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• Seattle, Washington

My kids are avid iCarly fans, and for that reason, they are familiar with Seattle. More than just home to Carly, Sam, and the gang, though, Seattle is a great place to kick back and relax with the kids, as well as to check out some sights. Your kids will love viewing the city from the observation deck of the Space Needle. While you’re up there, eat lunch or dinner in the SkyCity restaurant and enjoy the panoramic views while you dine. If you have teens, they’ll want to visit the original Starbucks, which opened over 40 years ago in the historic district. Kids of all ages will enjoy the Museum of Flight and the Woodland Park Zoo, and you might even be able to catch a glimpse of whale on a whale watch in Puget Sound. We actually took a cruise to Alaska our of the Seattle port and got to see much of the Pacific Northwest!

• Death Valley, California

If you’re in Eastern California, show the kids another natural marvel by stopping for a visit to Death Valley. The harshest desert in the USA, Death Valley is surrounded by mountains and has a hot, windy climate. Sign up for a tour of the valley, and let your kids’ imaginations take them back to the early 20th century as they explore old mining towns. They can learn about desert survival skills ahead of time, making this a truly hands-on educational trip. Don’t leave without visiting Scotty’s Castle, an interesting piece of history located in Grapevine Canyon, on the northern edge of Death Valley.

• Los Angeles, California

The City of Angels has enough to keep your family entertained for weeks, and should not be missed if you are visiting SoCal. The kids will be thrilled with visits to Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood or Six Flags Magic Mountain. With so many kids’ television shows taped in L.A., you can obtain tickets to take them to see one of their favorites being filmed. If your family enjoys science, check out the California Science Center, or take your daughter to the American Girl Place. You don’t have to travel overseas to see Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, because there’s one in right in Los Angeles. Stay outside of the city to save money on hotels, or splurge and stay in the heart of Hollywood.

Where else on the west coast are great places to take kids of all ages? Share you experiences with us, particularly if you live in the area or are a regular visitor!

• San Diego, California

First, the weather is amazing year-round in San Diego with average temps in the 70′s. Besides that San Diego has an amazing Zoo, and so many outdoor family activities that you can’t beat this destination! Lets not forget that SeaWorld is also close by and of course DisneyLand are all family travel options.

We have hosted several foreign exchange students, and we’ve had the pleasure of taking two of them to Disney World during their stays. Although we traveled with our own kids as well, who were preschool-aged or in elementary school at the times, our teenage exchange students had the time of their lives.  We did find that it was important to give them some autonomy, and picked up a few other tips as well:

*Use Fast Pass. Chances are that your big kids are going to want to go on the more thrilling attractions more than once, and it just so happens that these are where the lines are the longest. Whether they have their eyes on Aerosmith’s Rockin Roller Coaster, Test Track, Space Mountain, or the Kali Rapids River Ride, grab Fast Passes early, before they’re all gone for the day.

*Split up. Particularly if you also have small children in your party, consider taking the little ones on Dumbo and It’s A Small World, while allowing your teenagers to go on the height-restricted rides on their own or with their other parent. Yes, Disney vacations are about family togetherness, but splitting up for an hour or two may give your teenagers just the break they need in the middle of an overwhelming day with younger siblings.

*Eat at non-peak times. One of the nice things about teenagers is that they don’t usually need to stick to the same eating routines that they did when they were little, and probably won’t melt down over postponing a meal. Take advantage of this by visiting attractions during prime meal times, and sitting down for a late lunch or dinner, after the crowds have already eaten.

*Allow down time. While your teens may be perfectly happy waking up early and staying at the parks until they close, they might want to spend a morning sleeping in, or an afternoon lazing around at the pool. Even though they’ve outgrown their need for daily naps, don’t neglect your teenagers’ need for rest while on vacation.  You should take advantage of this as well, and relax with a good book or an afternoon siesta of your own!

*Finally, keep your sense of humor. When you travel with toddlers, tantrums, meltdowns, crabbiness and minor boo-boos are par for the course and to be expected. During the turbulent teenage years, you might experience any of these.  Discuss appropriate behavior with your teen ahead of time, but don’t get too bent out of shape if they slip up. A well-worded reminder should get them back on track quickly, and you can continue enjoying the magic of Disney!

Have you traveled to Walt Disney World with teenagers? Do you have any tips?

