Megan James
Do you remember what you did on July 4, 1996? It was one of the most memorable Independence Days for me in my lifetime as my parents and I were in San Francisco, getting ready to board a flight to Tokyo the following morning. I had a brief break-up with my love of traveling while […]
Megan James
The three travel experiences that shaped my desire to see God’s creation with my own little family were: England/France as a child, Japan/Hong Kong as a child and Bermuda as a college student. All three of these trips impacted me and shaped me into a zealously-planning, impulsively-researching traveler, even if only twice per year. While […]
Megan James
#discounted by FeelFree Rentals; opinions are my own We had the best Semana Santa in San Sebastián! We have always wanted to visit the area of Spain once we learned about how beautiful it is and the amazing selection of food there. From our home base in Madrid, this was only a four-and-a-half hour drive. […]
Megan James
It’s hard to believe that it has been six months since we moved to Madrid, Spain! I have less “pinch me” moments now and honestly, it’s beginning to just feel like our norm. I had an emotional moment this past week, though, as I met with other expat moms at a local Tres Cantos park […]
Megan James
Hosted by Moxy Hotels Val d’Europe; opinions are my own What a fun, whirlwind weekend in Paris! I visited Paris as a child with my parent when I was our oldest son’s age, around eleven, and I remember it not being my favorite trip. I had experienced a slightly odd bed and breakfast situation, several […]
Megan James
#sponsored I trust Flytographer with my life, truthfully. For the last five years, I have trusted Flytographer to capture our family’s travel images around the world. We started by hiring Flytographer back in 2019 in Edinburgh, Scotland on our family’s first trip to Europe. It was such a special shoot and that moment, I was […]
Megan James
Grammy and Pop just left after a great first visit to experience our new life in Spain! It was such a fun feeling, waiting for them at the Madrid airport to show them our new home. After them taking an overnight flight direct from Philadelphia (one of the reasons that we chose Madrid was due […]
Megan James
In my mind before moving to Spain for a gap service year, I expected that I’d be blogging constantly, sharing all about the differences I have been experiencing here. But an unsurprising thing has happened the more time we spend in Madrid, with this now being our almost fourth month living in Spain: there’s nothing […]
Megan James
#hosted by Valea Verde Retreat; opinions are my own It was an absolute dream to spend a few nights in Transylvania, Romania as a family this winter break. I’m not sure what we expected, but it was so different and unique and we loved being there. I want to highlight the Valea Verde Retreat because […]
Megan James
We were so glad to have a long weekend break in December, a combination of two holidays in Spain. Wednesday was Constitution Day and Friday was The Day of Immaculate Conception here in Spain, which they combine to be a puente or a long break. With school out, we followed our family motto of “no […]
Megan James
When we decided to go on our Gap Year in Madrid, Spain this year, I was immediately thinking of ways that I could help fundraise. Where we serve this year is at LIFE International School, a small ACSI-accredited school in Spain. There are only two accredited Christian schools in Spain, so Logan and I were […]
Megan James
#discounted by Rotonda Apartments; all opinions are my own What a great long weekend we had in Mallorca, Spain! This was our first dip into the Mediterranean, and now we’re spoiled. If the water doesn’t look like that sea, we don’t wait it 😉 Now living in Madrid, we wanted to utilize a day off […]
Megan James
This product is sponsored; opinions are my own When we decided to move to Madrid, Spain, we knew we’d need a new desk setup for my husband and I. After my husband settled into spending the last three years working remotely at our farmhouse in South Carolina, he knew what worked and what didn’t. He […]
Megan James
It’s been one month since our big decision to move our family to Madrid, Spain! After arriving with just a few days left in September, we wanted to let a full month pass before making our next update on life here. As we closed the chapter of our first week living in an Airbnb in […]
Megan James
