travel planning - Pitstops for Kids

Stocking ideas for families who travel

December 6, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Need help filling those Christmas stockings this year? We’re back with this year’s 10 stocking ideas for families who travel! Whether you have small children who need entertainment on long road trips or teens who love the outdoors, the following holiday stocking stuffers will fit the bill!

1. United by Blue Utensil Kit:

United by Blue has made a commitment to reusable products and the clean up of our planet. Their utensil kit includes two stainless steel straws, one silicone straw tip, one straw cleaner, one stainless steel spork, and one pair of stainless steel chopsticks. Mine fits perfectly in my tote or backpack to be at the ready for any on-the-go meal. The case it comes in is 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a water-resistant finish and velcro closure. Pick one up for anyone on your list for $24!

2. Haiku RFID Mini Wallet:

This tiny wallet packs a powerful punch, ready for any international adventure. You can fit your state ID and 3-4 credit cards in this slim wallet, which closes quickly with an elastic band. You get RFID-blocking technology in an CyclePET fabric made from plastic water bottles. Get one for $15.

3. North Drinkware tumblers, pint glasses, and coasters

An Oregon company, North Drinkware creates beautiful pint glasses, tumblers, coasters, blankets, and more inspired by Northwest mountains. Their handblown beer tumblers and pint glasses have the raised imprints of iconic peaks on the interior bottom, such as Mt. Rainer, Mt. Hood, etc. The perfect gift for the outdoorsy NW traveler! We love displaying our Mt. Hood coasters, too. See all their offerings here.

4. Buff Dog Reflective Neckwear:

Yes, it’s as cute as it sounds…a Buff for your dog! We love the reflective strip that keeps him or her safe on those nighttime walks or early morning jogs, and these Buffs come in multiple sizes and patterns, just like the human version. Pick one up for your pet for $12. Need one for your dog’s human, too? We love Buff’s new InsectShield line that protects everyone from ticks and mosquitoes.

5. Tesalate ultimate beach towel:

These beach towels fold down small for road trips, car rides, and camping trips, yet absorb so much water! (Great for pets, too!). They do not allow sand to cling whatsoever, so you don’t get pesky sand in your car, van, or RV. We can’t get enough of these, so we got the XL, which is big enough to work as a picnic blanket, too! Check out all the fun colors and patterns.

6. Juniper Ridge essential oils:

Can’t get out into the wilderness this holiday season? Bring the outdoors to you with Juniper Ridge’s set of essential oils, ready for any diffuser in your home. From Sierra Forest to Christmas Fir, you’ll be invigorated with the scents of the forest, helping with a sense of calm and relaxation when you can’t be outside.

7. Alpine Start instant coffee

Instant coffee that still tastes good? Yep! Alpine Start is the coffee pack to pick up for your next #vanlife adventure, camping trip, road trip, or socially distant travels. They come in a variety of flavors and pack sizes, including original or a super yummy dirty Chai. Packs are $8.99.

8. GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp Cup:

The perfect stocking stuffer for the camper or outdoor adventurer who has everything! This stainless steel camp cup has double-wall insulation and a snug-fitting lid, and is light enough to easily attach to any backpack for carrying from campsite to campsite. It comes in multiple colors so you can be sure you always know which cup of coffee (or whiskey) is yours. Pick one up on GSI Outdoors for $15.

9. Avana insulated water bottle:

These beautiful and functional water bottles are leak-proof, spill-proof, and come with a built-in straw. You get a triple layer of insulation and a cool carry loop on the lid. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

10. Six Moon pack pods:

Can you have enough packing cubes? Never. Six Moon Designs is a company we have long-trusted for their backpacks and shelters, and now their pack pods come in three size options for just $30. Ideal for storing miscellaneous camping gear, road trip snacks, or clothing. We like to keep some on-hand in every car and in our backpacks. Pick them up here!

Need more ideas? Check out more holiday gift picks from Pit Stops for Kids!

Photo credit: Flickr/popofatticus

Holiday stocking stuffers for family and outdoor travel lovers.

