Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Five easy tips for saving money when traveling with kids

April 15, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

With the summer travel season nearly upon us, the urge to see the world and take in the sights can understandably be higher than ever. However, while traveling with the kids is an amazing opportunity to explore new destinations from a fresh perspective, it can quickly get costly if you don’t plan ahead and stick to a budget. Still, if you find that sitting at your desk too long is leading to unwanted neck cracking and tension — and you’re starting to get more than a little bit stir crazy — then you’ll want to check out these five easy tips for saving money when traveling with your children.

Tips for saving money when traveling:

Be Flexible with Dates

If you’re planning your perfect weekend getaway this summer, you may want to take a closer look at the word “weekend”… and definitely try to steer away from it. During peak travel periods, weekend excursions can unfortunately be much more expensive than weekday travel, adding to your vacation costs. This is not only true for flights, which can be almost half the price on Sundays or Tuesdays, but it’s also true for hotels. The same hotel that may go for $350 per night on Friday and Saturday can be just a fraction of that rate during the weekdays.

Skip the Restaurants

Of course, one of the more fun things about traveling is checking out new restaurants and local hole-in-the-wall diners. However, if you’re looking to save cash when traveling, you may want to give those restaurants a hard pass. Not only are they quite expensive, but they’re also packed with hidden grease and salt, too. That said, if you can’t give up the thrill of trying new fare when traveling, you should maybe consider dining in for breakfast or lunch. Preparing your coffee and some bagels in your hotel room, or packing sandwiches for the road, can save you big bucks when on vacation.

Go Far (Or Stay Near!)

Depending on where you decide to go, your destination alone may be a major consideration for slashing the price you pay. For instance, once you add up airfare and resort fees, you may find it wiser to just stay within driving distance. (Road trips, anyone?) On the other hand, faraway destinations can also be much more affordable than you might realize. When you consider the cost of living in other regions and how far your dollar may go, gathering up the kids and boarding a plane to a faraway, exotic destination may actually be the wiser financial decision for your next family vacation.

Check Out Bundles

With many tourist hotspots driving up prices for all the added-on perks, you may think that less is more when trying to save money on your next trip. That may actually be the complete opposite, though! Many locations may try to draw in travelers by incentivizing doing more during your stay. For instance, getting multi-passes from your destination of choice may actually be a huge money saver, allowing you to maximize your time there. Consider picking up tourist passes from the city center of your destination, and don’t be afraid to compare prices. You may find yourself saving quite a bit by doing it this way!

Remember the Kids

When traveling with your children, you’re not actually thinking about forgetting them, are you? While that may seem like a silly idea — after all, your goal is to bring them along, not just dump them in the hotel — you may be forgetting something very important about traveling with the kids. Many places offer incentives for families, such as free airfare for kids under the age of two, or free breakfasts at certain hotels for your children. When looking to keep your costs down when traveling, don’t underestimate the money you’ll save simply by bringing your children along with you.

Traveling with your family doesn’t have to be an unpleasant foray in cutting corners and missing out on all the fun stuff that you want to do. In fact, a family vacation can be one of the most rewarding ways to bond with your kids, allowing you to make the most out of your time with them and creating amazing memories together. By following these five easy tips, you can save tons of money on your next trip, making it all the more easy to save up for future travels with your family!

How to pick a dude ranch for your family trip

April 15, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Dude ranch vacations have gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They combine the peace of mind and convenience of an all-inclusive vacation with the nostalgia of summer camp, all against a backdrop of beautiful wilderness and lively adventure. The best will offer a range of activities that appeal to your whole family, but each ranch specializes in different things and has different strengths and weaknesses. The task of finding the right one for your needs can feel daunting. Here’s how to pick a dude ranch for your family trip, plus top ranches in each of four general categories.

Step 1: Ask yourself the following questions

1. Is horseback riding the most important aspect of a dude ranch vacation for our family?

If the answer is yes, choose from ranches that emphasize their riding programs above all else. These ranches tend to be the best pick for advanced, experienced riders who seek more freedom in their rides.

If the answer is no, you’ll want to look for a ranch that offers a wider range of more generalized activities, or risk booking a ranch that’s all horseback riding, all the time. Many will offer golf, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and rafting in addition to riding.

