Must have van life camping gear

We have been camping in a 1984 Westfalia camper van, and it is epic! That said, space is at a premium in a Westy, and older camper vans, while charming and Instagram-worthy, lack some of the creature comforts of bigger RVs. If you are living the van life, tent camping, or camping in a smaller van, pop-up trailer, or camper, the following must-have camping gear is, well, MUST HAVE.

Must have van life camping gear you need for this season!

Must have van life camping gear

Tough duffels for organization:

We love our new Patagonia Black Hole duffel, made of water-resistant 100 percent recycled material. They range from 40-100 liters, with or without wheels. For van life, we recommend wheel-less, because these duffels are easy to stack on top of one another, toss around, and set in the dirt. We use one for all our bedding in our van, which keeps us organized and keeps our pillows and blankets clean.

Must have van life camping gear

We also like our Big Agnes Big Joe, which comes in 45-110 liter sizing. This one stores our dog gear, their bedding, and their food.

Pick up the Black Hole for under $230 on Amazon.

Comfy bedding for plenty of zzzz’s:

Our Sierra Designs’ Frontcountry Duo bed is amazing. If you’re camping as a couple, this sleeping bag feels more like bedding, with a zipperless design and toe holes so you don’t overheat. It comes in a single option as well, and a backcountry version that’s rated to a lower temperature. We lay our Frontcountry Duo out along our bottom floor bed, which we convert from our passenger bench seat at night.

Pair the Frontcountry Duo with a Thermarest Vela Double Quilt on chilly nights. This zipperless sleeping bag/quilt stuffs down small when you don’t need it, repels dog hair beautifully, and is rated to 32 degrees.

Chairs that invite lingering:

One nice thing about van life is that you can bring along extra weight, since you won’t be carrying it far. We like to relax by the fire in style with our GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker chairs. We’ve set these chairs in creeks, on the edges of lakes in the sand, by the fire pit, on lawns in parks, and everywhere in-between. They’re heavy, but they pack down small, and they are rocking chairs!  

Must have van life camping gear

GCI’s Spring-Action Rocking Technology allows for smooth rocking while you enjoy your time in the outdoors. There’s even a cup holder and a cell phone pocket.

Power that runs on solar:

If you plan to spend time off-the-grid with your camper van, you’ll want on-the-go power at your fingertips. We have the Jackery Portable Power Station 240, which we can pair with our Goal Zero solar panel to provide power for our camper lights, our phones, our laptops if we bring them, our InReach, and our music. The price of the Jackery depends on the power level you opt for, but can start as low as $99 and go into the thousands. Pick something that meets your needs in the outdoors with a little bit of wiggle room, just in case.

must have van life camping gear

Bear in mind that you don’t HAVE to power the Jackery with a solar panel. You can charge it using a wall outlet before you leave home, as well. We do both!

A lantern that turns your van into a party (or a romantic evening):

BioLite AlpenGlow 250 is an LED camping lantern with so many light and color modes, it takes a bit of a tutorial to take advantage of them all! But once you know, you know, and you can toggle between a very bright LED light, a dimmed yellow light version, solid color lights, half a light (to save power) and a full-on color dance party. You get a USB cord included (we charge this lantern with our Jackery power bank) and the 250 lumen version is small enough to fit in our glove box (there’s also a 500 lumen version).

BioLite Alpen Glow

More must have van life camping gear:

An extra cargo box to bring all your toys:

We love our Thule Transporter Combi cargo box, which is hitch-mounted. Read our full review! We love the design because we don’t have to worry about loading and unloading a rooftop cargo box on our van, and we don’t have to worry about the extra weight on our pop-top. The Transporter Combi fits our grill, our charcoal, our portable toilet, our recycling, and more, so we don’t have to carry any of this inside the van when we travel.

Pillows that can take a beating:

Our Avocado mini green pillow travels in our van, serving many purposes. It’s great to prop myself up to read or work on my laptop on those travels when work comes along for the ride, and it’s small enough to not take up precious storage space. The size is also perfect for small kids and toddlers!

A high-quality auto tool kit:

We hope we’ll never need to use our car and van tool kit (or at least not often!) but having it brings peace of mind.

Reusable propane:

This is a game-changer. The Ignik Gas Growler allows us to refill with propane in a portable form, which saves tons of those green gas canisters from the landfill. Plus, the convenience and cost savings are significant! We use the gas growler to power our stove, but you can use it for anything you’d need propane for.

A truly long-lasting cooler (or two):

Yes, it’s worth it to buy a Yeti. Or a Pelican. Or any double-walled, highly insulated, hard-sided cooler. Our ice lasts for days, our drinks stay cold, and we aren’t afraid to bring food ingredients like raw meat, fresh veggies, and dairy, even though we don’t have any electric refrigeration. Yes, the hype is worth the money. We have a Yeti Tundra 45.

