As a family of 5 we are always hunting for ways to save on flights and travel more. The dirt cheap tickets available through no frills airlines such as Spirit, Frontier, and JetBlue are definitely attractive, but once you start paying for a checked bag and carry on luggage, those fees really start to add up! Learning how to pack your personal item like a pro is key, and you start that off by finding the right small but mighty travel backpack for women, men, and kids! So let's get right to it - I'm going to show you how to pick the best travel backpack and how to pack your personal item to save money on flights!!
Disclaimer - this post was sponsored by Responsival and contains some affiliate links noted with ** after them. As an Amazon associate, I receive commission from qualified purchases made after clicking affiliate these links.
PERSONAL ITEM DIMENSIONS:
Every airline has its own maximum dimensions for the complimentary personal item every ticket holder in entitled to. If you're hoping to save on flights by not paying for a carry on or checked bag (or as few as possible), you'll want to know the dimensions of what bags and amenities are included in that ticket, and calculate the total cost including any bags you would need to purchase. For example, a no frills airline may have a cheaper ticket but if you MUST bring a full size carry on, check a bag, select your seat, and purchase a meal, a regular ticket with a bigger airline may be a similar or even better deal. Most airlines have set their max dimensions of the complimentary "personal item" at or above 17" x 13" x 8" (at least at the time of writing this post, which I confirmed for Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airlines, Play Airlines, Spirit Airlines) which is a small backpack, purse, or laptop bag. The reasoning is that it needs to go under the seat in front of you, and not take up their valuable money-making overhead space. Some budget airlines are notorious for making you gently plop your bag in the measurement device at the gate, without allowing you to push or adjust the bag, if even a handle is sticking out, they'll force you to pay a last minute carry on or checked bag fee, which can be a whopping $60 or so. Suddenly, your Frontier Airlines deals are no longer deals... So let's avoid that by making sure your bag is well within the limits - get one that is small enough and do not over pack it. THE BEST PERSONAL ITEM FOR FLYING: Have no fear, I have found THE BEST weekender bag, laptop backpack for women and men, whatever you want to call it. I was sent this set and paid for my review but these are honestly amazing!! At just 17" x 12" x 5" the Day Owl Backpack has a minimalist look AND size (i.e. within the dimensions for every regular and budget airline I mentioned above), yet holds a whopping 21 liters and has a ton of pockets and compartments, including a padded compartment that will hold a 16" laptop, as well as a water resistant insulated side pocket that will hold that 750mL bottle of wine you splurge on at duty free (or huge water bottle, of course). Plus, each backpack is made from 26 recycled plastic water bottles!!! The Pouch is a great add-on, a cord organizer (or little clutch to hold your wallet / phone / passport etc). Watch my Day Owl Backpack & Cord Pouch review video below for a closer look! PACKING HACKS:
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR PERSONAL ITEM:
This list will differ if you're traveling with a carry on or checked bag (this is my FAVORITE 3 piece nesting luggage set** in case you're in need of gorgeous new suitcases!), or if you're only flying with your personal item.
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When winter, spring, and summer breaks approach, we often think:
But there are SO many other types of amazing memory-making insta-worthy bucket list vacations out there... RIGHT HERE in the United States!! In this post, I'm hoping to open your eyes to two types that you may or may not have pondered on before: The Traincation and Coastal & River Cruises! I'm going to highlight some absolutely epic options, some kid-friendly and some adult-only, but ALL of them right here in our own backyard!
TRAINCATION
For train enthusiasts, a traincation is a sit back and relax bucket list kind of vacation, and can be done in a couple of ways. You can book each leg yourself, utilizing sleeper cars as well as hotel stays between segments. OR you can book a room and board type package with a travel agent or the train company itself!! Here are a couple of really amazing ones to consider (click through to their websites to discover their other destinations, there are tons!!)
Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer is the epitome of North American luxury train travel, offering a number of routes through the US and Canada. Their Rockies to the Red Rocks tour, for example, is 6 days 7 nights (2 of those days aboard their train with food included and a beautiful glass dome car for viewing scenery, other days' transport via coach) from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon, Moab, Glenwood Springs, ending in Denver. While most guests are adults, children are welcome but it's important to note train days are 8+ hours of sitting around in your assigned seat on the train, with no wi-fi... I don't know about you but that might be tough with my 3 kids. I see this as more of a luxury sightseeing getaway with your romantic partner or bestie(s), when you just want to sit back and not be stressed about traffic and driving!
Amtrak
Amtrak has two very affordable rail pass options. Their USA Rail Pass is $499 per adult for up to 10 days of travel in 30 days. The California Rail Pass is $150 per adult and $79.50 per child for 7 days of travel within 21 days, and you can upgrade segments for sleeper car as needed. Using the rail passes, you have incredible flexibility in your itinerary and can see all the major sights in California whether you do it in a rush or take all 3 weeks! Pro Tip: The Coast Starlight Train is said to be one of the most spectacular train routes, passing by mountains, forests, and the Pacific coast beach, from Seattle to Los Angeles.
For those wanting a more curated traincation, book an epic rail vacation through Amtrak Vacations. There's a 9 day trip from Chicago to Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, that includes 2 overnights on the train and 6 in hotels. There's another one out of Chicago, this one is 15 days with stops at Salt Lake City, Yellowstone, San Francisco, Seattle, and Glacier National Park! I mean, come on, is there a better way to see all of that in one trip!?? Certainly not renting an RV and trying to drive that monstrosity around! On a tighter budget or time limit? How about their NYC - Niagara Falls train package, just $399 per person including round trip train ticket, 2 nights hotel accommodation, and admission to the Skylon Tower Observatory Deck!
RIVER CRUISES
You won't find kids clubs or all of the bells and whistles of the GINORMOUS transatlantic cruise lines here, but you will find gourmet dining, nightly entertainment, much larger staterooms (all with river views, most with balconies), and a much more intimate laid back relaxing experience.
Viking Cruises
If looking for a unique getaway with your partner or your bestie, look into a sailing on one of the kid-free Viking Cruises such as their 8 day New Orleans & Southern Charms cruise or 12 day America's Heartland cruise, both going up and down the Mississippi River. Included in your booking you'll get one free shore excursion per port, free wifi, coffee / tea / beer / wine / soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, enrichment lectures, destination performances and more! The stateroom includes binoculars, plush robes, slippers, and underbed storage. And just check out that infinity plunge pool on the back of the boat (above photo)!!!
American Cruise Lines
Another great one to look into is American Cruise Lines, the largest river/small ship cruise line in the USA - operating 19 river boats and small ship around the United States in 2024 (5 riverboats on the Mississippi, 5 on the Columbia & Snake, and 9 small coastal cruise ships that operate river cruise itineraries along both US coasts). While kids are technically allowed on this one, there are no pools, babysitting, or even kids meals so one might assume guests are not expecting a wild bunch of kiddos running amok on board, and I would certainly take that into consideration if booking your family. That said, they have some incredible routes and accommodations!! Check out their 8 day Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise or Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise. ACL boasts the largest staterooms in the industry - all facing outward with furnished private balconies. They use fully stabilized and intimate sized ships holding 90-180 guests, have onboard historians and entertainment, all-inclusive dining with wine / beer / soft drinks / wifi included.
