Traveling with kids, parents, and grandparents can be one of the most rewarding experiences—but it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode of Vacation Mavens, Tamara and Kim are joined by travel expert Kirsten Maxwell, founder of Kids Are a Trip and Groups Are a Trip. With over 40 countries under her belt, Kirsten shares her best advice for planning stress-free multi-generational vacations, from cruises and resorts to vacation rentals and group tours.

Kirsten Maxwell is a travel expert and founder of Kids Are A Trip and Groups Are A Trip, who has turned her adventures across 40+ countries into inspiring travel resources. The best adventures happen when you travel with the people you love the most! You can follow Kirsten on Instagram and Facebook.

Whether you’re dreaming of a big family trip or just starting to plan, this episode is packed with tips on how to balance budgets, expectations, and activities so everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—has a memorable experience.

• What “multi-generational travel” really means and the different ways families are making it work: "skip gen" (aka grandparents and grandchildren), grandparents, parents and kids, extended family with cousins, aunts and uncles
• Popular multi-gen trip types: cruises, vacation rentals, dude ranches, all-inclusive resorts, and group tours
• Family meetings (and honest conversations about budget and expectations) are key before you book
• Tips for managing food, chores, and shared expenses without stress
• How to balance mobility needs, activity levels, and different interests across age groups
• Favorite destinations for all-ages trips, including Lake Tahoe, Orlando, New York City, and all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean
• Why cruises and resorts with strong kids’ clubs make trips easier for parents and grandparents
• The benefits of guided family tours like Adventures by Disney, Tauck, and Backroads
• Money-saving tip: ask about group rates when booking cruises, resorts, or tours
• Practical advice for delegating trip planning (or hiring a travel advisor to take the pressure off)
• Travel gear pick: crossbody phone case with strap for safety and convenience

In this episode of Vacation Mavens, we are joined by adventure traveler and blogger Sherry Ott of OttsWorld. We dive into what it takes to plan a successful cycling vacation — everything from choosing destinations and tour types, to picking the right gear, training beforehand, and recovering well. Whether you're a biking newbie or looking to level up your next bike‐based trip, this one’s packed with insights and practical advice.

Sherry Ott is a long-time travel blogger (since 2006) specializing in adventure travel, especially for women. She started leading small group trips in 2018, including unique “cat lady tours” in Japan. Sherry began serious biking during the pandemic, upgrading to gravel bikes and exploring both domestic (U.S.) and international routes (Chile, France, Prince Edward Island). She is passionate about making bike travel accessible, safe, and fun for all skill levels.

• Decide between guided and self-guided tours — guided trips offer support and community, while self-guided give you more flexibility.
• Research destinations with strong bike infrastructure (trail networks, signage, support).
• Check elevation, distance, and trail type (paved vs. gravel) to match your comfort level.
• Look for tour companies that provide e-bike options if you want extra support.
• Read reviews, ask about group size, and confirm whether you can bring your own gear (seat, mirror, pedals).

• Start riding regularly at home to build saddle time and comfort.
• Practice on terrain similar to your trip (gravel, hills, road).
• Work on balance, confidence, and endurance.
• Don’t underestimate elevation — even moderate climbs can feel tough over multiple days.

• Always bring your own helmet for the best fit and safety.
• Pack a rear-view mirror (handlebar or helmet mount) for traffic awareness.
• Wear bright, high-visibility clothing so drivers and riders can see you.
• Bring rain gear and layers — weather can shift quickly.
• Prioritize comfort over style on the bike.

• Use compression socks or leggings (e.g. Vim & Vigor) to reduce muscle fatigue.
• Hydrate often and refuel with snacks during rides.
• Allow time for rest and stretching after long days.
• Be mindful of long flights post-trip — keep circulation flowing with compression wear and movement.

• Adventure Cycling Association – maps, routes, and trip planning tools.
• Tour operators like Experience Plus, Biketours.com, and Backroads.
• Tourism boards for bike-friendly regions with trail networks and infrastructure.

We recently covered Tamara's Galapagos cruise and also some tips for visiting Ecuador, but this week we are digging into where to stay in Ecuador. Tamara gives a recap of her trip including some mini hotel reviews for Hacienda La Danesa, Mashpi Lodge, and Hacienda Zuleta.

• Tamara spent 17 nights in Ecuador including 5 nights in the Galapagos, 1 night at Hacienda La Danesa, 2 nights in Cuenca, 1 night near Cotopaxi, 3 nights in Quito, 2 nights in the Mashpi Lodge, and 2 nights at Hacienda Zuleta
• You wouldn't want to move around this much but Tamara wanted to see a lot of the country
• Hacienda La Danesa is a good pairing with the Galapagos
• It is 1.5 hours from Guayaquil
• It is on a large property with a farm, cacoa plantation, and a teak plantation on site
• It is an all-inclusive property. There are only seven accommodations and there is also the family home, as it is still family run
• The lodge is very beautiful with a bar, restaurant, lounge area, and library
• The design and style is very beautiful and perfect for those that really appreciate nice design
• Included activities include milking the cows, biking with a local guide, river tubing, a visit to the cacao plantation, and a chocolate tasting and making workshop
• Additional activities include horseback riding, cooking classes, and off-site excursions
• For a Cloud Forest experience, especially if you don't want to go all the way out to the rainforest, Mashpi Lodge is a good option to pair with a visit to Quito or Cotopaxi
• It takes about two hours to get to Mashpi Lodge and the last hour is on a very rough dirt road and not great if you have neck or back issues
• Mashpi Lodge is really great for birdwatchers
• Tamara wouldn't recommend it for families with very young kids as it is pretty active
• 2-3 nights is perfect for the Mashpi Lodge
• There are morning and afternoon excursions and you can also opt into a night hike
• Each evening there are presentations from naturalists or biologists
• It is an all-inclusive experience with meals and activities (not alcohol or spa services)
• The Sky Bike gives a "birds eye" view of the Cloud Forest but it is hard work to pedal across the cable
• Hacienda Zuleta is located in the mountains about 1.5-2 hours from Quito
• It is a historical, family-run, colonial-style hacienda that offers a very authentic feeling stay
• This is also an inclusive stay with meals and activities
• The town is known for embroidery and there is a handicraft market every Sunday
• Some of the activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding (additional), visiting the Condor rehabilitation center, embroidery classes (additional), visits to the cheese making factory, tours of the kitchen garden and grounds, watching the sheep or cows be milked, and more
• The food is fantastic at Hacienda Zuleta
• Tamara also spent two nights at Casa Gangotena in central Quito, which is a fantastic luxury hotel which is well-located in the historic old town

• Galapagos cruise