Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Earth Day-friendly bucket list experiences and destinations

April 21, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

In celebration of Earth Day, we’ve rounded up our favorite experiences, tours, and travel operations that promote a spirit of ‘Earth Day every day’. These travel experiences, through their passion for their destinations, help create the next generation of environmentalists.

Earth Day-friendly bucket list experiences:

Uncruise in Panama and Costa Rica:

We just returned from Uncruise’s newest itinerary in Central America, which takes guests through the historic Panama Canal before heading up the Pacific coastline along Panama and Costa Rica. Naturalists onboard the ship, in tandem with local guides and experts, teach guests about the local wildlife in the rainforests, mangroves, and beaches visited. The 62-passenger Safari Voyager allows for a cruise ship experience without the environmental problems large cruise ships pose.

Lindblad Expeditions in the Galapagos:

This Galapagos trip, on the NatGeo Endeavor II, allows families to experience the Galápagos Islands through Lindblad’s ‘360º approach’, guaranteeing an in-depth encounter with its flora and fauna. The 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II is fully equipped with tools for exploration that will enable travelers to see more of the archipelago’s varied islands and habitat, have up close encounters with wildlife, and experience the Galápagos undersea.

Need more inspiration? We have activities you can add to just about any family trip in the spirit of Earth Day!

Vantage Adventures in Peru:

Vantage Adventures’ Machu Picchu itinerary excels in teaching guests about the storied history of Peru, from the high peaks above Cusco to the fertile plains of the Sacred Valley. Their local guides are unrivaled experts whose love and passion for the country is contagious. We learned so much about Peruvian culture, we could fully appreciate the UNESCO sites we visited, and their conservation. Read more about our time in Peru.

Alaskan Dream Cruises in SE Alaska:

I’ve been singing the praises of Alaskan Dream Cruises’ Alaska itinerary for a long time, and I’m not likely to stop anytime soon. This Alaskan-native-owned company shines when it comes to unique ports of call and intimate, local experiences. We got up close to nature from bears to bald eagles, and our experience was always interwoven with native Alaskan culture and hospitality. After our Alaskan experience, my kids vowed to become stewards of our environment all over again. Read more about our Alaskan Dream experience.

O.A.R.S. river rafting in Idaho:

If you don’t have the know-how or desire to plan your own multi-day backpacking or river rafting trip to experience a week or so in the wilderness with your family, do the next best thing (or if I’m being honest, maybe the first-best thing) and head into the backcountry with O.A.R.S. Their Salmon River itineraries in remote Idaho do more to teach kids (and grown-ups) about the importance of preserving our natural lands than any class or Earth Day festival will do. Immersed in the wilderness, families truly understand why forest service and BLM lands deserve their attention and protection. Read more about our Main Salmon rafting trip.

Tip: Want to embark on your own outdoor adventure bucket list trip? Of course you can! We suggest REI’s new GPS-based apps, which make the outdoors accessible for users of all levels. The REI apps put GPS route info, elevation profiles, interactive maps, photos and more at your fingertips. Try the Hiking Project App, or the bike trail MTB Project App. REI even has a National Parks App!

10 ways to travel eco-friendly as a family

April 17, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

April is the month we celebrate Earth Day and the more-encompassing ‘Earth Month’, but really, we try very hard at Pit Stops for Kids to travel eco-friendly all year round. Unfortunately, there’s something about seeing the Alaskan glaciers melt before our eyes or watching the world’s coral reefs shrink that really drives home the importance of taking care of our natural environment. I know our readers also want to travel eco-friendly, so read on for ideas large and small that can make a difference!

Bring your own reusable water bottles:

This is a small action that can have a big impact. Purchase water bottles for your family, then reuse them everywhere from fast food joints to theme parks. You’ll save money if you opt only for water (which is ideal for health on your trip, too), but even if you refill with other drinks, you’ll be skipping unnecessary paper or plastic cups, lids, and straws.

Drive instead of fly:

Did you know a family’s carbon footprint is smaller driving in a car than flying? Even better yet: take a bus. I actually hadn’t thought about traveling long distance by bus since my college days, but companies like Megabus.com have made the experience comfortable and affordable. Especially if you plan to follow the tip below about public transit, taking the bus from city to city in the US, Canada, UK, and Europe is a really economical and earth-conscious plan.

