Family mountain biking tips and gear

June 29, 2018 By

Our family loves mountain biking. Many outdoor-focused resorts now offer mountain bike rentals and mountain bike single track, and we discovered the sport while traveling. Right away, our kids wanted to mountain bike at home, too. Here’s what we’ve learned about finding family mountain biking trails (at home and while on the road), how to best transport your bikes, and the gear it’s helpful to have with you.

canyons bike park

Where and how to mountain bike while on vacation:

Even if you can’t or don’t want to get into mountain biking at home (after all, there’s lots of gear to buy), all families can try mountain biking while traveling. Look for family resorts that focus on outdoor activities and nature, ski resorts in the summer, and state parks. Many resort towns offer bike rental shops, and ski resorts will often have rentals available slope side. Our favorite resorts for mountain biking offer gear for kids, a variety of single track for all abilities, and amenities for after biking, like pools or spa services.

The Lodge at Eagle Crest, Oregon: This Central Oregon family resort has everything you’d want, including a full bike rental shop with sizing for young kids to adults. There are easy paved bike loops for those who want a tame experience, plus miles of single track (dirt paths) accessible directly from the property for those who want a challenge. Plus, Eagle Crest has golf, pools, restaurants, and playgrounds. Read a full review.

Northstar California: We love to mountain bike at ski resorts! Northstar, located in North Tahoe, CA, has some of the best gravity-based mountain biking for families. What does ‘gravity-based’ mean? It means the trails all run downhill, with lifts to carry you (and your bike) back up. The trails are marked easy (green) to advanced (black), just like during the ski season. You’ll also find fun elements like bridges and berms to play with. We recommend taking a lesson at a ski resort like Northstar. Another favorite location: Park City Mountain Resort! Read a full review.

canyons bike park

State parks: State parks in many states offer easy access to mountain biking trails. The only downside: usually you’re on your own for bikes, so bring them with you or look for a local bike rental shop. To find state parks with the best single track, try state park pages by state, such as this one for Florida or this one for Utah.

How to get into mountain biking at home:

Once you’ve tried out the sport on vacation, I bet you’ll want to check out the mountain biking scene near your home as well. We’ve found that the best way to enjoy family mountain biking at home is to:

  • Get a bike rack for easy transport to trails
  • Get to know your local bike shop
  • Join a Facebook group or club

You can read below for detailed info on getting a bike rack to fit your car. But first, a word on the importance of a local bike shop: these establishments serve several purposes. The staff at a good bike shop can help you maintain your bike, whether it’s a fancy model or just a starter bike, and educate you on bike tire pumps, locks, and the best trails near your home. We could learn a lot about caring for our bikes ourselves, but instead, we just bring our bikes into our local shop for inexpensive tune-ups every so often. Our bike shop also posts information about local bike clubs and groups for fun rides, plus maps of area trails.

The best way to find local single track trails is to ask people in the know, whether that be your neighbor whose always on his bike to the bike shop pros. We have several mountain bike and hiking networks within a few miles of our house, and our teens will often load up the bikes and ride for a few hours in the evenings.

Gear you’ll need to mountain bike on your own:

park city mountain biking

If you want to mountain bike at a resort, likely the only thing you’ll need is a water bottle. Everything will be provided. But at home, here’s the very basics of what you’ll want:

Mountain bike: I’m a firm believer that mountain bikes don’t have to be top of the line…to start out with. Look for a bike with good shocks, mountain biking tires, and a fairly lightweight frame. You don’t need full suspension on your first bike, and kids’ bikes can have even fewer frills. This guide to buying your first mountain bike is helpful.  Our kids started out with Trek bikes with just a few gears, and grew into their bikes with more bells and whistles.

Helmet and pads: Helmets while mountain biking, are of course, essential. Do you need a motorcycle-style helmet with face guard? Probably not, at least until you start doing some serious vertical. However, it’s worth investing in a good pair of padded shorts. We have been happy with G-Form Pro-X compression shorts. These breathable, thin compression shorts fit well under athletic shorts or pants and give kids (and adults) just enough added padding to make those inevitable falls less painful. Best of all, G-Form’s shorts are versatile: invest in them once, and your kid or teen can wear them during biking, skiing, skating, and even sports like soccer. With three active boys, they’re now a staple in our closets.

g-form

We also recommend knee pads and shin guards, ever since our oldest bashed his shin hard enough to leave a scar when falling (the pedal hit his shin bone). At very least, plan to ride with long pants and a lightweight but long-sleeved shirt.

G-Form-review

Bike rack: If you’re biking as a family, you’ll need a bike rack for your car sooner rather than later. When we got ours, we started mountain biking at least twice as often, because suddenly, it wasn’t a hassle to get out there. The easiest and cheapest way to transport bikes on your car is with a trunk-mounted bike rack. Our favorite is the Yakima Fullback. It fits on most cars, and is easy to take on and off. The downside: you have to remove it to access other things in your truck or far-back of your car. If you have a hitch mount and can spend a few more bucks, opt for a hitch-mounted rack that swings away from your vehicle for ease of use. Our favorite is the SportRack Ridge Swing. Roof-top racks are also available, but most only hold one bike per rack.

