Seasonal - Pitstops for Kids

Guide to Paris Christmas markets

November 30, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

One of our favorite memories of a Paris Christmas was touring the many Paris Christmas markets across the city. Some Christmas markets pop up fairly spontaneously from year to year, but there are a few staples you’ll find to be consistent. Here’s where to go to find Paris Christmas markets, plus tips for best enjoyment of these seasonal wonders.

Top Paris Christmas markets:

The biggies each year are as follows (plus how to get there):

The Concorde area: this largest Christmas market is located at the Concorde, right in the shadow of the seasonal ferris wheel (built for the World’s Fair). It’s at the end of the famous Champs- Élysées, so if you’re already walking down this to see the holiday lights and decor, you’ll end up here.
Under the Eiffel Tower: this was our favorite Christmas market, as it wasn’t too big and wasn’t too small. And the ambiance is amazing under the tower, especially when it sparkles on the hour at night. We visited this market before and after going to the top of the tower.
In the Montmartre area: this market is a bit more ‘working class’, with some touristy stuff tossed in, located under the shadow of Sacre Coeur. Take the metro to the Chateau Rogue stop, or tack this visit on to a tour of Sacre Coeur. You can take the tram up the hill, too.

Tips for making the most of the Paris Christmas markets:

Plan on making a meal of it: We purposely planned our mealtimes around Christmas markets. This is a cheap and delicious way to eat in Paris during the holiday season. At every Christmas market, we could find the staples: crepes, Belgian waffles, baguettes toasted with melted cheese, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and all sorts of candies and nuts.
Look for smaller markets: We found a fun yet small Christmas market across the Seine from Notre Dame, by the Latin Quarter. It was only a dozen or so huts, but Santa Claus was there without a line, and the vendors were among the most friendly.

Bring cash: at most huts, you’ll need to pay in cash. Give kids coins to spend on their own.
Shop for Christmasy souvenirs: During our Christmas visit, we decided to play a game of ‘secret Santa’ within our family. Each family member bought little trinkets and treats at Christmas markets for another member of the family. We had a lot of fun.

Look for ice skating rinks: Many Christmas markets include small ice skating rinks. Below the Eiffel Tower, the rink was actually a loop, similar to a track, which skaters used as though on a trail. If you combine an Eiffel Tower Christmas market trip with a ride up the tower, stop and skate at the 1st floor landing ON the tower. It’s free!
Try the vin chaud: This mulled wine may not be made with the highest quality wine, but it’s piping hot and seasoned nicely. For kids, the chocolat chaud is the way to go.
Look for public restrooms: Restrooms are in short supply in Paris, but we always found one at major Christmas markets.
Almost all Paris Christmas markets open the third week of November and close January 1. Hours are generally noon to 10 pm.

What is your favorite Paris Christmas market?

Dog sledding and snowmobiling in Breckenridge

February 10, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

The town of Breckenridge Colorado is known for its epic skiing and snowboarding, but there are many other ways to enjoy the snowy mountains here. Whether you want to plan a day away from the slopes during a longer vacation or have non-skiers among you, head out to Good Times Adventures, about twenty minutes from town.

Good Times Adventures offers snowmobiling tours as well as dog sledding excursions. It’s worth noting that snowmobilers have the opportunity to see sled dogs in action, as their kennels and sledding trails are located in the same area.

Snowmobiling in Breckenridge:

We booked Good Times Adventures’ most popular snowmobile tour, which is two hours in length and takes visitors through wooded trails up to an open vista along the Continental Divide. Personally, I was most interested in seeing the scenery: on a snowmobile, we could cover a lot more ground than on nordic skis or snowshoes. Without a doubt, however, my teens and pre-teen’s primarily interest was in the snow machines themselves, and the possibility of driving them. Here’s the nitty gritty:

Kids 15 and older can drive their own snowmobile, provided you’ve decided to purchase that option. They must be 18 or older to drive with a passenger onboard.
Good Times has over 40 miles of groomed trails, and each guide decides on a route, so you don’t see much of other groups once out on the trails.
Our group consisted of only 7 guests (5 machines), which was a pleasant surprise…we expected a larger group.
The trip starts and ends at a large open practice area, where you can get used to the machines (and have some fun going pretty fast). Our guide explained how to use the machines in about 10 minutes…even for novice snowmobilers like us, it was easy!
Snow suits and boots are provided if you want them, or you can wear your own gear. You must, however, wear their helmets, so don’t bother bringing your own. If you do, they’ll be stored for you.
You do have to bring your own mittens or gloves, eye protection (goggles), and face mask/scarf. You’ll really want one of these.
The ride goes through the scenic Swan River Valley and up to the Georgia Pass to the Divide, at over 11,000 feet.

