Popular Destinations to Visit During Breaks
Grand Canyon : New York : Las Vegas : Reno : Yosemite :
Lake Tahoe : Pinnacles National Monument
(If you think of another place and would like to see us write something about it, let us know.)
NOTE FIRST... Camping: Do not go camping between Nov and April. Nights get VERY cold and damp (even if it doesn't rain). Many have been turned off to camping in general because they went at the wrong time of year.
Staying in Motels: In many popular tourist places, with fewer tourists in the winter, motels have discounted winter rates that make it worthwhile (see Yosemite below). Also remember: All year, motels are cheaper during the week
but more expensive on weekends, especially Fri & Sat, and on holidays.
Grand Canyon : New York : Las Vegas : Reno : Yosemite :
Lake Tahoe : Pinnacles National Monument
(If you think of another place and would like to see us write something about it, let us know.)
NOTE FIRST... Camping: Do not go camping between Nov and April. Nights get VERY cold and damp (even if it doesn't rain). Many have been turned off to camping in general because they went at the wrong time of year.
Staying in Motels: In many popular tourist places, with fewer tourists in the winter, motels have discounted winter rates that make it worthwhile (see Yosemite below). Also remember: All year, motels are cheaper during the week
but more expensive on weekends, especially Fri & Sat, and on holidays.
Visiting Grand Canyon is special... but when?
Many students want to visit Las Vegas and think they will include a trip to the Grand Canyon. But, this is not the best city to access the canyon. Consider the travel time involved from three different airport arrival cities:
From Las Vegas NV 4.5 hrs drive to the park
From Phoenix AZ 3.5 hrs drive
From Flagstaff AZ 1.75 hrs drive
The South Rim of the park is open year-round, and roads are drivable except in bad weather. Weather changes quickly at Grand Canyon, especially in the winter. This can drastically affect visibility and road conditions from day to day. That said, winter snows in the canyon can seem magical!
Planning a visit for multiple days allows visitors to experience some of these changes and provides a good chance for a great view of the canyon, but going on a tour bus usually doesn't allow this. If you only go for one day, consider the travel time from different airport cities (above) compared to how much time you’ll be at the park itself (remember winter days are short).
Here are some helpful links:
Summer is VERY hot and crowded (not ideal, but still beautiful).
Winter can be very special with all the snow, but only if the weather is cooperative and you are prepared for possible very cold (high altitude) weather. Many students go there by bus during winter break. They get out to enjoy the view. Then they're too cold and anxious to get back inside the bus (or building) where it’s warmer. Be prepared, check the weather ahead of the trip and dress accordingly with many layers, head-to-toe!
Spring can be the best time. The weather is more predictable, the canyon can be just as beautiful with maybe some snow and wonderful seasonal colors - but not as cold as winter and not as crowded as summer.
Considering the MIIS academic schedule: the Winter and Spring breaks are obvious opportunities for extended travel. In the Fall, the long Thanksgiving weekend break is another option.
Many students want to visit Las Vegas and think they will include a trip to the Grand Canyon. But, this is not the best city to access the canyon. Consider the travel time involved from three different airport arrival cities:
From Las Vegas NV 4.5 hrs drive to the park
From Phoenix AZ 3.5 hrs drive
From Flagstaff AZ 1.75 hrs drive
The South Rim of the park is open year-round, and roads are drivable except in bad weather. Weather changes quickly at Grand Canyon, especially in the winter. This can drastically affect visibility and road conditions from day to day. That said, winter snows in the canyon can seem magical!
Planning a visit for multiple days allows visitors to experience some of these changes and provides a good chance for a great view of the canyon, but going on a tour bus usually doesn't allow this. If you only go for one day, consider the travel time from different airport cities (above) compared to how much time you’ll be at the park itself (remember winter days are short).
Here are some helpful links:
- Lodging
- Daily trips (tours) on Grand Canyon Railway (Highly recommended, from Williams AZ, near Flagstaff.)
Summer is VERY hot and crowded (not ideal, but still beautiful).
