First Timers Help Wanted .... Aussie Family Driving Holiday to USA in June 2013

[johnmcg]

Hi, our idea is to fly into LA on 24th June 2013 and depart from NY on 19th July or arrive in NY and depart from LA. My wife and I will be travelling with our 2 boys (10 & 15) so obviously a decent visit to Disneyland is on the agenda! Apart from that, we would like to see the best we can. Also what sporting events will be on during this time? Any reccommendations are welcome. Thankyou.

[Southwest Dave]

That sounds like an amazing family adventure ! Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

A cross country trip literally throws up thousands of routes and attractions as options, which makes meaningful suggestions impossible, especially when we don't know anything of your interests. What I would recommend you do at this early stage is to sit down as a family with a large map of the USA and see what appeals to you and then do a little research. Include the boys in this as they will have a vested interest and will get far more out of the trip later. Don't get caught up with following route numbers across the country either, you have time to get off the Interstates and detour 'here' and 'there'.

The Grand canyon would be an obvious choice, it is a wonder of the world after all, but throughout this region there are many 'wonders of the world' including a large number of National Parks. Zion, Bryce canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands can all be found in Southern Utah and each have outstanding natural beauty on show with plenty of great driving roads and attractions in between. If you then went on into Colorado you would find much more of the same. You might prefer a more northern route [Yellowstone, Badlands etc] or a more southern route after the GC and head for places like Memphis, New Orleans and drive up the Appalachians, maybe Florida.

With the time you have available, it would actually be possible to do a loop trip and take a different route each way out of LA and back. It would help you to see more of the country and get rid of that pesky one way drop off fee with your car rental and might prove cheaper for your round flight ticket. It's possible to drive across the country in 6 days [each way] so you would still have time to explore along the way.

Ok, I would get that map out, sit down with the family and start discussing your options. Once you have some dots on the map and an outline plan, we can help make meaningful suggestions, offer alternatives, or extras to see along the way and maybe someone will be able to offer some sporting tips around the area you are travelling.

Enjoy the planning !

[glc]

You will be here right in the middle of baseball season. There are 30 major league teams and probably over 100 minor and independent league teams. Our other major professional sports (American football, basketball, hockey) are not summer sports. There are games every day.

[johnmcg]

That sounds like an amazing family adventure ! Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

Thank you, we will get a map and all sit down to work out a trip. I will post our ideas later. Cheers.

[johnmcg]

Thankyou glc, That is great news. I grew up playing baseball here in Australia, so have always had a keen interest in the sport. I quite regularly watch it on TV here.. This will be an excellent experience as well. Cheers, John.