5 tips for successful holiday family ski trips

December 6, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

We spend many Christmases away for the holidays. By far our favorite holiday vacation: a holiday family ski trip in a ski resort condo. Three years ago, we spent Christmas tucked away in a South Tahoe HomeAway vacation rental, and past Christmases have found us exploring Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna, BC Canada and the North Shore of Tahoe. Spending the holidays away allows us to focus on our family and leave busy schedules behind, but it can also seem daunting. Below are our best ski trip tips for enjoying a family ski vacation away for the holidays.

1. Go before Christmas Day.

Ski resorts (much like theme parks and beach resorts) remain relatively quiet until December 25, after which they experience their peak season crowds (through early January). No one wants to spend their family ski trip waiting in lift lines, so if you can swing it, book your trip in the first half of your kids’ winter school vacation (or earlier). You’ll experience fewer crowds but also lower lodging costs. Plus, stress-fee pre-Christmas holiday travel is easier to come by.

2. Consider your ski trip one of your family gifts.

Older kids can understand that a family ski vacation costs considerable money, and can be considered a family gift. Plus, bringing a mountain of holiday gifts along on your vacation can be difficult: we bring everyone’s Christmas stockings and one special present for each child if our ski trip will extend to Christmas Day. Kids can also be gifted with experiences: surprise them with a day on zip lines or a sleigh ride at your ski resort as an extra holiday gift you don’t have to bring with you.

3. Bring holiday traditions with you.

You may not want to pack a lot of extra items on your family ski vacation, but some things are worth the space. We like to bring our usual Christmas linens so we can set our table for Christmas Eve, and we bring stockings and special Christmas pajamas. It’s easy to bring a travel Hanukkah menorah, and Hanukkah gifts can double as travel toys. If you like to have a tree in your living room, find out if your ski resort is near forest service land that permits Christmas tree cutting. If so, it’s relatively easy to obtain a permit and have a family outing finding the perfect vacation tree.

4. Make your own holiday meals.

We always book ski trip lodging with a full kitchen. During the holiday season, this allows us to make our usual holiday meals, which makes it feel more like Christmas when we’re away. Find the local grocery store when you arrive, or check to see if nearby stores offer grocery delivery service to your ski resort (many do).

5. Use a ski trip checklist (and check it twice).

Before you pack and depart, write a ski trip checklist with needed gear and supplies. Everyone remembers to bring the basics: skis or boards, boots, and outerwear, but did you remember to pack the following lesser-known items on our ski trip checklist?

extra pair of gloves for everyone
hand warmers (just pack them in coat pockets before leaving home)
chapstick for everyone
laundry detergent and dryer sheets (you’ll want to at least dry outerwear a few times)
base layers or long underwear for all
the makings of s’mores
a cheap box of Christmas ornaments or decorations for the room or condo
a strand of Christmas lights (this can help you find your window or door easily)
batteries or chargers for those new toys

Are you planning a holiday ski trip? What tips can you share for enjoying your time away?

Five tips for successful holiday ski trips

What to do now to prepare for ski season

November 15, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

This ski season will look different, but now is still the time to prepare for a safe ski vacation! Learn how this ski season will be different.

For us, ski season starts long before the first flakes fall from the sky. Admittedly, we’re crazy for the sport, but all families serious about learning to ski or taking ski vacations should be ‘thinking snow’ by November. Here’s what you need to do NOW, before the lifts start turning.

Buy your season passes:

If you didn’t buy your season passes last spring (the absolute best deals are in April), there’s still time to get a good deal. Check out the offerings from the Mountain Collective or Vail Resorts if you want versatility, or go straight to the source, checking the website of your local or favorite mountain.

Sign up for ski programs:

Lessons are expensive, we know. But deals can be had when parents sign kids up for season-long programs or kids ski free initiatives. Learn how to find nearby ski programs in this article, or check with your local resort to see what programs they offer for kids skiing all season long. Many offer kids-ski-free programs for grade schoolers, or after-school programs that include rentals and transportation. Hint: look into local race clubs. They teach high level skiing whether kids go on to advanced racing or not. Many also have freestyle and snowboarding clubs. This is how my kids learned to ski to the expert level.