2. Are your kids all over at the age of 6-8 years?

If the answer is no, you’ll need to look carefully at the fine print of each dude ranch site, to make sure your kids will be able to participate. At many ranches, kids under age 6-8 (depending on the ranch) cannot join riding programs. Some ranches will offer babysitting or childcare services, but most will require you have an adult in your party willing to forego activities to watch young kids. We highly recommend waiting to take a dude ranch vacation when all kids are over age six, at least.

3. How important is your dining experience at the ranch?

If ranch cuisine is very important, you’re in luck: there are certainly ranches offering gourmet dining experiences. If not, you’ll certainly have more options, and can expect food that falls in the upscale family style buffet category.

4. Will you be combining your dude ranch vacation with other destinations in the same trip?

If yes, look for ranches near vacation destinations that appeal to you, and make your dude ranch stay part of a longer road trip. While some ranches are truly apart from major towns, most will be in ‘gateway’ regions, such as a gateway to the Rockies or Sierras, to a national park, or to a city.

5. Do you want to make new friends, or bond as a family?

At some dude ranches, you can certainly do both, but at others, the kids’ program is separate from the adult program, making the experience is much more like ‘camp’ for the kids. If you have social butterflies who can’t wait to meet new kids, this may be perfect. Pick a ranch with a kids’ program that extends beyond riding to kids’ dining and kids’ afternoon activities. If you want to eat meals as a family and ride as a family, pick a ranch that is structured in this way, and avoid ranches that promote kids’ only dining and adults’ only activities.

Step 2: Narrow down your choices

Use a site such as the Dude Ranchers’ Association or a dude ranch round-up to identify specific ranches that will meet your needs. We recommend staying open-minded regarding ranch location as long as possible, placing a higher emphasis on ranch amenities and programs than on geography. To help you along, we compare and contrast three excellent ranches below. Note that while all are amazing ranches, they offer very different experiences.

Triangle X Ranch in Moose, Wyoming:

Triangle X Ranch gives families quite a bit of rein (pun of course intended). Two rides per day are scheduled for those who wish for them, as well as an all-day ride for adults and optional overnight pack ride for teens. Beginning riders are accommodated, but the focus is definitely on advanced riders. Kids eat and ride separately from adults. Triangle X is open year round, with snow sports offered instead of horseback riding in winter. It’s located inside Grand Teton National Park, with absolutely stunning views. Read a full review of Triangle X.

Pros:

fun, exciting rides
beautiful setting
excellent evening programs and educational components
separate programs (including riding and dining) for adults and kids
nice cabin accommodations

Cons:

Inexperienced riders may feel in over their heads
separate programs for adults and kids
Meals are serviceable, but nothing fancy
WiFi in town only

Three Bars Ranch, Cranbrook, British Columbia:

Three Bars Ranch is set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, and offers a riding program that’s more family-focused. Rides are more flexible, with families able to decide whether to ride together or separately (kids together, with friends, etc) on the morning of each day. Rides are on the controlled side, with options to pick up speed as the week goes on. The ranch is picturesque, and many additional activities are offered. Read a full review of Three Bars.

Pros:

Beautiful grounds with comfortable cabins
WiFi available
family-focused with flexibility for mingling with others
safe horse program
multiple additional activities offered
above-average food
wranglers spend time with guests on and off the trails

Cons:

horse program may be too ‘tame’ for some advanced riders

Tanque Verde Ranch, Tuscan Arizona:

If you want luxury, head to Tanque Verde in the Southwest, or go north to Paws Up in Montana. Both ranches offer a full spa as well as decidedly upscale cuisine. Guests are lodged in luxury dwellings and service is on par with top luxury resorts. Don’t worry: kids aren’t forgotten; they still have a full program of offerings.

Pros:

dining is amazing
service is outstanding

Cons:

high price
riding sometimes takes a backseat to spa treatments or golf

Aspen Ridge Resort, Bly Oregon:

Want a non all-inclusive option? Several ranches in Central and Southern Oregon, such as Aspen Ridge, offer ranch programs with a more B&B feel. Families stay in log cabins with full kitchens, make their own meals, and plan only the number of horseback rides they want. The setting is lovely, and families get a good sense of what a working ranch really feels like. In addition to riding, families can bike, hike, and play tennis. Aspen Ridge is open year round, with snowshoeing offer in winter.

