Books to Read Before You Visit Spain

This post may contain affiliate links, however, all recommendations are my own.

Before we travel to a foreign destination we like to learn about the people will we meet, the history of their country, and the places we might visit. As a family we make time to read quite a few fiction and non-fiction books to prepare us for our journey. Spain is a country known for its rich cultural history, amazing architecture, flamenco dancing, tapas, and dazzling Mediterranean beaches. These books will help set the stage for your Spanish vacation. If you’re not headed there anytime soon, at least you have found a list of books that will hopefully inspire you to travel there some day.

Travel is an Experience Made Richer By Sharing with Others

Chicago’s Greatest Attractions for Families

When our family moved to the Chicago area nine years ago, we were pleasantly surprised by the wealth of kid-friendly activities the city has to offer. Chicago almost feels like a city built with children’s entertainment in mind.From the Lincoln Park Zoo to the Museum of Science and Industry, the city offers destinations for children of all ages, which makes it a perfect destination for a family getaway.

Chicago is a city made for walking (except in the dead of winter). Gorgeous architecture abounds, but there is also a sparkling lakefront, a charming river, world class restaurants and endless shopping. These are the features that make the city attractive to adults, but children find the city appealing for many other reasons. In creating this post, I decided that my kids (ages 7, 9, and 11) would be the best ones to ask about their favorite Chicago attractions. Hopefully, their perspective will help guide you in choosing the sights you want to visit with your family.

Drumroll please…

Packing Tips for Families

Don’t Take More Than You Need!

Packing for a trip can be an overwhelming task, but when you add kids to the mix, the task becomes more daunting. With the addition of each child comes more clothes, toys in every shape and size, and the need for new packing strategies. As a parent you need to have a game plan in place. There are things you will need to do before you go, things you will have to pack in your suitcase, and things you will need on the plane. Here are our tips for managing the mounds of clothes, eliminating the extras, and saving space in your suitcase.

Before You Go

Wordless Wednesday-Where in the World?

The sun is shining, spring is here!

Any guesses where this picture was taken?

Dublin with Kids – 5 Favorite Places to Visit

The front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin photo credit: Zach Dischner via photopin cc

 

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit Ireland’s capital city, Dublin. We found it to be an easy place to visit with kids for many reasons. The people are friendly, the city is easy to get around, and they speak English (with a wee bit of an accent). A dear friend is planning a trip to Ireland this summer, so I thought I would put together a list of our five favorite sights to see with kids in Dublin.

Discovering Italy – Florence

Easter time in Florence in unlike anything you have ever seen…

Florence is a magical city.  The red clay rooftops, cobblestone streets, and piazzas around every corner enchant visitors once they step out the door of the train station.  Artwork and architecture from some of the most renowned masters of the Renaissance (Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli to name a few) adorn this beautiful city.  This is my fourth visit to Florence and each visit I love it a little bit more, and my guess is that you will too. Here is our trip report for what to see in Florence with your kids, but if you happen to visit at Easter, you are in for a special surprise, read on.