Momma Wanderlust - Curating Cultural Travels for Families

As a long-time DC resident, I know firsthand just how breathtakingly gorgeous fall is in this region each year. The leaves turn from an array of greens to exquisite shades of red, orange, and yellow. Locals and tourists alike flock to the best spots for viewing the fall foliage. The best time of year to see fall foliage in DC is in mid-to-late October. This is when the autumn hues are at their most brilliant.…

Each year, people travel from all over the world to experience the fall foliage of the Shenandoah Valley in all of its glory. There are glistening waterfalls surrounded by trees and drives down roads painted red and yellow from the falling leaves.  Shenandoah Valley is located in the western portion of Virginia and is bounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east.  No area knows how to do fall foliage quite like the Shenandoah…

Are you looking for kid-friendly things to do in Miami? This lively city is rich in culture and boasts amazing food, entertainment, and attractions. When most people think of family vacations in Florida, their minds instantly go to the theme parks, but don’t be fooled—Miami is one of the best kid-friendly travel destinations on the East Coast. Having been born and raised in Miami, I can attest that this city boasts beach-ready weather for most…

When you think of Miami, “family-friendly” may not be the first term that comes to mind. Yes, this flashy city that also happens to be my hometown, is notorious for its dazzling nightlife and luxury accommodations. However, don’t forget that Miami is also famed for its stunning beaches, great history, thriving cultural scene, and sunny weather. With world-class dining for the adults and fun-filled water parks for the kids, Miami is the ultimate family-friendly destination.…

Looking for the best family-friendly Caribbean Resorts? If you have ever planned a family vacation, then you know just how difficult it can be to find the perfect family-friendly resort for the whole family. As a travel lover and momma of two little ones, I have quite a bit of experience finding family-friendly resorts around the world. Today, I’m sharing some of the best family-friendly Caribbean resorts for you to check out for your next…

Are you planning a family vacation to the Caribbean? With so many incredible islands to choose from, it can be tough to choose the right one for your getaway. Fortunately for you, I’ve rounded up the most family-friendly Caribbean islands to help you plan an epic trip. From zip lining in Barbados to snorkeling in Jamaica, there’s something on this list for everyone. Don’t have a passport? Don’t worry! I’ve made sure to include some…

If you’re looking for a great family-friendly destination, you’ll find lots of things to do in Wilmington, Delaware. This city located just south of Philadelphia is filled with excellent museums and top-notch gardens. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a must-stop destination for your next family road trip, you will find so many fun things to do in Wilmington, Delaware! But first, getting there Wilmington is just a short drive from several popular…

If you’re looking for a list of things to do in Antarctica or on an Antarctic Cruise? Well, look no further.  You may already know that I fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine by traveling to Antarctica. The trip was just as epic, thrilling, and stunningly beautiful as I had hoped it would be. Thinking of booking a cruise to Antarctica? Whether you’ve taken the plunge and booked already or are wondering if it’s worth…

Looking for amazing photos of Antarctica? Well, I’ve got you covered.  Antarctica is a travel bucket list destination for many.  The great white continent, land of ice, home to the South Pole, and the 7th and last continent for most adventurers.  I visited Antarctica on a cruise with Quark Expeditions.  It was such a fantastic journey that ironically I – a travel journalist and woman of many words – have struggled to find the right…

Are you planning a family road trip?  As a kid, I LOVED road trips. Being on the open road, enjoying the change of scenery, seeing new places, and meeting new people excited me. But as a parent, family road trips can quickly become a nightmare if you don’t plan.  But it doesn’t have to be a horrible experience.  Here are some tips to make family road trips less stressful and more fun.  1.  Establish Expectations…

It’s time for summer!!! These months are marked by hot temps, cool treats, and no school for the kiddos.  We must plan ahead if we want everyone to have a fun and memorable summer. I like to have the kids help me to write some of these activities down on slips of paper and place them in our activity jar.  To keep things fresh, on days when we’re not sure what we want to do,…

