Four day trips from Rome (with or without a car)

We're in the midst of organizing our first family European trip, which is great fun. After all, your trip starts the minute you begin planning it! I've always loved Rome, so I know the Colosseum, Vatican, and lesser-known stops like the Mercato Testaccio will be on the itinerary. However, I also know my favorite way  of experiencing the Eternal City (which consisted of multiple days of city … [Read more...]

Scotland barge cruise tips: Seeing Scotland by waterway

Scotland barge river cruises are gaining in popularity by the minute, and it's easy to understand why: these itineraries allow for all-inclusive convenience and luxury without sacrificing the intimate look at local scenery and culture lost when booking a larger ocean cruise. Scotland barge cruise tips: Scotland, with its canals and locks, is an especially ideal country to explore by waterway. A … [Read more...]

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...]

Exploring the Cotswolds with kids

Want to add a dash of English country charm to your UK vacation? The Cotswolds are located within a day trip from London, but deserve a 2-3 day itinerary all their own. Unlike many European destinations which are ideal for public transit, the Cotswolds are best explored by car. This way, families can plan their own itinerary, take their time, lingering where desired, and go off the beaten … [Read more...]

Day trip from Dublin: Driving through the Wicklow Mountains Ireland

Dublin, Ireland is a great city to explore by foot and public transit, but there's so much beauty and history in the Irish countryside, families will definitely want to head out of the city limits at some point. We took the following day trip from Dublin a few years ago without kids, but due to the relatively short driving distances between stops (at least by Western US standards), this itinerary … [Read more...]