Viva Las Vegas: Your Ultimate Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip

BY  Sibashree Jan 20, 2026

A good summer trip! For the longest time, these road trips have been the ultimate bonding time for our family. Us, our parents, and the stars, the 15-year-old moody chatterbox, and the 10-year-old, giving me young Sheldon vibes.  Now, my daughter has always been a sport, and she has behaved her best during road trips. It’s my son who always brings the challenges. Also, he is now 10 and has a lot of opinions to share.  And with him growing up, the perennial sibling fights are more frequent. So, this time, we let our kids prepare their lists and make small chits. The trick was to shuffle the chits and keep them in a bowl. Finally, I will pick the chit, and it will be the place we go for this summer's road trip.  Now, I was amazed to see how detailed and diverse their lists were! Here are the best family road trip destinations they chose for this summer.  What Are The Best Family Road Trip Destinations In The USA? Be it the on-mountain summer experience, the dream adventure in the national parks, or the iconic and mighty Niagara Falls! The best places to travel with kids on a summer trip are endless in the USA.  These are the places our kids want to visit.  1. Vail Honestly, I would not have thought of Vail as one of the best family vacation spots if my daughter had not said it.  In the Rocky Mountains, Vail is beautiful in the fall and winter. However, it is more amazing during the summer.  Epic Discovery Learning about local wildlife, adventure sports, and a scenic gondola ride are the main attractions at Epic Discovery.  There are many fun activities for the kids. They can do ziplining, roll down the hill on a tube, or try their hands at the golf club. Also, for all of us, the forest flyer mountain coaster ride can be the ultimate adventure.  Also, if you think that seniors can’t enjoy it, they will love the gondola rides, exploring the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and hiking through the short nature trails. River kayaking, white water rafting, and hot-air balloon rides are some other exciting activities here.  Moreover, you can try horseback riding or cattle drives. But as always, I am never up for these things ethically!  2. Orlando This was expected from my son. And Walt Disney is The PLACE when you are traveling in Orlando with kids. And my son has been cribbing since Christmas that we missed the Disney visit this time.  It was I who was unsure about it because I could not think of Walt Disney World without Toy Story Mania, and the reconstruction work was not complete before the holiday season.  However, the restoration of the Toy Story entrance archway is complete now. And this summer, Disney is going to have the debut of the “Soarin' Across America", and the experience around 30th June is going to be more patriotic at Walt Disney as the nation celebrates its 250th year.  Moreover, there is now a new snack kiosk near Toy Story Land. This place sells amazing pepperoni pizza spring rolls.  3. Luxury Glamping At The Resort At Paws Up Now, resorts are the most convenient choices when it comes to the best family holiday destinations. The Resort at Paws Up in Montana was once again my daughter’s suggestion.  She heard of it from her best friend, who went there last summer with her family.  I already knew about the resort, as it has multiple accolades to its name. It is a two-Michelin-Key resort, and in 2025, it won the title of the 8th best resort in the world in the “Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.” Glamping here gives a wonderful opportunity to sleep beneath the star-filled sky. Furthermore, this cattle ranch, spreading over 37000 acres, has 100 miles.  Along with cattle and horseback rides, you can enjoy water rafting here in the massive Blackfoot River. Furthermore, it has spa and wellness amenities for your rejuvenation. 4. Glacier And Yellowstone National Parks In Montana Montana also has gems such as the Glacier National Park and the Yellowstone National Park. You can do wilderness camping at Glacier National Park with a wilderness permit. It has easy to moderate hiking trails such as the Avalanche Lake, Hidden Meadow, and Highline Trail.  Furthermore, the national park has the North Fork Flathead River and the Middle Fork Flathead River.  Moreover, this 1,583 square miles of wilderness is the Crown of the Continent. It has fossils, a growing wildlife, and a unique geology.  The Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is home to bison, grizzly bears, and wolves. In fact, the concentration of mammals here is the highest among the lower 48 states.  In addition, it has reptiles such as the bullsnake and rubber boa.  5. Grand Teton National Park In Wyoming  The Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming has the National Elk Refuge. It is an area of 25000 acres, offering refuge to 7000 elk.  Furthermore, the Oxbow Bend here is frequented by the mother bear grizzly No. 399 with her cubs. The Kelly Loop, Antelope Flats, and the Moose Wilson Road are the other spots in the national park to spot wildlife such as bison, pronghorns, and antelopes. Moreover, this national park has the endangered white bark pine trees, the bald eagles, which are a species of concern, and the grizzly bear, which is a species at risk.  By the way, I was surprised to see that both my kids had these national parks on their list of best holiday destinations for families.  6. California Coast We have been to the California Coast once during the spring, and I was glad to see that my son wanted to repeat it.  The last time, we started the trip in San Diego, and the kids had a lot of fun at Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, and the beaches.  