Antarctica is utterly breathtaking, relatively untouched, and filled with opportunities for adventure. While there are many amazing ways of experiencing all this beautiful place has to offer, there is just something about floating through the Southern Ocean and having it (mostly) to yourself that feels otherworldly. As incredible an experience as it is, this is not a trip you should embark on without preparation. If kayaking in Antarctica is on your radar, keep reading to…

You just booked an epic international adventure!! Way to go!!!  Before you slip into vacay mode, you need a travel checklist!  There are a few planning steps that are an essential part of traveling abroad.  But have no fear, I’ve got you covered.  Here’s an experienced-based, detailed checklist of essential things to do to prepare for international travel.   After you tackle the items off of this checklist, you’ll be ready for international travel.   1.  Make…

For travel enthusiasts around the world, Antarctica is a bucket list destination. If you ask many of those travel enthusiasts what exactly they plan to do in Antarctica, experiencing the Polar Plunge will likely be near the top of their list. At least, this was the case for me when I visited the White Continent a couple of years ago. You may be asking yourself why on earth would you want to jump into Antarctic…

If you’re ready to take an international family trip, one of the first steps in the planning process is to make sure that everyone in your family has a passport – that includes the smallest members as well. But the passport application process is a bit different for anyone under the age of 16.  Travel is the best education.  Travel has afforded me opportunities to meet interesting people and have transformative experiences. Through those experiences,…

There’s something about Washington DC in the winter that is absolutely extraordinary.  The city turns into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, life, and culture everywhere you go. You could bundle up in your favorite puffy coat and wander the streets for hours without getting bored, but just in case you prefer some direction—I’ve got your back. As a DMV transplant and lover of our nation’s capital, I’ve got plenty of recommendations for the best…

Solo travel is one of the best ways to build confidence.  There’s something transformative about navigating the world alone… it builds confidence while helping travelers get a deeper appreciation of the world and their place in it.  Although, I’m a family travel expert, my wanderlust was initially ignited by solo travel.  As a solo female traveler, I’ve picked up some important safety tips along the way. Here are my top 10 safety tips for solo…

Washington DC is one of the most visited travel destinations on the planet. With cherry blossoms in the spring and ice skating in the winter, the fall season tends to get overshadowed. But what you might not know is that with less tourists to get in the way and vibrant fall foliage everywhere you turn, fall in DC is where it’s at. If you’ve never experienced Washington DC during the fall season, allow me to…

The perfect 2 days in Wilmington, DE Itinerary includes opportunities to get outdoors, learn a bit of history, and enjoy some good eats. With its many enchanting gardens, museums, amazing food, and tons of history, Wilmington, Delaware is an ideal destination to keep you entertained for a weekend getaway. Keep reading for our favorite things to do in Wilmington DE with kids! One of the reasons that I love living in the Washington, DC area…

Planning a trip to Washington DC this summer? Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or taking a much-needed family vacation, our nation’s capital is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for about a million reasons. We all know that Washington DC is home to a rich history depicted through a plethora of monuments, memorials, and museums. But there’s so much more to it than that. This vibrant city is also a premier…

I recently returned from an awe-inspiring and life-altering trip to Antarctica.  The hardest part about preparing for the journey (other than saying goodbye to my kids for 12 days) was trying to figure out what to pack.  Packing for a once in a lifetime adventure can be a bit daunting.  Since I had to prepare to travel to one of the most remote locations in the world, it was imperative that I pack everything that…

 So, you’re thinking of crossing the Drake Passage, huh? Well, you have certainly come to the right place! First things first, what is the Drake Passage? It’s the body of water that stretches between the southernmost tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. In short, it is the quickest way to get to Antarctica by water…and it is known for boasting some of the roughest sailing waters in the world. So,…

