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Inspiring families to explore more, spend less, and see the world together.
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Travel made simple for families
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Explore more, spend less
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Connecting families through culture
Welcome to Stack the Miles
Hi, I’m Mel — a teacher, mom, and family travel planner helping families travel farther, spend smarter,
and make unforgettable memories using real-life tested advice from our own trips.
Welcome to Stack the Miles!
Here, we share our family’s adventures, travel tips, and favorite finds to inspire busy families like yours to embrace travel without breaking the bank. Discover helpful advice, detailed trip itineraries perfect for traveling with kids, and much more to make your next family getaway both exciting and affordable. Let’s embark on this journey together and create unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
Start with our Destinations page for itineraries and tips.
Featured Posts
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How Travel Helps Kids Learn Geography (Real Family Stories)
I’ve always had wanderlust. When I was about 12 years old, I used to flip through my parents’ RCI magazine and circle all the places I hoped to visit someday. I loved exploring EPCOT’s World Showcase too. Walking through the different countries, noticing the food, the music, and how everything felt a little different in…
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Where to Stay in Rome with Kids: Our Family Hotel Near the Trevi Fountain
Where to Stay in Rome with Kids can make a big difference, especially when you’re visiting in August with tweens or teens. Rome is busy, very walkable, and hot, and after long days out exploring, your hotel really matters. After lots of cobblestone walking, chasing shade, and eating way too much gelato, we were grateful to come…
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Getting Around Rome with Kids: Walking, Metro, Taxis, and a Validation Mistake to Avoid
Getting around Rome with kids can be amazing… and exhausting. Rome is one of those cities where you can walk for hours without meaning to because every street has something worth stopping for. But in the August heat, with tired legs and crowded sidewalks, you also start appreciating the Metro and a quick taxi ride…
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The Vatican with Tweens and Teens: What Families Should Expect (and What’s Worth It)
The Vatican is one of those places you know you’ll probably only visit once, so when you’re traveling with kids, it raises a lot of questions. Is it worth it? Will they be bored? Will it feel like too much? Visiting the Vatican with tweens and teens brought all of that to the surface for us. We…
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The Eiffel Tower With Kids: Our Complete Experience
We climbed to the summit, walked down every level, and came back at sunset to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle, and it was absolutely worth it. Some experiences are iconic for a reason. Visiting the Eiffel Tower with kids was one of the most memorable parts of our Paris trip, and it quickly became the moment our family…
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Where to Stay in Paris With Kids: An Honest Family Guide
Choosing where to stay in Paris with kids is not as straightforward as it sounds. Paris hotels can be small, family rooms book fast, and what looks “close” on a map can still feel like a lot after a long day out. We only had a short stay in Paris and we were there in…
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Paris in August With Kids: What the City Actually Felt Like
Visiting Paris in August with kids comes with a lot of assumptions. Crowds, noise, heat, and the idea that the city will feel overwhelming, especially if you’re traveling as a family. That’s what I expected going in. Instead, Paris felt much calmer than I imagined. With kids who were 12 and 14 at the time, the city…
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Paris on Points & Miles: How Families Can Get There for Less
Paris on points and miles is one of those travel wins that just works really well for families. Flights are usually the most expensive part of a Europe trip, and Paris is often one of the easiest places to find reasonable award options for crossing the Atlantic…something you’ll often notice when you start comparing nonstop flight…
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Cooperstown Bucket List for Tournament Baseball Families
A Cooperstown tournament week looks very different from a typical family vacation. When one child is playing baseball all week, most days revolve around game schedules, team activities, and long hours at the fields. That doesn’t leave much room for a traditional itinerary, and that’s okay. As we prepare for our Cooperstown tournament, I’ve found…
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How to Beat the Heat & Sun at Cooperstown Ballfields (What Baseball Families Should Pack & Plan For)
Long summer days at a baseball tournament can be exhausting. Between back-to-back matchups, limited shade, and hours spent sitting in the sun, Cooperstown ballfields heat is something families need to plan for, even if they’re used to July baseball weather. This guide isn’t about secret tricks or over-the-top gear. It’s a practical look at what actually helps…
