TravelAwaits

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Rental Recs: The Most Family-Friendly Airbnbs in Florida

Rental Recs: The Most Family-Friendly Airbnbs in Florida

Each year, millions of families set off on their getaway to Florida.

Whether planning to lounge in the sun on the beach in the Florida Keys, explore the very best theme parks in Orlando, or uncover hidden gems in the Gulf Coast, there’s plenty to keep the whole family happy.

Still, there’s a lot of work that goes into planning a family vacation.

Even when it comes to finding a solid rental, you might find yourself struggling to tick the necessary boxes.

What about features like cribs and play areas? Is there in-house entertainment, like board games and video streaming? And what about nearby dining options?

The more closely you rate your lodging based on family-friendly features, the less you’ll have to worry about when it’s time to relax.

All those tiny amenities really do add up when there are toddlers and preteens involved—from functional coffee-makers to beach gear that’s ready to go.

Looking for a family-friendly Airbnb in Florida? Start off with one of these options, strategically located around the state’s most popular family-oriented destinations. As per usual, I’m suggesting Guest Favorite picks only.

Best Panhandle Airbnb: Sun&Fun Beachfront Getaway

Port St. Joe

Sleeps: 6

Features the family will love: Game room with arcade and table games, kid’s play table, beachfront access to Port St Joe’s most kid-friendly beach, fully stocked kitchen, beach gear like umbrellas and toys, a large living room for hanging out, and nearby hiking trails.

Plus, Port St. Joe is a fantastic option for family-friendly vacations.

Book here

Best Central Florida Airbnb: 9-Bedroom in Paradiso Grande

Orlando

Sleeps: Over 16

Features the family will love: a pro-level game room (includes arcade games, gaming PCs, foosball, and more), themed movie theatre, pack’n play setup, highchairs, child safety fence for the outdoor pool, themed bunkbed rooms (they’re very high-production), and proximity to Disney, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, and ICON Park.

Just beware – it might be hard to pry your kids away from this gem.

Book here

Best Florida Keys Airbnb: Key Largo Paradise

Key Largo

Sleeps: 6

Features the family will love: Direct access to saltwater lagoon, part of a gated community, large living room for hanging out, access to tennis courts, paddleboard rentals, free floaties for kids, a sanded playground for kids, and a family-friendly community that lets you mingle with others families on vacation (Kawama Yacht Club).

While the interior isn’t necessarily kid-centric, the gated community has made it very easy for families to settle in and enjoy.

Book here

Best Gulf Coast Airbnb: Farm Stay

Zephyrhills

Sleeps: 5

Features the family will love: Access to the farm’s animals (horses, ponies, hens, ducks, chickens, bunnies, cats, and dogs—all kid-friendly), room to explore the 7-acre farm, daily egg scavenger hunts, playground, and a fire pit.

You’ll need to be careful when you read the rules, but this is one of the coolest family-friendly experiences I’ve ever seen on Airbnb. So if you’ve got rough-and-tumble little ones who don’t mind a lil’ hay, this is a fantastic option.

Book here

Best Atlantic Coast Airbnb: Aquatopia North

Stuart

Sleeps: 14

Features the family will love: Private dock and beachfront on the water, private pool, hot tub, tons of water activities (kayaks, fishing gear, paddleboards, and other items like goggles), bicycles, cornhole, volleyball, outdoor play area, and a brand new grill.

Best of all, this place was designed specifically for families with children. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Book here

Travel Tips: The Best House Sitting Platforms

House-sitting is usually one of the last things that travelers think about.

In fact, most people rely on friends and families to check in on their homes when they hit the road.

House-sitting duties might cover basic things like driving by to check that the home is safe and grabbing the mail. Maybe it involves entering the home to interact with a pet—or just water the plants.

At the bare minimum, a house-sitter ensures your home is in good working order while you’re away.

But in my experience, the potential benefits of having someone watching over are worth the hassle. First, for your peace of mind. Second, for pure security.

When I go out of town—even for a weekend trip—there are always two people who have keys to my apartment. The first is a friend who lives close by; they’re able to step in if an emergency comes up, like a biblical flood or a fire. The second is my dog-walker and dog-sitter (shout out to Juan on Rover), who has keys to my apartment in case there are any pup-related emergencies or in case we extend our trip.

I can call on either if disaster or even uncertainty strike.