Antarctica with its cascading mountains and majestic landscapes is the most pristine and untouched place on the planet. Understandably, there’s an abundance of mystery surrounding it.  When I first announced my plans to travel to Antarctica, most of the questions I was asked were laden with misconceptions. To be honest, I too had some misgivings about the journey. [This post on Myths about Traveling to Antarctica was originally published May 2019, and updated April 2022.]…

My lifelong dream of visiting ANTARCTICA came true!!! I’ve longed to see the White Continent for nearly 15 years. But traveling to Antarctica can be extremely expensive. Initially, it was the cost of getting there that prevented me from going.  And then life happened, as it does… I got hitched and had a couple of awesome kids and various other grown-up responsibilities were added to my plate.  There were always reasons why now wasn’t a…

[This Zion’s Tiny Oasis review was originally published in Travel World International Magazine] The global pandemic has left me altered. I once sped through excursions, booking trips within trips with an aim to tick as many items as possible off my bucket list. After two years marked by devastating personal losses, closures, and cancelations, I’m achingly aware of the fragility of life, and how salient time and shared memories are. I have discovered that the…

 If you’ve never been to Nashville, aka Music City, then you have been seriously missing out. Home to 24/7 live performances, spectacular food, and world-renowned attractions, Nashville is undoubtedly one of the best tourist destinations in the U.S. for families.  Traveling to Nashville can get quite expensive if you don’t plan your trip out beforehand. Luckily for you, I’m here to share many amazing free things to do in Nashville for families. Whether you’re a…

During a three-week period each spring, colorful kites take flight, music floats through the air, bands march through the streets, and fireworks light up the night sky for Washington, DC’s Cherry Blossom Festival. The annual celebration is a quintessential DC experience. The blooming cherry blossom trees is the official kick-off to spring in the region. The Capital is never as beautiful as when she’s decked out in pink.  The pink and white petals serve as…

If you’re looking for a day trip from Nashville, Nearest Green Distillery is a must-visit spot in Shelbyville. During the research stage of planning my family trip to Tennessee, I stumbled across Nearest Green Distillery—a black and woman-owned distillery with a remarkable history to boot. Instantly, I was hooked and knew that we had to check it out. Nearest Green Distillery was born to honor the legendary Nathan Green, also known as Uncle Nearest, the…

Whether your family is staying home due to funds being low, limited paid time off, or if your travel plans have been grounded due to surging gas prices, there are many times when we’re forced to stay home when we would much rather be traveling. If your family is forced to stay home – for whatever reason —  you can still explore every continent on the globe from the comfort and safety of your home…

Family vacations require tons of planning, budgeting, and patience. For many of us, they wind up being the best week of the whole year and an amazing opportunity to connect with our loved ones. But let’s be real, family vacations are also stressful. When traveling with kids, an avoidable mistake can lead to sour moods for the whole day or even the entire trip. Today, I’m sharing some of my top family travel hacks so…

 Trying to plan your next family vacation and not quite sure where to go? Allow me to make some recommendations on the best summer destinations for families in the United States. Every destination you’ll find here is exciting, kid-friendly, and doesn’t require the use of a passport. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a relaxing mountain escape, you can find it here. Without further ado, let’s get into the good stuff. Here are…

 Raise your hand if you wish you traveled way more than you do. If your hand is outstretched, don’t worry—you’re not alone. We all have those friends that appear to constantly be on the go, always kicking their feet back on a tropical beach or sipping espresso in a French bistro. The same question arises each time: how on earth do people travel like that with a full-time job? While it would be easy to…

[This article was originally published in British Airways High Life Magazine] Before marriage and children, my life was dedicated to travel and work. I worked for the sole purpose of financing my wanderlust. However, my love of travel is rooted in my fervent desire to learn. With the fragments of new languages and cultures realized, I became a better and deeper version of myself. For me, travel is life squared (life²). I traveled a few…

We love to incorporate history and culture in all our family travels when we can. In my opinion, it’s always good to take the time to appreciate the hardships, triumphs, and phenomenal accomplishments of women around the world. One of the greatest ways to do this is to check out a women’s history museum in person or online. (Many of them offer a plethora of virtual programs and tours!) While there aren’t nearly as many…

