With low-cost airlines serving San Francisco and Oakland, northern California has several options for top-value family getaways within a short drive of either airport that feel like deluxe vacations.
Visiting the San Francisco Bay Area on business and need a relaxing weekend nearby? We’ve explored the San Mateo and Marin Counties, plus Carmel, Monterrey, Pt. Reyes, and Sacramento to find places where your family can afford two nights at a nice hotel without busting your vacation budget.
All around the northern part of California, there are fresh sightseeing, entertainment and lodging options that won’t completely empty your pockets, so read on!
San Mateo County, California Weekend Getaway
Including varied attractions such as Redwood City and Palo Alto, San Mateo County is south of the airport between San Francisco and San Jose. Hotel prices are cheaper than in the city, especially on weekends, and many fine museums, farms and small sights will keep the kids busy.
Get your bearings in the San Mateo County History Museum (2200 Broadway, Redwood City 94043; 650/299-0104), an interactive museum that is really kid-friendly. Housed in the former county courthouse, this impressive structure is on the National Historic Register of Historic Places and its exquisite stained-glass dome is thought to be the largest in a Pacific Coast public building. Exhibits include Nature’s Bounty exploring how early people used natural resources for day to day life and build San Francisco, and ;Journey to Work exhibit on how transportation transformed the county from a frontier into a suburb, an exhibition on the Immigrant Experience in San Mateo County. Keep an eye out for Ships of the World, a remarkable exhibit of over 20 meticulously crafted model ships created by a local ship enthusiast.
Don’t miss the Hiller Museum of Aviation (601 Skyway Road, San Carlos 94070; 650/654-0200). The museum more than 40 aircraft, exhibits, and interactive displays. It also showcases an extraordinary collection of “flying machines” beginning with an Avitor (the first controlled power unmanned aeroplane) dating from 1869, before the Wright Brothers ever dreamed of flying, to experimental robotic Blended Wing aircrafts. In fact, the museum is dedicated to “dreams of flight: past, present and future” with a focus on unique technological innovations and innovators.
The expansive Main Gallery is the heart of the facility, and several of the vehicles on display were designed and built by Stanley Hiller, Jr. who began his career as an entrepreneur at age 18 with the Hiller XH-44 “Hiller-Copter.” Other highlights of the collection include gliders dating from the early 1900s; an Aerocycloid (a cycle-like vehicle that attempted vertical lift) built in 1908; biplanes, wind tunnels; the Little Looper (the first American plane used for aerobatics) dating from 1914; a rotocycle and Hiller’s “Flying Platform,” among other antique crafts.
Some more contemporary pieces include the 1969 Lockheed Quiet Star, an early example of stealth technology and the 1988 super-secret Boeing Condor, a robotic flying aircraft. Exhibits on the future of aviation include information on “hypersoar” planes that will travel beyond the atmosphere into space at hypersonic speed, conserving fuel and decreasing flight delays. Sounds like an innovative idea, especially for all those stressed-out frequent fliers.
It’s worth stopping at the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia (214 California Drive, Burlingame 94010; 650/347-2301). This is the only place in the world where you can see over 500 Pez dispensers that have been produced since 1952 and the World’s Largest Pez Dispenser. Share your memories of these with your kids, and also introduce them to many of your favorite playthings including Mr. Potato Head, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, View-Masters and Erector Sets on view at the adjacent Classic Toy Museum.
Discover a wide variety of lodging in the area. We stayed at the appropriately named Bay Landing Hotel (1550 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame 94010; 650/259-9000) which is a short van ride from the airport. A paved walkway around the grounds offers great views of the water and of the airport activity. The rooms are very comfortable and come equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, as well as complimentary high-speed internet access. There is an on-site fitness center, and the plentiful complimentary buffet breakfast can be eaten in the dining area, or outside on a lovely terrace overlooking the bay. Rates for a family of four are $149/N for a room and $249/N for a suite depending on the season and promotion.
Other nearby hotels include the San Francisco Airport Marriott in Burlingame, the Sofitel San Francisco Bay in Redwood City, and the Four Seasons Palo Alto. The latter houses the very elegant Quattro Restaurant, a romantic spot for a date if you arrange for a babysitter.
Learn more in FTF’s Guide to San Mateo County. For more information on activities, restaurants and lodging, including pet-friendly hotels, parks, restaurants, beaches and nature trails, log on to www.VisitSanMateoCounty.com.
Carmel & Monterey Peninsula, California Weekend Getaway
Located south of Santa Cruz, this peninsula is one of the most beautiful, family-friendly regions in northern California, where fall and spring bring the lowest rates. Go on a picnic with seals and otters at the Seal Rock Picnic Center (17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach 93953), ride a paddle boat at the Dennis the Menace Playground (Pearl Street, Monterey 93940) or leave on a whale-watching cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf (Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 93940).
While you’re there, you can also stop by the Point Pinos Lighthouse (Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove 93950) to learn how lighthouses are kept. For activities away from the water, you can visit the interactive M.Y. Museum (425 Washington Street, Monterey 93940; 831/649-6444) for children or go horseback riding in Carmel Valley.
The kids will love the refurbished Monterey Bay Aquarium (886 Cannery Row, Monterey 93940; 831/648-4800) featuring 200 galleries and over 35,000 animals. The aquarium celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2014, and in recent years was voted the #1 aquarium for kids in the U.S. by Parents Magazine. Here your kids can touch various animals (all safe to be handled) at the Touch Pool and explore the “Splash Zone,” the first-ever children’s museum inside an aquarium. Other special exhibits open regularly and feature particular species — such as sharks — or habitats.
