Traveling internationally with the family is a real privilege, but not everyone can swing a trip abroad. Flights alone can put you well above the budget, especially if you need to buy several seats. However, for parents who want to take their children to a new unknown place without breaking the bank, there is still hope. Unique American family holidays that look like a visit to another country.
Satisfy your desire for foreign landscapes and cultures with one of these seven spots for unique family holidays in the continental United States. (Note that most of these destinations also offer the possibility of inquiring about the Amerindian history of the region, which should not be missed.)
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1. Le Moom, New Mexico

Feels like: Mexico campaign
Cristo’s blood mountains hold many secrets, and one of them is the village of Chimayo. Only 30 minutes by car from Santa Fe, Chimayo looks like something of a vintage postcard from rural Mexico. Its Pueblo style architecture, its weaving mode and its slower lifestyle make one of the most unique American family holidays.
The proximity of Chimayo to Santa Fe means that you can easily spend a few nights in town or visit a day trip from the city. Families can savor a handful of educational experiences that highlight the local history and culture of the Chimayo Museum, from El Santuario Church from Chimayo and Rancho de Chimayo. There are also outdoor activities like Lake Santa Cruz and rafting in the gorges near Rio Grande.
Where to stay: Find a lot of smaller and independent inns and B&B in Chimayo, including Casa Escondida, which is on six beautiful acres of mountain landscapes. Bonus points for ultra-loved beds and family rooms.
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2. Solvang, California


Feels like: Denmark
Your children will have the impression of having entered a fairy tale in this colorful European style nestled on the Central Coast of California. Since it was founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, Solvang has preserved its authentic history, architecture and culture – which are all palpable while families do in its festive city center.
The Solvang cart is a great way to obtain the configuration of the land on arrival. Families will also love to visit the Elverho Museum of History and Art, which offers treasure hunts; as well as the old Santa Ines Museum mission; Land of ostrich; Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch; and Nojoqui Falls Park. Do not forget to stop in the Solvang Trolley ice cream living room for a sweet treat.
Where to stay: Solvang offers a real mixture of accommodation, including the luxury Dude Ranch Alisal Ranch and the hip and the center of the city center Le Winston.
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3. Alys Beach, Florida


Feels like: Santorini, Greece
White stucco buildings overlooking the shimmering waters evoke scenes from Santorini, Greece – only in Alys Beach, the sand is white powder. Nestled along the Virgin Panhandle of Florida, this planned community adapted to the family offers the aesthetics of Greece to a fraction of what you would probably pay to transport the whole gang to the islands.
Family equipment includes a complex style swimming pool, private access to the beach, bicycle rentals with baby seats available if necessary, a natural reserve with a walk and trails, an amphitheater that welcomes occasional concerts and cinema evenings, Pad Splash style fountains and a selection of seasonal blueberries along Lake Marilyn. (Learn what makes Panhandle one of Florida’s best unique attractions for children.)
Where to stay: There are no hotels in Alys Beach (for a stay at the traditional hotel, look at Panama City Beach nearby), but there are a lot of vacation rentals with super design and local vibrations.
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4. Hollande, Michigan


Feels like: The Netherlands
Just like what you would see in the Netherlands, fields through Holland, Michigan, dazzle with the colors of the tulips in the spring. The Tulip Time annual festival is one of the largest attractions in the city, but there are many other reasons why this small slice of Dutch paradise is one of the most unique American family holidays.
The Dutch village of Nelis offers an overview of what the Netherlands looked like more than 100 years ago. The essential sites for families include Windmill Island gardens, the outdoor discovery center and Ottawa beach with shallow water, which has a playground, toilet and a general store on site.
Where to stay: In addition to all the large usual hotel channels, you will also find Teerman Lofts, a hotel that offers fully furnished luxury apartments instead of the usual hotel rooms.
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5. 1000 islands, New York


Feels like: North West of France (Cotes-d’Armor)
The northwest coast of France is not one of the radars of many families. Its small Ile-de-Brehat archipelago, however, is a hot spot for Europeans who are attracted by its dramatic landscape of tiny lush islands surrounded by deep blue water. The decor shares similarities with the 1000 islands of New York, in particular the Bay of Alexandria, whose Boldt castle can give anyone who has the impression of having teleported in Europe.
A quick 30 -minute road from Alexandria bay to the charming city of Cape Vincent will give you a more in -depth examination in French history of the 1000 islands, which is celebrated each year at the French Festival. Other activities such as hiking, Kart walks, film screenings, pleasure navigation and water sports are all aimed at families with adventurous minds.
Where to stay: Motels on the roadside, small hostels and family stations govern with regard to housing in Alexandria bay. For a view of the castle and a swimming pool, see the Ledges Resort & Marina.
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6. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California


Feels like: The English countryside
From “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” to the series “Harry Potter”, family films have long fed the desire for many visits to the campaign of England. For those who are not capable or ready to fly through the pond, Carmel-by-the-Sea has beautiful and unique American family holidays. The English cottages par excellence, hidden courses and paved streets seem to have been torn from a city like Rye or Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Take advantage of a more British experience with a cup of tea in the afternoon at the local tea house and British treats imported to the candy store. And don’t forget to take the time to discover Carmel Beach; Point loboster state natural reserve; The Carmel Mission Basilica Museum; forest theater; And the aquarium near Monterey Bay.
Where to stay: Family accommodation options in Carmel (which includes Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley and Carmel Highlands) include golf and the club of Quail Lodge, which has large rooms and suites as well as an Annale heated outdoor swimming pool.
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7. Helen, Georgia


Feels like: Bavaria, Germany
German traditions such as Oktoberfest and Christmas markets have become quite omnipresent, but few places near you can transport you to Deutschland like Helen, in Georgia. This means that one of the best American cities underestimated for a pseudo-international getaway is not only its Bavarian appearance, but also its variety of activities that parents and children will love.
A candy factory, a handmade wooden toy store, a leisure center with an alpine miniature golf course, and the award -winning patch children’s toy store will realize the dreams of the little ones. Add authentic restaurants serving everything, from Schnitzel to Spaetzle, Alpin Montagoule and picturesque hikes, and everyone will be a happy camper. (See why Helen is also one of the best genetically skip destinations that guarantee pleasure for grandparents and grandchildren.)
Where to stay: Regarding the places where staying in Helen, you can choose from its mixture of chain and motel and independent hostels. For everything you need with children, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Helen is a good bet.
