How to use Airbnb to rent a room (and when to consider it)

We often recommend booking a vacation rental when traveling with kids: doing so allows families to travel more authentically, comfortably, and cheaply. But would you rent a single room in a stranger's home? The vacation rental site airbnb offers rental homes and apartments to traveling families, much like companies such as HomeAway or VacationRoost. However, they also list single rooms, … [Read more...]

Three Oregon getaways to take without the kids

Yes, we’re all about traveling with kids, but let’s face it: sometimes, Mom and Dad need to get away…solo. If you’re looking for a parents-only getaway in the Northwest, it’s hard to beat Oregon. Not to toot my home state’s horn too loudly, but we do have it all: nature and outdoors pursuits, wineries and farm-to-fork restaurants, and city sophistication. If you’re ready to get away, pick a date, … [Read more...]

Visit Whidbey Island with kids: Exploring Coupeville

Whidbey Island may be small, but it's tall, as my sons have noted after a map study. When families come to visit Whidbey Island with kids, it's useful to stay in the center of the island, within easy access of attractions such as Deception Pass to the north, and the Clinton ferry landing to the south. The best home base: Coupeville. Coupeville WA is located within the boundaries of Ebey's … [Read more...]

Where to stay in DC: Grand Hyatt Washington

Wondering where to stay in DC?  We love Grand Hyatt hotels. When budget allows, the Grand Hyatt option ensures great service and even better amenities. (Check out our additional Grand Hyatt reviews for Seattle, San Diego, and Kauai.) Grand Hyatt Washington is no exception. With a great location on H Street (five blocks from the Mall and four from the White House), a Metro stop in the building, … [Read more...]

Top 5 family-friendly Washington DC hotels

Washington DC and Disney World have something in common: both destinations require a lot of walking. And I mean, a lot. But here's where they differ (aside from the obvious): approximately 90% of kid-friendly attractions in Washington DC are free. Try getting that deal at Disney! Why do I make this unlikely comparison? To emphasize the importance of picking the right Washington DC hotel. Without a … [Read more...]

Williamsburg Woodlands: where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg

So, you've planned your Williamsburg itinerary with kids, but don't know where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg with kids? Official hotels of Colonial Williamsburg include options ranging from the luxury Williamsburg Inn to Colonial houses for rent, to family-focused hotel rooms. We found the perfect middle-ground for our family at Williamsburg Woodlands. This hotel is located directly adjacent to … [Read more...]

Gettysburg with kids: where to eat and tour in town

The heart of the Gettysburg experience is undoubtedly the National Military Park battlefield sites. However, Gettysburg with kids isn’t complete without spending time in and around town. Because Gettysburg in 1863 was much smaller than the Gettysburg of today, what is now town space featuring motels and restaurants was once farmland and battlefield. Throughout the town, houses sport plagues and … [Read more...]

Philly hotel review: Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

Need a Philly hotel review? We've got our pick! The minute we pulled up to Hotel Monaco Philadelphia on Chestnut Street in the heart of Philly’s historic center and met T, the hotel’s most lively and friendly doorman, we knew we were going to love our stay. T offered high fives all around, then challenged Tobias (age 9) to some air boxing on the sidewalk. Turns out, T is Hotel Monaco’s boxing … [Read more...]

Coast Medicine Hat Hotel review

If you’re road tripping through Medicine Hat, Alberta, as we did last May, you’ll want to stop for the night at a clean, comfortable, affordable hotel with the perks we all look for in an overnight stop: free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking! The Coast Medicine Hat Hotel fits the bill, and we always trust the Coast name. Located in the centre of town, the Coast Medicine Hat is in walking … [Read more...]

Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre

Coast Hotels is a trusted name in Western Canada and the Pacific NW, and for good reason. I know we always feel better when we see that trademark circular emblem. The Coast Lethbridge Hotel is new, completely comfortable, and very spacious. It’s located in the heart of town within walking distance to the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and Henderson Lake Park. When we’re looking for a hotel while en … [Read more...]