The Benefits of Raising a Well Traveled Kid

  As a parent you often wonder what impressions you've made on your kids and what if anything they've taken away from experiences you've shared.  Recently I had a chance to find out as my daughter Lilia headed off on a trip to Israel and Europe with her college sorority sister. Though I am still apprehensive because she is literally half way around the world, I feel safe in the knowledge that she is well … [Read more...]

Teens and Travel: A Revelation

Here we are in the midst of spring break and I am busy planning our final road trip in which we will set foot in our 50th state. Wow...I can hardly believe it.  It's only taken us 12 years and 17 trips but our journey is nearly complete. When we embarked on this epic adventure my kids were 4, 6 and 7, today they are 16, 18 and 20. People often say "Where has the time gone" when they find their children have grown, … [Read more...]

How Much Social Media Sharing Is Too Much?

Are you part of the social media revolution? It seems everywhere I go I am surrounded by folks taking selfies, posting, pinning, instagramming, you name it.  My own daughter Lilia cannot touch her meal in a restaurant until she has posed her food professionally, taken a good photo of it, and posted it on the hot social media site du jour. I feel so behind the times-Facebook, Tumblr, Snap Chat, Twitter-those are only … [Read more...]

Reader Profile: Val Pentony–A Quest to Explore All 50 Inspires Best College Essay–Ever!

  Sometimes we start a project and the benefits that we derive from it exceed our expectations in ways we could never imagine. I don't think Val Pentony ever thought  back in 2004 when she started her quest to see all 50 by 50 what kind of impact it would have on her, her family and her friends.  Her project has not only inspired deeply felt patriotism, but also a love of learning and an appreciation … [Read more...]

A Veteran Road Mom’s Guide To Traveling With Teens

Family Travel in The Electronic Age - How Much is Too Much?

Let's face it, kids are awesome but they can also be quite a handful. Every age has it's challenges. While parents of younger kids may breathe a sigh of relief as the physical challenges fall away (no more booster seats, dressing or bathing kids) and kids become more independent, they should be forewarned that the real challenges are yet to come ... and it's all mental, which can at times quite stressful and … [Read more...]

The Travel Stress-Less Checklist!

The Travel Stress-Less Checklist!

Embarking on a road trip can be a fun and exciting time but it can also be a time to stress out over a multitude of things related to your adventure. Have I got everything I need? Have I got all my reservation info organized? Have I taken care of things to make sure my home is safe while I’m gone? These are all questions I ask myself in the days leading up to my departure and I am sure you do too. Because I’ve … [Read more...]

RV Adventures- Give Your Romantic Vision A Reality Check First!

RVs

“Ahhh the romance of the open road…traveling with my family...all of us together in our little camper…” It all sounds good on paper, but there are many things to consider before you embark on your road trip if you’re considering taking an RV. For those of you seasoned RV travelers, my hat’s off to you. Once was enough to decide that it just wasn’t for me. On our very first road trip to Washington and … [Read more...]