The United States are one of the most family-friendly travel destinations in the world. Nowhere else can you find affordable hotel rooms with beds for up to 4 guests so easily, so that children neither sleep on uncomfortable folding sofas or emergency beds nor have to be moved to an expensive second room. Instead of showers (which child likes to shower?), American hotel rooms almost always have bathtubs. For the preparation of a bedtime cocoa you will find a microwave oven in many hotel rooms and a refrigerator for storing the milk. There is usually a coin-operated washing machine in the house for dirty clothes. Spacious rental cars that not only accommodate four or five people but also several large suitcases are no problem in the USA.
In hardly any other travel destination are restaurants so geared towards families with children. Children either order from a children's menu or choose - in the buffet restaurant - what looks good. For a picky eater who only eats mashed potatoes or white rice without sauce, you get that in the service country USA, even if it's not on the menu at all.
The attractions that families with children in the US can visit are top notch and don't just include commercial entertainment like Disneyland and Disney world, but also spectacular nature parks (such as the Yellowstone National Park), some of the best museums in the world (like this American Museum of Natural History in New York City) and even combinations of both (like that Dinosaur Park National Monument in Utah).
Locomotion
By plane
For families with children, flying with an American airline is hardly any different from flying with any other airline. As everywhere in the world, children fly safest in the child's car seat that they have brought with them, which may only be used if the design complies with the airline's regulations. That must be checked carefully in advance. In particular, seats for three-point belt attachment are unusable on the plane. Special baby belts, which stewardesses in Europe sometimes give out for lap children and which are attached to the mother's or father's belt, do not exist on American aircraft. Since belt extensions, which do not take into account the special anatomy of the toddler, are more likely to cause life-threatening internal injuries to children in the event of an accident than save their lives, their lack is not really regrettable either. A properly attached baby seat with its own well-fitting restraint system is definitely the better alternative.
Parents who are traveling with several small children without another adult should look out for the next disabled toilet on the plane in good time, as sooner or later all children have to go to the toilet at the same time and regular aircraft toilets really don't have space for this. Unfortunately, baby changing areas are just as rare in American toilets for the disabled as anywhere else in the world (even in the USA, wheelchair users with small children are not allowed).
By train
The train is one of the most convenient modes of transport for families in the United States. You can take time for each other, travel more comfortably and less cramped than on a plane, and you don't get air sick. The railway company Amtrak operates a route network that is far more stretched than the public transport systems in Central Europe, but nevertheless somehow connects 46 of all 50 federal states with one another. Since the distances are enormous, booking one is worthwhile on many routes Family bedroom (for up to 4 people; toilet and shower must be shared with other travelers) or one Bedroom suite (for up to 6 people; with private bathroom). Meals from the galley are included in the Amtrak price.
By bus
There are a number of long-distance bus companies in the United States. Even where the line network of Greyhound is not sufficient, you will probably find other providers. American long-distance buses are usually quite comfortable and often even have toilets on board. You have to bring your own food.
For travelers who are traveling with children, the long-distance bus has advantages and disadvantages that have to be weighed up individually. You don't sit behind the wheel yourself, you can take time for each other, and this mode of transport is also inexpensive, especially for very small families who only need two tickets.
For families of three or more people, a rental car is definitely cheaper. In contrast to the bus, you can stop the rental car at will, for example at playgrounds.
By car
A rental car is usually the cheapest mode of transport for families. Child seats are required almost everywhere - the legal requirements vary from state to state and should be researched beforehand - and can usually be rented as well. If you don't want to risk trouble with a poorly fitting or shoddy rental child seat, you'd better bring your own. Child car seats can be checked in unpacked as checked baggage at the airport.
If a long journey is planned, driving with children in a minivan or SUV is definitely more comfortable than in a small economy limousine.
Leaving children unattended in cars is illegal in most states. You also risk a lot of trouble if you have children on board and have drunk alcohol as the driver; In New York State, for example, in this case you can get rid of your driver's license at a blood alcohol level of 0.8 per mille.
By boat
A journey to the USA by ship, e.g. B. the Queen Mary 2, is only recommended for families if, firstly, you have the necessary change and, secondly, you have no problem living separately, because even the most expensive cabins only offer two beds each.
Once in the United States, there are a variety of cruises you can take from there, including: B. after Bermuda, to the Bahamas, in the Caribbean, to Hawaii or Alaska. Websites such as www.cruises.com or www.vacationstogo.com. Many cruise offers are extremely family-friendly and not only offer children's entertainment programs, but also babysitting so that even parents can get their money's worth.
