Need some sunshine? Phoenix is a fun place to find it year-round. Phoenix is among the Top 10 largest cities in the U.S., so it is loaded with activities and amenities. It is a sprawling oasis in the desert. Temperatures are sunny and mild in the winter and incredibly HOT in the summer. When you […]
Hey there! Planning your first cruise? There is a lot to like about cruise vacations. The ports are exotic, the food is delicious, the service is excellent and the price is right. In this article, I'm sharing my best cruise advice for first-timers. Cruise ships are big enough to keep everyone entertained but small enough […]
Hey there! Planning a vacation with teens? Do you find traveling with teens… challenging? I know how you feel. I have two teenage children, currently ages 19 and 17. We feel lucky because they are (usually) cheerful travelers and they generally enjoy spending time with us and each other. I believe that's the result of […]
Planning a trip to Disneyland? On a budget? The good news is that there are lots of ways that you can avoid paying top dollar and still have a wonderful Disneyland trip with your family. My family visits Disneyland every year or two and it's one of our favorite family vacations. But costs add up […]
Headed to Disneyland? It's one of our favorite family destinations! Here is a list of the best California Adventure rides and how to get on them faster… Disney's California Adventure Park is one of two parks at Disneyland Resort, and it is the home of everything Marvel and Pixar. We always spend at least one […]
Planning a trip to Disneyland?? It's one of my favorite family destinations! All the attractions at Disneyland are great, but there are a few that are so exceptional that they have earned a permanent place in our cultural heritage. Their creativity and attention to detail are unparalleled. Most of these rides have been at Disneyland […]
Hey there! Trying to raise kids who understand money and credit – and manage money well? Me too! Helping kids prepare for adulthood is no small task, and teaching kids about money is an important part of that preparation. For better or worse… there's a good chance that your kid's financial habits will look a […]
Planning a trip to Disneyland? Finding a great hotel near Disneyland is one of the most important parts of planning any Disneyland trip. On-property vs off-property, price, distance, transportation, amenities, room size, and more can make a big difference. The “best” hotel will be different for every family. It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, where […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to Salzburg, Austria? Wondering if the Salzburg Card will save you money? My family visited Salzburg in December 2023. My kids were ages 16 and 19 and our day to use the Salzburg Card was Christmas Day. What is open in Salzburg on Christmas Day? A lot more than we […]
Spring Break in Utah varies, but most schools schedule a full week in late March or early April. It's a great time to enjoy perfect weather at many fun family destinations in and near Utah. Do you have Spring Break plans yet? If not, I have a few ideas. Most of them are in Utah, […]
Are you looking for hotels with two-bedroom suites? Extra space makes any vacation a lot more comfortable for families with babies, teens, or 2+ kids. I have two teenagers. We can fit in a standard hotel room, but my family needs three beds – and preferably separate bedrooms – to sleep comfortably. A standard room […]
Hey there? Planning a quick trip to Innsbruck, Austria with kids? My family visited Austria in December 2023. We took a day trip from Salzburg to Innsbruck on the train on the day after Christmas with our two teens, ages 16 and 19. It was a long, high-energy day, but we did a lot of […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to Vienna? Bundle-and-save passes like Go City Vienna Pass are a great way to save money and simplify your planning. Passes often save you 30-50% on admissions and it's easy to buy and budget before your trip instead of pulling out your credit card at every activity. Once you buy […]
Hey there! Planning a dream trip across the ocean? Have you planned for jet lag??? You may feel jet lag when you travel across two or more time zones. I don't notice it much when we fly across the United States. But when we fly across an ocean I definitely feel it. My family traveled […]
How many vacation photos do you have stored in your phone or computer? If you're anything like me, you have a lot of great pics that your family never sees. Vacation photos represent precious memories. They can bring a smile to your face when you're feeling down. Shared memories can bring your family together for […]
Have you heard about Families Fly Free? It's a program that will show you how to fly your family around the U.S. and beyond for free. Yes. Free. Lyn Mettler is the face and founder of Families Fly Free. She has developed a system that helps families earn loyalty points faster and then stretch those […]
What does a Christmas trip to Europe cost? It depends on many factors including where you're going, where you're coming from, how long you'll stay, and what you do when you get there. And of course, you know that. But it helps to have an idea, right? In this article, I'm sharing our actual expenses […]
Hey there! Want to make the most of your vacation activities? Of course, you do! Good planning is where it all starts. Planning vacation activities – and actually doing the activities – is usually the fun part of any trip. This is where you check items off your bucket list like going to the Eiffel […]
Are you craving a Disneyland vacation? I always am! Whether you're prepping for a future Disneyland trip or just want to re-live some of the happy memories from your last Disneyland trip (with no lines!), there are lots of ways to taste, hear, and experience Disneyland at home anytime. When we were stuck at home […]
Need to find cheap airline tickets for your next family trip? Here are the tried and true tricks we use to fly my family of four several times per year. You don't need to work for an airline or be an expert travel hacker to save hundreds of dollars on flights. Air travel is expensive […]
Planning your first trip to Disneyland? That's so exciting!! My family loves Disneyland and we go there every year or two. My teenagers (ages 16 and 19) love Disneyland more now than they did when they were young. Disneyland can feel overwhelming for a first-time visitor – or even if it's just been a while […]
Fall Break in Utah is October 19-22, 2023 for most public schools. Do you have plans yet? If not, I have a few ideas. Most of them are in Utah, but there are also a few warm-weather destinations in neighboring states that we love. All are within one day's drive or a short flight away. […]
Looking for Halloween activities in Utah? Halloween is HUGE in Utah. Throughout the state, there are dozens of delightful destinations that celebrate the season and the unique cultures that make up our community. The fun begins in September. Here's a list of family-friendly pumpkin patches, corn mazes, fall celebrations, Dia de Los Muertos events, and […]
Hey there! Need some screen-free activity ideas for your next road trip? We took our first family road trip nearly twenty years ago. My first child was four weeks old, and we have done dozens of road trips and airplane trips since. I have learned a lot about how to keep kids busy and happy on […]
Hey there! Do you need a rental car for your next trip? Honestly, I avoid renting a car if I have other transportation options like walking, public transportation, or Uber/Lyft. But sometimes renting a car is simply the easiest and best option. My family loved driving around the Florida Keys, Nova Scotia, the Adirondacks, New England, […]
Poet Dylan Thomas's memorable poem ends Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. While his poem focuses on living well before we die, for some reason I always think of this poem when I start seeing “Back to School” sales at Target. I want to rage against […]
Do you have a goal to travel more? Is there a dream destination you want to check off your list? Do you want to make memories with your family on a special vacation? For me, the answer is always yes, yes, and yes! My family travels often and we have learned that it pays to […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to a new city? Worried about staying safe? My teen daughter and I recently returned from a trip to San Francisco, California. Before our trip, we heard some CRAZY rumors about San Francisco that made it sound like a post-apocalyptic war zone. Turns out, San Francisco felt like a typical […]
Planning a trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado? We have visited this fun mountain town twice with my extended family, and there are lots of fun things to do in Steamboat Springs in the summer. Steamboat Springs is located in northwest Colorado, about 3 hours' drive from Denver. It is home to Steamboat Resort – a […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to Japan? Is Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea on your family's wish list? Tokyo Disney Resort – which includes Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea – was on my family's list when we planned a trip to Japan in June 2023. My family loves Disneyland Resort in California and we decided to […]
What does a trip to Japan cost? Obviously, it depends on many factors including where you're going, where you're coming from, how long you'll stay, and what you do when you get there. And of course, you know that. But it helps to have an idea, right? In this article, I'm sharing our actual expenses […]
Hey there! Are you booking a trip? Wondering if it's safe to book that cheap flight through a third-party website? If it's a reputable travel website, it may be OK. You'll probably be fine if you read the fine print carefully and nothing goes wrong with the flight. But if anything goes wrong – and nothing […]
Hello! Are you planning a trip to Japan? Feeling overwhelmed? I know how you feel! My family of four spent two weeks in Japan in early June 2023. My kids were ages 16 and 19. We visited Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Kyoto. We had a wonderful time and made irreplaceable family memories together. We crammed a […]
Hey there! Planning an international trip with kids? Wondering what luggage will work best? Planning a big solo or couples trip is one thing. Doing it with kids is a whole different challenge. You not only have to plan, pack and haul for yourself… you have to do it for your children too. And it feels […]
Planning an international trip? How exciting! What's your plan for exchanging currency? If you don't know where to start with foreign currency for your trip, I can help. My family has traveled to several countries, including England, France, Mexico, and Canada. And we will soon add Japan to the list. Honestly, exchanging foreign currency is […]
Planning a big vacation? Are you wondering if you need travel insurance? And if you do need travel insurance, are you wondering where to start??? I can help! I am a frequent traveler and a licensed health insurance broker. I know that insurance isn't the fun part of your trip and I hope you won't […]
Planning a trip? Choosing the best location for your hotel or vacation rental is an important part of planning a great trip. I used to think that a less-convenient location was a good way to save money on lodging. It's true that you might pay less, but lodging will probably be one of the biggest […]
Need a hotel for your next trip? It's easy to search and book hotels online, but there are so many hotel booking sites and so much information that it can feel like a blessing and a curse. I felt totally overwhelmed when I first searched for hotels for our trip to Japan. Tokyo has thousands […]
Hey there! Looking forward to a big trip? Planning your travel itinerary – all the activities you'll do on your trip – is a lot of fun. But it can feel overwhelming too. I always want to do more than we have time for. And activities can be expensive too! It's tempting to just cram […]
Hey there! Planning a trip? Transportation is an important part of every trip. And I've found that every successful trip has a custom transportation plan. Think of all your transportation options like tools in a toolbox. You need a screwdriver to secure a doorknob and a wrench to loosen a toilet bolt. Having the right […]
Planning a family vacation? If you are going to splurge on ONE thing, make it your hotel or vacation rental. It can be challenging to decide where to spend your limited budget. And lodging is already one of the biggest expenses of a family vacation. But after 18+ years of traveling with my kids, I've […]
Hey there! Need some extra money for your next vacation? There are lots of ways to save money on travel, but family vacations still cost money. When you need to pay for housing, food, clothes, and other necessities for a family, it can be HARD to save money for a vacation too. It's a challenge […]
Planning a national park trip? Did you know that there are lots of ways to save money on entrance fees? The national parks are a bargain any day of the year, and well worth the entrance fee. But if you: Are planning a multi-park road trip Have elementary-age kids Are eligible for a special pass… […]
Planning a trip to Zion National Park? Want to avoid the crowds? Zion National Park is one of my favorite places on earth – I've visited 40+ times – and it's well worth a visit. But if you haven't thought about crowds, you need to. For most of the year, you cannot drive your own […]
Planning a cruise? I've been on several cruises with my family and shore excursions are always my favorite part. It's so fun to explore a new destination. Because our time in port is always too short, we've found that it pays to plan our shore excursions before our trip. There are three good reasons to plan […]
Planning your first trip to Denali National Park in Alaska? My husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in Denali in June 2021. It was so exciting to check Denali off our bucket list! We spent two nights in Denali, which gave us enough time to take an all-day tour and explore some of […]
Do you have a school break or holiday coming up, but no travel plans? Make the most of it with these staycation ideas. Our spring break travel plans were cancelled due to coronavirus, so we planned a week of family activities at home. Our options were more limited than they would normally be, but we […]
Planning a trip to North Carolina's Outer Banks? The Outer Banks are a popular summer beach vacation destination, and many families return year after year. When we go, we love to spend as much time as possible in the ocean swimming, body boarding, and surfing. However, on a week-long vacation, there are times when even […]
