Family Travel: 2020

Photo credit: Corie Spruill

Dreamy Baths, Hotel Soaks And Getting Away From Your Kids During The Pandemic

If indulging in a child-free hotel overnight stay, full of hot baths and peaceful sleep, sounds like a great idea, then keep reading. (Published in Forbes.)

Taking Trips With My Kids Individually Has Deepened My Bond With Each of Them

My three boys are like a tumbleweed of puppies, constantly romping around in a playful pile, and when you pull one puppy out of the orbit of the pack something magical happens. You realize that your kid, traveling with you one-on-one, has completely different opinions, musings, and behavior than when he is a part of his normal feral little cluster. When there’s only one other person to consider, travel decisions are made together in great consideration of independent interests. (Published in TripSavvy.)

Adventuring In Red Rock Country: Moab, Arches And Canyonlands National Parks

I see three skydivers float down to the drop zone as we exit the Canyonlands airport and begin the drive 14 miles south to Arches National Park. I’m here to explore the Moab area, which also includes Canyonlands National Park, for one weekend with my oldest son. (Published in Forbes.)

10 Tips to Go Road Tripping With Your Dog

Getting behind the wheel and setting out for a road trip is a classic American experience, made even better with your hound by your side. Keep reading my latest story for TripSavvy to learn tips and tricks for road-tripping with your dog.

9 Tips for Traveling With Kids During the Pandemic

Whether you’d like to plan for a road trip, a flight on a commercial airline, or a staycation in your own city, here are tips for traveling with kids during a pandemic, published in TripSavvy.

The Best Small Town in Every State

Often the doorway to nature and outdoor adventures, these villages are ideal for the great American road trip or for delving deeper into a weekend getaway with friends or family. Even the most scholarly wordsmiths will find it difficult not to rhapsodize any of the following small towns—one in every state—as "quaint or “charming.” Here’s my latest travel story for TripSavvy.

This Company Makes Exploring The Outdoors With Kids Feasible, Affordable, And Fun

As families flock to the outdoors in the wake of a pandemic, camping, hiking and backpacking have become increasingly popular social distancing activities. Instead of hotel stays, vacationers are choosing tents and this trend is expected to continue into autumn (published in Forbes.)

Largest Outdoor Aerial Adventure Park Breathes Life Into The Chicago Suburbs

Not far from Chicago sits the largest, and arguably the most extreme, aerial adventure course in North America: The Forge: Lemont Quarries, a 300-acre thrill-seeker haven made for a range of ages, abilities, and interests (published in Forbes).

Sleep, Pick, Play at this Farm Stay

California’s central coast is the ideal setting for a family-friendly vacation rental on a fruit farm (published in Forbes).

How to Backpack with Kids, A Rite of Passage

As a parent, you may be wondering how to honor the impending status changes of your brood as they inch closer to the coming-of-age dots on their timelines. With nature as your teacher, Polaris as your guide, consider testing your children’s mettle through backpacking, giving them an opportunity to grow, mature, and believe that they can accomplish hard things, published in Forbes.

A Guide to Eating With Kids While Traveling

Traveling with kids in tow requires thoughtful planning from figuring what to pack in your carry-on suitcase to where you’ll spend the night to which activities should be included on the itinerary. And, of course, dining out with your family is also a big piece of the puzzle. Whether you have a toddler that will only eat buttered noodles, a pre-teen with an allergy, or if you just want your brood to eat something green and healthy while on-the-go, the following tips, in my latest story for TripSavvy, will surely help you navigate eating with kids while traveling.

5 Drive-In Movie Theaters Across America

Families, couples, and friends are searching for ways to be together over the summer months while following social distancing guidelines due to the coronavirus pandemic. And, since going to the movies, in a packed indoor theater, is off the table as of now, there’s a better and safer option: drive-in movie theaters. (Published in Forbes.)

9 Best Travel Toys and Activities to Keep Kids of Every Age Entertained at Home

I'm thrilled to have contributed to Condé Nast Traveler on this piece about the best travel-themed toys for kids.

