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Southern Oregon Family Vacation Day 2: Nonstop adventure Read Post

Southern Oregon Family Vacation Day 2: Nonstop adventure

Highlights from day two of our Southern Oregon family vacation:

The Rogue River: A rafting adventure

My daughter was nervous about rafting down the Rogue River in Southern Oregon. You can see it in her face in the photo above.

She was worried about falling in the river, hitting her head on a rock and mostly about a snake jumping into the boat ("Very, very unlikely," our guide told us). I was determined to get her on the river and show her that the exhilaration of rafting is fun and enjoyable.

We reserved a half-day morning trip with Rogue Wilderness Adventures, a 42-year-old company that leads all sorts of adventures from rafting to hiking in the Rogue Valley. Our guide Richard was a pro and when he mentioned that he'd been rafting the river for over four years, my daughter relaxed.

Our very cool guide Richard who can navigate the craziest white water.

The Rogue flows from the deep blue waters of Crater Lake and twists and turns its way through pristine pine forests and the fertile Rogue River Valley, before dumping into the Pacific. An 84-mile section was one of the original eight rivers included in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.

We rafted the seven miles between Merlin and Galice that takes you through the towering rock peaks of the famed Hells Gate where The River Wild was filmed. The stretch offers a kid-friendly mix of thrilling class I and II rapids, mild riffles and placid pools perfect for swimming on hot days.

Along the way we spotted a river otter playing in a riffle, a bald eagle proudly perched in a treetop, an osprey dive down for a fish, and a mother duck take her babies through a rapid. We got a little wet and had many laughs. And best of all, no snakes jumped into our boat and nobody fell in. By the end of the trip, the kids were hot and wishing a rapid would throw them into the cool river.

River's Edge
Often when you dine at finer restaurants outside big cities you find menus featuring dated, tired culinary preparations. Halibut with mango salsa anyone?

That's not the case at the River's Edge. At this locals favorite in Grants Pass, the chef keeps up with the latest trends. You'll find pulled-pork tacos with sprout salad, radishes and house-made kim chi and grilled fresh salmon served with fennel, corn and watercress salad.

I opted for the more traditional Caesar salad. Made with grilled romaine and smokey bacon, it was one of the most delicious Caesars I've ever eaten.

The restaurant hangs over the Rogue on the outskirts of town and an outdoor patio allows you to take in the pretty scenery.

You can tell from our clean plates that we liked the food.

Crater Lake Highway: One of America's prettiest routes
Highway 62, better known as the Crater Lake Highway, winds some 80 miles between Grants Pass and Crater Lake. Google Maps will tell you that it takes an hour and a half to drive, but give yourself at least three hours so you have time to make stops along the way.

You'll definitely want to pull over for a photo when Mount Shasta pops into view.

As you pass through the tiny town of Shady Cove, you can't miss Phil's Frosty, an old-school burger shack painted in Pepto Bismol pink.

Natural Bridge: A geological wonder
A popular stop along the Crater Lake Highway, Natural Bridge is a geological wonder on the Rogue River where the water flows underground through a maze of lava tubes and then cascades out some 15 feet over a rocky chute, creating a dazzling waterfall.

With a paved hiking trail that meanders along the river, it's a pretty spot to stretch your legs.

Beckie's: Best pie in Oregon

Heaping slices of fresh pies made that morning are the draw at this 90-year-old cafe housed in a log cabin that sits right on the Crater Lake Highway. Boysenberry is a favorite when in season but my kids' favorite was apple served with scoops of Umpqua Vanilla ice cream.

Crater Lake: The prettiest lake in the U.S.?
I've seen countless photographs of Crater Lake but nothing could have prepared me for its breathtaking beauty. Its waters are so intensely blue and glassy that the 21-square-mile expanse looks like a wall of wet paint. The color chosen by the most careful decorator, Mother Nature herself.

Sheer cliffs and towering mountains circle the glorious body of water and on the day we visited they were covered in snow. In fact, the snow was still so deep that hiking trails were only recommended for those with snow shoes.

The kids were thrilled to play around in the snow.

We snapped lots of family photos and we're hoping this one might make the Christmas card.

