Great Family Vacations

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Articles, Digital travel content, Apps, Columns, Books, Broadcasts; Leader in family travel for 20+ years; Columnist/Blogger Travel Tips and Trips, Physician’s Money Digest; Former USA TODAY travel editor/ digital producer

Highly respected family travel expert, Candyce H. Stapen has authored 30 travel guide books—including two for National Geographic– developed FamilyiTrips apps, written 2,800+ travel articles for a variety of outlets, appeared on the TODAY Show and other broadcasts to talk about travel.
Please follow her @familyitrips

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Featured Articles, Videos, Blog Posts

Battle of the War Museums

When two new Revolutionary War museums debut at nearly the same time, it’s hard not to compare. Here’s a head-to-head look at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia and Virginia’s American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

Washingtonian, August, 2017 Read More

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Bespoke Boots that Dazzle

Pull on a pair of bespoke cowboy boots and the swagger comes naturally. Icons of America’s Old West, the boots, like the wranglers who once roped wild stallions, evoke a sense of rugged individualism. You select the leathers and personalize the design. After multiple measurements of your feet and calves, craftspeople build the boots by hand.

Business Jet Traveler, August/September 2017 Read More

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Profile: Richmond, VA

This Southern city proves that ‘historic’ and ‘hip’ are not opposites.

Civil War Battlefields and Museum draw many history buffs to Richmond, 105 miles south of Washington, DC. But like any Southern belle worth her petticoats, the Virginia capital swirls with layers of charms. A major new contemporary art institute testifies to the thriving arts community.

Where to Retire, September/October, 2017 Read More

8 Balmy Beach Locales

Retiree says: ‘I need the smell of the ocean.’

Many people, like the Keeses and Murphys, find the ocean comforting. The feelings of calm and happiness that float in with the salty sea breezes have a scientific basis. The theory that looking at blue spaces or bodies of water promotes relaxation was tested in a 2016 Michigan State University analysis.

Where to Retire, July/August, 2017 Read More

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How to See the Last Great Herds of Elephants in Africa

If you want to see African elephants in the wild, there’s no better place than Hwange National Park, home to 45,000 of them, one of the continent’s highest concentrations of the animals. Roughly the size of Connecticut, Zimbabwe’s largest park employs strategically placed, manmade waterholes to sustain the elephants.

Men’s Journal, April 6, 2017 Read More

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Flying Solo in Active-Adult Communities

Singles spread their wings through group activities and other amenities that foster new friendships.

When Julie Johnston, 61, moved to Tellico Village in Loudon, TN, after retiring from the military, her goal was to get involved in the community and find other singles her age. So she attended a party with guests dressing in clothes from any decade from the ’40s to the ’70s.

Where to Retire, April 12, 2017 Read More

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Lots to see and hear on Norwegian’s megaship, but good luck booking a restaurant

The goal aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape: Not to end up at a buffet dinner or watching the comedy juggler twirl knives, hats and balls. Not that we had anything against buffets or jugglers, they were just not as interesting as the 20-plus places to dine or the Broadway-style musicals.

The Washington Post, October 13, 2016 Read More

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Exploring the Best Artifacts from the National African American Museum

Long-planned and anticipated, the new, $540 million Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) explores the rich saga of African American history and life in the United States.

Frommers.com, September 12, 2016 Read More

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10 Great Family Ski Resorts with Learn-to-Ski and Snowboard Programs

It’s an unforgettable family experience: Carving tracks on a run and catching air in a terrain park are fun for all ages, especially when everyone learns how to do it together.

Frommers.com, September 2, 2016 Read More

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The Top Resorts for Families with Preschoolers

Vacationing with a preschooler can be a delight you remember forever. Their infectious giggles remind you of the joys of simple things–muddy sandcastles, big dinosaur bones, fireflies that glow at night.

Frommers.com, July 26, 2016 Read More

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How to Share a Vacation House with Another Family

Even though sharing a vacation house with another family saves money, provides pals for your kids, and can add fun, the experience comes with a potential pitfall: destroying the friendship. Know the answers to these considerations first. Nothing tests camaraderie among families like living together in one rental, especially with someone else’s kids.

