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Hi, my name is Ben, and I’ve been traveling to Disney Parks and Resorts my entire life. I’m the oldest of four and now have two daughters of my own. I’m an independent travel advisor affiliated with Coasters and Castles Travel, and I specialize in theme park vacations. Over the years, I’ve planned Disney trips for families of all sizes and ages, and I’ve personally traveled to Disney with children ranging from newborns to early teens. I truly believe anyone from age 0 to 99 c

Thinking about a European getaway? As a travel specialist, it remains my absolute favorite corner of the world. But as we discussed in [Part 1: The Reality of Crowds and Culture], it’s not always postcards and perfect sunsets. In this second installment of our five-part series, we’re looking at the heartbeat of the continent: The Major Cities. The Pros: Why We Love the Great Metros When you touch down in hubs like London, Paris, Madrid, or Berlin, you are stepping into a conc

If you’ve ever dreamed of drifting past medieval castles, vineyard-covered hillsides, and storybook towns—all without the stress of constant packing and repacking—then a European river cruise  is your perfect match. For first-timers, river cruising isn't just a vacation; it’s a "backstage pass" to the heart of Europe. It blends the luxury of a boutique hotel with the adventure of a multi-city tour. Here is everything you need to know about why your first river cruise will lik

Eiffel Tower, Paris As a European travel specialist, I'll be the first to tell you: it’s my favorite place on Earth. But like any great destination, it isn't perfect. To help you plan your dream trip, I’m launching a 5-part series on the "Real Europe." Timing is Everything High Season (Summer):  Gorgeous weather, but expect peak prices and the biggest crowds. Low Season (Winter):  Cold and shorter days, but significantly cheaper—and nothing beats a German Christmas market! Sh

We just returned from an incredible Thanksgiving getaway to Hotel Xcaret Mexico, and it’s officially one of our all-time favorite vacations. Finding a destination for a 12 and 15-year-old can be a challenge, but Xcaret’s "All-Fun Inclusive" concept made it effortless. We spent 6 days exploring, and honestly, we could have stayed even longer! The Experience The resort is a tropical masterpiece woven into the natural landscape, featuring turquoise rivers, white-sand coves, and

I'm going to explain why these packages are about more than just consumption but true, carefree relaxation.

Let’s be real. When you book a trip to Florida or the Caribbean in the winter, you’re picturing one thing: scorching sun, piña coladas, and sweating by the pool. You are probably packing five swimsuits, three pairs of flip-flops, and zero long sleeves. That is a rookie mistake. You'll end up in the gift shop spending $80 per sweatshirt for every member of your family! While your friends back home are shoveling snow, you will  have beautiful, warm days. But here is the catch:

Our family loves Halloween and Disney, so combining the two was a dream come true! We recently attended Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, and we’re sharing everything we did, learned, loved, and didn’t love. Plus some helpful tips for planning your visit.   What Is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is a special, separately ticketed event held at the Magic Kingdom on select nights dur

Everyone wants to know: Is Disney Cruise Line worth the premium price, or does Royal Caribbean offer better overall value and adventure?  You've seen the gorgeous ships, but how do they compare where it really counts: the included food, the staterooms, private islands ? I've compared these two cruise giants across 6 essential categories to show you in my opinion, who does it better. Ultimately, that should help you choose which line offers the best investment for your  vaca

There’s a quiet kind of heartbreak that comes with watching a beloved attraction close at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. For me, it...

This summer, my wife Julie and I set out on a road trip from Oregon to South Dakota and back. Julie especially loves caves, and while I...

As the holiday season rolls around, families are faced with the age-old question: Should we stick to our traditional holiday customs, or...

This summer my wife Julie and I took a road trip from Oregon to South Dakota and back.  Our destination was the Black Hills.  This is the...

Our family checked an Alaskan Cruise off our Bucket List this summer!  We sailed this July on the Serenade of the Seas with Royal...

Palm Springs, once the exclusive playground of Hollywood's elite in the 1940s and 50s, has transformed into a vibrant desert getaway accessible to all, no matter the season.

Is traveling alone to Walt Disney World really a good idea? I was nervous too, but here's what I discovered.

Dreaming of your next getaway but feeling overwhelmed by endless tabs, conflicting reviews, and the sheer volume of travel information...

Universal's Epic Universe is here, promising unforgettable experiences unlike anything you've seen before! But with a brand-new park...

Ever wondered about the magic behind the magic, and what truly sets Disneyland apart from Walt Disney World? While both offer incredible...

It took my breath away to be able to enter not only a brand new park, but a brand new era in theme park ride development and technology.