Joey Hadden

I spent 75 hours traveling in Amtrak sleeper cars and learned some lessons about overnight train journeys the hard way.

I took two basic economy flights with United Airlines and Delta. The latter was ultimately cheaper, more comfortable, and had more amenities.

I stayed in $300-a-night hotels in Salt Lake City and Park City. One felt luxe, the other didn't. Here's why the 2-star difference mattered.

Traveling parents Lindsey Granger and Kolyn Boyd advise getting your child used to long-haul flights as an infant so it's easier in the toddler stage.

Paradise Valley and Park City are the most expensive places in Arizona and Utah. I found that they offer completely different lifestyles.

I made my first overnight Amtrak ride in a roomette more comfortable by adjusting the temperature, downloading movies, and wearing pajamas.

Traveling with toddlers can be challenging. Lindsey Granger and Kolyn Boyd shared mistakes to avoid while flying and sightseeing with young kids.

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, with 18 decks full of restaurants, pools, shops, and more.

Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is full of beaches and thrilling activities like waterslides and zip lines.

Cruises are more relaxing, with a bigger list of amenities and larger cabins, but I'd rather book an overnight train for a more unique vacation.