Beltway Bambinos

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

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  • Outdoor Play
    • 15 family friendly hikes
    • Pick your own fruit and vegetables
    • Beaches and state parks
    • Outdoor fun
    • Trails, marshes and gardens
    • 20 classic outdoor games
    • Trains and carousels
  • Beltway Bambinos Concierge
    • Customized itineraries
    • Introducing Beltway Bambinos Concierge
  • About
  • Beltway Travel
    • Introducing Beltway Travel
    • Family Summer Getaways
    • Traveling with Little Ones?
    • Why Now is the Time to Plan
    • Travel Advisors Save You More Than Money
    • Why You Should Work with Me
    • How Do You Make Sure the Trip Has Something for Everyone?
    • DC Hotels with Indoor Pools
  • Itineraries
    • 5 Days in Costa Rica
    • {Winter} Staycation
  • Home
  • Indoor Fun
    • Theater & musical productions
    • Guide to Indoor Fun for Kids
  • Fall
    • Halloween guide
    • Fall festivals, farms, orchards
    • Fall Foliage Spots and Drives
    • Fall events
    • Fall classes
    • Fall bucket list
    • Survive Daylight Savings
  • Winter
    • Holiday gift guide
    • Holiday shows, ballets and concerts
    • Hanukkah Celebrations
    • Holiday Tea
    • Christmas Trees, Lights & Markets
    • Ski and snowboard
    • Cut-your-own tree
    • Ice rinks and roller rinks
  • Spring
    • Cherry blossoms
    • Easter egg hunts
    • Easter basket & spring gift ideas
    • Spring bucket list
    • Mother’s Day
    • Memorial Day weekend
    • Tax day steals and deals
  • Summer
    • Summer Camps
    • July 4th
    • Ice cream
    • Sunflower Fields
    • Summer bucket list
    • Live outdoor music
    • Outdoor movies
    • Outdoor swimming pools
    • Splash parks
    • Trains!
  • Camps and Classes
    • Fall classes
    • Spring classes
    • Summer camps
    • Mid-winter break camps
    • Winter camps and classes
    • November 2, 4, 5, 11
    • DCPS spring break camps
    • Schools out, camps are in
    • Year-round classes
    • Gymnastics and dance classes
  • Neighborhood Guides
    • Annapolis, MD
    • AU Park, DC
    • Baltimore, MD
    • Bethany Beach, DE
    • Breweries in the DC area
    • Brookland, DC
    • Chevy Chase, DC
    • Georgetown, DC
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • Lancaster County, PA
    • Madison, VA
    • Frederick, MD
    • St. Louis, MO
  • Outdoor Play
    • 15 family friendly hikes
    • Pick your own fruit and vegetables
    • Beaches and state parks
    • Outdoor fun
    • Trails, marshes and gardens
    • 20 classic outdoor games
    • Trains and carousels
  • Beltway Bambinos Concierge
    • Customized itineraries
    • Introducing Beltway Bambinos Concierge
  • About
  • Beltway Travel
    • Introducing Beltway Travel
    • Family Summer Getaways
    • Traveling with Little Ones?
    • Why Now is the Time to Plan
    • Travel Advisors Save You More Than Money
    • Why You Should Work with Me
    • How Do You Make Sure the Trip Has Something for Everyone?
    • DC Hotels with Indoor Pools
  • Itineraries
    • 5 Days in Costa Rica
    • {Winter} Staycation

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

May 9, 2025

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!

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Filed Under: Beltway Travel Tagged: FamilyGetaway, FamilyTravel, familytravels, familytripplanner, FamilyVacation, KidFriendlyTravel, luxuryfamilytravel, momlifeontheroad, multigentravel, StressFreeTravel, TravelAdvisor, travelagentlife, travelmoreworryless, TravelPlanning, TravelTips, TravelWithKids, travelwithteens, travelwithtoddlers, vacationplanner

Why You Should Work with a Family Travel Advisor

March 29, 2025

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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Filed Under: Beltway Travel Tagged: beltway bambinos, beltway bambinos concierge, Beltway Travel, CustomTravel, DC Blogger, DC Local, DestinationPlanning, family travel, Family Vacation, FamilyAdventure, FamilyGetaway, FamilyTravel, FamilyTravelExpert, FamilyTrip, FamilyVacation, KidFriendlyDestinations, KidFriendlyTravel, Local to Global, New Adventures, StressFreeTravel, Travel Advisor, Travel Agent, Travel Expert, Travel Planning, TravelAdvisor, TravelExpert, TravelGuide, TravelPlanning, TravelTips, TravelWithChildren, TravelWithKids, Vacation Vibes, VacationPlanning

{Winter} Staycation: DC-Area Hotels Your Kids Will Never Want to Leave

February 27, 2025

Looking for a memorable weekend escape without leaving the DMV? These local hotels offer far more than just a place to sleep – they’re destinations packed with family adventures, cozy vibes, and the kind of amenities that will make your kids beg to stay “just one more night.”