COASTAL CRUISES
If you want the massive exciting kid-friendly cruise ship experience, but you are terrified of the open sea, consider one of the coastal routes by a major cruise line! Some of them are 100% domestic and don't even require you to have a passport!
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL's Pride of America, for example, cruises around 4 of the Hawaiian Islands, you'd have to fly to Honolulu but from there you'd be hugging the islands for 7 days. Head ashore or stay on the boat which features 3 main dining rooms, a buffet, a few casual cafes, deck games, an arcade, 4 hot tubs, 3 pools, a (parent attended) playroom for babies and toddlers, drop off kids club (ages 3-12), a teen hangout room (ages 13-17), a theater with live entertainment, a jogging track, a spa, and more!!
Princess Cruises
Or maybe you want to explore glaciers up north? Princess Cruises has two routes to Alaska that don't require passports! They have two 7 day roundtrip routes from Seattle and an 11 day roundtrip cruise from San Francisco that hug the Pacific coast never veering too far from land. The boat is massive with 900 balconies, 3,000 passengers, freshwater pools and hot tubs, Discovery at SEA enrichment programs, sports court, live shows, a casino, a spa, and drop off kids clubs (ages 3-7, 8-12, and 13-17).
So, are you intrigued!??
Jumping to book one of these vacations?? Have you taken one before? Leave a comment below to let us know!!
With the first snow of the season upon us, I find myself fantasizing about leaving the shovel and brown street slush behind. But instead of hopping a flight to the Caribbean, what if we embrace the cold and actually seek it out!?
In case you're intrigued, or need some convincing, I've put together my list of the 7 best family friendly winter wonderland weekend getaways from NYC and New Jersey. My requirements include that the hotel has kid-friendly outdoor activities (ex. ice skating and snow tubing), water activities (heated indoor or outdoor pools and hot tubs), and is within a 4.5 hour drive of Newark NJ. With bonus points going to those with kids club! So... LET'S SNOW! I mean GO!!!
Type: All-Inclusive Resort (160 guest rooms and 70 privately owned vacation rental homes)
Location: Poconos (2hr drive from Newark NJ) Winter Festivities: on-property snow tubing & lake ice skating (and synthetic skating) Other Family Fun: Nightly entertainment and shows, indoor pool + water slide / climbing gym playground / bumper cars / toddler room / arts & crafts room, tons of outdoor activities, go carts, archery, and 30 scheduled activities a day! Noteworthy: AH-may-zing (not buffet) food! Like, SO good, and included in your meal plan (can choose 2 or 3 meals a day). Voted #1 Family Resort in the US in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023! My family has been to Woodloch 3 times (summer, winter, and fall - read about these stays here!), I cannot recommend it highly enough! Always SO much fun!!! Watch my winter getaway video below (but do note, it's from 6 years ago, we obviously need to go back for an updated video ASAP!)
Type: AAA Diamond Luxury Condo Hotel
Location: NW New Jersey (1.5 hr drive from Newark NJ) Winter Festivities: on-site glice (synthetic ice) skating; just 2.5 miles from Moutain Creek for Skiing and Snow Tubing; hot cocoa, fire pits, and marshmallow roasting Other Family Fun: Indoor pools (1 has a slide), swim out heated outdoor pool & hot tub, lots of organized activities for kids and adults (some free, some fee based); on site cafes and restaurants; great fitness club with fun classes guests can take for free. Noteworthy: I've stayed at Crystal Springs 4 times, it's one of my favorite resorts of all time! I've been with my family in summer and winter, and gone on a "moms getaway" in winter as well. We always get a suite at Grand Cascade Lodge - with a full kitchen, fireplace, balcony - so much fun for adults and kids. Just paradise!! Watch our family winter getaway at Crystal Springs video below, or read through all of my Crystal Springs blog posts here!
Type: All Inclusive Resort
Location: Hudson Valley New York (1hr 40min drive from Newark NJ) Winter Festivities: On site skiing (rentals and instructions included!), snow tubing, and ice skating - all included in your stay! Other Family Fun: Indoor pool with water slide and swim out heated outdoor pool and hot tub, organized activities, live shows and entertainment. Noteworthy: Meals, activities and horseback riding are all included with your stay!!! We went back in 2018 in the fall and had a blast - check out our video below or read about it here! At the time they had a free drop off kids club, but I can't find it on the site anymore so I'm not 100% sure they still have it.
Type: Mountain Lodge Resort with 105 suites
Location: Cortland NY (3.5 hr drive from Newark NJ) Winter Festivities: take a shuttle to nearby Greek Peak Mountain Resort for skiing, snow tubing, Mountain Coaster, cross country skiing, and more. Other Family Fun: on-site Cascades Indoor Water Park is amazing with a wave pool and water slides! You can get a hotel package that includes water park admission, skiing, or whatever extras you like! Kids arts & crafts room open (not for drop off) Fri-Sun. Noteworthy: we had a mini family reunion here in 2019 that was so much fun!! We got adjoining rooms with a full kitchen and really enjoyed the water park and mountain coaster - fun for the whole family!! Watch our highlights video below or read about it on the blog here!
Type: Mountain Resort with Luxury Suites
Location: Lake Placid / Upstate NY (5hr drive from Newark NJ) Winter Festivities: On site ice skating, campfires and s'mores. Nearby: skiing, XC skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, dog sledding, 30' high toboggan chute that spits you 1000 feet over frozen Lake Placid. Other Family Fun: Heated indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, movie theater, family game room, ice cream parlor, bowling alley. Free summer camp; $25/hr babysitting.
Type: 5,500 Acre Mountain Resort
Location: Poconos (2.5 hr drive from Newark NJ) Winter Festivities: On site (fee based) ice skating, snow tubing, skiing, show shoeing, treetop adventure course, ice fishing and more. Other Family Fun: Lots of indoor and outdoor organized activities.
Type: All Inclusive Resort
Location: Hudson Valley New York (2hr drive from Newark NJ) Winter Festivities: On site ice skating, snow tubing, XC skiing, and snow shoeing - all complimentary to overnight guests. Other Family Fun: Nestled in 40,000 acres of forest with 85 miles of hiking trails. Indoor heated pool. Meals are included, as well as organized activities, live entertainment, indoor archery, yoga and fitness classes, and drop off KIDS CLUB for kids ages 4-11 (daily in summer, only weekends/holidays otherwise). Noteworthy: Voted #1 Resort in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Region by Condé Nast Traveler in 2023 and #2 Best All-Inclusive Resort by USA Today 10Best in 2023.
