The west coast of the USA is one of the most stunning road trips in the world. It is a trip that offers so much: ferry rides in the Puget Sound, hikes through the redwood forests in Oregon, wine-tasting in Napa Valley, the windy roads of San Francisco, beach lounging on Cannon Beach, the bright lights of Las Vegas, and amazing coastal drives for hours. Below are three west coast trip … [Read more...]
Travel Gear We Use: Must-have products for road trips
March 23, 2021 By
The family road trip really is where the rubber meets the road. And this year, summer road trip travel will be bigger than ever. When it comes to the best products for road trips, we prefer useful items to flashy ones, the tried-and-true over the new-fangled. There are many, many items to bring on your next road trip, but these must-have products for road trips are ALWAYS in the car. 1. A … [Read more...]
Best family vacations during a time of social distancing
November 12, 2020 By
If you’re an adventurous family, you're probably itching to travel again. Travel is coming back, but it will look different than in the past. We took an amazing rafting trip--and felt completely safe--in the midst of CV-19, for instance. Then, we 'glamped' in a rural location. The key: focus on outdoor-centric vacations that naturally promote social distancing. Note: Be careful if you’re … [Read more...]
Vacationing for better mental health
April 28, 2020 By
If you're reading this post during a time of social distancing, now is the time to plan and prepare for your next journey! When thinking about steps you can take to improve your mental health, don’t forget to consider the often overlooked benefits of taking a vacation. Whether you’re interested in the natural beauty of a state park or looking to let your hair down in a big city, getting away … [Read more...]
Mega cruise guide to family cruise vacations
March 3, 2020 By
Wondering how to pick the right cruise? Our cruise guide will steer the way! A cruise is a great way to enjoy multiple destinations while only unpacking once. Cruisers combine the convenience of an all-inclusive resort with the adventure of ports of call and international experiences. However, planning a cruise involves a special set of considerations that planning your average trip does not. How … [Read more...]
Five family outdoor adventure vacations worth planning for
February 24, 2020 By
Embarking on a jungle trek in search of sloths. Skiing fresh powder accessible only by snow-cat. Climbing up a waterfall using only a rope tied to a tree. These kinds of adventures are not behind you now that you have kids. If anything, with the right planning and the right guides and tour operators, they’re perfect for families who want the chance to explore the outdoors beyond a nature walk or … [Read more...]
Hassle-free guide to getting your US passport for kids
January 13, 2020 By
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...]
How we planned our European trip on a budget
January 6, 2020 By
This winter, the Pit Stops for Kids crew will be heading to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy. Our entire trip has been planned with budget in mind, by necessity! If your family, like ours, wants to plan a European trip on a budget, we have tips below! We will travel in an off-season. Yes, Paris in springtime is lovely, and Scandinavia in the summer is just about perfect. But … [Read more...]
Traveling the Canadian Rockies on VIA Rail
October 24, 2019 By
Overnight passenger train travel can be more expensive and slower than air travel today. So why should you go? And where? Train across Canada: after spending two nights traveling the Canadian Rockies on VIA Rail's Canadian, the 'why' is easy to answer: in an age when traveling to a destination has become only about getting from Point A to Point B in a rushed, often stressful manner, a few days … [Read more...]
How to find the lowest airfare prices for any trip (STEP BY STEP)
October 10, 2019 By
Securing low airfare doesn't have to be frustrating, stressful, or futile! Cheap flights are out there, if you know where to look and how to book! You can take control of your airfare purchasing by planning ahead…far ahead. Here's how to find the lowest airfare prices for your family...consistently: Step 1: Be thinking about airfare even before knowing when and where you're going. To find the … [Read more...]
