Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Three medieval towns in Northern France to tour with kids

October 12, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Paris may always be a good idea, but families can’t go wrong exploring the French countryside as well. While charming medieval towns, many of which are UNESCO sites, dot the map across France, travelers will find plenty to choose from within reasonable driving distance from the capital city. Rent a car and plan to spend 2-3 days exploring the following small to medium-sized medieval cities in Northern France:

Rouen:

Start in Rouen, the mid-sized city of Joan of Arc and Monet…how much more French can you get? Rouen is the center of Normandy, and an easy drive up the A13 from Paris. Best known for its English medieval history, William the Conqueror had a significant presence here, as did Richard the Lionhearted. During the Hundred Years War, Joan of Arc was tried and put to death by French churchmen in English-ruled Rouen in 1431.

Families with older kids interested in this history should make the new Historial Jeanne d’Arc museum, next to the cathedral, a first stop (it opened in 2015). Next, tour several of the many great religious buildings in Rouen…it’s not called the ‘city of a hundred spires’ for nothing. Learn more about Monet’s Cathedral Series at the Musee des Beaux-Arts-Rouen, a stop worthy of at least a few hours. The historic quarter is where you’ll want to stay for the many shops and restaurants as well.

Étretat:

Beyond Rouen to the north, Étretat is a coastal town in Upper Normandy with charm to match its natural splendor. Visitors can walk through the narrow, picturesque roads and arrive at dramatic oceanside cliffs and natural arches…always a surprise. Definitely take time to tour the Notre Dame de la Garde cathedral overlooking the water, and take a hike along the Alabaster Coast. Save space in your itinerary to sample the local mussels, too!

If you’re planning to tour Normandy WWII history and D-Day beaches with older kids during your trip through Northern France, Étretat makes for a scenic and relaxing ‘holiday’ location afterward, to soothe the soul, so to speak.

Montreuil sur Mer:

Next, head north up the French coast to Montreuil, a small town south of Boulogne sur Mer. Why visit? Montreuil is one of France’s still-preserved walled towns, fully encircled by three kilometers of ramparts dating from the Middle Ages to the seventeenth century. Start by walking round the ramparts, starting at the Citadel, the massive fortification to deter invaders (successful for many centuries). Keep in mind that while Montreuil was once a seaside town, it’s now about 15 kilometers inland (thanks to shifting coastal waters).

Part of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables was set in Montreuil, a fact the town definitely tries to capitalize on (as would I!). History is woven into all parts of the small but quaint downtown area, but visitors just sort of feel it, instead of being force-fed it. There are not major museums to visit…rather, everywhere you turn is historically significant, old, and understated.

All three towns on this itinerary can be toured within just a few days, giving your family a nice break from city life in Paris. En route from town to town, you’ll definitely see quintessential Normandy: hedgerows, cows, stone chapels, and thatched roof homes winding around narrow streets. Enjoy!

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This post was written in partnership with Alamo Europe.

4 reasons Tampa Bay is great for kid visitors

October 6, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

The Tampa Bay and surrounding areas offer a variety of family-friendly activities to experience on your next visit. With exciting theme parks such as Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, the best blue water beaches in the nation, and plenty of museums and nature trails, you and your kids are sure to have a full itinerary during your Florida stay.

We’ve narrowed down the best kid-friendly activities in Tampa and neighboring areas to make your trip a little easier. Check out these four reasons why Tampa Bay is a great destination for kid visitors.

Endless Fun at Theme Parks

Busch Gardens Tampa is a popular stop for visitors and residents alike. It offers 15 rides for you and your kids to enjoy, live entertainment shows, animal attractions and tours, and plenty of kid-friendly attractions, so your kids are sure to be entertained all day long. Admission for children aged 2 or under is free, while ages 3 and above have a ticket price of $79.99 for a one-day admission. For $109.99 per person, you’ll be able to enjoy two different SeaWorld Entertainment branded parks, so you can visit Busch Gardens as well as Adventure Island, located only a little over a mile away.
Tickets to Adventure Island begin at $54 for children ages three and older. Your children will be able to enjoy various waterslide attractions, a constructed beach area, and a wave pool. Featuring water obstacle courses for your young ones to complete and water play areas for them to explore, Adventure Island offers more than your average water park. Be sure to pack sunscreen, snacks, and loads of towels.

Fun and Learning in Downtown Tampa

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park rests alongside the Hillsborough River and features a beautiful view of the historic University of Tampa. Your children are sure to be entertained for hours in its large open-field play area and futuristic playground. At night, you and your children can stroll on the Riverwalk, which is lit by many color-changing lights. Bike rental is easy, as there are many CityBikes located near the park. Download the Citi Bike app on a fast smartphone to rent bikes for you and your children.
Also located in the park is the Glazer Children’s Museum, a fun interactive learning center for your little ones to explore. Admission is fairly priced at $9.50 for children aged 1–12, $15 for adults, and free of charge for children younger than 1. There are teacher and military discounts available, so be sure to bring the proper identification to receive any appropriate price adjustments.

Relax Under the Sun

Whatever time of year you decide to visit, a trip to one of the clear water beaches is never out of the question. Since the temperature is always fairly warm, residents and tourists alike enjoy the beaches all year round. Clearwater Beach offers crystal-clear waters, white sands, and plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance. If you want to feel a little more secluded, visit Treasure Island Beach, where you will enjoy a wider empty beach front and where children can entertain themselves on an inflatable water slide. There is a parking lot available for convenient foot access, priced at $1 per hour.