So what do you think!?? Have you been to any of these? Ready to book one!? Did we miss an amazing one? Let us know in a comment below!!!
Trying to book your spring break family vacation (or travels throughout the year) but feeling overwhelmed and nervous about your budget? You're not alone. Family of 5 here. Traveling can cost an arm and a leg but you're in luck cuz I work my butt off finding and reviewing the best family vacation spots, and am always looking for the best way to save money (and also featuring which things are worth splurging on!), so here are some of the hacks I use, wrapped up in one handy dandy "How to save money on your spring break family vacation" blog post!! Let's go!!!
Disclaimer: There are some affiliate links included below, noted with ** You don't pay more but I receive commission from qualified purchases or registration after clicking.
No Frills Budget Airlines When I say no frills, I mean no frills. Which means if you pick the right day, you can get tickets for dirt cheap! You'll pay extra for everything other than a basic seat and small personal item (i.e. purse or small backpack). BYO food and drinks (or purchase in flight), don't expect in-seat TV or power outlet. If you need a carry on and a checked bag for every passenger, or need to guarantee family sits together, you're better off booking with a regular "full service" airline, because the price will be the same and they have more flights and partner airlines. The no frills airlines usually don't have partner airlines, so if you miss a flight or it gets cancelled, you can really run into trouble re-booking, especially if you have a large family. Having travel insurance here is key and worth the extra expense (we always use Allianz Travel Insurance), though it can't save the time and hassle of re-booking, it can save you having to pay out of pocket for same day flights with a different airline or couple nights hotel waiting for the original airline to find seats for you. Some "no frills" budget airlines include Spirit, Breeze, Allegiant, Frontier (if you're single with a flexible schedule, look into their "Go Wild" annual pass - you pay $599 for unlimited domestic and international flights, or $149 for their monthly pass), and a newer international budget airline we just booked our upcoming spring break travels with is Play! I played around with the dates (this is key because you'll see one set of dates is 3x more than another set, so you really have to spend some time looking at all of the options), and I got us tickets from Stewart Airport in NY to Iceland for spring break in March for $280 round trip per person! CRAZY!!! It's $120 extra per 44lb checked bag round trip though, so we purchased ONE for our family of 5... packing will be interesting (or we may have to splurge for a 2nd bag at the last minute). For 2022 spring break we got great priced tickets with Spirit to Cancun ($290 per person roundtrip from NYC), and in 2023 spring break we saved huge with Frontier flying to Phoenix. Had a really great experience with both of them - we were careful to pay for 1 checked bag (the five of us shared!) and made sure each of our "personal item" was a small backpack each well within their size limitation. You hear some horror stories on TikTok about getting charged a huge fee to check your "oversized" personal item at the gate, so you really REALLY have to be careful with that!! When searching flights, not all travel websites include every no frills airline... Expedia** and Kayak do include Play, whereas Google Flights does not. So, check a few places and sometimes it ends up being on the airline's website where you can play around with dates to find the absolute best deal. Miles & Points Hacking If you're about to be applying for a mortgage or car lease, or if you are working hard to increase your credit score, you may not want to consider this... but for everyone else, I'll go on a (non-professional non-expert) limb and say that the benefits of "smartly" mile and/or point hacking with credit cards outweighs the risks of little short term credit score dings (consult a professional if concerned!!). I generally go for the credit cards that are free for the first year, to get the huge sign on bonus - this year I got 60k miles and 2 lounge passes from United's Chase card** and 100k points with Hilton's AmEx card**. Then before they renew and charge me, I cancel and sign up for another program/card. You really have to set reminders so you don't miss the chance to cancel before you get charged, and there are limits to how many times you can sign up to a certain type of card in a specific time frame, so be careful and read all the fine print! People who travel a LOT may find that some of the platinum card benefits with huge annual fees (we're talking $695) more than pay for themselves with all of the "free" benefits they offer. It's not worth it for me or my family, but I have a lot of travel creator friends who find theme extremely worthwhile. While we're talking about earning points, make sure however you're shopping, you're getting cash back or earning points or miles with your purchases through a great credit card AND cash back through Rakuten** (yes, double dipping FTW) - I have Rakuten installed as a Google extension and it activates every time I'm on a site they're partnered with. We're talking 10% cash back shopping on Hotels.com**, 8% back booking tours with Viator, up to 3% back on Walmart.com**, heck, I even got 2% cash back buying our new fridge on Lowes.com last month!! One of my credit cards gives me 3% cash back for groceries, and Rakuten gives me 1% back when I shop Aldi on Instacart - boom - 4% cash back!! Hotel Alternatives I love a good five star hotel or all-inclusive resort, absolutely LOVE them, but they're not always the best choice when it comes to finances and convenience. A rental home may be a better choice when vacationing as a larger family, with multiple families, or as a multigenerational travel group - plenty of separate rooms and bathrooms, a kitchen, you name it! VRBO** and AirBNB are the most popular sites for finding vacation homes, they have great features too in case you're looking for a more unique stay, like a tiny home, treehouse, house boat, ski-in, yurt, you name it! If you feel comfortable having others stay in your home, you could even consider house swapping casually or through an agency like Home Exchange where it doesn't have to be a simple 2 house swap (that can be hard to coordinate regarding time and destination), instead you earn points when you rent your home and use those points to rent another home, can be at the same time or another time. If you're up for roughing it, camping is always a very budget-friendly option, especially after the initial investment of tent and gear (or RV). We had a fabulous spring break staying in a cabin at Verde Ranch RV Resort last year (read about it and watch our video here)! KOA (Kampgrounds of America) is our favorite nationwide family-friendly chain of campgrounds, most have a pool, bounce pad, and even have cabins if you prefer being in a proper structure (with kitchen, tv, and mattresses!). Read about our experience at KOA Newburgh, just north of New York City, here!
Drive!
