Stories, Tips & Inspiration

Family Travel • Sep 28, 2026

137 Capitals and Counting

Our kids can name 137 capitals and beat us at geography games every time. A lifetime in car seats and airplane rows probably had something to do with it.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Travel Tips • Sep 28, 2026

Plan Like Hell, Then Let It Go

A Grand Canyon trip that shrank three times taught me more about planning than the trips that go right, including why every group needs one person who decides.

By Brian Schwan

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Adventure Travel • Sep 25, 2026

The Canyon Kept Saying No

Four guys, one closed campground, and a Grand Canyon trip that shrank three times and still worked.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jul 19, 2026

What Can a World Cup Teach You That the News Never Will?

Spain won the final. As we close out this series, here’s what a month of watching the world taught us, using who we watched the final with as the example.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jul 16, 2026

England Went Home Early. That Was Never the Point.

England lost to Argentina in the World Cup semifinals, but the country’s case was never about football. The Cotswolds, the Lake District, York, and Cornwall go a lot further than London and a group-stage exit.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jul 11, 2026

Canada Gets Dismissed. That’s a Mistake.

Canada co-hosted this World Cup and had a summer worth remembering. Quebec City, Vancouver, the Rockies, and the polar bears of Churchill go a lot further than Niagara Falls and a hockey reference.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jul 9, 2026

Mexico Runs Deeper Than You Think

Mexico co-hosted this World Cup and made a run worth watching. The country behind that run goes a lot further than Cancun and Cabo: Mexico City, Oaxaca, and the Yucatan barely scratch the surface.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jul 4, 2026

France at Full Speed. On and Off the Pitch.

France beat Paraguay in the Round of 16, thirty minutes from home. The scoreline mattered less than a stadium full of flags, chants, and families who chose this over a Fourth of July barbecue.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jun 27, 2026

South Africa Waited Sixteen Years. Now They’re Through.

South Africa just became the first Bafana Bafana side to reach the World Cup knockout rounds. Jen was there two months ago. Here’s what the country is worth knowing about.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jun 22, 2026

Norway’s Viking Row Was Them, Exactly.

Norway fans rowing in Viking helmets up an escalator in Boston’s South Station went viral within hours. Anyone who has been to Norway wasn’t surprised.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jun 21, 2026

We Went to Spain for a Wedding. We Left Completely Converted.

Spain wasn’t on my list. Then we went to Andalusia for a wedding in 2012. Something permanent happened.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jun 20, 2026

We Almost Stopped in Türkiye. We’re Still Kicking Ourselves.

Americans know the name. Most never actually go. The US plays Türkiye on June 25, and it’s as good a reason as any to stop deferring.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jun 15, 2026

Argentina Needs No Introduction.

Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup as defending champions. Most American travelers have never been. Here’s what they’re missing.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jun 14, 2026

Germany Is In the Name.

Germany is in our blood, in our blog, and in the World Cup. Here’s why it deserves more than a detour.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jun 12, 2026

This One We Didn’t Have to Look Up. Switzerland Was Already There.

Switzerland opens June 13. Our history with this country runs deeper than any other in this series.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jun 10, 2026

The World Is Coming to the USA

The 2026 World Cup is being played in our cities, coast to coast. Before this series points you toward everywhere else, one post about what’s already here.

By Brian Schwan

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World Cup Series • Jun 6, 2026

Off the Pitch - Travel Inspired by the 2026 World Cup

48 countries. 48 distinct cultures. The World Cup has a way of redrawing your mental map of the world.

By Brian Schwan

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Adventure Travel • Jul 5, 2026

I Asked Every Travel Pro I Met the Same Question. They All Said Galapagos.

On a Norwegian coastal cruise in 2023, I asked every travel professional aboard the same question. They all gave the same answer. Now Jen has a plan to actually go.

By Brian Schwan

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Schwanderlust • Jun 1, 2026

She Said One Place. I Asked What About the Other Fourteen?

One offhand comment about Alaska on I-476. Suddenly the whole list was on the table again: Galapagos, Machu Picchu, Costa Rica, Iceland, Svalbard.

By Brian Schwan

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Travel Tips • Jun 1, 2026

Stop Looking for the Perfect Packing List

Every travel blog has a packing list. None of them are written for your trip. Here’s what to think about instead.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Group Travel • May 20, 2026

The Group Travel Format Most People Don’t Know to Ask For

Between scattered hotel rooms and renting a house for the whole group, there’s a third option. Here’s what it is and how to ask for it.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Antarctica • Jan 25, 2026

Yes, We Camped in Antarctica (Here’s What It Was Really Like)

A bivy, no tent, complete silence, and the realization that you are literally sleeping in Antarctica. A practical, honest guide to the camping add-on.