Then, we continued our drive north and had an extensive beach experience at Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Malibu, Newport Beach, and Solvang.  And of course, as we reached the Central Coast, we had to stay at the Madonna Inn. The charm of 1958 is still intact here with the iconic pink dining room and 110 uniquely themed rooms.  A We Continued North  We chose to stay at a resort near Pebble Beach, and from there, it was about 17 miles to Big Sur to enjoy its wonderful views.  Also, we booked a few rounds and enjoyed our time at the Pebble Beach golf courses.  Final Stop San Francisco Last time, our California road trip ended at Santa Cruz. We enjoyed the play at the boardwalk, which still has the old-world charm.  Furthermore, our kids enjoyed their time in San Francisco. Of course, the sundae at Ghirardelli was the biggest highlight. They also loved exploring Fisherman’s Wharf and flying kites by the Golden Gate Bridge.  7. Las Vegas Las Vegas, despite being the “Sin City,” is actually a fun place for kids. My daughter hasspecific demands about the Las Vegas summer trip.  She wants to stay at New York-New York as she is dying to take the Big Apple coaster ride there. Also, she has the Shark Reef Aquarium and the Circus Circus adventure dome on her wishlist.  8. Grand Canyon National Park The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is one of the most beautiful road trip destinations. I told my son, “It’s going to be so hot and it’s the peak season, you will feel annoyed.” He was persistent as he wanted to join the “Junior Ranger Program.” “I also want to see the Yavapai Geology Museum, and I want to ride the train (Grand Canyon Railway),” He added.  Now, with his research being so immaculate, I had to consider his choice.  9. Zion National Park I know summer is the busiest time at Zion National Park, and the heat is intense. But it is also the time when we get access to almost all the trails in the park in Utah.  The Lower Emeraland Pool Hike will be easy this summer. It is an easy trail and usually takes 1 hour to complete.  I also chose this trail because it continues through Juniper and pinyon woods. So, even with the high heat, the kids would have a comfortable time walking.   As the trail ends, the beautiful Emerald Pool and ephemeral falls await us.  10. Niagara Falls Niagara Falls was the first place we visited on a family trip after my daughter was born. She was all of two then, but I don’t know if she remembers anything.  I think she has picked things about the trip from our family album. The real thrill begins with the boat ride to the mighty falls. She wants to enjoy the Maid of the Mist boat ride once again this summer.  And if we visit the Niagra Falls again this season, I have plans of descending at the tunnel behind the Horseshoe Falls. 11. Milwaukee And as they say, “The nearer the church, the farther from God," I know that I have missed visiting Milwaukee even after staying so close to it.  Milwaukee, suggested by my son, is a bright city in the summertime. And of course, the young lad is growing up to be quite a bike connoisseur. So, no wonder that the Harley-Davidson Museum was his calling.  The Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival from July 9-12 is the ultimate time to visit Milwaukee if you are also a bike enthusiast like him.  Furthermore, the city also has the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Art and Public Museums.  12. Washington DC It’s great to see that my daughter wants to visit Washington, D.C. for the summer road trip. I am even happier because I once shared my experience of being there on 4th July.  The teens these days! They don’t show emotions, but they feel a lot! She specifically mentioned that she wanted this road trip to see the National 4th of July Parade and the fireworks.  I never knew that she harbored such patriotic feelings. 13. NYC We have been to NYC once. My son was 6 years old then. He still can’t forget the experience of seeing the Statue of Liberty. So, it was an expectation suggestion from him.  He also wanted to see the views of New York City from the One World Observatory and enjoy the elevator ride. Last time, he even loved the Central Park Zoo and a boat ride on the lake. 14. Chicago Contrary to the questions I get to read online, Chicago is a safe place, and it is one of the best holiday destinations with kids.  I don’t know why my son has picked the name, but I think he has done so for the Lincoln Park Zoo. He loves wildlife, and he wanted to meet the penguins at the “Malott Family Penguin Encounter.” A few days back, he was giving me a scoop on this.  Furthermore, Chicago has the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and the Science and Industry Museum. All are brilliant places for curious kids.  Moreover, my son is a huge baseball fan. So, a match day at Wrigley Field or the Guaranteed Rate Field would be a lifetime experience. Now, Are You Ready With The Best Holiday Destinations With Kids? Our list of family road trip destinations has been quite diverse. It’s time you plan your adventure! If you ask me, it’s a difficult task to choose among these destinations. I liked all the suggestions from my daughter and son. And I can’t take a side as I don’t want to deal with a sulking face for the next two days.  Nevertheless, from the list here, my favorite would be Chicago. Though kids see it in a different way, I always find it so culturally enriching to be in Chicago.  Also, being from India, Chicago always reminds me of how once a monk from India came and offered a lecture on the inclusiveness of Sanatana Dharma! Very pertinent in the days of wars and violent geopolitical stunts today. 

