Road Trip Through Spain: Madrid to Barcelona

Ask GoogleMaps how to get from Madrid to Barcelona, and you'll be taken in a direct shot along the E-90. But take the road less traveled on a road trip from Madrid to Barcelona, and you'll be rewarded with fewer tourists and a more authentic local scene. Starting in Madrid, take the E-901 from Madrid through Cuenca and Aragon before meeting up again with the E-90 or A-2 into the seaside city of … [Read more...]

How to See a Family-Friendly Italy on a Budget

First off, I want to thank Amy and Kate for hosting me on this blog. There's a ton of great information on here for everything from summer trips to ski vacations, and I love that. Hopefully this post is a good complement to Amy's post on day trips around Rome—Rome has some neat history for sure, but so do so many of the nearby towns! Travelling with your family has its challenges, but it's a … [Read more...]

A family trip through historic Virginia

Located in the South Atlantic region of the United States, Virginia offers a wealth of American history and heritage that will fascinate as well as educate, making it an ideal location for a family outing. Also known as the “Old Dominion” and “Mother of Presidents”, Virginia’s nicknames result from an historic association with the British as a dominion of the English Crown and from the fact that … [Read more...]

Exploring Dallas History with Kids

Dallas isn’t just cowboys, the Cowboys, and Texas BBQ. As one of the oldest cities in the state, Dallas is steeped in local history. Best of all for parents, most exhibits in and around Dallas honoring the region’s history are free or low-cost for all. See Founders Plaza: Located downtown in a unassuming park area, Founders Plaza showcases a replica of Dallas founder John Neely Bryan’s … [Read more...]

Best of 2014: Best destinations for families you can book now!

Every December, we take time to reflect upon the past year of travel, and select five experiences---yes, just five!---that we crown the best of the year. Last year, our top travel experiences of 2013 took us from Alaska to the Caribbean. This year, we're focusing on the American West and MidAtlantic, showcasing everything from five-star city hotels to cabins. We stand behind these picks as … [Read more...]

Guide to Whidbey Island State Parks

Whidbey Island, Washington is known for its picturesque coastline and pastoral setting. It's true that Whidbey, located north of Seattle, offers abundant farm stands and a healthy agri-tourism trade, but many families --including mine!-- had no idea how many beautiful, exciting state parks fill this small island! We recommend coming to stay at least three days in order to experience most of … [Read more...]

Exploring Port Townsend with kids

Located at the very tip of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend has a lot to offer families. From the quaint waterfront town with its lively history to a storied military presence, exploring Port Townsend with kids includes hiking trails, fort batteries, ice cream shops, and touch tanks! Here's what's in store (and where to stay): Downtown Port Townsend: It's easy to see the … [Read more...]

Most haunted destinations in the US (and why kids should visit)

Curious about touring one of the most haunted destinations in the US? The following family travel destinations have tales to tell. Visit with ghosts in mind, or opt for a spirit-free experience with educational tours, historical sites, and kid-friendly attractions. Gettysburg, PA: It's no wonder Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is haunted, given the significance of this intense three-day Civil War … [Read more...]

Washington DC with kids: Touring Mount Vernon

While you’re in Washington DC with kids, a stop en route to the city (or on your way out) at Mt. Vernon is definitely worth your time. We visited Mt. Vernon on our way into DC at the start of our trip, and spent approximately three hours. It’s definitely possible to spend more time. Travel tip: If you'll be pairing your Washington DC itinerary with some time at the beach, consider a Virginia … [Read more...]

Washington DC with kids: When you have an hour or less

There’s so much to do in Washington DC with kids, families cannot possibly do it all in one visit. However, sometimes, you may find yourself with an hour or so free on our around the Mall. Here’s what we recommend: National Archives: Unless you plan to do some serious research on your family tree or a historical event, the main attraction in the National Archives is the original Declaration … [Read more...]