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Cooperstown Packing List for Players & Parents: What Baseball Families Actually Need
Packing for Cooperstown isn’t the same as packing for a typical baseball weekend or even most week-long tournaments. The days are long, the weather can change quickly, and players are expected to manage their own gear for much of the week. What makes Cooperstown different is that players live on site together, which means parents…
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How to Budget a Cooperstown Tournament Trip (What Baseball Families Should Expect)
When our team announced we’d be heading to Cooperstown this summer, my husband and I had mixed reactions. We were excited for our son because this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for baseball players at this age, but we also knew it would require a real rework of our summer travel plans. It quickly became…
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Planning Cooperstown Team Extras: Pins, Banners, Photo Packages & Optional Add-Ons
Planning a Cooperstown tournament trip often brings up questions about Cooperstown team extras beyond the basics of travel, lodging, and game schedules. As a sports parent, this was one of the first areas that felt a little overwhelming once planning started. As we prepare for our team’s trip, I’ve been researching the different extras teams commonly talk…
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Cooperstown on Points & Miles: How Families Can Use Travel Rewards for a Baseball Trip
Planning a Cooperstown, New York baseball tournament trip is exciting…but expensive. Between airfare, lodging, and a full week of meals and extras, many families start wondering whether they can plan Cooperstown on points and miles to help offset the cost. While many families travel to Cooperstown simply to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame, this…
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Is Venice a Good Place to Visit With Young Children? An Honest Parent Perspective
Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique cities we’ve ever visited, but Venice with young children is a very different experience than Venice with older kids. We spent three unforgettable days exploring the city with our 12- and 14-year-old, crossing countless bridges, wandering canals, and soaking in the magic that makes Venice feel unlike anywhere else in…
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Walt Disney World on Points and Miles: How We Saved Thousands on a Family Trip
Walt Disney World on points and miles is one of the best ways families can cut thousands of dollars off a Disney vacation without sacrificing comfort or convenience. A Walt Disney World vacation is often one of the most expensive family trips you’ll ever plan, and between flights, on-site hotels, park tickets, and Lightning Lanes, costs…
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Our Favorite Restaurants at Disney World by Park (One Character, One Sit-Down, One Quick Service)
When our kids were little, dining was a huge part of our Disney strategy, and we approached Disney World restaurants by park very intentionally. We often scheduled a character meal every day and almost always used the traditional Disney Dining Plan. Many of these meals require advance reservations, which are booked through Disney’s official dining system. It…
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Renting DVC Points: A Smart Way for Families to Stay Deluxe at Disney Without Paying Deluxe Prices
Staying at a Disney deluxe resort can feel completely out of reach for many families. That’s why renting DVC points for Disney has become a popular strategy for families who want to stay at resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge or Polynesian Village Resort without paying full deluxe prices. We’ve rented Disney Vacation Club points twice, once at Saratoga Springs and once at Animal Kingdom…
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Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It? Honest Pros, Cons & Who Should Actually Get It
If you’re wondering is the Disney Dining Plan worth it, you’re not alone. The Disney Dining Plan is one of those topics that sparks a lot of debate. Some families swear by it, while others say it’s a waste of money. The truth? It depends. For some families, the Disney Dining Plan really is worth it. For others, it…
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Easy Baseball Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids & Teens
If you’re shopping for a baseball-obsessed kid or teen, finding small gifts that actually get used can be tricky. These easy baseball stocking stuffer ideas are practical, fun, and perfect for players who live for the game. Every item on this list is something baseball kids genuinely love—or something that always ends up in a…
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Disney with Tweens & Teens: What’s Magical as Your Kids Grow
I grew up going to Disney every 2–3 years, so in my mind, Disney with tweens and teens was never something you “outgrew.” My siblings and I were Disney kids… then Disney teens… and honestly, the magic never ended for us—it just changed. But going into our most recent trip, my husband wasn’t so sure….
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Disney with Tweens & Teens: Our Lightning Lane Multi Pass + Rope Drop Itinerary (No Individual LL Needed!)
