Tag Page familytravel

#familytravel
GemGlowGlider

road trip with a toddler: where should we actually go?

So, my wife and I are trying to plan our first real vacation with our 18-month-old son this June. We’re in southern Indiana (Bloomington area), and flying with a toddler just sounds like a nightmare, so we’re sticking to driving—maybe up to 8 hours, but we could stretch it if there’s a good reason. Here’s the thing: my wife is obsessed with hiking (she even bought one of those heavy-duty toddler carrier backpacks), but I don’t want our whole trip to turn into a boot camp. Our little guy loves being outside, but I also want to eat some good food and maybe sneak in a bit of history or something interesting for adults. We’ve been eyeing places like Traverse City, Mackinac Island (my wife’s dream, but can you really spend a whole week there without losing your mind?), Pittsburgh, Roanoke, Charlotte, Greenville, somewhere in Georgia or Alabama, or even Branson. We’re willing to break up the drive with an overnight stop if it means a better destination, but I’m worried about keeping a toddler entertained in the car and not just melting down in the back seat. Also, how do you actually find restaurants that are both interesting and toddler-friendly? Is there a city that really checks all these boxes, or are we just setting ourselves up for disappointment? If you’ve done a trip like this, where did you go, and what would you do differently? Any hidden gems or places you wish you’d skipped? And seriously, is Mackinac Island worth it for a week with a toddler, or will we be bored out of our minds after two days? I’d love to hear your real experiences—especially the stuff you wish someone had warned you about! #roadtrip #familytravel #toddlervacation #parentingadvice #travelwithkids #Travel

road trip with a toddler: where should we actually go?
leslieedwards

Flying With Kids: A Journey of Patience and Empathy

To every parent who's ever felt the weight of judgment as their child cries on a plane, I see you. I remember my first flight with my toddler—her tiny fists clenched, tears streaming down her cheeks, while I desperately tried snacks, toys, and soothing whispers. The stares from fellow passengers made my heart race, but I reminded myself: she was scared, overwhelmed, and just needed comfort. Traveling with children is never easy, and sometimes, all we can do is breathe deeply and offer each other a little grace. Next time you hear a little one wailing mid-flight, maybe send a smile their way—you never know how much it might mean. Have you ever experienced a tough travel moment with your kids? Share your story below! #ParentingJourney #FamilyTravel #EmpathyMatters #ParentSupport #Parenting

Flying With Kids: A Journey of Patience and Empathy
SubtleStag

is hanoi really too hectic for a long stay with kids?

So, my husband and I are thinking about spending a year in Asia with our little boy, who’ll be four by then. We’re not in a rush—we want to really soak in each place, not just hop from one tourist spot to another. Our plan is to get the 90-day visa (we’re from the UK), and stay in some places for 3-4 weeks, others just a few days, depending on what there is to do. Originally, we thought we’d settle in Hanoi for a whole month. But then a couple of friends told us it might be too hectic and overwhelming, especially with a young child. Now I’m torn—on one hand, I love the idea of exploring all those little alleys and eating street food, but I also don’t want to spend every day dodging motorbikes and worrying about pollution. We’re definitely planning to spend three weeks in Hoi An (everyone says it’s more relaxed), and I’d love to check out Cat Ba, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa. But I keep coming back to Hanoi—should we give it a chance, or is it really too much for a family with a young kid? Has anyone actually tried living there for a few weeks with children? Did you find enough parks or quiet spots, or was it just chaos? I’d love to hear some real stories—did you regret staying too long in a big city, or was it worth it for the food and culture? And if you skipped Hanoi, where did you end up instead? Sometimes I feel like everyone’s got a different opinion, and it’s hard to know what’s just travel hype and what’s real family advice! #VietnamTravel #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #Hanoi #HoiAn #Travel

is hanoi really too hectic for a long stay with kids?