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a) Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), USA
b) Taipei 101, Taiwan
c) Burj Khalifa (formerly Burj Dubai), UAE
d) Empire State Building, USA
What is the tallest skyscraper in the world?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaActs of Kindness – World Tour of the Web
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaOscar Wilde said, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” This World Tour of the Web focuses on those little things we can all do to make the world a better place. When January rolls around, I like to write out my goals for the year. This year, instead of career-focused to-dos or dreamy [...]
Tubing Big White Adventure Park – A Screaming Good Time
By: Steve Pratt, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerI drove a van full of pre-teen girls to Big White Ski Resort, one of North America’s best skiing destinations, drawing skiers from around the world in search of the magic Okanagan powder. It’s been almost 30 years since I’ve been on skis, and the only kind of powder I search for these days is talcum. My chances [...]
Make Hannah Smile
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaYou know how doing selfless acts of kindness is supposed to increase your happiness and life expectancy? (Actually, I just made that up, but I bet it’s true!) Will you help me in making Hannah smile? Please send Hannah a card!
When was Disneyland’s King Arthur Carousel built?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) 1875
b) 1953
c) 1955
d) 1963
Eat, Drink, Travel & Be Nice – World Tour of the Web
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaUsually I try to come up with some sort of clever theme for these weekly World Tour of the Web posts, but I have got a bunch of deadlines looming, my eye is twitching from lack of sleep, and I couldn’t find a way to tie these up with a big travel-themed bow. So, here [...]
Swimming with Manatees, Florida’s Gentle Giants
By: Professor Bel Kembach, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerThey may not have the strength and grace of killer whales, or the agility and looks of dolphins, but manatees are stealing the show at Homosassa Springs in Citrus County, Florida.
For families who want to enjoy nature at its best, a nature wonderland is hidden behind Orlando’s amusement parks. There is another Florida, a nature-lover’s Florida. Our latest trip took us to the manatees’ home turf, a far cry from a modern-day aquarium. My daughter and I aimed our compass south to Florida’s west central coast line and the Gulf of Mexico, and it is here in Citrus County that we met one of the most formidable aquatic mammals.
How many steps are there in the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) 112
b) 212
c) 284
d) 348
Travel Yin & Yang – World Tour of the Web
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThe travel industry seems more reflective than usual this week following the recent tragic sinking of Costa’s Concordia cruise ship. This World Tour of the Web represents the yin and yang of travel…the difficulties and the triumphs of exploring the world. After Concordia: Is Cruising Safe? by Carolyn Spencer Brown, Cruise Critic The editor of Cruise Critic tackles [...]
Win an Arizona Adventure of a Lifetime Vacation
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaYou could win a 10-day Arizona vacation including airfare, rental car, and hotel accommodations! For a chance to win the Arizona Adventure of a Lifetime giveaway, all you need to do is send an Arizona e-Postcard to someone you know. If you win, you could be touring through the many landscapes of this Southwestern state, eating Mexican food [...]
Thoughts with Costa Concordia Victims and Survivors
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaA Costa Cruise ship sunk last night off the coast of Civitavecchia, Italy. Three have been reported dead. Forty are still missing. I first read about the tragedy early this morning via a link on Twitter to an article in the UK’s Daily Daily Mail Online. This is the part that gives me chills:
Which cruise line was featured on the television hit, The Love Boat?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) Norwegian Cruise Line
b) Royal Caribbean International
c) Princess Cruises
d) Carnival Cruise Line
Parenting & Travel Conundrums – World Tour of the Web
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaParenting at home can be tough enough. Add a messed up sleep schedule, oodles of time spent together in cramped spaces, time change crankiness, and judgemental onlookers — and travel with children might seem like a foul idea at best and a recipe for mania at worst. But it’s not all bad, right?! This World Tour of the Web focuses [...]
How Blogging Has Forced Me Out Of My Comfort Zone
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWith a New Year just beginning, will you force yourself out of your comfort zone in 2012? Blogging has opened my heart and mind to take on challenges I would not have otherwise faced. Here are some of the ways blogging has forced me out of my comfort zone, and the lessons gained from overcoming my fears. Ready [...]
Where were noodles invented?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) Italy
b) Japan
c) The Middle East
d) China
In Spain, what color underwear should you wear to bring good luck in the New Year?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) Red
b) Yellow
c) Purple
d) Blue
e) Polka-dotted
Prepping for the New Year – World Tour of the Web
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThis World Tour of the Web celebrates the New Year: where to ring it in, what to toast it with, what happened in 2011, and how to make the best of 2012.
Where was chocolate invented?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) South America, by the Olmec, Maya, and Atzec civilizations
b) Holland
c) England
d) Switzerland
e) All of the above
Christmakkah World Tour of the Web
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWhether traveling or staying home this holiday season, this World Tour of the Web will make you want to drink a cup of egnnog and fry up a potato latke. My family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas (Christmakkah, if you will). Here are some wacky, useful, interesting, and beautiful stories that focus on these two winter holidays. A Butter Message to the [...]
5 Top Family-Friendly Airports
By: Cheapflights.co.ukTraveling is often a mixture of pleasure and pain. For families with young children, the experience can be quite trying. Several of the world’s airports have recognized the challenges of flying with children and have taken steps to make traveling through their facilities a much more enjoyable experience. Here are five airports that are particularly [...]
Canada for All Seasons
By: Lisa Goodmurphy, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerCanada is a vast country renowned for its natural beauty with oceans, mountains, wilderness, and wildlife that attract those who wish to explore the great outdoors. For a more urban experience, there are major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. There’s a Canadian destination to suit any vacation style and, with very few exceptions, visitors can [...]
Passports with Purpose Fundraiser Success!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaPassports with Purpose raised over $89,000 as of the prize entry cut-off date, December 16, 2011. That exceeds the $80,000 goal needed to build two libraries in Zambia via the non-profit organization, Room to Read! You can still make donations to the fundraiser, but the time to donate to win travel prizes has ended. Thank [...]
Garden of Lights at San Diego Botanic Garden
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaNature and simple pleasures are the focus of Garden of Lights, as are all things at the San Diego Botanic Garden. I was expecting twinkling lights, holiday treats, live music, and maybe a craft project or two…which is exactly what I found. But somehow, it exceeded my expectations. Over 100,000 lights make San Diego Botanic Garden [...]
Where did the holiday, Kwanzaa, originate?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) The United States
b) Egypt
c) Kenya
d) Mozambique
e) South Africa
Disney Passports with Purpose Bonus Prizes
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaIf you need a little extra incentive to donate $10 for a chance to win a Disneyland-Hilton Garden Inn Prize Pack while helping Passports with Purpose build two libraries in Zambia, I’ve got it for you! In addition to a four-pack of Disneyland Park Hopper tickets and two nights at any Hilton Garden Inn in the world (like the [...]
Passports with Purpose – World Tour of the Web
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThis World Tour of the Web is dedicated to Passports with Purpose, the annual fundraiser supported by travel bloggers. By now, you may know that Passports with Purpose is a fundraiser to build two libraries in Zambia. You may also know that for just a $10 donation you can win the Travel Mamas prize, a four-pack of [...]
How to Keep a Dad Happy on Family Vacation
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMost of the stories on this site deal with how to keep the kids or the mama happy while traveling. But what about dear ol’ dad? Here are some tips for keeping a Travel Daddy content while on family vacation. Keep dad happy with a day off to play golf while on family vacation (Photo of Kauai Lagoons [...]
