I have a love affair with islands. No matter where I go in the world, from Shelter Island that’s almost in my backyard, to more far-flung locales – islands conjure up a dreamy melding of adventure, romance and relaxing satisfaction. Here are five of my favorite isles.
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 MamaLooking back on our summertime mommy-daughter trip to Puerto Rico, all of the delicious food we ate plays a starring role in many of our favorite vacation memories! From traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, to unique candies and refreshing treats – there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
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. I thought, if they can let go of it, what’s the point? 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 BloggerIt was entirely the kids’ idea to go to faraway New Zealand from our home in Sweden. Diehard 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.” Since my husband and I are firm believers that kids learn loads when they can immerse themselves with their interests, we took up the idea immediately.
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, Starbucks Coffee, and if you were a teen during the 90s, maybe The Real World on Pier 70. 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. Some of my favorite destinations are just an hour or two from Seattle and can fit easily into a day trip while visiting the Emerald City.
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?!
7 Tips for a Fabo Cabo 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. These meals are a great way to meet many characters in one fell swoop, which frees up park time to enjoy rides, shows, and other attractions rather than waiting in long lines for a brief photo opp. 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.
Keep ‘Em Happy & Healthy On The Go & 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.
5 of California’s Best & Most Diverse Beaches
By: Sharlene Earnshaw, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerOne of the things I love most about living in California is being in such close proximity to some of the most amazing beaches in the world. Even after 32 years of life near the coast, my breath is still taken away every time I round a bend and get that first glimpse of the ocean. As I have lived in and explored both Northern and Southern California, I have grown to especially love the diversity that our coast holds. Here are five very different but very spectacular California Beaches.
How Well Do You Know the World?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaCheck out the Traveler IQ Challenge, an online travel game by TravelPod on tripadvisor.com. It’s a fun way to test how well you know world geography. Warning: This game is addictive!
Who was the original singer of the song, New York, New York?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) Frank Sinatra
b) Liza Minelli
c) John Kander
d) Dean Martin
San Diego Botanic Garden – An Enchanting Place for Children
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaIn my family’s hometown, we are members of the San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly named Quail Botanical Gardens). This is one of San Diego’s best hidden gems. It contains not one but TWO children’s gardens full of hands-on activities. Plus there are plenty of walking paths lined with beautiful plants and flowers from around the world.
Air Travel “Jetiquette” Begins with Mom and Dad
By: Gailen David, Travel Mamas Guest Blogger“Jetiquette” was once only used to describe acceptable guest behavior when hitching a ride on someone else’s private jet. However, the term has come to mean so much more. Here are some jetiquette tips for families from Gailen David, a flight attendant, blogger, and weekly podcast host.
Happiest Travel Memories
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWhen we travel for fun, the focus isn’t on work, school, and never-ending to-do lists. Vacations allow us to spend quality time with people we love, live more fully in the present moment, take notice of our surroundings, and enjoy life. This must be why so many of my happiest memories have taken place while on a vacation. Read a few of my happiest travel memories and share one of yours for a chance to win a Southwest Airlines $200 gift card from Lay’s potato chips as part of their Happiness is Simple campaign.
Kid-Friendly Sites in Sydney, Australia
By: Anjanette Morton, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerHaving lived in Sydney for five years, I was able to indulge my tacky tourist leanings as well as discover the best parts of the city as a local. While it’s difficult to narrow down my personal top spots of this sparkling harbor-side city, the following areas are fun for all members of the family.
Teach Kids About Giving while Learning about Another Culture
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaSponsoring individuals from another country can be a great experience to share with your children too. Have your kids help you choose whom to sponsor by visiting the website together to read about and view photos of those seeking funds.
In which U.S. state does the Mississippi River start?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) Minnesota
b) Wisconsin
c) North Dakota
d) Illinois
e) None of the above – the Mississippi River starts in Canada
Bring the Kids Along on a Business Trip
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaEveryone’s looking for ways to save money during these tough economic times. If you or your spouse has a job that requires travel, why not have the family tagalong on the next business trip? You save money on airfare for one family member and score free accommodations for all.
