mft author at My Family Travels
Article
Hana, Maui Is My Favorite Hawai’i Place

In 1998, FTF asked a dozen top travel writers to share their favorite family resort with the community and this family chose Hana.With my son scheduled to leave home for college at the end of the...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Guided Through Marrakech

One celebrated guide shares his experience of walking visitors through the lanes and souks of Marrakech, a kasbah in Morocco. Morocco is one of the most engaging and satisfying family destinations...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Ionian Islands: Greece A La Carte

Follow a British family of explorers as they roam the Ionian Sea of Greece in the tailwinds of Odysseus, and finally settle on Kephalonia for their beach vacation.From London, we landed on Kefalonia...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Punzabo Winner Feels At Home in China

The winner of the June 2009 Punzabo Award (and $100) is Sara Portesan. Her story, “At Home in China,” was the highest rated...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Exploring Australia: Hawkesbury River Region, New South Wales

The Hawkesbury River

Read More    4 min read

Article
The Sanctuary on Kiawah

South Carolina's premiere vacation home resort maintains its eco-focus in a new luxury spa hotel that pampers guests with the latest amenities. Twenty-one miles south of historic Charleston,...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Pelican Grand Beach Resort, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Located in Ft. Lauderdale away from the city's busy nightlife, this resort aims to provide adults with a relaxing beach getaway while giving kids the fun they want.As we drove up to the Pelican...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Costa Rica’s Drake Bay Wilderness

In search of adventure, s single father and two teens explore Costa Rica. Over the past decade, Costa Rica has emerged as the standout eco-adventure destination in the Americas. From its rugged,...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Costa Rica’s Capital of San Jose

The area around Costa Rica's capital is rich with cultural history and natural wonder. To discover some key attractions in San Jose and beyond, read on. This sprawling low-rise metropolitan...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Auschwitz: Connecting With Heritage

Looking back at her own family's heritage, a Family Travel Forum member visits Poland's infamous concentration camps, reflects on human nature, and connects with a relative who is a survivor.My...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Reviving the Over Mountain Victory Trail

A park I’ve been to was the Over Mountain Victory Trail of North Carolina. I visited a portion of the trail, but there is only a portion available. This is sad to me because of all the great time...

Read More    2 min read

Article
A Galapagos Eco-Adventure

Seven days in Ecuador's prehistoric landscape, cruising and watching unusual wildlife together with family, may be the ultimate bonding experience. After decades of travel, no other destination...

Read More    8 min read

Article
Requiem for the National Parks

Twas the day to protect national parks, when all through the USA Wildlife and natural wonders were stirring, inspiring places must stay Teddy Roosevelt said the wilderness must be preserved...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Anguilla’s Cerulean Villa Is Amazing

I wanted to tell you about somewhere -- We just visited--- Anguilla is an exquisite island to begin with. BUT when you combine Anguilla with the MOST amazing villa called Cerulean-- you get...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Volunteerism, Teens And Habitat For Humanity

Volunteering to help build houses can build, tear down, and rebuild our kids' characters. "When I tell my friends I'm going to help build houses for Habitat for Humanity, they ask me if...

Read More    3 min read

Article
How I Would Save The National Parks

Prodigious trees, vast plains, colorful leaves, and cascading waterfalls — these are only a few of the wonders that exist in national parks. When I visit a park I enjoy the surprises that unfurl as...

Read More    2 min read

Article
How We Can Save Grand Teton National Park

When I see or even think about a national park, it is like no other feeling I've ever had. A national park is like a special cabinet that contains memories that are filled with truly special natural...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Preserving National Parks For Future Generations

National parks are important to me because they help to preserve valuable land, protect the habitats of animals and protect our heritage. National parks are all so different, offering everything from grassy...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Success! 5 Generation Family Reunion

When you have to entertain pre-schoolers and matriarchs in the same reunion weekend, you need a homebase that anticipates and delivers everything. Stunning sunsets, sparkling waters, and sandy...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The DR's Club Med offers upgraded facilities, bigger Kid's Club, sports: everything you need for a tropical beach vacation.The DR's Club Med offers upgraded facilities, bigger Kid's Club,...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Grand Traverse Resort And Spa

