I just returned from Universal Orlando and was extremely impressed by everything new at the parks! So the timing seems good for a post on all the new Universal rides, and what’s coming up later this year. Two of these technically opened in 2017, but if you haven’t been since… Read More
Recreating Family Travel Memories in Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole with Kids Note: Capital One and Hotels.com sent us to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to promote their 10x miles hotel partnership – which unfortunately expired January 31, 2020. I’m therefore deleting information about the deal, but keeping this post up since we loved Jackson Hole, and everything else here… Read More
Three Perfect Days on Oahu
Affordable Hawaii So Hawaii is a bucket list destination, right? A major trip years from now when you can maybe afford it? Think again! With Southwest starting service to Hawaii later this year, airfares should come down to the point where it’s far more accessible, and actually doable for a… Read More
True Hospitality and the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki
Holiday Inn I love the story of Holiday Inn. In 1952, Kemmons Wilson was driving from Memphis to Washington DC and utterly disappointed in the family-friendliness of the places he and his kids were staying. So he opened up a motel that would perfectly meet the needs of traveling families.… Read More
48 Hours of Holiday Fun in Chicago
Having just returned from a quick weekend trip to Chicago with my 10-year-old son, my only thought is: why haven’t we done this before? We had an amazing time exploring the city and soaking up the holiday atmosphere! A Weekend Getaway to Chicago – From Anywhere We left Santa Barbara… Read More
Best of 2017: Favorite Things Around the World
It was another amazing year of travel! I didn’t quite match my 2016 statistics, flying 230,511 miles, or roughly 25,000 fewer than last year, but I couldn’t have fit another trip in if I tried! My 21 countries included (in order): US, UK, Oman, UAE, Costa Rica, Chile, Bermuda, Mexico,… Read More
A Month in the Life of a Travel Writer (with Zappos and Blundstone)
Sponsored by Zappos When Zappos approached me with a month-long campaign with Blundstone Boots and follow my life as a travel writer, I said yes immediately. I don’t think there’s another brand that would fit into our lifestyle as well as Blundstone. And we use Zappos all the time, taking advantage of their… Read More
Why You Want to Visit Universal Orlando During the Holidays
Universal Orlando Holidays We’ve visited Universal Orlando a lot over the past few years – eight times to be exact. We go the first week of September every year, when local schools are in session but our kids haven’t started yet. We’ve also visited in January and in March, and… Read More
Things to Do in Cleveland with Kids: A Perfect Weekend
Cleveland with Kids When the Ritz-Carlton Cleveland invited us to fly out for their grand re-opening, following an 18-month renovation, I jumped on it. I’ve always wanted to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and I had heard great things about all the things to do in Cleveland… Read More
Mammoth Lakes, California: Three Days of Adventure
Mammoth Lakes with Kids A confession: I had never been to Mammoth Lakes. I have friends who go all the time, and my kids’ school takes ski trips there, but for some reason, I hadn’t visited. When Visit Mammoth invited me to drive up, I accepted immediately. Mammoth Lakes is… Read More