Those of us unfamiliar with snowmobiles really loved this tour. However, if you snowmobile regularly, going in a group with a guide may be too tame for you. I liken it to horseback tours: because I’m familiar with riding, nose-to-tail rides are a bit boring to me. But they’re thrilling to those with less experience. You know your family: if your primarily motivation is to see scenery and have fun on machines that you don’t get to ride or drive often, this is a great way to spend an afternoon at Breckenridge. If you ride snowmobiles often, maybe this is not for you.

Scheduling: tours depart hourly. See the Good Times Adventures website for exact hours. Be there 30 minutes before your departure time.

Cost: drivers are $110 and passengers are $55. Kids 8 and under are only $25.

Dog Sledding:

Dog sled tours are in the same location, and include a meet-and-greet opportunity with the dogs, information from your musher, and time out on the trails behind the dogs. Visitors on the tour take turn in the sled and on back, guiding the dogs…the others are pulled in a comfortable sled wagon behind a snowmobile. The good: everyone gets lots of opportunity to see the dogs run. The bad: if you don’t like the noise of snowmobiles (as I don’t), you’ll be subjected to it. This is too bad, because dog sledding along quiet snow-covered trails is quite magical, and some of that is lost here.

Cost: Adults are $75, and kids 8 and under are $40.

Note: For either the snowmobiling or dog sledding experience, it’s customary to tip your guide or musher.

Getting here:

Fom downtown, head North on Hwy 9 (Main Street) approximately 2.5 miles until you get to the stop-light at the Tiger Road intersection. At Tiger Road, turn right and enjoy the scenery for about 6.5 miles until the road dead-ends in our parking lot. Shuttle pick-up and drop-off is also available from various points in Breckenridge.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced snowmobiling as guests of Good Times Adventures, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Holidays away from home: Tips for preparing kids

December 16, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

At least every other year, we travel during the holiday season. This means my kids are pretty accustomed to celebrating holidays away from home, and as a parent, I’m pretty good at making Christmas special…wherever we are. This year, we’ll be celebrating Christmas Day in Italy. In the days leading up to the holiday, we’ll be renting a HomeAway apartment in Paris. Here’s how we’ll celebrate the holidays away from home:

Think of your trip as a gift in itself:

Older kids and teens should be able to appreciate that a family trip during the holidays costs money and can be considered a gift in its own right. To help kids take ownership of this gift, allow them to plan a portion of your vacation, pick one special activity each, or otherwise engage in the planning process. Spend a day doing each child’s special outings or attractions, if possible. As an alternative idea, gift kids souvenir money (in the currency of the destination) and don’t put any restrictions on how they spend it.

Help kids feel oriented by ‘rerouting’ Santa:

A recent study by HomeAway has shown that 84% of families will spend the holidays together. But traveling to be with family can have its difficulties. It’s hard to change the way gift-giving works in your family if you have Santa believers among you. And kids can feel genuine worry that Santa ‘won’t find them’, causing unnecessary stress during a happy vacation. HomeAway has solved this problem with their ‘Rerouting Santa’ microsite. Check it out: RerouteSanta.com. Just tell Santa where you’ll be, and he’ll find you!

Consider gift-giving in a new way:

For our upcoming trip, we simply won’t have room in our carry-on luggage to bring gifts halfway around the world. Instead, our school-aged kids (and we parents) will be gift-giving on the go. We’ll each draw a family member’s name, and shop for them while we travel. We’re focusing on smaller, stocking-stuffer type gifts in order to keep the ‘stuff’ we haul around manageable. If you have more space, such as a car trunk, you could adapt this system to include larger gifts.

Alternatively, parents can gift kids with one smaller gift per day during their trip, instead of all gifts on Christmas morning. For those celebrating Hanukkah, this ‘new’ system will feel even easier to implement. Gift kids with small toys, crafts, goodies, and games they’ll use during your travels.

Bring holiday decorations:

I love bringing decorations with me on trips when possible…so much so that we have an entire post on decorating your home rental, condo, or hotel room. It’s especially easy to decorate a HomeAway house for the holidays: ask the home owner if there’s a stash of holiday decor you can access…chances are they’ll leave them out for you or decorate before your arrival. We like to bring small strings of lights operated on battery pack (these can even be adorned to strollers or backpacks!).