I see their concerns, but after browsing through the site, I am pretty sure that the vast of those on the forums are not ax-murderers. First, there is a feedback system, where you and others can leave references for those you host or stay with. Secondly, you’re not obligated to host (or to stay with) anyone who contacts you. You can take your time, get to know them as well as possible, and decline anyone with whom you do not feel comfortable. For those who do not have couch to offer or who do not want to host a stranger in their homes, there is an option to offer to meet travelers for a cup of coffee, or to show them around your town a bit. All of this combined with the fact that I’m sort of a Pollyanna when it comes to things like this led to me jumping up and down with glee when a potential CouchSurfer contacted me a couple of months ago!

Her name is Svenja, and she’s traveling from Germany with her young son. To make our first CouchSurfing experience even more special, she’s arriving on Christmas Eve! Yes, she’ll be spending Christmas with our family. I have exchanged dozens of emails with her, and am really looking forward to showing her around our area in southwest Florida, and showing her a typical American Christmas, besides!

We are planning a big European vacation in a couple of years, and we will probably try CouchSurfing for part of the trip. We have plenty of family and friends in Germany, which is where our vacation will start, but we don’t know anyone in Switzerland or Italy, the other countries we plan to visit… and what better way to immerse ourselves in the culture than to stay with natives?

This type of travel may make it more feasible for families with children to explore faraway destinations; after all, one of the biggest expenses when traveling is lodging, and CouchSurfing helps reduce those costs. When you travel with kids, you do need to practice due diligence, check references, and follow your instincts.

I will let you know how it goes with Svenja’s visit. My expectation is that we will have a wonderful, magical Christmas, particularly because we’ll be sharing it with a new friend. I also hope that as the years go by, my children remember this is yet another time we’ve opened our home to someone of a different culture, and that they, too, are inspired to want to meet others from around the world.

Would you consider hosting a CouchSurfer, or CouchSurfing yourself? Why or why not?

Chicago, Illinois

No trip to the Midwest would be complete without a visit to the Windy City! Chicago has big city elegance and is full of family fun. Spend a day at the Lincoln Park Zoo,where your kids will be mesmerized by all of the animals… and the best part is that admission is free! Bring along a picnic lunch for a budget-friendly way to spend time together as a family. Don’t miss taking a photo of the Chicago skyline’s reflection in The Bean, a huge stainless steel sculpture in the Millennium park. Choose a sunny, clear day for this excursion, and walk to the nearby stores and attractions. You can even take a free tour of one of the dozens of neighborhoods in the city; contact the Chicago Greeter Program at least week or two before you plan to visit.

Black Hills, South Dakota

For the nature and history lovers in your family, be sure to spend some time exploring the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. The natural topography of the area is breathtaking, with granite mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, deep gorges and prairies. If you are an outdoors-loving family, spend some time hiking and taking photos. While in South Dakota, visit the Little House on the Prairie homestead in De Smet. If you’ve read the Little House books to your kids, they will love seeing the place that Ma, Pa, Mary, Laura and Carrie Ingalls called home. And if you haven’t, consider doing so before your trip, or pick up a set of the books on CD to listen to while en route!

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

You may know Wisconsin Dells by its nickname, The Waterpark Capital of the World. Whether you visit the Midwest in the summer or the winter, you and your kids can enjoy the 22 indoor or three outdoor water parks that have made this little town famous. When you have had your fill of sliding, splashing, surfing and swimming, enjoy some natural water-based fun at Mirror Lake State Park, where you can also take the kids hiking or biking. Also, don’t miss the International Crane Foundation’s conservatory and spend some time watching (and listening to!) fifteen species of cranes.

Whether your idea of a good time includes big-city excitement, enjoying nature in a laid-back environment, or tiring the kids out at an indoor water park, the Midwest has what you’re looking for. What are your favorite hot spots in this region?

Asheville, North Carolina

Last year, Good Morning America named Asheville as one of the 10 most beautiful places in the United States, and for good reason: the views of the mountains are breathtaking any time of year, and particularly in the autumn. Also named one of the happiest places in the country, as well as one of the top destinations if you are into art, Asheville is a must-see city. A simple stroll through the downtown area will captivate your kids as they see street musicians and artists right there on the sidewalks. If your family is up for an adventure, consider white water rafting or ziplining, and if you are up for a tamer outdoors experience, wander along one of the many hiking trails in the area. Kids of all ages can run off some steam at Asheville’s Fun Depot, and those interested in art, baseball, or history will enjoy the museums geared toward these very topics.

