family travel

Our Summer Alaska Adventure

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For the 4th year in a row, we have been so lucky to spend a week of our summer with friends who live in Texas. My son, being an only child looks forward to this week with his two buddies as much as I look forward to having adult time while the kids are occupied.  Not only is it wonderful to get to travel with our friends and share these summer experiences together, it is so amazing to spend time with a family who has the same love for adventure, travel, the outdoors and photography that we do. For me, it really is a highlight of my year, so I hope we are able to keep it up for many years to come.

Our first year, we took a quick 4 day trip to Yosemite Valley. That trip started my son’s absolute love of the National Park System and even more so, created his obsession with being a park ranger when he grows up. Year 2, we went all in with a 10 day road trip through Arizona and Utah. This was a super fun trip that took in so many different landscapes as well as tested our abilities to travel on an extended basis together. Year 3 took us to Oregon where we traveled to the Central and Southern areas of the state. By our kid’s accounts, that trip had the best accommodation options on any of our trips!  And year 4 – a week long (for them, 10 days for us) road trip catching the major sites of Alaska by land.

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10 Unexpected Life Lessons From My 11 Year Old on the John Muir Trail

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A few years ago, I hiked 180 miles of the 211+ mile John Muir Trail (JMT) with my 11 year old son. The JMT runs through the Eastern Sierra mountains in California, starting from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous US. For many this isn’t a huge … Read more

The Essential Southeast Asia Packing List (for Solo & Family Travelers)

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Traveling across the world, thinking about what to pack is often daunting. After living and traveling in Asia for decades, I have developed an excellent Southeast Asia packing list that I go to for each trip to the region. I know what to bring versus what to buy at my destination. Honestly, this is pretty much my packing list for anywhere we go in the world these days. You never know what the weather will be like with climate change, so it’s best to be prepared for all eventualities.

My ultimate Southeast Asia packing list is perfect for solo travelers as well as for family travelers.

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The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Zion National Park with Kids

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Are you thinking of going to Zion National Park with kids? Zion National Park located in Southern Utah was one of the best kept secrets of the national park system. These days, the secret is out about what a fabulous destination Zion is for a family vacation. When visitors discover the beauty and magic of Zion Canyon, they are hooked! While the park doesn’t have that one eye catching feature that sells postcards or pressed pennies, but it does have is a spectacular cliff and canyon landscape, an abundance of wildlife and a gorgeous river running through it all beckoning you to get in and experience it for yourself. 

Our recent visit to Zion National Park with kids was a bit of a surprise. After being wow’ed at the Grand Canyon and inspired at Antelope Canyon, we were taken aback by how beautiful and encompassing Zion was. Here we could all really be in nature, experience and feel it. It’s just what we needed.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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9 Amazing Things to Do on a Cook Islands Vacation with Kids

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If you are dreaming of a family friendly South Pacific island getaway, a Cook Islands vacation is the perfect choice. With lush tropical hillsides, miles of unspoiled beaches, and calm turquoise waters, the Cook Islands are unquestionably ideal for a romantic getaway, but also terrific for families with the abundance of activities, culture and natural beauty.

From hotels with kids clubs, kid menus and children-focused activities, to an island brimming with family friendly adventures, Rarotonga, the largest island in the Cook Islands, is a destination the entire family will enjoy. With a weekly direct flight to the main island of Rarotonga it’s an easy escape from Los Angeles. To help plan your fabulous tropical island holiday, check out our recommendations on where to stay, eat and what to do.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Guide to a Cook Islands vacation with Kids

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13 Amazing Things to Do in La Fortuna Costa Rica (+ Arenal)

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If you are going to Costa Rica it is my guess you will make a visit to the adventure capital and want to find out all the top things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica! With an abundance of outdoor activities, not to mention amazing access and views to one of the most perfectly formed volcanoes in the country, it’s no surprise that La Fortuna and Arenal are at the top of most Costa Rica itineraries. Well known as an outdoor adventurers playground, there are so many things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica for all ages. As most visits to the area are short, it’s important to determine in advance just what you want to do while you are in town. To help guide your planning process here are the top activities in La Fortuna (and Arenal) we think all families should check out.

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15 Amazing Things to Do in Big Bear – Summer Edition

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Often only thought of as Southern California’s place to play in the snow, there are a ton of great things to do in Big Bear throughout the year. As the heat of the summer sets in, Big Bear is the perfect escape. Nestled high in the San Bernardino mountains on the banks of a lake, … Read more

Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Ireland in 2023

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Are you planning a trip to Ireland? If so, you have come to the right place! For the last 20 years I have taken a family trip to Ireland almost on a yearly basis. Because of this, I often get emails asking for help in planning a trip to Ireland. “What should I do in … Read more

7 Unique Things to Do at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco

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Heading to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco? If so, you have come to the right place. After years of touring friends and family around the city, I know all the hot spots and best things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf for all ages. 

