Popular Destinations to Visit During Breaks
Grand Canyon : New York City : Las Vegas : Reno : Yosemite :
Lake Tahoe : Pinnacles National Monument
(+ a special local Thanksgiving event for those staying in Monterey)
Grand Canyon : New York City : Las Vegas : Reno : Yosemite :
Lake Tahoe : Pinnacles National Monument
(+ a special local Thanksgiving event for those staying in Monterey)
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. This is a bad idea any time of year. Consider the travel time involved from three different cities, each easy to get to by plane:
From Las Vegas NV 4.5 hrs drive to the park
From Phoenix AZ 3.5 hrs hours drive
From Flagstaff AZ 1.75 hrs drive
The South Rim of the park is open year-round, and roads are drivable except in inclement weather. Weather changes quickly at Grand Canyon, especially in the winter. This can drastically affect visibility and road conditions from day to day.
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 (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 hot and crowded (bad time)
Winter can be very special, 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 very 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!
Fall & 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. This is a bad idea any time of year. Consider the travel time involved from three different cities, each easy to get to by plane:
From Las Vegas NV 4.5 hrs drive to the park
From Phoenix AZ 3.5 hrs hours drive
From Flagstaff AZ 1.75 hrs drive
The South Rim of the park is open year-round, and roads are drivable except in inclement weather. Weather changes quickly at Grand Canyon, especially in the winter. This can drastically affect visibility and road conditions from day to day.
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 (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 hot and crowded (bad time)
Winter can be very special, 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 very 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!
Fall & 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 family foodie holiday of the year – with a significant history to be told -- Students who join us are in for a treat!
For those who may be away during the holiday which is on a Thursday, some host families may host Thanksgiving on a weekend before the holiday just to include you.
For those who may be away during the holiday which is on a Thursday, some host families may host Thanksgiving on a weekend before the holiday just to include you.
Visiting New York for New Years!
This is often a real goal of students when they arrive here. From those who’ve gone, they all say they’d never do it again and warm 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" (weren't even close enough) or watch the fireworks to go off.
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 was like on New Year's Eve, the stories are not fun, from simply being too cold and uncomfortable to sometimes embarrassing and sometimes scary. If you really want to know why, 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 having to get out early because your too cold... Contact us directly to learn what one group did that worked.
This is often a real goal of students when they arrive here. From those who’ve gone, they all say they’d never do it again and warm 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" (weren't even close enough) or watch the fireworks to go off.
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 was like on New Year's Eve, the stories are not fun, from simply being too cold and uncomfortable to sometimes embarrassing and sometimes scary. If you really want to know why, 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 having to get out early because your too cold... 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. They're also very expensive.
In planning a trip to Las Vegas, first go online and plan out what you hope to accomplish. There's also a variety of outdoor places to visit, natural and man-made, that just require transportation and good weather.
For shows, the important thing is knowing what's showing when you plan to go. You can 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, this might be the 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. They're also very expensive.
In planning a trip to Las Vegas, first go online and plan out what you hope to accomplish. There's also a variety of outdoor places to visit, natural and man-made, that just require transportation and good weather.
For shows, the important thing is knowing what's showing when you plan to go. You can 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, this might be the choice.
Reno -- a fun place to visit during winter break... if you take the train! We've done this and loved the trip over and back. The beauty of doing it in the winter is there will probably be a lot of snow in the mountains and the train tracks cut right through them.
The train to Reno is cheap because they want you to get to Reno and gamble lots of money. (Hopefully not!)
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 looking to see what people were pawning so they could gamble more. In the morning we had fun looking at unique second-hand and 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.
The Sacramento train station also has an amazing train museum, worth visiting before or after the train trip to Reno (probably after). It's really big so plan enough time if you do it at all.
If you decide to do this trip during winter 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!)
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 looking to see what people were pawning so they could gamble more. In the morning we had fun looking at unique second-hand and 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.
