It’s not about being adventurous, it’s doing what you like. I don’t consider myself “adventurous”, but I prefer very much a vacation on a lake for water activities, or somewhere where I can be in nature, hike / bike / swim. None of it is particularly strenuous or hard, but it feels great to be where there is fresh air, nature sounds, different pace. It doesn’t feel more adventurous, just different.

Have you never taken a trip out of town or to a state park? It’s pretty much the same.

Anonymous wrote:Do what you want. Are you trying to keep up for social media?

This. Do what works for you. Don’t worry about what other people are doing.

You do you and don’t worry about what others say.
For us, US cities are mostly blah (exception of NYC, SF, Chicago) and I also do a lot domestic work travel to cities. It is not how I would spend my vacation time. National Parks OTOH are spectacular and you don’t need to hike the whole time.
Agree with a PP that our favorite thing to do is city / nature in the same trip (SF/ Yosemite; LA/ Joshua Tree) or cute town/ park (Bar Harbor/ Acadia).

Sometimes you can feel pressure to like things like skiing. This seems to happen with exclusive activities. I hate skiing. I don't like falling over and I don't like being cold. Why spend $200+ a day to be miserable? I've been happy going to swimming centers at some of the best skiing resorts in the world while my family is up the mountain.

I like to go hiking in places without bears and snakes. Here, the idea gives me the creeps.

I agree with the idea of doing half day excursions rather than back country hikes if that is more your thing.

OP, I have been to 2 other countries, and kids 0. We have been doing vacation at cities only. Kids like aquarium, zoo, amusement park, kid museums, and beaches. We love to eat out and we have been disappointed with the food when we travel within the U.S. I think dmv has better food than other places we have visited even with high reviews.

If I can choose, I just want to go to Asia. If DH can choose, he just wants to go to Europe. If kids can choose, they just want to travel within U.S because they hate long flights and scared of trying new food taste.

I used to fuss because DH got so many trip invites to speak and parlayed them into vacations for us. I don't like packing. I stressed about leaving house, canceling papers, etc.
He always said:
YOU CAN GO NOW AND NOT GO LATER.
OR YOU CAN NOT GO NOW AND NOT GO LATER.

Covid came, we got older, we had surgeries, I sure am glad we went when we did and saw/did what we did.

You don't have to hike with backpacks for miles and days. You can find one to three hour walks/hikes in any national park. You can snorkel in many places like Hawaii, Fiji, Indonesia. You can walk in your socks in old temples in Japan and smell the wood and see the rock gardens. You can walk on the Great Wall of China. You can stroll in England and see centuries old mosses and thatched roofs.

Anonymous wrote:It all depends. How many countries have you been to OP? How much have you experienced? It’s OK to relax sometimes.

I've been to 4 other countries, kids 0. Will I regret not seeing other countries could be my next post.... I have traveled what seems like extensively in the U.S., but mostly cities with some national park highlights and mostly before kids, but this country is huge!

It all depends. How many countries have you been to OP? How much have you experienced? It’s OK to relax sometimes.

We do a ton of national park trips and don't camp. We stay in cabins in the parks. The ones at Olympic NP are amazing!!!

Chicago to Door County, WI is less than four hours. Maybe you don't need to go that far. https://www.doorcountykayaktours.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g60878-t11902-zfg12022-a_contentId.129029786347+14163746813-Seattle_Washington.html Guide outfits in Seattle and near

***

See the towering sequoias and dramatic landscape of Yosemite National Park on a day trip from San Jose that combines Yosemite highlights with free time to explore. Take in Half Dome, Inspiration Point, and El Capitan, join a guide for an hour-long hike through Tuolumne Grove, then hike or bike through the Yosemite Valley on your own. With convenient, round-trip transport from San Jose and park entrance fees included, you can focus on the views and watch for wildlife along the way. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g33020-d12951334-Yosemite_National_Park_and_Giant_Sequoias_Tour_from_San_Jose-San_Jose_California.html

Anonymous wrote:List the cities and I'll suggest a few outdoor excursions. How long are you willing to spend in a car (or in a vehicle with strangers) during an outdoorsy day trip?

St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Seattle, San Francisco are some we may go to soon.

However long? Don't mind strangers. Thank you!

Anonymous wrote:Just try it! Wherever you go next, try at least one new more adventurous thing in that city or park. Just try!

+1

There are guides pretty much everywhere. Every place that has outdoors tourism will have people who will take care of everything for you. You just show up with the suggested clothing etc.

Just try it! Wherever you go next, try at least one new more adventurous thing in that city or park. Just try!

Anonymous wrote:It’s either your thing or it isn’t.

We work outdoor activities into our vacations, like hiking or snorkeling into our vacations. But there’s no chance I’m spending a week sleeping in a tent for my limited vacation time. My hiking days end at a pool and an amazing cocktail.

I think this is who I am becoming. I'm fine with short stretches of roughing it here and there, and maybe if my kid really wanted to do some epic backpacking trek with me I'd be game but...I've roughed it a lot in my life. I really like hotels and restaurants now.

-age 42