I also house-sit for my neighbors who are away often. Want to know one of the weirder disasters I’ve fielded for them? A pigeon died on their balcony in the height of summer. Leaving its precious little corpse to rot would have created a nasty mess for them when they got back, so I was called in to perform a bird funeral.

For issues both great and small, it’s worth it to have a house sitter on your team. While you might not opt for travel insurance, I recommend opting for some kind of home care.

And while most of us rely on friends and family before paid house-sitting services, they might not always be available. If you’ve got pets, finding reliable care becomes even more complex.

So what do you do if you need a house-sitter? I recommend using a trusted company.

Not only are their house-sitters thoroughly vetted, but they’re also experienced enough to deal with last-minute problems. So let’s count down the best and most trusted house-sitting platforms that are active in the US.

House Carers

This company launched online back in 2000, making them one of the oldest house-sitting services online. They offer both pet-based house-sitting and solo house-sitting.

Though not the largest company out there, they have a solid list of reviews that span over two decades. Plus, they have an active Facebook page that makes it easy for the average traveler to get started with the platform and interact with other house-sitters and travelers.

Best of all, you can sign up and start looking around for free.

Check it out

MindMyHouse

Whether you need someone to watch over your studio apartment or to handle larger animals on an off-grid farm, MindMyHouse has solutions.

The platform also has a great design that makes it easy to learn how the platform works, find answers to FAQs, and otherwise explore the site’s database of homes and sitters.

Though it’s not as large as other house-sitting platforms, that clean design goes a long way for me.

Check it out

House Sitters America

Meet the US’s industry standard in house sitting.

This platform allows homeowners to list ads for house sitting, along with other jobs. That other ‘jobs’ section could include things like pet care or even lawn care.

As someone who regularly requires plant care while she’s away (I’m proud of my urban jungle), this is a huge plus for me—my plants need TLC, not a cold bucket shower once a week. If you also need that type of care for your home, make a listing here.

Check it out

HouseSit Match

This international website lets you seek out house-sitters or pet sitters. As with House Sitters America, it’s pretty easy to request other types of care—from plants to pools. There’s no direct fee here, which means that house sitters voluntarily decide to look after your home. That’s usually in exchange for free lodging and getting to experience an area—but might mean that those living in the boonies don’t get much attention.

Check it out

Looking for pet care, too? Explore Trusted Housesitters

From pet sitters to house sitters, you can find someone willing to hold down your fort.

Uniquely, this website offers a dual service: you can either seek out a pet sitter to stay at your home or offer your services as an international pet sitter. Just keep in mind that there needs to be an animal involved, and that this platform is slightly pricier than others.

Check it out

Famous Dishes from Every Italian City & Where to Eat Them

Heading to Italy? Hope you’re hungry.

From Catania to Venice, this nation delivers delectable eats. But the sheer number of tasty foods can actually pose a problem.

Travelers are going to eat well no matter what… but those who do some research can eat Michelin-caliber meals all day, every day.

You need to know things like which cities and regions specialize in which dishes. On top of that, you need to know which restaurants do it best.

Feeling a little overwhelmed by finding quality restaurants across Italy? I’ve created suggestions below based on the most popular dishes in major cities, including the top restaurants where you should try them. Dai, andiamo!

Rome

Photo by Rob Wicks on Unsplash

Pasta alla carbonara

This iconic dish is beloved in Rome—but don’t you dare ask if you should add cream to the sauce. Pasta alla carbonara is made with guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano cheese, and egg. And pasta, of course.

Eat it here:

Milan

Michelin (Rataná)

Risotto alla milanese

This creamy, delectable dish is a master class in simplicity. The dish is made with onions, butter, white wine, beef stock, saffron, parmesan cheese, and risotto. But only local chefs know how to put it all together in just the right way.

Eat it here:

Naples

Photo by Kampus Production

Pizza margherita

Apparently, pizza margherita (the very first iteration of this classic dish) was created in Naples in the late 1800s for Queen Margherita herself, topped with cheese, tomato, and basil to replicate the colors of the Italian flag. Fast forward a century and most Americans call it cheese pizza—a dish that helped put Italy and Naples on the map for good.

Eat it here:

Turin

Photo by Vita Marija Murenaite on Unsplash

Pizza al padellino

This northern city flies under the radar for many Americans, but it’s a hotspot for Italian culture and trends. And it’s known for its delicious pizza al padellino—a semi-deep-dish variety. It’s smaller than standard pizzas with a thicker (and crispier) dough, baked inside a pan traditionally.