Sights and activities
One of the frustrating experiences that adults have when they are out and about with children in the USA is that the offspring are responsible for the magic of the spectacular landscapes, e.g. of the Southwest do not yet have any special brain convolutions. Even children from education-oriented families who willingly let themselves be won over by the beauty of a ballet or a Bach concerto will find tourist highlights like this Grand Canyon or the lunar landscapes of the desert of Utah mostly boring, but lapse over any tourist bang - with candy shops and the usual museum chains (Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, Guinness World Records, Madame Tussaud’s) - in blissful rapture. No upbringing and no good example from the parents can help. children can The great and sublime (which adults are so enthusiastic about when they travel) do not yet appreciate, because they are small and used to the fact that everything around them is always big. The Niagara Falls are so big - so what ?!
Concerned parents are advised to have calm, patience, pragmatism and a healthy dose of selfishness. It's not like doing irreparable harm to the child's soul by going in during a family vacation California or Florida Disneyland or Disneyworld omits. On the other hand, compromises can always be found, on a smaller scale, namely time-limited activities that are not only fun for children, but also offer adults fun or interesting cultural experiences, such as a visit to a child-friendly or themed restaurant (Chuck E. Cheese's), an IMAX cinema, a go-kart track or one of the countless American hands-on children's museums. Take a look outside the box and systematically look for family activities in the USA that may not be available in German-speaking countries or that you have never tried there.
Amusement parks
- → See also Amusement parks in the USA
- Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando, Florida): the largest and most visited amusement park in the world, with four theme parks, two water parks, 24 theme hotels and numerous other facilities.
- Disneyland Park (Anaheim, California): the second major American Disney park.
- Legoland California (Carlsbad, California).
Nature parks
Museums
shop
kitchen
- → See also Food and drink in the USA
Many families from German-speaking countries have a preference for McDonald's when they travel to the USA with children, because they are familiar with this chain, because you can hardly eat cheaper in this country and because many of the branches have indoor play facilities. Flexibility and a little courage to try something new are quickly rewarded in the USA. Most of the other restaurants there are also very child-friendly. Apart from restaurants in the upper price range, almost all restaurants have special menus for their little guests, and especially in restaurant chains, crayons and any children's activity paper that can be edited or colored with are standard for bridging the (usually very short) waiting time.
In restaurants where you order by menu, the kitchen and waitresses are almost always very flexible and are happy to respond to special requests from their customers. If the options on the children's menu are not enough, you can also order an appetizer or a side dish for children, have two or three children share a main course or ask if half servings can also be served. Those who do not speak English well are in better hands with their families in one of the countless buffet restaurants, often with the slogan all you can eat advertise.
Families in the USA especially get their money's worth if they are curious about foods and dishes they have never tried at home, such as ethnic cuisine. The country also offers many genuine American specialties, including for children. Here is a selection of foods and sweets that kids in the United States can easily try have to (Insider recommendations from a German child living in the USA):
- in the supermarket
- Biscuit Department: Milano Cookies (Mint Flavor or Original), Oreo Cookies
- Snack department: Chex Mix (Traditional or Dark Chocolate)
- Cooling shelf for fruit juices: Flavored Lemonade
- Cooling shelf for dairy products: Egg Nog (only available during the Christmas season)
- Salad bar / deli: Ambrosia Salad
- Candy buffet: Boston Baked Beans, Gobstoppers, Jaw Breakers, Salt Water Taffy
- Candy shelf (packaged): Almond Joy Candy Bar, Jelly Belly Jellybeans, Three Musketeers Candy Bar
- Frozen department: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream (e.g. Cherry Garcia, Chubby Hubby, Mint Chocolate Chunk, Phish Food)
- in the bakery (never packed off the shelf): Bialy, Cheese Cake, Cranberry Walnut Muffins, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Red Velvet Cake, Pretzel Roll
- in the restaurant
- American cuisine: Caesar Salad
- Chinese cuisine: General Tso's Chicken
- Tex-Mex cuisine: Chicken Fajitas (1 portion is enough for 2-3 children; ask for extra tortillas), nachos, tacos
- in the ice cream parlor: Slush, Snow Cone
- at the fair: Funnel Cake
accommodation
- → Please refer Accommodation in the USA
Provided you don't depend on cheap motels, there is no country on earth where you can find hotel rooms as easily as in the USA, in which four or five people can sleep comfortably on (almost) real beds. American guests, even if they are traveling without children, have an enormous need for a lot of space. As a result, a large number of mid-range and luxury hotels offer rooms with 2 full or queen-size beds and / or a sofa bed. The term “family room” is therefore not even known in the USA. Only if you are traveling as a couple with 4 or more children do you probably have to book a second room. With a little luck, however, this will be right next to the first, and both rooms are even directly connected by a door. It's worth asking.
An insider tip are apartment hotels and Extended stay hotels such as B. the Homewood Suites the Hilton chain, where you can book real suites with living room, full kitchen and separate bedroom for the price of a normal hotel room.