Check sizes of items:

Autumn is the time of year to dig out all the ski gear and clothing, and make your kids sweat while they try on jackets, powder pants, and base layers to see what still fits. With three boys, we pass down ski clothing every year, and this step is quite the production! Be sure to try on ski boots for sizing (and don’t give into the temptation to put kids in boots that are too big, for ‘growth’…it’s just not safe). Standard snow skis should come to kids’ chin when standing beside them, and boots should be snug (see above). Don’t forget about helmets…ski helmets for kids are essential and they grow out of these as well.

Head to ski swaps:

Now that you know what size everyone is, head to local ski swaps. We have three in our area, all of which take place at the end of October and beginning of November. This is a great opportunity to find ski hand-me-downs or last year’s gear at a discounted price. Hint: it doesn’t hurt to swing by your local ski gear speciality shop before the event. They’re likely getting gear ready to take to the swap, and will happily sell it to you directly instead, allowing you a ‘sneak peek’ at the offerings. We got a great deal on boots last year this way.

Consider buying last year’s demos:

This is our absolute favorite way to acquire skis and snowboards. We’ve bought two used pairs of skis from powder7.com, an online store that sells the demo skis used at resorts the previous year. Families can find skis that are top-of-the-line (last year) for a fraction of the price. They are used, but there’s a handy rating system for determining just how used (some more than others). In our experience, skis have a few nicks and scratches on the top surface, but the bases are pristine (and newly waxed and tuned).

Tune and wax:

Have a tuning and waxing party at your house, or dedicate one evening to the project as a family. We set up shop in our garage each year. If you don’t know how to tune and wax your skis and boards but want to learn (it’s a big money saver), check out this post I wrote on Fix. Otherwise, take your gear to your local ski shop for a tuning.

Plan your winter ‘destination’ ski trip:

Yes, it’s already time to plan a trip! If you intend to take a big ski trip this season to a major resort, you can get great deals by booking before the holidays. These deals primarily focus on lodging savings, which is a huge part of any ski trip budget. In the US and Canada, start your search right here, in our ski resort archives. If you’re in the UK or Europe, start at FamilyTraveller, which has a great listing of family-friendly resorts. Grab airfare now, too, if you’ll need it!

What you need to do NOW to get ready for ski season

Five haunted hotels worth visiting this Halloween…if you dare

October 28, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

My kids tend to be frightened by kid-friendly haunted houses, let alone a haunted hotel, but if yours are made of heartier stock, a stay at one of the following haunted hotels might be just what you need for a memorable Halloween vacation.

The Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC:

Rumor has it that the ghost known as the Pink Lady has been haunting the hallways of the historic Grove Park Inn for more than half a century. If you happen to catch a glimpse ghost-hunters’ style, you’ll know her by her flowing pink gown. This young woman was a guest in Room 545 in the 1920’s before either jumping or being pushed to her untimely death in the Main Inn’s Palm Court five floors below. Sightings of the Pink Lady still occur, most often by children.

The Homestead, Hot Springs, VA:

One of the top family resorts in Virginia, the Homestead enjoys a long history since opening in 1766. Reportedly, the 14th floor remains haunted to this day after a jilted bride took her own life in the early 1900s. Look for her waiting for her husband-to-be’s return while not enjoying the Homestead’s many recreational family activities.

Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, NH:

The Omni Mount Washington is known for its fantastic mountain scenery and outdoor activities, but indoors, the ghost of the wife of railroad tycoon (and resort builder) Joseph Stickney haunts the hallway surrounding Room 314. Visitors to this room have reported seeing the woman sitting on the edge of the bed. To play upon this haunted theme, the Omni is offering a Haunted Canopy Tour in late October, during which families can fly above the trees in the dark, dodging what may be more ghosts…and a goblin or two?

The Peery, Salt Lake City, UT:

The historic Peery Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member, is a Salt Lake tradition. Built in the late 19th century, the hotel is the oldest in the city and offers a rich history with Prairie-style architecture. Recently remodeled into a luxury boutique hotel this year, the hotel offers modern amenities but the past still haunted the hotel today. Guests have reported saying an old hotel guest still hasn’t checked out and still haunted the elevators. Some guests have even reported hearing bangs and seeing things slide across the floor. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the hotel is the perfect place to stay in Salt Lake City where you’re near Temple Square, Capitol Theatre and within walking distance of downtown.

Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego CA:

A famed San Diego landmark, the Hotel Del Coronado is know for more than just luxury family vacations. As the story goes, the ghost of Kate Morgan, still haunts the hotel in the form of cold spots and breezes. Morgan checked into the Coronado to meet with her estranged husband, then shot herself on the nearby beach when he never showed. When not seeking out her ghost, families will want to take advantage of the Southern California sunshine and less traditional Halloween activities such a surf lessons and sandcastle building.

Have you stayed in a haunted hotel? Did you check out immediately, or enjoy the thrill of it?

5 haunted hotels to visit this Halloween

Five fall weekend getaways to take on a budget

September 14, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

School’s in session, and magically, travel costs have dropped! Resorts and theme parks across the U.S. are offering discount packages to entice autumn travelers, but what if you only have weekends free? Try any of the following give fall weekend getaways that won’t break the bank. Bonus: not a crowd in sight!

1. Visit a local farm

We can’t say enough good things about farm stay vacations. Most states have farm stays within a half day’s drive from urban areas, making it easy to get away from it all and still leave Friday night after school and work. The best farm stays offer the chance to get your hands dirty (we love feeding time at dusk and herding sheep…harder than it looks!), but plenty are hands-off if you’d rather hike, bike, or sit on a porch swing, taking in the views. Farm stays are affordable, include breakfast (and sometimes additional meals), and include built-in entertainment of the outdoorsy sort. Be aware that many farm stays book rooms ‘B&B style’, which means there may be a fee for more than two people in a room. If you’re unsure whether a farm is kid-friendly, call and ask: almost all farm stays are small businesses, ensuring you can easily connect with the folks right on the property with one phone call. Can’t get away overnight? Make it a day trip, patronizing a U-Pick orchard or berry patch.

2. Stay the night in a yurt or fire tower

Fire lookouts (functional and retired) are enjoying a period of rebirth as exotic sleeping quarters, and they’re not just for the summer months. In fact, fire towers, coastal yurts, and other unique camping accommodations often remained booked solid from June-August, making the autumn months ideal for families with more flexibility. In fact, our favorite fire tower trip took place in February! Bring plenty of warm clothing, but rest assured that unlike tent camping, you’ll have a roof over your head and usually electricity and heat. Fire towers cost less than $75 per night, making them the cheapest ‘motel’ you’ll find with views like these! Bring card games, books, and plenty of hot chocolate. Find additional northwest yurts, towers, and cabins.

3. Ride the rails

Amtrak vacations are expensive…but not in the fall! We priced a ride on the Cascades line through Oregon and Washington, and found fares to be 65% lower in September than in June. And there’s no need to book the pricier sleeper cabins: plan an itinerary that takes you 4-6 hours from home, book one night in your destination, and return home the next day. The kids won’t mind the travel time: while on Amtrak, it’s fun to check out the views from the panoramic cars, eat in the dining or cafe car, and play games in the parlor car. Parents can relax instead of drive, or plan out the day’s itinerary at the destination.

4. Take a city field trip

Remember those hotel discounts I mentioned? You’ll want to take advantage of those! Autumn is our favorite time of year to tour major cities: their museums are less crowded (and school field trips haven’t amped up yet), restaurants have less wait time, and hotel pools are frequented only be the occassional business traveler…and you. Grab CityPass booklets when you go, as we did in San Francisco: you’ll likely have time to actually see all the attractions on a quiet fall weekend!

5. Sleep in a national park lodge

Remember how those fire tower stays get booked fast for summer? That goes double for national park historic lodges. Take advantage of America’s national parks’ off-season and stay in comfort. We especially love Oregon’s Crater Lake Lodge, and Montana’s Many Glacier Lodge. Fall is a great time to spot wildlife, hike trails without summer heat, and canoe across lakes. Just be aware that some seasonal activities, such as horseback stables or swimming beaches, may be closed until spring. Tip: now’s the right time to book your national park lodge stay for next summer, too!

Still not seeing what you’re looking for? Check out more fall getaways!

5 fall weekend getaways to take with the kids

Where do you plan to go this autumn? Tell us about your trip in the comments!

