Author: Rob Taylor

Rob Taylor is the founder of 2TravelDads, the original LGBT Family Travel blog. Focusing on ecotourism and education, 2TravelDads inspires LGBT families (and traditional families also) to go beyond their usual getaways and use travel to learn about and be part of a bigger world. "Traveling the globe and giving the kids a broad worldview." In addition to 2TravelDads, Rob is the creator of PaddleYourState.com, MyAlohaTrip.com and several other trusted travel resources. Having lived all around the USA, responsible travel focusing on education as a source of adventure is at the core of his work. Maine, Alaska, Hawaii and the Florida Keys are all such special destinations that focusing on sustainable and educational tourism in these places is the goal of most of Rob's work. And then of course exploring the wilderness and cities with his kids in tow is always a driving force in his writing.

Taylor Family at Belton Chalet Railway Hotel West Glacier National Park Montana 3

Montana, National Parks, Rocky Mountain Region

The Belton Chalet: a Beautiful Railway Hotel at Glacier National Park

The Belton Chalet is a historic railway hotel at Glacier National Park. See what this 1910 lodge is like and details for booking the Belton Chalet for a unique Glacier NP visit.

Taylor Family at Postcard Mural Street Art Missoula Montana 1

Montana, Rocky Mountain Region

Missoula, Montana: Easy, Fun Things to Do and See

As a gateway to the Rocky Mountains, there are lots of things to do in Missoula that are easy and free. From hiking to markets, we’ve picked the best activities in Missoula for a short visit.

Manatees at Blue Spring State Park near Orlando Florida

Florida Travel, Southeastern US

Blue Spring State Park: the Best Manatee Experience in Florida

Everything you need to know about visiting Blue Spring State Park near Orlando, Florida. Swimming at the spring’s headwaters, manatees by the hundreds and when to visit the most beautiful spot in Florida.

Nighttime Lava Glow at Hale Ma'uma'u Volcano Crater Overlook Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Big Island Hawaii 4

Hawaii Travel Tips and Plans, National Parks

Hawaii Volcanoes at Night: Best Lava Glow and Starry Skies

Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at night for the Kīlauea lava glow is awesome. Everything you need to know to plan a nighttime trip into the park, including where to see flowing Hawaii lava, how to photograph lava glow and more.

Historic Homes and Wrought iron balconies in Mobile Alabama historic district 2

Alabama, Southeastern US

Fun Things to Do in Mobile AL from Mardi Gras to Beautiful Beaches

Mobile, Alabama is a fun, mellow alternative to New Orleans. The best things to do in Mobile, Alabama range from walking the wrought iron balcony lined streets to airboat rides to find alligators. So much to do in Mobile!

Chris and Rob Taylor walking the City Wall Dubrovnik Croatia

Croatia, Europe

Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik: Unique 1 to 3 Day Plans

So, you know that we had the most amazing time sailing from Split to Dubrovnik with Med Sailing Holidays, well after we made our final port, we took some extra time to explore King’s […]

Chris Taylor in sea cave at Hanakapi`ai Beach Na Pali Coast Kalalau Trail Haena State Park Kauai Hawaii 1

Hawaii Travel Tips and Plans

20+ Unique Things to Do on Kauai – Easy Fun in a Beautiful Place

Kauai is a beautiful island with so many things to do. We’ve picked our favorite activities and beaches on Kauai to make planning a trip to the Garden Island easy and enjoyable. See what we recommend, including great food and where to stay on Kauai.

Taylor Family with Giant Banff Sign Banff National Park Alberta 1b

Alberta Travel, Canada Travel

15 Things to do in Banff and Canmore Without the Crowds

Despite its popularity, there are lots of great things to do in Banff without crowds. Between unique Banff activities and exploring the Canmore area, see what adventures you can enjoy easily in the Canadian Rockies.

Rooftop view from City Wall Old Town Dubrovnik

Croatia, Europe

Dubrovnik in the rain (and sun): great activities for any weather

Exploring Dubrovnik, Croatia in the rain is a unique sort of European adventure. The town is full of interesting sites, but you need to know where to go. Here you’ll find tips for Dubrovnik and our top picks for history.