Sponsored by Skye Smith; opinions are my own On my 21st birthday, I received a Louis Vuitton bag that I enjoyed using for almost two decades. As I approached my forties and my style preferences, as well as interests, began to change, I was looking for a bag that I could travel easily with that […]
Megan James
Time has been flying! Sometimes I sit back and let all of the change that we’ve been through in the last three weeks flood over me as we settle here in Madrid. In three weeks, our family of four has prepped to rent out our home, completed the visa process, enrolled in an international school […]
Megan James
#hosted by Meininger Hotels; opinions are my own We had arrived in Berlin after four nights in Madrid and had two nights to explore Germany. This was our family’s first time in Germany so we were immediately overwhelmed how different it felt than Spain, mainly with the temperatures significantly lower (66 degrees F in August […]
Megan James
#hosted by BobW; opinions are my own Located in the Atocha section of busy downtown Madrid, we were so expectant to arrive into Madrid after one month living in Tenerife, Spain. Although our family tends to get overwhelmed by big cities, we were excited to experience a different area of Spain in its mainland. We […]
Megan James
It was the start of our last week in Tenerife and we were equal parts sad and equal parts expectant to get to Madrid to continue the adventure. We had a lot more exploring to do in Tenerife so we spent time revisiting our favorites and finding a few new places to explore. Landon’s 11th […]
Megan James
We rolled right into week three! At this point, our routines were down and we truly enjoyed everything about life for one month in Tenerife. We absolutely loved going to our CrossFit each morning and the whole family felt super welcomed there. We also had a great morning routine with a stop at a coffee […]
Megan James
It’s hard to believe it is already week two in Tenerife! Our family adjusted quickly to life in Spain and the beautiful weather of the Canary Islands. We experienced nothing but sunshine and pool hair, spending every day accessing some sort of beach or pool. We are becoming more familiar with our surroundings and my […]
Megan James
We are so excited to be on our first-ever slow travel journey, living in Tenerife, Spain for thirty days this summer. While our family tends to prefer weeklong visits to hotels in Spanish-speaking countries, we are excited to try something new and dive deeper into Spain and one culture. Recapping our time there, I’m going […]
Megan James
#partner Since 2018, our family has entrusted Flytographer with our family travel photography during shoots around the work. In 2018, we took the bros over the pond for the first time at ages 7 and 4 and savored the moments captured in Edinburgh. We then had photos taken by Flytographer photographers in Peru and Belize […]
Megan James
Product was provided by Skye Smith; opinions are my own. I had been looking to replace both my travel tote bag and my everyday bag due to being in the same routine for the last decade. For travel, I typically carried a large tote bag that was too big for the items that I needed […]
Megan James
#hosted by Omni Parker House; opinions are my own What a dream this past week at Omni Parker House was for our family! Our oldest son, Landon, is a huge Boston Red Sox fan and was so excited to be surprised with a visit to Boston. We visited Boston with Landon when he was turning […]
Megan James
Have you been wanting to enroll in Spanish but don’t know where to start? Our family has had the best nine months learning the language of Spanish with very little formal lessons prior to beginning (only some high school instruction for my husband). Spanish is a language that is spoken in twenty countries as its […]
Megan James
It has been a whirlwind processing the information this week that research states that an international driving permit is necessary to drive out of the country. This summer we head on our first-ever slow travel experience where we will rent a car and practice living abroad for one month in the Tenerife located in the […]
Megan James
This post is not sponsored; opinions are my own. One of the biggest expenses we faced on our trip to Kauai, Hawaii was the cost of a rental car. We needed to get creative in order to avoid adding $750 to the cost of our trip which is the average cost of renting a car […]
Megan James
When our family decided to become Delta Airlines Reserve card holders, we achieved Platinum Status, and fast! One unexpected change for our family was that we almost immediately began to receive to upgraded seats to Delta Comfort+, leaving two other family members in main cabin.
