Product review: Little Passports

June 28, 2013 By

We’re always on the lookout for educational products that teach kids about global destinations and cultures in a fun way. When we can’t travel the globe or the US, the next best thing is to learn about new places from home! Enter Little Passports. This subscription series is a home run: it’s creative, engaging, educational, and affordable.

month one little passports

What is Little Passports?

Basically, it’s a subscription for your kids. For the cost of a few magazine subscriptions, your kids get a package every month with activities, workbooks, art projects, and cultural lessons centered around one country or two US states. We’ve tried other educational subscriptions, but never have I seen one with so many features. Each monthly package comes with crafts, tangible items that represent the location, postcards, photos, and (actually fun) workbooks. In initial ‘Discovery’ kit includes an excellent world or US map.There’s a storyline every time which ties all the package elements together.

What sets Little Passports apart: We love the storytelling angle of Little Passports. The first month of subscription, your kids will receive a play suitcase filled with introductory materials. They’ll ‘meet’ Sam and Sofia, the two Little Passports characters, and learn their backstory: they’ve discovered a magical scooter which can take them to any state or country. (Think Magic Treehouse.) In subsequent months, Sam and Sofia return with a letter explaining what country or state they’re writing from. We find this to be a nice theme to hold the concept together: kids can immediately relate to the materials because of the fictional characters.

1. Choose the World Edition or the USA Edition:

We tried one of each, and are not sure which we like better. Our sample World Edition package was on Japan: we received our letter from Sam and Sofia describing the country and fun activities kids do there, such as origami and sushi rolling, then the kids were able to reach into the package to find a packet of origami paper and instructions, and a sushi eraser to use with the included worksheet. They got postcards from Japan, and a sticker to put on their suitcase or in their passport. Our USA Edition package included two states: California and North Dakota. There was a paper craft for each state, plus a workbook (one half on each state). Postcards, photos, and a letter from Sam and Sofia completed the kit.

Uses for your subscription: homeschooling, road trips, air travel, rainy days, boring weekends

Age range: both my eight-year-old and 11-year-old were engaged. The USA Edition actually has harder workbook materials in it for older kids, but the crafts and activities are geared to any age. My opinion: ages 4-6 with parent help (reading and helping with projects), ages 7-12 independently.

Can kids share? Absolutely. No need to buy more than one subscription per family.

Can you choose which destinations you receive? No. Therefore, Little Passports isn’t intended for travel planning or preparation in the direct sense. Rather, it’s intended for keeping kids excited about travel even when they’re at home, and for educating them about countries and states they have not visited (and may not have the opportunity to visit).

Little Passports USA version

2. Choose a subscription plan:

You can buy month-to-month for $11.95, or can choose a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month plan. If choosing a plan, you’ll pay upfront, but save money. My suggestion: opt for the 3 month plan to try it out.

Pit Stops for Kids was given a sample of Little Passports at no cost, for the purpose of review.

It’s here! Lots to Do in Line: Walt Disney World edition

April 25, 2013 By

kids at Disney
Over a year ago, I reviewed Meredith Lyn Pierce’s Lots To Do In Line: Disneyland. I admitted to being a reluctant reviewer: After all, I believe in not waiting in Disney lines at all! But after reading through the book, I wholeheartedly endorsed Lots to Do in Line. There was only one thing missing…all of Walt Disney World. Now Pierce is back with Lots to Do In Line: Walt Disney World, which I’m pleased to say offers the same fun trivia, games, and observations as the first edition, and covers all four main theme parks of Walt Disney World.

To gain an overview of what this book series is all about, head over to my previous review. In a nutshell, here’s why you should bring Lots to Do in Line with you on your next Disney vacation, whether it be to the Land or the World:

You’ll see things you would have otherwise missed:

Did you know there’s a secret murder mystery to solve in the queue of The Haunted Mansion? I’ve stood in that queue many a time, and have written Disney World advice for years, and had no idea. Gems like this one are peppered throughout the book. Almost every entry also includes a treasure hunt of things to locate in the queue, which means you’ll spot things you otherwise would have missed.

