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  • To the Snow in Telluride
    Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Snow Vacations | Weekly Column

    To the Snow in Telluride

    ByEileen Ogintz January 10, 2010June 28, 2023

    The town of Telluride is so safe that local parents let 10-year-olds run around on their own. Kids routinely hop the free gondola from the mountain village for the 12-minute ride into town where they can go to a movie (there’s one movie theater), get some pizza or a burger and some gummies at The Sweet Life. “Parents just have to be willing to give them the freedom and you will see them blossom,” promises Pam Bennett, whose three children are the fifth generation to be raised here.

    Read More To the Snow in TellurideContinue

  • Greetings from Chile!
    Destinations | Families & Groups | Parks & Outdoors | Taking the Kids Blogs

    Greetings from Chile!

    ByEileen Ogintz January 7, 2010June 28, 2023

    For the past week and a half I’ve been in Chile, experiencing a new part of the world with my husband Andy, daughters Reggie and Melanie and Reggie’s boyfriend Dan Foldes. This has been a remarkably easy trip so far. We had a wonderful time touring quirky Valparaiso and cycling around some vineyards. We made it to a famous Penguin nesting habitat, even if we were there the wrong time of day to see thousands of Penguins, we saw plenty.

    Read More Greetings from Chile!Continue

  • When They Lead the Way: Looking Back on 2009
    Families & Groups | Weekly Column

    When They Lead the Way: Looking Back on 2009

    ByEileen Ogintz January 5, 2010June 28, 2023

    Rule One: The kids are the leaders. Rule Two: We follow — happily — most of the time anyway. We all know the dirty little secret of family travel: If the kids are happy, the grown-ups are happy, and it doesn’t matter whether you are in a five-star resort in Scottsdale or a budget cabin in the Ozarks, on an once-in-a-lifetime trip to Costa Rica or camping in the nearest state park.

    Read More When They Lead the Way: Looking Back on 2009Continue

  • Bonus coverage of silverton from the three amigos (Mel, Reg and Dan):
    Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Snow Vacations | Travel Diaries

    Bonus coverage of silverton from the three amigos (Mel, Reg and Dan):

    ByEileen Ogintz January 2, 2010June 28, 2023

    The three of us love skiing… hard. Silverton satisfied our collective appetite for steep slopes, open powder fields and “earning our turns.” With only one lift (not counting the bumblebee-like helicopter that pilots experts to otherwise un-gettable peaks) the Mountain has a huge variety of terrain which can be accessed only by strapping one’s skis to backpacks and trudging up in ski boots.

    Read More Bonus coverage of silverton from the three amigos (Mel, Reg and Dan):Continue

  • Last Day in Telluride — One eye on the weather
    Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Snow Vacations | Travel Diaries

    Last Day in Telluride — One eye on the weather

    ByEileen Ogintz January 1, 2010June 28, 2023

    DAY FIVE AAH. I’m face down with soft music playing at the Golden Door Spa at the Peak’s Resort in Telluride as the massage therapist works magic on my aching muscles (after four days of skiing )

    Read More Last Day in Telluride — One eye on the weatherContinue

  • Day 4 – Visiting a ghost town
    Destinations | Families & Groups | Parks & Outdoors | Snow Vacations | Travel Diaries

    Day 4 – Visiting a ghost town

    ByEileen Ogintz December 31, 2009June 28, 2023

    DAY FOUR — I’m standing in a ghost town—in the snow in the middle of the forest. Who says all there is to do on a winter trip to a ski resort is ski or snowboard?

    Read More Day 4 – Visiting a ghost townContinue

  • DAY 3 — Spread your tentacles in Telluride
    Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Snow Vacations | Travel Diaries

    DAY 3 — Spread your tentacles in Telluride

    ByEileen Ogintz December 30, 2009June 28, 2023

    Sixteen year-old Max Walker-Silverman, a Telluride native has a message for visiting teens: “Get out of the mountain village and spread our tentacles and you will find a cool historical town.”

