If you’ve never been to Oʻahu, Hawaii—it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Honolulu, the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head… how do you fit it all in? This 4-day itinerary is based on the exact one I built for a real client and polished with personal recommendations. 🏝️ Day 1: Arrival + […]
Costco Travel is a big name—and sometimes, their cruise prices are great. But here’s what they don’t give you: personalized service. I recently helped a family compare their Alaska Royal Caribbean cruise options between Costco and me. The price? Identical. The experience? Totally different. What You Get with Costco: A good rate Maybe a Costco […]
Planning your dream trip and wondering if you should book a tour—or try to piece it all together yourself? Let’s be honest: DIY travel sounds adventurous. But when it comes to destinations like Europe, Southeast Asia, or multi-stop itineraries… it can quickly spiral into stress, confusion, and unexpected costs. As a family travel designer, I’ve […]
I get this question all the time: “Is it really safe to travel these days?” Here’s my honest answer: yes, but smartly. We live in a complex world, and not every destination is right for every traveler. But with thoughtful planning and wise choices, you can still travel safely, joyfully, and meaningfully. My best advice: […]
We have new readers, so time for an introduction post! I’m Melissa, and I’m a family travel designer, but more importantly, I’m a mom who believes that travel is one of the best gifts we can give our kids. My love for travel started in 8th grade when I got to go to Paris with […]
es? Our Honest Review Hyatt Regency Maui Resort Review: Family-Friendly Luxury in Lahaina es? Our Honest Review Hyatt Regency Maui Resort Review: Family-Friendly Luxury in Lahaina Looking for a family-friendly resort in Maui with epic views and easy beach access? We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Maui and here’s what we really thought. 🌺 What […]
Travel More, Spend Less: Getting Started with Points & Miles Imagine booking flights or hotel stays for free (or nearly free!) just by using rewards points. That’s the power of points and miles, and if you’re not using them yet, you’re missing out on huge savings for family travel! If it all sounds complicated, don’t […]
Is Planning Your Own Trip Really Cheaper? Let’s Break It Down. There’s a common belief that planning your own trip saves money, but is that always true? While DIY travel planning can work for some, many families don’t realize the hidden costs of time, stress, and missed opportunities. Let’s take a realistic look at what […]
The Places We Can’t Wait to Explore as a Family There’s something exciting about dreaming up future adventures. Whether it’s a place we’ve never been or a destination that holds a special meaning, having a family travel bucket list keeps us inspired and ready to plan our next big trip. Some of these places are […]
Making Birthday Memories While Traveling Celebrating a child’s birthday is always special, but celebrating while on vacation? That takes it to a whole new level. There’s something magical about waking up in a new place, knowing the entire day is about making unforgettable memories. We recently celebrated our oldest’s 6th birthday in Hawaii, and it […]