Jamie Davis Smith

Latest posts by Jamie

Rome with Kids: 23 Best Things To Do in Rome, Italy

Submitted by Jamie Davis Smith on Sat, 09/21/2024 - 12:00pm

There is nothing quite like zipping around Rome on a Vespa while a guide explains the city’s rich history.

Rome, Italy—also known as the Eternal City—is home to ancient attractions, delicious gelato, and some of the most incredible art in the world. Rome also captures the imaginations of kids who can step into the shoes of Gladiators and indulge in pizza in the country where it was invented.

The list of things to do in Rome can be overwhelming, but we're here to help! When it Rome, here are the best things to do with kids.

Looking for more European adventures in cities like London or Paris? Check out our Europe Travel Guide for Families.

Fun Fall Day Trips From DC for Families

Submitted by Jamie Davis Smith on Fri, 09/20/2024 - 9:21am

Visit the famous Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern United States. Photo by Sam Posten III via Flickr 2.0

There's nothing quite like fall day trips from DC. The oppressive heat and humidity are gone, but the weather is still warm enough to enjoy lots of family adventures. And, depending on where and when you travel, you just may catch some breathtaking fall foliage.

Here are some of our favorite fall day trips from DC. Whether you’re looking for scenic views and colorful leaves, thrills and adventure, or fun on the farm, there’s a perfect fall day trip for your family in our region.

Looking for more autumn fun near Washington, DC? Be sure to check out DC Fall Day Trips Guide, which includes our lists of the best fall festivals and harvest fairs in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

Reykjavik with Kids: 17 Best Things To Do in Reykjavik, Iceland

Submitted by Jamie Davis Smith on Sat, 07/20/2024 - 12:00pm

Adventurous families can visit a glacier, explore an ice cave, walk on a black-sand beach, or hike up a volcano.

There are so many reasons to add Reykjavik, Iceland to your family's travel bucket list. Iceland is the land of fire and ice. From gazing at volcanos and hiking up glaciers to soaking in geothermal pools, the country has something for everyone.

Visiting Iceland during winter is essential if you want to see the famed Northern Lights. However, experiencing Iceland in the summer—when the days are long, the Midnight Sun shines brightly, and temperatures are warmer—is also fantastic with kids.

Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, is a great place to make your home base. However, we strongly recommend heading to the South of Iceland for a few nights to immerse yourself in Iceland’s gorgeous natural beauty.

Here are 17 top things to do in and near Reykjavik, Iceland with kids, including family-friendly Reykjavik hotels and foods to try. Our Europe Travel Guide details more great European cities to visit with kids, like London and Paris.

Best Nashville Hotels and Resorts for Families

Submitted by Jamie Davis Smith on Sat, 06/01/2024 - 12:00pm

Nshville Gaylord Familes can enjoy the Groovin' Lagoon at Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Photo by Tammy Henry for the resort

Nashville, Tennessee, otherwise known as Music City, is the home of country music and Taylor Swift. It is also full of kid-friendly activities like interesting museums, outdoor adventures, great shopping and dining, and—of course—plenty of live music.

Read on for our list of the best Nashville hotels and resorts for families. Whether you are looking for a hotel with a water park, free breakfast, spacious suites, or a location in the heart of the action, we’ve got you covered with these great Nashville hotels.

Be sure to also check out our list of the 60 best things to do in Nashville, TN with kids. And, our Southern States Vacation Guide includes even more fun cities to visit in the South.

Marrakesh Family Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and Top Things to Do with Kids in Marrakesh, Morocco

Submitted by Jamie Davis Smith on Sat, 05/11/2024 - 12:00pm

The coloful stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa Market are filled with local handcrafted goods.

Marrakesh, Morocco is a treat for the senses. The city is a riot of color, filled with the scent of Moroccan spices and the sounds of motorcycles and busy marketplaces.

Years ago I visited Tangiers in northern Morocco and instantly fell in love with Moroccan culture and mint tea. I had always wanted to return to explore more of the country and excitedly booked a family trip with Intrepid Travel. My children and I stayed in Marrakesh for several days at the beginning and end of the tour and had an amazing time.

Here are the best things to do in Marrakesh, Morocco with kids. Our International Travel Guide features more great cities to visit throughout the world, including London, Seoul, and so many more.

Secrets of Atlantis: Tips for a Bahamas Family Vacation with Kids

Submitted by Jamie Davis Smith on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 12:00pm

Aquaventure, Atlantis's gigantic water park, has a slide for every thrill level.

I’m not sure where my kids first heard about Atlantis, the wildly popular (and enormous) family resort and water park in the Bahamas. But once they discovered its existence, they were desperate to visit. I was skeptical that a trip was worth the cost, but once I started looking into Atlantis, I was sold.

First, the location on the Bahamas' Paradise Island—with its picturesque beaches and clear blue waters—is a draw. The animal encounters are also intriguing, especially swimming with dolphins. And, Atlantis’s water park is huge. There is literally something for everyone, from toddlers to adventurous teens to parents who want to lounge by the pool.

I finally decided to make my kids’ (ages 13, 12, and 8) dreams come true and book a stay. We had a fantastic five-day visit filled with just the right mix of relaxation and adventure.

Here are my tips on making a trip to Atlantis with kids a success. Find more top places to stay in the Caribbean in our Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels Guide and our Caribbean Family Travel Guide.

Virgin Hotels New York City Offers Family-Friendly Amenities in Heart of Manhattan

Submitted by Jamie Davis Smith on Thu, 04/20/2023 - 5:09pm

The new Virgin Hotels New York City offers impressive rooms close to all of Midtown Manhattan's top attractions.

Booking a great, family-friendly NYC hotel might be the most difficult part of a family trip to New York City. After all, it's easy to formulate an action-packed itinerary, but finding a hotel with rooms bigger than a shoebox, located in a central location, that doesn't break the bank is more challenging. Enter Virgin Hotels New York City. The Richard Branson-backed chain recently opened a new location in the heart of New York City and it’s a great NYC hotel for families that checks all the boxes.

Read on to find out what we loved about our stay at Virgin Hotels New York City and find more parent-tested picks for family-friendly hotels in New York City in our Guide to Weekend Trips and Getaways.

Visiting Hersheypark: Our Guide to the Sweetest Theme Park in Hershey, PA

Submitted by Jamie Davis Smith on Sat, 10/01/2022 - 12:52pm

Theme park and chocolate might be an even better match than peanut butter and chocolate!

Forget all about the Happiest Place on Earth, Hersheypark is officially the Sweetest Place on Earth. Hershey's is best known for its chocolate treats, but the candy empire also boasts an epic amusement park—located smack dab in the middle of Hershey, PA. There's something for everyone at Hersheypark, whether you're a chocolate lover or a thrill-seeker. And if you're both ... heaven awaits. One of the best things about Hersheypark is that it's a great vacation for the whole family, from babies to grandparents and everyone in between. You won't find teens thinking they're too grown up for it, or little kids terrified or bored at a park that has nothing but roller coasters. Plus, everywhere you turn, there's chocolate.

Wherever you live, Hersheypark is a travel-worthy destination. Read on for tips on taking a trip to every candy-craving kid's dream theme park. Make a whole vacation of it, exploring all of Hershey, PA and nearby Harrisburg, too. For more theme park vacations, check out our Guide to the Best Family Amusement Parks and Water Parks in the US.