The Sacramento train station also has an amazing train museum, worth visiting before or after the train trip to Reno (probably after). It's really big so plan enough time if you do it at all.
If you decide to do this trip during winter 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 when.
If you go, you need to plan two nights and then a full day hiking in between. It's simply too far to drive up and enjoy it in one day, or spend one night, then hike and drive home in one day. Driving time is about 4 plus hours in the best road conditions. But, to enjoy the valley and falls, you need 6-10 hours... and then expect to be really tired at days-end. The reality is it takes at least a full day to hike and enjoy it.
The easiest way to get there is through Mariposa, about 1 hour from Yosemite Valley. There are inexpensive motels in Mariposa. You can also stay at other places closer to the park, along Hwy 140. Either place, you want to leave very early in the morning to arrive in the park close to 9:00 -- TRAFFIC INSIDE THE PARK IS LIKE A ZOO AND PARKING CAN BE HARD. They have free shuttle buses that run around the valley, but (on weekends) you may spend 45 minutes waiting for a bus each time. You can also rent bikes and ride everywhere, maybe faster than using the buses -- it's all very flat. 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. Do not go on Memorial Weekend -- too crowded. In the past, we've taken groups up the weekend after Memorial Day for two nights (two weeks after MIIS graduation). Hint: going mid-week is not as crowded! :)
If you can't get up there before July, consider other Yosemite options. Many of the waterfalls dwindle down to being much smaller, though still impressive, simply because of their height. Vernal Falls is the only one still exciting even in the summer.
If you go in late Summer or Fall, consider not spending much time in the valley, but go to 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 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 being very casual and friendly :). 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.
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 pretty good. 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 when.
If you go, you need to plan two nights and then a full day hiking in between. It's simply too far to drive up and enjoy it in one day, or spend one night, then hike and drive home in one day. Driving time is about 4 plus hours in the best road conditions. But, to enjoy the valley and falls, you need 6-10 hours... and then expect to be really tired at days-end. The reality is it takes at least a full day to hike and enjoy it.
The easiest way to get there is through Mariposa, about 1 hour from Yosemite Valley. There are inexpensive motels in Mariposa. You can also stay at other places closer to the park, along Hwy 140. Either place, you want to leave very early in the morning to arrive in the park close to 9:00 -- TRAFFIC INSIDE THE PARK IS LIKE A ZOO AND PARKING CAN BE HARD. They have free shuttle buses that run around the valley, but (on weekends) you may spend 45 minutes waiting for a bus each time. You can also rent bikes and ride everywhere, maybe faster than using the buses -- it's all very flat. 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. Do not go on Memorial Weekend -- too crowded. In the past, we've taken groups up the weekend after Memorial Day for two nights (two weeks after MIIS graduation). Hint: going mid-week is not as crowded! :)
If you can't get up there before July, consider other Yosemite options. Many of the waterfalls dwindle down to being much smaller, though still impressive, simply because of their height. Vernal Falls is the only one still exciting even in the summer.
If you go in late Summer or Fall, consider not spending much time in the valley, but go to 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 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 being very casual and friendly :). 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.
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 pretty good. 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.)
The east side. Above the Nevada line, 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 and hard to find accommodation.
Spring and early summer can be even more enjoyable, with fewer tourists and possible patchy snow to add color ...
AND, the trails to other remote lakes and multiple waterfalls are accessible. A fun ride can be had by renting kayaks in Emerald Bay and riding the paddlewheel around sunset.
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 Nevada line, 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 and hard to find accommodation.
Spring and early summer can be even more enjoyable, with fewer tourists and possible patchy snow to add color ...
AND, the trails to other remote lakes and multiple waterfalls are accessible. A fun ride can be had by renting kayaks in Emerald Bay and riding the paddlewheel around sunset.
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 gets really hot, 90 -100F by May (30-37c), 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 -- a very long day. And the next day you will not feel like studying at all.
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 gets really hot, 90 -100F by May (30-37c), 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 -- a very long day. And the next day you will not feel like studying at all.
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.