Displaying items by tag: travel

For parents seeking toddler-friendly destinations closer to home, several standout U.S. getaways offer fun for both kids and adults. 

1. San Antonio, Texas, features an accessible zoo with interactive nature spaces, a one-of-a-kind ultra-inclusive theme park, immersive art installations, and standout local cuisine. 
2. In Wisconsin, Manitowoc and Sheboygan provide scenic beaches, children’s literature-inspired gardens, and the rare opportunity to sleep aboard a WWII submarine at the SubBNB. 
3. St. Louis, Missouri, delivers big-city variety with small-town ease, offering attractions like the Gateway Arch, creative spray parks, the toddler-friendly City Museum, and a lively food scene. 

Each destination blends hands-on activities for little ones with cultural and culinary experiences that appeal to grown-ups. From feeding giraffes to climbing through submarines, these locations offer memorable adventures tailored to families. 

Finsum: The key takeaway for parents: traveling with toddlers is possible—and incredibly rewarding—with the right destination.

Summer 2025 travel trends show strong demand for beach and urban destinations, with top searches on Hilton.com including Los Cabos, San Juan, New York, and Paris. Tripadvisor reports Cancun and Las Vegas as leading international and domestic picks, while experiences like cultural tours and outdoor activities remain a high priority, especially for younger travelers. 

Allianz Partners notes that 71% of Americans are staying stateside, with Seattle, Orlando, and Honolulu topping U.S. itineraries, though international beach locales like Cancun and the Caribbean remain popular. European travel is also rising, with Allianz projecting a 10% increase in U.S. trips to the region, continuing a multi-year surge. 

Meanwhile, Kindred highlights rising travel costs as a growing concern, prompting 90% of U.S. travelers to seek ways to cut expenses. Travelers are shifting toward more affordable lodging options, with many citing frustration over hotel surcharges, rental fees, and limited amenities.

Finsum: Take advantage of the travel this summer with some of these great destinations.

Spring doesn’t have to involve expensive travel—there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy time together at home. One idea is to “travel the world from home” by learning about different countries, cooking their traditional dishes, and watching related movies. 

A family pilgrimage to a nearby holy site can also be a meaningful experience, especially during this Jubilee Year, with many designated pilgrimage locations across the U.S. For a fun night in, kids can enjoy a "sleep-under," wearing pajamas, playing games, and watching a movie before heading home to sleep. 

Cozy reading time can be made extra special with a library trip followed by building a blanket fort to read new books inside. A family bake-off adds a competitive twist to baking, letting each child pick a recipe to make and everyone vote on the tastiest creation. 

Finsum: Whether through cultural exploration, faith-filled experiences, or simple at-home activities, spring break can be both memorable and affordable.

In 2024, travel transformed with AI-assisted trip planning, a resurgence of luxury train journeys, and a growing emphasis on wellness through solitude and stargazing. Urban explorers embraced green spaces and foraged dining, while music enthusiasts traveled extensively for live performances. 

As 2025 approaches, the focus will shift toward deeper, experience-driven adventures. Literature-inspired tourism is on the rise, with book festivals attracting larger crowds and hotels celebrating their literary connections. 

Astrocartography is gaining traction, guiding travelers to destinations aligned with their personal astrological charts. Meanwhile, honeymoons are becoming more immersive, with newlyweds favoring extended, meaningful getaways over traditional weeklong retreats.

Finsum: While everyone is implementing AI to improve efficiency, don’t forget to leverage it for personal matters such as gift and vacation ideas. 

Someone who meticulously plans every vacation can be surprised to find their stay at an all-inclusive resort to be some of their easiest and least stressful trips. Traveling with a group can be challenging, but resorts offer a wide range of activities—yoga, bingo, and salsa lessons— and ensure there was something for everyone. 

Resorts can make dining effortless, with multiple on-site restaurants eliminating the need for reservations or extensive research. Budgeting can also be simplified, as meals, drinks, and activities were included in the upfront cost, preventing unexpected expenses. 

While some usually preferred exploring new places, all-in-one resorts show the value of slowing down and simply enjoying time with friends. Instead of stressing over your next big vacation with hundreds of details and people to coordinate, consider simplifying with all-in-one style vacations. 

Finsum: I find the best hybrid of this type of a vacation style to be utilizing a new experience to get the most out of someone planning for me, cruises to unconventional destinations are a great example.