Exploring the USA: A Family Adventure in the Bay Area

Exploring the USA: A Family Adventure in the Bay Area

Yesterday, I sent my parents off after their month-long trip to the USA, and I decided to document our journey. This serves as a memoir of our travels and a resource for future adventures. 🌞

Background

Based in the beautiful Bay Area of Northern California, my parents are in their 60s and don’t speak English or drive in the U.S. Although this is not their first visit, it’s the longest one. They are tech-savvy enough to use smartphones and a translation device, but they still prefer a slower pace and enjoy cooking. We specifically planned their visit for mid-May to mid-June for optimal U-Pick experiences. 🍓🍒🍑🫐

Travel Itinerary Overview

With my parents’ preferences in mind, we crafted an itinerary that balances play and rest, ensuring a relaxing experience:

• WEEK 1️⃣: Adjusting to time zones and getting used to the new environment (half-week)
• WEEK 2️⃣: U-Pick adventures and exploring the East Coast (7-8 days)
• WEEK 3️⃣: Shopping spree
• WEEK 4️⃣: Outdoor excursions
• WEEK 5️⃣: Sightseeing in the city and iconic Bay Area sights
• WEEK 6️⃣: Wrapping up (half-week)

Must-See Attractions Not Included

While we had an extensive itinerary, we decided against visiting some classic landmarks this time:

• Golden Gate Bridge
• Palace of Fine Arts
• Sausalito
• Carmel
• Monterey
• Lake Tahoe
• Pacific Coast Highway
• Las Vegas and surrounding areas
• Grand Canyon
• Antelope Canyon
• Los Angeles and nearby attractions

Feel free to adjust these attractions based on your travel plans! 😊

Pre-Trip Preparations

In anticipation of their visit, I shipped a mahjong table and set of tiles over two months in advance. Every evening, we enjoyed playing mahjong together, keeping ourselves entertained and engaged. 🀄️

Bonding through Entertainment

During their stay, my mom indulged in several drama series such as “The Good Place,” “This Is Us,” and “Misty.” She mentioned that she had never watched TV like this back home! 😝

Conclusion

Traveling with family not only enriches your experiences but also creates lasting memories. Exploring the USA with my parents has been a rewarding endeavor, and I hope this glimpse into our journey inspires others to make the most of their travel adventures with loved ones. From U-Pick excursions to cozy game nights, every moment has been a celebration of family and togetherness! ✈️