L.A. Family Travel

24/02/2025

🦒 GRANDPARENTS GONE WILD? WHALES ON VACAY?

Looking for affordable family fun in SoCal that won't make your wallet weep? We've found three wild winter adventures that'll have everyone from Grandma to the toddler entertained (and might actually leave you with money for snacks! 🍿)

✨ FREE zoo days for the 65+ crowd at San Diego Safari Park
🐋 Budget-friendly whale watching in Ventura ($34 for kids!)
🎨 Free art pop-ups at Culver City's mall makeover
Who knew winter in SoCal could be this fun (and this cheap)? Click for the full scoop on these hidden gems! 👀

Family travel meets budget fun in Southern California with free safari admission, $34 whale tours, and no-cost mall art exhibits.

21/02/2025

Looking for a memorable way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your little ones in the Big Apple? Our latest article has everything you need! From kid-friendly parade viewing spots to interactive museum events and creative crafts that celebrate Irish culture, we've rounded up the best St. Patrick's Day activities for families in NYC. Whether you're raising toddlers or school-aged children, you'll find age-appropriate festivities that bring the luck of the Irish to life. Discover how to create adorable shamrock crafts, where to snap the perfect St. Paddy's Day photos, and which NYC restaurants offer special family-friendly menus for the occasion. Don't miss our tips for navigating the city during this festive holiday with kids in tow! 🍀

There are so many ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in New York City, from parades and pub crawls to live music and comedy shows!

12/02/2025

Shoulder season travel (off months) are the least crowded and most budget-friendly times to visit all the places you love or want to see. Plus the weather is still fabulous or even better than summer travel.

Here are the six best European destinations to visit in May with your family!

https://lafamilytravel.com/6-perfect-places-to-visit-in-europe-in-may/

What the best places to visit in May in Europe? These 6 destinations have a colorful landscape and less tourists than the busy season!

12/02/2025

In honor of Valentine’s Day, a love letter to San Diego, one of my favorite cities in the world inside the pages of Global Traveler Magazine, a business luxury publication.

“Of all the places in the world, San Diego still feels like the one that got away. With its warm ocean, outdoor lifestyle, and chill attitude, there aren’t many reasons to leave once you’re there. Somehow, though, after college, I did leave, and so did my husband. Fast-forward a decade or so, after a blind date led to two boys, a house in the Los Angeles suburbs, and a desire to share all the San Diego things with our teens during spring break.”

Read More In Bio

09/02/2025

🍀 Planning a Family Adventure in Ireland? Your Complete Guide is Here!

From castle-hopping to beach days, sheep-spotting to storytelling sessions, discover why the Emerald Isle is the perfect destination for families. We've got everything covered - from Dublin's kid-friendly museums to the magical Di**le Peninsula!

✨ Inside you'll find:

Best places to stay (including actual castles!)
Kid-approved activities
Money-saving tips
When to visit
How to plan the perfect road trip

Plus, learn why Ireland is the ideal "starter" European vacation for families. Hint: It involves friendly locals, manageable distances, and lots of playgrounds!

👉 Read more: https://lafamilytravel.com/ireland-with-kids-planning-the-best-family-vacation/

Plan an all-ages family trip to Ireland with these suggestions that take you from Dublin to Galway to the Causeway Coast.

08/02/2025

❤️ Dreaming of a romantic European getaway without leaving California? Discover Solvang, your perfect Danish escape!
Imagine sharing freshly baked pastries, wine tasting at sunset, and strolling hand-in-hand through windmill-dotted streets. From cozy California Valentine's Day celebrations to summer adventures near the coast, this enchanting village has everything for the perfect couple's weekend.
Discover our complete guide to creating unforgettable romantic memories in Solvang - from secret sunset spots to local hidden gems!

Wine, windmills, mouth-watering pastries, and more! Spend a romantic day in Solvang, CA, the Danish Capital of North America.

05/02/2025

☘️ Hunting for peak St. Paddy's Day vibes? From green rivers to flying cabbage (yes, really!), America's top 8 Irish festivals are bringing the craic this March! Think epic parades, shamrock-covered everything, and celebrations so wild they'd make a leprechaun blush 🍺

🌈

Every March, cities across the United States host annual events that combine Irish traditions and excitement for the whole family.

