Sometimes the best trips don’t go exactly as planned. When we landed in Oakland, our original plan was to drive straight to Yosemite National Park — but a record-breaking snowstorm had other ideas. Roads were closed, the park had no electricity, and all we could do was pivot. So we pointed the car toward the […]

After a few action-packed days exploring San Francisco, we slowed things down for the most peaceful stretch of our California road trip — three nights in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. This was the midpoint between the big-city buzz up north and the theme-park energy waiting for us down south. It ended up being our favorite part […]

Seattle marked both the beginning and end of our 10-day Washington road trip. We flew into Seattle, drove straight to Mount Rainier National Park, spent several days exploring Olympic National Park, and finished our trip back in the city. Our final stop was everything we needed — a comfy stay at the Hyatt Place Seattle […]

There’s something magical about seeing Mount Rainier for the first time — that massive, snow-covered volcano rising out of the clouds doesn’t look real until you’re standing at its base. For our family’s 10-day Washington adventure, we flew into Seattle, spent a few days exploring Mount Rainier National Park, crossed the ferry to Olympic National […]

Before heading to Acadia National Park, spend a day or two soaking up the charm of Portland, Maine. This coastal city shines in fall with cobblestone streets, cozy coffee shops, and some of the best seafood in New England. From the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse to the food stalls and breweries downtown, Portland is the […]

Planning a Lake Tahoe family getaway? If you’re anything like me, you don’t have time to spend hours scrolling through Pinterest, TripAdvisor, and a dozen blogs just to figure out what’s actually worth doing with kids. That’s why I put together this Lake Tahoe itinerary for families—complete with scenic hikes, bike rides, local eats, and […]

Family vacations are where some of our best memories are made — but let’s be real, they can also drain your wallet fast. Between park tickets, guided tours, and resort add-ons, it’s easy to feel like staying home and ordering takeout is the smarter choice. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to skip the […]

Looking for a Santa Barbara family getaway with a unique twist? Combine a stay at a beachfront Hyatt, a ferry ride packed with marine wildlife, and sea cave kayaking at Channel Islands National Park for an adventure you’ll never forget. This trip was extra special because we booked most of it using points and miles […]

If you have a Chase credit card, you might be sitting on a valuable benefit that can save you hundreds of dollars through December 31, 2027. We’re talking about DoorDash perks—including free DashPass membership and monthly credits for convenience, grocery, and retail purchases. Want help choosing the best card for everyday benefits like this? I […]

An offer being reworked and a brand new credit card from our favorite bank! Chase relaunched The New Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card and introduced The New Sapphire Reserve for BusinessSM. The launch was pre-announced last week, but it’s officially live today. While the new cards come with a higher annual fee, they’ve added a ton of new […]