Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with kids can seem intimidating. You may have some trepidation over whether such a visit is dangerous and how to make it interesting for the whole family. If you do it right, though, exploring volcanoes on Hawaii’s Big Island is not only safe, but also super fun for families. Here’s […]
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.
How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Disney California Adventure Park
November 23, 2018 26 Comments
Where better to ring in the New Year than at the Happiest Place on Earth? If you’re tired of trying to feel festive on the final day of the year, we’ve got the solution for you. You’ll be merry indeed at Disneyland’s sassy sister park in Anaheim, California. Put on your party hat because it’s […]
Tips for Touring Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Young Children
November 7, 2018 24 Comments
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the easiest Disney theme park to tackle in one day with preschoolers, toddlers and other grade school kids. Although larger in size than the Magic Kingdom, this park has fewer attractions, many of which are sit-down shows or longer-length rides. This makes it a good choice for a day when your […]
13 Awesome Tips for Saving Money While Traveling with Kids
October 23, 2018 24 Comments
Kids are expensive. There are groceries to buy, bodies to clothe, birthday parties to host, and college funds to save for. It’s enough to make you consider skipping this year’s family vacation. But traveling together helps parents and children connect with each other and create lifelong memories. Besides, what’s the point of working so hard if you can’t […]
Booking Hotels ~ How to Avoid Scams and Marketing Ploys
October 18, 2018 42 Comments
When booking hotels, it makes good sense to research options and read online reviews. But it’s just as important to protect yourself from deceptive booking sites. In 2017 alone, $5 billion was spent in fraudulent and misleading hotel bookings according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). That’s a whole lotta money lost by […]
Top 10 Disneyland Rides and Attractions for Babies and Toddlers
October 15, 2018 114 Comments
Many parents worry there are not enough rides for babies and toddlers, but amusements for all ages abound at Disneyland! Here are my picks for best Disneyland rides and attractions for babies and toddlers.
10 Tips for Mickey’s Halloween Party with Kids at Disneyland
October 5, 2018 8 Comments
Disneyland on a regular ol’ day is filled with tons of fun for kids and grown-ups. But visiting Disneyland during Halloween season is sure to be a screaming good time! When my family attended Mickey’s Halloween Party, I was a bit nervous to keep my children up WAY past their bedtime to collect treats, watch […]
Expert Tips for Sailing Disney Dream with Babies, Toddlers and Children
September 21, 2018 29 Comments
Disney Dream is indeed dreamy for families. This Disney Cruise Line ship is 40 percent larger than its predecessors, Wonder and Magic. It offers the same outstanding customer service and delightful details, plus some extra frills. Not only has my family loved sailing Dream, but also I have asked other family travel experts to weigh in […]
11 Tips for Visiting SeaWorld Orlando in the Rain
September 18, 2018 15 Comments
Orlando overflows with fun attractions for families, like SeaWorld. Orlando also sometimes overflows with rain, especially during hot and humid summer months. Don’t let a little rain ruin your plans! Here are my 10 tips for visiting SeaWorld Orlando in the rain.
10 Best Indoor Hotel Pools for Kids
September 10, 2018 9 Comments
Especially when the weather is frightful, an indoor hotel pool provides a fabulous retreat from rain, wind, snow and cold. It doesn’t have to be winter, however, to enjoy these spectacular indoor watery havens. Grab your bathing suit and dive in to this list of the best indoor hotel pools for kids. CoCo Key Water […]
15 Best San Diego Attractions for Kids Plus Hotels & Restaurants for Families
September 6, 2018 120 Comments
San Diego County overflows with fun for families. There is plenty for all ages to enjoy in this sunny Southern California town. As a mom who lived in San Diego for 15 years and who returns regularly with her brood, here are my picks for the best San Diego attractions for kids. I’ve also included my favorite restaurants […]
Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood Tips for Wizards, Witches & Muggles
September 4, 2018 22 Comments
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has remained the most spellbinding place in California since it opened in 2016. Whether you’ve just received your acceptance letter to Hogwarts or you’re already a Quidditch champion, these Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood tips will help you get the most out of this magical place. Be sure to […]
How to Rent Out Baby Gear to Traveling Families to Earn Money
August 29, 2018 31 Comments
When you have a baby, you buy a whole bunch of stuff: car seats, strollers, high chairs, bouncy seats, and activity centers. You name it, you probably bought it. But what should you do when your children outgrow all that gear? Rent out baby gear to traveling families to make money, that’s what! Using products you […]
