Susan Aksu
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Japan Tips for Toddlers (and the Parents Traveling With Them)
We just returned from our family trip to Japan, splitting our time between Tokyo and Kyoto, and traveling to Japan with a toddler was as incredible as it was exhausting. The kind of trip where your days are full, your steps are high, and your child is somehow thriving on it all. I expected the…
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How We Get (an Almost) Free Delta Flight Every Year
Getting a free flight with Delta Amex is easier than most people realize especially if you travel domestically. One of the most valuable benefits of the Delta SkyMiles American Express card is the annual companion certificate, which can essentially get you a second seat for the cost of taxes and fees. The American Express Delta…
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Japan With a Toddler: Our 9-Day Winter Itinerary (Kyoto, Tokyo & Mt. Fuji)
Planning a Japan winter itinerary with toddler? Our 9-day family guide takes you through Kyoto’s temples, Tokyo’s snow-covered streets, and views of Mt. Fuji, with transit logic and kid-friendly stops to make your journey smoother and more fun. I didn’t really step onto an airplane until I was 17, when I took my first international…
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Adventurous Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi
The Big Island of Hawaiʻi is unlike anywhere else… raw, diverse, and constantly changing and there is so much to do there, from hiking lava tubes and rainforests to beach snorkeling among tropical fish. It’s a place where adventure and slow travel coexist beautifully. This was our first time in Hawaiʻi and we were so…
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Affordable Travel Essentials Under $30 | Must-Have Packing Items
I recently helped a family member pack for a trip and realized that what I consider essential for smooth travel isn’t always on everyone’s radar. So I’ve rounded up seven affordable travel essentials I never leave home without. Each of these travel essentials is easy to find, practical, and surprisingly affordable every item on this…
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Big Island Bites: Poke, Beer, and Toddler-Friendly Eats
We just got back from the Big Island, and while traveling with a toddler adds a new layer of logistics (read: constantly chasing a small human around), we still managed to eat some incredible food and explore the island at our own pace around Kona. Best Poke Bowl of My Life I’ve had a lot…
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Hotel Review: Marriott Semiramis Hotel Penthouse Suite in Athens
In May 2022, Ary and I set off to Greece for our honeymoon! Thanks to Marriott points we earned through the Marriott Bonvoy credit card signup bonus and hosting our wedding at a Marriott property, we stayed at the Semiramis Hotel, which is a super “groovy” spot with vibrant Barbie-like vibes throughout, located in the…
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Discovering Playa Balandra: A Paradise in La Paz, Mexico
Baja California is one of my favorite regions in Mexico. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I love Mexico. I’m excited to finally share about our beach trip to La Paz in Baja California and the adventures we had there. If beautiful desert beaches aren’t your thing, this article might not be for you.…
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Top 5 Essential Baby Items for Traveling to Argentina This Summer
Here are my 5 essential travel items for visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the summer with a baby or toddler. These ended up being life-savers for our trip with an 11-month-old baby: 1. Durable Stroller – Buenos Aires sidewalks can be unpredictable, so a sturdy stroller is a must. If you love exploring on foot,…
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Swimming Holes in Austin, Texas
Whether your visiting for a weekend or you live there and you’re looking to escape the relentless Texas heat, Austin and its surrounding areas offer some fantastic swimming holes that provide the perfect cool-down. I had the chance to explore a few of these gems, and they are truly worth the visit. Here are my…