11 shark teeth are held in a hand. The shark teeth have varying shapes and sizes. These were found at Westmoreland State Park Fossil Beach.

Discover Shark Teeth at Westmoreland State Park Fossil Beach

If your family loves fossils or simply enjoys unique outdoor adventures, Westmoreland State Park fossil beach should be at the top of your list. Nestled along the Potomac River in Virginia, this hidden gem offers something for everyone, from scenic hiking trails to camping to the thrill of uncovering fossilized shark teeth. My kids and…

A man holds up a smiling baby in the air at a playground. There are trees in the background on a sunny day. This moment happened was possible due to multigenerational family vacations.

Mastering Multigenerational Family Vacations: 13 Tips for a Stress Free Trip

Multigenerational family vacations can be magical opportunities to bond. However, balancing the needs and preferences of a diverse group requires thoughtful preparation. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of living in or visiting 40 countries, some solo, some with friends, some with family. Now, as a mom of two young children, travel looks a…

A young boy in a striped t-shirt and barefoot stops to smell bright yellow and red flowers. This is a benefit of slow family travel, to stop and take the time to follow your child's lead.

The Magic of Slow Travel Family Trips

In our fast-paced society, the idea of slowing down can feel counterintuitive—especially when it comes to travel. With limited vacation days, it’s easy to want to create a packed itinerary for your next family vacation. I’ve been there and have often crammed way too much into a short time, making our vacations anything but relaxing….

A family plays on a rental paddle boat with a slide. It is bright yellow and is on a blue lake in front of a blue sky. This is during a trip to Lake Balaton from Budapest.

Lake Balaton from Budapest: A Kid Friendly Visit to Siófok 

Looking for an easy getaway to Lake Balaton from Budapest? A weekend at Lake Balaton offers a refreshing break from city life, and it’s a great destination for families with young kids. Known as the “Hungarian Sea,” Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake and is popular with locals for its beaches, water activities,…

A woman with long black hair holds a head of lettuce, she is sitting in front of a Christmas tree and two red stockings. The lettuce was Christmas gift as fresh produce is often very expensive in Kinshasa, Congo contributing to the high cost of living in congo.

The Shockingly High Cost of Living in Congo

For the past few months, I’ve been living in Kinshasa and have experienced the high cost of living in Congo. Our family moved to Kinshasa from the United States as part of my partner’s job and we’ve been navigating life here with curiosity, adaptability, and, to be honest, some frustration. Living overseas has given me…

A young kid in a green t shirt plays on a playset at a Kinshasa restaurant, Maison de France

The Best Family-Friendly Kinshasa Restaurant: Maison de France

If you’re traveling through Kinshasa with kids, you might find yourself asking, “Where’s the family-friendly stuff?” As an avid traveler and mom of two, I can confirm, the Kinshasa restaurant scene isn’t exactly brimming with kid-focused spots. But that’s what makes Maison de France such a gem. It’s not just the best family-friendly restaurant in…

A water scorpion floats by in a pool in Kinshasa, DRC.

Life in The Congo: Reflections on Month One

Have you ever wondered what life is like in a place so different from your upbringing that everyday excursions feel unexpected and bizarre? Living in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, is exactly that—a whirlwind of frustrations, quirks, and moments that make you confused, cry, laugh, or just want to scream. Whether you’re curious about our…

A young boy jumps on a trampoline with a space theme next two slides that have neon lighting. This is part of the play center at WePlay in Kinshasa.

Kinshasa with Kids: 3 Play Spaces From Disgusting to Delightful

Finding fun and safe play spaces for kids can be a challenge, especially in a bustling city like Kinshasa. Visiting Kinshasa with kids is a challenge as air quality is poor, there are no playgrounds, and very limited children’s activities. Since we will be living here for awhile, I set out on a mission to…

A group of kids play together in a ball pit in the Congo. There is a slide and neon sign that says WELCOME. Traveling is an important opportunity for talking to kids about race, privilege and diversity.

Talking to Kids About Race & Privilege While Traveling: A Parent’s Guide

Traveling with children is an incredible opportunity to expand their (and our) worldview, and it also comes with moments that require thoughtfully talking to kids about race and privilege. Kids are naturally curious, and their questions about people, cultures, and circumstances—especially those involving race and privilege—can feel challenging to address. As a child and family…