Mountain Goats Grazing at Frozen Lake Sunrise Mount Rainier National Park Washington 3

National Parks, Pacific Northwest, Washington State

Best Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park: Beautiful, Kid Friendly hikes

Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park is a great summer activity. These are the best hikes with kids or for a reasonable challenge. From Paradise to Sunrise, Ohanapecosh to Lake Mowich, great hiking trails for any skill level.

Autumn Vineyard in Willamette Valley Oregon

Oregon, Pacific Northwest

10 Best Family Friendly Willamette Valley Wineries Close to Portland

Best family friendly Willamette Valley wineries near Portland are easy to get to. Map of wineries and top picks for wine tasting when you’re with kids in Oregon’s premier wine region.

Wild Horse on Beach at Cumberland Island National Seashore Coastal Georgia 6

Georgia, National Parks, Southeastern US

Cumberland Island Nat’l Seashore: Wild Horses and Beautiful Beaches

Do you know about Cumberland Island National Seashore and the wild horses? This is a guide to visiting an incredible National Park site on the Georgia coast between Savannah and Jacksonville. Everything you need to know to plan and have an amazing visit to Cumberland Island.

Taylor Family with Bear Totem and Parliament on Inner Harbour Victoria BC 1

British Columbia, Canada Travel, Pacific Northwest

20+ Awesome Things To Do in Victoria BC Kids Will Love

The best things to do in Victoria BC with kids includes everything from really cool (and strange) museums to scavenger hunts around the city. Boat rides, Chinatown and Butchart Gardens await in Victoria BC.

Pacific Northwest, Washington State

Best Scenic Drives in Washington State: 10 Mini Road Trips You’ll Never Forget

With such a diverse landscape, there are so many mini-road trips you can do around Washington State. We’ve picked our favorite scenic drives that can be done in a day to see some of the best sights in Washington.

Taylor Family at North Head lighthouse trail Cape Disappointment State Park Ilwaco Washington 3

Pacific Northwest, Washington State

Cape Disappointment State Park and Ilwaco, a Beautiful SW Washington Escape

Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco is NOT a disappointment at all! An awesome destination for hiking, biking and lighthouses, Cape Disappointment is great to visit in summer or storm season. Check out things to do and where to stay here!

Taylor Family at Dig Site at Wyoming Dinosaur Center Thermopolis Wyoming 6

Rocky Mountain Region, Wyoming

Best of the West: a Western Wyoming Vacation You Won’t Forget

When you want the best of the west you plan a Wyoming vacation. But what does that mean? We’ve got our top picks for things to do in Wyoming that range from horseback riding to dinosaur fossils and Yellowstone National Park, and it’s guaranteed to be a memorable vacation plan.

Stream in palm oasis Palm Canyon Indian Canyons Palm Springs California 2

California, SoCal, Southwestern US

Best Hiking in Palm Springs: Canyon Hikes and Wildlife to Watch For

Hiking at Palm Springs is one of the most unique things you can do in Southern California. Tips for the best trails and oases near Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, when to visit, wildlife and more.

Taylor Family at Hemmingway House Key West Florida Keys 2

Florida Keys, Florida Travel, Southeastern US

Key West with Kids: Top Tips for an Unforgettable Vacation

Key West with kids is really fun and a great family vacation experience. Even though you might think of Key West as a party destination, we’ve got tons of great ideas for visiting with kids that will keep everyone entertained and enjoying this amazing town.

Full Taylor Family in Red Rock Canyon Farson Wyoming 1

Rocky Mountain Region, Wyoming

Western Wyoming Road Trip – Awesome Fossils, Cowboys and Epic Scenery

This Western Wyoming road trip plan is fun and flexible, great for visiting Yellowstone, having cowboy experiences in Cody and digging for dinosaurs in fossil country. Check out this itinerary for a very different sort of Wyoming adventure.

