Museums & Culture Archives - My Family Travels
Uniformed marching band parades the grounds at Colonial Williamsburg. Photo c. pixels.
Article
5 Top U.S. Historical Sites That Inspire Kids to Learn Through Travel

Travel introduces children to a world of stories, so they can look beyond books and learn through travel. Some U.S. historical sites make this even more engaging, blending hands-on...

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Waiter carrying three beer steins through Oktoberfest crows. Photo by Motointermedia c. pixabay.
Article
The Real Oktoberfest

Cologne is known for Carnival, Berlin has its Film Festival, and Munich -- where they adopted the beer purity law in 1516 -- may be the epicenter of Oktoberfest....

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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....

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Hello Kitty selfie spot has a magical red high heel for guests. Photo c. Keio Plaza Hotel
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Enjoy A Catnap At Hello Kitty Suites In Japan’s Family Friendly Hotels

Wow your family with a blissful night’s sleep at one of Japan’s stunning Hello Kitty hotel rooms. The...

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Small Sphinx and Egyptian antiquities themed to Kingship are now on display at the Grand Staircase of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Photo c. Ron Bozman/Spring Hill Prods.
Article
A Pharaoh’s Playground: The Grand Egyptian Museum Opens GEM Childrens Museum

If you’re asking when the Grand Egyptian Museum will have its grand opening, you are asking the wrong question. On a recent visit to Egypt, my family toured the stunning GEM,...

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Historic Gideon Putnam Hotel is home to an original hydrotherapy spa. Photo c. Allison Tibaldi
Article
It’s Saratoga For The Win: Family-Friendly Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga Springs NY, which came to prominence as a 19th-century resort, boasts many things to do with kids. If natural mineral springs, horse racing, gambling, and luxury hotels...

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The Hard Rock Hotel has an incredible Gift Shop packed with replica and original rock n'roll memorabilia.
Article
Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel At Universal Orlando Resort

"I love Rock n' Roll" might as well be the refrain at this elegant Orlando outpost of the Hard Rock dining and hotel empire. There's loads of rockstar and kid...

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Mom reads book at beach while 2 toddlers play in sand nearby.
Article
Fuerteventura Family Holidays: Best Areas & Things to Do

Fuerteventura family holidays are big on beach time, with soft sand, shallow waters, and sunshine most of the year. And when you’re ready to explore? There are loads of things...

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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

Liberty Bell, Philadelphia
Article
Best Hotels in Philadelphia for Families: Your Perfect Stay

When you're set to visit Philadelphia, one of America's most historic cities, you need a guide to the best family hotels in each district.

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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

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Busy dad is rading and his girls playing in the aisle of an airplane.
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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...

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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.

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Woman holds up papers being notarized. Photo c. Andrea Piacuadio via pexels
Article
Consent to Travel Letter Forms

Thank you for requesting these Consent to Travel forms. They are the documents required for travel with minors, shared as a service of the Family Travel Forum community.

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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...

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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

Players confront costumed guards in 'Squid Games The Experience', an immersive game in New York.
Article
Summer Blockbuster Stays: Family Entertainment Hotels Where Pop Culture and Fun Collide

Why pay for theme parks when there are hotels with entertainment for families? This summer of budget-watching is the ideal time to discover unique family resorts and hotels with...

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Aerial view of long security lines at Jeppesen Terminal at Denver International Airport.
Article
Global Entry And TSA PreCheck Reduce Airport Hassles

Over the past month, I've been renewing my Global Entry and TSA PreCheck status. With increased immigration scrutiny at all borders, they're more...

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The restored 18th century homes of Elfreth's Alley Philadelphia
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Short Breaks And Weekend Getaways From Philadelphia

Philadelphia families know the big state of Pennsylvania offers many possible weekend getaways. But have you considered the big city life, sand beaches and roller coasters nearby...

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The Victorian style front porch and bright red door of the Virginia Hotel in Cape May, NJ. Photo c. Virginia Hotel
Article
Cape May, New Jersey Attractions Lure Families

Picturesque, Victorian style homes, quiet lanes, and family attractions go hand in hand in Cape May, New Jersey. The beautiful seaside getaway I visited with my...

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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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I Love NY selfie spot at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B
Article
Why LaGuardia Terminal B Is The Future of Airports

LaGuardia Terminal B has showcased the future of airports since the $8 billion renovation which began in 2016. Today, public spaces feed the body and soul. Travelers experience...