Eat it here:

Venice

Sarde in saor

This one might be a hard sell: a sweet-and-sour sardine dish that includes pine nuts, onions, and raisins. Usually, the sardines are marinated in vinegar before being cooked and served. Some chefs fry their sardines, while others stick to traditional cooking methods—including sourcing their onions from nearby Venice.

Eat it here:

Verona

Photo by Rob Wicks on Unsplash

Risotto alla tastasal

This iconic Verona dish includes heavily salted minced pork. In fact, the dish was originally used to test the quality of cured meats. Today, it’s made with pork, broth, onion, garlic, and is topped with tons of Parmigiano Reggiano. You’ll find it offered at almost every restaurant in the city.

Eat it here:

Genoa

Photo by Eaters Collective on Unsplash

Trofie al pesto

As with many dishes in Italy, the Genovese specialty is profoundly simply—and yet delicious. The key ingredients are trofie pasta with a homemade pesto sauce. The dish is usually topped with cherry tomatoes and basil.

Eat it here:

Florence

Pexels

Bistecca alla fiorentina

I wasn’t expecting to see a steak dish specialty in Italy—especially not a t-bone variety. But Florence and the surrounding Tuscany region have an obsession with t-bone steaks grilled to a perfectly rare state. Just add salt and pepper. It’s really that easy.

Eat it here:

Palermo

Pexels

Arancini

From the rare t-bones of Tuscany to the seriously addictive rice ball of Palermo, I love how varied Italian cuisine is. In Palermo, you’ll be able to taste the influence of African and Arabic influences in the humble arancini. Usually, these little morsels filled with ragù, cheese, and peas—but you’ll find arancini of all stripes.

Eat it here:

Drink, Sleep, & Be Merry: Chicago’s Best Boutique Hotels with Bars

I’ve never thought much of Chicago when big cities come up on my radar—even though it’s the US’s third-most populous city. (And I grew up only a few hours away.)

Chicago doesn’t have the scale and hustle of New York City, nor the liberal reputation of LA and San Francisco. It’s not known for its sexy beaches like Miami, nor its innovative tech industry like Seattle.

But that doesn’t mean this Midwestern metropolis doesn’t have big city swag and style.

In fact, it was voted as the #1 Big City in the US for six years in a row by Condé Nast. (That’s the parent company of The New York Times, Vogue, Glamour, Wired, and Vanity Fair, y’all.)

On top of it’s Condé Nast seal of approval, Chicago has all the key ingredients of an iconic big city.

It’s got history in spades (from mafia gangsters to precedent-setting court cases), a long-running relationship with all four Major Leagues, its own distinct culinary quirks, and a long list of proliferate artists (from Kanye West to Robin Williams. The city has also served as the backdrop for major motion pictures, from The Dark Knight to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

So you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that Chicago is home to some very stylish boutique hotels.

I’ve scoured the list of top boutique recs in Chicago – but not solely from a luxury standpoint. Instead, I’m on the hunt for one of the core characteristics of what makes Chicago so effortlessly cool: its love of stylish bars and its trust in professional mixologists.

(I’m not joking… the city is home to at least a dozen themed bars.)

Want a top-notch cocktail with your boutique hotel stay? Make sure to check out the hotels listed below—or, at least, their bars.

Clayton Hauck for Longman & Eagle

Longman & Eagle

Bar: Longman & Eagle

Located in the heart of Logan Square, this Chicago stay oozes austerity—and exclusivity. In terms of the hotel, it offers only six rooms, which are unique appointed and cozy.

On the grounds, you’ll also find the Longman & Eagle Restaurant—and that’s the main event here. The Longman & Eagle serves as an ode to Chicago’s drinking culture.

I have family members living in the city, and they’re all beer drinkers. But at the Longman & Eagle, you’ll see a strong emphasis on Chicago’s history in whiskey-making, along with plenty of love for its lesser-known hits—like locally sourced small-batch wine and seasonal cocktails.

With a shoutout from Michelin, it’s menu isn’t too shabby, either.

Book here

Booking (Freehand Chicago)

Freehand Chicago

Bar: Broken Shaker

If you’re on the hunt for a unique design, the Freehand has all the bespoke and quirky accents for a memorable trip.

From funky wallpaper to over-the-top textile features, it’s got spunk in spades.

