Family Travel Tips & Stories

If you are wondering how to get your first passport, the process is easier than many people expect. Most of the work involves gathering the correct documents, completing one form, having a passport photo taken, and submitting everything in person. The hardest part may simply be waiting for your new passport to arrive. Here is the process broken down into simple steps. This guide is for U.S. citizens applying for their first U.S. passport. Passport fees and processing times we

Do you need a passport to go on a cruise? The answer is both yes and no. Some cruises allow eligible U.S. citizens to travel without a passport, while others require every passenger to have one. The answer depends on where your cruise begins, where it ends, where it travels, and the rules of the cruise line. This information is written for U.S. citizens. Permanent residents and citizens of other countries may have different documentation requirements. When You May Cruise Wit

Before I cruised with my two-year-old, there was one part of our stateroom that made me nervous: The balcony. A balcony room sounded beautiful. Coffee while the ship pulled into port. A quiet ocean view after the girls were asleep. A little extra space to breathe. But my youngest was the kind of toddler who saw something climbable before I even noticed it was there. Chairs, couch arms, playground equipment—she was my little half-monkey. So while everyone else was excited abou

Cruising with toddlers can be wonderful, but swim diaper rules, splash areas, and kids’ club requirements can make a big difference. Here’s what families should ask before booking. Cruising can be an amazing family vacation. The ships, the food, the entertainment, the destinations, the memories — there is so much to love. ​ But if you are traveling with a baby, toddler, or young child who is still in diapers or swim diapers, there is one very important detail you should know