Perhaps the best known stretch of highway in America — California’s Highway 1 between Los Angeles and San Francisco is 400 miles of coastal beauty that’s become our “favorite family roadtrip.”
What comes to mind when you think of California? Is it the cable cars climbing the hills of San Francisco, or is it the glamour of Hollywood and Los Angeles? While these cities are bursting with interesting places for families to explore, the 450 miles between them offer treasures of their own. Scenic Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, hugs the coastline from northern California to its southern border. It offers magnificent views of the ocean, and is the recommended route for this trip, with a few possible detours. Plan a variety of stops from the suggestions below and you can turn this ten-hour drive into a long weekend of family fun.
Our suggested 4-day PCH Itinerary
Day 1: San Francisco to Carmel
Day 2: Carmel to San Luis Obispo
Day 3: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara
Day 4: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
Safety Note: Dues to the road’s enormous popular, the Pacific Coast Highway Task Force has produced a Public Safety Announcement video, entitled, “Stay Safe on PCH.” Please watch this humorous take on the daily confrontations between motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians and you’ll probably drive a little more carefully!
Now, here’s our favorite route. Safe travels.
Day 1: San Francisco to Carmel – 100 Miles
Leaving the Bay Area and driving through Pacifica, you will pass near rocky Devil’s Slide and on through a lush farming region. Whale watching cruises are available from Half Moon Bay, and Pillar Point Harbor is a favorite place to watch surfers. The seaside towns of Santa Cruz and Capitola offer 26 miles of state beaches, perfect for swimming in the warm, gentle waters. Check out a unique California Historic Landmark — the Santa Cruz seaside amusement park where there are two historic roller coasters and lots of fun rides.
Further south, in the agricultural Watsonville area, you will pass fields of flowers, fruits and vegetables, followed by Castroville, “The Artichoke Capital of the World.” Continuing on Highway 1 about 25 miles, you will reach Monterey. Head to Fisherman’s Wharf where you will find the Museum of Monterey, and then visit Cannery Row, immortalized by John Steinbeck, now an array of shops and restaurants. The Wharf, which originally served as the pier where trading schooners from around Cape Horn unloaded their cargo, was also was a focal point of the whaling and sardine industries. You can come here to arrange sightseeing and whale watching excursions. The spectacular Monterey Bay Aquarium, at the west end of Cannery Row, makes it possible for visitors to view the intriguing undersea world of Monterey Bay, one of the richest marine environments in the world. One of the largest aquariums of its kind in the nation, it has more than 35,000 marine animals and plants. Families spend a week-long vacation in this town alone, so make a schedule before arrival.
A very scenic detour will take you to Pacific Grove, known as “Butterfly Town” because of its population of monarch butterflies, a favorite place to explore. As you drive beyond Lover’s Point, a bluff overlooking the crashing waves, visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously working lighthouse on the west coast and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. Consider taking the famous 17-Mile Drive to Carmel through incredible coastal scenery. It’s gorgeous, but slow and meandering, so your kids might get antsy or car sick. If you do choose it, you will drive on into the Del Monte Forest to the golfers’ Nirvana at Pebble Beach. Points of interest along this route include Cypress Point, the Ghost Tree, the Lone Cypress and Seal or Bird Rock where you can see thousands of sea birds, seals and sea lions.
In the quaint but expensive village of Carmel you can stop at the many galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and specialty shops (including some great toy stores). The beach is gorgeous here, but too rough for swimming. Still, it’s fun to build sand castles and fly a kite at the shore. At the edge of Carmel is Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, a restored piece of California’s Spanish history and the final resting place of its founder, Father Junipero Serra. A side trip takes you to the picturesque Carmel Valley, home to the 100-acre Saddle Mountain Recreation Park, where hiking trails abound and wine tastings also are available. Before sunset, continue driving south to Point Lobos State Reserve, a well-preserved, almost primeval area, which is reputed to be the setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island.” Walk through the 1,325-acre reserve to see tall stands of cypress sheltering hidden coves. Docents conduct nature walks intermittently.
Day 2: Carmel to San Luis Obispo – 150 Miles
Continue on Hwy. 1 about 25 miles to Big Sur, one of America’s most beautiful spots. Drive slowly and carefully here as the road twists and turns, offering spectacular sights of the sea and the cliffs. Don’t even consider swimming, as the currents here are treacherous. Local artisans and authors sell their works in village shops in Big Sur Village south of Andrew Molera State Park where you can hike or go horseback riding. At Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park you can hike and picnic amid the southernmost region of the famed coastal redwoods. The 1006-acre park includes campsites and trailer facilities as well as swimming, fishing, and hiking areas.
Around this point, the Highway 1 Discovery Route in San Luis Obispo County begins, with its own helpful CA Route 1 planning website for family travelers. This road’s historic highlight just 64 miles south is in San Simeon. Hearst Castle, William Randolph Hearst’s 165-room estate, is filled with art treasures from Spain, Italy, France, Greece, England, and Egypt. Newspaper magnate Hearst spent millions erecting the fantastic structure, 5.5 miles up the hill from Hwy. 1. His family presented this medieval-like Shangri-la and its unbelievable riches to the state in 1958 for public exhibition. Fun, gossipy tours of the castle and grounds, where Mr. Hearst entertained movie stars and business tycoons, are ranger-led and enjoyable for school-age kids and older; reservations are strongly recommended as this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California. For a rare and special treat, Hearst Castle is doing a semi-private, two-hour tour (from Sept. 17-Oct. 31, 2016 and May 1-June 30, 2017; $100 by reservation only) for art lovers called the “Art of San Simeon.” Learn how and where Hearst acquired his beautiful collection of paintings, tapestries, sculptures, antiquities, and furniture and visit never before open parts of the home.
