Eco-Tourism Archives - My Family Travels
Practicing Tai Chi on the shores of Breakneck Lake in Harriman State Park.
Article
10 Reasons To Love Appalachian Mountain Club Outdoors Adventures

We know the Appalachian Mountain Club, one of the country’s original conservation groups, changes lives. It happened to me, just days after an email landed in my inbox like a...

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Parents and kids are scrambling over rocks on summer hike in Vail Valley.
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13 Reasons to Try a Top Value Mountain Resort in Summer

Ski mountain resorts offer great summer values at rental condos, which also make a cozy home away from home. Just select your destination resort carefully.

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Hikers approach the blue ice Matanuska Glacier to explore its crevasses and caverns.
Article
10 Best Winter Activities in Alaska

From November to April, unique winter activities in Alaska make America’s 49th state one of its most desirable adventure destinations. Dying to see the Northern Lights? You may....

Read More    7 min read

New, posh glamping tents are weatherproof and well furnished for outdoor living.
Article
How Luxury Glamping Tents Redefine Outdoor Experiences

Camping has long been associated with simplicity, rugged living, and a direct connection to nature. However, the evolution of outdoor travel has brought a new level of comfort...

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Florida is ideal for budget summer getaways because there is water everywhere. Photo c. Denys Kostyuchenko for unsplash.
Article
Weekend Wanderlust: Florida Mini Adventures That Don’t Require A Passport

Many Florida residents are choosing to explore their own backyard. It makes sense. Planning a vacation that involves long flights and complicated bookings is not always possible....

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woman at laptop computer
Article
14 Travel Hacks You May Not Know For Planning A Bucket List Adventure

Make Bucket List dreams come true, and affordably, by using a few of my favorite travel hacks. Current research and a lifetime of travel experience taught me some new tricks to...

Read More    7 min read

Aerial view from the summit of Titov Island overlooking the many cruise ships at Halong Bay, Vietnam.
Article
A Luxury Halong Bay Cruise In Vietnam

We all like a bargain, but sometimes saving money on a cheap excursion can backfire, and end in tragedy as this

Read More    7 min read

The Sandpearl resort boasts a lagoon pool right along the beautiful white sand beach of Clearwater, Florida.
Article
Favorite Clearwater Beach Family Resorts

Clearwater Beach, Florida is so popular that you need to book ahead to guarantee the best Clearwater Beach family resort for your needs. Many factors make our pick of the top resorts...

Read More    8 min read

Busy dad is rading and his girls playing in the aisle of an airplane.
Article
Shoes Off? Shoes On! The Latest Air Travel Tips To Ease Family Vacation Hassles

The Dept. of Homeland Security just announced the end of their shoes-off mandate, proclaiming the new policy will increase hospitality for travelers. Really? Given the...

Read More    6 min read

Dusk falls over beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Article
Explore Cheapest National Parks – Save Big on Adventures!

Save money by exploring America outdoors on a cheap national parks vacation with our eight budget-saving trip planning tips.

Read More    7 min read

Family at airport security
Article
Required Documents And Travel Consent Letters For Travel With Minors

Whether you’re married and leaving a spouse behind to work; grandparents taking grandchildren on vacation; same sex couples with adopted children -- even a military family trying...

Read More    8 min read

Stylish Thai resorts are tucked into the lush tropical jungles of Phuket.
Article
Top 7 Phuket Resorts with Kids Clubs That Are Worth Every Baht

Traveling with kids can be at once a delight and a logistical challenge, but Phuket, Thailand makes it effortless. When you're

Read More    4 min read

Boy and girl spalsh in the water off of the Nantucket beach. Photo by Garrett Patz for unsplash.
Article
51 Summer Trip Ideas – Plan Your Perfect Family Vacation

It’s time for our annual roundup of the 51 best family summer trip ideas! Wave goodbye to work and school stress, and forget about travel hiccups or economic woes. Right now,...

Read More    44 min read

Teen Travel Trends Report cover from 2015.
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Teen Travel Trends: A Look At Where And Why Teens Travel

Thank you for your interest in "Family Travel Forum Reports: Teen and Student Travel Trends." We have collected a lot of anonymized data on where teens travel and why they go....

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Grandfather and grandson play with ducks in Pittsford, NY town park.
Article
At 200, An Erie Canal Cruise Is A Bucket List Adventure

Discover the magic of a New York canal cruise on the iconic Erie Canal. Slow travel back to 1817, when construction began on...

Read More    7 min read

Groupd doing a tour on Segways at the Palm Beach marina in Florida.
Article
Road Trip USA: Florida Beach Road Trip Along US1 From Jacksonville To Key West

Welcome to Routes 1 and A1A, the twin coastal roads along the Atlantic coast between Jacksonville and Key West that form the greatest Florida beach road trip.

Read More    15 min read

RVs in campground with kids on bikes.
Article
Resources For Family Camping Vacations

An enthusiastic camper, let me share some resources for family camping vacations to help in planning your next big U.S. camping trip. My tips should help whether you prefer a tent,...

