Things to do in Ankara, Türkiye (the capital city)
While on our Intrepid Travel tour of Turkiye, we found ourselves looking for things to do in Ankara. Our tour (full review coming later, so stay tuned) provided a lot of travel infrastructure but we had significant free time to craft our day once at our destination. Surprisingly, we found
Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkiye: Is this experience worth it?
I was in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself to believe this is even my life. A hot air balloon in Cappadocia! This adventure has become a classic, a legend, a bucket list item. But is paying for a hot air balloon in
Top 11 Things To Do in Istanbul, Turkiye with 48 Hours
While on our Intrepid trip in October, we ended in Istanbul. We were on the prowl for things to do in Istanbul in 48 hours (or, actually, even less!). I’ll be sharing more about how my Intrepid experience went (so subscribe), but I absolutely fell in love with Istanbul and
What to Expect Inside a Turkish Hammam (A Beginner’s Guide to the Turkish Hammam)
When I went to Istanbul last October, I wanted to try a Turkish hammam (also called a Turkish bath) but had no idea what to expect. I understood this to be culturally unique, with devotees who love the experience, and I wanted to try it. But what happens inside a
A Two week (+) Family Friendly Itinerary the Alps (lots of Switzerland!)
When I started to craft our itinerary for our huge European trip, our itinerary in the Swiss Alps, for our family it was a fair amount of work – and balance. We knew we wanted to be in the Alps but that was about it. Mr. Family Trip suggested we
What to Do Around Neuschwanstein: Hohenschwangau & Füssen Germany Ideas
This was a travel moment of magic and tear-jerking beauty for us. While in Füssen, near Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein, we were exploring without a plan one beautiful summer evening. Since there wasn’t much information about this region on the Internet, we felt a phenomenal freedom to simply see what unfolded.
Book Recommendations 2024
It is time for one of my favorite yearly traditions: my annual post on books! For the past several years, I have been busting through anywhere between 50-60 books a year. I will read anything as long as it isn’t horror or something painfully depressing about the human condition (looking
How to Hike Northface Trail in Switzerland – and Visiting Mürren
Hiking the Northface Trail in Switzerland was one of our favorite adventures during our summer family tour through the Alps. While we loved the Eiger Trail, it was the Northface Trail we remember most. Of course, it was also the most difficult hike we did the entire trip (more on
What to do on a Girls’ Weekend in Miami (even if you don’t go clubbing)
It was a surprise pick: to spend our Girls’ Weekend in Miami, Florida. We had so many other tabs open on our web browsers – the Bahamas, Aruba, Asheville. We didn’t have a set destination in mind, we just knew we wanted someplace we could go to relax, be together,
Top Things to do in Innsbruck, Austria
Spending time in Innsbruck, Austria was a last-minute addition to our travels, to be honest. We wanted to make our 16-day trip around the Alps with our kids a loop. So a little piece of Austria it was! But we found that this was one place where we wished we
How to Spend a Day in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Coming to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, to Interlaken, Grindelwald, and the Alps was the driving force of our huge 16-day trip around the region with our kids. Mr. Family Trip had such exquisite memories of time here during his backpacking experience. We did epic days in the area, but Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Things to Do in Lugano, Switzerland (Where Switzerland Meets Italy)
When we originally planned our 16 day European family vacation, we were going to take a day trip to Lake Como. But, instead, we went to Lugano, Switzerland for a night and found wonderful things to do in this city. Truthfully, Lugano felt distinctly more Italian than Milan for me.
Things to do in Lucerne, Switzerland (including a special recommendation you won’t see elsewhere!)
Lucerne, Switzerland was over a week into our 16-day tour around the Alps in Europe and when we wanted things to do, we wanted some rest. Every human has a different activity to rest ratio. For me, I can keep going, seemingly without an outer limit, when it comes to
Hiking Monte San Salvatore in Lugano, Switzerland
When we rolled into Lugano, Switzerland, we didn’t even check in to our hotel: we went right to the spot where we’d start hiking Monte San Salvatore. We were on our 16-day epic adventure through the Alps in Europe and had just left the heat and urban crush of Milan.
Tips to Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
We made a special stop to visit Neuschwanstein Castle during our 16-day European adventure through the Alps. This place wasn’t exactly on the way but it wasn’t not on the way either. In fact, Neuschwanstein Castle isn’t very convenient to anywhere, sitting on the edge of Bavaria Germany butting up
How to Spend One Day in Liechtenstein
On our big 16-day European adventure through the Alps, we had one day to spend in Liechtenstein. We wondered before we turned the car towards this country: is Liechtenstein worth it? Liechtenstein and the fact it exists at all is fascinating. It is incredibly small: just 62 square miles –
How to Spend Two Days in Milan, Italy (with kids!)