Ask your home owner for seasonal events and tips:

We asked our Parisian hosts for their top holiday events in Paris, and almost immediately, I received an emailed list of events and happenings during our stay. Inspired, we did the same for our Italian hosts! Plan to attend at least a few holiday events in your destination to add cheer and keep ‘normalcy’ for kids who are used to plenty of seasonal hoopla in their home town. Some of the best activities include parades, holiday window shopping, and light displays.

Fun holiday events at favorite hotels this season

December 2, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Will you be celebrating the holidays on vacation this year? If so, we have a round-up of holiday events at hotels, with deals and and happenings at some of our favorite resorts and family vacation hot spots. Read on to learn where to book your holiday getaway, whether you’re headed to sand or snow:

Tropical and beach holiday events:

Head to South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Florida for a tropical holiday paradise. The Captiva Holiday Village runs from Nov. 27 – Dec. 21, 2015 on this popular southwest Florida barrier island. Families traveling to Captiva Island during Captiva Holiday Village weekends enjoy a Mullet Band parade, lighted boat parade, South Seas holiday strolls, a Junkanoo Parade, a carol sing at the Chapel by the Sea, sunset arias, a holiday golf cart parade and much more. Check website for schedule.

In Boca Raton, Florida, the Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort will host its third annual New Year’s Eve celebration, Rock the Block, an over-the-top, quarter mile long block party offering live music, indulgent cuisine and festive activities for all ages.

While this event is designed to be family friendly, adults will not miss out on a full-fledged party: everyone will enjoy an extravagant buffet dinner complete with an abundant raw bar, sushi bar, premium carving stations and indulgent kids options. Free-flowing Champagne will complement a deluxe open-bar. The night will begin with the Spazmatics, and the resort’s Grand Lawn, located on one end of the Block Party, will be transformed into a carnival complete with a 300 ft long zip line, a Wipeout-style obstacle course, spider tower, balloon artists and carnival games. Don’t miss the private fireworks at midnight! Learn more.

In Dana Point, California, Monarch Beach Resort is offering the “Winter Sandy-land” package that includes a “snowman” sand building kit, nightly milk and cookie turndown, and more at this coastal hotel. Need more incentive? The St. Regis has year-round swimming via private beach and an outdoor fire pit surrounded by couches for families to cozy up in the evenings. Rates start at an incredible $245/night for a stay at this iconic property. It’s good through December 30, 2015.

At Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts in North Florida, families can book Breakfast with Santa, complete with a buffet, children’s craft table, candy bar, and photo opps. Families also enjoy gingerbread house decorating parties and Santa’s Workshop, where kids can create an arts & crafts holiday gift. The activity list doesn’t end there: sign up for hayrides with Santa, Christmas caroling, holiday movie nights, baking class, or story time with Mrs. Claus. Those staying for New Year can ‘enjoy’ the resorts’ 15th annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge, or the ‘Noon’ Year’s Eve for the younger set.

Mountain holiday events:

Santa is coming to town…or rather, to Keystone Resort, Colorado, beginning Saturday, Nov. 28 through Christmas Eve. From photo opportunities and story time to parades and ice skating, the holiday spirit is alive and well at Keystone. Events include the Keystone Chocolate Village, celebrating its 20th year, featuring a working chocolate gondola, cascading chocolate waterfall, four-foot tall chocolate Christmas tree, and many other winter scenes.

Additional family activities at the resort include Kidtopia events like a Giant Snowball Launch and Bigfoot Adventure Walk. All season long through Kidtopia, kids can play on a huge snow fort and participate in free activities that are scheduled by the day and week. Here’s the whole 2015-2016 Kidtopia winter schedule. And remember, kids ski free at Keystone, even during the holidays.

At the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, located at Northstar Resort, special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled in The Living Room, the hotel’s spacious front lobby, followed by story time with Mrs. Claus in the evenings. Kids are also invited to participate in Ritz Kids crafts with Mrs. Claus. For the adults, the Art of Mixology, on December 6, offers an entertaining, educational experience featuring freshly cut herbs, use of classic ingredients such as bitters, and infused liquors to create three unique cocktails paired with appetizers.

Santa’s Gingerbread Workshop is designed for parents to enjoy with the kids, alongside a Ritz-Carlton pastry chef…oh, and holiday beverages are included. If you’d rather not make edible crafts, try the Atelier Holiday Workshops, offered by a local Truckee business, where families can learn to make hand-crafted wrapping paper. If you’re planning a stay over the actual Christmas holiday, book at table at Manzanita, either for the lunch buffet from December 21-January 3, or for the holiday dinner December 24th and 25th.

