Rob Taylor's Blog, page 36

UPDATE – Should You Pick Disney World or Universal Orlando During COVID-19 Pandemic?

We get so many questions about whether we would pick Disney World or Universal Orlando for a visit. A year ago we would’ve said one thing, but with COVID-19 still being a concern, we have a different opinion. In this article we’ll break down the big differences in the parks including attractions, food, and how they’re handling the Coronavirus pandemic.

This has been updated as of July 2021. Very few COVID precautions remain in place. If you are unvaccinated, part of a fragile family, or do no...

Oceanside SUP & Kayaking: Great Paddling On the Beautiful California Coast

Oceanside, California is easy to miss if you’re driving the interstate on your way to San Diego. As the only harbor for more than 60 miles between San Diego and Orange County, Oceanside Harbor is a perfect place for paddlers looking to explore the coastal waters in San Diego’s North County. Kayaking in Oceanside is an ideal break in a quiet town while the rest of the coast is bustling.

We try to add paddling to any road trip we do, and it’s really easy when you’re doing a SoCal trip and you m...

Clear Kayaking Tampa Bay: You Must See The Beautiful Shell Key Preserve

Kayaking in Florida never disappoints. We do it all the time. One of the most unique paddling experiences is clear kayaking, and in the Tampa Bay area the trip to the Shell Key Preserve is an incredible Florida adventure. See what to expect, what wildlife to watch for, and see that best tips for enjoying the clear kayak experience in Tampa Bay, Florida.

This is from our friend, Marcea of My Cornacopia: Living in Florida gives my family a lot of opportunities to be in, near, or on the water. I...

Thrilling North Shore, Oahu: Best Fun, Affordable Things to Do

We love Hawaii, and Oahu’s North Shore is a really special place. We spent time finding the best things to do on the North Shore and know you’ll love our plan. This is a guide to creating the best adventures for your trip to Oahu, and you won’t be disappointed. PS: we have our favorite spots to see sunsets on Oahu as well!

We, along with our friends from It’s A Family Thing, Corritta and Mea, got together to share our best tips for planning a remarkable, one-of-a-kind trip away from Waikiki t...

Pacific Northwest Kayaking: Most Beautiful Places to Kayak in Washington

Kayaking in the Pacific Northwest, and more specifically Washington State, is a fun and sustainable summer activity. Yeah, you could plan paddling in the Puget Sound area in the fall or spring too, but summer is the best time to experience the beautiful waters of Washington. We’ve picked our favorite places in Washington for kayaking, and we know you’ll love them.

The Seattle area is best seen from the water:  sailing, on a ferry, or on a kayak.  Just short drives from the city are countless ...

LGBTQ Travel Marketing: missing the mark… but here’s a plan!

Do you know what I love about modern television and online marketing?  Advertisements that speak to me and that I don’t mind watching or looking into more.  A catchy ad does wonders for a brand, like the Disney World ads that have tiny bits of magic woven into them.  Or there’s an ad for the Holiday Inn that is all about a couple checking in before picking up their newly adopted baby.  These ads are so great.  And what about LGBTQ travel marketing?

Gay travel marketing that is directed to...

UPDATED – Visiting Disney World During COVID-19: health and safety precautions

2020 has been a stressful year for everybody. We saw our travel schedule become completely zero and even getting to spend time with family and friends became almost nothing. But that means we spend a lot of time together as a family in close quarters. Since moving to Florida, one of the things that we were looking forward to was spending more time in Disney World.

This has been updated as of July 2021. Very few COVID precautions remain in place. If you are unvaccinated, part of a fragile fami...

Virginia & Washington DC Road Trip: Awesome History, Famous Sights

There’s nothing like a Washington DC and Virginia road trip. We often talk to our kids about how important history is, even when it’s been whitewashed and edited, and as such we visit a lot of historic sites on our travels. Washington DC and Virginia hold an incredible number of important sites and stories, so this road trip route will take you through a good portion of the Revolutionary War and growth of our nation.

Jump to our Washington DC and Historic Virginia road trip itinerary

I...

Awesome California National Parks Road Trip You Need to Do

There will never be enough time to do all the road trips we want to, but through research and experience we try to share only the best of what we love. This Awesome California National Parks road trip will take you through the mountains and along some of the coast. Iconic sights and off the beaten path hikes make this road trip unforgettable.

This specific California National Parks road trip is ideal to do in 10 days or more. If you are strapped for time, cut the trip in half and plan to do t...

June 2021 Update: School’s Out and Road Trip Plans

I love sharing our twice monthly newsletter on the blog. I use the newsletter to share what’s happening RIGHT NOW and to provide suggestions that you can jump on in the moment. With school getting out and much of North America returning to normal life, there is a lot to talk about.

Pride Month Thoughts

June is Pride Month (I’m sure you know). Every year I get between two and ten emails each day during Pride asking us to hock products. Sometimes I’m happy to do it and sometimes it’s a gatew...