Easy Family-Friendly Recipes For Cooking At Home, Travel Inspired

Travel restrictions and quarantine measures have kept families planted at home. Get little ones to disengage from their devices and technology and invite them into the kitchen. Teaching your kids how to cook will also inspire them to think internationally as you introduce salubrious recipes from around the globe. (Published in Forbes.)

How to Prepare for Long-Haul Flights with Kids

Traveling with kids, especially taking a long international flight, can be quite tricky—little ones aren’t always amenable to the necessary on-the-go logistics of getting from point A to point B. Of course, you want the experience to be as smooth as possible for your family as well as for the other passengers on your flight, and there are some things that you can do to foster the best outcome. And, should things not go as planned or as hoped, there are strategies for tackling hardships as well. Keep reading my guide below to learn about practical tips for traveling on long-haul flights with wee ones, published in TripSavvy.

10 Children's Museums You Can Visit Virtually

Since many schools have closed their doors and sent their students home to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, caregivers are now in charge of doling out e-learning assignments. The silver lining is that oodles of resources are available to assist, many of which are kid-approved.

Young learners can explore the subjects of art, history, science, archaeology, and more through children’s museums that offer a virtual window into real-time curiosities via webcams, live streams, computer-generated tours, and 360-degree photographs. (Published in TripSavvy.)

Best Family Beach Vacation Ideas

Take your brood on a beach vacation and enjoy the sand, surf, and sun. From great kids' clubs to family-friendly dining to great swimming pools to engaging entertainment to rooms large enough to accommodate your entire family, here are some of the best sandy locales to visit with your littles in tow. In addition to a couple of international destinations, I’ve got the scoop on where to go on each American coast, as well as a couple of fantastic midwestern delights. (Published in TripSavvy.)

The 7 Best International Destinations for Traveling With Kids

Taking your kids on a far-flung trip isn’t as challenging as it may sound. Yes, there are logistics to think about, and planning ahead is necessary, but you’ll find that traveling abroad will open up your kids’ eyes to new places and lifestyles. (Published in TripSavvy.)

Top Family Vacation Ideas for Kids of Every Age

Planning a trip for a family with a wee one in tow is much different than organizing adventures that a teenager would enjoy. The same is true for broods traveling with multiple children or with extended family. From beach vacations to romps in nature to historically meaty experiences, I’ve got you covered, no matter where your children fall on the growth chart. (Published in TripSavvy.)

How to Inspire Your Kids to Travel

Traveling with your kids will teach them much more than they can ever absorb in a classroom setting. Learning about diverse cultures and languages, international cuisine, indigenous art, and distinct landscapes is much more perceivable and palpable in real life than it is in a textbook. Taking your kids outside of their own bubble and their own neighborhood will inspire a greater connection to the world, stretching their minds into a new empathetic understanding. Suddenly, the Earth seems to be a massive space, where you only occupy a tiny swath, yet your desire to explore and protect it grows. (Published in TripSavvy.)

Train Vacations Every Family Should Experience Once

Travel by train—one of the oldest forms of transport—has a charm and nostalgia that engages even the smallest of passengers. For your next adventure, take your brood on a family rail vacation; it’s an indelible way to give kids a chance to be a part of the world around them. You’ll be able to move about the train, dine in a special car, listen to the conductor and view different cities and country landscapes out of the window from the comfort of your seat. To help you make a plan, I rounded up our favorite train vacations and Amtrak routes for families, published in Red Tricycle. Keep reading to find out more. 

Chicago’s Best Museums for Curious Kids

Chicago has some of the best children’s museums in the world where interactive play, with a focus on engaging youth development, is the modus operandi. I’ve rounded up the GOAT (greatest of all time) museums for kids in Chicago, all with special family programming and events, that are fitting for various ages and interests, published in Red Tricycle.

