I fell in love with Provence long before I ever set foot on French soil. The lure of Provence from photos and literature led me to dream for years of visiting this region of France. When I finally traveled to Provence, I had my two children in tow. I was a bit worried that my […]
About Lisa Goodmurphy, The Spunky Travel Mama
Lisa Goodmurphy is a lawyer turned family travel writer and a mom of two daughters. She grew up in small town Northern Ontario and now resides near Toronto, Canada. Badly bitten by the travel bug years ago, she considers herself fortunate that her family is equally enthusiastic about her mission to explore the world—one trip at a time. Lisa shares her travel adventures on the blog that she founded in 2011 and now contributes to many online media publications as well. You can read about her family’s travels on her blog, Gone with the Family, on Google+ or on Twitter as @GoneWithFamily.
9 Tips for Visiting Disney World with Teens and Tweens
December 16, 2019 18 Comments
If you think Walt Disney World is just for little kids, then think again! A Disney vacation with tweens and teens, however, is a completely different experience than when visiting Disney World with young children. In many ways, a Disney trip is better with older children. They don’t need naps, they can stay up later […]
12 Essential Tips for Cruising with Kids
November 20, 2018 66 Comments
Cruising with kids is a convenient and fun way to explore the world. Many new cruise ships are like floating resorts with seemingly endless options to keep all ages entertained. Meanwhile your family is transported from destination to destination, while unpacking just once. Like any vacation, though, a cruise can go very wrong without proper planning and […]
Top 10 Things to Do in Ottawa with Kids
August 9, 2018 19 Comments
Canada’s capital city of Ottawa combines cultural attractions with outdoorsy fun for family travelers. Ottawa is a pretty and welcoming city that is easy to explore on foot. Located on the border of Québec, visitors eager to put their high school French to use can brush up on their language skills in this bilingual city. […]
10 Best Chicago with Kids Activities that Will Please the Whole Family
June 8, 2018 16 Comments
Chicago with kids is affordable, easy to navigate, and packed with attractions. I fell hard for Chicago on my first visit almost 20 years ago, and have returned again and again over the years. I also love sharing my love of the Windy City with my children. Take a look at my picks for the […]
Epcot with Kids ~ Top 10 Tips Families Need to Know
March 7, 2018 34 Comments
Parents planning a trip to Walt Disney World might be inclined to skip Epcot, assuming kids won’t appreciate the park’s focus on technology and world cultures. Children, however, love to set off on a fantastical journey into the future and around the world at this incredible theme park. There are two distinct areas at Epcot, […]
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Around the World
March 10, 2015 11 Comments
When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around each year, everyone wants to be Irish! Also known as the Feast of St. Patrick, this holiday was originally a religious event but it has evolved into a world-wide secular celebration of Irish heritage and culture. While much of the merry-making on March 17 seems to revolve around drinking pints of green […]
5 Things to Do in Copenhagen with Kids
October 31, 2014 9 Comments
Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is a charming and compact city that is fun for families to explore on foot. Although most people speak English, the city maintains a distinctly European feel. Here are five things to do in Copenhagen with kids. Visit the Little Mermaid There are many tributes in Copenhagen to Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish fairy tale writer […]
Covacations – Tips for Planning a Vacation with Another Family
July 17, 2014 2 Comments
Looking to change up your usual family vacation? A vacation with another family could be just the solution for many reasons. Covacations mean multiplying the fun; kids are thrilled to have playmates and adults can socialize with other adults. Also, you may be able to take advantage of large group travel discounts. Traveling couples can even trade-off babysitting duties […]
5 Fun Family Sleepovers in Toronto
April 30, 2014 1 Comment
Why not skip the hotel one night and sleep somewhere more unusual during your next family vacation? Since the release of the first Night at the Museum movie starring Ben Stiller, unique sleepovers have been springing up everywhere. These creative overnight outings allow kids to learn while having fun, and parents don’t have to vacuum up the popcorn […]
Student Volunteer Travel – An Opportunity for Giving & Growth
February 3, 2014 8 Comments
Rather than partying hardy, many high school students are making the world a better place during their school breaks. Student volunteer travel provides young people with the opportunity to journey abroad with other youth and give hands-on help to those in need. The experience can be life-changing for teens, who learn about life in developing […]
Exploring the Mediterranean with Kids
December 20, 2013 3 Comments
Sunny skies, beautiful beaches, historical sites, delicious food eaten at outdoor cafés, art and culture—what’s not to love about the Mediterranean? And there’s no need to worry about feeling out-of-place on your family vacation because people in this Southern European region seem to genuinely love and welcome children. From Turkey and Greece to Italy and […]
Teach Kids the Meaning of Veterans Day and Remembrance through Travel and at Home
November 11, 2013 9 Comments
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, hostilities ceased on the Western Front as Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies ending the Great War. It was believed that this was “the war to end all wars” and the date was commemorated as Armistice Day. Following World […]