Looking for things to do this spring break in Washington, DC, but want to avoid the crowds? Well, you came to the right place.  As the Nation’s capital, Washington, DC is home to many of the country’s iconic historical monuments and museums. It’s a great place to explore and get to know the history that surrounds it. While there are usually many tourists visiting DC during the spring, we’ve compiled a list of the top…

Visiting Black History Museums is an amazing way to learn about Black history and culture and the overall Black experiences in America. From coast to coast, there are tons of brilliant Black history museums to discover and explore. Here are 20 of the best Black history museums in the US to visit: 1. National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel– Memphis, TN Located at the former site of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin…

A few short miles away from Miami’s world-famous South Beach, there’s a little-known historic gem ­— the Hampton House Motel. Once dubbed, the “first luxury hotel for Negroes in the South,” this Negro Motorist Green Book establishment was the epitome of Black excellence in Miami, Florida in the 1960s. I’ve traveled the world on a quest to learn as much as I can about the histories and cultures of people across the globe.  As a…

I travel to Thomasville, Georgia, frequently to visit my dad, who moved to the city a few years ago, after marrying a Thomasville native. In all of my visits, I never took the time to learn and explore the city until recently. I truly believe that history is the key to unlocking the DNA of a town, city, or region.  So, I did a little research to create a list of things to do and…

As a mom of two kids, I know firsthand just how difficult it can be to plan a family vacation. It can be overwhelming just figuring out where to begin, let alone maneuvering through the process of figuring out where to go, securing lodging and flights, and planning activities for everyone. Through countless trips and plenty of trial and error, I have come up with this fool-proof guide on how to plan a family vacation.…

There is a sizable selection of Black history documentaries available on streaming sites like Amazon and Netflix. As a student of Black Studies and journalism, the documentary genre lives at the intersection of my two greatest loves, Black History and storytelling. In short, Black history documentaries are my love language. I’ve expressed my love of learning about Black History by visiting museums at home and while we’re traveling.  But museums aren’t the only medium filled…

  Education and travel are intrinsically connected. Travel helps to bring history to life, by adding context and texture that can’t be found in the pages of textbooks. As a history wonk and scholar of African American studies, I know that when it comes to the subject of Black history, you don’t have to go far to learn a lot. After all, Black history is American history, and there are so many cities across America…

I’ve always had a list of ‘things to do before I die’ in my head, but it wasn’t until a global pandemic hit that I took the time to write my travel bucket list out. Creating a Travel Bucket List might seem a bit macabre. But surprisingly, creating this list has had the opposite effect.   My initial list included goals for my health, and family, but surprise, surprise, the bulk of my life’s bucket list…

As a parent to two young children, I work to include fun lessons on history and culture when and wherever we travel. But most of our history lessons start right here at home in the Washington, DC area.  And I’ve found that my little ones remember history lessons best when it comes alive. With all of the museums, monuments, and national historic sites in Washington, DC, there’s no shortage of ways to teach our children about…

If you’re planning a trip to the nation’s capital, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re not? Well, my ‘ultimate family guide to visiting Washington, DC’ itinerary might just change your mind. From world-renowned museums to globally inspired cuisine, this city is steeped in far more than just history. Although, the history alone is a great reason to visit.  As a DC native who was born and raised in the area, I’m ready to…

   If you love the outdoors, then get ready to step into paradise. Located near iconic tourist destinations like Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, Kanab, Utah is the ideal home base to kick off your next family adventure. Featuring a plethora of breathtaking canyons, sand dunes, and caves, this town is filled with fun for the entire family. There are so many fun things to do in Kanab, Utah for families that it’s hard…

Winter break is a great time to reconnect as a family and create memories. Depending on where you live, during the winter months temperatures dip, and the days get shorter while the nights get longer which can make finding fun winter activities for kids a challenge.  As parents, it’s always a good idea to be prepared.  The following list of fun winter activities will help build up your arsenal and will help keep your kids…