Take public transportation at your destination:

If your vacation is in a city, try out the local public transit once you’re at your destination. Taking the subway, metro, or city bus is a great way to get to know the city more intimately than in a car, and is almost always more affordable than renting a car. We see more parts of the city, and meet more locals, by taking public transportation, and with a family of five, it’s almost always cheaper than taxis or even Uber.

Eat at farmers markets and local food stands:

Skip chain restaurants that source their food from who knows where, and opt for local food stands, farmers markets, or farm-to-fork dining options. In cities, these are easy to find: think Seattle’s Pike Place Market or Philadelphia’s Reading Market. In rural areas, look for roadside produce stands and natural grocery stores: go shopping then eat an outdoor picnic at a local park!

Skip the mega cruise ships for small ships or private tours:

Large cruise ships are notoriously bad for Mother Earth, thanks to possible dumping of gray water and sewage and the air pollutants from smoke stacks (though things are getting better). Instead, book a small ship cruise, which has a smaller footprint due it its smaller size (which also helps rural local economies more en route, too). If a small ship cruise is not in the budget, book a smaller or private land tour at your destination instead of a large group tour. The more intimate number will equal a better experience for you, and will also avoid the waste generated by large groups.

Reuse your towels in hotels:

Or better yet, book local apartments when you travel to avoid industrial-sized washers and dryers (and the other waste in hotels) when you travel. A home or apartment rental (such as HomeAway or AirBnb) usually saves money, gives families a more intimate and personalized travel experience, and leaves a smaller carbon footprint. If you do opt for a hotel, look for LEED certification, which means the hotel has taken strides to become more eco-friendly in their electricity use, water use, and more.

Camp or backpack off the grid:

When you’re in the outdoors, you’re naturally less impactful on the environment. Use solar camping lanterns or headlamps, turn off your phones, and relax in the outdoors. You’ll use less water by taking fewer (if any) showers, and little or no electricity. And getting back to nature helps to remind kids that they don’t need to be on the grid all the time.

Take kids to natural wonders:

Studies have shown that people care more about issues if they feel a personal connection to them. When kids have seen glaciers shrinking, coral reefs disappearing, and native species dwindling, they remember these issues as they grow into adults. Teach your kids to be responsible stewards of the environment through experience and education.

Go to science museums while you travel:

Along the same lines, kids’ science museums across the world teach kids about the importance of conservation with hands-on learning opportunities. Let your kids pedal a bike to produce energy, or design their own eco-friendly airplane model. As a bonus, visiting science museums on vacation provides a fun way to expend energy after a long day traveling or city touring.

Travel to an eco-resort:

To really become inspired this Earth Month, plan your vacation around an eco resort (many of which can be found in Central and South America, for instance). Eco resorts walk the talk, so to speak, and during your stay, you can see alternative energy use and sustainable practices up close. It can be very inspiring: an eco resort stay may result in your going home to install solar panels or a wind turbine…you never know!

Ready for action? Encourage kids to enter the Megabus Masterpiece contest with their own earth-inspired piece of art. The grand prize winner’s artwork will be displayed across the side of a megabus and will receive $1,000 for art classes or more eco-friendly travel! (Contest ends April 22, 2017, and winners announced May 15 on Megabus social channels.)

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of megabus.com. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Aventura Clothing capsule wardrobe for spring travel

April 14, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

This spring, ‘capsule wardrobes’ are all the rage, and I understand why. The idea of putting together a collection of coordinating and complimenting pieces of clothing makes for a more organized day-to-day life and certainly makes packing easier for any trip. I’ve actually been creating capsule wardrobes for years, without knowing it had a name…I’m minimalistic by nature and probably just couldn’t be bothered with too many outfits in my closet!

But if you ARE interested in creating a capsule wardrobe for spring travel, Aventura Clothing makes it really easy, because their pieces already compliment each other. As regular readers know, I’ve been an ambassador for Aventura for years now, and this quality brand keeps me coming back because it consistently offers high quality, organic clothing that’s comfortable, stylish, and practical.

Creating an Aventura capsule wardrobe for spring travel:

Here’s what my Aventura wardrobe looks like this spring, utilizing new pieces from the spring 2017 catalogue, plus a few classic extras. Forgive me if my ‘capsule’ isn’t by the book; I may have fewer pieces than a traditional capsule, but wanted to stay true to what really does go into my bag for an average spring trip.

Note: if you’d like to put together a winter/cold weather Aventura capsule wardrobe for travel, check out this post from Atlanta 365.

