Let’s face it – summer vacations are often planned with family in mind. Whether summer was spent staying in “team hotels” for club sports, standing in lines for hours on end at a theme park or planning outings around stroller-accessible activities, parents often are ready for a little R&R or adult-only time by the time August rolls around.

Some of the best memories growing up were spent on family vacations – with sandcastles and sandy feet, roasting s’mores over a campfire or long car rides eating snacks and playing “I spy.” Those cherished memories are recalled often in adulthood, and many parents pour their energy into creating unforgettable experiences for their kids. Family travel can be so rewarding ... and equally exhausting.

When kids head back to school, planning a getaway takes on a whole new appeal as prices for flights and lodging typically decrease in late August when the peak summer travel season passes. It’s the perfect time for a little adulting adventure (assuming you have willing babysitters to hold down the fort at home)! Here are five fun adult-only escapes to get your vacation-planning wheels turning:

1. Trails & Terrain

Venture out on scenic hikes and take in peaceful overlooks, miles of nature and chance encounters with wildlife. And you can do all this without anyone asking for a piggyback ride!  

2. Savory Sips

Kentucky and California are miles apart, both literally and figuratively; however, both deliver some flavorful experiences. Whether you prefer distillery tours and tastings along the Bourbon Trail or visiting vineyards and sampling flights in Wine Country, these adult-only outings can be both tasty and educational.

3. Nightlife & Neon

Discover a reason to be awake into the wee hours of the night instead of nodding off after bedtime stories. While Las Vegas is commonly known for its iconic after-dark scene and celebrity residencies, you can experience great shows and a happening nightlife (with no kids in sight) in cities across the country.

4. Rest & Relaxation

Toss the packed itinerary and in favor of rest and rejuvenation. Head to a spa hotel where “boredom” is a goal to be achieved vs. a complaint from the backseat!

5. Taste-Testing Tour

Have a foodie-fueled adventure that doesn’t have a single chicken nugget on the menu. Whether choosing fancy restaurants or local dives made famous by Guy Fieri, this adventure is geared toward those with a more sophisticated palate!

There’s nothing more special than family vacations, where fun traditions begin and memories are made across generations. But those “me-” and “us-time” getaways sure can be fun and valuable, too. So, grab your suitcase and your hiking boots, swimsuit, clubbing outfit, Tums or whatever essentials you may need, and don’t forget to secure your airport parking as soon as you make that adulting adventure a reality!

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