Megan James
#hosted by Waimea Plantation Cottages; all opinions are my own What a wonderful week our family had in Kauai, Hawaii! This was our family’s first trip to Hawaii and I spent lots of time researching which island was best for us. After narrowing it down to the least tourist-visited islands, we landed on Kauai, the […]
Megan James
This product was sponsored; opinions are my own. Our family comprised of four travelers are always searching for the next great product to help our travels go a little smoother. One of those needs that we had was to find a better system to organize our four passports, Global entry cards and other travel documents […]
Megan James
#hosted by Rancho Santana; opinions are my own What a wonderful week our family had on the beach in Nicaragua! I was looking forward to visiting Rancho Santana in Tola, Nicaragua for quite some time after discovering it from a fellow travel writing friend, @makinghomehere. And our visit did not disappoint! Follow along as we […]
Megan James
#hosted by The Fearrington House Inn; opinions are my own Logan and I set out on a short drive from our home base of Greenville, South Carolina for a weekend away without kids and discovered a dreamy gem: The Fearrington House Inn. This Inn, located on a farm with an English countryside-vibe, is located just […]
Megan James
We've spent most of our holiday weekends visiting international good hotels more recently, yet there was one hotel in Mystic, Connecticut that I knew I had to visit in-person for myself once I discovered it: The Whaler's Inn. This coastal-themed hotel located smack in the heart of downtown Mystic is quaint, comfortable and the best place to rest whilst exploring this New England town.
Megan James
It's hard to make one post on how wonderful our family trip to the Galápagos Islands were with Pikaia Lodge. We have stayed at and written for many hotels over the years yet Pikaia Lodge was, without doubt, one of our favorites of all-time. From the organized itineraries to the sweet staff to special accommodations for families with young kids to some of the most delicious food we have ever consumed, a traveler can simply not miss a trip to Pikaia Lodge in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador.
Megan James
Spending twenty-four hours in Quito, Ecuador showed our family that Quito is way more than a gateway city to the Galápagos Islands; it's a destination. Our family enjoyed every moment in Quito and at the beautiful Casa Gangotena hotel, with its ideal location in Old Town steps from all of the action of the city. If traveling with a family to Quito whether you are or are not in route to the Galapagos Islands as your final destination, this destination is one not to miss!
Megan James
#hosted What felt like a Friday night away in France was actually just a trip 45-minutes away in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Hotel Domestique offers a romantic, mountainside escape from the busyness of Greenville but the comforts of being close to home. With Bordeaux-inspired wine offerings, decor and building styles, we left Hotel Domestique full […]
Megan James
What we thought was just a stop-by visit to Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge on our way home from TAASA Lodge ended up being the discovery of another Good Hotel®. This lodge, located in the busy city of Arusha, Tanzania, provided a haven to rest, play and dine before the long flights back to the U.S. As we entered the lodge after taking a small plane into Arusha airport, we were greeted by friendly staff, lush gardens and the smells of coffee beans. The beautiful facility boasted coffee-colored buildings, a swimming pool, gorgeous wooden suites and dreamy outdoor dining options.
Megan James
After a wonderful stay at Siringit Villa, we headed to the Arusha airport, a small outdoor airport for regional flights all around Tanzania. Our family had never been on a small 12-seater plane before, so it was quite a thrill to take off and see so much of Tanzania's landscape below us! The pilot was kind enough to point out sites to us, such as Mount Kilimanjaro and an active volcano, on our way to Serengeti National Park and TAASA Lodge. We landed on Lobo Airstrip, which was a dirt-lined path in the middle of the park. It was so cool to land in such a remote area without a big airport to go through! Our future guide and tracker, Dominick and Loya, were awaiting us alongside our game drive safari vehicle with the biggest smiles on their faces!
Megan James
We made it to our first-ever destination in Africa! After flying from Greenville, SC to Atlanta, GA to Amsterdam to Mount Kiliminjaro, Tanzania, we were thrilled to have a nearby first stop from the Minute Kilimanjaro airport to Siringit Villa. Siringit is a gorgeous 12-bedroom villa, part of Siringit Collection, a partner of TAASA Lodge and Roane Travel Design. Siringit Villa offered the comforts of home along with amazing hospitality and our first preview of Tanzanian culture.
Megan James
After a wonderful stay at rugged Evergreen Lodge, we drove 15 minutes down the road to Rush Creek Lodge, a recently-built in 2016 lodge offering amazing amenities and comforts. The bros immediately felt at home with an oversized and well-equipped Game Room, offering an indoor playground, shuffleboard, a pool table and several other forms of entertainment. Across the way, the gorgeous guest lounge had a roaring fireplace, beautiful decor and an Activities Center with staff offering resources at the Lodge and in Yosemite.
