Where are the friendliest places to travel? Even though masks may hide smiles, plenty of places are still filled with friendly faces—and Expedia has ranked them for you, based on user experiences.
The travel pros at Expedia sorted through reviews to find the highest number of friendly-factor mentions. Associated words and linguistic connections such as “friendly, friendliest, amiable” landed some cities at the top of Expedia’s list.
Now that you’re ready to pack the family up and head out on your first getaway of the year, it’s time to pick a destination. If friendliness is an important factor, you have plenty of travel destinations to choose from. The top 10 friendliest cities, based on Expedia user reviews include:
Whitefish, Montana
Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Easton, Maryland
Lihue, Hawaii
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Kennebunkport, Maine
Chincoteague, Virginia
Ogunquit, Maine
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Along with these friendly cities, other top 20 honors went to Carolina Beach, North Carolina, Kahului, Hawaii, Alamogordo, New Mexico, Manhattan, New York, Kapa’a, Hawaii, Bar Harbor, Maine, Grants Pass, Oregon, Deadwood, South Dakota, Hilo, Hawaii and Aspen, Colorado.
Do your kiddos love the red planet? If they’re clamoring to take part in a future mission to Mars, NASA may have a creative solution.
The opportunity is open to become a passenger on the next Mars mission––well, your name will be a passenger. NASA’s “Send Your Name to Mars” is a program that lets space fans take part by submitting their name which will then become a part of a future spacecraft!
photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech
All you have to do is head to the mars.nasa.gov website and complete the form. Once your name is approved it will then be etched onto a microchip which is placed aboard the next spacecraft for a mission (which may or not be identified yet).
Once approved, you can also print out your very own boarding pass. Not only that, you can become a “frequent flyer” by signing up again when subsequent missions take flight!
Head to mars.nasa.gov to add your name before the program closes.
Tell the truth. Have you solved the Rubik’s Cube or are you guilty of peeling the stickers off? Tomorrow, on National Puzzle Day, @rubiksofficial is going live on TikTok with Rubik’s ambassadors Joshua and Wendy.
Some people can solve the Rubik’s Cube in just a few twists and turns. It’s almost magical to watch. Others take their time, carefully planning their moves. Working at solving the Rubik’s Cube is the perfect way to pass the time, especially during the pandemic. Puzzles have been flying off shelves and have helped kids and adults improve their mood and lower stress levels.
Today, Jan. 29, log into TikTok and go to @rubiks official at 1 p.m. ET. You will be able to watch Wendy build a mystery Rubik’s Cube Mosaic. Wendy and Joshua will also be discussing how the Rubik’s Cube has kept them occupied and engaged through the lockdown.
Say it with us: families need support! Fortunately for families, the YMCA of Metro Chicago is committed to its community and has your back. As a nonprofit organization, their mission is to develop strong children, families and communities across the city of Chicago and suburbs through academic readiness, character development, violence prevention, and healthy living—impressive, right?
Much more than a fitness center, the YMCA may be what you need to navigate our new normal. Read on for four reasons why the Y is precisely where you want to be!
Ready to join today? Use code FAM15 when you join and receive $15 off the first month of a family membership (valid through 12/15/20). Or bring in your family to try out the Y by purchasing a family day pass at their front desks ($15 includes 2 adults, unlimited children) or by calling their Member Services team at 773-905-5115.
Family Values
For hundreds of years, parents have relied on the YMCA as a partner in helping to raise confident, healthy and community-minded citizens. Not just sports and after-school programs, the Y’s goal is to help kids create a positive identity, develop transferable life skills, healthy habits, and build career readiness.
The YMCA is here to help parents reach their wellness goals, too! Parents have the opportunity to get their sweat on with tons of classes to choose from while their kids are taking part in a class of their own. During regular operating, they even offer free childcare on-site with Kids Zone, offering a safe environment and trusted sitter for an hour or two.
(Accessible) Activities for All
The YMCA offers a wide variety of programs for the whole family, including early childhood education and care for children ages six weeks to six years, before and after school programs, daytime and overnight summer camp, swim lessons and premium fitness classes, to name a few.
We all know that the flexibility to squeeze in a workout around your day is crucial to keeping up with your health goals. A YMCA of Metro Chicago membership gives members access to 13 YMCA membership centers across the Chicagoland area, which means no more excuses—you can do it!
Community-Minded
The YMCA is committed to creating an inclusive environment and meeting all of today’s families’ needs. Their equally passionate staff prides itself on establishing a sense of community at their centers. The love is mutual—many of their members and program participants end up volunteering with Y programs.
The Y has long been a stronghold in communities across the country and the world. All are welcome at the Y regardless of race, religion, orientation, ability or socioeconomic background. The YMCA believes a family should never be denied access to their services because of an inability to pay and offers financial assistance to those in need.