You’ll interact as a family (and maybe hear less talk of wanting a Dole Whip):

The entries include pop quizzes and friendly competitions where family members can earn points, which is enough incentive for my kids to sit up and take notice. They’ll be engaged while in the line instead of whining. (Not that my kids whine. Not ever.)

You’ll learn Disney trivia:

You never know when this may come in handy (during a show on a Disney Cruise, perhaps?). During a viewing of Jeopardy? Plus it’s just fun to be Disney savvy while vacationing in the World.

How to use the book: It’s pretty easy. As you enter a queue, flip to that entry in Lots to Do in Line. You’ll find a choice of the activities mentioned above with which to occupy yourself. If you’re entering a Fast Pass queue, you’ll want to flip directly to the activities with a FP symbol in the book, because remember, a FP line won’t include everything. You also get ‘land’ overviews and park overviews at the beginning of each section. While on the go, use the index at the back to flip directly to the right entry.

We hope you rarely need to use Lots to Do in Line, because if you follow our step-by-step guide to avoiding Disney lines, you’ll be too busy hopping from ride to ride. But for when you do encounter a speed bump, this book is a winner. Pick either version up at Amazon
for around $10.

Book Review of The World’s Cheapest Destinations: 21 Countries Where Your Money is Worth a Fortune

January 28, 2013 By

Approximately 90 percent of content on Pit Stops for Kids is U.S. and Canadian-based, written to help families find the best destinations, tips, and experiences in North America. We consider ourselves experts in domestic road trip and outdoor travel, and if you’re here, it’s probably because you’re planning a domestic trip with your kids. But that doesn’t mean we don’t recommend crossing additional borders.

world's cheapest destinations book reviewOne of my goals as a parent who loves travel is to help my kids get as many or more stamps in their passport as I have. So far, my kids are far behind. This is partly due to spending so much of our vacation time exploring North American destinations for this site, but it’s also because I’ve long held onto a common misconception: that international travel is more expensive than domestic travel.

Turns out, I’m dead wrong. Tim Leffel, accomplished travel writer, world traveler, and my editor at Practical Travel Gear, put the fourth edition of his well-received book, THE WORLD’S CHEAPEST DESTINATIONS: 21 Countries Where Your Money is Worth a Fortune, in my hands, and I am not too proud to admit I’ve been educated.

I’m pretty adept at frugal family travel, often writing tips on how to eat on the cheap on vacation, set a vacation food budget, and road trip for less, but my vacation dollar (and yours) can only stretch so far in expensive North American countries. The World’s Cheapest Destinations doesn’t focus on how to travel, but rather where to travel, and for those of us who are budget-savvy travelers already, this makes all the difference.

What The World’s Cheapest Destinations will teach you:

If you’re considering international family travel, but assume you can’t afford it, pick up this book. The World’s Cheapest Destinations lists just what it advertises: the cheapest safe, stable countries to visit for as little as $30-40 per day per couple (only slightly more for a family of four). I know what you’re thinking, and no, this type of budget isn’t just for bare-bones hostels, third-class bus rides, and food stands only the most hard-core of world traveling backpackers could endure. In most situations, it represents comfortable travel in areas with reliable transportation, stable infrastructure, and an operating tourism industry. Tim offers no guarantees–there are no guarantees in travel, after all–but instead offers information gleaned from first-hand experience.

Expect to find general information about how to travel frugally in each country: what transportation is best, whether to eat restaurant or street food, how much you can expect to pay for tourist hot spots and museums, and–my favorite–a listing of things you can get for a buck or less. For example, in Thailand, travelers can expect to pay $1 or less for a whole pineapple (chopped up for you), a kilo of season fruit, a coconut with a straw in it, pad thai from a street stall, three local bus rides, or a kilo of your clothes washed and dried (and this is a partial list). Take that, McDonald’s dollar menu.

