Family Vacation Ideas for Surrogates After Delivery
Postpartum life looks a lot different for surrogates than it does for new mothers and parents. After a surrogate has delivered her surro baby for the intended parents, she’s free to travel and enjoy her freedom. While the parents are caring for their newborn and having sleepless nights followed by tough parenting days, the surrogate has finished her job and the tough part is over. She can take her children on an epic family vacation. I mean, she just earned some serious compensation money (like around $50,000!). Maybe a there’s some bucket list destinations she’s always wanted to see. Plus let’s celebrate not being pregnant anymore! Whoo hoo!
In this guide I give some great ideas for family-friendly travel destinations in the United States. I kept it local to our country because you may not want to deal with the hassle of getting everyone in the family passports. All of these US cities have major attractions including famous amusement parks, beaches, big metro cities and epic nature. There’s basically a destination for every personality.
Epic Family Travel Destinations in the United States
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is one of the most popular family destinations in the US, with attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. Visitors enjoy a warm and sunny climate throughout most of the year, making it an ideal vacation destination for families looking to escape the cold. Orlando is a major transportation hub with a well-developed airport and many transportation options within the city, making it easy for families to get around and explore all the city has to offer. If you do your research, you can find good deals on cheap flights from states all over the country.
Orlando offers a wide variety of family-friendly accommodations, including hotels and resorts that cater specifically to families. Many of these accommodations offer amenities such as children’s pools, game rooms, and kid’s clubs, making them ideal for families with young children. There’s plenty of restaurants with kid-friendly menus and character dining experiences where children can meet their favorite Disney characters. Your kids will never be bored!
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone is known for its stunning natural beauty, including geysers, hot springs, canyons, waterfalls, and wildlife. Families can explore the park’s many trails and scenic drives, take guided tours, and attend ranger programs to learn about the park’s geology, ecology, and history.
The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities for families, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. Families can also participate in guided activities like ranger-led hikes, wildlife tours, and educational programs for kids.
Inside the grounds there’s a variety of accommodations that cater to families, including lodges, cabins, and campgrounds. Many of these accommodations provide amenities such as restaurants, gift shops, and children’s activities. So despite being in the nature and outdoors, there’s plenty of modern amenities for parents to have a relaxing trip.
Yellowstone is accessible from major airports and cities in the region, and the park’s roads and trails are designed to accommodate families of all ages and abilities. Families with young children can explore the park’s many easy hiking trails and paved paths, while families with older children can take on more challenging hikes and outdoor activities.
New York City
New York City is a great destination for families who want to experience the hustle and bustle of a big city. New York City is home to some of the world’s most famous attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, Top of the Rock, Central Park, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building.
The Big Apple offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations, from hotels to vacation rentals that cater specifically to families. Many of these accommodations offer amenities such as children’s pools, game rooms, and kid’s clubs, making them ideal for families with young children.
New York City is known for its diverse food scene, offering a wide range of culinary options that cater to all tastes and budgets. Families can enjoy everything from traditional American fare to international cuisine, food trucks, and family-friendly restaurants.
New York City is a major transportation hub with several airports and public transportation options that make it easy for families to get around and explore the city. When we visited, we rode the subway all over the city with our daughter.
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is a great family vacation destination because it offers a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches, offering families the opportunity to enjoy swimming, surfing, boating, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Some of the most popular beaches on Oahu include Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Kailua Beach.
Oahu offers a wide range of outdoor activities for families, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and zip-lining. Families can also explore the island’s natural wonders, such as the Diamond Head State Monument and the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
The islands offer world-class family resorts, many of them located on the best beaches with white sand and crystal clear waters. Oahu offers a unique blend of local and international cuisine, offering families the opportunity to taste authentic Hawaiian dishes and international flavors. Families can enjoy everything from traditional Hawaiian cuisine to Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine.
San Diego, California
San Diego is a quintessential Southern California beach town, making it a great destination for family vacations. It has a mild climate year-round, making it a great destination for families looking to escape harsh winter weather. The city’s temperate climate also allows families to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year.
San Diego is home to some of the best beaches in the United States, offering families the opportunity to swim, surf, and sunbathe. Some of the most popular beaches in San Diego include Coronado Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Pacific Beach.