Find out if the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa on Michigan's west coast makes the grade with Family Travel Forum's resort reviewer. This split-personality Grand...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Dude Ranching it Right- Saddle-up at the C Lazy U

Find out what "rustic luxury" means at this fabulous dude ranch in Granby, Colorado. If I could be reincarnated, I'd like to come back as a cowgirl at the C...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Tokyo, Japan Hotels And Resorts

In one of the world's most expensive and crowded cities, it helps to have some guidance on where to sleep with the family.Tokyo, long one of the world's most expensive cities, actually has...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Star Trekking: MTV’s Real World Cancun Suite Now Open at Mexico Resort

Have you been watching the new season of the Real World: Cancun? Well then you must have noticed the amazing suite the roommates are staying in at the Melia Resort ME...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Beijing, China Hotels And Resorts

From a humble hutong to a golden lobby, China's capital city offers accommodations in every budget, for every taste. Several major hotels have been built in anticipation of the 2008 Olympics....

Read More    5 min read

Article
Star Trekking… Celebrate 30 years of Gundam in Tokyo, Japan

Come witness a special sight when you visit Tokyo, Japan this summer. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gundam, an anime TV series, a life-size 59-foot-tall statue was...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Cyprus – Island Of History And Hospitality

Attraction and lodging ideas, along with the island's cultural highlights, for those traveling to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. When I was invited on a press trip to discover the eastern Mediterranean...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Curacao: Dolphin Encounters And Family Adventures

By land and by sea, the Caribbean island of Curacao offers a unique blend of family adventure. Whether interacting with dolphins, spending a week at Sea Camp or just chilling out on the beach, you'll...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Burma’s Sweetest Memory: Inle Lake

Southeast Asia's natural beauty and cultural heritage await travelers to Myanmar, the former Burma.Every few years, when a severe case of wanderlust strikes, I find myself yearning to travel...

Read More    8 min read

Article
It’s Better in Barbados

Friendly locals, broad sand beaches, fine resorts and an array of activities for all ages make this Caribbean isle in the British West Indies a top value getaway."An eyeful 'en a bellyful..."...

Read More    8 min read

Article
Australia’s Mysterious Rainforest In Northern Queensland

Sugar plantations, historic sights and colorful vineyards along the Canecutter Way trail make a tour of Northern Queensland a delightful family road trip.With apologies to Shelley: “My name...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Along The Southeastern Winding Way – Adelaide To Melbourne

Two families with infants explore the natural beauty and coastal villages of southeastern Australia by car, finding serenity in the region's small town pleasures and beauty along the Great Ocean Road. Australia...

Read More    6 min read

Article
O’ahu, Hawaii

Family Travel Forum's guide to Oahu's finest attractions for the family interested in wildlife and the island's marine wonders. Family Travel Forum's guide to Oahu's finest attractions...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Hawaii’s Island of O’ahu

One of single parenting's foremost experts shares tips on how to get around, where to stay and what not to miss in O'ahu. One of single parenting's foremost experts shares tips on how to get...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Tel Aviv, Israel Restaurants

These family-friendly restaurants in Tel Aviv offer the best of both worlds. It goes like this. You've covered Israel. You've eaten St. Peters fish in Tiberias. You've had Shish...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Chinatown, NYC Restaurants

Join Family Travel Forum on a tour of New York City's historic Chinatown, then stay awhile to dine at some of our favorite Asian restaurants. Join Family Travel Forum on a tour of New York City's...

Read More    9 min read

Article
Free Travel Fun in Toronto, Canada

FTF's free-fun-loving columnist shows you how Ontario, Canada's most child-friendly city is offering a wealth of summer freebies.FTF's free-fun-loving columnist shows you how Ontario, Canada's...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Free Travel Fun in Maui

Whale watching, hiking, museums -- all free of charge when you follow FTF's No-Budget columnist to Hawaii's favorite isle.The island of Maui is a natural wonderland. From its hilly mountains,...

Read More    3 min read

Article
A Road Trip Through Connecticut

Ready for a road trip without a lot of driving? Connecticut's River Valley region has lots of attractions and fun stops that are ideal for family members who can't sit stillJust a two-hour...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Free Travel Fun in Cancun

The Yucatan's sun city is a travel bargain, but families can always profit from hearing about its myriad free attractions.In Cancun, a few of the best things in life are still...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Scottsdale Fairmont Princess, Arizona

Based on her experience staying at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess with her teenage son, Family Travel Forum's resident resort reviewer takes a look at this luxurious Arizona property.

