As many as 37% of families say that vacations make them happy, making a vacation together the activity that makes families most happy. While many families have fully set up their ideal vacations from packing to travel to itinerary, not everyone is quite so well-organized. If your kids have been pestering you about your vacation plans and you’ve realized you’ve been procrastinating on them, here are a few unique and creative vacation ideas you can use to pull off a trip at the last-minute.
Check Out Local Natural Attractions
Every area across the country, whether you’re in the middle of the desert or up in the mountains, has their own local natural landmark. They might not be nationally known – Cumberland Caverns is the second longest cave in Tennessee, for example. Do some research to find a local landmark near you that you and your family can take some time to go explore. This can be a great option for more adventurous families looking to immerse themselves in nature without traveling too far from home.
Wonderful Time On The Water
Nothing says “summer” quite like a fun and relaxing trip to the beach to make the most of the sunny, warm weather. Nearly 60 million people in The United States visited beaches in 2010 according to the US Census Bureau, meaning this is a fairly popular option for summer fun. While this might not necessarily be the easiest option everywhere in the country, you don’t have to be along the coast to enjoy some time out on the water. Look for local lakes you can bring your family too for some fun boating, swimming, and other fun water-based activities. If you’re looking for a longer trip, feel free to drive or fly out to one of the more popular beaches in the nation, but be prepared to face the crowds.
Try Out Adventurous Accommodations
Most people associate vacation times with expensive hotels that offer more or less the same experience no matter where you’re staying for your trip. However, with the rise of the internet, more people have been able to offer unique (and often affordable) accommodations for your travel needs. Sites like AirBnB have been offering a wider variety of places to stay, including options from apartments, to cottages, even to tiny homes constructed of recycled shipping containers. Most shipping containers are 8 feet wide, 9.5 feet tall, and either 20 or 40 feet long, meaning they’re actually fairly decently sized for a temporary stay. Don’t limit yourself to standard travel options when looking for lodging; a bit of creativity can completely change the tone of your trip.
A Weekend In The Big City
In many areas across the country, there’s a good chance you’re within driving distance of a major metropolitan area. Whether you’re closer to New York City, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, or any of the many other urban hubs across the United States, there’s sure to be something that you and your family will enjoy. Cities offer enough activities and options for every member of the family where even if you put off planning out your days, you’ll still be able to find something to do throughout your trip.
Whether you’re looking to plan a short weekend trip or a week-long vacation for the entire family, there are plenty of options that you’ll be able to book, even at the last minute. What vacation options can you see yourself booking for you and your family’s next trip?