One of the most unexpected traditions you’ll find aboard modern cruise ships has nothing to do with formal dinners, poolside contests, or Broadway-style entertainment. Instead, it involves small rubber ducks hidden throughout the ship by fellow passengers. Known simply as “Cruise Ducks,” this lighthearted activity has become a favorite among cruisers of all ages. Families,…
Few places in the United States bring history to life quite like Gettysburg. As the site of the largest battle ever fought in North America and the location where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, Gettysburg offers visitors an opportunity to walk through one of the most important chapters of American history. My family…
When planning a weekend getaway, I often find myself looking at Marriott Bonvoy properties. During a recent Labor Day weekend trip to Minneapolis, my wife and I had the opportunity to stay at the Rand Tower Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. After spending two nights at the property, I came away impressed by its location, comfortable…
When people think of iconic national parks in the American West, places like Yellowstone, Zion, and Grand Canyon usually come to mind. While those parks deserve their fame, they also attract millions of visitors each year. That often results in crowded trails, packed parking lots, and reservations that need to be made months in advance….
If you’re looking for things to do in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum is a worthwhile attraction that combines aviation history, historic aircraft, interactive simulators, and a planetarium under one roof. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, or simply searching for a family-friendly indoor activity, the museum offers enough variety…
When I traveled to Richmond, Virginia, I wasn’t there primarily as a tourist. Most of my time was committed to judging a high school national debate tournament. I wasn’t sure how much opportunity I would have to explore the city. But when I realized I had a few free hours in my schedule, I opened…
There’s something magical about getting dressed up for a night out. Slipping into a nice dress or a sports jacket, stepping out of your everyday routine, and choosing an experience that feels intentional. During our romantic weekend getaway to Minneapolis, my wife and I found exactly that kind of magic at Le Petit Chef, tucked…
When planning a Disneyland vacation, location matters more than almost anything else. After spending all day zigzagging through Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, the last thing most families want is a long walk back to their hotel. That’s why I always recommend choosing a hotel within walking distance of Disneyland whenever possible. The hotels…
During my son’s senior spring break trip, he chose Philadelphia as our destination. As we planned the trip, one attraction quickly rose to the top of our list: the Philadelphia Zoo. My son has always loved red pandas, and we even booked a special red panda experience as part of our visit. Unfortunately, just a…
Thinking about taking your first cruise? You’re not alone. Before my wife and I stepped aboard our first cruise ship, we had plenty of questions. What documents do we need? How does cruise dining work? What if someone gets seasick? Are shore excursions worth the cost? After taking two cruises to Ensenada, Mexico, one as…