Hiking, Nature Trails, and Camping

Visit the beautiful Hillsborough River State Park to enjoy some of Florida’s best forest nature. Admission to the site is $2 per person for a one-day entry, and you can camp for as little as $24 per night. The park features several walking trails, a picnic area, a hanging bridge, and wildlife information centers along trails. You can rent canoes and paddle down the Hillsborough River, visit the on-site pool, or browse the gift shop. Some activities, such as canoeing and pool visitation, are only available during certain hours or at specific times of the year, so be sure to call ahead to see whether your children will be able to participate in these fun activities.

Tampa is a beautiful waterfront city that has plenty of kid-friendly activities for your little ones to enjoy during your visit. Try any or all of these activities and watch your children’s faces light up with joy.

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Guide to Cusco Peru with kids

October 5, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

We traveled through Peru with Vantage Adventures, which I highly recommend. However, this guide is designed to be useful to you whether you’re traveling with Vantage, another tour company, or on your own.

Cusco, Peru is the capitol of the Incan empire, and home to 500,000 Andean people. It’s a beautiful, vibrant, colorful city of contrasts. One minute, I’d feel as though I’m in the heart of Central America, with street foods, tourist vendors, and unfinished construction, and the next, I’d turn a corner to see a cobbled square with cathedral that could rival any in Europe.

The clash of Incan culture with Spanish rule is fascinating; on any given street, you can see the influence of Roman Catholic dominance in art, churches, and hillside Cristos, but also the Incan history in the faces of the Andean people and in the preserved ruins. On narrow alleys, you can glimpse the dome of a cathedral while running a hand along an Incan wall. It’s wonderful.

Guide to Cusco Peru:

Most of the cultural attractions of Cusco are located in the downtown area, around Plaza de Armas. Here’s what not to miss:

Convento de Santa Domingo del Cusco: this cathedral is on par with any I’ve seen in Italy or Spain, and is well worth the price of admission. There are no photos permitted inside, but note the Peruvian influence, which was allowed to carry on even during Spanish rule, such as the cuy (native Peruvian dish) on the plate in the replica of the Last Supper painting, and the Peruvian dress on the statue of Christ at the cruxifixction.

Streets and squares surrounding Plaza de Armas (named one of the most beautiful plazas in the world by National Geographic). This plaza is indeed one of the prettiest in South America, and the streets that fan out are an eclectic mix of Incan and Spanish culture and influence. You’ll find Incan walls framing narrow alleys, vendors selling colorful textiles, and plenty of statues, arches, and carvings.
San Pedro’s Market: this huge, colorful market is open every day of the week, and most Cusco residents shop here instead of in grocery stores. Everything you could ask for is on sale, and if you greet shop keepers with a friendly, Buenos Dias, they’ll explain what they’re selling (in Spanish). Drink in the sights and sounds, take photos (asking first), but don’t taste the delicious fruit smoothies unless you have taken medication before leaving home.

Saqsayhuaman: this Incan site on the hillside above Cusco is one of the area’s main heritage sites (one ticket will get you into sites in the Sacred Valley as well). At Saqsayhuaman, you can see how Incans walls were built (amazingly, without mortar or any type of filling between stones), and see the remains of sacred temples looking down on the city. Up here, you’ll see the Cristo too (much the same as the famous Rio one), and have great views of Cusco. Bring some soles (Peruvian currency…the dollar is 3 to 1 to the US dollar) for photos with the women in historic costume posing with llamas.

Temple of the Sun: This Incan site turned Spanish cathedral is, in my opinion, the best example of these two cultures colliding in Cusco. The Incan walls abut the Catholic cathedral, and the Incan Temple of the Sun interior was used as a clergy meeting room until recent years. It’s fascinating…and absolutely stunning.

Tips for visiting Cusco:

Cusco is a great city to visit as a family, but there are a few things to know ahead of time.

Go with older kids:

I recommend waiting to visit Peru when kids are at least 10 years old. The city, like much of Peru, is not stroller-friendly (if you do visit with younger kids, do as the Peruvians do, and wear your baby or toddler in a sling). The sights in the city are filled with history and culture older kids will appreciate but preschoolers and young kids will not. And underlying it all, there is a grittiness to Peru that could be tough to navigate while carrying young kids and dealing with their needs.

Take the altitude seriously:

Cusco is at over 11,000 feet in altitude. For families flying in from sea level (Lima), this is a big deal. On the day of your arrival, you’ll want to do nothing but get to your hotel, sit down, and relax. This is hard to do, of course, because you’ll want to go out and explore immediately. Luckily, you won’t also be fighting jet lag at the same time, as Cusco is only one hour behind Eastern Standard Time and two hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.

There are some ways to ensure you adjust well to the altitude. In addition to taking it easy the first day, drink plenty of water, as well as coca tea (or chew coca candy), both of which can be found everywhere (especially in your hotel). You can even chew the coca leaves plain. This native plant has properties that help you adjust and alleviate some symptoms. In case you’re raising an eyebrow at ‘coca’, Peruvians grow almost twenty varieties of coca leaves, and only one of them is used to produce the illegal drug you’re thinking of. Coca tea is an herbal remedy that’s safe for the whole family (but as always, you decide what’s right for you and your family).

If you do feel some symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, tingling in the fingers, or nausea, there are some things you can do.

Read our post on altitude sickness.

Most upscale hotels in Cusco will have canisters of oxygen for sale (and they’re cheap). The hotel staff will show you how to use them. Pharmacies in Cusco will also sell you over-the-counter medications for altitude sickness or headaches. In almost all cases, rest, oxygen, and some pain reducer solves the problem.