Five back to school getaways to take right now!

August 26, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

September, October and November are the perfect months for short family back to school getaways. Kids (and parents!) are ready for a break from the busy back-to-school schedule, and hotels and resorts are less crowded and keen to offer fall discounts. Where to go to combine fun autumn activities with discounted lodging? We’ve checked out almost a dozen family trip ideas in the past few months in order to pass along our favorites school year getaways to you. Below is a round up of our top five getaway ideas across the country for a fall family getaway:

1. Omni Mount Washington, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire:

Not only do Omni Resorts go all-out for kids, but the Omni Mount Washington embraces Halloween with its very own ghost: be on the lookout for the widowed bride of the resort’s original owner, said to haunt the hotel. Supernatural happenings aside, the Mount Washington location offers outdoor activities perfect for fall. Families can hike or bike right from the resort, or take a day trip to explore the Mt. Washington Cog Railway or Crawford Notch State Park. Then introduce the kids to the fun of ‘leaf peeping’ along New Hampshire’s winding highways.

2. Northstar California, North Lake Tahoe, CA:

Beat the skiers to Tahoe with a trip to Northstar before the snow flies. (You might even get the added bonus of an early snowfall.) There’s plenty for families to do at Northstar in the fall, from biking and hiking to riding the gondola for views. Roller skating is available on the ice rink, and the village shops are sporting pre-season sales. We love the discounts to be found in the village condos or the homes for rent near the golf course. The beauty of Lake Tahoe is only minutes away, offering more hiking even if it’s too cold for a plunge.

3. House on Metolius, Sisters, Oregon:

House on Metolius is a fly fishing and hiking oasis tucked into the woods outside of Camp Sherman, OR (approximately 45 minutes from Bend). Families can choose between a cabin or lodge room stay, and explore this 200 acre property full of meadows, mountains, and wildlife. The Metolius River cuts right through the resort, allowing for no-hassle fishing and play. Hiking is nearby, as is kayaking on Suttle Lake. Mostly though, families will enjoy cozying up by the fireplace for some downtime.

4. WilloughVale Inn and Cottages, Lake Willoughby, Vermont:

This lake-side resort also offers both cabins and lodge rooms, and complimentary canoe rentals every day. Kids will enjoy the nearby Montshire Museum of Science, and parents will feel relaxed in the gorgeous fall foliage as they stop with the family at the many farmer’s markets and roadside stands. Fall discounts are available, and the dining ranges from gourmet farm-to-table to family diner style.

5. Blue Iguana Inn, Ojai CA:

It may not exactly feel like fall in Ojai, a desert retreat 90 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, but your family will feel as though you’ve gotten away from it all. Kids will love the lush garden grounds of the Blue Iguana, and the novelty of taking a dip in the outdoor pool and hot tub even in November. Parents will enjoy the art scene in town (there are plenty of galleries to haunt) and kids will be occupied by the large playground and many area hikes through botanical gardens. Visit a working olive oil factory or just hang out at the inn between meals in award-winning restaurants that still hold kid-appeal.

Photo credit: KimberlyKV.

Don’t leave for vacation without safeguarding your home

August 10, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Vacationing might be an effective way to get away from your house, job, school, and everyday responsibilities for a while, but you always intend to come back. When you’re away from your home, many things could go wrong if you haven’t adequately prepared. Home repair problems, natural disasters, vandalism, and even burglaries can occur, putting a damper on your mood and finances. As no one wants to return from vacation with many problems to resolve, it’s best to take care of these things in advance.

Yardwork

When you’re planning a vacation, chances are you’re not thinking about mowing the lawn and trimming the trees. However, it is an essential step to safeguard your living space. Properties that appear unkempt from the outside are often targets for burglars. It gives the appearance that no one is home and creates plenty of hiding and access points.

That’s why you should take care of your lawn before your trip. Cut the grass, trim bushes and trees, and put away temptations like grills, swimming pools, and lawn furniture. If you’re going to be gone for a while, you should also consider hiring a landscaping company to keep up with basic maintenance until you return.

