Katie Anderson

As a single mom of three young kids (ages 5, 3, and 1) I longed to give my children the “Disney experience” before they aged out, as many parents do. I took my three children solo over a period of five days. Disney is a destination that can be done quickly (1 park) or slowly (multiple parks) depending on how much time you have. I chose to do two parks on this trip—Magic Kingdom and Epcot, with a pool day to relax at the end. It was a lot of work, but pure joy for the kids, and a huge success! This trip report will focus on tips to set you up for a successful Disney trip with young children.

Having just returned from a bucket-list cruise to Alaska with Celebrity, this was the trip of a lifetime! Breathtaking scenery, incredible food, and shipboard entertainment will leave you very satisfied. I took my son on an itinerary roundtrip from Vancouver, visiting Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Alaska by water is spectacular—and a must-do! Having not been on a cruise since I was a child, the first few days were a little overwhelming, so this trip report will also provide tips for cruising newbies.

A beautiful beachfront property in Curacao, perfect for all ages! I had the pleasure of staying at Avila Beach Hotel with my children during Spring Break and we enjoyed every minute. Why come on a cruise when you can stay for a week? Avila is a beautiful, hot, oceanfront resort with opportunities to snorkel on site. It has two onsite restaurants and bars, a pool and a gift shop.

Having moved to the west from the midwest, I've become very fond of New Mexico over the years. I feel that it is often looked over for some of the surrounding states, but there are so many unique destinations within New Mexico. Taos in particular, offering incredible cuisine, relaxation, artistic charm, close access to hot springs and nearby activities for a perfect getaway. In this trip report, I stayed at El Monte Sagrado Resort and Spa, which offers luxury accommodations in the heart of Taos, New Mexico.

As a mom of two, soon to-be three small children, I live by the phrase "they might slow me down, but they won't stop me." I had always wanted to become a mom, but at the same time knew that no matter what, I did not want to give up my passion for seeing the world and having those international adventures. This guide is designed to give you inspiration to travel internationally with young kids even when it might seem intimidating. Below are my top travel tips for adventuring with young children.

Banff is a fantastic location, a photographer's dream, with it's gleaming turquoise water and mountain backdrop. I took a solo trip to Banff for my birthday in August and absolutely fell in love with the beauty of this destination. It just had that calming feeling of being somewhere so beautiful that makes you take a step back and really appreciate life, our beautiful planet, and feel a sense of peace. You could travel to Banff to simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery or engage in more active adventures such as hikes, horseback rides, or a canoe tour.

May is a wonderful time to visit Colorado because it’s warmer, but not uncomfortably warm. The roads are typically clear, and the options are endless. For this trip report, my focus is on the western side of the state because I think May is an ideal time to visit some of these spots. As a Colorado local, I have explored this beautiful state up and down and can offer insider tips on just about anywhere you would like to visit. This trip is perfect for solos, couples or families.

Austria is a wonderful destination that could be implemented year-round, but having just returned from a visit during the holiday season, I think it could be even more special for a trip planned to see the Christkindl markets for all your holiday goodies. Austria is a beautiful country with gorgeous architecture, castles and scenery. On this 10-day trip, I visited Vienna, Salzburg and Hallstatt and all were wonderful, easy to navigate, with tons of activities.

March is a wonderful time to travel for more reasons than one. The kids are on spring break, hurricane season is over and you just want to warm up and escape those post-winter blues. The options are endless, but I’ve narrowed it down to my top eight picks for the best places to travel in March. Through this list I will provide insider tips that'll help you curate the perfect itinerary to turn your travel dreams into a reality!

For me Phuket, Thailand was a bucket list destination and one of my most memorable travel adventures to date. With relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, it was everything I hoped it would be and more. An elephant lover's dream, tropical paradise and culinary heaven, Phuket has tours and activities suitable for any type of traveler. To take advantage of Phuket’s dry season, your best bet would a November to April itinerary.

Belgium is a destination that really took me by surprise! I didn’t expect to love it, but I absolutely loved everything about it. From the beautiful architecture, the exclusive chocolate boutiques, waffles and beer, Belgium has so much to offer. The gorgeous Grand Place in Brussels is truly captivating, and I loved getting lost in the historic neighborhoods and alleys nearby. The waffles were incredibly satisfying and I couldn't get enough of them. With short stays in Brussels, Antwerp and Bruges, you will experience a good taste of all Belgium has to offer. Belgium is a fabulous destination for foodies and an absolutely wonderful place to spend a week. I cannot say enough good things about it and I can’t wait to return again!

