Exploring the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: navigating Upper and Lower Falls

During a time when many vacations are not possible, outdoor activities in road trip-accessible locations offer the ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring Yellowstone, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation. Located a full 50 miles away from the central hub (and congestion) of Yellowstone National Park's Old … [Read more...]

Olympic National Park with kids

Tucked away on Washington state's Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park offers the best of not one, not two, but three worlds: temperate rain forest, ocean beaches, and mountain peaks await visitors to this unique park. No matter the season, families can escape metropolitan life in only a matter of several hours (approximately three from Portland and Seattle) and find themselves hiking between … [Read more...]

Exploring Tucson with kids

Looking for a winter getaway? Thinking ahead to Spring Break? Tucson delighted us with genuine nature and wilderness, a lively, historic downtown, which has been newly revitalized, and resorts with all the amenities for a sunny vacation. We'll definitely be back! Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring Tucson, so start here as you plan your wintery vacation. … [Read more...]

Haleakala National Park

When I think of Maui, I think sun-kissed sand and stunning beaches...not ascending to 10,000 feet to hike amid peaks. But families vacationing on the island would be remiss to skip Haleakala National Park, where kids will learn about the natural landscape of this breathtaking area, and get a glimpse of a Maui not well-known. Haleakala consists of both Haleakala Summit and the lower Kipahulu … [Read more...]

Things to do on Channel Islands with kids

Channel Islands National Park is located right off the coast of Ventura, CA, but feels a million miles away from the rest of Southern California. The park has a different vibe than most: the main visitor's center is located not in the park, but in the Ventura Harbor, where visitors depart for the islands, and the islands themselves remain remote, isolated, and almost completely … [Read more...]

One day in Badlands National Park itinerary with kids

We were blown away by the beauty and peacefulness of Badlands National Park! During our one day visit, we found ourselves comparing this dry, rugged, and dramatic park to other favorites: it has much of the same feel as Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, Badlands adds another element: high prairie wildlife and terrain that will impress in a subtile, almost delicate … [Read more...]

Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park (or Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio), is about a three hour drive from San Jose, Costa Rica, an hour from Playa Jaco, and only a short distance from a number of the coastal towns that serve it. We arrived via the Pacific Ocean, on our Uncruise ship, the Safari Voyager, but once in the park, the same tips apply to cruise passengers and other visitors. Manuel Antonio … [Read more...]

Popular state parks in Hawaii

Many people around the world think that Hawaii is just a place where they can see a lot of beautiful beaches and water activities such as surfing and kiteboarding. This picture of Hawaii is what has always been portrayed on TV and magazines; however, there’s so much more to Hawaii than meets as it’s also a place for many natural and historical wonders. Did you know there are more than six state … [Read more...]

Three things to do in Acadia National Park with kids

Acadia National Park may be quite a hike from the nearest urban center or major airport, but this beautiful corner of downeast Maine offers families unlimited adventures, from bikes to boats to hiking trails and, if you’re lucky, the earliest sunrise in the continental US! Acadia is a relatively small park, and offers a lot of short, gentle hikes (and some tough ones as well) in addition to their … [Read more...]

Guide to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with kids

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...]