that you'll come across
will be family-friendly, but some are just more fun and interesting than
others. Then there are the fundamental staples that everyone should see at
least once, and those are the places you really don't want to miss when you
visit with your family.
Pro tip: Be
sure to check that you have a valid ESTA USA permit before your departure. You need an ESTA permit to travel as
of 2010, but you may be eligible for a waiver, so look into that as well.
ESTAWaiver.co.uk is the easiest site to use for getting your permit or waiver
squared away.
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| Photo Credit |
With that said, here are the top five U.S.
family destinations for Britons in 2019 and virtually every other year:
1. Grand Canyon National Park
No trip to the U.S. is complete without a
tour of the Grand Canyon. The vast, expansive canyon provides a perfect
backdrop for countless family photos and there are dozens of different trails
to explore. Many people choose to fly into the U.S. at an airport near the
Grand Canyon to start their trip in close proximity to the main attraction. If
you're going to be bringing children to the park, be sure to take every safety
precaution possible to keep your little ones away from ledges and other hazards
– the canyon can be just as dangerous as it is majestic. Thus, it may be best
to stick to guided tours when you're with the family.
2. Yosemite National Park
California's Yosemite National Park is home
to one of the nation's most beautiful and diverse landscapes, with every
natural wonder and feature you can name, and probably some that you can't. From
grasslands to geysers, the area is absolutely packed with scenic beauty and
exploration opportunities. The must-see spots in and around the park include Glacier
Point, Half Dome, Mist Trail, John Muir Trail, Yosemite Valley, Mariposa Grove,
and Tuolumne Meadows.
3. Redwood National Forest
Redwood trees are absolutely amazing to
behold, so Redwood National Forest is definitely a place you'll want to see in
person if you haven't yet had the chance. Sure, you could look at pictures of
Redwoods online all day, but there's nothing quite like being in the presence
of these iconic and massive trees. The surrounding old-growth forest also makes
for an enchanting, otherworldly environment.
4. New York City
A visit to the U.S. shouldn't come
without a trip to New York City. Sure, it isn't perfect, but it's certainly a
sight worth seeing at least once. After all, the Statue of Liberty is an
American icon and it really does look different in-person. In a perfect world,
you could arrive near New Year's Eve in time to attend the annual celebration
at Times Square. Be careful if you're on a budget for the rest of your trip, as
there are many ways to overspend in NYC.
5. Seattle
Why Seattle, you may ask? Well, if you're
coming from any of the other destinations on this list, a trip to Seattle will
give you a great drive on the way there, and the city itself is a treasure.
Taking a ferry ride and dining at the restaurant on the top floor of the Space
Needle are the two most recommended tourism activities, but there are many
other things to do in Washington's capital. Plus, the entire state and the rest
of the Pacific Northwest are gems that no nature lover should leave the U.S.
without seeing.
From New York to California, Then Up to Seattle
In closing, you could actually see all five
of the destinations listed above on one extended road trip. If you start in New
York City, the trip would be doable in a vehicle, which opens up the
possibility for exploring and camping at leisure.
If you really want to see as much as you
can in one trip, you don't want to be anchored to one location or region. Thus,
a cross-country journey in an RV or camper van would be the perfect option for
anyone who wants to return to Britain feeling like they got their money's
worth.
You could start by touring the Big Apple. Head south along the East
Coast on one of the many highways that run parallel to the coast, and then take
I-10 straight across to California with a stop at the Grand Canyon at around
the halfway point. From there, you could take the Pacific Coast Highway all the
way up to Seattle to cap off the most epic U.S. road trip ever with views from
the observation deck at the top of the Space Needle.
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