February 21, 2012 With spring time only a few months away, many parents are gearing up for the gutsy decision to green-light a child’s request to join in on a class trip to travel overseas. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young adults too exciting to pass up for families that can afford the cost, but…
February 9, 2012 Have you ever needed to book a flight and didn’t even know where to begin? My husband travels a lot, so I usually get to find the best flight for his trip. I also like to find the best price. Here are the tips and tricks I use when searching for a…
January 31, 2012 I may currently live in sunny southern California, but I’ve spent winters driving in the snow in Pennyslvania, New York, and Michigan when I used to travel for work. With icy conditions, flurries gusting against the window, and cars driving at a snail’s pace, it was definitely nerve-wracking at best. The SocialMoms…
February 22, 2012 It’s the happiest place on Earth, but also tends to drain your wallet faster than you can say Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. And yet a long-dreamed of Disney vacation is hard to beat: Where else can you flaunt a mouse-eared cap, set sail with pirates, check into a haunted mansion, and travel from China to…
February 29, 2012 Rock out with your entire family in Nashville, the country music capital, where you’ll find something fun for everyone, from toddlers to teens. Grab a guitar and hop onstage at the Grand Ole’ Opry, step into a new pair of cowboy boots, and dig into some finger lickin’ Southern cuisine with a…
March 15, 2012 Dust off your flip-flops and get ready to travel, gather unforgettable beach-side memories, and perhaps pick up some seashells and sand dollars too. The Crystal Coast – North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks – has something for everyone in your family: a Civil War era fort for history buffs, wild horses roaming the…
April 3, 2012 With Spring Break taking over March and April, many people are planning their destination of choice – opting for snow or sun or somewhere inbetween. But many families are talking about staying right at home, relaxing via a staycation instead. A few years ago I incorporated the staycation into a learning experience with my…
May 15, 2012 When it comes to fun and exciting destinations for the entire family, theme parks are definitely at the top of the list. If you’re planning a trip to the amusement park on a limited budget, there’s no need to worry. Here are some tips to saving money at the theme park: 1. Buy…
May 17, 2012 Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan, offers families a funky Midwestern vibe, a wealth of tree-filled parks and a pedestrian-friendly downtown. This college town par excellence makes for a fun long weekend away with kids. Here are ten don’t miss to-dos for a long weekend in tree town with the…
May 7, 2012 School is almost out and it’s time to start planning your summer vacation! One great place to consider is Virginia Beach. With great local restaurants, mild temperatures, and plenty of activities to help you Love the Moment, Virginia Beach is the perfect summer vacation destination. In Virginia Beach, your ocean playground awaits:…
June 13, 2012 Can an old mom really learn new tricks? After a 45-minute classroom lesson on the dangers of riptides and the basics of surfing, I found myself contemplating that exact question as I paddled out into the Atlantic, my hunky instructor, James, swimming, by my side. Belly down on my surfboard, awaiting the…
June 16, 2021 Are you ready to dig your toes in the sand this summer? Pick one (or twenty) items off this list of things to do at the beach for a great time at the shore. Watch the sunrise. There is nothing as expansive as a sunrise on the beach to greet the day….
