Hot Press & Media

Here are a list of guest posts, features, interviews, speaking engagements, and more!

Podcasts & Interviews

The last two years has shown us that many jobs can be done successfully from home. Years ago I started my journey to freedom as a digital entrepreneur. I sat down for a fun chat with Debbie of The Offbeat Life to talk about rolling with the punches that the universe throws at us and turning obstacles into opportunities!

Listen to the full interview here: Ep. 247: How this mother of 4 gained freedom as an online travel expert with Amanda Keeley-Thurman

I was honored to be featured twice on the Destinations Beyond Expectations podcast with Stevie G, where we dove into two of my favorite family travel topics. In my first interview, I shared my honest review of the Disney Fantasy cruise ship, including what families can really expect onboard, favorite experiences, and whether Disney Cruise Line lives up to the hype.

In my second appearance, I tackled one of my favorite “hot takes” in family travel — why Las Vegas can actually be an incredible destination for families. We talked about the entertainment, themed resorts, unique attractions, foodie experiences, and how parents can enjoy Vegas without sacrificing family fun. Both conversations perfectly reflect the heart of HotMamaTravel: family travel with a twist.

Listen to the full interview here: Reviewing Disney's Fantasy Cruise Ship and Things to do for All Ages

Listen to the full interview here: True or False: Las Vegas is Suitable for a Family Trip

 

Publications & Guest Posts

Dining in Glasgow: Fun for the Whole Family

Going to a restaurant with kids can send a chill up some parents’ back. The stress of kids getting bored and antsy, while you spend money on a meal that is hard to enjoy will make some parents opt for dinner at home. But when you are traveling, the experience of new restaurants is at least half the fun...

Top 5 Laguna Beach Spots for Dining with an Ocean View

Along California’s coast are oodles of awesome beach towns, but Laguna Beach is a special little piece of paradise. Some think that it is an isolated bubble of rich people and artists, but there is nothing snobby about Laguna Beach, which is great news for those of us traveling with kids.

How Summer Travel Helps Promote Outdoor Play

As I watch iridescent orbs float through the sunset sky I think, “Wow.” In the age of iPads, iPhones, and numerous other electronic devices, something as simple as blowing bubbles can still stir up so much excitement. Although we live in a world of over-stimulation, kids really do love the simple things in life, and I think deep down, so do adults.

Ultimate Guide to RVing

For many families RVing is an affordable and convenient way to travel, but how do you know if it is right for your family? If you had asked me three years ago, I would have been doubtful. I was raised as a resort girl. My parents were not into RVing, camping or any style of travel that appeared to be more work than pleasure. Although the thought of hitting the open road in an RV did intrigue me, it was just outside my family’s travel comfort zone of no stress, no mess holidays...

10 Mocktail Recipes from Around the World

After many years behind bars, I’ve learned a thing or two. Relax; I’m talking about doing time as a bartender. In addition to making drinks, I also write about them. I’ve combined my passion for spirits and travel as a regular contributor to Cigar & Spirits Magazine and of course, my blog. I’ve found that drinks are a great way to learn about history and culture. They not only enhance your travel experience, but can help you create a travel experience at home...

Wild Women of the West

Swinging saloon doors, gunfights, law dogs, outlaws, miners, and cowboys – these are iconic images of the Wild West, popularized by decades of media and culture. The stories we tell about the rough-and-tumble American frontier are chock-full of masculine imagery and male characters. No doubt that the new frontier was rough, but what about the women that lived, loved, and worked there?...

Arts and Food in Idyllwild, California

A quick Google search will yield little results, and chances are you haven’t heard of this little town despite it being the setting of the movie Galahad, starring Elvis Presley. Where am I talking about you ask? I’m talking about Idyllwild, of course! For those unfamiliar, the San Jacinto Mountains are located in Riverside County about 90 minutes east of Orange County. Unlike other Southern California mountain towns such as Big Bear that are geared towards the sporty types, Idyllwild indulges the art lovers and foodies...

A Perfect Day in Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow is not only the largest city in Scotland, it also one of the friendliest. However, Glasgow hasn’t always had such a positive reputation. Once a major shipping port and industrial center, Glasgow had issues with overcrowding, sanitation, and violence. Since then, Glasgow has gone through major changes and re-branding. Fabulous shopping and restaurants, historical sites, Glasgow University and the School of Art have become major attractions to the city. In fact, in 2008 Glasgow was named UNESCO City of Music. With so much to see and do in this Scottish city, it is hard to have a bad day, but I am going to show you how to have a perfect day in Glasgow...

 

10 Ways Family Travel Differs from Couple Travel

There is nothing like seeing the world with the one you love. Jet setting around from country to country, trying new foods, exploring new places and sleeping wherever your little budget allows while hand-in-hand with your favorite travel buddy. Sounds lovely doesn’t it? Sure couple travel has its challenges, but for the most part it is can be easy and affordable. What happens when the one you love becomes more than one? No, I am not talking Big Love here. I’m talking about the addition of kids...

 

Top 10 Things to do in Orange County with Kids

With it being the setting for shows like Real Housewives, Laguna Beach, Arrested Development, The O.C and a host of numerous other popular films and television shows, some may come to the conclusion that Orange County, California is too expensive, too health conscious, too weird and too snobby to have a fun affordable family vacation...

 

Favorite Children's Museum Worldwide

I first heard of Pretend City Children’s Museum during my daughter’s field trip and I was completely amazed. The museum looks like a real city inside, complete with 17 interactive exhibits. As the kids run a play through this interconnected pretend city, they learn many aspects of a functioning town...

Features & Interviews

Jetsetters: @Hotmamatravel

Meet our girl Amanda. She’s a lot like us: she travels as much as she can, whether it’s a long weekend or a simple day trip, and her favorite way to explore is by eating and drinking her way around. What makes her infinitely more impressive than us, however, is that she does it with two kids...

30 Days of Grateful Travel

In honor Thanksgiving, Amanda from HotMamatravel.com shared a travel experience that she thankful for this year. This photo was taken at the Rest & Be Thankful in the Scottish Highlands this past June. This trip was special, because it was filled with a bunch of firsts for her and her family...

Family Travel Blogger- HotMamaTravel

If you are planning an overseas holiday one of the best ways to research what to do with kids is to check out a local family travel blogger, like Amanda from Hot Mama Travel. This US-based family travel blog is packed with destination guides, money-saving tips and inspirational stories. Amanda writes about her travels with her husband and two children, aged six and four. Here we have a chat about some of her favourite holidays – and tips for taking the stress out of travelling with young children.