Travel entry:October 2025 Hey Reader, We're heading out on another cruise this winter - a multi-generational trip with the extended family, as has become our tradition - and I'm in full prep mode. As I was reviewing my cruise cabin hacks article, I realized that I know there are seasoned cruisers on this list with tips and tricks I haven't covered yet. So I'm calling on you, cruise cabin experts: Would you take a few minutes to read my article and share any additional hacks you swear by? Read...
15 days ago • 1 min read
Travel entry:October 2025 Hey Reader, Are you dreaming of wide-open desert landscapes, fascinating Native American history, and adventures your kids will talk about for years? Arizona is calling, and our complete guide is here to help you plan an unforgettable family trip. Our family has spent tons of time exploring Arizona over dozens of visits, including some lengthy stays when we were traveling full-time. We've covered everything from iconic national parks to hidden local gems, and we're...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Travel entry:April 2025 Hey Reader, Planning a trip to Niagara Falls? You might be about to make the same mistakes we did on our first visit. Spoiler alert: We did almost everything wrong 🤦♀️ After learning the hard way (and then going back to do it right), I put together a guide covering the 4 biggest Niagara Falls mistakes to avoid - plus exactly what to do instead. Inside, you'll discover: Which side of the falls has the complete view (hint: it's not the obvious one) The secret to actually...
28 days ago • 1 min read
Travel entry:October 2025 Hey Reader, I hope you're enjoying glorious fall weather no matter where you are! We've been having a warm spell here in the midwest but we're starting to see some beautiful foliage. I've mostly been enjoying it from my porch while I work through all of the cool things I learned about at my recent work meetup in Washington. One of the most interesting things about this line of work I've chosen is the wide-ranging skill set it forces me to acquire... writer,...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Travel entry:October 2025 Hey Reader, Hey there! Quick heads up if you're looking for a last-minute fall getaway — San Diego's amazing "Kids Free in October" promotion is happening RIGHT NOW. We're talking free admission for kids at the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, USS Midway Museum, and a ton of other attractions throughout the month. It's honestly one of the best deals you'll find all year for a San Diego family trip. I pulled together our complete guide to the best things to do in San Diego...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Travel entry:October 2025 Hey Reader, You know how dining out can demolish your travel budget? I just discovered InKind, and it's been a game-changer for saving on family meals out. Here's how it works: InKind partners with thousands of restaurants across the US. Unlike gift cards that lock you into one spot, you can use InKind at any participating restaurant in their network. You have two ways to save with InKind: Option 1: Buy discounted credit in advance - Get 10-30% off restaurant credit....
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Travel entry:September 2025 Hey Reader, Sure, we all love "free" flights and hotels - but I recently realized there are four other reasons I'm completely obsessed with award travel that go beyond the immediate savings. Honestly, these benefits weren't even on my radar when we started this journey, but now they're a big part of the reason I can't imagine traveling any other way. One completely changed how I think about booking flights (goodbye, change fees!). Another opened up experiences we...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Travel entry:September 2025 Hey Reader, First off, I want to wish a happy, healthy and sweet new year to all those who celebrated this week! Second, to make you a little jealous I want to share a photo of my current writing location: beautiful Lake Washington! I'm up here for a blogging retreat over the next few days but can't wait to come back with the family. Not bad, eh? That's a no-filter straight-from-the-phone picture. Speaking of pictures, a couple of weeks ago a fellow family travel...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Travel entry:September 2025 Hey Reader, I've basically never sent emails two days in a row, but there are some great time-sensitive deals I wanted to put in front of you. I hope these help you save money and travel better! WAYB Pico If you travel with a kiddo who's 2-4 years old, you've probably seen or heard of the WAYB Pico folding car seat. We bring one for our niece when we travel together and it's really a game-changer in terms of portability. This car seat is "fits under the bed on a...
about 2 months ago • 7 min read