Travel Tips - Pitstops for Kids

Product review: Little Passports

June 28, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

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.

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).

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.

Tips on how to make the most of a family holiday to Walt Disney World

June 21, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The following post is brought to you by one of Pit Stops for Kids’ sponsors. Sponsored posts contribute to the site’s operational costs, so our editorial team can keep bringing great pit stops to vacationing families.

A Walt Disney World holiday in Florida is a fantastic experience that all family members will enjoy, both parents and children alike. It’s fun, colorful and exciting, but with so much to do and see, it can be difficult to know how to make the most of your time, especially if it’s your first time on a family holiday to Walt Disney World. Here are a few useful tips:

1. Explore the resort before you arrive

You don’t want to miss out on an amazing experience simply because you couldn’t find it or didn’t even know it was there. There are various visitor guides and online tools that can help you plan your days, and Walt Disney World offers a free holiday planning guide so you can explore this amazing resort before you even get there to make sure you make the most of all the attractions on offer.

2. Dress for the weather

Make sure you wear clothing and footwear suitable for walking around for long periods of time, taking into account the weather. It will most probably be hot and humid if you visit in the summer months, but there is a chance of rain so lightweight ponchos are a cheap option that can easily fold up into a rucksack when not needed. Consider hats, sunglasses and sunscreen for the hotter months so your family is protected.

3. Eat well and drink plenty of water

You can bring your own food into the resort which helps to keep costs down, while having the additional benefits of being able to eat a bit healthier and making sure your child likes the food, if they are a fussy eater. Remember to stay hydrated. With the humidity and lots of walking, running, dancing and general excitement, you’ll need to drink more water than usual.

4. Stay safe, not separated

While Walt Disney World ensures the resort is very safe for children, sometimes they do get separated from their parents, especially in peak seasons when the crowds get extremely busy. Cast Members are all trained to reunite lost children with their parents as soon as possible. There are a couple of steps you can take to reduce the chance of becoming separated, for example all the family can wear bright tee-shirts to be easily seen, or a distinctive feature such as a hat. If not everyone in the family goes on a particular ride, arrange a waiting point to meet up afterwards.

5. Take advantage of the package and pickup service

With souvenir shops everywhere you turn, even as you are getting off a ride, it can be tempting to buy, buy, buy! But some souvenirs aren’t suitable for carrying around with you all day – you know the ones we mean, a giant Mickey Mouse plush toy that is incredibly soft and cuddly, but also incredibly difficult to carry! Luckily, all Disney stores on the resort offer a package and pickup service where your purchases will be looked after and you can pick them up when you leave for the day.

If you haven’t yet planned this year’s holiday, there’s still time to book a late holiday in 2013 to Walt Disney World so you and your family can experience the magic and enchantment.

What to do in Park City in the summer with kids

June 20, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Park City, Utah is truly a year-round resort town. It’s one of our Best Ski Town picks, but that doesn’t mean families shouldn’t visit during summer months: on our visit in June 2013, Main Street was bustling, and parking was challenging to find. Restaurants and bars were hopping, and some shops were open late. Summer in Park City offers much more than just town life, however. Read on to learn what to do in Park City in the summer with kids:

1. Mountain biking:

Mountain bike single track trails can be found throughout the Park City area and surrounding mountainsides, but Canyons Resort sports the only gravity-based, lift-accessed bike park. Novices through experts will be challenged here with rollers, jumps, and switchbacks on downhill trails of every level. Bike rentals (and costs) can be found at Canyon Mountain Rentals. Read our full review of mountain biking at Canyons.

2. Hiking and fishing:

At Canyons Resort, well-marked, designated hiking trails take ambitious hikers as high as Ninety-Nine 90 Peak; on the Fantasy Ridge trail (access from Tombstone trail) or beginners can easily trek to Alpine Lake on the Alpine Lake trail. (Paddleboats can also be rented on Alpine Lake, but don’t let the name deceive you: this body of water is more like a large pond. Kids will enjoy seeing the large trout in the waters, however.)