One of the most important ‘rules’ of creating a travel capsule wardrobe is color coordination. Pick a basic color scheme, and stick to it. I often choose black/gray/white, but I’m boring that way.

I start with two pairs of pants: one capri and one light pant. (You could substitute shorts here, but I like to have one lightweight pair of pants for inclement weather, historic sites or cathedrals where I need to cover my knee, and chilly air conditioned buildings.) For me, the Titus Ankle pant is the winner; it’s a very classic style that comes in basic colors. I have the white. For the capri, I love the new Addie capri, because the length is adjustable from a long pair of shorts to a full capri. Versatile pieces are key!

I add two tank tops: one undershirt-type, and one dressier type. For my undershirt/base layer tank, I have two favorites, and what you choose will depend on your style and body type. The Zelda Tank is a nylon/spandex blend that almost works as a spanx (I said almost!). It can be worn alone, or layered with a light sweater or dress, which is what I do. If you want more of a camisole style, go with the Aster cami. For the dressier tank, I am currently in love with the Pearson Tank, which has really stylish cross-straps in the back to dress it up. It comes in several color patterns; I recommend the gray/black, because it’s classic and will go with your other pieces.

Next, add two tees or blousy tops: These are your main tops, that can go from cool spring weather to warmer days. The Sonnet hoodie is a winner in this category, because it’s made of soft organic cotton that’s lightweight and doesn’t wrinkle, has 3/4 sleeves so it doesn’t get too hot, but has a cute hood just in case. I got the spiced coral color, because it goes well with my gray/black tones. For the second tee, I love the Sonnet top. It has a similar weight and feel (and similar brushed heather look), but is a fitted tee with short sleeves. You can get more adventurous with different styles, but I stay true to one or two basic themes in my capsule wardrobe, so items can better mix and match.

Don’t forget! If you like what you see here, you can get a 60% coupon code to Aventura Clothing just by being a Pit Stops for Kids reader! Email for the coupon code at amy(at)pitstopsforkids(dot)com.

Add two dresses or skirts: At least one dress should be ‘dressy’ for nice evenings out. My pick is the Garland dress. This cute wrap-style dress is so light and breathable, it was my go-to choice while touring ruins in humid Central America, but also went out to dinner with me. For a second dress, the Hollis is simple, comfortable, and ready for adventure, especially if you pair it with Aventura’s new Go Anywhere Shortie that fits under any dress or skirt.

Finish with one light sweater and one wrap: You need at least one sweater that can be worn as a layering piece. The new Liv Sweater is thin enough to pack down small, but warm when worn over a tank or tee. You’ll be shocked to hear I went with gray. It fits down in my backpack for day trips, too. For evenings out, I am in love with the Kyle wrap, which goes perfectly with any dress, tank, or top, as long as you pick a nice, neutral color.

Don’t forget to include a few scarves: This is my #1 tip for successful capsule packing…accessorize with items that pack down small! Scarves take up almost no room, yet give boring outfits new life faster than anything else. The Madeline scarf can be worn multiple ways, and is very light cotton so it won’t cause you to overheat.

Depending on your destination, you might also need: 1. rain jacket or fleece, 2. swimsuit and cover up, 3. sun hat or beanie. Don’t forget: you only need two pairs of shoes: comfortable walking/active shoes and sandals.

Be sure to check our past posts of Aventura Clothing reviews…many of the older styles are still available!

How to teach kids the joys of fishing (and plan a fishing trip)

April 13, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Fishing is an easy and relaxing activity that’s easy for children to learn and gets them outside to enjoy nature. If you’re interested in learning how to teach your children the joys of fishing, discover some helpful tips and advice for making memories and new experiences for you and your children.

Foster an Interest in Fish First

Before you take your children out for their first fishing trip, help them learn more about water and fish by taking them to the beach, aquarium, or nature center. Being able to learn about where fish live and how they survive will help foster children’s natural curiosity. When you feel like your children are able to handle a day on the water, you can use what they’ve already learned to make the fishing trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Fish in Well-Stocked Water

Any experienced angler can tell you that fishing has much downtime when you’re simply waiting for the fish to bite. For adults, this time is usually relaxing, but for young children, this time can try their patience. While you can use the experience to teach them about patience, you also want them to enjoy a reward for their efforts. When you start out by fishing in well-stocked ponds or lakes, you lessen the chances of leaving empty-handed.

Need gear? Discover some helpful tips about beginners fishing rods.