Rob Taylor in Swimming Pool at Perry Hotel Key West Florida Keys 4

Florida Keys, Florida Travel, Southeastern US

Perry Key West Hotel and Marina: Hidden Treasure in the Keys

The Perry Hotel Key West is a bit off the beaten path, but it’s a great option for a quiet Key West vacation. See what we loved about the property and why we would choose to be so far from the action of this beautiful Florida Keys town.

Lobby of Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Walt Disney World 1

Disney Travel, Florida Travel, Walt Disney World

Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser: What to Expect and What I LOVED now closed

I’ve actually been on the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser and am happy to set right the misconceptions about this amazing Disney World immersive experience. The Star Wars hotel is way more than a hotel, but is round-the-clock theater… Find out more!

Exterior of Grassy Flats Resort Grassy Key Marathon Florida Keys 3

Florida Keys, Florida Travel, Southeastern US

Marathon’s Grassy Flats Resort: Quiet Escape in the Middle Florida Keys

The Grassy Flats Resort and Beach Club on Marathon is one of the most mellow places we’ve stayed in the Florida Keys. From room options to on-property activities and watersport gear, we’ve got the details of staying at the Grassy Flats Resort.

Full Taylor Family at Ocean Hammock Park Saint Augustine Beach Florida 1

Florida Travel, Southeastern US

Unique North Florida Road Trip: Jax, Daytona and the Springs

This North Florida vacation plan is ideal for enjoying the best of Daytona, Jacksonville and America’s oldest city: St Augustine. Best beaches to visit, historic sites, and easy natural areas to enjoy on your Florida trip.

Entrance Sign at Congaree National Park South Carolina 2

National Parks, South Carolina, Southeastern US

Visiting Congaree National Park: South Carolina Swamp Magic!

Visiting Congaree National Park is a great addition to any road trip through the Southeast. See all the things to do, how to plan your trip, and the details of observing the synchronous fireflies here at Congaree NP near Columbia, SC.

Taylor Family outside Hotel Trundle Downtown Columbia South Carolina 1

South Carolina, Southeastern US

Staying at the Hotel Trundle in Columbia SC: the Coolest Boutique Hotel for Families

The Hotel Trundle in downtown Columbia SC is one of the most unique family-friendly boutique hotels we’ve stayed at. This historic collection of building is in the heart of the South Carolina capital city with fun and food all around.

Full Taylor Family at Sunset on the Three Rivers Greenway Boardwalk Congaree River in Columbia South Carolina 2

South Carolina, Southeastern US

Great Things to Do in Columbia SC with Kids: from History to Congaree National Park

There are some really great things to do in Columbia SC, from history to exploring nature in nearby Congaree National Park. Check out these top picks for activities in Columbia that are kid-friendly or great for a first visit to this beautiful capital city in South Carolina.

Sunflowers at Painted Hills John Day Fossil Beds NM Oregon 3b

National Parks, Oregon, Pacific Northwest

Oregon’s Painted Hills: When To Visit, Best Tips You Need To Know

Oregon’s Painted Hills are a unique natural wonder. See how to get there, when to visit, where to stay, and hiking trails at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Most incredible National Park in Oregon.

Baja California, Mexico

Exploring Northern Baja: Road Trip through Baja Norte

This Baja California road trip around Northern Baja is fun, beautiful and a different sort of Mexico vacation. From beaches to wineries, missions to hiking this is an awesome Mexican adventure.

Reflections of Downtown Vancouver from Stanley Park Vancouver BC 1

British Columbia, Canada Travel

Review of Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel: Awesome Location and Great Accommodations

The Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in Vancouver BC may not seem like the top pick for a weekend trip, but between its location and amenities, you’ll see why it’s our go-to for low key, fun trips to Vancouver. Details on hotel accommodations and things to do near the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel.

Sooke from Above on Vancouver Island Road Trip

British Columbia, Canada Travel

Vancouver Island Road Trip Loop: Victoria, Campbell River and Beyond

The Vancouver Island road trip is a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience. From Victoria BC to Tofino and the Strait of Georgia, we’ve got a road trip plan that’s amazing for a week on Vancouver Island.