3. Utah Olympic Park activities:

The site of the bobsled, ski jump, and additional winter Olympic sports during the Salt Lake City games, the Utah Olympic Park has lots for non-Olympic hopefuls to do as well. Families can tour the free museum, take a tour of the facilities (which includes the chance to stare down the distance of the ski jump), and watch Olympic training in progress. There’s also three zip lines, a three-level high ropes course, and an alpine slide. Parents can buy experiences a la carte, or give kids access to all three activities for $40…a great deal! In the busiest summer months, expect some wait times, but staff and instructional support staff are very friendly here.

4. Exploring Park City’s Main Street:

Shopping is fun even for the kids in Park City, with ample touristy t-shirt shops to check out, bookstores, and candy stores. Adults will find gallery-quality art and collectables as well. Have dinner at our favorite, Main Street Pizza and Noodle Company, then stop at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for ice cream or a caramel apple for dessert.

5. Mini Golf or Disc Golf:

Do both in one day at The Canyons: mini golf is located at the base and open from 10 am to 5 pm in summer, and disc golf is located at mid-mountain, starting at the Red Pine Lodge. Get tickets to either in the base area, and plan to wear sunscreen for either high mountain outdoor activity!

Wondering where to stay in Park City? Check out our reviews of Hyatt Escala, Westgate Park City, and The Grand Summit, all of which offer great outdoor pools and on-site recreation.

How to preserve vacation memories without buying expensive souvenirs

May 28, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

No matter where you go on a family vacation, your kids will be tempted by expensive souvenirs. My own son’s weakness: plush animals of any sort. Every time we visit a city attraction, museum, or state landmark, he wants one. Not only are these souvenirs expensive, but they never fit in our luggage and he rarely remembers where he got them once we return home. For these reasons, we limit souvenir purchases while traveling, but do value the importance of having mementos by which to remember important and fun trips.

The following meaningful but cheap souvenir ideas will be cherished by your kids for years following a trip, but cost far less than gift shop purchases:

Personalized photo albums:

Soft-cover, self-loading photo albums can be made quickly and easily on photo share sites, and usually cost less than $20. After major family trips, I make one for each of my kids, complete with personalized commentary and photos they took themselves on our travels. These albums sit on their bookshelves with other picture books and keepsakes, and come out regularly to be ‘read’ at bedtime.

Video logs:

As my kids have gotten older, they’ve enjoyed entertaining themselves on longer car and plane rides by recording personal video diaries on our iPad or on their iPods. Using PhotoBooth or iVideo, they simply record themselves talking about the day’s adventures. Sometimes they even interview each other. Not only do they enjoy this video process better than keeping a written journal, but they can use fun filters to make them as silly as they’d like.

Calendars and posters:

Instead of buying gift shop posters and calendars that will wrinkle and tear on the return travels home, I create our own posters and photo collages on photo sites for my kids’ rooms. Decorating their walls are posters of our national park trips, ski trips, and backpacking adventures. I also make calendars of our travel photos for grandparents and other relatives to keep them appraised of our adventures.

Stickers, magnets, and other collectible travel momentos:

You have to buy something in that shiny gift shop, right?! We have started collections of refrigerator magnets that we add to whenever we are in a new location, and I allow my kids to buy bumper sticker-style stickers of various locations to stick on their reusable water bottles. Not only do they have unique water bottles they won’t lose at sports practice later on, but they drink more water during the vacation as well.

If you need help getting started, great deals on Vistaprint products can be found for photo souvenirs, and video logs can be downloaded and burned to CDs or shared onto kids’ iPods or other electronic devices. Glass jars for storing collectibles can be found for cheap at craft stores locally.

Vacation clubs and timeshare rentals: right for your family?

May 24, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

We just got back from four days on Disney World property, which meant we heard a lot about the Disney Vacation Club. Everywhere we turned, it seemed, Disney was advertising about the merits of their timeshare rentals program. Is it a good a deal as Disney claims? How about all those other vacation clubs and timeshare programs? The answer depends on your vacation style and goals. Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether a vacation club or timeshare is right for your family, and if the answer is yes, read on for a list of top timeshare companies, timeshare properties, and holiday vacation clubs.