Get Equipment Appropriate for Children

Fishing rods made for adults are too big and heavy for children to handle. Instead, you’ll want to buy equipment made specifically with their size in mind. Read more here about choosing the best fishing pole. Even with the right equipment, children won’t be able to cast the line on their own at first. Either cast it for them and then hand them their rods or place sinkers on their lines and let them drop the sinkers directly in the water.

Additionally, consider using a small piece of rope to tie the fishing rod to the boat or dock. If they accidentally drop their rods, the rods won’t end up at the bottom of the water.

Try a Fishing Charter

As your children start to learn the joys of fishing, you can add some extra adventure and make great memories together by booking a fishing charter. Your captain will typically know the waters well and can take you to places where you’ll increase your likelihood of a catch. Additionally, most fishing charters also offer bait, tackle, and fishing licenses; all you and your children have to worry about is having a good time.

Watch the Weather and Time

When you decide on taking a fishing day, make sure the weather is perfect. If the weather for the day will be windy, rainy, cold, or very hot, consider postponing the trip to another day. Additionally, you want to keep your children’s first few fishing trips short. Most young children can handle only one or two hours at a time.

Help your children learn more about the outdoors by teaching them the joys of fishing. With the tips presented above, you and your children will make wonderful memories as you enjoy fishing together.

Image via Flickr by Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Panama City hotel review: What to expect at the Bristol Panama

April 10, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Before we began our epic Uncruise adventure through Panama and Costa Rica, we arrived in Panama City exhausted after 24 hours of travel. The Bristol Panama provided for us a very soft landing. Primarily a business hotel located in the heart of the financial district, the Bristol has pros and cons for pre-cruise tourists. I’ll do my best to explain these in this Panama City hotel review.

What we loved about our overnight at the Bristol Panama:

The Bristol is a luxury hotel that will provide families with all the comforts appreciated after a long travel day (or days). The lobby is spacious and elegant, there is air-conditioning throughout, the water is potable, and the first desk staff all speak English, which certainly makes things easier when you’re tired or jet-lagged.

Our standard room (called ‘deluxe’) was spacious, comfortable, and on par with US hotels in a much more expensive category (the room rate at the Bristol during the time of our stay was a reasonable $150/night US). We enjoyed an oversized walk-in shower, luxury bathroom amenities, free WiFi, and a minibar.

When we arrived at about 4 pm, we were hot, tired, and sticky from the Panama City humidity, and quickly found our way to the outdoor rooftop lap pool and lounge area located on the 4th floor of the Bristol. While small, this pool was just what we needed to recharge our batteries. Adjacent is a well-equipped exercise room, and the outdoor lounge area provides chairs and couches to enjoy city views.

We had arrived too late in the day for much city exploration, so we opted to eat in the on-site restaurant, Salsipuedes. Since our son was ready for bed, we made a stop at the 5th floor lounge for cocktails for mom and dad and a burger for him, so he could go back to the room before we enjoyed a more leisurely meal. While our dinner at Salsipuedes was very nice, we ended up preferring the lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Panama City. The service was a bit slow, but we didn’t care; the drinks were refreshing and the staff made an extra effort to get our son the burger he wanted.

Note: the lounge also offers a breakfast buffet in the morning, which at the time of our visit was $10/pp and WELL worth it.

What was missing at the Bristol:

Due to its location in the financial district, the Bristol is not conducive to exploring Casco Viejo or other tourist areas of the city. This was a disappointment to us; in pre-trip research, it appeared we could simply take a taxi from the hotel to visit the old town, but in reality, traffic in downtown Panama City limited us severely. We were told it was virtually impossible to travel through the dense traffic in the time period we had free to explore the city (4 pm-7 pm), which grounded us at the hotel.

Since we were tired and happy to have a comfortable place to stay for our sole night before embarking on the Panama Canal, this wasn’t a huge deal, but if we were in Panama City to explore the options there for any length of time, we would have opted for a hotel away from the financial district.

Note: we did attempt a walk through the neighborhood near the Bristol, and had several restaurants recommended to us in walking distance, but found that with constant construction and traffic, it wasn’t an ideal pedestrian location.

While the Bristol does offer a concierge on-site, the desk was not manned during our stay, and the front desk attendant did not seem comfortable giving us specific tourism recommendations. It should be noted, however, that the taxi ride from the airport was only about 25 minutes.

