Spooky Pit Stops: Salem Massachusetts

If you have kids who laugh in the face of fear, this pit stop is for you! (And if you don't, keep reading anyway; there's something here for the fainter of heart as well!) The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 placed Salem, Massachusetts on the map as one of the spookiest places in the U.S., and while thankfully, superstition and ignorance have gone the way of pilgrim hats, the town still does a great … [Read more...]

American Colonial and Revolutionary History Road Trip

Touring Boston, Philadelphia, and Virginia with kids! Looking for a ready-made American history road trip itinerary? We've got it! This itinerary starts in Boston, MA and ends in Williamsburg, Virginia, and hit highlights of American colonial and Revolutionary history. Civil War history can be added, as well! Days 1-3: Start your trip in historic Boston. Walk the Freedom Trail, visit … [Read more...]

Where to stay in Miami: Hampton Inn & Suites Midtown Miami review

A midtown Miami hotel is a good choice for a pre or post-cruise stay with easy access to the airport, or can be centrally-located for a Miami weekend away from South Beach. I recently checked out the brand new Hampton Inn & Suites Midtown Miami on a recent stay, and was very pleasantly surprised. Where to stay in Miami: The Hampton Inn & Suites Midtown Miami is without a doubt the … [Read more...]

Kimpton Surfcomber review: Where to stay on South Beach with kids

South Beach Miami may not be the most kid-friendly destination, but as Miami's a major cruise port, families will find themselves navigating Miami Beach with kids in tow. When we realized our red-eye flight from San Francisco to Miami would land us in the city at 6 am, a full 10 hours before standard hotel check in, I knew exactly where I wanted to stay: at a Kimpton property. I knew a Kimpton … [Read more...]

Grown Up Getaway: Miami beyond the beaches

Maybe you’ve ‘done’ South Beach. Or maybe, you remember the Miami of the ‘80s and ‘90s, when South Beach defined the city. Whether beachside clubbing and hot days on the sand are not for you, or whether you’re ready for something different, check out Miami beyond the beaches for your next Grown-Up Getaway. Here’s your ready-made itinerary for your Grown Up Getaway Miami: Start in the artsy … [Read more...]

Family-friendly Vegas hotel: Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau

Is Las Vegas a family-friendly destination? While I believe there are better vacation choices for families, there are plenty of reasons families find themselves here, from conventions to shows to sport tournaments. And when you do go, you'll need a family-friendly Vegas hotel. We just returned from Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau, and let me tell you: we'll never stay anywhere else in … [Read more...]

Four pit stop-worthy children museum holiday exhibits

'Tis the season to travel, and while braving those interstates, you and your family will need places to stop along the way. What better opportunity to visit one of these four children museum holiday events  at children's museums across the country! Each are sure to get your family in a festive mood during the holiday travel season! If traveling on I-75: Stop at the Cincinnati Museum … [Read more...]

West Palm Beach vacation: Marriott’s Oceana Palms

Interested in a West Palm Beach vacation? I was curious about the Florida coastline, so for my first trip to Florida outside of Orlando, I checked out the Palm Beaches area north of Miami. Um, it’s kind of ok here. Maybe I should venture beyond Disney more often! I stayed at Marriott Oceana Palms, which is a Marriott Vacation Club property. I knew I’d be happy with the resort, as I’d … [Read more...]

Washington DC with kids: International Spy Museum

If you have kids 10 and up, you’ll want to include the International Spy Museum in your Washington DC itinerary. We absolutely loved it. Even though there are many free museums to tour in DC, it’s absolutely worth the price of admission. Why we loved it: This museum is one of the most interactive we’ve seen. It was created by a 30+ year veteran of the CIA, and it shows. The first section … [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...]