Where should a 3-generation family group go on vacation?
February 5, 2018 6:08 AM Subscribe
For the first time in many years, my family may have a chance at a vacation, probably in late March. Ages: 4, 32, 32 and 64, with 2 29 year olds and 62 year old possibly also coming. Our main interest is nature/hiking, with secondary interests in cultural sites, good food, and music. We are from northern New England/upstate NY so we are not afraid of the cold and would consider going farther north, but we are also, you know, a bit tired of it. There are a few other constraints inside. Where should we go?
We want to see some amazing part of the earth that's totally different from where we live. Canadian tundra? Deserts of the American southwest? Caribbean island? Volcanoes? We're up for it all. We have about a week.
The main orientation would be towards hiking and visiting natural areas, and appreciating local wildlife. We are limited by the 4yo's hiking stamina (about 3-4 miles), and the 64yo doesn't want to camp since it messes up his sleep and makes him feel poorly. Everyone is a competent bike-rider so somewhere with cycling tours might be good, but 4yo would need a very small bike (hard to find?) and a slower pace. The 4yo cannot swim but wants to learn; the others are all good swimmers.
Other interests of the group include anthropology, local music, trains, vegetarian food (most of the group is vegetarian), birds, and all kinds of art.
We would love suggestions for tours or guided walks/hikes/experiences/sights that we might be interested in - mostly we're imagining natural history tours, but historical/cultural ones could be really cool too.
Two more important constraints: I don't want to go somewhere where the risk of traveller's diarrhea is very high. I am an experienced world traveler and familiar with the necessary precautions (and with Cipro) but I don't really want to risk sick children or older adults; there are reasons to suspect some members of the family might not recovery easily or tolerate the antibiotics well.
Also, we absolutely cannot risk Zika. I know that limits things a lot.
We want to see some amazing part of the earth that's totally different from where we live. Canadian tundra? Deserts of the American southwest? Caribbean island? Volcanoes? We're up for it all. We have about a week.
The main orientation would be towards hiking and visiting natural areas, and appreciating local wildlife. We are limited by the 4yo's hiking stamina (about 3-4 miles), and the 64yo doesn't want to camp since it messes up his sleep and makes him feel poorly. Everyone is a competent bike-rider so somewhere with cycling tours might be good, but 4yo would need a very small bike (hard to find?) and a slower pace. The 4yo cannot swim but wants to learn; the others are all good swimmers.
Other interests of the group include anthropology, local music, trains, vegetarian food (most of the group is vegetarian), birds, and all kinds of art.
We would love suggestions for tours or guided walks/hikes/experiences/sights that we might be interested in - mostly we're imagining natural history tours, but historical/cultural ones could be really cool too.
Two more important constraints: I don't want to go somewhere where the risk of traveller's diarrhea is very high. I am an experienced world traveler and familiar with the necessary precautions (and with Cipro) but I don't really want to risk sick children or older adults; there are reasons to suspect some members of the family might not recovery easily or tolerate the antibiotics well.
Also, we absolutely cannot risk Zika. I know that limits things a lot.
If Zika is a limiting factor -- I think in fact it's the biggest limiting factor of everything you listed so you buried the lead a little bit! ;) -- most of the Caribbean and central and South America, a lot of Sub-Saharan Africa, and South and Southeast Asia are off limits. Fortunately this also coincides with many parts of the world in which traveler's diarrhea is a problem, so you're not cutting off too many additional parts here.
You mentioned the American Southwest and I think it's an excellent option. I'm a huge personal fan of the Utah national parks -- the cheesily named "Mighty Five" are Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonland and Capitol Reef, and they are worth every minute there. I've been to the first four and live in New York City and have lived in New England, and can tell you that the scenery is straight up wild and some of the best I've ever seen anywhere, including outside of the US.
National parks are generally also good in that there's a large variety of hiking trails for all levels of difficulty. I know from experience there are 0.5 mile to 1 mile hiking trails so if your 4yo can do 3-4 miles, you will have plenty of options -- just look at the "easy" and "moderate" trails (I'd avoid "strenuous" in this situation).