Take care with your water and food:

Unless you’ve opted for vaccines specifically for parasites and bacteria, don’t eat street foods in Cusco, and don’t ever drink the tap water. In fact, it’s important to keep your mouth closed in the shower or bath and to brush teeth with bottled water. Bottled water is sold everywhere, but you can also bring a reusable bottle like a LifeStaw Go with you. I do a combination of both.

And even in restaurants, beware of produce: as a rule of thumb, don’t eat any raw fruit or vegetable that hasn’t been peeled. For me, this means forgoing salads for the length of my trip, which is sad, but better than getting sick. I stick to fruits like bananas, oranges, and melons, to avoid any skin that may have been washed with tap water.

Don’t drive:

Driving in Cusco, and indeed, all of Peru, is a wild sport that appears to take skill and luck. I wouldn’t even try. Instead, tour Peru with a small group like Vantage Adventures, or hire a driver. There are cabs, but they didn’t seem too plentiful. If you’re ambitious, you can take cheap public transit (buses only), but the good news is that most of the cultural sites are in walking distance of downtown hotels.

Prepare for packs of dogs:

This sounds more alarming than it is, but the fact remains that in Cusco (as well as in rural areas), domesticated dogs run wild. According to our local guide, 90% of them do have owners, but the custom is to turn them outside when the family is at work and school, where they happily roam the street (usually in packs). These dogs look rough around the edges by American standards, but they are NOT starving, and during our week in the Cusco area, we never saw any dog being aggressive. If you have kids fearful of dogs (or are huge dog lovers), it’s good to be prepared for Cusco’s dogs!

Exchange money at a bank or currency exchange center away from the airport:

This usually goes without saying, but the rates you’ll pay at the airport are downright silly. Change money elsewhere. In Cusco, restaurants and most stores will take plastic, and street vendors are happy to take American dollars (but you’ll have to do the math to ensure you’re getting a fair exchange). I preferred to withdraw soles from an exchange center or ATM.

B.Y.O.T.P.:

Throughout Peru, it’s not uncommon to have public restrooms with out toilet paper. Bring your own TP. Carry your own in a day pack (or bring wet wipes). You don’t flush TP down the toilet like at home; it always goes in a trash can in the stall. It takes some getting used to!

Where to stay in Peru: Casa Andina hotel review

September 28, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

In a country like Peru, it can feel daunting to know which hotels to book for a family vacation. Undoubtedly, you want a place to stay that’s clean, safe, reliable, and friendly. Being close to attractions is nice, too. During my stay in Peru with Vantage Adventures, we stayed in Casa Andina hotels at every stop, and by the end of our trip, seeing each Casa Andina was a welcome sight.

This Peruvian hotel brand is nothing like the cookie-cutter hotel chains you may be picturing. Each property is unique to the region or city in which it’s located, and all have their own flavor. The only thing I found the same at each Casa Andina was the exceptional service and the clean, modern hotel rooms.

There are two types of Casa Andina: ‘Classic’ and ‘Private Collection’. The Classic Casa Andina hotels cost approximately $130 per night, and feature basic but comfortable lobbies, a basic but good included breakfast, and WiFi in your room for about 35 soles a night ($7). You’d think that because Classic hotels are lower in cost, they’d be located outside of desired areas, but in Cusco and Machu Picchu, I found Classics to be right in the heart of things, in ideal locations.

Private Collection Casa Andina hotels feature everything that the Classics do, but with upgrades to the rooms, to the service (though I must say I had great service at every Casa Andina) and to the grounds. You get a bigger, more impressive breakfast buffet included, and most Private Collection hotels also have an on-site restaurant for additional meals. Room rates are around $400 per night.

I stayed in four Casa Andina hotels in Peru: two Classic and two Private Collection. Here are my thoughts:

Casa Andina Cusco Cathedral:

This Casa Andina Classic is located adjacent to Plaza de Armes in Cusco. The location truly could not be better. From my room on the second level, I could look out over the street and see the dome of the cathedral. I had a very spacious room, though it was a corner room, with two big windows, a bathroom with a shower, and a flatscreen TV (and the aforementioned WiFi). Other travelers told me the rooms not facing the street were smaller, but quieter.

Downstairs, the lobby was small but pretty, with a doorman and coca tea on a refreshment stand at all times. The breakfast buffet was simple (think eggs, yogurt, juice, bread, toast, jam, and coffee), and there was no coffee service in the room. Personally, I loved this hotel, and would absolutely stay there again, mostly due to it’s perfect location.

Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco:

The Casa Andina Cusco is also located in Cusco (obviously), and is a Private Collection option in the historic center. It’s location is arguably just as good as the Classic hotel’s location. What makes this hotel unique is its historical significance. Originally a colonial mansion from the Spanish rule era, the hotel is a delightful maze of adobe-walled rooms with thick tile floor, interior courtyards with fountains and gardens open to the sky, and an elegant restaurant with original Renaissance era paintings. All this is in the heart of bustling Cusco, but is remarkably quiet.

Because the hotel is historic, rooms are smaller than most for the Private Collection, and some have only interior courtyard windows (instead of windows to the outside). However, I found the privilege of sleeping in a mansion to be a fair tradeoff. Instead of a large lobby, the Cusco has a warm, welcoming reception room with fireplace, as well as one of the city’s best bars. Its largest courtyard features tables and chairs around a pretty fountain. Adjacent, the hotel restaurant serves a breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelettes (ask your waiter) and both hot and cold choices that are authentically Peruvian (as well as some staples like cereal, fruit, and bread).

The staff was welcoming and warm from the general manager to the cleaning staff, and I felt safe and cared for completely.