South African Safari – A Once in a Lifetime Adventure
By: Thomas Lanin, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerOur driver gunned the engine of the Land Cruiser, attempting to close the 100-yard distance as we chased our prize. After 50 yards we veered to the right into a thicket and our real-life Indiana Jones thrill ride was underway. We crashed through a tangle of plants, bowling over small trees. “There!” Our tracker, Elvis, [...]
“Sunny and Angel Save Christmas” Giveaway Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaTwin horses named Sunny and Angel save Christmas this year at San Diego’s Helen Woodward Animal Center. Thanks to a giveaway on TravelMamas.com, one lucky family is headed to this holiday event for free this weekend. They’ll listen to a holiday story all about this special pair of horses and other animal friends at the shelter, go on an educational tour to meet the [...]
Travel Trivia Thursday Returns!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI’m bringing sexy back. No, wait, Justin Timberlake already did that. Instead, I’m bringing Travel Trivia Thursday back! Other bloggers are really good at sticking to a strict schedule of Monday This or That, Tuesday Blah Blah, Freaky Friday and whatnot. It has been a long time since I did Travel Trivia Thursday post (over [...]
World Tour of the Web – Africa Edition
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaIn honor of the Passports with Purpose efforts to build two libraries in Zambia, this week’s World Tour of the Web will focus on Africa. Passports with Purpose is an annual fundraiser supported by travel bloggers. This year we are trying to raise $80,000 to donate to Room to Read. An African safari is one of my [...]
Christmas Festivities in San Diego at Helen Woodward Animal Center
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThe kids learn about animals, you skip the lines for Santa at the mall, and everyone has a merry time at Sunny and Angel Save Christmas at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego, California. Read on to find out how to win a pair of tickets to this fun and festive event for this [...]
Oprah’s Favorite Things 2011, Travel Mamas Style
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAre you missing Oprah’s “Favorite Things” as much as I am this holiday season? There’s just something so joyous about watching all of those audience members go bananas over the simplest…and the grandest things. I thought I’d attempt a blog version to fill the void this Christmas by sharing with you what I would give to my audience (that means [...]
Holiday Fun at Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida
By: Jennifer Close, Travel Mamas BloggerI knew beautiful holiday decorations awaited us at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida. I was surprised, however, by how many festive activities were available to guests. In addition to the DreamWorks Experience, here are some of the fun must-dos on a visit to this family-friendly resort during the Christmas season.
Disneyland-Hilton Garden Inn Passports with Purpose Prize Pack
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaYou could win four Disneyland Park Hopper tickets AND a two-night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim/Garden Grove AND help build two children’s libraries in Zambia! All you need to do is donate $10 (or more!) to this year’s Passports with Purpose holiday fundraiser. What could be better than helping children, encouraging reading, making the world a better place, AND [...]
Christmastime at Disneyland
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaIt’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Disneyland. Mixing the wonder of the holidays with the magic of Disney makes for some very jolly family fun. Here are photos of the special touches, decorations, and treats at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks at Christmastime to get you in the holiday spirit.
Christmas DreamWorks Experience at Gaylord Palms Resort
By: Jennifer Close, Travel Mamas BloggerIs it possible to see snow and ice in 85 degree weather? It is if you are visiting the Gaylord Palms Resort in Florida! The Gaylord Hotels have created a Christmas experience full of ice, snow, gingerbread decorating, and DreamWorks characters. It was a perfect way for my family to get geared up for the [...]
$100 JetSetBabies Giveaway Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaJetSetBabies is providing one lucky family with a $100 gift certificate for children’s travel supplies. With JetSetBabies you can order necessities and gear for babies, toddlers, and children to be shipped to vacation destinations. Choose from diapers, baby food, bath toys, toiletries, and more. JetSetBabies packages everything up and sends it to your hotel, vacation rental, or grandma’s house so it’s [...]
My Television Debut
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI gave five tips for traveling with children on San Diego KFMB Channel 8 news today. I have done video blogging and radio interviews, but this was ever-so-much-more intimidating. Click the image below to watch the segment and read on to learn the good news and the bad news about my television debut.
Thanksgiving Family Travel Season – World Tour of the Web
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaSome of the most popular family travel bloggers shared their all-time favorite posts with us in last week’s Family Travel World Tour of the Web. With the holiday travel season around the corner, this week I thought I would share some of the best Thanksgiving and winter holiday family travel blog posts.
Win $100 from JetSetBabies to Make Your Travels Easier
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWhen traveling it can be an expensive hassle to tote all of the paraphernalia that children require. Wouldn’t it be nice if everything was ready and waiting for you at your destination instead? Read on to find out how to win a $100 JetSetBabies gift certificate to save your back and your bank account when traveling with babies, toddlers and children. [...]
Name My Book!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThere would be no TravelMamas.com if there had not first been an idea for a humorous how-to guidebook on traveling with babies, toddlers and children. I have been working on this book for over six years and it will soon be available for purchase! (Tentative launch date: spring 2012.) I need your help choosing a title. Please [...]
Residence Inn Giveaway – A Traveling Family’s Residence for All Seasons
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaResidence Inn is the just the kind of place vacationing families want to stay, whether during the holiday season, spring break, summer, or beyond. In-room kitchens, spacious suites, and convenient touches make this Marriott brand a natural choice for parents traveling with kids. Read on to find out how to win a $300 Residence Inn by Marriott gift [...]
Family Travel World Tour of the Web
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaFor this World Tour of the Web, I asked some of my fellow family travel bloggers to share a link to their all-time favorite post. There’s something here for everyone: inspiration, practical travel tips, cutural observations, beautiful photos, and comic relief. Enjoy!
Tips for Staying in Hotels with Kids
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWhen staying in a hotel with kids, there are some simple things you can do to make your family vacation as fun and stress-free as possible. That starts, of course, with finding the right hotel for your family. Once you check in, set up your room for vacation success. Above is an en-suite kitchen at the Residence Inn by [...]
Go Baby Go! Giveaway Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaGo Baby Go! makes vacationing with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers easier for parents. To streamline your travels, this San Diego company offers such handy rentable items as full-size cribs (or travel cribs), high chairs, bouncy seats, humidifiers, and even beach necessities. Baby equipment rentals save on baggage fees and the stress and backaches caused by lugging gobs of gear through the [...]
Hilton Garden Inn Vacation Wishes Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaOne thing is clear: you Travel Mamas and Travel Daddies love Hilton Garden Inn! With 734 entries in the Hilton Garden Inn Vacation Wishes Giveaway, this is our most popular giveaway yet. (The second most popular giveaway? Last year’s Hilton Garden Inn giveaway with 651 entries.) With affordable pricing, kid-friendly touches, and above-and-beyond customer service at [...]
World Tour of the Web – Culture Shock, Photo Tips, PR Fail & No Worries
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaHere are some of my favorite funny, useful and inspirational finds from the wonderful and wacky world of the Web. Half Cultured by Candice Broom, aka Mom Most Traveled This is a hi-larious video about the cultural differences between America (where Candice was born and raised) and Laos (where she has lived for nine years). [...]
Guide to Carlsbad, California for Families
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaEver heard of Carlsbad? It’s probably not the first place that pops to mind when you think of a California vacation…but maybe it should be. Often overlooked in favor of its popular neighbor, San Diego, Carlsbad has plenty of fun for families. This laidback town is just 36 miles north of the San Diego International Airport and less than an hour’s drive [...]