When I say drive, I mean two things... One is that driving to your destination, instead of flying or cruising, can really help you save a TON of money, especially for bigger families!! Bus and train are also options to consider. Back when we were a family of 3 living in Brooklyn without a car, we took the bus and train to a ton of places, as far as Montauk, Canada, and North Carolina! Now as a family of 5 with a car, driving is MUCH cheaper. By driving, I also mean: consider further away airports and cruise terminals. This week I was researching cruises out of New Jersey and New York and I found one out of Boston that would save our family about $2k as opposed to the same cruise out of NJ!! Yes, it ads a 4 hour drive for us but TOTALLY worth the savings!! When flying out of the NYC area, we generally look at Newark, La Guardia, and JFK. But did you know, there are a few other airports in the area we don't generally consider, but you can find some super cheap flights! For example:
Travel Writing, Content Creation & UGC:
My final "hack" is something anyone can do but not on a whim, per se. It's takes a lot of work to score free or even paid travel as a freelance travel writer, travel creator, or UGC (user generated content) creator. Outsiders sometimes belittle us "influencers" like we're just running around trying to get free stuff. But it's not like that at all. The value we offer (and hours we put in) is more than equal to the value of goods or services we receive (whether that's a comped week at an all-inclusive resort or a 2-hour glassbottom boat tour). It's always a very fair exchange of goods and service, or service and service. We spend hours filming, shooting, editing, and/or writing - spending much of our "vacation" behind the screen in order to deliver high quality content and "earn" our "freebies". As travel creators, we provide a personal point of view, helping potential travelers feel better about booking their trip, giving our communities and followers inspiration about activities, hotels, you name it! We also help the destination have a more varied and relatable marketing approach. Having a photoshoot and running an ad in a magazine, filming and running a commercial on Netflix, and hosting an influencer or content creator for a few days at your hotel all have vastly different budgets and goals in mind, but they all have value and ROI (return on investment). Whether you want to publish yourself or sell your content for someone else to publish, you have to spend a LOT of timing growing your skills, building a portfolio, building a following (if posting yourself), and be able to pitch yourself, your skills, and your content to people in the travel industry. When I'm planning a trip for my family, I sometimes end up pitching 20+ hotels, tourism boards, and activities. I've worked with Discover Puerto Rico, Hilton, LEGOLAND Resort, Crystal Springs Resort, Woodloch Resort, just to name a few. Back in October, tagged along my husband's business trip to Hawaii and was on my own. I pitched and was able to get comped tickets to 3 luaus, and aquarium, and 2 boat tours! When we went to Arizona for Spring Break last year, we were provided 5 nights accommodation, comped a week long rental car, and several amazing activities! But to get these amazing "free" activities, meals, or full on vacations, I spend HOURS and hours researching and pitching before the trip, spend a good portion of the trip behind the camera (and evenings editing and uploading daily coverage to Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube), and DAYS after the trip organizing everything in a blog post and 10+ minute youtube video. Furthermore, the days spent editing and publishing content after the trip are days I cannot be working earning actual money, which is its own cost to consider. This is a reason that selling your UGC for actual money in hand comes into play. So... yeah... it's all WORK! But it's fun work, and work that can help my family (and yours, if interested) to travel for less, potentially get paid to travel, or even have some adventures that you might never have had the chance (or budget) to take otherwise.
OTHER TIPS:
Have any tips on saving money while traveling? Want to know more about how we save or anything mentioned in this blog post?? Leave a comment below!!!
Whether you're looking for exciting outdoor adventures, historical tours, foodie activities, Amish encounters, or just want to relax and swim at a beautiful hotel in the quiet farm-filled rolling countryside of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County is the perfect destination for your next multigenerational family vacation. Seriously, from babies to grandparents, there are endless options here for everyone!
We've been going to Lancaster PA annually for 6 years, driving just 3 hours from NYC and now from NJ (our old getaway guides are listed at the bottom of this one). We just love the area and all if has to offer! So kick back and enjoy our highlights video from this summer's trip below (we brought my parents along for the ride this year for the first time) and read on for more details and links, which we hope will be very helpful in planning your own family's visit!!
DISCLAIMER: We were not paid but were provided free tickets, accommodation and meals in exchange for inclusion in our roundup. All thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased :) HUGE thank you to our partners on this trip, including Cartoon Network Hotel, Dutch Wonderland, Turkey Hill Experience, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, The Amish Village, Smokehouse BBQ & Brews, and Discover Lancaster - the latter which is a GREAT resource when planning your visit, definitely check out their website, request a visitor's guide, and/or stop by their visitor's center!!
WHERE TO STAY!
Cartoon Network Hotel is the ultimate in kitsch meets cool accommoddations, and you can't beat the location if planning to go to Dutch Wonderland. You can literally walk from the hotel to the theme park and save the DW $22 parking fee (not to mention they have discounted DW tickets for hotel guests and you could even go back to the hotel for a couple hours to rest or let your toddler nap in the room). They have modern and fun cartoon-themed rooms, VR / arcade / and other great activities for kids down in the lobby, indoor and (seasonal) outdoor pools & splash zone, on-site restaurant and coffee shop (the latter turns into a bar at night), gift shop, and more!
This was our 2nd time being hosted by Cartoon Network and we just love it there! Last time we stayed in the Steven Universe Dream Suite and this time we got the Ben 10 Suite (watch the room tours below). SO SO SO thoughtfully designed with great art work, fun wall paper and bedding, and they give you tremendous space with suites featuring a primary bedroom and bathroom, living room and dining area with kitchenette, and a kids' area with 2 bunk beds (each bed has its own TV which is 1,000% my kids' favorite feature in the hotel). Cartoon Network Hotel is hands down my #1 hotel recommendation for families visiting Lancaster. It's such a fun spot, both kids and adults will love it!
BOOK YOUR STAY:
You can book a 384sqft King, Double, or Family room for 2-4 people (from about $147/night) on any site including Kayak, Booking.com, Priceline, Expedia, Hotels.com, etc. But if you have more than 4 people (like my family) you'll want to book a Dream Suite (max 6 or 8 people depending on the suite, from $399/night) directly on CartoonNetwork.com.
WHAT TO DO!
We've been visiting Dutch Wonderland annually since our twins were just 2 years old (when I was first invited to join their Influencer Ambassador Program) and we always have THE BEST TIME!!! It's so fun to back year after year and see them grow taller (see the photos above!) and enjoy different rides and activities each time. Last summer, my oldest kiddo (at 9 years old) was finally tall enough to ride every big ride in the park, which was a really exciting day for him because he finally got to go on their thrilling wooden Kingdom Coaster! This year? He rode it FOUR TIMES (and we all rode my favorite coaster, Merlin's Mayhem) THREE TIMES!
Awarded the Golden Ticket for Best Family Park by Amusement Magazine in 2019, 2021, and 2022, Dutch Wonderland celebrated its 60th Birthday this year! We brought my parents along for the first time this year and they thoroughly enjoyed many of the rides, and while we were off getting soaking wet in Duke's Lagoon and water slides, they explored the gentler rides such as Sky Ride, Monorail, and Turnpike.
While they have top notch big kid/adult coasters, little kid rides, animatronic Dinosaur "island", really exciting (and hilarious) diving shows, and all that fun, they're never crazy crowded like Disney. Most rides have no wait at all. I think the Double Splash Flume was the only time we waited more than 10 minutes in a line this trip! And there were a few that we rode 2-3 times in a row because there were no lines! Can't beat that at a theme park!
Summer hours are generally 11am-7pm daily from beginning of June through August with weekend hours here and there throughout the year including special Halloween Haunting and Winter Wonderland events. General admission $69.99 but they seem to always have some discounts available (currently an "end of summer" 35% off online), and kiddos under 3 years old are always FREE! Check their calendar and current discounts before booking your trip!