Wood River Valley: A drive through scenic Oregon ranch land

On our drive from Crater Lake to Klamath Falls, where we stayed the night, we passed through the Wood River Valley, an expansive stretch of fertile farmland filled with grazing cattle. Snow-dusted mountains rose above the valley in the distance.

Klamath Fort: Where history is recreated

Just outside Klamath Falls, we stumbled upon this former military outpost, originally established in 1863.

I noticed some people dressed in historical dress and before we knew it we were in the middle of a Civil War reenactment.

Klamath Falls Creamery Brewpub and Grill: Where the burgers are juicy and the beers icy cold

On a Saturday night this popular spot in the heart of historic downtown Klamath falls was packed and hopping. You'll find all the pub classics on the menu — from burgers to fish and chips — and a long list of beers made right on site. My husband and I enjoyed a malty Crater Lake Amber Ale.

The Pub and Grill is housed in a former creamery building originally built in 1935. The neon “Blue Cow” sign from the old creamery still hangs on the building.

Olympic Inn Best Western Klamath Falls: A hotel that welcomes you
My kids were fascinated by the lobby at this hotel. The knotty pine walls give the interior a cabin feel and they were filled with taxidermied animals. When we arrived in the evening, a plate of warm cookies had just been set out for guests. My kids plopped themselves down on the comfy cushions and had fun identifying the animals as they devoured their cookies.

The next morning the kids jumped into the pretty outdoor pool and soaked in the hot tub.

Southern Oregon Family Vacation Day 1: Welcome to paradise Read Post

Southern Oregon Family Vacation Day 1: Welcome to paradise

Here are the highlights from day one of our Southern Oregon family vacation:

Medford Airport: The friendliest airport on Earth?

Small planes: Fun or frightening? While our flight was delayed, the actual ride was smooth and easy.

Our plane from San Francisco to Medford, Ore., was delayed. We sat for an hour at our gate, watching our flight time get repeatedly pushed back by a couple minutes.

The 4:09 p.m. flight was delayed to 4:10 p.m. Huh? Why even both with the announcement?

Then 4:23 p.m...4:30 p.m….4:50 p.m.

I rode the moving walkway back and forth trying to get our overtired baby to sleep. My two kids rolled around on the floor because every seat at our gate was taken. My husband grumbled about the bad Internet connection he was getting on his laptop.

We finally boarded at 5:03 p.m. and settled into our seats and then sat on the runway for another hour as a mechanic repaired a broken flusher in the bathroom.

A two-and-a half-hour delay put my husband, three kids and I into terrible moods but as our plane started to descend and we looked out the window to see a world blanketed in green with a snowy mountain rising above it all — Mount Shasta! — we relaxed.

Our aircraft landed in the center of a pretty valley circled by rolling hills and mountain peaks. We stepped outside onto the runway and were welcomed by a warm, dry breeze.

Who knew the Rogue River Valley was paradise?

We grabbed our bags and made a beeline for the Hertz Rental Car kiosk — only there was no line.

"You must be Ms. Graff," a Hertz agent named Ben said. "I've been waiting for you."

I'd never been welcomed with such a big grin at a rental car counter.

We signed some papers and got our keys and then we asked for directions to a restaurant called The Point Pub where we hoped to get dinner. And here's the kicker: Ben pulled out a phone book, looked up the address and drew us a map.

Dumbfounded my husband and I looked at one another and smiled. We were being pulled in by Southern Oregon's old-fashioned charm.

The Point Pub: The most happening spot in Central Point, Ore.

Earlier this week, I asked friends on Facebook to offer tips on places to visit in Southern Oregon. A high school classmate who I haven't seen since senior graduation suggested that we try her new restaurant in Central Point, Ore., a cowboy town with lots of Gold Rush history just a mile from the Medford Airport. We drove directly to the restaurant, only a couple miles from the Medford Airport.

When we stepped inside the Point Pub and Grill, housed in a red-brick building dating back to the late 1800s, it seemed as if the entire town had shown up. Ranchers and farmers in cowboy hats and boots were drinking beers at the bar. All the tables were filled in the main dining room where a live band played jazzy blues. Upstairs a wedding party celebrated. We opted for the spacious outdoor patio, where we knew we didn't have to worry when our baby threw food onto the floor from her high chair. The kids ordered big bowls of creamy home-made mac and cheese and my husband and I enjoyed freshly tossed salads, mine topped with grilled chicken and his with chicken. By the time, we were savoring a flourless chocolate cake, it was 9 p.m. and we were still wearing T-shirts.

