We’ve just returned from an Epic Canadian Road Trip, driving from our home in Kalamazoo, Michigan all the way out to St. John’s, Newfoundland (yes, a ferry was involved). Why? Well, I’m the co-founder of Writing Walking Women, and we chose St. John’s as the site of our conference this year – MUCH more on that to come!

I don’t think there are many people who will disagree with this statement: Food is an important part of every culture. It follows then that one of the great pleasures of travel is the opportunity to taste the local cuisine. There's something about sharing a favorite dish with a friend or stranger that makes it taste even better. We truly do bond over a meal.

Iceland is an unusual place. Traveling here is an education in folklore, huldufólk, the uniqueness of living on a small island, and in the creativity that arises from living in such a stark landscape.

I had friends in high school that traveled to Eastern Europe, family who emigrated, and a history shared with millions. It’s been a place ‘on my list’ for the longest time, so when the opportunity arose, we jumped on it. Tenth graders in New York schools learn about life in Eastern Europe during, before, and after the Holocaust. Eleventh graders touch on life and politics, but focus more on America’s entrance into World War II. But for many of us, where our hands and feet wander is what we remember.

St. John’s (one of my favorite places in the world!) has a wide variety of places to eat, from small to large, ethic to local, cheap eats to gourmet cuisine. But where are the best places to feed your kids – and yourself? No overplayed children’s menus here – these are great restaurants that serve excellent food. 

Here are my top 10 family-friendly restaurants on the Rock

(in alphabetical order so as not to play favorites - they are all favorites!)

Florida Culture for the Week of August 31, 2015 by Josh Garrick

NOW to Sept 30 – Orlando's Magical Dining Celebrates 10th Delicious Anniversary

Have you ever taken a trip where you felt as if you were on the outside looking in? That you were seeing the sights but just from a tourist’s point of view? Have you ever wished that you could connect with a place more, really get a glimpse of what life there is about?

You've heard it a million times - get travel insurance before you go. You've heard stories of times when it was necessary - and a few sad tales of people that didn't get it, and ended up paying a great deal of money - or not getting sufficient medical care. But when you plan your travels, you're usually focused on the details of the trip - and not insurance.

Located on the northeast coast of the island of Zante, Greece, Tsilivi offers many things for all kinds of travelers - an excellent beach, a waterpark (Splash Fun), Fantasy mini golf, tavernas galore, shopping, great food, plenty of vineyards and that feel of an old fishing village, mixed with travelers enjoying themselves.

Going on a trip far-flung across the ends of the world? Or maybe just stocking up for safety on your great journey to your neighbor next door for a barbeque?

To the ends of the world or not, we’ve all had that one moment where we just stare blank at our backpacks—we’re more lost on what to bring than where we should go. Sadly, not everyone is equipped with the knowledge of travel essentials, causing them not to enjoy the best of their trip, or worse – experience health emergencies.