This past summer, my family and I took a trip out to the East Coast, and let me tell you, we are still being praised for planning the coolest summer vacation of all time. While this trip requires many hours spent in a car driving up and down the East Coast of the United States, it is a jam-packed week that allows you to see a little bit of everything. No matter who you plan on vacationing with, this trip truly has something that everyone will enjoy. Here are my secrets on how to plan the best summer week-long vacation trip:

Day One: Travel / New York City

The first stop is a big one, New York!! We spent our whole first day of the trip traveling, which got us to The Big Apple right around 10 PM. Although this may seem like a day wasted, there is so much to do even at night in New York. Poke around Times Square or find a bar to visit. The first day does not have to be wasted on travel.

Day Two: New York City

Spend your whole day exploring the nation's biggest city! I recommend hopping on a tour bus to get the most of your day. Although expensive, these busses allow you to see all of the city and allow you to get off at any stop to explore more. Take the ferry out to Lady Liberty, visit the 9/11 memorial site, eat from a street vendor, and of course, SHOP!! Finish your night off with a Broadway show or a walk through Central Park.

Day Three: New York City / Washington D.C.

Wake up one last time in New York and do a few last minute tourist-y things before heading out (I recommend watching a taping of The Today Show). Then, hop back in the car for a quick drive down to Washington D.C.! The nation's capital is only a few hours south of NYC, which still leaves you with a whole day of exploring! Visit the many Smithsonian museums (they're all free, too, which is a bonus) and see the White House and many national monuments! Spend your night at the National Mall and watch the Washington Monument light up.

Day Four: Washington D.C. / Baltimore

Spend another day of sight seeing in Washington D.C.! There are so many national artifacts to see, spend the day visiting more of the Smithsonian museums. At night, drive a few hours north (or find a train or bus because the traffic is HORRID) up to Baltimore and catch an Orioles game! Baseball not your thing? Don't worry, there's enough night life in Baltimore to keep you occupied.

Day Five: Travel / Shenandoah National Park

Although it is a further distance away than the other two locations, the drive is well worth it. It'll take the better part of the morning and early afternoon to make the drive, but who says that you can't stop along the way for some real East Coast food (clam chowder, anybody?). Spend the rest of your afternoon driving through the beautiful Shenandoah National Park. Find a spot to pull over and watch the sunset over the beautiful mountains.

Day Six: Shenandoah National Park

This park is seriously huge and there are so many trails to be explored! Each trail is viewable online and gives you an estimate on how long the hike should take and how difficult it is. Pack a lunch and spend your day exploring a few of the different trails. I definitely recommend picking one that leads to a waterfall!

Day Seven: Travel

Finally, it's time to head back home. Believe me, though, by the end of this trip, you'll be thankful for some downtime. It's a jam-packed week of sight seeing and traveling and picture taking, but the memories and the Instagram pictures are definitely well worth it.