Read More    6 min read

The busy beach scene and multistory hotels of Aruba's Palm Beach.
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Traveling to Aruba Checklist – The Best Vacation Ever!

Ensure a safe and enjoyable Aruba family vacation or remote work break with our Traveling to Aruba Checklist. This southern Caribbean island prioritizes safety and...

Read More    10 min read

Boy wearing a surfer's rasher to guard against the sun at the beach.
Article
Fashionable Sun Protection Clothing

Protect yourself and your kids with sun protection clothes, hats, sunglasses, and other products that are effectively UV resistant and stylish. Increased awareness of the power...

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White Temple in Chiang Rai. c. josch for pixabay.
Article
Northern Thailand’s New Sights and Tastes

The best vacation I have ever had was when I went to Thailand when I was 11 years old.  My mom had to write an article about Northern Thailand so I got to go with her.

Read More    3 min read

woman at laptop computer
Article
Best Sites for Vacation Packages – Top Travel Deals

We are often asked how to save money with vacation deals, so we are sharing our favorite sites for discount travel booking. As a network of frequent traveling parents, we do a...

Read More    8 min read

Parents and children in a step or blended family smile at camera.
Article
5 Kid-Friendly Locations for a Perfect Europe Family Vacation

Wondering where the locals go for an affordable yet memorable Europe family vacation? To save time and money, we know it's worth planning a trip to a place that's popular with...

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Canoes offshore leave for Cozumel.
Article
Paddling to Cozumel: Sacred Mayan Journey

The spiritual traditions behind the Sacred Mayan Journey (Travesía Sagrada Maya), a canoe trip to Cozumel, have put this Mexico adventure on many bucket...

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Girl sitting on float on the sand squirts sunblock from a bottle. Photo c. campus for pixels.
Article
Best Spring Break Vacation Ideas

There's still snow and plenty of sun, so get out and choose your best spring break idea from one of our many affordable family vacation deals for 2025.

Read More    18 min read

Make wellness vacations in the great outdoors easy with a comfortable glamping option at the Grand Canyon. Photo c. Backland Luxury Camping
Article
Relax, Recharge, Reconnect: Fun Wellness Vacations For A Healthy Spring Break

Spring Break 2025 is shaping up to be a time for more than just escaping the classroom. It's an opportunity to prioritize family wellness vacations and create healthy habits that...

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Sunrise, before the crowds hit the beach, is a wonderful time to explore. Photo c. pexels
Article
U.S. Virgin Islands – Choosing the Perfect Island for Your Vacation

No passport? No problem with our family's reviews of the U.S. Virgin Islands to help you decide which of America's Caribbean isles is right for your family beach vacation.

Read More    9 min read

Aerial view of the Coral World Ocean Park Underwater Observatory on St. Thomas. Photo c. Coral World
Article
St. Thomas, Family Adventures In The U.S. Virgin Islands

Kayak, snorkel, "snuba" and more with the family on the beautiful beaches of St.Thomas. It's one of the most popular of the U.S. Virgin Islands because there's so much going for...

Read More    5 min read

Kayak and canoe launch by the side of a river with kayaker in the background.
Article
Explore Vermont Camping On Lake Champlain

Sleep under the stars with close friends and family at a Lake Champlain camp when exploring Vermont. I've been there so I know the Lake Champlain Islands guarantee the summer's...

Read More    8 min read

Hikers walking past olive trees and grapevines approach a Spanish village along the Camino. Photo by B. Meyendriesch for pexels
Article
A Family Adventure On The Camino de Santiago: How To Make It Fun And Safe For Kids

The Camino de Santiago is much more than just a tourist journey or a pilgrimage route; it is a life-changing experience that can bring families together in a unique and unforgettable...

Read More    4 min read

The undersea world is so magical. Watch fish swim by as a ray hangs out in the sand off Grand Cayman Island. Photo c. Ashley Spencer.
Article
How To Travel With Teens And Keep Everyone Happy: Top Tips

“Honey, when you take the kids, it’s not a real vacation, it’s just a change of venue.” Aunt Ruby’s wise observation...

Read More    8 min read

Mother and son at water's edge in Capetown, wearing sun protection clothes and hats.
Article
Exploring Nature’s Impact on Children’s Mental Health

Exploring nature often sparks joy and wonder. For children's mental health, however, its effects go much deeper. It fosters emotional balance and mental well-being in ways research...

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Devenish Island ruins in Ireland - Photo Credit Nicky Omohundro
Article
Exploring Ireland With Family, From The Wild Atlantic Way To Dublin

The winding road beckons and the scent of adventure hangs in the air as you explore Ireland with family. Taking generations to the Emerald Isle is sure to be an unforgettable experience,...

Read More    12 min read

Cruise ships docked at Caribbean port
Article
15 Family Cruises With Kids: Setting Sail for Unforgettable Adventures

Ready to say Bon Voyage? It’s time for our annual cruise with kids directory. Plan now because AAA projects 19 million Americans will go on ocean cruises this year, a 4.5% increase...

