May 11, 2015 Summer is almost here and families everywhere will soon be gearing up for fun excursions to theme parks around the U.S. Every year hundreds of new attractions – from faster-than-ever roller coasters to trendy new guest-immersive rides – promise that theme park guests will never grow bored. Get ready for a summer of…
June 15, 2015 A visit to Los Angeles warrants a stop at Universal Studios Hollywood, a theme park as well as one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use today. You’ll find thrilling rides, movies in-action, shops, restaurants and cinemas, and even your favorite movie characters, from Spongebob to Shrek….
May 20, 2015 Disneyland Park, a.k.a. Disneyland, is a must-do for any family visiting Southern California. With its eight themed “lands” on 85 acres, there are so many things to see and do in this iconic theme park it can be difficult to make a plan for a one-day visit. Here’s a guide to all…
June 8, 2015 Whether you call him dad, papa, or daddy, your father deserves some love this upcoming June 21st. Give your Dad the gift of travel and treat him to a trip this Father’s Day. Here are fives ideas for celebrating Father’s Day with the stellar dad in your life. Treat Dad to a…
June 24, 2015 Huntington Beach is a surfer’s paradise, thanks to its sunshine, sandy beaches, consistent waves, and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It’s also a paradise for families looking for a beach vacation to remember. There are so many things to see and do in Huntington Beach but you absolutely need to save time to catch some…
July 23, 2015 It may feel like the end of the world when everyone else in your household is excited about a trip to the beach and you feel as if you’re living through a nightmare. The truth is that you may not ever like the surf and sand but, sometimes, we make sacrifices for our…
October 8, 2015 Your child is going on vacation with his best friend’s family. Have you adequately prepared them for that experience? While the experience could be a lot of fun, overlooking proper etiquette can bring an abrupt end to the good times. In the days and weeks leading up to the trip, take some…
August 27, 2015 Here’s a good excuse to make plans now for your next family getaway: according to the U.S. Department of Education, kids who travel do better in reading and math than their peers who don’t. Furthermore, the U.S. Travel Association found that adults who took educational trips in their youth make 12% more…
September 23, 2015 Every autumn, across the U.S., nature dresses up for the season with golden yellows, fiery oranges and vibrant reds. From early September in the northern states to late November in the south, the fall foliage explodes in gorgeous color. Here are some of the best places to catch fall in all of…
October 13, 2015 More and more families are opting for long weekend escapes as opposed to week-long vacations. With busy school, work and sport schedules, it makes sense to keep vacations short and simple. Here are four ideas for easy long weekend escapes to action-packed destinations that are easy to reach via a nonstop flight from…
December 9, 2015 It’s exciting to pack up and get away during the holidays but it’s important to prepare your home for your absence. Of course, there is the threat of a break-in but it’s far more common to have your possessions damaged in other ways. As you get ready for your getaways, make a…
December 15, 2015 Santa loves to ski, and Colorado ski resorts roll out the red carpet for the man in red every winter. Festive family fun focuses on skis, sleds, and skates. Here are 6 ways to celebrate the holidays at Colorado’s ski resorts. The Twelve Days of Aspen Snowmass and New Year’s Eve Torchlight…
December 23, 2015 Hawaii is a classic family vacation escape. Frequent, nonstop flights from most major hubs, picture-perfect scenery, and beautiful weather year-round make it one of the most popular winter destinations. Hawaiian Airlines offers more than 200 daily flights with direct service from NYC and ten other cities. Here are our picks for places to stay…
March 1, 2016 When was the last time Grandma and Grandpa tagged along on your family vacation? Traveling with grandparents makes for even more family fun: You can count on an extra hand, while also creating cherished family memories. According to the US Family Travel Survey conducted by NYU’s School of Professional Studies, family and…
March 9, 2016 Disney World is constantly expanding and evolving. Every year new attractions are added, while old ones fade away or are completely transformed. New characters arrive on the scene, too, bringing even more happiness into the magical world of Disney. And through it all, rapidly evolving technology is making the park experience more…
March 25, 2016 Spring break and summer vacation means road trips for a lot of families. I’m the queen of road trips around here (being single, I do ALL the driving) and with three kids of various age, I’ve learned a variety of ways to ease the stress (and save money) on road trips. Here are…
April 20, 2016 Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to forget this sad fact. As families celebrate spring break and summertime looms on the horizon, more families are heading poolside or…
May 17, 2016 Summer is almost here and families everywhere will soon be gearing up for fun excursions to theme parks around the U.S. According to the IAAPA Global Theme and Amusement Park Outlook 2015-2019, more than 390 million people are expected to visit theme parks in the United States and Canada, generating $22 billion….
