When I launched Travel Mamas in 2009, I had no idea I'd still be sharing travel stories on this family travel blog 13 years later. During this time, my kids have grown from babies into teens and TravelMamas.com has grown into one of the world's most popular travel blogs. I'm honored to continue to share travel tips, dreamy destinations, and global lifestyle articles with readers like you. To celebrate the 13th anniversary of Travel Mamas, I'm counting down our 13 most popular stories of this past year!
13. What Not to Say to Other People, Even if You Mean Well
Coming in 13th place, this popular story isn't about travel. Rather, it's all about how to behave in the world and how to avoid those little social snafus that we've all made. To avoid putting your foot in your mouth, review these things you should never say no matter where you are!
12. Palm Springs with Kids – Fun Activities for Families
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 much more in this California desert city! Discover all sorts of activities for families in Palm Springs with kids.
11. Florida Family Vacations that Kids and Parents Love
Florida family vacations appeal to sun-loving, adventure-seeking kids and parents alike. Take a look at the best family vacation spots in Florida that are sure to please travelers of all ages.
10. Best California with Kids Destinations
California is so jam-packed with fun for kids, you may not know where to begin planning your family vacation. Narrow down your choices with this list of the best places to visit in California with kids.
9. Things to Do at Mall of America Besides Shop
Do you know how much there is to do at Minnesota's famous mega mall, Mall of America? I do! Check out 30 fun things to do at Mall of America besides shop!
8. Vail in Summer – Things to Do Off Season at America's Biggest Ski Resort
After the snow melts in Vail, Colorado there are still tons of exciting activities to enjoy. Read about the best things to do in Vail in summer.
7. Grand Canyon with Kids – What You Need to Know Before You Go
The Grand Canyon is 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 trip and pit stops, and where to eat and stay near this national park in Northern Arizona.
6. 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.
5. 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.
4. 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 San Diego attractions for kids are popular with family vacationers. That's why I make sure to keep this story up-to-date year after year.
3. Top Disneyland Rides and Attractions for Babies and Toddlers
Amusements abound for all ages abound at this California theme park. Young Disney-goers are sure to go gaga for this list of the best Disneyland rides for babies and toddlers.
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!
1. Flying with a Baby or Toddler – Tried and True Tips
Air travel with young children can be a daunting endeavor. It's no surprise, then, that this list of tips for flying with babies and toddlers has been our most popular blog post for three years in a row!
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!
My First-Ever Blog Post
I thought it would also be fun to share my first-ever family travel blog post. Here's the story that launched it all, Why We Travel with Children.
Save this List of Family Travel Stories
For future reference and reading, be sure to save this list of our most popular family travel blog posts. Simply pin the image below to Pinterest. We hope you’ll follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!
What stories would you like to read in the future on this global lifestyle and family travel blog? Let us know in the comments below!
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
Happy Birthday! I’m not brave enough to repost my very first post. It was terrible! Here’s to many more anniversaries 🙂
Ha! I have definitely deleted some terrible Travel Mamas’ stories over the years, Corinne! They can’t all be winners, I guess! 😂
Congratulations, Colleen!! You do such a great job!
Thanks so much, Edie! 😊
Happy Anniversary, Travel Mama!!!
Thank you, Sara! 😀
The biggest congratulations ever for having one of the top 10 travel blogs! That is a amazing achievement! I hope to be like you one day 🙂
Thanks so much, Porsha! Best wishes for much success with your blog!
Congratulations on the success of your blog! You have some really great content so it’s no wonder you have done well!
Oh, thank you, Beth! So kind of you!
I am so glad I found your blog! There is so much material here to keep me busy and informed, for hours! Very cool!
Yay! So glad you are liking Travel Mamas! 🙂
Congrats on your blog’s 10th year anniversary!
Thank you!
Congratulations! 10 years is a major achievement in this world of blogging! I enjoy reading your travel articles. They are all well written, making me feel that I am actually in the same place as you.