03/02/2025

Planning a February getaway that'll make EVERYONE smile (not just the lovebirds)? We've got the scoop on three amazing deals that won't break the bank - including a dreamy Paris hotel stay, a Caribbean proposal paradise (hey, you never know! 💍), and the coolest waterfront festivities in Long Beach.

Bonus: These spots are actually fun for the whole family. We're talking beach views, kids' Valentine's crafts, and yes, even free champagne for the grownups!

Click below for all the sweet details - and tag someone who needs a February adventure! ⬇️

https://lafamilytravel.com/sweet-february-deals-your-family-guide-to-valentines-season-travel-from-beach-proposals-to-paris-getaways/



P.S. That Long Beach salsa class? Totally counts as cardio. Just saying! 💃

Find the best family travel deals for February. Discover romantic beach proposals, rose-petal-strewn hotels, and more.

29/01/2025

After all the fire trauma and teen family drama, we definitely needed a break.

We drove two hours south to Oceanside where I rented a beach house for Howard’s birthday. The plan was to relax with the family and not have too much on the agenda. Kaleb got sick so couldn’t join us.

To me, visiting an area so close to home feels like a staycation. Even though my experience with Oceanside was limited to driving past it on the way to San Diego, it didn’t feel like a new place until we actually spent a couple days there.

It’s a very walkable town and that’s what we did. We walked along the beach to get to lunch and the best gelato we’ve ever eaten at 1022 Cafe & Gelateria.

For his birthday, we did an escape room at Top Tier Escape Rooms then dinner at Blade 1936, a super yummy Italian place packed with locals.

But the main thing is we slept in and enjoyed each other’s company. We’ll definitely be back to explore more of Oceanside.

29/01/2025

We've stayed at them ALL (tough job, but someone had to do it 😉) and spilling the tea on:

Which Value resort actually gives you the most value?
The hidden gem with the BEST pool for kids!
That secret resort upgrade that'll make your little princess lose her mind!
Where to stay to avoid those dreaded long bus rides.

Plus: Money-saving tips your wallet will thank you for!

💡Pro tip: That giraffe viewing isn't just a lucky coincidence - we'll tell you exactly which room to book!

👇 Drop a ❤️ if you're dreaming of your next Disney vacation!

Compare the best Disney World resorts for families in 2025! From Value to Deluxe, discover where to stay, from $95 giraffe-view rooms to luxury suites. Includes prices, pools & dining.

28/01/2025

It started like any good horror movie when the lights went out at the high school during a soccer match.

I haven’t posted about the fires in Los Angeles because so much has already been said and the devastation experienced by so many dwarfs the discomfort and fear we felt but I do want to say a few words.

We were all aware of the fire just over the hill, we could see an orange glow but no flames and we didn’t think it would spread to Calabasas. As everyone shuffled to their cars, Howard and I split up, each taking one boy into our separate cars.

To try and avoid the traffic I was sure would strangle the one two-lane road that led from Calabasas High School to the freeway, I chose to take Mulholland. The section I drove on would be called to stand ready to evacuate a day later but while we drove in the dark, we tried to avoid fallen branches and foliage whipped into shrapnel by the wind.

We live 30 miles from where the fire started but the hurricane force winds seemed capable of driving it to us through all the trees that carpeted the way. I told the boys to pack just in case but didn’t really take it seriously until the second day when the Kenneth fire started 15 miles away. There was a rumor that someone set a nearby park on fire, and we got the notification to evacuate.

We tore through the dark house (no electricity in two days), taking sentimental photos off the walls and piling them in my car. We took the contents of the safe and I loaded a suitcase with three days of clothes. The boys, meanwhile, made sure they had every piece of designer clothing they owned stuffed into anything that would carry it.

With the car packed, we decided to wait and see if we’d get the GO order. We heard helicopters flying over the house and saw our friends evacuating on Facebook.

An hour later, our evacuation warning was lifted and we finally exhaled. Over the next few days, the winds came and went and I kept waiting for news of someone starting another fire. I did a lot of napping and walked around like a zombie.

