Vacation Stories

Planning for Vacation

Destination? Decided. Hotel? Booked. Popcorn balls? Baked (om nom nom). We've got your vacation planning needs covered with these expert tips.

  • Staycation Ideas: Toolkit for Vacation Activities at Home

    Plan your staycation with these staycation tips and ideas. Vacation at home with these activities, recipes, virtual tours and more. Start your staycation now. Read More...

  • Staycation Ideas: Activities for an Outdoor Adventure at Home

    Cure cabin fever with an outdoor adventure! Use these outdoor staycation ideas to plan the ultimate virtual vacation, complete with at-home camping, a family cookout and more! Read More...

  • Staycation Ideas: Activities for Creating an Urban Vacation at Home

    Enjoy your time at home by creating your own virtual vacation. These urban staycation ideas will have you exploring museums, cooking local treats and more — all in your own home. Read More...

  • Staycation Ideas: Turn Your Home into a Beach Vacation

    Dreaming of a beach vacation during quarantine? Check out Alamo’s beach-themed staycation ideas and start creating a memorable family vacation at home. Read More...

  • Enjoy Vacation! Preparing for Vacation & Anything It Throws at You

    Don’t let a few speed bumps derail the adventure of a family vacation. To ensure a smoother ride for all, check out these tips, preparations and products. Read More...

  • Vacation Trip Planner: 5 Ways to Get Your Kids Involved

    Plan a family vacation with the whole family! Check out these five fun ways to get the kids’ ideas on the next family trip. Read More...

  • Explore 5 Castles in the U.S.

    You don’t have to cross the Atlantic to feel like royalty! We’ve found five magnificent castles right here in the U.S. that are fit for any Prince or Princess! Read More...

  • 5 Fun Group Getaways to Take with Your Friends

    Check out these five fun weekend getaway destinations to visit with friends and start planning your next group getaway today! Read More...

  • Group Getaway Tips: Maximize Your “Framily” Vacation

    Discover how you can make the most out of your group trip with friends and family. Read More...

  • 3 of the Best Places to Babymoon

    Have a baby on the way? Take a babymoon to one of these destinations and enjoy some one-on-one time with your partner before your bundle of joy arrives. Read More...

  • 6 Tips for Planning a Solo Vacation

    Adventure waits for no one. And, sometimes, that includes your family! Use these six solo-travel tips to discover the best parts of any destination - and yourself along the way. Read More...

  • Bullet Journaling 101: Doodling Your Way to Your Bucket List Destination

    What’s on your vacation bucket list? Bullet journaling can help you organize your travel goals and make important destination decisions. Read More...

  • Unplugged Family Vacation Toolkit

    Putting the final touches on your unplugged family getaway? We’ve got a handful of tools to help keep your hands off the device — so you can truly focus on one another instead. Read More...

  • 5 Must-See Natural Wonders of the U.S.

    From East Coast to West Coast, there are plenty of awe-inspiring destinations you can visit without ever leaving the States. See our list of the top five U.S. natural wonders. Read More...

  • Get Glamping! Camping’s Glamorous Version of Vacation

    Are you an indoorsy person who enjoys a taste of the outdoors? Consider one of these alternative accommodations for your next camping trip. Read More...

  • 5 Delicious Cities for a Foodie Vacation

    While big cities like New York and San Francisco seem to get all the attention when it comes to food trends, there are a few smaller destinations foodies should consider visiting. Read More...

  • 5 Tips for Going off the Beaten Path When Traveling

    Follow these tips to escape the crowds and find spots that aren't in the travel guides on your next vacation. Read More...

  • Cultural Immersion Experiences for Your Next Vacation

    Want to immerse yourself for a truly unique vacation? Use these tips when planning your adventure. Read More...

  • 8 Creative Ideas for Out-of-Office Messages

    There’s a time and place for dad jokes — and it turns out your OOO message is one of them. Check out our favorite ways to put the office in your rearview mirror while you’re on vacation. Read More...

  • 5 Benefits of Off-the-Grid Vacations

    Better conversations, more choice, more time together. Discover our top reasons for setting devices aside on your next family vacation. Read More...

  • We Need a Vacation: How to Overcome Common Objections

    You worked hard for it—don’t let your time off go to waste. See the top four reasons people decide against vacationing and how you can overcome them. Read More...

