Haven’t considered Texas Hill Country for your next Grown-Ups Getaway? I hadn’t either, until checking out this pastoral oasis in the heart of Texas. Warm almost year-round and with much, much more to offer than it’s small 10,000 population suggests, the quaint German-Texan town of Fredericksburg beckons. Couples will find ample B&Bs, guest houses, and boutique hotels, prime shopping and … [Read more...]
Grown-Up Getaway: Wine and dine in Lubbock Texas
August 17, 2021 By
Last spring, we outlined the perfect Grown-Up Getaway to charming Fredericksburg, Texas, in the Hill Country. Now we’re back with one more--perhaps unexpected--Texas getaway: Lubbock. Everywhere I went in Fredericksburg, I was told by winemakers that their grapes came from this city in the West Plains. So naturally, I had to go see Lubbock for myself. If you've driven through Lubbock, Texas … [Read more...]
Four day trips from Rome (with or without a car)
August 12, 2021 By
We're in the midst of organizing our first family European trip, which is great fun. After all, your trip starts the minute you begin planning it! I've always loved Rome, so I know the Colosseum, Vatican, and lesser-known stops like the Mercato Testaccio will be on the itinerary. However, I also know my favorite way of experiencing the Eternal City (which consisted of multiple days of city … [Read more...]
Uncruise review of Costa Rica and Panama: Why small ship cruising is great for families
July 27, 2021 By
Every so often, we are lucky enough to experience a trip that sets our bar higher for family travel excellence. Before we embarked on our Uncruise adventure through Costa Rica and Panama, the bar was already pretty darn high...we had experienced small ship sailing previously with Alaskan Dream Cruises and frankly, didn't think it could be topped. While there were a few differences, Uncruise met … [Read more...]
Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park with kids
July 21, 2021 By
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the United States’ premier family destinations, a jewel in the national park crown. In the summertime, the weather is beautiful, the scenery spectacular, and the opportunity to interact with nature unparalleled. Here are some things to know to help you make the most out of visiting with your kids. Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park with kids: West side … [Read more...]
Jamestown Settlement and Colonial National Historical Park
July 8, 2021 By
While visiting Colonial Williamsburg with kids, definitely budget half a day to visit Jamestown. Learning about this first viable settlement of Virginia rounds out the historical understanding of the area (the residents of Jamestown later migrated 10 miles to settle Williamsburg). Jamestown is divided into two sections: the Historic Jamestowne Colonial National Historical Park is the National … [Read more...]
Two days in Joshua Tree National Park and Indian Cove Campground with Kids
July 3, 2021 By
Joshua Tree National Park is a gem! With a higher elevation than our other favorite desert camping location, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree offers a desert experience with more vegetation, wildflowers, and of course, Joshua Tree’s fabled rock climbing boulders. You don’t have to be rock climbers to enjoy it, though you’ll see plenty of that ilk. Our kids absolutely loved the freedom of … [Read more...]
The way to see Grand Teton National Park with kids: OARS Jackson Lake 2-Day Trip
June 28, 2021 By
When I knew my family and I would be spending time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park, I immediately looked for an OARS trip to take in the area. After our five-day Rogue River rafting trip with OARS, it was the easy choice. OARS is just that good at what they do. I’ve already talked about what sets OARS apart. In a nutshell, the guides are professionals but also become … [Read more...]
Teens flying unaccompanied: what to do when things go wrong
June 25, 2021 By
On Pit Stops for Kids, we've written tips for parents whose kids are flying solo. But what about teens? Most airlines allow kids aged 5-14 to fly as unaccompanied minors (with kids 5-7 restricted only to direct flights), which leaves kids 15 and up in a completely different category. When kids 15-17 fly solo, they're still every bit as unaccompanied...and are still minors. But basically, they're … [Read more...]
Family farm stays: a review of Leaping Lamb Farm
June 20, 2021 By
Eight-year-old Toby wants to be a farmer when he grows up. So instead of spending a few perfect days in May enjoying a traditional family vacation in a hotel or resort, we headed to Leaping Lamb Farm in the coastal range of Oregon, where we got to play farmer for two days. I'll admit that before arriving at Leaping Lamb, I half-hoped doing farm chores would cure Toby of his farm-love. Instead, the … [Read more...]
