Tips & Documents Archives - My Family Travels
Uniformed marching band parades the grounds at Colonial Williamsburg. Photo c. pixels.
Article
5 Top U.S. Historical Sites That Inspire Kids to Learn Through Travel

Travel introduces children to a world of stories, so they can look beyond books and learn through travel. Some U.S. historical sites make this even more engaging, blending hands-on...

Read More    3 min read

Woman teaches baby how to swim in indoor pool.
Article
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

Liberty Bell, Philadelphia
Article
Best Hotels in Philadelphia for Families: Your Perfect Stay

When you're set to visit Philadelphia, one of America's most historic cities, you need a guide to the best family hotels in each district.

Read More    5 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

Dusk falls over beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Article
Explore Cheapest National Parks – Save Big on Adventures!

Save money by exploring America outdoors on a cheap national parks vacation with our eight budget-saving trip planning tips.

Read More    7 min read

Family at airport security
Article
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

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

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

Boy wearing a surfer's rasher to guard against the sun at the beach.
Article
Fashionable Sun Protection Clothing

Protect yourself and your kids with sun protection clothes, hats, sunglasses, and other products that are effectively UV resistant and stylish. Increased awareness of the power...

Read More    3 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

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

Parrots at Xcaret ecological park, Mexico
Article
Cancun Family Vacation: 3 Tips When Planning Your Trip

Cancun family vacation 2019, what a wild...

Read More    3 min read

Hikers walking past olive trees and grapevines approach a Spanish village along the Camino. Photo by B. Meyendriesch for pexels
Article
A Family Adventure On The Camino de Santiago: How To Make It Fun And Safe For Kids

The Camino de Santiago is much more than just a tourist journey or a pilgrimage route; it is a life-changing experience that can bring families together in a unique and unforgettable...

Read More    4 min read

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

Woman in bathing suit on a beach chair at one of the Viva Wyndham all-inclusive resorts.
Article
Summertime: Sun Precautions When The Heat Is On

Doc Holiday updates you on specific sun precautions to take during the blistering heat of summer, especially when traveling with very young children.

Read More    2 min read

Two people on adaptive cycle at NEDS school
Article
Special Needs Travel Destinations And Programs For Travelers With Disabilities

There are many special needs travel destinations and activity programs for those with physical or mental disabilities or special dietary needs....

Read More    6 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

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...

Read More    4 min read

Family studies Christmas lights in Myrtle Beach.
Article
Top Holiday Lights Celebrations Across America

We love holiday lights celebrations — the decorations, evergreens, religious displays and multicultural celebrations that light up cities and towns everywhere from November to...

Read More    14 min read

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...

Read More    5 min read

Special effects, digital imagery and CGI exhibit at The Academy Museum explains some of the Hollywood magic seen in major new films.
Article
The Top Los Angeles Family Attractions

From movie star footprints to Koreatown, here’s a look at some of our favorite  Los Angeles family attractions. LA’s nickname the “City of Angels”...

Read More    10 min read

Hello Kitty balloonical at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Article
Where To Watch New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Putting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on this year's itinerary? Your family deserves a ringside seat. This amazing spectacle is outdoors, in person and even...

Read More    5 min read

Icebergs float in a lagoon in Iceland
Article
Exploring Iceland’s South Coast On A Family Road Trip

There’s no better way to appreciate the rugged beauty of nature than a family road trip, especially along Iceland's south coast, one of the world’s most geologically diverse...

Read More    6 min read

Guests waiting to ride the Guardians of the Galaxy- Cosmic Rewind ride at Epcot, Disney World.
Article
Disney World Hacks: Tips for a Magical Visit

These Disney World hacks, tips, and tricks, picked up during a whirlwind, two-day visit to Walt Disney World during the July 4th week, guarantee success in any high season.

