Family Travel Made Simple
Detailed travel itineraries, budget-friendly travel ideas, and points and miles tips you need to take unforgettable family vacations, because life is too short to wait until your kids are older to travel. Take your family on once in a lifetime trips more than once in a lifetime!
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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Things To Do In Belém: A Can’t-Miss Day Trip (Plus Pastéis De Belém)
Read more: Things To Do In Belém: A Can’t-Miss Day Trip (Plus Pastéis De Belém)Belém is an easy day trip from Lisbon with Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, a scenic waterfront walk, and the original Pastéis de Belém. Use this guide to plan the best things to do in Belém in one simple route.
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Essential Things to Do in Lisbon for First-Timers
Read more: Essential Things to Do in Lisbon for First-TimersThings to do in Lisbon: plan the itinerary with viewpoints, fado at night, Tram 28, neighborhood tips, and easy day trips to Sintra and Belém.
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Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen: Family Guide to Rides, Tickets, and Food
Read more: Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen: Family Guide to Rides, Tickets, and FoodTivoli Gardens was at the very top of our list when we started planning Copenhagen with kids. It is right in the middle of the city, it feels like a classic amusement park and a botanical garden at the same time, and it works just as well for a quick afternoon as it does for…
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Visit Sintra: Everything You Need to Know for a Perfect Day Trip
Read more: Visit Sintra: Everything You Need to Know for a Perfect Day TripPlanning a day trip from Lisbon? Visit Sintra to explore colorful palaces, medieval castles, and hidden gardens. Family-friendly tips, train info, and the best one-day itinerary included
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The Ultimate 5-Day Copenhagen Itinerary for Families
Read more: The Ultimate 5-Day Copenhagen Itinerary for FamiliesDiscover the best things to do in Copenhagen with kids, from playgrounds and canals to palaces, museums, and easy day trips. This family-friendly Copenhagen itinerary shares tips, photos, and the top activities.
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Things to Do in Montreal for a Perfect Winter (or Anytime!) Trip
Read more: Things to Do in Montreal for a Perfect Winter (or Anytime!) TripMontreal is such a beautiful cosmopolitan city—a little taste of Europe closer to my home near NYC. I had visited as a teenager, but I have to say that going back as an adult felt like the first time in so many ways. It was so fun to wander the cobblestone streets in Old Montreal,…
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Things to Do in Seville, Spain for the Perfect Weekend
Read more: Things to Do in Seville, Spain for the Perfect WeekendDiscover the best things to do in Seville, from iconic sights and riverfront walks to tips, ideas, and practical planning advice.
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Incredible Things to Do in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Read more: Incredible Things to Do in Buenos Aires, ArgentinaBuenos Aires (BA or BsAs for all the cool kids) is vibrant city that will awaken all of your senses and leave you feeling ready to skip through the streets singing tunes from the Evita Musical at the top of your lungs. Fun fact: I visited Buenos Aires with one of my best friends, who is…
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How to Prepare Toddlers for New Experiences
Read more: How to Prepare Toddlers for New ExperiencesLearn how to Prepare Toddlers for New Experiences with simple scripts, visuals, and role play so family trips, new routines, and big changes feel calmer.
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5 Must-Have Beach Essentials for Toddlers
Read more: 5 Must-Have Beach Essentials for ToddlersKeep beach days simple and fun with these 5 Beach Essentials for Toddlers, including safety gear, sun protection, toys, and snacks to keep little ones happy.
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Pensacola Family Fun: A Perfect 4-day Trip Itinerary
Read more: Pensacola Family Fun: A Perfect 4-day Trip ItineraryPlan Pensacola family fun with this easy 4-day itinerary featuring sugar-sand beaches, Blue Angels, historic downtown, kid-friendly museums and dining.
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Unforgettable Things to Do in Granada, Spain
Read more: Unforgettable Things to Do in Granada, SpainDiscover the best things to do in Granada, from exploring the Alhambra and Mirador de San Nicolás to tapas bars and flamenco shows in Sacromonte.
