Welcome to Our Travel Blog!
Feb 6, 2010
By Lisa T. Bergren, 2007; updated 2/6/10
Our entry into Venezia was less than auspicious. Our GPS wasn’t programmed right, so we weren’t sure we were heading the right way (signs were surprisingly unhelpful!); it was pouring rain, and we were almost out of time to get the rental cars turned in and our keys for the apartment in time. STRESS! Continue reading
Tags: Grand Canal, Italy, Rialto, San Marco, travel with children, travel with kids, Venezia, Venice
Feb 3, 2010
3 Generations Tour Tuscany
Siena, Florence, San Galgano and ChiantiBy Lisa T. Bergren, 2007, updated 1/31/10
We did a March 2007 trip with two grandparents (in their 60s), two parents (in their 40s) and three kids (ages 11. 8 and 4). Our first leg of the trip was in Rome, and our third was Venice, but Tuscany, as always it seems, stole our hearts.
Day 1:
We drove up from Rome (about 2 hours from the airport) on Saturday afternoon and had to get groceries before reaching our agriturismo, the incredible Odina, where we shared the luxurious, roomy, fabulous Redento villa, complete with full kitchen and wood-burning pizza oven (see pizza oven tips below). Continue reading
Jan 31, 2010
3 Days in Rome
Three generations travel togetherBy Lisa T. Bergren 2007, updated 1/30/10
Our March 2007 trip included grandparents (in their 60s), parents (in their 40s) and three kids (ages 11, 8 and 4). We traveled to Rome-Tuscany-Venice over 12 days. Continue reading
In Italy, Trip Reports
Tags: children, Colosseum, engage the kids, family travel, Italy, kids, Palantine Hill, Rome, scavenger hunt, St. Peter, Vatican City
Jan 29, 2010
First Aid for Travelers
Staying Well on the RoadCompiled by Lisa T. Bergren
First aid kits can vary widely. We’ve traveled with bare essentials like a few Band-Aids and Tylenol and Advil, and with full kits. One of our friends consulted a local street-side pharmacy in Italy when she had some sort of eye infection, and they gave her anti-biotic eye drops across the counter. They burned—but they cleared up her issue! From what we hear, this is pretty common in some countries—pharmacists who not only diagnose, but deliver too. Continue reading
Jan 26, 2010
Entertainment En Route
Passing the Time with Kids on the RoadBy Lisa T. Bergren
• Do NOT pre-board with your young children. Send one adult ahead to settle all the stuff in and leave the other adult to keep them running until closer to take-off time. Don’t wander too far, however! Continue reading
Jan 25, 2010
General Packing Tips
Taking the "Lug" out of Luggage...By Lisa T. Bergren
General Tips
• Invest in the plastic airless envelopes that you pack, roll, and squeeze out the air. You’ll get twice as much in.
• Leave 1/3 of your suitcase space for the return home. Between treasures and expanding clothes, you’re bound to need the room and/or pack a smaller duffel bag inside the larger bag.
• Pack laundry detergent in small baggies. Many countries use front loading washers, which do best with low-suds detergent. You can also use this for sink washing. Continue reading
Jan 24, 2010
Bend, Oregon
Taking the Family "Around the Bend"Guest post by Mona Weir Daly, 2009
Our family has lived in Bend, Oregon for over a year now and we love the decision to move here.
My husband and I have two children 8 and 6 years old. We felt it was a great place to raise kids and have all our friends and family come and visit. Continue reading
In Oregon, Trip Reports
Tags: Bend, Cascades, children, Mt. Bachelor, Oregon, Sisters
Jan 23, 2010
Palm Springs, California
The Desert for FamiliesGuest post by Mona Weir Daly, 2008
Palm Springs was a relaxing and warm getaway for our family of four. We were tired of the cold in Central Oregon and wanted to warm up somewhere exotic. After looking into Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean, we decided that we needed somewhere closer home to fit into our budget. So we decided on Palm Springs for 5 days. Continue reading
In California, Trip Reports, USA
Tags: California, children, desert, Palm Springs, pool
Jan 20, 2010
Stonehenge, Bath & Windsor
London Spring Break 3/3By Lisa T. Bergren, 2009
They told me I shouldn’t do it. Too much, for one day. And I agree—it was a lot. I wouldn’t do it again. But to get a handle on three iconic locations outside of London (Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor) was fabulous. Continue reading
In London, Trip Reports
Tags: Bath, International Friends, London, private tour, Stonehenge, Windsor
Jan 18, 2010
Early Summer in Nevis, West Indies
Authentic CaribbeanBy Lisa T. Bergren, 6/08; updated 1/09
As soon as school ended, we packed up our kids, (ages 13, 9 and 5) and went to Nevis, an island in the West Indies. If you’re like most people I meet, you’re blinking twice and muttering, “Nevis? Where’s that?” Continue reading
