20 Awesome Camping Hacks to Make Your Next Trip Easier

Camping can be a lot of fun, but it can also bring a lot of hassle. We have been camping for decades, and our experience in the outdoors has helped us learn some pretty great camping hacks along the way to help us spend less time on the hassle and more time enjoying the outdoors. Glossy magazine covers and campground brochures highlight fun-filled days at the lake or river, restful afternoons … [Read more...]

5 tips for successful holiday family ski trips

We spend many Christmases away for the holidays. By far our favorite holiday vacation: a holiday family ski trip in a ski resort condo. Three years ago, we spent Christmas tucked away in a South Tahoe HomeAway vacation rental, and past Christmases have found us exploring Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna, BC Canada and the North Shore of Tahoe. Spending the holidays away allows us to focus on our … [Read more...]

Jamestown Settlement and Colonial National Historical Park

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...]

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Mt. San Jacinto State Park

If you have a few days in Palm Springs, a trip to the Aerial Tramway  is well-worth your time. This ‘world’s largest rotating tram’ takes visitors from the desert floor to over 8,000 feet in elevation to Mt. San Jacinto State Park in just a few minutes. The tram ride itself is fun for everyone (even those who experience ski resort gondolas and trams often), but the real gem is at the top. Mt. San … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: All-time favorite healthy travel snacks

Today's Travel Gear We Use segment isn't exactly gear, but does help us as we travel: we're rounding up our favorite healthy travel snacks. There are many, many products out there that claim to be wholesome, organic, and tasty. We've tried almost all of them. Yet, this list is short. Very short. Why? Let's be real: most so-called healthy travel snacks are gross. Even my kids, who know their way … [Read more...]

Three best road trip itineraries for active families

  No matter how much we vacation, road trips remain one of our favorite modes of travel. Why? Road trips offer a sense of adventure and freedom that's hard to beat. Plus, they're often more affordable, more flexible, and allow us to see the country up-close and personally. I’m offering up our three best road trip itineraries for active families in the western US and Canada: 1. … [Read more...]

Hassle-free guide to getting your US passport for kids

Need a US passport for kids? Getting your child his or her first passport doesn't have to be as intimidating as it sounds. Yes, you need to clear an afternoon or morning to the task, and yes, there's a wait time involved, but the process is simpler than most people realize. Here's what you need to know for getting a US passport for kids: Where should I go to get the passport? In most cases, … [Read more...]

Five resort towns with 4th of July parades

Due to summer travel plans, we usually spend 4th of July away from home. Sometimes, missing our hometown 4th of July parades bums the kids out, so wherever we find ourselves, we try to seek out the local parade festivities. As a result, we've experienced new customs, enjoyed local culture and foods, and Toby, always outgoing, has always made new friends. Below, find details on the 4th of July … [Read more...]

Guide to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with kids

On a recent tour through several California National Parks, I heard the same thing over and over again from fellow guests and even park employees: "We love Yosemite, but we've actually never been to Kings Canyon." Or, "We come to Yosemite annually, but haven't experienced Sequoia, yet." This tells me two things: Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular in the nation (no surprise there), … [Read more...]

Joovy Qool review: travel-ready stroller

UPDATED FOR 2018 The Joovy Qool lives up to its name. With a sleek design and luxury features that mirror those of the most expensive brands on the market, the Qool makes it look easy. Which is definitely the point, for those of us wanting our strollers to go the distance while traveling.   Our baby gear tester Karyssa tested to Qool in 2014 with her son, and is back with an updated … [Read more...]