    Read More DAY 3 — Spread your tentacles in TellurideContinue

  • Day 2 — On to Telluride
    Destinations | Families & Groups | Snow Vacations | Travel Diaries

    Day 2 — On to Telluride

    ByEileen Ogintz December 29, 2009June 28, 2023

    We drive from Silverton about two hours across a mountain pass to another world at Telluride Ski Resort, where we check in to a luxe condo–so luxe I can’t even figure out the lights or the shower (do I want rain shower, multi jets…?) at The Peaks Resort

    Read More Day 2 — On to TellurideContinue

  • Five Days in Silverton and Telluride, Colorado
    Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Snow Vacations | Travel Diaries

    Five Days in Silverton and Telluride, Colorado

    ByEileen Ogintz December 28, 2009June 28, 2023

    Some people do make their dreams come true. “It’s a lot of hard work and a lot of fun and you just have to learn to roll with the punches when there is an obstacle in your path,” says Aaron Brill, the 38-year-old owner and founder, with his 37 year-old wife Jenny, of Silverton Mountain Resort in Colorado (www.silverton.com) that is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. This isn’t any ski resort. For one thing, there is only one lift and no bathrooms–just an outhouse.

    Read More Five Days in Silverton and Telluride, ColoradoContinue

  • Aboard the Biggest Cruise Ship Afloat
    Cruises & All-Inclusive | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Weekly Column

    Aboard the Biggest Cruise Ship Afloat

    ByEileen Ogintz December 27, 2009June 28, 2023

    hink every kind of food the kids and you could want 24-7 (wine-pairing menus to burgers and fries, chicken noodle soup to gazpacho, healthy smoothies to ice cream sundaes), entertainment (“Hairspray” to synchronized divers performing in an outdoor AquaTheater and children’s puppet shows) and activity (mini-golf and water playground, teen disco and giant arcade, carousel and junior spa).

    Read More Aboard the Biggest Cruise Ship AfloatContinue

  • Taking the Kids Blogs

    KEEP IT COOL!

    ByEileen Ogintz December 26, 2009June 28, 2023

    That’s what my daughters told me this morning as I was stressing about our upcoming international flight to Chile. I wasn’t worried about increased security in the wake of a foiled–thank goodness–terrorist who was on board at Northwest-Delta flight from Amsterdam.

    Read More KEEP IT COOL!Continue

  • Taking the Kids Blogs

    GRAB SOME FUN WHEN YOU CAN

    ByEileen Ogintz December 22, 2009June 28, 2023

    Sometimes it’s impossible to get my entire gang together between work and school schedules. I accept that and grab some fun with my three kids whenever I can, even if it means all five of us aren’t all together at the same time.

    Read More GRAB SOME FUN WHEN YOU CANContinue

  • Buying Some Gifts for the Traveling Family
    Families & Groups | Cool Travel Gear | Weekly Column

    Buying Some Gifts for the Traveling Family

    ByEileen Ogintz December 20, 2009June 28, 2023

    Instead of rushing around trying to find the perfect gift for my favorite family travelers, I’m going to get them what I find most helpful to have with me when I’m traveling with my gang. According to a new survey from TripAdvisor.com, 38 percent of travelers hope to receive a travel-related gift this December.

    Read More Buying Some Gifts for the Traveling FamilyContinue

  • Jivn’ Jellyfish to learning to be a DJ
    Cruises & All-Inclusive | Families & Groups | Travel Diaries

    Jivn’ Jellyfish to learning to be a DJ

    ByEileen Ogintz December 18, 2009June 28, 2023

    Kids rule aboard Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s new megaship. There are designated areas on board for arts (partner with Crayola); science experiments (want to learn about volcanoes, bugs or global warming), and an awesome kids’ theater where Broadway veteran John Tartaglia has developed a puppet show that is performed by the youth staff, who all incidentally have college degrees in education, recreation or related fields AND three to five years working with kids.

    Read More Jivn’ Jellyfish to learning to be a DJContinue

  • DAY 2 on the Oasis of the Seas– What to do?
    Cruises & All-Inclusive | Families & Groups | Travel Diaries

    DAY 2 on the Oasis of the Seas– What to do?

    ByEileen Ogintz December 17, 2009June 28, 2023

    Do I want a roast beef sandwich or a slice of fresh made pizza, popcorn shrimp and fries or a salad made to my specifications? This is the largest cruise ship at sea—when full, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas can carry 6,296 guests and a crew of 2,165. So it makes sense there’d be more dining options.

    Read More DAY 2 on the Oasis of the Seas– What to do?Continue

  • ABOARD OASIS, THE BIGGEST SHIP AT SEA
    Families & Groups | Cruises & All-Inclusive | Travel Diaries

    ABOARD OASIS, THE BIGGEST SHIP AT SEA

    ByEileen Ogintz December 16, 2009February 1, 2024

    Think Vegas on Steroids. Think overstimulation. Think every kind of food, entertainment you—and your kids could want. If you don’t mind vacationing with 6,200 plus guests and 2,165 crew (from over 71 countries—welcome aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas which made its maiden voyage December 5, 2009.