A hot shower (or cooling spray):

Our Helio Pressure Shower from Nemo Equipment doesn’t just offer the welcome chance of a warm shower (thanks to its solar heating capability). Because it’s pressurized, you get a strong sprayer that’s great for getting sand off your feet, hosing off muddy dogs, and even doing the dishes. It’s not a gravity-based solar shower, so you don’t need to find a tree to hang it from. Any sunny patch in your campsite will do!

Safe, portable water:

A Lifesaver Jerrycan will set you back, but you get peace of mind that extends far beyond camping season. Thanks to built-in filters, a Lifesaver is a portable water purifier capable of filtering 10,000 litres/2,650 US gallons of clean drinking water, removing viruses, bacteria, cysts and parasites. Its great for camping, for off-grid living, and for emergencies. We have ours always filled with water and stored in the garage in case of evacuation or loss of power and water.

Additional resources:

Things you can’t fly with this summer

Summer travel is returning this year after a hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re gearing up to go somewhere this year, you may have forgotten about those pesky TSA rules.

Some make more sense than others.

airfare

For example, there are certain consumer electronic products like power banks and batteries that carry the risk of catching fire or exploding. Then, there are those TSA rules that might make a little less sense but still have to be followed. 

The following are some things to know as far as what you can’t fly with this summer.

Power Banks

You can carry a power bank in your carry-on bag, but not in your checked bag, according to the TSA. Any portable charger or power bank that has a lithium-ion battery must be in your carry-on.

Lithium batteries can catch fire if they’re damaged. Lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries are found in smartphones, tablets, cameras, laptops, and more. If they are put in checked baggage they’re supposed to be turned completely off, but again, this is against TSA rules.

You can’t bring uninstalled lithium-ion batteries, electronic cigarettes, or vaping devices in your checked bag. They have to be in your carry-on bag.

The thought process behind this is that if there is a smoke or fire incident involving a lithium-ion battery, the passengers and cabin crews may be able to mitigate the situation.

Liquids

Liquids always tend to be tricky. If you’re going to bring a full-sized bottle of anything like sunscreen or shampoo, you have to put it in your checked bag. If you aren’t checking anything, then you have to leave it at home.

There is a limit that in your carry-on luggage, you can’t have liquid or gel items that are larger than 3.4 ounces. Also, if you’re bringing multiple liquids or gels, they have to all fit in a quart-size plastic bag.

There are a few exceptions for some medicines and food for children or infants.

Powder

A relatively new rule enacted by the TSA applies to powder. If you have 12 ounces of powder or less, then you can pack it in your carry-on without any additional screening.

If you’re bringing more than 12 ounces of any powder, you can put it on your carry-on, but you have to claim it and take it out of your carry-on at the TSA checkpoint. Then, you’re going to have to go through additional screening. It’s better, if you can, to put the powder in your checked bag.

Alcohol

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of airlines stopped serving food and beverages on flights or limited their offerings significantly. That led people to want to bring their own alcohol onboard.

You are allowed to bring alcohol on a flight, both in your carry-on and checked baggage. However, you have to be of legal drinking age, and the alcohol has to be in the original, unopened container.

You can’t have any alcohol that’s 140 proof or more.

How much you can bring depends on whether you’re carrying them on or checking them.

Now, the important note is this—it’s against federal laws to open a bottle of alcohol on a flight or drink alcohol not directly served to you by a flight attendant.

Flight attendants are responsible for keeping your drink levels reasonable and safe, and if you’re drinking too much and something happens, the flight attendant could be in trouble.

Things You Can’t Put In Your Carry-On

There are some things that you can put in your checked luggage and not your carry-on. You can put self-defense items in your checked luggage in most cases, such as a firearm and pepper spray. However, these items have to be equipped with a safety mechanism that prevents accidental discharge, and you can’t fly with them internationally.

Sharp items are allowed in checked bags if they’re securely wrapped.

If you have sporting goods, you should check those too.

Certain types of razors are permitted onboard while others aren’t. You can put a disposable razor, replacement blades, or an electric razor in either your checked or carry-on luggage. If you have a straight razor or a safety razor, you have to take the blades out and keep those in your checked bag, but the razor itself can go in your carry-on.

Finally, when it comes to makeup, there aren’t limits on solid or powder makeup. There are limits on liquid, gel, and cream makeup. The rules are the same as for other liquids and gels.

Safe travel: 3 medical conditions that could prevent you from flying

The idea of getting on a plane again and heading off somewhere exciting is something many of us cannot wait to do. For most people, this is easy – we simply book a ticket, arrive at the airport, check-in, and fly. Yet for some people, it is not quite so easy. Some medical conditions could prevent you from flying, and rather than booking a vacation and finding out flying is not possible, it is best to know what some of these conditions are in advance so you can be prepared. Read on to find out more. 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The air within a plane is pressurized, and this means that it is less saturated with oxygen. For most people, this is not something that causes any problems; many will barely notice it, and most will not feel any difference at all from the normal air they breathe on the ground. For those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD), it can actually be very dangerous. 