For better or worse, the national parks also cater well to the "drive around, park, take a picture and leave" crowd, so if you need an easier day or something less strenuous you can still see amazing scenery. Outside of the parks, I also know there is mountain biking in the Moab area.
Zion, Bryce and Arches are the easiest to do without camping -- Canyonlands can be done but it's a bit of a drive from Moab (though I did it this past winter so it's by no means impossible). Can't comment on Capitol Reef as I have never been there.
Weather-wise, late March should be on the cool but pleasant side (especially if you're coming from upstate NY), though you should be prepared for much larger temperature swings on a daily basis than in the Northeast -- not uncommon for it to be 65 F in the afternoon and 40 F at night. Traveler's diarrhea is of course no more a problem in this part of the USA than in any other part of the country.
posted by andrewesque at 6:41 AM on February 5, 2018 [6 favorites]
You mentioned the American Southwest and I think it's an excellent option. I'm a huge personal fan of the Utah national parks -- the cheesily named "Mighty Five" are Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonland and Capitol Reef, and they are worth every minute there. I've been to the first four and live in New York City and have lived in New England, and can tell you that the scenery is straight up wild and some of the best I've ever seen anywhere, including outside of the US.
National parks are generally also good in that there's a large variety of hiking trails for all levels of difficulty. I know from experience there are 0.5 mile to 1 mile hiking trails so if your 4yo can do 3-4 miles, you will have plenty of options -- just look at the "easy" and "moderate" trails (I'd avoid "strenuous" in this situation).
For better or worse, the national parks also cater well to the "drive around, park, take a picture and leave" crowd, so if you need an easier day or something less strenuous you can still see amazing scenery. Outside of the parks, I also know there is mountain biking in the Moab area.
Zion, Bryce and Arches are the easiest to do without camping -- Canyonlands can be done but it's a bit of a drive from Moab (though I did it this past winter so it's by no means impossible). Can't comment on Capitol Reef as I have never been there.
Weather-wise, late March should be on the cool but pleasant side (especially if you're coming from upstate NY), though you should be prepared for much larger temperature swings on a daily basis than in the Northeast -- not uncommon for it to be 65 F in the afternoon and 40 F at night. Traveler's diarrhea is of course no more a problem in this part of the USA than in any other part of the country.
posted by andrewesque at 6:41 AM on February 5, 2018 [6 favorites]
Iceland?
posted by soren_lorensen at 7:22 AM on February 5, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by soren_lorensen at 7:22 AM on February 5, 2018 [1 favorite]
Arizona is a great option (sedona, the grand canyon, etc).
But also, if you're up for international travel, Ireland. Connemara was one of the most "different" feeling places I've ever been. The cliffs and mountains are different than the forests, and there's plenty of history to be had.
posted by dpx.mfx at 7:27 AM on February 5, 2018
But also, if you're up for international travel, Ireland. Connemara was one of the most "different" feeling places I've ever been. The cliffs and mountains are different than the forests, and there's plenty of history to be had.
posted by dpx.mfx at 7:27 AM on February 5, 2018
I would go to Arizona. The temperatures in late March should be quite comfortable. It's dramatically different from New England. The birding is great. There are a lot of prehistoric Indian sites to visit. You could visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park, the Grand Canyon, art museums in Phoenix or Tucson, or the Musical Instrument Museum. There are lots of hiking opportunities, including plenty of short easy trails the 4 year old could walk on.
posted by Redstart at 7:28 AM on February 5, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Redstart at 7:28 AM on February 5, 2018 [1 favorite]
The first place I thought of on reading your question was the Everglades, and March is an ideal time for visiting them. According to the CDC, the risk of Zika transmission is now extremely low in south Florida (and it was always more of an issue in the Miami area). It's an amazing place. If you can, see it before it disappears. And the four-year-old will love it.
posted by filthy_prescriptivist at 7:30 AM on February 5, 2018
posted by filthy_prescriptivist at 7:30 AM on February 5, 2018
Definitely the Utah National Parks. Right outside of Zion is plenty of infrastructure to cater to your group's needs and the place is utterly spectacular.