Savannah, Georgia

Georgia’s First City is full of history, culture, and beautiful architecture, and is a place not to be missed if you are in the area. You can walk or rent a bike to explore the historic downtown area, and older kids in particular may enjoy touring old mansions and historical museums. Enjoy a cruise where you can see dolphins frolicking, or take a day trip out to one of the barrier islands where you can relax on the white sand. If you go to Tybee Island, challenge the kids to climb all 178 steps of the lighthouse. A trip to Savannah would not be complete without sampling the local fare; consider splurging on eating at Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House, or enjoy lunch at The Lady and the Sons, which is Paula Deen’s restaurant.

Kissimmee, Florida

Every kid wants to visit Walt Disney World, and if you can swing it while the kids are little, by all means, do so! Even older children (as well as moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas!) can totally appreciate the magic of Disney, so don’t think that you’ve missed your chance if your kids are teens or even older. Stay on property, or choose one of the budget or luxury hotels on International Drive. Count on spending at least a full day in each of the four Disney parks: Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, and plan on visiting at least one of the water parks, as well. Don’t limit yourself to just WDW while you’re in central Florida: other theme parks include Universal Studios and SeaWorld. While theme parks could easily fill your vacation, the east and west coast beaches are only about 90 miles in either direction, and you’re also within day-trip-driving distance of most other major cities in Florida.

What are your favorite Southern cities to visit with the kids?

Williamsburg, Virginia

History buffs will love Colonial Williamsburg. Experience what life was like in the 17th and 18th centuries in the old English colony, and learn about the history of our nation’s beginning. Visit a recreated Native American settlement, walk aboard colonial ships, and absorb what daily life was all about during this period in time through living history exhibits. Your kids will be having so much fun, that they won’t even know that they’re learning! While you’re in the city, be sure to visit Busch Gardens, a theme park featuring thrill rides, roller coasters, spectacular shows, great food and European-inspired boutique shops.

Washington, DC

A trip to the mid-Atlantic would not be complete without a visit to the nations capital! You can’t leave before seeing the White House, either from the road or up-close-and-personal on a tour. After you see where the President hangs his hat, there are nearly countless options for spending the rest of your time. Do you prefer museums, universities, parks or aquariums? This city has it all. See the marine life at the National Aquarium, or the land animals at the National Zoological Park. The Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC include natural history, American history, art, and air and space museums. Check out the beautiful campus of Georgetown University or go on a duck tour through the city… the possibilities are endless!

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster, often called Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is not a large metropolitan area, but holds a lot of appeal for children and adults alike. While in the city, do not miss Central Market, in the big red brick building on North Market Street. The smell of freshly baked bread, spicy sausage and homemade preserves will pique your appetite, and you can pick up souvenirs while you’re there. The main attraction of Lancaster County is Amish country. Drive several miles out of the city to the communities of Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse, and see the rolling hills and large white farmhouses belonging to the Amish living in the area. Visit their shops and restaurants, and take in the scenery. One bit of advice: don’t take photographs of the Amish without their permission. Pictures of their homes and stores are okay, but many have convictions requiring them to avoid being photographed. When you stay in or near Lancaster, you are not far from Philadelphia or Hershey, so those are good options for day trips during your vacation.

You can easily spend a week or more exploring the mid-Atlantic states. You could go into New York, New Jersey or West Virginia while staying in one of the must-see cities. What is your favorite city in this region of the United States?

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

You could spend your entire vacation exploring and soaking in the sights surrounding the Grand Canyon. Rouse the troops early to view a spectacular and not-to-be-forgotten sunrise. Older kids will be awe-struck by a helicopter ride over the canyon. If you’re feeling really adventurous, splurge for a mule ride over the steep, rough terrain. Or experience the Wild West in all its glory by taking a train ride that includes an old-fashioned shootout. If you decide to hit some of the trails by foot, look closely at a map first. Particularly if your kids are small, choose a trail that is at least partially shaded, and which has viewing areas fairly close together. Also, pack plenty of water and some snacks.

Salt Lake City, Utah

I have always wanted to go swimming in the Great Salt Lake, which is much saltier than the ocean, making floating easy for anyone! Bigger kids will enjoy kayaking and maybe even sailing, and the littles can splash and wade in the clean water, or build sandcastles on the white beach. Other attractions in the area include the Hogle Zoo, which is home to 800 animals; Thanksgiving Point, a huge recreation area; and Lagoon, a fun-filled amusement park located about 15 miles north of Salt Lake City.

The Four Corners

While you’re exploring the West, you should stop and see the Four Corners. This is where Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico meet, and you can stand in all four states at the same time. This is a remote area, with a small gift shop, but it’s worth the trip, because there is nowhere else in the country that you can be in four states at the same time, and kids (and grown ups) get a kick out of it. It costs a few dollars to get in, and is worth it for the photographs alone, if nothing else.

