For a fun Disney World planning experience, check out the Disney World Celebration Planner at AAA.com/Disney. You put in your information and travel dates and select parks and hotels by dragging a Mickey balloon from the map into the Planner to calculate costs. You can also get help from a AAA Disney Celebration specialist.

We are frequently asked for information on what documentation is needed for traveling internationally with children. Although I normally make my husband fill out all the paperwork, here's some additional tips.

First, the required information: All U.S. citizens regardless of age must have their own passport if they are traveling internationally, even to Canada and Mexico.   A Passport Card can be used for auto and ship travel to Canada and Mexico from the U.S. but AAA recommends a passport in... Read More

On our first morning in our nation’s capital, I quickly figured out that there was no monument or museum that was better (to a couple of Florida kids) than a big slope of fresh snow.

The ‘Blizzard of 09’ had hit over the last couple days, dumping over 16 inches of perfect powder on Washington. Getting here had been a challenge, but they were ready to play and the traditional planned itinerary went out the window to make time for snow.

I was really glad I chose the Omni Shoreham for our... Read More

I don’t know if I have ever been so glad to hand my car keys to a hotel valet parking guy as I was a few hours ago here in Washington D.C.

The attendant at the Omni Shoreham was friendly and upbeat for a guy who had probably been stuck there since the “Blizzard of ‘09” (as the local media is calling it) started Friday night. When I began planning this road trip to D.C. from Florida a couple months ago, one of the big questions the kids (Lindsey, 14 and Dane, 9) asked hopefully was “Will there be... Read More

When making your holiday 'traveling with kids' list, put 'recheck safety seats' at the top. After that, a few new DVDs for the trip probably aren't a bad idea either. AAA and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment have collaborated on a site offering entertainment and safety education featuring Garfield, Strawberry Shortcake and Goosebumps characters. At AAA.com/SafeSeats4Kids, you'll find helpful safety seat tips plus games, downloadable coloring page and links to video discounts for AAA members.

Looking back now, I have to admit that at least initially, I was a little nervous while preparing for my family’s Disney cruise.

Don’t get me wrong, the trip itself sounded absolutely wonderful, I’d heard nothing but rave reviews from Disney Cruise veterans and we weren’t at all bothered by the idea of taking a water-based vacation. Simply put, as first-time cruisers, the only real concern my wife and I shared in getting ready for this trip was in making sure we had followed proper protocol in filling out the necessary paperwork that would ultimately allow all four of us to smoothly board the ship, when the... Read More

Though my car seat ownership days are behind me, I still have vivid memories of wrestling the things in and out of vehicles, getting wiggling, resistant children into them and wondering if that smell would ever come out. The paramount issue, of course, is safety.

This is National Child Passenger Safety Week and we have some resources to help parents properly use child safety seats and to involve children as well. At AAA.com/SafeSeats4Kids, you'll find fun games for kids featuring Garfield and Strawberry Shortcake as part of a educational effort from AAA and Twentieth... Read More

I had booked a whitewater rafting trip in North Carolina once before, only to cancel upon learning of my first child’s pending arrival status.  That child is now 14, so it took me awhile to reschedule, but now the trip would include her and her 9-year-old brother.

As a first-time rafter, I waded online through river choices, rafting jargon and companies (‘outfitters’).  Being a bit of a thrill-seeker, I wanted the most action an amateur could handle – with assistance and a reasonable assurance of safety for the kids. Not looking... Read More

The Quick Coach shuttle transported our family to Vancouver from Seattle for our Alaskan adventure aboard the Sapphire Princess.  We were joined there by my sister and her family.

The Sapphire Princess carries almost 2,700 passengers.  Although large, the dining rooms and entertainment areas are smaller and intimate.  Every day was a surprise at the breakfast and lunch buffets.  The items were different each day and the quality of the food items was extremely fresh, well prepared and presented exquisitely.  Our dining room... Read More

Myself, husband, and 2 children ages 14 and 12 had a few days in the Seattle this summer en route to Vancouver for an Alaskan cruise and we made the most of it.

A highlight, of course, was the Pike Place Market, with all types of fresh fish, organic vegetables, fruit, flowers, and restaurants.  Be sure to catch a cup of java at the original Starbucks across from the market.  For breakfast we ate at Lowell’s which had a beautiful view of the Port of Seattle.  For lunch we tried the fresh grilled halibut sandwiches and clam chowder at the Market Grill, which is in the main arcade across from... Read More