Pros:

stays can be shorter than the standard week
price can be lower, since you pay a la carte
dates are more flexible than an all-inclusive ranch

Cons:

riding is individualized, not in a program (could be a pro)
dining is on your own, or in Aspen Ridge’s dining room (a la carte)

Have you gone on a dude ranch vacation? What’s your pick?

Photo credit: Ken Bosna, Amy Whitley

Three west coast trip must-visit destinations for families

April 13, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

The west coast of the USA is one of the most stunning road trips in the world. It is a trip that offers so much: ferry rides in the Puget Sound, hikes through the redwood forests in Oregon, wine-tasting in Napa Valley, the windy roads of San Francisco, beach lounging on Cannon Beach, the bright lights of Las Vegas, and amazing coastal drives for hours. Below are three west coast trip must-visits!

1. San Francisco

San Francisco is a hub of excitement and the cultural, commercial and financial heart of Northern California. The city is the 13th most populated in the U.S. but has the second-highest population density in the county, with only New York being busier. The city is famous for its restaurants and some of the best chefs in the country are lucky enough to call this home. San Francisco’s most famous waterfront community is at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can experience some fantastic food and enjoy some of the best dinings the world has to offer. San Francisco is very proud of its cable car system. It is the last manually operated system in the world today. At its peak, you would find 23 cable car lines in the city, but today we have just three left. Nearly all of the people that ride the cars today are tourists looking to try something different when in town.

2. Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona, has a population of over 200,000 and boasts more than 300 days of annual sunshine. Over seven million people visit Scottsdale each year, as it has a reputation for being a posh resort town where the rich and famous come to play and shop. But there is plenty to do in this city besides lounging at exquisite resorts and eating at fine restaurants. In fact, Scottsdale is loaded with museums and attractions that are both easily accessible and free, suiting the budget traveler’s itinerary and wallet. Scottsdale Homes for Sale are selling at a record rate. Single-family rental homes have grown up to 30% within the last three years. Almost all the housing demand in the US in recent years has been filled by single-family rental units.

3. Oregon

It doesn’t matter what part of Oregon you’re visiting, you’re bound to find something interesting to explore. After all, the state is home to acres of untamed evergreen, glacial lakes, and a rugged, windswept coastline. But visitors exploring the Beaver State will also uncover decidedly hip cities, rural cideries, and sprawling vineyards. Whether you’re touring Oregon for the first time or you’re a regular, repeat visitor, these are nine points of interest in Oregon that prove there’s more to the state than Portland.

Choosing the right snack bags for road trips

April 8, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Going on a road trip can be a lot of fun, but when you have children, it can make things a little challenging. You have to find ways to keep them entertained, and goodness knows they will eventually start complaining about being hungry. Chances are it will be at a time when there isn’t a restaurant in sight. That is why is a great idea to pack snack bags for road trips for each of your children.

Of course, choosing the wrong bag can also create problems. Your general brown paper sack doesn’t really cut it. They break too easily and offer no insulation. You are much better off with a soft style bag. Luckily, there are many of them from which to choose. When deciding on a bag, you should consider the following points so you end up with bags that will help make your trip much more pleasant.

Choose Something That Makes Eating Easy

One of the biggest challenges of feeding kids in a vehicle is there is no real great place to set out food. Balancing acts usually result in huge messes. So, if you can find a lunch box that has a built-in tray, it can be very helpful. It provides a nice organized way for your kids to eat. It also can keep food separated, which for some kids is a must. There is no reason for you to have to deal with complaints about this food touching that food.

Choose Something With Easy Access

You also should try to find a container that is easy to get into. Depending on the age of your children, they might not be able to easily open zippers, so consider a flap style that is simple to open up or a tote style that just snaps together and be reached right into. You certainly don’t want to have to be turning around, opening everyone’s bags as you are flying down the road.

Choose Something That Makes It Easy to Pack a Variety of Items

Kids are known for being picky when it comes to food. What may have been their most favorite thing at breakfast time suddenly becomes “gross” by the end of the day. You just never know what a kid will come up with when it comes to food. So, you have to pack a nice variety of snacks in their bags. In addition, you are likely going to need to pack items of different weights.