Maintenance And Repairs

Leaving your home for an extended period of time without handling maintenance and repairs could turn into a disaster. Take a roofing problem, for instance. Let’s say you go on vacation knowing there’s a small leak in the roof. Then, a nasty thunderstorm results in a more extensive leak, water damage, and mold.

If you had taken care of the problem before going on vacation, you could avoid coming home to an expensive mess. Learn how to hire a good roofer and have your property serviced in advance. Even if that means you’ll have to dip into your vacation fund to cover the costs, it’s better than the outcome.

Weather Prep

Natural disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes can develop at any moment, leaving properties in shambles. Although you can’t prevent everything, every homeowner is encouraged to take precautions. When planning a vacation, be sure to check the weather in your hometown while you’re away.

If there’s a storm predicted or you live in an area where natural disasters are common, you should prepare your home before you leave. Securing outdoor furniture, boarding up windows, and having the sub-pump system serviced in advance can save you a lot of frustration should lousy weather persist.

Security Systems

You’d be surprised how many homeowners go on vacation without adequately securing their property. Consequently, they return to a house that’s been vandalized or burglarized that takes weeks or even months to recover from. As most people have home security systems in their residences, they’re encouraged to ensure they’re set before you leave. You should also notify the security company that you’re going on vacation so they can keep a watchful eye and respond to potential threats faster.

Cleanliness

Vacationing is all about getting away from the norms to clear your mind. Coming home to a dirty, cluttered, and messy house can undo all the emotional benefits of getting away. As unclean spaces can heighten feelings of stress and anxiety, it’s best to clean your home before your trip.

Dedicate a few hours to clean and organize your house from top to bottom. You can enlist the help of family members or hire a professional cleaning crew to assist you. That way, you have a clean, safe, and healthy environment to return to. It provides peace of mind and makes getting back into everyday routines more manageable.

When you think of vacation planning, home prep is often a minimal consideration (if at all). While completing the above tasks may feel like a chore, it’s essential to safeguard your home. It reduces the risks of property damage while you’re away, giving you an added peace of mind and a sense of security. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of vacationing and return to a safe, decent, and comfortable living space.

Five ways to keep your kids content on a road trip

August 10, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Children are naturally energetic. They’re impatient and rambunctious. When you take your children on a trip with you, it changes the vibe completely. While you want to relax if you’re on vacation, it can be difficult having kids around. This is particularly the case for road trips, when there is a lot of extra time sitting in the car. Luckily there are a few great tactics to help keep your children happy and content while being on the road for hours at a time. Here are a few of those tips to make sure the whole family stays in a good mood.

Be Clear about Durations of Drives

When you’re about to be on the road for hours, you might think that it’s a good idea to string your kids along and avoid telling them how long the drive will be. This is actually the wrong move. You should prepare them for it by telling them how long the drive will be, when you will stop, and what the final destination for the day is. It’s important to give them something to look forward to, which is why planning fun stops is so helpful. Whether you’re stopping at a national park or just a roadside attraction, giving your children something to look forward to will keep them content.

Plan Refueling

While you may have the idea that you should stop early to get gas as a tactic to quell your child’s impatience, this can actually lead to a distorted perspective on how long it is. It’s vital not to stop so often so when you do it’s for food, fun, and fuel. This is also imperative for those who drive electric cars because they need to plan where they will charge on public EV charging stations. It offers a clear plan for when you need to stop so map those out on your way and tell your children when and why you will be stopping. Managing expectations is a huge part of keeping your children happy on the road.

Reward Them for Good Behavior

Along the way, if your child is behaving you should reward them for it. When they’re quiet and polite, drive through their favorite fast food or go out of the way to stop somewhere they like. Whatever attraction, restaurant, sweet, or activity your children like can be a great way to reward them for good behavior and keep them content for the hours ahead.

Bring Snacks

One thing that’s essential for road trips is snacks. Healthy and tasty snacks are a great way to pass the time, avoid getting hungry, and wait to stop. You should, of course, limit the intake of fluids the kids have so you don’t have to stop for the bathroom every 50 miles. Snacks are essential when you’re on the road, but don’t bring things that are unhealthy. If your child eats a whole bag of chips, they will feel poorly and need to go to the bathroom. It’s all about balance. Bring the right amount of good, healthy, and filling snacks but don’t pack too much junk food.

