When buying Disney theme park tickets, families have the ability to upgrade to Park Hopper tickets. What does this mean? Instead of gaining admittance to one park per day, you have access to all four (plus water parks, if desired). Do you 'need' Park Hoppers? Most families believe the answer is yes, but in fact, it depends on your family's plans in the theme parks, style of touring, and … [Read more...]
Guide to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with kids
April 11, 2019 By
On a recent tour through several California National Parks, I heard the same thing over and over again from fellow guests and even park employees: "We love Yosemite, but we've actually never been to Kings Canyon." Or, "We come to Yosemite annually, but haven't experienced Sequoia, yet." This tells me two things: Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular in the nation (no surprise there), … [Read more...]
Home prep for holiday travel (STEP BY STEP GUIDE)
December 14, 2018 By
You're going away for vacation...yay! But what about your home when you're traveling for the holidays, sitting empty? We've all heard horror stories: the pipes froze and burst...the mail piled up, enticing theft...we really didn't leave our home secure. Home prep for holiday travel isn't hard. Here's how to prep your house for holiday travel, to ensure your home is safe, energy efficient, and … [Read more...]
Hiking Safety: How to keep kids safe in the outdoors
August 27, 2018 By
A ramble through the woods, a stroll across a mountain meadow, or a strenuous alpine hike with the reward of a breathtaking vista – it all sounds idyllic until something goes wrong. As a former search and rescue volunteer and EMT, hiking safety is very important to me. I’ve participated in too many wilderness searches that could have been avoided with a few precautions, a little know-how, and the … [Read more...]
Five outdoor travel experiences any family can try
August 23, 2018 By
Good news parents: Most kids' favorite vacations involve sleeping bags and campfires instead of five-star luxury and turn-down service. Traditional camping trips are a crowd favorite, but if you're looking for something a bit further off the beaten path of family travel, check out one of the following outdoor travel experiences any family can enjoy, no prior wilderness knowledge necessary. 1. … [Read more...]
What you need to know about going through international travel customs with kids
August 2, 2018 By
To some parents, the thought of navigating immigrations and customs with kids is intimidating. For some, the first experience in customs will be during a trip to Mexico, or Canada. For all of us, it can be tiring, especially after a long travel day (or night). But by knowing what to expect (and having the forms and documents you need) going through travel customs with kids can be a breeze. Here's … [Read more...]
Summer in the Berkshires: Hancock Shaker Village
June 18, 2018 By
The Berkshires is a wonderful region in Massachusetts to explore with kids, and summer in the Berkshires can't be beat! Parents will appreciate the rural, countrified setting with farmer's markets, rolling hills, and quaint towns, and kids will find plenty to do in the form of roadside ice cream stands, gentle streams and rivers, and museums and gardens. The Hancock Shaker Village is located … [Read more...]
Golf vacations with kids: tips for a great resort golf experience
April 30, 2018 By
Our kids like to golf, but they're hardly miniature pros. They're kids, and they want to have fun on the links. We want them to have fun, too, but also appreciate that other guests may want to enjoy the course without distractions or delays. It's easy to get stressed when on golf vacations with kids, which is why we've compiled the following tips for a great golf resort experience: 1. Pick … [Read more...]
Santa Fe with kids: dining, shopping, and touring
April 20, 2018 By
When most parents think of Santa Fe, New Mexico, spas and art galleries come to mind. However, this small town in the high desert has its share of kid-friendly activities. Here where to go, where to eat, and where to shop if vacationing in Santa Fe with kids. Attractions: There are a few must-sees in Santa Fe with kids. To start, you'll want to tour the Plaza and Palace of the Governors with … [Read more...]
Why study abroad: how to help your teen travel
March 28, 2018 By
As my children grow and become more experienced travelers, I've been thinking and writing more often about teen travel and study abroad experiences. Last year, our 15-year-old flew solo to Costa Rica to join an Adventures Cross Country trip, which proved to be an enriching, deeply impactful two-week adventure for him. The experience left us wanting more! I recently had the privilege of … [Read more...]
