Some people may think I’m nuts for already dreaming about next summer’s vacation (yes, 2026!). But many readers can probably relate to this advanced planning timeline. After all, flights go on sale 11-12 months in advance, and that’s often the best time to find cheap award flights using miles and points.
I already have 3 international trips booked in the upcoming months:
- Guatemala (October)–just me and my daughter
- St. Maarten (March)–the whole family
- Singapore/Thailand/Vietnam–just me and my daughter
For next summer, I’m looking to plan a more simple trip within the USA that my entire family can go on. My older sons may or may not to be able to join us due to their internship/job situations. So, my goal is to plan something that we can easily add them to or cancel them from as their plans evolve.
My husband and I had a fabulous time at Banff National Park last month. Because of that trip, I’m yearning to go to another mountain destination. Here are my top contenders:
Stowe, Vermont
I vacationed in various places on the East Coast as a kid. But, it’s been a long time since I’ve been to many of those locations, and I certainly don’t remember them in detail. Stowe is a mountain ski resort town with several attractions including:
- Covered bridges
- The VonTrapp Family Lodge (the Sound of Music family)
- Summer mountain gondola ride
- Ben and Jerry’s ice cream factory nearby
The biggest con to visiting Stowe is that there are no nonstop flights from DFW to Vermont, so travel time is a bit longer with a layover and transfer. On the plus side, however, Stowe has a lower altitude than most Colorado mountain towns, making it easier to breathe and hike.
Doesn’t this town look adorable?
Telluride, Colorado
Even though I grew up in Colorado, I’ve never visited Telluride. It’s a 6-hour drive from Denver, or a 90-minute drive from Montrose airport. Telluride is known for:
- Stunning scenery
- Free gondola from the center of town to Mountain Village
- Hiking and waterfalls
American Airlines has nonstop flights from DFW to Montrose. However, vacation rentals in Telluride are a bit pricey, even in the summer.
Breckenridge, Colorado
I’ve been to Vail a few times in the summer, but I don’t remember visiting Breckenridge. It’s a ~2-hour drive from Denver International Airport. Breckenridge has a lot to offer:
- Summer dog sledding
- Alpine slide
- Mountain gondola/hiking
- Gold mine tours
- Whitewater rafting nearby
- Dillon Reservoir nearby
Flights from DFW to Denver are easy on miles or cash, and Breckenridge has a lot of activities nearby. The biggest con to Breckenridge is that is has the highest altitude of the 3 on this post (9728 feet).
Have you been to any of these places? What is your favorite mountain town in the USA to visit?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I’d vouch for Vermont. Have been to many mountain towns in Colorado, and they are mostly similar, except for Vail – it has Alpine European look but very expensive. Brek is alright, but surrounding area went thru many forest fires – so not much greenery around lake and hills. Telluride is remote, hard to get to other areas without driving mountain roads for 2-3 hours.
Stowe, VT area is more scenic in my opinion: lower mountains and rolling green hills as far as eyes can see. Also lake Champlain, Montpelier (smallest state capital) and several state parks are in close proximity to explore. The number of tourists and prices should be much lower vs. Colorado. Plus fresh farm products in VT are one of the best.
You might also consider flying to Montreal, spend a day there and drive south to Vermont.
Happy travels!!
@Aleks Thanks for your input! I hadn’t thought about flying to Montreal. I haven’t been there in 25 years.
My favorite lodging in St Matin is Fourteen, great beach and walking distance to grocery and restaurant shttps://www.fourteenatmulletbay.com/
@James Thanks for the recommendation! I looked at that but couldn’t find a place with enough beds for my family.