COPD means that the lungs are less able to take in oxygen, and if there is less oxygen in the air as well, this means that breathing can become labored, and in some cases, it might be fatal. This is why most airlines will recommend you do not fly when you have COPD.

Cataracts 

Although cataracts in themselves are not dangerous when on a flight – your eyesight will not become worse because of the pressure, for example – it is still potentially hazardous to fly when you suffer from this condition. 

When you have cataracts, your eyesight will be limited, and sometimes you will not be able to see at all. In an airport, many obstacles could potentially harm you if you cannot see them, not to mention that if there were to be an emergency onboard, it would be hard to evacuate the plane safely without your full vision. Of course, a cataract lens implant would solve this issue, and if you have had cataracts in the past but don’t have them any longer, flying wouldn’t be a problem. 

Stroke 

When flying, it has been ascertained that there is an increased risk of developing a condition known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. This is essentially a blood clot that forms within the body, often due to poor circulation and the fact that you will be seated for an extended period. These clots can be fatal. 

If you have had a stroke or you suffer from transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or ‘mini-strokes’), then your circulation may not be as healthy as it could be, and you may be at greater risk of developing a DVT. Before you book a flight, you should speak to your doctor about whether or not it is safe to fly. If it is safe, it will depend on how long ago the stroke was, how many you have had, and what medication you are now on, if any. 

Teens flying unaccompanied: what to do when things go wrong

On Pit Stops for Kids, we’ve written tips for parents whose kids are flying solo. But what about teens? Most airlines allow kids aged 5-14 to fly as unaccompanied minors (with kids 5-7 restricted only to direct flights), which leaves kids 15 and up in a completely different category. When kids 15-17 fly solo, they’re still every bit as unaccompanied…and are still minors. But basically, they’re on their own. Pretty scary for parents, and even more so when things go wrong.

We decided our oldest, Nate, at age 15, was old enough to fly unaccompanied. The route: San Francisco to Dallas/Fort Worth, then DFW to San Jose, Costa Rica. Yep, it was a biggie: a non-direct flight through big airports to an international destination. Was he ready? YES…but unfortunately, we were forced to learn this the hard way as Nate was tested severely on his travel day.

Here’s what happened: I escorted Nate to his departure gate in SFO (it’s easy to get an escort pass!), and his flight departed on time. When he arrived in DFW, he found his connecting gate without a hitch, even though it involved a shuttle ride. He even boarded his second flight without a problem, texting me updates all the time. However, he never left the tarmac. As happens occasionally, his plane experienced mechanical difficulties. First it was some sort of brake fluid issue, then an engine overheating. He sat on the tarmac for two hours before his plane was taxied back to the gate. He deplaned, and moved to a new gate as instructed, but the flight continued to be delayed. Finally, the inevitable occurred: the flight was cancelled. The earliest he would leave the airport was 6:30 am the next morning.

Nate found himself facing the prospect of sleeping overnight, by himself, in Dallas/Fort Worth, with his chaperones far away in Costa Rica and his parents nearly as far away in Southern Oregon. He was a seasoned flier, but suddenly felt very, very alone. He faced several immediate problems:

  1. In the chaos that always accompanies a cancelled flight, he didn’t know to get online and try to book a better flight immediately. Even if he had, he lacked the resources to pay for an upgrade.
  2. The travelers on his flight were being issued hotel room vouchers by the airline (American Airlines), but as a minor, the Marriott they’d partnered with didn’t want to issue him a room.
  3. He was tired and hungry, and the long line of impatient travelers trying to get vouchers and demanding answers intimidated him.

Here’s how we helped:

  1. We stayed on the phone with Nate nearly constantly. Thank goodness for cell phones! If you have a teen flying solo, I strongly recommend sending him or her with a phone, even if he or she normally doesn’t carry one.
  2. I told Nate to give his phone to the gate agent, so I could speak with her directly. I was polite but insistent that he receive instructions, and more importantly, be issued a room. The American Airlines agent I spoke with was helpful and sympathetic. She got it done.
  3. I got online, and looked for any other flight that would save him from an overnight in Dallas. There was none, but in the case this happens to your child, be proactive: the airline would rather give any available seat to a minor than have to figure out what to do with him or her all night! Every airline I spoke with after this incident told me that minors do get priority over other travelers, when at all possible.
  4. I asked for the name and phone number of the hotel the airline had put Nate up in, and I called their front desk. I explained that Nate was a minor (which they already knew) and asked the questions I thought he may have forgotten: when does the morning shuttle back to the airport begin to run? Does he need a reservation? Can I place a wake-up call on his behalf? The Marriott Dallas/FortWorth Airport helped in every way possible, and gave Nate a toothbrush, to boot.
  5. The next morning, I followed the flight’s updates via texts from American Airlines. All I needed was the flight number to ensure any gate or time changes would come directly to my phone.

