Catherine Parker

If your kids want to go camping, then you need this list. After camping with kids for over 15 years, I’m here to say, make it easy for Mom. When planning your camping trip, keep it within your comfort level. If you need hot water, air conditioning and flushing toilets, you can find those at a developed campground. If you want fun things like chandeliers and billowy down bedding, then consider glamping. Here is a packing list for camping trips and other top tips for camping with kids.
How to C...

From its spooky autumn light to the fog that rolls in, New Orleans exudes and relishes its spookiest during the fall. Its Halloween celebrations are legendary, and everyone is in costume. From its numerous ghost tours, based on history, to its historic cemeteries to its haunted hotels, find a few of the most haunted New Orleans sites on your next trip.
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Walk through Jackson Square
Fabulously Fun: 11 Top Things to Do in The French Quarter New Orleans
See St. Louis Cathedral
Ta...

You are making good time on a drive day, and you don’t want to hassle and expense of setting up camp for a quick overnight. You can Boondock, or camp for free.. Once a secret among the caravaners and hippy kids, camping on the cheap has gone mainstream. Originally, free camping out in the boondocks offered a leave-no-trace option.. Now, suburban parking lots across the U.S. are convenient stops for those car camping and RV’s. After boondocking for years, here are all the top tips for boondock...

Enjoy Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival this year with a day of sampling culinary treats from around the world. Walk Epcot’s World Showcase and sample tasty treats and beverages from the festival kiosks. A popular annual festival, see what’s new at Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival for 2025.
This year’s International Food and Wine Festival runs from Thursday, August 28 to Saturday, November 22, 2025.
How to Spend a Day at Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival
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A trip to New York City is a bucket list trip. With attractions, museums, boat rides, and playgrounds, NYC is more than Midtown Manhattan. As one of the top destinations for families in the U.S., visitors will find lots to do in Lower Manhattan, too. If it’s your first visit, start with a trip to see the Statue of Liberty and then visit the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Afterward, branch out and see New York City from above and from the water. Here are the top things to do in Lower Manha...

Just like that, September arrives, and it feels different. The crisp days call out for a hike through the woods, followed by a glass of cider. Or a romp through an apple orchard, followed by a picnic in a flannel. From A to Z, travelers will find trees ablaze, pumpkin patches, and more at destinations across the U.S. Grab a flannel for a fall getaway for your definition of fall fun, from outdoor activities to indoor relaxation by the fireplace. Here are the top fall destinations across the U....

Settled in 1831, the town of less than 1,000 people attracts more than 2 million visitors a year. Named after the Potawatomi Chief, it is home to a large population of Amish and Mennonites, the third largest population in the U.S. Located in LaGrange County, Indiana, visitors will see horse-drawn buggies riding down the road, can sample Amish favorites and shop for Amish-made goods. Here are the top things to do in Shipshewana.
21 Wholesome Things to Do in Shipshewana Indiana
Stop by the Ship...

The Isle of Orleans is a charming day trip, located less than 10 miles from Quebec City. From the Montmorency Falls to the Pont de L’Ille d’Orleans to a winery, visitors can explore the French-inspired countryside. Also known as the L’Ile d’Orleans, it is a perfect escape for foodies and waterfall hunters. Here are the Things to Do Isle of Orleans, Quebec
Is The Isle of Orleans Quebec Worth Visiting?
A few miles outside of Old Quebec City, the Isle of Orleans, or l‘Ile d’Orleans, feels like t...

Fall is an excellent time to enjoy the U.S. National Parks. As early as Labor Day weekend, the leaves start to change brilliant shades, from fiery reds to pumpkin oranges to sunburst yellows. Visitors can see maples, aspens and oaks in color from September until November. Best of all, as the temperatures cool and crowds go home. So reserve a cozy lodge or a scenic campsite and make it a long weekend, perfect for sweaters and s’mores. Here are the Best National Parks for Fall Color.
Should You...

As one of the top destinations in the U.S., New York City exudes nonstop energy and is a must-do for teens. In a city that never slows down, travel lessons abound, like navigating public transportation. Pack some comfy walking shoes since NYC offers urban trekking at its finest. I lived in NYC for two years, though I didn’t introduce my kids to the metropolis until they could walk all day without whining. Find everything from Top museums to parks and shopping to snacking. New York City offers...

Between its mountain tops, coastline and majestic forests, Oregon beckons travelers to meander and explore. The Columbia River carves a northern border with Washington and boasts waterfalls and watersports. In the Cascade Mountains and its volcanic past, visitors can see snow-covered mountaintops and then go underground to explore caves. The National Parks of Oregon also tell the story of the region’s people. Here are the top National Parks in Oregon.

North America might be big, but with a plan and a little perseverance, travelers can hit the road and explore it. You might not be Lewis and Clark in their canoes or Ma and Pa Ingalls in their covered wagon. However, your car can get you most places to chart your own journey. Before setting out, road trips require preparation, snacks included. Here are the best snacks for road trips.
As a part of our culture, travelers load up and explore America. Jack Kerouac et al did it. Ford and Edison di...

On the Atlantic shore of Florida, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European establishment in the United States. Juan Ponce de Leon landed here in 1513, and it was settled by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565. The early Spanish architecture in its historic core attracts many of its visitors. From museums to history to nearby beaches, St. Augustine is a favorite destination year-round. Here are the best things to do in St. Augustine FL.
Things to Do in St. Augustine FL
Tour the...

One of the largest cities in the Canadian Maritimes is Saint John and it’s a gateway to New Brunswick. During the fall color season, it is a popular cruise port of call. With pleasant weather and a favorable exchange rate for Americans, a trip to the Canadian Maritimes offers lots of unique places to explore, like the Bay of Fundy. Saint John also experiences extreme tidal fluctuations. Here are the top things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick.
7 Top Things to Do in Saint John New Brunswick
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If the school bell is ringing, the parks are clearing out. Early fall is an excellent time to visit Yellowsone, located in the northwest corner of Wyoming. The trees begin to change color, the elk start bulging, and many of the summer services are still open. Snow has yet to close roads and passes. The air is crisp, and the animals return to the valley from their summer mountain escapes. Here are the top reasons to visit Yellowstone in September.
Should You Visit Yellowstone in September?
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