There’s a variety of family-friendly attractions, such as SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, and Legoland. These attractions offer a wide range of experiences for families to explore, from interactive exhibits to thrilling rides. Nature lovers can partake in outdoor activities for families, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. Families can also explore the city’s natural wonders, such as Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Mission Trails Regional Park.
Finally, San Diego is known for having a thriving food scene. It offers a diverse range of cuisine, including fresh seafood, Mexican, and Asian cuisine. Families can enjoy everything from casual beachside eateries to upscale restaurants.
Alaska Cruise
An Alaska cruise offers families the opportunity to experience some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world, including towering glaciers, majestic fjords, and abundant wildlife. Families can also enjoy the beauty of the Northern Lights, which can be seen from certain parts of Alaska. If your kids love the Disney Frozen movies, they might really trip out over all that ice!
An Alaska cruise is a convenient way to explore Alaska’s wilderness, as the cruise ship provides transportation, accommodations, and meals all in one package. Families can explore multiple destinations in Alaska without the hassle of planning and coordinating transportation and accommodations. If you go to Alaska on your own without the help of a cruise ship, it can be a tough way to travel.
If you’ve never stayed in a cruise ship staterooms, it’s an experience I recommend for everyone at least once in their life. Alaska cruise ships offer a variety of family-friendly accommodations, including staterooms and suites that can accommodate families of all sizes. Many cruise ships also offer kids’ clubs and other amenities to keep children entertained throughout the trip.
My sister went to Alaska and the food options are very limited on the mainland. Alaska cruise ships offer a range of dining options for every food taste, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. Many cruise ships also offer special menus for children.
Disneyland in Southern California
For the surrogates who live on the West Coast of the USA, Disneyland is the place to be after you’re done with your surrogacy journey. I know many surrogates who had their Disneyland trip booked before they even delivered. Disneyland is the original Disney park, and it offers families the opportunity to experience the magic and imagination that Disney is known for. The park features classic rides, like Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s a Small World, as well as new attractions based on popular Disney franchises, like Star Wars and Marvel.
Disneyland is a great park for families with kids of all ages. From toddlers to teenagers, Disneyland has something for everyone. From thrilling roller coasters to gentle rides for younger children. You can also enjoy live shows and parades featuring their favorite Disney characters.
The food choices are extra fun at Disneyland, with all kinds of themed restaurants and snack foods. If you like to photograph your meals for Instagram, this is the the place to do it. In the park can enjoy classic American fare, as well as international cuisine, and there are also plenty of snacks and treats to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
If you want to go big with your trip, you can book a Disney themed hotel near the park. Disneyland offers a variety of hotel accommodations that cater specifically to families, from themed rooms to suites that can accommodate larger groups. Many hotels also offer pools, game rooms, and other amenities to keep children entertained.
Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California, which is just outside of Los Angeles. You can extend your trip and also explore popular LA sights such as Hollywood, Universal Studios and Venice Beach. Santa Monica has some incredible beaches for a beachy California vacation.
Overall, Disneyland offers families the opportunity to create lifelong memories and bond over shared experiences. From meeting their favorite Disney characters to watching fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle, there are countless moments that families will treasure for years to come.
Yosemite National Park
I mentioned Yellowstone above as a beautiful national park, but it’s a bit far if you live on the West Coast. For surrogates who live near California, Yosemite might be the perfect nature destination. Yosemite is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world, including towering waterfalls, towering granite cliffs, and expansive meadows. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and climbing, and explore the park’s many trails and scenic overlooks.
Yosemite National Park is a popular destination for families year-round, with each season offering its own unique experiences and activities. In spring, the park comes to life with vibrant wildflowers and rushing waterfalls. The weather is mild, making it a great time for hiking and wildlife viewing. Families can also enjoy rafting on the Merced River, which is often at its peak during this time.
Summer is the peak season for Yosemite, with warm weather and long days allowing families to explore the park’s many trails, lakes, and rivers. Families can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and fishing in the park’s many lakes and rivers, and can also take guided tours and attend ranger-led programs.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Yosemite, with cooler temperatures and changing colors in the park’s foliage. Families can enjoy hiking and horseback riding in the park’s many trails, as well as wildlife watching and birding. Fall is also the time when the park’s black bears are most active, providing a unique opportunity for families to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Winter in Yosemite is a magical time, with snow-covered landscapes and fewer crowds. Families can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the park’s many trails and backcountry areas. The park also offers a range of winter activities, including snow tubing, ice skating, and guided snowshoe walks.
Learn More