Need to stick close to home during your next school break? Try turning it into a staycation. My staycation tips can help your family have fun, make memories, save money, and enjoy the same benefits of a regular vacation. My family's spring break travel plans were cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most local activities were […]
Hi there! Have you considered visiting Roosevelt Island on your trip to New York City? My family visited Roosevelt Island on our last trip to New York City. We were hanging out at Central Park with my brother-in-law and his kids, who were visiting NYC at the same time. We had four teens between us […]
Zion National Park is my happy place. My parents were raised in southern Utah and and at least once a year, my dad would load all the kids and cousins into our old van and take us for a day in Zion. Now I love visiting this park with my kids. For as many times […]
Wonding where to stay at Zion National Park? You have a lot of good options. Here's an overview of the cities near Zion and the advantages of staying in each. I've visited Zion National Park at least forty times. My parents grew up in Cedar City and my dad took us here – usually with […]
Planning a trip to Disneyland? The parks use virtual queues for popular rides and shows – and they can fill FAST. You'll find information about virtual queues in the official Disneyland app. The first time we used this feature, it was to ride the newest, hottest rides in the park. The following year, it was […]
Interested in an Alaska family adventure? If so, have you considered Alaska Railroad? My husband and I rode Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Denali to Anchorage to Seward in June 2021. We did not take our kids on this trip, but we have been traveling with our kids for 17 years and saw plenty of […]
Wondering if Groupon deals will really save you money? YES, Groupon is legitimate. My family has been using Groupon for years. You can find all kinds of deals on Groupon, but we especially like deals for family activities and vacations. We often use Groupon to save money on family activities close to home. It's a […]
Looking for a last-minute travel gift? Consider a meaningful and memorable holiday gift that doesn't need to be shipped. And the best thing about giving a vacation or activity is that it will be enjoyed at least twice. It's exciting to open a vacation on Christmas morning. And then the recipient gets to look forward […]
Planning a trip to New York City? Wondering if the Go City New York Explorer Pass is a good deal? I recently partnered with Go City for our New York City family vacation. We used their New York Explorer Pass to visit popular NYC attractions. We have used similar passes in New York, Washington DC, […]
Taking the family to New York City? Riding the subway is one of the best ways to get around, but it can be intimidating for first-timers. On my family's first NYC subway ride, we were late, we were disoriented, and when we stepped onto the train for the first time with our two children, we just […]
Hey there! Planning your first trip to Olympic National Park in Washington? I've visited this gorgeous national park three times. The first two times were with my husband and young children. We were visiting this area for a family reunion and we just sampled Hurricane Ridge and Hoh Rainforest on those trips. Then last June, […]
Planning a trip to Lagoon in Utah? My family lives 15 minutes away from this fun amusement park and we have visited many times. Lagoon Amusement Park has been a favorite Utah destination since 1886! Today, Lagoon is still one of the best regional amusement parks in the U.S. It is large and clean and has […]
Planning a trip to Dinosaur National Monument? If anyone in your family loves dinosaurs, then this is a great choice. It's also a great destination if you love hiking, river rafting, camping, history, or beautiful scenery… without the crowds. I have been to Dinosaur National Monument a few times. My family's most recent stop was […]
Planning a Las Vegas trip? A trip to Las Vegas isn't complete until you've seen the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. There are more family activities on the Las Vegas Strip than you might expect. I don't enjoy most of Las Vegas' “adult” entertainment, but I still think it's a fascinating place. There are lots of […]
Planning a trip to Las Vegas on a budget? Las Vegas isn't as cheap as it used to be, but there are still lots of ways to save money on your vacation. We have vacationed in Las Vegas with our kids (ages 11 and 14) a couple of times during school breaks. It's also a […]
Do you have a travel rewards credit card? If so, are you making the most of it? If you manage your credit well and pay your balances in full every month, your credit card could pay you to travel. My family gets free flights, free checked bags, free priority boarding, premium airport lounge access and […]
Planning a trip to Disneyland? Want to stand in long food lines? I didn't think so. It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today. Today, I’m here to talk to you about Disneyland’s newest upgrade: Mobile Ordering. If you’re anything like me, my three favorite things in life are food, convenience, and a trip to The Happiest Place […]
There are so many awesome tools to help make your Disneyland adventure magical, and one of my favorites has to be the official Disneyland App! It's totally free. It's Kimberly with Get Away Today, your one stop shop for all things Disneyland vacations. I've visited Disneyland dozens of times, and was slow to love the official […]
Unless you visit Disneyland frequently, there’s a chance you could be making some big mistakes on your Disneyland vacation. I work for Get Away Today and one of my favorite perks is visiting Disneyland often. I go at least once a year and I love it! I’ve put together five of the most common mistakes […]
Wondering what to expect at Bearizona in Williams, Arizona? This wildlife park is a popular stop for families, and it's a good addition to a Grand Canyon, Route 66, or Northern Arizona trip. My family visited Bearizona on a Spring Break trip to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. My kids were a little old for […]
Do you want to plan a trip to Horseshoe Bend in Arizona? Photos on social media have made this spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Colorado River more popular than ever. And Horseshoe Bend is an easy stop if your road trip takes you through Page, Arizona. It's just outside the city and you can see it […]
Are you ready to check the Grand Canyon off your bucket list? It's a big place and I had a lot of questions about how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and more before our Grand Canyon trip. My family visited the Grand Canyon during spring break. My kids were ages 14 […]
Planning your first trip to Flagstaff, Arizona? It's a great base for a Grand Canyon trip, and there are a lot of other fun things to do here too. We teamed up with Discover Flagstaff – the official visitor's bureau – to plan our Spring Break trip. I'm glad we did because they recommended great […]
Are you looking for fun things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona with kids? We just came back from a spring break trip to Flagstaff, and there are a lot of great activities to choose from. We spent a full week here. Flagstaff is a great destination for families. My kids were ages 14 and 16 […]
Looking for things to do in Tonopah, Nevada? It's a great place to stay and play on a Nevada road trip. We stayed in Tonopah twice on our way to and from Yosemite National Park with my parents and our two children, ages 13 and 16. Tonopah is small, but there aren't a lot of […]
If you have good credit and healthy spending habits, a good travel card can add hundreds of dollars to your travel budget every year. Applying for a second or third travel rewards credit card can help you get even more free travel and improve your credit score at the same time. Before I go on, […]
Need a great place to stay in St. George, Utah? The good news is that it's hard to go wrong here. The St. George metro area is big enough to offer lots of lodging options for every budget but small enough that any location is fairly close to whatever you want to do. If there […]
Fighting, drama, conflict… Whatever you call it, vacation fighting is one of the most challenging parts of any family trip. It's natural that when members of a family spend many hours together, conflicts will happen. After all, most of us don't bother to use our best behavior around our families. And vacations often push the […]
Are you dreaming of international travel? Does the cost of airfare keep you grounded? For years, I dreamed of traveling to Europe, Asia, and other international destinations. We are a typical middle-class family with busy schedules, a mortgage, car payments, etc. I figured that if we saved our money long enough, we could eventually afford […]
Are you wondering what the International Car Forest is? Are you planning a road trip through Nevada and wondering if you should stop here? Should you take the kids? I can help. My family stopped at the International Car Forest on our way home from a road trip to Yosemite National Park. The International Car […]
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” I understand that this is a popular saying in Norway – where they might know a little something about winter and how to dress for it. Here in Utah, winter doesn't last quite so long. But when you are blessed with The Greatest Snow […]
Are you looking for discount Disney World tickets? It's a smart thing to do. Walt Disney World tickets are not cheap, and every bit of savings helps – especially when you're buying for a family. Since you're here, you must already know that some Walt Disney World ticket deals are too good to be true. […]
Merry Christmas! If you're looking for Christmas activities in Utah, you've come to the right place. Lights displays, festivals and events to boost your holiday spirit can be found all over Utah. Use these activities to fill your holiday calendar. Create your own schedule of holiday activities or use mine. The Tips for Family Trips […]
What does a trip to Europe cost? Obviously, it depends on many factors including where you're going, where you're coming from, how long you'll stay, and what you do when you get there. And of course, you know that. But it helps to have an idea, right? In this article, I'm sharing our actual expenses […]
Getting a baby to sleep in a hotel room can be tricky, but it can be done. We have been traveling as a family since my first baby was 4 weeks old. We survived that, and have been traveling as a family ever since. I have two children. Before they were born, I assumed that […]
Planning your first trip to Yosemite National Park in California? My family just returned from Yosemite, and we learned a lot about this beautiful park. I visited Yosemite for about three days in mid-October with my husband, two teen children (ages 13 and 16), and my parents (ages 70+). Our group had a variety of […]
My husband is an aspiring rockhound, so when we learned that there was an opportunity to hunt for garnets just outside of Ely, Garnet Hill hit the top of his wish list. My family found ten small garnets here in under an hour – both loose on the trail and embedded in rocks. It was […]
Want to gift wrap a Disney vacation this year? More families are giving vacations and other experiences as gifts because it's a gift that you can enjoy when you unwrap it, when you take the trip, and then for a lifetime through priceless family memories. Whether you leave on Christmas Day or another time of […]
We all know that overpacking is a “travel don't”, but that's easier said than done. Have you ever considered the money you could save by packing light? The savings are fairly obvious at the airport when packing light is the difference between paying for a checked bag and avoiding that fee. However, there are other unexpected […]
Do you love fall leaves? Me too. One of the best parts of fall is taking a day or a weekend to find the best fall leaves in Utah. Utah is better known for the Greatest Snow on Earth and the Mighty 5 national parks than for its fall color. However, if you – like […]
I love summer, but sometimes the heat is too much! Snowbird Resort is an easy getaway when we want something fun to do in the cool mountain air. The resort is a short drive from Salt Lake City – making it an easy weekend getaway or day trip for our family. Snowbird Summer Resort was […]
Looking for ways to cut your travel budget so you can take that next trip sooner? There are lots of good ways to save money on food while traveling. You will eat whether you are at home or traveling, so you can bring your travel food budget down to nearly nothing if you eat like […]
Driving on the Bonneville Salt Flats has been on my wish list for a few years. We recently drove through this area on our Ely, Nevada trip and I insisted that we save time for the Salt Flats on our way home. The Bonneville Salt Flats are an exceptionally flat, hard and dry area in […]
Hey there! My family recently spent one day in Great Basin National Park, as part of a trip to Ely, Nevada. I visited Great Basin when I was young and was excited to return with my husband and kids (ages 16 and 13). We love the national parks. Great Basin isn't as showy as some […]
Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point is a great destination for families – or a romantic date. My husband and I have celebrated two wedding anniversaries at Ashton Gardens, several years apart. It's the perfect place to walk hand in hand and talk about anything, surrounded by the beauty and variety of nature. Ashton Gardens would […]
When you need a quick nature fix, want gardening ideas for your home, or need a fun and free family activity, look no further than the USU Botanical Center in Kaysville, Utah. This article was written by my sister Andrea. She is an avid traveler and the favorite aunt to her nine nieces and nephews. […]
Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, Nevada is a bucket-list destination for anyone who loves trains. It's also a great place for history lovers, star gazers and even cat lovers. My family recently visited Nevada Northern Railway during a long weekend in Ely. We did a lot of fun things on this trip, but everyone in […]
Planning a trip to or through Ely, Nevada? We found that there are lots of fun things to do in Ely. Honestly, I never thought much about Ely (pronounced EE-LEE) until I was contacted by its visitor's bureau. We love all kinds of travel and new experiences, so I replied, “Tell me more.” We put […]