Megan James
We had a wonderful first exposure to Yosemite National Park while staying at Evergreen Lodge, located in a remote, wooded-wonderland not far from the northwest entrance of the park. We had just driven from San Francisco as we went up and down windy, lush roads and Evergreen Lodge impressed us as soon as we arrived.
Megan James
We made spring break plans to head to the mountains and explore a new to us national park, Yosemite National Park. To fly into Yosemite, one of the best options is to fly to San Francisco from the east coast. We decided to make the best usage of our time there and spend two half days exploring Fog City. The first step was finding a Good Hotel® and I was thrilled to discover Hotel Spero, a downtown boutique hotel offering comfortable accommodations and a great launching pad.
Megan James
Every now again, the chess pieces are put into place for Logan and I to score a weekend without our bros. Thanks to my awesome parents, this past weekend we chose to take the easy drive to nearby Chattanooga, Tennessee, a city located just under four hours from Greenville, South Carolina. Of course we chose to partner with a Good Hotel® and Read House Hotel exceeded our expectations.
Megan James
For the last several years, Logan and I have used the Chase Sapphire credit card, a card that we put the majority of our purchases on to gain points. However, bad habits die hard and while I could have reaped the travel benefits from the card, it was easy for me to cash in those points for Amazon purchases instead. In fact, since I can remember, I have checked the "Points toward Amazon Purchases" box, feeling like my Amazon purchases were "free". While the Chase Sapphire Preferred card does offer many travel benefits, I never used them as I should. Fast-forward to 2022.
Megan James
is past weekend we decided on a whim to head to the Burlington, North Carolina area, a suburb of Raleigh, to pickup a trailer for my husband's truck. When we decided to head that way, I realized that a Good Hotel® was located nearby and so we made a night of it! Below is our personal review of being hosted by The Umstead Resort, a luxury hotel with a Woodlands feel in Cary, North Carolina.
Megan James
It's the most wonderful time of the year! (But no really, what a magical time to visit Boise, Idaho!) We landed in the Boise airport watching snow flurries fall and we were immediately expectant of our upcoming snowy adventure. The bros were smitten walking around downtown Boise, making snowfalls out of snow that had fallen earlier. They brought along one of their favorite winter toys, snowball makers, and spent hours engaging in snowfall fights. December was truly a magical time to visit both Boise and McCall, Idaho.
Megan James
These are a few of our favorite things! There isn’t much more that we love more than living only two hours from a day full of skiing and snowboarding. The bros own their own equipment and Logan and Landon especially can shred it up on the slopes! I am somewhere between keeping Griffin alive on […]
Megan James
#hosted The Resort It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Now it really feels like Christmas after a weekend stay at good hotel, Chetola Resort. A visit to Chetola Resort, located in Blowing Rock, NC, has been on my list for over a year and I was so excited to bring the family along […]
Megan James
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…and for the first time in 18 years, this is actually possible! We are loving the lower temperatures in the Upstate of SC this Christmas season as we experience our first Christmas and winter on the farm. I’ve formed a list of our favorite Christmas activities and we can’t wait […]
Megan James
And just like that...it's Turkey time again! We just love our annual visit to New Jersey to be with our cousins, siblings and grandparents for Thanksgiving. This weekend every year is filled with the same traditions: a Christmas Secret Santa Exchange with cousins on Thanksgiving evening, Jeopardy with Grammy & Pop, Braddock's Tavern for a sibling meal and wonderful time together.
Megan James
After moving from Florida and longing for the fall season, I have officially fallen for fall in Greenville, SC! There are an overwhelming list of resources of things families can enjoy in the fall season here, so I wanted to create a running list for the activities that we experience in person. My favorite scripture […]
Megan James
For the bros’ fall break this year, we decided to take a road trip to Cincinnati, Ohio to experience a new state and to visit family friends that moved not too far away from the city. Just over the bridge from Kentucky, Cincinnati had a unique feel, offering a big city with lots of options to choose from for tourists. When searching for a hotel that gives back near the city, I discovered The Summit Hotel, a local hotel doing so much good for animals in need.
