Allison Tibaldi

Allison Tibaldi - Writer

Allison is a native New Yorker who's been lucky enough to have lived in Italy, Australia and Canada. She is fluent in Italian and Spanish, and
believes that language is a key to understanding other cultures. She frequently contributes travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they journey around the globe. She's also a senior writer at offManhattan.com, contributing car-free vacation ideas. Her background as an Early Childhood Educator gives her an added understanding of what it takes to travel with kids in tow, and she firmly believes that the most important part of education takes place outside of the classroom on the road. Her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine.

Latest posts by Allison Tibaldi

10 Inexpensive Winter Weekend Getaways for NYC-Area Families

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Fri, 12/11/2020 - 2:09pm

Upcoming school vacations and long holiday weekends usually mean dreams of winter getaways fill our thoughts, but family travel in the time of COVID is complicated, to say the least. Whether your family is anxious for a change of scenery now or dealing with cabin fever by plotting a trip much further down the line, we've got some inspiration. All of these spots are easily driveable from the tri-state area, making a quick weekend getaway easy and safer than traipsing through a crowded airport.

Whether you're craving winter sports or urban adventure, small-town charm, or big-city culture, we've got a destination for you.

14 Fall Weekend Family Getaways Near NYC

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Mon, 08/31/2020 - 10:40am

Fall in the Northeast is a lovely time of year for a family getaway. The crisp air, fall colors, and outdoor activities are hard to resist for most kids (and grown-ups). While New Yorkers can experience some magic in our city's gorgeous parks, which can feel almost like a countryside retreat during a foliage walk, there's nothing like a weekend away to recharge fully. If you stayed close to home during the summer travel season, you're probably itching for fall travel weekend to immerse your family in seasonal fun.

We've rounded up 14 options, from a luxury retreat in Connecticut to cabin camping in Virginia to glamping in New Hampshire. Find more ideas for fall travel day trips and getaways in our Family Travel Guide.

30 Best Tropical and Warm Weather Family Vacation Ideas

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Sat, 01/25/2020 - 12:45pm

Ready to ditch the winter blues for a family-friendly vacation in climates warmer than here?

From perpetually wet feet to relentlessly bundling (and unbundling) your kids with layer upon layer, the need to escape grows for many parents as the winter season drags on—and on. Even those families who don't live with the finicky four-season cycle might prefer their vacation with a side of palm trees, rather than fur-trimmed snow boots. So whether you're seeking to escape the cold or just don't want to vacation in it, we've rounded up more than two dozen of our favorite warm-weather travel destinations that beckon you to shed your parka and bask in the sun.

Read on to find great all-inclusive resorts, beaches, and charming cities teeming with culture that might not offer bathing suit weather in January but certainly no snow!

Restaurants for After Your Natural History Museum Visit in NYC

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Wed, 11/06/2019 - 11:00am

Starved after your visit to one of the top kid destinations on the Upper West Side? Home to the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), the DiMenna Children's History Museum at the New-York Historical Society, and the Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM), few Manhattan neighborhoods scream kid-friendly quite like the UWS, and that means the area's restaurants are overwhelmingly welcoming to families.

So while you really can't go wrong, we've rounded up a dozen of the best spots where you can grab a quick bite or even sit down for a full meal. For more family-friendly eateries, check out our NYC Restaurant Guide.

Sleep in a Lighthouse and More Hudson Valley Family Resorts and Hotels

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Sun, 08/18/2019 - 10:00am

The Hudson Valley is an easy weekend getaway for those in the New York City vicinity, especially from Westchester—and it boasts a variety of unique, family-friendly resorts and hotels, from an all-inclusive dude ranch to a lighthouse to a working farm.

We've rounded up 10 spots for a range of budgets in Hudson Valley towns that are filled with history, charm, and natural beauty, including Hyde Park, New Paltz, Hudson, and Rhinebeck.

Roosevelt Island: What to Do with Kids After Taking the Tram

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Fri, 08/16/2019 - 1:30pm

New York is a city of islands. Many of them, like Governors Island, City Island, Randall's Island, and even the infamous Rikers Island, get lots of attention, while low-key Roosevelt Island manages to slip under the radar. It’s time to get cozy with this narrow, 2-mile long sliver of land in the East River nestled between Manhattan and Queens.

The Roosevelt Island Tram is a familiar sight for many New Yorkers, and the aerial ride alone is great fun for kids, but what about when you disembark on the isle? Over 11,000 people call this peaceful community home. The vibe is urban, but there are open spaces perfect for rambling. Self-contained Roosevelt Island has its own school, newspaper, and library. My family and I found plenty of cool things to keep us entertained and we've pulled together our top picks for things to do on the isle.

Virginia Beach with Kids: 25 Things to do on a Family Vacation

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Sat, 07/27/2019 - 1:34pm

Virginia Beach is a perennial favorite getaway for East Coast families and travelers, beloved for its sandy oceanfront and 3-mile-long boardwalk. The beach and Atlantic surf have kept kids entertained for ages.

The length of the beach translates into always being able to find a spot for your towel and beach umbrella, even at the height of summer, and the decidedly G-rated atmosphere in Virginia's largest city, including a ‘no cursing on the beach’ rule, means there's plenty of family-friendly activities and spirit. Take the kids bike riding, for a round of mini golf, or to the aquarium.

With hotels that accommodate a range of budgets, no-frills eateries, and free entertainment, Virginia Beach is a top pick for families craving a beach vacation. Colonial Williamsburg is also nearby, or you can add-on a visit to Washington, DC with the kids or another Virginia city, such as Richmond. Here’s what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Virginia Beach.

17 Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City With Perks for Kids

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Thu, 03/14/2019 - 10:30am

As a born and bred New Yorker who is raising children here myself, my out-of-town friends always ask my advice when planning their NYC family vacation. They want to know everything: the best things to do, places to eat, museums to explore and, perhaps most importantly, where to stay.

New York City is, of course, loaded with hotels, many of which are kid-friendly. And while it's nice to have options, there are so many it can feel overwhelming. That's why we've compiled this list of 17 NYC hotels for families based on a combination of personal experience, trusted recommendations from friends, and great reputations. These hotels offer kid-friendly amenities such as pools, free strollers, and even bunk beds. A number of our choices are located right next to top kid attractions; some are more budget-friendly and others a splurge.

Our picks aren't all in Midtown Manhattan. We included places to stay with kids in Lower Manhattan, the Upper West Side, and Upper East Side, and even hotels in Brooklyn.

Allison Tibaldi

Allison Tibaldi

Latest posts by Allison Tibaldi

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