Nate and I both had restless nights, but in the end, he got through it. Without help, he found his airport shuttle, checked into the Marriott, woke up on time (at 2 am PST!), made it back to the airport, and got on his flight. It’s not the way either of us wanted his travel day to go, but he’s now a seasoned soldier in the battle of air travel.

air-travel-tips

Before embarking on your teen flying unaccompanied, I suggest the following tips (learn from us!):

Teen flying alone? Ensure you have stellar support from chaperones at the destination. When Nate’s travel day from hell occurred, he was flying to Costa Rica for an Adventures Cross Country trip. I cannot say enough good things about ARCC’s home office. When I called just before business hours ended, I got an immediate answer from Brooke in the office, and my updates were relayed immediately to Nate’s leaders in Costa Rica. This line of communication was so flawless, it was clearly protocol. When the afternoon turned to evening, and then night, Brooke gave me her cell phone number and continued to help. I was able to reassure Nate that his leaders hadn’t left him (of course not!), and that they knew what had happened to him.

Send your child with a debit card for teens, such as Buxx. Even though Nate’s flight was cancelled due to mechanical issues, and he therefore received vouchers for lodging and food, he spent more than we’d planned in the airport. We were able to look at his balance on his Buxx card and add to it from home. Had he needed to purchase a hotel room himself (perhaps due to a weather delay), we would have called a hotel directly and booked it for him, or put more cash on his card. I am not paid by Buxx in any way; we use this service personally for our teen.

Emphasize to your teen that he or she needs to be a self-advocate. It’s not easy to stand up for yourself, but it’s imperative that your teen is able to approach airport and hotel personnel and ask for help. Nate continually said to people, “I’m a minor flying alone, and I need some help figuring this out.” Even the most nurturing agent can’t assist if your teen has blended into the background and is unnoticeable.

Let your teen practice. In anticipation of Nate’s trip, we let him ‘take the wheel’, so to speak, during an earlier summer cross country air travel day. Even though I was present, I had Nate check us in, hand out boarding passes, direct us through security, and find our gate.

Absolutely wait until you think your teen is ready to fly alone. While we anticipated a long travel day for Nate, and prepped him on procedures from going through customs to finding his gate, we had no idea his day would become two days. But we should have been prepared for the possibility. Thankfully, I trusted Nate could navigate the situation because he’s flown many, many times with his family. Even though he’d never been asked to figure everything out himself, he was already familiar with boarding passes, security, customs, and yes, hotel shuttles.

We hope your teen never experiences a solo flight like Nate’s! 

Homeopathic travel remedies: five items you need now

Have you tried homeopathic travel remedies for family travel? We’ve written about the best first aid kits for family travel, and even about items that should be in your bug-out bag for road trips. But the items we use most often to cure common illnesses and bumps and bruises on the road are natural and holistic. Here’s what we always have with us, au naturale!

Five homeopathic travel remedies:

homeopathic-remedies

Arnica:

Haven’t heard of it? I hadn’t either, until recently, but my mother-in-law informed me she’s been using arnica since before I was born. This homeopathic remedy reduces swelling, bruising and soreness. In our first aid kit, we have Hyland’s 4Kids Bumps ‘n Bruises ointment stick, which is made with arnica. The stick looks a lot like a rub-on sunscreen, so it’s not intimidating, and reduces swelling on minor bumps and bruises. What I love: it’s sure easier to pack this little stick than to try to have ice on-hand for the inevitable fall! Buy on Amazon for $15.99.

Essential Oils:

Sure, they’re a buzz word right now, but essential oils really can make a difference, especially when trying to soothe kids who are missing their regular routine. I know families who travel with a diffuser and oils, but for us, this is just too much stuff to bring along on trips. Instead, I bring just one essential oil blend: MotionEaze. MotionEaze combines lavender, peppermint, frankincense, chamomile, myrrh, Ylang Ylang, and birch for ready-made motion sickness relief. We find it useful for both car rides and the plane. We apply the oil behind the ear, but some families prefer to place it on the wrists. Buy on Amazon for $8.24.

Aloe Vera:

Most parents know about the soothing effect of aloe vera for kids suffering from sunburn. We pack a bottle of aloe vera every time we travel somewhere warm, either in travel-size for air travel or a bigger container for road trips. Not only does aloe vera cool sunburns, but did you know it can be used as a face cleanser or make-up remover too, in a pinch? It’s best to get the type produced uses cold-press techniques, to get the most benefit. Buy on Amazon for $15.95.

