20 Awesome Camping Hacks to Make Your Next Trip Easier

Camping can be a lot of fun, but it can also bring a lot of hassle. We have been camping for decades, and our experience in the outdoors has helped us learn some pretty great camping hacks along the way to help us spend less time on the hassle and more time enjoying the outdoors. Glossy magazine covers and campground brochures highlight fun-filled days at the lake or river, restful afternoons … [Read more...]

5 tips for successful holiday family ski trips

We spend many Christmases away for the holidays. By far our favorite holiday vacation: a holiday family ski trip in a ski resort condo. Three years ago, we spent Christmas tucked away in a South Tahoe HomeAway vacation rental, and past Christmases have found us exploring Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna, BC Canada and the North Shore of Tahoe. Spending the holidays away allows us to focus on our … [Read more...]

Stocking ideas for families who travel

Need help filling those Christmas stockings this year? We're back with this year's 10 stocking ideas for families who travel! Whether you have small children who need entertainment on long road trips or teens who love the outdoors, the following holiday stocking stuffers will fit the bill! 1. United by Blue Utensil Kit: United by Blue has made a commitment to reusable products and the clean up of … [Read more...]

Ski travel hack: How to afford skiing as a family

If you read this travel website regularly, you know we're a big ski family. I grew up skiing and wanted to make sure my kids grew up skiing, too. We've made ski vacations a priority, but it hasn't been easy. Skiing is expensive, and getting more so every year. How to afford skiing as a family: In early January, my family and I enjoyed a perfect ski weekend at Mt. Bachelor Ski Area, one of … [Read more...]

Best Ski Towns: Luxury Vail ski vacation

It's impossible to have a 'best ski towns' series and not include Vail, Colorado. There's a reason Vail has been absent from our list thus far...it's already on everyone else's list. That said, Vail deserves a place on ours as well, because with perhaps the exception of Deer Valley Utah, Vail and its neighbor and Vail Resorts partner, Beaver Creek, offer up the most luxurious ski vacation … [Read more...]

Ski school guide: How to choose the right ski lessons

Ski school can really add to the success and enjoyment of your family ski vacation, but lessons are usually more expensive than your ski lift tickets. Before making such an investment, know what type of ski school is right for your kids (or you!) and be smart about choosing the right ski lessons. We've tried just about every type, and break it down for you here: Group ski lessons: A group … [Read more...]

What to do now to prepare for ski season

This ski season will look different, but now is still the time to prepare for a safe ski vacation! Learn how this ski season will be different. For us, ski season starts long before the first flakes fall from the sky. Admittedly, we're crazy for the sport, but all families serious about learning to ski or taking ski vacations should be 'thinking snow' by November. Here's what you need to do NOW, … [Read more...]

Five haunted hotels worth visiting this Halloween…if you dare

My kids tend to be frightened by kid-friendly haunted houses, let alone a haunted hotel, but if yours are made of heartier stock, a stay at one of the following haunted hotels might be just what you need for a memorable Halloween vacation. The Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC: Rumor has it that the ghost known as the Pink Lady has been haunting the hallways of the historic Grove Park Inn for more … [Read more...]

25 travel blogger-approved road trip itineraries

Ready to hit the road this summer with your crew? The open road awaits, and nothing beats a good road trip. If you're not sure where to go, or simply want a vetted and approved itinerary to follow, read on! I asked travel bloggers across the US and Canada for their top summer road trip itineraries. Western US: The western states are prime road trip territory if you're seeking nature, the … [Read more...]

Five fall weekend getaways to take on a budget

School's in session, and magically, travel costs have dropped! Resorts and theme parks across the U.S. are offering discount packages to entice autumn travelers, but what if you only have weekends free? Try any of the following give fall weekend getaways that won't break the bank. Bonus: not a crowd in sight! 1. Visit a local farm We can't say enough good things about farm … [Read more...]