Essential tips for visiting the UK for the first time

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We spent two and a half weeks in the UK this summer, driving from London to the Isle of Skye and exploring cities, villages, castles, and the countryside in between. This was our first time visiting the U.K. as a family, and it quickly became one of our favorite destinations in Europe.

If you’re planning your trip across the pond, here are my tips for visiting the U.K. for the first time, covering everything from new entry rules and mobile data to driving, weather, and family-friendly transport hacks.

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10 best family hotels to book with points: Our Favorite Family-Friendly Stays

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Family travel can get expensive quickly, especially when you’re booking larger rooms, resort activities, and dining for everyone. One of the best ways we’ve been able to save money (without sacrificing comfort or experiences) is by using points and miles.

Over the years, we’ve stayed at certain hotels that stand out as truly family-friendly while still being bookable with points. Here are 10 of our favorite family hotels to book with points in 2025.

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Tips for traveling to Spain for the first time

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Traveling to Spain for the first time? You’re in for an unforgettable experience, from the vibrant energy of Madrid’s plazas to the dreamy Moorish palaces of Andalusia and the sun-soaked beaches of Costa Brava. But like any new country, Spain has its own rhythm, and knowing a few practical tips can make a huge difference in how smooth (and fun) your trip feels.

Here’s everything I wish I knew before visiting Spain for the first time, from how to stay online, handle money, navigate food culture, and book must-see sites before they sell out.

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SCHLOSS Roxburghe review: luxury Hyatt stay in the Scottish Borders

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If you’re planning a trip to Scotland and want a countryside escape that still feels luxurious, SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course in the Scottish Borders is a great choice. Part of Destination by Hyatt, this property mixes historic manor charm with a modern spa, golf course, cottages, and family-friendly amenities.

In this SCHLOSS Roxburghe hotel review, I’ll share how we booked our stay on Hyatt points, what the rooms are like, dining options, amenities, and what to do nearby with kids.

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Best Hilton hotels to use a Free Night Reward in 2026

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Hilton’s Free Night Reward Certificate is one of the most valuable perks you can earn from Hilton Honors credit cards.

Unlike other programs that cap certificates at certain categories, Hilton’s free night is valid at almost any Hilton property worldwide, if you can find standard room reward availability. That means you can use it for a stay in Hawaii or an all-inclusive villa in the Caribbean.

To help you decide where to use your certificate, here are 15 of the best Hilton hotels to redeem a Free Night Reward in 2026.

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Free things to do in London with kids

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If you’re planning a trip to London, UK, you’ll be glad to know there are so many free things to do in London with kids. From interactive museums to splash fountains, playgrounds, and even pelicans in the middle of the city, London makes it surprisingly easy to explore on a budget.

When we visited in summer, I was blown away by how many things to do in London with kids there are, and many of them are completely free.

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How to travel to Japan on points and miles

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Flights to Japan can be expensive, especially if you’re traveling as a family. Round-trip economy fares often exceed $1,200, and business class seats can run $4,000 or more. But here’s the good news: with the right strategy, you can travel to Japan on points and miles for a fraction of the cost.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to book flights to Japan on points and miles. You’ll also learn which credit card points transfer to each airline, and step-by-step instructions for transferring points and booking.

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Park Hyatt London River Thames review: a family‑friendly luxury stay

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For our summer UK trip through England and Scotland, we started in London and stayed at the brand-new Park Hyatt London River Thames.

In this Park Hyatt London review, I’ll share what it was like spending six nights here with our two kids. From the family-friendly service to the quiet riverside location, this hotel became the perfect base for exploring London.

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Hilton Honors devaluation: second in 2025

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Hilton Honors has been one of the favorite programs for families booking luxury hotels on points. But over the past year, members have felt the sting of another Hilton devaluation.

But like most programs, Hilton continues to adjust its award pricing, and 2025 brought some significant changes. If you’ve noticed your favorite Hilton hotels costing more Hilton Honors points than before, you’re not imagining it.

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10 best things to do in Barcelona with kids

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Planning a family trip to Barcelona, Spain? This vibrant city is rich in history, art, architecture, and offers a variety of kid-friendly activities. If you’re searching for the best things to do in Barcelona with kids, we’ve got you covered.

This April, we spent almost two weeks in Spain, starting with a road trip from Madrid to Andalusia, and finishing in Barcelona. From Gaudí’s masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell to open plazas where kids can run free, Barcelona quickly became one of our favorite family destinations in Spain.

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