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)

This website sometimes receives compensation, hosted travel, or products related to blog posts. This article may include affiliate links at no extra cost to consumers. As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from qualifying purchases.

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!

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

74 Comments

  1. 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 🙂

  2. Congratulations on the success of your blog! You have some really great content so it’s no wonder you have done well!

  3. I am so glad I found your blog! There is so much material here to keep me busy and informed, for hours! Very cool!

  4. 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.

  5. 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. 🙂

    1. 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!

  6. Isn’t it amazing how much ten years can change us?? It sounds like you used those ten years to the fullest!

  7. Congratulations! I just passed thirteen! I went to an inspiration board party and it was a blast. I wonder if they read your post!

    1. 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! 🙂

  8. 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 🙂

    1. 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!

  9. 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!

    1. 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! 🙂

  10. 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!

  11. This is such an inspiring post. 10 years?! Congratulations! ? I would like to read all your Disney posts ?

  12. Thanks for this post! It’s such a great cross section of your travels and blogging journey. I have to go read them all.

    1. Thank you, Stacie! You & I met shortly after we both started blogging. It’s been fun to follow your blogging journey as well!

  13. Hi Colleen!

    Congratulations on 10 years – it’s a great a accomplishment.

    Here’s to many more viral posts and family adventures!

    Carrick

    1. 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.