Read More    18 min read

Girl on a zip line canopy tour in Mexico
Article
Wild Side of Riviera Nayarit: Adventures Await

From the hip resort of Sayulita to the jungles of the Sierra Madres in Mexico's Riviera Nayarit, adventures in nature appeal to everyone in the family, whatever their fitness level.

Read More    8 min read

Some splurge suites at Grand Residences Cancun Resort have private plunge pools that overlook the Caribbean Sea.
Article
Grand Suites Make Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Resort a Reunion Destination

The family that collapsed at the Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Resort table next to me must have just arrived. First, they pulled off their traveling shoes and wiggled their...

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Romantic beachfront dinner by candlelight at Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Baja California. Photo c. Dino Gomez for Las Ventanas al Paraiso.
Article
6 Romantic Getaways for Valentine’s Day: Reconnect and Rekindle Your Love

Planning romantic getaways for Valentine’s Day -- or any time -- can be surprisingly stressful because there are so many options. Ask yourself:

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Bus brings skiers and snowboarders to the slopes in Park City, Utah. Photo c. Visit Park City.
Article
12 Favorite Family Winter Getaways And Travel Deals

Sun or snow or stay close for your family winter getaways? Maybe your winter escape is that long-delayed trip to Orlando. Perhaps it's a cruise with extended family or experiencing...

Read More    14 min read

Couple with car dealer to buy a used fuel efficient car. Photo by Shkrabaanthony for pexels.
Article
Top Used Fuel Efficient Cars: Save Money on Gas Without Sacrificing Comfort

Finding a car that's easy on your wallet and the environment is important. Used fuel efficient cars help you save money on gas while staying comfortable. These cars use smart technology...

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Hurtigruten's Sea Zero Project concept ship plans to use retractable sails, solar power, and energy efficiency to sail emission-free by 2030. Rendering c. Vard
Article
Sustainable Cruise Travel Now First Port Of Call

As the travel industry attempts to reduce its environmental impact, sustainable cruise travel has become a priority for cruise companies. A May 2023

Read More    7 min read

Two men rolling logs at Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Show in Pigeon Forge. Photo c. Pigeon Forge Dept of Tourism.
Article
Pigeon Forge Travel Tips For The First Time Visitor

If it's your first visit to this part of Tennessee, pack our Pigeon Forge travel tips to conquer this destination easily. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike have discovered...

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The turrets and castle architecture of the former Convent of the Sisters of Saint Mary, now the Abbey Inn & Spa in Peekskill, New York.
Article
16 Hudson Valley Family Attractions You Didn’t Know Were in Westchester

Picture Hudson Valley attractions of the 1600s: Grand schooners sailing the swift currents and Canadian fur trappers paddling the river. Times have changed, but intrepid families...

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A slideout RV expands on the sides to provide plenty of family sleeping room on a bucket list to Las Vegas. Photo c. RVIA
Article
2025 Travel Trends Shape Better Family Vacations

Plan for better family vacations in the year ahead as 2025 travel trends influence mainstream family holidays. The 2025 travel...

Read More    5 min read

Oxfam aid worker supplies water to child
Article
Give Back Gifts that Give Back and Help Others

Tis the season for gratitude, and we're grateful for the give back gifts that offer sustainable options to help others, support good causes and let us skip long lines.

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Glass holiday ornaments that commemorate an adventure are an ideal gift for frequent travelers.
Article
Best Gifts For Frequent Flyers

Our annual holiday travel gift guide for frequent flyers is back in time for the gifting season. With many two-week long

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Sandos all-inclusive resorts in Mexico are offering great family vacation travel deals for Travel Tuesday. Photo c. Hotels.com
Article
Big Family Vacation Travel Deals On Travel Tuesday 2024

Travel Tuesday is coming (Dec. 3, 2024), offering some of the best family vacation travel deals of the year. Some deals will be available longer; others (typically from airlines)...

Read More    7 min read

You may spost black bear cubs in winter at Shenandoah National Park. Photo c. NPS
Article
Explore Shenandoah National Park – Hiking, Views, & Family Fun

If you're looking for oustanding hiking and biking, we recommend Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, a lesser-visited...

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Icebergs float in a lagoon in Iceland
Article
Exploring Iceland’s South Coast On A Family Road Trip

There’s no better way to appreciate the rugged beauty of nature than a family road trip, especially along Iceland's south coast, one of the world’s most geologically diverse...

Read More    6 min read

Looking North and East from the West Rim of Grand Canyon West.
Article
Winter at the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon West

Lean into winter at the Grand Canyon, both the spectacular National Park and the fascinating Grand Canyon West. Winter is our family’s favorite season but winter travel is often...

Read More    9 min read

Journey to the center of the earth at Luray Caverns Photo: luraycaverns.com
Article
The Throwback Charms Of A Big Shenandoah Valley Roadtrip

A Shenandoah Valley road trip combines small town Americana charm, natural wonders and a multitude of attractions that are tailor-made for kids -- even those with disabilities....

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Family and dog pose in front of sign for Glacier National Park, Montana.
Article
The Truth About Working Remote In Our Camper For A Year

It’s late spring, my daughter takes her last steps out of preschool, and we prepare for a future of working remote in our camper. We pack up only the necessities, throw everything...

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