Winter can be very special with all the snow, but only if the weather is cooperative and you are prepared for possible very cold (high altitude) weather. Many students go there by bus during winter break. They get out to enjoy the view. Then they're too cold and anxious to get back inside the bus (or building) where it’s warmer. Be prepared, check the weather ahead of the trip and dress accordingly with many layers, head-to-toe!
Spring can be the best time. The weather is more predictable, the canyon can be just as beautiful with maybe some snow and wonderful seasonal colors - but not as cold as winter and not as crowded as summer.
Considering the MIIS academic schedule: the Winter and Spring breaks are obvious opportunities for extended travel. In the Fall, the long Thanksgiving weekend break is another option.
NOTE, here’s a local Thanksgiving option: For those who stay in Monterey during the Thanksgiving break, We and our local ISI volunteer friends will be inviting as many students as we can to join us for Thanksgiving Dinner in our homes. Thanksgiving is probably the biggest (maybe only) family holiday of the year with traditional foods -- and with a significant Thansgiving history to be told. Students who join us are in for a treat!
For those who may be away during the holiday (always on a Thursday), some host families may host a Thanksgiving meal on a weekend before or following the holiday just to include you.
For those who may be away during the holiday (always on a Thursday), some host families may host a Thanksgiving meal on a weekend before or following the holiday just to include you.
Visiting New York for New Years!
This, along with other East coast destinations, are often a real goal of students when they arrive here -- but Spring time is better than Winter for many reasons. From those who’ve gone to NY for New Yeas, they all say they’d never do it again, and they warn others not to go there to be part of the New Year’s celebration. Bottom line, no one has ever stayed in Times Square long enough to see "The Ball drop" (too far away and it was too cold) or watch the fireworks up close (fireworks can be seen from farther away).
There are other times to visit New York and Times Square, but not to experience the "New Year". There are many reasons not to. When trying to learn what it has been like on New Year's Eve, the stories are not fun. They go from simply being way too cold and uncomfortable to sometimes embarrassing and sometimes scary being so close and up against strangers. Also consider this. Access is controlled and limited. You need to arrive early in the day and stay through the evening. This can mean 10+ hours with no bathroom break. Hum! If you want to know more, ask us directly.
If you really want to go to New York to experience the ushering in of the New Year, there is a way to do it without being trapped in Central Square for hours and then leave early because your too cold, etc... Contact us directly to learn what one group did that worked.
This, along with other East coast destinations, are often a real goal of students when they arrive here -- but Spring time is better than Winter for many reasons. From those who’ve gone to NY for New Yeas, they all say they’d never do it again, and they warn others not to go there to be part of the New Year’s celebration. Bottom line, no one has ever stayed in Times Square long enough to see "The Ball drop" (too far away and it was too cold) or watch the fireworks up close (fireworks can be seen from farther away).
There are other times to visit New York and Times Square, but not to experience the "New Year". There are many reasons not to. When trying to learn what it has been like on New Year's Eve, the stories are not fun. They go from simply being way too cold and uncomfortable to sometimes embarrassing and sometimes scary being so close and up against strangers. Also consider this. Access is controlled and limited. You need to arrive early in the day and stay through the evening. This can mean 10+ hours with no bathroom break. Hum! If you want to know more, ask us directly.
If you really want to go to New York to experience the ushering in of the New Year, there is a way to do it without being trapped in Central Square for hours and then leave early because your too cold, etc... Contact us directly to learn what one group did that worked.
Visiting Las Vegas for New Years… a better option.
Las Vegas's weather is better in the winter. They also have a New Year celebration with fireworks and a giant ball that drops with a countdown. Consider this rather than New York.
Las Vegas has lots of wonderful shows throughout the year. There are so many it can be hard to decide which one to choose over another -- also might depend on your moral value system. They're all also very expensive. But, there are also some wonderful "natural" places to explore outside the city for those who want to get away from all the gambling, etc. Some require personal transportation. Many have busses that take you there.