Frommers.com, June 2016 Read More

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How Zika virus is affecting Caribbean travel

Fears of the Zika virus have a double impact in the Caribbean, where vulnerability to the mosquito-borne disease, linked to microcephaly and other fetal brain damage, challenges an economy dependent largely on tourism. Since January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first warned pregnant women to avoid travel to certain Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The Washington Post, June 22, 2016 Read More

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Which Are the Most Pet-Friendly U.S. Hotel Chains (And Which Ones Just Claim They Are)?

Lots of hotels say they’ll let you stay with your dog—but at many, the price is steep and support is weak. But some American hotel companies truly do go the extra mile to welcome you and your animals. Pets are family, so it’s no wonder that people take dogs and cats along on trips.

Frommers.com, May 30, 2016 Read More

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10 Top Vacation Ideas for Families with Teens

Curious and active, teens like new experiences. No matter what adventures you choose to take with your teens, be sure to include them in the decision-making and schedule plenty of down time for relaxing and bonding.

Frommers.com, May 30, 2016 Read More

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Discover your inner movie star at this glamorous, ’50s-inspired Miami Beach hotel

The thing to do on a movie set is to get into character. That’s how I found myself conjuring my inner starlet as I strolled Miami Beach’s new Faena Hotel early this year. I walked the red carpet in the lobby and stepped behind the gold-leafed columns to admire the murals, where lions sit next to flamingos and white winged horses fly over red coral beds.

The Washington Post, April 18, 2016 Read More

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Ready to explore Cuba? Here’s how to get there

With restrictions on traveling to Cuba gradually easing, U.S. cruise lines and airlines are gearing up to meet the anticipated demand for transportation to the island. On March 21, Carnival received approval from Cuba to begin voyages from Miami on May 1. This will be the first time a ship has sailed to Cuba from U.S. shores in 50 years.

The Washington Post, March 31, 2016 Read More

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Vacationing with kids: Travel hacks for babies, teens and everybody in between

Traveling with kids presents challenges that grow and change along with your children. No sooner do they outgrow those cumbersome car seats and strollers than you are weighed down by the dilemma of what to do after they bed down at 7 p.m. — and then they become teenagers, and you have to manage what they’re up to.

The Washington Post, March 7, 2016 Read More

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Country Getaway: Dog-friendly Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke, VA

Our goal for our long weekend at Mountain Lake Lodge, perched at nearly 4,000 feet in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is to show Maggie and Cleo, city slickers who live in Washington, DC, the joys of the countryside.

Physician’s Money Digest, March 5, 2016 Read More

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Dos and Don’ts of Reserving a National Park Lodge

National Park lodges come with world-class settings. Lakes, towering mountains, river-cut canyons, painted deserts and red rock formations beckon just beyond your room’s door. The railroad companies built many of the grande dame hotels, creating properties that often featured soaring lobbies, thick log beams and impressive fireplaces.Follow these tips to maximize your stay at these iconic properties.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts, February 2, 2016 Read More

Read more Xanterra National Parks articles.

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Arizona in the Spring (Part 1): Tucson

Spring, when the Sonoran desert blooms, is a great time to visit Tucson and Phoenix. In the morning play golf on world-class courses or explore the desert. In the afternoon when temperatures rise, go indoors to visit museums, browse art galleries, and get pampered at the region’s noted spas.

Physician’s Money Digest, February 25, 2016 Read More

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Arizona in the Spring (Part 2): Phoenix and Scottsdale

Phoenix and Scottsdale lure you with much more than golf, even though the areas’ green fairways offer up some of the best putting and driving anywhere. In both cities and just beyond, the legends and colors of the Sonoran desert with its Indian lore and pastel painted bluffs, buttes, and bold red mountains beckon.

Physician’s Money Digest, March 3, 2016 Read More

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Cruising Royal Caribbean’s mega-ship: At times, a little too mega

Waiting in line for our first time on the cruise ship’s bumper-car ride, I paused to look at a photo in my phone. The man behind me poked me in the ribs, saying, “You got to keep the queue moving.” Cruisers sometimes get testy on a big ship, and Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas — full capacity: 4,905 passengers — is among the biggest.

The Washington Post, September 10, 2015 Read More

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Travel for Good: Voluntourism Adventures

Tag rhinos in South Africa, teach soccer in Romania and follow dolphins in Belize, whales in Mexico, giraffe in Kenya and seahorses in Cambodia. These are just some of the many volunteer projects that enable you to combine adventures with doing good. “Voluntourism” is trending.

