Remembering the long goodbyes as we took our kids to college
Two parents, five overweight bags and a college-bound daughter about to burst into tears. Talk about a stressful beginning to the Long Goodbye.
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A visit to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island on a cold January day
Despite the blustery January weather, crowds of bundled-up tourists from around the world lined up to take the Statue Cruises ferry to Liberty Island, good-naturedly taking off belts and watches for the security screenings. The second stop would be historic Ellis Island
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A real pasta machine: in the charming village of Grazie
Day Six – at charming small restaurant La Locanda de le Grazie in the village of Grazie just a few miles outside the amazingly preserved undiscovered Renaissance city of Mantova (Mantua in English).
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Memories of Monet’s Garden: where a little girl led the way
From the time we told Melanie we were going to France that summer, she insisted we must visit Monet’s Garden. It wasn’t that far-fetched an idea.
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Two weeks in France visiting Paris, champagne country and Normandy via river cruise
Arriving in Paris jet-lagged, a quick trip to see Monet’s water lillies at the Musee de L’Orangerie was just the tonic. Armed with a Paris Pass, we didn’t have to wait in a long line for tickets.
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Skiing in Austria
I’ve never seen such wide open slopes — no trees, no houses, just field after field of newly fallen snow. And I’ve never seen my 18-year-old daughter Mel, an avid and expert skier, as happy to ski with mom.
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Plenty free (and a deal) in the Big Apple
Even in a city like New York there is a limit to how many great sites, performances and museums you and the kids can take.
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Tips for traveling with babies and toddlers
Forget spontaneous romantic dinners. Ditto for any big adventures. When you’re traveling with babies and toddlers, expect the unexpected.
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Taking the kids to ski country in summer
Free outdoor concerts, bountiful farmer’s markets, movies under the stars, unique museums, guided hikes, golf, tennis, festivals and more
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How to take the kids camping for the first time
Camping was the one segment of the travel industry that didn’t suffer during the pandemic. In fact, it enjoyed unprecedented growth.
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Celebrating with family on the Fourth of July
What was your best Fourth of July? A parade, a barbecue with your nearest and dearest, fireworks or perhaps an entirely new experience?
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The unique Caribbean culture of Curacao
Do you know your ABCs? We’re talking the ABC islands — Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, the three westernmost islands of the Leeward Antilles
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Eight great family vacation spots for summer
Whatever you’ve got on tap for summer vacation, plan to spend plenty of time outdoors. For kids, playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity and critical thinking, research shows.
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The bears and the raptors in Sitka, Alaska
Lucky little orphans. Actually, big orphans — bear cubs. They were rescued and now live happily at the Fortress of the Bear in Sitka, Alaska
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Cooking with the locals on Curacao
If you want to get the true sense of Curacao, you’ve got to meet locals. Try a cooking class with Kris Kierindongo.
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The Amazing Cathedral of Thorns in Curacao
Think a maze made out of thorns—92 million fashioned into blocks in which art has been inserted, creating an open-air gallery of sorts.
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Herbal Remedies with a long history on Curacao
Got pine needles? Brew them into tea to help with Covid-19 respiratory symptoms. We learned this at an eclectic herb garden in the Caribbean.
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Bon Bini from Curacao, a gem in the Southern Caribbean
Bon Bini means welcome in Papiamentu language of Curacao, a gem of an island with 150,000 people in the Southern Caribbean.
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Saving the Galaxy at Walt Disney World
Ready to save the galaxy? Disney World’s newest and much-anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind adventure debuts at Epcot May 27
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The Big Apple is back!
Shops and restaurants are packed again! So are museums, especially now when there is a big exhibit on sharks to be seen.