Casa Andina Machu Picchu:

This Classic Casa Andina is located right down the stairs from the train station in Aquas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). On one side of this five story hotel is the Urubamba River, and on the other, the Inca Rail tracks. Despite this somewhat lively location, it was not loud, surprisingly. The lobby was basic (like other Classics) but warm and welcoming, and I enjoyed all the amenities I’d found in the other Classic I visited. My room was large, with a shower and bath and a flatscreen TV, and I had a great view of the river.

The breakfast buffet was similar to the other Classic, and located in a dining area at the basement level. From this Casa Andina, I was able to easily walk everywhere in the town, and could be at the bus stop for Machu Picchu in under two minutes.

Casa Andina Sacred Valley:

Probably the most visually appealing of all the Casa Andina hotels I visited, the Sacred Valley Private Collection location was a welcome sight after a long drive from Cusco. Located in Ollyanta within a ten minute drive to the Inca Train station, Casa Andina Sacred Valley is a beautiful resort nestled on a big property of lawns, gardens, and even a children’s playground. Truly an oasis in the valley, this property is the one you want to return to after a day of sight-seeing in and around the busy but sometimes overwhelming towns of the valley.

My room was spacious, with a flatscreen and wide window to the stunning natural scenery of the mountains and the gardens of the hotel. The Casa Andina Sacred Valley is made up of several buildings housing the rooms, so the walk outdoors to the lobby/reception area and the dining room and breakfast area is a welcome chance to take a peek at what the day has in store. Everything is secure, quiet, and peaceful. There’s a spa on premises, as well as inviting hammocks on the lawn.

No matter which Casa Andina you choose, I feel confident you can count on consistent service and standards. Read more about planning a family trip to Peru! Learn more about booking your own trip.

Where to stay in Peru: reviews of Casa Andina hotels

As I disclose when applicable, I was hosted by Casa Andina for the purpose of review. All opinion remains my own.

Visiting Peru with Vantage Adventures

September 26, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

While visiting Peru, I saw all the bucket-list sites I planned to see: Machu Picchu, the Incan towns of the Sacred Valley, and beautiful Cusco. I hiked, I took hundreds of photos, and I took in the colorful marketplaces Peru is known for. But in addition, I saw and experienced things I had no way of knowing I wanted—perhaps even needed—to see and do.

I met jewelers at Arte Magico employing skilled workers from outside the city, a spiritual healer of the Incan people, weavers from the traditional town of Chinchero, boys from the squatter neighborhoods on the hillsides who work at the public cemetery outside school hours to help provide for their family, and school children and teachers from the isolated highlands. I tasted the traditional food and drinks of Peru: chicha, cuy, quinoa soup, chicha morada, and pisco sour. I was invited into a family’s home, and was able to talk with locals about the issues that matter to them: their work, their families, and their politics.

I was able to do all this because I was traveling with Vantage Adventures. Vantage is an established luxury small group travel company known for its European river cruises and five-star travel experiences, and in their new division of Vantage Adventures, they’re adding active, outdoor and adventure elements while retaining the type of rich cultural interactions I described above. I’ve traveled with several small group tour companies in places ranging from Alaska to the Dominican Republic, and none have offered the depth of immersion into a country as Vantage (though some have come close).

The Vantage Difference:

So how does Vantage do all this? There’s a magical ingredient in Vantage Adventures’ itineraries I’m going to call the Vantage Difference. In our itinerary of Peru, our Vantage Adventure Leader (head guide) Enrique went one step deeper into every stop.

When we were at Machu Picchu, he knew the history and archeological facts as well or better than any guide in the country. In Cusco (his hometown), he could show us the shops, restaurants, and ‘secret’ alleyways and side streets no one could have found on their own.

While touring the city’s impressive cathedrals, he shared the story of his own family’s Catholicism as it related to his Andean heritage. When sampling local foods and drinks, he gave anecdotes about his own childhood memories of these foods, tying the life of a Peruvian to the tastes and textures. He peppered every sight with a layer of history and culture, so that we came away with an understanding of not just the ancient Incan history, but of current day Incan values, considerations, and current events.

Traveling with Vantage Adventures is like traveling with a local…because you are.

Need an example? I have dozens, but here’s one that stands out: after touring a weaving cooperative in the Sacred Valley, we stopped at a local chicha shop near Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Enrique translated the local chicha maker’s explanation of how to make this fermented corn drink, and we sampled it…all part of our tour. But afterward, he took us out to the courtyard behind the shop where he taught us to play a traditional Peruvian bar game (you toss weighted coins at a frog’s mouth for points…an equivalent to playing darts in a bar in the States).

While we played the game, he related his memory of playing ‘frog’ with his father and grandfather, and overhearing them discuss the dangers of the cocaine industry regime in Peru of that time. A few days later, Enrique told us, his grandfather had been shot and killed by the terrorists; his father—a policeman—was forced to withdraw into his home for his safety not long after.

Hearing this story while drinking this Peruvian drink and playing the game so many locals have enjoyed for centuries not only helped us to know Enrique better…it helped us connect present-day Peru to the past, and enabled us to better understand what Peruvians want for their future. This is an experience I could not have manufactured on my own, no matter how many guidebooks I read or sights I saw.