Grants Pass, Ore.: Where the sun shines most of the year
After dinner, we headed for neighboring Grants Pass and drove down Main Street. A huge sign hanging over the main drag reads "It's the climate." I think this is a slogan for all of Southern Oregon, advertising the area's more than 200 days of sunshine. The better-known northern Oregon with Portland as its hub is infamous for its endless day of drizzle, while the lesser-known south basks in the sun all summer long and most of spring and fall.

Best Western Inn at the Rogue: A peaceful hotel on the river banks

Our hotel sat in a quiet, peaceful nook outside Grants Pass across from the Rogue River. We arrived well after dark but the next morning my husband walked over to the grassy park on the river bank where our baby daughter enjoyed picking daisies and chasing butterflies.

The Best Western Inn at the Rogue is ideal for families with free hot breakfast and an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. The location is perfect for those wanting to raft down the Rogue, hike around Crater Lake or visit the nearby communities of Ashland and Jacksonville.

Planning a family trip to Southern Oregon and Crater Lake Read Post

Planning a family trip to Southern Oregon and Crater Lake

Nearly a half-million people visit Crater Lake every year. Only 10,000 of those people go in the winter. Image Courtesy of National Park Service

As a kid I remember looking out from an airplane window at Crater Lake on flights to the Northwest to visit my grandparents. Even from 40,000 feet its intensely deep blue waters were dazzling. As we flew over Southern Oregon, the pilot urged passengers to admire the deepest lake in the United States. I always wanted to jump out the window and dive in.

Now many decades later I'm finally visiting Crater Lake for the first time and taking my three children, ages 9, 11 and 10 months.

The lake sits under a blanket of snow and ice for half the year but in spring it emerges from hibernation until the first snow falls in September.

"During this brief summertime window, one magnificent day typically follows another," the park's website says. "For visitors, these few months provide the best opportunity for a comfortable visit."

The summer window is short and fleeting and throngs of tourists flock to this lake of immeasurable beauty to hike its trails, visit its islands, ply its waters on boat rides, and take in its beauty.

We're visiting over Memorial Day Weekend, one of the most popular times to go, and our plan is to spend one full day at the lake and then take two days to explore other attractions in the surrounding area. We'll be staying at Best Western Hotels in Grants Pass, Klamath Falls and Ashland, and this week I'll be putting together an itinerary for the three-day adventure. I'd love to get some reader suggestions. What should we do? Where should we eat?

My secret tip for keeping a baby entertained on a long plane flight Read Post

My secret tip for keeping a baby entertained on a long plane flight

She wasn't interested in any of the toys I packed. The set of colorful plastic keys. The squishy teether shaped like a giant strawberry. The soft pink piggy with a squeaky nose.

She turned her head every time I tried to hand her one of those products thoughtfully designed to entertain a baby but really don't. My 9-month-old daughter, Julia, was bored, fed up with and downright annoyed with all the brightly colored plastic.

How was I ever going to survive a six-hour flight between San Francisco and Hawaii with a baby?

Simple. Paper towels.

I'd stuffed about half a roll in my backpack because I figured they'd come in handy at snack time. Julia loves to eat and I'd pack a cornucopia of gourmet food: creamy eggplant hummus, mini falafel balls, roasted corn, chunks of feta, slices strawberries. I'd need the towels to control the mess.

After she'd bitten into peach and its sweet juices were trickling down her cheek, I pulled out a towel. She immediately grabbed it from my hands, squealing with delight. With her tiny fingers, she carefully inspected it and then slowly tore it into thin strips. Fifteen minutes later, I pulled out a second paper towel and then another. Soon we we were sitting amid a sea of shreds. It looked as if it had snowed.

I started to tie the towel pieces into bows and we threw them into the air and watched them slowly float down into our laps. Two hours. Two hours! Those paper towels kept us busy for a huge chunk of the flight. Yes, things got a little messy but it cleaned up easily and Julia never cried once during that entire flight. She was fully occupied with delicious food and paper towels. Next flight, I'm bringing a full roll.