 

Teach Proper Technique:

Kids who have previously only biked on pavement need to learn proper mountain biking technique before tackling single track. Teach kids what’s commonly known as “default position” or “attack position”: stand with pedals level, elbows bent, and weight centered over the bike. Remind kids to remain relaxed; no stiff muscles or death grips allowed.

No matter the terrain, whether it be steep, rocky, or technical, teach kids to keep their head up and their eyes focused on the trail ahead of them, not on the obstacles they’re currently trying to avoid. Looking at obstacles such as trees, trail edges, or boulders just about guarantees you’ll hit them. Encourage kids to practice often, even if just at home. Grass, dirt, and even curbs, gutters, and stairs can be great places to hone mountain biking skills between trips to the trail.

Safety first

Mountain biking can seem intimidating to some kids. Others will be fearless. Both reactions can end in injury. Hesitant kids may try to navigate tricky terrain too slowly, losing balance in the process, and overconfident kids can tackle terrain at too high a speed, resulting in a spill. Help fearful kids by encouraging plenty of practice at home, on flat ground. Repetition is key to gaining confidence. Teach overconfident kids by example, displaying caution where relevant. Never push kids onto terrain they don’t feel ready for, or into a group of riders above their ability level.

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Source: Fix.com Blog

Do you mountain bike as a family? What are your tips?

Tips for traveling with pets

June 5, 2018 By

Plenty of families will be hitting the road with Fido this summer. We get it: our dogs are part of our family, too! If you’re planning to bring your dog (or even cat) on your family vacation, we have tips for traveling with pets!

travel with pets

Tips for traveling with pets by plane:

In general, we recommend traveling with pets by plane only when you have to, such as during a long-distance move. This is especially true if your pet will need to be transported in the plane’s cargo hold instead of in the cabin. We have written an extensive post on air travel with pets, which can help you decide whether air travel is right for your dog, cat, or even bird. Pay attention to various airline policies, as they do differ, and the fees related to flying your pet. Always check with your veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy enough for air travel, too. If you want to be extra careful, it would be smart to take out a pet insurance policy so that your pet stays healthy and safe during your trip.

Tips for travel with pets by car:

In many ways, traveling with pets by car is easier and simpler than by plane, simply because you have control over the situation. We all know to NEVER leave a pet unattended in a car, especially in summer, but there are additional things to remember when road tripping with your dog.

  • Roadside rest stops and public parks are man’s best friend’s best friend: At rest stops and parks, pets on a leash can get out of the car, relieve themselves, and get some energy out. Remember that many state parks and county parks do not allow dogs at all, so it’s easiest to stick with city parks and roadside rest stops. Getting to a stop and realizing your dog can’t get out of the car is the worst! Always carry a leash, even if your pet knows how to behave without one, because they are required in almost all public spaces. Be sure to know if there are natural dangers to your pet that may not exist at home, such as foxtails growing nearby, ticks, or predators.
  • Look for dog parks and dog beaches en route: Even better than a public park (but sometimes harder to find), dog parks allow well-behaved dogs to run unrestricted by a leash. Our kids love them, too, because they get to love on many different dogs. I guess it’s dog therapy on the road! Designated dog beaches are available along many coastlines and at large lakes.
  • Call campgrounds ahead of time to confirm pet policy: The last thing you want to do is arrive at your campsite to realize pets are not allowed. Almost all have leash laws, but some also have noise ordinances you may need to note if you have a dog that likes to bark. Plan activities that include your pet, to minimize the number of hours Fido is ‘home alone’ at the campsite.
  • Look for pet-friendly hotels ahead of time: There are actually a surprising number of pet-friendly hotels. Most hotel booking sites have a pet-friendly search option, but we prefer looking on Official Pet Hotels. When budgeting for your vacation, remember that often hotels tack on extra fees for traveling with your pet, or place you in pet-designated rooms.
  • Pick a hotel that is not only pet-tolerant, but pet-loving: If you’re willing to pay, luxury hotel brands such as Ritz Carlton and Fairmont embrace pets, rolling out the red carpet with doggie beds, a pet room service menu, and more. Our favorite hotel brand for pet travel is Kimpton…many of their hotels have pet mascots in the lobby, showing their pet-friendliness day in and day out.

Gear you’ll need for traveling with pets:

Of course, you know you need your pet’s leash and collar (with ID if the pet is not micro-chipped), but consider bringing the following as well:

  • Bedding and/or old beach towels for your pet: The beach towels can double as mud and dirt control after your pet has played in the sand, water, or park, and then Fido can sleep on them at night.
  • Pet-designated water and food bowls: You can buy collapsible soft-sided pet bowls on Amazon, which are easy to clean and pack. Or, any durable, non-breakable set of bowls will do.
  • Crate: If your dog is crate trained, bringing his or her crate makes a lot of sense. Your dog will have a designated place to sleep and rest, and it can help contain your pet in the vehicle, too.
  • Dog medical kit: Yes, you read that correctly. I’m sure you carry a first aid kit for your family when you travel, and your dog needs one too. We love Adventure Medical Kit’s Adventure Dog Series; the Trail Dog kit we use is only $24 on Amazon. In the kit, you’ll find a splinter picker/tick remover, plenty of bandages, including an elastic bandage that doesn’t stick to fur for wrapping injuries. You also get wound-cleaning supplies, hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting, paw care items, and saline solution, all in a waterproof zip-lock style baggie for safe-keeping.