This was our second time attending one of the children's theatre lunches at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre and it was just as wonderful as last year's experience!! We got there around 11:30 to get our tickets, the buffet lunch opened at about 11:45. I can't speak of the dinner shows, but the lunch shows for kids has very KID FRIENDLY food i.e. things like chicken nuggets and corn dogs, cup cakes etc. There is a good salad bar, and coffee :) Staff is very quick to keep food available, clear your plates, refill drinks. Overall we enjoyed the food and it's a fun part of the experience - I definitely recommend getting the lunch + show ticket rather than just the show.
You continue sitting at your table during the show which started at around 12:45. They chairs are padded and comfortable, we simply turned them to face the stage so our necks wouldn't give us trouble. There was an intermission, which was appreciated since my kids had been drinking their pink lemonade non-stop! The sound, the singing, the dancing, the set, the acting - was all top notch! Just terrific performances by all!! This was a summer show and I believe involved the children's theatre camp program, so had some younger actors included, as young as 11!! They all did so great, we just loved it!! After the show, and I'm not sure if this is for every show or not, but they had a Q&A on the stage so kids (and adults) could ask questions to the cast, and after that the cast came out to the lobby and outside so you could take photos and talk to them. SO COOL! My kids, myself, my husband, and my parents all just absolutely loved this entire experience.
Can't recommend this place highly enough, whether you live in the area or just come for vacation like we do every year!! You can find their main theater 2023 schedule here (including Guys & Dolls, Escape to Margaritaville, and A Christmas Carol), 2024 schedule here (including Mousetrap, The Addams Family, Ragtime the Musical, The Full Monty, The Sound of Music, Jersey Boys, Hairspray, and White Christmas), and their children's theater schedule here (including Santa Claus the Musical, The Rainbow Fish Musical, The Sponge Bob Musical (Youth Edition), and Frozen Jr.)
You can't come to Lancaster and not do at least one Amish-centric activity or tour, but there are SO many to choose from! So, let me make it easy for you in saying The Amish Village is a GREAT one!! We're grateful to Discover Lancaster for coordinating tickets for us to showcase their Amish Village and Farmhouse Tour.
Our guide was so informative, teaching us about Amish life, culture, and religion as she guided us through an old Amish home. One thing that really stuck with me was the meaning I never realized about their women's clothing! At 16 years old, girls are given a white apron to wear to show they are of age to start dating (they encourage dating for a full 2 years before marriage since divorce is verboten). Once married, they're given a black apron to show they're married, since they don't wear any jewelry, including wedding rings or flashy buttons. So interesting!!
It was also fascinating to learn they do use some electricity, just nothing that ties them to a grid. So, utilizing propane gas and hooking up modern appliances to lawn mower motors for example, are quite popular. As are using peacocks as alarm systems, ha! Who knew, they're REALLY LOUD (watch the video!!) After the tour of the house we wandered around the property where they have some lots of animals, an Amish school house, wagons to climb into, and some yummy treats - I highly recommend getting some homemade whoopie pies!!
If you have time, you may want to get a more extensive tour such as their Premium Package Tour that includes a 90 minute narrated bus ride! See ticket and tour options here!
If you love ice cream, Turkey Hill Experience is a MUST DO. When they say that unlimited ice cream samples are included with admission, it's no joke. But they're not samples, they're FULL CUPS, and you can go back for as many as you want, of whatever flavor(s) omgggggg so good!!! Also, unlimited samples of a wide selection of teas and lemonades. Crazy thing is, the ice cream wasn't even the favorite part for my kids!!! It was all of the interactive activities like decorating their own ice cream containers, and filming their own Turkey Hill commercial using a teleprompter, microphone and green screen!!
For me?? It was the Taste Lab where we were schooled about all things ice cream and Turkey Hill and made our own ice cream with a bazillion flavorings, sauces, and mix ins!!! This place was such a fun stop, I can't believe we've been to Lancaster so many times and had never been here before!! General admission is $13.50 but you should definitely get the combo ticket with Taste Lab ($22.50). And be sure to give yourself at least 2 hours to enjoy it all (and make space to get down enough ice cream LOL).
WHERE TO EAT!
Smokehouse BBQ & Brews
Located in a serene area of Lancaster County on the 10 acre Plain & Fancy Farm, Smokehouse BBQ & Brews is a must for BBQ lovers, and really convenient if taking Aaron & Jessica's Amish Buggy Rides or visiting The Amish Experience - they're all on the same property! If their menu doesn't have you drooling, I don't know what will. We were treated to the "create your own platter" and it did not disappoint. I can honestly say, the BEST BBQ OF MY LIFE. So so good! My kids are extremely picky and they were eating off my plate after devouring their kids meals. I couldn't believe it! Don't forget to save space for Shoofly Pie, a Lancaster County favorite!
Cartoon Kitchen
Whether or not you're staying at Cartoon Network Hotel, if your kids love cartoons or Cartoon Network, this is worth a stop for dinner. Call ahead and see if you can request one of the "Dream Cube" pods, they're super fun for kids!! The dinner menu is not super extensive, but you've got the kid-friendly staples and for adults things like tangy chicken wrap and burger, and some great deserts too! Everyone leaves happy! And if you're lucky, you may get a meet & greet with Gumball or another character while you're there!
OTHER GREAT RESTAURANTS:
MORE FUN ACTIVITIES:
INDOOR ACTIVITIES (Rainy Day Backups):
See and read more in our past Lancaster family vacation guides:
Guest post provided by RhinoRank.
Join us as we set out on a journey through the Buckeye State, a realm brimming with vibrant cultural tapestry and engaging heritage. From dynamic cityscapes to tranquil rural scenes, Ohio unfolds like a well-kept secret with countless tales lying in wait. Be it for the intrepid globetrotter or the intrigued local, unveiling the in-depth, genuine experiences housed within Ohio's cultural milieu is truly unmatched.
So, buckle up and embark with us on this excursion, deciphering the mysteries and strategies for immersing in Ohio's alluring past and present. Prepare to encounter fresh insights, awaken your senses, and craft lasting memories – because Ohio's cultural jewels are just yearning for your exploration!
Discovering the Cultural Depth of Ohio
Ohio is a realm with a profound cultural heritage, dating from its humble beginnings as a frontier settlement to its current prominence as a pioneering industrial and agricultural hub. Ohio's diverse populace is mirrored in its culture, boasting an array of traditional music, art, culinary, and customs. To delve into an authentic Ohioan cultural expedition, consider several steps. Start with acquiring knowledge about the state's history, allowing a more profound understanding of the individuals shaping Ohio's culture. Next, explore some of the state's museums and historical landmarks, such as the world-renowned Cleveland Museum of Art in the heart of the state. This prestigious institution holds an extensive collection of global art, serving as a testament to human creativity and providing insightful glimpses into the lives and narratives of Ohioans of yore and today. Further your experience by participating in a cultural festival or gathering. Ohio's communities celebrate their heritage with festivals that bring traditional music, dance, cuisine, and other activities to life. Don't hesitate to interact with the locals. Engaging in dialogue about their customs, preferred delicacies, or viewpoints on Ohio's present culture is among the most efficient ways to comprehend a culture.