Cozumel is a fantastic option for an international, but still close, long-weekend type of getaway. It's great for couples, families or multi-generational travelers as it's not too long of a flight and direct from some U.S. cities. Cozumel is known for having world-renowned diving, fabulous snorkeling, beautiful beaches and an array of sea creatures for the kids, such as sea turtles, dolphins and stingrays. Cozumel is a trip that could be taken year round, but for ideal weather and the lowest chance of rain, you may consider a March to May itinerary.

An easy, direct flight from many U.S. cities, Maui is a true paradise to relax for any length of time. Beautiful views, amazing beaches, and an array of activities make this an ideal spot for solo travelers, couples, or families.  You could travel to Maui to simply relax and do absolutely nothing or you could partake in an array of fun adventure activities.

Budapest is a beautiful city situated along the Danube River. Budapest is a city that could easily be combined with a longer European itinerary and is known for thermal baths, beautiful architecture and Hungarian cuisine. I traveled to Budapest with my family in between a longer European itinerary and felt that four days was a good amount of time to see the sights and enjoy!

Looking to getaway with the girls, but not sure where? Puerto Rico is a fantastic option! First, you don't need to worry about who has passports and who doesn't, it's part of the U.S and all are welcome. Second, it's a quick, easy to get to, often direct flight from many major U.S. cities. Third, tropical vibes and beautiful beaches!

Madeira is a true beauty, often known as the "Hawaii of Europe." From black sand beaches to mountain hikes above the clouds to swimming in the natural pools at Porto Moniz, it's a bucket list destination with an activity for every type of traveler.  Madeira is unique in the fact that almost everything is uphill.  They often joke that the only flat spot in Madeira is the airport.  While we did rent a car, Madeira is absolutely doable without a car.  In fact, I would highly recommend utilizing the taxis, Ubers, and tour pick-ups unless you are very comfortable with a manual vehicle.  Madeira is a stunning island and absolutely one of my favorite destinations!

Having lived in Utah for a year myself, I've had the chance to explore this beautiful state and scope out some of the best spots! This is a 7-day adventure itinerary taking you through several of the national parks, perfect for a couples or a family road trip. This itinerary would be best implemented during late-Spring to early-Fall.

An incredibly unique country known for iconic cherry blossoms, impeccable cuisine (400+ Michelin star restaurants), fantastic hiking for all levels, remarkable skiing, a shopping paradise and 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there is something for every type of traveler! I took a solo trip to Japan in September and it is one of my absolute favorite destinations in the world. As a first timer, a trip to Japan can seem a bit intimidating, but I urge you to go. You will leave Japan eager to return again!

While traveling internationally adds that extra layer of excitement, sometimes with small children, it's not always feasible. If you are looking for a quick, easy to get to, domestic getaway, Hilton Head Island is a fantastic option. During the pandemic, we took a trip here and I absolutely loved it! You can get your fresh seafood fix, relax by the beach or the pool and engage in an array of activities perfect for the whole family!

As a lifelong ski lover, who moved to Colorado from Michigan in search of better skiing, I want to share my top picks for some incredible all-inclusive ski packages. I’ve included a couple options in the Northern Hemisphere, in addition to one in the Southern Hemisphere. These are some incredible all-inclusive ski resort packages for a truly unforgettable ski vacation!

If you’re looking for an incredible place to warm up, a convenient international location to travel with kids or a wonderful cultural experience, look no further than Panama! Having just returned from a family adventure to Panama with my 2-year-old and 4-year-old, I have nothing but positive feedback and can offer guidance for solo travelers, couples, families or groups. Panama offers amazing wildlife experiences such as monkey and sloth tours. The historical sites include the Panama Canal and the Panama Canal Museum. There is also delicious Panamanian cuisine and warm weather for those who simply want to relax and enjoy!

Hanoi and the surrounding sites of Northern Vietnam are truly unique and offer such an incredible cultural experience. When I first arrived at my hotel in Hanoi, I remember being somewhat awestuck watching the motorbikes zip by and wondering how in the world I was going to make it across the street in one piece. After spending several days exploring Northern Vietnam I came to love everything about this one-of-a-kind destination from the food, the culture, the beauty and the experience!

Having visited New York City in December, I felt that it was absolutely gorgeous, full of Christmas cheer, with many festive activities to put you in the holiday spirit. As a once-in-a-lifetime kind of adventurer, I was crazy enough to stand outside for half a day with my family waiting for the ball to drop on New Year's Eve in Times Square. Would I do it again? Probably not, but it was a truly spectacular once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. Visiting New York City in December is extra special and full of exciting activities for everyone!