On our huge European adventure this past summer, we started with two days in Milan, Italy (with kids!). I love Italy. I lived in Tuscany for a summer, performing jazz dance numbers on makeshift stages in olive groves followed by long, communal meals with welcoming Italian families. Another year, I
The Eiger Trail Hike in Switzerland – and more about hiking in the Jungfrau region
We spent 16 days in Europe, on our most amazing vacation, with four nights outside of Grindelwald and Interlaken Switzerland. We hiked as much as we could around the Jungfrau region. After all the hiking boots were packed and calf muscles rested, we reflected. One of our favorite experiences was
Hiking Lisleibane Loop Under Carrauntoohil Peak in County Kerry Ireland
During our trip to Ireland and while we were staying near Killarney National Park, we knew we wanted to do a family hike. County Kerry is gorgeous and we were smiled upon by the weather gods (unlike on this epic hike!). The sun was shining and the sky was blue.
Things We Learned Spending 10 Days in our Pop-up Camper (Road Warrior Itinerary and Plans: Camping Virginia to Niagara Falls)
About one year ago today, we were just returning from a 10 day camping trip in our pop-up camper, Shirley Jean. We camped and road-tripped from our home in Virginia all the way up to Niagara Falls and back again. I promised a full rundown of our trip, including our
10 Ways to Use Fresh Blueberries
It is summer in the heart of Virginia. And with that comes fresh blueberries. Whether from the Farmers Market, from a local pick-your-own, or from your own backyard, there are ways to use fresh blueberries to make this season special. Ultimately, whether you choose a no-bake dessert or just sprinkling
How to Spend a Weekend in Baltimore, MD, the “Comeback City”
When we had a chance to spend a weekend in Baltimore, MD, it was about a return. It was about seeing this “Comeback City” through the eyes of my adult, motherhood-laden self. We used to come to Baltimore a lot when I was kid growing up in a suburb near
How to Make Your Own Granola (A Recipe)
I love being in the kitchen. Luckily, homemade granola is easy to make (and delicious, too!). Using the granola recipe below, one batch can give my family a great breakfast all week. Homemade granola, as a general rule, is healthier than those in grocery stores (ultimately, it depends on what you put
How to Spend a Day in Puerto Vallarta Mexico
After our successful trip to Sayulita, Mexico, we found ourselves with a day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to explore. To be honest, we were in Puerto Vallarta for quite a few days, living the resort lifestyle. Puerto Vallarta is a bastion of large and boutique luxury resorts, and we were
The Best Things to Do in Sayulita, Mexico – a Fabulous Bohemian Beach Town
When we knew we were headed to the west coast of Mexico for an intergenerational spring break trip, I knew there were things to do in Sayulita, Mexico that I wanted to experience. This town had been on my radar screen (I honestly don’t know how it got there) for
5 Awesome Dessert Recipes (including an original chocolate cake)
As I’ve aged, I have come to appreciate baking much more. While I honestly don’t eat a lot of sweets, the creativity of baking is fun. There is also much precision required. When something turns out right, it feels like a gift – and nothing makes my home cozier than
Top Things to Do in La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica- And What You Can Skip
When deciding what things to do in La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area in Costa Rica, I, of course, turned to travel blogs and articles. Personal recommendations and reading about real experiences from travel hobbyists tend to give us our most successful tips. They are what inspire me to
15 Easter Basket Ideas for Teens & Tweens You Still Have Time to Get
As a follow-up to one of our most popular posts years ago, we’re sharing Easter basket ideas for teens and tweens you still have time to get. We are staring Easter in the face and perhaps, if you are anything like us, you haven’t done a thing yet. The teen/tween
Hiking Valley of Fire in Nevada – How To Spend One Day in This Park
During our (surprisingly amazing) trip to Vegas earlier this year, we had one day to spend in Valley of Fire State Park. This was, by far, my favorite day of the trip. It helped, of course, that we ended up getting discounted tickets later that night to see a show
What to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica – Pura Vida Living!
I am not sure the world needs one more blog post on what to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. But here I am. Unafraid to share my own opinions and thoughts on something discussed nearly to death, which is either extreme confidence or extreme ego (or both). But Manuel
7 Things I Learned Wearing a Fitness Watch: Is it a Good Idea to Wear One?
For years, I was against wearing a fitness watch of any kind. I kept saying to anyone who would listen (and there weren’t many), “I don’t need a glorified pedometer!” But when I got into running a few years back, as well as other outdoor activities, I was interested in
Best Things to Do in Stowe, VT in the Winter
“Everything here is just so cute,” my brother said. “I am sorry, but that’s just the best word for it.” And that is what a trip to Stowe feels like: cute, perfectly packaged, postcard, easy, peaceful, quaint, calm. Pick your word but of all the things to do in Stowe,
It’s Okay to Say No: A Book Review of “Hands Free Mama”
This post was originally published on another site, but I resharing it here as I think it is such a valuable conversation. Note: There are some affiliate links below. This means that when you click, at no cost to you, The Family Trip receives a small benefit to support our
Best Things to do in Las Vegas That Aren’t Gambling
This is an article about taking a risk. It is an ode to the surprise that Vegas is. It is an invitation to create your own trip, wherever you go. It is a round-up of our (kid-free) weekend in Las Vegas and the best things to do in Las Vegas
10 Things to Know About a Mud Run & Why They Are So Much Fun!
Somehow, I had committed to a mud run (Step Up For Soldiers). I am not really a runner. The first 5k I did was with my friend Sarah to get in shape post-baby and since then, I have only run 5ks that are somewhat ridiculous – like people throwing colored
Visiting Letchworth State Park in New York (“Grand Canyon of the East?”)