You say you don't mind the cold, so Rocky Mountain National Park and the national parks in Alberta Canada are similarly spectacular. The caveat here is that it will still be actively snowing in both places so the full extent of the parks won't be accessible.
I've been to Yellowstone for a day trip in winter and it was spectacular (particularly the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone). The Grand Teton NP is next door and is immensely beautiful as well. These places and the town of Jackson, WY to the south are sized to handle crowds in summer so there would be plenty of infrastructure to handle your group.
posted by mmascolino at 7:47 AM on February 5, 2018
You say you don't mind the cold, so Rocky Mountain National Park and the national parks in Alberta Canada are similarly spectacular. The caveat here is that it will still be actively snowing in both places so the full extent of the parks won't be accessible.
I've been to Yellowstone for a day trip in winter and it was spectacular (particularly the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone). The Grand Teton NP is next door and is immensely beautiful as well. These places and the town of Jackson, WY to the south are sized to handle crowds in summer so there would be plenty of infrastructure to handle your group.
posted by mmascolino at 7:47 AM on February 5, 2018
Iceland is absolutely spectacular and it struck me as very kid-friendly. If you want to do international go there! March might be a little chilly but nothing you're not used to. But vegetarian might be tough, given how hard it is to grow vegetables there they are very expensive. As a New Englander with a kid about that age, I'd go to the US Southwest, myself! I haven't been but I've been wanting to go for ages.
posted by john_snow at 8:00 AM on February 5, 2018
posted by john_snow at 8:00 AM on February 5, 2018
I organized a trip for a similar group to Kauai a few years ago that everyone enjoyed. Na Pali coast and Waimea canyon for hiking, warm water for snorkeling and swimming.
posted by doctord at 8:08 AM on February 5, 2018
posted by doctord at 8:08 AM on February 5, 2018
If you're looking outside the U.S., Iceland will definitely offer you some unique landscapes. Glaciers, separating tectonic plates, black sand beaches, more waterfalls than you can shake a stick at...
posted by praemunire at 8:42 AM on February 5, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by praemunire at 8:42 AM on February 5, 2018 [1 favorite]
São Miguel in the Azores has direct flights from Boston (to Ponta Delgada), lots of nature/hiking/walking (interesting looking natural tour company I found here), a volcanic landscape with amazing looking beaches and views across crater lakes to the sea beyond, whalewatching, a historic maritime culture and probably spring-like weather - with quite a bit of rain/cloud - in March.
Here's a four-day itinerary I found that seemed to be written by a local; there's definitely a week of things to do on the island.
Anthropologically, you might line up with Holy Week - not sure of specific celebrations but I bet they're unique, and many of New England's Portuguese communities are actually Azorean - perhaps there's a local community at home with roots there that can guide you in terms of where to stay and what to see.
Vegetarian food might be tricky if you don't do fish, but I bet a rental house with a kitchen and a van for the week might work out really well. Also, the flight is only about 5 hours long, so the jet lag won't be too bad - the Azores are over 1000 miles west of mainland Portugal.
posted by mdonley at 8:46 AM on February 5, 2018 [1 favorite]
Here's a four-day itinerary I found that seemed to be written by a local; there's definitely a week of things to do on the island.
Anthropologically, you might line up with Holy Week - not sure of specific celebrations but I bet they're unique, and many of New England's Portuguese communities are actually Azorean - perhaps there's a local community at home with roots there that can guide you in terms of where to stay and what to see.
