The coronavirus pandemic has canceled a lot of things, but your summer vacation doesn’t have to be one of them.
USA TODAY
We may be in unprecedented times, but with careful planning and prudent destination choices that avoid states with COVID-19 upswings, summer is still an ideal time to grab your extended group and travel with parents, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and blended families.
There are recent studies highlighting the growing trend of multigenerational travel. “Many millennials now have kids of their own, and recognize the value of having the grandparents come along on their vacations; whether it’s helping with childcare or just building on traditions and memories from their own childhood, there are a lot of benefits to traveling with an extended family unit,” says Christie Hudson, a senior public relations manager with Expedia.
She says traveling with kids and grandparents has emerged as a viable, less risky vacation dynamic as people have reduced their social circles.
“While some are only socializing with their own household or immediate family, others – myself included – have expanded that circle to include the grandparents,” Hudson says. “The natural extension is to take it on the road and travel together as well. And the data backs it up: private vacation homes, which are popular for families and bigger groups, are rebounding a bit more quickly than other types of accommodations post-quarantine.”
Expedia recently commissioned a survey to see how travelers are navigating the unprecedented travel season, and 48% said they’ll be traveling with their families. Furthermore, 31% said they’ll be staying with family or friends during their trip.
In Hudson’s case, she is the mother to two small children (a 4-year-old boy and 18-month-old girl), with in-laws that live in another state. “We take at least one vacation a year that includes the out-of-state grandparents and often we also travel with my husband’s brother and his family,” she says. “Not only is it more fun for our kids to have playmates, it’s more fun for us. We get to parent as a village, which means more time spent relaxing and enjoying our vacation.”
Here are six U.S destinations that are ideal for multigenerational travel experiences and avoid COVID-19 hot spot.
Marquette, Michigan
Marquette, situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is ideal for multi-generational,
active families in Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin, who are up for a road trip.
Guests can revel in outdoor adventures from hiking trails to mountain biking, and there are an abundant of outdoor activities which make social distancing easy.
For water enthusiasts, grab the kids and try paddling in the Upper Peninsula, an ideal family activity for a sunny day. Families can choose among inland lakes, such as Harlow Lake and Teal Lake, which is also great for bass fishing. These calmer waters are a good pick for beginners. For experienced paddlers looking to take on the more challenging Lake Superior, Presque Isle Park is the place.
Another activity for children, parents and extended family is chasing waterfalls, and Marquette County is home to 77 waterfalls to explore – more than any other county in Michigan – including Morgan Falls, Dead River Falls and Yellow Dog Falls. Marquette is also home trails with hundreds of miles of routes to explore the Upper Peninsula’s landscape, with options for all skill levels. Popular trails include Noquemanon Trail Network, Sugarloaf Mountain, Iron Ore Heritage Trail and Marquette City Fit Strip.
Visitors can stay at the Landmark Inn, a boutique hotel dating back to the 1930s with thoughtfully furnished rooms and views of historic downtown Marquette and Lake Superior.
Stowe, Vermont
Known as a top-tier skiing destination, this resort town is ideal for family members of all ages, plus summer offers fewer crowds, fresh mountain air and acres and acres to enjoy outdoor activities. Consider making your home-base the Topnotch Resort, just 10 minutes from Stowe Mountain Resort, and offers breathtaking views of Mount Mansfield. Guests can relax in the spa, enjoy locally-sourced dining at property restaurants with sweeping views of the Green Mountains, take a tennis or pickleball lesson at the Topnotch Tennis Center (with six outdoor courts), chill out in heated indoor and outdoor pools and a hot tub, and also meander the property’s 120 acres.
A bonus for families with fur children: Dogs are also welcome at Topnotch.
Mountain Ops Outdoor Gear, located on property, can arrange and outfit a plethora of outdoor activities year-round, including fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. For a more relaxed afternoon, plan time for Stowe Village with locally owned shops, restaurants, music and art, and ice cream. A bit beyond Stowe are Ben and Jerry’s Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Echo Center, Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, and Rock of Ages Granite Quarries.
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Less pricey and touristy than Washington D.C, Alexandria offers views of our country’s capital and is well-situated for highway and airline travel. Alexandria offers multi-generational families loads of history and abundant small-town charm.
Children can take the hand of a grandparent and stroll King Street, lined with more than 200 independent shops and restaurants, many in buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy a stroll and grab a cone as Alexandria is dubbed the “Ice Cream Cone Capital of the U.S.” Because of social-distancing mandates, some retailers have adjusted offerings and may not be currently open for walk-ins. Moms, dads, grandparents and siblings can enjoy a meal at one of Old Town’s outdoor dining options abound.
For athletic families, rent bikes from one of the bikeshare stations and take a ride. Whether it’s a casual ride around Old Town, or a trip down the riverside Mount Vernon trail (so named because it runs all the way to George Washington’s home), there are several outdoorsy options in Alexandria.
Alexandria’s architectural wonder is also ideal for exploration, as the town boasts styles including Georgian, Victorian and mid-century modern. While admiring the sites, don’t miss Captain’s Row or nearby Spite House, the skinniest historic house in the United States.
For lunch, try a physically distanced picnic in one of Alexandria’s parks: Fort Ward, Oronoco Bay, or Jones Point. Grandparents, parents and youngsters who like history, will enjoy learning, as Alexandria predates the American Revolution and has history at every turn. There are self-guided tours, and some of the cities museums are currently open.
For winning family accommodations consider The Alexandrian, located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, a centrally located and comfortable hotel.
Newport, Rhode Island
A New England destination with bountiful activities for families, Newport will remind travelers of a European escape because of its waterfront appeal and sophisticated culinary scene. This destination allows multi-generational to enjoy both a historic and scenic adventure. It’s the perfect destination for multi-generational families because there is truly something to enjoy at every age, from the beach to shopping and cultural experiences. In addition to the large number of colonial houses, cobblestone streets downtown, and the nation’s oldest synagogue, some of the great activities for families include Cliff Walk, horseback riding on the beach, Newport mansion tours, and patronizing local shops.
Plan to stay at Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, a waterfront property that is designed for multigenerational families visiting Newport, most notably for its proximity to downtown and the various amenities, including social distanced dining experiences. An outdoor pool overlooking Narragansett Bay and complimentary bikes to explore Newport are also a huge perk for families. Kids will smile when they meet the property’s three resident goats, Cornelius, Cooper and Henry.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Most visitors to this nature-centric town are from in-state, but there’s a shift to more out-of-state visitors, particularly during these trying travel times.
Steamboat Springs is a strong pick for a multi-generational trip because of its accessibility to nature. From grandparents, to parents and their children, this destination is a slice of Rocky Mountain paradise everyone in an extended family. With walking and hiking trails for every ability level and interest, paved trails are perfect for walking and biking. In the afternoon, follow a winding river with picnic stops such as the Yampa River Botanic Park, various restaurants with river patios, and overlooks to take impromptu family photos.
Walking through downtown Steamboat Station is reminiscent of a historic downtown street that’s wide enough for cattle drives, which was the case back in the day. Classic shops like Lyon’s Drugstore and Johnny B. Good’s restaurant create an old-school experience and carve out time to stop at FM Light & Sons clothing store, for a glimpse of “Old West” heritage.
The Colorado vacation plan is all about the options. Social distance and play a round of golf. Or, if you want to try a more outdoorsy pursuit, local outfitters have all the gear for activities ranging fly fishing to mountain biking.
After your days of exploration, settle in at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Steamboat Springs, an affordable and well-appointed hotel for families.
Need a social distancing-friendly vacation? This is the summer to try glamping
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