To find perfect accessories for your pet, check MyPetNeedsThat for their pet products and gadgets reviews.

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Apps to make your traveling easy and enjoyable 

May 24, 2018 By

When planning to tour the world, the last thing that you wish to happen would be to get stranded because you do not know where to find a hotel room or did not get a notification about the flight’s rescheduling. Use these apps to travel around the world with ease. 

How To Travel The World With Ease: best travel apps to use 

Do you take traveling to be a hobby? Then you might have come across two or three events that made you think again about the choice of your hobby. Perhaps, it was that long and boring trip, or maybe the challenge in finding an appropriate room for you to stay that matched your tastes and preferences? Generally, going on a trip can be involving and stressful at times, but it does not have to be so every time if you package it well. This article reveals appropriate ways to make your trip around the world enjoyable and fun by embracing technology.

Best travel apps to use when going on a trip

Most fans of traveling have a common principle – anytime is travel time. Undoubtedly, traveling around the world is exciting and comes with numerous lessons. On the other hand, you need to be prepared for a couple of inherent issues while on a trip. The appropriate use of technology is what can help you remedy some of these problems with different applications on the laptop of your smartphone. All you need to do is identify the best app that will give you a better experience on your trip. This guide provides an overview of several apps that you can install on your mobile devices to ease the hassle of traveling in any part of the world. The list coves apps that focus on different aspects of travel such as how to get to your destination, the activities you can engage in, communicating, as well as apps that make your payment for services and products easy and safe.

Airbnb –Book accommodations with ease

In the past, when going on a trip, you did not have any option other than staying in a hotel. Presently, Airbnb makes it possible for anyone to identify a place where they will be staying. It is possible to stay at the center of any city if you like, or in a little cottage on the outskirts of any town. With Airbnb, you book your accommodations with ease and get access to a few guides on where to go for sightseeing.

Netflix –get entertained with your favorite movies

Netflix remains the best travel app that every traveler should consider having. Although it requires you to subscribe to a given package, it comes with much flexibility and freedom. For example, it is now possible to download anything from the app to view it on your devices, and offline viewing is thus possible. If you are engaging in a lengthy trip, you will need Netflix to get the hours passing.

The app in the Air

This application is useful as a guide on flight updates, navigation tips and maps for airports, changes in the gate. All the alerts are available in real-time, implying that you will not have to rush to an airport terminal anymore since you get all information on your mobile device for ease of planning.

Booking.com –hassle-free hotel booking

Booking.com is available in different parts of the world and makes it easy to book hotels. Its database has more than a million hotels that you can review for the best deals in different locations. In addition, its community of over 100 million users can be of significant help when you have not yet decided which hotel is best for you. Booking.com is fast and efficient and provides you with a confirmation instantly after you have booked your hotel. The confirmation gives you access to a paperless check-in as well as offline maps to give you a glimpse of the area.

XE Currency – helps you know the rate of currency conversion

If you are traveling across borders, it is no doubt that you will need to have XE Currency installed on your mobile devices. It is an application that helps you to establish the rate at which you exchange certain currencies. Its conversation rates are precise and accurate, irrespective of what currency you intend to convert.

Citymapper –for ease of navigation

Getting lost in a foreign city is easy. However, Citymapper helps you to move around with ease as though you were a local. This app is available in many cities of the world, hence offering you much convenience when finding your way around any city abroad. Whether you are using the rail or road, Citymapper gives you live updates about any closures to expect as well as delays. In addition, it is quite simple to use and gives the option of saving maps offline for later references.

iTranslate –communicate in any language

Most often, you travel to countries in which locals speak a language different from yours. iTranslate is a simple app that you can install on your mobile device; you can speak into your device and it gives a translation of what you have said in the language of your listener. Then the listener can talk, and the speech is translated into your language. With over 90 languages to translate, you can be assured to move to any place without fear of a language barrier.

Traveling the world is fun but not when you do not know where to stay, how to move around, how to exchange currency, or even how to communicate with people speaking a language you do not understand. However, technology has made traveling hassle-free with the availability of travel apps discussed above, and many others you may explore in your App Store or Google Play. As you make your trips with ease, do not forget to order your dissertation help at https://thesispanda.com/buy-dissertation. It will make your traveling even more peaceful, knowing that someone reliable is handling your assignment.

Flying tips with kids and babies

May 23, 2018 By

The travel season is upon us, and if you’ve delayed that family vacay because you’re worried about travel with children and in particular, flying with kids, fear not! You’ve got this! Here are our top flying tips with kids:

No matter how savvy a traveler you are, the rules are different once you’re trying to book a flight (usually to save money) and travel enjoyably with kids in tow. Here’s how to get from Point A to Point B without misery, and maybe even have a little fun!

Booking Tips With Kids

Naturally, when you book airline tickets for family travel, you expect to sit together. Unfortunately, this is no longer guaranteed, or even the norm in some cases. To ensure you sit together, start by booking early and selecting seats at booking. This is the most obvious and certain way to sit together on the plane.

Next, check your reservation before departure to make sure your seat reservation hasn’t changed. I know, right? But they do that to you sometimes. If there’s a problem, call to talk directly to an agent. Explain your situation calmly and politely, and ask the agent not if something can be done, but what can be done. The nicer you are, the more the agent will want to help you. This may not be fair, but it’s human nature.

