Judy Koutsky
![chicago bean tourists; Courtesy of Steve Bramall/Shutterstock](https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2019/11/chicago-bean-family-tourists-480x360.jpg.webp)
What Are the Best Places to Take Kids on Vacation?
There’s no shortage of destinations that cater to families, but certain places go beyond expectations. From walking amongst the skyscrapers in Chicago to swimming with…
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12 Best Travel Books for Tweens
Tween travel books are any books that inspire pre-teens to travel, be it a guidebook, a work of fiction or trivia. Author Veera Hiranandani often…
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How Much Screen Time Should You Let Your Kids Have on Vacation?
Screen time on vacation is a hot topic amongst parents. As much as I love the idea of no screen time, I also know my…
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7 Ways to Avoid Getting Sick Before (and During) Your Next Vacation
What’s worse than losing your luggage? Getting sick just before (or during) your long-awaited vacation. Follow these steps to ensure no one has to hang…
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10 Ridiculously Cheap Summer Family Vacations for 2020
Many of us assume summer is the most expensive time to travel, especially since the kids are out of school. But there are plenty of…
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8 Surprising Things You Can Get for Free at Your Hotel (and 8 Things You Can’t Forget to Bring)
The less you can pack, the better, so knowing ahead of time that a hotel offers free amenities means less pre-trip planning (and more room…
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9 Packing Mistakes You’re Probably Making
When it comes to family vacations, so many things are out of our control. But if there’s one thing we can control, it’s packing correctly. Here,…
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5 Easy Ways to Make Time for Exercise on Family Vacations
It’s not easy to stay fit while on vacation—especially when the buffet and all-you-can-eat ice cream bar are calling. But there are ways to stay…
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10 Best International Family Vacations for 2020
Want to venture somewhere new—perhaps outside of the U.S.—in 2020? We know kids like active adventures like ziplining and kayaking (think Belize), but we also…
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13 Healthy Road Trip Snacks Your Kids Will Actually Enjoy
Most kids want to eat junk, junk and more junk—especially on vacation. Trying to get them to eat healthy snacks—let alone something they enjoy and…
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2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Big Kids (Ages 7 to 9)
Looking for the perfect gift for the 7-, 8-, or 9-year-old in your life? Here, a mix of travel-inspired gadgets, educational toys, fitness trackers (which…
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6 Action-Packed Vacations for Kids Who Can’t Sit Still
While there are plenty of resorts out there, there are definitely those that appeal to kids who like to pack in A LOT of action…
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How to Travel with Only a Carry-On Bag
With airlines continually increasing checked baggage fees, a family of four is now spending over $100 if each person checks a suitcase. The quickest way…
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12 Bucket List Animal Encounters Your Kids Will Never Forget
Whether it’s horseback riding in Colorado or checking out the sea turtles in Nevis, here are 12 animal encounters your kids (and you) will never…
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16 Best All-Inclusive Mexico Resorts With Water Parks
Mexico offers several all inclusive resorts with water parks. Plus, direct flights from most major U.S. hubs means it’s an easy destination to reach! So,…
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8 All Inclusive Family Resorts With the Best Food
It used to be that all inclusive resorts meant big vats of food, not always healthy and not always fresh. But that’s changed. Check out…
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How Traveling During Postpartum Depression Brought Me Back to Myself — and My Family
One mom shares her postpartum depression story and how travel (with and without kids) was and will always be the answer.
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8 Ways You Can Actually Relax on Your Next Family Vacation
Since I love to experience new things and because I have high-energy boys, we tend to pack in a lot on our family vacations. But…
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How to Survive (and Actually Enjoy) a Family Vacation With Your In-Laws
Let’s face it — even if you have the best relationship with your in-laws, seeing them for a Sunday BBQ and spending a week’s vacation…
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One on One Trips With Kids
It’s not always easy finding the time (or money) to take each child on a solo trip, but the end result makes it worthwhile. Consider…
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Carnival Breeze
My boys are at that age, 5 and 7, where they need to be entertained all the time. There’s no sitting and resting for this…
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