Slightly further south is Cambria, another artists’ colony, nestled in a pine tree-lined valley, filled with quaint inns, restaurants, art galleries and shops, including some that kids will want to explore. Beachcombers can find semiprecious jade and jasper, agates and moonstones, shells, and petrified wood at Moonstore Beach and Shamel Park. The area is popular with surf-anglers and board-surfers; inexpensive motels line the route. A 30-mile side trip from Cambria on Santa Rosa Creek Scenic Drive will take you to Paso Robles and the Central Coast wine country. Or you can return to Hwy. 1, past tiny Harmony and travel south to Cayucos-by-the-Sea, a Swiss dairy and Portuguese fishing community, noted for its long fishing wharf and the gentle waters of Estero Bay.
From there it is only six or so miles to Morro Bay, called the “Gibraltar of the Pacific” because of the 576-foot-high volcanic peak looming over town and bay, the westernmost of nine extinct volcanoes named “the sisters.” Morro Bay and its colorful Embarcadero features dining, shops, fish markets, and The Morro Bay Aquarium with more than 250 marine specimens from local waters. Morro Bay State Park has an 18-hole golf course, great hiking, and camping facilities. The Museum of Natural History features numerous displays on wildlife, tides, and other phenomena of the sea. Nearby is the Morro Bay Estuary, the nation’s third-largest bird sanctuary. Continue through Los Osos where the serene “Valley of the Bears” is the entrance to the 8,400-acre Montana de Oro State Park, the heart of this sanctuary. Stop for tea and a look, or spend the night at the famous Madonna Inn, a landmark hotel with 109 uniquely themed rooms.
Day 3: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara – 100 Miles
Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo is the site of Father Junipero Serra’s fifth mission, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa founded in 1772. Historical walking tours offer visitors a chance to stretch their legs, and hiking in the surrounding mountains provides panoramic views of the area. San Luis Obispo is an attractive town with Victorian homes and the site of California Polytechnic State University. The nearby wine country and dramatic coastline add to the area’s attractions. Enjoy a refreshing walk along the pier in Avila Beach or visit the Sycamore Mineral Springs nestled in the wooded hillside, where families are welcome to soak in hot tubs and use the heated swimming pool. To find out more, read our article about San Luis Obispo.
Travel on to Shell Beach and Pismo Beach, known as the “Clam Capital of the World.” This surfing Mecca is also noted for its oceanside restaurants and a mild climate year-round.
Consider a slight detour to charming Solvang, largely populated by people of Danish descent. The town’s windmills and bindingsvaerk walls, typical of Danish hamlets during the Middle Ages, are testimony to this heritage. Shops sell imported Danish porcelain and brassware, and cafes offer tasty Danish pastries and other Scandinavian specialties. Visit Mission Santa Ines, founded in 1804 and the Elverhoy Danish Heritage and Fine Arts Museum. There are also family B&Bs and numerous gift and antique shops. Surrounding Solvang are many of the valley’s 23 premium wineries and vineyards. Read more about Solvang here.
100 miles from San Luis Obispo you will reach Santa Barbara, where families from LA go to vacation. The “Red Tile Walking Tour” leads past the stately Spanish-Moorish style courthouse and several old adobes in a 12-block radius. Be sure to visit Mission Santa Barbara, known as the “Queen” of the 21 California missions. The Padre’s quarters and the chapel are reconstructions on their original foundations. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden contains 65 acres of native trees, flowers, shrubs, and cacti. Other notable stops include the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Andree Clark Bird Refuge and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse with its 85-foot clocktower observation deck. Outdoor activities include enjoying the superb beaches, bicycling (lots of places to rent), fishing, cruising, and seasonal whale watching. Click here for more about Santa Barbara.
Day 4: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles – 100 Miles
From Santa Barbara, it will take about 1½ hours to reach Malibu, home to the rich and famous, which stretches for 27 miles along the coast. Tucked on the gentle slopes of the Santa Monica Mountains, the dramatic environs are matched only by the innovative architecture. Don’t miss Surfriders or Zuma Beaches, favorite surf hangouts, as well as Leo Carillo State Beach or Nicolas Canyon County Beach for splashing in the waves.
In less than 10 miles you will reach Santa Monica, a vibrant, oceanfront community which adds a sophisticated twist to the casual beach lifestyle. Third Street Promenade is a favorite hangout, offering a mix of stylish dining and shopping opportunities as well as a healthy dose of street performances. The Santa Monica Pier, dating from 1908, is an old-fashioned amusement park with midway rides and a hand-painted carousel. There are many concessionaires renting bicycles and rollerblades to use on the concrete beachfront promenade.
Nearby Venice Beach is widely known for its ’round-the-clock carnival of street vendors, off-the-wall performers and sidewalk artists. Explore eclectic boutiques and cafés along Abbot Kinney Boulevard and rent a bike or stroll along the peaceful, cottage-lined canal section before driving to Marina Del Rey. Graceful sailboats and yachts ply the gentle waters of one of the world’s largest manmade marinas, where you can rent small sailboats by the hour. Dine or shop in Fisherman’s Village, a charming seaside retreat with waterfront views, at a price. Ask a local for their current favorite eatery.
You are now on the outskirts of the heart of Los Angeles, and about two hours north of San Diego, where you will find beaches, zoos and attractions galore. Search Family Travel Forum for many stories about these cities, as well as San Francisco.
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.