Step & Single Parents 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.

Read More    4 min read

Hikers approach the blue ice Matanuska Glacier to explore its crevasses and caverns.
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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

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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LEGO Driving School awards all graduates a driver's license.
Article
Welcome LEGOLAND New York To The Catskills

LEGOLAND New York is a playful version of the plastic brick theme park that successfully reflects its urban locale. Our family, like many in the tri-state area, is glad it chose...

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Florida is ideal for budget summer getaways because there is water everywhere. Photo c. Denys Kostyuchenko for unsplash.
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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 teaches baby how to swim in indoor pool.
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How To Teach Babies And Toddlers To Swim

As parents, we want to know how to teach our babies to swim because the desire to see, feel or hear water is universal. People from all walks of life seek its soothing yet refreshing...

Read More    7 min read

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.
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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

Empty gold sand beach with a row of sunchairs under umbrellas along the Caribbean coast of Mexico.
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All Inclusive Resort Tips For Families: What’s Really Included And Why It Matters

All inclusive resorts are a popular choice for families because they promise to take the hassle out of vacation planning. What do all inclusive resorts offer? They offer convenience...

Read More    5 min read

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...

Read More    6 min read

Woman holds up papers being notarized. Photo c. Andrea Piacuadio via pexels
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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
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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.
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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

Aerial view of long security lines at Jeppesen Terminal at Denver International Airport.
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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...

Read More    5 min read

Groupd doing a tour on Segways at the Palm Beach marina in Florida.
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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.
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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

Parent supervising a young girl on the beach as she walks towards the water at dusk.
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Spring Break Water Safety Tips for Kids and Families

Families are heading to beaches, pools and lakes this holiday, so it’s a good time to remind everyone of essential water safety tips for families. According to 

Read More    3 min read

White Temple in Chiang Rai. c. josch for pixabay.
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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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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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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...

Read More    8 min read

Family group enjoying the outdoor firepit and s'mores at the RumFish Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Photo c. Tradewinds Resorts
Article
Family Reunion Planning: 6 Steps to Stress-Free Success

Are you in charge of doing the family reunion planning this year? If so, here's my in-depth guide to get you started. With...

Read More    7 min read

Make wellness vacations in the great outdoors easy with a comfortable glamping option at the Grand Canyon. Photo c. Backland Luxury Camping
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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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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

Cruise ships docked at Caribbean port
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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

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

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
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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

Vintage photo of guests enjoying the Tiki Bar on the sand outside the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. Photo c. Hilton
Article
3 Great Florida Beach Towns to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

A family vacation for a Florida New Year's can be a low-cost, beachside adventure. Enjoy hiking, biking and plenty of outdoor attractions by day and join holiday festivities at...

Read More    6 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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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...

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Road trip snacks are essential car trip accessories. Photo c. Ladislav Sturcell for unsplash.
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50 Tips For Road Trips

Here's our top 50 tried n' true road trip tips, culled from families who've logged enough car miles to circumnavigate the globe. 

Read More    6 min read

Light saber lessons with a training remote at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World.
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Time Travel Aboard Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser

Editor's Note: We are sad to say that Walt Disney World's Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser space resort closed in September 2023. The...

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Kids making funny faces while grandpa drives the car on a fall road trip.
Article
Favorite Car Games For The Backseat

Kids can become pretty restless while cooped up in the backseat, but our favorite family car games are guaranteed to prevent that. Trust us, they've been road-tested on I-95 North...

Read More    5 min read

Teens love apples too.
Article
Massachusetts Apple Farms – U-Pick ‘Em And Enjoy

Massachusetts apple farms are the ideal destination if you're looking for a bargain staycation. Make it u-pick fruit farm daytrip or plan a weekend at a family...

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Charlie Brown and Snoopie ride the historic East Broad Top Railway to find a Halloween pumpkin. Photo c. Matthew Malkiewicz for East Broad Railroad Foundation
Article
24 Fabulous Fall Getaways For 2024

Fall is a fabulous time to get away without busting the budget, whether you want to take the kids apple picking and leaf peeping, head to a festival, or revel in your first trip...

