If you're a parent, you've been there - thinking about what to pack, where to go, and where your kids will enjoy your travels the most. It also helps when you've got a team of experts to assist you in these endeavors. The Vacation Gals is an extraordinary resource for family travels. They've got great recommendations for restaurants, top things to do in various cities, and the expertise of being travel writers - AND experiencing all of these things, with their families.

The last time I was in the airport, I was struck by the fact that Ziplock bags are more ubiquitous than ever. You see them everywhere, in the security lines for liquids, moms feeding kids PB&J sandwiches from them, my own trailmix for each of us in separate bags (because each of us likes different items in it), and so on. But they rip.

U.S. Open Tennis Tournament

Where?
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Meridian Road at Grand Central Parkway
Queens, NY 11368

When?
Two weeks every year in August and September, around Labor Day.

Significance:

Bucket Listing Mt. Mera

We're so excited to share where we'll be staying on our VERY last night in Ireland. Where else, but the Bunratty Castle Mews B&B? It's a traditional B&B in Bunratty on the Low road only 5 minutes from Shannon Airport, run by the VERY friendly Dolores and Garry O' Toole. When I called Dolores to make arrangements, it was as if I was talking with an old friend. We can't wait to come stay!

We've been searching and searching for the best luggage for our trip to Ireland and Scotland. I was overwhelmed by the great amount of choices, and a little confused as to quality of all the luggage we'd been looking at. THEN I found High Sierra Sport. I can't tell you how pleased I am - well, you'll see in the video below. We got two bags from the ATGO line - they are lightweight (always important), durable, and have TONS of innovative functionality. The Carryon Business Upright can hold my laptop, and there are tons of pockets.