Go to LEGOLAND for Just 15 Bucks!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaFor one day only, you can get into LEGOLAND California for just $15. On May 1, you can visit this fun amusement park at a bargain price while benefiting schools. Find out how on Family Adventure Guidebooks, a blog by the author of the Unauthorized LEGOLAND Guidebook.
4 Phoenix Fun Spots for Kids
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThere weren’t nearly as many fun attractions for families to explore in Phoenix when I was growing up there as compared to what exists today. When I return to the Valley of the Sun with my two kids to visit family each year, I love discovering the newer child-friendly Phoenix-area attractions as well as revisiting old-school favorites. Here are four family-friendly spots that are sure to please kids.
Traveling with Children who have Food Allergies
By: Kate Newmyer, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerMany parents who have a child with severe food allergies opt not to travel because they fear a negative allergic reaction away from home. Travel with a food-allergic child is possible. It just takes preparation, communication, and vigilance! Read these tips on how to travel safely with food allergies from Kate Newmyer, a mom who knows!
Which country has the most islands?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) Japan
b) Canada
c) The Philippines
d) Finland
e) Indonesia
A Final Goodbye
By: Thomas Lanin, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerThis post was written by my dad, Thomas Lanin. He wrote this a couple of weeks ago when his mom, my grandma, died at age 94. My dad is not a writer by trade but he edits a lot of my work and believes in me and my writing, even when I don’t.
Eat, Drink & Be Merry Disney-Style
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThe Fifth Annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival will take place April 16 through May 31 this year. Participants can watch culinary demonstrations by celebrity chefs like Guy Fieri, Cat Cora and David Irvine. There will be wine, beer, and spirit seminars and tastings as well as opportunities to sample tasty creations by Disney chefs. Check out this video to get a feel for the event.
Travel Mamas Anniversary Round Up
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAll week, this year’s best of the best has been featured on Travel Mamas in conjunction with the Anniversary Prize A Day Giveaway. Here’s a little round-up of this week’s posts and comments!
Vote for the Best Travel Mamas Guest Blogger
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaPick your favorite story written by a Travel Mamas Guest Blogger to win a $30 gift certificate from KidsTravelHappy.com. Two prizes will be awarded: one to a voter (selected at random) and one to the blogger with the most votes.
Savvy Sassy Mom Travel Picks for Kids
By: Andrea Fellman, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerAll you need to make traveling with kids something to look forward to is some cool travel gear, according to Andrea Fellman, author of the blogs SavvySassyMoms.com and HaveKidsStillTravel.com. From ride-on luggage to the coolest snack containers, Andrea’s got some great ideas to make travel easier for your family.
Travel Trivia Thursday Giveaway
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI had this clever idea to post a weekly Travel Trivia question on the home page when I first launched TravelMamas.com one year ago. Little did I know how much time I would spend brainstorming and researching the questions and answers! My brain is tired, people. Help a Travel Mama out by suggesting a Travel Trivia question as a comment to this story below. If you do, you can win a $25 gift certificate from KidsTravelHappy.com.
Share Your Travel Tips to Win Travel Toys!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaDo you have a great tip for traveling with kids? Share it and you could win $20 from KidsTravelHappy.com. Hopefully you’ll send me some great ideas to share with other Travel Mamas and Travel Daddies for future Quick Tips posts!
Top 10 Most Popular Travel Mamas Blog Posts – Year One
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI waded through a sea of Google Analytics to tally up the most popular Travel Mamas blog posts of the year. Some of my personal favorites were also the most popular, but a few of my faves were among the site’s least viewed stories. This got me thinking…what is YOUR favorite Travel Mamas story? If you tell me, you might win a prize from KidsTravelHappy.com!
Vote for Your TravelMamas.com Faves to Win a Prize a Day
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaToday is the first day of the Travel Mamas Prize a Day Anniversary Giveaway! Tell me what you like best about this site for a chance to win gift certificates for UNplugged toys, games, books, activities, and unique gear for real and imaginary journeys from KidsTravelHappy.com. Not sure which feature you should vote for? Check out this list of the ten most visited Travel Mamas pages for ideas!
