-
Affordable Family Vacations That Are Actually Worth It
In a time when simply paying a mortgage and stocking the fridge with groceries can feel like a hardship, there are plenty of families who never feel like they can travel. Heck, when I was growing up, the only vacation we took was our annual beach camping trip. That’s why I want to highlight some places that would work well for affordable family vacations. If planning a family trip feels like a struggle between making memories and staying within budget, I’ve got you. I’ve been you. Technically I still am you. But I’ve learned some tricks along the way that allow me to stretch my travel budget further. There are…
-
Best Cruise Ports on the East Coast: 7 Must-See Stops on a New England & Canada Cruise
When most people think about cruises, they immediately picture the Caribbean or Mexico. But being from the west coast, I personally love the idea of an east coast cruise. It’s the perfect way to experience so many of the top east coast destinations without having to arrange extra transportation or having to constantly pack and unpack in different hotels. Plus, some of the best cruise ports on the East Coast are found on New England & Canada itineraries. From charming coastal towns and historic cities to whale watching and stunning fall foliage, these cruises offer a completely different kind of experience—especially for families who love scenic travel and exploring new…
-
The Best Amusement Parks in America for Families, Thrill Seekers, and Bucket-List Travelers
My son asked me the other day if we could make it our goal this summer to visit as many amusement parks as possible. He’s on a big rollercoaster kick. And he knows how to appeal to his audience too because he said, “we can even make a vacation out of it!” While I don’t exactly want to spend my summer hopping from one theme park to the next, it did make me want to do some research to find out which parks are the best amusement parks in America and where they are located. What I learned is that if there’s one thing the United States does exceptionally well,…
-
Best Beaches of San Diego: A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Beach Day
If there’s one thing San Diego does exceptionally well, it’s beaches. From rugged cliffs and hidden coves to wide sandy stretches perfect for families, the best beaches of San Diego each have their own personality. And as a native San Diegan, I’ve spent years exploring these beaches in every season—from summer bonfires to winter tidepool walks and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for the best surfing beach, the calmest water for kids, or the prettiest sunset spot, this guide covers the best beaches of San Diego and what each one is known for. Interested in camping on the beach? Check out these top beach camping spots in San Diego.…
-
Top 8 Family Camping Essentials You Can’t Forget
Essential Gear for Family Camping There’s something special about family camping trips. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows under the stars, waking up to mountain views, or spending the day exploring trails and lakes, camping creates the kind of memories kids remember for years. But I know so many people who are afraid to try it out. They say they don’t even know where to begin. So I went ahead and created a list of the family camping essentials that are most important for a successful camping trip. I know firsthand that packing for a family camping trip can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re bringing kids along. It feels like there’s so…
-
Inflatable Water Parks in the U.S.: Colossal Splash Destinations for Summer 2026
Awhile back, I wrote about our experience at the Lake Gregory inflatable water park near Lake Arrowhead, California. We had so much fun spending a day at the lake. And the kids loved the obstacle course. Last summer, we camped at Newport Dunes RV Resort, which also has an inflatable water park. The kids loved that one too. So that started my mission of finding the most fun inflatable water parks across the U.S. If you’re looking for a summer vacation idea that gets the whole family off the lounge chairs and into the water, inflatable water parks are where it’s at in 2026. Now you know I love a…
-
Camping at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground: What to Know Before You Go
Throughout my entire childhood, we always spent at least one week of the summer going beach camping. We switched it up from time to time–some years camping at South Carlsbad State Beach campground, and other years camping at San Elijo, San Clemente or Doheny. But South Carlsbad was always my personal favorite for a variety of reasons. Of all the Southern California beach campgrounds, it had one of the nicest sandy beaches. It didn’t have the steep hike down to the sand like San Clemente. It didn’t have the train noise that San Elijo used to have (it’s so much better now). And it had better waves than Doheny. If…
-
Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Leavenworth, WA
I am a sucker for all things Christmas. Like I genuinely love it so much… everything about it! So, it’s no surprise that I love all the cheesy Christmas Hallmark movies. And when I first saw Leavenworth, Washington, that’s exactly what I thought of. Those cute small towns that go all out for the holidays and make the whole season feel magical. So, what did I do? I instantly booked my trip and started looking at all the best things to do in Leavenworth, WA. And luckily, one of my closest friends is from Washington and was able to give me all of her recommendations. It’s a good thing too…
-
11 Texas Resorts with Lazy Rivers: Best Family-Friendly Stays for 2026
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know I love a lazy river. And Texas sets the bar high when it comes to lazy river resorts. With summer temperatures regularly pushing past 100°F, a relaxing lazy river isn’t just a nice amenity—it’s survival with kids in tow. Whether you’re traveling with little kids, teens, or a mix of both, these Texas resorts with lazy rivers deliver that perfect blend of relaxation and fun. Most of the resorts with lazy rivers are located in the Hill Country/San Antonio area or near major cities like Houston and Dallas, with easy access to family fun. This guide covers true resort…
-
Camping at San Clemente State Beach: Your Guide to Booking a Site
If you’re looking for a Southern California camping spot that checks all the boxes—ocean views, easy beach access, and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe—San Clemente State Beach deserves a spot at the top of your list. This campground blends classic SoCal surf culture with well-maintained amenities, making it a favorite for both first-time campers and seasoned pros. Here’s everything you need to know before booking your stay at this popular summer family campground. Why Camp at San Clemente State Beach? There’s something special about waking up to ocean air and the sound of waves—and this campground delivers exactly that. Perched on coastal bluffs in San Clemente, the campground offers sweeping views…
