Schwanderlust

Stories, Tips & Inspiration

Real family travel stories, firsthand destination guides, and the kind of advice you only get from people who’ve actually been there. Written by Jennifer and Brian Schwan.

Featured Series • 2026
Our Antarctica Adventure
In January 2026, Brian and Jennifer boarded HX Expeditions’ Fridtjof Nansen for an Antarctic expedition. This is the full story - from the first moment of doubt to camping on the ice.
Camping in Antarctica
Most Recent • 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.

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Antarctica expedition
Jan 25, 2026
An Expedition to the End of the World
 Antarctica packing
Jan 3, 2026
When Antarctica Stops Being Theoretical
Dec 27, 2025
When Your Christmas List Is Just an Antarctica Packing List
by Brian Schwan
Dec 20, 2025
This Isn’t Norway: Packing Differently for Antarctica
by Brian Schwan
Dec 14, 2025
Gear Dilemma: The Hat and Glove Situation
by Brian Schwan
Dec 7, 2025
Dare to Say Yes Before You Remember All the Reasons to Say No
by Brian Schwan
Featured Series • Summer 2025
Our European Family Adventure
Five people, six countries, three gondola rides, and more gelato than we’re willing to admit. A 20-part series documenting our family’s summer through Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein.
Europe 2025 family favorites
Most Recent • Jul 18, 2025
We Couldn’t Pick Just One Favorite

After 14 days, 5 countries, 3 gondola rides, and more pizza than we’re willing to admit — each family member shares their top moments from the trip.

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Appenzell Switzerland
Jul 13, 2025
Some Places You Visit. Others, You Feel.
 Lake Como, Italy
Jul 3, 2025
Beyond the Brochure: The Real Lake Como
Part 1 • Jan 2025
The Journey Begins
by Brian Schwan
Part 2 • Jan 2025
Planning: The Big Decision
by Brian Schwan
Part 3 • Feb 2025
A New Itinerary Takes Shape
by Brian Schwan
Part 4 • Mar 2025
Embracing the Art of the Pivot
by Brian Schwan
Part 5 • May 2025
One Final Planning Post
by Brian Schwan
Part 6 • Jul 2, 2025
From Pennsylvania to Pepperoni: Day 1 in Milan
by Brian Schwan
Part 7 • Jul 3, 2025
Beyond the Brochure: The Real Lake Como
by Brian Schwan
Part 8 • Jul 6, 2025
Mountains, Mistakes & the Scenic Route
by Brian Schwan
Part 9 • Jul 7, 2025
Chasing Snow in July: Engelberg
by Brian Schwan
Part 10 • Jul 8, 2025
A Lot Can Happen in 24 Hours
by Brian Schwan
Part 11 • Jul 9, 2025
And Then There Were Four
by Brian Schwan
Part 12 • Jul 10, 2025
Strasbourg and the Spaces In Between
by Brian Schwan
Part 13 • Jul 11, 2025
Stretching Our Legs
by Brian Schwan
Part 14 • Jul 12, 2025
This Was Supposed to Be a Quiet Day!
by Brian Schwan
Part 15 • Jul 13, 2025
Some Places You Visit. Others, You Feel.
by Brian Schwan
Part 16 • Jul 14, 2025
Border Hopping & Bucket Lists
by Brian Schwan
Part 17 • Jul 15, 2025
The First Day of Looking Back
by Brian Schwan
Part 18 • Jul 16, 2025
This Was Never Just a Vacation
by Brian Schwan
Part 19 • Jul 17, 2025
If We Could Do It Again
by Brian Schwan
Part 20 • Jul 18, 2025
We Couldn’t Pick Just One Favorite
by The Schwan Family
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Private villa at a resort
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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Dude ranch
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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Shoulder season travel
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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Packing tips
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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Bermuda turquoise water
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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South Dakota
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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Iceland
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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Yellowstone
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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Bermuda pastel houses
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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Norway fjords
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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Hidden gems Europe
Destination • Dec 29, 2024
Europe’s Hidden Gems: The Places We’d Go Back to Tomorrow
Beyond Paris, Rome, and Barcelona lies a continent full of extraordinary places most people walk right past. Here are our favorites.
By Jennifer Schwan
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Multi-generational travel
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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Family travel learning
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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2024 travel year in review
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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Winter wonderland destinations
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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Getting a kids passport
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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Travel budget planning
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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Unforgettable family vacation
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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Cruise ship favorites
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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The Schwan family
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 38 countries and counting. This is our blog.
By Jennifer & Brian Schwan
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