This means you need a lunch box that will hold different foods and allow you to keep delicate foods from getting crunched. There are lunch bags that have multiple compartments, which allow you to put heavy items, like water bottles or apples, in a bottom compartment, while putting lighter items in a top compartment. You may also find bags that have a separate drink bottle with its own compartment, which is great because you can easily refill it. It also helps to choose an insulated bag. This will let you pack warm or cold foods.

Choosing the right snack bags to take on a road trip can make the trip much more enjoyable for everyone. A simple choice like which bag to use may not seem like that big of a deal, but in the end, it can be the one thing that helps keep everyone happy.

5 reasons to travel by car during a pandemic

April 7, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

When we found ourselves closed at home last year, we didn’t believe it would last for too long. However, people still stay at home globally and don’t know when the world will get back to normal. The challenging epidemiological situation led to the fact that about 54% of Americans decided to travel by car, hitting the road. Last year they arranged two journeys on average and planned to travel even more after reading the xtm rooftop tent review and finding vast opportunities such equipment can provide them with. If you have some doubts, it is time to study five key reasons why you should give a road trip a try.

1. Increased safety

Two years ago, people chose to travel by car because it was a great way to take as much luggage as possible. Airlines have their restrictions, and many travelers cannot meet them. However, today safety has become the number one priority. It is much easier and safer to travel by car and avoid crowds of strangers. If you take snacks with you, it is possible to stop in a wonderful, secluded place in the fresh air. Traveling by car with family members can become a pleasant and, more importantly, safe pastime when you change scenery and fill your life with positive vibes.

2. Freedom of movement

Traveling by car suggests complete freedom of action and movement. The chances are high that you have a list of must-visit places within the country or even a region. You can hit the road, choosing the most fascinating and beautiful route with picturesque landscapes and attractions. The very cool thing is that your adventure starts even before you reach the final destination. It is an unforgettable visual experience since you can always stay longer in one place or pop in a new spot.

3. Economy

Even though you will have to spend money on fuel, it will be much cheaper than buying airline tickets, for example. It is especially true if you come up with a route beforehand and arrange a family trip. Only you decide how much you spend on food, what attractions to visit, and whether you need additional staff or are okay with everything you have. When you get a car tent, you can save a pretty penny since you can sleep right there.

4. Fun pastime

There are various reasons people take such an adventure despite the epidemic and general uneasy situation. One of them is, of course, the inability to go abroad and a decrease in the number of alternative traveling options. At the same time, Americans admit that they’ve started traveling way more since the beginning of the pandemic. Most of them avoided road trips and couldn’t even imagine how fun and interesting such an experience can be. However, when you travel by car, you can listen to music, play games and fool around together.

5. Psychological comfort

The pandemic is about tension, fears, and huge inner discomfort. You can choose any destination and make a route that will meet your expectations and needs. For example, when you travel by car, the most crowded place can be a gas station, but you don’t need to stay in lines and be surrounded by others for a long time. Thus, when you hit the road with your dear people, you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere around you. The risk of communicating with unpleasant or sick strangers is minimal. In other words, traveling by car contributes to the release of “good” hormones that help you feel happy and satisfied.

Additional resources:

FVF Law promotes proper road safety for families
Common mistakes that could ruin your road trip
Driving safely in the time of coronavirus and why it matters

Travel gear we use: Best shoulder season hoodie

April 6, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Everyone needs the perfect shoulder season hoodie, whether they travel with kids, adventure travel, camp and ski, or all of the above (like us!). This review, featuring the Appalachian Gear Company’s All-Paca fleece hoodie, is the last you’ll need to read.

Best shoulder season hoodie: Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca hoodie review

What makes this hoodie so great:

It’s made from 100 percent Alpaca fiber, which makes it super soft, lightweight, easy to pack, never wrinkly, and breathable. This hoodie can take a beating…so far, I’ve traveled with it to rural Mexico where it endured dirt road travel, sandy beaches, and salt water, and into the mountains of Oregon, where it kept me oh-so-warm during shoulder season camping.

