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Mexico Travel Safety Tips for Families (What You Really Need to Know)
If you’ve ever planned a trip to Mexico with kids, you’ve probably asked the same question most parents do:“Is Mexico safe for families?” The short answer? Yes—with the right preparation. Mexico is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the world, with places like Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, and Cabo San Lucas welcoming millions of families every year. And while headlines can sometimes sound alarming, most tourist areas are well-developed, well-patrolled, and designed with visitors in mind. We’ve been to all of these Mexico vacation cities, with and without kids, and we’ve been lucky not to have any issues. We had a trip to Puerto Vallarta planned for early…
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The Best Summer Camping Destinations in California That Families Love
I don’t think I’ve gone one summer of my life without a camping trip. And I hope I never do. There’s just something about summer camping in California that hits differently. Maybe it’s the way you can wake up under towering redwoods one day, spend the next kayaking on an alpine lake, and then wrap up your trip with sandy toes at the beach. Or maybe it’s just the slower pace—sticky s’mores fingers, late sunsets, and kids who somehow forget about screens for a few days. If you’re trying to plan the ultimate summer camping trip, California is packed with bucket-list destinations. The tricky part? Narrowing it down. And getting…
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Best Fall Foliage Cruises in New England & Canada (Why Holland America Does It Best)
If you’ve followed along for a while, you know I live in San Diego. So, getting to see fall foliage in other parts off the country is something that is truly special to me. We might have beautiful weather and beaches, but no fall colors that comes even close to what the east coast gets. And that’s what got me looking at the most iconic seasonal travel experiences in the U.S. and Canada: fall foliage cruises in New England. I mean, I love fall foliage and I love cruises, so why not put those two together?! After diving into the details of Holland America Line’s New England & Canada itineraries,…
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Best Family-Friendly Beaches on the East Coast
If you’ve followed along on my blog for a while, you know I’ve spent a lot of time covering the beaches out west—think sunny stretches in San Diego, iconic coastlines in Los Angeles, and more than a few unforgettable trips to the Hawaiian islands. But somewhere along the way, I realized something kind of wild…I had completely skipped over the best East Coast beach for families. And that was a huge oversight on my part because the East Coast is packed with charming beach towns, warm water, gentle waves, and boardwalks that feel like they were designed with kids in mind. We’ve spent many weeks splashing around in the Atlantic…
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Campgrounds with a Water Park: The Best RV Resorts in the U.S. with On-Site Water Fun
I love water parks, and I love camping. So anytime I have the opportunity to have a campsite with a water park just steps away, I jump at it. If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the freedom of camping with the excitement of a full-blown waterpark, you’re clearly not alone. Campgrounds with a water park are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for families to vacation in the U.S. Instead of just a basic pool or lake access, these destinations go all-in with waterslides, lazy rivers, splash pads, wave pools, and massive aquatic play zones—all right on site at your RV resort or campground. For families, it’s a…
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Cancun Resorts with Waterparks: The Best All-Inclusive Stays for Families
If you’re planning a family vacation and want something that keeps the kids entertained all day long, you really can’t go wrong with Cancun resorts with waterparks. We’ve stayed at several resorts of the best family resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya over the years. And let me tell you—having a waterpark right on-site is a total game changer. No planning extra excursions, no “I’m bored” complaints… just easy, built-in fun from morning to night. And it helps to make your vacation more affordable, since access to the waterpark is included in your stay. Free entertainment, according to my girl math. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, tweens, or teens,…
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Family Vacations in Utah: Best Places to Visit + Must-Do Experiences
If you’re dreaming up your next big adventure, family vacations in Utah deserve a spot at the very top of your list. This is one of those rare destinations where you can hike through red rock canyons, splash in lakes and rivers, ride roller coasters, and stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the country—all in one trip. We’ve traveled through Utah with kids, and it’s one of those places that truly works for everyone. Whether your crew loves national parks, outdoor adventures, or a little theme park fun mixed in, Utah delivers. Why Utah is Perfect for a Family Vacation Utah is practically built for family travel. The…
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Top 10 Most Amazing Water Parks in the United States
Discover America’s Ultimate Water Park Destinations I’ve already told you guys that I am a non-discriminatory traveler. I love resort stays, camping trips, theme park days, cruises… anything that can be considered a vacation. And you know that I love a resort with a lazy river and a waterslide, so you better believe I love a water park. Especially these water parks that are considered among the best in America. Planning a vacation around a water park makes perfect sense when that park features world-class attractions, resort-level amenities, and experiences your whole family will remember for years. These water parks deliver just that. Some of them, like The Atlantis and…
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Family-Friendly June Lake Hotels and Campsites
June Lake, California is one of those destinations that’s simply breathtaking any time you visit. I love a summer camping trip on the lake, but I’ve also enjoyed plenty of cozy winter nights staying at one of the charming June Lake hotels. Honestly, June Lake is one of those rare destinations where both experiences are equally amazing—just in totally different ways. And if you’ve ever driven along Highway 395 and caught a glimpse of that sparkling alpine water framed by mountains, you already know—June Lake is something special. It’s one of those places that feels both peaceful and adventurous at the same time, making it perfect for a laid-back family…
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Fun Summer Vacation Ideas for Families
I’m a teacher, so I pretty much live for summer break if I’m being honest. Eight weeks of an almost wide-open calendar (I mean, we still have sports to work around) for me to plan travel adventures. We’ve made good use of our summer vacations so far. I know not everyone has the luxury of having the summer off. So whether you have three days to spare or ten, this guide will help you find the right summer vacation ideas for families of every size and style. Here are some of our favorite tried-and-true summer vacation ideas for families looking to make some magical summer memories in 2026. What makes…
