Cynthia J. Drake
![Family on Boat; Courtesy of Max Topchi/Shutterstock.com](https://stage.familyvacationcritic.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2019/05/FamilyonBoat-480x360.jpg)
6 Things You Didn’t Know You Can Rent on Vacation
With the rise of the sharing economy, most people know that renting someone’s private condo or even their car is not only possible, but easily…
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What to Pack for a Summer City Vacation With Kids: 12 Essentials to Bring
If you’re heading out for a city vacation this summer, you’ve probably planned a well-rounded itinerary filled with museums, parks and public transit (for suburban…
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Cruise vs. All inclusive Resort: Which One Is Right for Your Next Family Vacation?
When you’re looking for an easy vacation that requires minimal hassle, planning and decision-making, your two best options are a cruise or all-inclusive resort. Both…
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9 U.S. Motels That Are (Almost) As Fun As Resorts
Motels, usually characterized as roadside hotel stops for budget-conscious travelers, have been occasionally subject to a less-than-positive reputation over the years. But motels make…
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12 Ways to Look and Feel Sexy on Your Next Beach Vacation
To paraphrase an oft-quoted remark about having children, just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you’re dead. Moms can and should embrace their sexiness, however…
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What to Pack for the Caribbean: 13 Essentials for Families
Your family is headed to the Caribbean for a much needed getaway filled with sun, sea and sand. The only thing that’s left to do:…
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4 Best Non-Disney Hotels Near Disney World
Many families love giving their kids the full Walt Disney World experience, but let’s face it: sometimes you just need a little down time…
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6 Luxurious Mexico Villas You Can Rent for Your Next Vacation
Few destinations offer the combination of value, historical and cultural sightseeing, relaxation and beauty as Mexico. To enhance your vacation, consider booking a villa, or…
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7 Things You Should Never Let Your Child Do on the Plane
Airplane travel with children is often stressful for the whole family. You’re taking your kid out of his or her normal routine, possibly combating tiredness…
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7 Things You’ll Regret Not Packing for Your Family Cruise
A cruise is a great vacation option for families because of the no-fuss, unpack-once-and-enjoy appeal of a floating hotel. The only drawback of this arrangement,…
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7 Surprising Benefits of a Kid-Free Vacation
My friend Jennifer and I recently found ourselves relaxing on a beach in Corsica, France, on a perfect October day during a two-week Mediterranean cruise.…
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Skip the Gifts? Why You Should Choose a Vacation Rental for the Holidays Instead
Each year, more and more families are switching up their holiday traditions by opting for a vacation rental instead of their own home. Vacation rental…
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7 Carry-On Bags That Take the Stress Out of Travel
In an era of tighter restrictions on carry-on luggage, families are often scrambling to come up with good solutions for toting all their necessities on…
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9 Historic Sites Your Kids Won’t Learn About in School
Many of us have at least a couple recollections of doze-worthy history lessons in school, where rote memorizations of battlefields and dates felt as…
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12 Ridiculously Affordable Fall Vacations for 2019
We’ve put together a guide to our favorite super-cheap U.S. destinations for fall, with affordable accommodations and activities in mind. These are the best budget-friendly…
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A [Tongue-in-Cheek] Guide to Surviving the Oregon Trail With Kids in 2018
The Oregon Trail was a brutal journey 175 years ago, slightly more fun when it was remade into a game, and miles better in person…
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Ouch! What to Do If Your Child Gets Sick or Injured on Vacation
On vacation with a sick or injured kid? Medical professionals share their advice for dealing with the unexpected health care emergency while traveling.
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7 Most Underrated Family Vacations in the U.S.
In these U.S. destinations, you’re less likely to find crowds and more likely to find hidden gems and cool experiences to share with your kids.…
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8 Things That Will Ruin Your Vacation If You Forget to Pack Them
If there’s something that could be forgotten while packing for a trip, I guarantee my family has forgotten it. You’d think that after years of…
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5 Safest Countries for Family Vacations 2018
Based on results from the Travel Risk Map, these are the five safest countries you can visit for a family vacation in 2018.
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What Should I Do If My Child Cries on the Plane?
We’ve all been there – you are not alone. Therapists, travel experts, and other parents like you share their tactics for handling the tough travel…
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How to Survive a Flight Delay with Kids
How do you deal with a flight delay (or worse – a cancellation) and not lose your cool while traveling with kids? We asked a…
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14 Most Unusual Overnight Experiences for Families
Lighthouses and teepees appeal to our sense of imagination, and amazingly, families can stay in some of these lodgings overnight! Pack your bags and your…
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9 Best Life Jackets for Kids 2020
Life jacket use – whether in the pool, at the beach or on a boat – is one important step families can take to help…
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10 Best Pool and Beach Toys You Can Pack
We took a look at the coolest beach and pool toys and assembled a list for your next pre-trip Amazon shopping spree. Stock up on…
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