Cities, Nature & Fun: An All-American Vacation Has it All!

Cities, Nature & Fun: An All-American Vacation Has it All!

In honor of Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day, we think of the many wonderful historical, patriotic, and unique places to visit right here in the United States! For an all-American vacation that combines using brain cells, burning calories, relaxing, and experiencing one-of-a-kind places, the following destinations make a great weekend getaway or full-fledged vacation that’s brimming with great stories!

CITIES: Our cities offer remarkable architecture, with the stories of how our country evolved, and of course wonderful hotels in which to unwind at the end of each exhilarating day! With this type of vacation, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll have plenty of great memories. Some of our favorite places include:

Washington: Smithsonian museums with something for every age and interest; Arlington National Cemetery for a poignant and humbling experience; The Capitol and White House for a glimpse of government proceedings.

Philadelphia: visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell to soak in the colonial times, play and learn at the Franklin Institute, and run like Rocky up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art then go inside it and explore! Much more here.

Boston: take a walking tour along the Freedom Trail including a stop at Faneuil Hall, enjoy a baseball game at Fenway, or saunter around the Public Garden and taking a swan boat ride (a must do!).

NATURE: Then there are the U.S. National Parks, each one with its own majestic beauty unlike any other place on earth! Thankfully, there are options for all levels of physical fitness so people of all ages and abilities can experience these marvels of nature.

Five parks in Utah must been seen to be believed! Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Zion National Park give visitors the chance to see beauty up, down, and all around! And you can stay at a lodge right in the middle of the parks!

The biggies: Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Yosemite National Park out west, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park east of the Mississippi, and many more. These parks never disappoint due to their sheer size and variety of topography.

PLAYTIME: And, there are built for fun places such as Florida, California, and New Orleans!

New Orleans holds a special place in the hearts of all who visit! It’s got great architecture, culture, events, music, food, and people!

In the Orlando, FL, area, theme parks offer pure escapist fun for kids of all ages. Planning and following expert advice helps travelers get the most out of their time and money. Walt Disney World has four diverse theme parks plus plenty of other activities, while Universal Orlando offers visitors a walk through Harry Potter’s world along with thrill rides.

California offers everything from beach to mountain to city vacationing! Starting in the San Francisco area including wine country, travelers then drive down the coast, stopping to see Hearst Castle, Solvang, Hollywood, and ending with a relaxing few days in beautiful San Diego.

These are just a handful of our “bucket list” destinations in the U.S., along with many more off-the-beaten-track and well-known sites. Many people successfully book trips themselves – but for those wanting to save time and get expert guidance, peace of mind, special perks, and insider tips, travel agents provide great value. At Travelong of Summit, our consultants put their many years of experience and connections into action, planning customized vacations based on each client’s interests, time and budget. Share your vacation dreams with us and we’ll help make them come true!

(Photo of Bryce Canyon courtesy of National Park Service).

By Travelong | Our Blog

Share this amazing location!

Related Blogs

Discover Paradise in the Maldives

By Kris T. | Island Vacation

For the ultimate in luxury and tranquility, the Maldives is unparalleled. Overwater bungalows, private coral reefs, and pristine beaches set the stage for an intimate winter vacation. Indulge in spa treatments, dine under the stars, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this tropical haven.

Embrace Fascinating Vibes in Bali, Indonesia

By Kris T. | Island Vacation

For those seeking a more faraway winter experience, Bali beckons with its rich culture and diverse landscapes. Explore ancient temples, surf the famous waves of Uluwatu, and unwind in luxury resorts surrounded by lush rice terraces. Bali is the perfect destination for a unique and memorable winter escape.

Simple Steps to Make Your Holiday Travels Easier

By Travelong | Our Blog

Simple Steps to Make Your Holiday Travels Easier Traveling during major holidays can be stressful and exasperating to say the least. However, there are several ways you can mitigate the worst of it and make the experience much easier – and maybe even have a trip where the ‘getting there and back’ portions become positively ordinary! First, when planning a trip that requires flying during notoriously busy travel times such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, consider flying on the day of the holiday, at off-peak times during the surrounding days, and/or from a secondary airport near your departure or arrival location. When possible, opt for non-stop flights so you’ll be less affected by delays. It’s best to book as far advance as possible for holiday travel, as flights will undoubtedly fill up and you want to be assured a seat on the flight(s) of your choice. Confirm your seat assignments when you book for the best possible seats. Be sure that your name on the travel documents matches your ID (license, passport, etc.). A little organizing before the trip can reduce stress at the airport. We recommend creating a master checklist based on your travel needs that you can simply pull out and customize for each trip. It may include “things to do”, such as get mail stopped, arrange for pet care, get vaccines, check passport, etc. and “things to bring”, such as medications, sunscreen, hiking shoes, camera, etc. This Traveler’s Checklist from the U.S. Department of State summarizes some of the more official travel needs, while the easy (and fun) Travels’ Checklist tool creates a customized list based on your travel plans. Before leaving for the airport, go ahead and check in online. If you provided an email address when the flight was booked, the airline will send you an automated message with very easy steps to follow to check in online. Even if you can’t print the boarding passes, this will still expedite your time checking in. In fact, you can go paperless for the entire process by having your boarding passes sent to your smartphone. In addition, you can download apps or check on the airline’s website to know the status of your flight. Once you arrive at the airport, be prepared to wait! This is no revelation to anyone who has flown in recent years, so the best thing to do is use the time to catch up on reading, watch videos, play games, etc. Bringing a few snacks may help! To get through security a little easier, we recommend you make sure carry-on liquids are packed according to regulations (see TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule), wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, and wear socks to avoid walking barefoot through the security checkpoint. Planning ahead and being prepared can reduce holiday travel stress, making the time spent at your destination more enjoyable. If your holiday travel plans include choosing a vacation destination, contact Travelong of Summit to learn about the best places based on time of year, weather, special offers, and more.

© 2025 Travelong. All rights reserved.