Schwanderlust Travel Blog

Part 4
A New Itinerary Takes Shape

While our initial itinerary was exciting, we quickly realized that flights into Paris were prohibitively expensive. So, like any good adventurers, we pivoted. And honestly? We’re pretty excited about it...

by Brian Schwan
3/9/2025

Part 3
The Big Decision

Planning a European adventure is like picking toppings for a family-sized pizza—everyone has their favorite, and no one wants to compromise...

by Brian Schwan
2/8/2025

Part 2
The Big Decision

Planning a family trip is always an exciting challenge, especially when you’ve got a blank slate for the first week of your itinerary...

by Brian Schwan
1/31/2025

Part 1
The Journey Begins

A few years ago, while visiting friends from Europe, an idea began to take root. Over long conversations, we hatched a plan. Fast forward to 2025, and that plan is finally starting to come to life...

by Brian Schwan
1/11/2025

Facing Fears: Helping Kids Overcome Phobias Through Adventure Travel

Adventure travel isn’t just about exploration—it’s about transformation. One of the most powerful parts of traveling with kids is watching them confront fears, grow braver, and realize they’re more capable than they thought...

by Brian Schwan
4/26/2025

Why Bermuda is My Happy Place

I loved my two trips to Bermuda. I had so much fun with my family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 and my friends 👫. We played on beaches 🏖️, went on boat rides 🚤, and did more fun things 😄...

by Lilliana Schwan (age 11)
3/22/2025

⭐My Favorite Cruise Ships⭐

As a kid, my selections of cruise ships might not have been the best for all people, but I think there are great options out there for the way you want to relax 🚢🌴. But in this post, I’ll share some different groups and ideas I’ve heard or seen from others too...

by Lilliana Schwan (age 11)
2/8/2025

Why I prefer South Dakota Over Yellowstone National Park

A few years ago, my family and I embarked on an unforgettable vacation that spanned the Dakotas, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Park. What I didn’t expect was to walk away from that experience with an opinion that might surprise most people...

by Brian Schwan
2/5/2025

10 Adventure Destinations Your Family Will Never Forget

Whether you're zip-lining through jungles, hiking majestic landscapes, or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, here are 10 adventure destinations perfect for families...

by Jennifer Schwan
2/5/2025

Stress-Free Tips for Flying with Kids on Long Haul Flights

Whether you’re heading to a bucket-list destination or visiting family abroad, these tried-and-true strategies will help ensure a smooth journey from takeoff to touchdown...

by Jennifer Schwan
2/3/2025

When to Splurge and When to Save on Your Family Vacation

Traveling with your family is an investment in lifelong memories, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. The key to a successful trip is knowing when to splurge for an unforgettable experience and when to cut costs without sacrificing fun...

by Jennifer Schwan
2/2/2025

How to Get Your Child a Passport: A Parent-to-Parent Guide

The process of getting your child a passport can feel a bit overwhelming at first. But as a fellow parent who’s been there, I’m here to walk you through it step-by-step and share a few lessons I’ve learned along the way...

by Jennifer Schwan
1/28/2025

Why Iceland is Perfect for Families: Family-Friendly Adventures on the Ring Road

Imagine standing next to a roaring waterfall, gazing at the Northern Lights, or hiking through a moss-covered lava field. Iceland is a place where nature takes center stage...

by Jennifer Schwan
1/27/2025

Why Winter Vacations Are the Ultimate Family Bonding Experience

Have you ever considered swapping a beach vacation for a snow-covered escape? Winter vacations offer an enchanting change of scenery, where cozy evenings by the fire meet action-packed days in the great outdoors...

by Jennifer Schwan
1/20/2025

Exploring the Magic of Yellowstone National Park as a Family

Have you ever imagined walking through a place that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a nature documentary? Yellowstone National Park offers this and more...

by Jennifer Schwan
1/18/2025

Trip Review: Bermuda Bliss from NYC

Last spring, we traded in the chill of the Philadelphia suburbs for the turquoise waters of Bermuda aboard the Norwegian Getaway, departing from the heart of New York City...

by Brian Schwan
1/4/2025

2024 Year in Review

As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the incredible journeys my clients embarked on this year. Here's a roundup of the destinations that captured their hearts...

by Jennifer Schwan
12/29/2024

Trip Review:
Gems of Southeast Europe Danube Wine Cruise

Embarking on a Danube River Wine Cruise aboard the AmaVerde was an unforgettable journey...

by Jennifer & Brian Schwan
12/29/2024

Trip Review:
A Dreamy Adventure from Oslo to the Arctic Circle

When I first set foot in Norway in October, 2023, I had no idea the sheer variety of landscapes and experiences that awaited me...

by Brian Schwan
12/29/2024

From Shy to Confident: A Kid’s Journey to Connecting with Cruise Crew Members

One of my favorite memories was from my very first cruise. The waiter always called me "princess" when he took my order, and that always made me smile and feel special... 

by Lilliana (age 11)
12/28/2024

Turning Family Travels Into Lifelong Learning Adventures

When you journey together as a family, you have a unique opportunity not only to strengthen the connections between parents, children...

by Jennifer Schwan
12/27/2024

The Ultimate Guide to
Multi-Generation Travel

Whether it’s grandparents bonding with their grandchildren, or extended families reconnecting in a new destination, multi-generation trips create priceless memories...

by Jennifer Schwan
12/25/2024

Virtual Itinerary Advisor

Our goal with the Virtual Itinerary Advisor is to empower you with personalized, actionable travel advice while saving you time and stress...

by Brian Schwan
12/25/2024

Schwanderlust: The Official Schwan Family Travel Blog

For us, travel isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list. It’s about experiencing cultures, meeting new people, and strengthening the bond we share as a family...

by Jennifer & Brian Schwan
12/24/2024