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Best Travel Itineraries for Los Angeles: Top Plans for Every Type of Visitor
When people think of California, they immediately think of Los Angeles. Between the celebrities, the beaches and the sunshine, Los Angeles is unlike any other city on the west coast. Each neighborhood in Los Angeles each feels like its own town with its own personality, food scene, and energy. That endless sunshine, the mix of cultures, and the sheer variety of things to do make visiting Los Angeles an unforgettable experience. But that same scale can also make it overwhelming without a plan. That’s why I’ve curated this itinerary for your Los Angeles trip. There’s no doubt that LA. is among the best cities to visit in California. But here’s…
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Best North American Mountain Destinations for Summer Vacations
There’s something about waking up in the mountains during summer. Stepping outside to fresh air, cool mornings, and peaks lit up by sunrise just hits different from any other type of vacation. And even though I live in San Diego and should enjoy a summer on the many beautiful beaches, I insist that one of our summer vacations each year is spent in the mountains. Summer mountain vacations offer activities for all types of travelers, whether you’re chasing adrenaline pumping descents on a bike trail or just want to sit on a cabin porch with a coffee and take in the stunning views. Popular summer mountain activities include hiking, biking,…
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Welk Resort Escondido: One of San Diego’s Best Family-Friendly Resort Getaways
I had a free night to use at a Hyatt property, thanks to the Hyatt credit card, and I didn’t want it to go to waste, so I booked us a little staycation getaway at the Welk Resort in Escondido. Having grown up in San Diego, I was familiar with this property, however, we’ve never stayed there as a family. I have to say–one night at this property wasn’t enough. We definitely could’ve stayed longer, and my kids are already planning a return trip. If you’re looking for a Southern California vacation that combines resort-style amenities with spacious accommodations, Welk Resort Escondido deserves a spot on your list. Nestled among…
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Best Travel Destinations in the Fall: Top Places to Experience Autumn’s Magic
As a teacher, I tend to live for summer. But the silver lining about school starting back again after a long summer break is that we’re entering the magical season of fall. There’s something about fall that makes the world feel a little more alive. The crisp air rolls in, the leaves shift into vibrant colors, and the summer crowds fade, leaving behind a quieter, more rewarding travel experience. And there are some amazing fall travel destinations that really come to life this time of year. Fall foliage viewing opportunities bring many visitors to the east coast in the fall. October is the ideal month for fall colors across much…
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Best U.S. Family Vacation Destinations for March
I used to be so bummed that our school’s spring break was always scheduled during March. Most of the country is still on the cooler side in March, and I was always on the hunt for warm-weather March vacation ideas. Luckily, I figured out that March is an excellent month for family travel and there are plenty of excellent family-friendly destinations that promise sunshine and lots of adventure. As I mentioned above, many schools across the country schedule spring break during March, giving families a chance to escape without competing with the massive summer crowds. Top family vacation destinations in March include beaches and outdoor adventures, but the options extend…
- Arizona, California, Caribbean, Destinations, Hotels & Airbnb Stays, Missouri, New York, Tennessee, Wisconsin
Best Resorts with Water Parks for Families in 2026
By this point it’s clearly no secret that I love a good water park. And when I can combine the fun of a water park with the amenities of a nice family resort, it’s even better. There’s something about walking out of your hotel room and being steps away from water slides, a lazy river, and a splash zone that just makes a vacation feel complete. Resorts with water parks come in all shapes and sizes. You’ve got tropical all-inclusive resort destinations in the Caribbean where everything from gourmet dining to waterpark fun is bundled into one price. You’ve got domestic family friendly chains with massive indoor water park setups…
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The Best European Cruise Ports to Visit in Winter
I recently wrote a blog post about the top 9 reasons to book a European winter cruise. Immediately people were reaching out and wondering which winter Europe cruises stop at the Christmas markets. I knew those would be a huge hit for people wanting to experience every ounce of Christmas magic. So, I’ve put together this list of the best winter cruise ports on European cruises to help you plan your magical escape. And if you missed my previous post about the top reasons to visit Europe during the winter, let me catch you up to speed here. While Mediterranean beaches and sunny piazzas often steal the spotlight, winter Europe…
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Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Large Families (5+ People)
Planning vacations for large families all inclusive style resorts should be exciting, not stressful. But here’s the reality families face regularly: most resort rooms max out at four guests. And on our most recent all-inclusive vacation, we had to book two separate rooms and weren’t connecting. That’s why I’ve decided to list some amazing all-inclusive vacation resort options for large families. If you’re traveling with five or more people, it’s not impossible to stay at an all-inclusive resort. But finding the right accommodation takes real research. I love all-inclusive vacations for a variety of reasons. All-inclusive resorts eliminate surprise charges for meals and activities, and all-inclusive packages offer budget predictability…
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Refugio State Beach Camping: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Whether you’re planning a California Coast road trip or simply looking for your next beach camping adventure, let me introduce you to beach camping at Refugio State Beach campground. It’s one of our new favorite spots. We recently stayed at Refugio State Beach on our way up the California coast to Big Sur, and it was the perfect halfway point to break up the drive. Rather than spending an entire day in the car, we stayed one night here, enjoyed an evening by the beach, and woke up refreshed before continuing north. Before we left, we were already planning our next trip back. My husband had childhood memories of Refugio…
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Hidden Safety Risks Families Overlook Every Day
Most families scan for the obvious hazards: a smoke alarm chirping, a broken step, a cabinet left open. The safety risks that cause real injuries are often quieter. Familiar rooms train you to skim details, so a small change like a loose stair tread, a cord creeping into a walkway, or a window lock that no longer catches can sit there for months. A family home safety checklist helps because it forces a slower look. Not a dramatic overhaul. Just a repeatable way to catch the common household hazards that blend into daily life. Safety Risks in Entryways And Hallways A lot of accidents start right at the door. Wet…