Celebrations and Festivities in Ohio
Ohio houses a rich tapestry of holidays and events, each emanating a distinct charm. The thrill of Fourth of July fireworks in Cincinnati or the traditional German Christmas markets in Dresden offers something for all tastes. To fully enjoy these holiday and event experiences in Ohio, consider the following tips:
Experiencing Ohio's Natural Splendors
Ohio is a harmonious blend of cultural richness and natural allure. Whether it's the energetic metropolis of Cincinnati or the undulating landscapes of the Hocking Valley, Ohio has much to offer for exploration. Here are some suggestions for witnessing Ohio's best features:
By adhering to these tips, you can uncover the lush cultural and natural tapestry that is Ohio!
Exploring Local Commerce and Cuisine
Ohio provides countless opportunities to shop and dine in true local style. From lively farmers markets to quaint roadside establishments, the taste of the Buckeye State is never far away. Numerous farmers markets, including the globally recognized North Market in Columbus, dot Ohio. These markets offer fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more from local providers. Smaller farmers markets are dispersed across the state and should not be missed during your Ohioan adventure. Casual dining options are also plentiful in Ohio, with a plethora of roadside diners and cafes offering hearty meals at affordable prices. These establishments are local favorites, providing an opportunity to enjoy traditional cooking and engage with Ohio's residents.
Discovering Local Art, Music, and Entertainment
Ohio is bursting at the seams with local art, music, and entertainment eager to be uncovered. Here are some tips for discovering Ohio's cultural richness:
Conclusion
Journeying through Ohio's culture offers an irreplaceable experience. By following these tips for genuine experiences, you can gain a deeper appreciation of this vibrant cultural tapestry and unearth the hidden jewels that make Ohio an extraordinary destination. Whether you're intrigued by its history, keen on sampling local delicacies, or desire to connect with locals in their own environment, Ohio surely has something to offer everyone!
I just got back from the most wonderful week in Puerto Rico, my third visit actually! This time it was "business" but mostly pleasure - after a few days of learning at Wanderful's WITS Travel Creator Summit in San Juan, I was hosted by Discover Puerto Rico on a 3 day culinary tour press trip in the central mountainous regions! I got to experience things I never would have thought about planning myself - we're talking a vegan Puerto Rican cooking class at El Grifo, a coffee farm tour at Hacienda Muñoz, and dining at absolutely phenomenal and unique restaurants including PyP Restaurant in Caguas, Cocina Abierta in San Juan, Ojala Speakeasy in Caguas, and a Lechonera on the Pork Highway in Cayey with Sofrito Tours. I'm drooling just sitting here remembering it all (see some of my highlight videos at the bottom of this post).
Puerto Rico is gorgeous. The food is delicious. The people are friendly. The beaches and rainforest are spectacular. There are endless cultural, historical, and just plan FUN activities to do for families, solo travelers, young, old, you name it. That said, Puerto Rico isn't for everyone. Is it for you?? Read on to find out!
Puerto Rico may not be best for your next vacation destination if...
1. You want to add stamps to your passport.
I get it. Having a passport full of exotic stamps is a flex. At one point I had to have pages added to my passport! Can you imagine!? But Puerto Rico is an American territory, meaning, if you're American flying from the USA, you do not need a passport! And even if you bring one, they wont' stamp it. So... if you are American and traveling to far off lands for new passport stamps is a requirement, I'm sorry, Puerto Rico is not for you. But... if you are American and don't have a passport, or enjoy the simplicity of flying to a truly gorgeous tropical island without needing your American passport, then go ahead and book your flight already!!
2. You want an all-inclusive resort.
I love a good all-inclusive resort. Sending the kiddos to the kids club and laying around on the beach sipping endless "free" mojitos all day is always a good time. But you won't find many (or any??) typical all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico. That doesn't mean there aren't endless amazing accommodation options, whether you're looking for adult-only or family-friendly resorts, many even have on-site snorkeling, water parks, five star restaurants, and more! From luxury resorts like the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort with an 18-hole golf course and Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve with a spa and kids club, to Villa Margarita where you get an entire house to yourself with a private beach and pool! While you won't find hordes of traditional all-inclusive resorts like you will in Cancun, many hotels in Puerto Rico have all-inclusive package options, so you can go that route as well. And if you want a more local experience, try renting an apartment or house through AirBNB or VRBO.
3. You don't like warm tropical climates.
Puerto Rico is a small island but it does have several distinctive regions, including beach, mountains, and rain forest! That said, none of these areas ever get below freezing, and most are warm or downright hot year round. For those wanting a hot and sunny escape during winter or spring break, it's perfect! But if you don't like warm tropical climates, Puerto Rico may not be for you. That said, you shouldn't take it completely off the table. San Juan, for example, rarely gets below 70 or above 90, but May through November are the most humid, so keep that in mind. Personally, I spent a week there in mid May and found it to be absolutely perfect weather! Visiting Old San Juan in the early morning (7am-10am) and then hitting the pool or beach for the afternoon was perfect! In the central mountain region, it was warm enough not to need a jacket day and night, but not at all hot, and zero bugs.
4. You don't like colorful, beautiful places rich in culture and history.
If this one applies to you, we can be friends, but I'm sorry, we can't be travel buddies! There's a time and place for just laying around on the beach, but part of traveling for me is really experiencing the culture and history of a place, feeling truly transplanted, and being surrounded by its beauty!! In Puerto Rico, you feel this ALL. THE. TIME! I especially felt it in Old San Juan. The colorful apartment buildings, the old forts, the cobblestone streets, it's just so gorgeous! You can wander around or book a tour to learn more. The Spoon Experience provides authentic cultural, food, and drink experiences in Old San Juan and is just SO much fun! Definitely look into these local tour guides and travel agencies recommended by Discover Puerto Rico to make the most of your trip!
5. You prefer driving or long haul flights.
If you refuse to fly, then Puerto Rico is probably not for you, though you can find San Juan as a port of call on some cruises originating in the US). And if you really want to do a long haul flight, Puerto Rico (from the east cost US anyway) is not for you... I've heard great things about the Qatar's QSuite which you can enjoy for 14 hours straight on a flight from JFK to Doha! But great news for the rest of us who like quick, easy, and cheap: San Juan is SO EASY to get to!! There are endless opportunities to fly non-stop to San Juan in 4 hours from all 3 of the NYC airports with JetBlue, Spirit, Delta, and United. Prices vary by season, of course, but I've seen direct roundtrip flights for under $200!!