20 Awesome Spring Break Getaways With Kids

I'm always one step ahead, as exhibited in yet another spring break travel story. I like writing these because it makes me dream of warmer weather ahead (March 20 isn't too far way). Published in TripSavvy.

Year in Review: A Look Back at Better Chicago’s 2019

I'm super proud of being a part of Better's Year in Review, highlighting some of the most-loved articles of 2019, mine included. My travel story, 18 Trips to Take Before Your Kids Turn 18, resonated with many, which makes me super happy.

Top Spring Break Destinations You Haven’t Tried Yet

Spring break will be here before you know it, and booking a trip in advance will not only afford you the best rates and availability but also, you’ll have something to look forward to as you make your way through the chilly winter months. From beach vacations to urban escapes to mountain top romps in the sunshine, I’ve got you covered. Read on for vacation inspiration as well as for trends in travel for the new year, published in Red Tricycle.

Free Admission! (& 13 Other Reasons to Visit Field Museum)

I know I'm preaching to the choir when I say that Chicago's Field Museum is one of the best in the world, but read this anyway if you're convinced otherwise, published in Red Tricycle.

Unique Holiday Gifts for Every Type of Mom

Read on for my top pics for the cerebral mom, the eco-friendly mom, and more. And if you see something on this list that you’re hoping will end up under the tree for you, well, just go ahead and “accidentally” leave your laptop open or print off this article and stick it to the fridge. When it comes to #momlife, who cares about subtlety anyway? (Published in SheKnows.)

Hit the Slopes! From the Windy City to Wilmot Mountain

Chicago’s terrain is flat as far as the eye can see, making it tricky to make use of that ski gear collecting dust in the basement. But, in a little over an hour, you can hit mountainous slopes, with your family in tow, at one of the area’s best ski destinations. Read on to plan your winter family-friendly romp in the snow at Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin, published in Red Tricycle.

An Insider’s Guide to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Chicago lights up around the holidays with festivals, parades, and deals on dining and hotel stays. Check out my latest for Red Tricycle.

The Best Winter Getaways for Families

The coolest season of the year offers many opportunities for family trips, including holiday getaways, snowy mountain escapes, and city breaks. I've included some awesome experiences in this story for traveling families, published in TripSavvy.

18 Christmas Getaways With Kids

Global destinations, but mostly American ones, are included in this story for TripSavvy on the best holiday getaways.

The Top 15 Things to Do With Kids in Tokyo

From robots that entertain you while you eat, to stunning natural temple-laden gardens, to Taiko drumming masters that will teach you their moves, this vibrant city offers adventures for nature and animal lovers, tech savvy enthusiasts, fish foodies, and culture seekers. (Published in TripSavvy)

Thanksgiving Weekend Getaway Ideas and Deals

Here are fantastic places where you can enjoy a change of pace and still have turkey and all the trimmings, published in TripSavvy.

Where to Take the Kids in November

The end of the autumn shoulder season brings lower prices in many destinations, only to be interrupted by Thanksgiving kicking off the holiday season. Before things get hectic during the December holidays, consider taking a family trip this month. Whether it's a theme park, a stay at a resort or just a day trip from home to a corn maze, there are some ways to make memories with your children on a November trip, published in TripSavvy.

Where to Take the Kids in October

October is a great time to travel with kids in tow. Fall-themed happenings, thinned out crowds and a chill in the air make this season magical. Here are a few picks for shoulder season fun, published in TripSavvy.

The Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Venice

It is not hard to entertain kids in Venice, a pedestrian-friendly city full of winding canals, multi-hued architecture, curved walking bridges and church domes. Everything feels enchanted and a bit topsy-turvy, where the streets are water, cars are traded for boats and high tide washes over the squares. This eccentric city will captivate your children with its gondola rides, colorful artisan shops, palaces, piazzas and gelato. Read my story, published in TripSavvy, for the top things to do with kids in Venice.

