City Break 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...

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Waiter carrying three beer steins through Oktoberfest crows. Photo by Motointermedia c. pixabay.
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The Real Oktoberfest

Cologne is known for Carnival, Berlin has its Film Festival, and Munich -- where they adopted the beer purity law in 1516 -- may be the epicenter of Oktoberfest....

Read More    4 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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Small Sphinx and Egyptian antiquities themed to Kingship are now on display at the Grand Staircase of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Photo c. Ron Bozman/Spring Hill Prods.
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A Pharaoh’s Playground: The Grand Egyptian Museum Opens GEM Childrens Museum

If you’re asking when the Grand Egyptian Museum will have its grand opening, you are asking the wrong question. On a recent visit to Egypt, my family toured the stunning GEM,...

Read More    7 min read

The How to Train Your Dragon Kids Suite at the Loews Helios Grand Hotel. Photo c. Loews Hotels & Co
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Loews Hotels Love Families

One of the top kid-welcoming boutique hotel chains, Loews Hotel family programs cater to all ages with special facilities, discounts and thoughtful amenities. According to

Read More    4 min read

Mom reads book at beach while 2 toddlers play in sand nearby.
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Fuerteventura Family Holidays: Best Areas & Things to Do

Fuerteventura family holidays are big on beach time, with soft sand, shallow waters, and sunshine most of the year. And when you’re ready to explore? There are loads of things...

Read More    4 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
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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.
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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
Article
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.

Read More    1 min read

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

Boy and girl spalsh in the water off of the Nantucket beach. Photo by Garrett Patz for unsplash.
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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

Players confront costumed guards in 'Squid Games The Experience', an immersive game in New York.
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Summer Blockbuster Stays: Family Entertainment Hotels Where Pop Culture and Fun Collide

Why pay for theme parks when there are hotels with entertainment for families? This summer of budget-watching is the ideal time to discover unique family resorts and hotels with...

Read More    6 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

The restored 18th century homes of Elfreth's Alley Philadelphia
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Short Breaks And Weekend Getaways From Philadelphia

Philadelphia families know the big state of Pennsylvania offers many possible weekend getaways. But have you considered the big city life, sand beaches and roller coasters nearby...

Read More    4 min read

Lightner Museum occupies the former Hotel Alcazar in St. Augustine.
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From Fort Mose To The Civil Rights Movement: Tracing Black History In St. Augustine

Look past the Spanish fort, ornate Moorish buildings and main plaza to discover Black history in St. Augustine, Florida. More than 450 years ago, the first Africans in North America...

Read More    13 min read

Snoopy and family
Article
California Haunted Houses and Halloween Happiness

Discover ghosts, goblins and Halloween costumes along with ghoulishly fun frights at California haunted houses, theme parks and other Halloween venues. Since the fright industry...

Read More    7 min read

Skill catching zone at Atlanta's College Football Hall of Fame
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Atlanta Georgia Attractions: 12 Top Places to Visit

Atlanta, Georgia attractions will thrill families seeking culture, history, and recreation. As Georgia’s biggest city, there are so many sights you could spend weeks here.

Read More    7 min read

Young girl dresssedf in pink on a bumpber car. Photo c. Magic Mountain Fun Center.
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Columbus Ohio Attractions

The state's capital and largest city, Columbus, Ohio has affordable, entertaining attractions that make family travelers very happy. My family should know, after so many visits...

Read More    4 min read

Girl sitting on float on the sand squirts sunblock from a bottle. Photo c. campus for pixels.
Article
Best Spring Break Vacation Ideas

There's still snow and plenty of sun, so get out and choose your best spring break idea from one of our many affordable family vacation deals for 2025.

Read More    18 min read

Tombstone at Harriet Tubman gravesite in Auburn, New York.
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Keep Going: Harriet Tubman In The Finger Lakes of Central New York

Celebrate the legendary freedom seeker, suffragist and abolitionist, Harriet Tubman, in the Finger Lakes region. Ms. Tubman called Auburn, on Owasco Lake, her...

Read More    9 min read

Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee
Article
Destinations Where Black Culture And Black Lives Matter

Explore historic attractions, institutions and unexpected sites of Black culture where Black lives matter. These destinations will fuel fascinating conversations about race and...

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Devenish Island ruins in Ireland - Photo Credit Nicky Omohundro
Article
Exploring Ireland With Family, From The Wild Atlantic Way To Dublin

The winding road beckons and the scent of adventure hangs in the air as you explore Ireland with family. Taking generations to the Emerald Isle is sure to be an unforgettable experience,...

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Quebec City ice skating rink
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Carnaval de Quebec: Winter Wonderland Celebration

Carnaval de Quebec, a winter wonderland nestled in Quebec City, offers an unforgettable family adventure at an affordable cost. Explore this annual festival, filled with activities...

Read More    5 min read

Dig This! guests use heavy construction equipment in a huge Vegas sand box.
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Las Vegas, Nevada Attractions

We'll roll the dice on this and guarantee fun on your next Nevada vacation with our Las Vegas, Nevada family attractions guide. Pack our age-appropriate rundown of the best attractions...

