By: Hadley Roy
Finding the right summer trip can feel overwhelming. There’s so many places to see and so many options to consider. But with this quick list, you can find the perfect vacation destination for your needs, preferences and budget!
Best for Big City Fans:
Washington, D.C. can provide a fantastic (and affordable) big-city experience for your summer vacation! With three airports to choose from and an easyto-use subway system, getting there and getting around is simple. Visit the Smithsonian Museums on the National Mall and tour the Library of Congress, or if you’re looking for something a bit off-the-beatenpath, tour the Woodrow Wilson House or the UdvarHazy Air and Space Center!
Grab a meal at the National Museum of the American Indian – which is home to unique and delicious First Nationsinspired food. Most museums in the District of Columbia are taxpayer funded, so admission is free. On top of fantastic museums and culture, D.C. has wonderful nightlife and hotel options. Try hotels near DuPont Circle for a bustling and exciting location or book in Old Town Alexandria and experience a more charming and laid back vibe.
BEST FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE ENTHUSIASTS
Moab, UT gives on-the-spot access to two National Parks (Arches and Canyonlands), Dead Horse Point State Park and the Sego Canyon petroglyphs. It’s truly a must-see for outdoor adventure enthusiasts! Don’t-miss trails include Mesa Arch, Double Arch, Balanced Rock and Park Avenue. History enthusiasts may also enjoy the historic Wolfe Ranch cabin & petroglyph trail.
Most major airports in the US have multiple flights per day to Salt Lake City. From there, visitors can either rent a car and drive (approximately four hours) or take a small plane to the Canyonlands Field Airport. There’s accommodations for every preference and price point: from overlanding vans for rent, to luxury hotels, to rustic cabins. Be sure to check out the Moonflower Co-op Market, Moab Coffee Roasting, and Gallery Moab while in town.
As with all outdoor adventures, take the advice of park rangers, keep weather in mind (summer temperatures in the Utah desert can be extreme) and not undertake any trails beyond your ability and experience level.
BEST FOR FAMILIES
Tampa, FL provides a wide range of exciting activities for kids and parents alike. Kid-friendly attractions include Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, Tampa Zoo, Tampa Bay Historical Center, American Victory Ship, and Glazer Children’s Museum. In addition to a wide range of attractions, Tampa boasts sunny beaches and outdoor activities such as clear-bottom kayak tours.
Most major airlines run regular flights to-and-from Tampa and car rentals are readily available. A wide variety of hotels and resorts are available with pools, suites, waterfront views, or whatever is needed to suit your preferences!
BEST BUDGET
Lexington, KY proves that budgetfriendly travel doesn’t have to be boring! Lexington has a mid-sized airport, but is also an easy drive from airports in Cincinnati or Louisville.
Visit Kentucky Horse Park and the race track at Keeneland or take some tours on the Bourbon Trail, then spend the evening getting pizza and ice cream in Lexington’s charming Distillery District. Just outside the city in Berea, there’s a nationallyrenowned folk arts college and a host of independently owned artisan shops to explore. Food in Lexington is also highly affordable with many restaurants to choose from (including a cafe devoted exclusively to hot chocolate) and a wide selection of grocery stores.
BEST LUXURY
Napa Valley, CA is a scenic spot with everything a luxury vacation needs. Fly into San Francisco or Oakland, and drive only 60 miles to reach the secluded and relaxing haven. Napa features a wide array of wine and vineyard tour options, from biking tours and on-the-farm experiences to meals with custom tasting pairings! Napa is also home to a wide variety of spas, restaurants, and charming boutiques to round out the experience. Consider staying at one of the many name-brand luxury hotels, or go straight-to-the-source and book rooms at a local vineyard.
Hadley Roy H. is an Analytics Manager at Campbell Ewald, where she specializes in user experience optimization and creative analytics. She also runs @Just_ Had_Tea on Instagram. Hadley lives with her husband, their 13 houseplants, and two sourdough starters in Southeast Michigan.