At Mt. Hood Meadows, visit Santa on December 20th…on skis! Families can also join Santa for a holiday breakfast buffet at the Mt. Hood Meadow’s Vertical North Pole restaurant, located at the top level of the North Lodge. Santa will be on the slopes from 10-10:30 am. Nearby in Hood River, the Columbia Gorge Hotel hosts a Lights & Santa Visit. This historic national landmark looks even more beautiful during the holiday season, when the hotel and riverside grounds are festooned with lights. Enjoy a Holiday High Tea on December 19, 2-4 PM, and An Evening with St. Nick on December 20, 6-6:30 PM.

At Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon, families can take advantage of a long list of holiday events and happenings for kids, including sleigh rides, elf tuck-ins, visits with Santa, and tons of excitement at Fort Funnigan, the resort’s gathering place for children. Funnigan’s Very Crafty Christmas takes place on December 19, 2015, during which kids become elves in Santa’s workshop, making gifts for Mom and Dad.

The day after Christmas, kids can return to Fort Funnigan for the Holiday Pajama Rama from 6-9 pm. This pajama party includes pillow fights, sessions at the fort’s Bear Factory, and yummy dessert. Holiday let-down will be a thing of the past!

At The Omni Grove Park Inn outside Asheville, North Carolina, gingerbread reigns! This hotel will continue the tradition of their annual gingerbread house contest, first begun in 1992. Hundreds of intricate holiday designs will be on display, along with 80-themed Christmas trees and thousands of twinkling lights. Families can book the Gingerbread Holiday package from Nov. 15 to Dec. 29, 2015, which includes deluxe accommodations, their Art of Breakfast Buffet in the Blue Ridge restaurant, one gingerbread cookie per registered guest, and overnight valet or garage parking .

Exploring Christmas markets in Belgium

November 30, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

For our upcoming European vacation on a budget, we researched Christmas markets in France, Italy, and Belgium. While the country is still on high alert as officials ensure safety following the Paris terrorist acts, sources from both Flanders and Visit Brussels say that as of this posting, Christmas markets in the area will proceed as planned. Here’s what we learned about exploring Christmas markets in Belgium.

Brussels

Known as Winter Wonders, Brussels’ Christmas market is centered around the Grand-Place, where holiday lights take center stage. Check out this video of the holiday light show. It’s easily the most populated market, thanks to easy access from other European cities. The market stalls run over 2 km, and are augmented by merry-go-rounds on Place Sainte-Catherine, and a large wheel and ice rink at Marché aux Poissons. Note: it would seem any Christmas market worth its salt has at least a rink and a wheel in addition to shopping stalls. The Brussels market opens November 27th and runs through January 3rd.

Tip: Please note that Brussels is still at a high security alert. Be aware of your surroundings if and when enjoying the sights at any large gathering.

Ghent

Ghent tends to be less popular with tourists than nearby Bruges and more medieval than Brussels. The Christmas market here is where you’ll likely want to spend the majority of your time exploring. The ice skating rink sits in the city pavilion, and the ferris wheel is located in front of St. Bavo’s. The entire downtown area is very walkable, which makes it a great market to visit if you’re relying on public transit or want to park your car in a public lot outside town (advised).

Bruges

Looking for a postcard perfect Christmas? Medieval Bruges sets a beautiful backdrop. This Unesco World Heritage site shines during the holidays, with an ice skating rink, holiday stalls and a ferris wheel. Be sure to see the Snow & Ice Sculpture Festival, held in a massive thermal tent. The Bruges market opens November 20th and runs through January 3rd.

Antwerp

Antwerp’s market runs for a short time period, from December 15th through December 27th. Located in the city at the Groenplaats, lights and music set the backdrop to plenty of hot chocolate sipping, pastry eating and Glühwein drinking (a mulled wine that’s a specialty at Antwerp). The nativity scene is set against the backdrop of a historic building, and of course there’s an ice skating rink.

