The drive to the Outer Banks doesn't have to be something you simply endure. Discover why Richmond, Virginia is the perfect midway stop for families traveling from Maryland and DC, with three kid-approved attractions—the Science Museum of Virginia, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and the Children's Museum of Richmond—that help everyone recharge before the final stretch to the beach.

The best Outer Banks vacations aren’t built around a packed itinerary—they’re built around finding your family’s rhythm. From slow coffee mornings in Corolla to walkable adventures in Duck, easy rental-house dinners with fresh local seafood, and the freedom to leave space for spontaneous moments, this guide shares how to create a beach vacation that feels relaxing, connected, and truly memorable.

Think you missed your chance to plan a summer vacation? Think again. You don’t need a plane ticket or months of planning to create meaningful family memories. This guide shares four easy, family-friendly road trip escapes from the DC and Maryland area—including beaches, mountains, and charming small towns—plus simple strategies for planning a last-minute getaway without the stress.

How to find pools to add to your vacation, while staying within a budget.

Recapping our visit to the Baltimore Aquarium, why we sprung for the membership and local recs nearby.

World Cup got you looking at flights? Check out our guide to the country of the 2026 World Cup Winners: Spain!

Our must-have beach items for a family trip!

How to pick a destination that works for your trip and not build a trip around the destination.

Breakdown on the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao and why they are a great choice in the summer / fall.

Sharing a behind-the-scenes with our favorite local banana bread baker, K from K’s Banana Bread!

Our fav local firework celebrations and some science.

Why traveling with your teen daughter is a great idea!

Our approach to meal prep in kitchens that are not our own, featuring personal chef and mom, Mo from Nourishment by Mo. Part 2: Our go-to vacation grocery list + easy meals to cook.

Why early summer is the best time to plan your trip for NEXT spring break and how to get into it!

Our approach to meal prep in kitchens that are not our own, featuring personal chef and mom, Mo from Nourishment by Mo.

Reflections on our Travel Dad ahead of this fathers’ day!

Why book with a travel agent or advisor when you can use chat GPT? I’ll tell you. The bottom line is really customization and customer service.

Behind the scenes with one of our favorite local restaurants, Taco Bar. I got to meet with the family behind the business and learned so much!

Looking at the 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities and all they have to offer.

How we plan to celebrate the world cup this year.