10 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Zion National Park From majestic cliffs and glistening rivers to a vast array of plants and wildlife, Zion National Park in Utah is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes this country has to offer. If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting the park, get ready to fall head over heels. When planning a family vacation, national parks are often close to the top of…

Looking to explore African American Black History Museums from home?  The Black experience is so vast and varied there is no end to what can be learned about it.  This is why when I travel, I try to visit local African American History Museums to get a better feel for a new destination. On a trip to Georgia, my family and I visited the Jack Hadley Black History Museum and learned first-hand what it was like…

Going on vacation soon? Preparing your home before going a vacation is just as important as packing all the right things. I’ve put together a list of things to do to prepare your home before vacation. These are reminders of the things that must be done before you leave the house. How to Prepare your Home Before Going on a Vacation After months of trip planning, it’s easy to forget that your list of things…

Looking for the best gifts for the travel lover in your life?  Well, look no further.   Here’s a  list of cool gifts for travel lovers that will delight them. From luxurious travel accessories to pocket-sized travel gifts that you can only get online, here are some unique travel gifts, choose your favorite one and be sure that your travel gift will be a success. Some items on this list help with safety while others are…

  Looking for fun things to do with kids in Nashville? We’ve got you covered! Tennessee’s capital often referred to as Music City, is filled to the brim with exciting things to do for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for live music and great food or unique museums and beautiful outdoor spaces to run around in, you can find it all (and more!) in Nashville.  While there are more great things to do in…

When you think about Palm Springs, you may think of outdoor music festivals, iconic palm trees, and immaculate golf courses. But this desert oasis also has a ton of family-friendly attractions the whole family will enjoy. This considerably small city has a lot to offer to you and your kids. Not only is this place excellent for adults, but it also holds many fun activities for kids. Exploring Palm Springs with kids will be a…

With stunning natural beauty, tons of family-friendly attractions, and over 70 miles of gorgeous coastline, San Diego is an amazing place to visit with kids. From toddlers to teens, there’s plenty for the whole family to be excited about in beautiful, sunny San Diego. Getting there Before we get into all the fun things to do with kids in San Diego, we have to talk about getting there! Getting to San Diego is relatively easy. …

Stumped on where to take your family for spring break vacation next year? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this list of the top US spring break ideas for families in 2022, I am sharing with you the best of the best. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure or a relaxing trip to the beach, there’s something for everyone. By the time you’ve finished reading, you will be ready to pack your…

50 Inspiring Travel Quotes for Wanderlust I love to travel. Whether I’m traveling with my children, on a romantic getaway with my husband or traipsing across the globe solo, I love to explore and learn. Travel is one of my greatest passions. Authors, scholars, and great thinkers alike have waxed poetic for centuries about the wonders of travel. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite travel quotes. I hope you enjoy them, and they’re a…

We were invited to stay at Mayhurst Estate during our visit to Orange, Virginia. This is a 19th-century plantation-turned bed and breakfast. Whether I was enjoying breakfast, chatting with the other guests, or hanging out with the estate manager’s children and petting goats, it felt like a home away from home. Looking for an intimate space to call your own in Virginia? Here’s your guide to staying at the Mayhurst in Orange, Virginia. [Thank you, Visit Orange…

How to Save Money on Your Family Vacation: 14 Tips and Tricks  Family vacations can be costly. We already anticipate the upfront costs like airfare and hotel accommodations. There are a number of travel resources available to help cut some of those major costs down. But those smaller expenses like food, gas, and activities can add up quickly. As a family travel blogger, my mission is to encourage families to get out and explore.  But,…

10 Best Things to do in Memphis, Tennessee with Kids Memphis is the birthplace of Blues and Rock n’ Roll, and home to mouthwatering Memphis-style BBQ, and some of the best, fried chicken I’ve ever eaten.  It’s also where the linchpin of the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was assassinated.  The tragic event caused a ripple of effects that reverberated across the globe.  If you’re looking for a destination for music-loving, foodies…