How Did I Become The Travel Mama?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI never considered writing a blog until last year. I had always kept a journal and I had been taking writing classes for about ten years; I even wrote a rough draft of a novel when I was pregnant with my first child. But I didn’t read blogs regularly or even understand what a blog was, really. So why did I launch this one year ago? Read about how one of the best days of my life inspired me to create a site for parents who want to travel with children…and stay sane!
4 Fun Things for Families to Do in Laos
By: Candace Broom, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerThe country of Laos calls itself “The Jewel of the Mekong,” boasting a laid-back populace, beautiful scenery, and plenty of wide open spaces. The capital city, Vientiane, is a provincial town with international qualities. Here are four fun things that families can do on a visit to Vientiane, Laos from Candice Broom, who has lived in Laos for the past seven years and writes the popular blog, MomMostTraveled.com.
How many years did it take to build San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) 4 years
b) 8 years
c) 12 years
d) 16 years
Happy One-Year Anniversary TravelMamas.com!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaTravel Mamas is celebrating its first anniversary with discounts and giveaways for you!
Traveling families can save 20% at KidsTravelHappy.com on UNplugged toys, games, books, activities, and unique gear for real and imaginary journeys. Simply use the special check-out code just for Travel Mamas, TMSD20. The code is valid on any purchase of $20 or more now [...]
5 Texas Hill Country Family Activities
By: Sarah V., Travel Mamas Guest BloggerTexas Hill Country is a beautiful place to explore. Although many people associate the Hill Country with bed & breakfasts and antique stores, there are also plenty of places to explore with your kids. The best part? Many of these activities are inexpensive or free of charge. Here are five favorite Hill Country activities from Sara V., author of the family travel blog, Wandering Off.
Which of the following is NOT one of the top five tourist attractions in the U.S.?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) Fanueil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA
b) Times Square, New York City, NY
c) National Mall and Monuments, Washington, DC
d) Niagara Falls, NY
e) Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL
Write for Travel Mamas
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaIn January of this year, I started posting stories by guest bloggers on Travel Mamas every Friday. These stories are a win-win-win! I am looking for some additional talented bloggers to write for Travel Mamas! Bloggers of all kinds are welcome, whether you specialize in travel or not.
Top 5 Things to Do in San Antonio, Texas
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThese are the absolute must-dos of this friendly, Texas town. Before my family’s visit, I asked some fellow travel enthusiasts and a few Texan friends for the best of the best of San Antonio. And, we discovered a Texas treat or two along the way!
Get Some Girl Time
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWho could use a little pampering and quality time with one of your best girlfriends? Me, me, I could!
Top 5 Tips for Traveling Through Ireland with Kids
By: Jody L. Halsted, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerFamily Rambling’s Jody Halsted said in this guest blog post, “It’s truly unfortunate that more parents don’t take their children to Ireland. Children are welcomed and catered to in a way I have yet to experience anywhere else. Ireland encourages imagination and blends it with history to weave an enchanting realm filled with magic and exploration.” Here are Jody’s top five tips for exploring Ireland with kids.
Get Tweetin’!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaUntil you join and start tweeting, you just don’t “get” Twitter. Even though it is becoming wildly popular, Twitter feels like a wonderful secret I can’t seem to convince my friends and family to get in on.
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 MamaI 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
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWith 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.
The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI 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 BloggerDebi 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 Mamaa) Morocco
b) Chile
c) Dubai
d) Mexico
e) The United States
Ship Your Luggage
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaIf 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 MamaIn 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 MamaEveryone’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 MamaWhile 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.
Help a Travel Mama Out? Vote to Send Me to Italy!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI 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 BloggerNancy 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 Mamaa) White Pelican
b) Barn Swallow
c) Common Loon
d) White-Tailed Sea-Eagle
How to Camp with Kids
By: Roy Scribner, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerRoy 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 Mamaa) 10 years
b) 20 years
c) 30 years
d) 40 years
e) 100 years
Family-Friendly New Orleans on a Budget
By: Jennifer Close, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerWhen 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 MamaI 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.
