Located on the southern end of Orange County, San Juan Capistrano lies adjacent to the beach towns of Dana Point and Laguna Beach, but offers families something different than sand and sun. One of the oldest communities on the west coast, visiting San Juan Capistrano adds a layer of history to your Southern California vacation. Here’s what to explore in one day. Mission San Juan … [Read more...]
Search Results for: pit stop a day
15 ways to fill the dog days of summer: late summer getaways and tips
August 30, 2017 By
By this part of summer, some families have already begun the school year, and the rest of us are in the last leg of vacation. If you're like us, the planned summer trips are behind you, yet empty days still stretch ahead. How to fill these dog days of summer? We have 15 ideas for late summer getaways, day trips, and pit stops. 1. Check ReserveAmerica for last-minute cancellations at a local … [Read more...]
Exploring California Gold Country and the state capital
May 19, 2017 By
For families interested in California history, a trip through Gold Country and Sacramento will hit many highlights, focusing on the Golden State's storied gold rush past.Raft and gold pan in the same river where gold was first discovered in 1848, ride historic steam locomotives, tour the state capital…and visit countless historic museums. Start or end in Sacramento: The state capital is, in … [Read more...]
Day in the Ozarks with kids: Dogwood Canyon
April 26, 2017 By
A day in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a great way to get an introduction to the beauty of the Ozarks with kids. Privately owned and operated as a non-profit by Johnny Morris, the owner and founder of Bass Pro Shops, my first impression of Dogwood Canyon was that 1. it’s beautiful enough to be a state park or otherwise preserved by the US government, and 2. that Morris is doing a pretty good job … [Read more...]
Earth Day-friendly bucket list experiences and destinations
April 21, 2017 By
In celebration of Earth Day, we've rounded up our favorite experiences, tours, and travel operations that promote a spirit of 'Earth Day every day'. These travel experiences, through their passion for their destinations, help create the next generation of environmentalists. Earth Day-friendly bucket list experiences: Uncruise in Panama and Costa Rica: We just returned from Uncruise's newest … [Read more...]
Travel Gear We Use: Best day pack for international travel
February 10, 2017 By
I've been conducting travel bag reviews here and at Practical Travel Gear since 2009 and 2011 respectively. That's a lot of reviews! I've tried crossover bags, messenger bags, backpacks, totes, and roller bags. Finally, I think I've nailed it. I think I've found the best day pack for international travel, especially with kids in tow. That's right... The Eagle Creek Catch … [Read more...]
What to do on Mt. Hood in summer: a three day itinerary
August 15, 2016 By
Mt. Hood Oregon is a winter playground, but it's an amazing outdoor destination in the summer months as well. Located just an hour from Portland, Mt. Hood National Forest offers stunning mountain vistas for hikers, backpackers, campers, and kayakers. The central 'town' is Government Camp, which is a smaller community of outdoor-focused shops and dining, but the actual towns of Welches and … [Read more...]
Holiday Inn Downtown Omaha review: A family-friendly place to hang your hat
August 8, 2016 By
Time to rack up those IHG points! If your family is enjoying the multitude of things to do in Omaha, consider hanging your hat at the Holiday Inn-Downtown Omaha. This hotel, a few blocks away from the concentration of downtown attractions, has just the right balance of quality and family-friendly touches to make it a home away from home. Holiday Inn Downtown Omaha review: This Holiday … [Read more...]
Nebraska with kids: A stop at Arbor Day Farm
July 27, 2016 By
When J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day, moved to the Nebraska Territory in the 1850s, he wanted to build a home overlooking the Missouri River, but there weren’t enough trees on the grasslands to do it. Morton decided to change that. Today, the fruit of his efforts is the 260-acre Arbor Day Farm, devoted to fostering a love of trees and nature in children and adults alike. The Arbor … [Read more...]
Southern California pit stop: Pioneertown
July 6, 2016 By
Pioneertown, California is located in the Morongo Basin of southern California's Inland Empire. If traveling from Joshua Tree National Park or Palm Springs toward San Bernardino or Los Angeles, Pioneertown will (almost) be on your way. And it's worth the slight detour. Located in the mountains overlooking the valley floor, Pioneertown began as an elaborate Hollywood set for Western movies. … [Read more...]