Echinacea:

No one wants to get sick on vacation. I think parents fear this outcome even more than most…especially those who have tried to sleep in a small hotel room while caring for sick kids. We believe in echinacea’s properties that aid the immune system. We buy echinacea in capsule form, and have our older kids take it pre-trip (as instructed on packaging) and if they even think they’re getting a cold. It’s also available in droplets for younger kids. Not sure about echinacea? Try Airborne. This Vitamin C booster also aids the immune system. Buy on Amazon for  $25 or less.

Ginger:

Taking a ginger root capsule before getting in the car at at the start of a road trip ensures I’m able to read to the kids and get work done without getting queasy. We also like to have ginger chews on-hand for the kids. We found ginger to be especially useful when we went on a snorkeling trip in a small boat. I dislike motion sickness medication because they make us sleepy. Ginger, like MotionEaze, allows us to stay active and enjoy the day. Buy on Amazon for $5.44.

Bonus item: Essential Oil Diffuser

Should you bring a diffuser on family vacation? My answer: sometimes. For road trips and winter trips to dry, high elevation, having a humidifier/diffuser can be very helpful for keeping everyone healthy. While you can pick from many small, portable diffusers, the one we use is the MIUCOLOR Essential Oil Diffuser. We love this one because it can be set on a timer, it works as a humidifier (we use this especially in hotel rooms in Colorado and Utah, where there is dry air), and it triples as a nightlight. We simply bring a few essential oils, like Fresh Air or an immunity booster, and keep it going all night in our hotel room.

Additional ideas:

Nature’s Rite Congestion Relief: this remedy works well for general sinus congestion. My youngest son gets ‘stuffy’ very easily, especially on planes and when traveling to areas with climate extremes, such as dry heat or humidity. I’d rather try a natural remedy before treating him with medication that may be ‘more’ than he needs. Buy for $10.99

Nature’s Rite Leg Relaxer: If your kids have hit growth spurts, you know what I’m talking about…leg cramps seem to strike at night and can keep everyone up in small hotel rooms. This lotion helps soothe with an herbal mixture including St. Johns Wort. Bottles are $19.99

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What natural remedies do you bring on your family vacations? Share in the comments!

Common mistakes that could ruin your road trip

What’s the best way to get out of the house and spend a few days exploring the country? A road trip. It’s one of the most popular ways to travel during the summer months. The roads are clear, and the weather is suitable to travel to a new city or state with loved ones. Road trips are like the gift that keeps on giving. You get to see several destinations in one trip, be outdoors, and get in tune with things you enjoy, from the beautiful sites down to the music you listen to along the way. 

If you’re going to have a good time on your road trip, there are a few things you don’t want to overlook, beyond just using tax prep services to pay your car’s personal property tax.

road-trip

Prepare Your Car

Driving puts wear and tear on your vehicle. If your car isn’t prepared, it could leave you stranded on the side of the road or in an accident. That’s why you must take care of necessary maintenance and repairs before your trip. Car owners should get the oil and transmission fluid changed and refill antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid. Changing air filters and inspecting tire conditions should also be a priority. 

If you don’t know how to complete these tasks yourself, schedule an appointment with a mechanic. If your vehicle is old and in no condition to travel long distances, it’s best to rent a car instead. 

Check For Important Docs

Before you depart, ensure that you have the necessary documents to operate a motor vehicle. You should have a valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance card. If you don’t have any of these things, ensure that you get it taken care of in advance to avoid running into conflict. 

If you get behind the wheel and don’t have proper identification or get caught driving without proof of insurance, you could get a ticket or even have your vehicle towed. Not to mention, if you’re in an accident, you’ll need your insurance information to provide involved parties and file a claim. 

Select A Second Driver (Or Take Frequent Breaks)

If you plan on driving more than two or three hours, you should enlist a second driver. The longer you’re behind the wheel, the higher your chances are of getting into an accident. Not to mention, driving is taxing on the body. You can suffer from road fatigue or get aches and pains that reduce your driving capabilities. 

Switching seats with a responsible driver every few hours decreases the chances of that happening. If you’re planning a solo trip, then ensure that you schedule a pit stop regularly to stretch and give yourself a break. 

Secure Children Properly

Are you taking the kids with you on your road trip? If so, you must prioritize their safety. In most states, children under the age of 12 and less than 100 pounds need to be in a child safety seat. Install the appropriate car seat for your child’s age and size. Whether it’s a rear-facing car seat or a booster chair, you want to ensure there’s enough space and that it’s properly secured to the vehicle. If you don’t have enough room for the car seats, it’s best to consider another car. 

Print Directions (Or Bring A Map)

Although printed directions and maps may seem obsolete in this tech era, they come in handy for a road trip. Depending on where you’re traveling, there could be areas where there is no internet service, or the GPS system doesn’t work. Unless you want to waste time and gas wandering around, it’s best to have a backup. 

It’s the perfect time of year to hit the road and enjoy a little getaway. If you’re going to have a good time, you must prepare. Although selecting a destination, reserving a hotel, and picking activities are at the top of your list, don’t forget to complete the above tasks. Failure to do so could cause your road trip to come to an end before it ever gets started.

