USA
Traveling with family is one of the best ways to create memories and bond with loved ones. In summer 2022 we added an extra level of excitement and adventure when we decided to rent an RV to explore cities and national parks in the western United States of America.
Traveling by RV was a new experience for our family. We had never before taken our "house" with us on a journey. However, we were eager to try out this type of adventure to see if we would enjoy this simpler way of living, and whether it might be a good fit for a longer trip during our upcoming world tour. After spending three weeks in a Cruise America motorhome, we can confidently say that we loved every moment of it and can't wait to do it again!
Cruise America was our provider which we can highly recommend because from pick up near Seattle to drop off in Las Vegas all services went very smooth. Getting some money back because we didn't drive the amount of miles we had anticipated before, was quite a nice surprise. The vehicle of medium size held enough space for the 5 of us. We cooked daily in our little kitchen, slept much more comfortable than we had imagined and had quite an interesting life VERY close to nature. The kids loved it so much and we couldn't think of a better way to travel with that much flexibility (and yes, quite low budget), so there will for sure be more journeys by RV in the future.
Our adventure began in Seattle, a city that seamlessly blends natural beauty with urban culture. One stop was the iconic Space Needle where we stumbled upon a nearby playground. The kids had a blast climbing and playing games as we also indulged in the most delicious strawberry shortcake we've ever tasted. Another highlight of our trip was undoubtedly a whale watching tour. We were fortunate enough to witness a family of orcas gracefully swimming and jumping in unison. And as if that wasn't enough, we also spotted a humpback whale which left us all in awe of the wonders of the natural world.
Continuing our journey, we headed west to explore the stunning Petrified Forest Wanapum before reaching Missoula in Montana. Our hike on the "M" trail, made famous by the Netflix series "The Maid," exceeded our expectations. And to our surprise, the University of Montana's campus was a beautiful sight to behold.
Our next destination was the renowned Yellowstone National Park which turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Andrea had eagerly anticipated this visit, having previously given a presentation on the world's oldest national park back in school. Our expectations were surpassed as we witnessed an array of wildlife including bears, bison, mules, deer and many more. The geothermal features and stunning landscapes were simply phenomenal. We spent several days exploring and hiking, immersing ourselves in the park's natural wonders and admiring the breathtaking scenery.
Leaving Yellowstone behind, we ventured into the Grand Teton National Park where we were greeted by breathtaking mountain vistas and a pristine, albeit chilly, lake where we went for a swim. Our next stop, the underrated Bear Lake State Park, was a peaceful oasis where we cooled off in the shallow waters, taking in the serene surroundings. After that, we made our way to Salt Lake City where we indulged in some shopping. The kids were thrilled to meet real-life "cowboys" in a parking lot sparking their imaginations and fueling their interest in the old wild west stories. The following day, we arrived at the Arches National Park, located in Moab, Utah. The park boasts over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and numerous other geological formations, leaving us in awe of the stunning red rock landscapes. Despite the 40°C (104 degrees Fahrenheit) summer heat, we enjoyed hiking the park's Delicate Arch Trail, taking in the breathtaking views. To surprise the kids, we had reserved a spot at a KOA campground, where they could cool off in the refreshing pool. They also participated in the Junior Ranger program at the local visitor center and were proud owners of Junior Ranger badges. Although Andrea had previously visited Moab for extreme sports, this trip allowed our entire family to appreciate the beauty of the area.
From there, we drove to the Grand Canyon, one of the most famous natural wonders of the world. The vast canyon, stretching 277 miles, offers awe-inspiring views that truly need to be witnessed in person to be fully appreciated. While we didn't attempt the strenuous Bright Angel Trail, we took a leisurely walk along the South Rim, admiring the stunning vistas. As the evening approached, we were in for another unforgettable experience: we embarked on a helicopter ride to witness the sunset over the Grand Canyon from a bird's-eye view. The panoramic view was simply breathtaking and we were left speechless by the sheer grandeur of the canyon. If you ever have a chance of witnessing the beauty of the Grand Canyon, we can highly recommend doing it in this unique and memorable way.
Following our Grand Canyon adventure, we made a stop in Las Vegas to not only return our RV but also catch some NBA Summer League basketball games at the Thomas & Mack Center. Of course, we couldn't miss the chance to explore the famous Las Vegas Strip after dark when the temperatures had dropped. We found refuge from the scorching desert heat in an air-conditioned hotel room which was surprisingly affordable compared to other big cities in the USA. The kids were thrilled with the rooftop pool where they could splash around and cool off. Las Vegas offered a unique experience, and we were glad to have been able to witness the lively atmosphere and colorful lights of this vibrant city. Our time there was brief but it was a memorable part of our journey that added a touch of excitement and entertainment to our travel experience.