COVID Response
As they’ve done for decades, the YMCA has rallied purposefully behind the city and the region to support families during difficult times. Even while locations were shut down, the Y continued its commitment to the community by sheltering the city’s homeless and displaced citizens, providing emergency child care for essential workers, and distributing food, diapers, and other critical supplies to residents in need.
Exciting news: They’ve reopened their centers with extensive precautionary measures, and are offering remote learning support programs. For more information on their reopening policies and procedures, as well as “Know Before You Go” information, please visit their Reopening Resource Center.
Ready to join today? Use code FAM15 when you join and receive $15 off the first month of a family membership (valid through 12/15/20). Or bring in your family to try out the Y by purchasing a family day pass at their front desks ($15 includes 2 adults, unlimited children) or by calling their Member Services team at 773-905-5115.
Learn more about their COVID response and support the YMCA as they work to strengthen families during the pandemic and beyond here.
Walt Disney World fans rejoice! As the phased reopening of the resort continues guests will be happy to know that the Park Hopper option will be returning in the new year. According to the Disney Blog, starting Jan. 1, 2021, guests who purchased a ticket or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day, with a few modifications.
Guests must make a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park they plan to visit and enter that park first prior to visiting another. Currently a park reservation is not required after the first park, however reservation requirements are subject to change.
The resort will set specific Park Hopper hours during which this option will be available. Park Hopper hours will begin at 2 p.m. each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time. Guests will soon be able to check DisneyWorld.com/ParkHours and the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date Park Hopper hours, as they could start earlier at a later date, depending on the day and park. The ability to visit another park will be subject to the park’s capacity limitations.
These modifications are designed to help the resort to continue managing attendance in a way that fosters physical distancing. Additionally, other enhanced health and safety measures remain in effect. Face coverings are required for all guests ages two and up.
If you have any questions, visit the Know Before You Go page on DisneyWorld.com, call the Disney Reservation Center, contact your travel professional or reach out to planDisney to get helpful tips and information on your upcoming Disney vacation.
Thanksgiving may look different this year. One thing that hasn’t changes is ALDI’s commitment to low prices. This year the grocery retailer is offering a Butterball turkey, sides and desserts for less than $30.
“Customers expect unbeatable prices at ALDI and the holidays are no exception. While nearly every aspect of our lives is rapidly changing, we promise to continue to do everything in our power to keep prices down,” said Jason Hart, President and CEO, ALDI U.S. “We’re proud to provide shoppers everything they need for a traditional Thanksgiving meal from ALDI for less than $30.”
Additionally, with the spirit of Thanksgiving in mind, ALDI is paying kindness forward and providing employees the opportunity to do the same. This year, ALDI is giving every employee two $30 gift cards. Each card covers the cost of a Thanksgiving meal from its stores, and employees are welcome to use the gift cards for themselves or pass one or both along to someone in need.
“It’s our honor to offer each of our employees a Thanksgiving meal on us,” Hart said. “And with so many people in our communities facing difficult times, we felt it was important to give our employees a way to pay it forward to someone in their life who could use it.”
Calling all movie lovers, young and less young! The Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF), the largest annual film festival entirely for kids, is back for its 37th year with films the entire family (ages 2 & up) will enjoy. Read on to find out how to enjoy these flicks that range from feature-length live-action to child-produced from the comforts of your sofa. How lucky are we that CIFCC calls Chicago home?
When
From November 13-November 22, Chicago families have the unique opportunity to virtually screen 264 films from 52 countries.
Theme
Within the film selections, you’ll see topics covering international perspectives, anti-bullying, refugees and immigration, LGBTQIA+, girls’ point-of-view, finding your voice and STEM. The films are breathtaking in their beauty, skill and innovation and give kids the opportunity to engage with empathy-driven storytelling that speaks directly to their experiences.
They operate the fest under the core belief that by presenting diverse programming with high artistic value that reflects the current culture of today’s kids and teens, they can create a platform that empowers them to form a deeper engagement with the world.
A Quick History After a series of multi-cultural film exhibitions for children, Facets, a leading national media arts and education organization based in Chicago, began the annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival to both recognize excellence in children’s filmmaking and to bring culturally diverse films to America. The Festival was the first children’s film festival to be recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which means films screened at CICFF can go on to win Oscars®.
Every year the films are judged by both an adult and children’s jury and awards are given at the end in various categories. The Festival is open to both the general public and educators and has helped springboard classroom discussions since its inception.
How to Watch Typically the festival spreads out across the city to theaters such as Facets in Lincoln Park, Music Box Theatre, Davis Theater, Alliance Francais de Chicago and University of Chicago Logan Center in Hyde Park.
The Bottom Dollar
Tickets purchased prior to Oct. 30 are given early-bird discounts and FACETS members and school groups receive a discount throughout the fest. Starting Oct. 31, general public prices are $15/single ticket, $50/public pass valid for up to four programs and a $250/public super pass grants you access to the entire festival. Single tickets can be purchased from the Virtual Festival Catalog and passes can be purchased on the Pass Page.