Because it’s so warm, despite being fairly thin and lightweight, the All-Paca fleece hoodie saves you all kinds of room in you day pack or carry-on. You won’t need to layer as much as usual; just toss the All-Paca into your backpack, and feel confident you can hike, explore, or bike in just a t-shirt.

The knit structure provides natural wicking, allowing perspiration to escape easily. I usually change out my seasonal outdoor gear and clothing twice a year, but the All-Paca hoodie will be one of those items that stay with me in winter AND in summer. It’s ideal right now, during the shoulder seasons in the Pacific Northwest.

The All-Paca is made in the USA, in Charlotte, NC, and even though it’s made from Alpaca wool, you can machine wash it. The good news: you don’t have to wash this hoodie after every wear. And while you can put it in the dryer, I opted to air dry mine (babying it a bit!) to ensure zero shrinkage. It dries super fast! The All-Paca tends to run a little bit large, so take that into consideration, but it’s nice to have a little extra room to play with, for layering.

Pick up this shoulder season hoodie in XS-XL in four colors for $153. It also comes in men’s sizing, and once you’re sold on the hoodie, you may want to check out Appalachian Gear Company’s alpaca tees and crews.

Discover other travel gear we love!

Baja vacation: Cerritos Beach review

April 2, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

During the current Covid environment, face masking and social distancing is necessary everywhere in the world. When traveling to Mexico in spring 2021, testing is required within 72 hours of returning to the U.S. Read on for testing options in Baja.

Located approximately one hour north of Cabo San Lucas on the Baja peninsula of Mexico, Cerritos Beach is a laidback surf town perfect for a relaxed, socially-distant Baja vacation. Our Cerritos Beach review includes where to stay, where to eat, and what to do.

Cerritos Beach review:

Cerritos Beach is right of Highway 19 north of busy Cabo, down a dirt road. Yep, you’ll go from the highway immediately to dirt. No worries…this is Baja. Within this small surf community, you’ll find amazing food, great bars with low prices, and plenty of vacation rentals, Airbnbs, and studio rooms to rent. The beach is casual and fun, with amenities such as surf lessons, surfboard and boogie board rentals, and beachfront food. While sitting at the beach, you can order guacamole made-to-order, fresh cerviche, cold beers, and even a massage…all for roughly half what you’d spend on a beach in the States.

Where to stay:

We found this ideal AirBnb at Puesta del Sol, in the Sunrise complex on Cerritos Beach. I highly recommend it; it was only a five-minute walk to the beach, came with two surfboards, three beach umbrellas, three beach chairs, several coolers, plenty of beach towels, and a wagon to pull them all in. Directly downstairs from our two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with rooftop lounging space and BBQ was a pool and bar (with lunch and dinner), and within a two minute walk were two other restaurants. We had everything we needed (once we’d made a stop at a grocery store between the Cabo airport and Cerritos).

There are plenty of other vacation rentals in the immediate area. We also recommend Barefoot Luxury Seaside Cerritos and the smaller huts right on the beach (check Airbnb).

Where to eat:

Where NOT to eat?? You can’t go wrong, honestly. The number one recommendation that we wholeheartedly endorse: definitely try Barracuda’s, located right next door to Puesta del Sol, directly up the dirt road from the beach. They have the best $2 tacos ever, plus wonderful margaritas and ‘surfers burritos’ big enough for two meals. The ambiance is wonderful too: all open-air in a garden-like setting.

Freesouls Cerritos Beach is also within a two-minute walk, featuring pizzas with ocean views and a pool to dip into while waiting for your food. Ditto for Riptide Bar and Grill, up the hill by the historic Hacienda (which you can usually tour, but was closed to the public at the time of our visit). And directly below our rooms at Sunrise, the Casa Maya had the hands-down best sushi and sushimi we’ve had in a very long time.

Cerritos Beach review: where to eat in Cerritos Beach Mexico

You can get cold beer and fresh cocktails at all of these locations, plus virgin drinks for the kids, and ice cream on the beach.

What to do in Cerritos Beach:

You’ll probably want to simply chill by the beach, pool, or on your personal rooftop in a hammock, but when you’re ready, there’s plenty to do. Surf lessons are about $50 for 1.5 hours, or you can get a massage on the beach for $40/hour. You can swim, surf, or boogie board (but remember that this is a surf beach, so waves can be sizable at times).