But the Broken Shaker bar is also worth writing home about. Its focus is on craft cocktails—ones that require attention to detail, a daring approach to flavor, and a serious emphasis on character.

Book here

Booking (Chicago Athletic Association)

Chicago Athletic Association

Bar: Game Room

Welcome to one of the oddest projects from Hyatt that I’ve ever seen.

I mean odd in a good way, as the Chicago Athletic Association hotel delivers a seriously kitschy take on boarding school décor. As in, you’re going to leave this hotel with a hankering to find a Greek shipping magnate and change your last name to Onassis.

And like the bar’s name suggests, there’s a focus on gaming—but not in the digital sense. It’s all analog austerity here, from the green-felt pool billiards table to the sandy shuffleboard.

It’s how I imagine Victorian-era prep school kids hung out. Again, in a good way.

Book here

Booking (Viceroy)

Viceroy Chicago

Bar: Pandan

The Viceroy is one of Chicago’s premier luxury stays.

There’s no reason to sell you on this location—from its views of the skyline to its opulent wallpaper to its location inside a landmark building, it’s worth every penny.

Best of all, guests also get direct access to its rooftop bar, Pandan. Pandan offers a panoramic view of the city from an 18th-floor roost. And it also excels in fusion foods, including South Asian and Western mashups.

Book here

The Robey

Bar: Cabana Club, The Up Room, & Clever Coyote

The Robey is renowned as a swanky boutique stay, blending modern and industrial designs. But you might have actually heard of The Robey if you visited Chicago thanks to its bars and location in the heart of Wicker Park.

There’s the Clever Coyote, a 90s-inspired bar where 30-somethings can frolic with the nostalgia of brightly colored cocktails. The Up Room, by contrast, is a slightly swankier rooftop bar that offers cocktails of all stripes. I’d probably head to the Cabana Club, located on the sixth floor and home to a seriously bougie pool setup.

Book here

Checked Luggage Review: Best Suitcases for Long-Term Travel

Finding the perfect piece of luggage takes experience and insight.

At the moment, there’s a lot of interest in tech-centric luggage that comes with added features like charging banks and geo-locators.

But some travelers are a bit suspicious about opting for a high-tech suitcase—especially when lost luggage is a perennial risk.

In reality, finding the right suitcase depends on the traveler in question.

First and foremost, you need to know whether you’ll be using carry-on options or a larger check-in bag.

Second, you need to be honest about who you are. Do you tend to overpack? Are you nervous about damaged property? And what about suitcases that are suitable for long-term travel versus weekend getaways?

The good news: travelers have more options when shopping for suitcases than ever before.

The bad news: too many options can be overwhelming.

I’ve taken a fine-tooth comb to the best suitcases for long trips, especially for those who head abroad often. If you’re one of these types of international tourists, then you should be able to find the perfect selection below based on your packing characteristics. Keep in mind that these suggestions are for checked luggage only.

Best budget suitcase: Amazon Basics 26-inch

No frills, no added features, and no fuss is the name of the game with this Amazon Basics option.

The shell isn’t industry-leading powerful, but the expanding zippers allow for up to 15% more space inside the suitcase—which is pretty impressive for a budget option. If you want, you can also scale up for 26-inch and 30-inch options, which let you pack for a whole family.

Buy here

Best suitcase for overpackers: Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside

If you tend to struggle with your suitcase on the last days of your trip, then you need a solid expandable zipper.

Most checked luggage features this type of dual-zipper capability, but Delsey goes a bit further than others, allowing up to two inches of expansion. Given the quality of the brand, you’re also slightly less at risk in terms of damaging the suitcase when stuffing it to its maximum capacity.

Buy here

Best hard-shell suitcase: Samsonite Omni 2 Hardshell

Samsonite is an industry leader for a good reason.

When it comes to hardshell suitcases, their polycarbonate shell is robust enough to handle some wear and tear from airlines. The spinner wheels are also slightly oversized and the handle is ergonomic, making long journeys lugging your suitcase slightly easier.

But the most important feature here is the hardshell. It’s designed to be extra-durable and scratch-resistant—but this suitcase comes with a ten-year warranty, meaning you don’t need to sweat any damage.

Buy here

Best soft-shell suitcase: Travelpro Maxlite 5

You’ve got all the necessary features in this soft-sided suitcase from Travelpro.

I’m a fan of contour grip handles—they’re seriously comfortable, especially when you’re lugging a heftier suitcase. The suitcase’s external pockets and zippers are also extra-durable, making them last longer.