Travel Tips for Single Parents
By: Laura Cecil, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerIf you are a single parent, you know that even under normal, everyday circumstances single parenting comes with special challenges. I’ve had friends familiar with my daily routine as a single mom refer to my typical day as an athletic undertaking. If a regular day is an athletic event, traveling alone with children is an Olympic event. It’s not always [...]
Win a $75 Baby Equipment Rental from Go Baby Go!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaSan Diego is a mecca for traveling families with its abundance of child-friendly attractions like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California, the world famous San Diego Zoo, sandy beaches galore, and so much more. Are you planning a vacation with a baby or toddler to this gorgeous seaside city? Or, are you a San Diego auntie, grandparent, or friend looking forward to [...]
7 Reasons to Visit LEGOLAND Florida
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaLovers of the little interlocking LEGO bricks whooped it up under a shower of brightly colored confetti before rushing toward the gates of the new LEGOLAND Florida at the park’s grand opening this past weekend. Having been at the park the day prior during a preview for media, and as a former LEGOLAND California annual pass holder, I was [...]
Hilton Garden Inn Vacation Wishes Giveaway
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaHilton Garden Inn wants to make your vacation wishes come true! Daydreaming of sipping margaritas with amigos in Mexico? Or might you fancy some fish n’ chips in jolly old England? Maybe you’d like to learn to surf in California, dude? Hilton Garden Inn is giving away a two-night stay to one lucky Travel Mamas reader at ANY of their 500 hotel locations [...]
Halloween World Tour of the Web
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaHalloween was magical when I was a kid. I got to dress up like a pretty pink ballerina. I was allowed to take candy from strangers. After a parental perusal for razor blades, I would sort my sugary bounty into categories: chocolate, suckers, gum and other. With a mouthful of nougat, the trading began. My big brother, master of [...]
How to do a Home Exchange – Part 2
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWhenever I tell people I have done three home exchanges, they exclaim interest in doing the same but many have some trepidation and a slew of questions about attempting a house swap. Yesterday I gave advice for getting started in doing a home exchange. Here are some more tips for making the most of an exchange vacation. My daughter playing on a backyard tire [...]
How to do a Home Exchange – Part 1
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWould you like to have lots of space to spread out on vacation, with a kitchen for snacks and convenient meals, separate bedrooms for all family members, and maybe even a big yard with a swing-set for the kids? Would you like all of this for free (or close to free)? If you said, “Yes!” — [...]
World Tour of the Web – Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaSteve Jobs advised Stanford graduates to stay hungry and foolish in his commencement address in 2005. Yesterday marks the death of this Apple computer guru and visionary of our time. I was merely going to include his famous speech in my World Tour of the Web, and move forth with other fun stories as usual, but [...]
Halloween Hotel Packages for Families
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaDying to find something fun and maybe a little spooky with your family this October? Book one of these hotel packages to make this Halloween season one to remember!
World Tour of the Web – Amazing Race Haters, Mariachis, Grizzly Bears & Travel Hangers
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaHere are my latest picks for wonderful and wacky stories and videos found on the Web that are (mostly) related to travel and/or parenting.
How to Celebrate Your Birthday at Disney’s Aulani Resort
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAny day spent at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii is a pretty dang good one. If you are ever lucky enough to spend your birthday at this Oahu paradise (like I did a few days ago!), here’s how to make the most of your special day.
Keeping Up with Laundry While Traveling With Kids
By: Taylor Flanery, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerKeeping up with mounds of family laundry can be a struggle at home. When traveling with kids, dealing with laundry is inconvenient at best and downright daunting at worst. As a mom of three young children I’ve dealt with my share of dirty laundry on the road. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned along [...]
The Travel Mama’s World Tour of the Web
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWhile web-surfing the other day I stumbled across something particularly funny or interesting or useful – I can’t remember what it was – but it was GOOD. And I thought, “Man, that’s good. I want other people to see it.” I thought about tweeting about it from @TravelMamas (and may have done just that) or posting [...]
5 Best Family-Friendly Attractions in the Adirondacks
By: Sandra Foyt, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerThe American tradition of family vacations traces its origins to the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. Back in the early 1900s, summer heat and deadly fevers drove those who could afford it to “vacate” cites in favor of the fresh clean air of the Adirondacks. Somehow, the term “vacation” stuck, while our friends across [...]
Omni Hotel Giveaway for Kids & Grown-Ups Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI knew the Omni Hotel Giveaway for Kids & Grown-Ups would be popular. Who wouldn’t want to win a two-night stay in one of Omni’s hip, family-friendly hotels? In total, there were 476 entries in this contest. Entrants shared which of the 43 Omni Hotel & Resorts locations in the United States, Mexico, and Canada they would [...]
Best Travel Gear for Babies
By: Chelsea Day, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerWhen my husband and I had our first baby earlier this year, we were determined to continue our active lifestyle. We plan to raise children who are well-traveled and knowledgeable about the world. Plus, we want our own lives to stay just as fun and interesting as always! It does take a little more effort, but [...]
Montezuma Castle with Kids
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaHave you ever visited a Native American archealogical site and felt disappointed when you found only few arrowheads and some difficult-to-spot sand drawings? (I have.) You will NOT be disappointed by a visit to Montezuma Castle, I promise! After I came here as a kid, I became enthralled by Native American culture, strapping a baby doll to my back and pretending to [...]
Omni Hotel Giveaway for Kids & Grown-Ups
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaDo you like hip boutique hotels in awesome vacation destinations like San Diego, New Orleans, Montreal, and Washington D.C.? Of course you do! Omni Hotels & Resorts is offering a free two-night stay to one lucky Travel Mama or Travel Daddy at any of its 43 family-friendly hotel locations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Oh, how I love a [...]
Mickey’s Diner – A Fun Joint for Families in St. Paul, Minnesota
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMickey’s has everything a diner should have: greasy food, thick milkshakes, jukebox tunes, and cranky waitresses. Serving up good eats and free downtown parking 24 hours a day since it opened in St. Paul in 1939, this restaurant was designed to resemble the dining railroad cars of its time. I remember coming here as a kid from the Minnesota suburbs and falling [...]
Family Travel in South Korea
By: Elizabeth Kelsey, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerAs an expat and mom living in Asia with my husband and young daughter, I find traveling in South Korea with children far easier than in many countries. A South Korean vacation can be an educational feast for all family members with its wealth of cultural traditions. Throughout the country, you can find plentiful spaces [...]
Zadar, Croatia with Kids
By: Rebecca Wright, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerI never would have thought of Croatia as a family destination, but after our visit I can absolutely say it is one of the best places to vacation with children. On the western coast of Croatia lies the extraordinary city of Zadar. This Mediterranean city has been through a lot in its nearly 3,000 years of [...]
Travel Bucket List Contest from Hilton Garden Inn
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaYou could win an opportunity to cross an item off your travel bucket list from Hilton Garden Inn. I’m a big fan of writing out goals, making vision boards, and creating bucket lists. There are some who say a bucket list is unnecessary but I believe the more you visualize your goals, the more likely you are [...]
10 Tips for SeaWorld San Diego with Kids
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAs a California resident, former SeaWorld annual pass holder, and parent of two – I have been to SeaWorld San Diego more times than I can count. I’ve gathered up a list of 10 tips to make the most of visiting this watery amusement/education park when visiting with kids.
When You Fall Off The Tree, Climb Right Back Up
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaYou may remember a couple of months back when I excitedly announced my position as channel leader (editor) of the Tree.com Travel blog. The Travel channel was one of 14 blogs on a social media site launched by the company that owns Lending Tree and RealEstate.com. This was my dream job. But not all dreams are meant [...]
