This is it—our first “spring break” with a kindergartner. We’ve officially entered the phase of juggling travel amid entirely inconvenient school schedules. 😉 And can I say, while it’s not the easiest route (limited timeframes, pricier flights and hotels), it’s also lovely in the way that it forcefully suggests family travel. (A week off of school… to stay at home?! Nah.)

We’ll be taking advantage of the time off with a couple of trips to the sunshine state. It’s hard to believe, but we’ve NEVER taken our kiddos to Florida. And while we won’t be venturing into mouse territory, we’ve got some fabulous stays planned, including a family-friendly wellness-focused getaway that’s unlike anything I’ve come across before. (Full details in next month’s newsletter!)

Something New in Turks & Caicos…

Next month, a whole new village of accommodations opens up at Beaches Turks and Caicos—and it’s been built with family luxury in mind. (Think majority two-bedroom family suites with spacious balconies overlooking the ocean.) It’s bright, modern and beautiful… and it connects with the rest of the much-loved Beaches family resort, known for its slew of activities, kids camps, and ample dining options. In short: It’s an easy-button vacation if you’ve got kiddos of any age and want a bit of luxury, too.

I’m flagging this because 1) I WANNA GO! and 2) it’s an ideal tropical destination to add to your 2026 wish list! When checking availability, look for rooms labeled Treasure Beach—this is the brand new section of this sprawling resort that I’m talking about!

Top Little-Kid-Friendly Hikes in the U.S.

Here’s one you’ll want to save for future trip planning or send to your partner—hint, hint. I’m highlighting our favorite hikes that just happen to also be toddler-friendly (you’ll want a carrier for some of these—here’s the one that we use and love!)

See photos of every hike below here!

🥾 Natural Bridge Hike {Red River Gorge, Daniel Boone National Forest, KY}
Real-rock staircases, a beautiful geological arch and sweeping views in a 2-mile up-and-down hike.

🥾 Barker Dam Trail {Joshua Tree National Park, CA}
A winding 1-mile desert trail with cacti, rock art and intriguing formations besides an often dried-up river bed.

🥾 Hidden Lake Overlook Trail {Glacier National Park, MT}
Epic views from mostly boardwalk in this 2.6-mile loop path just behind Logan Pass-with mountain goats likely!

🥾 Laurel Falls Trail {Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN}
A 2.5-mile round trip mainly paved path that offers beautiful views and an 80-foot waterfall. Note: Closed through mid 2026.

🥾 Empire Bluff Trail {Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI}
A popular 1.5-mile round trip trail that offers the prettiest bluff views over Lake Michigan

🥾 Jordan Pond Loop {Acadia National Park, ME}
3 miles—mostly flat—with iconic views of those Bubble Mountains; plan to stop by Jordan Pond House afterward.

🥾 Alkali Flat Trail {White Sands National Park, NM}
This is a challenging trail, so I recommend just heading out as far as you’d like to take in the endless sand views, sled a bit and play—sunset timing is perfect.

🥾 Pipiwai Trail {Maui, HI}
A memorable 4-mile round trip hike that keeps everyone entertained with a bamboo forest, massive banyan tree, and 400-foot waterfall.

🥾 Old Man’s Cave Trail {Hocking Hills State Park, OH}
Less than a mile, but rich with scenery. Waterfalls, caves, a tiny stair tunnel and rock formations abound.

🥾 Savage River Trail {Denali National Park, AK}
A 2.2-mile loop alongside a glacier-carved valley. Reach the hike by bus in the summer months—it’s a refreshing and easy way to see just inside the park.

Stuck on Spring Break Plans?

This Spring Break Decision Flow Chart might be one of my most genius ideas yet. Mainly, because it has a suggestion for everyone, no matter your style, budget or access to a passport.

Prepping for a Family Vacation in Mexico:

That said, a trip to Mexico is never a bad idea. In addition to highlighting my favorite family resorts, I also spent some time updating our Mexico with Kids Guide with some helpful tips following our January visit to Cancun:

• ✈️ Airport Transfers: I felt nervous about the chaotic airport arrivals experience and getting our kids to the hotel safely given that they still use a five-point harness car seat and booster, but I found and pre-booked a service (I used Happy Shuttle Cancun) and they simplified everything. On time, with snacks and car seats / boosters installed, plus reasonable pricing.

• 👶 Nanny Service: We were in Mexico for a friend’s wedding and worked with our hotel concierge to book nanny services through a local agency partner. We booked an hour to hang together with the nanny and kids beforehand, coordinated room service and movies, communicated throughout and ensured we could book the same lovely caretaker both nights she’d be needed. Our nanny Isabel was confident and experienced and it showed, which made sneaking away so much easier on us parents.

• 🛏️ Club-Level Guestroom: We didn’t stay at an all-inclusive hotel, but with a family of four, it was a no brainer to upgrade to a club-level room with a balcony (hello, post-bedtime cocktail!) and free daily breakfast and happy hour. Because breakfast was a plentiful buffet that ran till 11 am, it essentially served as our lunch each day—saving us pricey restaurant bills. If you’re heading to a standard resort, don’t skip looking into this option or asking about upgrades when you arrive.

• 🐚 Beaches: On this trip, I learned that the best time to experience generally seaweed-free beaches is Nov-Mar. (Peak seaweed season is Apr-May.) The beaches during our January visit were pristine, and thank goodness, because my kids would’ve had a field day and I’d be covered in it otherwise. This is definitely something to ask the concierge about when booking your stay as every beach differs.

• 💧 Drinking Water: If your kids have never visited a country where drinking from the faucet is not advised, take some time to sit down and talk about the concept with them in advance of your trip. By introducing the idea early (and even gamifying it), you’ll have better luck avoiding those bath-time or teeth brushing sips that can inadvertently slip by.
  
  Use a water bottle at home to practice brushing your teeth and teach them this little rhyme for your time away…“If it comes from the sink, don’t take a drink!”

What’s Working for Us Now:

I can’t believe I waited this long to travel with a carry-on stroller. I think I thought they’d be bulky or cumbersome… no! Total game changer because it means the airlines can’t break, damage or lose your baby gear during your flight. (Yes, that’s happened to us more than once. 😭)

This one, available on Amazon, is easy to fold, lays flat, seats infants to 55 lbs and (drumroll)… comes with a cupholder. 🙌🏼 And, of course, it stows perfectly in an overhead bit—even on our flight on a smaller regional jet—which made zipping towards customs and then waiting in the line a much breezier experience than it might have been.

Check out the HopLite stroller by Babbleroo store on Amazon.

{Or view ALL of our favorite travel-with-kids finds on Amazon.}

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