Animal Encounters

Atlanta is home to the Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest, with over 10 million gallons of water and over 100,000 fish.  It houses Ocean Voyager, the world’s largest aquatic habitat which features a 100-foot long tunnel.  It allows visitors to feel immersed into an underwater environment with sea creatures on three sides. 4 whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, as well as various other sharks, rays, and fish from 3 different oceans call this tunnel tank home. Other exhibits featuring albino alligators, penguins, sea turtles, dolphins, and a wide variety of tropical fish are also not to be missed.

After experiencing life under the sea, check out wildlife that lives on land at Zoo Atlanta. Young children love this zoo because not only does it house a nice collection of animals, but it also has a train ride, carousel, petting zoo, and playground.  The zoo is home to 1,000 animals including the second-largest gorilla population in North America as well as the endangered and beloved Giant Pandas. Read More >

New Orleans may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a family vacation. After all, the city does play host to the nightly debauchery that takes place on Bourbon Street. But Bourbon Street is a tiny piece of what New Orleans is truly about. Hurricane Katrina did batter the city almost 7 years ago but the city is rebuilding itself into an even better version of the Big Easy. If you spend a few days eating, dancing, and exploring this unique city with your family it will be impossible not to fall in love with Nawlins.

Beignets and Fishes

Start off your mornings at Café du Monde in New Orleans’ French Market. Mom and dad will love the tasty pick me up of a café au lait and kids will love getting powdered sugar beards while scarfing down beignets. Be sure to take time to walk through the market and browse for bargains as well as Mardi Gras beads in every theme imaginable. Read More >

The sun is always shining in Arizona. Well, at least 300 days a year it is. The state has long been a favorite destination for snow birds looking to escape the chill of their hometowns but it is also a great place for families to visit as well. Thinking about a trip to “The Grand Canyon State” with your kids but not sure what to do? Here are five great activities to get your vacation plans started.

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Winter is the time of year when families tend to focus their vacations on either embracing the snowy weather by heading up to a ski resort or escaping the winter chill with a tropical beach vacation.

While these trips certainly result in some family fun, I think that big cities, which are often overlooked in the winter months, offer some terrific vacation opportunities as well. Hotel rates are often lower during the winter months, and cities offer all sorts of seasonal fun.

Bundle up in your pea coat, mittens, and that brand new scarf you got for Christmas and enjoy what three of my favorite cities – San Francisco, Chicago and New York City – have to offer this winter!

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