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Tap your inner adventurer in the Evergreen State Courtesy of ARAcontent  |
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 (ARA) - More and more Americans are cutting back their vacation plans in an effort to combat the rising costs of travel. By cutting back, families are traveling across the United States, exploring the rich scenery and life of this country without spending a huge amount of money.
Washington state offers your family plenty of scenery to explore and adventures to experience this summer and fall. It's the perfect escape from the doldrums of the office cubicle or the school summer vacation slump at home.
Envision yourself exploring the West like Lewis and Clark, hiking through the mountains on a cool day, fishing along an endless expanse of water, digging for clams on a beach or munching on juicy, fresh fruit plucked right from the tree.
Washington is diverse in its scenery and activities, both on land and water. Outdoor options range from climbing, hiking, orchard picking and whale watching to picking up a paddle, casting a line or teeing up. Indoor activities include the opportunity to eat dinner while rotating more than 600 feet up in the Space Needle, sampling premium wines with the wine maker, peering out of lighthouses along the Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean, or catching a Mariners baseball game.
Western Washington is in close proximity to Canada, and you can take a day trip via ferry, train, plane or car to Vancouver to watch the building of the Olympic stadiums or observe the events Vancouver has planned as the city prepares for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in February. In fact, Washington State Tourism has launched a Web page designed just for travelers looking to plan a trip around the winter sports action.
A great sightseeing trip in northwestern Washington is the 440 mile Cascade Loop Scenic Highway which winds its way through Cascades National Park and Mount Baker National Park. This trip has many opportunities for your family to stop off in small towns featuring fun and attractive activities.
Day trip opportunities include train rides to explore the towns along the Puget Sound, or ferry trips to the scenic islands in the Sound.
Don't miss out on the abundance of fresh food Washington has to offer. Farmers markets are found in many communities where you can purchase produce that flourishes in the state's milder summer climate. An array of seasonal berries are favorites for many visitors. And several of the communities along the Puget Sound and the ocean cater to the seafood-lovers. Fish markets are common as fishermen sell off the morning's catch to individuals and restaurants alike.
Once you have your trip planned, don't forget these Washington travel tips:
* Summer daytime temperatures can range from the low 70s to the high 80s, so remember to pack layers, especially if you plan to do physical activities.
* Wear comfortable walking shoes.
* Don't worry about scheduling your visit around the rain – it doesn't rain hard enough to keep you inside. A rain jacket will keep you dry from one of Washington's common – yet often light – showers.
* If you plan to cross the border into Canada, bring your passport.
* Take a camera to capture your family and the beautiful scenery.
* Don't forget the sunblock – whether you’re on the water or up in the mountains.
To decide where your adventure begins, visit www.experiencewa.com for events, tours, links to transportation venues, the official state travel planner, camping opportunities and much more.
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 Planning a trip can be a stressful task if you are having a hard time deciding where you want to spend your next vacation. You have to think of things like what to do from the activities to points of interest and then hotels, airfare, and rental car. And you can’t forget to look at the best time to go based on weather and peak times for that area. To make your next family vacation a stress free fun experience plan your trip with Vacations Made Easy.
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