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

Summer Day Camps Near NYC With Pick-Your-Own Programs

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Sun, 12/20/2015 - 10:00am

Traditionally there are two types of day camps: Specialty camps that allow kids to focus on one thing (soccer, theater, robotics, art, etc.) and general interest camps, where participants spend their days rotating through a schedule of sports, swimming and arts. Lately, some general programs have started to offer more specialization, allowing kids to pick a "major" of sorts and then spend the rest of the day participating in traditional camp activities.

These kinds of customizable camps are great for kids who are really into a particular activity but don't want to give up traditional day camp fun like swimming, sports and time outdoors. It also gives children more control over their schedules.

7 Family-Friendly Resorts with Lush Spas for Winter

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Sun, 12/06/2015 - 4:00pm

As much as we all love family getaways, the packing, planning and even the 24/7 togetherness can be a tad stressful. The action-packed holiday season only adds to that stress for many of us. Take time to unwind and spoil your family (and yourself!) on your next winter weekend vacation from New York City at one of these family-friendly resorts that feature top-notch spas.

We focused on Northeast resorts that are far enough away from the city to feel like you've actually "gotten away," but not so far that the length of travel makes your getaway feel like a chore. Read on for our picks that make shedding tension effortless while offering plenty of distractions for kids, too.

Fall Family Travel Deals: Camelback's New Water Park, Disney, Skiing, and Caribbean Offers

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Thu, 10/22/2015 - 8:11pm

Fall is in full swing and holiday travel will be upon us in the blink of an eye. If you’re considering a getaway before Thanksgiving, Disneyworld has pre-holiday hotel deals in newly named Disney Springs. In other parts of Florida, Panama City Beach offers loads of family diversions and competitive prices. Reasonable rates and thin crowds make late fall a great time to plan a Caribbean or Costa Rican break. If you’re itching to ski, Sunday River in Maine has Thanksgiving deals or head to a snow-covered ranch in Montana. Camelback Resort in the Poconos offers kid-approved fun at their giant new water park plus big discounts off their regular rates.

Labor Day and More September Weekend Getaway Deals

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Wed, 08/26/2015 - 10:46am

September may not seem like the obvious time for a family vacation, but there are excellent travel values this time of year and, with school holiday weekends, it can be a great time for a family getaway. It’s one of the least crowded times to visit Orlando’s theme parks, enjoy the still warm Ft Lauderdale beaches, or journey to Southern California for a Disneyland deal. Consider a staycation in trendy Brooklyn, or explore Chicago. Farther away, luxuriate in Mexico or discover Patagonia. If your plans include London or Paris, a new airline is offering business class fares for a fair price. Once you’re in Europe, score a discount on tours that will escort you to some fascinating sites.

Last-Minute Labor Day Getaways for NYC Families

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Sun, 08/23/2015 - 4:05pm

Labor Day marks the last chance for a summer getaway, so we’ve searched for destinations with lots of family potential to help New Yorkers ring in the approaching school year with a little more cheer, or at least a tan.

Do some in your family like to shop while others prefer the outdoors? Consider taking the kids to Freeport, Maine. In need of one last beach blitz? We have a spot in mind. More of a lake crew? No problem. Our mom-approved Labor Day vacations even include a kid-free suggestion if you can snag grandma and grandpa for the weekend. And if you need more inspiration, our travel site is loaded with kid and parent getaway suggestions for all types from water park lovers to Lego fans to hikers.

Summer Family Travel Deals: Orlando, Boston, Providence, Rome and More

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Mon, 06/29/2015 - 12:54am

Summer is high season for travelers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t nail a deal. Boston, Washington, D.C. and Providence are excellent cityscape getaways for families living in the Northeast. If you crave the countryside, a lakeside vacation in Vermont will satiate your need for fresh air. Bound for Orlando’s theme parks? Kids save big on Amtrak’s Auto Train. Out West, there are good rates in steamy Arizona, scenic Santa Fe and seaside Pebble Beach. If Rome, Barbados or Grenada is on your wish list, now might be the time to think big. Dreamy Puerto Vallarta is offering a Mexican vacation, including hotel and airfare, to three lucky families.

Spring Family Travel Deals: Disney, Catskills, Montauk, Iceland & St. Lucia

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Sun, 05/03/2015 - 10:01am

Spring has sprung with an excellent array of travel deals for families. May and June are typically quiet months in Orlando, and Downtown Disney Resorts are responding with slashed hotel rates. East Coast families looking for a weekend getaway can tour a farm in the Catskills, explore seaside Newport or stay at a new hotel in the center of Portland. If you’re craving the beach, Montauk has early season discounts. A vacation or staycation in the Big Apple can be yours for a bargain price. Farther afield, consider a resort in Arizona, a dream vacation in St. Lucia and wallet-friendly flights to Iceland.

Spring Break Family Travel Deals: Skiing, Mohonk Mountain House, Train Travel, Mexico and More

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Fri, 03/06/2015 - 8:16pm

In spite of what the thermometer may read, the calendar says spring is nearly here. Spring Break is on the horizon and maybe a family vacation is in the cards. If you haven’t yet overdosed on the flaky white stuff, get out and enjoy the deep snowpack with hotel specials in New Hampshire, Vermont or the Hudson Valley. If you’re looking to escape winter’s last grip, there are deals in Mexico, Santa Barbara and the Texas Hill Country. If you enjoy train travel, Amtrak and Eurail are offering price breaks. We've got the scoop all all these deals, plus a sweepstakes to may win a free vacation for four people to Kissimmee, Florida, a gateway to Orlando. Get set to save on your spring travels.