McCall, Idaho is a scenic lake and ski town located about 2.5 hours north of Boise. It's right on Payette Lake and just a few miles north of Cascade Lake. The city of Cascade is located about 30 miles away and there are a lot of fun things to do between McCall and Cascade. We […]
Packing light is a challenge on every family vacation. Most airlines charge for checked bags, and overhead bins are stuffed. There is only so much cargo space in the family car. Cruise ship cabins are ridiculously small. We typically pack one carry-on suitcase and one small backpack per person. Most kids and adults can manage […]
Planning a Black Hills road trip? The Black Hills of South Dakota are one of my favorite destinations for families, and it's perfect for a summer road trip. It's a classic American vacation. This article is an overview for planning a Black Hills road trip and I'm sharing all my top tips on when to […]
Renting a vacation home is a great alternative to a hotel. You usually get more space, privacy, and a full kitchen – often in an exceptional location. In this article, I'm sharing all my best vacation rental tips for families. My friend Katie turned me on to vacation rentals a few years ago. She has […]
Do you love ghost towns? I do. Grafton ghost town is located near Zion National Park in Utah. It's a must for history-loving families. Grafton is one of the rare ghost towns that looks better than it did 20 years ago. A school house, several homes and a cemetery have been restored and preserved. It's […]
Looking for a little adventure? And something unusual? Spiral Jetty in Northern Utah is both. Spiral Jetty is a work of art that was created at the north end of the Great Salt Lake by Robert Smithson in 1970. It is made from local black basalt rock, which can turn white in some places, due […]
Looking for a unique outdoor destination? Antelope Island is the largest island in Utah's Great Salt Lake. It is close to the city, but almost completely undeveloped. It's an easy place to visit when we need a nature fix. Antelope Island State Park is an easy day trip from Salt Lake City or Ogden, Utah […]
Looking for a great Disneyland hotel? I have stayed at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel three different times. In this Grand Californian review, I'm sharing what we loved about this Disney Resort hotel, and what we didn't – plus tips for making the most of your stay. Grand is an apt name for this luxury hotel. […]
Social distancing? Most Utah State Parks are OPEN for now! However, some visitor centers, campgrounds and other services are closed. Check https://stateparks.utah.gov/ for updated information before you go. Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Utah State Parks always rank high on my list of close-to-home travel options because they are fun, accessible, and […]
Wondering where to stay at Bryce Canyon? This remote, but popular national park in Southern Utah is one of my favorites, and I have visited many times. Here is an overview of your lodging options in and near Bryce Canyon, and the advantages to each. Inside the Park Why stay here? Location, location, location. You'll […]
With so many historical sights, activities and attractions to choose from, how do you decide what to do in Washington DC with kids? I live in the Washington DC area and have five children. From toddlers to teens, these are some of the places my family enjoys most. They are also our favorite “DC” […]
There are so many fun things to do in Sedona, Arizona. This beautiful desert destination is a great choice for families who love nature and outdoor activities. It has excellent parks, historical sites, shopping, dining and resort activities as well. This article was written by my good friend Chris. She is a mother of five […]
When sticky, smoggy summer days start to feel old, it's time to escape to the mountains for some cool summer fun. For that, there is nowhere better than summer in Park City Mountain Resort. Summer fun at a winter resort? You betcha. Cooler temperatures, clean mountain air and fantastic scenery make Park City a fun […]
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the biggest events of the year in Washington D.C. I went down one year on a lovely Sunday evening and watched thousands of frustrated people stuck in their cars in a traffic jam. Don't be one of them! The 2020 Cherry Blossom Festival will be held March […]
Hey there! Heading to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on a cruise? We spent two days in Puerto Vallarta on our Carnival cruise, and we loved this city. My children were ages 14 and 12 at the time of our visit. We loved the activities and excursions we chose and in this article, I am sharing all […]
Utah is internationally recognized as one of the best places for stargazing. Clean, dry air at high altitudes and lots of wide open spaces make Utah's national parks and state parks a great place to show your kids the wonders of the night sky. Light pollution is a problem in most cities, which makes it […]
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Food is one of the easiest places to save money. With a family of seven, I have lots of tips for dining at Walt Disney World on a budget. I'll also share our favorite lunches and snacks to pack into the parks. Combine these tips with 25+ Ways […]
Looking for fun things to do in St. George, Utah? I visit this sunny Southern Utah city nearly every year, and I find something new and delightful every time. Outdoor activities dominate this list because spectacular scenery and sunny winter weather are what set St. George apart from other Utah cities. It's Southern Utah's largest […]
I live in Utah and have visited Bryce Canyon National Park many times. It's one of my favorite places on earth. Today I'm answering Google's most popular questions about Bryce Canyon National Park. We usually visit this park on a weekend from Salt Lake City, or as part of a longer trip to Southwest Utah. […]
Planning to visit Cabo San Lucas on a cruise? We visited this popular cruise port on Mexico's Baja Peninsula with our kids (ages 12 and 14). Here are our tips on what to expect, fun things to do, and ways to make the most of your limited time. This was my first trip to Cabo […]
Need a fun all-ages, all-weather activity in Davis County, Utah? Our family discovered The Rush Funplex in Syracuse last summer. It was a hit with both my teen and my 5-year-old. It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. I’m always looking for things that I can do with our kids near our home. I had […]
Planning a trip to Moab? This remote city in Utah's southeastern corner makes a great base for all kinds of fun activities. The list of things to do in Moab is long, especially if your family loves national parks and outdoor adventure. I live in Utah and Moab is a few hours' drive from my […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to Disneyland. Wondering if the Disneyland Hotel is a good pick for your family? My family spent a week at the Disneyland Hotel on one Disneyland trip. And overall, it was great! In this Disneyland Hotel review, I'm sharing what we loved and what didn't live up to the hype […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Spokane, Washington? My family visited Spokane last summer for my husband's work. At first glance, Spokane isn't the most glamorous convention city, but say “YES!” if you get the chance to go. We loved discovering what makes this city great. Spokane is beautiful! We booked a downtown hotel, just across […]
Planning a fall trip to Disneyland? Halloween season is such a fun time to go, and my family especially loves the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park. The Oogie Boogie Bash is a reservation-only, ticketed event that is different from your regular Disneyland ticket. It is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to Boston? It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. When we booked our summer trip to Boston, we had to spend a day in Lexington and Concord. So many things happened there during the Revolutionary War! We needed to take our kids (18,18, 13 and 5) so they could see […]
Planning a trip to London? I used to scoff at Big Bus tours because they are “touristy.” However, I've now tried Big Bus in London and Washington D.C. and have decided that they are actually a fun, low-stress way to see a new city. My family used Big Bus as transportation and tour on our first […]
Moab has several spots where you can see dinosaur tracks and bones in nature, plus a dinosaur museum. We've “tracked” down these Moab dinosaur sites over several trips. Some tracks are recent discoveries, which is really exciting. My 12-year-old son was a huge dinosaur fan a few years ago. As a result, I have read […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Monterey? If it's your first trip to this area, I bet that the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is at the top of your list. My son wants to be a marine biologist when he grows up, so it was a must-see for my family when we visited Monterey last summer. […]
Hello! Do you love Jelly Bellys? I find Jelly Belly gourmet jelly beans in my Christmas stocking and Easter basket pretty much every year. I'm a big fan. When we saw a sign for Fairfield, California on our road trip to Santa Cruz last summer, my husband asked, “Isn't the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield?” […]
Hey all! Planning a trip to Portland, Maine? Peaks Island is nearby. It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. My family stopped in Portland, Maine with our kids (18, 18, 13, and 5) on a New England road trip last summer. We love water and nature. As we searched for fun family activities, Peaks Island […]
My family visited Bannack ghost town on the last day of a Montana road trip last summer. We've visited several ghost towns in the west, and Bannack is by far the best. Here's why. In my experience, most ghost towns are in ruins, with few standing structures. Others are tourist traps. Bannack is everything I […]
Hello! Planning a trip to London? Westminster Abbey is at the top of many first-time visitors' lists, and we made sure to see it on our family trip to London last year. It's just as beautiful as I imagined it would be. It was an amazing feeling to walk through a place that has featured […]
Hey Travelers, Planning a trip to New Orleans? It's Jason with Carltonaut's Travel Tips. New Orleans is the perfect place to tell ghost stories. Between the voodoo shops of the French Quarter and the above-ground cemeteries throughout the city, it's easy to talk of ghosts, mysteries and haunted houses. But is a New Orleans ghost […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Canyonlands National Park in Utah? Canyonlands is divided into three districts: Needles, Island in the Sky and The Maze. Each has its own scenery and fun things to see and do. Some activities are easily accessible. Others require a special vehicle and/or miles of hiking in a remote desert. We […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Santa Cruz, California? We spent a few days in Santa Cruz and Monterey this summer, and had one full day for Santa Cruz. After a little research, we knew exactly where we wanted to spend that day – the Santa Cruz Wharf and Beach Boardwalk. They are right next to […]
Hello! Thinking of a trip to San Diego? Want to save money? San Diego is one of my favorite vacation destinations. It has so many no-fail family attractions, and the weather is gorgeous year-round. A few years ago, San Diego's visitors bureau launched an exciting program for families. Kids get FREE admission, meals and hotel […]
Planning a trip to Glacier National Park? Glacier is a huge park, and it's impossible to see it all in one day. My family spent three full days here in July, and still missed some sections we wanted to see. You can still do a lot in one day at Glacier National Park. I recommend that […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood? Riding the biggest, headline rides was my family's top priority on our trip to Universal Studios. My kids were ages 10 and 12 on our last trip, and it was so fun to ride all of the park's thrill rides together. Universal Studios Hollywood does not have […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Arches, Canyonlands or Moab? If so, consider a side trip to Newspaper Rock. It's an impressive display of ancient rock art, accessible for all ages and abilities. I've visited this site several times, and I love it every time. My most recent trip was with my son and niece (ages […]
Hello! Thinking of a trip to Natural Bridges National Monument? I visited this scenic region with my son and niece (ages 12 and 11) earlier this summer. This park had been on my wish list for awhile, but it's so remote that I really didn't know what to expect. We arrived at Natural Bridges in […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to Boston, Massachusetts? It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. It’s been a busy summer for our family. We took 4 kids (ages 18, 18, 13, and 5) with us to Boston. And we had a blast! There are so many fun and family-friendly things to do in Boston. Here […]
Hey Travelers, It's Jason from Carltonaut's Travel Tips. I was in New Orleans several weeks ago for a business trip and was able to spend a few hours at the National World War II Museum. After exploring the museum, I decided to one day bring my entire family back to New Orleans for the sole […]
Planning a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana? We visited this spectacular park in 2019, and Going-to-the-Sun Road was one of our top priorities. Riding this scenic road is one of the most popular things to do in Glacier, and it's the only road through the park. You can drive your own car, but […]
San Juan County, Utah is one of the state's best undiscovered destinations. It's close to high profile destinations like Moab, Arches, Mesa Verde and Monument Valley, but is well worth a visit on its own. San Juan County is located in Utah's far southeastern corner. It's a large region with a small population, overlapped by […]
Is Four Corners Monument on your bucket list? It is the only place in the United States where you can stand in four states AND three sovereign nations at the same time. Four Corners Monument is the spot where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona meet. The Navajo and Ute nations both overlap the United […]
Hey there… Are you planning a Disney Cruise? Lucky you! It's Kimberly at Get Away Today. We book family cruises for the best prices on all the major cruise lines, and you can have a great time on any of them. However, there is something really special about a Disney Cruise. In this post, I'm […]
Hey there! Looking for a fun day trip in Salt Lake City? It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. If your family is anything like our family, you have places that you traditionally visit year after year. This is the Place Heritage Park is one of those for us. This year, my five year old […]