Always beware of booking seats on third-party sites. Sometimes, there’s a disconnect between third-party booking sites and airline sites. For instance, if you book your reservation on Travelocity and select seats on their website, this information may not make it to the airline agent.

For this reason, booking directly from the airline is best when flying with children. Sometimes the lowest fare wins, we know, but for the reason above, book through the airline when possible. Desk agents can see who you booked through, and can offer more upgrades or help to “loyal” customers. You’ll be better off in the case of delays or cancellations if you book directly, too.

unaccompanied minor

If you can’t book seats together at booking, book all aisle or all window seats. These seats are much better “commodities” than middle seats when you need to trade with other passengers later. Another option: elect to book seats with a middle “buffer.” Book the aisle and the window, leaving the middle. This middle seat will be among the last seats booked, increasing your chances of having an empty middle seat to spread out in. However, if it does fill up, the decent thing to do as a fellow human being is to offer that person the aisle.

To help you out, use a seat alert at a site like SeatGuru or ExpertFlyer. These sites show interior maps of almost all airplanes, allowing you to see the best seating options at a glance. Unless desperate, do not pay at the gate for premium seats. Some airlines use this tactic to increase revenue, but in almost all cases, seating can be arranged once onboard, if you have young children.

Finally, if you still can’t resolve your seating arrangement, you’ll have to ask fellow passengers to switch (see how below).

Seating Tips: In The Trenches

It should be acknowledged that paying passengers should never have to resort to begging strangers to have mercy on them and “allow” them to sit next to their own children. However, it often comes to that. Here’s how to go about it for the best results:

  • Start by going to your assigned seat and waiting there. No one will appreciate your cluttering the aisle, least of all the onboard flight attendants.
  • Politely let the attendants know what you need. Their main objective is to get the flight in the air on time, so they’ll almost always help you in your quest.
  • Start with the passengers in your direct vicinity, politely explaining the situation (pointing out your helpless child rows away). Have something decent to trade if possible. Note that the passenger sitting directly next to your young child is the most likely candidate to trade.
  • If the first person you ask refuses (it’s their right to do so), just keep asking. Someone will cave, if only to end the awkward begging session.
  • If you have older kids or teens, do NOT expect anyone to trade. You can ask – we have – and get lucky, but after a polite ask, drop it. We were once subjected to a huge fit by an adult passenger insisting on sitting next to his girlfriend on a two-hour flight. Don’t be that guy.

Car Seat and Stroller Hacks

If you’re bringing your car seat on board, make sure it’s FAA-approved (there will be a sticker on the seat). Board early if it’s an option. It’s not easy to maneuver a car seat down that narrow aisle! Don’t be surprised if a flight attendant comes by to check your installation.

If you don’t need your car seat, car seats can be checked at the gate or at check-in, both free of charge. If your seat has wheels or attaches to a stroller or frame, by all means, bring it directly to the gate. Gate-checking is the only way to guarantee your seat actually goes on your plane and will be waiting for you at arrival.

Bringing a stroller? Like car seats, strollers can be gate-checked or checked upon arrival at the airport free of charge. If you gate check, it will be waiting for you in the jetway upon arrival (you’ll need to wait for it for a few minutes).

Tip: Don’t want to hassle with baby gear in transit? Rent strollers, car seats, and even high chairs and cribs at the arrival terminal or in your destination city.

air-travel-tips

Airplane Etiquette With Kids

Kids, just like everyone else, become citizens of that small metal tube we call an airplane the minute they board. Make sure they learn how to be good citizens. The best way to teach them is by example, of course. Seeing Mom and Dad acting politely and generously toward fellow passengers goes a long way. Here are a few additional tips to make your life easier on board (as well as everyone else’s).

GET MORE FLYING ETIQUETTE TIPS!

Get rid of as much gear as you can before boarding. Parents of young kids have enough on their hands – they don’t need to fight for overhead space, too. If you’re headed to your final destination, consider volunteering to gate-check your carry-on bags, stroller, and car seat (if you’re not using it on the flight).

If you’ve done tip 1, don’t board too early. Ignore the offer to board first with young kids. Who wants to sit on the restrictive plane longer than necessary? Now, if you have carry-on bags to stow in overhead bins, by all means DO board first.

Help kids avoid kicking the seat back in front of them by sitting cross-legged. This seems to be the number one complaint of solo and adult passengers on planes in regard to children, but sometimes, toddlers’ legs are just the right (or wrong) length. Yes, you can and should teach kids not to purposely kick the seat, but for those ages during which it’s unavoidable, this is a solution.

Bring appropriate entertainment. You’ll want to carry on toys with magnetic strips and few pieces. That collection of cars or Legos Junior loves? This is not the best use of them. If your young child is going to watch media, but sure to use child-size headphones and splitters to ensure no one else has to hear cartoons.

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Source: Fix.com

How to get through a guided tour with kids

May 15, 2018 By

Are you struggling with ideas for your family vacation this summer? Why not do something different this year and visit one of Americas most famous cultural landmarks, such as going on a tour in New Orleans or San Francisco? We are big fans of guided tours; we would have been lost in destinations such as Pompeii and Paris (and even Gettysburg and San Francisco) without someone explaining what we were looking at.

puerto-plata

With a tour, you pick the itinerary, and the tour guides do the rest. Activities and accommodations are all arranged for you, all you need to do is arrive and have fun. A guided tour is a fantastic experience for you and the kids, but traveling with children can require some planning on your part.

