I am just getting underway in planning a 8 day trip in RV for my soon to be 70 year-old father who is in terrific physical shape. He has not seen much of this country but has always wanted to take a trip of this nature. I would like the trip to: visit areas that feature beautiful scenery , cover as much ground as possible without overdoing the amount of time spent in the car and with the ability to enjoy an activity or two in a given area (i.e. short hike, boating excursion etc.). Having been to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons myself I am partial to that area but wanted to put this out there for your consideration given some of the goals I have stated. My dad will be travelling with two thirtysomething year old sons.
8 DAY RV Trip with Pacific Northwest and West In Mind
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With only 8 days, your father needs to narrow down the area in which he will travel. California? Montana? Oregon and Washington? They are all good choices.
HTtY
Completely agree with the need to narrow down the area - he doesn't even know he is going - it is a gift - so it is really me who needs to narrow things down. I just thought that given the fact that he hasn't visited any of these areas I was looking to gain suggestions as to which area might be best given the stated goals and limited time. He will really be happy to have the opportunity to go anywhere with natural beauty - I feel personally responsible for maximizing his experience!
There is no right answer. Any of those would be fantastic. Travel by RV will be slow (which is a good thing IMO) so pick one and don't worry if it is the 'best choice'.
Maybe Yellowstone/Grand Tetons would make the most sense since you are already familiar w/ the area.
I suggest you ask him in a round about way what he wants to see. People not well traveled often have had a place in mind for many years.
When are you planning to go? If it is soon, I would look a bit farther south, otherwise agree with the Yellowstone, GT area.
Amen to cnsidering asking your dad what he wants to do, or maybe at least somehow getting around to asking what partsa of the country might he have wished to fee during his travel days, whatever.
There is always a tradeoff between the excitement of a surprise and making sure you are doing what someone might prefer seeing.