Hello. I’d want to plan a vacation for my family that we could do either this summer or next summer but I’d like some advice on where to go. We want to explore a major city in the US but there are so many options available especially since we have only mainly explored our home city. I would be open for any suggestions of places to visit this summer and places to avoid in the summer because of weather conditions. The family doesn’t like anywhere that’s extremely hot or humid. We were thinking about New York but it’s kind of expensive. Budget is 2k but we’d prefer to spend only around 1k. What other good cities could we go that would be cheaper? Any advice would be much appreciated. Also for traveling purposes, we would be flying from the west coast.
Portland Oregon is quite diverse with lots to see and do (and there are day trips - driving - to the Oregon coast, as well as the local mountain area with waterfalls galore). The sun stays out longer so “daytime” is extended (a positive) and it’s pretty reasonable cost wise, especially if you’re flying from the west coast.
Thank you @JustaMom . I was considering Portland but I wasn’t sure whether there would be lots of fun things to do there. What would you recommend visiting around the area? Are there any beautiful waterfalls that aren’t as popular and aren’t listed on the major travel guides?
Airfare can eat up about $800 of that budget if you have 3-4 people traveling. MOST of the US is hot and humid in the summer, or can be and you can’t predict where it will hit or when. I’d knock out Chicago, Boston and NYC if you really don’t want the heat and humidity. Cities less likely to be humid in the summer are Denver (but can be hot in July/Aug) Seattle, Portland OR. I’d think Phoenix and Vegas, while not humid, would be too hot.
San Diego generally has lovely weather, although there can be hot spells. Plenty to see and do, but it can get expensive in the summer.
I’m guessing you will be driving?? Since airfare for your family is going to be close to 1k alone? In addition, summer is high season for most places so higher lodging costs. Portland, Seattle or Vancouver BC would be lovely
I would like to drive but I don’t mind flying. As I previously mentioned, the budget is 2K so I’ll be happy with anything in that range between 1K and 2K. I’d prefer something on the lower side but if that’s not possible for cities that are farther away, I wouldn’t mind spending closer to the budget.
@twoinanddone I wouldn’t mind hot weather, just nothing extremely hot so anything below 100 would be fine.
@coralbrook I think Seattle and Vancouver would be lovely but I believe my family is already planning a trip for that along with Olympic National Park for next year.
Sorry if I sound picky about the places suggested. I have no intention of being rude and I really appreciate the ideas you gave me. Thank you for all the help!
So far Portland seems like a good choice that lots of people are recommending. What are some good tourist destinations to visit? Is there anything you like and would recommend to go to if you live there or previously visited? Is Fort Vancouver worth going to? What about Pioneer Courthouse Square? Also, is there any beautiful nature views and trails near the area that the family can go hiking at? Just note, I haven’t settled with Portland so if you have any other good ideas of places to go, I’m open to suggestions.
Here’s a ton of information CC gave me when we were considering relocation to Portland; great place to visit: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1067476-portland-oregon-for-the-non-outdoorsy-if-not-suggestions-p1.html. My post #153 discusses what we did there in a vacation mode.
@Marilyn Thank you a lot! You gave me great ideas of places to go. After reading your post, it sounds like you had lots of fun.
Philadelphia has quite a bit of historical interest, but it’s going to be a long flight and hot. I’m always surprised at how much there is to do and see. You could take the train up to NYC from there. But the costs will add up quickly for a family.
Washington DC can be quite affordable because all the museums are free. Very humid in summer but something for everyone. You could also explore VA as part of the trip.
I live near Philly and I would not recommend flying across the country to visit!! The sites are just not that interesting. I just took my nephews.
But Washington, DC has lots to do and much of it free. Perhaps you can stay in Arlington, Virginia or further out of town for affordable hotel prices and then take the Metro in daily to see sights? If you fly into Regan National airport you won’t even need to rent a car. Unless you have free flights, I do not see how 1000 is even possible. 2000 would be cutting it close figuring hotel at least $150 a night in suburb (do you have points for free hotel nights?), food at least 100/day for 4 people, a few expenses to see exhibitions or IMAX or Ubers or whatever…
DC is hot but a lot of fun and tons to do!!
Given your budget, flying isn’t an option. The other questions is how long do you expect to stay. Four people probably requires two hotel rooms–it’s hard to spend less than $100 per night for a decent place. For 2 rooms that’s $200 a night. You can easily go through $1K in less than a week. I suggest you consider a camping or up your budget.
We’d be staying in one room for around 3 nights. If it’s too hot, we can move the vacation into the fall. Which cities are no longer hot around September or October?
I think most people are answering your question based on the heat and humidity factor and overlooking your budget. I don’t know how you can go to any city in the US for 1K, regardless of time of year. You’d even have a challenge renting a cabin in the woods for less than 1K, because of course you’d have to consider transportation to get there. We could maybe do two nights in DC for four people for 1K, because we live a three hour drive away. Good luck.
Like @Marilyn I also think San Diego is a good choice for a family especially in the fall. If you already live in the West you can probably find cheap airfares on Southwest Airlines or if you are closer you can drive.
I see it’s hard to find good places in the East Coast for a cheap price so I’ll change some of the things I’m looking for. Which city would be nice to go explore during the fall? (Sometime between September and November) Should I look to be spending around 3k if we went to the East Coast? My family and I are looking to only spend 3 days and we’ll be staying in one room at a hotel.
If you decide on an East Coast vacation, definitely Washington DC. So many free museums, memorials etcetera to see.
You can find 2-star motels/hotels such as Days Inn in Alexandria or Arlington for under $100 per night. You could take the Metro into D.C. each day.
Late September or early October would be great, you’d avoid both the heat and large crowds of Summer.
DC is my favorite US city by far. Having so much for free or low cost is a huge plus, then it’s walkable or with the metro/buses that are easy to figure out. Stay outside of DC and take the metro in.
BUT, if you want to consider something else and have passports, look at Montreal, Toronto, or Ottawa - even Halifax. Those are terrific Canadian cities worth exploring - tend to be cooler in the summer or nice in the fall, and have enjoyable atmospheres.
Price some things out to see if any are affordable if they appeal. If so, google things to do for each to see if anything appeals.
If you’d consider early fall I’d suggest Chicago. Such a great American city, with a great vibe, great food, and fabulous architecture. Two friends from Europe spent a week there this winter. They were there during the polar vortex !!! And still loved it. They say it’s been their very favorite urban area in the US.
If you hate hot humid weather, do not go to NY. It’s horrible in the summer. It’s also very pricey.
Seattle, Portland, OR, and Portland, ME are all great choices. San Francisco is great, but very expensive.
Bear in mind that cities like Boston and N.Y. are not really cheaper in the fall. Leaf peepers will be out in force.
Your budget is fine if you want to drive. If you are prepared to wait for cooler weather, I’d suggest New Orleans. It’s never lacking in things to do and can be affordable. I love DC, and the free stuff helps make up for the expense of hotels and food.