Vantage peace of mind:

The day we flew into Peru, the rural towns outside the city of Cusco began a farmers’ strike. Apparently somewhat common, this strike blocked off the roads leading from Cusco to the Sacred Valley. As a result, our entire itinerary had to be changed around on the fly. Vantage took this development in stride, re-structuring our itinerary in a way that felt seamless (but I know took a lot of organization on their part). Once the strike had officially ended, we took one of the roads in question to head to Machu Picchu. Unexpectedly, a rowdy group of lingering strikers ambushed our bus on the narrow road, throwing rocks and yelling. They’d blockaded the road with stones and rubble. Our guides and bus driver quickly accessed the situation, spoke to locals, and drove us swiftly to safety. We went to Plan C (remember, we were already on Plan B) to find an alternative route, then to Plan D when that plan was rendered useless as well by additional blockades. In the end, they got us to our destination by accessing local dirt roads over the Andes. After a somewhat harrowing (but totally exciting) ride over the mountains, we arrived at our luxury hotel, ready for Machu Picchu. While countless other tourists were stranded in Cusco, we enjoyed a day without crowds.

If I had been traveling without Vantage, there’s no way I would have known of alternative routes past the blockades. I would have been stuck outside of the Sacred Valley along with most other tourists. In that moment, I realized that while safe and friendly, Peru is a country of some unknowns, best explored with a local guide who can navigate.

Vantage Cares:

Peru has endured many dictatorships and terrorist regimes, and is a relatively new country to democracy. As a result, it is still a developing country in many ways. Tourism is a primary industry, and while tourist dollars alone assist Peru significantly, I was happy to hear about Vantage Cares. This program, in place on all Vantage Adventures, donates funds as well as on-the-ground assistance to worthy causes in each country Vantage visits.

In Peru, Vantage Cares sponsors a rural school about 50 minutes from Cusco. Vantage works directly with school administers to understand the needs of the school, then creates projects our local adventure guides can particulate in. We visited the school, which had just gotten a fresh coat of paint. The teachers and parents cooked us a big welcoming meal, and the students swarmed us, excited to see foreigners. They performed songs and showed us their favorite playground games, and we toured their classrooms. This visit was a true highlight of my trip.

Thanks to my education of Peruvian culture and events from Enrique and my on-site visit for Vantage Cares, I came away from Peru with a far richer understanding and connection than I would have otherwise.

How to visit Peru with Vantage:

I recommend a trip to Peru for any active family with school-aged or teen kids. It’s a country filled with diverse landscapes, outdoor adventure, rich culture, and lively cities. Select a trip to get started. Before you depart, be sure to check out our tips for travel in Peru.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I went to Peru on a familiarization tour with Vantage for the purpose of review. Without these fact-finding missions, I would not be able to recommend travel options to my readers.

Why you should visit Peru with Vantage Adventures

My oh my: Which insulated water bottle to buy?!

September 23, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

At each season’s Outdoor Retailer show (where new products from outdoor and travel brands are showcased and introduced), one or two top travel trends always emerge. This summer, one of those trends was insulated water bottles. It started with HydroFlask, and now, it seems every water bottle company has their own version of a double-walled, vacuum-sealed, stainless steel water bottle. Which to buy for your next travel adventure? We’ll help you sort it out!

Which insulated water bottle to buy:

In addition to various sized water bottles, insulated water bottles come in various shapes and tend to serve various purposes, so we’ll break it down even further. In each category, I’m including all the brands I personally have used and tested. Are there others? Probably, but in my opinion, the following are the ones worthy of your purchase. All the bottles below are insulated, and all claim at least 12 hours of chill time (up to 24 hours).

Due to various sizes for each bottle, it’s hard to directly price-compare. I’ve linked to the lowest price for each type on Amazon. Affiliate links are present, which help fund Pit Stops for Kids at no added cost to you.

All-purpose insulated water bottles (various sizes):

HydroFlask:

We’ll start with the original, a brand that originates from my home state. I do love HydroFlask and have many bottles cluttering my cabinets. They come in various sizes, from growlers to toddler-sized. For travel days, I like the 21-ounce HydroFlask with standard mouth opening, and my sons prefer the larger bottles with wide-mouth opening for sports and around the house. Where HydroFlask shines: high quality you can trust. Where HydroFlask fails: I have yet to find a HydroFlask lid/opening I like. Sorry, HydroFlask! The straw tops don’t always work, and the wide mouths without toppers can’t control water flow. The flip caps (mostly for hot beverages) is best, but still can leak.

Takeya:

Takeya is a relative newcomer to the insulated water bottle scene, though they’ve been in the water storage game for a while. The Takeya ThermoFlask is similar to the HydroFlask, but in my unscientific opinion, it’s lighter, narrower, and thinner. It’s also a little bit cheaper. Where Takeya shines: the size is ideal for slipping into a backpack side pocket, and the spout lid is awesome: you get a wide-mouth you can unscrew to put ice in, but a smaller opening to drink from. Where Takeya fails: it doesn’t keep drinks cold quite as long as HydroFlask.

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Camelbak:

There’s lots to love about Camelbak water bottles, and certainly this brand has come a long way from its days as solely a hydration bladder company. The Camelbak Eddy and Chute have been in our cupboards for a long time in their BPA-free plastic version, and now, like everyone else, Camelbak is making insulated versions. You can get an insulated Chute in 20 ounce or 40 ounce, with the same lid I’ve come to love in the plastic version: like the Takeya, it’s a narrow opening that opens and closes, with a wider opening for ice. You can also now get the Eddy in an insulated version, with the same bite valve as the plastic Eddy. Bite valves can be easier for kids to drink from, but bear in mind that they’re pressurized, so they can leak during car or air travel. Where Camelbak shines: we love that each bottle has a place to clip a carabiner to attach to a raft or backpack…they’re great outdoor bottles. Where Camelbak fails: we would love more sizes.