Read More    9 min read

Road trip snacks are essential car trip accessories. Photo c. Ladislav Sturcell for unsplash.
Article
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

Family in front of Church of Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Article
A Guide to Ciutat Vella District of Barcelona

As a travel writer based in Barcelona, I often get asked about the different areas of Spain's hottest city, and which Barcelona neighborhood is best to stay in. Here are my picks...

Read More    2 min read

Family and dog pose in front of sign for Glacier National Park, Montana.
Article
The Truth About Working Remote In Our Camper For A Year

It’s late spring, my daughter takes her last steps out of preschool, and we prepare for a future of working remote in our camper. We pack up only the necessities, throw everything...

Read More    9 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

Three children playing in a pile of leaves near a tree
Article
Leaf Peeker’s Guide To America’s Fall Foliage

Fall foliage tours and affordable leaf peeping road trips are easy to plan if you use this How-To, Where-To Leaf Peeker's Guide with tips on the best places to see leaf colors...

Read More    4 min read

Boy holding his catch while fishing at a mountain stream.
Article
Summer Fun At Western Ski Resorts

Western ski resorts known for winter and skiing offer summer fun at family-friendly mountain destinations. Parents love that lodging and activities are economical and the weather...

Read More    4 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.

Read More    5 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...

Read More    2 min read

Volunteers sort clothes at a clothes bank near to home to help others. Photo by Julia Cameron for pexels.
Article
Teen And Family Volunteer Vacation Opportunities

Family volunteer vacations, once known as voluntourism, are back in action as the global pandemic comes under control. From community service to building homes, environmental research...

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

Family fishing on Keen Lake, Pennsylvania
Article
What’s Your Camping Style?

Determine your camping style if you’re dreaming of sleeping under the stars – will it be an RV, cabin or tent experience? Let’s review your options, what camping costs and...

Read More    5 min read

Aerial view of Big Sur along California's Pacific Coast Highway.
Article
Top 10 Family Road Trips USA

Our Top 10 Family Road Trips USA awards go to the original family vacation: the road trip by car. Nearly 80% of Americans have said they consider road trips...

Read More    3 min read

Kdis taking selfies on rim of Grand Canyon
Article
Make Your Summer Grand Canyon Hiking Plans

It takes work and a thoughtful Grand Canyon hiking plan to make a truly grand summer trip with kids. The spectacular Grand...

Read More    6 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

Babysitters on the road can make your trip much less stressful.
Article
6 Tips For Taking A Babysitter On The Road

Use this guide to negotiate with the relative or nanny who will become your babysitter on the road. Planning to travel with anyone is critical to a trip's success. Prepare for...

Read More    3 min read

chlldren's play group
Article
Parent’s Day Out In Orlando

Do you have business and want to bring a child along to have their own day out in Orlando? I would recommend something special so you can work stress-free.

Read More    2 min read

Tent with snowshoes outside the flap in surrounded by a snowy, winter wonderland.
Article
The Essential Guide To Camping In The Winter

Winter camping can be great fun, waking up with frost covering the tent and a beautiful misty sunrise. But it can also be a truly miserable experience if you end up cold and tired...

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

Tina Fey stars in a Super Bowl ad for Booking.com and dreams about travel from her Miami villa.
Article
Traveling Tina Fey Rocks Super Bowl Ad For Booking.com

Did you tune in to watch the NFL’s biggest game, check out the Super Bowl ads, find Taylor Swift in the crowd or revel in Usher’s halftime show? If your house is like ours,...

Read More    4 min read

Two girls skiing at Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania
Article
Five Tips for Finding a Perfect Spring Break Ski Resort

So you've decided that your family needs a perfect spring break ski trip? Looking for sunny slopes and snow-capped mountains? Late winter and spring skiing usually offer the best...

Read More    3 min read

Two women have picnic on grass field in site of mountains in San Luis Obispo, California. Photo c. Luke Bender for unsplash
Article
5 Free Things to Do Close to Home During Your Downtime

In this day and age, when the average American only has about five hours of...

Read More    3 min read