    Read More ABOARD OASIS, THE BIGGEST SHIP AT SEAContinue

  • A Caribbean Resort That Works for Generations
    Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Weekly Column

    A Caribbean Resort That Works for Generations

    ByEileen Ogintz December 13, 2009June 28, 2023

    Welcome to Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos — the family resort of the Sandals brand — where the littlest vacation goers like Milo Greenspan rule. Milo may only be four but he drove his family’s vacation decision — straight from Chicago to this resort. “He’s been asking for the last two years to come to Elmo’s Beach,” explained his mom Catherine. “And if he’s happy, I’m happy.”

    Read More A Caribbean Resort That Works for GenerationsContinue

  • TURKS AND CAICOS – Last day
    Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Travel Diaries

    TURKS AND CAICOS – Last day

    ByEileen Ogintz December 10, 2009June 28, 2023

    The bride and groom say their vows in front of the sea under a canopy billowing in the wind, their guests sitting in front of them on white-covered chairs. There’s no one else on the beach.

    It couldn’t be more romantic or beautiful. I’m watching from my balcony of my room at the Gansevoort on Turks and Caicos, where the wedding couple and their 80 guests have been ensconced for the last few days.

    Read More TURKS AND CAICOS – Last dayContinue

  • TURKS AND CAICOS – Day three
    Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Travel Diaries

    TURKS AND CAICOS – Day three

    ByEileen Ogintz December 9, 2009June 28, 2023

    We’re stretched out on the white sand beach staring at the turquoise water. We didn’t have to fight for beach chairs and though I’m told the Gansevoort Turks & Caicos (www.gansevoorttc.com) is sold out this weekend courtesy of a wedding. It is only 91 rooms. Neither the beach nor the drop-dead gorgeous pool (have you ever seen cushioned lounges that rest in a few inches of water?) are crowded.

    Read More TURKS AND CAICOS – Day threeContinue

  • Turks and Caicos — Day Two
    Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Travel Diaries

    Turks and Caicos — Day Two

    ByEileen Ogintz December 8, 2009June 28, 2023

    Milo Greenspon may only be four but he drove his family’s vacation decision—straight from Chicago to Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos.

    Read More Turks and Caicos — Day TwoContinue

  • TURKS AND CAICOS, November 2009 — Day One
    Beach Vacations | Cruises & All-Inclusive | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Travel Diaries

    TURKS AND CAICOS, November 2009 — Day One

    ByEileen Ogintz December 7, 2009June 28, 2023

    The concert goers are swaying to the music, clapping and crowding the stage so they can reach out and touch their favorite stars. Their smiling parents are right behind, video cams and digital cameras in hand. That’s because these concert goers are toddlers and preschoolers, many in diapers. Their stars are Elmo, Burt, Ernie, Cookie Monster and the latest to join the Sesame Street gang Abby Cadabby, a fairy in training. They sing and dance for the kids for an hour

    Read More TURKS AND CAICOS, November 2009 — Day OneContinue

  • Giving Back While You Travel
    Families & Groups | Volunteer & Service | Weekly Column

    Giving Back While You Travel

    ByEileen Ogintz December 6, 2009June 28, 2023

    Avocados bigger than grapefruit, star fruit, breadfruit, wild watercress and vegetables I’ve never heard of… We’re not perusing a menu on the Caribbean island of St Lucia. We’re touring a local hillside farm owned for more than 40 years by the Richards family. Isaac Alphonse, the purchasing manager for The Landings

    Read More Giving Back While You TravelContinue

  • St. Lucia — Last Day
    Families & Groups | Beach Vacations | Destinations | Lodging | Travel Diaries

    St. Lucia — Last Day

    ByEileen Ogintz December 3, 2009February 1, 2024

    We sit on the deck overlooking the ocean, palm trees and St Lucia’s most famous site–The Pitons, the two tall lava cones that differentiate this Caribbean island. We’ve stopped at Jalousie Plantation, spread over a 192 acres on what was once a working sugar plantation just outside the town of Soufriere in between Pitons. We are staring right at the mountain—right next to us!

    Read More St. Lucia — Last DayContinue

  • St. Lucia — Day Three
    Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Travel Diaries

    St. Lucia — Day Three

    ByEileen Ogintz December 2, 2009July 12, 2021

    It’s not even 10 am and already they are handing out the rum punch! We’re on a catamaran courtesy of Carnival Sailing that will take us from the north part of the island where we are staying at The Landings resort to the town of Soufriere (which translates to “sulfur in the air,” we’re told). Along the way we have spectacular views pf St Lucia’s claim to fame — Petit Piton and Gros Piton.