Read More    34 min read

The Temple of Amun at ancient Thebes (near Luxor) is enormous.
Article
Perfect Egypt Itinerary For 4 Or More Days Of Family Adventure

Here are some ideas for a perfect Egypt itinerary that provides four to 10 nights of family adventure. I will help you take advantage of every minute to get to know this fascinating...

Read More    14 min read

The new Amazing Family! activity program is organized by GOs so that all ages in your group can have together. Photo c. Club Med
Article
Discover The Flip Side Of Cancun At Club Med

I didn’t think the words remote and Cancun could be in the same sentence, but the Club Med Cancun Yucatan is...

Read More    5 min read

chlldren's play group
Article
Traveling With A Caregiver? Tips For Negotiating The Road With Mary Poppins

Need some help to negotiate a deal when traveling with a caregiver? If you're not sure how to arrange for your family's own Mary Poppins, read on for helpful advice.

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Aerial view of the waterfront pool at Viva Fortuna Beach. Photo c. Viva Wyndham
Article
Viva Fortuna Beach By Wyndham, Grand Bahama Island

The Viva Fortuna Beach By Wyndham is a top value Bahamas all-inclusive that boasts non-stop activities, dining and a friendly staff. In my book, that's everything you need to make...

Read More    7 min read

apple cluster
Article
Washington Apple Pick: Your Guide to Fruitful Adventures

The late summer and early fall is apple picking time at the Washington apple orchards and u-pick farms and pumpkin patches surrounding the city...

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Aerial view of woman walking on pristine white sand beach in Miches, Dominican Republic. Photo c. Viva Miches by Wyndham
Article
What Makes All-Inclusive Viva Resorts By Wyndham A Good Deal

Viva Resorts by Wyndham is a chain of tropical all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean where value and fun are guaranteed. We have long praised this chain because their...

Read More    7 min read

Huttopia Adirondacks bistro has snacks for all ages who enjoy hanging out in the central lodge.
Article
Glamping In Lake George NY At Huttopia Adirondacks

For an all natural family vacation, look to upstate New York and Huttopia Adirondacks. It is one of a new breed of glamping resorts outside Lake George – just...

Read More    6 min read

Road trip snacks are essential car trip accessories. Photo c. Ladislav Sturcell for unsplash.
Article
Car Trip Essentials And Survival Kit

We polled staff and site visitors to compile a list of the top 30 car trip essentials. Let's dive into the health, safety, and entertainment items guaranteed to keep road trip...

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Boy enjoying being splashed with water at the splash zone pool at the Moon Palace Resort. Photo c. Palace Resorts
Article
All-Inclusive Moon Palace Resort, Cancun

What we love about the all-inclusive Moon Palace Resort in Cancun is its ability to meet our vacation needs no matter what they are or how they change.

Read More    6 min read

What Jesus billboard in Colby, Kansas.
Article
Driving Kansas I-70, The Essential Road Stops

Driving Kansas I-70 is worth more in memories than 500 miles of 18-wheelers and corn fields. There are small towns with huge scale artworks, 50s cinemas, arts festivals, military...

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Mom and two kids float along the lazy river at Hilton Lake Buena Vista Palace in Orlando.
Article
Disney Springs Hotels Discount Orlando Rates

Many families don't realize that Disney Springs hotels offer discount Orlando room rates for every vacation period. This summer, they also feature free evening entertainment with...

Read More    5 min read

Aircraft in flight.
Article
Stress Free Flying With Baby: 8 Must-Know Tips For Infant And Toddler Air Travel

Our flying with baby tips will protect baby's health in-flight, as well as the sanity of other passengers (and your own!) Discover answers to the 8 most common air travel with...

Read More    7 min read

Canoeing on the beautiful freshwater lake at Camp Getaway.
Article
Connecticut Yankees At The Club Getaway Family Camp

If your family needs a sleepaway break from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Connecticut's Club Getaway family camp may be what you're looking for. Club Getaway is best...

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The famous mermaid sculpture in Fundadores Park greets visitors to the beach of Playa del Carmen, on Mexico's Riviera Maya. Photo by Reiez for pexels.
Article
Living The Resort Life Along The Mexican Coast

It's time to plan summer vacations. Have you thought about the Mexican coast? Discover what the Mexican coastlines are famous for, since they have a great number of alternative...

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