I'm dreaming of crystal clear lakes and majestic mountains this summer Read Post

I'm dreaming of crystal clear lakes and majestic mountains this summer

With a new baby and two big kids, I'm counting the days until summer. No more late nights cajoling cranky tweens to type up history reports. No more rising at the crack of dawn to get children to school before their teachers mark them tardy.

Summer is a time when we take a break from the harried madness and escape to faraway places where we can relax, reconnect and unwind.

On past vacations, we've zip lined through the steamy rain forests of Hawaii, hiked around volcano craters in Bali and one summer we packed the family in the car and followed the length of the Mississippi River, visiting Mark Twain hangouts and Civil War battlefields.

This year, with a 10-month-old baby in tow, we'll be sticking close to our home in San Francisco and exploring the West Coast and its majestic mountain ranges, clear blue lakes, sugary sand beaches and sparkling cities. Although even one night away outside my foggy city at a hotel with a swimming pool would be a huge treat.

To help us plan our travels, we'll be looking to Best Western. With more than 2,200 hotels in North America, the world's largest hotel chain has places to stay in all the destinations we want to visit along the West Coast, from Santa Monica, Calif., to Victoria, British Columbia. Also, Best Western has launched the "I Dream of Summer" contest, encouraging travels to dream about their summers and start making plans— and they're also helping wishes come true.

You can throw your hat in the ring by using the #IDreamOfSummer hashtag on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest and sharing your summer travel plans, posting pics and posing questions. Lucky winners will receive advice from travel experts and gift certificates to help turn tips into trips.

You can also create and share your summer travel “Wishlist” on the Best Western Facebook page. The special app will produce a personalized image of your dream vacation that you can save and share with friends on Facebook (example left). And you will be entered in a random drawing for the chance to win that dream summer vacation via a sweepstakes that includes free hotel nights, gift cards and Best Western Rewards loyalty points.

And now here's a look at my summer wish list:

Crater Lake: My two quarrelsome tweens fight over everything from which movie to watch on Sunday night to who gets to sit on the left-hand side of the car. But when these kids get out into nature, they miraculously get along. Our family needs an outdoor adventure, a few days of hiking under the trees, to bring us back together. We're launching our summer with a long weekend in Southern Oregon, where we'll hike around Crater Lake and raft down rapids on the Rogue River.

Santa Monica: My 11-year-old daughter is facing a lot of change. Last year she welcomed her new baby sister into our family and this year she's headed for middle school. Some days she seems happy and grounded, and others she's bursting into tears. As she approaches the next stage in her life, I'd like to take her and her new baby sister to Los Angeles for a weekend where we'll visit my best friend from high school and her daughter. We're planning a couple days of going to the beach, getting nails done, sipping ice teas, snuggling with the baby and hopefully doing a lot of laughing.

British Columbia: Every summer our family hits the road and explores a portion of North America. I figure it's the best way to give our kids a history and geography lesson. One summer we drove Route 66, visiting red rock canyons and eating at old-school diners. Another was spent on the Ohio River where we visited Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home. This year we're planning a tour of British Columbia and hope to spend time among the bright lights of Vancouver, the manicured gardens of Victoria and the snow-capped mountains of Whistler.

What's on your #IDreamofSummer wish list?

Yes, it's possible: How to have a successful flight with a baby Read Post

Yes, it's possible: How to have a successful flight with a baby

When you have a baby, you don't need to stuff your suitcases in the very back of the closet. Your travel life can continue. In fact, newborns are often the best travel companions because they sleep often through flights.

My husband and I brought our first child to Paris when she was only four months old and at the end of the flight a woman sitting in the row in front of us said that she didn't even know we had a baby. Our little girl didn't make a single peep.

That said, before you jump on a plane with your bundle of joy, here are a few tips:

1) Fly at the right age. Airlines will allow babies to fly after 14 days, but your pediatrician will probably tell you to wait until two or three months when your baby's immune system is stronger. If you have a mellow baby, this can be a great time to jet off to see relatives, but if your newborn is fussy my advice is to wait until four months when most babies magically snap out of the colicky stage. This is a beautiful age because your baby will likely be nursing regularly and easily fall asleep at your breast. Once your baby is crawling (often around eight months), he won't want to sit in your lap for hours. Between four and about seven months is the sweet spot for long flights. It won't be easy again until she's about four years old and able to watch a long movie.