    Read More St. Lucia — Day ThreeContinue

  • Getting There | Taking the Kids Blogs

    KINDER, GENTLER AIRLINES?

    ByEileen Ogintz December 2, 2009June 28, 2023

    Don’t we wish! I was thinking about that this morning as I drove my husband to the airport because his elderly mom had been rushed to the hospital and was very seriously ill. Luckily, I was able to get him a free flight. If not, it would have cost nearly $1,000 for a round trip ticket from New York to Chicago (and never mind change fees since he doesn’t know when he returns.) That’s what you get for trying to buy a ticket instantly.

    Read More KINDER, GENTLER AIRLINES?Continue

  • St. Lucia — Day Two
    Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Travel Diaries

    St. Lucia — Day Two

    ByEileen Ogintz December 1, 2009July 16, 2021

    Tangerines, star fruit, breadfruit, wild watercress. We’re not perusing a menu in St Lucia. We’re touring a local farm owned by The Richards family for more than 40 years. Isaac Alphonse, the purchasing manager for The Landings, the 120-plus unit new resort where we are staying

    Read More St. Lucia — Day TwoContinue

  • St. Lucia, November 2009 — Day One
    Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Travel Diaries

    St. Lucia, November 2009 — Day One

    ByEileen Ogintz November 30, 2009July 12, 2021

    There’s something to be said for direct flights to out of the way places. We are taking Jet Blue’s new nonstop service from JFK to St. Lucia, a small island near Martinique and Barbados. But instead of taking all day with connections in Miami or San Juan, we arrive in a little more than four hours. Nice!

    Read More St. Lucia, November 2009 — Day OneContinue

  • Scoring a Holiday Deal That Won’t Bust the Budget
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Getting There | Lodging | Weekly Column

    Scoring a Holiday Deal That Won’t Bust the Budget

    ByEileen Ogintz November 29, 2009June 28, 2023

    I’m perched in a wooden treehouse lazing on a cushy double mattress atop a white sand beach along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, I’m about as far away from holiday hoopla and craziness as I can get when the beach butler comes by to see if I need anything.

    Read More Scoring a Holiday Deal That Won’t Bust the BudgetContinue

  • PIGEON FORGE, Day four
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Travel Diaries

    PIGEON FORGE, Day four

    ByEileen Ogintz November 27, 2009July 9, 2021

    Check out the lights! Four million–really–blue and green and clear ones on trees and buildings. Welcome to Dollywood. Of course it is named for star Dolly Parton who grew up in a two room cabin not far from here, pigeon forge, TN—you can even see a replica of the cabin where she grew up with 11 brothers and sisters and it seems one bed.

    Read More PIGEON FORGE, Day fourContinue

  • PIGEON FORGE – Day Three
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Travel Diaries

    PIGEON FORGE – Day Three

    ByEileen Ogintz November 26, 2009July 9, 2021

    I haven’t stopped eating—corn fritters made from corn meal milled at the historic Old Mill that is on the National Register of Historic Places–continuously operating for 170 years. I started the day at The Log Cabin with country ham and fresh biscuits.

    Read More PIGEON FORGE – Day ThreeContinue

  • PIGEON FORGE – Day Two
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries

    PIGEON FORGE – Day Two

    ByEileen Ogintz November 25, 2009July 9, 2021

    Trivia question: What is the most visited National Park? (Hint: It isn’t Yellowstone, Yosemite or the Grand Canyon) It’s Great Smoky National Park—more than 550,000 acres that straddle Tennessee and North Carolina that attracts more than 9 MILLION visitors a year.

    Read More PIGEON FORGE – Day TwoContinue

  • GET RID OF THAT OLD CRIB–NOW!
    Taking the Kids Blogs

    GET RID OF THAT OLD CRIB–NOW!

    ByEileen Ogintz November 24, 2009June 28, 2023

    I know when the new baby comes to visit it’s tempting to put your grandchild in the same crib you used as a new parent. DON’T!

    Read More GET RID OF THAT OLD CRIB–NOW!Continue

  • PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee – Day one
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries

    PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee – Day one

    ByEileen Ogintz November 23, 2009July 9, 2021

    The Living room is beautifully decked out for the holidays with greenery, wreaths and a tree in all its glory. On the mantel in my bedroom, Santa shares space with golden elk and garland festooned with bright red holiday balls and ribbon. Even the lamp is tied with a big red and gold holiday bow and there’s a poinsettia (albeit a silk one) in the bathroom.