The town of Todos Santos is about 15 minutes north, offering fun shopping and more dining, and you can take just about any public dirt road toward the coastline and find more pristine beaches. From December to March, turtles are released on the beach in Todos Santos nightly; after mid-March, the releases are only every few days.

While Covid testing is required to re-enter the United States, Mexico offeres several testing options. The most affordable we found was to drive the short distance to Todos Santos where we received rapid tests at St. Jude’s for $50 U.S. each.

Cerritos Beach review: What to do in Cerritos Beach Mexico

You can drive the hour across the peninsula to La Paz to see the other coastline, but we were content to stay in Cerritos and Todos Santos, enjoying the sun, surf, and sand.

Have you been to Cerritos Beach? What are your recommendations?

Van life gear review: Thule Transporter Combi review

March 31, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

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

For me, this is the summer of #vanlife, during which I’ll be traveling and camping in a Westfalia camper van. While it’s possible to mount a roof-mounted cargo box on a Westy, it significantly increases the weight of the camper pop-top, so I opted for Thule’s hitch-mounted version.

The Transporter Combi comes with everything you need to get going, and I was able to install it on my hitch with my partner in a matter of about two hours. (I’m sure some can install it faster than that!) I love that the cargo box tilts down for partial access to the rear of the van; the tilt feature also makes it easier to get heavy items out of the cargo box. I also love that we don’t need any ladders or step stools to get gear out when we get to our campsite or destination!

The cargo box comes pre-wired with tail lights (4 pin) and a license plate adapter (with light). It installs into 2 inch and 1 1/4 inch receivers with no additional adapters or tools needed.

Like many Thule boxes, the lock system is designed for safety (and is idiot proof!): the key can only be removed if all the locking points are closed and secure, so there’s no chance of driving away and having the box lid fly open. You get two keys, so now we have one on the van key chain and the other stashed away just in case.

You get 13 cubic feet inside (dimensions are 50.5 x 23.5 x 24.5 in). It’s so roomy! We joked that we could put the teenaged kids inside. The weight of the box is 55 pounds and the capacity is 150 pounds. We use ours to store those bulky items that don’t pack well into the back of the van, such as firewood, the portable bathroom, and the material for our awning…nothing too heavy, but certainly bulky.

We had no trouble with weight or driving the Westy with this cargo box, though if you have a similar van, keep in mind that the engine is also in the back, which can mean you need to balance the weight be placing heavier items inside the van near the front.

During our close-to-home camping trip, we used the cargo box even once it was unloaded, storing dirty laundry, dishes, and garbage away in a secure location.

The Transporter Combi is $679 on the Thule site, and as of this posting, their operations are going so you shouldn’t have any delay in ordering and receiving. Enjoy the #vanlife!

Travel Gear We Use: Krimson Klover review

March 30, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Haven’t heard of Krimson Klover? Bet you’ve seen this brand featured in higher end travel and outdoor shops and tourist shops on recent vacations, even if you don’t recognize the brand. Krimson Klover is excellent at active wear that doubles as everyday wear, which is my number one criteria for ideal travel clothing. Here’s what I’m loving this spring in my Krimson Klover review:

Nadia dress: This racerback dress is cotton and spandex, which allows for generous give and kindness for your curves. I love that it has a built-in shelf bra, so many of us can save on laundry and packing (fewer bras = a win!). I’ve been able to wear the Nadia dress on a cruiser bike, on long walks, and at the beach. Pick it up for $98 in either a basic blue or a damask black.

Nina racerback tank: Good news: the Nina tank top is already on sale, making it a great all-purpose addition to your travel wear wardrobe. It, too, features a built-in bra, and it goes with everything from shorts to capri pants to jeans to skirts. It’s not too tight-fitting while still hugging curves, and comes in several colors and patterns. It’s a great basic piece to add to your travel bag.

Still needing to layer up? If you have a late spring ski trip planned, or are heading to the mountains where chill temps may require layers in the morning or evening, Krimson Klover has you covered there, too. Their illustrated ski town base layers are adorable, and so unique. I love the Vail one, but all of them offer 1/4 zip with performance fabric in a poly-spandex blend. These base layer tops are mid-weight…not too thick, and not too thin. Pick one up for $109.

