5 tips for successful holiday family ski trips

We spend many Christmases away for the holidays. By far our favorite holiday vacation: a holiday family ski trip in a ski resort condo. Three years ago, we spent Christmas tucked away in a South Tahoe HomeAway vacation rental, and past Christmases have found us exploring Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna, BC Canada and the North Shore of Tahoe. Spending the holidays away allows us to focus on our … [Read more...]

Stocking ideas for families who travel

Need help filling those Christmas stockings this year? We're back with this year's 10 stocking ideas for families who travel! Whether you have small children who need entertainment on long road trips or teens who love the outdoors, the following holiday stocking stuffers will fit the bill! 1. United by Blue Utensil Kit: United by Blue has made a commitment to reusable products and the clean up of … [Read more...]

What to do now to prepare for ski season

This ski season will look different, but now is still the time to prepare for a safe ski vacation! Learn how this ski season will be different. For us, ski season starts long before the first flakes fall from the sky. Admittedly, we're crazy for the sport, but all families serious about learning to ski or taking ski vacations should be 'thinking snow' by November. Here's what you need to do NOW, … [Read more...]

Five haunted hotels worth visiting this Halloween…if you dare

My kids tend to be frightened by kid-friendly haunted houses, let alone a haunted hotel, but if yours are made of heartier stock, a stay at one of the following haunted hotels might be just what you need for a memorable Halloween vacation. The Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC: Rumor has it that the ghost known as the Pink Lady has been haunting the hallways of the historic Grove Park Inn for more … [Read more...]

Five fall weekend getaways to take on a budget

School's in session, and magically, travel costs have dropped! Resorts and theme parks across the U.S. are offering discount packages to entice autumn travelers, but what if you only have weekends free? Try any of the following give fall weekend getaways that won't break the bank. Bonus: not a crowd in sight! 1. Visit a local farm We can't say enough good things about farm … [Read more...]

Five back to school getaways to take right now!

September, October and November are the perfect months for short family back to school getaways. Kids (and parents!) are ready for a break from the busy back-to-school schedule, and hotels and resorts are less crowded and keen to offer fall discounts. Where to go to combine fun autumn activities with discounted lodging? We've checked out almost a dozen family trip ideas in the past few months in … [Read more...]

Don’t leave for vacation without safeguarding your home

Vacationing might be an effective way to get away from your house, job, school, and everyday responsibilities for a while, but you always intend to come back. When you’re away from your home, many things could go wrong if you haven’t adequately prepared. Home repair problems, natural disasters, vandalism, and even burglaries can occur, putting a damper on your mood and finances. As no one wants to … [Read more...]

Five ways to keep your kids content on a road trip

Children are naturally energetic. They’re impatient and rambunctious. When you take your children on a trip with you, it changes the vibe completely. While you want to relax if you’re on vacation, it can be difficult having kids around. This is particularly the case for road trips, when there is a lot of extra time sitting in the car. Luckily there are a few great tactics to help keep your … [Read more...]

Guide to Las Vegas with kids: family-friendly Las Vegas vacation

There was a time when I didn't think of Las Vegas as a family-friendly trip idea, but in the past few years, Vegas hotels and attractions have made strides to be more kid-oriented. Whether your family trip focuses on Las Vegas entertainment, outdoor recreation, or dining (or all of the above), the following advice can help make your trip to Sin City much more wholesome. During this time of … [Read more...]

Why travel is an excellent form of education

"Nothing develops the mind like travel," said Emile Zola. And you can find great numbers of similar sayings from famous and ordinary men all over the world. What force makes people leave their safe and comfortable places and condemn themselves into all those unpredictable inconveniences during their life far from home. There is no one answer- it's a curiosity for someone and a spirit of adventure … [Read more...]