BY  Sibashree May 18, 2026

Alaska is definitely “THE DESTINATION” if you want to see the Northern Lights. I visited my friend in Alaska when her daughter was born.  And we went to Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights.  Fairbanks has the best places to see Aurora in Alaska because of its proximity to the Aurora Oval and distance from the light pollution of the city.  Moreover, it has expansive open skies.  So, here, I will talk about the best places to see Aurora in Alaska, centered around Fairbanks.  However, before that, I want to share the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska.  What Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights In Alaska?  Away from light pollution, you need to place that has dark and clear sky.  Furthermore, the electromagnetic particles of the Sun get charged and make the display of the gorgeous colors possible in the sky.  Also, if you are in Alaska, late August to mid-April is the best time to see the Northern Lights. To be more specific, keep the following details in mind.  1. Choose Drier Months For Clear Skies  February to early April has the least snowfall in Alaska. So, these months are ideal for seeing the Northern Lights.  On the other hand, massive snowfall happens in November and December in Alaska.  2. Don’t Choose A Full Moon Light  On a full moon night, the moon will shine the brightest, and it can make the northern lights in the sky dim.  Also, the dance of the colors will not be visible clearly when the sky is filled with moonlight.  3. Choose A Date Close To The Equinox  20th March and 23rd September are the dates of equinoxes in the world.  These days offer better visibility of the Northern Lights because the magnetic axis of the Earth remains perpendicular to the Sun’s direction.  What Are The Best Places To See Aurora In Alaska?  Explore Fairbanks says that when a tourist visits Fairbanks and stays there for three days, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights for them are around 90%.  Furthermore, during the best days or months to see the Aurora in Alaska, 10 PM to 3 AM is the best time. 1. Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch Around 33 miles northeast of the Fairbanks International Airport, Pleasant Acres in Pleasant Valley is one of the best places to see Aurora in Alaska.  Furthermore, it is located on the route to the Chena Hot Springs. So, you can plan a day trip to Chena Hot Springs.  Also, Pleasant Acres offers a direct pick-up facility from Fairbanks, and it is a fiberglass igloo with a fully furnished bathroom, queen bed, French Press, and Wi-Fi amenities.  Moreover, thanks to the remote location, these igloos overlook the herds of reindeer. In addition, Pleasant Acres conducts reindeer tours, dog sledge tours, and aurora tours.  2. Chena Hot Springs Picture this. It’s dark, and you are relaxing in natural hot springs. Then, suddenly, you find the Aurora in the night sky.  If you find this experience amazing, Chena Hot Springs will be one of the best places to see Aurora in Alaska.  Now, being a resort, Chena Hot Springs offers a host of activities. It is at a distance of around 90 minutes from Fairbanks.  Moreover, it has a dedicated shuttle service for pick up and drop off.  Also, you can relax in the Resort’s Aurora Viewing Room. From the windows of the viewing room, you can enjoy the views of the Northern lights without compromising comfort or warmth.  I loved the rustic charm of the resort, and you must plan a two-night stay here. 3. Northern Sky Lodge   If you travel around 30 miles south of Fairbanks, you will find the Northern Sky Lodge.  It is far away from the city, and the rural setting of this family-owned facility makes it ideal for seeing the Northern Lights.  Moreover, it has a common area where you can have breakfast from 7 to 10 AM and enjoy lounging and dining.  Overall, it is a quiet and cozy ambiance for seeing the aurora in Alaska.  4. Frontier Village  Frotier Village is again run by a family, and it is very close to the North Pole, Alaska. It is in a remote location, and it has four new cabins that are dedicated to seeing the aurora.  Furthermore, the authorities will give you a wake-up call for Aurora viewing so that you do not miss an opportunity to see the Aurora.  Moreover, the cabins are cozy and have a bathroom below, a living area, and a well-stocked kitchen. Overall, the ambiance is cozy, and I especially loved the fire pit around which you can relax with the other guests.  