1. How far in advance do you plan your vacations?

Traditionally, buying a timeshare or investing in a timeshare vacation club involves purchasing a specific unit for a specific week per year…every year. In contrast, families buying into most vacation clubs purchase a set number of points instead of a physical property, which they can use during various times of the travel year within the boundaries of their point value. Either way, a timeshare family has to plan far ahead–at year one year in many cases–in order to use their points to the fullest or take advantage of their designated vacation week.

2. How important is flexibility in your vacation plans?

Do you vacation during the same week every year? If you’re hindered at all by revolving vacation weeks at work or need to shop various weeks for the lowest airfare, buying a timeshare can be a hindrance.

3. Are you a resort-only type of vacation family?

Many timeshare and vacation club buy-ins now offer the perk of using multiple properties in multiple locations within the company’s system. This means that even though you bought your timeshare at a resort in Bermuda, you can exchange your week at the beach for a week on the ski slopes at a partner property in Vail. This is good news; however, bear in mind that while the location may change, the type of vacation will not. Your family has to be committed to one experience: a resort stay, likely at the same resort brand every year.

If you answered in the negative to any of the above questions, consider renting a timeshare instead. Whereas owning a timeshare is only right for a very-specific type of traveling family, renting a timeshare or vacation club property can e a good option for many. Because timeshares depreciate soon after buying, many owner opt to rent their unused units and points instead of selling.

Where to find a timeshare to rent:

1. Timeshare buy/sell sites. On resort booking sites, you won’t find much evidence of timeshare rental options, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. After finding the resort you’d like to enjoy, cross-check timeshare sites to see if rental options are available. We’ve found deals at the DVC Rental Store for Disney rentals, at SellMyTimeshareNOW for traditional timeshare units, and even Ebay for everything in-between.

2. Pinterest. Find a timeshare rental the fun way by scrolling through photos of vacation rentals and units on Pinterest.

Best timeshare and vacation club programs for families:

1. Holiday Inn Club Vacations: We have first-hand experience with Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and love that each of their properties (across the US, but primarily in Florida and on the East Coast) offer a full array of family-friendly on-site activities such as swimming, golf, bicycling, kids’ clubs, and arcades. And each property is adjacent to family travel destinations like lakes, national parks, theme parks, or landmarks.

2. Disney Vacation Club: If your family plans to take a Disney vacation every year (and probably only a Disney vacation every year), DVC is probably a good deal for you. Plus, you get Disney perks and access to non-theme park properties, like Disney’s Aulani.

3. Marriott Vacation Club: Marriott’s vacation club properties are among the brand’s nicest, and is the most affordable way for families to stay in historic hotels such as Boston’s Custom House or high-end international hotels in Italy, France, and the U.K. Learn more about Marriott timeshare rentals!

Best family travel tour operators: what to look for

May 14, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

When deciding whether to spend vacation dollars on international family travel tour operators (or how much), it comes down to matching the correct operator to your family’s needs. Are you looking for a full-service provider, or not much more than a translator? Do you need all meals planned and activities planned, or do you want time on your own? No matter your budget, here’s what to look for while selecting the right tour company to show you the world.

Experience with kids:

Well, obviously, right? But the fact remains that even tour companies advertising that they’re ‘not your grandmother’s guide service’ may still be just that. Look for a tour operation with youthful (in body or spirit) tour guides and active itineraries. Tour guides experienced in guiding families will also be well-versed in the nitty gritty of kid-centric travel: they’ll be aware of the need for frequent bathroom stops, snacks, and rest periods.

A client list filled with families:

Even if the tour operator you’re considering welcomes families, the other travelers on the itinerary may not. The fact is, more kids are joining their parents for international travel than in years past, and some long-term travelers on luxury international tours haven’t gotten the memo. Why be a pioneering family? Ask a potential tour company for a ratio of families to couples on a given itinerary, and find out if other kids will be present. Many luxury tour operators are now offering specialized family itineraries, designed especially to meet this need.