General tips for visiting Belgium Christmas markets:

Market hours: All markets generally run from noon or 1 pm to 9 or 10 pm, nightly. All have FREE entry, though parking fees may exist.
How to get there: EuroStar connects Brussels with both Paris and London, making it possible to make a day or overnight trip without a car. If you’re looking to explore further afield, like we are, you’ll need to take the train (Brussels to Ghent is only 30 minutes) or rent a car. As of this writing, EuroStar trains are running on schedule.
Foods to try: Start with chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. Then indulge in the world of Belgian waffles. You’ll need to choose between the Brussels waffle and the Liege waffle. Actually, forget choosing. Try both. Stalls of roasted chestnuts, frites (french fries), and donuts are also abundant. You’ll even find German offerings like wursts and other grilled meats and sausages. And Mom and Dad: try mulled wine and specialty ales crafted for the holidays. Bottom line: come hungry.
What to buy: Belgium Christmas markets are known for ceramics like beer steins and pitchers, plus knit clothing (look for fun hats and scarves). Of course, you’ll also find holiday decorations galore, plus handcrafted trinkets and jewelry.
Tips: Bundle up, as you’ll be spending a number of hours outdoors in the cold. Don’t forget light gloves and a hat. Most ice skating rinks are free of charge if you have your own skates, or skates can be rented in larger market areas.

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Photo credit 1 and 2

Have you been to a Belgium Christmas market? Which one?

Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Alamo. All opinions my own.

Five holiday gifts for travelers who have everything

November 23, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Have an avid traveler on your gift list this year? It’s a no-brainer to pick up something travel-related, but what if she already owns all the latest travel gear, or you have no idea where he’s planning to vacation next? No worries: the following five epic holiday gifts for travelers will make any jet-setter happy.

1. Give the gift of connection:

Fly with WiFi, photo by Glen Fleishman

A subscription or gift card to GoGo inflight internet service is appreciated by any traveler who needs to get work done inflight. Buy a $5 one-hour pass as a stocking stuffer, or splurge on an unlimited monthly pass for your loved one. Now he has no excuse not to stay connected! Have an international traveler? Buy a prepaid 3G data SIM card!

2. Give the gift of a good (and free!) night’s sleep:

Marriott Vacation Club, Oceana Palms

Everyone can use a gift card to their favorite hotel chain. We love Marriott’s gift card options, which allow recipients to choose among thousands of hotels. Are you a Marriott Vacation Club owner? If so, you can gift points for an epic gift to a loved one! Same goes for membership in hotel loyalty programs like iPrefer (which is free to join). Think outside the box to stretch your existing memberships into gifts.

3. Give the gift of experiences:

Snorkeling in Laguna Beach, CA

This is our favorite gift to give! Instead of opening more ‘stuff’ on Christmas morning, treat your favorite traveler with the gift of new experiences. The options are endless of course, but if you’re not sure where in the world your loved one will be traveling next, buy a gift card to Cloud9Living, which showcases over 1800 experiences ranging from sky diving trips to snorkeling excursions.

Know your traveler’s destination? Consider buying a CityPass or GoSelect card, which gets your traveler into the best museums, tours, and attractions in cities across the US and Canada.

4. Give the gift of compliments and family stories:

Create a box of memories, compliments, and inspiration.

Create a box of awesome with AwesomeBox. This innovative gift allows families, parents, groups, or teammates to add custom photos, stories, and messages to special cards for a lucky recipient. This can be done online; then the cards are created at AwesomeBox and placed in a memory box that’s shipped to the receiver. This is the gift for the person who truly has everything, or to share as a family. We plan to create an AwesomeBox of family memories, which we’ll open during the holidays as a family gift!

5. Give the gift of travel-day comfort:

Airports are friendlier places with lounge privileges

The traveler on your list may have every airline pillow and eye mask on the market, but if he or she does not have access to a luxury airport lounge, true comfort and relaxation is still at bay. Give the gift of an airport lounge membership. Our favorite is Alaska Airlines’ Board Room, but you’ll want to purchase a membership through the airline your traveler uses most often. Remember, most airlines enjoy access at partner airline lounges, giving members more options with every flight.

Spooky Pit Stops: Find a corn maze in 47 states!

October 14, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Even so-called ‘family friendly’ haunted houses have become more and more frightening in the past few years, making us less enthusiastic about recommending them. If you’re looking for some Halloween family fun that doesn’t involve ultra-scary haunted houses or ghost tours, look to corn mazes with nighttime operations (spooky without the scares).

Ready for the travel hack? Find a corn maze near you easily with The MAiZE! If you haven’t heard of the MAiZE, it’s the world’s largest cornfield maze company, and it currently has locations in 47 states and several Canadian provinces. Chances are, you have a MAiZE near you, making it easy to find a fun maze pit stop or autumn activity that’s Halloween and harvest focused without the scary elements.