Even the exterior has been treated to make it more water and stain-resistant—which is helpful for any chronic traveler. I’m also a bit of a tree-hugger, so I love that the interior lining is made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

Buy here

Most durable luggage: Away the Large (or Medium)

https://www.awaytravel.com/suitcases/large

Away is one of the pricier luggage brands out there—but it’s got a solid reputation, so I recommend checking it out if you’re ready to invest.

The important feature here is the durable polycarbonate shell. It comes with a lifetime warranty, which should clue you into the quality of that shell.

You’ll also have options between the Away the Medium or Large bag. Both are solid for checked luggage, but the Large option is really a behemoth for those who like to buy a lot of souvenirs.

Buy here

The United States of Social Clubs: Best West Coast Selections

There are dozens of private members’ clubs dotting the globe.

Some are highly localized, like Montana’s Yellowstone Club, St. Moritz’s Dracula Club, and Dubai’s Capital Club.

At the average members’ club, there’s usually an emphasis on financial and economic angles. Many members are entrepreneurs, and many are looking to network and rub elbows with like-minded businesspeople.

But not all private members’ clubs are strictly focused on business.

Since Soho House took off in the late 1990s, there has been a steadily growing interest in private members’ clubs that emphasize culture, innovation, and creative ingenuity.

Sure—entrepreneurs are more than welcome, but the goal isn’t only to sign deals.

There’s a social component—one that’s exclusive in that it’s hyper-focused on curating an elevated atmosphere that gives members the chance to relax in a distinguished locale. No riff-raff, no clingers-on, no paparazzi.

Looking for a social club in California or beyond? Here are some of the top choices from across the West Coast.

My top picks: social clubs on the West Coast

Soho House, Los Angeles

Soho House is the most visible private social club brand in the US. It’s got three locations in Los Angeles that travelers can enjoy.

The West Hollywood Holloway location offers a 34-room boutique hotel with a fantastic rooftop view. The Little Beach House Malibu is a preferred stopover for creatives who want to drink and socialize with a private view of the beach. Lastly, Soho Warehouse offers an incredible hangout thanks to its rooftop pool and street art installations.

The Aster, Los Angeles

The Aster is a brand-new private members’ club that also functions as a hotel. The décor is distinctly LA, providing callbacks to the city’s bohemian and art deco inclinations.

Its wellness program distinguishes The Aster from other social clubs, along with its Lemon Grove restaurant. That makes this a fantastic starting place for first-time social club applicants.

The cherry on top? The Aster recently received a Michelin Key designation as a very special stay.

NeueHouse, Los Angeles

If you’re into Los Angeles’s cultural history, then this social club should probably be your focus.

First, NeueHouse is located inside the former CBS studio building. Second, this social club is a hotspot for performers who need event space—its grounds were created with broadcasting in mind, after all.

Members also have access to NeueHouse’s other two locations: one in Venice Beach and another in New York City. Just keep in mind that NeueHouse is strongly focused on work, making this a bit more like a coworking space than a social club.

Modernist, San Francisco

This members-only club opened its doors in 2015—with a slightly distinct mission. Part of Modernist’s goal is to curate a community of locals.

The Aster and Soho House, by comparison, have a slightly broader reach beyond the scope of professional work. In other words, they’re more social than anything else.

By contrast, Modernist places a stronger emphasis on entrepreneurship and networking, especially via live events. From live musical performances to panels on Web 3, there’s a distinct hustler vibe here—one that may or may not suit your social club inclinations.

San Vicente Bungalows, Los Angeles

It’s beautiful, it’s hidden away, and it’s got serious style.

Similar to The Aster, members of San Vicente Bungalows get first dibs on the location’s hotel rooms.

But there’s also a pool, bar, and restaurant to enjoy with other members. It’s got a hush-hush reputation in Los Angeles thanks to its strict no-photo policy—which should clue you into the fact that this is a hot spot for celebs and big-wigs.

The Collective (aka Columbia Tower Club), Seattle

The Collective is described as an ‘urban basecamp’, which is a pretty solid description.

This downtown Seattle spot offers extensive work spaces, along with impressive event venues, a bar, and a restaurant. Located on the 75th floor of the Columbia Tower, there’s also an incredible atmosphere.

Similar to San Francisco’s Modernist, there’s a hefty focus on business and connections.