Orange County with Kids – Beyond Disneyland
By: Katie, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerSince Orange County, California is probably best known as the home of Disneyland, it’s easy to overlook how many other amazing things there are to do! Here are several other family-friendly activities in Orange County by Katie, author of the blogs, OC Mom Activities and Kids and Mice.
What do the seven points on the Statue of Liberty’s crown represent?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) Freedom, Justice, Liberty, Faith, Valor, Charity, and Equality
b) The Seven Seas
c) The Seven Continents
d) The artist’s seven children
e) Nothing
Tips for A Romantic Getaway WITH the Kids!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWant to sneak away for a romantic trip for Valentine’s Day or your anniversary but can’t (or don’t want to) find a sitter to stay with your children? Bring the kids with! Here are a nine tips to help you and your other half keep your relationship merry by squeezing some romance into a family vacation!
Paris with Kids – C’est Magnifique!
By: Nancy Solomon, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerI can still hear the musical bonjour and au revoir, taste the fresh croissants, and picture the gorgeous Parisian architecture. My kids still talk about the parks, the fruit markets, Notre Dame, and Napoleon. The elegance, energy, and culture for adults combined with wonderful food, interesting exhibits, and an abundance of parks for kids, make Paris a spectacular city for a European family vacation.
Ciao Bambino’s Nancy Solomon tells you why, where, and how to explore Paris with kids in this guest blog post.
What is the only “travel bug” that journeys 2,000 miles just to reach a warmer climate each year?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) Monarch Butterfly
b) Bumblebee
c) Ladybug
d) Yellow Jacket Bee
e) Dragonfly
Roar & Snore Campout at the San Diego Wild Animal Park
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI’ll be honest with you. I wanted to attend the Roar & Snore at the San Diego Wild Animal Park because I was looking for an easy way to go camping with my daughter, not because either of us had a hankering to sleep near lions or attend hands-on encounters with animals.
In which country is Mickey Mouse referred to as Topolino?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) Italy
b) Spain
c) Portugal
d) Nowhere – Mickey Mouse is called Mickey Mouse all around the world.
San Diego’s Birch Aquarium: A Worthwhile Alternative to SeaWorld
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMany San Diego visitors forego visiting the Birch Aquarium at Scripps in favor of the more glitzy SeaWorld. The aquarium offers a wonderful, low-key alternative to its more famous competitor. The beauty of a visit to the Birch Aquarium is its simplicity. The focus is on education and conservation, not big shows and rides. Plus, its small size and low cost make it an easy activity to tackle with children.
20 Things Your Traveling Teen or Tween Wishes You Knew
By: Lisa T. Bergren, Travel Mamas Guest BloggerHere are 20 tips on traveling with teens and tweens from Lisa T. Bergren, co-creator and editor of theworldiscalling.com.
Which of these countries is NOT located along the equator?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) Equador
b) Brazil
c) Kenya
d) Somalia
e) All of these countries are located along the equator
How to Stay Healthy & Fit While Traveling
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI interviewed Carolyn Scott, a.k.a. the Healthy Voyager, to get some tips for staying healthy and fit while traveling. Read on to learn how to win three Healthy Voyager e-cookbooks plus a prize pack of healthful Bellybar snacks.
What is the only manmade object on Earth that can be viewed from the moon?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mamaa) The Great Wall of China
b) The Pyramids in Egypt
c) Both a and b
d) No manmade objects can be viewed from the moon
The Travel Mama’s Top 3 Hidden Gem Destinations
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaTravel bloggers are sharing their three favorite travel secrets in a game of blog tag. The goal is to eventually compile an amazing list of recommended destinations. I am honored to have been nominated to participate! Shhh…here are my favorite hidden gem destinations…
Travel Trivia Thursday Kick-Off
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWelcome to Travel Trivia Thursday! Here’s this week’s question…
In which country is it a tradition to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight to celebrate the New Year?
a) Denmark
b) Mexico
c) Spain
d) Belarus
e) Philippines
Phoenix Restaurants Worthy of Craving
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI lived in Arizona for most of my childhood and I’ve been going back once or twice most years since I moved away fourteen years ago. So, what’s on my must-do list when I return, beyond visiting my family and long-time friends? Eating! There are a handful of Phoenix-area restaurants that are not merely tasty; these places cause deep-rooted cravings. As a bonus, each is an affordable option for families with children. Here’s a list of the eateries I try to squeeze in during any trip home.
