A Weekend in the Lehigh Valley with the Kids

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Last weekend, we found an unexpected hidden gem of a family travel spot in the Lehigh Valley.  Located just less than two hours from where we live in the heart of Pennsylvania near the Poconos Mountains, lies several quiet towns filled with museums, restaurants, antique shops and things to do.  As my daughter correctly stated when we left, we have never really explored much of Pennsylvania other than Philadelphia (though we have actually been to the Poconos and the Amish Country).  After this trip, I can tell you for sure that we will be back.  We … [Read more...]

Passports with Purpose: Supporting Literacy and Going to Disney

Wyndham Orlando

When I try to imagine a world without books, it's just too hard.  My whole world revolves around the written word, it always has.  When I was a child, I ran home from school to read books.  My mother took us to the library all the time.  When I finally got around to reading the classics, it was as though a whole new world opened up to me.  I majored in Journalism, started my career in television but naturally found my way into the publishing industry where I have worked for the last eleven years.  My love for reading and books has never waned and I … [Read more...]

Luxury Family Travel at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

Ritz Carlton Hotel

Over the years, I've had the luxury of staying in wonderful hotels. Before I had children, I traveled the globe for work and stayed in the best hotels. Since I've gone back to work, the opportunities have presented themselves every now and then, and I still relish the idea of staying at a five star hotel.   I am keenly aware of what qualifies a great hotel and the Four Seasons has always stood out in my memory as one of my favorite business hotels.  When my kids were much younger, I had a job where the headquarters were based in Chicago, and I had the … [Read more...]

Family Travel Bliss at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead

ritz carlton atlanta

Our recent visit to the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, one of the premier luxury hotels in Atlanta was truly magnificent. Honestly, there is no other way to describe it. It was such a good family travel experience for all of us.  From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty by the staff and that treatment continued throughout our entire stay. I had stayed at the Ritz in other cities, primarily for work, and had good experiences, but this was my first time with my children. We needed a diversion, and we needed to relax.  Our visit at the Ritz was … [Read more...]

Travel: Spooky Halloween Getaways

Seattle Haunted House

Halloween is about to arrive, and I'm sure your week is as busy as mine with parades, parties and holiday activities.  But it doesn't have to all be at home.  If you're looking for a spooky weekend getaway this holiday or year-round for you and the family, you can find some great places to stay on Airbnb, the leading community marketplace for discovering and booking unique accommodations from people around the world. Airbnb is a web community where users can rent out their apartment, house, or even a private island, castle or treehouse to … [Read more...]

A Weekend in Mystic, Connecticut with the Kids

Mystic

I had a definite image of Mystic before our recent visit. I imagined a seaside town full of nautical charm. It may or may not have had something to do with its movie namesake, but Mystic sure shone like a star in the 1980s hit film with Julia Roberts. Whatever the case, the town lived up to my expectations. It's very picturesque and has a rich maritime history with a few major attractions and plenty to do for families.  I'm actually glad I waited to go with my kids.  When I travel with them, I tend to see things through their eyes, and it makes my … [Read more...]

Traveling with Kids: Lunch at the Hotel del Coronado

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On my recent visit to San Diego for Blogher, I went a day early to stay with some very good friends.  They picked me up from the airport and we headed right to Coronado Island with her two young children for lunch.  I had been flying all morning and was quite hungry and ready to enjoy their company. I have been to the Hotel Del Coronado many times, yet I have yet to stay there.  It is a luxury hotel right on the water.  In the 1990s, my mother and sister were staying there while I was visiting friends in the city.  I have vivid memories of … [Read more...]

A Child-Friendly Timeshare: Wyndham Bonnet Creek

Wyndham Bonnet Creek Child-Friendly Timeshare

My family and I discovered a true gem of a resort on our current trip to Disney World.  The Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort is located 10-15 minutes from all the Disney Parks, Universal Sea World, downtown Disney and is perfect for families of all shapes and sizes. It's not a hotel or even a Disney resort; it's actually a timeshare.  It has so much to offer: location, activities, accessibility, spacious rooms, amenities, free shuttle service to all the Disney parks, five pools scattered around the resort, miniature golf, club rooms, an extremely kind … [Read more...]

Summer Travel Planning: Atlantis Fantasy Camps

Atlantis Fantasy Camps

Looking for a educational and fun summer holiday for the whole family?  Look no further!  From July 11th through August 4th, 2011, the four-night/five-day 2011 Atlantis Fantasy Camps invite campers between the ages of 6 and 22 to pursue their dreams with a variety of different “edutainment” camp programs suited to specific age groups and interests. Campers will access the state-of-the-art 8,000 square foot kids club AKA (Atlantis Kids Adventures), the new $11-million teen club CRUSH and the world’s largest open-air marine habitat featuring more … [Read more...]

The Ultimate Play Date at Affinia 50

affinia hotels

Last week my daughter and I were invited to the ultimate play date at the Affinia 50 Hotel.  I wouldn't be lying if I told you that it was one of my daughter's favorite play dates ever.  She had a big smile on her face when she saw what this hotel has to offer. We were there to check out their American Girl Family Package.  It makes sense since they're located so close to the American Girl Doll store just a few blocks away.  They've incorporated a trip to NYC into the American Girl Doll line in a very creative way. We took a complimentary tour … [Read more...]