S’well:

I have fallen for S’well, probably due it its simplistic yet elegant design. S’well bottles come in two sizes (that we know of): 17 ounce and 25 ounce, and you can get a wide variety of unique patterns and colors. If you want to stand out, S’well may be for you. We also like the simple and narrow opening, for ease of drinking. Where S’well shines: the narrow bottles fit nicely in side pockets, and the openings are simplistic. Where S’well fails: there’s no way to attach the bottles to anything, and they’re pretty darn expensive.

Klean Kanteen:

Klean Kanteen has been around a long time, much like HydroFlask, and has solid construction and design on its side. They make plenty of stainless steel bottles, but their insulated ones come in 16 ounce, 20 ounce, and 40 ounce, with a wide mouth. Where Klean Kanteen shines: clean design, solid color stories. Where Klean Kanteen fails: kind of boring.

Insulated bottles especially designed for hot beverages and insulated tumblers:

Camelbak Forge:

The Forge is a personal favorite of mine. What I love: the narrow but tall shape, which I can easily grasp in one hand, and the mouth opening, which features a locked position and a sipping position with a small bowl at the opening where coffee or tea can cool. It comes in 12 ounce or 16 ounce, in lots of sleek, metallic colors. Where Camelbak shines: the design is awesome. Where Camelbak fails: the design is complicated…if the multi-part lid breaks in any way, you’re toast.

Stanley Classic Vacuum Pint:

Yes, it’s a pint glass, not a mug, but I love this Stanley offering so much, and use it for hot beverages so often, it needs to be included. If you want a rugged, classic design and color scheme without frills (and a low price to match), the Stanley vacuum pint is for you. There is a lid, which works quite well to keep liquid hot for longer periods, but it’s not totally enclosed. Stanley also makes a classic vacuum bottle, but I have not tested it. Where Stanley shines: simplistic, classic designs. Where Stanley fails: no updated color stories.

Note: Klean Kanteen and HydroFlask both have sipping lids designed to fit on their wide-mouth bottles to convert any insulated bottle to a hot beverage bottle.

New to the market in recent months are an onslaught of insulated tumblers, designed for commuting and home use. I’ve started to really like these, taking them in the car, to the lake, on picnics, and for day-to-day use at home.

SIC Cups:

Use it for hot or cold beverages, I’m giving SIC a best-in-show here, because it keeps my drinks cold and hot longer than any other brand in this round-up. And it does this as a tumbler, with a plastic lid (vacuum-sealed) lid. They come in 20, 24, and 30 ounce models, and while expensive, SIC is worth it. Where SIC shines: there was ice unmelted in my cup 24 hours after I put it in there. Enough said. Where SIC fails: a SIC cup is expensive.

Takeya ThermoTumbler:

Like the Takeya ThermaFlask, their tumbler is affordable and fits nicely in the hand. Also like the ThermaFlask, it doesn’t keep beverages hot and cold quite as long as its competition. It comes in two sizes, 20 ounce and 30 ounce; the 20 ounce is a really nice size for a standard cup of coffee. Each have a plastic, sealed lid like the SIC cup. Where Takeya shines: the size of the cups are good, and the price is right. Where Takeya fails: just not quite the quality of the SIC. It will come down to budget.

Yeti Rambler tumbler:

We love our Yeti cooler (seriously, if you’re outdoors a lot or road trip often, invest in one), so I was happy to see Yeti come out with an insulated tumbler. The Yeti comes in three sizes; we found the 20 or 30 ounce to be best (the 10 ounce is just too small). It’s very similar to the other two tumblers in this list in design. Where Yeti shines: it’s a name you can trust to keep stuff cold. Where Yeti fails: it’s still not quite as high quality as the SIC, but it IS a bit more affordable.

Pelican SD32 Travel Tumbler:

Pelican’s offering in this category is just as no-nonsense as you’d expect from this rugged brand. We love that that the SD32’s tall, not fat (so it fits in car bottle holders), and it has a copper-plated inner wall. The most unique aspect of the Pelican tumbler, however, is the unique drink lid, which has a slide opening to prevent spillage. Where Pelican shines: this hefty bottle is substantial, and can stand up to lots of wear and tear. It also comes in a 22 ounce version. Where Pelican fails: the colors (silver, black, and green) feel kind of boring.

If you have a favorite insulated water bottle, let us know in the comments!

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Efficient vacation packing: How to create multiple outfits with three base pieces

September 16, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

I pack carry-on only 99% of the time, and I never bring an entirely new outfit for each day of my trip. Instead, I pack three basic clothing staples that can be reused with featured pieces to create multiple looks. If you want to achieve efficient vacation packing and have room for all those souvenirs you want to bring home, here’s how.

For this article, I’m using Aventura Clothing as my main example; I am an ambassador for this travel and outdoor adventure clothing brand, and am offering a steep discount to readers at the end of this post!

First, a few rules for efficient vacation packing:

Pack with a color scheme in mind: I’m fashion-impaired, so I make this easy on myself…before each trip, I decide whether I’m going to focus on black/gray/white tones or earth/beige/brown tones. Then, I pack clothes within that color scheme. This way, I only need to bring base pieces in the single color tone, and I can get away with only one or two pairs of shoes, too.
In colder weather, think dresses: When you have to pack for chilly climates, your clothing will be bulkier. Time to eliminate entire pieces! Go with wintery dresses or tunics instead of pants and shirts and cut down on the number of clothing items you have to pack.
Wear bulkier items on the plane: It will be cold with the air conditioning blasting at you anyway! You’ll need to bring a light layer or hoodie on just about any trip; wear it on the plane or stash it in your backpack or tote. Ditto for your bulkier shoes, but be sure to wear a pair that breathes and allows blood circulation.