Outside the box budget Seattle vacation

April 4, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

There are many wonderful cities worth spending a vacation in, and Seattle is certainly high on the list of cities where you have the ability to really tailor-make your experience based on what your idea of a great urban weekend is. Budgets can be tricky, but if you’re willing to take advantage of good deals on Apollo RV rentals and think outside the box a little bit then you can absolutely enjoy an amazing Seattle vacation even on a fairly strict budget. Read on to learn how to put together a great Seattle adventure.

Budget Seattle vacation:

‘Suggested Donation’ Is Your Friend:

There are many museums, art exhibits, concerts, and other cultural entertainment that is suggested donation. While you should never take advantage of these by leaving absolutely nothing, there’s also no reason to feel obligated or strong-armed into a $30 suggested donation. Put in $5 for the museum, enjoy the exhibits, and if it was a really good experience that made you enjoy a few hours of time, put in another $5 if you feel it is warranted. This not only gives you control over what you spend but keeps you from making big donations at places you then don’t really enjoy.

Olympic Sculpture Park:

This park was actually designed and created by the Seattle Art Museum and aside from being a stunning outdoor exhibit, on clear days it offers some incredible views of Puget Sound and Mount Olympia. This park is also free during peak hours, which is as budget-friendly as it gets.

Pike Place Market:

The longest continuous running farmer’s market in the United States, you’ll want to hit Pike Place early to beat the massive crowds but watch the fish tossers, buy a cheap bouquet of flowers, find cheap fresh food, and enjoy the expansive setup.

Tip! Another excellent way to enjoy Seattle’s magnificent sites is to experience them through a challenging yet exciting scavenger hunt. Companies like cityHunt provide friends, families, and colleagues a variety of scavenger hunts that not only allow them to enjoy the Coffee Capital of the World but also helps them strengthen relationships while doing it. It truly is one of the best ways to explore Emerald City.

Free Walking Tours:

There are plenty of great walking tours that are either free, or donation based. What better way to get to know a part of a city than with a local guide? Several walking tours are famous and many are customized by niche. There are general walking tours, downtown tours, and even ones based around best food trucks, best dive bars, and best underrated music venues. In other words, you can find the tour that will have you filling out all your plans for later!

Legendary Happy Hour Tradition:

Can you deal with having a really late lunch? Seattle has a solid Happy Hour tradition with most bars and bar & grills starting Happy Hour specials at 3 p.m. – which often include heavily discounted food, as well. If the morning was spent at free or discounted sites and the late morning to early afternoon was all about some of the outstanding walking tours then at this point you should have quite an appetite for drinks and heavily discounted food.

Take a look around. Specials range from $3 to $10 and may be three tacos or an entire plate absolutely overloaded with deep fat fried foods, all at those major discounts. Choosing to go with the late lunch can help you save while still enjoying the best that the city and their bar and grill businesses have to offer.

Seattle can be an expensive city, but by getting creative and thinking a little bit outside of the box you will save on the budget while still having the full city experience!

Central America packing list and gear picks

March 31, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Heading to Central America? You’re going to need to pack smart, for both sun protection and insect protection. And of course, you’ll want to be comfortable in humid and tropical weather. We just returned from Panama and Costa Rica, where we stayed relatively cool and safe from the elements by following this Central America packing list.

Central America packing list:

2-3 lightweight, long-sleeved travel shirts
2-3 lightweight t-shirts or tank tops
2 pairs quick-dry, wicking travel pants (convertible a plus)
2 pairs of shorts, skirts, or dresses
4-5 pair quick-dry travel underwear/bras (trust us)
1 swim suit (preferably a ‘sporty’ type for activities)
1 light pullover, sweater, or cardigan
1 breathable rain jacket
1 pair walking or hiking shoes
1 pair water-ready sandals
3-5 pair hiking socks (preferably lightweight wool)
1 wide-brimmed, lightweight hat (think safari style)

Gear picks: the brands and products we recommend:

Look for clothing that’s specifically designed for hot, humid environments with lots of bright sunshine and more than its share of insects. Your clothing needs to be breathable, loose enough to be comfortable while you’re active, and quick-drying for water sports (and humidity and sweat). Here’s what we took to Panama and Costa Rica and loved:

Toad & Co Debug line: Toad & Co’s ‘Debug’ line comes treated with insect shield technology that lasts through years of washes. It’s much safer to wear bug-treated clothing than to spray insect repellent directly onto your skin, and because Toad & Co’s Debug line is designed for tropical environments, most items are also very breathable and lightweight. I wore the Debug Hike Thru shirt both onboard our UnCruise on travel days and in the jungle. Their bandana scarf is also a great item to accessorize with, giving your debug benefits without buying a whole outfit.

