Rating our way across San Francisco

Rating our way across San Francisco

San Francisco is a terrific city to encourage kids to experience new foods, starting with dim sum where they can point to what they want to try on the cart and commit to just a bite or two, starting at $6 for a portion

Mom’s Day gifts for traveling moms and grandmas

Mom’s Day gifts for traveling moms and grandmas

She’s usually the chief vacation planner and packer, not to mention the on-the-go therapist, managing sibling disputes, the meal organizer and the first responder when someone is sick or injured.

Are you ready to take the “UN-PLUG PLEDGE”?

Are you ready to take the “UN-PLUG PLEDGE”?

We’re talking all about how to get “unplugged” on vacation. Perhaps you can use a special wallpaper on your phone to remind you that: “The World out there is better than IN HERE.” Or: “How IMPORTANT is it?”

Taking the Kids — to Portugal

Taking the Kids — to Portugal

Portugal, it seems, is drawing more Americans and American families. It’s safe. It’s affordable and there is great food and wine, of course. And plenty of sunshine.

Celebrating Earth Day

Celebrating Earth Day

April 22 is Earth Day — the time to celebrate our beautiful planet, and lend a hand to keep it that way. Especially if you are traveling, there is no better time to teach the kids an environmental lesson while having fun

Salamanca Spain from CroisiEurope cruise

Salamanca Spain from CroisiEurope cruise

By Eileen Ogintz SALAMANCA, Spain — We are biking across an ancient Roman bridge – so old that it dates to the first century after Christ. Despite the chilly, wet weather families are out; kids on scooters, walking dogs. A footrace race is underway. Departing...
Martinhal – Redefining Lodging for Discerning Families

Martinhal – Redefining Lodging for Discerning Families

At the Martinhal Cascais, there are bikes for adults and kids, including with training wheels, at the entrance and an extensive property where to ride. The dining room contains an area where kids can play, complete with a kid-sized kitchen. There is a spa and, of course, pool, and a large kids’ club where even babies are welcomed

Hitting the spa — with (or without the kids)

Hitting the spa — with (or without the kids)

That increasingly includes kids as resorts, cruise ships and city hotels offer special treatments — everything from mani-pedis at the JW Spa Chicago and a Tween Delight s’mores manicure with bubbling foot bath and s’mores pedicure at the Allegria Spa at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek…

Lifestyle and food to admire: Cascais Portugal

Lifestyle and food to admire: Cascais Portugal

Having time to enjoy life –- and those dual roles — is a big part of the Portuguese lifestyle, those here tell us, even busy parents with dual-career households and making time for delicious long lunches is part of that.