Looking Forward To a Great Ski Season?

Let it snow! That's our mantra for this upcoming ski season! If your plans include the kids, you won't want to miss a session in Snowmass, Colorado. The renaissance of Aspen's kid sister hits full stride with the opening of the new $17 million 25,000-square-foot children's center this year.

I'm just back from a preview of what's in store. And with plenty of everything for every age group, you'll want to put Snowmass on your list!

Does Your Pet Look Like a WInner?

Trick out your pet and win a treat! The winner of our partner, GoodHousekeeping.com's Dress Up Your Pet Halloween Contest, will receive a $1,200 airfare voucher, courtesy of The Dude Ranchers' Association, and a seven-night stay for four, plus pet, at the White Stallion Ranch in Tuscon, AZ. Prize includes lodging, all meals, and ranch activities. Find out more!

Vote and Win!

FamilyTravel.com readers Kathy and Derrick O'Neill, and their children Drake and Maison, are in a quest for victory in the Hyatt Family Adventure Challenge. Vote for the O'Neills or your favorite family and have a chance to win 50 free nights at a Hyatt Resort!

Road Trip!

Ted and I have embarked on a road trip and are chronicling the adventure on another blog. Our pal Rob began "Rob's Road Trip" .. in search of an affordable family vacation. He encountered a family emergency and we are filling in for a time. Check out our story and adventure at www.RobsRoadTrip.com.

Ramble Through Ireland

I recently spent five days hiking and exploring in Ireland. Long a favorite destination for walkers, planning your outing is easy, thanks to a plentiful range of tracks. Pick from one-day loops or longer distance hikes. Wander through national parks, verdent green forests or embark on pilgrim paths. You'll enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the pint at the end of the road! Plan your trip here!

Travel Deals

We've partnered with Good Housekeeping to provide some great family travel deals. Find yours!

Settling In For Summer

I'm settling into Big Sky country for a good part of the summer. Our first weekend included a branding party on a nearby ranch. It was incredible to listen to the mother cows bellow to their offspring as the calves were separated and prepared for the branding ritual. I took pictures and tried to stay out of the way while son Alex actually helped the cowboys wrestle the calves! If you'd like to sample a bit of what this great state has to offer have a look here!