Find a Reputable Tour Company That Deals with Children

The first step in planning your family tour is selecting the best tour operator in the city you want to visit. Search online for operators that specialize in handling kids. Your choice of service provider should have stellar reviews on both social media and Google.

Most tour companies have family packages offered at discounted rates, with all-in-one holidays that include accommodation, transport, and meals for you and the kids.

Research your Itinerary Beforehand

After narrowing down your options for the best tour operator, download their itinerary and review it with your partner before committing and money to it. Look at the list of destinations on the itinerary, will they be of interest to your children?

Don’t forget to include your kids in your decision, and if you want to show your children areas of the country that have cultural and historical significance, make sure you blend in some fun at a local theme park, zoo, or aquarium to balance the learning with the fun.

fat-tire-tour

Prep Your Kids for the Group Tour

Group tours cover a lot of ground over a week, so make sure that your kids are up for it. Sit your kids down and review the itinerary with them, show them exactly what you’ll be doing and where you’ll be visiting. Tell them that they’ll be doing a lot of walking, and then take them out to the mall for a pair of new sneakers, and some ice-cream.

Get your kids excited about the activities and search online for pictures of the places you’ll be visiting to get them excited about the trip. If this is your first trip out of town with your kids, make sure that they understand they’ll be living out of hotels. Throwing your children into a hotel environment can be bewildering for them.

It’s vital that you create a separation strategy in case your kids get lost. Make an info card that they can keep in their pockets and tell them where to go to get help if they can’t find you. Being lost in a new city is a terrifying experience for any child, so make sure you have a plan for this possibility, even if it doesn’t occur.

Keep Them Interested

Bored children become unmanageable very quickly. If you don’t keep the attention of your kids, they’ll become unruly and rowdy, or just downright crazy. Make sure you engage with your kids every step of the way and don’t leave them unattended, ever.

While most tours offer meals included, they won’t remember the snacks, so make sure that you have some healthy options on hand in case they get hungry in-between meals. Granola bars, fresh fruit, and low-calorie flavored waters are your best bets. Try to minimize their sugar intake on tour, sugar crashes will make your kids go haywire and ruin the outing.

Remember to check if your tour operator offers discounts on airfare, flying across the country with the whole family can be expensive, so inquire about this service.

Tips for getting your RV summer-ready

May 4, 2018 By

Summer has arrived, and while you might be ready for a family camping trip, or road trip, can the same be said about your RV? If your Class C camper or trailer is still winterized, it’s time to get it summer-ready. You’ll want to begin your preparations a week or more before your first camping trip of the season, to ensure you have time to replace any necessary parts and pack for your trip.

rv-road-trip-tips

Getting your RV summer-ready:

Begin with a basic spring or summer maintenance check, which will ensure your safety while enjoying your RV. Start by checking your batteries and smoke detectors, and checking for any rips or tears in seams. Next, check for leaks to your water system. Run fresh water through the whole system, checking valves, and if desired, sanitize your water pump system with a bleach-water solution after filling your fresh water holding tank with water. Here’s how: turn the water pump on and run water through all hot and cold faucets until you smell the bleach (1/4 cup for every 15 gallons your tank holds). Close the faucets and let sit for twelve hours. Drain and re-fill the tank with potable water, running the water until you no longer smell any bleach.

Check all fluid levels next, then test your hydraulics (if you have them), kitchen appliances, and oil levels. You don’t want any surprises after you’ve left the comforts of home and the conveniences of retail stores.

The day of your camping trip, it’s time to pack up your RV, taking care to secure all loose items. It can be a good idea to place a pad or cushion on the floor of the RV in case items fall (you’ll probably pack a few to sleep on anyway).

Take a walk around your RV, making sure you’ve secured everything on the outside, too, such as bikes and scooters, lawn chairs, or awnings. Check antennas and satellite dishes, and lock all external doors (closing internal doors, too). Empty your black and gray water tanks, and disconnect any cables or cords connected to your RV.

Once you’ve secured everything for travel, it’s time for final safety checks to your headlamps, trailer brakes, tires, and mirrors. It will be hard enough backing into narrow campsites without worrying about your mirror placements!

Lastly, stock your RV with gear you’ll use all summer (the stuff that stays in your RV). These items include travel-friendly magnetic board games, flashlights and lanterns for outdoors (don’t forget batteries), pantry staples like flour, sugar, coffee and spices, and dishware (consider silicone cups, tumblers and wine glasses that won’t crash to the floor while driving…we love silipint’s bright designs.

family RV camping

Upon arrival at the campground:

When you arrive at your campground, it’s a good idea to park near the entry booth (taking care not to block others) and first check out your campsite on foot. This way, you can double check that the needed amenities are ready to use, including any hook-ups or water, and you can make a plan for approaching the site in the RV (backing up or driving through).

Check for any low-hanging branches or rocks in the way, then be sure to stabilize your RV once you’re settled in your spot. At many campgrounds, a campground attendant or camp host is happy to assist with this process if the campground is not busy. Connect your water and power, ensuring they are in working order, then switch your refrigerator from portable power to plugged in power. Set up your campsite with any chairs or awnings, and take a stroll around the campground to meet your neighbors.
The small space afforded by most RVs can make camping challenging, especially if you like to camp in comfort, but it’s possible to save space while still bringing (most of) what you want. Focus on elevated space saving measures: hang items from magnets or hooks, install hanging trash receptacles and organizers, and add dividers or lightweight shelving to your top cabinets.

