Relaxing in 361 Days of Sunshine at Sirata Beach Resort
"You picked a fantastic weekend to come down, though there's really no bad time around here," our driver told us on the way from the Tampa Airport to St. Petersburg's family-friendly Sirata Beach Resort. "We get an average of 361 days of sunshine a year." I looked outside and squinted up at the brilliant sun, certain I must have misunderstood him. "No place has that much sunshine," I thought...
Read More 7 min read
51 Great Family Summer Vacation Ideas
Two-thirds of leisure travelers plan to take vacations this summer, according to AAA Travel, with good reason. Summer is the traditional time for families to reconnect. Parents and grandparents strive to recreate favorite childhood memories and make new ones together with the youngest generation. Each year, we present 51 great summer vacation ideas in collaboration with our partners at
Read More 23 min read
All Aboard For A Nebraska Road Trip
If you’ve never done a Nebraska road trip, get ready for a hearty heartland welcome to a state chock-full of train lore and pioneer history. Add reasonable prices and cordial locals to the Nebraska mix and you’ve got a winning combination for a family vacation. Start your Nebraska road trip in Omaha, the state’s largest...
Read More 4 min read
Disney Springs Discount Orlando Rates
It's about time to finally take the family to Walt Disney World, and booking one of the seven value Disney Springs Hotels lets you take advantage of specials for stays almost all year long. Bargain watchers take note: these hotels (in the commercial area formerly known as Downtown Disney) are closest to the parks without being Disney managed, offer free shuttles every 30 minutes so...
Read More 4 min read
How To Volunteer On Vacation
Choosing a volunteer vacation when so many have entered mainstream travel options can be a daunting task, especially for families and teens. It's truly an opportunity to see the world, enrich lives, serve others and, for students, even give their college resumes a boost. Here are some tips to help families select an appropriate volunteer vacation, then make the most of...
Read More 3 min read
This Summer Will Save The Universe For Star Wars Fans
Start the countdown to May 31 if you’re headed to California, or August 29 if Florida is a stopover on the way to a galaxy far, far away. In a surprise announcement at The Walt Disney Company shareholders meeting March 7, 2019, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products revealed the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening dates. Rey, Finn, BB-8 & Friends Land at Disney Both...
Read More 3 min read
11 Driving Tips for Easier Road Trips
Family roadtrips, whether over busy holidays like spring break, the height of summer or for end-of-year festivities, can be made easier with preparation and these handy road trip tips. When it comes to travel, if things can go wrong, they usually do. Do we agree that few things spoil a pleasant journey like car trouble, major congestion, unexpected toll roads or needless fines? What about...
Read More 4 min read
50 Cosmic Ways To Celebrate Space
July 20, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing when Commander Neil Armstrong took his “first step for man, giant leap for mankind.” It was a huge achievement for 1969 – meeting President Kennedy’s deadline to reach the moon and besting the Russians – and an upnote in a country roiled by political assassinations, anti-war protests, the Hippie movement and changing values. The...
Read More 10 min read
Our Favorite Vacation Deals and Booking Sites
We are often asked how to save money planning a vacation, so we are sharing our favorite sites for discount travel booking. We really do use them all. You can click on any of these site ads, search for your needs and pay for your bookings through them, knowing they are trustworthy. Through our affiliate relationship with them, we will get a small commission payment. Our commission doesn't...
Read More 2 min read
Traveling With Grandparents And Kids
If you're planning a multigenerational vacations, follow my tips on pleasing everyone -- of all ages -- participating in your family vacation, with tips on keeping them safe and healthy, too. Look around popular resorts these days and you're likely to spot...
Read More 2 min read