Planning a trip to Monterey, California? It's such a beautiful area, with so many fun things to do. Monterey was on our wish list for years. When an opportunity to partner with KOA and See Monterey came up, we needed no convincing to squeeze this trip into an already-busy summer. We left the day after […]
Hey there! Looking for a great family activity in Salt Lake City? The Natural History Museum of Utah has been one of Salt Lake City's best museums for a long time, but since it moved into the Rio Tinto Center a few years ago, I believe that it is now among the best natural history museums anywhere. Why […]
Hello! Do you love camping? Whether the answer is yes or no, keep reading. There is something here for everyone. We love the outdoors, a good campfire and the friendly atmosphere of a campground. However, we sleep a lot better indoors and like the convenience of a hotel. For years, we assumed that Kampgrounds of […]
Thinking of a trip to the San Juan Islands in Washington? It's an island vacation unlike any other. My 12-year-old son has visited a lot of great places like Paris, London, New York City, Orlando… He liked them all, but the San Juan Islands in Washington State rank highest on his list of favorite vacations. […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Europe? After we booked flights to Paris last summer, we decided to divide our time between Paris and London. Eurostar made it easy and affordable for our family. Eurostar is a high speed train that connects London, Paris and Brussels. You can also use it to reach, Amsterdam, Marseilles, Bruges, […]
Looking for a good all-ages activity in Las Vegas? I'd seen ads for Shark Reef Aquarium lots of times and always wondered what it was like. On our most recent trip, we moved it to the top of the list. We thought that Shark Reef was fun! My kids were ages 11 and 14 when we […]
Looking for drive-in movie tips? My family loves movies almost as much as we love to travel, and we go to the drive-in at least once every summer. When we want to be immersed in a blockbuster movie with a high-definition picture and digital sound, we head for the multiplex. When we want to spend […]
Hey Travelers, Planning a trip to Nashville? It's Jason Carlton with Carltonaut's Travel Tips. If you go “Walkin' After Midnight”, then it's possible you're a fan of Patsy Cline. She was an American country music star in the late 1950s and 1960s. She has a whole museum dedicated to her life and music in Nashville. […]
The Black Hills of South Dakota was the road trip that rivaled Disney World for my kids. They were ages 4 and 7 when we first visited the Black Hills in 2011. We visited Walt Disney World in 2013, and when I asked about their favorite vacations in 2014, the Black Hills was at the top […]
Need a few travel toys for your next trip? Screens can be lifesavers on long travel days, but too much screen time makes my kids grouchy. Sometimes a classic toy is the perfect alternative to endless movies or video games. New toys are also exciting for kids. Packing a new toy or two is a […]
Hi there! Planning a plane trip with kids? It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. This summer we’ll be traveling with a 5-year-old, a 13-year-old and two 18-year-olds. Flying with kids is always an adventure! Sometimes it’s a better adventure than others, and being prepared for the little things usually helps the trip go smoothly. […]
Hey there! Looking for a fun activity or shore excursion in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? My family visited Puerto Vallarta on our most recent cruise. I wanted to see the city and take a food tour, but ran into a snag. My family is too picky. I don't like seafood, my daughter won't eat anything spicy […]
The Pinball Hall of Fame is one of my family's favorite Las Vegas activities. It's unique to Las Vegas, it's not expensive, and it's fun for both kids and adults. My husband spent his teen years playing pinball games in arcades. My two children (ages 11 and 14 on our first visit) loved trying Medieval […]
I had no idea how common plantar fasciitis is until I got it myself about four years ago. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition where the plantar fascia (ligament in your arch) is damaged, then tightens and causes stabbing heel pain. I've picked up a few tips for traveling with plantar fasciitis. Most cases of […]
Hello! I'm Johnny Cash. Not really, but if you're reading this, you may have read that opening line using the recognizable voice of Johnny Cash. If you didn't, then maybe you're due for a visit at the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville. It's full of history about the musician, artist, humanitarian and actor. Beyond simply […]
Hello! Planning your first trip to Yellowstone National Park? It's a big park. And it's remote, but it's absolutely worth the trip. I'm blown away every time by the diversity of natural wonders inside Yellowstone. Geysers, waterfalls, mountains, wildlife… they're all abundant and breathtaking. I've visited Yellowstone several times and haven't seen it all. We took […]
It's Cathy with My Book a Day. It's almost spring break in Utah. I'm always on the look out for something to entertain our 3 kids (18, 13, and 5) when they're out of school. SeaQuest in the Layton Hills Mall is always a great idea. There's something for everyone. SeaQuest is a lot of […]
Planning a trip to Mount Rushmore? We have all seen a million photos and movies and replicas and even parodies of Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. For that reason, I did not expect to be as awestruck as I was when I finally stood in front of it. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is spectacular. […]
Hello! Planning a trip to London? The Churchill War Rooms is a popular attraction for history lovers. They are the actual rooms where Winston Churchill and his staff led the British war effort during World War II. After the war, the rooms were sealed and preserved. A museum dedicated to the life of Winston Churchill […]
What's more beautiful than Bryce Canyon National Park in the summer? It's Bryce Canyon in the winter. Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round, and winter is a great time to go. Orange hoodoos and green bristlecone pines topped with pristine snow against a bright blue sky… It's absolutely spectacular. I have visited Bryce Canyon […]
Want to avoid the crowds on your next Utah ski trip? With 8,464 skiable acres, Powder Mountain is the biggest ski resort in the United States. It's bigger than Park City and a lot less crowded. Powder Mountain is located a little farther from the action – but still only about 30 minutes from Ogden, Utah. […]
Looking for some vacation ideas or day trips in Utah? In 1847, Brigham Young announced, “This is the right place” as he gazed over the Salt Lake Valley for the first time. More than 150 years later, Utah is still the right place, especially if you are looking for fun family activities and adventures. Here […]
Planning a trip to Paris? The world-famous Louvre Museum is at the top of many visitors' lists. It is home to Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and many other famous and important works of art. My family visited the Louvre during our first Paris trip, and I didn't love it as much as I hoped to. However, […]
Hey Traveler, planning a trip to New York City? I'm Jason from Carltonaut's Travel Tips. There's something about exploring a really big ship full of aircraft and history. The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum in New York City is a great place to explore during a visit to the Big Apple. You'll not only […]
The Ice Castles in Midway, Utah have just opened for the season and we were excited to be there for the media preview. We loaded our minivan with our kids and four friends – ages 10-15. They bundled up in snow gear and enthusiastically explored all the nooks and crannies of this cool place. My […]
Planning a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks? Need a place to stay? Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch is located between Yellowstone and Grand Teton and offers a variety of lodging options. My dad and I spent three nights at Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch last summer. We planned to visit the parks […]
Hello! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. We have 3 kids (18, 12, and 4). There are things that are easy to do with our wide range of ages, and some things that are a bit more tricky. Something we all enjoy doing is going to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. […]
The natural wonders near Moab, Utah are a happy place for my husband and me. The first time we went there together was a few weeks after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Contemplating the grandness and beauty of God's creations brought peace to our souls and that feeling about Moab has never left […]
Are you planning a trip to Southern Utah? Goblin Valley State Park is one of the state's best destinations for families. Visiting Utah's Goblin Valley State Park is like traveling to another planet. It's a long way from anywhere and the terrain is so unearthly that the movie Galaxy Quest was filmed here. Whether camping for […]
Hey there! Is a hot air balloon ride on your bucket list? I jumped at the chance to ride in a hot air balloon when I visited Gallup, New Mexico last fall. I helped set up the balloon and then gently floated over red rock canyons, with panoramic views of the American Southwest. It was […]
Hey traveler, It's Jason from Carltonaut's Travel Tips. Long road trips can be fun. They can also make you question why you thought confining your kids into a set spot for hours on end was a good idea. Our family has overcome that “Are we there yet? I'm bored” stigma with some amazing audiobooks. We've […]
Hello! Planning a trip to London? It can be an expensive place to stay. We considered a variety of options when we were planning a five night stay in London. We wanted a central, walkable location, but we also wanted to keep expenses down. When my sister recommended Travelodge London Covent Garden, we got both. […]
Looking for a fun and easy getaway in Utah? My family loves Zermatt Resort in Midway, Utah. Midway is located less than an hour from Salt Lake City, and about 20 minutes from Orem or Park City. It's one of Utah's most charming small towns, nestled in the Wasatch Mountains. There are a lot of […]
Planning to pass through Gallup, New Mexico on your next road trip? There is more to do here than you might expect. There are lots of fun things to do in Gallup. I recently spent a few days in Gallup as part of the TMS Family Travel Conference. Honestly, most of the travel writers who […]
Looking for a family-friendly hotel in Las Vegas? We've tried several, and Tahiti Village – just south of the famous Las Vegas Strip – is our favorite. I found this resort a friend asked for recommendations on Facebook for family-friendly hotels in Las Vegas. We both live in Utah, where Las Vegas is an easy […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. Traveling with our three kids (18, 12, and 4) is always an adventure! Part of our summer adventures this year took us to the Oregon Coast. It’s a place we’ve been – and loved – before. This year we only ventured as far south as Tillamook, […]
Hola, It's Jason from Carltonaut's Travel Tips. Isla Mujeres is a small island off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. It's a popular tourist destination because of it's white sandy beaches, shopping and opportunities to explore old Mayan ruins. If a trip to Cancun is on your list of places to visit, make sure Isla Mujeres […]
Planning a trip to London? Theatre is my kids' “team sport,” so getting theatre tickets in London was a top priority. We saw three popular musicals, buying tickets from three different sources. Hamilton and Wicked were at the top of our list because our kids (ages 11 and 14) are fans and we hadn't been able to […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Paris? Public transportation is often the easiest and least expensive way to get around. We visited Paris with our two children, ages 11 and 14, last summer. Our apartment in the 13th Arrondissement was a few kilometers from top attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. Traveling with our 3 kids – ages 18, 12, and 4 – is always an adventure! This summer, part of our family vacation was in Portland, Oregon. Our family loves the Pacific Northwest! We love its personality, the weather, the people and the variety of things […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Paris? The Palace of Versailles is a must for many visitors. My daughter celebrated her 14th birthday while we were in Paris, and we wanted to do something special on that day. Where better than visiting a royal palace with our princess? Our family of four enjoyed visiting the Palace […]
Hey There! Fan of geology and caving? Love exploring off the beaten path? Look no farther… Carlsbad Caverns National Park needs to be on your travel list. Carlsbad Caverns is home to over a million bats during the summer months and is largest open cavern in North America. Our family had a great time visiting […]
Hello! Hoping to visit a royal palace on your London trip? Hampton Court Palace was one of my family's favorite days during our week in London. There are lots of interesting things to see and learn for history lovers, and some pretty cool activities for children. Choose a day with pleasant weather if you can, […]
We visited some of Seattle's best known spots, and a few that first-timers might not have heard of. Here are my family's favorite activities from our trip to Seattle, Washington. It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. We have a little bit of everything in our family – a teenager, a pre-teen and a preschooler […]
Hey Harry Potter Fans! Is Platform 9 3/4 a must-see in London? My family thinks so. If you've read all the Harry Potter books and seen all the movies, you know that Harry takes the Hogwarts Express to school every year from the magical Platform 9 3/4 from London King's Cross station. The books may […]
A stroller is an essential item for any trip with a baby or a young child. You can rent strollers at many popular destinations, but it's usually most convenient and comfortable to bring your own. There are a lot of great strollers with different features, and one size doesn't fit all. Over time, we bought […]
Hey Adventurers, It's Jason with Carltonaut's Travel Tips. Since I was a kid, my family has taken an annual vacation to Escalante, Utah, located along Utah's Scenic Byway 12. As a kid, our trip consisted of fishing, camping, hiking and watching an amazing small-town Pioneer Day parade in July. Now that I'm older, I enjoy […]