Dividing storage areas into smaller spaces can help you stay organized and find gear faster; divide bigger cabinets and shelves with office file folder baskets, tension curtain rods, or simple wooden slats.

Keep as much bigger gear outdoors as possible, including your grill, bikes, chairs, and larger kitchen items. Enjoy the great outdoors while keeping your RV neat and organized.


Source: Fix.com Blog

Golf vacations with kids: tips for a great resort golf experience

April 30, 2018 By
Our kids like to golf, but they’re hardly miniature pros. They’re kids, and they want to have fun on the links. We want them to have fun, too, but also appreciate that other guests may want to enjoy the course without distractions or delays. It’s easy to get stressed when on golf vacations with kids, which is why we’ve compiled the following tips for a great golf resort experience:
pga-tour-kids

1. Pick a resort that’s youth golf-friendly.

When you step into a golf course pro shop and see only adult clubs and apparel, that’s a bad sign. A kid-friendly golf course will have kids’ clubs lining the walls, and even better yet: rentals. Think this is only the case at less luxurious nine-hole courses? Not so. Our favorite golf resort, Brasada Ranch, offers a course for the most sophisticated golfer, and yet staff members still smile when kids come in the door of the pro shop. It’s no surprise to me that Brasada Ranch is pro-youth golfer: this Preferred Hotel is a designated Preferred Family location, which means it offers kid-friendly perks on and off the links. We were able to play nine holes instead of 18 with our kids (not usually allowed for adults on the course), and the starter took extra care to time our start when no one would be crowding us.

Brasada Canyons golf

Likewise, the Coeur d’ Alene Resort in scenic Idaho appeals to kids because of its fun floating green on Lake Coeur d’ Alene, but parents will get more excited that kids golf free. Better yet: sign up for Preferred Hotel Group’s point-based reward program like we have, and Mom and Dad can golf with the kids this time around, and return later on points for a couples’ day on the links. This option extends further than Idaho: to find the best family friendly golf property that’s included in iPrefer, start at PreferredFamily.com/iPrefer. Win-win.

2. Opt for a twilight tee time.

Every golf resort has a least desirable time of day to be on the links; the key is to find out when that is, and book a tee time. Often, twilight tee times are least desirable, as the light gets bad, but depending on the resort location, the least desirable time could be mid-day or late afternoon. If you’re golfing in Palm Springs in summer, of instance, the courses are empty at 3 pm. Golfing at low-crowd periods ensures kids can golf at their own pace, and parents don’t need to worry about backing up pairs behind them. Another perk: twilight tee times are often discounted.

3. Play every other hole with young kids and beginners.

If you’re golfing with a beginner, let the starter know. If you’re indeed at a kid-friendly course, he or she will be able to offer suggestions of holes to pass up. Skipping a hole or two is a good strategy to implement when parents start to notice groups waiting for them to finish each hole, or when kids begin to wilt. Our kids are now tweens, and they’ve yet to finish 18 holes at one time.

tigh na mara

4. Try a golf academy or kids’ camp.

If you have a serious golfer in your midst, consider finding a golf destination offering a PGA Tour Academy lesson.  We had an amazing experience in Central Oregon with the PGA Academy, where our golf swing was recorded on video and we were instructed by the best. If you’re not ready to go pro, look for a resort with a kids’ camp that includes golf. We’ve enjoyed kids’ camp experiences that take kids to the driving range for a one-on-one lesson with the golf pro after-hours.

5. Play on the putting course or green.

Everyone knows to start at the driving range, but far more interesting to kids is the putting course. Many resorts now feature these ‘mini courses’, which offer nine or 18 holes complete with rolling hills and sand traps but require far shorter driving distances. In fact, your kids will need only a chipper and a putter. These courses can be completed in an hour, and cost a fraction of the price of the real deal. We tried our first putting course with the expectation that we’d graduate to the regular course right after: instead, we hit the pool, completely satisfied with our golf experience.
The most important step in experiencing a kid-friendly golf vacation is to start with a kid-friendly resort. What’s your favorite?
For more family travel tips, see Spas and Family Vacations: The Perfect Combination by Mother of All Trips.
Disclosure: This post is part of a series about Preferred Hotel Group’s Preferred Family and iPrefer programs.

Five foundational Aventura Clothing pieces for spring trips

April 13, 2018 By

Spring travel brings all types of weather, making packing a challenge. If you want to pack carry-on-only this spring but need to bring along outerwear, boots, and other ‘just in case’ items, it’s crucial to plan your main wardrobe carefully. What you need to do: identify core clothing pieces that provide you with a packing foundation: a few pairs of neutral pants, layering tanks and tees, and lightweight spring jackets that pull it all together. Add a few tops and scarves and you’re set!

