kyle mccarthy author at My Family Travels
Article
An Orlando Village Gives Kids The World

Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) is an 89-acre, nonprofit resort in Florida that provides a special vacation home for children with life-threatening illnesses...

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Oahu four men on standup paddleboards
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Top Beach Breaks, Places to Surf and Surfing Schools

Looking for the top surfing schools and beach breaks because surfer slang has washed over your conversations? Book one of these places to surf and your family will learn the sport...

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Pool bottom at Surfjack Hotel in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
Article
6 Family Boutique Hotels That Get What Families Want

While millennials continue to book vacation rentals, demand for family boutique hotels has increased for short stays and road trips. We all know you can book the major chains'...

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schooner at sea
Article
Windjamming In Maine

Try a family cruise vacation on a windjamming schooner off the coast of Maine for something different, fun and unplugged. These classic schooners are only sailing on private charters during the pandemic...

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Girl with fishing rod on a pier with Kids Fish Camp
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Let’s Go Fishing With Kids Florida Style

Wondering how to go fishing with kids on your next Florida vacation? If you don't picture jon boats and fishing poles when you think about a family beach vacation, this blog is...

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Festive group toasting with wine at a dinner table.
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Ten Tips for Celebrating Family Milestones on Vacation

Celebrating milestones is one of the best reasons to plan a family trip, and an easy way to make indelible memories. You'll agree that having a loved one turn 90 is an occasion...

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Base Lodge with skiers outside at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah.
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Sundance Mountain Resort, Where Stars Go To Play

Bathed in the glamorous glow cast by its annual film festival, the Sundance Mountain Resort is, at heart, an unpretentious mountain hideaway.  This central...

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Aerial Tram view of High Camp at Palisades Tahoe.
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12 Reasons to Love Palisades Tahoe

Those who recall Vice President Richard Nixon opening the VIII Olympic Winter Games here on February 18, 1960, know Lake Tahoe’s Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley Alpine...

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An Adventure Themed room at Legoland Hotel in Florida.
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Legoland Hotel Brick By Brick

It takes the high-pitched energy of hundreds of little boys and dozens of brick by brick how-did-they-make-that? Lego sculptures to create the wild ambiance at the Legoland...

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Article
Richmond, Virginia Since The Civil War

If you thought Illinois was the "Land of Lincoln," think again -- the Spielburger served in a Richmond, Virginia cafe proves that director Steven Spielberg's...

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Article
Woodloch Pines Family Resort, Pennsylvania

Follow along as this family gets swept up in the all the fun available at the family-friendly, lakefront Woodloch Pines Resort in the Poconos.

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Two shoppers compare finds at the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale.
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Vera Bradley, Queen of Fort Wayne, Indiana Outlet Sales

It took me awhile to recognize the Vera Bradley label belongs on a dizzying array of quilted fabric accessories but, as soon as I did, I understood the appeal of the Queen...

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Young boy poses in front of the Taj Mahal.
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Falling in Love with the Taj Mahal in Agra

On your first trip to India, fall in love with the Taj Mahal in Agra, a monument to love that is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This UNESCO...

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Downtown Dubail skyline as of Oct. 2014.
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One Day Layover In Dubai

In Dubai, a one day layover is an ideal family adventure because this financial hub of the United Arab Emirates is a unique destination.

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Washington Monument and Cherry Blossoms
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Washington DC Family Attractions

There are hundreds of free family attractions in Washington DC, the American capital where presidents and their legacies are celebrated, and now it's also a very cool city to visit, with...

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The Promenade ties Fort Wayne's riverfront to its downtown.
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Family Ties To Fort Wayne

With many kid-friendly attractions, comfy and affordable accommodations and welcoming brewpubs, Fort Wayne, Indiana is the kind of place families immediately feel at home. I don’t...

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Horseshoe Falls
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Awed By The Water World Of Niagara Falls USA

Having spent five days exploring Niagara Falls, New York, we are fascinated to see how water defines the...

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Article
China Trip Planner Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Preparing for your grand tour of China, including creating an itinerary to meet your family's interests and managing your time, may be a little easier with these useful tips. When I began planning our...

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Soar with Hagrids Magical Creatures and Motorbike Adventure
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Universal Orlando Resort, Florida

Universal Orlando in Florida has been thrilling theme park goers for more than 25 years. Now three massive theme parks comprise Universal...

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Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel
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Disneyland Hotels And Resorts

Three fun family hotels are located within the Disneyland Resort theme park complex in Anaheim, California. Although they may charge more than some local chains, guests receive privileges...

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Women's and children's cowboy boots
Article
Cheyenne Wyoming Welcomes Families

Cheyenne, Wyoming describes itself as the place to "come live the legend" and during the annual Cheyenne...

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Article
Saving Euros on a European Adventure

Since summer is the most expensive time to visit Europe, we're sharing the euro-saving tips we learned from our own recent adventure. And, with the strong exchange rate, drop in tourism due to several...

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Adventure by Disney guides lead families
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Adventures By Disney AmaWaterways River Cruises

The Adventures by Disney tour company and AmaWaterways are bringing pixie dust to European river cruises. Family-oriented, luxury river cruises have Disney-trained Adventure Guides, engaging activities...

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Connor Prairie living history museum welcome center
Article
Best of Indianapolis and Indiana for Kids

The heart of the Midwest and a city to emulate, Indianapolis, Indiana boasts several kid attractions as well as leading efforts in sustainable development and wellness. It's a place where families find...

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A miniature rendition of Parc Guell, in Barcelona seen at Catalunya en Miniatura
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Barcelona, Spain With Teens In Tow

If you need a spring break destination that teens will thank you for, Barcelona Spain -- with its own language, cuisine and arts -- is a favorite with this crowd and all ages. Whether your family's...