I stayed at the Fancy Fox cabin, and the other cabins are The Lazy Lynx, The Cozy Caribou, and The Wandering Wolf.  5. Aurora Yurt And Borealis Yurt A heated yurt can be your abode when you are planning to see the Aurora in Alaska. The bedrooms open to the upper loft area.  Furthermore, inside the main house, you will find a hot tub where you can relax. In addition, the sky lights of the yurt make watching the aurora very satisfying.  Also, for some more adrenaline rush, you can visit the nearby ski resort, Moose Mountain.  6. Borealis Basecamp Borealis Basecamp, at a distance of around 25 miles from Fairbanks, is one of the best places to see Aurora in Alaska.  The distance from the city lights makes it ideal for aurora viewing, and whenever you book a package for 2-4 days, you will enjoy sturdy UTV rides and dog sledge rides.  Moreover, you can plan a stay in cubes and igloos.  7. Alaska Grizzly Lodge Alaska Grizzly Lodge is a rustic and quintessential Alaskan-style bed and breakfast facility.  Surrounded by the woods, it offers a cozy setup for watching the Aurora. Also, you can enjoy amazing views of the aurora from the balconies.  8. Aurora Ridge Cabin  Very close to the Alaska Pipeline overlook point, the Aurora Ridge Cabin has three bedrooms and one bathroom.  Furthermore, you can use the kitchen, fire pit, and grill. Furthermore, its location makes it ideal for wildlife viewing. You can especially see moose from the porch.  9. Pike’s Waterfront Lodge  Pike’s Waterfront Lodge borders the Chena River. It has a massive deck with a fire pit for watching the Aurora.  At the same time, it now has a new Aurora conservatory with a glass enclosure.  With a massive setup, the lodge now has 28 cabins and 180 rooms. Choose a room with a private balcony that stretches up to the Chena River.  10. Lakefront Luxury Log Home It is a customized log home with an area of 4800 square feet.  Furthermore, located in the North Pole town, it sits on a private pond.  You can relax in the outdoor hot tub overlooking the pond and even enjoy watching the Aurora through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Read Also: The Best Places To See Northern Lights In The USA: When And Where To Watch Aurora Borealis The Best Tucumán Wine Tour Guide: How To Explore The Higlands Of Northern Argentina? What Is The Portland Maine To Bar Harbor Distance? Exploring Coastal Maine By Car

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 3, 2024

Who isn’t fond of traveling? Most of us love to scrape out different parts of the world. But apart from selecting a dream destination, selecting a good hotel is another big headache.  When it comes to places like Manila, you need to enhance the overall travel experience. This is exactly why we recommend choosing a 5-star hotel in this vibrant city.  A hotel in Manila that offers you close proximity to major tourist destinations is always better. Check out this comprehensive guide till the end that carries all the necessary requirements for choosing a hotel.  So, let’s get started without further ado… Three Essential Considerations While Choosing A Manila Hotel Who likes to travel without any proper plans? And when it comes to hotels, there are a handful of things to consider. For example, some people prioritize the location, while others are much more thoughtful about the price. Here are the 3 major things everyone must address:  1. Choose An Appropriate Location For Your Hotel First things first, the location of your chosen 5-star hotel rooms! The location matters a lot when it comes to shaping your experience in any city. And Manila, particularly, is something else! Moreover, opting for a hotel in a prime location allows you to explore the city’s numerous attractions and landmarks conveniently.  The city is also quite popular for its rich history and cultural diversity, which shouldn’t go unnoticed. It has proximity to key destinations such as Intramuros, Rizal Park, and the vibrant Makati district.  Furthermore, a strategically located hotel can provide you with numerous benefits. From saving time on transportation to gaining easy access to both business and leisure activities- there’s so much more! 2. Range Of Amenities Secondly, the range of amenities that are offered by a 5-star hotel in Manila contributes to the overall comfort and satisfaction of your stay. Beyond the luxurious setting, it will also provide you with a diverse array of amenities for all your needs.  