Beach Day in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMy family’s favorite port during last year’s nine-day cruise through the Mexican Riviera was Zihuatanejo. A laid-back, authentically Mexican beach town was what we were looking for…and it’s just what we found.
Give a Little…Get a Lot!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI used to give a lot of time and money to the causes I believe in. But then the economy crumbled. My focus turned away from helping others toward just making it through life. But here’s the thing. Giving feels good. Not giving feels bad. Learn how you can make a difference by donating to Passports with Purpose, a fundraiser founded and promoted by travel bloggers.
Holidays at Disneyland
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAlthough I have been to Disneyland a multitude of times, up until last week, I had never visited during the holiday season. Now that I have experienced the happiest time of the year at the Happiest Place on Earth, I defy Scrooge himself to remain cranky during a trip to Disneyland during the holidays.
A Travel Mama’s Holiday Wish List
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaDear Santa,
I’ve been a good Travel Mama all year. Well, most of the year. All I want for Christmas is…
4 Packing Sanity Savers
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaBefore I had children, packing was easy. But now that I’m a mom, packing has taken on a whole new and scary dimension. There’s so much to remember, lug, and keep track of! Here are a few parental packing dilemmas I’ve encountered and their solutions.
Live and Love!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThis post has nothing to do with travel. It has to do with parenting and marriage and patience and love and hope and letting go. It has to do with a 35-year-old mom of three named Anissa Mayhew who recently suffered a massive stroke, and the lessons her family is teaching me.
How to Survive Visiting Family during the Holidays
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaYou want to visit family during the holiday season to introduce your little one to long-treasured traditions and catch up with far-flung loved ones. But you may be nervous about cramped sleeping quarters, squeezing in quality time with everyone on your must-see list, and staying sane on someone else’s turf. Here are some strategies to make sure your visit is as stress-less and joy-filled as possible.
The Travel Mama Gives Thanks
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaThere was a poll on the news this morning – What’s the best part about Thanksgiving? The football, the food, the family, or the nap. For me, the best thing about this holiday is the gratitude.
New York City Holiday Travel Tips for Families
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaHere are some festive child-friendly activities for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve in New York. I interviewed Fodor’s author and New York aficianado, Meryl Pearlstein, to gather these tips for families traveling to the Big Apple during the holidays.
New York City’s Best Sites, Activities, and Restaurants for Kids
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI was so impressed after reading Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids that I set up an interview with the book’s author, Meryl Pearlstein. This mom, food critic, traveler, and New York aficionado gave me her picks for her all-time favorite child-friendly sites, activities, and restaurants in the Big Apple.
Do You Care about Keeping Your Child Safe when Flying?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaLearn about the hazards of flying with a lap child in this interview with Louise Stoll, a grandmother and inventor CARES, the only compact child safety restraint approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use on airplanes.
Top 6 Reasons to Take a Thanksgiving Vacation
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWhether paying a visit family and friends, traveling to a tropical destination, sailing on a cruise, or taking a ski vacation, get away this Thanksgiving. Here are six reasons to plan a turkey day vacation.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep on Vacation with Babies and Children
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaI recently learned seven tips for ensuring restful vacation nights for the whole family during an interview with Davis Ehrler, post-partum doula and creator of the 3-Day Sleep Solution workbook and educational DVD.
Children’s Motion Sickness No More
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMy preschooler daughter and I often get queasy while traveling by boat or airplane and sometimes even when riding in the car. Does this keep us from flying, cruising, or road-tripping? No! If you or your child suffers from motion sickness, there are plenty of options that can help ease the nausea caused by movement. Here are nine remedies that could help.
