Air Travel Archives - My Family Travels
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

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

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.
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...

Read More    5 min read

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...

Read More    4 min read

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

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

Glass holiday ornaments that commemorate an adventure are an ideal gift for frequent travelers.
Article
Best Gifts For Frequent Flyers

Our annual holiday travel gift guide for frequent flyers is back in time for the gifting season. With many two-week long

Read More    5 min read

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

Rendering of an eVTOL air taxi developed by Eve Air Mobility. c. United Airlines
Article
Green Skies Ahead: Education Builds A Sustainable Aviation Industry

Sustainable aviation, technology, and customer education have joined forces to make seeing the world a less environmentally damaging activity. That’s because aviation is arguably...

Read More    6 min read

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

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

College student in a seminar class.
Article
Back To School: 5 Essential For College Move-In Tips For Students Flying To Campus

Moving to campus is never easy, and students who have to fly really need my college move-in tips. Not only do we have the standard stress of tracking down room keys, awkwardly...

Read More    3 min read

Adult points out a country in Europe on a huge outdoors globe to a young blond child.
Article
Predictability Is The Key to Successful Special Needs Travel

Predictability is the key to every family vacation’s success, not only for special needs travel. In researching

Read More    8 min read

Mom and daughter reading a book in bed together.
Article
Maximizing Your Layover: Finding Affordable Rooms Near Me

Most air operators define a domestic layover as a period between flight connections of under four hours. When you're connecting to an international service, this period extends...

Read More    3 min read

Space X Falcon 9 lifts a Space Dragon to the ISS
Article
Where to See a Rocket Launch: Top Spots for Space Enthusiasts

The Jumbotron was bellowing “T -6, 5, 4...” when suddenly the sky ahead burst into flames. We were on the shore of Banana Creek, about 4 miles from Cape Canaveral’s Launchpad...

Read More    7 min read

If you travel to Europe after November 2023, apply for an ETIAS document because the Schengen Zone is implementing new security policiies.
Article
What Is ETIAS and How Will It Affect Travel to Europe?

The ETIAS program, already partly in effect, affects all those planning to travel to Europe. The

Read More    5 min read

Hand drawn illustrations of common travel yoga poses.
Article
Anywhere Travel Yoga Keeps Your Vacation Stress-Free

Take advantage of our 'anywhere' travel yoga poses to stay stress-free while on the go. Family vacationers appreciate these easy, healthy yoga moves you can do on the plane, on...

Read More    4 min read

Infographic shows Americans confident about travel at an all time high since 2009. Graphic c. Allianz Partners
Article
Americans Are Confident About Vacations Again, Traveling More

If you don’t believe families have regained a confident mindset about vacations and travel, just ask Ron Bozman. He’s one...

Read More    4 min read

Girl inside a theme park holds up a theme park pass for Universal Orlando resort.
Article
Family Travel in Orlando: Tips and Tricks

Florida has an abundance of family-friendly attractions. In Orlando, your family can enjoy energy-packed adventures or simply unwind together by the pool. We’ll help you navigate...

Read More    4 min read

Flightroutes.com search results for all flights between Newark, NJ and Hong Kong Airports.
Article
Search And Compare Flights Made Easy

Did you know that travel planners visit an average of 6.5 different websites on different devices to search and compare flights? Two new websites, Directflights and flightroutes,...

Read More    4 min read

A photo mosaic in tiles of Queen Elizabeth II at Gatwick Airport in the UK.
Article
When Is the Best Time To Buy Business Class Flights To London?

In recent times, London has drawn a growing number of visitors from all around the world. The biggest city in Europe at 600 square miles, it is one of the most critical financial,...

Read More    4 min read

Gifts in brown paper boxes with string ribbons.
Article
Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers

Looking for a holiday gift guide for travelers? We know that people who love to travel want to encourage wanderlust in loved ones. There’s no better way than presenting them...

Read More    6 min read

The 2019 Winter Market at Munich Airport
Article
Munich Airport, Unexpected Palace of Family Fun

As you resume international travel, keep in mind that Munich Airport activities -- and improved faciities at several German airports -- are there to make travel fun again. Discover...

Read More    4 min read

Vrigin America plane cabin
Article
Unaccompanied Minors – Our Most Vulnerable Passengers

As flying becomes more challenging for everyone, most airlines are requiring paid escort services for unaccompanied minors ages 5-12. Parents can smooth out the journey for your...

Read More    7 min read

Kids can see how aircraft are restored before display at the Udvar-Nazy Center of the NASM.
Article
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center

Family travelers looking for some "space" away from the crowds should plan a weekend around the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia....

Read More    4 min read

Man wearing mask talks into cellphone.
Article
Heads Up! Negative COVID-19 Test Among Revised Traveler Requirements for the U.S.

In revised traveler requirements, only non-citizen, non-immigrant travelers with proof of vaccination will be allowed to board an airplane for the United States.

Read More    4 min read

People wander through the light display during the annual Holiday Cactus Garden Lighting ceremony at Ethel M Chocolates
Article
Holiday Travel Plans Holding Strong Says New Survey

Surprise! Despite Biblical plagues swirling around the globe, families are holding strong to holiday travel plans. More than three quarters of residents recently surveyed in Spain...