Additional resources: 

Disney cruise checklist: Five items we were glad we had (and five we didn’t need)

When you and your family feel safe cruising again, be ready!

On our voyage on the Disney Fantasy, we packed carry-on only for four people to Disney World and the Bahamas, which I felt was a feat in itself. Turns out, we still brought things we didn’t need (and others we were very glad we had). If you’re lucky enough to be packing for a Disney cruise, learn from our triumphs and mistakes using this Disney cruise checklist.

Read also: how to know if a Disney cruise is right for your family!

Disney Cruise Checklist! Five things we were glad we had:

1. Water bottles. Water bottles can be bulky, but with free soda and water refills all day, every day aboard the Disney Fantasy (and all Disney cruise ships), we put them to good use. With drink refill stations located only on the pool deck (and the cups provided not very portable), it’s easy to get dehydrated. Plus, trekking up to refill water after bedtime is a pain! If your kids like water by their beds at night, fill up their bottles before bedtime to ensure everyone has enough until morning.

Disney Fantasy drink station

Cash for tipping. Once onboard a Disney cruise ship, you virtually won’t need any method of pay except your Key to the World card (in fact, good luck even trying to use anything else). The only exception: the cash you’ll want on-hand to tip bell services and bus drivers pre- and post-cruise, and the tip you’ll give to your servers and stateroom staff on the final day of your cruise. While you can ask that these tips be automatically included as a stateroom charge, you’ll want cash-in-hand if you’d rather decide on the tip amount yourself.

Sweaters or sweatshirts. Don’t skip this on your Disney cruise checklist! While irritatingly bulky in our luggage, we were glad we had sweatshirts during our 4-day cruise to the Bahamas. While the temperature was comfortable most of the time, morning and evenings on deck can get windy. And of course, nice weather is never guaranteed (even by Disney).

Disney Fantasy Goofy

Autograph books. If you have children who will want to get autographs from Disney characters, they’ll be in heaven: characters abound on a Disney cruise, and long wait times are the exception rather than the norm. We were so glad we remembered to pack our seven-year-old’s autograph book (and carted it everywhere we went on the ship, as most our sightings were impromptu).

Sneakers for exercise and the sports deck. Even if you don’t anticipate working out on the ship, your kids will! Mine spent hours on the sports deck, playing basketball and miniature golf, and though I expected this, I didn’t anticipate their newly discovered love of shuffleboard and the running track. While we spent 90% of our time in sandals and flip-flops, we were glad we’d packed the sneakers.

Up next, five items we DIDN’T need! Click on the button below to continue!

fathom-cruise

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Flyover country road trip: Fun in flyover country

I’m very excited to share that long-time Pit Stops for Kids contributor Kathleen Basi, a proud lifelong resident of “flyover country,” released a road-trip-themed novel this spring, and agreed to share a few places she uncovered in her research. If you’re on a flyover country road trip with kids this summer, check out one or two of these fun stops along the way!

wall-drug-candy

1. Silver Beach Carousel


Online: https://www.silverbeachcarousel.com/2016-06-15-14-44-41/test-menu-item
Where: St. Joseph, Michigan
What: A must-stop if you’re trekking northward with little ones (or not-so-little ones)! Our family discovered this by accident when we got off the highway to let the kids see the Great Lakes for the first time. We were looking for a beach, and we got that–but we also got a carousel and the best spray park we’ve ever seen. In fact, with the additional attractions here, this could turn into much more than a stop along the way!

 2. “Castle Park”


Online: https://www.pitstopsforkids.com/southern-illinois-pit-stop-jeremy-rochman-memorial-park/
Where: Carbondale, Illinois
What: If you have young (or even not-so-young) children, plan several hours to let them enjoy this amazing, Dungeons & Dragons-themed park. A dragon big enough to climb on, a castle with thrones, dungeons and secret passages, and countless surprises hidden in the trees and shrubs.

3. Cahokia Mounds (featured in A Song For The Road)

Online: https://cahokiamounds.org/
Where: Collinsville, Illinois (just outside St. Louis)
What: an active archaeological site and 2000+-acre preserve featuring a collection of Native American mounds, including Monks Mound, with a base roughly the same size as the base of the Great Pyramid at Giza. There’s also a top-notch interpretive center.

4. Future birthplace of James T. Kirk


Online: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g38341-d1985332-Reviews-Future_Birthplace_of_James_T_Kirk-Riverside_Iowa.html 

Where: Riverside, Iowa
What: Features a statue of the intrepid captain in the park, a model of the Starship Enterprise, and a store-museum.

5. Corn Palace


Online: https://cornpalace.com/
Where: Mitchell, South Dakota
What: a multipurpose arena with domed towers, decorated on the outside by murals made of corn, other grains, and grasses grown in South Dakota. It is redesigned every year, and if you come at the right time you could even see the new mural under construction.