Base pieces you’ll need for every trip:

Now that you know a few rules to keep in mind, it’s time to gather your three base clothing items you’ll need every time you travel. Base pieces include:

1-3 basic but high quality camisoles or tank tops: We love Aventura Clothing’s Aster scrappy cami, as well as ExOfficio’s version.
1 pair of high quality leggings: Try the Aventura Bienne legging, or your favorite Lululemon/Athleta/PrAna offering. You get the idea. In summer, substitute thicker leggings for a pair of tights.
1 basic tee or long-sleeved shirt: Grab your favorite organic cotton tee in a neutral shade of your color scheme. In colder weather, I’ve been loving the Aventura Zoe top, which is form-fitting but has just enough detail for a ‘finished’ look, but you may already have something in your closet. Tunics work well too (think yoga tops).

Time to supplement with seasonal pieces:

With your base pieces in place, you can now pack fewer outfits, because many clothing items can pull double duty. Your cami can go under sweaters and blouses, eliminating the need for multiple t-shirts, and your leggings can be worn with dresses, skirts, and tunics, cutting down on the need to pack bulkier items like pants. You can also eliminate most of your socks if wearing tights often. Here are are few examples from Aventura’s new fall line (the colors look boring now, but work wonders out of your suitcase!):

The Karter Hoodie: This oversized hoodie can be both a layering piece and an outfit, eliminating the need for a second light layer. Because it’s tunic-length, you can pair it with your leggings and cami and be done! Put your tee underneath instead of the cami if you think the day will warm up.
Rita Dress: The Rita is wrinkle-resistant and has some spandex added in for give during travel days. I love, love, love bringing wintery dresses on trips, because not only do I eliminate the need for extra shirts, but I can also forgo pants and socks. I pair the Rita with leggings or tights and I’m done! For the Rita and other wintery dresses to pull double duty, simply pair with a favorite scarf and leather boots for a night-time look.
Brooklyn Tunic: Tunics are great for travel. They’re forgiving, they go with many things, and they only need leggings and a cami! I love this particular tunic for the raw-edge seams and cowl neckline…it looks urban and sleek. If you want variety when using the Brooklyn on a second day, pair with straight-leg pants instead and get a whole new look.

One last tip: Always, always pack accessories that won’t take up room, like scarves and beanie-type hats. A fresh scarf can change up any outfit, at any time!

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Travel products to protect against Zika Virus

September 9, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

We love family adventure, but we’re careful to be mindful of threats to family safety while we travel. Before you go to Central or South America, or the Caribbean, make sure you pack these travel products to protect against Zika or other mosquito-borne illnesses. And of course, always consult a health care professional before any trip to a destination known to have a Zika threat, to discuss any danger to your family.

Ben’s Insect Repellent Wipes:

The first step in protecting your family against Zika is to keep mosquitos away. We don’t like using DEET on our skin, but in the case of mosquito-borne illness, it may come down to choosing the lesser of two evils. Ben’s repellent is a brand I’ve come to trust, and it does offer protection from ticks and insects that may carry the Zika Virus, West Nile Virus (WNV), Lyme disease, Malaria, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and other infectious diseases. Pick up a bottle of Ben’s in a TSA-complient size on Amazon.

Natrapel Wipes:

We’re a family that spends a lot of time outdoors, and Natrapel is the only DEET-free insect repellent we’ve found to significantly work. It uses a CDC-recommended 20% Picaridin formula, and lasts 12 hours. We use the wipes, simply because our kids tolerate them best, but it also comes in a spray bottle form. Pick up a package of wipes for under $9 on Amazon.

Adventure Medical Kits World Travel kit:

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for every family to have a well-stocked medical and first aid kit when they travel. Yes, medical supplies and medications are available almost anywhere, but that doesn’t mean they’re readily available, and it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to communicate your needs or find the right place to buy them. Sometimes, they’ll be packaged differently or have a different brand name, making matters more confusing. Even in first-world countries like Ireland and England, I’ve had trouble finding the over-the-counter medicines I’ve occasionally needed.

We use Adventure Medical Kits when we camp and backpack, and their World Travel kit has everything you’ll need for a family of four. It’s fairly bulky, but I love that there’s extra room for your personal medications, too. It’s incredibly well designed, with different pockets for everything, and each flap is labelled, so you can easily get to the right space for intestinal medications, bandages, allergy meds, etc. It comes with a diagram for communicating your needs in several languages, and a pretty thick booklet on basic first aid. For trips when I’m short on space, I may remove the book to save space and weight. Pick up a World Travel kit on Amazon at a discount.

Scarf or head net:

I almost never travel without an organic cotton or wool scarf. I find so many uses for one, from a wrap on the chilly airplane to an optional headdress or bandana while in foreign countries. In Central and South America, my scarf has doubled as bug protection. I love Aventura Clothing scarves, but use what works for you. In some cases, you may even want to upgrade to a mosquito net for your head. We have used Sea to Summit mosquito head nets. Pick one up for under $10 on Amazon.

Insect repellent clothing:

For travel to the Caribbean and Central and South America during which you know you’ll be outside a lot, such as when we were volunteering in the Dominican Republic or our upcoming trip to Panama, when we know we’ll be visiting national parks and preserves, we decided we would rather invest in travel clothing treated with insect repellent rather than spray ourselves with it daily. I love the Toad & Co DeBug line for women, and have also traveled with ExOfficio’s BugsAway line extensively. ExOfficio is the first US company to offer insect protection in clothing, and their BugsAway items keep their repellent for 70 washes. I’m still wearing my ExOfficio crew shirt from 2013. For this fall’s travel, my husband is now wearing ExOfficio’s Baja Sur shirt, which is lightweight but tough as nails.