June 15, 2021 Is COVID or budgeting constraints putting a damper on family summer vacation plans? Do you wish you could find a fun travel destination for the entire family, at a reasonable cost? State parks offer fun activities for families and accommodations for every lifestyle, all at reasonable rates. Check out these summer camping…
June 27, 2012 San Francisco is an iconic American city, and 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 are the top seven to-dos when visiting San Fran with kids. Hike Over and Under the Golden Gate Bridge…
July 4, 2012 Summer vacation is in full swing, and the kids are begging to go on a trip. The idea sounds great to you, but you want to keep it simple, cheap and entertaining. There are some really fantastic attractions in the Midwest that the entire family can get behind. Chicago When you think…
July 19, 2012 Most people who haven’t been here consider the Hamptons a playground of the rich and famous. And while the stars do flock to Long Island’s beautiful south shore in the summer, the Hamptons is also a fabulous spot to visit with your family. The towns of Hampton Bays, Westhampton , Southampton, Easthampton…
July 3, 2012 I don’t know about you, but a summer getaway is sounding pretty good right now. The kids have been out of school, are almost down with a week of camp, and I’m wondering how to occupy them. Adventure Awaits on Your Family Vacation! Camp Omni takes family vacations to a whole new level,…
July 1, 2012 Are you heading out for a summer road trip or 4th of July celebration this summer? Know that you and your family are safe on the road, thanks to our friends at OnStar. They’re offering an amazing new savings for their OnStar FMV (For My Vehicle) mirror – available at a special…
July 31, 2012 Summer is finally here and, with it, our thoughts turn to taking family vacations. However, vacations can get pretty costly: transportation, food and activities quickly eat away at our well-planned budgets. Even if the family vacation spot is not far away, there is still the issue of finding affordable lodging. Luckily, I…
August 8, 2012 With the rising cost of gas and vacation time that seems to dwindle each year, more and more families are choosing to stay close to home during their summer break. When people think of beach vacations, they usually imagine some far-off tropical resort that usually requires a passport and vaccinations to even…
August 3, 2012 When I was a child, my dad served in the military, and he was gone a lot. In my first year, I think I saw him only twice. And for the next 14 years, he was often away for months at a time, even on holidays and birthdays. Back then, it was…
August 31, 2012 Nestled between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas, surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Lake Huron, lies Mackinac Island, one of the prettiest and most charming islands in the U.S. Known for its breathtaking scenery, car-free streets, historic sights and fudge, Mackinac island is quite simply a little piece of paradise. Getting…
September 5, 2012 Many of us parents remember a time when we could travel around the world with relatively little documentation. Sometimes, all it took was a copy of a birth certificate or a driver’s license to board a plane. Nowadays, you need a passport for almost everywhere. It’s great for security, but if you’ve…
September 19, 2012 Our family recently stepped out of our faced-paced city lives and into the leisurely back roads of Indiana’s Amish country, where the rolling hills, wooded trails and flowing rivers soothed our senses and took us back in time. Play We started our Amish journey in the charming village of Shipshewana, where we…
September 17, 2012 Detroit – High crime rates, bad neighborhoods, high unemployment, empty buildings, and home foreclosures are commonplace. Do these things indicate a city of blight? No reason to visit? Nothing good to be found in Metro Detroit? Guess again! The Detroit Metro area has a lot to offer visitors, whatever your passion….
October 3, 2012 It’s almost time for Halloween and what better way to enjoy the holiday than by visiting a haunted house? This may not be an activity for younger children or the faint of heart, but after weeks of planning costumes for the kids and taking them out trick-or-treating, don’t you deserve a little fun…
October 17, 2012 From missed flights to left behind kids, every traveling family worries about traveling disasters. Here are five of the most common travel mishaps, with solutions and ideas for avoiding them altogether. Disaster: Your kids suffers from motion sickness Solution: Don’t give up travel altogether if your child tends to suffer from motion…
October 31, 2012 The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is the busiest of the year so it’s a good idea to get organized before taking any trips. Here are some helpful suggestions for making things run more smoothly. Research Flights Start checking out flights and prices as early as possible. Some websites allow…
November 14, 2012 With its powdery, fluffy white snow, world-class skiing and snowboarding, and top of the line resorts, Park City Utah is a dream destination for winter sport loving families – or even those wishing to hit the slopes and learn to ski for the very first time. This winter wonderland is also home…
