What does E.P.C.O.T. stand for?

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

(Scroll down for the answer…)

Listen Up & Weigh In Travel Mamas!

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

I was a guest on the Jetiquette Blog Talk Radio Show last week and I didn’t embarrass myself too horribly. Success! The topic was Travel with Children, which I happen to know a thing or two about. Looking for some travel tips or just want to hear how silly I sound on air? Listen to the podcast now!

Epcot’s Best Rides & Hidden Treasures for Kids & Toddlers

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

With a couple of notable exceptions, my family’s most memorable Epcot moments happened when exploring the less-known, low-key, hands-on stuff more than when riding the popular rides. Here are eight attractions and simple pleasures to check out at Epcot, especially if traveling with a child or toddler.

The National Parks: America’s Best Idea

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

I teared up a bit last night while watching an episode of Ken Burns’ The National Parks: America’s Best Idea on PBS. A father told the story about how a group of wild mountain goats walked past him and his son in Glacier National Park. His son had written in his journal that night, “Today was the most exciting day of my life.”

5 Yosemite Kid-Sized Adventures

By: Debi Huang, Travel Mamas Guest Blogger

Debi Huang is a Los Angeles-based wife, mom and adventure guide for two young boys. Her blog at GoExploreNature.com is all about getting kids and families outdoors and connected to nature. Read why Yosemite holds a special place in her heart and learn about five adventures for kids in this National Park.

In which country is the world’s largest swimming pool?

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

a) Morocco
b) Chile
c) Dubai
d) Mexico
e) The United States

Ship Your Luggage

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

If you have a lot to pack, you can avoid lugging it all to the airport and paying checked baggage fees by shipping your luggage instead. Luggage Free Economy allows you to ship luggage or boxes at a flat rate of $50 per piece.

Learn to Speak Canadian, Eh?

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

In honor of the Olympics in Vancouver, I thought I’d share a link to this blog post from ThePlanetD.com, a travel blog by “Canada’s Adventure Couple” on The Great Canadian Word, Unique Phrases and Words of Canada.

Top 5 Travel Bargain Spring Destinations

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

Everyone’s feeling the pinch of the recession, but we still want to get away for a little spring break vacation! USA Today’s picks include Jamaica, Toronto, Hawaii, Panama City Beach, and Gatlinburg. Read more in Top 5 Bargain Destinations for Spring 2010.

Wait Less, Play More at Disney World

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

While standing in line for the Tomorrowland Transportation Authority ride at the Magic Kingdom during our recent visit to Disney World, I overheard the young couple in front of us discussing the wait times for various attractions while looking at their iPhone. They told me I could download a free app from iTunes called Disney World Wait Times.

Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time (Part 2)

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

In my last post, I wrote about my experience at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort with my preschooler daughter, my toddler son and my mom. I told you about the family-friendly suites and many of the fun on-site activities at this themed Orlando hotel, like miniature golf, 4-D movies, and interactive live shows. I’ve saved the best for last…the character breakfast, the water park and pools, and the slime!

Help a Travel Mama Out? Vote to Send Me to Italy!

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

I entered a simply fabulous contest for a weeklong trip to Tuscany, Italy over on Ciao Bambino, a site that inspires families to explore the world together. As you can imagine, I REALLY want to win this contest! So, my dear fellow Travel Mamas…I have a favor to ask…could you please go vote for my photo? Pretty please with gelato on top? This should take about, oh, one minute of your time!

A Family that Bicycles Together…Sees the World Together

By: Nancy Sathre-Vogel, Travel Mamas Guest Blogger

Nancy Sathre-Vogel is a modern-day nomad and vagabond who travels the world in search of beads and other treasures. She is now pedaling the length of the Americas because her eleven-year-old sons have decided they want to get the Guinness World Record as the youngest people to cycle the Pan-American Highway. Read her reflections on the day she and her family began their journey and what they’ve learned and experienced along the way.

What is the national bird of Canada?

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

a) White Pelican
b) Barn Swallow
c) Common Loon
d) White-Tailed Sea-Eagle

Nickelodeon Suites Resort – A Family Hotel with Amusements Galore (Part 1)

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

With onsite activities like an elaborate water park, miniature golf, and live audience-participation shows, the Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando, Florida is a destination unto itself or an affordable hotel option for families who want to take free shuttles to nearby Disney World theme parks and other attractions.

How to Camp with Kids

By: Roy Scribner, Travel Mamas Guest Blogger

Roy Scribner is a Travel Daddy to three children who helps parents experience the great outdoors with their kids at CampingBlogger.net. He knows how to go at a kid’s pace when exploring on a hike and what activities to bring along to keep them happy back at the campsite. Check out his tips for a fun camping adventure for the whole family!

How long did it take to build the Great Pyramid in Egypt?

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

a) 10 years
b) 20 years
c) 30 years
d) 40 years
e) 100 years

Your Travel Questions Answered

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

Every now and then I receive emails or comments from readers with helpful travel tips, interesting questions, or some thoughts about how TravelMamas.com helped them travel better with kids. I thought I’d compile a few of them to share with you in hopes it will help your family travels a bit!

Family-Friendly New Orleans on a Budget

By: Jennifer Close, Travel Mamas Guest Blogger

When most people think of New Orleans, they picture beads tossed to a rowdy crowd drinking Hurricanes. Jennifer Close of Two Kids and a Map pictures her kids covered in powdered sugar from their beignets and the smiles on their faces as they dance to the calliope. Find out why Jennifer thinks New Orleans is the perfect destination for a fun, affordable getaway with kids in this Travel Mamas guest blog post.

Romance at Disneyland

By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

I surprised my husband with an overnight romantic getaway at Disneyland for our wedding anniversary last year. I felt a tad guilty visiting the Happiest Place on Earth without the kids, and I worried my husband would find our destination less than romantic. However, I quickly realized just how freeing and romantic a child-free Disney trip can be.