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Romantic beachfront dinner by candlelight at Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Baja California. Photo c. Dino Gomez for Las Ventanas al Paraiso.
Article
6 Romantic Getaways for Valentine’s Day: Reconnect and Rekindle Your Love

Planning romantic getaways for Valentine’s Day -- or any time -- can be surprisingly stressful because there are so many options. Ask yourself:

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

A 400-pound Peeps chick rings in the new year in Bethlehem, PA.
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Celebrate First Night On New Years

Archaeologists believe the Babylonians were the first civilization to celebrate "First Night" or the New Year. They planned an 11-day holiday tied to the vernal (spring) equinox...

Read More    5 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

A firebreather entertains the crowd at the Dixie Stampede HoeDown show in Pigeon Forge. Photo c. Pigeon Forge Dept of Tourism.
Article
Must-See Dinner Entertainment In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is renowned for its dinner plays and outdoor experiences. These events are special because people of all ages can enjoy delicious cuisine and entertaining...

Read More    5 min read

The Christmas Market, Noel de la Defense in Paris, is popular with locals for evening shopping and socializing. Photo c. Paris Touris by Debajit Kiran Paul Landscape
Article
Holidays At Europe’s Favorite Christmas Markets

There's never been a cheaper time to enjoy the holiday cheer radiating from the tents and stalls of Europe's Christmas Markets. Despite chill winds, snowflakes...

Read More    9 min read

Family studies Christmas lights in Myrtle Beach.
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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

Covent Garden is festooned with Christmas ornaments at the holidays. Photo by Ben Pipe Photography for London Partners.
Article
What’s Free In London Over The Holidays

While spending money during Christmas seems the thing to do, there's a lot to do free in London England. Yes, London actually offers great traditional family activities that come...

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.
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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...

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Family in front of Church of Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
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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...

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Mom and baby enjoy Boo at the Zoo event at New York's Bronx Zoo, photo by Julie Larsen-Maher c. WCS.
Article
Halloween in New York City for Free And Cheap Fun

Starting in early September, carved pumpkins, spooky ghosts and candy treats mark Halloween in New York City. Best yet, ghostly elves spread the spirit of autumn across the five...

Read More    7 min read

Horse skeleton in stable
Article
Utah Haunted Houses and Spooky Fun

Kids and teens looking for scary Utah haunted houses in rural locales or spooky urban Halloween fun? Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah towns...

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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 modern exterior of the Menil Museum and its grounds defines an entire Houston neighborhood. Photo c. Menil Collection
Article
A Surprisingly Fun Houston Weekend With Kids

Ready for an exciting, fun and often weird Houston weekend with the family in Texas? Check out our guide to finding the best in art, good barbecue and hands-on fun.

Read More    5 min read

The Freemont Street Christmas tree in downtown Las Vegas. Photo by Bill Hughes/Las Vegas News Bureau
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Las Vegas Christmas: A Big Party In Las Vegas For The Whole Family

Did Santa pack a Las Vegas Christmas vacation for your family this year? If you've been saving up for a family getaway, keep in mind that Vegas makes for an affordable winter break...

Read More    7 min read

Vintage photo of girls dressed like twin vampires trick or treating at Pickerings Wharf in Salem, Massachusetts.
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Halloween Witches In Salem, Massachusetts

In search of Halloween witches in Salem, Massachusetts? Ready to give up the Sunday football game to take the kids exploring? Nothing is as Halloween focused as

Read More    5 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

Haunted houses designed for all ages add to the Halloween magic. Photo c. Noes Cucho for pixabay.
Article
Houston Halloween Fun And Autumn Weekends

Autumn is the season to start planning the ghost stories you're going to share with the family on a scary Houston Halloween family break in Texas.

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The welcoming gates of Graceland, the late Elvis Presley's Memphis estate.
Article
We Love Memphis For Music, Music Shrines And Elvis

Exploring things to do in Memphis Tennessee is a blast for a lot of reasons — Elvis, music, Elvis, Ducks, Elvis, Civil Rights, Elvis. Sitting on the banks of the Mississippi...

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Portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr. surrounded by the names of the principles he fought for, by John Hain courtesy pixabay.
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Memphis, Tennessee – Explore the Civil Rights Movement at the National Civil Rights Museum

Even if you've seen the very special Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington DC, your family should not miss an opportunity to visit "his" museum:

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Beef brisket is a favorite at Arthur Bryant's Barbeque, where you can top any dish with a variety of sauces. Photo c. VisitKC
Article
Kansas City, Missouri Attractions For The Family

Welcome to the "Heart of America" where Kansas City family attractions such as hundreds of majestic water-spouting monuments, cultural treasures and yummy barbecue await.

Read More    9 min read

Closeup of a brightly colored mosaic tile wall by Antoni Gaudi seen in Parc Guell, Barcelona's top family atrraction. Photo c. Logga Wiggler for pixabay.
Article
Barcelona, Spain Family Attractions

Taking the family to Barcelona, Spain presents more family attractions packed with culture, recreation, shopping, and fine dining than most families dream of.

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Costumed characters and kids at Worlds of Fun.
Article
Spooktacular Halloween Fun in Kansas City – A Family-Friendly Guide

Every October brings the expectation of a great Halloween, especially in places like Kansas City where the fun crosses over from Missouri to Kansas and...

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Seven miles from Downtown Pittsfield, you are far removed from crowds and commerce. Photo by Ralph Spielman
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All Aboard! Pittsfield, Mass And The Berkshires Aboard The Berkshire Flyer

Explore Massachusetts from a base in Pittsfield and the Berkshire Mountains will start to look like Norman Rockwell's classic New England. Affordable Pittsfield and nearby Berkshires...

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