Fall wardrobe essentials for carry-on friendly travel

If you've ever tried to fit everything you need for a week away in a carry-on  bag (or even a weekend's worth), you know it's essential that every clothing item have a purpose...or two or three. When we travel, we pack carry-on only, and to be honest, I never have trouble fitting all the kids' clothes they'll need. It's my wardrobe that's often out of control. The first rule of carry-on friendly … [Read more...]

Joovy Caboose VaryLight Graphite Stand-on Tandem Stroller review

It has a long name, but that's because it serves a lot of travel needs: the Joovy Caboose VaryLight Graphite Stand-on Tandem Stroller can expand from a single to a double like a Transformer, utilizes the lightest materials possible, has room for two kids to sit, stand, recline, or remain in a car seat, and still doesn't skimp on extras like canopies, cup holders, and oversized baskets. We put … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Sony Alpha a5000 review

For most family travel situations, I strongly advocate using a quality point-and-shoot camera so you can easily take shots on the fly (in water, on sand, where ever, whenever). However, there is a time and place for a DSLR. For today's Travel Gear We Use segment, we recommend the Sony Alpha a5000 for those trips during which once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities will present themselves. The … [Read more...]

Car seat safety reminder and convertible car seat review

It's road trip season! Early summer is a great time to make sure your kids' car seats are installed correctly, and don't need to be replaced. Pit Stops for Kids got the latest scoop in car seat safety and car seat requirements from Safety1st Consumer Safety Expert Julie Vallese. Even those of us who are not new parents could use some reminders as we head into road trip season! The three most … [Read more...]

Summer travel gear pick: Trunki PaddlePak review

Now that's summer's underway, you're getting a good feel for what travel gear is working for you...and what's not. If you've been carting your pool and beach gear around in a standard backpack that A) your kids leave on the pool deck and B) allows wet swimsuits to leak through, leaving wet spots in your car, we have a solution. We recently reviewed the PaddlePak backpack, the latest offering … [Read more...]

Travel gear we use: sun protection clothing for kids and adults

Today in Travel Gear We Use, we're talking about best sun protection clothing for kids and adults. If your family plans to visit a warm-weather spring break destination, it's time to make sure you have the right gear to protect everyone from the sun. Our sun protective clothing picks will last you through the whole summer, unless your kids outgrew them first! Sun Day Afternoons clothing and … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Favorite organic travel clothing for women

When I travel, it's crucial for me to have an easily-matching, comfortable, stylish yet utilitarian wardrobe in my suitcase. Because I believe in the brand and wear it regularly, I recently became an ambassador of Aventura Clothing. I'm excited to devote a Travel Gear We Use segment to a few of my favorite Aventura travel outfits for spring and summer. If you're not familiar with Aventura, as many … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: best point and shoot camera for vacation photos

We're continuing our Travel Gear We Use series with our #1 pick for an all-around best point and shoot camera for taking family vacation photos. We own several cameras, but only one comes with us on each and every family trip. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20 is a little (and affordable!) camera that packs a big punch. Certified waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and freeze-proof, the Cyber-Shot … [Read more...]

Travel gift for families: The Family Traveler’s Handbook

Today, instead of offering a travel gift idea for kids, we're reviewing a great travel gift from which the whole family can benefit. The The Family Traveler's Handbook by Mara Gorman is a slam dunk of a stocking stuffer for any family on your list this season. This guidebook isn't geared toward a single destination or style of travel; rather, it's your new bible for family travel inspiration and … [Read more...]

Travel gifts for kids: affordable POV action cam picks

Do your kids want a POV camera or camcorder for Christmas? Tweens and teens love POV cams, and mine are no exception. However, these rugged, adaptable action video cameras can be expensive! Below are two affordable POV action cam picks that won't set you back and will keep your kids happy during outdoor travel adventures. Kids love to challenge themselves and try new skills, and with action … [Read more...]