It is possible to infuse a little romance into a vacation, even when traveling with the kids. From babysitting options to romantic gestures, check out my tips for a romantic getaway with the kids in this clip of my latest appearance with Weather Anchor Kim King on CBS 8 KFMB-TV San Diego.

Moms deserve a spa getaway more than anyone I know. Our days are filled with breaking up sibling fights over who gets the bigger half of the cookie, overseeing homework, and shuttling kids from school to t-ball and tap lessons. To our horror, we often say things like, ”Who cut circles out of all the bed sheets?” and, [...]

You 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 [...]

This 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 [...]

Our 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, [...]

In 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 [...]

You 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 [...]

Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter is a hip spot for a family vacation, girlfriend getaway, or romantic escape. I was invited to check out these hotel digs as part of a Residence Inn slumber party of sorts for a handful of BlogHer 2011 attendees. After a couple of days of listening to lectures in conference rooms, shmoozing with [...]

To honor U.S. military members and civil first responders, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is offering their second year of Salute to Service specials. Resort room rates have been slashed to $99 per night for stays beginning Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2011 through January 18, 2012. Although I am neither a member of the military nor [...]

There are few spectacles across the globe that bring together greater displays of music, color, tradition and community than street carnivals. From the famous Rio Carnival, to other less known examples, you can be sure that time spent at a carnival will be a good time. To help you pick one that is right for you, here are five of the world’s best carnivals.

Hilton 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 [...]

Whenever 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 [...]

Would 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!” — [...]

Any 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.

I 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 [...]

Do 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 [...]

Visiting Mayan ruins in Mexico had been on my bucket list ever since I watched a TV special as a teenager about this fascinating culture and their monuments to Mayan gods. (Yes, I was obsessed with travel, even back then.) This desire increased when, during the eighth month of my first pregnancy, my husband was sent on a sales reward trip to Cancun. [...]

Know 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 [...]

There 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 [...]

Are 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) [...]

If 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 [...]

If 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 [...]

I 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! [...]

You 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 [...]

The 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 [...]

I have expounded on the bountiful kid-friendly benefits of Disney’s new ship, Dream. But the latest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s fleet offers plenty of fun for adults too. Many people think a Disney cruise is just for kids. Not true! In fact, not counting casino space (Disney does not offer gambling at sea), Disney offers [...]

Nearly 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 [...]

To commemorate the second anniversary of TravelMamas.com, I wanted to offer a truly fabulous giveaway as a thank you to the over 60,000 people who visited this site during the past year. I am thrilled to let you know that Omni Hotels & Resorts is helping Travel Mamas celebrate by giving away a weekend stay at any of their 43 properties located in the [...]

Mardi 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 [...]

After 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.

Located 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?

You 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.

JW 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!

I 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!

The 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!

Here 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.

Enter 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!

I have found the best cupcakes in California…maybe in the world. As a cupcake connoisseur, I do not make such a statement lightly.

A 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.

This bucket list is made up of unaccomplished dreams, awaiting fulfillment.

I have a love affair with islands. No matter where I go in the world, islands conjure up a dreamy melding of adventure, romance and relaxing satisfaction. Here are five of my favorites.

When 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.

From 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!

Last 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.

This 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?

I 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!

Expectant 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.

We 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!

A 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.

One 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.

The 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.

These 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!

Who could use a little pampering and quality time with one of your best girlfriends? Me, me, I could!

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.

Here are a nine tips to help you and your other half keep your relationship merry by squeezing some romance into a family vacation!

I 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.

Shhh…here are my threefavorite hidden gem destinations.

Whether 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.

While 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.

Asking 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.