Top 30 Family Road Trip Essentials  If your family is anything like mine, then you probably know how absolutely critical packing lists are for any family trip. Whether you’re driving a few hours away for leaf-peeping, or to spend a weekend at the beach, packing lists are the key to making sure you don’t leave anything important behind. Remembering to bring your portable DVD player does you no good if you forget the DVDs!  After…

Creating a Car Survival Kit with Cricut I’ve partnered with Cricut to create a car survival kit that will help you work through minor emergencies on the road. We spent a good portion of our summer in our car on road trips. But it’s always nice to be prepared for any of the mishaps that might happen while on the road. That’s why I feel it’s important to have a car survival kit. I was…

 2 Day Itinerary: The Best Things to do in Orange VA Only 75 miles from Washington, DC nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the historic small town of Orange, Virginia. This quaint town is big on hospitality and American history.  As the hometown of two American presidents (James Madison and Zachary Taylor), there’s plenty to do for history wonks.  But if you’re craving a laid-back family-friendly leisurely town full of locals who’re eager for…

Best Places to Go for Labor Day Weekend 2021 As a travel-enthusiast who has a full-time job, it’s helpful to make the most of long, holiday weekends. Labor Day weekend is a good time to get one last family trip under your belt. As summer comes to a close (hard to believe, I know), many of us are scrambling to plan one last hurrah. International travel is trickier than ever, but you don’t need a…

Spending a Day at The Market at Grelen in Orange VA While visiting Orange, Virginia, we stopped by The Market at Grelen for lunch. Before visiting, I knew that the Market doubled as a pick your own farm, but I had no idea it has a cute garden shop and trails. The beauty of the place and the sheer number of family-friendly things to do. The Market at Grelen is situated on a sprawling, picturesque…

Top 7 Best Family Weekend Getaways from Washington, DC As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. is a major city with a large population. Even though there is so much to see and do in DC, sometimes it’s nice to get away for the weekend. It’s especially nice to go somewhere outdoorsy to get some fresh air away from the city life. Fortunately, DC is in a central area that makes it easy…

10 Tips to Avoid Car Sickness in Kids My family and I joined the masses on the open road to take a family road trip from Washington, DC to Nashville, Tennessee, which takes 10+ hours.  We anticipated making frequent stops, so we could eat and stretch our legs. But we quickly discovered that our four-year-old gets carsick. Our daughter got nauseous and vomited about 30 minutes are each meal while we are on the road. …

If where to stay in Delaware means family-friendly amenities, comfy quarters, and being at the center of it all in downtown Wilmington, you’ll find everything you want at the Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown. Scroll down for our complete review! After spending the better parts of a year at home, we decided to have our first family adventure with a road trip to Wilmington, Delaware. We only planned to explore the city for two days and…

When considering Washington, DC for your next family vacation, you might think of the White House, government buildings, and droves of tourists but DC is so much more than that. With its historic monuments, eccentric art culture, and great food Washington, DC has a lot to offer vacationing families. Why Visit DC with your Family Washington, DC (DC to locals) is the capital of the United States. Everyone is encouraged to visit DC at least…

Need some ideas for your family’s summer travel in 2021?  Life as we knew it was altered considerably in 2020. With highly anticipated trips canceled, many of us were stuck at home and left feeling isolated.  Life has started to slowly return to normal and new social distancing guidelines are put in place to allow us to travel safely, the idea of travel is finally back on the table. With the travel bug itching now…

Looking for the best U.S. national parks for families? There are breathtaking national parks all over the United States filled with hot springs, waterfalls, mountains, incredible wildlife, and some of the best views you could possibly imagine. With family-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, and zip-lining, your next trip to one of the best national parks in the U.S. is guaranteed to be unforgettable. PRO TIP: If you’re planning to visit two or…