2) Fly at the right time. I've flown early in the morning and red eyes and everything in between with babies. The best time to leave is late morning-early afternoon, between 10 a.m. and noon. This allows your baby to get an early nap before you take off for the airport. If she doesn't sleep on the plane at least she has a few hours of rest.

3) Fly in the right seat. The safest place for a baby on a plane is in a car seat, but many parents opt to hold their babies in their laps because airlines allow babies under age 2 to fly without a seat. Some 85 percent of parents choose this option because it's convenient, affordable and generally safe, unless the plane hits sever turbulence. When I fly with a lap child, I always arrive at the airport early to ask the airplane to put me near an open seat if there are any. This way I can set up the car seat and use it when my baby's napping and during turbulence. Airlines always prefer to have babies in car seats so they'll try to accommodate you. Keep in mind that car seats need to be strapped into window seats, so I'll try to book myself a window seat in hopes that the middle remains open.

4) Fly with the right stuff. Start packing your diaper bag for your flight a few days ahead so you don't forget anything important (Read: Wipes!). Here's a list of what I like to include: Diapers, changes of clothes, wipes, disposable changing pads, and plastic bags for dirty diapers. Two- to six-month-olds need teethers; seven months and above need toys. I'll always bring one favorite toy and one new toy -- though keep in mind your baby will be most entertained by tearing apart in-flight magazines. Babies over six months will need solid food. I like the pouches and Happy Puffs. On a recent flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii I kept my baby entertained for a good hour with these rice puffs. Disposable bibs are great.

60 Healthy Airplane Snacks Read Post

airplanes

60 Healthy Airplane Snacks

Fruits > candies. Sweet little alphabet found here.

When it comes to family trips, this isn't my first rodeo, and I like to think I have the prep-work down to a science. But I have to confess, between packing suitcases, repacking suitcases, scrounging around for missing flip-flops, remembering to charge everyone's electronics, and triple-checking tickets, something usually gets left for last minute, which means, of course, that it doesn't happens. Too often, it's figuring out what to bring for the all-important airplane snacking, which leaves us spending half our kids' college fund on M&M's and Chex Mix in airport convenience stores.

No more! I just came across Dotting The Map's list of, read it, 60 TSA-friendly and oh-so-healthy airplane food ideas, and I'm printing it out to bring to the grocery store before our next trip. She's included loads of simple, delicious, not-too-messy snacks - string cheese, apple slices, dried apricots, mini rice cakes - as well as some tricks I'd never have thought of: want to keep something cold? Just pack it next to frozen yogurt sticks. Genius!

Check out her full list here, and if you have any airplane-friendly snacks to add, leave them below in the comments.

My Secret to Keeping Babies Safe From Turbulence Read Post

Family travel tips

My Secret to Keeping Babies Safe From Turbulence

Julia en route to Hawaii, in her Baby B'Air vest.

I know you’re probably distracted by that cute-as-a-button face, but please direct your attention to my daughter Julia’s red vest: it’s called the Baby B’Air, and I’ve used it while flying with all three of my kids.

Over 90% of injuries to airplane passengers occur in-flight (that is, not while taxiing, taking off, or landing), a fact that was driven home by last week’s United Airlines Flight 1676, which encountered severe turbulence on its descent into Montana. Five people ended up in the hospital, and in addition, a passenger’s baby was thrown from his parent’s arms, landing (fortunately unhurt!) a seat over. Reading this made me think immediately of our family’s Baby B’Air, stashed next to our suitcases, waiting patiently for our next flight. It could have made a real difference on Flight 1676, and more parents should know it’s an option when traveling with babies.

Children under the age of two can fly on an adult’s lap, no ticket required. While this is fantastic for family travelers’ bank accounts, it’s less than fantastic where safety is concerned; when that “Fasten Seat Belts” sign lights up, the under-two passengers are left unbuckled, and in cases of severe turbulence, can be propelled from their parents’ arms. Enter the Baby B’Air Flight Vest. After we reached cruising altitude on our flight to Hawaii last month, I slipped it over Julia’s head and threaded my seat belt through the loop on the back. Secure baby, free hands, peace of mind. (And doesn’t red suit her?)

