Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Passport to Answers: How Do You Make Sure the Trip Has Something for Both Adults and Kids?

Let’s be honest: planning a trip that keeps both adults and kids happy can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with no picture on the box. One minute you’re dreaming of sipping wine on a terrace, the next you’re wondering if the hotel even has chicken nuggets.

Here’s how I make sure everyone in your family gets something out of the trip — not just the kids, not just the grown-ups, but everyone!

I Ask the Right Questions Up Front

We’ll chat about what actually matters to your family. What makes your kids light up? What helps you unwind? Maybe you want beach time, but not every day. Maybe your kids love animals but hate long car rides. I ask the questions that help me plan something that feels like your trip — not just a copy-paste family package.

Balance is Everything

I mix the fun stuff for the kids with the good stuff for the adults. Think: a day of snorkeling and beach play, followed by a parents-only dinner while the kids are at a pizza-making class. Or a museum morning that ends with gelato in the piazza. No one feels like they’re sacrificing — everyone gets a win.

I Design With Real Life in Mind

I plan around naps, energy levels, and snack needs — because no one enjoys a trip where the kids are melting down by lunchtime and the parents are running on fumes. That means not overloading your days, choosing hotels with space to breathe, and building in time to actually relax.

Kid-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Kid-Centric

Yes, I find cool stuff for the kids — animal encounters, treasure hunts, beach clubs — but I also make sure adults are loving it too. Maybe it’s a vineyard with a petting zoo. A cooking class where everyone makes pasta. A guided walk where the kids are engaged and you’re not bored to tears. That’s the sweet spot.

And Yes, You Get Grown-Up Time Too

If you want a little adults-only time (and let’s be real, most parents do), I’ve got you. I work with hotels that have trusted childcare, kids’ clubs, or even just a private sitter — so you can sneak away for dinner or a spa treatment and know the kids are having fun too.

I design trips that feel good in the moment — not just great on paper. The kind where you’re not just managing your kids’ fun, but actually enjoying yourself, together.

Because the best family trips are the ones where everyone comes home with happy memories — not just the kids.

Let’s Chat

Let me take care of the details so you can focus on the excitement of your next family getaway! Ready to make some unforgettable memories? Get in touch, so we can start planning a trip that everyone in your family will actually enjoy — yes, even you!

Why You Should Work with a Family Travel Advisor

As a parent who has planned countless family vacations, both professionally as a travel advisor and personally with my own children, I’ve learned that family travel requires strategic expertise. It’s about creating experiences that engage everyone while anticipating the unique needs that come with traveling as a family.

When I first started traveling with my children, I quickly discovered how different family travel is from solo or couple adventures. Now, with years of experience both as a mom and a travel advisor, I can transform your family vacation from potentially stressful to genuinely enjoyable.

Experience That Makes a Difference

I understand family dynamics from both professional and personal perspectives. I know which cities are most navigable with children, which resorts truly deliver on their family-friendly promises, and how to structure your days to maintain everyone’s energy and interest.

I can tell you with confidence which transfer times are realistic with children, where to find convenient meal options that satisfy diverse preferences, and which attractions are worth your time based on your children’s ages and interests.

Planning with Your Family in Mind

When we work together, I create travel experiences tailored specifically to your family’s unique needs:

  • I recommend destinations that match your children’s developmental stages and interests
  • I plan itineraries with appropriate pacing, building in necessary downtime
  • I select accommodations positioned near the attractions you’ll visit most frequently
  • I identify family-friendly dining options that balance convenience with quality
  • I suggest activities that educate and entertain children while still engaging adults

I understand that a successful family vacation requires thoughtful planning that accounts for everyone’s needs—including parents who deserve their own moments of enjoyment.

Beyond the Obvious Destinations

The advantage of working with someone who regularly travels with children is access to knowledge that goes beyond the standard family destinations. I can introduce you to lesser-known destinations where your family can have authentic cultural experiences suited to your children’s ages.

Whether it’s recommending the most walkable European cities for families, connecting you with a great tour guide who are not only experts in their destinations but also fantastic with kids, identifying which museums offer engaging children’s programs, or knowing which beaches provide the amenities families need, my recommendations come from firsthand experience and relationships I’ve formed.

Let’s Create Meaningful Family Experiences

Family travel isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about creating formative experiences that will shape your children’s understanding of the world. As your travel advisor, I’m committed to helping you design journeys that are not only logistically smooth but also rich with opportunities for connection and discovery.

When you’re ready to plan your next family adventure—whether it’s exploring a new city or embarking on an international journey—I’d be honored to put my experience as both an advisor and a traveling mom to work for you.