Flyover country road trip: Nine stops you won't want to miss along the road.

6. Gunfighter Wax Museum


Online: http://www.teachershallfamedodgecityks.org/wax-museum.html
Where: Dodge City, KS
What: Housed inside the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, the name says it all. See life-sized figures of Wyatt Earp, Sitting Bull, Calamity Jane, and more.

7. Taos Pueblo


Online: http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/20-us-places-to-see-before-you-die#!7-taos-pueblo
Where: Taos, New Mexico
What: This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of mud-and-straw adobes that have been occupied by Native Americans for almost a thousand years. Get a glimpse of what life was like when the Spanish first encountered them in the 16th century.

8. UFO Watchtower (featured in A Song For The Road)


Online: https://www.mycoloradoparks.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/colorado-places/ufo-watchtower-colorado/Where: Hooper, Co.
What: a viewing platform, gift shop, and campground in the San Luis Valley, one of the premier UFO-sighting regions. Visitors can stay up all night and watch for mysterious lights in the sky. There’s also a “healing garden” which reportedly has otherworldly connections.

9. Craters of the Moon


Online: https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm
Where: Central Idaho
What: a national monument centered around a volcanic debris field in Idaho’s Snake River Plain. There are paved trails and a scenic drive which allow you to see lava tubes, rifts, cones, and many other volcanic features.

Guide to Las Vegas with kids: family-friendly Las Vegas vacation

There was a time when I didn’t think of Las Vegas as a family-friendly trip idea, but in the past few years, Vegas hotels and attractions have made strides to be more kid-oriented. Whether your family trip focuses on Las Vegas entertainment, outdoor recreation, or dining (or all of the above), the following advice can help make your trip to Sin City much more wholesome.

During this time of uncertainty, outdoor activities offer the best ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring Las Vegas, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

Las Vegas with kids

Where to stay:

Families will want to compare hotel prices in Las Vegas, but to find Las Vegas hotels that focus on kids, you’ll also want to look closely at amenities. Sure, Circus Circus is known for their big-top attraction, but families can easily visit their AdventureDome during a day trip. Better to find a hotel with a great pool, family-friendly dining, and preferably, no smoking. Think a family-friendly oasis is impossible to find in Vegas? It’s not! Our picks: the Westgate Las Vegas, or the Four Seasons Las Vegas and the Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau, both non-gaming luxury hotels.

Take day trips off the Strip:

Many parents (myself included, our first stay) make the mistake of walking along the Strip during the daytime. They believe it will be ‘tamer’, with less drinking and drunken people during the daylight hours. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and instead, families are subjected to the same number of drunken individuals, made worse by the fact that it’s only 11 am. In fact, seeing so much day drinking is downright depressing. Instead, take a day trip outside the Strip during the day.

Red Rock Canyon

Our picks:

Come back to your hotel by around 5 pm, clean up, and head out with the kids from 6 pm to 10 pm. You’ll see all the neon and lights, the glitz and the glamour of the Strip, but before it gets truly rowdy. This is a great opportunity to eat out at an innovative, fun restaurant before its most crowded time period, then take in a kid-friendly show or attraction, like the Bellagio water show or a ride on the New York New York roller coaster.

Where to eat:

Las Vegas has experienced a culinary renaissance of sorts in the past five years. Families can find top tier dining all over the city, but if you’re not looking for a four-diamond experience with kids, we recommend something different: the Tournament of Kings located in Excalibur. Families enjoy entertainment along with their meal (which is kid-friendly meat and potatoes fare) and adults will have fun, too. For something less extensive, try the Rainforest Cafe in the MGM Grand.

Need casual food options? Check these out:

  • Bobby’s Burger Palace: on the South Strip, near Aria
  • Snack Shack, outside New York New York
  • Miracle Mile shops (Chipotle, Earl of Sandwich, more)
  • Town Square (south of Mandalay Bay)

What to see:

vegas for kids

Entertainment abounds in Vegas, but what to see with kids? Our top picks are the Comedy Pet Theater at Planet Hollywood or sea-life viewing at the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Aquarium. If in doubt, treat kids to an evening at any number of high-end, extensive video game arcades along the strip. Some shops along the Strip are kid-friendly, like the World of M&Ms and Adidas store. Learn more about things to do in Vegas with kids.

Shows to catch while in town:

  • Blue Man Group: art, music, non-verbal performing…it’s hard to describe but stunning.
  • Penn and Teller: We love that these magicians are also funny…very funny.
  • Ka by Cirque du Soleil: the ultimate in circus performing arts, martial arts, acrobatics, and puppetry. In other words, something for everyone.
  • Tournament of Kings: Located in the Excalibur, this dinner theater showcases dueling knights and lots of action.
  • Recycled Percussion: this ‘junk rock’ performance allows the audience to play along on pots, pans, sinks, etc.