In planning a trip to Las Vegas, first go online and see what's available and plan what you hope to do.
For shows, the important thing is knowing what's showing at the time you go, how the times fit your schedule, and if you can afford to do them all :). Google "shows in Las Vegas". You can also do the same in Youtube to see examples. One that's always recommended above others is Cirque Du Soleil. If you only see one show of any kind, this might be the most exciting choice.
Las Vegas's weather is better in the winter. They also have a New Year celebration with fireworks and a giant ball that drops with a countdown. Consider this rather than New York.
Las Vegas has lots of wonderful shows throughout the year. There are so many it can be hard to decide which one to choose over another -- also might depend on your moral value system. They're all also very expensive. But, there are also some wonderful "natural" places to explore outside the city for those who want to get away from all the gambling, etc. Some require personal transportation. Many have busses that take you there.
In planning a trip to Las Vegas, first go online and see what's available and plan what you hope to do.
For shows, the important thing is knowing what's showing at the time you go, how the times fit your schedule, and if you can afford to do them all :). Google "shows in Las Vegas". You can also do the same in Youtube to see examples. One that's always recommended above others is Cirque Du Soleil. If you only see one show of any kind, this might be the most exciting choice.
Reno -- a fun place to visit during winter break, even better for spring break... especially if you take the train! We've done this and loved the trip over and back. The beauty of doing it this time of year is that there will probably be a lot of snow in the mountains. There are lots of tunnels and the train tracks cut right through the snow, sometimes reaching higher than the train itself.
The train to Reno is cheap because they want you to get to Reno and gamble lots of money. (Hopefully not!) It's also a lot cheaper during the week than on the weekend, as with the motels, so plan accordingly.
We took an afternoon train and arrived in Reno before dark. Reno is relatively small. We took a short walk to an inexpensive small motel (reserved) and found a restaurant. Rather than going to casinos, we spent hours wandering around looking at pawn shops. It was fun to see what people were pawning so they could gamble more. In the morning we had fun looking at unique antique stores... until it was time to catch the return morning train.
Because of the timing or our travels, we saw the beauty of the Sierras in winter, first in the fading afternoon light and then in the early morning light. This was the main reason we went.
Did I mention the train tunnels? There are many you will go through and look out through. Off across the canyon pass (Donner's Pass), you'll see many old gold rush mines and abandoned train tracks leading to them, as well as Donner Lake below.
The Sacramento train station also has an amazing train museum, definitely worth visiting after the train trip back from Reno. It's really big, so plan enough time if you do it at all.
If you decide to do this trip during winter or spring break and want company, let me know. :)
The train to Reno is cheap because they want you to get to Reno and gamble lots of money. (Hopefully not!) It's also a lot cheaper during the week than on the weekend, as with the motels, so plan accordingly.
We took an afternoon train and arrived in Reno before dark. Reno is relatively small. We took a short walk to an inexpensive small motel (reserved) and found a restaurant. Rather than going to casinos, we spent hours wandering around looking at pawn shops. It was fun to see what people were pawning so they could gamble more. In the morning we had fun looking at unique antique stores... until it was time to catch the return morning train.
Because of the timing or our travels, we saw the beauty of the Sierras in winter, first in the fading afternoon light and then in the early morning light. This was the main reason we went.
Did I mention the train tunnels? There are many you will go through and look out through. Off across the canyon pass (Donner's Pass), you'll see many old gold rush mines and abandoned train tracks leading to them, as well as Donner Lake below.
The Sacramento train station also has an amazing train museum, definitely worth visiting after the train trip back from Reno. It's really big, so plan enough time if you do it at all.
If you decide to do this trip during winter or spring break and want company, let me know. :)
Yosemite
This is a great place to visit any time of the year... but it's also very different depending on what time of year.
