Blog — A Mom Explores | Family Travel Tips, Destination Guides with Kids, Family Vacation Ideas, and more!

11 Reasons You'll Love Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival

Spring has arrived, and the weather in Florida is slowly climbing back up into the 80 degree range. Flowers are blooming everywhere and a sense of renewal and life is in the air. There’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than visiting Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Whether you’re a Floridian looking for a different Disney experience or you live somewhere cold that’s showing no signs of spring and you need a warm-weather vacation STAT, this is an under-the-radar festival at Disney you’ll really enjoy.

TravelEmily KrauseJanuary 18, 2019Disney, Flower and Garden Festival, Florida, theme parks, spring breakComment

What to Do in Flagler Beach, Florida with Kids

I hate to use this cliche, but Flagler Beach really is a hidden gem of a beach town. With its cinnamon-colored sand, laid back vibes, and seriously delicious restaurants, this beach should, by all rights, be an incredibly popular destination with families. The truth is, though, that Flagler Beach often gets overlooked as a vacation spot because it’s surrounded by St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, two very famous Florida cities which attract many visitors.

TravelEmily KrauseJanuary 16, 2019Flagler Beach, Florida, travel guideComment

The Best Carry-On Suitcases for Families

There are so many carry-on luggage options out there that it can be hard to decide which suitcase is right for your family. This article breaks down different carry-on suitcase options to help you figure out what you’re looking for. The best carry-on luggage for families is going to be different than suitcases for business or solo travel.

TravelEmily KrauseJanuary 12, 2019travel gear, packing tipsComment

A Guide to Visiting Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Ever since hearing about Iguazu Falls, the massive series of waterfalls that border both Argentina and Brazil, it has been on my bucket list. When I had a chance to join a press trip to Brazil with stops in both Rio and Iguaçu Falls, I was stunned. It honestly felt like a dream come true.

Naturally, I wasn’t alone in my quest to visit Iguazu Falls, Brazil. Over a million people pour into the Iguaçu National Park each year hoping to catch a glimpse of the might waterfall. And it doesn’t disappoint! Viewing Iguazu Falls, Brazil was one of the most breathtaking moments in all of my travels. I am truly hoping to go back with my kids someday so they can feel that same sense of wonder.

TravelEmily KrauseJanuary 8, 2019Brazil, Iguazu Falls, international Comment

Minimalist Packing with Kids - How to Avoid Overpacking

I used to pride myself in how light I could travel. I traveled to Russia for 2.5 weeks with simply a carry-on bag, and Mexico for a week with just a cross-body bag (I rewore the same clothes a LOT on that trip). It was nice to move through the world unencumbered by too much stuff.

Then we had kids, and packing light was a skill I had to relearn. There is so much gear to contend with, especially in the baby and toddler stages. Minimalist packing with babies and toddlers is really tough. You have to worry about a bed for them, whether to bring a stroller or baby carrier or both, and what to do about car seats.

TravelEmily KrauseJanuary 4, 2019packing tips, travel tips, minimalist travel Comments