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7 Things that Make Family Travel Easier
I know that school is beginning soon enough for most of us, but as I’m preparing for a family pilgrimage to Spain and Fatima, I thought I’d share some of those things that have made traveling with the whole family far more manageable — dare I say, even enjoyable? To be honest, I love the adventure of traveling with my kids — but it’s not easy. A few years back, we made a little shift in our mindset about traveling and it has made all the difference for us. It’s hard to believe, but just recognizing that family trips aren’t easy or relaxing has helped tremendously. Honestly, if you keep…
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What Happens in Japan, Stays in Japan
It’s been getting kind of serious around here, so it’s time to write about something that is absolutely ridiculous. Consider this a PSA. I’m here to help. Japan Syndrome: It’s for real, and it’s not pretty. 🙁 If this post can spare even one person from a similar fate, than I can say that all the effort was worth it. Let me set the scene for you. You are in a far off place — exotic, perfumed breezes, not a care in the world. You are feeling good about life. You’re on top of the world. And then you see it: that item that encapsulates everything you are feeling in…
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Mackinac Island, Building Community, and Taking a Break
Do you ever dream of days gone by, when life was simpler than it is today — no cars, no phones, no television — time to just be with people, and enjoy the simple things of life? Yeah, me too. The only problem is that when you actually think about all the time that was spent on cleaning clothes, maintaining a house, and cooking meals — you realize that those who have gone before us might have actually had less time to just be than we have. Sure, we can choose to get distracted by our phones, our televisions, and the things that don’t really matter — but we can also…
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That Time We Went to Positano… Part 2 — Livin’ La Dolce Vita
If you haven’t read Part 1 of our trip, you might want to start here. Have you heard of the Last 4 Things? Well, the Church says that the “Last 4 Things” — Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell are worth thinking about. I know what you might be thinking — “Depressing!” I know, I know. Though spending time contemplating these things might seem doomed to becoming a big, fat downer — I have found that daring to do so might actually change the way you live your life. You might actually find yourself living life with more intention, more purpose, and — surprisingly, more joy — so don’t be afraid to do…
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Tips and Tricks For Family Travel on a Budget
A few days ago I posted about That Time We Went to Positano. It was an amazing experience and I am so grateful that we took that leap of faith and went on that crazy adventure. But adventures like that take time, money, and planning. In the effort to help you create your own family adventures, I offer you my 7 Quick Tips and Tricks for Family Travel on a Budget. I really hope it helps you to get out there and explore this world of ours — even if it’s just a few hours away from your own home. Enjoy. ~1~ Why Family Travel It’s so important to know up front…
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Washington, D.C. (With Kids)
Well, it’s been an intense week. Time to lighten things up a bit, shall we? I thought I’d offer you my tips on visiting D.C. with kids. Obviously, it’s a worthwhile place to visit — for so many reasons — but it is also a very child-friendly city, and we really enjoyed it. So don’t be afraid to bring everybody along for a crazy family road trip. Here’s a few tips and and tricks to make for a more memorable trip. ~1~ The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception I have said it before, but we have found making at least one spot on your journey a pilgrimage site tends…
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7 Quick Takes: The Do’s and Don’ts of Family Travel
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” ~Charles Dickens~ I just returned from a two week family pilgrimage to Italy, and on the morning of my return, I woke up thinking, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” — though Dickens was actually writing about the French Revolution, his words perfectly encapsulate our family trip– it was truly the best and worst of times. But it was worth it! If you find yourself traveling with one child, or multiple children, I guarantee you will find yourself thinking and saying things that definitely aren’t your best thoughts and words — but you will…