Vegetarian food might be tricky if you don't do fish, but I bet a rental house with a kitchen and a van for the week might work out really well. Also, the flight is only about 5 hours long, so the jet lag won't be too bad - the Azores are over 1000 miles west of mainland Portugal.
posted by mdonley at 8:46 AM on February 5, 2018 [1 favorite]
Another vote for the Utah National Parks - a week isn't long enough to truly explore them all, but you'll get a nice sense of the parks, and can come back in a decade or so when your kid is up for the strenuous hikes.
If you want a very ambitious route with lots of driving, I'd recommend flying into Vegas, and then driving to Zion, followed by Bryce (it'll be cold there - high elevation!), followed by a drive up the gorgeous Highway 12 (through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument) to Capitol Reef, then over to Moab for Arches. Then south down 191 to Monument Valley in Arizona, hit the north side of Grand Canyon, and back to Las Vegas to fly out.
If that sounds like way too much driving for a week (it IS a lot), then you could be totally happy with plenty to do if you just check out Zion & Bryce - I'd suggest 4 days at Zion, 2 at Bryce, maybe a day at Valley of Fire State Park in NV on the way to/from Las Vegas. You can easily get hotels very close to both parks, although you should look now, as things do book up. Zion is absolutely amazing, and you can rent bikes and cruise along the valley floor. Bryce is other worldly, and some of the best sights are easily accessible by your four year old.
posted by Jaclyn at 9:47 AM on February 5, 2018
If you want a very ambitious route with lots of driving, I'd recommend flying into Vegas, and then driving to Zion, followed by Bryce (it'll be cold there - high elevation!), followed by a drive up the gorgeous Highway 12 (through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument) to Capitol Reef, then over to Moab for Arches. Then south down 191 to Monument Valley in Arizona, hit the north side of Grand Canyon, and back to Las Vegas to fly out.
If that sounds like way too much driving for a week (it IS a lot), then you could be totally happy with plenty to do if you just check out Zion & Bryce - I'd suggest 4 days at Zion, 2 at Bryce, maybe a day at Valley of Fire State Park in NV on the way to/from Las Vegas. You can easily get hotels very close to both parks, although you should look now, as things do book up. Zion is absolutely amazing, and you can rent bikes and cruise along the valley floor. Bryce is other worldly, and some of the best sights are easily accessible by your four year old.
posted by Jaclyn at 9:47 AM on February 5, 2018
Big Island of Hawaii! The active volcano is one of the best things I've ever seen in my life. The briefest google search suggests zika isn't a problem there, but you'd have to double-check that.
posted by pizzazz at 11:00 AM on February 5, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by pizzazz at 11:00 AM on February 5, 2018 [1 favorite]
The Cinque Terre on the northwestern coast of Italy are known for hiking, though I am not sure how much wildlife is nearby. The west coast of Ireland is similarly scenic and hike-able. The Utah parks would also be a good time and a drastic change to your environment. Do you think a coastal area would be different enough for you?
I visited Sao Miguel in the Azores last summer and I heartily second that suggestion. Book your rental car as soon as you can so you get a well known company and be prepared for flight delays, as mine was 13 hours! However, once you land on the island, there is so much to see and do, you will not be bored. The roads are narrow, windy and sometimes steep, but people are used to driving slow and passing/pulling over, so you can take your time. I saw 2 Fin whales and 3 kinds of dolphins as well as Portuguese Man-o-War and tons of Shearwaters, so wildlife is around.
posted by soelo at 7:12 PM on February 5, 2018
I visited Sao Miguel in the Azores last summer and I heartily second that suggestion. Book your rental car as soon as you can so you get a well known company and be prepared for flight delays, as mine was 13 hours! However, once you land on the island, there is so much to see and do, you will not be bored. The roads are narrow, windy and sometimes steep, but people are used to driving slow and passing/pulling over, so you can take your time. I saw 2 Fin whales and 3 kinds of dolphins as well as Portuguese Man-o-War and tons of Shearwaters, so wildlife is around.
posted by soelo at 7:12 PM on February 5, 2018
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posted by Botanizer at 6:39 AM on February 5, 2018 [6 favorites]