After years of family travel, I’ve learned the best moments aren’t the big-ticket adventures—they’re the muddy, sticky, pork belly-filled meals we share along the way

Practical travel tips for Luang Prabang, Laos—including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and how to enjoy this beautiful tourist trap without falling into common pitfalls.

Luang Prabang is a tourist trap—and that’s OK. Between the kitschy night market, Western restaurants, and surprisingly good cheese, this little Lao town offers a charming, if touristy, escape

After a week swinging in a hammock on Don Khon, it was time to head north to Vang Vieng. Our overland journey involved boats, minivans, a sleeper bus, and dodging more than one travel scam.

Vang Vieng, Laos was once the epicenter of booze-fueled tubing mayhem, but after a string of tourist tragedies, the party ended. Now it’s a peaceful spot for rock climbing, kayaking, and lazy river days with family. Because travel.

The view from my hammock on Donn Khon Why We Needed an Exit from Thailand   At the end of September 2015, I needed to get out of Thailand. I was there with my family, and while we had six-month visas, we couldn’t remain in Thailand for more than 90 days without leaving the country.   Our 90 days were just about up, so we needed an exit.   And to tell the truth, I needed a break. I was coming to the end of the semester abroad program I had been leading. For the previous three