June 11, 2018 Ahhhh, summer at the lake. Sailboats, sunshine, and sandcastles. What’s not to love about a summer spent at one of the Midwest’s greatest lakes? Here are three Great Lakes escapes to fit every traveler, perfect for a long weekend adventure this summer. Door County, Wisconsin If you’re a traveler who loves outdoor…
June 1, 2016 With TSA lines expected to be longer than ever this summer travel season, savvy travelers will have to plan ahead to catch that precious flight out of town. Here are five travel hacks that will have you at your gate and ready to go on your next summer vacation. 1. Sign up…
June 15, 2016 If you’re looking for a summer travel destination that combines music and fun, check out these six spots. From the largest Honky Tonk in the world to the grand ole opry, there’s a travel fit for every music lover. Music City, USA: Nashville, Tennessee Host to the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium,…
July 6, 2016 It’s summer and the season for family vacations! Many people opt for a road trip – whether as a way to reach their destination, or as the vacation itself. An impromptu road trip may sound like fun, but it’s always better to prepare. Here are ten packing tips that will ensure you arrive…
September 1, 2016 San Francisco is one of the most popular U.S. tourist destinations. It’s the perfect city to visit if your family craves action, diversity, good food, and fun. Here’s the best way to experience San Francisco in four days with kids. Day 1 Take a cable car from downtown to Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch….
July 12, 2016 Once a year, my husband’s job gives us tickets to Disneyland. That’s lucky for my kids because, otherwise, a “trip to Disney” would mean stopping by the Disney store to check out all of those toys they’ll never have. You’d think this would be the case for most families, but while exploring the “Magical Kingdom,”…
July 27, 2016 Some hotels go above and beyond when it comes to welcoming kids. They even work to incorporate favorite television and movie characters. From a fully decked out Thomas the Tank Engine suite to a luxe villa inspired by SpongeBob’s pineapple abode, here are five hotels and resorts that feature technicolor-approved decor, activities,…
August 3, 2016 We’ve reached the point in the summer when there’s a good chance you’re going a little stir crazy. The kids are out of school, and you can’t help gazing wistfully at social media pictures of your friends off on grand adventures. A friend shared that very feeling with me today. She and…
August 9, 2016 Across the country, kids and parents are gearing up for back to school. From supply shopping to first day jitters, school is on everyone’s mind. But school isn’t the only place where learning happens. Today, many hotels and resorts offer exciting learning programs for kids—and adults, too. Next time you’re planning a…
September 22, 2016 Smart travelers plan ahead, and now’s the time to book a resort for your family’s annual winter escape. Whether you’re looking to build castles in the sand, ski the slopes, or just sip pina coladas poolside, there’s a resort to match your mood. Here are five family vacation resorts you’ll want to…
October 5, 2016 It’s the happiest place on Earth … and when it comes to dining, Walt Disney World goes over the top to ensure that guests receive world-class service, delicious dishes, drinks, and desserts, plus plenty of amazing surprises. If you’re looking to splurge on a dining experience like no other, at a restaurant…
November 17, 2016 If you’re a busy parent (and what parent isn’t busy most of the time?) you’re probably always on the look out for ways to make life a little easier; I know that I am. I’ve discovered some parenting hacks that will help ease the daily chaos just a little—which can make a…
November 3, 2016 Europe is known for its picturesque holiday markets, where outdoor vendors sell everything from ornaments to handcrafted toys, and steaming mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and traditional candies and chocolates are savored by all. Thankfully, many U.S. cities have started their own Christmas market traditions, making holiday shopping a more outside-of-the-big-box experience. Here…
