Momma Wanderlust - Curating Cultural Travels for Families

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…

Top 5 Hotels in Miami For Families 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, thriving cultural scene, and sunny weather. With world-class dining for the adults and fun-filled water parks for the kids, Miami…

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. …

Top 7 Places to See Fall Foliage in the Shenandoah Valley 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…

Top 10 Best Fall Foliage Road Trips in the US The United States is filled with scenic drives that attract tourists from all over the world.  During the fall these scenic routes are transformed into an oasis of autumn beauty. The leaves change from green to vibrant hues of reds, and oranges providing a spectacular view of nature.  From the Pacific Northwest to New England, there are tons of epic road trip destinations to be…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

  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…