TROLLS: A Field Study in the Pacific Northwest: A guide to exploring the 12 new Trolls in Washington

Twelve new large wooden trolls have arrived in the Pacific Northwest by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. These new trolls are a part of a touring troll expedition and will only be here from October 15, 2026 through January 24, 2027. Trolls: A Field Study is split between two different parks: Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, both located south of Seattle. If you are a PNW local or visiting Seattle this fall or winter, I would highly recommend spending a day visiting these trolls and exploring these two fun parks worthwhile in their own right.

Editor's Pick, Family Travel, Washington, United States, North AmericaAlison MullisOctober 27, 2026trolls, washington, Seattle, seattle, art, zooComment

Family Travel Traditions: 25 Meaningful Traditions to Start on Your Trips

We have quite a few travel traditions that help bring a bit of routine into travel, extend the special and fun memories of a trip into the months before and after each trip, and possibly help minimize the whining while on the trip. The article details more than 20 different traditions, several of which are our own and others are traditions that we haven’t yet adopted but heard about from friends. Feel free to steal or modify any of the traditions to fit your family!

Travel Tips, Family Travel, Family, Editor's PickAlison MullisOctober 23, 2026kids, traditions, planningComment

One Day in Mykonos, Greece: The Perfect Cruise Port Itinerary

The few hours we spent in Mykonos was our first taste of Greece and what cemented our eagerness to explore more. For our honeymoon, we were on a 9-day Mediterranean cruise that stopped at 4 ports in Greece and 3 in Italy. Our first Greek port was the gorgeous Mykonos! Prior to leaving, Mykonos was near the bottom of our list of what we were most excited for. However, after we were done exploring Mykonos town, it was our number one place to go back in Greece.

Editor's Pick, Greece, EuropeAlison MullisOctober 12, 2026Free, Mykonos, Cruise Comments

How Much We Paid for a Weeklong Trip to San Diego (Full Cost Breakdown)

San Diego ranks near the top of our favorite United States destinations. From the culture, the wildlife, hikes, activities, there is so much to do in and around San Diego. California is known for being pricey. Part of our trip was spent at a theme park and staying on property. As a family of 4, we have to be cognizant of our budget but we also want to enjoy our time while on vacation. So how much did we spend? This breakdown details everything we spent from flights, accommodations, theme park tickets, and more. I also go through ways we saved money and the things we splurged a bit on.

6 Free Things to Do in Taormina: A Budget-Friendly Guide & Walking Route

Taormina is a small town perched on the cliffs of Sicily in Italy. From the pedestrian-only city center, you can see Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The village of Taormina is a popular destination for wealthy Europeans in the Summer and it's streets are lined with high-end shops. Fortunately for the more budget-concious traveler, there are many ways to spend a day in Taormina without spending a penny.

Europe, Italy, Most Popular, Editor's PickAlison MullisSeptember 28, 2026Sicily, Cruise, Taormina Comments

Orcas Island in November with Kids: A Fall Weekend Itinerary

We are spoiled here in western Washington by the shear number of gorgeous weekend getaways a few hours away. While a spontaneous trip to the San Juan Islands usually isn’t possible in the summer, it is definitely more doable in the off season. Below is a great itinerary to follow in the fall whether you have planned a year in advance or just a day.

Portland in October with Kids: A 2-Day Fall Weekend Itinerary

We drove to Portland, from Seattle, in Mid-October for my oldest’s birthday in a way that best celebrated her - with all things spooky. Whether she loves Halloween because her birthday is right before it or whether it is just a nice coincidence is not known. We came up with this fun fall weekend itinerary together, highlighting some of the best things to do in Portland in October as a visitor. Portland is an amazing place to visit in the fall and its wet and dreary weather only adds to it. This quirky city is a perfect destination for soaking up the spooky season even if you just have 2 days.

Alison MullisSeptember 11, 2026Comment

48 Hours in Big Sur: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary from Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea | Complete Guide

One of the most beautiful sections of the California coast is the Monterey region in the central coast that includes Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey. A weekend trip here means dramatic and jaw-dropping coastal views, adorable animal encounters, picturesque towns, delicious meals and a relaxed atmosphere. This area has a lot to offer, but how do you best maximize your time if you just have 48 hours to explore? This is the perfect trip to do if you want a vacation without using PTO. This guide will give you all the details about the best places to stay from budget conscious choices to luxury accommodations; our hour to hour itinerary with tips; extra places to visit if you have more time; and more.

Oregon & Redwoods Roadtrip Days 7-8: Eugene, OR to Seattle

The final two days of this road trip! We spent these days in and around Portland, Oregon and making the drive back up to Seattle to end our trip. This part of the trip is far more of a choose your own adventure, as they are countless things to do around Portland. We visited the quirky Enchanted Forest Amusement Park, the last troll we needed to see of Thomas Dambo’s PNW trolls, and walked around downtown Portland. This article includes many more ideas of how to fill your time

United States, Oregon, North America, Family TravelAlison MullisJuly 20, 2026Oregon, Trol, Portland, Amusement Park, kids, Road TripComment

Oregon & Redwood National Park Road Trip Days 5-6: Crescent City, CA to Eugene, OR

When the start of the Redwoods National Park is less than 30 minutes away from the end of the Oregon Coast, it only makes sense to add it on to your trip. While the Oregon Coast was definitely the main attraction of this road trip, our side trip into Redwoods National Park was definitely a highlight for all. We started Day 5 in Crescent City, CA - a great base city for exploring the Redwoods State and National Parks. This is the part of the road trip where you start to slow down a bit, but still are eager to see something dramatic and maybe something new. Redwoods allowed us to just stop at a few places, just do a couple hikes but for a large payoff. Then on Day 6, we started making our way back up Oregon to enjoy a few spots around Oregon’s I-5 before heading back to Seattle.