Denver, Colorado

When you’re in Denver, you’re a mile above sea level, which has earned it the nickname of the Mile-High City. The scenery is spectacular, and there is a lot here for families to do. Visit the state capitol building and go up to the rotunda for an unobstructed view of the snow-capped mountains. Your kids might like a tour of the U.S. Mint in Denver, where they can see how money is made. Visit the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to explore outer space, dinosaurs and other kid friendly science topics, or stop by the Denver Zoo to see animals up close. In between structured activities, explore the LoDo Historic District, the Pedestrian Mall on 16th Street and Larimer Square, in downtown Denver.

Your excursion to the Wild West can be as relaxing or as adventurous as your family desires, which makes it a great place to visit with your kids. Are there any other must-see places in the West that you would recommend checking out?

Think about all of the local places of interest that you’ve never visited. I know, for example, that we have a historical center right in town, and while we’ve driven by, we’ve never gone in! One town south of us, there’s a very walkable tourist area… again, we’ve driven through, but have never actually parked and walked through all of the boutiques. Plan to check out some of these places; I’m sure there are attractions within an hour’s drive of your home that you’ve never been to.

Think about what “vacation” means to you. It might mean time to sleep in, or maybe it’s important to you that you don’t have to cook. Figure out what makes you feel most relaxed, and incorporate that into your staycation. It might mean choosing to have takeout each day during a long weekend, or it might mean having everyone in the family stay in their pajamas until noon each day. Whatever works for you; it’s your getaway!

Consider unplugging for a weekend. It’s hard to truly get away from it all if you’re attached to your laptop, iPhone, Android, and other gadgets. Also, convince the kids to give up television and video games for a few days. Replace the time spent in front of a screen with fun things like roasting marshmallows, catching fireflies, sledding, going for long walks… all of the fun that you don’t typically have time for!

If new experiences are important to you, think about ways you can find them without going too far. Are there any ethnic restaurants you’d like to try? Maybe there’s a campground or park that offers adventures such as ziplining or rock climbing that you could check out for a day. If you live near the beach, perhaps a whale watch or parasailing would be an out-of-the-ordinary experience. Since you’ll be saving money on typical travel expenses, you might be able to splurge on an adventure close to home.

Have you enjoyed a staycation? What did you do to make the time special?

New York City  

Otherwise known as The Big Apple, New York, New York is a place that everyone should visit at least once! From world-class dining to upscale window shopping, to zoos and aquariums, to museums galore, NYC has something for everyone in your family. Walk down 5th Avenue in Manhattan to peek into the luxury boutiques and department stores that have earned the area its reputation as being one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world. Ride the monorail to view the elephants at the Bronx Zoo, and visit the sea lions at Central Park Zoo. If aquatic animals are more your style, visit them at the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn. While you are at these attractions, ask about reciprocal agreements with other zoos in the area, as sometimes it is more economical to purchase a season pass if you plan to visit several attractions during your stay. Take photos of the skyline, and be sure to ride the subway, which is usually the easiest way to get around the city.

Boston  

Boston is probably my favorite big city. It’s big, clean, and historically interesting. The underground mass transit system, nicknamed “The T,” is easy to understand, and the attendants are helpful. And although I’m a big-city-phobe when it comes to driving, I have driven in Boston and did not get hopelessly lost. All of these are great reasons to take the kiddos to this city, but of course the best reasons are the attractions. The Museum of Science is big, interactive, and takes a full day to get through. I remember being captivated by the musical staircase as a child, and your kids will, too!  The Boston Aquarium is another indoor favorite for kids of all ages. If you go on a nice day, consider walking the Freedom Trail. There, you can explore old churches, walk through historical graveyards and do a little shopping at Quincy Market. Also, take the kids on the swan boats, which take you for a spin around the Public Garden. Make sure you try the steamers and a big bowl of New England clam chowder before leaving the city!

Newport

Another must-see city in New England is Newport, Rhode Island. Your older kids will love exploring the mansions, particularly if they are history buffs. Younger ones and bigger kids alike will enjoy the Cliff Walk, where they can stretch their legs and run around a bit while enjoying the views of the mansions and water. If you enjoy staying in bed-and-breakfasts, Newport is the perfect location to find a beautiful little place in a quiet nook of the city. Newport makes a nice day trip if you are staying in the Boston area, as well.

Where are your favorite must-see cities in the Northeast?