  • How to Plan Your First Family Ski Trip

    Ski trips are a great way to bring families closer together, and with some smart planning, your family’s first time hitting the slopes will be an adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime. Read More...

  • Bullet Journaling 101: Drawing Out the Details in a Travel Journal

    Are you starting to plan your next vacation? Bullet journaling can help you stay on top of your preparations while adding a little fun and flair to the process! Read More...

  • 4 Vacation Destinations That Come Alive at Night

    These four popular travel sites are widely known for their attractions often visited by day, but not many realize how beautiful they are at night. Read More...

  • How to Plan Your Family’s First Beach Vacation

    Taking your kids to the beach for the first time? Get your family beach-ready with this planning and packing guide to ensure a fun-filled, stress-free trip! Read More...

  • Reclaim Your Days Off: Vacation Planning Toolkit

    Planning your family vacation? Use this toolkit filled with activities and tips to guide your family’s vacation planning conversations and make the process more fun for all! Read More...

  • 5 Affordable Solo Vacation Ideas (to Recuperate from your Family Vacation)

    Disconnect from it all on a solo vacation to one of these 5 top-notch destinations. Whether you like the beach, desert, or a peaceful retreat, Chief Travel Guide Emily Frame has a great idea for you. Read More...

  • 5 Top U.S. Destinations for Solo Female Travel

    Finding cities that offer great food, entertainment and culture is crucial when choosing a vacation spot. Before you start planning your next independent trip, see our list of five great cities for solo female travel. Read More...

  • Travel Snack Ideas: Make Your Own Trail Mix

    This easy travel trail mix recipe works well whether you’re on the road, in the air or on the water. Read More...

  • Travel Snacks for Kids: Homemade Fruit Leather

    These homemade strawberry fruit roll-ups are easy to make ahead of time and fit perfectly inside your purse or carry-on bag. Read More...

  • Packable Snackables: S’mores Popcorn Balls

    Whip up these s’mores flavored popcorn balls for a sweet and salty take on two childhood favorite snacks. Pack them up and you’re ready to take them wherever you go! Read More...

  • Packable Snackables: No-Bake White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

    White chocolate cranberry cookies make for good road trip snacks during long stretches in the car. Follow this recipe for the perfect travel treat. Read More...

  • How to Plan Your Vacation

    The best time to plan your vacation is now. This guide explains why you shouldn’t wait to plan your time off, and provides step-by-step instructions to assist in your planning process. Read More...

  • Packable Snackables: Cheesy Herb Roasted Chickpeas

    Try out this roasted chickpea snack recipe that is delicious, easy to make and good for you - just the right combination for a quick bite on the road. Read More...

  • Eating Healthy on Vacation: On the Road

    If your car doubles as the family taxi while you’re on vacation, then you know maintaining healthy eating habits while enjoying the freedom of the open road can be a challenge. Read More...

  • Eating Healthy on Vacation: At the Hotel

    Give yourself some leeway to indulge, try something new, but don't lose your good eating habits along the way. See easy ways to eat healthy on vacation. Read More...

  • Region, Gender and Age Affect Vacation Preferences

    Could your age, gender or hometown dictate where you go on vacation? According to the recent Alamo Family Vacation Survey*, it just might! Read More...

  • Are You From Around Here? - How to Travel Like a True Tourist

    Taking a last minute vacation is no excuse not to look the part. Read More...

  • Stop, Drop and Pack: 6 Expert Tips For Last-Minute Travelers

    Maybe departure day snuck up on you, or maybe you got an unexpected bite from a renegade travel bug and it ITCHES. Read More...

  • 4 Destinations to Explore Favorite Family Hobbies

    When choosing family vacation destinations, hobbies and interests often guide the decision-making process. Read More...

  • 7 Things to Consider When Booking a Family Vacation

    I am someone who tries to take two or three vacations a year. There’s something really special about sinking my toes into the sand for the very first time or submerging myself into another city’s history. Read More...

  • How to Get the Kids Involved while Trip Planning

    For kids, planning a vacation can be just as exciting as actually taking one... if you play your cards right. Read More...

  • 10 Ways to include Children in Vacation Planning

    Savvy parents are increasingly including their kids in family vacation planning. Read More...