 

Foundational Aventura Clothing pieces for spring:

Regular readers know I’m an Aventura Clothing ambassador, but I accept this gig year after year because no joke: I think Aventura Clothing is the best women’s casual clothing brand out there. Why? Most pieces are organic cotton or bamboo that don’t wrinkle and feel great, Aventura offers Fair Trade items, and its eco-conscious ethos is something I can get behind. Aventura’s clothes are flattering and stylish, but most importantly to this traveler, they’re practical and comfortable. Here’s what to make sure you have ready for your spring carry-on:

Channing Jogger: My new favorite pants! These cute jogger-style pants come in four neutral colors and adds a casual vibe to any outfit without looking like you’re in sweatpants. Because oh no. You’re in fitted, flattering organic cotton. For a price of $82, I think I might get a second pair in another color (remember, Pit Stops for Kids readers get a steep Aventura discount…see details at the bottom of this post).

Arden V2 Capri: A classic capri pant is key. I love the Arden (long a staple at Aventura) and this new version has an even more flattering fit. I love that the legs can roll up to an 18″ pedal-pusher length or be rolled down to a 24″ length. Perfect for transitioning seasons. It’s organic cotton and comes in a bunch of fun colors for $79.

Zelda Tank: I recommend this tank every season for every packing need for a reason, people! It’s the perfect layering piece! This stretchy tank fits under any top, and can be worn alone when the day heats up. Plus, it’s on sale for under $13. Get several!

Gilda Legging: With its chevron print, the Gilda legging is stylish and goes with everything. I always toss several pairs of leggings or tights in my bag: they take up hardly any room and can create multiple outfits. Pair this one with a hoodie or sweater or with a dress or skirt.

Tara Jacket: This fitted jacket gives you a crisp, tailored look while keeping you warm when that spring day decides to take a detour back to winter. It’s not too lightweight (there’s some heft to this jacket), and the military-style, full-button front is very stylish. Best of all, you get lots of pockets and the whole thing is organic cotton for $99. I love the oil green color, but since I already own two jackets in a similar shade, I went with white. I’m a bit concerned about this now…how will I keep white clean? At least it’s machine washable.

Supplement your five pieces with past seasonal staples:

aventura-clothing

Or, check out these additional new offerings:

 

  • Tops such as the Sheridan or Ridley LS: I personally think every woman needs some plaid in her life. The Ridley fits so nicely, it can go from horseback to back deck to dinner. The Sheridan is even more feminine with decorative buttons on the back and a more tailored look.
  • Organic cotton dresses such as the Yardley: I’m in love with this faux wrap, tulip-hem dress. It has an Oriental flair to it, and can be dressed up or down easily. It’s definitely coming on spring trips!
  • A hoodie or pullover like the Amaris Hoodie: this super simple hoodie gets the job done. You look cute while staying warm when the weather turns, and the neutral pattern on this black-and-gray hoodie goes with just about everything.

Want to try Aventura Clothing at a discount? Use coupon code Whitley20 at checkout for 20% off any Aventura order (even sale items). Limited to one time use per customer. Must create or have a current logged in account with Aventura (free to set up).

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Three multigenerational trip ideas in the outdoors

April 10, 2018 By

Multigenerational travel is so important in today’s reality of extended family often living great distances away, and kids becoming more and more scheduled, with less opportunity for quality time with parents and grandparents. We’ve written extensively on the type of trips that make for ideal multigenerational trips, the best of which include group tours led by experts in the outdoors. Why do these work so well? Because putting someone else in charge takes the pressure and stress off the adults, and spending your vacation in the wilderness (or even just outdoors) eliminates the distraction and intrusion of screens, kids’ clubs, and activities that separate family members.

And guess what? Your kids won’t fight you on it. At least not for long. Because we’ve taken a ton of trips of various types, and here’s what they love: simplicity, togetherness, unstructured free time, and most of all, chilled parents.

Three multigenerational trip ideas:

1. At a national park. Can you DIY a national park trip? Of course. But you won’t always want to, especially if you’re visiting a very popular park in peak season. Take Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks as an example. These are among our all-time favorite parks, but the traffic jams in summer can be off-putting. How to remedy this situation: book a Yellowstone trip with a guided service like Austin Adventures. When we visited Yellowstone with a family vacation expert leading our tour, we enjoyed a fully catered experience that left the adults relaxed and happy and the kids engaged. With the insider knowledge of an expert, we planned a trip that skipped the popular attractions like Old Faithful when they were most crowded, bringing us to view the geyser when the crowds had dispersed. We got off the beaten path into the wilds of the parks, and best of all, my parents never had to worry about driving and my husband and I never had to give a thought to what was for dinner.

Dan Austin, the founder of Austin Adventures, has been leading Yellowstone trips for 25 years. Now, his capable son and daughter are running the show. A Yellowstone trip with them lasts almost a week, and you don’t miss any of the traditional national park fun your family looks forward to, like participating in Junior Rangers or checking out the museums and gift shops. You just get more: more park, more family time, more insider knowledge.

