Each time I step foot into a new city, I realize how much my high school history lessons have faded into the dark recesses of my memory. I noticed this recently while in St. Augustine, Florida, reading the informational signs at the historic Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. The fort was one of several…
In 2025, we had the chance to ride along a mountain road on an e-bicycle in Northern Italy, the wind in our face and a view of a beautiful Italian lake tucked into the mountain scenery laid out before us. This amazing 3-hour bike tour was one of the memorable activities during our Northern Italy…
The official first day of summer will be here soon, and if you are planning a vacation, you probably have finalized your plans and are eagerly counting down the days. Upon arrival at your destination, vacation mode can kick in quickly. You start spending money on things you may not normally do at home, like…
Why do you travel? There are so many ways people answer this question—to relax with family and friends, enjoy natural wonders, dive into history and architecture, try traditional foods, and experience the local culture in small towns and big cities. More and more, we find ourselves seeking guided tours to enhance our experience, whether on…
Do you always stay in a hotel when you take a vacation? Certainly the ease of booking, liberal cancellation policies, full amenities, and on-site dining are all great reasons to go this route. Over the years traveling as a family, we’ve had wonderful experiences in hotels of all shapes and sizes, including the Grand…
Spring is officially here, and it’s the time of year when many of us are ready to jump in the car for a short road trip or weekend adventure a few hours from home. Those of us with four-legged family members have another question to consider—should I take my dog on a road…
Welcome 2021! Like so many, we are yearning to get out and safely explore after staying at home and distancing for months on end. While there are still many travel restrictions in place at this time, it’s never too early to start planning for a future getaway. As a family, we have found that vacationing…
If the first thought that comes to mind when road trip planning is where to begin, then you are not alone. Over the years, we have taken a number of longer family road trips, along with many shorter ones, and initially the planning was overwhelming. With so many cool places to visit in the USA,…
(Updated May, 2026) A great deal has changed since this post was originally written but one thing hasn’t, and that’s the diversity of destinations around the USA. With the launch of a re-designed familyTravelsUSA website in 2026, I had a chance to reflect on how creating this website has impacted my travel experiences. My initial…
By Guest Author Erin Gifford Are you looking for new ways to save money on your next family vacation? Whether you’re traveling to Walt Disney World or the beach, there are many things you can do to maximize your savings. Here are four smart ways to save on your next family vacation. 1. Find Discounts…