We’ve updated this list for our top 2024 recommendations!
Just past Spring Break is the ideal time to start booking Summer Vacation. To me, it only seems early until I start taking advantage of the flight discounts and reduced season accommodations available for booking ahead. If you plan your trip now, you and your family could save thousands.
You know all this, you travel. But, where are you planning on going? Or, what extra getaway should you plan before the fall.
Here’s our list of the the top places and road trips we’re looking forward to visiting Summer 2022, broken down by month.
June
Florida Keys – There’s no other destination in the US like the Florida Keys, especially for #BoatLife. Visiting in June is a warm to hot climate, but rarely reaching into the 90s while staying beach-comfortable in the 80s.
**Our recommendation : There’s way more to the Florida Keys than the splashy Key West. Especially for beaches or boating, definately stop-and-stay at the early keys to take advantage of the easily accessible snorkeling or beaches (Honestly, you might skip out on Key West entirely). Also, we highly recommend renting a boat and exploring on your own (pontoon boats are great in the keys, especially for novice boaters.)
Sun Valley – While this Idaho gem is a true year-round destination, June is has perfect weather for taking advantage of all the outdoor activities without the heat of the later Summer months.
**Our Recommendation : While hiking is an obvious choice, don’t fill all your days relying on your own two legs, give yourself time to try out some the local activities and entertainments. During our stays we’ve learned to fly fishing, seen world class ice skating, and even spend a half day sport shooting (which Jade was much better at).
Road Trip Suggestion
Road Trip :: Texas Road Trip
San Antonio + San Marcos + Austin There’s no denying that Texas brings the Summer Heat, but this road trip is full of amazing sites, attractions, and plenty – really tons – of water activities that are best for the Summer (including Boat Rides in San Antonio, Tubing in San Marcos, and Waterfalls in Austin)
**Our Recommendation : Split each day in half, spend the morning exploring outdoor attractions like the Alamo or Mount Bonnell and the afternoon cooling off and staying wet. Also, book your watering hole excursions in advance to reserve the best time for your trips.
July
Rapid City, South Dakota – This is not a place to put off for another year. The saddest part of every visit to the area has been conversations with other visitors that inevitably end up with them saying “they can’t believe they waited this long”. There is so much to do in and around this city that you’ll be hard pressed to do everything you want to in a single trip.
Where is Rapid City? Ok, maybe the best way to describe this destination is by saying ‘it’s the closest city to Mount Rushmore.’ But, don’t let Mt. Rushmore define your vacation. From Bear Country to Custer State Park to Badlands National Park, Rapid City is the temperate Northern destination that you won’t regret visiting.
**Our Recommendation : Don’t rush through your trip here. Plan one a park per day or at most 1-2 attractions. There is so much to take in that you don’t want to feel like you’re making yourself miss out on the experience.
Wisconsin Dells – The Wisconsin Dells is the Waterpark Capital of the World, and it’s true to its name. There are over 20 different parks in the Dells, as well as the worlds single largest water park (Noah’s Ark Waterpark). Every day here can be a different park or experience for a full week of family fun.
**Our Recommendation : This is definately a destination to budget and plan out what’s most fun for your family. We stayed at the Kalahari Resort, which had multiple on-site water parks, an indoor playground and arcade center. This way, we didn’t have to drive to a new water park everyday – which meant, we could spend half the day on-property at its parks and then take in a different type of experience in the afternoon – like sunset boat tours, upscale dining or a camel ride at the Timbavati Wildlife Park. (All in all, we did 2 off-site water parks in addition to our on-property options)
Road Trip Suggestion
Road Trip :: Alberta
Flying into Calgary, this week-long road trip wraps through the city and into the badlands before ending up in one of the most majestic lake communities I’ve ever visited (which just happened to be full of bears, too). Not knowing much about Canadian destinations, we partnered with Canada By Design to figure out a road trip that really offered something exciting and surprising every day.
Our Recommendation : This is a spectacular family drive, and there really is something for every age group. But, if anyone in your family has ever been into dinosaurs – this is simply the best experience possible. I will literally never forget finding multiple dinosaur bones in the dirt while touring Dinosaur Provincial Park or walking through the Royal Tyrrell Museum’s Dino exhibits.
August
Migis Lodge – Before last year, Maine had never really crossed our minds as a family vacation destination, and now we can’t stop recommending it to families. Now, a quick google search will bring up all the expected highlights in the State – Arcadia National Park, majestic lighthouses, and Booth Bay. But, there’s something else you have to consider for any family getaway to Maine :: an all inclusive camp ground getaway.
We stayed in a few different spots during our stay, and by far the best we found was Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake. With stay packages that all include boat rental, water ski lessons, kids day-camp, and lobster rolls, this was one of the most family friendly & couple friendly destinations we’ve discovered.
**Our Recommendation : Book these stays early. Many of the families we met at Migis have been coming for years, many even for decades. You’ll need to book early to find a spot in the accommodations of your choice.
Knoxville, TN – This really is a perfect cosmopolitan entrance into the Smoky Mountains. Visiting here gives you easy access to all the amazing Southern outdoor features – lakes, rivers, waterfalls – while still letting you end each day sampling the city’s delicious and diverse culinary scene. (The food here really is fresh and dynamic, and the bars offer a wide range of local beers and spirits.) These two different travel aspects (rural and urban) really compliment each other, creating the feeling of a complete vacation experience.
**Our Recommendation : Knoxville is also a fantastic jumping off point for exploring nearby destinations for day trips or overnights. We added in the Biltmore Estate during our trip.
Road Trip Suggestion
Road Trip :: West Glacier Montana
National Park + Hobbit House + Glamping
West Glacier has been a favorite spot for us ever since Jade went on her first solo trip to the National Park. Driving through here showcases the iconic Montana wide-open landscape, while stopping and exploring the tucked away towns and local attractions that set this area of the state apart. For instance, driving along a valley road and pulling into a full scale replica of Bilbo’s shire home from Lord of the Rings (our accommodations for the night). Making a full week vacation out of visiting gives you time to explore Glacier National Park at your own pace and then experience more of what Montana has to offer – rounding our your overall experience.
**Our Recommendation : Take your time at each destination. Stay a couple of days at each spot and relax. Don’t let the road portions become the key feature of your trip.