While the Baby B’Air hasn’t yet been approved for use during take-offs or landings, it has FAA approval for the cruising portion of any commercial flight. It’s marked as such, but in my experience flying with the Baby B’air, I’ve never run into any problems with flight attendants unfamiliar with the vest -- just a healthy amount of questions from curious fellow passengers!

You can read more about the Baby B’Air here, and let me know in the comments below if you’ve flown with the vest (or something similar), and what you thought.

Happy, peaceful flights to you all!

Take Off With This First Flight-Themed Kids' App Read Post

Take Off With This First Flight-Themed Kids' App

What's brightly colored and cute, keeps your kiddos entertained, and prepares them for their first time flying? The new app from Smart Fish! "Frequent Flyer" guides players through the process of air travel, from packing a suitcase to driving to the airport, going through security, boarding the plane, and beyond. It also takes them on a whirlwind tour of the world, teaching them about different destinations and cultures around
the globe.

First flights (or seconds or thirds) can be an understandable source of anxiety for young travelers; it's unfamiliar territory from start to finish. "Frequent Flyer" seems like it stands a real chance of quelling concerns, by providing a step-by-step (and fun) introduction to the whole affair.

In their review of "Frequent Flyer," Smart Apps For Kids said: "Smart, fun and absolutely the best way to prepare a child for flying... This masterpiece gets it right across the board... I wish all developers designed apps this smart and clever." Sounds good to me! I haven't tried the app myself, but I'd love to hear from any of you who have. Let me know what you thought!

Where Should You Travel? Just Ask Your American Girl Doll Read Post

Where Should You Travel? Just Ask Your American Girl Doll

Some travel articles are just too clever to not mention, and Huffington Post has published the cleverest of them all with "Where To Travel, Based On Your American Girl Doll." Whether you had an American Girl doll yourself, or maybe your daughter does now, it turns out all you have to do to plan your next trip is check in with where she would go.

Was Molly your girl? Looks like you'll be winging it to Normany to get your history on. Team Addy? Head to Sydney (because apparently Addy fans are both cosmopolitan and outdoorsy). Did you fall for Kirsten's blue eyes and shiny blond braids? Pack an appetite, because you'll be trying those heavenly-sounding St. Lucia buns in Stockholm.

Call it the slightly more huggable (but nearly as reckless) cousin of setting your finger down on a spinning globe - and hey, if you give us the tickets, my daughter and I are willing to set out to any of the dolls' dream destinations! Check out the full breakdown here.

Thrifty Travel Fun: Northeast Kingdom, VT Read Post

Thrifty Travel Fun: Northeast Kingdom, VT

Whether you're hiking in the summer, leaf-peeping in the fall, or skiing in the winter, the northeast corner of Vermont is a prime destination for family travelers. The Stowe-Waterbury area is especially delightful - and has some tasty treats for families on a budget!

Get your fill of cider and donuts as the Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

1. I scream, you scream, we all scream, for ICE CREAM. (Even in the middle of a Vermont winter? Of course!) We aren't talking about just any old ice cream outing, though; we're talking about a visit to an ice cream lover's dream - the Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury. Taking a tour is optional, but at $4 per adult and kids under 12 free, it's a bargain. Be sure to go on a weekday, when you can stand above the factory floor and see the machines churning out pint after pint of the good stuff - it will make you appreciate your sample at the end even more! (And if you're there in warm weather, the grounds are fun to explore, and ideal for a picnic lunch.)

2. Did you save room for another tour (and perhaps one more tiny treat)? Just up the road from Ben and Jerry's is the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. This legendary mill presses cider year-round, and has been doing so since 1974. On the free, self-guided tour, kids will trace the process of cider-making from apple tree all the way to the cup in your hand. Be sure to check out the live Bee Observation Hive along the way. (And did I mention the bakery?)