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Lightner Museum occupies the former Hotel Alcazar in St. Augustine.
Article
From Fort Mose To The Civil Rights Movement: Tracing Black History In St. Augustine

Look past the Spanish fort, ornate Moorish buildings and main plaza to discover Black history in St. Augustine, Florida. More than 450 years ago, the first Africans in North America...

Read More    13 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

Rearview mirror with a road receding into the distance.
Article
Favorite Resources For Planning Family Road Trips

Planning family road trips is a major undertaking, but long distance driving makes for one of the best value and most rewarding vacations you can do.

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The busy beach scene and multistory hotels of Aruba's Palm Beach.
Article
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...

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Snoopy and family
Article
California Haunted Houses and Halloween Happiness

Discover ghosts, goblins and Halloween costumes along with ghoulishly fun frights at California haunted houses, theme parks and other Halloween venues. Since the fright industry...

Read More    7 min read

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.

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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

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...

Read More    5 min read

baby lying down on white fuzzy blanket
Article
How To Get Your Own US Passport & Start Your Adventure

Your U.S. passport is a travel essential because a U.S. citizen's birth certificate does not suffice to cross borders. That law applies to citizens of any age...

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Skill catching zone at Atlanta's College Football Hall of Fame
Article
Atlanta Georgia Attractions: 12 Top Places to Visit

Atlanta, Georgia attractions will thrill families seeking culture, history, and recreation. As Georgia’s biggest city, there are so many sights you could spend weeks here.

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Young girl dresssedf in pink on a bumpber car. Photo c. Magic Mountain Fun Center.
Article
Columbus Ohio Attractions

The state's capital and largest city, Columbus, Ohio has affordable, entertaining attractions that make family travelers very happy. My family should know, after so many visits...

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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

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

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...

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Tombstone at Harriet Tubman gravesite in Auburn, New York.
Article
Keep Going: Harriet Tubman In The Finger Lakes of Central New York

Celebrate the legendary freedom seeker, suffragist and abolitionist, Harriet Tubman, in the Finger Lakes region. Ms. Tubman called Auburn, on Owasco Lake, her...

Read More    9 min read

Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee
Article
Destinations Where Black Culture And Black Lives Matter

Explore historic attractions, institutions and unexpected sites of Black culture where Black lives matter. These destinations will fuel fascinating conversations about race and...

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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

Facade of Laura Plantation, a historic Creole style Louisiana Plantation. Photo c. Laura Plantation
Article
Best Family Plantation Tours Along Louisiana’s Great River Road

Discover how elegant Old New Orleans differed from the countryside on a Louisiana plantation tour along the Great River Road. Be sure to allow half a day to explore and experience...

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Dominica Carnival women in costumes
Article
Our 18 Favorite Mardi Gras Carnival Celebrations Outside New Orleans

Here are the top 18 places known among party-lovers and Catholics for superb Mardi Gras Carnival celebrations. The Mardi Gras or Carnival is such a popular and...

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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.

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Victory Monument at Yorktown Battlefield, birthplace of America. Photo c. NPS
Article
America’s Birthplace: Exploring the Historic Triangle of Virginia

Virginia's Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown is an energetic, living classroom considered America's birthplace. Visit, and learn all about where the United...

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Quebec City ice skating rink
Article
Carnaval de Quebec: Winter Wonderland Celebration

Carnaval de Quebec, a winter wonderland nestled in Quebec City, offers an unforgettable family adventure at an affordable cost. Explore this annual festival, filled with activities...

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Dig This! guests use heavy construction equipment in a huge Vegas sand box.
Article
Las Vegas, Nevada Attractions

We'll roll the dice on this and guarantee fun on your next Nevada vacation with our Las Vegas, Nevada family attractions guide. Pack our age-appropriate rundown of the best attractions...

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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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Couple hiking with a dog at Batiguitos Lagoon. Photo c. VisitCarlsbad
Article
Active Family Weekends In Carlsbad, California

It's time to discover the southern California city of Carlsbad and its family attractions. Previously known as a gateway to

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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

A 400-pound Peeps chick rings in the new year in Bethlehem, PA.
Article
Celebrate First Night On New Years

Archaeologists believe the Babylonians were the first civilization to celebrate "First Night" or the New Year. They planned an 11-day holiday tied to the vernal (spring) equinox...

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