Our favorite MAiZE is the MAiZE at the Pumpkin Patch in Portland, Oregon. Located within one of the biggest harvest festival farms in the area, this MAiZE sports a Portland Timbers soccer club theme, which is a hit with my kids. Other MAiZEes feature local themes as well. The Timbers maze is cut in the shape of the Timbers’ logo, which kids need to weave their way through to find the exit.

What we love about MAiZE:

1. All are located within a harvest festival or u pick farm, which means you can make a day of the adventure should you like, and families enjoy a nice ambiance.

2. All offer a family-friendly, non-scary option. Some are designed for younger kids exclusively, while other MAiZE routes have nighttime hours with haunted maze options or simply dark maze opportunities. Check with the MAiZE you plan to visit to find out what they offer and plan accordingly. During the day, every maze is kid-friendly, and all take approximately 1 hour to navigate.

3. They’re everywhere! Find the MAiZE nearest you.

Admission cost:

Admission varies by MAiZe. The Portland MAiZE cost $7 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12 (5 and under free) during the day, with the option of a haunted maze for $10 at night.

Find more spooky pit stops!

Photo credit: Flickr

Educational travel: hotel programs that teach while vacationing

September 11, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Will you be pulling your kids out of school this year for travel? You can admit it here…we do it too! While we believe that travel aids a child’s education, we also value the lessons they’re learning in school. Therefore, when we do take kids out of class, we try to find museums to visit or hotel programs for kids that offer classes, lessons, or special programming. Below, our favorite hotel brands for families, and what they’re offering kids this autumn:

Appalachian Mountain Club lodges, Vermont:

For families planning a fall foliage getaway or a winter trip into the outdoors, AMC’s Highland Center offers eco and educational programming for kids as young as three. Located in the White Mountains on the Appalachian Trail, their L.L. Bean room comes stocked with family-friendly equipment and their staff offers nature walks and hikes geared toward families. Plus, the Highland Center won’t break the bank: rooms are affordable and meals are communal.

Select Ritz Carlton hotels:

Select Ritz Carlton hotels offer Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. We reviewed their Laguna Niguel snorkeling excursion last summer, and are pleased to see the program offered in several locations, including Maui. Kids begin their Ambassadors of the Environment program in a classroom–don’t worry, it’s fun–where they see a slideshow about the marine animals they will encounter and learn about the unique environment local to the hotel. Guides then take kids (and parents too, if they sign up) off-site to snorkel, take a beach walk, or explore local flora and fauna in another capacity. Water bottles and snacks are included, as well as a photo CD of the experience.

Dar Les Cigognes, Morocco:

This boutique hotel converted from a wealthy merchant’s home offers private cooking classes which can be booked by visiting families. Amanda Mouttaki of Maroc Mama tried out a cooking class with her child, and loved how the class was completely customizable (great for food allergies). Traditions in Moroccan food were explained, and of course, the final product was happily consumed.

Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland:

Travel writer Jen Miner of the Vacation Gals experienced authentic, wild falconry with her kids during a family visit to this well-known hotel. The British School of Falconry was established at Gleneagles, which means the kids were taught this ancient sport by actual professionals in the field. Gleneagles also offers a wide array of additional sports and outdoor activities for families, including archery. Note: not up for an international trip? Falconry is also taught to families staying at the Woodstock Inn, Vermont.

Masseria Torre Coccaro, Italy:

This working farm-turned hotel in Puglia, Italy allows kids to cook with the resort chef before eating their creations, including pasta and pizza. Families learn about the olive groves in this part of the country, and the mills that produce food. Learn more on Global Mouse Travels about their stay and culinary adventures at Masseria Torre Coccaro.

Turtle Beach Resort, Barbados:

At all-inclusive Turtle Beach Resort, Barbados, kids can take dialect lessons –children on the island speak with Bajan accents–and learn a few words of island slang. Pastry classes are also offered, where kids use local ingredients such as noni flour and cactus, and families can play beach cricket with hotel staff…an island favorite. Best of all for animal lovers and budding marine biologists, kids staying at Turtle Beach can learn from Turtle Pioneers, experts on the dozens of turtles that nest here each year.

Preferred Hotels (international):

We love the Preferred Hotels brand so much, I contribute to their Preferred Family website, dedicated to family travel. It’s easy to see at a glance which Preferred hotels are kid-friendly on the Preferred Family site (criteria for the distinction includes kids’ clubs, kid-friendly dining, and kids’ programming). The best Preferred properties will offer an array of classes for kids from golf clinics to scuba lessons. Send the kids to the tennis courts or to the nature trail with Preferred the next time you book Preferred!

