Anonymous
02/12/2026 16:58
Subject: Show kids US before world?
OP here -- I think some of the commenters saying I'm overthinking things are overthinking my question. I was just curious if anyone else has ever thought about seeing the US first and I got some really interesting answers.
I just find it extremely hard to decide what to do for family vacations. There are not enough vacations in my life to even come close to visiting all the places I'd like to see and all the places I'd like to experience with my kids. I'm just seeking thoughts from other people about how they've done their family vacations. I found some of the comments really helpful -- some people saved international travel for later. Other people do one international trip and one local trip a year. Etc.
Having too many decisions for me often leads to making no decisions. Or making decisions so last minute that the trips cost 3x what they should.
I just find it extremely hard to decide what to do for family vacations. There are not enough vacations in my life to even come close to visiting all the places I'd like to see and all the places I'd like to experience with my kids. I'm just seeking thoughts from other people about how they've done their family vacations. I found some of the comments really helpful -- some people saved international travel for later. Other people do one international trip and one local trip a year. Etc.
Having too many decisions for me often leads to making no decisions. Or making decisions so last minute that the trips cost 3x what they should.
Anonymous
02/12/2026 15:42
Subject: Re:Show kids US before world?
Anonymous wrote:I think you’re overthinking this, in some bizarre ways.
I don’t think taking your kids on some international trips before you have completed US travels will make them feel that other countries are better than the US, but it appears you may feel that way and doing so may pass along your bias. Like a parent insisting their child clean their plate before they get dessert, you seem to be operating under the assumption that domestic travel is inherently less appealing than international.
The fact that you would prefer to spend a week in Paris vs. San Diego doesn’t seem to accurately reflect the superiority of international cities over domestic ones, but rather major metropolitan centers of the world over big cities. No offense to San Diego, I’m sure people vacation there and have a wonderful time, but it isn’t my idea of a dream destination. I’m sure there are lots of people from Paris who travel to the US. While San Diego might not top their list, I imagine they might be drawn to places like New York, Orlando, DC (don’t forget that those of us who live in the area are privileged to have fantastic attractions so easily accessible), etc., not to mention natural beauty like that of the Grand Canyon, the Redwoods, Yellowstone, Alaska, Hawaii, etc.
You should have seen all the foreign tourists in San Diego over Christmas 24 when we went. I was blown away after not being there for 5 or 6 years, but maybe the time of year played a part as well.
Anonymous
02/12/2026 15:39
Subject: Show kids US before world?
Anonymous wrote:Only on DCUM would you find this type of question.
The crazy thing is that it can be cheaper to go to Europe than California/NW so it's a valid question. Of course this doesn't apply on major holidays/popular travel times.
Anonymous
02/12/2026 15:25
Subject: Show kids US before world?
Op, you are thinking too much about this and making travel "a statement". Chill. Or no wonder your kids won't appreciate anywhere else.
Anonymous
02/12/2026 15:22
Subject: Re:Show kids US before world?
Anonymous wrote:The USA is pretty boring and lacks history. Other places ARE more interesting. And better places to visit and live, in current climate.
There is plenty of history here.
Anonymous
02/12/2026 12:57
Subject: Re:Show kids US before world?
I think you’re overthinking this, in some bizarre ways.
I don’t think taking your kids on some international trips before you have completed US travels will make them feel that other countries are better than the US, but it appears you may feel that way and doing so may pass along your bias. Like a parent insisting their child clean their plate before they get dessert, you seem to be operating under the assumption that domestic travel is inherently less appealing than international.
The fact that you would prefer to spend a week in Paris vs. San Diego doesn’t seem to accurately reflect the superiority of international cities over domestic ones, but rather major metropolitan centers of the world over big cities. No offense to San Diego, I’m sure people vacation there and have a wonderful time, but it isn’t my idea of a dream destination. I’m sure there are lots of people from Paris who travel to the US. While San Diego might not top their list, I imagine they might be drawn to places like New York, Orlando, DC (don’t forget that those of us who live in the area are privileged to have fantastic attractions so easily accessible), etc., not to mention natural beauty like that of the Grand Canyon, the Redwoods, Yellowstone, Alaska, Hawaii, etc.
I don’t think taking your kids on some international trips before you have completed US travels will make them feel that other countries are better than the US, but it appears you may feel that way and doing so may pass along your bias. Like a parent insisting their child clean their plate before they get dessert, you seem to be operating under the assumption that domestic travel is inherently less appealing than international.
The fact that you would prefer to spend a week in Paris vs. San Diego doesn’t seem to accurately reflect the superiority of international cities over domestic ones, but rather major metropolitan centers of the world over big cities. No offense to San Diego, I’m sure people vacation there and have a wonderful time, but it isn’t my idea of a dream destination. I’m sure there are lots of people from Paris who travel to the US. While San Diego might not top their list, I imagine they might be drawn to places like New York, Orlando, DC (don’t forget that those of us who live in the area are privileged to have fantastic attractions so easily accessible), etc., not to mention natural beauty like that of the Grand Canyon, the Redwoods, Yellowstone, Alaska, Hawaii, etc.
Anonymous
02/12/2026 12:51
Subject: Re:Show kids US before world?
I think it's important to do both, if you have the means. My kids are 13 and 15 and have been to almost 30 states and 5 countries (including Canada and the Caribbean). We didn't do a lot of international travel prior to last year because of 1. COVID, 2. all of our family is in the US and 3. I wanted to wait until they were old enough to remember/appreciate it. Now that they are older, I'm sure we will focus more on international travel but will still travel within the US as there are parts we still haven't seen.
I've been to almost all of the states and probably 25-30 countries but I had never gone outside of the East Coast until I was 18. So they have plenty of time to travel. They have already seen so much more of the world than I did at their age. Go to places that make sense for your family.
I've been to almost all of the states and probably 25-30 countries but I had never gone outside of the East Coast until I was 18. So they have plenty of time to travel. They have already seen so much more of the world than I did at their age. Go to places that make sense for your family.
Anonymous
02/12/2026 12:38
Subject: Re:Show kids US before world?
Anonymous wrote:No.just go where you want!
I prefer international travel myself.
Agree
Anonymous
02/12/2026 12:33
Subject: Show kids US before world?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I grew up in Africa and move here 20 years ago. I have visited every single state and national Park.
The US is an incredibly beautiful country. I don't think Americans realize how big and diverse their country is.
How could you manage that? Is traveling to parks your full time job? If so, I'm jealous.
I'm a teacher and I started travelling the second year after I moved here. I planned ahead 15 years of travel. It was a bucket list of mine and I enjoy driving. And being a teacher meant summer and Christmas break are good time to travel if planned well in advance. So every summer I planned for 2 to 3 states and parks. I did that for most of the past 18 years or so.