Planning a Black Hills vacation? Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park are close to each other but are quite different. If you love caves, you'll probably want to see both. But there are SO MANY fun things to do in the Black Hills that you may need to choose just one. Need […]
Planning a trip to London? The Tower of London is one of the city's most popular attractions, and my history-loving family enjoyed it even more than we expected to. Even my 11-year-old son – who usually groans when we plan museum visits – found a lot to like here. The Tower of London isn't a […]
Hey there, It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. We have a little bit of everything in our family – a teenager, pre-teen and preschooler – so we have to do things that everyone will enjoy. Last month I shared our tips for visiting some of the most popular places in Nauvoo, Illinois. This month […]
Custer State Park is one of the best state parks in the United States. It's located a short distance from Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. My family has visited Custer twice, and it was a highlight of our Black Hills trip both times. On our second trip in July 2018, we […]
Every summer we spend a week at Bear Lake in Utah. We love this popular vacation spot and all the fun that is nearby, too. Bear Lake is known for its beautiful turquoise water caused by the minerals in the water. This lake spans the border of Utah and Idaho, so you will spend some time in […]
Hello! Planning a trip to London? Hoping to keep costs down? I love to try local flavors when we travel, but food is also one of the easiest areas to keep costs down on vacation. Buying ready-to-eat food at grocery stores lets us eat local and save money at the same time. My sister visited […]
For most people, a first trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. This iconic structure has been the city's best known symbol since the late 1800's. Today, it is one of the most visited places in the world. My family visited the Eiffel Tower on a rainy day in […]
Hello fellow travelers! Planning a trip to Boston? It's Jason with Carltonaut's Travel Tips. During the past year, I've been to Boston four times. First, was a family vacation. The other three were for work conferences. Each visit gave me another opportunity to explore what the city had to offer. From historic trails stretching across […]
UPDATE: We were heartbroken when Notre Dame Cathedral was devastated by fire in April 2019, and look forward to the restoration of this magnificent 12th Century cathedral. Visit Notre Dame's official website at http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/ for up-to-date visitor information. Keep reading to see photos of what Notre Dame looked like before the fire. Click the button […]
Do you dream of traveling the world? Me too! I grew up in a middle-class family in the wide-open spaces of Utah, and have pretty much lived here all my life. It's a fantastic place to live and travel, but for international travel, it isn't close to anywhere. For years, I assumed that taking my […]
Hello! Depending on who you are, visiting a place called Reptile Gardens might sound like a dream come true or your worst nightmare. We have visited this fun destination twice, seven years apart. My lizard-loving son was four-years-old the first time, and eleven the second time. Reptile Gardens was a winner both times. Reptile Gardens […]
Hey there, It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. We have a little bit of everything in our family – a teenager, pre-teen and preschooler – so we have to do things that everyone will enjoy. If you’re looking for a family vacation with meaning, then Nauvoo, Illinois is a great destination! Nauvoo was the […]
We only had one day to spend at Disneyland Paris and wanted to maximize it by going on the best rides. I have older kids (ages 11 and 14), and we all love rides. With such a short time in the parks, riding as much as possible was our top priority. Between ride closures and […]
Hello! Planning a trip to London? My family recently returned from our first trip to London, England. We wanted to experience all of the popular attractions, and get to know this famous city. The London Pass was a convenient way to see many attractions in London with just one ticket. We learned a lot by […]
My kids were thrilled when we told them we were adding a day in Disneyland Paris to our Paris itinerary. They liked visiting well-known Paris destinations like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame and Versailles, but in the end, Disneyland Paris was their favorite day of the trip. For families like ours who know their […]
Hey travelers, It's Jason from Carltonaut's Travel Tips. Earlier this year I was in Orlando for a business trip. The work keep me busy during the day, but lucky for me, SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando was open till 10 PM so I could check it out after a long day of working. While it would've […]
It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. Our family loves to travel together. We have a little bit of everything in our family – a teenager, pre-teen and preschooler – so we have to do things that everyone will enjoy. This means that every trip is an adventure! Last summer we went to Vancouver, British […]
We like to refer to Great Basin National Park as Utah’s 6th national park because it is only 10 miles from the Utah border. It practically sits in Utah! We love spending a weekend every year exploring this fun park. Great Basin is full of family adventure with cave tours, great camping, and hikes at 10,000 […]
Hello! Are you thinking of a tour of Hearst Castle on the Central California coast? It's one of the most popular California State Parks. Hearst Castle is a massive mansion built on the top of a mountain in San Simeon, California. It was built and added onto through the 1920's, 30's and 40's by the […]
Hey everyone, It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, here to share more tips for The Happiest Place on Earth. One of the best parts of traveling to Disneyland is indulging on all of the delicious treats and eats. Specifically, I love Character Dining with my three young children. Character Dining is the perfect way to […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. We love to travel with our family. Sometimes it’s an adventure with the ages of our kids (17, 12, and 4). We like to find things to do that will work for kids of all ages and so far, we’ve been successful. One of our favorite […]
Hello! Many families travel to Las Vegas, Nevada every year. For my family, it's an easy warm-weather getaway from our home in Utah, or a convenient stopping point on a Southern California road trip. Though there are actually lots of great family activities in Las Vegas, the city earns its “Sin City” reputation. That can […]
Have you heard of Glen Canyon Dam? We made a trip here last summer as part of a family reunion, and it was a lot of fun. My parents and I planned a June getaway to the Grand Canyon North Rim, with our base in Kanab, Utah. As the trip neared, my sister's three kids […]
Hello! If you live near Salt Lake City or are planning a visit, this is the ULTIMATE list of ways to fill your summer vacation – and most other months of the year too! I've collected every fun activity I can think of between Ogden and Provo to keep your family busy, happy and off their screens. […]
Is Capitol Reef National Park on your list? We spent Spring Break exploring Capitol Reef, which is one of Utah's “Mighty 5” national parks. This National Park is often overshadowed by Arches and Zion in popularity, but Capitol Reef has a lot to offer, with lighter crowds. We had a wonderful time and are excited […]
Want to travel more often? Need to save money? This time last year, my husband and I were trying to decide what we wanted to do for summer vacation with our family. Vacation expenses add up quickly and we wanted to maximize our spending dollars. One night I found a sale fare to San Diego […]
Looking for a great family destination that's still a little undiscovered? There are lots of fun things to do in Morro Bay, California. My family visited Morro Bay, California during Spring Break. The weather was cool, but pleasant. We found a great variety of fun family activities, and this was one of our best wildlife […]
The perfect itinerary for family travel to Yosemite National Park
Hey Travelers, I was caught off guard the first time I walked by WonderWorks while on a business trip in Orlando. It looked like the building had fallen out of the sky and landed upside down. The exterior alone made me want to check it out. I'm glad I did. WonderWorks is a fun, over-the-top […]
Planning a trip to or through Las Vegas? Hoover Dam is located about 30 minutes south of Las Vegas, Nevada and it's a “dam” good family-friendly attraction in a city that is not known for its family attractions. It's educational too! We have visited Hoover Dam twice, about five years apart and our experience was similar – […]
Do you love otters? Who doesn't? My 11-year-old son has been into otters for years, and can tell you a lot about them. We found otters to be elusive on our trip to the San Juan Islands in Washington. We knew that sea otters were endangered, so we had pretty much settled for seeing them […]
Hey Traveler, I don't take a lot of selfies, but during my visit to Madame Tussauds in Orlando, Florida, I couldn't resist. I walked away with my share of photos with celebrities, legends, sport icons, TV personalities and pop stars. Madame Tussauds is a world-famous museum filled with lifelike wax statues of famous people from […]
Planning a trip to Colorado? There are lots of fun things to do in Denver! I'm a Salt Lake City native, and here in the wide open spaces of the Mountain West, Denver is considered a close neighbor. For years, I assumed that Denver was just more of the same, but I was wrong. Denver […]
Hello Fellow Adventurer! Utah's Adventure Family is back! This time we're sharing about one of our favorite National Parks. Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming just north of Jackson. The mountains here are rugged and breathtaking. The lakes are crystal clear and beautiful. Best of all, there is wildlife around every corner! The park […]
Hi! I am super excited to share our tips for visiting Volcano Bay with young kids with you! Volcano Bay is an awesome water park at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida that the whole family will love. We visited Volcano Bay when our four kids were all between 5-10 years old. It was a relaxing […]
Wondering what to pack for a Caribbean cruise? There is so much variety in a cruise that it can be tricky to fit everything you need into a suitcase. I'm a former travel agent and cruises are my favorite vacations, so I've had some practice at packing for a Caribbean cruise. Swimwear, formal wear, active […]
Planning a trip to Washington D.C. on a budget? We've been there. Our first family trip to Washington D.C. was over the 4th of July. We wanted to stay within walking distance of the National Mall without paying a fortune. The hotels were all so expensive! We eventually found a hotel in a great location that […]
Hello! Are you thinking about a Hollywood trip? My family loves movies, and most of us appreciate a good Netflix binge too. We decided to build a Hollywood trip around a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood in Southern California, and it was so much fun! You aren't likely to spot any celebrities, and honestly, Hollywood […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. Our kids cover quite an age range (17,12, and 4) so we have to be careful with the activities we choose on vacations. It’s tricky to find something that everyone likes. We loved visiting Victoria, British Columbia so much last summer, that we are planning a […]
Have you heard that it's best to visit Disneyland during the off-season? It's good advice, but I'm seeing it so often that I feel that someone should point out that there are important benefits to visiting Disneyland during peak season. Furthermore, off-season at Disneyland is not as clearly defined as off-seasons in most other places. […]
Hello Fellow Adventurer! We at Utah's Adventure Family love exploring National Parks! There are so many amazing things to see throughout the country, and we love falling in love with new National Parks. That is exactly what happened when we visited Yosemite National Park. It was love at first sight! We worried about the crowds, […]
Hello! One of our favorite family vacation destinations is Disneyland in Southern California. We start thinking about our next trip as soon as we get home! Our last Disneyland trip started as a quick getaway with the kids. My parents, who are in their late 60's, decided they wanted in on the fun. Then my […]
Hello! I've been visiting Southern Utah my whole life. My parents, grandparents, and even great-great grandparents were born there, so my roots run deep in the red soil of Cedar City, Hurricane, St. George and Zion National Park. Having visited and occasionally lived in this beautiful area for decades, you'd think I'd have seen it […]
We love camping. But last summer my wife had to work a lot of weekends. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment, but I went camping by myself with five kids. We did a couple overnight getaways to mountain campgrounds. We drove four hours to Flaming Gorge Dam for a long weekend. In previous years, we […]
Hey Historical Adventurers, After teaching a photography workshop in Delaware, I had a morning to do some exploring. Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania was nearby and I was excited to visit this famous site from the U.S. Revolutionary War. It was a cold winter day. The falling snow of January made my tour […]
One of the great things about our nation's capital is all the free activities for families. However, there are a few top activities that will cost you money. The good news is that you don't have to pay full price for these. You can save up to 47% on 20+ fun activities with the Go […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. I’m super excited to tell you all about the time we spent in Victoria, British Columbia last summer! Victoria was probably our family’s favorite stop on our trip and everyone would be thrilled to go back. Such a fun place! This list is “10 More Fun […]
Hello Fellow Adventurer! Planning a trip to New Mexico? My family took a long road trip through New Mexico and were amazed at how much there is to do in this desert state. You can read all about our trip at Utah's Adventure Family. We explored lots of National Parks and Monuments, but our favorite […]