Best San Diego Gaslamp Restaurants by a Local Foodie
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaKnow what I like as much as travel? FOOD! I believe delicious local cuisine is an essential part of a memorable travel experience. As a travel writer and resident of one of America’s favorite destinations, San Diego, I am often asked for restaurant recommendations by those traveling to my fair city. Here are my 10 favorite San Diego restaurants located in (or [...]
Embassy Suites Southern California Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThere were 344 entries in the Embassy Suites of Southern California Vacation Giveaway on TravelMamas.com. Entrants craving a SoCal getaway indicated their interest in San Diego, La Jolla, Temecula, Anaheim, Los Angeles and beyond. With 18 locations, there’s something to suit all vacationers’ tastes. Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach – Hotel & Resort Congratulations to Kathy Blalock, whose [...]
Travel BaBees Winners
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaTravel BaBees provides baby and toddler travel equipment rentals to lighten parents’ loads when traveling. You can choose from an array of items to make your life easier when traveling with a little one, from strollers and nursing pillows to car seats and full-size cribs. Two lucky readers are the winners of the Travel BaBees Giveaway on TravelMamas.com. They will each receive a $30 voucher to spend on a travel gear rental on their next family vacation.
A Journey Via My 7 Links
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThere are stories on TravelMamas.com that I am incredibly proud of, and others…not so much. In a few, I let my heart hang a tad more open than I feel comfortable with. (Those are probably among the best.) A blogging game of sorts has me reflecting on this site’s nearly 250 blog posts. This Tripbase project, entitled My 7 [...]
Road Trip Snacks, Toys & Games for Children
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThere are three wonderful things about road trips with children: 1) You can pack oodles of snacks, toys, and games for the trip; 2) You can go at your own pace and take breaks for playing, potty time, and site-seeing; and 3) If the kids have a meltdown and start driving you nuts, at least they’re [...]
Embassy Suites of Southern California Vacation Giveaway
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaKnow what’s better than a Southern California vacation? A FREE SoCal vacation in a suite with plenty of room to spread out and get a good night’s sleep. Throw in complimentary full breakfast and nightly happy hour while you’re at it. That’s just what Embassy Suites of Southern California is offering up to one lucky Travel [...]
Win Baby Travel Gear for Your Next Trip from Travel BaBees
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWant to lighten your load on your next family vacation? Travel BaBees is giving away $30 baby equipment rental vouchers to TWO lucky Travel Mamas readers. Read on to find out how to win. Remember that scene in Sex & The City when Miranda thought she was a terrible mother because she couldn’t get her infant to stop [...]
Family Cruise Budget Tips
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaFamily cruises are a wonderful way to travel within a budget. While there are luxury cruise lines with eye-popping price tags, many affordable cruises are available to families looking for good vacation value. Plus, much of your costs are included and paid for upfront such as accommodations, childcare (depending on the cruise line and children’s ages), and on-board meals [...]
ATX for Music Lovers & Creative Types
By: Meg Rain, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerAre you looking for a unique U.S. vacation destination where you can enjoy a little time away from the kiddos? Are you a fan of music and the arts? Do you want to visit a place that is almost guaranteed to be sunny, no matter what time of year you visit? If you answered yes to any (or all) [...]
Win a $10,000 Scholarship from Piccolini TV
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThis contest doesn’t have anything to do with travel, but it does involve kids, education, and eating — and those are three of my favorite things! You could win one of three scholarships and a year’s supply of pasta from Piccolini TV for creating a simple, healthy meal as an entry in the Next Mini Chef Contest.
Best Music for Family Road Trips
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMusic is one of the best tools for keeping families content and entertained during a road trip. The trick is to find music that both the kids AND the parents enjoy. Here are some of my family’s favorite road trip songs plus some suggestions from other family travel bloggers.
Win a Trip to the New LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaGet this…your family could win a trip to the new LEGOLAND Florida! As a SoCal resident and LEGOLAND California fan, I was thrilled when I recently received a big ol’ box of goodies in the mail that announced the opening of this theme park, set for October 15, 2011. Now YOU have a chance to experience this brand spankin’ new park [...]
South Alabama for Kids & Grown-Ups
By: Allison Crusoe, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerWhat if you could plan a family vacation that is not only fun for the kiddos, but also for the grown-ups? “Awesome,” you say? I thought you might. Here are city and beach options for kid-pleasing, adult-friendly adventures in South Alabama. Alabama might not be known for its beaches, but it should be! In the City Head to the [...]
TBEX 2011 in Vancouver – A Stunning Conference in a Charming City of Contrasts
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaIf this story’s title makes you cringe (and that’s the point), then you may have attended the Travel Bloggers’ Exchange Conference (TBEX) 2011 in Vancouver, Canada. If it doesn’t make you cringe, and you are a travel blogger or aspire to become one, then you might want to sign up for TBEX 2012 at Keystone Ski Resort [...]
Little Mermaid Ride Premiere & Interview with Jodi Benson, the Voice of Ariel
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAriel, one of Disney’s most beloved princesses, is being immortalized in her very own ride at Disney’s California Adventure Park. The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure opened on June 3, 2011 amid much excitement and very long lines. I was lucky to take a spin on this new attraction and even luckier to meet with Jodi Benson, [...]
5 Great U.S. Cities for a Girlfriend Getaway
By: Megan Eaves, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerIf you’re anything like me, every now and then you crave a little bit of good, old fashioned girl-time. Of course, you love the husby or boyfriend and children dearly, but there’s really something special about getting away for a weekend of non-stop gals-only goodness. I’ve put together a list of five U.S. girlfriend getaway destinations to tempt you and [...]
5 Safety Tips for Camping with Kids
By: Belle Arzadon, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerCamping is a great family activity, but exposing kids to the outdoors can incur unnecessary safety risks. As a parent, you are responsible for teaching your children not only about the wonders of nature, but also about its hidden dangers. Anything could happen while in the wild, so here are five camping precautions to stay safe [...]
Tree.com Travel – The Hot New Travel Blog in Town
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI am excited to announce the official launch of Tree.com, a social media site created by the company that owns Lending Tree and RealEstate.com. Why am I so happy about this new site with its 14 blog channels specializing in everything from Home & Garden, Lifestyle & Leisure, and Sports & Recreation? Because Tree.com has an AWESOME Travel blog too! [...]
Huntington Beach with Kids – The Ultimate Surfer Town
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaCalifornia’s Pacific Coast is lined with darling beach towns, each with its own local flavor and stretch of beach. For the ultimate surfer town, take the kids to Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA.
Global Resort Homes Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaGlobal Resort Homes provides spacious accommodations in vacation rental homes in Orlando - from luxury two-bedroom condos to seven-bedroom homes that can sleep up to 14! With lots of space, laundry facilities, and full kitchens - families have the amenities of home while on vacation. Plus on-site playgrounds and pools make these vacation homes fun for children (and grown-ups!). One lucky winner [...]
Affordable Family Fun in St. Louis, Missouri
By: Melissa Mitchell, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerThe Gateway Arch and Cardinals baseball probably come to mind when you think of St. Louis, but there is oh-so-much more to see and do here with kids. This family-friendly destination is situated in heart the Midwest, making it a convenient road trip destination from numerous U.S. cities. Best of all? Many St. Louis attractions are free! Feeding [...]