For more out-doorsy types with easygoing hikes and breathtaking view, Point Lobos State Reserve (Route 1, Carmel 93923; 831/624-4909), is located within a short driving distance. Golf and tennis buffs in your group will enjoy a drive inland through upscale Carmel Valley. This Old World town has absolutely no traffic lights, but boasts a world-class Bach Festival each summer.
The Four Sisters Inns operates two affordable and lovely B&Bs in the Monterey area. The Green Gables Inn (301 Ocean View Boulevard, Pacific Grove 93950; 800/722-1774), which claims to be California’s most famous inn, offers rooms with a view of the bay, a king bed, pullout sofa, and a futon mat on the floor. It was recently voted as one of the “Top 50 Small Hotels in the US” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. There’s also the cozy Gosby House Inn, which is more for romantic getaways. Another option is The Hotel Carmel (Corner of 4th & San Carlos Street Carmel 93921; 855/622-7635) with rooms beginning at around $200/night. Amenities include fireplaces in some rooms, flat screen TVs, heated swimming pool and Continental breakfast delivered with the newspaper to your door.
Traveling with multiple generations? FTF’s North Coast Reunion: Carmel & Monterrey outlines the region’s attractions in detail. For further information log on to Monterey Peninsula Visitors and Convention Bureau (888/221-1010) and the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Point Reyes, California Weekend Getaway
At Pt. Reyes (1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station 94956; 415/464-5100), hike along beautifully maintained trails, go whale watching, see wild elk, play on the beach, horseback ride, and visit the many quaint little towns nearby. Pt. Reyes receives lots of visitors from the Bay Area, and it is no wonder why.
Its proximity, wealth of free outdoor activities, great restaurants, and affordability make it the perfect candidate for a weekend getaway. It wasn’t the setting for the popular film Sideways, but the caliber of fine dining and wining in this area will startle and delight parents. Best yet, it’s such a casual place that kids are welcomed to participate at many of the best restaurants.
At Hostelling International-Pt. Reyes (1390 Limantour Spit Road, Point Reyes 94956; 415/663-8811), a family room sleeping five is available for a minimal cost. This youth hostel is located in the center of the park, so families can hike right out the front door. Families looking for more service can contact Point Reyes Lodging (800/539-1872) for B&B’s in the walkable hamlet of Pt. Reyes Station or neighboring towns. Family oriented cottages have a price range of $165 to over $300/N. Prices vary between different seasons.
For an in-depth look at the region, check out FTF’s Guide to Pt. Reyes National Park, California.
Marin County, California Weekend Getaway
Another beautiful — nearby but less expensive — location is San Rafael, where you can stay at the newly renovated Four Points Sheraton (1010 Northgate Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903; 866/716-8126). It offers a good base for San Francisco city sightseeing, and an affordable alternative for families. This hotel is situated in the center of the city, near San Francisco and attractions such as the Civic Center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Mission San Rafael Archangel. As a guest you can enjoy the amenities offered, which include babysitting services, a pool, rooms featuring 32-inch LCD HD televisions, bathrooms with granite topped sinks, and laundromat and dry cleaning services. The hotel is also home to the new restaurant Marin Steak & Spirits Company, where guests can dine inside or outside, depending on the weather. Check out their rates starting around $150/N. They have special offers as well, including discounts for AARP and AAA members.
An FTF Blogger reports on his family visit to San Marin, California here. To find out more about the attractions and accommodations in Marin County visit the Visitors Bureau.
Sacramento, California Weekend Getaway
The state capital of Sacramento is especially fun for families traveling with infants and toddlers, as reported by busy grandparents Mel and Ronnie Greenberg in FTF’s Guide to Sacramento, California.
Year round, families can visit the Governor’s Mansion (1526 H Street, Sacramento 95814; 916/808-7000), the impressive California State Railroad Museum (Second and I Streets, Sacramento 95814;916/445-6645), the Crocker Art Museum (216 O Street, Sacramento 95814; 916/264-5423), and the Aerospace Museum of California (3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan 95652; 916/643-3192). Sacramento is also known for its many professional and semi-professional theater groups and arts presentations.
What about the Gold Rush? It’s been over 150 years since fortune hunters came in search of the elusive metal, but with few reminders of this storied past, the city offers savvy travelers its Sacramento Gold Card. Exclusively for registered hotel guests, the free discount card uses smart card technology to provide special offers at dozens of participating restaurants (including the Hard Rock Cafe), attractions (like the Railroad Museum) and retailers (such as the Westfield Shoppingtown Mall).
For a great hotel to check into, try the Best Western Sutter House (1100 H Street, Sacramento 95814; 800/780-7234, 916-441-1314), convenient to sightseeing at Sutter’s Fort and the Governors Mansion. This AAA-three-diamond-rated hotel offers a double with two queen beds, free breakfast, a pool, and Internet access, with rates from $132/N depending on the season. Kids 17 and under stay free.
Annually from mid-August to early September, the town goes all out for Cal Expo (1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento 95815 916/263-FAIR), the California State Fair and the state’s biggest dining and entertainment bargain. Major artists, nightly performances, fabulous cooking, lots of 4H shows, what more could a family need? Check out the Sacramento C&VB site for more information.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
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.