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5 Genius Toddler Flight Essentials
Read more: 5 Genius Toddler Flight EssentialsWhether you’re flying across the country or just hopping to grandma’s house, the right toddler flight essentials can turn a stressful travel day into something that actually feels manageable. After many flights with our boys at different ages and stages, we’ve learned that a little planning up front goes a long way in keeping everyone…
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3 Great Hikes in Zion for Beginner and Intermediate Hikers
Read more: 3 Great Hikes in Zion for Beginner and Intermediate HikersPlanning family-friendly hikes in Zion? Discover three easy trails with big views, tips for kids, pregnancy-safe routes, packing advice, and shuttle info.
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Traveling While Pregnant: How to Travel in Each Trimester
Read more: Traveling While Pregnant: How to Travel in Each TrimesterTraveling while pregnant can be a safe and enjoyable adventure with the right preparation, tips, and essentials for every trimester.
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Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida – The Family Ultimate Guide to a Perfectly Perfect Day
Read more: Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida – The Family Ultimate Guide to a Perfectly Perfect DayOur boys were deep in their Peppa Pig phase when we first discovered Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida. It was right along the route of our Florida road trip, presenting a perfect opportunity to visit. Spoiler alert: They LOVED it! And we’ve actually been back twice. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to…
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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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Exploring Historic Pensacola Village and Pensacola Downtown: The Best Activities for Families
Read more: Exploring Historic Pensacola Village and Pensacola Downtown: The Best Activities for FamiliesOn our trip to Florida, we made our way to Pensacola expecting sun and sand—but we quickly discovered there’s so much more to explore. The Historic Pensacola Village, nestled in the city’s Historic District, became an unexpected highlight. With its beautifully preserved buildings, immersive museums, and interactive exhibits, it’s a must-visit for history lovers and…
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Ruby Falls Cave Walk: The Most Unique Family Experience in Chattanooga, TN
Read more: Ruby Falls Cave Walk: The Most Unique Family Experience in Chattanooga, TNIf you’re planning a family road trip between Nashville and Atlanta or find yourself near Chattanooga, there’s one activity that should absolutely make your list: Ruby Falls. It’s not just another tourist attraction, but rather a breathtaking underground waterfall housed in a cave system that’s only been known to people for less than 100 years.…
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5 Fun Must Do in Oahu with Kids
Read more: 5 Fun Must Do in Oahu with KidsYou might be wondering … is Oahu good for families? After visiting with our family of four, we can confidently say that Oahu is an exceptional destination for in Hawaii for families! Known as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and diverse activities for visitors of all ages. Families…
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Incredible Blue Angels Practice at the National Naval Aviation Museum
Read more: Incredible Blue Angels Practice at the National Naval Aviation MuseumIf you’re planning a visit to Pensacola, Florida, one of the top attractions you absolutely can’t miss is the Blue Angels practice at the National Naval Aviation Museum. After watching this thrilling show, I highly recommend taking time to see the live show and visit the museum. Let’s dive in!
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Experience Gifts for Kids
Read more: Experience Gifts for KidsGift-giving season is here! Instead of filling your home with toys that may break, become clutter, or lose their appeal, why not focus on experience gifts for kids that create lasting memories? Experience gifts offer amazing opportunities for family bonding and can be used close to home or while traveling.
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Best Christmas Markets in Europe for Families
Read more: Best Christmas Markets in Europe for FamiliesFor years, visiting a Christmas market in Europe has been on my bucket list. It is a magical experience I’ve always wanted to have. There’s just something about twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and rows of charming wooden stalls selling festive treats and handmade crafts that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Now…
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The Best Christmas Vacations for Families in the US
Read more: The Best Christmas Vacations for Families in the USChristmas in the United States means glowing lights, the smell of cinnamon and pine, and the excitement of children waiting for Santa. For many families, the holidays are also an opportunity to create memories together by traveling, whether that’s on a snowy mountain, a sunny beach, or hitting up a theme park. If you’re ready…