The following day, we embarked on a grand adventure: renting a car to drive to the hottest, driest and lowest national park in the United States - Death Valley National Park. Unfortunately we encountered a few setbacks when picking up the rental car in Las Vegas as we had to change vehicles multiple times due to a flat tire, low oil, and insufficient space. It was a valuable lesson for us - to maybe never rent a car in Las Vegas again. Despite the minor setbacks, we eventually made our way to the Death Valley National Park where we were met with incredible heat and a stunning desert landscape that left us in awe. As we arrived at the Badwater Basin at sunset, we were able to witness the harsh conditions of the lowest point in North America and it was truly an unforgettable sight. The desert landscape, while harsh and unforgiving, offered a unique and breathtaking beauty that we couldn't have found anywhere else. Our experience in the Death Valley National Park was a testament to the incredible diversity of landscapes that the United States has to offer.
Finally, we made our way to Yosemite National Park, one of the most popular and iconic parks in the United States. The park is known for its breathtaking waterfalls, towering sequoias and awe-inspiring mountain views. As we hiked the park's trails, we were amazed by the sheer beauty of the landscape around us. We were even lucky enough to encounter a bear on one of our hikes which was a thrilling experience. Exploring some of the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park we did feel like we should have had more time but we left feeling grateful for the incredible experiences we had had and memories we had created along the way.
After spending almost three weeks in the wilderness, we finally found ourselves immersed in the urban culture of San Francisco. Our first stop was Fisherman's Wharf where we hopped on a boat to Alcatraz Island, the notorious prison that once held the infamous Al Capone. Although the visit was fascinating, we felt a sense of relief upon returning to the vibrant atmosphere of Pier 39 with its bustling shops and restaurants. Watching the playful sea lions was definitely a highlight of our trip. While we considered taking a ride on San Francisco's famous cable car, we opted instead to explore the city by foot, visiting iconic neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Japantown taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city streets. Our hotel, the Music City Hotel, was an absolute delight, featuring the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame which provided us with some excellent entertainment. Before leaving the city, we made sure to indulge in some mouth-watering Japanese cuisine, which even the kids enjoyed, including sushi. And of course, we couldn't leave San Francisco without taking a trip to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge which provided us with some breathtaking views of the city. Overall, San Francisco's hippie and eclectic vibe left a lasting impression on us, and we created unforgettable memories during our stay in this beautiful city.
Our next stop was Los Angeles. Here we started by visiting the famous Walk of Fame in Hollywood where the kids had a blast jumping from one star to another whenever they recognized the name of a celebrity. It was a fun and interactive way to explore the area and soak up the Hollywood vibe. We also spent some time soaking up the sun at Malibu Beach where we watched others play street basketball, do gymnastics and bodybuilding. Taking a stroll along the Malibu Pier and enjoying some fresh smoothies from one of the beachfront restaurants was the perfect way to relax and enjoy the ocean views. We also headed to the Griffith Observatory to watch the sunset, which provided us with breathtaking views of the city skyline. Not just the kids were fascinated by the space and science exhibits. While others took photos of the Hollywood sign, we enjoyed observing some hummingbirds that the kids had spotted right in front of the Griffith Observatory building. It was an unexpected highlight of our evening. Our next day was all about fun at Disneyland. We spent an entire day enjoying the thrilling rides, live shows, and Disney characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The Star Wars world was truly out of this world, and the evening street parade with the famous fireworks above the Disney castle was a sight to behold. The spectacular show featured all the songs from our beloved Disney movies, and we have never seen anything more beautiful.
Our journey culminated in the beautiful city of San Diego where we stayed at an Airbnb right on the beach. The location couldn't have been better - just a few steps from our front door were the sand and waves. Our days were filled with fun activities such as surfing, building sandcastles and basking in the sunshine. We also made a point to visit the renowned San Diego Zoo which was a delightful experience for our entire family. With animals from all over the world, the koala bears were a particular favorite, as was the street show at night. Another highlight was our visit to the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier that has been converted into a museum. We were captivated not only by the inner workings of the ship but also by the dedication and expertise of the many veterans who shared their knowledge and experiences aboard ships like this. The kids, in particular, had a blast sitting in the cockpit of one of the planes and pretending to be pilots.
One of the highlights of our stay in San Diego was a day trip to La Jolla, a charming coastal town located just north of the city. La Jolla is famous for its breathtaking beaches, stunning cliffs, and picturesque coves including La Jolla Cove. We adored the small-town feel, youthful vibe and abundance of sea lions. We spotted them not just in and around the cove but also at the "Children’s Pool," which was initially intended as a safe swimming area for kids but has since become a popular spot for sea lions to hang out. Walking along the boardwalk overlooking the beach, we were charmed as the sea lions frolicked and dozed in the sun. Seeing them in their natural habitat was a highlight of our time in San Diego and we relished the opportunity to learn about all kinds of marine life. All in all, our day trip to La Jolla was a memorable experience, offering us a chance to appreciate the small-town charm, stunning natural beauty, and abundant marine life of the area.
San Diego was the perfect finale to our journey which began in Seattle and took us through the western United States. Traveling by RV and later by car allowed us to have a flexible itinerary and experience the country's beauty in an exhilarating and unique way. Spending a few days in sunny San Diego allowed us to catch up on countless unforgettable experiences. As a family, we returned home after a month, feeling rejuvenated and grateful for the incredible journey we had embarked on. If you're planning a family vacation, we highly recommend exploring the natural wonders of the United States. Trust us, you won't regret it!