Evenly balanced itineraries:

To get the most of your international vacation, families will want their itinerary to reflect a mixture of cultural experiences, natural discoveries, and active fun. The best tour operators for kids list activities such as pizza cooking classes in Italy (with time for eating, of course!), hikes with local or native experts in South America, or kayaking excursions in Alaska. Kids learn best by doing (actually, all of us do), so the more activities that give your family hands-on experiences, the better.

Reasonable expectations and flexibility amid guides:

If you bring kids on an international vacation, there will be moments of culture shock, jet-lag, stress, and fatigue. As parents, you may be well-equipped to deal with these realities as they arise, but if your tour operator is not sympathetic, you may miss itinerary stops, or worse, feel pressured to carry on with miserable kids. A good tour operation will build in downtime and be ready for spur-of-the-moment changes in itinerary as needed. As parents, don’t be afraid to request breaks, and be ready to go with the flow.

Specialized, regional experts:

Not all guide operations are experts in all regions. Once you know where your vacation is taking you, spend some time researching the best tour service in that particular country or continent. These operations will have built-in contacts with local attractions and experiences that you cannot find on your own, and have the ability to give you better than a ‘cookie-cutter’ vacation experience. You’ll want to learn more about travel planning in Ghana from Africa tour and safari specialists, for instance.

The right match:

International tour operations range from budget guides to get you from Point A to Point B in countries or regions where a guide is crucial to luxury services that take care of your every need from the moment you touch down. Figure out as a family what you are looking for in your international travel experience, and find the company to match your needs. There’s no need to pay for more than you want, nor any reason to build your vacation a la carte if you’d rather leave it in other capable hands. Ask yourself the following: Will we want lots of freedom to explore on our own? Do we want our meals taken care of? Do we want a highly active trip with lots of hiking and outdoor touring, or a more cultural experience, with ample time in museums and landmarks?

The above post includes sponsored material. Photo credit: flickr/lifeoftravel

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

April 25, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

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.

5 Western mountain lodges for family summer stays

April 8, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

We love mountain lodges! Whether your family enjoys hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or just swimming in a cool mountain lake, a stay at one of the following Western mountain lodges for families will provide much needed summer time R&R.

1. Lodge at Suttle Lake, Central Oregon:

Whereas much of Central Oregon is surrounded by high desert, the small town of Sisters is located in the heart of the Deschutes National Forest, where pine trees shade lakes, streams, and even cinder cones. The Lodge at Suttle Lake is located about 15 minutes from town, on the shore of Suttle Lake. It’s easy for families to hike around this small lake, or kayak or canoe straight from the marina.

Fishing is good at Suttle Lake, or families can mountain bike from Sisters. Lodging ranges from lodge rooms to multi-family cabins, and dining is lake side near the marina. We love the complimentary happy hour and peaceful gazebo where we can spot eagles and paddle boarders alike while rocking in rocking chairs.

Read our full review of the Lodge at Suttle Lake.

2. Gray Eagle Lodge, Northern California:

Truly ‘away from it all’, Northern California’s Gray Eagle Lodge is tucked away deep in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range above the town of Graeagle, California. While visiting, families are at least one hour’s drive from the nearest McDonald’s, or even a traffic stop light, and are instead surrounded on all sides by mountain lakes, forests, and streams.

We love that families can book one of over a dozen lodge-side cabins, all of which are within feet of Graeagle Creek and nearby waterfall. Families can embark on hikes to remote, foot-access-only hikes directly from the lodge, and can return at dusk for gourmet meals in the dining room.

3. Many Glacier Hotel, Montana:

Located in the heart of Glacier National Park, the Many Glacier Hotel just may be the most stunning location in which you’ve laid your head. It certainly may have been for us. The hotel sits right at the edge of Swiftcurrent Lake, which sports a backdrop of, you guessed it, glaciers. The hotel’s expansive upper story deck draws a crowd every evening for the sunset, and afterward, star-gazers linger. We loved that we could hop on a guided boat and nature walk directly from the hotel dock, and were steps away from local hikes.

The best rooms in the Many Glacier offer a view of the lake, but even if you have a rear-facing room, such as we did, you’ll still look out upon mountains and woods…not bad! We liked sitting out on our small wooden balcony, or setting up a board game at a table in one of the lodge’s many public spaces.