Win a Week in Orlando from Global Resort Homes
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaOrlando is one of the world’s most popular family vacation destinations, and for good reason – Disney amusements, water parks, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, and other kid-friendly attractions abound in this sunny locale. Here’s one more very appealing reason to visit Orlando this year…a free weeklong stay in a four-bedroom Global Resort Home! Read on to find out how to [...]
Best iPhone Apps for Traveling with Kids
By: Jill Seman, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerA lot of iPhone travel apps can help parents make informed choices about where they are going, what to do on vacation, and how to get there. With so many new products on the market every day, though, it’s difficult to sift through so many apps to find the real gems. As a parent, avid traveler and [...]
Austin-Lehman Adventures Giveaway
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaYou could win $5,000 towards a dream trip for two on the Austin-Lehman Adventure of your choice. Just imagine…you could be bicycling from chateau to chateau in France’s Loire Valley…spotting elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes on a game drive in South Africa…or exploring volcanoes and swimming in turquoise bays teeming with marine life in Costa Rica. If [...]
Carlsbad Flower Fields with Kids
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaEvery spring locals and visitors flock to the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California to smell the ranunculus and pose for amazing photo opps among thousands of blooms. Take the kids to learn about nature’s beauty by tiptoeing through a maze made of sweet peas or while riding aboard a tractor-pulled wagon through over 50 acres of [...]
Alaska: Family-Friendly Fun in the 49th State
By: Erin Kirkland, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerSarah Palin aside, Alaska is attracting a lot of attention these days, and no wonder. With towering mountains so rugged most residents haven’t climbed their craggy peaks, plus pristine waters so full of fish a family can fill their freezer in a day, Alaska is a cool destination among the adventure-minded, moms and dads included. [...]
Omni Hotels & Resorts Giveaway Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThe Omni Hotels & Resorts Giveaway to celebrate the second anniversary of TravelMamas.com was a lot of fun! I got a kick out of reading which Omni properties you are dreaming of visiting. With 43 stunning options, it’s hard to choose! Popular contest destination choices included Tucson, San Francisco, New York, Orlando, Montreal, and Cancun. Omni Berkshire Place is located in the [...]
Spa Week – An Affordable Mini Vacation for Mamas
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaNearly 1,000 spas across the U.S. are celebrating this year’s Spa Week April 11-17. Tired mamas can take a mini vacation from the dishes piled in the sink, mounds of laundry, and never-ending to-do lists with a spa service for just $50. These treatments normally cost anywhere from $75-$500. Each location will offer two to three of their [...]
Colorado’s Keystone Ski Resort Dining Adventures for Foodies & Families
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaKeystone Ski Resort in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains not only offers downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating, and other snowy activities but it’s also a foodie’s paradise! My family’s visit happened to coincide with the annual Keystone Winter Culinary Festival, which offers both romantic and family-friendly events. Plus mountaintop dining, a Nordic Soup Buffet, and an unforgettable Sleigh [...]
Tips for Family Ski Trips from a Former Scaredy Cat Skier
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI vowed never to ski again at age 14. So what was I doing standing atop a frosty white mountain, taking directions from a kind man named Jim, who urged me to “make a big pizza” with my skis if I wanted to stop my body from hurling downhill, face-first into a tree? (Well, Jim didn’t say it quite [...]
Connecting With Other Families While Traveling – What’s Wrong With That?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaConnecting with other families while traveling is an educational, fun, and enlightening experience for me…no matter if I meet the families through a chat board, cruise seating, blog, Twitter, or foreign exchange program. A reporter from MSNBC.com recently asked me what I think about using the Internet to make play dates while traveling. In the story, For Young Travelers, Playing Knows No Borders, I said these playtimes can provide a good break during [...]
Visit Indiana’s “Sunny Side of Louisville” with Kids
By: Nicole Wiltrout, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerLocated across the scenic Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky in Southern Indiana, the region of Clark-Floyd Counties is affectionately nicknamed The Sunny Side of Louisville. This area makes for an enjoyable day trip for Midwesterners or can serve as a starting point for history buffs wishing to follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark’s famous expedition. For parents looking for a day of fun with the kids, come along on my family’s sunny side adventures!
Family-Friendly Mardi Gras in “The Other Side of Louisiana”
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMardi Gras and Carnival are famously celebrated in New Orleans but many communities throughout Louisiana commemorate this festive season with live zydeco music, dancing, traditional Cajun cuisine, King Cakes, and float-filled parades with beads, beads, and more beads! Located in the Northwestern corner of the state (closer to Texas than New Orleans), Shreveport-Bossier touts itself as [...]
Win a Trip to Orange County, California!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaEnter to win one of THREE vacation packages to Irvine, California – including airfare, hotel, and entertainment for two people from Destination Irvine. Read on to find out how to enter. As a Southern California resident, I love sneaking away to Orange County for weekend getaways and day trips. There’s so much to see and do in the O.C.!
Mumbai, India with Kids: An Unforgettable Experience
By: Kaamna Bhojwani-Dhawan, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerIndia may be intimidating at first, but it is a cultural goldmine if you are willing to dig deeper than the superficial noise. Many think it’s crazy to travel with children to Mumbai, citing language differences, exotic food, congested traffic, and hygiene concerns. As a diehard Mumbaikar, who spent 18 years of her life in this city, I can tell you these are all minor hurdles to overcome to experience one of the most exciting places in the world, and show your children a cultural experience they will never forget.
Musical Instrument Museum – A Tour of the World through Music
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThe Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona gives a glimpse into the world’s people through the music we create, love, and dance to. I thought a visit would involve silently walking the halls, staring at clarinets and trombones, and reading standard museum text. Instead, visitors don headphones that come to life with music and narration when an exhibit is approached. Musical diversity appears before your ears and eyes with songs and videos of concerts and dances, colorful displays of familiar and unusual instruments, plus traditional costumes and huge photographs. Children and adults even get a hands-on opportunity to make music with a variety of instruments from around the world.
Romantic Getaway at Scottsdale’s Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAfter a hectic day that included a trip to the emergency room for one of our children (don’t worry, she’s fine!), the minute my husband and I stepped into the lobby at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Scottsdale we could feel our tensions begin to drift away. During our trip to Arizona to visit family this past fall we left the kids at my parents’ house and checked into this luxurious resort for a mini romantic getaway filled with fine dining, good wine, spa treatments, relaxation and, of course, romance.
Fresh Produce Travel Apparel Giveaway Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaFresh Produce offers fun, colorful clothing that is perfectly packable for a vacation. To enter the Fresh Produce Travel Apparel Giveaway, entrants told Travel Mamas which you’d prefer – the Shorefront Cardigan or the Convertible Travel Dress/Skirt.
I-5 Road Trip Pit Stops to Cure Any Case of “Are We There Yet?!”
By: Amy Whitley, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerStretching between Seattle and San Diego, Interstate-5 has no shortage of exciting cities, beautiful scenery, and road-side attractions to keep your crew entertained on family road trips. The question is, which are worth stopping for and which are simply a waste of valuable travel time and travel cash? Making my home in an I-5 town, I’m well acquainted with this particular interstate, as are my kids. Below you’ll find our top five pit stops that won’t break the bank or ruin your carefully planned schedule. Best of all, they’re all directly off an I-5 exit!
The Travel Mama’s Guide to Orlando & Kissimmee with Kids
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMy family crammed a lot of fun attractions, tasty food, and family-friendly accommodations into our nine-day Florida vacation. Along with my husband and two young children, I visited three Disney parks and hung out with alligators and their crocodile cousins at Gatorland. We rested our heads in two hotels, one vacation home, and on board Disney’s new ship, Dream. Plus we sampled cuisine from Cuba, Canada, Spain, and beyond. Throughout it all, I wrote about our adventures on the i.seeKissimmee blog. Here’s a little round-up of our experiences and my recommendations for your next trip to the Orlando area.