    Read More PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee – Day oneContinue

  • Taking the Kids Blogs

    DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS

    ByEileen Ogintz November 23, 2009June 28, 2023

    I just got back from two entirely different kinds of destinations that are winners for entirely different kinds of families.

    Read More DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKSContinue

  • When Life Interferes With a Planned Celebration
    Cruises & All-Inclusive | Families & Groups | Getting There | Weekly Column

    When Life Interferes With a Planned Celebration

    ByEileen Ogintz November 15, 2009June 28, 2023

    Life has a way of changing planned celebrations. Jean Anne McKiernan and Richard Sandano were planning a big Brooklyn, N.Y., wedding when they discovered—very happily—they were going to have a baby.

    Read More When Life Interferes With a Planned CelebrationContinue

  • Taking the Kids Blogs

    It pays to ask

    ByEileen Ogintz November 14, 2009June 28, 2023

    I’ve been saying for months that in this economy, we should ask for what else the hotel/resort/ cruiseline can do for us–a better room, resort credits, free food. But until last week, I hadn’t thought about that in the context of a family emergency. I found myself handling flights and hotels for family converging in Illinois after my 90-year-old mother-in-law was rushed to the hospital and then died.

    Read More It pays to askContinue

  • Sailing Home from Bermuda
    Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Travel Diaries

    Sailing Home from Bermuda

    ByEileen Ogintz November 10, 2009July 7, 2021

    Life is too short to waste a minute, I think. We say goodbye to Bermuda and Hamilton’s Town Hall (click image to enlarge) DAY 5—I wake up on board Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas

    Read More Sailing Home from BermudaContinue

  • High Tea at the Hamilton Fairmont Hotel
    Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Travel Diaries

    High Tea at the Hamilton Fairmont Hotel

    ByEileen Ogintz November 9, 2009July 16, 2021

    We learn it is the only place—and the place—for a traditional English Tea. In the 1840s, Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, wanted a snack for tea and thinly sliced bread and butter.

    Read More High Tea at the Hamilton Fairmont HotelContinue

  • To San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences, the Greenest Museum in the Country
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Volunteer & Service | Weekly Column

    To San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences, the Greenest Museum in the Country

    ByEileen Ogintz November 8, 2009June 28, 2023

    In the year since it has re opened, the Cal Academy has emerged as the city’s top cultural tourist attraction, drawing more visitors than Alcatraz Kids get up close and personal with specimens at the Academy of Sciences

    Read More To San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences, the Greenest Museum in the CountryContinue

  • The rain stops in Bermuda
    Beach Vacations | Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Travel Diaries

    The rain stops in Bermuda

    ByEileen Ogintz November 8, 2009July 16, 2021

    Not sunny, but not raining. Just 66,000 people live on this pristine island—actually a series of about 360 small coral island, which is part of the British Commonwealth. Yes, we see businessmen wearing Bermuda shorts, knee-high socks, and shirts and ties to work. Hedges are manicured and lawns mowed. Houses are painted a rainbow of colors—bright orange, green and blue, pastel pinks and yellows.

    Read More The rain stops in BermudaContinue

  • Cruising when the sun doesn’t shine
    Cruises & All-Inclusive | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Travel Diaries

    Cruising when the sun doesn’t shine

    ByEileen Ogintz November 7, 2009July 7, 2021

    It’s not the weather we imagined on our trip to Bermuda. The seas are rocking. It’s pouring and the waves are high. We get sprayed standing on our little balcony.

    Read More Cruising when the sun doesn’t shineContinue

  • A cruise to Bermuda with old family friends
    Beach Vacations | Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Travel Diaries

    A cruise to Bermuda with old family friends

    ByEileen Ogintz November 5, 2009July 16, 2021

    The cruise was long planned and then a week before tragedy stuck…

    Read More A cruise to Bermuda with old family friendsContinue

  • To Yosemite National Park
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Weekly Column

    To Yosemite National Park

    ByEileen Ogintz November 1, 2009June 28, 2023

    I smile remembering two other kids about the same age who were equally proud of themselves for making it to the top of Vernal Fall, also their first “big hike” in Yosemite.