Washington DC is home to 19 free Smithsonian museums as well as hundreds of other excellent museums. As a local, my favorite time to visit Washington D.C. museums is in January and February. The winter months are the calmest time in this busy city that is often filled with tourists and tour groups. Here are […]
Interested in a less expensive and less crowded family resort? I recommend Beaver Mountain in Northern Utah. Admittedly, I am not a big skier. I have a large family, so the cost of lift tickets, equipment rental and lessons adds up fast. Since I don't ski often, hitting the slopes after a long break can […]
Hello! Last fall, I had the opportunity to take a trip to Washington D.C. with my husband. He is a principal and his school received a national award, which was very exciting! We left the kids at home for this trip, and took the opportunity to try a few new activities. We, with another couple, […]
Hello Harry Potter fans! Do you remember when you discovered Harry Potter? I was boarding a plane the day Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was released. My friends and I spotted a little girl reading that big book. A week later, we had a long layover on the way home. I bought Harry Potter and […]
Hey everyone! It's Kimberly with Get Away Today. It's nearly Spring Break season and for many families, that means a trip to Disneyland. I've put together some of my top tips for Spring Break at Disneyland. Arrive early or stay late Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure normally open earlier and stay open later during busy […]
Do you see a three-day weekend in your future? It's a great opportunity to hit the road and see some pretty amazing things throughout Utah and Arizona. My wife and I spent a three-day weekend visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, the sites around Page, Arizona, Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. It's […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book A Day. Our family loves to travel together! It's a time when we make family memories we can talk about for years to come. It's such bonding experience for us. We probably travel a bit differently from most people. That’s partly because we have a crazy age range […]
Hello Fellow Adventurer! Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park? We love Yellowstone! Every other year, we take a 3-4 day trip to Yellowstone as a family, and we love every second of it. We love the scenery, the animals, the hiking trails, and the geysers. There is so much to see and […]
Hello! Have you heard about Volcano Bay? It's the new water park at Universal Orlando Resort. My family had the opportunity to spend time at Volcano Bay when we visited Universal last October. It was by far the most thrilling water park we have ever visited. Universal has introduced some innovative ideas to keep you […]
We've all heard stories of killer airfare deals, but unless you work for an airline, it can be tricky to fly for little or nothing. Airfares can be so unpredictable. This year, I happened upon a Frontier Airline deal and my family of four flew round trip from Salt Lake City to Orlando for about […]
Hello! Planning an Orlando vacation? SeaWorld Orlando is one of the area's top theme parks, and we had a great time there on our last Orlando trip. SeaWorld Orlando is not quite as crowded as some of Orlando's other parks, and it offers a fun balance of entertaining shows, thrill rides, and educational animal experiences. […]
Hello! Are you planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort? Wondering if Express Pass is worth the money? My family recently tried the Express Pass ticket add-on at Universal Orlando Resort. We all love Harry Potter, and my kids (ages 10 and 13) are old enough to get excited about big thrill rides, so we used […]
Hey there! Wondering if ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a good option for your family? Want to know what to expect and how to get started? We have used Uber or Lyft in Paris, New York City, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Orlando, and Los Angeles. After public transportation or walking, it's my preferred […]
Planning a ski trip? Snowbasin Resort is a great choice for families. Snowbasin is the Utah resort that is closest to my home, and it is one of my favorites. It is located just a few minutes drive from Ogden, and it is absolutely beautiful. Did you know that it was an Olympic venue in […]
Hey there! If you travel a lot, or even once in awhile, you probably know how hard it is to leave your pets behind. Your animals are members of your family, and you obviously want them to be comfortable and safe when you travel without them. Our family travels a lot, and with two dogs […]
Hello! Does your family enjoy visiting zoos when you travel? The Denver Zoo is a great choice. We first visited the Denver Zoo when our kids were little. It's a large zoo that features many of our favorite animals. It also has a train and carousel, which my young children loved. My kids are older […]
Hey there! Are you planning a cruise? One of my favorite parts of any cruise is the food. Cruise dining is different from the typical home or restaurant experience, so this post is all about helping you navigate your options and make the most of them. Most of today's big cruise ships give you a […]
Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Thinking of visiting La Brea Tar Pits? La Brea Tar Pits is an active paleontology site in the middle of Los Angeles, California. The still-bubbling pits can be found in Hancock Park, surrounded by skyscrapers. Long ago, prehistoric animals wandered into the sticky, black tar pits and were trapped. […]
Did you know that the Finger Lakes region of New York is just four hours drive from Manhattan? It's a beautiful destination for families. Featuring incredibly diverse landscapes, fascinating history, and some pretty cool towns, the Finger Lakes area has all the ingredients for a perfect family road trip destination. The Finger Lakes are less […]
Hey there! Want to visit Universal Studios Hollywood with your family? It's a real working movie studio and theme park. My family loved it. Universal Studios Hollywood is a world-class theme park vacation that's fun for families. We thought it was especially good for families like ours who love movies and who have older kids […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to Nova Scotia? Love history?? It doesn't take much to get me excited about a historical site, and the Fortress of Louisbourg in Nova Scotia is an especially good one. The Fortress of Louisbourg is a reconstructed fort dating back to the 1700's when France owned this part of Nova […]
Love national parks? Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado is a spectacular uncrowded gem. We passed through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on a family road trip through Colorado on Highway 50. We visited on a weekday morning in the summer. There were a few other visitors, but we had […]
Howdy! Do you have a hankering for a Wild West vacation? We visited the Boot Hill Museum with my sister and her kids as part of a road trip to Dodge City, Kansas. I'd heard good things about the museum before our visit, but was pleasantly surprised to find that in addition to interesting historical […]
Hello! Are you planning a trip through Bowling Green, Kentucky? I had never visited Kentucky, so I jumped at the chance when I was invited by the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau. I don't pursue or accept many press trips, but this one was too good to pass up. This thriving college town […]
Hey there! Want to visit someplace REALLY cool? I never knew that the Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world until my husband and I started planning a trip to Nova Scotia to celebrate our 15th anniversary. I still didn't really get what that meant or whether it would be worth seeing […]
A friend from California asked me a few years ago if it is a good idea to swim in the Great Salt Lake. Having lived just a few miles from the Great Salt Lake for most of my life, my initial response was, “You can, but why would you want to?” Many Salt Lake City […]
I recently returned from St. Augustine, Florida with my two young kids. This Florida destination is known as the Historic Florida Coast because St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the US. My kids enjoy learning new things through travel, but explaining history to a six year old is often a challenge. St. […]
Hey there! Planning a Universal Studios Hollywood trip? We recently visited Universal Studios Hollywood with our two children (ages 12 and 10) and we had such a great day. It was the first time my kids had visited Universal Studios Hollywood and it had been 15+ years for me and my husband. The park has changed […]
Did you know that only 10% of Grand Canyon visitors see the North Rim? We are among that group, and I am sharing all my tips for planning a trip to the Grand Canyon North Rim. When I was about 14 years old, my dad loaded our family of six, four cousins and both my […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Southern California? When I was growing up, my closest cousins seemed to go to Knott's Berry Farm in Southern California all the time. They told me all about the thrilling coasters and fun things they did there, and I have long wanted to go. My husband felt the same way. There's […]
Howdy! Western North Dakota is wild and rugged, with few trees, free-roaming horses, and a gem of a national park. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the only national park in North Dakota, and it’s one the most underappreciated parks in the country. While plenty of visitors head out to see the iconic Mt. Rushmore and […]
You know my family loves to travel, but did you know that we're kind of geeky about movies too? We have movie night every Friday and the drive-in is a summer tradition. Date night usually means dinner and a movie. We're fans of the classics as well as the newest blockbusters. So, we planned a […]
Does anyone in your family LOVE fossils? My preschooler was crazy about them, and I had read so many books with him about prehistoric animals that I was hooked too. That's why we had to stop at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota during our Black Hills road trip. The Mammoth Site was […]
Is Labadee, Haiti on your Royal Caribbean cruise itinerary? You're in for a treat. 🙂 Labadee is a small peninsula on the northern coast of Haiti. It is a private beach leased to Royal Caribbean and you can only get there on a Royal Caribbean cruise. All of the beaches and activities at Labadee are located […]
Yaquina Head Lighthouse (pronounced ya-QUIN-uh) is a top destination for families on the Oregon Coast. Yaquina Head is Oregon's tallest lighthouse, but there are a lot of other fun things to do here too, including tide pools, whale watching, hiking, and a museum. The lighthouse and surrounding area are known as Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural […]
Do you like cave tours? Or, would you like to try a cave tour for the first time? Either way, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is a great option. I was invited on a press trip to Bowling Green, Kentucky and I admit that getting the chance to visit Mammoth Cave was the main […]
Are you thinking about spending the 4th of July in Washington D.C.? It's a Bucket List experience. Spending the 4th of July in Washington D.C. was a dream come true for me. I've been a history nerd my whole life and Washington D.C. is one of my favorite places. My kids were ages 12 and 9 […]
Hello! Planning a trip to New York City? On a budget? Our first trip to New York City wouldn't have been complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty, American Museum of Natural History, 9/11 Memorial Museum and more. However, those admission costs add up quickly for my family of four. Here's where CityPASS saved us […]
Hey there! Do you LOVE national parks? Me too! Cape Breton Highlands National Park is an exceptionally scenic park on the coast of Nova Scotia. It was the highlight of an anniversary trip with my husband. It was June, just before high season and the weather was a little cool. We saw more empty nesters […]
LEGOLAND California Resort is a favorite Southern California attraction for many families. SEA LIFE Aquarium is located next to the theme park and visitors can enter from inside or outside LEGOLAND. This fun and educational attraction is included with many LEGOLAND California Hopper tickets. My family visited SEA LIFE Aquarium during our first trip to LEGOLAND […]
Hello! Are you cruising to Ocho Rios or Falmouth, Jamaica? We just returned from our Spring Break cruise and it was wonderful. It was my kids' first cruise, my first time sailing with Royal Caribbean, and my first visit to Jamaica. Our other port was Royal Caribbean's private beach in Labadee, Haiti, so Falmouth, Jamaica was […]
Hey there! Virginia Beach, Virginia is a vibrant coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean, and one the most popular beach destinations on the east coast. With miles of sandy beaches, cool cultural attractions, incredible natural areas, and amazing adventure opportunities, it’s no wonder this is a favorite spot for vacationing families. My family and I […]
Every time we go to LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, California, there is something new to try. LEGOLAND Water Park was something we missed on our first couple of visits and my 9-year-old son BEGGED us to plan another San Diego trip so he could try it. We made it happen last October while we were there for Brick-or-Treat. […]
We recently visited San Diego, California for the first time and one our favorite things to do was watch the seals and sea lions. So today I'm going to share with you our tips on the best places and ways to view them while you are in San Diego, including tips for the San Diego […]
Looking for an extraordinary Southern Utah road trip? Something that most people haven't done? We took this road trip for Spring Break in 2016. We had visited Southern Utah and Zion National Park many times, so this trip was dedicated to all the cool, less-visited places I had been wanting to visit for years. This was the […]
Hey there! Are you planning a cruise? I'm Mandy from ACupful.com. My family LOVES cruises. One reason we love to cruise is the unique opportunities at each cruise port. If you are like me, there is one special vacation experience you love to talk about. Mine is the Dragon's Breath Flight Line in Labadee, Haiti. […]
Welcome! Are you planning a trip to Washington D.C.? The Smithsonian's National Zoo is a great option for families. We have visited the San Diego Zoo and other major zoos in the U.S., and the National Zoo is on par with the better ones. For my animal-loving son, this was one of the highlights of our […]
