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You don't have to fly across the country to make meaningful memories. Sometimes all it takes is a full tank of gas and a destination worth exploring. Travel teaches children confidence, curiosity, flexibility, and appreciation for the world around them. It gives families uninterrupted time together away from homework, practices, and everyday routines. Those experiences become the stories your kids will tell years from now.

We’ve all heard the joke: “Vacationing with young kids isn't a vacation, it’s just parenting in a different place.” And look, as a mom to a 2-year-old, 3-year-old, and 8-year-old, I used to feel that deep in my soul. Packing the pack-n-play, loading the car, do we have car seats at our destination, hunting for kid-friendly restaurants, and refereeing meltdowns in a hotel room? It’s exhausting. You return home needing a vacation from your vacation. But as both a mom who is dee

Whether we're heading to Disney World, Universal, or another major theme park, there are a handful of items that always make it into my suitcase. Do I carry every single one of these items into the parks every day? Absolutely not. Sometimes we're just popping into a park for a few hours in the evening, and I definitely don't need sunscreen or a giant water bottle for that. But these are the items I always bring on every theme park vacation because they make the trip so much e

International travel is exciting, but a little preparation goes a long way in avoiding stress once you arrive. As a travel advisor, mom of three, someone who has studied abroad and visited almost 20 countries, I’ve learned that the best trips start before you even leave home. Many of these same tips also apply if you're heading to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere abroad really. A little prep now means more time enjoying your vacation later. I also

What you really need to know before visiting Walt Disney World from Wisconsin! Planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort for the first time is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming, especially for families traveling from the Midwest. As a travel agent and someone who visits Walt Disney World Resort multiple times a year both with and without kids, I’m able to see firsthand how the experience changes depending on who you’re traveling with and how you plan your trip. Eve

If you’ve been following along, you know this wasn’t our first trip to Omaha—but experiencing it in a completely different season gave us a whole new perspective. Traveling with kids always adds an extra layer of planning (and unpredictability), so I wanted to share a comparison of our summer vs. spring visits, plus some helpful tips if you’re considering making the drive yourself. We road trip from Wisconsin, and the drive clocks in at about 6.5 hours without stops. With kid

I’ve loved traveling for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I was fascinated by maps, airports, and planning trips with my family. That early love for adventure eventually evolved into a passion for figuring out how to make travel experiences seamless, exciting, and stress-free. Over the years, I realized that what I was naturally drawn to — researching destinations, finding the best deals, mapping out itineraries, and uncovering hidden gems — could turn into a career

If you’ve never cruised before, it can feel overwhelming—deposits, ports, gratuities, boarding times… it’s a lot. The good news? Cruising is actually one of the easiest ways to travel once you understand the basics. This guide is designed specifically for first-time cruisers who want to know what to expect before booking and before boarding. How Cruise Pricing Works One of the biggest benefits of cruising is how much is included in your fare. Cruises make budgeting easier b

Cruising with kids can feel overwhelming, but Royal Caribbean truly shines when it comes to family-friendly travel. From packing smart to navigating ports, onboard dining, entertainment, and kids clubs, here’s everything you need to know if you’re cruising Royal with little ones—based on our firsthand experience sailing with a 1-, 2-, and 7-year-old . As always, you can find pictures to reference at the end. What I Packed for the Kids (and Would 100% Pack Again) Cruise cabins

In January, my family set sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas on an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary , stopping in Aruba, Curaçao, and Perfect Day at CocoCay . We cruised with two young toddlers, which always adds an extra layer of logistics, our oldest son, and my parents—but I’m happy to report this trip exceeded our expectations. Pictures are at the end as always. From near-perfect weather (with just a few passing rain showers) to excellent entertainment,

Plus Tips for Turning It Into an Affordable Overnight Stay If you’re looking to add a burst of holiday magic to your season, Duluth is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can make from the Chippewa Valley. With Bentleyville’s brilliant lights, lakeside charm, an aquarium the kids will love, and plenty of family-friendly spots to eat and explore, Duluth delivers a full dose of festive fun without needing a long getaway. Here’s how to make the most of a single-d

Royal Caribbean International is one of the world’s most popular and innovative cruise lines, known for its exciting itineraries, state-of-the-art ships, and exceptional guest experiences. With a history that spans over 50 years, Royal Caribbean has revolutionized the cruise industry, creating a legacy of adventure, luxury, and family-friendly amenities. When it comes to family vacations, cruising with Royal Caribbean offers an unforgettable experience filled with adventure,

When the snow starts falling and the world slows down, there’s something magical about packing up the car, bundling the kids in their snowsuits, and heading off on a cozy winter getaway. Whether you’re looking to embrace the chill with snowy adventures or warm up by the fire with hot cocoa and board games, the Midwest has plenty of destinations that make winter feel like something to celebrate — not escape. Here are six of my favorite family-friendly winter getaways that are

It’s officially spooky season — and the Chippewa Valley is buzzing with festive fun! From trunk-or-treats to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, there’s no shortage of candy, costumes, and community spirit this October. Whether you’re in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, or one of the cozy nearby towns, you’ll find plenty of places to show off those costumes and fill your buckets. I’ve rounded up some of the area’s top halloween kids events happening over the ne

Does anyone else feel like once Halloween is approaching, time just speeds up and then suddenly it’s New Year’s Day? That’s why I like...

Disney Cruise Line is celebrating World Gratitude Day in the most magical way—with 40% off voyage fare on select sailings! When you...

Traveling with little ones can feel intimidating — especially when you’re starting from the Midwest, where distances to big destinations...

If you’re dreaming of a Universal vacation but dreading the long lines… don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. As a travel agent, mom, and...

When it comes to family vacations, few experiences compare to the magic of a Disney Cruise. While plenty of cruise lines offer fun...

Family Fun in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls & Beyond Labor Day is behind us, summer is winding down, and my favorite season is finally...