Thanks so much, Annmarie! 🙂
Congratulations on the anniversary! It takes hard work, determination and constant motivation to reach 10 years. 6.3 million visitors is super impressive too! Imagine the number of people you inspired along the way. 🙂
Thanks so much, Ronnie! My favorite thing ever is when someone tells me they read a story of mine & then decided to book a vacation to that destination, buy that product I recommended or follow my travel tips! My goal really is to inspire families to travel more often & better!
Isn’t it amazing how much ten years can change us?? It sounds like you used those ten years to the fullest!
Kind of crazy to imagine where I (and Travel Mamas) will be in 10 years!
Congratulations! I just passed thirteen! I went to an inspiration board party and it was a blast. I wonder if they read your post!
Wow! Congrats on 13 years of blogging! You really were a pioneer in the blogging world. I hope you had a great time at your vision board party, too! 🙂
Isn’t it insane to reflect over TEN YEARS and remind yourself of everything you’ve accomplished!!! Also, it’s weird to look back on what blogging USED TO BE LIKE and what it’s like today! I have been blogging for 8 years and man oh man has the atmosphere changed entirely!! I don’t hate it but I also don’t really LOVE what blogging has become to some. Personally, I blog because I just love it – but I know this is not the case for everyone. I can see first hand that YOU are with me though, you do this because you LOVE it 🙂
So wonderful that you have a passion for blogging, too, GiGi! I think readers can tell that bloggers like us are truly passionate about what we do. Congrats on 8 years of blogging & best wishes for many more!
wow, that is incredible that you have been blogging for 10 years. congratulations to you! xx
Thank you! My, how things have changed over the blogging years!
Congrats on your 10 year anniversary! Blogging definitely isn’t for sissies 🙂 I didn’t know you could swim with manatees, so now I’m off to read that post to learn more!
So true! Anyone can start a blog, but only those with grit can keep one going! Also…I hope you go swimming with manatees someday! 🙂
Wow congrats on 10 years! I’m going to check out the Disney on ice post now because I might take my kids this month!
Thank you! And enjoy Disney On Ice with your kids! 🙂
This is such an inspiring post. 10 years?! Congratulations! ? I would like to read all your Disney posts ?
Thank you! And as for the Disney posts, as they say in Beauty and the Beast…be my guest! 🙂
Thanks for this post! It’s such a great cross section of your travels and blogging journey. I have to go read them all.
Thank you, Stacie! You & I met shortly after we both started blogging. It’s been fun to follow your blogging journey as well!
Hi Colleen!
Congratulations on 10 years – it’s a great a accomplishment.
Here’s to many more viral posts and family adventures!
Carrick
Thanks so much, Carrick! I’d really love some more viral posts! Wouldn’t we all?! 🙂
Congratulations Colleen!! Wow 10 years, that’s amazing. If you are ever heading to the Midwest look us up. My husband and I own Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins and our property is just a 10 minute drive from Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Parks. Starved Rock is the largest state park here in Illinois with amazing hiking & stunning views. If you’re a nature buff you would love it.
Our property is host to 17 cabins spread throughout our 65 acre wooded property on a bluff above the Vermilion River. We offer a totally unplugged, peace and quiet getaway for our guests and cater to everything from just 1 couple looking for a romantic getaway to single family vacationers to large family reunions. Kids love the swings that hang from the large oak trees out in our big yard and parents love getting their kids away from their technology, even if just for a little while. I would love for you to check us out. You can also see the wonderful reviews we work so hard for by just googling Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins reviews. You may also see Kishauwau Country Cabins, that’s us too. I took on a DBA back in December. We are very shadowed by the state park and they do not really send business our way as they also have cabins. I am really working to find ways to gain more visibility this year and I thought travel writers might just be the key.
Hi Terisa – Your cabins sound wonderful for family vacationers! Please feel free to reach out to me at colleen.lanin@travelmamas.com about working together. 🙂