San Francisco is one of the top destinations in the United States for tourists and is a wonderful city for families to visit. A visit to the magical city of San Francisco is never complete without some time at Fisherman’s Wharf. San francisco’s most popular destination is of course super touristy, but for a reason. There are some great things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco that it always tops visitors to do lists.  Fisherman’s Wharf is roughly considered the area between Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. It is easily walkable, however there are also vintage streetcars plying up and down the wharf in case you get tired of walking.

After spending so many years living in San Francisco playing tour guide to visitors and now visiting yearly with my son, I have come up with the perfect things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco with or without children.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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13 Affordable But Spectacular Things To Do In Page Arizona

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Are you heading to Arizona? If so you must visit the little town that has blown up in recent years. There are so many things to do in Page Arizona that you will need to plan a few days to really experience it all. From kayaking to canyon hiking and stunning vista points, there are … Read more

The Best Things To Know Before Visiting Saudi Arabia

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Have you seen the news that visiting Saudi Arabia is now a possibility for many people in the western world? It is true, the kingdom is now opening its doors to tourism which means a lot more people are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia than ever before. My son and I were lucky enough … Read more

The Most Unique German Christmas Markets in Southwest Germany

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On my recent visit to Germany I had one goal in mind, check out as many of the unique German Christmas Markets as we could. While many visitors flock to the more well known Christmas markets of Nuremberg or Munich, our goal was to check out the smaller towns and what locals regard as some … Read more

9 Beautiful Joshua Tree Hikes For Unforgettable Views

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Looking for the best Joshua Tree hikes? You have come to the right place. Joshua Tree National Park in California has become one of our favorite go-to trips – either as a day trip or for a last minute weekend getaway. Through our many visits, we have found a few trails that we return to … Read more

Yellowstone Itinerary: How to Spend 1-4 Days For First Time Visitors

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Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park? If so you have come to the right place. Here we share our ideal Yellowstone itinerary for one to four days. From visiting bubbling mud pots to spewing geysers and wildlife galore you will find everything you need to plan your perfect trip.  For most families … Read more

7 Big Mistakes to Avoid in Planning a Trip to Yellowstone

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There is a plethora of information on the web about planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, but most of it focuses on what you should do and see. But this guide is different. Here I am going to tell you what you should AVOID when planning a trip to Yellowstone.  Yellowstone National Park is … Read more

A Practical Guide to Visiting Christmas Markets in Germany

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One of the most magical times to visit Germany is during the festive holiday season. Christmas markets in Germany take over the landscape in late November through the Christmas season making it the best place to visit for those looking to transport themselves to a what feels like a winter wonderland fairytale. Yes, the weather … Read more

10 Things to Do in Kings Canyon National Park You Will Love

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One of my favorite national parks that is often overlooked is Kings Canyon National Park. Most visitors see only a tiny portion of the park from the top entrance, never taking the time to get down into the deepest canyon in the US. If we can inspire you to do anything, it is to get down into the canyon where you find so many amazing things to do in Kings Canyon National Park that you will fall in love just like we did!

If you are planning a joint trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon, make sure to check out our extensive post on visiting Sequoia which includes visiting the General Sherman Tree and other well known giant sequoias as well as tips on how to see both parks in a short amount of time. 

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Traveling Families

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Travelers can be tough to buy for – they either don’t want anything because they are on the go or what they do want is too expensive or unattainable (flights, cameras, more vacation time!). Personally I love travel experiences, but every traveling expert also needs an arsenal of products to make their journeys smoother. Even though what we all really want is the time and money to travel more, there are still some great gift ideas most every traveling family will appreciate!

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Traveling Families

 

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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20 Useful Tips For Visiting Sequoia National Park In Winter

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If you are looking for a magical getaway, consider visiting Sequoia National Park in winter. The majestic red giants are covered in glistening white snow creating a breathtaking landscape that is hard to beat.

Sequoia National Park is one of our favorite national parks during the busy summer months, but now that we have visited in winter we are even more in love.  Have you been to see the giants of Sequoia National Park in winter? If not, put it on your bucket list and get busy planning your trip with our tips below.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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Zion Narrows Hike: 5 Useful Things to Know Before You Go

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Zion National Park is known for one of it’s most beautiful and distinctive trails, the Zion Narrows hike. It brings visitors of all ages, shapes and forms, as it is one of the most popular hikes in the park.

What is the Narrows? It is a “trail” through the middle of the Virgin River leading you through 10+ miles of dramatic cliffs, narrow slot canyons and gorgeous scenery. This hike lets you experience, rather than just view, what makes Zion so special.

For most visitors to Zion, the Narrows hike is a lasting favorite no matter how far up river they managed to go. It is one of the most unique hikes with breathtaking scenery and one that cools you down along the way. What more could you ask for on a hike?

In this article we will share all you need to know about permits, campsites, getting to the trailhead, the best time to visit & more.

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