We’ve been taking our kids to Disney about every other year since they were 1.5 and 3.5, and it amazes me how different each stage of Disney parenting feels. When they were little, our days were a blur of character meet-and-greets, parades, and racing across the park to squeeze in “just one more” ride before…
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Why We Love Disney at Christmastime (But Skip the Week of Christmas)
My family has visited Disney at Christmas four times throughout my life. Once when I was a kid, and then later as a teenager, once when my own kids were little (8 and 5), and again with teens (15 and 12). Every single time, the holidays at Disney have felt completely magical. We love the…
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The Best Drinks at Disney World: Our Favorite Cocktails, Mocktails & Beer
When it comes to finding the best drinks at Disney World, our family loves discovering little moments to slow down together between rides. With tweens and teens, our days move at a fun, easy pace with lots of shared snacks, lots of laughs, and the perfect excuse to grab a cocktail, beer, or mocktail while we…
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Disney Swan and Dolphin Hidden Perks: Early Entry, Fireworks Views & Easy Park Access
If you’ve ever wondered whether the Disney Swan & Dolphin is really worth it, even though it’s not technically a Disney-owned resort, the answer is a big yes. These two sister hotels come with so many underrated perks that make Disney trips easier, calmer, and genuinely more enjoyable for families… especially if you have tweens and teens….
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Is The Beak and Barrel Worth It? Honest Review of Magic Kingdom’s New Pirate Tavern (2025 Review)
If you’re planning a Magic Kingdom day and wondering whether Disney’s brand-new pirate tavern is worth squeezing into your plans, this Beak and Barrel review should help. We visited during our most recent Disney trip with our tween and teen, and as a family who loves great theming (and gluten-free options), we were excited to see what…
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The Best Gluten-Free Snacks at Disney World (Park-by-Park Guide!)
Eating gluten-free at Disney World doesn’t feel restrictive at all. In fact, it’s one of the few places where finding the best gluten-free snacks is genuinely easy. After four week long Disney trips navigating the parks gluten-free, I can honestly say Disney is one of the most accommodating places I’ve ever visited. Whether you’re managing celiac, an…
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Best Gifts for Sports Parents: Must-Have Gear for Travel Tournaments
Best Gifts for Sports Parents: Must-Have Gear for Travel Tournaments Travel tournaments come with early mornings, unpredictable weather, long walks to fields, and full days on the sidelines. Whether your family plays baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, or another outdoor sport, having the right gear makes a huge difference. This sports parent gift guide includes my…
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Learning at Disney: Hidden Educational Moments in Every Park
As a teacher and a mom, I’ve always believed that travel is one of the best classrooms. Yes, learning at Disney is absolutely a real thing. Every park is filled with small, meaningful moments that spark curiosity: science, culture, storytelling, engineering, wildlife, and even geography. Kids are soaking up so much without realizing it… and that’s…
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🎁 The Best Disney Gifts for Families: Our Favorite Kid, Teen & Parent Picks
Family-tested, teacher-approved, and perfect for your next magical adventure. ✨ A Little Holiday Pixie Dust From Our Family to Yours If you’re anything like me, you love giving gifts that are actually useful, not just cute for five minutes before disappearing into a toy bin and adding clutter to our home. These Disney gifts for…
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Should Kids Miss School for Vacation? A Teacher + Mom’s Honest Take
Families ask me all the time about kids missing school for vacation, and as both a teacher and a mom, I have a lot of honest thoughts about it. In my classroom, I’ve seen families handle this really well, and I’ve also seen the moments when it becomes overwhelming for kids and parents. At the…
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How to Visit New York City on Points: A Real Family Guide
Even though we live just a little over an hour from the city, we’ve learned that one of the best ways to visit New York City on points is by treating it like the high-cost destination it is. Hotels, transportation, and food add up fast. That’s why our family uses points and miles to make…
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2 Days in New York City at Christmas: The Ultimate Family Holiday Itinerary
There’s nothing quite like New York City at Christmas! The twinkling lights, storefronts draped in garland, and an energy that feels magical every single year. For our family, visiting NYC at Christmastime has become a tradition. We live just a little over an hour away, so sometimes it’s a quick day trip and other years…