So what do you think? Is Puerto Rico now on your radar for an amazing momcation, family vacation, or health & wellness retreat?? I hope so!! I can't wait to go back soon bringing my kids, husband, and parents along for a lovely multigenerational family vacation!!! See more of my vacation reviews and family travel tips here!
And to work on building up those airline miles, be sure to get you a points card (or several)!! I'm loving my Chase United card, within a month of getting it I already achieved my 60k bonus miles. Click my affiliate link here to read more about all cards they have (I'll get some bonus miles if you apply for a card).
Ever feel like you need a vacation after returning from a family vacation? Have you thought traveling with kids is just parenting in another location? Join the club!!! The struggle is real, but there are some alternatives to just powering through. Today I've got 4 amazing tips for scoring FREE childcare on your next family vacation so you can feel like you actually ENJOYED the vacation with your family - both your kids, your partner, and maybe even some alone time!! Watch my video below for all the details including multigenerational travel, all-inclusive resorts with kids club, traveling and co-parenting with another family, and bringing along a babysitter on your vacation!
Have more tips for planning and carrying out the most amazing family vacations, momcations, or solo travels?? Leave a comment below!!
I put in a LOT of time researching for our spring break Arizona family vacation, and am putting even more time into publishing it so you can save time and quickly copycat for your own family trip! Where to stay, what to see, how to save money here and there, I've got it all, so let's go!!! Watch our super fun highlights videos below and keep reading for links, photos, and more details!
The Itinerary
Here's our itinerary for 1 week in Arizona. I wanted to make sure to hit our "must see" spots but leave it very relaxed and flexible. I didn't want to be driving LONG distances daily (especially with 2 kids who get car sick), or changing hotels daily, so this worked out really well for us!! Day 1: Flying - we flew all day thanks to the 6 hour layover in Atlanta (which went super fast, we did lots of fun explorations of the airport running through the long terminals with art exhibitions and riding the Plane Train), I think it was a 19 hour travel day, arriving at PHX at 10pm and going straight to the hotel, Hyatt Place Phoenix Tempe Airport. They had free parking, free airport shuttle (check the hours), pool, and a great free hot breakfast. Our room had 2 queens and a pull out sofa, the size we always look for as a family of 5 not wanting to book 2 separate rooms.
Day 2:
With over 50,000 plants on 140 acres, we found Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix to be THE BEST way to kick off our Arizona vacation. I reached out and they were kind enough to provide us tickets in exchange for our review, but full honesty, we were 1,000% blown away and in love with the place!!! We just couldn't get over all the different kinds of cacti, and the volunteers were so helpful!! It got quite hot by midday so I recommend going when they first open in the morning. Also, go to the butterfly exhibit when it first opens - we waited til the end of our visit around 11am and the line was too long and sadly we gave up. They have water fountains allllll over so you don't have to bother lugging water bottles around, just stop for a few sips at each fountain. Also, it's incredibly stroller friendly, great paved paths throughout! A must-visit on your trip to Phoenix!!
Before heading out of Phoenix, we stopped by the super cute Scottsdale nabe for lunch and to walk around for about an hour (couple of photos below), then hit the road to our "long stay" hotel, Verde Ranch RV Resort located 1.5 hours north in Camp Verde. We checked in, unloaded the car, and quickly hit the nearby supermarket and CVS to buy breakfast and barbecue food, and sunblock since we packed so lightly we couldn't bring any.
After researching centrally located hotels to all the hot spots we wanted to visit, I reached out to Verde Ranch RV Resort who was gracious enough to provide us with a Deluxe Cabin for 5 nights in exchange for our review. It was an ABSOLUTELY amazing resort, and very budget-friendly, that I highly recommend!!! We loved our cabin, which had a comfy pull out sofa for Kenzo, a private primary bedroom for Ryoji and myself, and a little loft for the twins! AC, shower, full kitchen (but no oven or dishwasher), picnic table and gas grill, parking spot, it was simply perfection!! Huge bonus is that it comes with linens and towels, so if you're flying like us, no worries there!
They have a great pool with hot tubs, ping pong, corn hole, a beautiful clubhouse with pool table and shuffle board, a play ground, pickle ball, and lots of events going on! There's even a new laundry room if you need. We saved a lot of money by staying here, cooking some meals, and really enjoyed having an actual "house" where we didn't have to be as stressed about kids being loud and running around. And it's pretty conveniently located as a base for endless day trips - 90 minutes to Phoenix, 40 minutes to Sedona, 2.5hrs to Grand Canyon, 10 minutes to Montezuma's Castle! So whether you have an RV to park, or want to level up with a Cabin, a glamping tent (see my tour of one on IG here), or even a super unique Conestoga Wagon (see my tour of one on IG here), definitely check out Verde Ranch RV Resort!
Day 3:
Day trip to Sedona (40min drive). First stop was the visitor center, they were VERY helpful with maps and suggesting the best kid-friendly hiking trails and views. Parking can be tough, go early in the day and consider utilizing their free shuttle to get around. For example, we went to Chapel of the Holy Cross and could only drive by, in heavy traffic, couldn't actually park to get out of the car. Whomp whomp. We also had trouble finding parking but eventually did at beautiful Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, where we had lunch at Oak Creek Brewery & Grill (got 10% off with a card from the visitor center) with a gorgeous view of the red rocks! Sedona is just a breathtaking area with a super cute town - I may shamefully have proclaimed "this looks like Disneyworld" LOL!!
Day 4:
Day trip to Grand Canyon (2.5 hr drive). We went to the south rim, as it was the closest. Parked and started at Mather Point, walked along to the next shuttle spot, took shuttle back to the car. Were there probably 2-3 hours. Some may want more time but for us, it was enough to take it all in. The paths were paved and stroller friendly, set back quite a bit from the edge with trees and what not so it felt pretty safe. Popular view points had nice rails which also helped with me so nervous about the kids falling over LOL! Though there are plenty of riskier spots, so if you have a runner, consider a stroller or leash or just never stop holding hands. It's not for the faint of heart I'll tell you that!!
On the drive home we stopped in Williams for lunch (Route 66 super kitschy town) and historic downtown Flagstaff for dinner, and caught a gorgeous sunset on the mountains!
Day 5:
Local day - Montezuma's Castle, Cliff Castle Casino for lunch (they have $12/hr/kid child care, bowling, Johnny Rockets and more), and hotel pool in afternoon.
Day 6:
This was a flex day we had nothing special planned, so we decided to go to Sedona again - we didn't get enough of it the first time! More specifically hiking at Fay Canyon and seeing the breathtaking view from Sedona Airport Overlook. Then, of course, hotel pool in the afternoon.
Day 7:
Checked out and headed back to Phoenix. Got early check in at Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak so we could use their River Ranch waterpark ALLLLLL DAYYYYYYyyyyyy. With a huge waterslide and lazy river, a couple of bathwater warm pools, it was heaven!! Dinner at on-site Hole in the Wall restaurant which was really delicious!!
