MCLEAN, Va. - Before those magical summer days vanish into fall, now is a good time to pack your suitcases, load up the car and escape on a final summer adventure.
The late days of summer offer much to enjoy for a new segment of traveler: the Seekender. They are bold adventurers who take advantage of the weekend to pursue their passions.
Professional Surfer Bethany Hamilton knows a few things about the Seekender lifestyle.
"With my family, we seek to live the life we love together, especially on the weekend of busy work-filled weeks!" says Bethany.
Does this sound like you and your family? Get out the map, choose a place you haven't experienced yet and get ready for a fun weekend. This is how Bethany does it:
Put a cap on drive time: Don't waste the weekend with hours and hours in the car. Bethany tries to avoid ultra-long travel days, so her little one can get a nap in. When leaving on a Friday, find a destination you can reach without hassle within three hours or so, while the kids doze and relax in the back seat. On Saturday, you'll wake up at your getaway spot, ready to seize the weekend.
Think simple: Don't book every hour of the day with an activity. Back off a bit on the planning, and set your sights on one or two spots you'd like to visit each day. Leave some space for relaxation and spontaneity. Go with the flow and consider letting the kids help make the plans for the day. Involving them in the planning process will keep everyone's mood elevated and allow for a stress-free trip.
Be on the lookout for family friendly activities: Along with the usual parks and museums, don't forget to check for special weekend events in your area. In the final weeks of summer, for example, fair and festival season is in full swing. Set aside some time for the destination's local festivals or state fairs, where the kids can enjoy carnival style rides, local music and food.
Get outdoors: Embrace the outdoors and the warm weather before it cools down in the fall. Did you know that the National Parks Service maintains 397 parks and 2,461 national landmarks? Bethany has added Yellowstone National Park to her travel bucket list and hopes to experience its natural wonders with her family soon. Check out this interactive map to see if you've missed any exciting stops in your region. Or if you're feeling more adventurous, this is a perfect time of year to visit the mountains. In the summer months, the parks often offer alpine slides and mountain biking trails, which makes an excellent day trip outing under the sun.
Pick the right hotel: Choose a hotel that offers a variety of locations so your entire family can have a good night's sleep wherever you land. For example, with over 2,100 properties globally, Hampton by Hilton is the perfect option for your family weekend getaway. With a free hot breakfast for every guest and takeaway bags for families on-the-go, you don't have the hassle of planning breakfast - plus there's plenty of fresh tea and hazelnut coffee to keep parents caffeinated. Downtime at the hotel is also easy and relaxing, with free Wi-Fi, and, at most locations, an exercise room and a pool.
Pack up the bags and begin planning your next three-day weekend trip with your family.
For inspiration, follow Bethany's Seekender adventures on HamptonSeekender.com and join the conversation on social media at #Seekender
