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3 Keys to Planning a Perfect Summer Vacation

With the recent slowdown in the economy, many families are choosing to stay closer to home for their summer vacations. Fortunately, the continental U.S. is home to some wonderful vacation sites and spectacular scenery.
National parks and forests are scattered throughout the country, but few places combine the beauty of wilderness with the exciting nightlife and comforts of home like the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. From glitzy stops like Aspen and Vail to the historic mining towns like Telluride and Glenwood Springs, there's no shortage of crowd pleasers in Colorado.
From a thrilling day of whitewater rafting, to a laid back afternoon of fly fishing or even a day of shopping, there is a wide range of options. If you're considering a Rocky Mountain holiday this summer, here are a few questions you should ask before getting started:
1. What types of activities will my family enjoy?
Answering this question first will get you going in the right direction. While you might enjoy fishing or hiking, something like horseback riding might suit your whole family better.
Make a list of activities and then prioritize them. Then you'll know what to look for in a place to stay. Many destinations might even allow you to combine a few of these things.
2. What type of experience and vacation am I looking for?
Would you like a town with lots of nightlife and shopping? Or would you prefer the quiet solitude and beauty of a Wilderness trip? Think about the pace you like to keep and the goals you have for this vacation. Whether it's excitement or pure relaxation, defining this ahead of time will ensure you get the most out of your trip.
3. What location would be most convenient?
Consider where you'll be coming from. Will you be driving from a nearby city or out of state? Or will you be flying in to a major airport? You may want to consider what part of the state you'll be coming from in order to maximize your time on vacation and minimize your time driving.
Before booking anything, get out a map and make a note of major interstates and highways. Use an online mapping program to calculate approximate driving times and make sure that it reasonably fits within your schedule.
There's nothing quite like a vacation in the Colorado high country but with all the options available, planning could be overwhelming. With these three items clearly defined, not only will your vacation be more enjoyable but you'll waste much less time trying to plan and prepare. Start by narrowing down the options and then you can make a more focused plan of attack.
Ryan McSparran is a Colorado-based writer, focusing on outdoor sports and recreation. Ryan's topics include fishing, hiking and summer horseback vacations.

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