Visiting the National Archives was one of the highlights of my family's Washington D.C. trip last summer. We were there on Independence Day and figured that there was no better way to celebrate our nation's independence than by showing our kids the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. The National Archives is within a short […]
Hello! Do you love history? Do you also love visiting cool places most people haven't seen? As a history nerd and native Utahn, Topaz Internment Camp had been on my list for years. My family finally planned a spring break road trip through Southern Utah in 2016 that included a lot of smaller parks and […]
Hello! We were excited for the opportunity to return to the Museum of Natural Curiosity during Christmas break. My sister was in town with her four children and THIS was one of the activities they specifically requested. We arrived right at opening time with six kids, ages 7 to 15. The Museum of Natural Curiosity […]
Thank you to Visit Ogden for sponsoring this post. I was compensated for writing this post, but was not hosted by any of the restaurants on this list. Hello! Do you know Ogden, Utah? If not, you're missing something good. Ogden is practically my hometown. I've lived about 15 minutes from downtown Ogden most of my life and […]
Hey there! Ford's Theatre is one of those gold-star destinations for history lovers. It's the place where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, which changed the course of American history. Ford's Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Washington D.C., just a few blocks from the most popular monuments and museums. Ford's […]
Hi there! Planning a trip to San Diego? SeaWorld San Diego has been one of San Diego's top attractions for families for 50 years. I have visited SeaWorld San Diego with my family several times in recent years, including a behind-the-scenes tour. Here are my favorite attractions, along with all my tips for making the […]
Hello! We recently returned from a fall trip to LEGOLAND California in the beautiful seaside community of Carlsbad. We were excited to check out Brick-or-Treat, LEGOLAND's Halloween celebration! SeaWorld and a day at the beach were also on our list. This trip was especially fun because my sister recently moved to Southern California and she […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to LEGOLAND California in October? Check out Brick-or-Treat, LEGOLAND's Halloween celebration. We just returned from a Fall Break trip to LEGOLAND California. Even though my kids are older now (ages 9 and 12), they were really excited to return to this fun family park. We made sure to visit LEGOLAND […]
Are you planning your first trip to Walt Disney World trip? Congratulations! It's such a magical vacation. Walt Disney World is an incredible destination, but it's not the kind of place where you'll want to show up without a plan. It pays to learn about When to go Top attractions in each park Ticket options […]
Hi there! What do you do when you NEED a sunny getaway, but the budget is tight? For many Utahns like myself, the answer is Casablanca Resort in Mesquite, Nevada. Mesquite is a small border town in southeast Nevada. It's about 30 minutes from St. George, Utah and 2 hours from Las Vegas. It is home to […]
Coral Pink Sand Dunes was the place we nearly skipped on our Spring Break in Southern Utah, but it turned out to be one of our favorite parts of the trip. We had already been driving for hours, and despite the signs, we missed the turnoff to Coral Pink Sand Dunes near Kanab, Utah. We […]
Hello! We really wanted something fun to do on Labor Day. When I thought of all the fun things to do at Utah Olympic Park in Park City, I knew it would be perfect. I love that we live so close to these Olympic venues! It was even better than expected. Colorful fall leaves had begun to […]
Thanks to Galveston Island for sponsoring this post! I visited Galveston, Texas when my first child was young. One of my school friends lived there and we had a great time exploring this fun beach city together. Now that we are living in the Midwest and my family is older, we are plotting our next […]
When our oldest child was a newborn, we attended a family reunion in Washington State and planned to drive through North Cascades National Park on our way home. Unfortunately, she became ill and we changed our route to stay closer to cities and get home quickly. Fast forward eleven years and our family had the […]
Have you heard about National Harbor? I hadn't until my husband attended a professional conference there last July. We made a family vacation of it, and had a wonderful time! National Harbor, Maryland is a new planned community and conference venue. It is located about 10 miles from downtown Washington D.C. We loved relaxing by the pool and […]
A trip to the nation’s capital should definitely include a visit to George Washington’s estate, which is why I take all my out-of-town guests to tour Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon gets a shout-out for being one of the most family-friendly historical sites you can enjoy with children of any age. My two-year-old loves running around […]
Need a hotel in Washington D.C.? We landed at Hotel Madera for the last four nights of our Washington D.C. vacation. It was a great hotel for my family. Hotel Madera is a boutique hotel in Washington D.C.'s historic and stylish Dupont Circle neighborhood. It's located just a few blocks from downtown, but this hotel was the […]
Hello! When I told friends that my husband and I were headed to Nova Scotia, Canada, I got a lot of oohs and ahhs, but few of my friends had ever been there. I'm hoping to change that! Nova Scotia is a dreamy destination, as well as accessible and affordable – especially in the summer when […]
Hey! You have to see this… Rafting the tidal bore was something I'd never heard of until a couple of weeks before our Nova Scotia trip. I still didn't quite understand what it was until we arrived at Wild Waters Rafting, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of an already amazing […]
When my family visited Bear Lake on the Utah-Idaho border last summer, I was excited to take them to Minnetonka Cave, just a few miles away. I had toured this cave before, when I visited Bear Lake with friends in my early 20's. I have toured several impressive caves since then, including Timpanogos Cave, Wind […]
This post was sponsored by Heber Valley. Ready to unplug? I understand where you’re coming from. Family life gets crazy and even the time honored family vacation is too often interrupted by phone calls, email, texting and altogether too much screen time. It's time to take a REAL vacation! Have you considered Heber Valley in Utah? It’s a […]
Hi there! Planning a trip to San Juan Island in Washington? Lime Kiln Point was irresistible when we planned our trip to the San Juan Islands last summer. This state park is known for its whale watching, historic lighthouse and rugged beauty. I'm a sucker for all three. Here's what you need to know before […]
When you travel, do you enjoy sprinkling a little education into your entertainment? If so, the Kennedy Space Center is the perfect Florida destination for you. The Space Center is the perfect blend of learning in a fun environment. My kids knew we were there to learn about space travel, but we had so much fun playing […]
Wondering what there is to do in Victoria, British Columbia with kids? We've got a list of fun local activities that the whole family will love. We planned for one day in Victoria, British Columbia to our Pacific Northwest road trip last summer and it didn't take long to figure out that we needed more time to […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Southern Utah? My family has visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah three times. The first time was three years ago when I visited Zion National Park with my kids. We loved it so much that we planned a second visit with my husband during our last Spring Break […]
Getting there is truly half the fun on the Washington ferries. If you're planning a trip to Seattle, Whidbey Island, the San Juan Islands, Victoria B.C. or other parts of the Puget Sound, then taking a ferry may be your most direct route. Ferries are fun for families because they are a novel experience for […]
If you're planning a trip to LEGOLAND, you're in for a treat! We visited LEGOLAND California twice in the same year because our LEGO loving son loved it so much. We've picked up a few LEGOLAND tips to help you make the most of your day. Wondering what you need to know to make your […]
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? On a budget? I hear you! Many families dream of planning a Disney vacation, but sometimes it can feel cost prohibitive. Multi-day theme park tickets for a family of four can quickly cost over $1,000, before transportation, lodging, or food expenses. Is it possible to have a magical Disney […]
Hello! Lodging can be one of the biggest expenses of a family vacation, and we like finding a good budget hotel where we can afford to stay longer and travel more often. When I learned that Extended Stay America offers complimentary full kitchens, breakfast, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and more, I was eager to try it […]
Looking for a luxury resort in Park City that is fun for families? We recommend Montage Deer Valley. Montage Deer Valley in Park City, Utah sets a high standard as both a luxury resort and a family resort. My family spent a weekend here and we were impressed with the comfortable accommodations and excellent service. […]
Hello! Looking for something new to do in D.C.? Or someplace uncrowded, but fun? The National Postal Museum might be the best-kept secret in Washington D.C. It's conveniently located next to Union Station, it is free, and seldom crowded. The up-to-date, hands-on exhibits are fun for families. The National Postal Museum is one of 17 […]
Seasons Greetings! I love to snuggle with a good book by the fireplace from Thanksgiving through the Christmas holidays, but after a few days at home, we get a little stir crazy during weekends and school breaks. When it is time to get out of the house, I choose holiday-themed destinations I know my kids will […]
Why stay at the Anaheim Hilton Garden Inn? For many families the reason is just one word: Disneyland! Anaheim Hilton Garden Inn is just one mile from Disneyland and it offers plenty of family-friendly amenities. My family stayed here during a fantastic Halloween-themed Disneyland trip. Here's what you can expect at the Hilton Garden Inn in Anaheim/Garden Grove: Rooms We […]
Hello! Planning to visit New York City with kids? I was in New York City for just one day with my 13-year-old daughter, and her only goal was to visit all the best Times Square candy shops. She was not looking for the small, unique chocolate shops (there are many of those as well). She wanted […]
Planning a trip to New York City? Is the Met on your wish list? The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City holds the treasures of the world. I was thrilled to see the art and artifacts from ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt and Asia, as well as famous paintings by American artists like Gilbert […]
Hey there! Duchesne County is not Utah's best-known or most visited destination, but that hardly means that there is nothing fun to do there. In fact, Duchesne (pronounced doo-SHAYN) County has a lot to offer fun-loving families. Duchesne County is located less than two hours' drive from Salt Lake City, and less than one hour from Utah's […]
When our San Juan Islands whale watching tour was changed from Monday to Tuesday on short notice, we had a free afternoon on our hands. So, Crystal Seas Kayaking, a partner of our whale watching tour operator, suggested that we try a 3-hour family kayak tour. We own a couple of kayaks and use them […]
Hello! Planning a trip to the San Juan Islands in Washington? This is one of those posts where I feel like I'm giving away one of travel's best kept secrets. We had no idea what to expect when my San Juan Island contact suggested that we visit Roche Harbor for lunch or dinner, and knowing […]
Looking for a fun and relaxing lake trip in Utah? Palisade State Park is located in central Utah, just five miles south of Manti. Its main attractions are a small reservoir, 18-hole golf course, ATV trails and camping. My husband and daughter had other plans on the dates of this trip, so I took my […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to San Diego? San Diego has over 70 miles of coastline and boasts some amazing beaches. How do you decide which San Diego beaches are best for families? Many beaches have a little different flavor, depending on what types of activities you are looking for. Do you want to play in […]
Looking for some fun things to do in Queens? When we planned our first family trip to New York City last year, we wanted to see the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, Central Park and all the other iconic attractions. However, we felt serious sticker shock when we saw rates for Manhattan hotels and started searching […]
Hello! Assateague Island National Seashore, a 37-mile long island along the coast of Virigina and Maryland, boasts some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Assateague Island is known for its wild ponies, excellent surf, and popular beach camping. Families will enjoy the nature center and lifeguarded beach. Bird watchers can enjoy over 320 […]
Hello! Can I be honest? As much as my family loves to travel, my kids prefer beaches and amusement parks to historical sights. However, I love history and want to share it with my kids. I feel strongly that my kids need to see important historical sites to better understand our history. With that goal in […]
Whale watching was a top priority on my bucket list for a long time. Tours can be hit or miss, but we could not have chosen a better day for our tour with San Juan Excursions. The weather was perfect and the whales and other wildlife were abundant. We experienced the best case scenario, and finally checked […]
Hello! Big cities can be notoriously expensive, but Washington D.C. offers so many free museums and tours that it is a great destination for families looking for an affordable big-city experience. Here are 25 of my favorite free things to do in Washington D.C. with kids. Museums and Buildings Smithsonian Museums – Washington D.C. is […]
When we told people we were going to Victoria, British Columbia, nearly everyone asked, “Are you going to The Butchart Gardens?” Indeed, it's hard to say that you've really visited Victoria if you haven't seen its world-famous Gardens. But, is it a good choice for families? The Butchart Gardens has nearly one million visitors each year, and summer […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Philadelphia? Most big cities have double-decker bus tours, but the Big Bus Tour in Philadelphia was my first. I'm so glad we did it and will definitely check out Big Bus Tours in other big cities that I visit. Big Bus Tours of Philadelphia was a great way for our family of seven […]
