family travel

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

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Last summer, 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 outdoor accomplishment, … Read more

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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20+ Things To Do In Sequoia National Park That You’ll Love

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There are so many amazing things to do in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon. If you are planning a trip there, we have everything you need to know to get you started from where to stay, what the best activities in Sequoia are and more.  Often dwarfed by the magical and heavily touristed Yosemite … Read more

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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10 Great Tips to Visit the Galapagos Islands with Kids

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One of the most epic vacation destinations in the world is the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. Even though it’s often considered one of the world’s top places for wildlife-viewing, many families don’t feel it’s a trip to do with their young kids.

However, if you have nature, animal loving kids, then visiting the Galapagos Islands with kids should be on your wishlist! From swimming with giant sea turtles to hiking in the forest with land tortoises and basking on the beach with sea lions, this trip is like no other.

About the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a province in Ecuador, about 1,000km off the coast of South America. Its isolated terrain off the coast of mainland Ecuador provides a home for a diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else. Charles Darwin visited in 1835, and his observation of Galápagos’ species later inspired his Theory of Evolution. While this is often a trip families want to wait for, I will say that doing it with your children can be amazing given the right planning and timing.

Visiting the Galápagos Islands has long been a dream of mine, but for several reasons I kept putting it off. One reason was financial. I didn’t think it was possible to visit the Galápagos Islands on a budget and two I thought this was a trip for only older children. 

After visiting the islands, I am glad that I waited and do recommend waiting for kids to be 8 years old and above. There is plenty for young children however, so if you are in the area and your budget can manage it, definitely go. You won’t regret it. Below are our top tips on visiting the Galapagos with kids.

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The Ultimate Guide to 3 Days in Copenhagen (with Kids)

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Are you planning to spend 2 or 3 days in Copenhagen? If so, I have the perfect guide and recommendations just for your visit. In this amount of time, you can cover the main sights of the city, ride bicycles around like the locals and of course eat all the delicious Danish treats!

As much as I hate to zip through a city, sometimes it is a necessity. On our recent jaunt around Europe, we had the opportunity to spend a few days in Copenhagen en route to Sweden. There is an overwhelming amount of things to do in Copenhagen, but a few items popped to the top of our list. If you only have a few days, here are our top recommendations for a visit to Copenhagen in a hurry!

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The Best of Singapore with Kids

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Singapore is one of my favorite cities in Asia and the perfect choice for families looking to dive into Asia with kids. I always tell people that Singapore is the best of Asia providing a multitude of things to do and experience with none of the hassle. On the outside the city feels very western … Read more