Megan James
Imagine arriving from San Jose International Airport in Costa Rica, driving through windy roads to high altitude accommodations snuggled into the cloud forest: El Silencio Lodge. This gorgeous Relais & Chateaux property screams comfort upon arrival, with guests being welcomed by private security, horses in the field and beautiful facilities ahead in view.
Megan James
The boys and I were so excited to experience Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park, in Concord, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte. While there are many locations of Great Wolf Lodge throughout the country, the Concord location is close enough to us for a day trip. We packed our swimsuits, towels and set off on a fun adventure that we could feel really good about. Not only is Great Wolf Lodge is a fun childhood experience, it also does so much good for its communities around the U.S.
Megan James
Admittedly, summer is my least favorite season in the Upstate. It is likely due to having spent 18 years living in Florida, wishing for a break from the heat. While I love having the boys home with us more and the freedom to travel and explore our beautiful area, the heat can be deal breaker. […]
Megan James
Upon searching for hotels that give back in the Seattle area, I discovered The State Hotel, a boutique hotel with an amazing location two blocks form Pikes Place Market and other major attractions in Seattle. We were so excited to visit this charming hotel in-person and to highlight the good that it has done for others in the Pacific Northwest.
Megan James
Located just two-and-a-half-hours from Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge lies Hopkins Bay Resort, also a Muy'Ono Resorts property, although offering beachfront views instead of the jungle. It was hard not to feel relaxed as we settled into our Two Bedroom Beachview Room, the most perfect accommodations for a family. These rooms boasted two separate bathrooms and bedrooms, a kitchenette and common room as well as an oversized patio with three separate entry storm doors perfect for playing on the porch.
Megan James
We arrived in the jungle of Western Belize after a two-hour drive from the Belize City airport expectant and excited about all we would experience in Belize. A stop to Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge was the very best way to kick off a family trip to Belize, filled with family fun. Upon arrival, we were invited for a welcome drink and the boys immediately discovered a wooden see-saw that would become one of their favorite forms of entertainment.
Megan James
What a joy it was to experience Hotel Valley Ho in-person! This iconic, mid-century modern hotel, fun for couples but also super ideal for families, was the perfect way to experience the great state of Arizona. Upon arrival to the hotel, the 1950’s-era theme is vibrant and Hotel Valley Ho pops with culture and fun. The location is ideal, just 15 minutes from the Phoenix International Airport and also within walking distance to all of the shoppes, restaurants and activities that Old Town Scottsdale has to offer.
Megan James
Spring is a time of freshness and new and that’s exactly what we experienced at Pretty Place, a beautiful erected cross in the mountains in South Carolina. This cross which has been around for dozens of years at the YMCA Camp Greenville, helped the bros and I center our hearts on what is right during […]
Megan James
The weekend finally arrived where Logan and I were able to spend some time away, just the two of us! We headed on the road, but not far from home, and chose Asheville, North Carolina and the beautiful The Omni Grove Park Inn. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Omni Grove Park Inn has been hosting travelers for over a century and many notable figures have chosen this hotel for their stay, too.
Megan James
We were swept off our feet as we approached the entrance circle of The Omni Homestead Resort and its vastness. The snow-covered buildings and lawns shone off the brick buildings and we felt as if we were entering a winter wonderland. Being President's Day weekend, it was extra great to see all of the references to past U.S. Presidents and First Ladies as educational opportunities for the boys. We were ready for the fun to begin!
Megan James
Although Barnsley Resort has been in the directory for what seems like a while, I was completely, pleasantly whisked away to a Christmas Wonderland while visiting Barnsley Resort during the Christmas season. With numerous family-friendly activities to enjoy year-round, Barnsley Resort quickly became a family favorite.
Megan James
The Hotel: Louisville's Only Waterfront Hotel, The Galt House Hotel is in a wonderful location in downtown Louisville. We loved the balcony in our room over the river but then also being walking distance to so many great things in the city.
Megan James
The Hotel: With an accessible location to great shopping and sightseeing, Belmond Charleston Place is a great choice for couples and families alike. The hotel lobby screams elegance and Belmond Charleston Place carries that elegance into their on-site restaurants, cocktail lounges and guest rooms.