Men’s Fitness, September 17, 2015 Read More

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Munich and Bavaria: Expect the Unexpected

Bavaria is what you expect but also what you don’t, a combination that makes the region anchored by Munich especially interesting. Centuries-old castles, medieval villages with half-timbered houses, and rolling fields edged by snow-capped Alps remain staples, creating the spectacular scenery we expect.

Physician’s Money Digest, June 7, 2015 Read More

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Planning a trip to Miami Beach? Go north for a different vibe.

A Miami Beach vacation doesn’t have to be all about music blasting from outdoor bars. If, like us, you’re in search of an alternative to South Beach’s noise, $30 valet parking, packed sands and traffic, do what we do: Stay in North Beach.

The Washington Post, March 5, 2015 Read More

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Tips for Traveling with your Dog

USA Today, June 20, 2013

Photo by H. Darr Beiser

Click here to read the article

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Sol Searching: Luxury and Adventure Await at Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Cozumel

From atop the cliffside Castillo (castle), Tulum’s most important building, the crashing waves and the calls of the sea birds conjure visions of this once-vital Maya seaport. Tulum is one of the treasures of the Riviera Maya, a swath of about 85 miles along Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

Physician’s Money Digest, April 17, 2015 Read More

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Hotel Décor In The Home

The robes are just the beginning. Savvy hotel guests know to take home their favorite lodging’s feathery down pillows, the silky 600-thread-count sheets, the tea-scented candles and especially the plush pillow-top or thick foam mattress that created a cocoon for sleeping.

Global Traveler, July 1, 2015 Read More

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Hotel Update: Marriott

At the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, a bellman shadows a svelte guest after she steals his all-access key card, while another luggage unloader trails a suspicious duffle. When the duo discover a heist at an on-property art show, they take out the bad guys with a fun mash-up of dance moves plus martial arts kicks and blocks.

Global Traveler, July 1, 2015 Read More

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American Craft Council and SOFA Shows

Some craft and art shows are worth traveling to, especially the American Craft Council (ACC) shows, hosted in Baltimore, Atlanta, St. Paul and San Francisco, as well as Sculptural Objects and Fine Arts (SOFA) yearly show in Chicago. At these events, you can find high-quality handmade objects. Even if you can’t buy, go ahead and browse.

www.BellaOnline.com, February 22, 2015 Read More

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Laughs at Sea: Cruise Ship Comedy Clubs for summer family travel

For many cruise passengers, one of the best parts of their voyage isn’t the elaborate buffets, the casino bets or the booze. It’s the belly laughs. These days, several major lines are showcasing more humor by way of their comedy clubs. Forget about the stuff-food-in-your-face jokes; the performers and the material are better than ever.

“Back in the day, being labeled a ‘cruise ship comedian’ certainly carried a negative connotation, as it was believed that performing on a cruise ship meant it was either the beginning or the end of your career,” says Mark Tamis, Carnival Cruise Line’s senior vice president of guest operations. “That is certainly not the case these days.

Cruise Critic, August, 2014. Read More

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Family Cruising Basics

Two million kids younger than 15 sailed the high seas in 2013 on lines that are members of the Cruise Lines International Association Industry. To attract and keep that many children happily engaged, cruise lines offer meet and greets with beloved cartoon characters and more.

Cruise Critic, May 14, 2014. Read More

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Book: An Explorer’s Guide to Virginia

Lush vineyards, exciting cities, deep history, space-age science – VA has lots to offer. (Countryman Press)
View page

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FamilyiTrips

Stapen has taken her love and experience of travel writing and combined it with her entrepreneurial spirit to launch FamilyiTrips, a series of user-friendly and informative family travel apps. Stapen wrote DC With Kids, and noted journalist Deb Geigis Berry wrote Boston With Kids and NYC Family Guide.

Candyce’s Blogs,

Dentist’s Money Digest

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Wyndham Vacation Rentals Vacation Differently

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Travel with Pets

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Select Articles & Blogs

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Featured Videos

DC With Kids App

DC With Kids, FamilyiTrips.com

Click image to view video

More Broadcasts/Videos

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Featured Book

“A classy series with encyclopedic coverage.”
–National Geographic Traveler
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