Top Family Travel Tips and Vacation Spots of the Year

Since I launched this family travel tips website in 2009, my kids have grown from babies into teens and TravelMamas.com has grown into one of the world’s most trusted travel blogs. I’m honored to continue to share dreamy vacation spots, travel tips for all ages, and global lifestyle articles with readers like you. To celebrate the 14th anniversary of Travel Mamas, I’m counting down our 14 most popular stories of this past year! 

The Travel Mama Colleen Lanin and her teenage kids
That’s me, The Travel Mama, hanging out with my teenage kids on vacation in San Juan, Puerto Rico! (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)
Best Travel Toys for Kids, Babies and Teens
(Photos from Amazon.com)

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14. Best Travel Toys for Kids

I have spent years searching for the best travel toys, activities, games, and crafts to make long travel days fly by. Separated by different age groups, this list of the best travel toys for kids will make road trips, long flights, and train travel easier and more enjoyable for the entire family.

Best San Diego Attractions for Kids
(Photo courtesy of Birch Aquarium by Scripps)

13. Best San Diego Attractions for Kids

This story is a long-standing favorite on TravelMamas.com. As a mom who lived in San Diego for 15 years, my picks for the best things to do in San Diego with kids appeal to family vacationers. That’s why I make sure to keep this story up-to-date year after year.

8 Tips for Disney On Ice with Kids
(Photo credit: Disney on Ice)

12. Quick But Essential Tips for Disney on Ice with Kids

Even if you don’t live near a Disney theme park, you can still experience the magic of Disney close to home with Disney on Ice. It’s a great way to enjoy world-class skating and the wide-eyed wonder for which Disney is renowned. To maximize the fun factor, check out these quick but essential tips for Disney on Ice with kids.

Grand Canyon
(Photo credit: luckyphotographer, Depositphotos.com)

11. Grand Canyon with Kids – What You Need to Know Before You Go

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in the United State and one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. No wonder these Grand Canyon tips resonate so much with readers! Learn about things to do at the Grand Canyon, nearby day trips, and where to stay near this national park in Northern Arizona.

Tips for road trips with a toddler or baby
(Photo credit: AChubykin, Depositphotos.com)

10. Best Tips for a Road Trip with a Toddler or Baby

Road trips with babies and toddlers might seem daunting even to experienced travelers. Good news, fellow parents! These expert tips for a road trip with a toddler or baby will ensure a smooth ride for all.

The Peninsula Chicago's indoor pool with a view of the Windy City
(Photo credit: Peninsula Chicago)

9. Best Indoor Hotel Pools for Families

This collection of incredible hotel swimming pools is fun for families no matter the weather outside. Dive into this list of the best indoor hotel pools for kids. This massive hotel stretches across 141 acres and has something for everyone to enjoy during a Caribbean vacation.

backyard barbecue party tips
(Photo credit: photographee.eu, Depositphotos.com)

8. Backyard BBQ Party Ideas to Impress Your Guests Without Stress

Take your taste buds on a tasty journey with these ideas for a backyard BBQ party. These smart and inventive tips will impress your guests without stress so you can truly enjoy the shindig.

Montreal with kids
(Photo credit: aetb, Depositphotos.com)

7. Fantastique Things to Do in Montreal with Kids

As the largest French-speaking city in North America, Montreal stands out as a unique and historic metropolitan area. Its French Canadian charm is mixed with many immigrant cultures, making this city in the Quebec province a lively mix of people, food, and attractions. Find 11 fun things to do in Montreal with kids.

Atlantis Bahamas Resort
(Photo credit: Atlantis)

6. Top Things to Do at Atlantis Resort

Atlantis Bahamas Resort boasts amazing water adventures, beautiful sand beaches, and luxurious accommodations. This massive hotel stretches across 141 acres and has something for everyone to enjoy during a Caribbean vacation. Explore 20 things to do at Atlantis Resort.

Disneyland rides and attractions for babies and toddlers
(Photo credit: Travel Mamas)

5. Top Disneyland Rides and Attractions for Babies and Toddlers

Amusements abound for all ages abound at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks. Younger children are sure to go gaga for this list of the best Disneyland rides for toddlers and babies.

Scottsdale, Arizona sunset
(Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

4. Scottsdale with Kids – Fun Things to Do in the West’s Most Western Town

Scottsdale, Arizona may be best known for its abundance of swanky spas, golf courses, and shopping malls. Thankfully, families will find a wealth of kid-friendly attractions in my hometown, too. Explore exciting activities in Scottsdale with kids.

Strawberry Limeade Royal Caribbean mocktail
(Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

3. Royal Caribbean Mocktails: Zero Proof Drinks at Sea

Let’s toast to tempting alcohol-free beverages at sea with my round-up of the best cruise mocktails! Discover inventive concoctions on cruise ships like a Blueberry Nojito or Shirley Ginger. Plus, learn about Royal Caribbean’s drink package options.

Mardi Gras World in New Orleans with kids
(Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

2. Kid-Friendly Things to Do in New Orleans

The Big Easy may be best known for beads and Bourbon Street, but there is another side to this Louisiana city. Parents may be surprised to find a bounty of attractions for families in NOLA. Let the good times roll with these things to do in New Orleans with kids!

Flying with a baby
(Photo credit: Melpomene, Depositphotos.com)

1. Flying with a Toddler or Baby (Tried and True Tips!)

A plane ride with young children can be a daunting endeavor. It’s no surprise, then, that this list of tips for flying with a baby or toddler has been our most popular blog post for four years in a row! If you’re planning your first trip on an airplane with young kids, be sure to read this advice for flying with a car seat, the best way to make long-haul flights go smoothly, and which healthy snacks to pack for your next family vacation.

 
Dad and young kids hiking in Julian, California
My kids and husband when Travel Mamas first launched (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Why We Travel with Kids

A lot has changed since the start of this family travel tips blog! Here’s the story that launched it all, Why We Travel with Children.

The Travel Mamas' Guide: How to Vacation with Babies and Young Children and Stay Sane

The Travel Mamas’ Guide

I wrote a book about how to travel with babies and young children, too. You can get your copy from Amazon or Barnes & Noble!

Best Family Travel Tips from Travel Mamas

Save this List of Travel Tips and Family Trip Ideas

For future vacation planning, be sure to save this list of our best family travel tips and family vacation ideas. Simply pin the image above to Pinterest. We hope you’ll follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!

What type of holiday travel stories and tips would you like to read here in the future? Let us know in the comments below!

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74 Comments

  1. Congratulations on the anniversary! It takes hard work, determination and constant motivation to reach 10 years.

  2. I have 2 kids now and always take them with me on trips. Your post truly has great ideas for me.

  3. Nnniiiccceeeee…I’d love to visit the Grand Canyon! I am now reading about the various activities we can engage in as a family!

  4. Many years ago we went to the Grand Canyon with the kids. There were very few barriers and we actually found it to be scary.

    1. E Ho – I hear you! There is a photo of our family in my story about the Grand Canyon where I am holding onto my then 6-year-old kind of tightly! I also recommend in my blog post to use a safety harness or toddler carrier if visiting with young children. If ever there was a place that warranted such a safety precaution, the Grand Canyon is it!