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Article
Surviving Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month

Tackling a new sport like skiing -- whether you're my age or a toddler -- is a challenge that the snow sports industry helps overcome each January with

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Article
Top 10 Geek Sights In Silicon Valley

If you're tired of technology taking over your life, take back control in Silicon Valley, where you can see the 10 top tech sights of interest to any geek and nerd. Google is headquartered...

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Article
A Cultural Christmas In Oaxaca, Mexico

Mexico's colonial gem of Oaxaca honors every Catholic holiday, but nothing is as colorful or fun as the Festival de la Noche de Rabanos, a world-class Christmas family vacation. Oaxaca,...

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Article
A Club Med Sandpiper Bay Family Vacation

At Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Americans no longer need a passport to enjoy an exotic, all-inclusive family beach vacation packed with children's activities. Club Med's legendary tropical...

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Article
Sustainable Fun Makes Pittsburgh Kidsburgh

By cleaning up its act and investing in the quality of life of their city, the Pittsburgh you may remember has evolved into a "Kidsburgh" that attracts families to live and visit....

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Article
Istanbul, Turkey: City of Ages

Turkey's capital city of Istanbul is not only full of family attractions, this classic stopover of world travelers has become one of Europe's hottest destinations.

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Feathered Pipe, Montana
Article
Yoga Tourism: The Mind Body Vacation

In this stressful age, the subject of yoga retreats as "vacation" comes up often. Travelers may ask, are they a good option for a parent-child or three generation getaway? The answer is yes,...

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Club Med la Palmeraie outside Marrakech, Morocco, at dusk
Article
Club Meds Of Morocco

Combine an exotic locale, millenia of history, and a comfortable resort atmosphere populated by like-minded families and voila! You have the three Club Meds in Morocco, each an all-inclusive and family-welcoming...

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Article
Amanjena, Peaceful Paradise In Marrakech

A day at the Amanjena Resort in Marrakech is like a tour of the palace depicted in the tale "One Thousand and One Nights." Simply put, it's a more refined narrative of Arabian life than...

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Bullfighter Joserra Lozano in Madrid
Article
Madrid, Spain Attractions

Madrid exudes such positive energy that it's a worthwhile destination for everyone of every age. We guarantee enough museums and galleries to satisfy every art lover in the family. There are plenty of...

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Article
Charlevoix Luxury Resorts – Unforgettable Getaways

Canada's scenic region of Charlevoix luxury resorts, Fairmont...

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Article
Paris, France: City Reborn

When sightseeing with teens, you'll notice that Paris is more environmentally conscientious and respectful of other cultures than ever before, while remaining as charmingly French as ever. To visit...

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Article
Amsterdam, The Netherlands Attractions

With new Eurostar highspeed train service direct from London to Amsterdam, Holland's colorful cultural center and Europe's party capital will see more tourism than ever. Families, however, can take a different...

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Downtown Ledbury with Market Building.
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Ledbury and the Malvern Hills

We recently explored the towns around Ledbury and the Malvern Hills in historic Herefordshire and Worcestershire counties. Whether you have a week or a weekend, there’s plenty of local culture and recreation...

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Article
Best Winter Fun in the Black Forest

For families with toddlers and school-age children –- or snowsports novices of any age -- Germany's Black Forest is a magical place to fall in love with alpine sports and the outdoors. Having toured...

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Disney's children's club spaces.
Article
Grown Ups At Sea Aboard The Disney Fantasy

On a recent voyage of the Disney Fantasy, I had the pleasure of sharing an adult Disney experience at sea with my mom. Since the ship, sister to the Disney Dream,...

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Article
Odense, Denmark, Home of Hans Christian Andersen

Small town charm, celebrity residents, fine dining and good hotels combine to make Odense a wonderful introduction to the people and culture of Denmark. Despite the more contemporary fame of...

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Article
Hilton Waikoloa Village and Grand Vacations Resort

When it comes to multigenerational family vacations, size does matter and, at the classic Hilton Waikoloa Village bigger means...

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Article
City At Sea Aboard Norwegian Breakaway

Bold, brash, a ship that never sleeps... that's our instant impression of Norwegian Breakaway, as our 2014 media and travel agent group boards the vessel for her maiden voyage. With only a...

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Article
Guide To Royal Caribbean International Family Cruises

Royal Caribbean cruise vacations are packed with high-energy activities and entertainment for all passengers, regardless of age, making this cruise line a favorite with active families. The line's spacious...

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Article
Vounteer Vacations Where Going Away Means Giving Back

Interest in volunteer vacations has grown as travelers seeking a local experience realize their presence affects a destination -– for better (creating jobs) or worse (degrading the environment). Because...

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Article
Outside The Gates: Adventures In Jamaica

Jamaica has redefined what it means to have an all-inclusive beach vacation by suggesting that guests explore real island culture outside their resort. It's a great idea to share the wealth...

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Article
Fairmont San Francisco Does Family Well

At the Fairmont Hotels & Resort's flagship property, the beautiful Fairmont San Francisco, my family was lucky enough to find out what the "Affordable Luxury for Families" concept...

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Article
5 Multigenerational Vacation Ideas For Winter Getaways

According to AAA, 103 million Americans traveled over the 2016 holiday season, a 1.5 percent increase over the previous year. Although 9 out of 10 vacationers took road trips, air travel was also up...

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Essaouira harbor
Article
Atlantic Morocco: Beach With Benefits

An Atlantic oceanfront view of north Africa's most intriguing country, Morocco, presents this family with a relaxing and rewarding vacation. We knew a few things from our first trip to Morocco: its...

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