The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City

Perfect for: Train enthusiasts and mall lovers This newly renovated property sits directly above the Pentagon City Metro station and connects to Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.
Kids will love:

  • Watching planes take off from nearby Reagan National from high-floor rooms
  • The “Very Important Kids” check-in experience with special welcome amenities
  • Indoor pool with dedicated family swim hours
  • Easy Metro access for DC adventures
  • Bonus parent perk: The Club Level lounge offers all-day snacks and drinks, perfect for hangry little ones.

Gaylord National Resort

Perfect for: Winter wonderland seekers During winter months, this National Harbor resort transforms into a festive escape with their annual ICE! attraction.
Highlights include:

  • Indoor atrium with “dancing” fountains
  • Winter village activities and ice skating
  • Multiple on-site restaurants catering to picky eaters
  • Rooms overlooking the atrium or Potomac River
  • Indoor pool with outdoor water feature
  • Pro tip: Book a room with atrium view to watch the nightly light show from your balcony.

The Salamander Resort & Spa

Perfect for: Outdoorsy families and animal lovers Just an hour from DC in Middleburg, this luxury resort offers country charm with plenty of activities.

  • Equestrian center with pony rides for little ones
  • Massive game room with ping pong and pool tables
  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • Nature scavenger hunts and kids’ cooking classes
  • Don’t miss: Their weekend “Little Adventurers” program lets parents enjoy spa time while kids have supervised fun.

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay

Perfect for: Water lovers (even in winter!) This Eastern Shore resort keeps families entertained year-round.

  • Indoor pool complex with outdoor pool as well
  • S’mores at the fire pits
  • Mini golf course
  • Game room and scheduled activities
  • Winter special: Look for their “Comfort and Joy” package with hot chocolate delivery and holiday activities.

The MGM National Harbor

Perfect for: Families seeking urban luxury while primarily known for its casino, MGM offers plenty for families.

  • Stunning conservatory with seasonal displays
  • Rooftop pool (seasonal)
  • High-end dining options with kid-friendly menus
  • Entertainment suitable for families
  • Insider tip: Request a room facing the Capital Wheel for nighttime light show views.

Four Seasons Georgetown

Perfect for: Urban explorers and pool enthusiasts.
This Georgetown gem offers sophisticated family fun in the heart of DC:

  • Indoor pool
  • Special children’s amenities and welcome gifts
  • Kid-sized robes and custom activities
  • Steps from Georgetown’s shops and waterfront
  • Bonus parent perk: The concierge can arrange exclusive experiences like private museum tours and kid-friendly cooking classes.

Salamander DC

Perfect for: Art lovers and city adventurers
The District’s newest luxury hotel (formerly Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC) brings family hospitality to downtown:

  • Indoor pool
  • Kid-friendly afternoon tea service
  • Art tours designed for young visitors
  • Location perfect for National Mall exploration
  • Don’t miss: Their special children’s programming and custom city scavenger hunts.

Riggs

If you’re looking for a staycation with a mix of luxury and history, Riggs Washington DC is an excellent option. This former bank building combines rich architectural history with modern touches, offering a unique experience.
Kid approved features:

  • Located near major attractions like the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian museums
  • Stylish accommodations with spacious rooms
  • Historic and memorable experience for the whole family

Omni Shoreham

For families who want a more traditional hotel experience with extra amenities. This iconic hotel has been a staple in Washington, DC, for over 80 years and is known for its sprawling grounds.
Family favorites:

  • Expansive outdoor pool and gardens
  • Close to the National Zoo and Rock Creek Park for outdoor fun
  • Spacious rooms and a range of dining options on-site

The Lyle

For families seeking a chic yet cozy staycation.
Family-friendly perks:

  • Spacious suites with ample space for families
  • Proximity to Rock Creek Park and family-friendly restaurants
  • Pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along on the staycation
  • Featuring a special “Family Adventure at Lyle” package – ask me about this

Hyatt House Washington, DC/The Wharf

Offers the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and fun for families.
Perks for the whole family:

  • Spacious suites with kitchenettes for easy meal prep
  • Rooftop pool with panoramic views
  • Close proximity to family-friendly attractions like the Smithsonian museums, National Gallery, and the National Zoo

Ready to plan your perfect family staycation? I’d love to help make it happen! Whether you’re dreaming of s’mores at the Salamander Resort or watching planes from the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, let’s create some unforgettable family memories together.