Day 8:
Fly home! We had a 6am flight so ouch, it was a 3am wakeup and 17 hour travel day!
Noteworthy TIPS for this trip:
1. Stay on eastern time if going for a week or less, especially in warmer months. It'll help you wake early and get the most out of the cooler morning hours. We woke at 5 or 6am and were out hiking by 8 or 9am, and in bed around 7-8pm LOL! No shame!! Don't fight the jet lag, let it help you! 2. Find a balance of kid-focused and family / parent-focused activities. Our kids couldn't have cared less about hiking and all the spots that made mine and my husband's eyes go gaga over the natural beauty. They just wanted to go to the pool, or be on screens. You need to find a balance so everyone has something to look forward to, throughout the day and the trip. 3. Don't over extend yourself. Plan for down time, have a flex day or two built in in case someone gets sick, and have backups ready. Sure you could have a different national park scheduled for every day of the week, but you're going to be totally exhausted and stressed out. You can't see everything. Pick a couple of must sees and just enjoy your vacation! 4. Have a 4th grader? Print out the Every Kid Outdoors Pass and get free entrance for your whole family at all national parks!! We saved about $85 with free entrance to Grand Canyon and Montezuma's Castle! 5. Book a cabin or hotel that allows you to cook in the kitchen and grill outdoors, you can save a lot of time and money this way, not to mention it's healthier. We ate breakfast in our cabin's kitchen, had lunch out on the go, and had a combo of restaurant and home grilling dinners. Was really nice to have options! 6. Don't try to be frugal skipping a night at a hotel by doing a red eye flight with kids. If going to Asia you can't avoid it, but cross country?? Just. Say. No. Spend a whole day flying if budget doesn't allow for a direct flight, but get a good night sleep in a real bed!! Everyone will be in better moods. Trust me!! 7. Packing is difficult... it's desert which means DRASTIC change in evening and daytime temperatures. And while Phoenix could be warm, Grand Canyon could be snowing. We were there mid April and it was 40's over night and 80's during the day. By 10am we didn't need jackets or cardigans and it was mostly shorts and t-shirt weather. I will go on a limb and say spring is the BEST time of year to go. They had more snow and rain than typical this winter so we are told the flowers were blooming more than usual and they were absolutely spectacular! 8. Utilize these sites and apps to research trips & save money (* denotes affiliate link - I earn commission through purchases made):
Nearby spots we didn't have time for but you may want to consider:
Further away if you have time...
How to Save Money on Flights
If you have tons of miles, or a huge budget, you can just skip over this section. If you are trying to save money on flights, it may take some time and effort but it will pay off (pun intended). I was seeing crazy high prices, over $500 per person. But after playing around with dates extensively, I found this random combination through Frontier that gave us a really good price. I literally had to search every combination of days until it popped up, by chance, so try this yourself, or get a great travel agent!! We ended up paying about $1300 (including the $99 annual discount club fee and 1 checked bag fee) round trip for our family of 5 from NYC to Phoenix, though we did have 1 stopover with a 6 hour layover, each way, it was worth the money saved!! There are some risks flying with budget airliners like Frontier and Spirit. The biggest concern is they have a limited schedule and no alliance with other carriers, so if you miss a flight or the flight gets canceled, you are just out of luck because it's going to be difficult to get another flight that day, or even the next day, especially if you have a big family like ours. Still, when you look at getting tickets for half the price as other carriers, sometimes it's just worth the risk, and usually it all ends up just fine (our trip was 100% smooth this time with Frontier, as well as last year with Spirit). To save money with baggage fees, we packed very lightly, paying for 1 checked bag for the family (has to be under 40 pounds) and no "carry ons". We each carried a small backpack "personal item" with just the essentials (kids' Mifold booster seats, water bottles, snacks, tablet, book, change of clothes) - be careful here they are VERY strict with the size of your "personal item" and will charge a HUGE fee if it doesn't fit into the little box to test the size at the gate. We did not pay for assigned seats but got lucky with them assigning us in sets of 2 and 3 so no kids were seated without adults (but we did see flight attendants moving people around to get other families together, so they will try to help you but there's only so much they can do if passengers refuse to move around). If you have young children, you may want to splurge here. For us, we risked it and lucked out. We DID buy Allianz travel insurance, I think about $125 for the whole trip, worth it IMO to cover cancellations, interruptions, lost baggage, etc etc.
MORE TRAVEL IDEAS HERE!!!
Travel with kids, especially with babies and toddlers can be hard. It's not so much vacation as it is parenting in a new location, am I right?! But one great family travel hack is renting your baby gear on location, and nobody makes it easier than BabyQuip Baby Gear Rental, who provided our rentals free in exchange for our honest review.
Watch my video below for a quick overview of how it works, and read on for more details and my coupon code to get $20 off your next baby gear rental!!
If you travel with young children, if you own a vacation home that you rent out as an AirBNB or VRBO host, or if you occasionally have family visit with babies or toddlers, then you have GOT to know about BabyQuip Baby Gear Rentals, who I just collaborated with on a rental for family who brought their 1 year old to visit us from Japan.
We haven’t had little ones in our home for several years now, so to have a toddler coming to stay with us for 2 weeks was a bit overwhelming!! I considered searching on Facebook to borrow or buy used items from random people, but it’s stressful and very time consuming and I was nervous about the condition items would be in.
Thankfully BabyQuip makes the whole process SO easy!! You search for providers on their website or on their app, can see how many rentals they’ve completed and see reviews from previous customers. Each provider has their own list of gear and prices, there are discounts for longer rental periods, and some even had discounts for twins and multiples. Their quality providers deliver and set up clean, safe, and insured baby gear right to your door!
Most providers have free self-pickup and return or a nominal fee to drop it off and pick it up from your home, hotel, or vacation rental location. They’ll even come in and set it up for you if needed!
We rented from Teresa who is quite popular up here in Northern NJ. She was so easy to communicate with and everything was dropped off nicely protected on our door step, where she picked it up from at the end of our 2 week rental. We got a pack ’n play and an infant car seat from her, both were in perfect condition.
Using BabyQuip made everything so easy - no worries about having to buy or sell or store all this stuff. It’s really a great option for people like us who very occasionally host family for a visit, or as an add-on option for Air bnb or verb hosts, or when you yourself are traveling and the hotel or rental home doesn’t have any baby gear. You can rent anything from cribs and high chairs to car seats, strollers, baby gates, and even toys!! Less to pack is a WIN for me!!
You don’t have to take my word for it either, they have over 30,000 5 star reviews, with over 1200 quality providers serving 900 locations!
If you find yourself in need of baby gear rentals, check out BabyQuip! And don’t forget to use code JAPANFAM20 for $20 off your rental over $100!! |
About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins plus 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, saving moms time finding the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! Categories
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