Fall getaways for new empty nesters
Whether you are a solo parent or a couple, you deserve to reward yourselves for making it this far.
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Castles and vineyards and more on a Rhine River cruise
There are about 130 passengers aboard the AmaSerena (the maximum is 164) and a very accommodating crew of 50 from around the world.
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In Scottsdale AZ, an Airbnb that exceeded expectations
We moved to a terrific Airbnb managed by the husband and wife team whose company White Grape Homes manages some 15 vacation rentals in Scottsdale AZ
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Take the family out to a fall festival near you
The good news is you can find a fall festival guaranteed to please whether you are traveling with or without kids.
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Happy Birthday to Me at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The resort is not only Arizona’s largest AAA Five Diamond hotel but boasts the largest spa in Scottsdale, which is spa central with more than 50 spas.
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Cozy up with your pooch at the ARRIVE Albuquerque Hotel
Albuquerque is famous for its public art and ARRIVE Albuquerque continues that tradition with an exterior mural by Nani Chacon, a local artist.
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Museums in Amsterdam know how to engage with kids
Do a little time travel through several centuries at museums in Amsterdam that really know how to engage kids, whether we are talking art or history.
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Last gasp summer getaway to a cool mountain spot
A late summer or fall getaway to the mountains can’t be beaten as more of us seek domestic and closer-to-home vacation options.
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Find yourself ahead of the crowd on a family adventure trip
I’ve long been a fan of getting the kids out of their comfort zones on vacation, whether hiking to the top of a mountain, whitewater rafting, trying a new sport like rock climbing or simply navigating in an unfamiliar city or country.
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Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Rhine River Cruise 2025 | Travel Diaries
In Lyon France, a hotel that meets every expectation
Lyon is at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers (our room at the Sofitel overlooked the Rhone) and can be explored by foot, bike or on the water.
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Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Rhine River Cruise 2025 | Travel Diaries
In Lyon France: pioneers of Nouvelle Cuisine
Let’s hear it for the mothers of Lyon! Theses “Meres Lyonnaises,” were credited, starting in the 18th Century, with turning the city of Lyon into the gastronomic center of France.
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Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Parks & Outdoors | Rhine River Cruise 2025 | Travel Diaries
Learning the history of wines produced in the Beaujolais Region of France
We are sitting under a big shade tree at a table set with beautiful green china and a jug of sunflowers overlooking vineyards first established in 1100 by Benedictine monks.
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Lost empire of Cambodia at Denver Museum
Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia enables kids to design their own temple starting with rusty “red stone,” using “sandstone” for the walls and towers, adding statues and gold on the rooftops. The real towers were nearly 200 feet tall.
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Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Rhine River Cruise 2025 | Travel Diaries
Guests and crew bond on AmaWaterways river cruises
Our AMASerena Cruise Director says some passengers will choose their next cruise based on their favorite crew member
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Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Parks & Outdoors | Rhine River Cruise 2025 | Travel Diaries
Castles on the Rhine – on an AmaWaterways cruise
Our AMAWaterways ship AMASerena is cruising in the Rhine Gorge where there are some 40 hilltop castles erected over a period of 1000 years as well as steep terraces planted with grapes
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How to be a respectful tourist on summer vacation
It’s tough in these cities where locals can’t find an affordable place to live, to eat, to shop in the central cities. It doesn’t help that so many tourists are blind to those concerns.
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Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Rhine River Cruise 2025 | Travel Diaries
A mother and daughter on a Rhine River Cruise
She opted for an AmaWaterways cruise on the Rhine River largely because “it was all organized for us and it’s a nice pace,” she explained.
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Amsterdam is museum central
Amsterdam is known for its canals, cyclists, and museums (If you plan to see many consider the IAMsterdam card which gives you admission to some 70 museums and sites)
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Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Rhine River Cruise 2025 | Travel Diaries | Volunteer & Service
In Amsterdam, make sure not to walk in the bike lanes!
Everywhere you go in Amsterdam, you see people on bikes, very few wearing helmets although there is an effort to encourage helmet use.
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Travel lessons learned over decades that still apply
The Wisconsin homeowner couldn’t have been nicer on the phone. First travel lesson learned. Don’t just rely on a phone call.
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Rainy Day? 11+ museum exhibits not to miss this summer
With such unpredictable weather patterns these days, you never know when it’s going to rain on your vacation. That’s when a nearby museum may come in handy.
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What did you forget to pack for your family summer vacation?
What did you forget to pack for your last family summer vacation, or your next one?
Once, I forgot my child’s duffel as we were heading to Cape Cod -
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The plusses and minuses of family reunions
Yhe YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park and set on more than 800 acres is very popular for reunions
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Theme Parks Are Rocking This Summer
American travelers are planning to stay closer to home. And nearly American lives within driving distance of a theme park.
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Travel into and out of USA is problematic right now
Americans are sticking closer to home this summer By Eileen Ogintz and Andy Yemma You shouldn’t just read the headlines and skip on. The content…
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16 summer festivals guaranteed to please
Make the most of summer with 16 festivals guaranteed to please, whether you love outdoor concerts or local food festivals.
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Plenty of ways to honor traveling dads
Celebrate traveling dads this Father’s Day with plenty of ways to honor their unique travel styles and adventures.
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How an ambitious kid helped find King Tut
Discover how an ambitious kid helped find King Tut’s tomb in Luxor. A tale of determination and archaeology awaits on a tour of ancient Egyptian antiquities
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To an all-inclusive without kids
Experience the freedom of traveling to an all-inclusive without kids—perfect for relaxation, celebration, and adult adventures.
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Fun but frugal family summer vacations
Make the most of summer with fun but frugal family summer vacations. Create cherished moments without overspending this year amid national economic anxieties