By Brian Schwan

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Antarctica • Jan 25, 2026

An Expedition to the End of the World

The full story of our Antarctic expedition: ice, wildlife, shore landings, and a view of the planet from its southernmost edge.

By Brian Schwan

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Antarctica • Jan 3, 2026

When Antarctica Stops Being Theoretical

T-minus three days. The gear is packed, the flights are booked, and the trip that once felt abstract is suddenly very, very real.

By Brian Schwan

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Antarctica • Dec 27, 2025

When Your Christmas List Is Just an Antarctica Packing List

The holidays look a little different when you leave for Antarctica in three weeks. A Christmas spent making sure every piece of gear is right.

By Brian Schwan

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Antarctica • Dec 20, 2025

This Isn’t Norway: Packing Differently for Antarctica

After Norway we thought we understood cold-weather packing. Antarctica is a different category entirely.

By Brian Schwan

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Antarctica • Dec 14, 2025

Gear Dilemma: The Hat and Glove Situation

When you’re packing for the coldest place on earth, the gear choices start to feel like real decisions with real consequences.

By Brian Schwan

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Antarctica • Dec 7, 2025

Dare to Say Yes Before You Remember All the Reasons to Say No

How we ended up booking an Antarctic expedition, and why the moment you hesitate might be the moment you lose it.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 18, 2025

We Couldn’t Pick Just One Favorite

After 14 days and five countries, each family member shares their top moments from the trip.

By The Schwan Family

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Europe • Jul 17, 2025

If We Could Do It Again

What we’d keep, what we’d change, and what we still can’t stop talking about.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 16, 2025

This Was Never Just a Vacation

The deeper meaning of a three-week family trip through Europe, written on the last full day before flying home.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 15, 2025

The First Day of Looking Back

Crossing the San Bernardino Pass back toward Milan. The trip is ending, and that is starting to feel like something.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 14, 2025

Border Hopping & Bucket Lists

Vaduz, Feldkirch, and country number six. The day we accidentally checked off a bucket list item between lunch and dinner.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 13, 2025

Some Places You Visit. Others, You Feel.

Appenzell, Switzerland. The gondola to Ebenalp, the Aescher Gasthaus, the summit hike, and a pickup soccer game no one planned.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 12, 2025

This Was Supposed to Be a Quiet Day!

Rhine Falls, a wrong turn, and the kind of travel day that turns into a story. The best ones never go according to plan.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 11, 2025

Stretching Our Legs

A day in the Black Forest between German wine towns. Sometimes the drive through is the point.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 10, 2025

Strasbourg and the Spaces In Between

La Petite France, the cathedral, and the German wine route along the Rhine. Alsace does not disappoint.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 9, 2025

And Then There Were Four

One family member heads home early, the four of us carry on, and Colmar turns out to be exactly what we needed.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 8, 2025

A Lot Can Happen in 24 Hours

The Women’s Euro Cup in Basel, a border crossing into France, and a countryside rental that slowed everything down. One day, three countries.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 7, 2025

Chasing Snow in July: Engelberg

Mount Titlis in summer. A glacier, a suspension bridge, and the moment our kids realized snow in July is actually a thing.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 6, 2025

Mountains, Mistakes & the Scenic Route

The drive from Lake Como into Switzerland, a wrong turn that turned into a highlight, and arriving in Wengen without a car.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 3, 2025

Beyond the Brochure: The Real Lake Como

Past the celebrity villas, the tourist crowds, and the instagrammed views, there’s a version of Lake Como worth the effort to find.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe • Jul 2, 2025

From Pennsylvania to Pepperoni: Day 1 in Milan

The Duomo, a gelato-making class, and the first pizza of the trip. The adventure starts here.

By Brian Schwan

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Family Travel • May 10, 2025

Saddle Up: Discovering the Magic of Dude Ranch Vacations

Wide-open skies, horseback rides, and evenings under the Milky Way. A dude ranch vacation is more than a trip - it’s a family reset.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Travel Tips • May 4, 2025

Off-Season Adventure: Why Shoulder Season Is Perfect for Families

Fewer crowds, friendlier prices, and that magical “just-for-us” vibe. Here’s how to embrace spring and fall getaways.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Travel Tips • May 4, 2025

Packing Light for Family Adventures: How to Travel Smarter

The lighter you pack, the freer you feel - especially when traveling with kids. Here’s how to streamline without sacrificing comfort.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Europe Planning • May 2025

One Final Planning Post

The bags are almost packed, the hotels are booked, and we leave in ten days. A final look at the plan before we stop planning and start going.