Read More    2 min read

Article
Planning Your Study Abroad Adventure

Should I move to Sevilla, the bull-fighting capital of Spain, or Paris, the city of love and light? Maybe I’ll go to Australia, where American girls swoon over Aussie boys’ accents, or China,...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Free Family Fun In Sin City: Lowball Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada lures visitors with freebies. FTF's no-budget columnist takes a closer look at the ones that strike gold with families.If you think Las Vegas is one of the last places on...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Venice, Italy Hotels And Resorts

Can anyone afford to stay in Venice? Read a family's review of various accommodations in this fabulous, but pricey town.Venice is romantic, beguiling, historic and artsy. And often, crowded,...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Family Cruising: Catching Elusive Savings

FTF's cruise expert shares money-savings tips on with booking value cruises and discounted shore excursions. Cruise discounts and savings are still alive and kicking, but at a slower pace...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Kids Learn So Much At Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Offering a great family vacation, this resort delivers anything you want for a relaxing stay, plus a semester's worth of learning opportunities from National Geographic's explorers kids program.

Read More    6 min read

Article
Belize For Family Adventures

For just the right balance of adventure and relaxation, rainforest exploring and beach lounging, this Central America country is a find, and a great value. When planning a recent winter holiday...

Read More    5 min read

Article
The Angels And Demons Family Tour Of Rome

Using a bestselling mystery, a guidebook, and a Hollywood film, this family is determined to discover Italy's rich history. We just completed a marvelous “vacation” in Rome, Italy.  I use quotations...

Read More    10 min read

Article
Pounds Of Shopping In London, England

Britain's shopping underrated? FTF's retail guru dishes about the boutiques and emporiums where famous American moms spoil their fashionable flock.The city that has most fashionistas...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Great Places To Take Your Teen

Are your teens afraid to be seen with you? Here's FTF's pick of the Top 10 Travel Destinations for Teens.esorts and hotels all around the country are realizing that designing activities...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Sesame Place 2009

Third year in a row, we packed up the kids and headed out to Sesame Place, only 1hr ½ from NYC. As always the traffic moved smoothly and we got there as scheduled. Although we love all the...

Read More    1 min read

Article
Nicaragua: History And Eco-tours en Espanol

With civil war in the past, this friendly Central American country welcomes visitors to enjoy its natural beauty and historic sights.The country of Nicaragua has become known in recent times both...

Read More    9 min read

Article
Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa

A classic Gulf Coast Florida resort adds new villas, a fun pool and other contemporary amenities to appeal to today's families. When I was told the Pink Shell Beach Resort had an 'Octopool,'...

Read More    5 min read

Article
All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacations

Here's a primer on what all-inclusive vacations mean at DR, St. Lucia and Bahamas resorts, where one price buys room, board and fun!Recently I read a plaintive letter to a popular travel magazine...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Star Trekking: 07-08: 2009: Sail The Sea With Disney Stars

Disney Cruise Line is striving to give your kids what they want with their Disney Channel Summer at Sea Cruises. Many stars from popular Disney Channel shows will be on board the Disney...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Grandtravel Tour To Italy

Read La Nonna's account of seeing Italy through the eyes of her grandson, as she describes their experience on a special tour for grandparents and kids. [Editor's Note: Although...

Read More    10 min read

Article
Can Business = Family Travel?

Road Warriors share their experiences - good and bad - about toting kids on business trips. Longtime financial journalist Achs delivers the bottom line on how to make a productive business trip a successful...

Read More    7 min read

Article
A Outing On Catalina Island, California

Catalina Island makes a great day trip from Long Beach, or a trypical southern California style weekend getaway with the kids. Only 22 miles off the coast of California lies Santa...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Spring Snowsports in Wisconsin

For one of the snow-iest springs ever, enjoy snowmobiling and other winter-only pursuits in Wisconsin.In hilly Wisconsin, a glacier-scarred region receiving more than 40" of snowfall each year,...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Restaurants

Not sure where to dine in Saint Martin? FTF has a few restaurant ideas for your family.There are many quality restaurants to choose from on both sides of the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin. While...

Read More    2 min read