Hi Reader, My husband’s job booked his flight. But guess who got the miles? He did. Quick tip: Even if you’re not the one paying for a flight, like when your employer covers the cost, you can still earn frequent flyer miles. Just make sure your loyalty number is attached to the reservation or added at check-in. On a recent Delta trip, we even earned 2,500 bonus miles because his bag didn’t show up at the carousel within 20 minutes. (They guarantee it, and if they miss it, you get...
9 days ago • 2 min read
Hey friend, So, The world is a vampire… know the song? It's been stuck in my head all week while watching the chaos unfold at airports. If you know it, hit reply and tell me. I’ll be seriously impressed. Anyway, with the government shutdown in full swing (for now), TSA has cut back on staffing. That means 1 in 10 flights are being impacted. Even if the shutdown ends soon, it’s gonna take time to bounce back. If you’re flying soon, here’s what to do if your plans get derailed: 1. Know Your...
16 days ago • 2 min read
Hey there, travel bestie — So, I just got back from Kansas… and let me tell you, it was not what I expected. I mean, raise your hand if you’ve ever said “What’s even in Kansas?” Exactly. Turns out, there’s so much more than fields and flatlands. 💭 You might be wondering: Is Kansas worth visiting? What is there to do besides drive through it? Can I actually enjoy it with teens? Yes, yes, and absolutely yes. Yes, I did get to stay in a Covered Wagon and it was LUXURY! We explored quirky small...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, You know how I’m always making lists of trails before a trip? I’ve used the free version of AllTrails for years to map out hikes in national parks and little weekend getaways. It’s been such a handy tool for planning. But here’s the thing — on a recent trip to Boulder, Colorado, I was hiking the Flatirons and realized the free version wasn’t cutting it anymore. The trails crisscross everywhere, and I didn’t have time to backtrack if I got off course. So, I upgraded to AllTrails...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Lately, I’ve been reflecting on Cal Newport’s new book Slow Productivity. The idea is simple but powerful: do fewer things, but do them better. Leave room for quiet instead of rushing to fill every moment. It struck me how this mindset connects to family travel. We often feel pressure to cram itineraries full so our teens don’t get bored. Plus, I get how hard it is to get away when our teens have such busy lives... all the more reason to slow down. But boredom isn’t always the...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey there, So, Taylor Swift said yes, and suddenly Kansas City is the center of the universe. While Swifties everywhere are dreaming of wedding dresses and Super Bowl rings, I’m over here thinking… it’s about time Kansas City got some love. Truth? It was one of my most surprising favorite cities. We stayed right downtown at an IHG hotel, explored the Power & Light District (hello, food and live music!), and spent a peaceful afternoon at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. That sculpture garden?...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, If your phone is bursting with photos from summer trips, but they’re still stuck in your camera roll, you’re not alone. I finally did something about ours, and I’m obsessed with how it turned out. I printed a bunch of our family photos with Mixtiles and created a gallery wall right next to our National Park pin map. Here’s a peek of my wall. It’s the perfect combo of where we’ve been and who we were with. That map was a Christmas gift, and now it finally feels complete with our...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hey friend, If you’re anything like me, August sneaks up fast. Between back-to-school shopping and end-of-summer chaos, it’s easy to think the window for a summer trip has slammed shut. But here’s the truth: there’s still time for one more quick getaway—and yes, your teens will actually want to come along. We’re squeezing in a last-minute trip to the Orlando theme parks later this month before my daughter heads back to college. It’s not about a long-haul vacation. It’s about creating one more...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hey friend, Every year, I try to tell myself I’ve got time before Thanksgiving travel gets hectic—and every year, I’m reminded that families are booking earlier than ever. This year? I’m seeing it firsthand. Traffic to my Thanksgiving travel guides has already spiked, and that tells me one thing: people are locking in their plans now. If you’re thinking about a family getaway this fall, here are three destinations worth booking ASAP: 🍂 Asheville, North Carolina Cool mountain air, cozy cabins,...
4 months ago • 2 min read
