Much To Be Done Travel FAQ
Welcome to the Much To Be Done travel FAQ — your go-to resource for travel planning tips, destination recommendations, and honest answers from our family travel journal.
Much To Be Done Travel FAQ: About the Site
What is Much To Be Done?
Much To Be Done is a family travel journal documenting the destinations, attractions, and restaurants we’ve experienced along the way. It started as a way to preserve memories that fade faster than you expect — and grew into something we hope inspires others to get out and explore. There is, after all, still so much to be done.
Who writes Much To Be Done?
Much To Be Done is written by Pete VanBaalen, a passionate traveler, musician, and lifelong learner based in the American Midwest. Every post reflects a real experience — no press trips, no sponsored content, just honest takes on the places we’ve been.
Travel Planning
How do you plan your trips?
It depends on the destination, but we’ve learned that good research pays off. We read widely before we go, identify the experiences that matter most, and make reservations early — especially for popular attractions and restaurants. We’ve found that a loose plan with room for spontaneity works best.
What is your travel style?
We’re not budget travelers — but we’re not flashy ones either. We spend thoughtfully, and when a private or bespoke experience presents itself, we say yes. Memories are worth more than things. We also try to travel in shoulder season when we can — fewer crowds, lower costs, and often perfectly good weather.
How do you keep track of places you want to visit?
We use a custom Google Map that has become one of our favorite planning tools. Every restaurant, bar, museum, historic site, and pop culture destination we’ve heard about, read about, or seen in a video goes on the map. Green pins mean we’ve been there and can speak to the experience. Red pins are places on our radar — recommendations from friends, things that caught our eye, spots we’re not ready to cross off yet. It keeps our travel planning organized and honestly makes the anticipation part of the fun. You can explore our map here.
Destinations
What are your favorite European destinations?
London holds a special place for us — the history is everywhere you look and it never gets old. Edinburgh is equally special, with stunning beauty and some of the warmest, most welcoming people we’ve encountered anywhere. Europe keeps calling us back and the list of places we still want to explore only keeps growing.
What are your favorite US destinations?
We find ourselves drawn to Florida regularly — and Key West in particular. There’s something about that island that feels like nowhere else in the country. Beyond Florida, we love chasing history and baseball across the Midwest and beyond.
Do you have tips for visiting Disney?
Disney has changed significantly in recent years — you really can’t wing it anymore. The key is planning ahead. Make your park reservations and dining reservations as soon as they become available. Know what experiences matter most to you and prioritize those. Going in with a plan makes all the difference between a magical trip and a frustrating one.
Attractions
What are your favorite museums and historical attractions?
The Tower of London is one of the most remarkable places we’ve ever visited — layers of history at every turn. The UK castle experience in general is something we keep coming back to — there’s nothing quite like walking through a structure that has stood for centuries. If you haven’t built a castle tour into a UK itinerary, it belongs on your list.
What are some fun and unexpected places you’ve visited?
Some of our favorite stops have been the places that feel almost too good to be true. Standing on Abbey Road in London and recreating that famous crossing is a moment every Beatles fan owes themselves. The Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa is another one — if you grew up watching that movie, visiting the actual field is genuinely emotional. We love chasing these kinds of pop culture and bucket list moments as much as any major landmark.
What are your favorite presidential libraries?
We’ve visited several and each one offers something unique. The Reagan Library stands out for its scale and setting — the views of the surrounding mountains are stunning and the sight of Air Force One on display is genuinely jaw-dropping. The Truman Library in Independence, Missouri is a gem that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. If you’re a history buff, presidential libraries are worth building a trip around.
Do you have tips for visiting popular attractions without the crowds?
Travel in shoulder season whenever possible — just before or just after peak season. You’ll often find shorter lines, lower prices, and a more relaxed experience without giving up much in terms of weather. Arriving early when doors open also makes a significant difference at busy sites.
Cruises
Do you have tips for cruising?
A few things we’ve learned along the way. First, if your cruise departs from a port city worth exploring — and many are — arrive a day early. It takes the stress out of travel and gives you a chance to experience the city before you board. Second, don’t feel obligated to book all your excursions through the cruise line. At many ports, you can find small group or private experiences for only a little more money that are far more memorable than a bus tour with 40 strangers.
Do you recommend Disney Cruise Line?
We do recommend Disney Cruises. The food is genuinely very good — better than you might expect — and the service level is a step above most cruise lines we’ve experienced. If Disney’s private island destinations are on your itinerary, those are a real highlight. It’s a well-run, enjoyable experience that works for families and adults alike.
Food & Restaurants
How do you find great restaurants when traveling?
We do our homework before we go — reading local food publications, checking trusted review sites, and looking for places with a story behind them. Some of our most memorable meals have come from iconic local institutions that have been serving the same thing for decades. We’re always looking for the place that locals actually go.
What is your favorite food destination?
London’s Borough Market is one of the great food experiences anywhere in the world. Granville Island Market in Vancouver is equally impressive — a must-stop if you find yourself on the west coast of Canada. And Chicago has spoiled us more than once. Honestly, some of our favorite food memories have come from markets and local institutions that tourists often walk right past.
We hope this Much To Be Done travel FAQ helps you plan your next adventure. There is, after all, still so much to be done.