The Ultimate Trip Planning Guide- All You Need to Know…

A family in the airport with the text, "From Bucket List to Reality: Your Ultimate Family Trip Planning Guide"

Planning a family trip is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel like a big juggling act. From packing for the kids to organizing activities that everyone will enjoy, there’s a lot to think about. Personally, I love the planning process. It’s fun for me to dream and put together all the pieces that […]

Kicking off 2025 with Memories from 2024

Collage of various vacation photos with the text, "The Best of 2024"

Happy New Year! It’s the first week of 2025 and I don’t know about you, but I always find this week to be one of reflection and gratitude for the year just completed as well as dreaming and anticipation of what’s to come. This year, we’re kicking off the new year in Hawaii and celebrating […]

Kids Raised by Travel: Why It’s Worth the Effort- Part II

The Singing Suitcase owner Melissa's daughters sitting in a hotel lobby

A few weeks ago, I shared four of the reasons why we think it’s worth the energy and effort to travel with young children. Here are 4 (more) reasons why we are committed to this with our little ones:  1. Observing Adults Handle Stressful Situations One of the unexpected benefits of traveling with kids is […]

Disneyland Hacks: How to Enjoy the Magic Without Breaking the Bank

The Singing Suitcase owner Melissa with her family on the teacups ride at Disneyland.

A trip to Disneyland is a dream come true for many, but the cost can sometimes feel more like a nightmare. While anything Disney isn’t known for being inexpensive, there are plenty of ways to minimize the expense and still enjoy all the magic the parks have to offer. With a little planning and these […]

Kids Clubs: Building Independence While Traveling

The Singing Suitcase owner Melissa at brunch on a cruise ship.

When we first embarked on a Disney Cruise, little did we know that our experience with the onboard kids clubs would be a game-changer for our family vacations. As parents, we had heard varying opinions within family travel circles about the merits and drawbacks of kids clubs. Some parents swear by them, while others are […]

Destination Guide: Kimpton Seafire, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

The Singing Suitcase owner Melissa's daughters building a sand castle

I set a goal for myself: Find the most relaxing family trip possible.  With that objective in mind, my research quickly honed in on the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa in Grand Cayman.  It ticked all of my boxes.  Nestled in the heart of the Cayman Islands, this destination offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, […]

Turkey Day Recap – Happy Thanksgiving!

The Singing Suitcase owner Melissa with her husband Bill and two daughters on vacation at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree

I’m stuck in the middle seat on this flight from PDX to JFK. The passengers next to me keep sneezing and asking me to hold things for them. Even though we’ll arrive early, it still feels like a long flight. But instead of being grumpy about my seat selection, my heart is really full of […]

Kids Raised by Travel: Why It’s Worth the Effort

The Singing Suitcase owner Melissa with her husband Bill and two daughters on vacation on a boat

So far, I have to say that raising kids is one of the most rewarding, yet challenging, experiences in my life. As a parent who loves to travel, I naturally want to share this passion with my children. But is it really worth the effort?! After a few trips under our belt, the answer is […]