What it won’t:

This book is not meant to replace a country or city guidebook. You won’t find specific hotel ratings or restaurant listings. Nor does The World’s Cheapest Destinations offer advice specifically to travelers with kids. If you’re considering a frugal international vacation with kids, you’ll have to do as I did: read with your particular family’s needs and limitations in mind. One parent’s comfort level may be vastly different than the next’s. Tim does offer this advice (paraphrased): families traveling with kids should expect to pay a bit more than adults traveling solo or in couples, primarily in the form of upgraded hotel rooms, for safety and comfort.

Pick up THE WORLD’S CHEAPEST DESTINATIONS: 21 Countries Where Your Money is Worth a Fortune – FOURTH EDITION on Amazon for $15.95 for a paperback or just $8.99 for the kindle edition.

Safe holiday travel tips and Master Lock Safe Space review

December 17, 2012 By

An average of 34% of Americans spend 1-3 nights away from home during the holidays. Will you and your family be away?  Master Lock, maker of luggage locks and the innovative Safe Space, offers five tips for safe holiday travel:

safe holiday travel

1. Keep that lived in look. In 2010, more than 1.8 million homes were burglarized with 400,000 of those burglaries taking place between November and December3. Making the home appear active while away can discourage potential break-ins. Set a timer for both inside and outside lights to switch on and off and turn a radio or TV on to create the illusion that someone is home. Hold your mail deliveries at usps.com, and contact your other providers to stop newspaper and package drop-offs while you’re away. Of course a good standby to rely on is a adequate security system, some of which you can view here. Consider it a watchdog when you’re away.

2. Toast don’t post. Resist the temptation to update your social network accounts with travel plans to avoid having the news of the unoccupied status of your home fall into the wrong hands. Instead, spend that time in the company of friends and family toasting to health and happiness, and wait to post photos of holiday fun until you return home.

3. Check (Twice) Before Travel. Before departing for a holiday destination, check the schedules and status of your flight, train or traffic route to stay aware of delays, bad weather and other potential changes. Checking in on the status of your method of travel will guarantee you are prepared for any delays and keep you calm during the holiday rush. And don’t forget to double-check your travel documents before leaving the house.

4. Activity and Emergency Kits Are Key. Whether traveling by train or car, always carry a first aid kit stocked with bottled water, snacks, medication, bandages, a flashlight and cell phone charger. Should you encounter a problem or a long distance between rest-stops on your route, these items can help keep you nourished and your travel companions busy. Keep children occupied by bringing fun games or movies to lessen driving distractions. If traveling by car, have it inspected by a mechanic or someone you trust before a long journey to make sure all systems are primed and tires are filled.

5. Lock It Down & Carry It On. A reported 200 items are stolen each day from JFK Airport4, one of the busiest airports in the world. Keep your valuables including cell phones, wallets, watches/jewelry and other important property safe by carrying them with you at all times and locking them up while on-the-go. Storage solutions like the 5900D SafeSpaceTM are perfect for keeping these items secure. In addition, use generic luggage, be mindful of wearing flashy jewelry and dress down to prevent being targeted for theft. Secure checked and carry-on luggage with a TSA-accepted lock, such as the 4688D Combination Lock while traveling to prevent unauthorized access to your possessions.

Master Lock Safe Space review:

In keeping with this travel security theme, Pit Stops for Kids reviewed Master Lock’s Safe Space, a miniature safe for small valuables such as jewelry, point-and-shoot cameras, passports, and cell phones while traveling by air. Here’s what we thought:

safe space

1. Great for use in airports where theft is most common. Having a Safe Space won’t take the place of keeping a close eye on your luggage, but it will make you feel better about those moments you can’t avoid that pick pockets love, as as when your luggage is adjacent, but you’re distracted by kids, media, or gate information. I like that you can use the security cord (like a bike lock) to secure the SafeSpace to an airport chair leg or table leg. You still can’t leave it (or anything else) unattended of course, but you can read your book or toss something in the trash without worrying about your valuables.

