Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Traveling Boy’s Thanksgiving issue in November 2013 issue. Our site was in its salad years when esteemed travel, food and wine journalist John Blanchette joined our staff, dramatically taking our site to the next level. This article serves as a testament to John’s graciousness and remarkable talent. May he continue to rest in …

It was 42 steps across the grass from my suite at San Diego Mission Bay Resort to the sandy beach where ducks were playing in the water. I know because I took this memorable stroll dozens of times during my two nights at the luxurious, waterfront hotel.

All these activities are simply amazing and will help foster your kids fine motor skills, sense of balance, imagination and will certainly keep them entertained and smiling.

When the couple, there for their 20th visit, commented that it was the first time they had taken the house tour – one of the staples of the Mohonk Mountain House experience – I asked what they had been doing all those years. Liz and Dan Gleason from Haddon Heights, NJ replied:  “There’s just so much to do all the time, you just can’t fit it all in."

I’ve stayed in lots of luxurious and unique hotel rooms around Southern California, but I’ve never stayed in one that sits amongst lush vineyards. That is until this past weekend when I experienced South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.

You might be homeschooling your kids... Here are some super educational and fun activities to keep both girls and boys learning and happy. Such fun for them that you might have time for yourself to have a coffee break....

Hamana Kalili was there to greet me, his right hand extended in the gentle shaka wave of welcome. His statue stands at the entrance of the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

It may be tough to travel these days, but it is not impossible. There are lots of fun places open for business and with a little research and planning, you can still have a great getaway away from home.

I will never forget the night: I had just put my head down on the pillow. The day had been a fun – but it was also long and taxing, and a good night’s sleep was in order. Suddenly, the blaring sound of a bulldozer burst into the room. I bolted out of bed.  I looked at my watch – it was 1 a.m.

It's definitely that time of year when kids everywhere start clamoring for that most dreaded of family excursions — the annual trek to a nearby amusement park. Even more so this year because in most states, due to the Coronavirus, they have been inaccessible for so long — and some may remain so throughout the summer.