For kids, Columbia Sportswear’s PFG Bahama long-sleeved shirt helps repel both sun and mosquitos (though it is not treated with repellent).

Mosquito-free shelter:

Part of the fun of a tropical destination is sleeping outside in warm weather. If you think you’ll be sleeping outdoors, whether in a hammock on the rental home porch or in a backcountry environment, consider a mosquito shelter like Grand Trunk’s Mozzy Net. This 144″ by 30″ shelter includes spreader bars and guy lines, so you can expand it fully, like a tent, giving you plenty of room. And it packs down small into its own stuff sack for easy transport. Pick one up on Amazon for under $60.

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Have you traveled to Central or South America or the Caribbean lately? What precautions have you taken?

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New England weekend getaways ideal for fall

September 7, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Love Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, but want to escape the summer crowds and peak season pricing? Enjoy the best New England weekend getaways in autumn! The peaceful calm and untouched beauty that linger in the off-season reveal a region that is ideal for family reunions and weekend getaways.

Sea Crest Beach Hotel:

Cape Cod’s quintessential family beach retreat on Buzzard’s Bay, Sea Crest Beach Hotel is home to the most family-friendly accommodations on the Cape: a three-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to eight guests and provides plenty of indoor and outdoor space for entertaining. It features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, a spacious living room, open kitchenette, washer and dryer, expansive deck, and a private backyard ideal for family games and entertaining. Surrounded by privacy hedges, the yard is designed for outdoor entertaining. Guests can enjoy an open-air breakfast on the deck’s dining set, take a sunset stroll down Old Silver Beach and roast marshmallows in the backyard fire pit under the stars. Fall rates for Sea Crest’s cottage start at $649 per night.

Harbor View Hotel:

Martha’s Vineyard’s most storied landmark located in the heart of Edgartown, Harbor View Hotel has five spacious Captain’s Cottages containing 18 luxury suites with up to three bedrooms. Named for Edgartown sea captains, the cottages are fitted with interiors that evoke classic Vineyard style and breezy seaside ambience, gas fireplaces, pull-out sofas to accommodate extra guests, wet bars, washer/dryers and the latest in entertainment technology. Kitchenettes are equipped with small refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, coffee machines and kitchenware. The cottages, along with the hotel’s expansive indoor and outdoor venue spaces, make Harbor View Hotel the prime location to host weddings, anniversary parties or large business meetings. Fall rates for the Captain’s Cottage suites start at $679 per night.

Harbourview Nantucket:

Harbourview, the region’s premiere oceanfront hotel, is comprised of 11 fully furnished cottages that take the stress out of planning multi-generational family trips and group getaways. Located just steps from the harbor, the waterfront enclave is home to a private beach and expansive lawn for a stunning seaside ceremony and tented reception. Cottage accommodations range from one to four bedrooms and boast full kitchens, spacious living and dining areas, washer/dryers, exterior balconies and beautifully appointed interiors designed in Nantucket’s tradition of simple elegance. While serenely private, the hotel’s close proximity to downtown provides guests hassle-free access to fantastic restaurants and nightlife. Fall rates start at $550 per night.

Beachside vacation living on Nantucket, MA

Kelley House:

Martha’s Vineyard’s iconic establishment and one of the oldest hotels in America, Kelley House offers comfortable and welcoming accommodations spread amongst four classic houses and cottages that are equipped with all of the necessities. The hotel’s intimate atmosphere keeps large groups in close quarters while also providing guests with ample privacy to unwind after draining days together. And, its prime location in Edgartown provides guests with easy access to the beach, the Food and Wine Festival in October, holiday season chowder festivals, art fairs and the best shopping values. Fall rates start at $135.

Which hotel and New England autumn getaway location is best for your family?

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Massachusetts with kids: Purgatory Chasm

September 5, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

A unique natural landmark, Purgatory Chasm State Reservation runs for a quarter of a mile between granite walls rising as high as 70 feet. Popular with picnickers and rock-climbers alike, the Chasm is believed to have its origin in the sudden release of dammed-up glacial meltwater near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago.

Trails lead to a wide variety of rock formations, with such romantic names as The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers’ Leap and Fat Man’s Misery.An adventurous playground, equipped with a play structure, swings and a merry-go-round, is now located near the visitor center.

Please be aware chasm rocks and slopes are slippery and deceiving. Wear rubber soled shoes or hiking boots. Please stay away from the edges of the chasm. It is not recommended to hike the chasm after or during inclement weather due to extremely slippery rocks.

Note: Well behaved dogs are welcome, but must be leashed at all times.

We stopped by the Chasm for lunch on our way out to Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island, during a summer getaway. It is about an hour from Northampton, Massachusetts. It is a large state reservation park with lots of hiking trails, picnic spots, a visitor center, bathrooms and parking. But the main attraction is the ½ mile long “chasm” where kids can climb on, over, under all kinds of rocks and boulders. There were even some rock climbing classes going on when we were there. The chasm is right across from the visitor center and has a trail marker. You can hike it in a loop by exploring the rocky chasm and then returning along the ridge above the chasm. It was the perfect pit stop on the way to the beach. Or it could be a destination for a picnic and afternoon of adventure.

There are no food services in the park area, but it is right off the highway.

Rates:

No fee. There is a daily parking fee of $5 for MA vehicle, $6 non-MA vehicles.

Directions:

Purgatory Chasm is off route 146 about an hour south-west from Boston.

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Photo credit: Flickr/Matt Runkle