Arcades and attractions for older kids:

The arcade at New York New York is extensive, as is the Midway arcade in Circus Circus. GameWorks Las Vegas is located next to the MGM Grand. The Luxor’s Games of the Gods arcade is one of the best for virtual rides and interactive gaming experiences. Want an old-fashioned midway instead? Head to Circus Circus, the Excalibur Fantasy Fair Midway, or the Strat-o-Fair at the Stratosphere Hotel.

We really enjoyed the New York New York roller coaster, but be warned: you have to walk all the way through the extensive arcade to get to the ride entrance. If you don’t like heights, the location of the coaster, with the rail suspended outside the hotel’s skyscraper, might just do you in before the vertical drops and inverted loops do!

The Stratosphere Sky Wheel is tamer, or on the opposite end of the scale, the hotel hosts a whole slew of terrifying-looking rides on the tower. For families with older kids, the Vegas Indoor Skydiving allows families to ‘fly’ together in wind tunnels. (Except to pay dearly, however).

If you want to make an entire afternoon of it, head to the AdventureDome at Circus Circus (you may want to take a cab to this very North Strip hotel). Inside, you’ll find roller coasters, kiddie rides, a midway experience…basically a theme park inside a dome. Check ticketing options to get the best deal for your group…paying a la carte would add up!

Photo credit: Aigle Dore.

We worked in conjunction with hotels.com to bring you the best of Las Vegas. All opinions are our own.

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First time cruising with children

While a lot of people absolutely love going on a vacation, especially on those nice private charters where everything is taken care of for you, and all you have to do is enjoy, planning things out is definitely a challenge. And if you also have children you intend on taking along with you, that challenge is a lot more difficult, especially with small children. They make things a lot more complicated and you need to know how to deal with all the hustle that comes when traveling with family.

First time cruising guide:

With that in mind, going out on a cruise with your children and making the most of it isn’t all that far-fetched. All you have to do is consider a couple of things when planning, and you should be set for a beautiful cruise with your kids.

Set Some Ground Rules

When children go out on their first cruise, you’ll find that almost everything is new. And their desire to explore and have fun every minute is something you’ll need to deal with because they can get in trouble very quickly if they do that out on the water, or in a city, they’ve never been to.

If you want to make sure that doesn’t happen, it’s important that you set ground rules your kids need to respect, and by all means, do this before you embark on the cruise. Cruise ships do come with their own rules and etiquette, which you’ll need to introduce your kids to, and you should make sure you explain that they should absolutely stick to the rules.

Both you and your kids head out with a single goal – to enjoy your cruise and have fun while exploring new destinations. If you set reasonable expectations for them (and for yourself), you’re already halfway there.

Go for a Small Ship Cruise

When your kids see all the things they can do on a large cruise ship, from pools to theme parks, it’s understandable that they’ll want to go there. However, there are multiple reasons why a small ship is a better idea, and that’s in addition to the obvious advantages of small ship cruising.

The first reason is the fact that you have an almost one-to-one ratio of staff to guests. If you or your children need something at any point, chances are you’ll get a staff member available to assist you within a couple of minutes. This is a seriously underrated advantage of a small ship.

But the second, and arguably a lot more important reason when you’re cruising with children, is the fact that you can keep your kids in check much easier on a small ship. It’s almost impossible for them to get lost, and even if something does happen, there’s plenty of available staff to help. And best of all, wherever you are on the ship, your kids are well within walking distance and you’ll be able to get to them within minutes.

If you want to make sure your kids enjoy the small ship cruise and don’t feel like they’re missing out, a good idea would be to include them in the planning stage of the cruise. Show them the options you’re considering, and ask them what their wishes and preferences are. You can make a family bonding activity out of this, and children tend to act a lot better if they know their wishes are being listened to.

Be Selective With Excursions

A cruise will give you a couple of options when it comes to shore excursions, and you should aim to go for ones that are kid-friendly if you want everyone to have fun. It’s a good idea to involve your kids in the planning stage, as they’ll be able to tell you what they like and dislike, and you’ll pick something everyone enjoys.

For example, going on a ride with ATVs isn’t the most family-friendly activity. On the other hand, visiting a wildlife reserve that’s full of exotic animals will make your children’s jaws drop, and they’ll remember the experience for years to come.

Here’s a tip that might come in handy – do the excursions planning as early as possible. Some of the excursions on cruise ships might come with limited availability, and the earlier you book, the better your chances of something you like being available.

Choose the Right Rooms

Last but not least, a family trip is a lot better if you choose the right room. While some small cruise ships offer large staterooms that fit an entire family, even if this isn’t the case, you’ll probably be able to get two adjacent rooms and still have your children close.

A thing to note here is that you should make sure you let the staff know about this well in advance, so they can consider it when they’re planning things for the cruise. That rule that says “the earlier you book, the better”, definitely applies here.