The Best Lesson I Can Teach My Kids is That I’m a Whole Person Without Them

Showing our little ones that we have our own curiosities, our own lives outside of parenting, teaches them that they should go after their own hungers as well, and grow into independent and strong passion-seeking adults. Read my story, published in SheKnows.

The Top 10 Things to Do in Cancun With Kids

The last time I was in Quintana Roo, I swam with whale sharks. Here's my story, published in TripSavvy, on things to do there with kids.

The Top Dog-Friendly Places in the US

Coast to coast and destinations in between—here are my picks for the best dog-friendly cities in the country—published in TripSavvy.

The Best Fall Getaways for Families

A story I worked on for TripSavvy, about the best fall family-friendly getaways—harvest festivals, fairs, corn mazes, pumpkins, and the aurora borealis.

Where to Take the Kids in September

As the unofficial end to summer, Labor Day weekend falls after many kids have already returned to school and yet it offers one last opportunity to end the season on a high note. These destinations make fabulous getaways for families in late summer and early fall. Check out this story I worked on for TripSavvy.

15 Epic Fall Foliage Drives with Kids

Hey, leaf peepers—or folks that maybe want to drive through states they've yet to visit. Check out this story I worked on about fall foliage drives across America, published in TripSavvy.

The 15 Best Things to Do in Madrid with Kids

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a bustling metropolis with well over three million residents. Visitors who travel here enjoy manicured boulevards, world-famous European art museums, sporting events and a warm Mediterranean climate. And, of course, there is plenty to do — and eat — here for families. In fact, you'll likely see children running around all over the city, at all hours, especially in the summer months. Read my list below, published in TripSavvy, for the best things to do with kids in this beautiful city.

Labor Day Weekend Getaways for Families

There are 21 travel deals for Labor Day weekend in this story I worked on for TripSavvy—from California to Florida and everywhere in between.

18 Trips to Take Before Your Kids Turn 18

When you reminisce about your happiest childhood memories, you probably recall the time you spent with your family — the camping trips, the new cities or countries you explored, the animal encounters, the beaches and lakes you swam in, and the people you met along the way.

Traveling together gives us wonderful opportunities to engage with each other and bond over new experiences. Plus, you’ll have plenty of great photographs to spark storytelling, even after your children leave the nest.

For inspiration, here are 18 places to visit — near and far — before your child turns 18, published in Make it Better magazine. This travel story, which includes my photographs, was super fun to write!

5 Life-Changing Family Vacations to Take With Your Kids Now

Life, as all parents know and feel, moves fast. Too fast. How many mothers and fathers have exclaimed, “They grow up so quickly!”? Yes, it’s cliché but true: The days are long but the years are short. One way to really make the most of the free time we have with our family is to unplug from the digital universe, leave the hustle and hubbub in our dust, and go on an intrepid adventure. Travel helps us bond with our family in a way that proves difficult when bogged down by day-to-day life, full of to-do lists, careers, school, and activities. When out exploring, away from our normal lives, we create memories, we learn about other cultures and ways of life, and we enjoy simply being together. For some travel inspiration, check out these global destinations, chosen by families who decided it was high time for their next great adventure. Here’s my published story in Make it Better magazine.

The Hottest Summer Travel Deals to Book Now

Wanderlust usually strikes when the sun comes out, and if you haven’t planned a summer vacation yet, don’t worry, you still have time. I've rounded up the best travel deals, at the hottest locations, to ensure that you’ll save a penny or two while romping around with your family in tow. Shave off some of the costly expenses, as well as find useful travel tricks and tips so you can enjoy quality time with your brood—all without the usual planning stress. Read my story, published in Red Tricycle for more intel.

20 Relaxing Family Beach Vacations (We Swear!)

Why wait in line at a busy theme park when a family beach vacation serves up heaping helpings of fresh air, relaxation and plenty to explore? We’ve rounded up our favorite beaches for low-key summer fun. From building a sand castle to family surfing lessons, these spots are sure to please. Read on to check out all the beaches that should be on your (sand) bucket list this summer. (Story in Red Tricycle.)

