Paducah, Kentucky may not top many bucket lists, unless you are a hard-core quilter, but for those that enjoy charming small cities, this Western Kentucky river town makes for a great weekend getaway. There are many things to do in Paducah for all interests, whether you love shopping and cocktails or learning about U.S. history. Given its location at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, it is possible to pair a road trip to Paducah with a visit to Nashville, Louisville, Memphis, or even St. Louis. Or, for those who want a mix of lake life and small-city living, you can also sp ..read more

Since Oklahoma was the 50th state that I visited, I didn’t want to just dip in and out. I wanted to take a road trip to truly experience the small towns, outdoor recreation, and indigenous culture of Oklahoma. With a long weekend, a tankful of gas, and an eye to explore, I set off to discover the highlights of Chickasaw Country. Chickasaw Country covers more than 7,600 square miles in 13 counties in south-central Oklahoma, from the Texas border north to Norman. Interstate 35 is the primary thoroughfare through Chickasaw Country, but you are going to want to get off the interstate and explore s ..read more

There are many reasons why families choose to vacation at an all-inclusive resort, primarily because these trips are easier to plan and budget for appropriately as you know precisely what it will cost. On the flip side, others (myself included) are sometimes skeptical about an all-inclusive because they wonder if they will feel “trapped” on property or if the food and drink will be up to par. If you are wondering how the all-inclusive Sonesta Maho Beach Resort in St. Maarten stacks up and if it is the right choice for you…keep reading. I’ve stayed at a handful of all-inclusives in the Caribbea ..read more

There is a reason why Maine is known as Vacationland! The Pine Tree State offers scenic rocky coasts, soft sand beaches, serene lakes, mountain landscapes, and untouched natural beauty. Spend the perfect day at the beach searching for sand dollars or hike up mountains to enjoy picturesque views. Ride a Ferris wheel after snacking on fried dough or shop in unique boutiques. The best vacation spots in Maine for families range in price, attractions, and location, making sure there is something for everyone. Maine has always been my family’s favorite vacation spot. It’s less crowded, more affordab ..read more

Heading to Lisbon with the kids and looking to hit the ground running with a lineup of cool things to do? You’re in luck! You’ve stumbled upon the ultimate guide to kid-friendly adventures in Lisbon! This city is brimming with unique and exciting activities that the whole family will love.  From hidden gems to the must-see attractions, we’re about to explore them all. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the vibrant heart of Lisbon together! You can also use this 3-day Lisbon itinerary or pair Lisbon with another region for a 1-week Portugal itinerary. But first, read these Portugal trip pla ..read more

Maine’s rocky cliffs and long sandy beaches attract families year after year. During New England’s hot summers, locals and vacationers head north to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. The Southern coast of the Maine Beaches feature wide sandy beaches which are perfect for building sand castles, while the rocky shore further north makes for exciting tide pool adventures. Ride amusement park rides and watch fireworks at Old Orchard Beach, or swim in the gentle waters of Goose Rocks Beach. Here I’ll break down the best beaches in Maine for families.  Maine has always been my family’s favorite summ ..read more

Great beach towns don’t always mean great food, but it is encouraging when you find the exceptions. In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, we found enough tasty options to make us want to go visit again and again. And while seafood, funnel cake and frozen custard may all be expected in a boardwalk beach town, I didn’t expect to find the best carne asada I’ve ever had or Austrian-style Kaiserschmarrn. But I found that and more, so I just had to share my recommendations on where to eat in Rehoboth Beach and the nearby towns in Southern Delaware. And if you want to do more than just eat, be sure to check o ..read more

If you have been reading for a while, you may have picked up on the fact that I’m not a big fan of theme parks or water parks. This is in part because I don’t like crowds, but largely because I’m a chicken that doesn’t enjoy rides, especially ones with big drops. Yet when we headed to Williamsburg for our Virginia road trip, I knew that a visit to either Busch Gardens Williamsburg or Water Country USA would be a nice addition to our busy itinerary touring local historic sites and museums. After looking at the websites for both, we decided that Water Country USA was more up our alley, as a lot ..read more

Back in the day, tourists had to lug around guidebooks and phrasebooks while looking like idiots gawking at outstretched maps and wandering aimlessly trying to find their way or a decent place to eat. While it still may be easy to pick out the tourists, at least you don’t have to haul all that gear. Now all you need is a smartphone and these Rome apps (and perhaps an extra battery pack.) Even if you turn off your voice and data roaming while over seas, your smartphone can still be handy for more than just a camera when traveling. I have a number of mobile apps that I recommend when traveling i ..read more

Trying to squeeze in the highlights of Spain and Portugal into a two-week trip can be tricky. Both are incredible countries with rich culture, varied landscapes, vibrant cities, and architectural wonders. After traveling all over the Iberian Peninsula, I’ve come up with a route that hits every city efficiently and makes the most out of your time. This two-week Portugal and Spain itinerary will cover the must-see landmarks in each city, activity suggestions, restaurant and hotel recommendations, and my personal favorites. As a Portuguese-American woman, I’ve visited these Portuguese cities coun ..read more