Marbella Without the Yacht Money, and Why We Liked Estepona More
Marbella is not only Puerto Banus. We did the old town and the locals' beach, then went home to Estepona, our favorite town on the Costa del Sol.
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Filed under: Family Travel
17 dispatches from the journal.
Gibraltar in a Day: The Rock, the Monkeys, and 7 Miles of Regret
A Gibraltar day trip from the Costa del Sol: parking on the Spanish side, the walk to the Rock, the monkeys, and why we would take the taxi tour next time.
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Seville by High-Speed Train: The Overnight That Beat the Drive
We drove to Malaga and took the high-speed train to Seville for one night. Why the overnight beats a day trip, and how to do it with a kid in July heat.
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Five White Towns and a Cave: Day Trips from Estepona
Malaga, Mijas, Benalmadena, Nerja, Ronda and Setenil from one base near Estepona. Drive times, what each town is for, and which to skip if it is hot.
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Two Weeks in Andalucia: Why We Rented Instead of Cruising
After 20 years of cruising, we based ourselves in one apartment outside Estepona for two weeks with a rental car. What the home base model changed.
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Which Cruise Line Is Right for You? An Advisor's Guide
Royal, Carnival, Virgin, Disney, Celebrity and more, compared by who they're actually for. Find the best cruise line for your family, budget, or style.
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Allure of the Seas Review: 8 Nights in the Southern Caribbean
Our honest Allure of the Seas review after 8 nights in the Southern Caribbean: the balcony cabin verdict, dining wins, the ports, and what we'd skip.
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Spring Break 2027 Royal Caribbean Group Cruises
Royal Caribbean spring break 2027 group block: Utopia of the Seas (4 nights) and Allure of the Seas (7 nights). Refundable deposits from $200.
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Odyssey of the Seas Review from Cape Liberty (Bayonne, NJ)
Odyssey of the Seas review from a tour at Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ. Quick verdict, who it suits, staterooms, dining, and if sailing from NJ is worth it.
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Symphony of the Seas Review: Is a Holiday Cruise Worth It?
Our honest Symphony of the Seas holiday cruise review: quick verdict, who it suits, the Crown Loft Suite, festive decor, and the onboard community.
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Offseason Travel: Fewer Crowds, Better Value, Family Fun
We prefer offseason travel for fewer crowds and better value. How we keep summer exciting with NYC, Six Flags and Mets games while planning our next trip.
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How to Afford a Cruise Suite Without Breaking the Bank
Dreaming of a cruise suite? Discover 10 expert tips to book luxury suites on Royal Caribbean, NCL, Disney, MSC, and more without breaking your budget.
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How to Plan a Group Cruise: 10 Tips for Family and Friends
Planning a group cruise with family or friends? 10 expert tips for stress-free cruising, from choosing the right ship to managing excursions and dining.
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First-Time Cruiser? Here’s What Most People Get Wrong
Planning your first cruise? Avoid the most common rookie mistakes with tips on cabins, excursions, packing, and more, based on 250+ nights at sea.
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Harmony of the Seas Star Class Review: Is It Worth It?
Harmony of the Seas Star Class review from a Mother's Day sailing: what the Royal Genie does, the 2-Bedroom Aqua Theater Suite, and if it's worth it.
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Icon of the Seas Review: Is It Worth It? An Honest Family Take
Is Icon of the Seas worth it? Our honest family review of Royal Caribbean's largest ship: quick verdict, the Surfside Family Suite, dining, Crown's Edge.
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Royal Caribbean Mediterranean Family Cruise: Star Class on Oasis
Our family's Western Mediterranean cruise, from Madrid to Barcelona to Star Class aboard Oasis of the Seas, with tips for families and groups.
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