Craghoppers Insect shield line: Craghoppers’ Insect Shield line is made for men and women, and offers both long and short-sleeved ‘Panama’ shirts, lightweight jackets with multiple pockets, and hiking pants. Our Pit Stops Dad loved the NatGeo Insect Shield cargo shorts and I liked the NatGeo adventure shirt. Best of all, there’s a nice line of kids’ insect shield clothing, which can be hard to find elsewhere! Our son wore the Insect Shield half-zip.

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ExOfficio BugsAway line: I’ve always loved ExOfficio for travel wear, and their BugsAway line is fashionable and comfortable. I’ve worn their Damselfly pant in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Costa Rica. And ExOfficio is absolutely where to go for quick dry underwear for your trip!

Columbia Sportswear: Columbia doesn’t make insect-treated clothing (that we are aware of), but they do make some of our favorite hiking/travel shirts and pants, and are less expensive than most. They come in kid sizes too, and our son’s favorite is the Bahama long-sleeve. Definitely shop Columbia for zip-off convertible hiking pants, too.

Mountain Khakis’ Equatorial shirt and pants: This line isn’t insect-repellant, but it IS SPF-blocking and when we wore Equatorial shirts in the jungles of Panama and Costa Rica, these were the ONLY shirts that stood up to more than one wear. Somehow, the sweat wicked off; we called them our ‘magic’ shirts. MK also makes an Equatorial pant that zips off. Both are recommended.

Aventura Clothing: Again, no bug-proaction line (but maybe if I keep hinting?), but Aventura Clothing makes THE best after-adventure clothing out there. When you get back from your paddle boarding session or jungle trek, put on soft, organic cotton for your evening indoors. This spring, I am loving Aventura’s Hannah cardigan and Pearson tank for layering. The men’s line, Ecoths, makes really stylish and comfortable short-sleeved, button-down shirts perfect for cocktail hour and dinner. Pit Stop Dad’s favorite: Garrick Polo.

See also: our most comfortable travel pants for moms!

Sun hats: The most important thing about sun hats in Central America is…wear one. So pick a wide-brimmed style you like, and bring it along! It helps to pick a style that flattens easily for travel, and has a strap to secure it both when wore and when you want to strap it to your bag or backpack. We love the sun hats for kids at Sunday Afternoons and Columbia, and the adult offerings at Tilley.

CarLock review: Monitor your car while traveling

March 29, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

CarLock is a real-time car tracking and alert system. After installing the small device in your car, you can track many actions from your smartphone, including when your car is moved or started, how it’s driven, and if your battery is low. You can also track where it goes via GPS. Read on for our CarLock review:

What CarLock can do:

Why do you need all this info? Let’s say you’re on a road trip with your family and your car is parked in a questionable parking lot, or outside a restaurant in an unfamiliar city. Using the CarLock app means you’ll get an instant alert in the rare case your car is stolen or someone tampers with it. I like this feature because we park our car at hotel parking lots often, sometimes in park-and-fly situations in which we’re halfway around the world while it sits there. I like the idea that I can keep tabs on it.

It can also help you avoid getting stranded while traveling due to a drained battery, and if someone does take your car, you can see your car’s location via GPS. Issues like this are unlikely, of course, but if you’ve ever parked your car in a big parking lot or on a city street then forgotten where it was, the GPS tracking could come in handy for that, too!

CarLock can also monitor driving, giving a rating for safety on each drive based on any sudden stops, quick acceleration, etc. Normally, this kind of big brother action would not be something we’d do, but we happen to have two teenage drivers in our family. It’s been useful to track their driving in order to give them feedback when we’re not with them in the car. I’m not personally a fan of tracking the GPS when a family member is driving (so far, we’ve gotten by on old-fashioned trust), but you could certainly track your teen’s GPS location (or at least the car’s) if you wanted to.

How CarLock is installed:

It’s so easy! First, you activate your account with the code that comes with your CarLock. Then you’ll be able to log into your CarLock account from the CarLock app. Next plug your CarLock device into your car. It goes in the same way a car WiFi device does: with a OBD (on-board diagnostics connector) that goes under the dashboard (near the driver’s knees under the steering wheel).

After you’ve installed the device, make sure you’re logged in to your account and take the car on a short drive to test out the GPS tracking. You should see your car’s route on your GPS map on the app. It’s that easy!