Mountain View Grand Resort, New Hampshire:

This luxury mountain property is all about bringing kids to the outdoors, and the outdoors in. According to Luxe Recess, the Mountaineering Club is where kids gather for screen-free activities ranging from frog races to cardboard box races in the pool. Best of all, this programming is free during the day time hours. Mountain View also hosts a ‘meet the farmer activity’, during which guests can collect eggs and interact with sheep, llamas, cattle, and alpacas.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji:

Lucky enough to be headed to Fiji? Last year, we told you about Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort‘s Learn and Play programming, outdoor and hotel programming designed for families and school-aged kids. Kids 6-12 even help out in the hotel kitchen, assisting the resort chef to create a meal start to finish. This year, the resort has added their Connect with Kids program, a unique and culturally educational travel experience for children and their parents staying at the resort. This new program allows families to head off-site to visit a local primary school to meet children of similar age groups in their classroom and participate in that day’s curriculum.

Atmosphere Resorts and Spa, Philippines:

With an in-house biologist and a marine sanctuary right at its doorstep, this property in Dumaguete is a natural choice for families looking to educate themselves during vacation. The resort offers kids’ classes in marine biology and art, all in a relaxed atmosphere. Read more on Globetotting.com.

The American Club, Kohler, Wisconsin:

This five-star resort is known for golf, but they start ’em young. In addition to more mainstream children’s programming, parents can sign kids up for private golf session that include video and swing analysis software. The crew at Road Trips for Families tried it out, noting that families can group siblings together in one lesson, a nice cost-savings.

Want to find educational pit stops in addition to educational opportunities at hotels and resorts? Check out Trekaroo’s Road School series!

Photo credit: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji and Amy Whitley

Spring travel wear picks and 60% off Aventura Clothing

April 24, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

I’m an ambassador for Aventura Clothing because I believe this brand is one of the absolute best in women’s travel clothing. Their clothing is affordable, comfortable, stylish, and high-quality, plus can easily be mixed-and-matched on travel days. Many items are made of organic cotton, which I find packs well and doesn’t wrinkle. Every spring and fall, Aventura Clothing comes out with a new line. Here are my favorite picks from this spring.

The first 20 readers to like the Pit Stops for Kids Facebook page or follow us on Instagram will receive 60% off Aventura Clothing in their next order! Details below.

Rory dress:

We’ll start with my absolute favorite. Aventura has many cute summer dresses on offer this spring, but if you can only buy one, make it the Rory. This organic cotton blend is stretchy, soft, and so flattering! It’s very simple, too, which makes it a great travel piece. The Rory can be paired with a cardigan or even a hoodie on cooler days, or worn solo in summer. It’s meant to be active, so go ahead and run to catch that train. You can dress it up with a scarf and nice shoes and it’ll be ready to go out at night, too. I’m going to need one in at least two colors!

Hartley hoodie:

Layering is key when selecting travel clothes, so you need at least one good hoodie in your suitcase. I usually have two. The Hartley hoodie doesn’t look like an afterthought: it’s bright, cheerful, and high quality, so it looks like part of your ensemble. It comes in really pretty jewel tones with a stretchy, flattering fit, with nice detailing on the arms. Oh, and it’s organic cotton, too.

Rowan capri:

I like to be comfortable when I travel, and the Rowan capri lets me feel like I’m wearing my favorite sweat pants on the plane or in the car, not a cute pair of capris. Thanks for the travel hack, Aventura! The Rowan also comes in a short, and has a stretchy drawstring waistband. I’ve found the Rowan runs big, so order down a size if you want it to be fitted. Comes in five neutral colors so one pair will go with several tees or hoodies.

Tillie top:

The Tillie top was kind of a departure for me. It’s an organic cotton tee, so you get the softness and comfort, but also has an interesting back detail: a polyester Georgette back panel. This detail adds interest to the tee, and dresses it up a bit, so it can easily go from day outing to a nice brunch or cocktail hour. There’s a cute front pocket and floral detail on the neckline, too. Basically, the Tillie is the tee that isn’t. Comes in gray or flamingo, which is actually more like a tangerine. I definitely recommend the latter.

Add a few basics like tees and a pair of jeans, and you have the makings here for a weekend away. All the above was packed in my carry-on for a recent review trip to Texas, and served me well!

Don’t forget about accessories!