Megan James
We were so in need of a vacation but seriously, aren’t we all? We based our destination choice off a goal that Logan has always had: to zipline. I also preferred the idea of staying somewhat close to the good ol’ USA since we still had two young boys at home to {occasionally} worry about while gone.
Megan James
Writing for a Go and Do Good® hotel that gives back is one thing, but actually experiencing it is entirely different. This past weekend, Logan and I took a mini-trek to Music City, Nashville, TN, where we spent two wonderful nights in East Nashville at The Russell.
Megan James
I remember the moment that I found Hotel Sol y Luna. This beautiful Relais & Chateaux property located in the heart of Sacred Valley, Peru nestled between vast mountains was immediately calling my name.
Megan James
As we all experience an unprecedented change in travel plans due to COVID-19, I wasn’t quite ready to give up our dream of finding the perfect destination for our 2020 Trek with Kids this summer. With international travel unlikely, I began exploring options in our own new backyard of the SC/VA/TN area knowing that beautiful mountain resorts and activities were abundant.
Megan James
We spent the week before Christmas serving with One More Child in El Carrizal, Dominican Republic, an impoverished community with great need. I had discovered the ministry of One More Child through our home church, Chets Creek Nocatee, a supporter of their ministry. I immediately fell in love with the concept of One More Child and how a sponsor could help one […]
Megan James
I’m not entirely sure what reaction I was expecting from our young boys during their first visit to the Big Apple but their actual reaction exceeded my expectations. We had an amazing 36-hour trip in NYC and I wanted to highlight our four favorite family-friendly activities there (and an over-rated activity that we think you […]
Megan James
Hosted by Loews Miami; all opinions are my own. We were so excited to partner with Loews Miami on their #loewslovesfamilies initiative and share all about family-friendly activities to do at their South Beach hotel. Although we had visited the Miami International Airport dozens of times, we have never actually explored Miami! And so, we arrived and jumped […]
Megan James
I’ve shared before how Flytographer was our go-to option for capturing gorgeous pictures of our families personal travels. Well as I prepared to launch Go and Do Good™, a hotel directory featuring hotels that give back generously to charities, ministries and their local communities, I realized pretty quickly that I needed a professional photographer. In order to achieve […]
Megan James
Growing up in South Jersey, I looked forward to spending a week in Ocean City every summer. This shore town beamed with boardwalk fun, from mini-golf to amusement rides, funnel cakes to soft-serve ice cream. And while I brought my husband, Logan alongside for a mini-trek when we were dating, it was officially time to […]
Megan James
A letter to Didara: Five years ago when I heard of a friend hosting through The Greatest Exchange, I had very selfish thoughts: Why would they waste their summer having to entertain someone else? Why would they open their home to a complete stranger? Isn’t that a huge burden on them? At the time, I wasn’t […]
Megan James
Accommodations, dining and tickets were gifted by Go to Louisville. All views are our own. On Thursday morning, we loaded the plane to Louisville, KY, the home of bourbon, baseball bats and Birds to ride on. It was a big milestone: ten years of marriage and so we were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit […]
Megan James
This product was gifted by JetKids™ by Stokke. All views are my own. I often get asked, “Do you get paid for your opinions? For your opinions of places, resorts, products and excursions?” I actually make $0.00 per year on my blog posts and my goal has always been to give my honest, unfiltered opinion. Do I […]
Megan James
Accommodations and some meals were gifted by Dalmahoy Country Club and Hotel. Tickets were gifted by Camera Obscura and Red Bus Bistro. All views are our own. Matthew 7:24-25: Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the […]
Megan James
Last year around this time, Logan and I headed off on our first mission trek to Guatemala where we felt closer to God and each other more than ever. We were now prepared and excited for our second Christmastime mission trek to Honduras. We weren’t always excited, though, as fear and doubt started to trickle in before […]
Megan James
We had an unconventional Thanksgiving this year, as we had just been up north visiting with family and celebrating the marriage of our cousin, so it just didn’t feel right to fly back a few weeks later. We started to think about local mini-treks that were on our list and we landed on a hands-down choice: Savannah! Located only […]
