What’s the best cruise line for families?
Since November of 2013, I’ve had the awesome opportunity to cruise the Bahamas on the three most popular family…
Best places to eat in Gulf Shores Alabama (2024)
One of my favorite family friendly vacation destinations is Gulf Shores, Alabama (and its neighbors, Orange Beach and Fort…
Disney Cruise Packing List (Printable)
Disney cruise packing is much like packing for any Caribbean cruise. But, there are some special things about sailing…
Great Spring Break Destinations for Families
Spring break is just around the corner, but it’s not too late to plan a family vacation with the…
Best Camping in Florida for Families
While Florida is well known for theme parks and beaches, it’s also a great place for family camping vacations….
7 Day Cruise Packing List (printable!)
Whether you’re a first time cruiser or a seasoned pro, packing for your Caribbean cruise can be (almost) as…
The BEST cruise ships for teens (From A teen who knows!)
Review of the best cruise ship for teens to help you pick the best cruise for teens when planning your family vacation.
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises: Which cruise line is the best?
Spring break 2019 is in the books, and it’s going to be tough to beat! We took a 7…
Cruise mistakes: What first time cruisers should know
On a 25th wedding anniversary cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, my husband and I met many…
Cruising 101: How to book a Cruise
So, you want to go on a cruise but you have no idea how to pick a cruise. No…
5 More First Time Cruise Tips
As a seasoned cruise traveler, I know what to expect on the cruise experience. Regardless of cruise line or…
First Time Cruise Tips to help you plan
Want to take a cruise vacation, but not sure what to expect? You’ve come to the right place! These…
What are Shore excursions? are they worth it?
What are shore excursions? Are cruise excursions worth it? How to pick the best shore excursions? You’ve got questions, and we have answers!
Family Travels on a Budget
Hello! I’m Karen, the creator of this site, an avid traveler passionate about family travel on a budget. But…
Celebrate Thanksgiving in New York City!
Visiting New York City to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live is a bucket list trip for lots…
Cedar Point Tips for 2024
Growing up in Ohio, summer trips to Cedar Point with friends were a right of passage. We didn’t worry…
Discover presidential libraries in Ohio
With eight presidents from Ohio (seven born here and one who claimed it as home), there are many presidential…
Washington, DC Family Vacation
With so many things to do in Washington, DC, how do you decide what to include in a Washington,…
How to estimate travel expenses
Whether planning business travel expenses or a vacation budget for the family, knowing how to estimate travel expenses really…
Summer vacation ideas: Visit Erie PA
The Best Summer Vacation Ideas for Active Families I have gotten to visit Erie, PA three times in recent…
Colonial America: Explore Fort Ligonier
Long before Ligonier, PA was the adorable town it is today…. Long before the town square with its gazebo…
Fun things to do with kids in Tampa
There are so many fun things to do with kids in Tampa, Florida. Whether planning a weekend escape or…
20 fun things to do in a hotel with kids
For months, I looked forward to a December trip to Dallas, Texas and the warm, sunny temperatures sure to…
Cozumel Fun! Omar’s VW Buggy Tour
On our cruise this spring, we had a scheduled stop in Cozumel. Rob and I had been there once…
Romantic Getaways in the United States!
Kids, pets, work, home repairs, bills, taxes… the stresses of everyday life push in from every direction. We need…
About
Meet Karen Dawkins Hello! I’m Karen, the woman behind the scenes (and sometimes in the photos) here at Family…
What to do in NYC: A beginner’s guide
So, you’ve made the big decision — a vacation to New York City. But, what to do in NYC?…
Budget travel: Save with CityPASS
One of my favorite ways to save on travel is using savings booklets or multi-attraction tickets. If you shop…
Carnival: Fun Ships for Kids
Carnival Cruise Lines expanded and upgraded kid-friendly activities complement the line’s ongoing Fun Ship 2.0 enhancements. Even the Carnival…
Pittsburgh’s Mount Washington
No trip to Pittsburgh is complete without a visit to Mount Washington, on the city’s south side. Most easily…