We’re so grateful for the brave first responders and our prayers go out to those who’ve lost so much.

📸:

27/01/2025

🚨 ALERT: Deals So Hot They're Making Our Calculator Sweat! 🌴

Your bank account: "Please, no."
These travel deals: "Watch me."

✈️ Maldives: Pretend you're a billionaire for 25% less (kids eat free, which is cheaper than feeding them at home anyway)

🏖️ Caribbean: Up to $1,000 in credits at Sandals because winter blues are not a good look on you, Karen

⛵ Croatia: 18% off yacht life because watching "Below Deck" doesn't count as sailing experience

*Side effects may include: extreme relaxation, temporary belief you're wealthy, and children who will never appreciate your home cooking again.

Tag that friend who needs a vacation but keeps buying $7 coffees instead 👇



*Offer not valid for those who think Florida is exotic 😉

(This article may or may not contain affiliate links. What does that mean?)   Attention, travel dreamers and savings schemers! We’ve uncovered three deals so hot they should come with a warning label. Whether you’re fantasizing about pretending to be a billionaire in the Maldives (with free kid...

24/01/2025

Uncover the Romantic Wonders of Hocking Hills, Ohio 💕
Nestled in the heart of Ohio, Hocking Hills offers a dreamy escape filled with serene forests, stunning sandstone cliffs, and hidden natural gems perfect for couples. Hike hand-in-hand to the legendary Devil's Bathtub, picnic beside trickling waterfalls, or cozy up in a secluded cabin under the stars.
This guide covers the most romantic things to do in Hocking Hills, from scenic overlooks and historic caves to charming small towns and farm-to-table dining. Get ready to create magical memories with your loved one in this outdoor oasis! 🌲

Hocking Hills romantic getaways are rejuvenating and unforgettable, the perfect backdrop for your next love story. Start planning yours!

22/01/2025

Ready to Chase Pink Petals Without Booking a Flight to Japan? 🌸 Your ultimate guide to finding the most Instagram-worthy cherry blossom spots across the USA! From DC's iconic Tidal Basin (where cherry trees are basically celebrities with their own festival) to hidden blooming gems in national parks. Discover when to visit, where to snap that perfect pic without photobombing strangers, and how to avoid looking like a tourist while totally being one. Plus, insider tips on beating the crowds (spoiler: sunrise isn't just for coffee anymore). Save this guide for your next spring adventure - your social media feed will thank you!

Top spots for blossom season that are nothing short of breathtaking. It's all about beauty, patience, and hoping for good weather!

20/01/2025

🎯 FAMILY TRAVEL DEALS THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK!
(Because your kids aren't getting any younger, and your wallet isn't getting any fatter)

🌎 Mega savings on family adventures worldwide! From castle-hopping in Ireland to chasing Northern Lights in Scandinavia. Warning: May cause excessive family bonding and endless "are we there yet?" questions.

⏰ Limited time offers on tours, resorts & fancy hotel packages
*Fine print: Memory-making guaranteed. Eye-rolls at dad jokes not included in package price 😉

Save big on family travel with these money-saving deals! Discover amazing discounts on family vacations and start planning your adventure.

19/01/2025

Planning a magical winter escape to the Poconos? From thrilling snow tubing at Jack Frost to cozy indoor waterpark adventures at Kalahari Resort, discover the perfect mix of outdoor excitement and indoor fun for your next family vacation. Our guide covers the best winter activities, family-friendly resorts, and hidden gems in Pennsylvania's winter wonderland. Save this comprehensive guide to create unforgettable memories in the snowy Pocono Mountains! 🏔️❄️

What things to do with kids in Poconos PA on your next vacation? Skiing, indoor waterparks, winter paintball, and icy waterfalls await!

15/01/2025

👯‍♀️ Pack your bags, bestie! From sun-soaked beach escapes to vibrant city adventures, discover the ultimate USA destinations for celebrating Galentine's Day with your favorite gal pals. Whether you're seeking coastal vibes, spa retreats, or unforgettable girls' trip memories, these amazing American getaways are perfect for celebrating friendship in style! ✨ 🥂

Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to plan a getaway with your best gal pals!