Travel Apparel Giveaway from Fresh Produce
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaLooking for fashionable clothing that’s comfortable and travels well? Fresh Produce specializes in fresh, fun apparel and has some great pieces to pack for your next vacation. Enter to win your choice of a Convertible Travel Skirt/Dress or a Shorefront Cardigan from Fresh Produce.
Disney Dream’s Christening Ceremony – Dreams Do Come True
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMy eyes filled with tears watching the christening ceremony for Disney’s new ship, Dream. I was overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude and wonder at being part of something that felt so special…so magical…so Disney. But those tears represented something bigger.
Embassy Suites California Dreamin’ Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThank you to everyone who entered the Embassy Suites California Dreamin’ Giveaway on Travel Mamas! To enter, you told me which of the 18 Embassy Suites Southern California hotels you wanted to stay at most. Many Disney fans chose the Embassy Suites at Anaheim South or Anaheim North. Meanwhile wine lovers chose the Temecula location. Other entrants wanted to check out the new digs over at Embassy Suites Ontario, which is scheduled to open next month.
Embassy Suites California Dreamin’ Giveaway
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI had never stayed at an Embassy Suites before. They sounded delightful…a separate bedroom for the kiddies…free happy hour and cooked to order breakfast…what was there NOT to like? Now that I’ve stayed at this family-friendly hotel chain, I am a believer! Read on to find out how to win a weekend getaway to any of 18 Southern California Embassy Suites.
Orange County Great Balloon – It’s Fun & It’s Free!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaHave you always wanted go up in a hot air balloon but you’re a little too nervous? Or maybe you don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars for the flight? The Great Park Balloon in Orange County, California provides the perfect solution!
Quiznos Giveaway Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaA big thanks to all you Travel Mamas and Travel Daddies who entered the Quiznos – New Year! New Travel Plans! New Giveaway! Looks like everyone is hungry for Quiznos – there were 342 entries in this tasty contest!
Passports with Purpose Wrap-Up & Thank You
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaA couple of months ago I told you about Passports with Purpose, a wonderful fundraising project organized and supported by travel bloggers who obtained nearly 100 awesome prizes from generous sponsors like hotels, travel gear companies, airlines, tour companies, and more. I am so happy Travel Mamas was able to play a part in helping to raise over $59,000 to support LAFTI in building a village in India.
Sedona’s Enchantment Resort Review – Worth a Splurge?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaLocated on one of the most spectacular spots of real estate in the world, everything at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona seems to have been created to allow the scenic landscape take center stage. So, is it worth a splurge?
Quiznos Giveaway – New Year, New You, New Travel Plans!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaYou want to look fabulous hiking through the national parks, lounging poolside in Florida, or touring the sites in New York City…so put down the leftover gingerbread cookies and get thee to a Quiznos! There are several Quiznos meal options for less than 500 calories and Quiznos can be found in many airport terminals and along major freeways, giving your family tasty and easy dining choices without the guilt. One lucky Travel Mamas reader will win $30 in Quiznos gift cards.
Sedona, Arizona – Beyond Imagination
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaYou know Sedona is famous for its gorgeous red rocks and breathtaking desert landscape. You’ve heard about this Arizona mountain town’s mysterious energy vortexes, and probably dismissed their existence. Maybe you’ve imagined escaping to this scenic destination to hike trails amidst all that natural beauty.
Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Ireland
By: Leigh Maher, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerIreland is known for its fairytale castles, rocky cliffs, and green fields…however, there is more to this charming country than ancient estates and scenic vistas. The Emerald Isle is a friendly, vibrant place and a wonderful melding of past and present. Enjoying this uniquely Irish spirit with your kids can be educational, exciting and so much fun for the whole family. Here are some of the best attractions for kids (and parents) touring Ireland.
Happy Holidays from The Travel Mama & Family
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMerry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Feliz Navidad! Happy Kwanzaa! Mele Kalikimaka! Happy Omisoka! Happy Winter Solstice! Joyeuses Fêtes! Happy New Year! And Happy Festivus for the Rest of Us!
Top 10 Blogs of 2010
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThere seem to be a million lists of the best blogs on the Internet. I am tickled when I discover a blog from these lists that entertains, educates, or inspires. Sometimes, however, I am disappointed. Frankly, many of these blogs suck. What I want is a blog that provides useful tips, interesting stories, beautiful photos, or all of these things.
Here is my list of the top 10 blogs of 2010.
Child-Friendly Activities in Edinburgh, Scotland
By: Charlotte McCulloch, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerA city steeped in history and culture, Edinburgh offers the perfect mix of traditional sights and contemporary attractions. The holiday atmosphere, historical landmarks and great days out for all ages make this an ideal destination for families travelling with children. Here are just a few of the must see child-friendly activities in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Going Confidently in the Direction of My Dreams in 2011
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined.” Living the life of my dreams seemed so far removed from my reality, I wouldn’t even allow my mind to wander toward it.
TravelKiddy Activity Kit Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThank you to everyone who entered the TravelKiddy Giveaway on TravelMamas.com! I asked entrants to tell me which TravelKiddy they would prefer and why.
Christmas at Knott’s Berry Farm with Snoopy & Friends
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaKnott’s Berry Farm hosts a holiday celebration complete with A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade, Christmas Crafts Village, visits with Santa Claus, and even a Christmas ice skating show! Located in Buena Park, California, Knott’s Berry Farm is America’s original theme park. A visit during the holiday season is sure to delight all ages with its fun and festive shows, decorations, and activities.
Travel with Kids? Enter to Win a TravelKiddy Activity Kit!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaCreating and packing a travel activity kit to keep kids entertained while on a family vacation can be a hassle. It was such a relief not to assemble a bag full of travel toys, coloring books, stickers, and engaging activities for my two children before our last trip. This time around, I let TravelKiddy do the work for me. Win a TravelKiddy to make your life easier too!
Irvine Regional Park – For Families, For Nature Lovers, For Everyone!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThe next time you are planning a trip to Disneyland, schedule an extra day or two to explore the nearby Irvine Regional Park. You could easily spend a whole weekend just exploring this 477-acre park with its plentiful hiking trails, zoo, horse rentals, miniature train and more- all amid tall, leafy trees and the natural beauty of Southern California.
5 of the Best “World’s Biggest” Attractions
By: Traci L. Suppa, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerMy family has discovered the quirky fun of roadside attractions, and purposely seeks out the “world’s biggest” stuff. Most attractions we visit are just for laughs, but some have educational value or historical lessons. All make for great photo ops. Here are five of our favorites.
Holiday Travel Tips from Travel Mamas & Military Travel Talk
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI was honored to discuss holiday travel tips on Military Travel Talk Radio this week. We talk about etiquette for visiting family and friends, potty training on the go, air travel oddities, and weigh-in on the new TSA full-body scanners. I hope you’ll listen in!
Angkor Wat & Beyond with Kids in Cambodia’s Siem Reap
By: Tracy Burns, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerSiem Reap and the nearby Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia offer a lot of exciting activities for families, including the 9th – 13th century ruins of Angkor – the largest preindustrial city in the world.
Build a Village in India & Win a JW Marriott Getaway
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaJW Marriott San Antonio is giving away a two-night stay including daily breakfast for two through TravelMamas.com to support the Passports with Purpose Fundraiser. For as little as a $10 tax deductible donation, you can help build a village in India and get a shot at winning this fabulous getaway and other travel prizes!