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5 Days in Costa Rica: A Blend of Cloud Forest and Coast

Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes offer travelers an extraordinary opportunity to experience both mystical cloud forests and sun-drenched coastlines in a single trip. And that is just what our clients; a mother and daughter did! Our carefully crafted 5-day journey through Monteverde and Guanacaste showcases the best of both worlds, complete with private transfers for seamless travel between destinations. Specializing in family travel, I ensure every trip is tailored to provide memorable, stress-free experiences for families to bond and explore together. I understand the best hotels for families, offering amenities that cater to kids and room configurations perfect for families to enjoy their stay with comfort and convenience.

Day 1: Arriving in Monteverde’s Cloud Forest

Their journey began in Monteverde, where the cloud forest’s mystical atmosphere immediately transports you to a world of natural wonder. After settling into the accommodation at Senda or Nayara Tented Camp, we recommend taking the afternoon to acclimate to the cooler mountain climate, exploring the property and discovering the charming town of Santa Elena, perhaps stopping at Santa Elena Coffee Shop to sample Costa Rican coffee and authentic cuisine.

Nayara Tented Camp

Day 2: Sky Adventures in Monteverde – Treetopia Park

The day brought an unforgettable adventure at Treetopia Park, combining the Sky Tram and Sky Walk experiences. The morning starts with a peaceful ascent in the Sky Tram, offering breathtaking views over the cloud forest canopy. The aerial tram ride provides excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting, particularly for those interested in the region’s diverse bird species.

The Sky Walk portion took this duo across a series of suspension bridges, placing them at eye level with the cloud forest canopy. Expert guides share insights about the unique ecosystem, pointing out exotic plants, birds, and perhaps even the elusive Quetzal. The suspended walkways offer a different perspective of the forest, allowing you to observe life in the treetops while learning about the complex relationships between the forest’s inhabitants.

Day 3: Journey to Guanacaste – Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

The private transfer to Guanacaste begins with a stop at the stunning Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, often described as Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfall. This hidden gem features a broad, curtain-like cascade surrounded by lush forest. The gentle pool at the base provides a perfect spot for a refreshing swim, while the sandy beach area offers a comfortable place to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch.

The afternoon continues to Rincón de la Vieja’s hot springs, where volcanic activity creates natural thermal pools of varying temperatures. These mineral-rich waters provide the perfect remedy for travel-weary muscles. The well-maintained facilities include mud baths, where you can participate in the time-honored tradition of applying volcanic mud before soaking in the therapeutic waters.

Stay at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Splurge: Four Seasons Peninsula, Families: JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

Day 4: Mangrove and Estuary Private Tour

This private mangrove and estuary tour reveals the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica’s coastal ecosystems. Gliding through the quiet waterways, your expert guide helps spot wildlife including various species of herons, kingfishers, and crocodiles. The mangrove forests serve as crucial nurseries for marine life and provide essential habitat for countless species.

The private nature of this tour allows for a more personalized experience, with opportunities to stop for photos and extended wildlife observation. Your guide shares insights about the ecological importance of mangroves and their role in coastal protection, making this both an adventure and an educational experience.

These clients highly recommend Salty Smile Surf, for beginner surfing in Tamarindo! Run by a couple; they are patient, got both of them up surfing and an added bonus they gave amazing recommendations for local restaurants and shops in the town.

Day 5: Final Day in Paradise

On your final morning, stop at Waffle Monkey in Tamarindo for delicious waffles & iced coffee. Then, take time to enjoy the Guanacaste region’s famous beaches or opt for additional activities like, surfing, snorkeling or beach walks. The area’s golden-sand beaches and blue waters provide a perfect setting for reflection on your journey through two of Costa Rica’s most distinctive regions.

Travel Tips and Considerations:

  • Pack for two climates: Monteverde’s cool mountain air and Guanacaste’s tropical warmth
  • Bring quick-dry clothing for water activities and comfortable walking shoes for trails
  • Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle
  • Camera or binoculars for wildlife spotting
  • Light raincoat or poncho for unexpected showers
  • Swimming attire for waterfalls and hot springs

Ready to embark on the ultimate family adventure? I’m here to help turn your dream getaway into a reality! Whether you’re imagining sandy beaches in the Caribbean, exploring ancient ruins in Jordan, Egypt or Italy, or unwinding in the serene mountains of New Zealand, let’s craft an unforgettable experience anywhere in the world.

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Bonus: Mention “Beltway Bambinos” when emailing and booking through me to receive a special welcome amenity for your kids at your hotel!

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