Read More    3 min read

Travelers choose to distance themselves from others in the PUJ Airport departures lounge.
Article
The Latest Holiday Travel Tips and Trends for Winter 2021

Eager to travel this season and wondering about the latest holiday travel tips and hacks? We got you covered. There’s good...

Read More    6 min read

Airline pilots wear face masks in the cockpit of a United flight.
Article
This Will Make Flying Safer

A lot has been done to make flying safer since the age of coronavirus began. Yet, it's still a big topic as confidence in leisure air travel -- and crowds -- increase. U.S. passengers...

Read More    6 min read

Tourists visiting Rome with extended family
Article
UK Citizens Will Enjoy Visa-Free Travel Post Brexit

If you're planning summer travel post Brexit to the UK and other European countries, do keep in mind the ever-changing COVID-19 related travel restrictions. According to a recent...

Read More    3 min read

License plates nailed to wall.
Article
Family Car Games – The License Plate Game

It's back to the future with the License Plate Game, one of our favorite car games -- in printable form -- to make road time and the long miles fly by. We've also got game suggestions...

Read More    3 min read

Mom hugging boy
Article
10 Tips For Vacationing With A Child Who Has Autism

For the parent of a child or close relative on the autism spectrum, many questions come up each day, even more so when trying to plan a family vacation with autism needs.

Read More    6 min read

Amtrak ticket buyer in facemask.
Article
Health & Safety Guidance for Holiday Travelers

I won't tell you not to be among the holiday travelers, because my family is, but I will share the health and safety guidance that we practice to keep everyone safe. We follow...

Read More    2 min read

Frustrated woman at computer
Article
How To Avoid Typical Travel Ripoffs

As smart as we all are about buying vacation packages online, it's important to refresh our scam antennae to avoid travel ripoffs.

Read More    3 min read

Girl with sun tan marks from face mask.
Article
Reopening Soon? Summer Travel in the Untied States

Look ahead to travel reopening during summer 2020 and you’ll know why we call it the Untied States of America. The...

Read More    7 min read

5 tips to prevent spread of coronavirus
Article
How Coronavirus Will Affect Your Travel Plans

Updated Mar. 29, 2020. As Passover, Easter and summer vacations approach, families around the world are very concerned about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and its impact on...

Read More    8 min read

Turkish Airlines toy kit for travelers.
Article
See Istanbul with Free Sightseeing and Stopover Tours

We really appreciate what Turkish Airlines has done to make families feel welcome, by offering free sightseeing and stopover tours in addition to in-flight toys, family entertainment...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Travel Search Engine Smackdown Reveals Cheapest Airfares

FTF tests out travel metasearch engines to find which site returns the most results and cheapest flights. And the winner is Momondo.com.

Read More    2 min read

Man reading a book with a red cover.
Article
The Four Non-Travel Travel Books I Can’t Do Without

Even as a travel writer, or especially as a travel writer, some of my deepest understandings of place, my most intense sense of "being" somewhere come neither from actually being...

Read More    2 min read

Article
7 Safety Tips To Keep Flying Babies Safe

New research based on data from inflight accidents has led doctors to reexamine the travel safety information given to parents of infants and toddlers. These new recommendations for safer airline...

Read More    3 min read

Article
20 Tips For Long-Haul With Children

Whether you're traveling the world on a round-the-world ticket, taking a long haul fight to visit relatives, relocating to a distant land or just worried about entertaining your...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Tips To Avoid Hassles At U.S. Borders

Whether your cellphone contains confidential business documents or you’re packing homemade cranberry sauce, unless you’re exempted by diplomatic status, everyone crossing U.S. borders is subject...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Making Lemonade on an Emergency Airport Layover

I got a pound of lemons: an air traffic delay in Fort Lauderdale, a flight cancellation, being rerouted to Chicago O’Hare, an accident at LaGuardia, emergency airport closures, and a snow alert that...

Read More    3 min read

Article
What are the Best Airfare Life Hacks?

What are some good ways to save on plane tickets and on air travel in general? Because of the emphasis on price competition, consumers may choose from a wide variety of air fares. It is easy...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Tech Infused Holiday Presents for Travelers

With luggage being rethought by crowd-funded entrepreneurs, and technology infusing all aspects of travelers' essentials, we surfed around and tested some of the latest products to bring you fresh picks...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Make It Easy: Google Shares Insights and Travel Tools

At the launch this week of an enhanced Google Flights search engine, the team at Google Travel shared some interesting travel trends culled from users’ search...

Read More    5 min read

Article
TripIt.com Makes College Tour Itineraries Easy to Manage

Billing itself as a "travel organizing app," the trip notification site TripIt.com is even better than that -- it can assist you by making upcoming...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Five Reasons We Hate Air Travel

Why do we hate air travel I wonder as I leave the United check in desk at La Guardia Airport.  The United agent we paid $25 to for my son’s...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Foreign Airlines Expanding Kids In-Flight Programs

Know of any parents who haven't had a hard time flying with kids? I don't. From fussing to wrigling, crying and whining - we've all been there. Luckily, airlines have stepped up to the plate and are...

Read More    5 min read