Reasons to Stay at Hilton Garden Inn
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI asked Travel Mamas readers which of the over 500 worldwide Hilton Garden Inn locations you would choose and why for a chance to win a two-night getaway. Your vacation motivation was just as varied as the destinations chosen. Obviously there are many reasons to stay at a Hilton Garden Inn!
Restaurants, Drinks & Sweets in Freeport, Maine
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThe food in Freeport, Maine seemed to come in two forms: extremely casual and affordable or very upscale and spendy. You might want to save money with some cheap eats during the day so you can splurge on fancier meals in the evening. Save room for some fun drinkies and sweet treats too!
Weekend Getaway in Freeport, Maine
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaHere are some tips to make the most of a weekend escape to the lovely town of Freeport, Maine with your honey, your children, or a close friend.
Win a Weekend Getaway to Any Hilton Garden Inn in the World
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaEnter to win a two-night stay plus breakfast for a family of four at any Hilton Garden Inn. With over 500 hotels throughout the U.S. and the world, the hardest part will be choosing where to go!
Favorite Family-Friendly Nature Spots in California
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaHere are three of my favorite places to connect with nature in my adopted home state of California.
Fall Beauty at Wolfe’s Neck Farm in Freeport, Maine
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI was reluctant to go to the Fall Festival at Wolfe’s Neck Farm during my recent trip to Freeport, Maine. I was not in the mood for a crowded, noisy production heavy on bouncy houses, cotton candy, stuffed prizes, and other manufactured fun. But this was not like other fall festivals.
Best Cupcakes in California…Maybe in the World
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI have found the best cupcakes in California…maybe in the world. As a cupcake connoisseur, I do not make such a statement lightly.
The Day My Life Changed Forever in France’s Luberon
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaA day that started as a quest for a quintessentially Provençal experience became something much bigger when I discovered that my life would be forever changed.
Halloween Fun for Families at LEGOLAND California
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaFamilies can celebrate Halloween all month long at LEGOLAND California. Kids can go “Brick-Or-Treating” in their costumes day or night, enjoy not-too-spooky live shows, munch on tasty treats, and more!
Monte Carlo, Nice, or Villefranche?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaSometimes not having set vacation plans allows for unexpected discoveries and is the best way to travel. Other times, not having an agenda leads to poor decisions and missed opportunities. Both proved true on this second to last stop of our Disney Cruise through the Mediterranean.
My Santa Monica Top Chef Confession
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaA highlight of my recent trip to Santa Monica was meeting a finalist from Bravo TV’s Top Chef television show. As Top Chef fanatics, my husband and I jumped at the chance to eat at The Yard, a gastropub at which Season Three Top Chef Finalist CJ Jacobson works as head chef.
Halloween with a Disney Twist
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThere are two ways to experience Disneyland during Halloween. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event that takes place on special evenings after the amusement park closes to the public. However, you don’t necessarily need to attend the party to enjoy this holiday at Disneyland.
Rome in a Day
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThey say Rome wasn’t built in a day. But can it be conquered in a day with a toddler in tow?
The Travel Mama’s Bucket List
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThis bucket list is made up of unaccomplished dreams, awaiting fulfillment.
Santa Monica with Kids
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaSanta Monica is the epitomy of a Southern California beach town with its surfable waves, walkable downtown, laidback atmosphere, and seaside amusements.
Tips for Traveling to India with Children
By: Allison Sodha, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerAs a mom, avid traveler, and owner of a specialized travel company, India is bridged between my personal and professional lives. Here are seven tips for making your trip to India family friendly.
Sun, Sand & Sea in Sardinia
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAfter many days on the go, go, go touring historic European sites, a beach day Sardinian-style was just what the Travel Mama ordered!
Yes! Amsterdam IS for Kids!
By: Monique Rubin, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerWhile the city is known more for lascivious activities than family-friendly fare, there are plenty of parks, museums, and attractions to keep children’s curious minds and rambunctious bodies entertained.
Stop to Smell the Roses in San Diego’s Balboa Park
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAs locals, one of my family’s favorite spots in San Diego’s Balboa Park is the Rose Garden. It’s free to the public, doesn’t take all day to tackle, and makes a fun and fragrant outdoor field trip for visitors of all ages.
Santa Monica Here We Come!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI left it up to you to decide where my family should go for a Southern California road trip getaway. With 55% of the votes…we are headed to Santa Monica for a weekend of Old School Amusements & Beachy Fun!
Family-Friendly Food in San Juan, Puerto Rico
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaFrom traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, to unique candies and refreshing treats – there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy in San Juan.
Vacation Savoring Lessons Learned in Sorrento & Pompeii
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThis was the most frustrating day of our Disney Cruise through the Mediterranean. It’s not that Sorrento and Pompeii themselves were bothersome or not worthy of a visit – quite the opposite, in fact! From great frustrations, one can learn great lessons. Here’s what I learned about how to make the most of your limited vacation days.
Hold on Tight, There’s a New Travel Product in Town
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAt first I was skeptical about the usefulness of the My Handy Hold, an alternative to a safety harness that children hold onto instead of being buckled into. But, I figured what they heck, and I accepted a free My Handy Hold from the manufacturer to see if it might be something worthwhile for traveling parents.
New Zealand in the Footsteps of the Lord of the Rings
By: Maria Berkestam, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerDiehard J.R.R. Tolkein fans, all three of our teenagers knew the three-hour long dialogue from the first Lord of the Rings film by heart. Now they wanted to visit “the real place.”
4 San Diego Summer Fun Spots for Babies & Toddlers
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaHeaded to San Diego with a baby or toddler? Check out my latest article for San Diego Family Magazine, “Baby It’s Hot Outside,” about summer fun spots for tots in my sunny hometown.
There’s More to Washington than Seattle
By: Crystal, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerWhen you think of Washington State things that come to mind might include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Starbucks Coffee. As much as I enjoy all of these wonderful Washington icons, I hope tourists come to see more than just Seattle in my home state.
JoggerMom Summer Travel Prize Pack Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaIt looks like a lot of you wanted to win the JoggerMom Summer Travel Prize Pack! With nearly $250 in travel gear for babies and toddlers from Phil & Teds, who wouldn’t want to win?!
Tips for a Cabo San Lucas Girlfriend Getaway
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaFrom where to enjoy a night out on the town to why you should step outside your comfort zone but avoid tequila shots…here are my seven tips for ensuring you have a fabulous girlfriend getaway in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!
A Day on the Farm in Sicily
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAs my husband tossed my giggling daughter about in the water, I was overwhelmed by the bittersweet perfection of that moment. The aqua blue of the pool, surrounded by the golden hills…I wanted to stop the clock and forever be enveloped by Sicily’s beauty, the sun shining down on our happy little family, the sounds of children at play ringing through the air.
London with Kids…Rain or Shine!
By: Bridgette Shima, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerLondon is a child-friendly, historical city with plenty to discover both indoors and out. As an American expat living in London, I’ll share with you some of my favorite spots as well as a few key points for visiting England’s capital.
Celebrate Summer Travel with Joggermom Giveaways!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaYour baby or toddler can travel with ease and style this summer with a Traveller and a Wriggle Wrapper, both made by Phil & Teds. JoggerMom offers these products as well as many others that make travel easier for parents. Read on to find out how to win this pair of prizes, worth a total of nearly $250!
