Secret Beach in Kauai: A Hidden Gem Worth the Journey
I’ve been to Kauai several times now, and just when I think I’ve seen all the best beaches, this island surprises me again. Secret Beach in Kauai — also known as Kauapea Beach — is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in all of Hawaii. When I first heard of Secret Beach, I immediately thought the person was talking about Hideaway Beach. It wasn’t until that person mentioned seeing views of the Kilauea Lighthouse that I realized she was talking about another beach entirely. Apparently confusing the two beaches is very common, but they are in…
Welcome to 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay — Paradise on Kauaʻi’s North Shore
When we visited Kauai in late 2022, the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Resort was in the final stages of being transformed. Prior to that, it had been the St. Regis Princeville Resort. We stayed at the Hanalei Bay Resort just next door, so I loved walking by the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and watching the transformation take place. I could tell it was going to be an absolutely beautiful resort, and I couldn’t wait for the day that I could give the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Resort a review myself. Tucked into the lush, tropical landscape of Kauaʻi’s North Shore, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a resort that seems to…
Hideaway Beach in Princeville, Kauai
I’m almost embarrassed to admit this… we’ve stayed on the north shore of Kauai multiple times now, and somehow totally missed Hideaway Beach every single visit. It wasn’t until a few nights into this last trip—while chatting with a handful of people in the hot tub—when we heard it mentioned over and over. Everyone kept saying, “Oh, you haven’t been yet? You have to go.” So of course, we had to go. And wow—why did no one grab us by the shoulders and make us go sooner? It was literally just steps away from our resort, and yet it felt like a completely different island. A Beach That Looks Straight…
The Coolest New Year’s Eve Hotels for Kids in the U.S.
New Year’s Eve looks a lot different for me now that I’m a parent. The sparkly dresses and late-night parties have been swapped for cozy pajamas, sparkling cider, and counting down to the 9 PM East Coast ball drop. And honestly—no complaints here. There’s something sweet about making the night fun and memorable for my kids and waking up on January 1st feeling rested instead of regretting life choices. But the traveler in me does love looking for New Years Eve hotels that go all out with kid festivities over the holiday–and I’ve found some great ones. Whether your idea of the perfect New Year’s Eve involves staying up until…
Chicago Family Vacation: What to Do There
This Christmas season, we decided to leave sunny San Diego behind and take a quick Chicago family vacation. We had a lot of fun bundling up in coats and gloves, and the city had a variety of activities to keep us entertained. I’ve compiled a list of must-dos if you plan to take a family vacation to Chicago. This wasn’t our first time in Chicago, but it was our first time bringing the kids. We wanted to have a good mix of entertaining the kids, but also some adult items on the itinerary. I think we had a great mix that kept the whole family happy. Getting From the Airport…
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Tucson Family Resort: Marriott Tucson Starr
For Thanksgiving break, we decided to spend a few days in Tucson, Arizona. I was picturing some sunny days hanging out at the pool with a cold drink in my hand. So when I came across the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Resort & Spa, I thought it would be the perfect Tucson family resort to fit my vision. It’s one of the top-rated Arizona resorts with a lazy river. We have been to Arizona lots of times on various Arizona family vacations, but never to Tucson. I was excited to explore while we were there. We also had a decent amount of downtime to relax at the property. Overall, I…
Explore Kihei, Maui: Activities You Can’t Miss
The Best Things to Do in Kihei, Maui Before visiting Maui, I kept hearing that Kihei had this easygoing vibe—like the kind of place where you can spend the whole day barefoot, eat incredible food from roadside stands, and watch sea turtles snooze on the beach. And honestly? That’s exactly what it feels like. For those looking for a more lively, tourist feel, you won’t find that here. But Kihei is a great city to consider staying in, or at least to visit when in Maui. Kihei isn’t flashy or overly polished, but that’s what makes it so perfect. The beaches are beautiful and super accessible, the sunsets somehow look…
Top Mammoth Lakes Campgrounds for Summer Camping
One of our favorite summer traditions is camping on a lake. And California has some great lakes to choose from. Some of our favorites are camping at Pinecrest Lake, June Lake and Lake Tahoe. But this year we decided to venture into the beautiful options of Mammoth Lakes California Camping. There are many great Mammoth Lakes campgrounds, and here is what to know about each one. Mammoth is home to some of the state’s best skiing and snowboarding. But even in the summer months, the town has a lot of offer. In fact, it’s one of the top 10 U.S. mountain towns for a family vacation. Check out my list…
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The Best Hotels for Kids at Christmastime — Where Holiday Magic Actually Happens
There’s hotel holiday cheer, and then there’s the kind of Christmastime that makes little kids’ eyes go wide and grown-ups whisper, “remember this forever.” If you want more than a tree in the lobby and a hot cocoa cart, look for places that go all-in: Santa visits, horse-drawn sleighs or carriage rides, ice skating rinks, snow tubing or sledding hills, life-size gingerbread displays, and full-on immersive holiday programming. Below are my favorite U.S. hotels that do that extra bit of magic — perfect for families who want a Christmas you can feel. Mohonk Mountain House — New Paltz, New York If you picture an old-school holiday postcard — a Victorian…
Christmas at the Princess Hotel Scottsdale
Christmas is a magical time, and I love finding events that the whole family will love. That’s why I love Christmas at the Princess Hotel Scottsdale. This is one of the most fun hotels for kids and is a great place to stay on your Arizona family vacation no matter what time of year you visit. But Christmastime is especially magical at the Scottsdale Princess resort. If ice skating in the desert, roasting marshmallows on an open fire, photos with Santa and 7.5 million lights doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, I don’t know what will. But that’s just a glimpse of what Christmas at the Fairmont Princess Scottsdale…