Using CarLock on a road trip:

We decided to try CarLock during a short road trip to Portland. I wanted to know how often the app would alert me (hopefully not so much that it became annoying!) and I wanted to see what driving rating I’d be given. I’d happy to say I did pretty well, though it did record a quick stop I had to make when we ran into traffic. I had the CarLock monitoring when we parked the car at night, and so far have never gotten any alerts that it’s been tampered with, as I expected I would not.

Buying your own CarLock:

The CarLock device works with any car made after 1996, and is really easy to set up. So is it worth it? I think so, if you have a need to monitor drivers OR if you take your car on lots of trips where you want to make sure it’s safe while parked. I like it mostly for the latter.

CarLock is usually $99 but on sale for $59 on Amazon. It comes with a 30 day trial subscription to the app, so you can test it for a month and return it if it’s not for you. After that, buying a monthly subscription is just over $9.

Road trips with teens

March 28, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Anytime you travel with kids, you can expect a bit of work. Things that worked on your last trip might not work on your next one, especially if you will be traveling with a teen. This is also especially true if your travel includes hours upon hours of being in the car. Fine tuning travel with teens can be something that is tricky but especially when that travel will be in the car. A little bit of preparation can go a long way.

Driving

Depending on how old your teen is, learning to drive, or driving might be a segment of your itinerary. Don’t forget about that. Learning the ins and outs of driving can go a long way toward making sure that your teen is engaged while you are going down the road. If your teen has their learner’s permit or their license, make sure that you let them get behind the wheel… at least for a little while. Before you do that, though, make sure that they are listed on your auto insurance policy.

Involve Them

We all know that the best vacations are the ones that have something for everyone. Before you plan the itinerary for your trip, talk to your teen and find out what they would like to do. Traveling across the USA with kids can be more fun for them if they are involved. That doesn’t mean that you need to let them have complete control over the planning of the trip, though. Maybe they can help with narrowing down some of the possible activities or tours, choose a hotel, or even choose what roadside attractions you might stop to see. Giving them a say in the planning of the trip means that it will be more difficult for them to complain while you are on the trip.

Food

When you are traveling with teens on a road trip, you can really rack up the costs when it comes to eating. Kids can be picky, and finding a place to eat that you can all agree on can be a trial, too. However, if you have room in your vehicle for a cooler, you can alleviate this issue. Pack a cooler with somewhat healthy food that you guys can make meals out of or healthy snacks. Then, when you stop, it can be to see the sights as opposed to having to stop just to eat. This can save you money while also saving you time on the road.

Keep Them Charged

You can find internet access even when you are in remote locations nowadays. It might make sense to request that your teens take a breather from their iPods, phones, and other electronic devices, but taking those things completely away can mean wreaking havoc on your peace.

Keep Them Connected

Going a bit further with keeping them charged… Most teens are constantly messaging people or on social media sites such as Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook. If they do this at home, it wouldn’t be right to all of a sudden change the rules while you are driving down the road. Allow them to communicate with their friends. If you made sure to do your homework before your trip, the chances will be good that they will be bragging about their trip or sharing photos from the trip.

Space to Pace

When you spend an entire day in the car, you will need to have a bit of time to stretch your legs. This is something that applies to all members of the family, not just the parents. Try to choose resorts or hotels where there will be space to pace after you guys have spent a grueling day on the road. Learning about the grounds of the property before you get there will let you know how much freedom you can give your teen while you are there. There are even some locations where the staff will get to know your child by sight and name, and this can give them even more freedom because they will all be watching out for them wherever they might wander off to.

Teen travel checklist: Preparing your teen to travel abroad

March 27, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Last week, our teen departed for three weeks in Italy, without his parents. He traveled with a small group of student ambassadors for a cultural exchange and school program, and while chaperones will be available, they won’t be with him 24/7. Because our teen is still under age 18, there are some things he needed us to prepare for him before his trip.

Teen travel checklist: Preparing your teen to travel abroad:

In addition to packing appropriately for the length and location of a teen trip, these practical steps should be taken before departure:

Make color copies of:

Color copies of your teen’s passport to be distributed to 1. his or her trip leader or chaperone, 2. into teen’s own bag as a back up, 3. to you, his or her parents. Remember that your teen’s passport should be valid for at least six months past the date of the trip.
Photocopy of all credit cards or debit cards, both front and back, to be distributed it 1. you, the parents and 2. teen.
Copy of any doctor note needed and health insurance card (especially if your teen is on any prescription medication), distributed to 1. you, the parents, and 2. teen. Remember, all prescriptions need to travel in their original bottles.
Copy of any travel insurance plan to 1. teen and 2. parents.
Copies of health insurance plan.
Make paper copies of phone numbers needed, both at the destination and at home. Include parents’ contact numbers, host family numbers, chaperone numbers, and the teen’s cell phone number (since it may differ than the usual).