If you go, you need to plan two nights and at least a full day hiking. It's simply too far to drive up and enjoy it in one day. If you only have one night, drive up and spend the night close or inside the park. Then get into the park early enough to get a good parking place. Then spend the day and drive home late at night (after watching the sunset inside the park). It's best to spend two nights -- just too much to see. Driving time is 4 plus hours in the best road conditions. But, to enjoy the valley and waterfalls, you need 6-10 hours hiking time... Then expect to be really tired at days-end. The reality is it takes at least a full day to hike and enjoy it. If Glacier Road is open (usually after June 1 and before winter snows), it's the best place to watch the sun going down.
The easiest way to get there is through Mariposa, about 1 hour from Yosemite Valley. There are inexpensive motels in Mariposa. But, even closer, along the route from Mariposa on route 140, is a community of motels called El Portal, just outside Yosemite. This is popular for motels because it's closest to the park... which means you can get to the park faster and get a good parking place. Either place, you want to leave very early in the morning to arrive in the park close to 9:00 (takes longer than most peolpe think because the valley itself is a long way from the Yosemite entranace).
TRAFFIC INSIDE THE PARK IS LIKE A ZOO AND PARKING CAN BE HARD (winter is better in this way). There is free shuttle buses that run around the valley. BUT, on weekends you may spend 45 minutes waiting for a bus each time (can't just drive & park as you move around). You can also rent bikes and ride everywhere, maybe faster than using the buses, and it's all very flat. With bikes, whereever you want to hike, just lock your bike securely and carry your helmet in a backpack.
WARNING: Exerting yourself at this elevation, and in the heat, you get dehydrated quickly. Always carry extra water... and keep drinking it!
****** If you only do one hike in Yosemite, do The Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Falls. ******
In the Spring, the waterfalls are at their very finest -- huge and breath taking. End of May and early June are ideal. Before May there can be too much snow to hike and enjoy, but the winter snow has it's own beauty! Do not go on Memorial Weekend -- too crowded. Hint: going mid-week is not as crowded!
In the past, before Covid, we've taken groups up the weekend after Memorial Day (two weeks after MIIS graduation) for two nights and a full day of hiking.
If you can't get up there before July, many of the waterfalls dwindle down to being much smaller -- or go away completely by late fall, and the green turns to brown, hot and dry. The waterfalls can still be impressive, simply because of their height, but they may not have water later in the summer. Vernal Falls is the only one still exciting even in the summer because it's water comes from a river, not just melted snow.
If you go in late Summer or Fall, consider not spending much time in the valley. Instead, spend time around Glacier Point. Getting there is a very different road, taking off just as you start to enter the valley from Mariposa (it's still within the park). There are some wonderful trails along the road, Sentinel Dome is the highlight -- you're way up on top! From Glacier Point itself, you're about 4000 ft straight up (literally... so don't jump :) above the valley floor. You can see many of the waterfalls... way below you. You can also see way off into the distance. It's an incredible place to watch the sunset!
Places to eat in the valley: You can eat at Curry Village. We like the food best at Yosemite Lodge. They have two restaurants. One is very formal and much more expensive. The other is cafateria style with many options. If you are in the valley, or up on Glacier Point earlier and decide to go to the valley for dinner, find out what time Sunset is and be sure to get to The Tunnel View before sunset. With the sun setting behind you, you'll definitely be glad you stopped at Tunnel View as the changing colors across the valley are amazing. If you choose to spend the last half of the afternoon/evening at Glacier point, consider getting food to take with you for dinner.
Staying in the park in the winter, during winter break, can be magical if there's snow, and Yosemite Lodge is the place to be! They have special winter rates that are good (again, weekdays are cheaper than weekends). Just make sure you have chains for your car before going, just in case.
This is a great place to visit any time of the year... but it's also very different depending on what time of year.
If you go, you need to plan two nights and at least a full day hiking. It's simply too far to drive up and enjoy it in one day. If you only have one night, drive up and spend the night close or inside the park. Then get into the park early enough to get a good parking place. Then spend the day and drive home late at night (after watching the sunset inside the park). It's best to spend two nights -- just too much to see. Driving time is 4 plus hours in the best road conditions. But, to enjoy the valley and waterfalls, you need 6-10 hours hiking time... Then expect to be really tired at days-end. The reality is it takes at least a full day to hike and enjoy it. If Glacier Road is open (usually after June 1 and before winter snows), it's the best place to watch the sun going down.