Megan James
Although I had visited as a child, Logan and the boys have never been to Lancaster or Amish country before. We were in the area for a family wedding so we took advantage of being in the vicinity of Lancaster, PA to do a quick mini-trek in the area. It amazed us that just an […]
Megan James
Hosted by Belle Mont Farm When I was first researching locations for our 2018 Trek without Kids choice, I asked my hubby what he wanted to achieve on this trip. “Relax!” he said, confidently. And so I began my search for a hidden treasure in the Caribbean, a gem, where we could disconnect, relax, talk […]
Megan James
Is it an exchange program? That’s the number one question we received from friends and family unfamiliar with The Greatest Exchange. And while we did have a young lady from a different country living in our home for one month, the experience provided so much more than a standard exchange program would. Take a walk with […]
Megan James
I grew up in the suburbs of South Jersey, not far from Philadelphia. As a child, I would visit my dad at One Liberty Place and look out his office windows at the stunning views of Philly. In college, I interned at One Liberty Place, taking the PATCO Speedline into Philly and spending my lunch […]
Megan James
We absolutely loved being tourists in Chicago. Sure, we’d probably enjoy walking around any city without our young kids for a few days, but there was something special about the city of the Chicago. When our kids were much younger (around 1 1/2 and 3), we decided that we needed a break. And although we […]
Megan James
When deciding where to travel for our 2018 Trek WITH Kids, we left it up to the kids. About this time last year, after returning from the wonderful Disney Cruise, I asked then-four-year-old Landon what he would like to do next year. “See snow!”, he shouted, and his mind never changed all year long. I began the […]
Megan James
We thought Guatemala needed us, but it turned out, we needed Guatemala. I had been hesitant for the past several years to go on a mission trip. I always thought we were Senders, not Goers. The concept of eating food in a poverty-stricken country, bunking overnight with women and basically choosing to willingly sign my life away […]
Megan James
Don’t publicly shame me. Don’t use Harry Potter’s wizardry against my family, and don’t tell me that I’m depriving my sons from the iconic It’s a Small World ride. Our family is just not super into Disney World.
Megan James
When researching where to take our Trek WITH Kids (2017), I felt truly limited as Griffin would be just turning two and Landon only four. While traveling with Landon is getting a bit easier, Griffin is still in a crib, doesn’t sleep great out of his normal routine and requires a very early bedtime of before 8:00pm. We […]
Megan James
Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd!We all have a bucket list – a list of places we’d like to go but in some cases, can’t or won’t ever end up seeing. Monetary, time, logistic limitations make some trips easier to achieve than others. We had been to the […]
Megan James
Admittedly, Logan and I did not travel much from the years 2012-2017. Although we frequently visited family in the north and snuck in a few fun experiences here and there, we were focused on different forms of adventure. In that five year time period, Logan and I birthed two baby boys and a home, focusing […]
Megan James
I have been thinking about our pre-kids days lately and remembering when it was just me, my husband and our four-legged pup, Jersey. Jersey James was prayed for, petitioned for and begged for (by me!). I had wanted a dog since I could remember and I was elated the day that we brought Jersey to […]
Megan James
For our second year wedding anniversary, Logan and I headed to Nassau, Bahamas for a long weekend getaway. We didn’t have the boys yet, so it was a wonderful time to reconnect without worrying about leaving too much behind (I do distinctly remember missing our puppy, Jersey, though!) Nassau, to us, was just OK. Since […]
Megan James
With two boys, almost five and two-and-a-half, I wake up with nightmares frequently thinking of all of the travel that we didn’t take before kids. Join me in a throwback trek to our Canadian honeymoon! The ease of travel when it’s just you or just you and your spouse is not something to take lightly. These days, […]
Megan James
The weather in Ponte Vedra, FL feels a bit like summer today, so I decided to reminisce about a special place to my family: Bermuda. My dad’s job, before his retirement, afforded our family multiple opportunities to visit this beautiful (and close by!) country. The two times I visited Bermuda, it was all about spending […]