By Brian Schwan

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Destination • Mar 22, 2025

My Two Trips to Bermuda: A Kid’s Perspective

Our daughter Lilliana shares what it’s really like to visit Bermuda as an eleven-year-old, from the pink sand beaches to the cliff jumps.

By Lilliana Schwan, age 11

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Europe Planning • Mar 2025

Embracing the Art of the Pivot

Our packing strategy for five people, multiple climates, and four weeks without checking bags.

By Brian Schwan

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Destination • Feb 8, 2025

Our Favorite Ships: The Cruise Experiences That Stand Out

Not all cruise ships are created equal. After sailing on ships across multiple lines, here are the ones that stand out for family travel.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Family Travel • Feb 5, 2025

Why I Prefer South Dakota Over Yellowstone National Park

A controversial take from someone who’s been to both. What we found in the Dakotas surprised us more than anything Yellowstone offered.

By Brian Schwan

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Family Travel • Feb 5, 2025

What Makes a Family Vacation Truly Unforgettable

After years of family travel, we’ve found the patterns that turn a good trip into one your family still talks about decades later.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Travel Tips • Feb 2, 2025

Spend vs. Splurge: How to Allocate Your Travel Budget Wisely

Not every travel dollar earns the same return. Here’s a practical guide to where budget travel pays off, and where spending more makes the difference.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Europe Planning • Feb 2025

A New Itinerary Takes Shape

Where we landed on accommodations, pace, and the question of how many countries is too many for a family trip.

By Brian Schwan

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Travel Tips • Jan 28, 2025

Your Kid’s First Passport: Everything You Need to Know

Requirements, timing, common mistakes, and why starting early is always the right move. A complete guide for first-time applicants.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Adventure • Jan 27, 2025

Iceland: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Land of fire, ice, and impossible landscapes. Here’s our honest guide to planning an Iceland trip that lives up to the hype.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Family Travel • Jan 20, 2025

Winter Wonderland: Destinations That Turn Cold Into Magic

Skip the overcrowded ski resorts. These destinations offer snow, magic, and adventure families will remember for a lifetime.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Family Travel • Jan 18, 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 delivers.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Destination • Jan 4, 2025

Bermuda: Pink Sands, Pastel Houses & Perfect Days

Everything you need to know about visiting Bermuda - when to go, where to stay, and what makes this island unlike anywhere else.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Europe Planning • Jan 2025

Planning: The Big Decision

The countries, the route, the budget question, and why we decided to rent apartments instead of booking hotels for most of the trip.

By Brian Schwan

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Europe Planning • Jan 2025

The Journey Begins

Why we decided to take five people through six countries for three weeks, and what made us think that was a reasonable idea.

By Brian Schwan

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Schwanderlust • Dec 29, 2024

Our 2024 in Review: A Year of Extraordinary Adventures

From Norway’s Arctic Circle to Yellowstone’s geysers, 2024 was a year of extraordinary travel. Here’s the full recap.

By Jennifer & Brian Schwan

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Adventure • Dec 29, 2024

From Oslo to the Arctic Circle: A Dreamy Norwegian Adventure

Fjords, northern lights, whale sightings, and the northernmost point of continental Europe. Norway in October is something else entirely.

By Brian Schwan

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River Cruise • Dec 29, 2024

Gems of Southeast Europe Wine Cruise: A Week on the AmaVerde

Eight days from Bucharest to Budapest aboard the AmaVerde, through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, and Hungary. A wine cruise worth every mile.

By Jennifer & Brian Schwan

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Family Travel • Dec 27, 2024

Turning Family Travels Into Lifelong Learning Adventures

When you journey together as a family, you have a unique opportunity to strengthen connections and nurture curiosity in young minds.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Family Travel • Dec 25, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Multi-Generational Travel

Grandparents to grandchildren in the same destination. Here’s how to plan a trip that genuinely works for everyone.

By Jennifer Schwan

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Schwanderlust • Dec 24, 2024

Welcome to Schwanderlust

We’re the Schwan family. Jennifer is a travel advisor. Brian is her husband. Together we’ve dragged our kids to 39 countries and counting. This is our blog.

By Jennifer & Brian Schwan

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