How many kids do you have?

Three.

Where have you vacationed with your kids?

We road-tripped with an eight-year-old, six-year-old and seven-week-old in June 2020, in the midst of COVID-19. We targeted mountain towns with outdoor summer camps still open during COVID. My older two rode mountain bikes for almost seven hours a day in both Colorado and Wyoming. Turns out, mountain biking camp and hiking are two of the most COVID-friendly activities for kids.

What’s been the family’s favorite destination so far?

We loved Park City, our third stop on the road trip.  

The Road Trip Details:

• Los Angeles, California to Las Vegas, Nevada (June 2020)
• Zion National Park, Utah
• Park City, Utah
• Aspen, Colorado
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Denver, Colorado (and a 16-hour day to the next city!)
• Chicago, Illinois
• Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Asheville, North Carolina
• Charleston, South Carolina (October–December 2020)
• Maui, Hawaii (first flight in December 2020)
• Kauai, Hawaii (January–March 2021)
• Kauai, Hawaii to Los Angeles, California (April 2021)

Any vacation activities your kids have particularly enjoyed?

In general, they love a good hotel pool and independence. Ideally, a hotel that is safe and intimate enough to allow the kids to walk around without helicopter parenting. I’m not saying walk to the beach, but walk from our room to the kids camp in the morning.

What types of accommodations do you prefer and why?

Beach, though COVID definitely opened my eyes to road-tripping the U.S. We hit Urban Canvas in Zion and had a blast. Never thought I would “glamp” with an eight-week-old, but it was pretty special!

Do you use any type of child care while on vacation?

I’m the queen of finding someone local. Pro tip: call the fanciest hotel in town and ask them for two to three local sitters. I also get to know the locals well, and recruit the ice cream shop employee or the barista in town. ;)

Any advice for keeping fussy eaters fed when you’re away from home?

I am not the type of person who creates two or three different meal options, so my kids eat what we eat, or they don’t eat much. Tough love, but I want them to get creative with food and not just eat the same two meals.

Any special tips and tricks you can share?

I am the queen of renting our house when we are planning an extended trip. I have a rotation of “rental” linens and towels, and I have packing up the house down to a science (if anyone needs tips). This helps justify my guilt-free travel. If you haven’t rented your place, and there is demand, DO IT. Disconnect from the emotion and let your home subsidize your travel!