Oregon, North America, United States, Family Travel, CaliforniaAlison MullisJuly 12, 2026Oregon, nationa, Redwoods, hiking, California, Road TripComment

Road Trip Along the Oregon Coast Days 3-4: Newport to Crescent City, CA

Continuing on down the Oregon Coast, Days 3 and 4 of this 8 day road trip of Oregon and the Redwoods National Park got us just cross the border to California! These two days took us through the quieter and rugged south Oregon Coast. There are less people, but definitely not less beauty. This section of the coast features more dramatic views off the coast from sea rocks to sand dunes and lots of opportunities to see wildlife. In this itinerary, we break up the sights into 2 days but you can easily stretch it out into more days if you have time. Additional sights for each day are included in this guide, along with where to stay.

Oregon, North America, United States, CaliforniaAlison MullisJune 17, 2026Road Trip, Oregon, kids, Beach, California, Nature, WildlifeComment

Road Trip Along the Oregon Coast Day 1 - 2: Seattle to Newport

The first two days of our Oregon Coast road trip took us from our home in Seattle to Newport, OR. We explored the cute towns, tide pools and gorgeous beaches of Oregon’s north coast and made it to the central coast. Below details each stop we took along the way, the best places to stay and additional stops to add to your itinerary. We did this road trip with our two kids, aged 3 & 4, but it can be modified for any group.

Oregon, United States, North AmericaAlison MullisJune 10, 2026Road Trip, Oregon, Itinerary, kids, hiking, Wildlife, summerComment

8 Day Oregon Coast & Redwoods National Park Roadtrip from Seattle: Itinerary Overview

One of the most scenic road trips in the world, the Oregon Coast is a must see. This road trip is easily accessible from Portland and Seattle and is easy to do no matter who is in your group. The roads are well-paved, even if a bit windy, and the must-see stops are frequent. This road trip can be customized to fit the interests of your family - from focusing on nature and gorgeous photo spots to wildlife spotting to eating your way down the coast. Just a short extension and across the border into California, the Redwoods National Park and its moody forests are the perfect addition to the moody Oregon Coast. This guide will help you with planning your own trip along the coast.

Oregon, United States, North America, CaliforniaAlison MullisJune 3, 2026Oregon, West coast, California, Redwoods, Road Trip, Beach, kids, hiking, SeattleComment

The Perfect Long Weekend in Victoria BC with Kids (From Seattle)

Victoria is often known as one of the most England-like place outside of England and is a great long weekend escape from Seattle if you want to feel like you are going a lot farther away than you actually are. Victoria is just a 45 minute flight from Seattle and feels like you are being transported to Europe. From the beautifully manicured gardens to the castles and the high tea. You also get all of the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, including Orca spotting, mild weather, and gorgeous nature. This guide will help you plan your long weekend trip from when to go, how to get there and what to do once you are there. We include spots that will appeal to the whole family.

North America, Canada, Family TravelAlison MullisApril 27, 2026Victoria, Seattle, island, vancouver island, kids, Long weekendComment

5 Days in the San Juan Islands with Kids (From Seattle): A Spring Itinerary

Seattle is rich with day and weekend trips within a short driving distance. None I would rank more highly than the San Juan Islands. These magical, gorgeous and historic islands are just an 1.5 hour drive and a 1 hour ferry ride away from downtown Seattle. The San Juan Island archipelago is made up of 172 named islands, but only four are accessible by the Washington Ferry system

What to Pack for Oahu with Kids: The Ultimate Family Packing List

This list contains every possible thing you might need to make your trip to Oahu smooth and relaxing. I have included items from baby age on up, so if something doesn’t apply to you - ignore it. I’ve included items if you plan to spend all day on the beach or if you have reservations to hike up Diamond Head. Items that work great if you are staying at an apartment, but might be unnecessary if you are staying at a luxury resort. So take this list as a starting point and cross things off as you go to make your perfect packing list for your family on your trip to Oahu.

Family, Family Travel, North America, United States, Travel TipsAlison MullisMarch 25, 2026oahu, Packing List, spring break, kidsComment

Seattle in Spring: Best Things to do With Kids (March-May)

Over 40 spots around the greater Seattle area to enjoy the spring blooms and warmer weather. This article details all the popular spots to see the beauty that is spring around Seattle with kids. From flower fields, to beaches, festivals, and hikes. Great for locals and tourists visiting between the months of March and May.

Family, Budget, United States, North America, Most PopularAlison MullisMarch 5, 2026Seattle, spring, spring break, Kids, flowers, washington, cherry blossomComment

Our Experience Moving Half-Way Across the Country with Kids (Saint Louis -> Seattle)

It has been 2 years since moving from the Midwest to Seattle with our 2 kids. This article covers everything from finding a job, selling our house, moving our things, and navigating life in a new city where we knew no one.

Editor's Pick, Family, WashingtonAlison MullisFebruary 23, 2026moving, St. Louis, Midwest, cross countryComment