Back-to-School products that double for travel

I'm always a bit sad when it's time to buy back-to-school gear, because it means the long summer travel season is over. However, autumn day trips and weekend getaways are always in our future, so I find I'm still thinking 'travel' when it comes to fall purchases and the kids' school supplies. This year, I've found the best new back-to-school products that pull double-duty during family … [Read more...]

Must have van life camping gear

We have been camping in a 1984 Westfalia camper van, and it is epic! That said, space is at a premium in a Westy, and older camper vans, while charming and Instagram-worthy, lack some of the creature comforts of bigger RVs. If you are living the van life, tent camping, or camping in a smaller van, pop-up trailer, or camper, the following must-have camping gear is, well, MUST HAVE. Must have … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Five items I never travel without

On average, I travel twice a month, either by car or plane. I'm in airports at least once a month. This is not as much travel as some people, to be sure, but it's enough that I've pared down my carry-on luggage to include only the essentials. Whether I'm traveling with my kids or solo for work, these five items are always with me. Number 5: My S'well insulated water bottle I own and love … [Read more...]

Van life gear review: Thule Transporter Combi review

Much like last summer, most Americans will opt to travel by car instead of air this year, with a big uptick in road trip travel once it’s safe to do so. To kick off the start of the summer travel season, with hopes that travel will soon be part of our plans again, I tested out Thule’s Transporter Combi hitch-mounted cargo box. For me, this is the summer of #vanlife, during … [Read more...]

Best subscription boxes for holiday gift giving

Subscription boxes make for excellent holiday gifts! If you're looking for the perfect subscription boxes for the traveling family in your life, we have you covered. We've curated a list of what we consider the best gift box subscriptions for holiday gift giving: Local Box: As much as I'm a fan of outdoor gear, Local Box has risen to become my favorite gift box subscription for travelers. Why? … [Read more...]

Family camping at new heights: Gear for elevated camping

Have you ever wanted to camp off the ground? Elevated camping is becoming more and more popular, because camping in tents and hammocks designed to be strung in trees allows families to camp on un-even terrain, away from pesky insects, and out of the elements. It's also just super fun and cool. If you want to try elevated camping, here's what you'll need! Kammok Wallaby paired with the … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Abiie Huggs baby carrier review

Reviewed by our baby and toddler gear tester, Karyssa Booth.  Time for a baby carrier review! I received the Abiie Huggs carrier in the mail a couple months before my daughter could fit into it. I waited until she was about five months old before I used it. On initial inspection, I was a little overwhelmed by how many buttons, clips, and snaps it had. I am still figuring out new functions of the … [Read more...]

Outdoor gear brands that give back

As a gear reviewer and travel writer, I am familiar with many travel brands and outdoor gear companies. As we head into this year's 'giving season', I'd like to highlight just a few that donate significantly to a charitable cause or program...not just during the holidays but all year long! Outdoor gear brands that give back: Lifestraw: Lifestraw makes filtered straws that make contaminated … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: best hiking boots for the family

We're continuing our Travel Gear We Use series with a category I'm asked about a lot: hiking boots. Need guidance on buying the best hiking boots for the family? The following picks for kids hiking boots (as well as adults) come from brands we use and trust to be sturdy, highly-functional, and affordable. All have been worn by us on our own backpacking and hiking trips. Best hiking boots for … [Read more...]

Adventure and travel subscription box gifts for dads and grads

Have a dad in your life who loves travel? How about a recent graduate who is ready to start exploring the world? If you want to give something more original than cash this June, consider the following gift subscription boxes and experiential gifts that promote adventure both across the US and abroad. Travel subscription box gifts for dads and grads: Cairn subscription box:  We've reviewed … [Read more...]