Four days in Los Cabos and the OneAndOnly Palmilla

Four days in Los Cabos and the OneAndOnly Palmilla

Cabo—Los Cabos “the capes” is the name generally given to this area –a 20-mile long stretch of white sandy beaches and resorts between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. One&Only is between the two towns at the tip of the Baja Peninsula—the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. It’s a less than two-hour flight from Los Angeles or Phoenix, with non-stops from Chicago, Texas and even Newark. People love it here because winter or summer, the weather is reliable—no rain except in September, I’m told.

Among East Coast cities, Baltimore is sometimes an afterthought — WRONG!

Among East Coast cities, Baltimore is sometimes an afterthought — WRONG!

Sometimes in our rush to take the kids to see major museums and historic sites, we skip smaller cities like Baltimore — ideally located 40 minutes north of Washington, D.C., and 90 minutes south of Philadelphia — that are not only easily navigable (even free buses) but can be easier on our wallets.

Despite high gas prices, families will hit the road this summer

Despite high gas prices, families will hit the road this summer

This summer, with every electronic accoutrement and despite high gas prices — the current national average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.95, $1.04 more than last year — most of us will still hit the road, according to AAA, though nearly four in 10 of us will adjust our travel plans as a result, suggests a new survey from TripAdvisor

It’s the era of boutique hotels — and they’re getting family friendlier

It’s the era of boutique hotels — and they’re getting family friendlier

Across the country and even abroad, such small unique hotels are gaining a following among families who appreciate the intimate atmosphere, the service and the fact that they have, well, more personality than big chain hotels. Small hotels don’t necessarily cost any more and in some cases they cost less.

San Francisco — a museum-goer’s paradise

San Francisco — a museum-goer’s paradise

Whether your kids are science geeks, future engineers or artists, or you just want them to have a unique experience, San Francisco’s two-dozen museums deliver. The California Museum of Sciences — one of the city’s top tourist draws since its move to Golden Gate Park — is the only place in the world to combine a natural history museum, aquarium and planetarium in one building. It’s the greenest museum in the world.

Memories of a sailing trip in the Caribbean

Memories of a sailing trip in the Caribbean

Everything changed that trip in one fell swoop. My kids—aged 21, 19 and 14 at the time—decided after years of following us on vacation, it was time for them to lead mom and dad on an adventure, they said (though they expected us to pay for the privilege, of course)

Attention young moms — vacations get better as the kids get older!

Attention young moms — vacations get better as the kids get older!

Happy Mother’s Day! I’ve been on those “I can’t believe we’re spending so much money for such a non-vacation” trips with my three kids more times than I want to remember. Here’s the good news for all of you young moms: Vacations get easier as the kids get older and more self sufficient

A backyard vacation at a unique resort in Northwest Connecticut

A backyard vacation at a unique resort in Northwest Connecticut

Talk about a unique family getaway — yes, while this is primarily for adults and couples there are family weekends with a litany of kids’ activities — pony rides nearby, a bonfire with s’mores, croquet on the lawn, biking and hikes, fishing in the pond… you can even sleep in a helicopter!

On a Safe and Green Trip to Mexico’s Riviera Maya

On a Safe and Green Trip to Mexico’s Riviera Maya

Locals and tourists scoff at the notion that they might not be safe here or along the Riviera Maya (www.rivieramaya.com), which stretches south of Cancun to Tulum. “Mexico is a big country and the violence is so far away from here,” explains cab driver Fernando Morales, who has lived in this area all his life. “Once people get here, they relax.”

Tripping through California with grown children leading the way

Tripping through California with grown children leading the way

Reg and Dan set the itinerary and the pace, while we picked up the tab. It’s nice for a change not to be in charge and to be able to let grown children lead the way, catching up with them about their lives when we’re not distracted by extended family gathered for a big event or holiday. It’s also nice to be able to just focus on one child at a time too