Just a Taste of the Films You’ll See
Many of the feature films showcased are highly anticipated and considered the world’s best. Among these, you’ll find 2040, which imagines a future of climate change and ways to address and solve the issue. You’ll be introduced to a girl enjoying life in the country and the changes that occur when her father’s fiancee and daughter move in, shaking things up in Dreambuilders.
Dreamers Wanted is a documentary that includes animation and live-action for kids ages 8-10 that takes a look at youth pursuing their hobbies and aspirations while building on their sense of empowerment along the way.
One timely film to add to your list is Postcards to Myself, an animated film for ages 13 & up that looks at mental well-being and the process of overcoming isolation by finding a support system.
Good to Know
No matter your kiddo’s film interest, you’re bound to find something that piques their interest—animated features, child-produced shorts, documentary short films, live-action features and more! (Even some that will appeal to the teens in your house.)
Don’t Miss This Fest!
CICFF is the largest film festival in Chicago and whether you dedicate a week to it or squeeze in a show or two in between your other commitments, it’s worth the effort. This is a great way to experience other cultures without leaving our own great city—or your living room.
For more information and to purchase tickets or the Festival Family Pass, visit festival.facets.org.
When the parenting headlines match what’s happening in our own homes, we know something’s afoot. And from Tinkergarten team members’ stories to the New York Times, one theme emerged: regression.
Why are our kids regressing, how can we muster the patience to help them through, and, worse yet, will these setbacks persist on the other side of this? I’ve read a handful of articles aimed to support on this front, and they have helped. But, it wasn’t until the other night when I was talking to treasured colleagues on Zoom that something fundamental clicked for me: We are all on a roller coaster, and our kids are strapped in with us.
A metaphor goes a long way.
In teaching both kids and parents, a simple metaphor can help make tricky concepts click—and this idea of a roller coaster has done that for me. Some of us can’t stand roller coasters. I love them, but only the ones I choose to get on and the ones that, I can tell, come to a clear end. COVID-19 fits neither of those criteria, and it is quite an intense ride.
I have kept so busy trying to do all of the quarantine parent/worker/person things, that I had not really stopped to recognize the intense emotional side of COVID-19 life—to see plainly what me, my kids and those I love are experiencing.
If we are feeling it, they are really feeling it.
Hearing and really recognizing that we have every reason to feel like a wreck can go a long way. And if I am a mess with an adult brain that is capable of rationalizing and regulating my emotions, then how can I possibly expect more of my child, who is not yet able to do either of those things? When kids are overwhelmed emotionally, they show a range of responses—from clinging to us more to acting out, tantruming or struggling with siblings. Just knowing that all of those reactions are totally normal and to be expected during a time like this can help.
Kids regress, especially during times of stress.
If you are worried at all about setbacks in your child’s behavior, check out NYTimes Parenting’s recent “Why is My Big Kid Acting Like a Toddler.” It reminds us that regression, the return to earlier stages of development, is actually a mechanism that kids use to protect themselves from the impact of strong emotions. It might not make the fifth tantrum of the day delightful to endure or make it easy for you to find space from a clingy kiddo who used to leave you alone. But knowing that regression is not only natural but also emotionally beneficial for our kiddos lessens both the worry and our struggle to prevent it—and that struggle was making my “tired” even bigger and bolder at the end of the day.
There are a few ways to smooth out the ride.
How can we smooth things out so the highs and lows are not so extreme?
“Thoughts come and go. Feelings come and go. Find out what it is that remains.” —Ramana Marhashi
Breathe deeply. When you are in a rough moment, alone or with your kids, give it some time. Repeat a mantra like, “This too shall pass.” Then, remember to notice how it really does. Even if it takes until your kiddo is fast asleep, see that kids do become sweet again—these moments come, and they go.
Get outside and move! When tough moments hit, step outside or just open a window and take in some fresh air. Natural settings reduce stress, and the switch of scenery and sensory input can help kids and grown-ups to calm and regulate our emotions. At the very least, it can redirect their attention a bit to help the moment pass. We end every day with a walk outside—and there have been some days in which the kids and I, quite literally, are all crying by 5:30 p.m. By the end of our walk, we are back, tired and worn, but ready for dinner and some sweet cuddling.
Cuddle or soothe. Do this in a way that works for your child. Attention, reassurance, and reminders that we are right here for them is what kids need most right now. And, one of the silver linings in all of this is that, for most of us, we are right there—all the time. Experts know that physical touch can enhance brain development and help regulate kids’ nervous systems. In other words, it’s exactly what they might need to break free of a negative cycle. If your child seeks and readily receives physical affection, give loads of extra hugs, squeezes, and touches. If kids will accept a hug when they are off the rails, hold and squeeze them through it. Or, wait until later and cuddle again before the day is through. Even add in extra squeezes as you move through the day.