The easiest way to get there is through Mariposa, about 1 hour from Yosemite Valley. There are inexpensive motels in Mariposa. But, even closer, along the route from Mariposa on route 140, is a community of motels called El Portal, just outside Yosemite. This is popular for motels because it's closest to the park... which means you can get to the park faster and get a good parking place. Either place, you want to leave very early in the morning to arrive in the park close to 9:00 (takes longer than most peolpe think because the valley itself is a long way from the Yosemite entranace).
TRAFFIC INSIDE THE PARK IS LIKE A ZOO AND PARKING CAN BE HARD (winter is better in this way). There is free shuttle buses that run around the valley. BUT, on weekends you may spend 45 minutes waiting for a bus each time (can't just drive & park as you move around). You can also rent bikes and ride everywhere, maybe faster than using the buses, and it's all very flat. With bikes, whereever you want to hike, just lock your bike securely and carry your helmet in a backpack.
WARNING: Exerting yourself at this elevation, and in the heat, you get dehydrated quickly. Always carry extra water... and keep drinking it!
****** If you only do one hike in Yosemite, do The Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Falls. ******
In the Spring, the waterfalls are at their very finest -- huge and breath taking. End of May and early June are ideal. Before May there can be too much snow to hike and enjoy, but the winter snow has it's own beauty! Do not go on Memorial Weekend -- too crowded. Hint: going mid-week is not as crowded!
In the past, before Covid, we've taken groups up the weekend after Memorial Day (two weeks after MIIS graduation) for two nights and a full day of hiking.
If you can't get up there before July, many of the waterfalls dwindle down to being much smaller -- or go away completely by late fall, and the green turns to brown, hot and dry. The waterfalls can still be impressive, simply because of their height, but they may not have water later in the summer. Vernal Falls is the only one still exciting even in the summer because it's water comes from a river, not just melted snow.
If you go in late Summer or Fall, consider not spending much time in the valley. Instead, spend time around Glacier Point. Getting there is a very different road, taking off just as you start to enter the valley from Mariposa (it's still within the park). There are some wonderful trails along the road, Sentinel Dome is the highlight -- you're way up on top! From Glacier Point itself, you're about 4000 ft straight up (literally... so don't jump :) above the valley floor. You can see many of the waterfalls... way below you. You can also see way off into the distance. It's an incredible place to watch the sunset!
Places to eat in the valley: You can eat at Curry Village. We like the food best at Yosemite Lodge. They have two restaurants. One is very formal and much more expensive. The other is cafateria style with many options. If you are in the valley, or up on Glacier Point earlier and decide to go to the valley for dinner, find out what time Sunset is and be sure to get to The Tunnel View before sunset. With the sun setting behind you, you'll definitely be glad you stopped at Tunnel View as the changing colors across the valley are amazing. If you choose to spend the last half of the afternoon/evening at Glacier point, consider getting food to take with you for dinner.
Staying in the park in the winter, during winter break, can be magical if there's snow, and Yosemite Lodge is the place to be! They have special winter rates that are good (again, weekdays are cheaper than weekends). Just make sure you have chains for your car before going, just in case.
Lake Tahoe -- Tahoe is a wonderful place to visit. Before going, know the west side is very different from the east side. The north is very different than the south. Also understand that without a car, much of the great places to see will not be accessible. Choose your adventure! (Figure 5 - 6 hours driving to get to the closest part of the lake.)
The east side. Above the California/Nevada border, Stateline is popular for casinos. With so many wonderful places to see, casinos should be the least of your interests.
The south and southeast sides are beautiful and full of adventures.
Note: During the summer it can be like a zoo with all the cages opened up (ha!) and hard to find accommodation.
Spring and early summer can much more enjoyable, with fewer tourists and possible patchy snow to add color ...
