Family Travel & Experiences Close to Home & Around the World
Travel itineraries, trip inspiration, and all the tips you need to take unforgettable family vacations because life is too short to wait until your kids are older to travel.
Welcome to the family! We’re so glad you’re here.
I’m Mari, the mama and world traveler behind Mari on the Map. My boys and I are on a mission to help “normal” working families like us not only realize that the trips of their dreams can be accessible and affordable with kids, but also make those trips actually happen. Like you, we have school vacations, PTO, tight budgets, and so many other life things that could prevent us from leaving home!
But we made a choice after our first son was born to share our passion for travel with our kids, and we’re knowledge dropping everything we’ve learned to help make your travels easier and more enjoyable. Follow along as we teach our kids to experience the world through travel and cultural experiences both near home and far away. We can’t wait to share it all with you!
Here are some of our latest posts to get you started
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How Business Credit Cards Boost Travel Rewards, Even if You’re Not a Traditional Business Owner
Read more: How Business Credit Cards Boost Travel Rewards, Even if You’re Not a Traditional Business OwnerWhen it comes to earning travel rewards, business credit cards might seem out of reach. If you’re thinking, “I don’t own a business, so I can’t apply for a business card,” you’re not alone. I used to feel the same way! But here’s the good news: you don’t need a registered business to qualify. In…
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Hiking Georgia’s Great Little Grand Canyon (aka Providence Canyon) with Kids
Read more: Hiking Georgia’s Great Little Grand Canyon (aka Providence Canyon) with KidsIf you’re dreaming of the Grand Canyon but it’s just out of reach, Providence Canyon in Lumpkin, Georgia, often called “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” might be the perfect alternative for your next family adventure. Located just two hours south of Atlanta, this national park offers a chance to explore stunning canyons without having to travel…
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Credit Card Points: Understanding Category Multipliers to Unlock Travel Potential
Read more: Credit Card Points: Understanding Category Multipliers to Unlock Travel PotentialThere are more ways to earn credit card points than just with sign up bonuses. Our family takes advantage of category multipliers, also known as bonus categories, which can help us earn 2X, 3X, 4X, or more points in certain categories if we use the right card. Whether you’re ordering takeout, booking flights, or buying…
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Earn More Travel Rewards with Two Player Mode: Doubling the Fun by Working with Your Partner
Read more: Earn More Travel Rewards with Two Player Mode: Doubling the Fun by Working with Your PartnerTraveling with a family means you need even more points to get anywhere—for us, it’s flights and lodging times four, which can deplete our hard-earned rewards rather quickly. Enter two player mode, where I can tap my husband, so our family can earn more faster. Two player mode is one of the most powerful strategies…
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Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel
Read more: Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards TravelWhen it comes to finding the perfect hotel for our family vacation, Hyatt consistently stands out. With an amazing rewards program, family-friendly accommodations, and unbeatable perks, Hyatt hotels makes it easier to travel with our family for way fewer points than other hotel brands (sorry, Marriott and Hilton!). When it comes to rewards travel, brand…
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Southwest Companion Pass Guide: Your Ticket to Free Flights for Family Travel
Read more: Southwest Companion Pass Guide: Your Ticket to Free Flights for Family TravelThe Southwest Companion Pass is a must-have for anyone who loves to travel with a friend or family member—especially if you’re looking to stretch your budget further. With this pass, a designated companion flies with you for free—you just cover their taxes and fees, which are typically only $5.60 each way on Southwest. As you…