Most states do not allow children to be left alone in a hotel room. Information on the legal situation can usually be obtained from reception.
Learn
health
The health risks for children in the USA are basically the same as when traveling within Europe. If you drive defensively, all passengers are properly buckled up and you do not let your toddlers fall into the pool or alone in the car, you have already avoided a considerable part of the statistically significant risks.
If you are out and about in the warm season of the year or in the south of the country, you should leave your children in the shade as much as possible because of the very high UV radiation, or make sure they are completely free Sun protection; The radiation is particularly dangerous on hazy days because it is so easy to underestimate it. Good preservatives (sun lotion, sunscreen) with a factor of 50, 75 or higher is available for around $ 10 in any supermarket (in the drugstore for skin care products). The relevant brand is called Coppertone. In regions close to water, children should also be protected from mosquito bites, because Mosquitoes occasionally transmit the potentially very dangerous West Nile virus in the USA. Effective protective agents with DEET are available cheaply in every supermarket. Where the windows are equipped with fly screens, these are also used.
Pediatric emergency services only available in large cities in the United States. Where a children's hospital is available, you can contact its Emergency Service. Otherwise, the same applies as for medical emergencies for adults: Call 911 (an ambulance manned by paramedics will arrive) or drive the child to the emergency room of the nearest hospital himself. Be prepared for hours of waiting in the emergency room (especially if your child's condition is not life-threatening) and a large number of forms. Incidentally, there are no emergency doctors who come to the house in the USA.
If the situation is not that serious, one looks for a local one Pediatrician Practice preferably as large a group practice as possible. That increases the chance that there will be a Pediatrician (Pediatrician) or a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Pediatric nurse who is allowed to treat independently and is also trained to do so) has time to see a patient out of turn. Bring your credit card (Visa / Master). At dental emergencies The only solution is usually a visit to a resident dentist; in some regions you can find a pediatric dentist (pediatric dentist), but you can't build on it. Also bring your credit card. Since medical costs in the USA are dramatically high and are usually not covered by German health insurances, and certainly not in full, it is urgently recommended to have a Travel health insurance to bring along, which expressly also insures trips to the USA.
Practical advice
Anyone who has children knows that they preferably have to go to the loo when none is in sight. Public Toilets are less common in the USA than in German-speaking countries, but there is even more in the private sector. If you don't want to go to a restaurant or hotel in the center of a big city (in the former, guests who only want to go to the toilet are often expressly undesirable; in the latter, you can usually pretend to be a guest or someone interested in a room), it is best to look for a large department store, a larger one Bookstore or a shopping center with a food court. The more floors, the greater the chances that a store will have customer toilets. Institutions such as libraries and hospitals also always have visitor toilets in which one is hardly asked what one actually wants there. In museums, aquariums, etc., on the other hand, you almost always have to go through the till to get to the bathrooms to get.
The situation is even easier if you are traveling by car, and by no means only at gas stations. The rule of thumb is then: if there is a parking space for 20 or more cars in front of a shop, you can expect customer toilets inside. This applies to supermarkets as well as to specialist department stores and dollar stores. If you are traveling with children, you don't even need to pretend that you have reasons for visiting other than to visit the customer restrooms. Often, however, they are a bit hidden, so you have to ask yourself.
When traveling with children there is usually a lot of dirty things Laundry at. An alternative to washing with the hotel washing machine is the occasional visit to a coin launderette (Laundromat, Coin Laundry). There are very large numbers of these in large and small towns and - unlike in Germany, for example - you can almost always drive up by car and park comfortably. Unlike in hotels, where there is usually only 1 machine, you can fill and run a number of machines at the same time in the laundromat, which can drastically shorten the unpopular procedure. Particularly in small-town environments, it is no problem to leave the washing machine and dryer unattended and to spend the waiting time in a neighboring café or restaurant. Detergent can be brought from the supermarket or taken from the machine in the laundromat. A money changing machine is usually available to operate the devices. If you want to be absolutely sure, you can buy a roll of quarto coins in advance in the bank for $ 10.
literature
- Holly Hughes: Frommer's 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up, Frommers, 2009, ISBN 047047405X
- Kurt Repanshek: Frommer's National Parks with Kids, Frommers, 2008, ISBN 047018406X
- Laura Sutherland: Amazing Places to Take Your Kids: Hundreds of North American Adventures, Publications International, 2007, ISBN 141271320X
- Laura Sutherland, Valerie W. German: Best Bargain Family Vacations, U.S.A.: More than 250 high-quality, low-cost destinations: Resorts, Dude Ranches, National State Parks, Family Camps, Beaches, Historical Sites, Learning Vacations, St. Martins's Griffin, 1997, ISBN 0312150628