It’s easy to pack a scarf or two, a belt, or a strappy pair of sandals, and these details go a long way toward changing up any outfit for a second wear or evening attire. Wear a hat on the plane to save room in your luggage!

Monica fedora:

Oh my. This fedora is so adorable, even if you’re not the hat type (I totally am). It’s colorful and cheerful while still remaining understated enough to go with multiple outfits. I wouldn’t pack a fedora in luggage (will hat boxes ever make a comeback?) but if you can wear it to and from a destination, do so! It looks great on any causal outdoor excursion while traveling, and saves you from potential bad hair days, too.

Saphira infinity scarf:

I am a huge fan of infinity scarves. Even I, the least fashion-forward person I know, can figure out how to wear one! And infinity scarves make any outfit, even a tee and jeans, look classier. Plus they take next to no room in your bag. The Saphira is lightweight, with a burnout floral design that’s very understated. I got the white, which doesn’t show the floral at all unless you look closely.

Studded belt:

A belt, much like a scarf, can make any outfit look more complete, and therefore, makes you look more pulled together on a travel day. The Aventura studded belt has just enough detail to make it interesting, but not so much that it’s a focal point of your outfit. I pair mine with jeans and khaki pants.

Bienne capri leggings:

Here’s another travel hack, ladies: when you really want to wear that cute sun dress but it’s too cold outside, pair it with Bienne capri leggings. Like all Aventura leggings, the Bienne is super warm and very comfortable (they never sag…I promise!), but made to be worn in spring with a pair of ballet flats or sandals. The shirring at the bottom really completes the look. I am in love with these leggings, since every other spring day in Oregon is more like winter.

Want to take 60% off your next Aventura order (including sale items)? Be among the first 20 readers to like our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Simply follow, then leave a comment below with your user name. I’ll send you an unique coupon code good for 60% off one order!

Travel gifts for kids: best hydration packs for all-season use

February 20, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

As an extension of our Travel Gear We Use series, we also feature some of our favorite travel-related gifts for kids. First up: best hydration packs for kids. I used to think that hydration packs were ‘overkill’ when it came to kids’ outdoor gear, but I’ve completely changed my mind! My kids love using hydration packs during outdoor-adventure travel, and I love that they stay hydrated.

Best hydration pack for kids 6-10:

The CamelBak Kicker is our favorite hydration pack for kids 10 and under. Why? It’s compact, has a nicely-sized gear compartment (not too big, not too small), and the hydration hose is fully insulated, making it perfect for winter ski and snowboard trips. The Kicker comes in two colors (boys and girls will dig it) and features a sternum strap for extra security and support while hiking, city touring, or skiing. The water bladder isn’t too big (1.5L), so kids are never carrying too much weight. Toby (pictured above with the Kicker at age 8) can effortlessly carry his water, a light jacket or other gear, and a snack. The Kicker goes everywhere with us, and it’s far less expensive than other hydration packs at $46.50 on Amazon.

Can’t find the Kicker? Look for the Mini MULE. This pack has been discontinued by Camelbak, but can still be found on Amazon for roughly the same price as the Kicker, and about the same amount of internal space (plus a nice outer pocket).

Best hydration pack for kids 11-17:

For kids who have outgrown the Kicker, graduate them to the Platypus Tokul X.C.. Here’s why: this adult-sized hydration pack is still sleek enough for kids to carry easily and teens to crave while snowboarding or skiing. Kids get a full-sized water bladder (2L-3L) that’s easy to fill without spilling, and plenty of space for a light jacket, snack, extra goggles, or a phone. Best of all, the bladder and tube/bite valve is full compatible with other Platypus products, so the same gear can come on the family backpacking trip or on that long-distance run. Pick between three sizes (we find the 8L to be roomy enough for day hikes) on Amazon.

Need a pack that can grow with your kid, from childhood through the teen years? Ideal for tweens, teens, and beyond, the Camelbak Arete 18 is still small enough to be sleek (kids won’t be encumbered) but large enough to pack day trip items into. Plus, for bike rides and ski days, the Arete can transform from backpack to hydration sleeve. This is a pack that will carry through into adulthood, if you let it. Find it on Amazon for as low as $65.

Bonus! Best hydration packs for adults:

For adults who are active, we love the Osprey Raven, which is small enough to join you on ski trips and bike rides, but substantial enough for a day hike. For a hydration pack that gets the job done without breaking the bank, try the High Sierra Quickshot. It’s not as flashy, but the price is awesome!

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Pit Stops for Kids has tested every one of these packs. We never recommend a product we haven’t tried.