On our Road Warrior Trip (hauling our pop-up camper and making our way from Virginia up to Niagara Falls – and all the way back again!), we stopped at Letchworth State Park in New York. I had envisioned our road trip as a leisurely exploration, taking time to stop and see less-famous
What to Know About Visiting Costa Rica & How to Plan the Perfect Itinerary
It’s been pretty rare that I return to a country to vacation. With so many places to be discovered, I am always ready to explore the next place. But visiting Costa Rica is so special that I was excited to return after almost 20 years since my first visit –
Is Massanutten or Wintergreen Better Virginia Skiing for Families?
It’s no secret that we love living in Charlottesville, Virginia. One thing we take advantage of? We are close to two different ski resorts. People often debate, too, which is better. Is Massanutten or Wintergreen better Virginia skiing for families? We’re here to weigh in! Of course, both of these
6 Things That Worked for Me Last Year
Inspired by Everyday Reading, I decided to get a little personal today and talk about what worked in 2023. Years ago, when I was a successful freelance writer, I learned I had to bury the personal and make it all “business.” I redacted my name for my family’s safety wherever
Best Books (I Read) in 2023
It’s my favorite time of the year: the annual round-up of the best books I read over the year! In 2023, I read over 60 books. I haven’t seen those numbers since the pandemic year. I am not sure what was different about 2023 that allowed me to read so
8 Things to Do in Chicago: How to Spend an Awesome Weekend in the Windy City
When I was lucky enough to head to a work conference solo (which I know how to rock), I wanted to also take my own advice and use the opportunity to see a little bit of Chicago. I had a fantastic four-day visit to Chicago, exploring during my conference breaks,
How to Kayak a Glacier Lagoon in Iceland: A Top Iceland Experience!
It is impossible to understand, deep down, that the places we visit will never be the same again. As tourists, we take our snapshots and that’s how the place stays: forever. In our minds, on our phones, in our memories. Yet that’s not the reality. The reality is the landscapes
How to Have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
This is a throwback post, which seems right as it celebrates a throwback party: The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Years ago, we had the honor of hosting a kid-friendly holiday bash for a large group of friends. We were excited and immediately got to brainstorming themes. Since I have never
Are Kids “Worth” It? A Book Review on All Joy and No Fun
Many moons ago according to my Goodreads, I devoured the newly released book All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood by Jennifer Senior. While at the time, I didn’t jot down any formal notes (immediately launching myself into the brainless yet fantastic Mortal Instruments series instead), Senior’s words keep coming
About Watkins Glen, New York (It’s GORGEous!)
Watkins Glen State Park is where things went off the rails for us on our Road Warrior Trip (quite literally). Pulling in after a long drive from Gettysburg National Battlefield, it was nearing 5:00 p.m. on a weekend. We easily found our spot and, after some negotiation, backed into the
Things to do in Steamboat Springs, CO in the Winter (& Tips to Ski Steamboat Springs)
My winter visit to Steamboat Springs, CO was filled with lots of phrases like “best outdoor activity yet,” “my favorite yet,” and “absolutely wonderful.” There are so many things to do in Steamboat Springs and while I tried to dampen my enthusiasm and be more writerly with my descriptions (and
Hiking on a Glacier in Iceland – Walking on Vatnajokull in Skaftafell
This is a hard post to write. Hiking on a glacier in Iceland, hiking on “Europe’s largest glacier,” was a remarkable and unforgettable experience for me. As far as the eye could see, the expanses of ice – all the blues, the gravel, the eerie silence, the strange sculptures –
10 Ways to Prepare NOW for the Holiday Season
It might seem a little crazy to start planning for Christmas now. But I know if I spend time doing things that help me prepare for the holiday season now, I can enjoy the time when it is here. My intention this year is to say “no” to some things
10 Things to Know about Skiing Snowshoe Resort, West Virginia – and other fun family adventures!
I love to ski. I have been to Snowshoe Resort, West Virginia quite a few times, including with the kids. It has been the largest ski resort within driving distance for most of my life. There are so many things to do and some things to know about skiing at
Visiting Gettysburg National Battlefield: All the Tips You Need Because it is BIG!
We’ve revealed that the ultimate destination of our Road Warrior Trip was Niagara Falls, but our first stop was the Gettysburg National Battlefield. This place is HUGE, so I thought I’d share what you need to know when visiting Gettysburg National Military Park and Battlefield. It is the site of