➡️ Book a free travel consultation here
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Bonus: Mention “Beltway Bambinos” when emailing and booking through me to receive a special welcome amenity for your kids at participating hotels!

P.S. Planning a bigger family adventure beyond the DMV? I’d love to hear what destinations are on your wishlist. Drop me a message and let’s chat about making those travel dreams a reality!

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DC Area Hotels with Indoor Pools

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Filed Under: Beltway Travel Tagged: Beltway Travel, DC Staycations, DCHotels, DCLife, DCLiving, DCLuxury, DCStaycation, DCWaterfront, Family friendly staycations in Washington DC, Four Seasons Georgetown, Gaylord National, Georgetown, GeorgetownDC, HotelExpert, HotelGuide, HotelLife, HotelPool, Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, indoor pools in washington dc, LapSwimming, LuxuryHotels, LuxuryTravel, MGM National Harbor, national mall, NationalHarbor, PentagonCity, Ritz Carlton Pentagon City, Salamander DC, Staycation in DC, SwimDC, The Salamander Resort & Spa, TravelAdvisor, TravelBlog, TravelTips, VisitDC, washingtondc, WeekendGetaway, WellnessTravel

Splash in the City: DC Hotels with Indoor Pools

February 14, 2025

Seeking an urban oasis in the nation’s capital? While Washington, DC is known for its monuments and museums, there’s a lesser-known luxury that sets certain hotels apart: the year-round indoor pool. As a travel advisor who’s personally vetted these properties, I’m pulling back the curtain on the capital’s indoor pools – where the water’s always warm, even when the Potomac freezes. Let’s explore these year-round swimming sanctuaries that make DC winters a little more bearable and summer heat waves thoroughly enjoyable. If you want to book a staycation at any of these properties or just talk about your next vacation or trip idea, you can reach out to me by email, on Instagram and visit my new website. From the historic West End to the vibrant Waterfront, we’ve dived deep into DC’s hotel scene to surface the properties that offer more than just a place to rest your head.

Gaylord National Harbor

Salamander DC (formerly Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC)

    • Temperature-controlled indoor lap pool
    • Floor-to-ceiling windows with city views
    • Adults-only hours available
    • Poolside food service

    Park Hyatt Washington DC

      • Heated indoor pool
      • Sky-lit pool area
      • Adults-only time slots
      • Spa services available poolside

      Four Seasons Washington DC

      • Three-lane indoor lap pool
      • Pool attendant service
      • Children’s swim times
      • Adjacent to fitness center

      Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City (technically Arlington but metro-accessible)

      • Indoor pool with city views
      • Year-round swimming
      • Family-friendly hours
      • Fitness center access

      Gaylord National Harbor (technically Maryland but part of DC area)

      • Junior Olympic-sized indoor pool
      • Year-round swimming
      • Family-friendly environment
      • Pool attendants on duty

      The Watergate Hotel

      • Junior Olympic-sized, 15-meter indoor pool
      • Salt water filtration system
      • Pool passes available for non-hotel guests

      Important Notes:

      • Pool hours and access policies can vary seasonally
      • Some hotels require room key for pool access
      • Many hotels also offer day passes for non-guests
      • Pool maintenance schedules may affect availability
      • Some pools require advance reservations during peak times

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      Filed Under: Beltway Travel, Indoor Play Tagged: Beltway Travel, CapitolHill, DCHotels, DCLife, DCLiving, DCLuxury, DCStaycation, DCWaterfront, GeorgetownDC, HotelExpert, HotelGuide, HotelLife, HotelPool, indoor pools in washington dc, LapSwimming, LuxuryHotels, LuxuryTravel, NationalHarbor, PentagonCity, SwimDC, TravelAdvisor, TravelBlog, TravelTips, VisitDC, washingtondc, WeekendGetaway, WellnessTravel

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