Multigenerational travel tips: vacationing with a large group

We have a lot of multigenerational travel tips! Large-group vacations are a fantastic opportunity to get away with your family, friends, and loved ones. Family members who live far apart can reconnect and friends can get away from the daily grind to enjoy one another’s company. Don’t let the generation gap get in the way, though – it is possible to plan a large group vacation that appeals to … [Read more...]

How much to tip: hotel and family vacation guidelines

Don't you hate that feeling when you don't know whether you should tip or not? I do! And the more I travel and write about travel, the more I realize how many families are confused how much to tip. Hotel rates aside, when should we tip? Who should we tip, and how much? There's no 'correct' way to tip, and opinions vary. However, after years of tipping during travel and talking with travel industry … [Read more...]

Tips for celebrating the 4th of July in Washington DC

Will you be in our nation's capital for Independence Day? We were there last year, and it was one of the memorable holidays we've celebrated while traveling! The number of activities, programs, and performances, as well as the sheer number of people, can be intimidating, so we've compiled our top tips for celebrating the 4th of July in Washington DC: 1. Book a hotel within walking distance of … [Read more...]

Five resort towns with 4th of July parades

Due to summer travel plans, we usually spend 4th of July away from home. Sometimes, missing our hometown 4th of July parades bums the kids out, so wherever we find ourselves, we try to seek out the local parade festivities. As a result, we've experienced new customs, enjoyed local culture and foods, and Toby, always outgoing, has always made new friends. Below, find details on the 4th of July … [Read more...]

When to upgrade to Park Hopper tickets at Disney theme parks (and when not to)

When buying Disney theme park tickets, families have the ability to upgrade to Park Hopper tickets. What does this mean? Instead of gaining admittance to one park per day, you have access to all four (plus water parks, if desired). Do you 'need' Park Hoppers? Most families believe the answer is yes, but in fact, it depends on your family's plans in the theme parks, style of touring, and … [Read more...]

25 Unplugged family vacation ideas

When planning your next family vacation, do you daydream about a mythical place when cell service drops to zero and the front desk staff has no WiFi code to give? Such places exist, and they’re ripe for family adventure! From budget-friendly to bucket list-worthy, these diverse getaways all guarantee time away from screens…for both your kids and you. Western states: Experience the Wild and … [Read more...]

How to plan college visits for your teen

As a family who's always loved learning on the go, we're excited to be diving into a new version of educational travel: college touring for our teens. At first, figuring when, when, and how to plan college visits can feel daunting, but in fact, we've found the process to be fun, helpful, and even a little relaxing! With two teens at home, and one starting the college decision-making process in … [Read more...]

Home prep for holiday travel (STEP BY STEP GUIDE)

You're going away for vacation...yay! But what about your home when you're traveling for the holidays, sitting empty? We've all heard horror stories: the pipes froze and burst...the mail piled up, enticing theft...we really didn't leave our home secure. Home prep for holiday travel isn't hard. Here's how to prep your house for holiday travel, to ensure your home is safe, energy efficient, and … [Read more...]

How to stay healthy while traveling with the family

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, especially when you get to share it with family. Flying or driving to a new city, having new experiences, and getting to detach from your regular routine are things most people can look forward to when travel is in their future. If you have stress in your typical day to day life, sometimes travel is the only way to really get away to de-stress. On the flip … [Read more...]

What you need to know about going through international travel customs with kids

To some parents, the thought of navigating immigrations and customs with kids is intimidating. For some, the first experience in customs will be during a trip to Mexico, or Canada. For all of us, it can be tiring, especially after a long travel day (or night). But by knowing what to expect (and having the forms and documents you need) going through travel customs with kids can be a breeze. Here's … [Read more...]