One week in San Diego with kids: San Diego itinerary

March 24, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

San Diego is one of our favorite spring destinations: it’s warm, offers up both beaches and culture, and can be affordable for a week-long visit. Here’s what not to miss with kids during a one week San Diego itinerary:

As travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind at all times. If you are comfortable with traveling, please travel responsibly and within regulation as any travel is at your own risk.

If you do decide to travel at this time, here are our recommendations:

Wear a face mask.
Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands on a regular basis.
Check official websites before your trip for the latest updates on policies, closures and status of local businesses.
Book a hotel with free cancellation in case you need to change your plans at the last minute.

During a time when many vacations are not possible, outdoor activities in road trip-accessible locations offer the ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring San Diego, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

Where to stay and how to get around:

Decide where you want to center your home base for your San Diego itinerary: downtown San Diego or the Carlsbad area where beaches and LegoLand will beckon. There are many San Diego hotel options, depending on where you want to center your home base.

If you opt for downtown, we recommend the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina or the Grand Hyatt. Keep in mind that while you’ll be on the water, this is the marina side, so you won’t have access to swimming beaches. If you opt for Carlsbad, we love the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa. You can also get a taste of both marina and beach, city and neighborhood, by renting a house in lively Mission Beach.

San Diego is a car-centric city, so you’ll need a rental car to get around. Rent a car in San Diego starting at around $130 for a week, with prices going up from there if you need a larger vehicle. Renting from the airport location is always the most convenient, but you might save some cash if you can rent at your hotel or off-site.

What to do with a week in San Diego:

San Diego attractions that families will want to dedicate a full day to:

Legoland: If you have kids between the ages of 2-12, Legoland needs to be on the itinerary! Make sure to pack swim suits, too, for the waterpark section, and give yourselves the entire day, if not two days. Get our top tips for Legoland Calfornia here.

San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld San Diego: Depending on the choices your family makes, both of these parks will require a full day. We lean toward the zoo, where we feel the conservation efforts and educational aspects outweigh those at SeaWorld. Get our top tips for the San Diego Zoo here and for Seaworld San Diego here.

Beach day: Plan for at least one full day at a San Diego beach! Our top picks include the bustling Mission Beach district if you have older kids and want to do some dining and shopping as well (there are also paddle board and bike rentals in abundance). If you have younger kids, head over the bridge to Coronado and enjoy the gentle surf and flat sand on this relatively quieter island.

San Diego attractions that only require half a day:

Old Town San Diego: Often overlooked, we love Old Town! You can tour Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where The Junipero Serra Museum lies right on Presidio Drive in Presidio Park, marking the exact location where historical scholars say the state of California was born. Outside in the Presidio is a wonderful place for an afternoon picnic and restful place to take a breather.

Extra Tip: if you want to learn more about the history of the city, consider a walking tour with a California State park guide. Tours begin at the visitor’s center on the plaza, and no reservations are required. Parents with little ones can detour from the tour whenever tired feet dictate.

After getting a solid historical background, you’ll want to kick back and enjoy some of the color and flavor of the Old Town marketplaces. Take your pick between Fiesta de Reyes, where the streets are always alive with a party, and Bazaar Del Mundo, which features goods from all over the world. Toy stores selling historically-based toys and candy shops with old-fashioned treats can also be found in the state park section of town.

Use Old Town Trolley Tours to explore the area without stress…it will also take you over to Coronado and through downtown attractions if you want to make touring San Diego without a car into a day’s activity.

Balboa Park and museums: Certainly, Balboa Park can take up an entire day, but with kids, you’ll want to pick and choose which museums and attractions to explore, based on their age. The San Diego Museum of Natural History is here, plus the Museum of Art, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, and the Museum of Man. When kids need a break and want to run around, be sure to check out the botanical building.

U.S.S. Midway: Kids will notice this aircraft carrier sitting in the bay almost immediately, and they’ll want to explore it. Luckily you can! A tour of the USS Midway takes a few hours, but is very interesting to all ages. We have tips for best exploring this attraction, which is right on the water on the marina downtown.

Enjoy your San Diego itinerary with kids! Spring break is coming…are you ready? This post was created in partnership with hotels.com.