by Natalie VanCleave Mt. Bachelor near Bend, Ore., soars more than 9,000 feet above sea level, a stunning display, white with snow over lush forests of evergreens. Skiers from all over the world flock to its slopes, but today my family and I are here for a different sort of adventure--the canine variety. The idea of dog sledding is enticingly, thrillingly exotic to our … [Read more...]
America’s National Park Service: Gifting the future
by Erin Kirkland - Most national park memories are vivid collections as diverse as the locations themselves. Waking to the sound of a crackling fire and the smell of frying bacon at a campground. Watching a waterfall tumble down a steep canyon trough far, far below. Observing an intricate science of fossils and painted hills. Feeling the solemnity of a ceremony for those lost … [Read more...]
Utah’s Sundance Mountain Resort: Tips from a local
by Susan Strayer Looking for a family-friendly a ski vacation? Search no more - the perfect mountain getaway is Sundance Mountain Resort. Situated in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Sundance Mountain Resort boasts grand views and beautiful scenery while providing ski and snowboard terrain for all levels. At least, I think so. I live there. My husband's job allows him to work … [Read more...]
Family Travel: Giving Kids the Gift of Experience
by Eric Stoen - Memories last forever. It's a cliche usually printed over inspirational Instagram photographs, but it's also true. As a family with three kids under age 10, we've taken it to heart. And we've done so with family travel. Unlike many friends who choose to travel the world non-stop with their kids, which I greatly respect, we've opted to keep a home base. The … [Read more...]
Family RV Camping Checklist + Budgeting RV Resort Campgrounds
By Jennifer Fontaine - Older generations fondly recall the squeaky station wagon, floor littered with snack wrappers and coloring books, trunk filled to the brim with luggage, and a constant stream of packing and unpacking as the family made its way from one hotel to the next. For this generation, family RV camping is a more relaxing way to create lifelong memories the whole … [Read more...]
Being Thankful in Istanbul: History and heritage on the Bosphorus
By Jennifer Fontaine Known for its rich history, centuries-old architecture and robust cultural heritage, Turkey may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a family vacation. But this ancient land is bursting with family-friendly activities and a chance for kids and grandparents alike to capture a glimpse of old world customs while creating new family … [Read more...]
New River Gorge | Bridges, Camping, & Climbing in West Virginia
by Erica Lineberry - When will we get to go over the bridge?" my 5-year-old son chirped from the backseat, as shadows grew long across the highway. The bridge he was speaking of was none other than New River Gorge Bridge, also known as the second-longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It was just another Friday evening in September, which, for our family, meant … [Read more...]
Savor a South Carolina Autumn With Kids
When people think of South Carolina, they usually picture the Atlantic coastline destinations of Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach and Charleston. While there are lots of great outdoor spots in the low-country, we love exploring the upstate. My wife, Kendra, is from a community near Greenville, so when we visit her family, our adventures start from there and do not disappoint. An … [Read more...]
Y’all Head to San Antonio, Now, Ya Hear?
by Heather Mundt - If I were to ask you to name a Texas town that is hip, vivacious, and family-friendly, would your automatic answer be: Austin? If so, you'd be right. But I'd propose heading about 80 miles southwest of Austin for another answer: San Antonio. Offering visitors a vibrant art scene, tasty culinary innovations, and numerous family-friendly attractions, it … [Read more...]
Road Trip Tips For Summer Driving
by Jen Bauer - My childhood was filled with road trips down the east coast, and I have fond memories of curling up in the back seat of our tiny car, pillow beneath my head, my sister at my side, playing games for hours on end. Pit stops were made for snacks and souvenirs, and I still have pennants from each state we visited. Stopping only to rest at night, when we would pull … [Read more...]
Exploring Japan’s Sarushima Island with Kids
by Dan Tilton - My family and I love the outdoors. But we weren't sure if our recent move to Japan would keep us from enjoying camping, touring national parks, hiking, swimming and experiencing just about any activity that can be done with a 2-year-old child in tow. I was delighted to discover that not only do the Japanese enjoy the majority of these activities, but also that … [Read more...]
Exploring Belize and Guatemala with three generations
By Suzanne Solsona - When you are married to a man who has seemingly been everywhere and done everything, traveling to a place that renders him speechless is quite a feat. Caye (pronounced "key") Caulker, Belize and the ruins of Tikal in Guatemala managed exactly that, enthralling three generations of our family in just two short weeks. In March 2011 my husband, Javier, our … [Read more...]
Columbia River Gorge Hikes Along the Historic Columbia River Highway
by Kelsey Ivey - In a day's trip by car from Portland, Oregon, travel along the Historic Columbia River Highway to the deep, magical beauty of this lush region, and the Columbia River Gorge. Whether you have an afternoon, a day, or a week, you can take this journey amid trails once traveled by the early pioneers, see amazing modern engineering feats and spot wildlife in a place … [Read more...]
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: Exploring the Big Island’s explosive history
by Erin Kirkland We could smell Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park before we could see it. The rotten-egg aroma preceding our arrival was unnerving for my 10-year-old, who craned his neck around the backseat in order to locate the source. ?Is a volcano erupting right now?? he quavered, sniffing the air, aware only of the icy, ash-laden monoliths in our home state of Alaska. … [Read more...]
Cinque Terre With Kids: Hiking the famous blue trail
by Jennifer Fontaine - I first discovered the tiny, scenic fishing villages of Cinque Terre, Italy nearly 20 years ago. A fellow traveler had thrown out a fascinating new term of agriturismo on the still-young internet, and, intrigued, I began researching its roots. Virtually scanning Tuscany's rolling hills and vineyards, I was led to a magical place where craggy mountains … [Read more...]
Agriturismo in Tuscany: A quaint farm-to-table family adventure
by Jennifer Fontaine - Driving south from Milan's Malpensa Airport, husband at the helm, our little rental car wound through the lush green of Italy's interior, allowing us an unobstructed view of every quaint hamlet, ancient mountain tunnel, and roadside espresso stand. This first leg of our inaugural Italian family road trip, around 250 miles, would eventually deposit us at … [Read more...]
Alaska Ski Train – All aboard for family winter fun in the 49th State
by Erin Kirkland - Train travel has existed in the 49th state since the early 1900's, serving the miners, trappers, and homesteaders who settled this remote section North America. Trusted as the most dependable mode of transportation for goods and people, the Alaska Railroad gave residents between Seward and Fairbanks a warmer alternative to dog sleds or automobiles. Today's … [Read more...]