Mindful “you time.” It is really, really hard to get time for ourselves in the middle of all of this, and you need moments of solo, meditative time to repair. So, even if it is just 10 daily minutes of meditation in bed before kids wake up, a 7-minute workout while they watch a show, or just taking a few moments in the bathroom for yourself, build it in and savor it.
This is a lot, it’s hard, and it’s extraordinary. I’ve realized that so much of the regression that kids and I are feeling is a reflection of this incredible situation. Humans are not meant to be or feel isolated. We contemplate the present and future and need to understand where we are going and have hope for better times. We are experiencing loss and anxiety. Our dreams are even impacted. This is real and big. But, this too shall pass. For now, we need to do whatever we and our kids need to get through until it’s finally time to get off this ride and stand on solid ground again.
After 18 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Today, Meghan serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, the national leader in outdoor play-based learning.
The National Park Service is working to make all parks safe for visitors and has made adjustments for guests visiting Yosemite this summer. In lieu of camping cancellations, visitors will now need to reserve park tickets to enter.
Each day 1,700 day-use park passes will be made available via online reservation for entry Jun. 11 through Oct. 31. Reservations will be required, with only one needed per vehicle and all occupants for $33 per car.
Reservations go on sale at 7 a.m. PST daily 48 hours in advance and on July 1st, August 1st, and September 1st for one month in advance. So, tickets for entry Aug. 1-31 will be available starting Jul. 1.
In order to gain access, all visitors must arrive on the day reserved between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. Day use access will be good for seven consecutive days after, including the day of arrival.
Annual or lifetime pass holders can use their passes as the entrance fee, plus a non-refundable $2 reservation fee. Eligible passes include Yosemite National Park Annual Pass, Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass, Interagency Volunteer Pass, Interagency Military Pass, Interagency 4th Grade Pass, Golden Age, Golden Access.
If you have an overnight reservation in the park, no day use reservation is needed. However, all visitors will need to show their permit reservation conformation at the entrance station.
Walt Disney World is gearing up to reopen starting Jul. 11 with the Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom followed by Jul.15 when EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopen. In order to limit attendance to align with social distancing requirements, the theme park is introducing the new Disney Park Pass system. During this time, all guests with a ticket or Annual Pass will be required to make a reservation in advance for each park entry, using this new online tool on DisneyWorld.com.
Guests need a My Disney Experience account, as this is where your Walt Disney World Resort plans are stored and managed. You’ll also need a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass that’s linked to your My Disney Experience account. If you have a Disney Resort hotel reservation, you will have to link it to your My Disney Experience account beforehand.
Once you’ve logged into your My Disney Experience account and linked your ticket, you’ll have access to a calendar of available reservation dates for each theme park. If you have a multi-day ticket, you will be required to make a park reservation for each date of your visit. Families and friends can link their tickets together and look to arrange theme park entries at the same time.
Please note, park reservations are limited in number and subject to availability. Availability can change until the reservation is finalized. At this time, guests will be able to select one park per day; visiting more than one park per day will be temporarily unavailable upon the reopening of the theme parks due to attendance limitations. Guests with existing tickets that include the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option have options available to them for ticket modifications and cancellations, and can visit DisneyWorld.com/Updates for more information. We hope to bring back the ability to visit more than one park per day soon and will continue to offer these add-ons for 2021 ticket purchases.
Beginning this week, Disney will reach out to existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders with more information on when they will be able to check availability to make their park reservations. The Disney Park Pass system will be opened to these guests in phases, beginning with those with future Disney Resort and other select hotel stays. Later this summer, the theme park will resume sales of 2020 tickets and Disney Resort hotel arrivals, based on availability of park reservations, while continuing to provide guests with existing tickets and Annual Passholders the opportunity to make park reservations for 2020 dates.
By Jun. 28, all guests will be able to purchase new Disney Resort hotel packages and theme park tickets and make their park reservations for arrivals starting in 2021 as our phased reopening continues. Guests will be able to view park reservation availability on DisneyWorld.com prior to purchasing their tickets.
Disney is also exploring options for guests to use their mobile tech to experience the magic – particularly now as the use of phones and apps continues to evolve. In 2021, they plan to unveil an innovative new offering as part of the My Disney Experience app that will bring features of a MagicBand to your smart devices, building on the app’s existing digital key feature. With this new offering on the horizon, they will be retiring their complimentary MagicBand distribution to Disney Resort hotel guests for new reservations with arrivals beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to have the option to purchase new MagicBands at a discount, and they’ll be introducing even more colors and designs featuring favorite Disney characters in the future. Guests who prefer not to purchase a discounted MagicBand will be able to use the My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card during their visit.
