I'm Carrie McLaren, based in Jacksonville, Fla. Family travel is my passion - and I've made it my job.
Over the years, I’ve worked with Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, local visitors bureaus, large resorts, Carnival Cruise Lines and VISIT FLORIDA in showcasing the best spots for traveling families. I’m also a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Family Travel Association.
I’m ready to share my travel experiences, tips, deals and more to inspire you to plan the ultimate adventure with your own family. From theme parks to cruises, beaches to off the beaten path spots – I want to help you succeed in making fantastic memories with your family.
While I developed my love of travel as a kid, I began my travel career in 2003 as a public relations professional at Visit Jacksonville, promoting my hometown to media and visitors. From working the media center at Super Bowl XXXIX to traveling the country sharing stories about the First Coast, it was tough to call those seven years a ‘job’ – I loved it!
When I became a mom, I knew I wanted to continue my love of travel with my children. I created Carrie with Children, as my online outlet to share parenting stories and to tell the story of our daughter Molly, born with Down syndrome.
From there, I became the VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider where, together with my family, we traveled the state exploring family friendly places around the state. We discovered glamping, beachfront resorts, great diners with fantastic, fresh seafood and more. From feature videos to written articles and social media work – we discovered some fantastic spots around the Sunshine State.
And that brings us to Carrie on Travel. My goal here is to inspire you to create your own family memories. Travel along with my family and let’s start planning your own magical vacation!
Princess Cruises Readies for Inaugural Season from Port Canaveral in November 2024
Princess Cruises sets sail on its inaugural season from Central Florida with its Caribbean Princess ship beginning in November 2024.
Explore the History of Gatorade at Gainesville’s Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
Invented in Gainesville, Florida - explore the history of Gatorade at the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention.
Family Fun Awaits in Ponce Inlet, Florida – Things to See, Do and Eat!
As a native Floridian, it is a thrill to continue discovering 'new to me' destinations throughout the Sunshine State. On a recent visit to the Daytona Beach area, I made my way to the small village of Ponce Inlet, Florida. Located about 20 minutes south of the...
Review: The Commodore Hotel – Linden, Tennessee
Small town charm and history are what come to mind when I think back to my hotel stay at The Commodore Hotel in Linden, Tennessee. Located 1 1/2 hours west of Nashville and a short drive off of Interstate 40, the Commodore Hotel was built in 1939, then rescued and...
A Look Inside: Little Rock’s ESSE Purse Museum
Known to be one of only two purse museums in the world (the other is in Amsterdam), the ESSE Purse Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas is owned by Little Rock entrepreneur, Anita Davis.
5 Racing-Related Places To Visit in Daytona Beach (Besides an Actual Race!)
When I was a kid, every Christmas my grandfather would breakout his VHS collection of past Daytona 500 NASCAR races and even though he'd already seen the race, it was always like the first time watching to him. He loved racing and from those Christmas memories and...