Is it a good idea to go to South America with kids? No – it’s a great idea! Ecuador, a geographically diverse little equatorial country on the Pacific coast of Northwestern South America, is an ideal destination for a family vacation. With its temperate climate, fun activities, breathtaking wildlife, and access to the Andes, the Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, and historical colonial cities, … [Read more...]
Destinations in Sydney to visit with your kids
May 17, 2017 By
Lots of people say that as parents, you should always try to make time for yourself. Go to places alone, recharge, and experience new things without the kids by your side. But there will always be that nagging feeling, making you feel guilty that you should've have brought the kids with you as you see such view you are looking at, or this street performance. Simply because you just miss them … [Read more...]
Travel Gear We Use: Best day pack for international travel
February 10, 2017 By
I've been conducting travel bag reviews here and at Practical Travel Gear since 2009 and 2011 respectively. That's a lot of reviews! I've tried crossover bags, messenger bags, backpacks, totes, and roller bags. Finally, I think I've nailed it. I think I've found the best day pack for international travel, especially with kids in tow. That's right... The Eagle Creek Catch … [Read more...]
Travel Gear We Use: GoTenna review
July 8, 2016 By
When we visited Paris last winter, we spent a wonderful day in the Louvre. At least, it was mostly wonderful, except for the two hours we spent looking for each other. My husband had our two older sons in one section, and I had our youngest in another, and our plans to 'find each other later' went woefully sideways. We both had phones, but had put them in airplane mode to save on our international … [Read more...]
The best countries for family vacations: where to go now
January 27, 2016 By
The best gift every parent can gift to his child is the ability to travel. But to travel anywhere without much of the thought giving is not really considered being an excellent way to do it. To gift your children all the best, you should, at least, try to consider visiting these countries I am going to mention below. The team behind the Travel Ticker helped me to find these countries, and I … [Read more...]
What terrorism won’t take from me
November 19, 2015 By
As many readers know, we plan to travel to Paris next month. I’ll be very honest: current events have us unsettled and saddened on many levels, including, of course, the impact on our trip plans. Here is why we’re still going. Terrorism won’t take my love of travel. A few, cowardly, misguided, damaged people won’t steal the joy I feel researching trips, complete with Google Maps and Rick … [Read more...]
Facing serious concerns when traveling with kids: how to get past the ‘fear factor’
April 1, 2015 By
Any parent traveling with kids off the beaten path has fielded questions from nay-sayers: “Are you sure it’s safe to travel to Mexico?” “You’re taking your kids how far along what trail?” “How long will you be gone?” “Solo, you say?" As a parent who makes her living encouraging people to travel with their kids, I bristle at these fear-based inquiries. They are not … [Read more...]
Children-Friendly Activities around Lisbon
February 16, 2015 By
If one had to choose a single word to describe Lisbon, the amazing capital city of Portugal, chances are that, that word would be “charming”. There are many other words that spring to mind, such as romantic, picturesque, sunny and striking, with this city looking like something straight out of a Disney fairy-tale. Thanks to the fact that this is one of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon … [Read more...]
Europe with Kids: Free things to do in Stockholm
January 22, 2015 By
Northern Europe is notoriously pricey. Countries like Sweden enjoy excellent standards of living, but for visitors, this can mean that things like transport, hotels and eating out can come at a premium. However, there are ways to off-set the costs of your trip to Sweden. Plan well in advance; it will afford you the opportunity to take advantage of dining out deals, learn the layout of the city in … [Read more...]
Educational Travel: Sending your child on a teen service trip
September 10, 2014 By
Remember that post from a few months back, where I discussed our preparation for our teen Nate's teen service trip with Adventures Cross Country? We're back with a full trip report! If you're considering sending your teen on a service trip next summer, read on! Spoiler alert: he loved it! Last July, Nate embarked on Adventures Cross Country's Costa Rica Classic trip, which comprised of 14 days … [Read more...]