2. Not practical for storing a cell phone. I don’t know about you, but I need my phone constantly while traveling through airports, whether to check apps, flight information, weather, or email. (Or to hand off to a bored kid for an Angry Birds session.) Locking my phone away would make it safer, but it’s just not going to happen.

3. Easy to store and pack. I tossed the Safe Space right into my carry on bag, and it fit there perfectly. I like the size and weight, and how easy it is to access the contents. It will only fit a few things, though, so you’ll have to prioritize. We put our house and car keys and my husband’s wallet in ours, and that pretty much maxed it out.

Back-to-School lunches and fall travel with EasyLunchboxes

August 14, 2012 By

In the Pit Stops for Kids household (and probably yours) it’s back-to-school time, but that doesn’t mean the travel ends. We’ll be enjoying many weekend trips and sports-related road trips, which means we’re looking for school lunch box ideas that double for the car. Our solution: EasyLunchboxes.

EasyLunchboxes is a great system for eco-friendly bento lunches designed by a mom. Based on the bento box lunch philosophy that saves on wrapping and packaging of all sort (including zip-lock baggies), an EasyLunchbox consists of a compartmentalized tray with lid to be paired with a soft-sided, insulated cooler. And unlike many bento lunch systems on the market, it’s affordable: you get a set of four containers, and don’t need to buy extra pieces.

Why EasyLunchboxes work well for school: It’s an all-in-one system. During last school year, we used various bento box style containers, but they were a hassle to stack and store, and inevitably, my kids lost pieces along the way. The EasyLunchBox trays fit into my kids’ favorite lunch bags perfectly (more on that later) and they’re all one piece. Plus, the trays are thin enough that I can still fit an ice pack and a piece of fruit and drink in the bag.

Why EasyLunchboxes work well for travel: Each EasyLunchbox is a tray, so it’s very car-and-plane friendly. Toddlers and preschoolers can eat snacks from the trays while driving around town, and everyone can eat lunch on the go while on road trips or weekend getaways. Plus, three EasyLunchboxes will fit in one approved cooler bag (sold for a separate price), making it simple to pack and stack multiple lunches for the road.

EasyLunchboxes

The downside: The only bummer about EasyLunchboxes is the fact that the bento trays are not leak-proof. This is expressed many times on the website (you can’t miss it), and it’s by design, so that young kids can open the lids on their own. I like the fact that the designer of EasyLunchboxes has kid-friendliness in mind, but it is a concern that we can’t pack liquids like yogurt or pudding in the tray.

A few specifics: Each tray has three compartments, and they’re not huge, so older kids will need a few extras tossed into their lunch bag or cooler: as I said, fruit and a drink, or one packaged item will fit easily. Four EasyLunchbox trays sell for $13.95, making this system the most affordable I’ve seen so far in the bento box world. The EasyLunchboxes site sells their own cooler bags with their trays for $7.95, but other lunch bags and coolers will work. (Here’s a list of the most popular lunch bags the EasyLunchboxes will fit into; we fit them into our LL Bean lunch boxes with no problem.) The benefit of using the EasyLunchboxes cooler is that it’s top-loading, with a top-side handle, which means kids will not be carrying it sideways after the (non-leak-proof) tray is inside. The coolers also have plenty of room for additional food or an ice pack. However, they’re a little bit too big to comfortably fit into a standard school backpack and a little bit too small to take on the road. They’re designed to fit three trays for packing for a family, and ours did fit the trays as advertised, but if I’m packing for the whole family, I need a bigger cooler with room for more trays, multiple drinks, ice packs, and other snacks. Check out exact dimensions of the EasyLunchboxes cooler and the trays here. Bottom line: For a road trip, I’ll stick with my larger hard-sided cooler and stack the trays inside, and for school, we’ll use our small LL Bean bags and fit the trays inside. Either way, EasyLunchboxes will be along for the ride.