As a result, you must look for a hotel that boasts state-of-the-art fitness facilities, spa services, and a variety of dining options, ensuring that your stay is not only comfortable but also indulgent.  Regardless of whether you will be traveling to the city of Manila for business or leisure, a well-equipped hotel can enhance your overall experience. Get a seamless blend of relaxation and convenience within the confines of the accommodation. 3. Quality Of Customer Service Lastly, the quality of customer service is the final fundamental factor that distinguishes a good hotel from an exceptional one.  Similarly, a 5-star hotel in Manila will be able to go far beyond meeting your basic needs and expectations. It provides a personalized and attentive service.  From the moment you arrive until your departure, the hotel’s commitment to ensuring your satisfaction should be evident at all times.  Likewise, attentive concierges, along with prompt room service and a courteous reception team, also matter for a memorable experience. Sites and Attractions In Manila To Visit Now that we know the essential considerations of settling in for a great hotel in Manila, next comes the list of attractions. After all, it’s all about traveling and discovering new places. So, here it goes: Rizal Park Rizal Park is the biggest public park in the city, which owes tribute to national hero, Jose Rizal. The park is 140 acres in length and is ornamented with mesmerizing gardens.  It is also widely regarded as Luneta Park, and more than 5,000 tourists visit it every day.  Location: Manila, Malate, Roxas Blvd, 1000 Metro Manila Entry Charges: INR 26 (2024) Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM. Fort Santiago At Metro Manila, Fort Santiago is a must-visit. It is nestled in Intramuros’ ancient walled city, the construction of which ended in 1593. The fort will certainly give you a rich, historical vibe. If you are looking forward to a unique experience with your friends or family, make sure you visit it at least once.   Address: Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila Entry Charges: INR 100 Timings: 8 AM to 9 PM Manila Ocean Park Are you much of a marine lover? Hit the Manila Ocean Park if you wish to see the rich biodiversity underlying Manila’s water bodies. The Oceanarium creates all the hype since it boasts over 14,000 animals and 270+ marine species.  Get ready to see some exciting animal shows where Penguins, Birds, and Seal Lions perform various activities.  Address: 666 Behind Quirino Grandstand, Manila Entry Charges: Starting from INR 530 Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM.  San Agustin Church This Church, for a long time, has remained the center of attraction for all the good reasons. Not only is San Agustin the most primitive church in the Philippines, but it is also a UNESCO world heritage site.  Tourists come here to taste the authentic Filipino culture. And if you are lucky enough, you might get to see the traditional wedding process from your hotel in Manila.  Address: General Luna St, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila  Entry Charges: INR 132 When to visit: 8 AM to 6 PM. Casa Manila Casa Manila is a very old and popular museum in Intramuros. Imelda Marcos constructed the castle, keeping in mind the exquisite Spanish Colonial architecture.  It, more or less, replicated San Nicolas House, offering a detailed insight into the Filipino lifestyle.  Address: General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila Entry Charges: Free When to visit: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  The Bottom Line With that, we slowly proceed towards the end of this itinerary. But make sure you carry the important tips with you while heading to Manila.  This fun-filled destination has a lot in store for you. All it takes to make the journey smoother is a set of rightful ideas. From location to hotels, there’s not much to worry about if you have read this through. When traveling to a strange land, do not forget to consider your safety. After all, no traveler should ever compromise that! Having said that, I wrap up my words. If there’s something you would like to share about your hotel experiences in Manila, do comment below and let us know! Thank you for reading. 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