Family Travel Questions? Bring It!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI am happy to announce my partnership with Best Family Travel Advice! If you are looking for help with packing, places to go, things to do, activities for kids, ANYTHING to do with family travel…throw it at us and we’ll do our best to get you expert travel advice to meet your needs.
New York & TBEX ’10 – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaLast weekend I was in New York City to attend the Travel Blogger’s Exchange (TBEX) Conference with 300 or so fellow travel lovers. Some of what the city and the conference had to offer were just what I expected, but there were a few surprises along the way.
JetSetBabies Winners!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThank you to everyone who entered the JetSetBabies contest on TravelMamas.com! Two lucky parents will receive $50 to spend at JetSetBabies, a site that delivers baby and toddler supplies (like diapers, formula, and baby food) and other goodies (such as bath and sand toys) to hotels and homes around the world.
Top 10 Travel Tips from Parents of Tots
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaLast week I asked parents to share their favorite travel tips for a chance to win a Marriott Tots Travel Too gift pack of goodies. From sentimental to practical, here are my top 10 travel tip picks from among the 56 entries.
I’m in a New York State of Mind
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThis weekend I am excited to be attending the Travel Bloggers Exchange (TBEX) Conference in New York with 200+ travel lovin’ bloggers and public relations peeps. It seemed crazy to fly all the way from California for just a couple of days so I’ll be staying a tad longer to see some sites. Which New York sites do you think I should see?
Marriott Loves Tots Who Travel
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMarriott is going above and beyond to make sure its youngest guests are welcomed, comfortable, and safe at more than 2,500 Marriott brand hotels with its new Tots Travel Too program.
Disney’s “World of Color” Premiere & My Red Carpet Hullaballoo
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI was invited by Disneyland to attend their much anticipated premiere of their “World of Color” water, light, color, laser, fire, music show. How was it? Well, let’s put it this way…it was THE most fun I can remember having in a long, long, long time!
Travel with a Baby or Toddler Made Easy with JetSetBabies
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWant to make traveling with a baby or toddler easier? Then you need to know about JetSetBabies! Enter to win one of two $50 JetSetBabies gift certificates.
How & Why to Host a Vision Board Party
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaIf you are asking, “What’s a vision board?” – obviously you are not nearly as obsessed with Oprah as I am. So, I’ll give you the scoop. A vision board is collage representing things you would like to attract to your life. Here’s how and why to throw a vision board party to get the magic started.
Rockin’ Resources for Traveling Parents
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaIt’s always exciting when I get feedback about how this site helps traveling families! Over the past couple of months, a few websites have written about TravelMamas.com and I wanted to share their stories and tell you about the rockin’ products and services these sites offer to traveling parents.
My Top 10 Travel Tips for Parents
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI hope you’ll swing by BreezyMama.com to check out my round-up of travel tips! I was asked to share my Top 10 Travel Tips for Parents by BreezyMama.com. While you’re there, be sure to enter to win a My Busy Kit to keep your wee ones content while traveling or enter to win a super-stylish Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag.
Which Disneyland Character Meal is Best for Your Family?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaEach of the five Disneyland character meals has its own feel, special touches, and star character. But how do you know which character meal is best for your family? Let me break it down for you…
Family-Friendly Singapore
By: Matthew Long, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerSingapore is an exciting, fast-paced city best known for its diverse culture and ultra-modern tastes. Usually a destination for the business traveler, Singapore is also a great vacation stop for families.
5 Babymoon Tips for Pregnant Travel Mamas
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaExpectant parents often take a babymoon, or one last hurrah vacation before that bundle of joy comes along to interrupt meals and make reading a magazine on an airplane impossible. Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, a babymoon is a wonderful way to relax and celebrate couplehood with your partner before a baby’s arrival.
Morocco with Kids – A Unique Journey for the Senses
By: Dee Andrews, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerMy senses were piqued in Morocco. The sights, smells, sounds and tastes were different and extraordinary – at times even overwhelming in all their newness. My family had come to Morocco looking for a different kind of family vacation, and we weren’t disappointed.
How to Keep Kids Healthy While Traveling and at Home
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaLooking for tips for keeping the kids happy and healthy this summer whether at-home or on-the-go? Listen to this interview with The Travel Mama (Me!) and Catherine McCord of Weelicious on Healthy Voyager Radio. I share some of my favorite travel resources and activities as well as what I think is hardest about travel with children (and how to handle it!).
A Southern California Weekend Getaway
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThis weekend my family is headed to the OC. Inspired by the Travel Mamas guest blog post Orange County with Kids – Beyond Disneyland we’ve decided to check out a couple of the family-friendly sites recommended by Katie of the OC Mom Activities blog. On Sunday, we’re headed to Disneyland. I’m excited to visit the park now that my youngest is a tad older. Visiting with a baby is oh-so-much-fun but seeing Disney through the eyes of a toddling two-year-old is magical!
Dream Trips on a Budget
By: Debra Muccio, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerWe all have that vacation destination we daydream about. It might be a tropical island, where the water is crystal clear and the beaches are empty. Or, it might be luxurious resort with relaxing spa treatments and over-the-top customer service. Whatever type of vacation you are longing for, it CAN happen on a budget!
Learn Travel Secrets & Help Those in Need Get Clean Drinking Water…for Free!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaA few months ago I was invited to share my top three best kept travel secrets as part of a game amongst travel bloggers. Two hundred writers, including Peter Greenberg and Johnny Jet, shared their favorite hidden gem locations and secret tips for traveling better. In total, over 500 travel secrets were gathered. Now, they are available to you for FREE as eBooks. What started as a fun little game has grown into a charity phenomenon.
For every person that downloads a Travel Secrets eBook, Tripbase will make a $1 donation* to Charity: Water. You get great travel tips; people in developing nations get safe drinking water.
LEGOLAND Prize Pack Winner
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThe winner of the four LEGOLAND California/SEA LIFE Aquarium park hopper tickets plus a copy of The Unauthorized Guide to LEGOLAND is…
Join the Travel Party
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaEach week I try to squeeze a little me-time into my busy schedule of mommydom and blogging by participating in Travelers Night In. It’s free and I don’t even have to leave the house to join the party.
Road Trip with Teens – Are You Crazy?
By: Stuart Sternberg, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerUsually my Disney-loving family flies to sunny Florida every other year to visit Mickey Mouse. This summer, however, I will be driving with my wife and two teenagers from central New Jersey to Orlando. My 17-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter merely tolerate each other’s company, at best. Right about now I can hear some of you saying, “Are you crazy?” Here’s how we plan to stay sane along the way.
Where is the world’s largest shopping mall?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) Mall of America – Minnesota, USA
b) Dubai Mall – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
c) West Edmonton Mall – Alberta, Canada
d) South China Mall – Dongguan, China
Discover Des Moines as a Family Vacation Destination
By: Paula Reece, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerWhen you think of a family vacation destination what comes to mind? Orlando, San Diego, Maui…Des Moines? Well, Des Moines may not have quite as much to offer as some of the popular family vacation destinations, but you may be surprised by just how much fun a vacation in the heart of Iowa can be.
Thanks for Sharing the Memories
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThank you to everyone who posted a travel memory on TravelMamas.com as part of the Lay’s Happiest Travel Memories Giveaway. This contest was so fun for me because I loved reading through all of your stories! A few memories were funny…many were uplifting…others brought tears to my eyes. To recognize some of the submissions, Lay’s will award a bag of potato chips to the top five best answers (as chosen by moi). I couldn’t narrow it down to just five so I’ve also included five honorable mentions.