Make a phone/communication plan:

Parents and teens have several choices when it comes to a phone plan abroad.

Cell service plan: You can check with your cell service carrier to see what types of international plans are available to you short term. Ours used to be $30/month data plan, with no sign-up cost, with AT&T, but it’s recently switched to a less desirable $9.99 per day.
SIM card with unlocked phone: If you have an unlocked cell phone (such as an old phone that’s no longer attached to a plan), you can have your teen bring this phone and purchase a SIM card once in the country he or she will be visiting. SIM cards are fairly inexpensive, and allow teens to use a short term local data plan that’s prepaid.
Cheap new phone in destination country: Of course, teens can simply purchase a cheap phone with a local pay-as-you-go plan in the country they’re visiting. Pick one up at most pharmacies and convenience stores.
WiFi only plan: If your teen will have WiFi access in the form of hot spots where he or she is traveling, you could opt for him or her to simply bring a phone that’s kept in airplane mode, for WiFi use only. Buy a mobile WiFi hot spot plan, or rely on free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and the like. Whether this route is an option for you will depend on the destination.

Make a money plan:

How will your teen access cash and pay for things on their own? Savvy travelers know that it’s best to use debit cards for accessing cash from ATMs, and credit cards for other purchases and reservations, provided said cards have low foreign transaction fees. However, if you have a teen who is travel at under age 18, some banks in the US will not issue him or her a debit card in their name. Instead, before the trip, add your teen as a named user on one parent credit card. The teen will be issued a card in his or her own name, which can be used for emergencies.

Then, we suggest purchasing a prepaid travel gift card, such as Visa TravelMoney, which teens can use like debit cards. These cards are travel-specific, so they come with low currency exchange fees and low ATM fees (look for ones with ATM fees of less than $4). Even better: if you’re a AAA member, go to your local branch and buy a AAA travel card. You will need your teen’s driver’s license or passport, plus date of birth and SS# in order to get the card in his or her name, but this card has fewer fees attached to it than the ones you can buy in any pharmacy or grocery store. Parents can add money to these cards as needed from home, and view the balance at any given time, which is a nice feature.

Tip: If your teen is supposed to start his or her trip with foreign currency already in hand, make the request for the exchange at your bank at least one week ahead of time.

Enroll your teen in STEP:

First, you’ll want to check the CDC for any needed vaccines for travel. Next, head to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, to enroll your teen for their destination. All STEP does is alert you to any travel warnings, with the peace of mind of knowing that your child’s travel plans are noted with the Department of State. Should he or she need any help in case of emergency while traveling, alerts and instructions will automatically be communicated to her.

Stock your teen with over-the-counter medications:

I always create a personalized first-aid/medical kit before traveling abroad, because it can be challenging to find the same medications in foreign countries (or at least the same brands, so you can recognize their uses). I include standard over-the-counter medications for headaches, nausea, sinus colds, and flu, plus band-aids, medical wrap/tape, and vitamins. For teens, I write the use of each medication on the back of the boxes clearly in sharpie pen, just to make it easy. Of course, if your teen needs to take prescription medications, have them carry them in their carry-on luggage in their original containers.

Talk with your teen before departure:

Make sure your teen knows that he or she will be acting as an ambassador for our country. With international relations tense in this era, it’s more important than ever that your teen act with respect, kindness, and awareness while abroad. Encourage them to embrace the new, to look for commonalities, and to forge friendships while traveling. Pack thank you cards for your teen to fill out and hand to people who help them or host them during their travels.

Discuss any laws or rules that may differ from your home country. For instance, we talk with our teens about our family rules for drinking alcohol abroad, since the legal age limit differs in most countries, and we remind them of laws they may not be aware of in their destination countries. We encourage trip leaders to require ‘code of conduct’ type contracts with teens, to ensure respectful and safe behavior.

Tip: Read our post on travel safety and getting past the ‘fear factor’.

Do you have tips for preparing teens to travel abroad? I’d love to hear them in the comments!

Tip: Check out our other posts about teen travel!