Becoming a mom is celebrated by cultures around the globe in numerous and intriguing ways. Discover pregnancy practices, birth customs, and baby traditions around the world. Based on the book, On Becoming a Mother, let’s explore babyhood and new motherhood from before birth through the first year of life. Global Pregnancy Customs Pregnancy is universal, […]
About Colleen Lanin
Colleen Lanin is the founder/editor-in-chief of TravelMamas.com. As the author of her book, "The Travel Mamas' Guide," she teaches parents not only how to survive a trip with children, but also how to love exploring the world with their offspring. Her stories have appeared online and in print for such outlets as the "Today" show, NBCNews.com, Parenting Magazine, Orlando Sentinel, Chicago Tribune, Expedia, San Diego Family Magazine, and more. Colleen gives tips on television, radio, and as a public speaker. She has a master’s degree in business administration with a background in marketing. She lives in Arizona with her husband and two kids.
Palm Springs with Kids – Fun Activities for Families
January 14, 2021 22 Comments
When you think of Palm Springs, you probably picture pretty palm trees, vast golf courses, and sparkling swimming pools. You will find these treasures and oh so much more in this California desert city! Families seeking cool hotel prices flock to Palms Springs in summer months. The rest of the year, when California beaches may […]
Why and How to Plan a Family Reunion Vacation
January 5, 2021 12 Comments
A family reunion vacation brings together loved ones spread across the country or world. But where to begin planning a destination family reunion? As with any important project, there’s only one way to tackle it: one step at a time. Plan a memorable multigenerational holiday with these eight helpful tips for a family reunion trip. […]
In Spain, what color underwear should you wear to bring good luck in the New Year?
December 28, 2020 24 Comments
Tradition dictates which New Year’s Eve underwear color to wear in Spain to ensure romantic luck and love in the coming year. Think you know which hue to sport under your shorts to ring in a passion-filled New Year? Take a guess from the options below and then scroll down to learn more about this […]
Wacky Christmas Traditions in Europe
December 22, 2020 43 Comments
Although they share a continent, European countries and regions take pride in their own specific Christmas customs. To compile this list of unusual holiday celebrations, I asked travel writers from around the globe to share their favorites. From a gift pooping log in Spain to the golden pig of the Czech Republic, let’s explore 12 […]
Where did the holiday, Kwanzaa, originate?
December 17, 2020 10 Comments
‘Tis the season for Kwanzaa! This winter holiday takes place December 26 through January 1 each year. Kwanzaa celebrates harvest festival traditions from various parts of Africa. Where did Kwanzaa originate? Take a guess from the countries listed below and then scroll down to discover the origin of Kwanzaa. Where Did Kwanzaa Begin? a) The […]
Best Baby Gear for Dads – Manly Gifts New Fathers Love
December 16, 2020 24 Comments
Most baby gear is decidedly feminine, designed to appeal to women. Meanwhile, men are more involved in raising children than ever before. It’s too bad for dads, since many men aren’t excited about carrying a diaper bag that looks like a lady’s purse. Luckily, some baby and toddler gear brands have stepped in to fill […]
Outdoorsy Vacations for Families – How to Connect Kids with Nature While Traveling
December 8, 2020 19 Comments
Families are so busy juggling science projects, carpools and after-school activities in our daily lives that we often don’t take time to connect with nature, or with each other. Nature-focused vacations enable parents and children to unplug from technology and everyday stresses while using all of our senses to create lifelong memories. To reignite children’s […]
Road Trip with Teens – Tips for a Smooth Journey
December 4, 2020 15 Comments
Want to be cooped up with angst-ridden, hormonal teenagers in a small space for hours and hours while speeding down the highway? This may not sound like paradise. But road trips with teens and tweens can be doable and (dare I say it?!) downright fun. That is, if you plan ahead. Buckle up for adventure […]
Scottsdale Christmas Activities and Winter Holiday Events
December 1, 2020 26 Comments
The holiday season is brimming with merry activities in the Valley of the Sun, especially with this array of festive Scottsdale Christmas events. Celebrate the season with lights displays, kid-friendly amusements, special dining experiences, and other revelry. Enjoy a jolly season with these 20 things to do during the winter holidays in Scottsdale, Arizona. This […]
Tips for Traveling with a Teen or Tween for a Happy Family Vacation
November 19, 2020 20 Comments
As a mom who has traveled to destinations around the world with a teen and tween, I’ve gathered some useful info along the way that has made our vacations much more enjoyable for the whole family. If your kid weren’t strung out on hormones and freaked about leaving their friends for a getaway with the […]
Tips to Make Your Tween Daughter Less Sassy & More Sweet
November 18, 2020 15 Comments
I felt like I had lost my tween daughter. My sweet girl had become much sassier and more argumentative. She didn’t laugh as much or want to play with her little brother. Now? Things are getting better. So much better, in fact, that I have been reflecting on what helped get her back to her […]
How many steps are there in the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
October 27, 2020 10 Comments
The Leaning Tower of Pisa has stood, slightly askew, for hundreds of years. This iconic crooked landmark in Italy was supposed to stand straight. But it gained its famous sideways slant thanks to the unstable soil on which it was constructed and poor planning. This free-standing bell tower accompanies a cathedral and baptistry in the […]