Skiing was one of the biggest reasons I moved to Colorado! As a Michigan native, I was in search of better skiing! As a Colorado local, the options are truly endless as there is literally something amazing in every direction you go. This guide is designed to provide you with the finest accommodations near some of the top Colorado ski resorts for the ultimate ski vacation! As a lifelong skier, I’ve been to most of these ski resorts and I’m here to help you design the perfect ski trip!

Paris is a dream destination for so many! Fashion forward, historical sites, arts and culture, the iconic Eiffel Tower and loads of Michelin star restaurants, it's a wonderful city to get lost in. Paris is a destination that you could travel year round and never run out of things to do. With cute corner cafes, iconic museums and shopping galore, the options are endless. I took a solo trip to Paris in February and loved exploring my way around The City of Light.

Having lived in Colorado for the last 12 years, I've explored this beautiful state up and down and want to share a few of my absolute favorite spots for an unforgettable Colorado getaway! This 7 day Colorado itinerary would be ideal for a late spring, summer, or fall trip and encompasses some of the best hidden gems this state has to offer!

Belize was one of my first international trips as a child with my own parents and the beginning of my itch to see the world! A relatively quick flight from many U.S. cities, Belize offers a combination of jungle wildlife, adventure activities, beautiful beaches and phenomenal diving (my favorite dive so far). Best to visit Belize during their dry season, which ranges from late-November to mid-April.

London and Dublin are two cities that can very easily be combined by train and a ferry ride; alternatively, you could fly, but I chose the former because I wanted to experience the scenic route. England and Ireland were the 2nd and 3rd countries that I visited as a single solo female traveler and a great place to start if you have the itch to go. Both are easy to navigate, safe and without a language barrier. I took this trip during mid-March to experience St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, but you could implement this guide from spring to fall.

Costa Rica is the very first country that I have traveled to solo, so it holds a special place in my heart. It was my first brave adventure! As a single solo female, I felt completely safe. There are so many wonderful activities for solo travelers, couples and families. It's easily accessible from many U.S. cities (Liberia or San Jose) and a fabulous option for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. For Costa Rica's dry season, it's best to visit from December to late April.

For those who love the beach and also love Europe, Croatia is the perfect combination. It's one of those destinations that I was truly sad to leave. Croatia is a wonderful country that offers a little bit of everything from adventure activities, to rest and relaxation, to natural beauty, history and delicious cuisine. I fell in love with Croatia and absolutely can't wait to go back again!

Italy is a bucket-list destination for so many; the beauty, the food and the history make this country an incredible option for couples, solo travelers, and families. In 10 days, you can get a good taste of Italy, but it's absolutely a place that will leave you eager to return for more. For the best weather, you should consider a March through November itinerary. I took a solo trip to Italy in early September and fell in love with this beautiful country.

Singapore is a fantastic gateway destination to a longer Southeast Asia itinerary. Hop on a direct flight from LAX and spend three days exploring Singapore before continuing on to Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam or the Maldives, to name a few. It's a very energetic city with tons of activities, a beautiful skyline, and a foodie's dream. I traveled to Singapore solo and felt completely safe!

Amsterdam is a city with endless options as far as things to do. With pretty canal views, historical sites, and loads of museums, it's a city you don't want to miss. Amsterdam is a fabulous transition into a longer European adventure. With direct flights from many U.S. cities, you could add it to the beginning or end of many itineraries. I chose to combine Amsterdam with a trip to Belgium, as you can take a very quick two-hour train between Amsterdam and Brussels.

Beautiful coastline views, delicious food and gorgeous scenery, British Columbia is a wonderful getaway. With peaceful nature escapes, laid-back coastal vibes and the hustle and bustle of city life, it's like the perfect combination! This itinerary is a combination of Vancouver and Victoria, BC highlights in just five days. I traveled to Vancouver and Victoria in August and loved it, but this itinerary could be implemented from March to November.

When I told my friends I was planning a solo trip to Cartagena, Colombia, they looked at me like I was out of my mind, but I wasn't worried and you shouldn't be either. With an itch to go international and somewhere warmer, Cartagena was the perfect option for a long weekend solo getaway. A fairly easy to get to destination, full of vibrant colors, welcoming people, and incredible food, I had a wonderful time exploring on my own. I was thrilled I took the leap with this one and I promise you won't regret it!

You may have never heard of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, but I promise this is absolutely a bucketlist-worthy addition. Hands down, one of the top five coolest experiences of my life, was taking off in a hot air balloon during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta mass ascension, the largest ballooning event on earth. As someone who is absolutely terrified of heights, I can tell you that this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience that you just need to do and will be so thrilled you did it! The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta occurs annually at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the first two weeks in October. If you want to ride in a hot air balloon, you should absolutely plan for this!