2. On a small ship cruise. Any cruise is a good bet for a multigenerational group, as it has so much for everyone to do. But on mega cruise ships, sometimes there can be too much of a good thing. What I mean by this: with so many different directions to scatter, families find themselves just as busy as at home, and spending just as little time together. When we embarked on a small ship cruise (we’ve done two: one with Alaskan Dream Cruises and one with Uncruise), we found that we were busy and engaged together, with active grandparents participating right alongside the kids. Destinations for small ship cruises are endless, though we do recommend nature-focused cruises to locations like Alaska and Costa Rica because kids become so entranced by the wildlife and hiking and adventuring. When grandparents need a break, ship time is relaxed and pampering, and everyone eats meals together; a great time to compare notes on the day.

safari-voyager

 

3. On the river: If you really want to get away with your family without distractions, go on a river rafting trip. We’ve done many, all with O.A.R.S. Rafting and we’ve loved them all, from Oregon’s Rogue River to Idaho’s Salmon River to points in-between. We’ve gone on river trips as a mother-son adventure, with grandparents, and even as a couples-only getaway. O.A.R.S. takes care of everything, so there’s no experience required, and you’re truly in remote country, so you can say adios to your cell phone, laptop and any other screens. The detox from technology is amazing.

oars

 

Have you planned a multigenerational trip in the outdoors? Where have you gone?

Disclosure: This post written in partnership with Austin Adventures, to help spread the word about the importance of family travel vacations.

Disney World monorail resort restaurants: where to go and when

April 4, 2018 By

We love the Disney World monorail: it’s iconic, fun, fast, and easy. Strollers slide on and off with ease, lines are always at a minimum, and for kids, it’s a ride in itself. We try to take the monorail as often as possible during a Disney trip, in order to keep stress at a minimum.

monorail-resort--restaurants

Our top Disney monorail tip: use this transportation to travel from the Magic Kingdom to Disney World monorail resort restaurants for fun or relaxing meals.

First, a quick tutorial: the Disney Resort loop connects the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian via monorail. A second monorail line connects the Magic Kingdom with the Transportation and Ticket Center: this is how you can get directly to Epcot or connect to other parks and resorts via bus. The resort loop is what we’re focusing on today, and it goes in a single direction: from the Magic Kingdom, it stops at the Contemporary, then the Poly and the Grand Floridian, in that order. Therefore, if you’re at the Grand Floridian, the Magic Kingdom will be the very first stop (3-5 minute ride, tops).

Our dining pick in each Disney World monorail resort:

Chef Mickey:

A classic dining experience in the Contemporary, Chef Mickey is our pick for the first dining you do in the World. Why? It hits all the buttons: you ride the monorail directly into the building, you see Mickey and his gang almost immediately, and you eat a buffet meal (read: no waiting). I know the Contemporary gets some grief, but I like the wide, bright atrium where Chef Mickey is located, and appreciate the very classic Disney feel of this restaurant. Use the dining plan to book this character meal (or experience sticker shock when you get the bill), and enjoy this experience just before entering the Magic Kingdom for the first time of your trip. Need to see the menu?

Where to go to chill: Find some quiet in the convention section of the hotel. Even if there’s an event going on, which is almost always, the hallways outside the meeting spaces are usually peaceful.

Kona Cafe:

Aloha! Welcome to the Polynesian. We think O’hana gets all the attention (and certainly deserves its fair share), but Kona Cafe is often overlooked, and has many of the same menu items in a more relaxed, quiet atmosphere. For a break from the parks, this is what you need! Have the Tonga Toast at breakfast, or go all out at lunch or dinner, making use of the sushi bar and wonderful seafood entrees. Kona Cafe is listed as casual dining (for use with the Disney Dining Plan), and adult plates range from $15-$29. View the menu here.

disney-polynesian

Where to go to chill: Head through the lush gardens to the Polynesian beach, of course. If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a hammock or swing chair. No, you don’t have to be a resort guest to use these!

1900 Park Fare:

For our money, 1900 Park Fare is where to go for that special character meal outside the parks, especially if you’ve already seen Mickey and Co. 1900 Park Fare is home to the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast, the Wonderland Tea Party, and Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner. What does this mean? Reservations are crucial (up to 180 days in advance). Use the dining plan to book these expensive meals.

However, if character dining is not on your wish list, take a ride to the Grand Floridian (or take the boat…you’ll see the dock right across from the monorail station), and head to the quiet, crowd-free Grand Floridian Cafe instead. We loved the breakfast here, and had empty tables on either side of us, even during Spring Break.

Where to go to chill: Head outside, past the Gasparilla Grill (quick service restaurant) to find a chair overlooking the marina. Kids can watch the boats come and go and (maybe) you can catch a few minutes with your eyes half-closed.

grand-floridan

Whispering Canyon:

Ok, this Wilderness Lodge restaurant is not on the monorail loop, but it’s within park distance without getting in a car or bus. Here’s how: from the Magic Kingdom, take the ferry to Fort Wilderness and the lodge.

Unlike Grand Floridian Cafe or Kona Cafe, Whispering Canyon is NOT the restaurant to retreat to when you’re on stimulation overload from the parks. Instead, hit up this restaurant before your park day, like we recommended with Chef Mickey. We like to come here for a fun lunch after a restful morning, and take the boat straight to the Magic Kingdom afterward. It’s large, loud, and usually crowded, and the wait staff love to play practical jokes, tease, and sing. Expect to be entertained, not relaxed. Here’s your menu!

Where to go to chill: After or before your meal, head either to the grand lobby to sit in a rocking chair by the fireplace, or walk out back to the pool area, where kids will enjoy seeing the ‘creek’ that flows from the indoors to the outdoors.

Moral of the story: don’t be afraid to make good use of Disney transportation! The Disney monorail resort restaurants provide extra Disney magic (and a chance to catch your breath), and you don’t need to be a guest at one to stop by, enjoy the ambiance, and relax!