October 30, 2016 While the fall months may not feel quite as carefree as those long days of summer, there are many great ways to celebrate the season. In addition to the yearly frenzy over infusing everything with a pumpkin spice flavor, people really enjoy apple cider, warming up in a favorite hoodie, and watching…
November 11, 2016 San Francisco shines even brighter during the holiday season, thanks to festive decorations and activities that add to the city’s natural scenic beauty and magical atmosphere. Consider a long weekend visit in November or December, when you can enjoy all the delights of winter, from ice skating in Union Square to a Victorian-style Christmas…
January 23, 2017 January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and there’s no better place to learn than in Colorado. All month long, ski areas and resorts are offering special promotions and programs to make it easier than ever for people to learn to glide down the powdery mountains with ease. From package deals…
January 31, 2017 Family travel promises plenty of adventures—for better or for worse. If you’ve ever been stuck in an airport with a fussy baby, or cramped into a seat with a lap sitter, you know that the challenges are real. Thankfully, new apps promise to make family travel much easier by preventing tiny issues from…
August 16, 2011 A new school year is beginning and families across America are saying goodbye to the last weeks of summer. While most families will have less time to spend together and travel, many parents try to find a way to stay actively engaged in their children’s lives, especially when it comes to supporting…
August 30, 2011 Family vacations are planned with all good intentions of enjoying pristine weather while taking a break from the demands and drama of everyday life. Therefore, vacations and weather emergencies just don’t mix. Earthquakes, hurricanes, snow storms, tornadoes and other natural disasters can happen at any given time, wherever you travel. And since…
September 14, 2011 I’m a mom of two curious boys who love to travel. And, as if they aren’t enough a handful, I’ve got a third on the way! My sons get bored with movies, games and even sandy beaches before I can think of what to do with them next. The only way I…
October 4, 2011 When my older daughters were toddlers, my husband had a convention in Orlando, and families were invited. There was just one snafu. The convention was over Halloween weekend, and my kids wanted to go trick or treating. As is turns out, Disney World had a Halloween event, with just the right amount…
November 21, 2011 Being a military family means that we don’t live close to our families. At all. We travel at least every other month. Traveling can be stressful enough, but when you add three children? You have yourself one fun filled day of driving, crying children, bathroom stops and stress out the roof for…
October 31, 2011 I have traveled several times with my kids, alone and with my husband, and I want to share some things I have learned that have made traveling with kids a lot easier. Traveling with kids does not have to be a stressful event. I think as long as you are prepared you…
December 2, 2011 Anyone who has reserved a flight, hotel and/or rental car online or through a travel agent has been faced with the question: “would you like to add insurance to your trip?” Most people opt out of it, especially if they are on a budget and do not want to add to their…
December 4, 2011 Congratulations to 3rd Culture Children: the SocialMoms Blog of the Week! As someone who has done very little travel in my lifetime, I’m always fascinated by travel blogs, and this is no exception. I love that Raquel is able to talk about parenting while sharing the aspects of their travels to a…
December 5, 2011 When the weather takes a turn for the worse, you make sure your kids are ready to brave the elements before they leave the house. You know the drill by heart—winter coat, hat, gloves, scarves and boots. Don’t forget a goodbye kiss with a reminder to be careful, walk slowly and don’t…
February 2, 2012 As my sister and I prepare for taking a cruise vacation next year, I’ve discovered several ways to make traveling and vacations a little bit easier. Here are some ways to ease the stress of planning your next vacation. First of all, Plan In Advance I probably go a little overboard on…