Read our full review of the Many Glacier Hotel.

4. Timberline Lodge, Oregon:

For an experience that’s 100% Pacific Northwest, Mt. Hood Oregon’s Timberline Lodge will not disappoint. Yes, if you visit in winter, you can ski the slopes of Timberline, but in summer, hiking reigns…as well as wildflower blooms. Families will be wowed by the large beams and high ceilings of the lodge’s main lobby; we always appreciate the authenticity of the creaking stairs and worn wood. The fireplaces are just as cozy in summer, as well as the outdoor hot tubs.

Rooms at Timberline lodge are cozy (read, small), and a family of four or five may need to book two rooms. This is definitely a downside, but the meals in Timberline’s Cascade Dining Room, especially the hearty breakfasts, will more than make up for this. Plus, Timberline is almost always running a family vacation deal that includes food and lodging, or activities.

Read our full Timberline Lodge review.

5. Redfish Lake Lodge, Idaho:

At Redfish Lake Lodge, it’s all about lakeside living. The life of the lodge is centered around the lake shore, where the Redfish Marina offers fishing boat rentals, canoe rentals, and stand-up paddle boards. You can fish, boat, horseback ride, or swim directly from the lodge, and within a short driving distance, families can try mountain climbing in the Sawtooth Mountains or hiking in the White Cloud Wilderness Area.

Dining at Redfish Lake is both rugged and upscale…at the same time. The dining room is decidedly country and comfortable, and yet the Northwest cuisine served is anything but everyday. Best of all, for large party events, your $250 deposit for lodging is applied as a dining credit in the dining room. Lodging ranges from rustic cabin stays to very comfortable lodge rooms, and all options are affordable for families.

Knowing your ski ability level: how to interpret ski slope ratings for your family

February 1, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

This fun infographic says it all, and if you go on a family ski vacation, you’ll see these universal ski slope ratings no matter where you go:

How to know your (and your kids’) ski ability level:

Get out there and ski! There are many ways to gauge a skier’s level (we recommending taking family lessons when visiting major ski resorts), but if you find yourself free-skiing with your kids, start with beginner runs but don’t be afraid to push yourself to steeper terrain.

Green means go: Green circle beginner runs are great for everyone, from the new skiers in your family to the little shredders. Green runs are always groomed, and often take the form of ‘cat tracks’ or ‘roads’ that kids find very fun to navigate. Kids with higher ability levels will enjoy veering off the trail to find fresh powder or small jumps, but keep the speed down: green runs are meant for beginners and more cautious skiers and snowboarders.

Blue means explore: We say that blue square intermediate runs foster exploration because once you’ve graduated beyond green runs, the terrain gets more exciting! Blue runs can take many forms, including long groomers, more cat tracks, and even some gladed (tree-lined) skiing. Blue runs are almost always available from the top of even the highest chairs, meaning you or your kids can now navigate the whole peak!

Black means expert: No doubt about it, black diamond runs should be respected. Like blue runs, black runs can take many forms, and vary in difficulty. They can contain moguls, bowls, powder, and deep ruts, and can be harder to navigate in poor conditions, such as ice or fog. Don’t be afraid to try them, however; my kids all remember their first black diamond runs!

More than one factor goes into a ski slope rating:

Bear in mind that steepness is not the only criteria that goes into a ski slope rating. Bumps and moguls (which can alter overnight), sharp turns, and bowls with ever-changing conditions also constitute higher ratings. Even once a run has been labeled, look twice before attempting it: visibility, snow conditions, and weather all effect a run’s difficulty on any given day.

Study the resort trail map before hitting the slopes:

My kids love looking over the trail map, and I admit I’m guilty of pouring over it pre-vacation, too. While families are not going to memorize every run, it’s nice to find the lifts that offer the most selection of runs in the level of your choice, or identify lifts that offer a green and blue run adjacent to one another, should you have a beginner and an intermediate skier cruising along together.

This post was written in conjunction with my partnership with Mountain Reservations as a Mountain Ambassador.

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

January 28, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

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.

One 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.