Pick up your own EasyLunchboxes at Amazon in time for back-to-school!

As I disclose whenever applicable, we received EasyLunchboxes and an EasyLunchbox cooler for the purpose of review. This type of teamwork with family travel product companies makes it possible for us to review new products on the travel scene.

BubbleBum travel booster seat product review

August 8, 2012 By

It’s not too often that I am presented with something completely new in the travel with kids product line. When I received the new BubbleBum booster seat
 for review, however, I was surprised: how could a small, lightweight, bright purple cinch bag contain a child’s car booster seat?

BubbleBum

And yet it does. The BubbleBum is the first (to me, anyway) completely portable, travel booster seat for traveling families. The BubbleBum is lightweight, surface washable, and bright purple (a color tested and approved by kids of both gender). And yes, BubbleBum meets all US Federal Safety Standard regulations by the NTHSA. Watch a demo video of how Bubble Bum works.

Our review of the Bubble Bum couldn’t have come at a better time. While my kids have outgrown the need for a booster, my nephew (age 4) is in the prime of his car seat years. His mom (my sister, East Coast Pit Stops for Kids editor Kate Lepore), and I tried it out in a very real-life situation many families face: while on vacation.

Kate was flying solo with Homer (4) and Greta (1.5) from Massachusetts to vacation with us in Southern California. Her hands already overflowing with Greta’s 5-point harness car seat, she hated the idea of also lugging along (or paying to check) Homer’s booster seat. Nor did we want to buy a new one at our destination. The BubbleBum was the perfect solution. It packs down to a small sack when stowed, fitting in luggage or a carry-on, and takes less than 30 seconds to inflate (yes, you inflate it) and position. While the BubbleBum doesn’t have a full back, it does include a very helpful attachment to position the car’s shoulder belt to the correct level for your child. It deflates and stores away as fast as it’s set up. When it’s inflated, it’s 13x13x4.5, which means it even fits when your family is using two other car seats in a three-seat back row of a car or van.

We used the BubbleBum our entire week vacation, and Homer found it perfectly comfortable. (Bear in mind, however: if your child is used to having a full backrest to their booster, they may slouch a bit without it…it’s certainly hard to nap in the Bubble Bum.) It was easy to move the BubbleBum from one car to another, or from one seat to another. It will fit in any car with a shoulder belt, and is designed for kids over age 4 and 40 to 100 pounds. Note: The BubbleBum is not approved for use on airplanes (but there’s little use for a booster on-board, anyway).

We’ll definitely be bringing the BubbleBum for future vacations, but Kate took it home with her to Massachusetts, because it will also be helpful for preschool car pools and playdates closer to home. She’s also use it while in taxis in the city.

BubbleBum retails for $39.99, and is available on Amazon!

Camping with babies and toddlers: gear up!

January 12, 2012 By

The first time my family and I took our eldest son out camping, it was a three-day backpacking trek into Oregon’s Columbia Gorge near Multnomah Falls, and he was 13-months old. Were we crazy? Well, yes, but we had a great time introducing baby Nate to the outdoors we loved, and I believe the experience (and others that followed) helped him acclimate at a young age to the idea of roughing it.

Is your young one ready to camp or backpack once the snows melt and the sun shines? To make the trip easier on the adults in the group), I offer the following well-earned tips:

1. Bring a backpack baby or toddler carrier. We loved our sturdy REI backpack carrier, but that was, ahem, over a decade ago. If you’re looking for more updated equipment, I recommend Kelty’s line of carriers, and look for my review of their newest at Practical Travel Gear soon. (By the way, at the Campfire live chat, we’ll be giving one away.) Not only is a backpack carrier useful for its intended purpose of carrying the baby while hiking, it serves as an excellent mountain high chair. With a squirmy toddler and a rustic camp, the only other place you might find to serve him or her dinner is on the ground. Bear in mind: if one adult is ‘packing’ the baby, the other(s) are overly burdened with necessary supplies. Either pack light (good luck with a kid in tow) or invite friends (good luck with that, too, come to think of it).