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How to Save Money on Disney Hotels & Resorts (Family-Tested Tips That Still Work)
Dreaming of a Disney vacation but not the price tag that comes with it? After several trips with our kids, some paid fully out of pocket and others using points and creative strategies, I’ve learned there are ways to save money on Disney hotels and resorts without losing the magic. From renting DVC points to using Marriott…
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10 Ways to Add Extra Magic to Your Disney Vacation with Kids
Growing up, my family went to Walt Disney World every other year, and those trips are some of my happiest childhood memories. When I became a mom, I couldn’t wait to visit Disney World with my own kids and share that same Disney magic. Over the years, my husband and I have taken our family…
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Universal Orlando Resort on Points and Miles: How to Save Big on Your Family Trip
The last time I visited Universal Orlando Resort, I was a teenager there with my parents. Fast forward to today, and I was back. This time I planned our Universal Orlando Resort trip on points and miles for my own family! My daughter, a huge Harry Potter book fan, couldn’t get enough of the Wizarding…
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2 Days in Salzburg with Kids: The Sound of Music, Castles, and Alpine Charm
As a child, I loved The Sound of Music. I knew every song by heart and dreamt of one day visiting the Alps and experiencing Austrian culture for myself. So when my husband and I planned a trip to Munich, adding nearby Salzburg as a two-day stop was an easy choice. During our time in…
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Visiting Venice with Kids Travel Tips: Where to Stay, Eat, and Get Around
After an unforgettable family adventure exploring Venice’s canals and landmarks, we picked up plenty of tips to make visiting this unique city with kids smooth and stress-free. From choosing family-friendly hotels and apartments to finding delicious, kid-approved restaurants and learning how to get around the car-free city, these Venice with kids travel tips will help…
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Visiting Rome with Kids Travel Tips: Where to Stay, Eat, and Get Around
After an unforgettable vacation exploring Rome’s ancient wonders, our family learned a lot about what makes visiting the Eternal City with kids smooth and stress-free. From finding family-friendly hotels and kid-approved restaurants to navigating the city’s cobblestone streets, these Rome with kids travel tips will help you make the most of your family adventure. Rome…
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3 Days in Rome with Kids: A Family-Friendly Itinerary You’ll All Love
Imagine wandering cobblestone streets surrounded by ancient ruins and savoring some of the most amazing food you have ever tasted. That’s Rome! For our family of four, with a teen and a tween, these 3 days in Rome with kids blended legendary landmarks, hands-on learning, cultural immersion, the most amazing food, and plenty of fun….
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3 Days in Venice with Kids: A Family-Friendly Itinerary
Imagine being in one of the most photo-worthy, historic cities, which is filled with walkways, canals, and boats. Venice is truly one of the most unique cities in the world. You might be wondering if a trip to Venice with kids is safe and if it would be a great location for a family vacation….
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3 Days in Paris with Kids: A Family-Friendly Itinerary
Are you planning a trip to Paris with kids? The City of Light is magical at any age! Here is my family’s 3 days in Paris with kids: a family friendly itinerary that mixes iconic landmarks, hands-on activities, and time to explore and absorb the culture while eating incredible food. Before planning our Paris itinerary,…
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Dunn’s River Falls vs. The Blue Hole: Which Ocho Rios Adventure Is Best for Families?
While my family loves a lazy beach vacation, after a few days we are usually looking for an activity day with more excitement. Ochos Rios is famous for its waterfalls and adventure excursions. From climbing waterfalls, swimming in natural swimming holes, or with dolphins, horseback riding on the beach, zip-lining through treetops, or riding ATVs…
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3 Days in Boston with Tweens & Teens
Spending 3 days in Boston with kids can feel like stepping into a live history book, except there’s also baseball, basketball, and plenty of hands-on fun to keep tweens and teens engaged. Whether your teenagers love history, baseball, or city adventures, Boston delivers for families. Boston is the perfect mix of sports, history, and culture, making…
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