Suburbs to Sea: Evanston Family’s 19-Month Sailing Adventure Across the Atlantic

When Karla Koziura’s husband, Sebastian, brought up the idea of spending a year and a half at sea and crossing the Atlantic with their family, she had to think long and hard about how that would work. The Evanston family would be leaving behind their life, their jobs and their friends. Their kids, Benjie, age 4, and Sofia, age 7, would be pulled out of school and put in a new, completely foreign environment. The Koziura family harnessed their grit and gumption to make this decision: Fear of the unknown is not a good enough reason to say no to a dream. Read more in my story for Make it Better magazine.

Splurge Vacations Worth Every Penny

If you find yourself counting how many summers you have left with your kids before they leave the nest, perhaps it’s time to think big and plan a trip that usurps all other vacations. The time you’ll spend together exploring the planet will create memories sure to be the subject of conversation around the dinner table well into the future. I've rounded up some of the most amazing experiences, published in Red Tricycle, that are worth every penny—splurge vacations that will give you a return on investment in spades. Go big or go home, right?

Great Travel Destinations for Kids…But, Mostly Aimed at Parents

In this travel piece for TripSavvy, I included some of my favorite destinations that I've visited—all of which would be fun family locales (but, like, fun for adults too): London; Indiana Dunes National Park (the newest in the NPS); Nashville; Sonoma; Whitefish, Montana; Tuscany; Disney World and more.

Budget-Friendly Vacations Everyone Will Love

Travel isn't always super accessible for families, it certainly wasn't for mine growing up, and sometimes it takes a little ingenuity and chutzpah to have the experiences we want. I've rounded up some budget-friendly destinations, spread out all across the nation, that offer big-time adventures, published in Red Tricycle.

An Overnight at a Pineapple House?

Check out these unique rooms—caves, robot-themed, tree houses, space designs, igloos, Lego buildings—in a story published in Red Tricycle (plus my photograph of my sweet middle boy).

Opt Outside…Like, Right Now

I'm really happy with this story. Mostly because I love writing about nature and the importance of spending time with trees, but also because the words came effortlessly—breakneck, chop chop—as if my brain had cracked open and all of my passion and love just oozed onto the page.

I'm thankful to be a part of the award-winning SheKnows SHE Media family, because women's stories are being told in such dynamic and accessible ways.

So, here it is, my story for SheKnows on dropping the Fortnite controller, unplugging from the Matrix, and getting outside IRL.

Family-Friendly Getaways, Across the U.S.

Here are some ideas (plus a couple of my photographs) for family-friendly travel over Memorial Day weekend, across America: Vermont, California, Florida, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, Mississippi, and Georgia, published in TripSavvy.

Awesome Global Travel to Plan Now

D'ya need some wanderlust inspo? Check out my story on international destinations that are great getaways for families, published in Red Tricycle. (Florida, Turks & Caicos, Captiva, Grand Canyon National Park, Denver, Panama, Dominican Republic, Italy, St. Louis, Hawaii, Tennessee, California, Wisconsin, Arizona, Colorado, Great Exuma)

Visit These Beach Towns in the Off-Season

Summers at the beach are, of course, loads of fun for families, but spring offers a whole different experience. Many beach towns have local festivals, more affordable accommodations, and that same gorgeous view without all of the fair-weather beachgoer fans. Check out my list of beach vacations you’ll want to take before the crowds show up, published in Red Tricycle. (SLO CAL, Door County, St. Pete Beach, Massachusetts, Oregon, Maine, South Carolina, Mexico, Virginia)

Warmer-Weather Travel for Families

I've been flying through the work week at such a clip that I completely forgot to share this travel story I wrote for Red Tricycle, published just after the holidays. D'ya need some spring break travel ideas? What about: Turks & Caicos, Captiva and Sanibel Islands, Arizona, Denver, Panama City, Dominican Republic, Tuscany, St. Louis, Hawaii, Tennessee, California, Wisconsin Dells or Florida?