There are many trails to other hidden (sometimes remote) lakes, with multiple and easily accessible waterfalls. A fun ride can be had by renting kayaks in Emerald Bay, and/or ride the paddlewheel boat for a sunset excursion on the lake.
The west and north side. These areas a little more rugged and the communities are more rustic, quaint and inviting to simply enjoy.
In winter. For those who ski, there are several wonderful sites. Tahoe is beautiful in the winter, but largely inaccessible by foot once it starts to snow. Be sure to take snow chains.
The east side. Above the California/Nevada border, Stateline is popular for casinos. With so many wonderful places to see, casinos should be the least of your interests.
The south and southeast sides are beautiful and full of adventures.
Note: During the summer it can be like a zoo with all the cages opened up (ha!) and hard to find accommodation.
Spring and early summer can much more enjoyable, with fewer tourists and possible patchy snow to add color ...
There are many trails to other hidden (sometimes remote) lakes, with multiple and easily accessible waterfalls. A fun ride can be had by renting kayaks in Emerald Bay, and/or ride the paddlewheel boat for a sunset excursion on the lake.
The west and north side. These areas a little more rugged and the communities are more rustic, quaint and inviting to simply enjoy.
In winter. For those who ski, there are several wonderful sites. Tahoe is beautiful in the winter, but largely inaccessible by foot once it starts to snow. Be sure to take snow chains.
Pinnacles National Monument -- A great hiking place for Spring Break if you like to hike and explore.
If you go, do it during Spring break or at least before the end of April. This place can get extremely hot after April, 90 -100+F, 30-37+c, and there's very little shade. We love going here during Spring Break. Why? Because you need to leave here about 8am and won't get back till after dark -- it's a very long day. And the next day you will probably not feel studying because you'll still be worn out, with maybe sore legs.
There are two ways to get to the park. One is through Soledad -- NEVER GO THIS WAY!
The best way is through Hollister, about 1 1/2 hours drive.
To get to the top of the pinnacles, where the "exciting" hiking is, going through Hollister lets you drive part way up in elevation before you even start hiking, and there's some shade for the first part of the hike. Going through Soledad is a much harder hike with basically no shade. If it's hot, you feel like your crawling up the sides of a wok. Enough said about how to get there!
Both ways have a cave system to go through, but going from Hollister has the best cave by far! It follows an underground creek with waterfalls (underground). Then the trail comes out of the caves to a small lake that feeds the creek. From here the trail heads towards the "high peaks" on top. Once at the top and hiking along the trails up there, chances are you'll see mighty Condor birds with wingspan of 9 feet, 3 meters.
OH YES, you will want flashlights. We don't recommend your phone light because it may drain your battery, which may limit the photos you can take -- your choice.
If you go, do it during Spring break or at least before the end of April. This place can get extremely hot after April, 90 -100+F, 30-37+c, and there's very little shade. We love going here during Spring Break. Why? Because you need to leave here about 8am and won't get back till after dark -- it's a very long day. And the next day you will probably not feel studying because you'll still be worn out, with maybe sore legs.
There are two ways to get to the park. One is through Soledad -- NEVER GO THIS WAY!
The best way is through Hollister, about 1 1/2 hours drive.
To get to the top of the pinnacles, where the "exciting" hiking is, going through Hollister lets you drive part way up in elevation before you even start hiking, and there's some shade for the first part of the hike. Going through Soledad is a much harder hike with basically no shade. If it's hot, you feel like your crawling up the sides of a wok. Enough said about how to get there!
Both ways have a cave system to go through, but going from Hollister has the best cave by far! It follows an underground creek with waterfalls (underground). Then the trail comes out of the caves to a small lake that feeds the creek. From here the trail heads towards the "high peaks" on top. Once at the top and hiking along the trails up there, chances are you'll see mighty Condor birds with wingspan of 9 feet, 3 meters.
OH YES, you will want flashlights. We don't recommend your phone light because it may drain your battery, which may limit the photos you can take -- your choice.