2. If you’re car camping instead of backpacking, utilize a portable bed such as Regalo My Cot Portable Bed It’s more to pack than a traditional backpacking pad, but little children and babies slip and slide all night long on the regular ones. Dress babies warmly at night, and play by the same rules at home (no extra bedding around faces, etc). Obviously, you’ll want to camp in a warm climate while kids are very small.

3. If your child is walking, put bells on his or her shoes. Yes, they get annoying, but this wasn’t going to be the trip in which you waited patiently for hours for a glimpse of wildlife, anyway. Bells keep kids within close proximity and provide peace of mind. Bright colored clothing is a must, too!

4. Stick as much as possible to your child’s normal foods. Yes, changes will have to be made to accommodate for packs and weight, but in general, pack your child’s familiar foods. Great backpacking fare includes fruit leather, trail mix (for older kids), organic pouched baby food (like these from Ella’s Kitchen), and instant soup.

5. Don’t slack on sun protection, bring basic medications, and pack a big first aid kit. Give up on keeping the kid clean, however. Just really…give up. Now. Preferrably before you even leave. In all seriousness, a little dirt won’t hurt, and you can’t avoid it. Just bring wet wipes and antiseptic wipes in case of cuts (and to wipe down hands before meals), and plan on a soapy, long bath upon return to civilization.

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Lastly, don’t be afraid! Just get out there and go! Your camping or backpacking trip will be more work than most, but the rewards will take your breath away (even more than a steep climb with 40 pounds of toddler on your back)!

Keeping kids safe this holiday season: SafetyTat review

November 18, 2010 By

Are your kids prone to wandering off while on a family vacation, at a theme park, or just out for the day? Mine can be. (I like to call it ‘being inquisitive’, not disobedient!) One memorable summer day at SeaWorld San Diego, I actually lost sight of then-three-year-old Calvin for a full five minutes (and as any parent knows, that’s a long time!). As I looked for him urgently, I knew the chances of him remembering my cell phone number (or even his full name) if found by park personnel was not likely.

Luckily, I found him mesmerized by the sea lions a moment later, but ever since, I’ve made sure to take important safety precautions with my kids whenever we’re in a crowded or unfamiliar environment. We always review where to meet in case of separation, who to ask for help if needed (we believe mothers with strollers make for the easiest and generally safest demographic to seek out), and write contact information somewhere on their person.

Toby demos the Quick Stick Write-On SafetyTat.

The company SafetyTat has made that process easier than ever. These temporary tattoos, customized with your emergency contact information, last for up to five days, are waterproof, and are fun for kids to wear. Pit Stops for Kids tried both their original SafetyTat Child ID Tattoos and their Quick Stick Write-On applique (sticker), and both worked beautifully. I love that they’re waterproof (you don’t have to worry about them fading or coming off while your child is swimming, and applying sunscreen doesn’t damage them in the least), and that the Quick Stick variety stay on so well (they’re made of medical-grade adhesive).

There are many designs and styles to choose from with their online ‘Tat Builder’ (so both your princess and your sports fan will be happy), and SafetyTat has included alllergy and autism alert options as well. As a Search and Rescue volunteer, I know how important information like this is to searchers and other authorities. If you’re traveling with a larger group of family or friends, the Write On variety is ideal; it comes with a waterproof pen to customize your SafetyTats with different mobile phone numbers. (Remember not to write kids’ first names on tats.)

We’ll be using SafetyTat on our next trip, at the airport, at our next holiday parade, and during our next visit to a theme park!

SafetyTat generously provided Pit Stops for Kids with the aforementioned products at no charge. This compensation did not come with any expectation of a positive review.