Amy Tara Koch is an author and journalist who has the unique pleasure of traveling the world for her job. She contributes to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, Vogue, T Magazine, The Daily Beast, Food & Wine, Conde Nast Traveler and Chicago Tribune.
The most difficult thing about becoming a parent is watching the concept of free time evaporate. In the old days, “getting ready” was part of the fun of going out. Two luxurious hours could easily be invested in outfit selection and grooming. Your chart-topping responsibility...
For parents, back-to-school means back to the drawing board. To plan winter break. With the economy boosted, families are using school vacations as an opportunity to criss cross the globe. And, they are booking travel earlier and earlier. If you want to use airline miles...
The San Juan Islands were not on my radar until last March. Not even a peripheral blip. But, an engaging call from a publicist piqued my interest and suddenly a family trip to the Pacific Northwest fell into place. The San Juans were a perfect...
To me, a trip is very much about where I will lay my head. Hotels are a major part of the travel experience. Without a comfortable (veering luxurious), recently renovated, de-shag carpetized hotel/inn, the destination won’t work. Translation: no skanky bedspreads, no lumpy mattresses, no...
I almost never deviate from carry-on luggage. Black dress, black pants, a few shirts and two pairs of shoes. But, last month, I did. And, boy did I regret it. While packing for a nine day odyssey from the Rhone to Paris, I allowed visions...
An Under Canvas tent that fuses design and comfort. CreditTiffany Rose The notion of nodding off under the stars to the crackle of a fire in the shadow of ancient ponderosa pines sounds dreamy. Here’s the catch. Though I love communing with nature, I detest discomfort....
LA is known as an adult playground. But, it is also my go-to getaway for a family vacation. The sun shines. Heated pools and hiking trails beckon. Museums abound. And one can magically move from the California Science Center to a dip in your hotel...
Often dubbed “The Paris of the East” , Budapest’s grand, tree-lined boulevards, landmarks, museums, impressive architecture and artsy café culture holds the allure of the City of Light minus the attitude. WHAT TO DO Hit the Castle District. Take the creaky19th century funicular up the hill to...
FAMILY TOURS IN FLORENCE Florence with kids can be overwhelming. I recommend a family specific walking tour to reduce the chaos and increase the appreciation of this splendid city. Context Travel offers interactive 2.5 hour “urban walking seminars” for families. We met our docent in the sun...
Whenever I'm traveling, I pick up beautiful things for my kitchen, a tray and quirky bottle opener from a flea market in Paris, a salt cellar from Morocco, oils from Budapest, spices from Provence. I am always cooking. So, having the spoils of my travels...