    Read More To Yosemite National ParkContinue

  • A visit to California wine country
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries

    A visit to California wine country

    ByEileen Ogintz October 30, 2009July 9, 2021

    We drive to Healdsburg, a small picturesque town where, around the Plaza Park square, are tasting rooms, restaurants, antique shops, and more. My 23 year old daughter Reggie is excited because she scores a cast iron frying pan for $15. I’m excited because it is a perfect sunny fall day and I’m spending it with my husband and daughter.

    Read More A visit to California wine countryContinue

  • A quick trip to Yosemite National Park
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries

    A quick trip to Yosemite National Park

    ByEileen Ogintz October 29, 2009July 9, 2021

    DAY 4 — Five year old Rivers Klopson is turning cartwheels on the rocks next to Yosemite’s famous Vernal Falls. It’s sunny and everyone sitting…

    Read More A quick trip to Yosemite National ParkContinue

  • To the historic ships in SF where Reggie works
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries

    To the historic ships in SF where Reggie works

    ByEileen Ogintz October 28, 2009July 9, 2021

    Here’s the chance to give your kids a lesson — without them even realizing it — in San Francisco’s seafaring past and the people who made their lives sailing in and out of San Francisco Bay, hauling lumber, canned fruit and more. Five vessels — the Alma, Balclutha, Eureka, Hercules and C.A. Thayer are designated National Historic Landmarks.

    Read More To the historic ships in SF where Reggie worksContinue

  • Learning About African-American History at Colonial Williamsburg
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Volunteer & Service | Weekly Column

    Learning About African-American History at Colonial Williamsburg

    ByEileen Ogintz October 25, 2009June 28, 2023

    Colonial Williamsburg explores the lives and complexities of free and enslaved blacks during the Revolutionary Era, highlighting personal and unified contributions, sacrifices and decisions made by 19th-century blacks in securing their freedom

    Read More Learning About African-American History at Colonial WilliamsburgContinue

  • At the Cal Academy of Sciences
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Travel Diaries

    At the Cal Academy of Sciences

    ByEileen Ogintz October 25, 2009July 8, 2021

    We’re at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco which in the year since it has reopened has emerged as San Francisco’s top cultural tourist attraction, drawing more visitors than even Alcatraz.

    Read More At the Cal Academy of SciencesContinue

  • Visting San Francisco with my grown up daughter
    Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Travel Diaries | Volunteer & Service

    Visting San Francisco with my grown up daughter

    ByEileen Ogintz October 24, 2009July 16, 2021

    The Hotel San Francisco atop Nob Hill was getting ready for its grand opening when the city suffered its devastating earthquake April 18, 1906. The hotel survived and a year later, opened, celebrating the city’s renewal. The hotel has hosted celebrities and presidents. Tony Bennett first sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco “here.

    Read More Visting San Francisco with my grown up daughterContinue

  • Taking the Kids Blogs

    Traveling with a Heavy Heart

    ByEileen Ogintz October 24, 2009June 28, 2023

    The cruise was long planned to celebrate the 85th birthday of my “second mom.” I grew up two houses away on suburban Long Island and over the years, her family and mine became one, her two daughters my oldest and closest friends, sharing good times and sad.

    Read More Traveling with a Heavy HeartContinue

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Gas prices? Turmoil? Are you rethinking your summer travel plans

The Fourth of July celebration in Boston, Massachusetts

How to celebrate on vacation this summer despite the rising costs of travel

A trip down memory lane in Austin, Texas

Water buffalo lazing along our trek in Sapa Region Vietnam

A Unique Adventure in the Sapa Region of Vietnam

Browse All Travel Spots

Nature’s Retreat

Escape to the outdoors where lush parks, scenic trails, and serene natural retreats provide the space to relax, recharge, and experience the world in its purest form.

The Fourth of July celebration in Boston, Massachusetts

How to celebrate on vacation this summer despite the rising costs of travel

Camping and RVing: how to get unplugged on your family vacation

Earth Day 2026: Dozens of Ways To Get Involved

The Fourth of July celebration in Boston, Massachusetts

Get ready to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday: Plenty to do and see in Washington DC

Start Your Outdoor Adventure

Plates Worth The Trip

Every destination has its own flavor. Let the food take you on a journey through local traditions, and unforgettable meals.

Airport lounges are popular and often the reason families choose a flight route

A trip down memory lane in Austin, Texas

Riverboating from Cambodia to Vietnam: on to Ho Chi Minh City

Cambodian landscape

In Cambodia: floating village, acrobats, golden girls, monkeys, temple-destroying trees, and Angkor Wat

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