San Diego Zoo’s Best Beasts, Eats, and Treats
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAs a fifth-year San Diego Zoo member and a mama of two young children, I have spent a lot of time at this world-renowned zoo. I know the best places to eat, which animals kids love to see, and the special extras that make a visit memorable. Here is a list of 11 of the best exhibits, restaurants, and rides the zoo has to offer.
Plan a Girlfriend Getaway…and Appreciate Home More
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaWhile it’s important to travel as a family and introduce your kids to new experiences, I believe it’s equally important to take an occassional trip with the gals sans children. My trip to the Type-A Mom Conference for bloggers in Asheville, North Carolina was liberating and fun, and it made me appreciate my family more when I returned.
Mother Knows Best: An Old School Road Trip
By: Giulia Rivera, Travel Mamas Blog Contest FinalistTravel never used to phase me. And I thought it never would. Before having a baby, I wouldn’t hesitate to jump in the car and make a last-minute trip to Vegas bringing only a change of underwear and a toothbrush. Not so anymore.
10 Commandments of Traveling with a Child Who Has Special Needs
By: Ellen S., Travel Mamas Blog Contest FinalistBefore we had kids, my husband and I traveled as often as we could—we’ve hiked in Patagonia, Chile; roamed around Ireland by car; honeymooned in Bali. Then our first child, Max, had a stroke at birth that resulted in cerebral palsy. Over the years, I’ve learned some key pointers for traveling with kids, whether you have a kid with any sort of special needs, or just a kid in general.
The Ups and Downs of San Francisco with Kids
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaNot having set plans forced us to experience San Francisco as it unfolded before us and led to fun surprises and impromptu experiences we may have otherwise missed.
Moms are Overwhelmed and Even Discriminated Against when Traveling with Children
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaNot only do moms feel overwhelmed by the stress of long flights with squirming kids and sleepless nights away from home with over-tired tots, but also many feel discriminated against when traveling with children. Even with these challenges, moms want a break from the monotony and stresses of their every day lives. They need a vacation to plan and look forward to.
The Best Travel Toys and Activities for Kids, from Babies to Teens
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAny journey can be do-able, and even enjoyable, with the right stuff (and the right attitude)! Tracyn Thayer is a mom whose search for the best travel toys led her to found Kids Travel Happy, a site that specializes in toys and games for use on the go. Here’s a list of the best travel toys and diversions based on Tracyn’s advice as well as my own experience and that of other Travel Mamas.
How to Travel Like a Local
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAsking the locals where to go feels so much more fun, immediate, and real. Here are some ways to get the insider’s scoop on your destination.
Top 10 Disneyland Rides and Attractions for Babies and Toddlers
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMany parents worry there are not enough rides for babies and toddlers, but amusements for all ages abound at Disneyland! Here are my picks for best Disney attractions for babies and toddlers.
Las Vegas with Little Ones?
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaIs it a good idea, or even possible, to turn sin-city into kid-city?
Inspiration from a Disney Expert
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaIn an interview with PassPorter Coauthor Jennifer Marx, mom-next-door and Travel Mama inspiration, we learn Jennifer’s top tips for a Disney vacation and her favorite Disney park, restaurant and attraction.
Sleepy Kids Welcome at these Family-Friendly Accommodations
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaMotels, hotels, resorts, and even some bed and breakfasts are making strides to not just tolerate, but to welcome their youngest guests. Many offer welcome kits at check-in, kids’ camps resplendent with child-friendly activities, and children’s menus in their restaurants.
A Road Trip with Children Experiment: Eat While You Drive. Stop to Play.
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama“Eat while you drive. Stop to play.” I recently tested this tidbit of road trip advice from a friend, while trying to avoid the lure of my SUV’s built-in DVD screen.
Why We Travel with Children
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaA road trip to the quaint town of Julian, California reminded me to slow down and see things as children do…right now…right here.
The Most Important Item to Pack…A Bucket!
By: Colleen Lanin, The Travel MamaAfter a failed, messy daytrip to Legoland I remembered the most important item no road trip should be taken without…a bucket!