November 28, 2012 When thinking of old historic palatial structures. we tend to assume that these can only be found in Europe or other areas overseas. The amazing thing is that there are a number of stunning buildings right here in America. Here are five of the nation’s most beautiful castles. Boldt Castle (Alexandria Bay,…
December 12, 2012 For many parents, a family vacation with kids in tow might leave you less relaxed and more stressed out than ever. It’s difficult to relax poolside when you have a cranky toddler or a sullen teen to tend to. Thankfully, many resorts are stepping up and offering awesome children’s programs that guarantee…
December 26, 2012 Traveling during the winter can be extremely hectic with weather delays, overbooked flights and cranky people who are just trying to get somewhere. As if that isn’t bad enough, it also coincides with cold and flu season which can make those cramped conditions even more unbearable. There’s no way to guarantee you…
January 3, 2013 It’s a new year and time to start making those travel plans. Whether you’re heading to the mountains for a ski trip or the beaches for spring break, it can be difficult to navigate all the latest trends and policies in the travel industry. With fare increases, travel advisories, and airport requirements,…
January 16, 2013 The due date is almost here, so it’s the perfect time for some last minute rest and relaxation Many couples are choosing to unplug and reconnect with one another before their new baby arrives, and more hotels are now offering packages that cater to this concept of babymoons. “It was important to me…
January 30, 2013 It’s hard to believe that we are almost through the first month of this new year but February is fast approaching. Are you ready for Valentine’s Day? That’s right, February 14th is looming and, while you may have abandoned your resolution to be a size 2 by the romantic date, you still…
February 15, 2013 Looking for an affordable family vacation? Look no further than our stunning national parks, which give you and your kids the chance to explore majestic beauty while setting out on incredible outdoor adventures. Perhaps best of all, with free fee days and excellent, free family programs, visiting a national park makes for…
February 27, 2013 Spring Break rolls around each year and we’ve got tips for making the most of the week-long vacation. If you are fortunate enough to have the time off and plan to get away for a few days, there are some great ways that you can use this week to strengthen your relationships. …
March 13, 2013 Montreal is a blast in the winter, when snow blankets the city in splendor, but the springtime is when Quebec’s cultural capital truly blooms. Everywhere you go, you’ll see families – both native Montréaliens and out-of-towners – frolicking under the first rays of spring sunshine, enjoying urban sports, sidewalk cafes and parks. Here…
March 28, 2013 Summer is fast approaching and most of us are eager to welcome the season associated with fun, sun and … weddings! While many couples spend months planning ahead, others might still be looking for a great getaway to celebrate their nuptials and honeymoon. Planning a wedding can be stressful so it’s not…
March 8, 2017 With its swaying palm trees, year-round warm temps, azure blue water, and cloudless skies, Key West is the perfect tropical escape within the U.S. While you can opt to fly directly to the southernmost tip of the picturesque Keys, the drive from Miami International Airport is a little over three hours long and…
April 20, 2017 If you want to experience a family Caribbean vacation like no other, or if you’re looking to explore the depths of seas or lakes closer to home, nothing beats scuba diving. Kids are quick learners and their natural curiosity makes them the best dive buddies around. Here’s our guide to scuba diving certification…
April 25, 2017 You may think that you have to travel to the Caribbean or Hawaii to find places to scuba dive, but there are a some state-side dive spots that offer family-friendly dive experiences. If your family is trying scuba diving for the first time, or you have a tween or a teen looking…
March 20, 2017 Spring break doesn’t have to break the bank. With more families traveling than ever before, hotels are trying to win new customers with kids in tow by offering lower rates and special perks. These spring break deals offer rates for family fun at under $250 a night. From a dude ranch to the…
April 4, 2017 San Antonio is a scenic, south-central Texas city with a rich colonial heritage, making it a must-visit for traveling families. While most visitors flock to the Alamo, the 18th-century Spanish mission that marks an infamous 1836 battle for Texan independence from Mexico, and the picturesque San Antonio River Walk, there are also many…
May 30, 2017 What would you do without Mom? She changed your diapers, comforted you through your first breakup, and she’ll forever be your No. 1 fan. Mother’s Day is over, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop celebrating. Sign her up for one of these quick weekend getaways with her favorite kid ……