Capitol Reef National Park in Utah is often overshadowed by it's showier neighbors, but there are a lot of fun things for families to do here. Last fall, my family returned to Capitol Reef for a multi-generation weekend with my husband's parents and sister, and her two children. The kids loved playing together, and I enjoyed […]
Planning a trip to New York City? Families might recognize the American Museum of Natural History as the setting for the Night at the Museum movies. I admit that was one of the reasons my children (ages 7 and 10) were excited to visit this world-famous science museum. It turns out that a lot of […]
Salt Lake City is my hometown and we spend many of our weekends and school breaks exploring all the free ways to enjoy Salt Lake City with kids. Whether you're vacationing in Utah, or you're a local family looking for ways to get out of the house, we have a list of ideas. Keep reading for descriptions […]
Hey there! My family stayed at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix during spring break, and its' now one of my kids' favorite hotels EVER. The Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix is a luxury resort, but it's friendly, unpretentious and fun for families. The resort offers a lot of activities to keep you from […]
I love to find ancient rock art in our travels, and feel lucky to live in Utah where we have a lot of good sites. Seeing a figure that was painstakingly chipped into a rock face and has been preserved for a thousand years or more inspires my imagination. Petroglyphs help me to feel connected […]
Hello! The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa was the first stop on our recent spring break vacation in Phoenix. I was instantly impressed by the beautiful grounds, historic character, and authentic Southwestern attitude. We loved this laid-back historic property, which opened 85 years ago as a retreat for Goodyear executives. The Wigwam Resort is a modern […]
Did you know? The only warm water SCUBA diving destination in the continental United States is in… Utah. The Homestead Crater is a geothermically heated pool inside a limestone dome on the property of the Homestead Resort. The pool is 35 feet deep, and the water is 90-96 degrees Fahrenheit, year-round. Visitors are invited to […]
The more I experience modern art with my family, the more I like it. How about you? Sure, there were some works at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City that I really didn't understand. Like the snow shovel hanging from the ceiling. Or the potato house. Or A wall pitted by a […]
Hey there! Are you looking for a vacation destination that will keep toddlers, teens and adults happy? There are so many fun things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia that there is something for everyone in the family. We've been with babies, with teens, and with grandparents and think anyone could easily enjoy a week here. […]
Hey there! Looking for tips for the most popular museum in Washington D.C.? I took my 3-year-old son to the National Air and Space Museum last week. I wanted to check out the Spirit of St. Louis since I just read Bill Bryson’s One Summer: America, 1927. This book details Charles Lindbergh’s historical flight in May 1927 when […]
Hey there! Make-A-Wish families receive a one-day pass to SeaWorld Orlando, in addition to three days at Walt Disney World and two days at Universal Orlando. We found that SeaWorld is the park that best adapts to the busy schedule of a Make-A-Wish trip. It can be high-adrenaline or easy-going – whatever works best for […]
Planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park? There are a lot of fun things to do in this beautiful Utah national park. When I was growing up, I visited Bryce Canyon National Park every year, because we often visited family in Southern Utah. I have returned to Bryce Canyon with my own children several […]
Hi there! Planning a family cruise? Good call! A cruise is a great way to vacation with a large family. Once you get there, the itinerary, dining and entertainment are all taken care of, so you can just enjoy time with the family. I have taken two cruises to the Bahamas with my entire family in […]
Tips for Family Trips has proudly partnered with Get Away Today Vacations for more than 10 years. And I was a satisfied customer before I started Tips for Family Trips! Get Away Today bundled our Disneyland hotel and theme park tickets for a competitive price, so planning my daughter's 6th birthday at Disneyland could not […]
Cunningham Falls State Park, nestled in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains of Maryland, will appeal to families of all ages. Just a little over an hour outside of Washington D.C., Cunningham Falls State Park is a nice escape from the city. Cunningham Falls State Park is divided into the William Houck area and the Manor […]
Our world changed on 9/11. I didn't know any of the victims or heroes personally, but September 11, 2001 remains an important date in my memory. The new 9/11 Memorial and Museum opened just a couple of weeks before our family trip to New York City, and for my husband and me, it was a […]
Hey there. Planning a trip to New York City? For many visitors to New York City, the trip is not complete without seeing the city from the top of the Empire State Building. Did you know that you can do the same thing from the top of Rockefeller Center for less money and often with […]
I love a relaxing beach vacation, but when we visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina, my family enjoyed learning some important aviation history by visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial. In 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made history by completing four brief flights in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. When you visit the Wright Brothers Memorial, you […]
When I told my children we were going to visit Starvation State Park (now Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation), they were not sure they liked the idea. They were completely confused when I told them we'd have a picnic at Starvation. Even I was not sure what to expect at this reservoir with a […]
Hey there! Ready for some excited screams and shouts from your kids on vacation? Spend an evening ghost crab hunting for an experience you will never forget. A trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina would not be complete for my family without a late-night trip to the beach to hunt ghost crabs. What are […]
Is the Statue of Liberty at the top of your family's list when you visit New York City? It took me 40 years to finally get to New York City for the first time and you better believe the Statue of Liberty was a must-see for my family. The Statue of Liberty is one of the great […]
Hello! Planning a trip to the Adirondacks or Vermont? I'm pretty geeky about American history, so Fort Ticonderoga was a must-see for me on our Adirondacks road trip. It's right on the New York-Vermont border. Fort Ticonderoga is a place where history comes to life. Located in New York's beautiful Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga has […]
Welcome! The amazing thing about Utah's national parks is that they are so near each other, yet so different. In Arches, you will spend most of your time looking up at the unique and beautiful rock formations. Just a few miles away in Canyonlands National park, you look down at endless canyons and plateaus carved […]
Thinking about Arches National Park? It's one of my favorite places. It's just a few hours from home, so we have been there with our kids, grandparents, and friends many times. On one President's Day weekend in Moab, Utah, we only had half a day to spend in Arches National Park, so we focused on our […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Washington D.C.? A tour of the U.S. Capitol Building is a must-see for visitors to Washington D.C. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your visit. There are two ways to schedule tours of the U.S. Capitol Building. The first is through the office of […]
Utah has a lot of good dinosaur museums, and my family has visited most of them. We think it's really cool that in parts of Utah, it's difficult to dig a hole without finding a dinosaur in it. Price, Utah is one of those places. We stopped to visit the USU-Eastern Prehistoric Museum in Price […]
Hey there! Want to see what Florida's beaches looked like before hotels, restaurants, and shops were built along the shores? Plan a visit to Caladesi Island State Park. Caladesi Island, located a few miles north of Clearwater Beach, Florida, is a good place to escape the crowded and commercialized beaches, and collect shells, enjoy a […]
Hello! Are you planning to visit Universal Orlando through Make-A-Wish? My family had the opportunity to visit Universal Orlando Resort as part of my son's Make-A-Wish trip to Walt Disney World in June 2013. My son had Burkitt's Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. We took his Make-A-Wish trip after the end of […]
Planning a trip to the San Diego Zoo? The world-famous San Diego Zoo is one of the top attractions for families in the San Diego area. It is conveniently located near downtown San Diego and offers visitors the chance to see exotic animals that are not commonly found in other zoos. Our family recently made […]
A Library of Congress tour may not be on the top of the list for first-time visitors to Washington D.C., but it should be. The Thomas Jefferson building, one of three Library of Congress buildings on Capitol Hill, is open for public tours and is well worth your time. Completed in 1897, this beautiful building […]
Welcome! Arlington National Cemetery is the resting place of more than 400,000 veterans. A crisp fall day is my favorite time to visit this cemetery, since you will spend plenty of time walking outdoors. If you go when the leaves are changing in October, the sight is stunning when contrasted with the hundreds of thousands […]
Planning a trip to San Diego? The USS Midway Museum is one of the most family-friendly museums I have ever visited. Young children are encouraged to climb in planes, push buttons, and pull levers. I visited with my five children – from teens to toddlers and we all had a great time. The USS Midway Museum […]
Have you ever wondered which wish the Make-a-Wish organization grants most often? Over 40% of wishes granted by Make-a-Wish are Disney related. Many of these, including my own son's wish, are to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. For kids like my son, Disney World has it all – Mickey Mouse, Star Wars, […]
Deep Creek Lake State Park in Maryland is a beautiful family-friendly park for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping and more. Lakefront beaches are the perfect place for families to entertain children of all ages. My children ages 2-13 all found something to enjoy at Deep Creek Lake State Park. The older kids spent the day […]
The Zion Narrows is an increasingly popular hike for families in Zion National Park, and for good reason. This walk through the Virgin River Gorge lets visitors see some of the most beautiful parts of the park – dramatic cliffs, hanging gardens and gorgeous colors. It is also a great hike during the summer months […]
Planning a trip to Washington D.C.? The monuments are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Washington D.C. In summer months when the city is warm and crowded, spend your days indoors and see the monuments at night. Monuments at Night Tips Wear good walking shoes because the best way to see the […]
Are you planning to stay at Give Kids the World Village as part of a Make-A-Wish trip to Orlando? Our family had the chance to stay at Give Kids the World for a week after my six-year-old son made a wish to visit Disney World through Make-a-Wish. He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in November […]
Hello! Considering a trip to Canyons of the Ancients? It is an amazing place. We drove through this National Monument with our kids, and the archaeological sites are amazing. The museum is quite good too. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is a relatively new addition to the National Park Service roster. It is located […]
Are you headed to the Black Hills with young children? You'll want to know about Storybook Island in Rapid City. Storybook Island in Rapid City, South Dakota is one of the best parks for families I've ever seen. If your family is planning a trip to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, consider making time […]
Hey there! Planning an airplane trip with a little one? Feeling nervous? I've been there. As much as I love to travel with my family, flying with a toddler is enough to make me break out in a cold sweat. After flying frequently with my five kids for the past 13 years, I have learned […]
APRIL 2018 UPDATE: It's been a few years since Katie personally hiked Gros Piton, but we've recently been in touch with the Gros Piton Trail Office in St. Lucia to answer reader questions and ensure that this post is up to date. Here is Katie's experience with updated pricing and tour information. Hello! Do you […]
Planning a trip to San Diego? The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is different from any other zoo my family has visited. We made a special trip for it – along with LEGOLAND California and plenty of beach time – right after my son successfully completed cancer treatment. It was a much-needed vacation for our […]
Trampoline parks seem to be everywhere these days, and my kids love them. These springy playgrounds are a great way for families to have fun and burn calories, regardless of the weather outside. Our family visited Get Air in Kaysville, Utah. Here's what you need to know before you visit a trampoline park. Fill out the waiver […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Salt Lake City? Tracy Aviary is the oldest aviary in the United States and it's one of my family's favorite downtown activities. This “bird zoo” is located in Liberty Park – one of Salt Lake City's largest public parks. Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City, Utah is the sort of […]
Bear Country U.S.A. offers a driving tour where you're guaranteed to see loads of black bears roaming through wide open spaces like they would in the wild. If that's not a slam dunk, I don't know what is. It's also located on the same road that you'll drive from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore. The Black […]