3. Tracking down a local parenting website is a fantastic way to find out about kid-friendly events when you're traveling, and the Northern Vermont area has a stellar site called Find and Go Seek. Check it out for listings for everything from library story hours to ice skating times to theater performances; you'll find reviews of local, kid-friendly restaurants and businesses, too.

Accommodation Tip: Hunker down at the Best Western Plus Waterbury Stowe-Waterbury; rest up within arm's reach of all that fresh air and good, New England-style fun waiting for you in the morning!

Travel Dreams From The Silver Screen Read Post

Travel Dreams From The Silver Screen

Does Mother Nature have you snowed in? Might be time for a family movie night! Pop some popcorn, pull out extra blankets, and get your travel inspiration on - because movies can be just the ticket to get kids dreaming of travel to faraway lands.

Over at Adventure Collection, Jamie Pearson of Travel Savvy Mom just posted a great list of eight child-friendly films that will inspire travel dreams - in the kids and in you, too. From classics like "The Secret of Roan Inish" to newer releases like "Ponyo" and "National Treasure," this list has me adding a delightful collection to my Netflix queue; bring on the travel bug!

Lesser Known / Equally Grand Read Post

Lesser Known / Equally Grand

New York's "Grand Canyon" (Photo via Flickr)

If you're lucky enough to have visited, then you know that Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park deserves all the glory that comes with its name. What you may not know, however, is that you can experience nearly the same sort of awe at other grand canyons across the country. If a trip to Arizona isn't an option (or if you made one with an older child and don't want to retrace your steps with the younger set), consider planning a family vacation around one of the Grand Canyon's namesakes in a different state.

MiniTime has a great write-up on the quartet of alternate grand canyons - take a read through, and see if one might inspire this year's family trip!

Where Will You Go In 2014? Read Post

Where Will You Go In 2014?

Endless rolling hills in Scotland. Photo via NYT.

2014: 52 fresh new weeks for exploring the world. The New York Times just published a jubilant celebration of the globe with "52 Places to Go in 2014." From Cape Town, South Africa to Siem Reap, Cambodia to downtown Los Angeles, well-written vignettes and gorgeous photography have me adding rows of new entries to my "Visit Someday" list. (And who knows, maybe this will be the year to cross one or two off.)

Whether you're actively searching for a 2014 travel destination or simply need a reminder of the vastness and beauty of the world, this is a truly inspirational piece. Make yourself a cup of tea and get dreaming (and let me know in the comments what's topping your list!).

Kid-Friendly World Heritage Sites Read Post

Kid-Friendly World Heritage Sites

This year marks the 40th anniversary of UNESCO's World Heritage List, and National Geographic had the brilliant idea of sifting through the full list to highlight 10 destinations of particular interest to children. (This was no small undertaking: the list boasts 936 treasures from around globe.)

I love the idea of opening our children's eyes to the very best our planet has to offer, and now I'm dreaming of whisking my family off to a playground forged 60 million years ago by volcanoes along Northern Ireland's coast, to the Roman Empire's largest amphitheater (you think the Super Bowl is impressive? think again), or to view the mind-blowing animal migration across Serengeti National Park.

Take a scroll through the full list - it lists basic info for each entry, as well as what makes them so kid-friendly. Then, get dreaming: it's January, the time for making big, crazy plans!

Expert Tips For Hitting The Slopes Read Post

Expert Tips For Hitting The Slopes

New year, new adventure: the family ski trip. Worth it? Oh, you bet! There's nothing like that crisp blue sky, glittering blanket of snow, and ear-to-ear grins after a successful run down the slopes. Rosy cheeks over mugs of hot chocolate after a full afternoon of skiing? Bring it on.

That being said, not all family ski trips are created equal, and parents who have been there, done that are valuable resources on how to avoid a weekend getaway wipe-out.

Pint Size Pilot posted a must-read list of tips for a successful first (or fifth) ski trip with toddlers and kids. From the planning stages (don't be too easily seduced by "kids ski free" deals - kids under six are often free anyway) to picking out gear (here's some new vocabulary: taped seams, grow cuffs, and powder guards) to packing (bring extra gloves and plenty of handwarmers) to actually hitting the slopes ("pizza" and "french fries" apply), they've covered all the bases, with plenty of new-even-to-me advice.

Check out their post, and I wish you fresh powder and short lines at the lifts!