When our family began planning a spring trip to Sweden and Portugal, each of our sons had input on what they wanted to see. Our youngest son, then 13 years old, chose Portugal as “his” country of the trip. As an aspiring pilot and aviation enthusiast, one of the destinations at the top of his…
After helping my daughter move across the country to start college in Rhode Island, I found myself experiencing a mix of emotions. I was excited for her new adventure and proud of the young woman she had become, but saying goodbye wasn’t easy. Before flying home, my brother, his family, and I decided to spend…
For many first-time visitors, the Mall of America raises a simple question: can you actually experience it all in a single day? After spending a day there with my teenage son in 2022 and returning several years later for a couples getaway with my wife, I’ve come to a simple conclusion: Yes, you can absolutely…
When my son and I planned our road trip from Salt Lake City to Great Basin National Park, we knew we wanted to stop at the Topaz Museum in Delta, Utah. For years, my son and I had considered making the nearly two-hour drive from Salt Lake City just to visit the museum, but we…
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…