Plan Bathroom Breaks

The biggest delay when you’re on a road trip is the bathroom break. You should be clear with your kids that you are going to stop on scheduled stops to go to the bathroom. This should coincide with when you need to fuel your car. Tell your kids that you will stop a certain number of times to go to the bathroom and they will have to wait if they don’t go to the bathroom when you stop. If you’re clear, your children will get the point.

These aren’t just the only tips to make sure your children are content during a road trip, but they are a great place to start. Talk to your kids. Be clear about what the plan is, what they will get when they are good, and where you will stop for fun, food, and fuel. It doesn’t matter where you are going, how long it will take, and what your child is prone to do, you can make the road trip with the family super fun and exciting.

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

June 1, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

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.

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.

Our picks:

Red Rock Canyon
Grand Canyon
Hoover Dam

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:

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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Why travel is an excellent form of education

May 13, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

“Nothing develops the mind like travel,” said Emile Zola. And you can find great numbers of similar sayings from famous and ordinary men all over the world. What force makes people leave their safe and comfortable places and condemn themselves into all those unpredictable inconveniences during their life far from home. There is no one answer- it’s a curiosity for someone and a spirit of adventure for another, but no matter what, first of all, travel is one of the most beneficial forms of education. Let’s investigate some reasons.

You learn foreign languages

Everyone knows that theory and practice joint together gives the best and the fastest result in any study, especially concerning languages. After learning the basics with teachers, books, applications, or videos, you can improve your colloquial skills by talking to native speakers. And just immersion in the language environment is the best way to improve your speaking abilities. Sometimes it’s enough to spend a short time in a foreign country but get a strong push to start to speak without any fear.

And sometimes it occurs when you visit the countries where natives speak the language you don’t know and don’t study, but you may fall for the melody of the language or be attracted by the possibilities to come here again and communicate without problems, so it will be challenging for you to start learning one more language, who knows? Surely, in common, English is spoken in almost any part of the planet, and most often, it will work for you. Nevertheless, it is always better to know the language of the country you are going to visit. So, traveling makes you learn different languages.

You get acquainted with other cultures

While traveling, you always get new information about the world we are living in and get an acquaintance with different people with different cultures, traditions, and ways of life. It’s the best way to learn a lot of interesting things, and it’s in human nature to adopt new and take the best to make life more exciting. You may have been learning and reading and investigating the other country’s culture through books and films for a long time, but only meeting alive with sounds of cities and towns, cuisine flavors, and smells in the air can make your perception of the country complete.

Unfortunately, traveling also can bring some risks. It is a time consuming and rather tiring activity that requires preparation, attention, and sometimes it can even make you sick. If you find out that your writing routine is threatened, and your trip is not close to its ending, address a professional essay writing service, such as https://writemypaperhub.com and get your paper done online in no time by someone who are genuine experts.

You explore history through sightseeing

Yes, you probably studied ancient civilizations and major historical events as part of the educational program, but nothing compares with a personal visit to historical attractions, coupled with the discovery of many interesting facts.

You may know so much about everything in 10 days, which no one school program can propose. For example, you may wander through the ruins of the ancient Greek city with a map in hand and imagine how this island lived thousands of years ago. You may examine the maps and compare them with reality. At the same time, you may try to figure out why this particular island, despite its tiny size, the ancient Greeks chose as a religious and commercial center. And it’s much more exciting and useful than to look through the pictures in the textbooks.

You understand better what the world looks like today

Traveling tells you not only how the world was in the past, but also what it is today. You needn’t read an analysis of the economic situation in the region when you open your purse and spend your own money on buying food and making payments for transport. You may see by your eyes whether this country is so prosperous and totally calm as it was written in an encyclopedia or it is overcrowded with refugees and social situation is very tense at the moment. We must admit that not only the weather is changeable.

You learn about nature

Well, the Discovery channel is always there for you if you don’t like to travel. But it is much better to see at least some natural miracles on your own. Nature smells, nature inspires, nature breathes, and you cannot feel all that fully if you just watch everything online. So, get your backpack ready!

Travelling can cause a desire to get a deeper knowledge about the world around us, about its history, about its problems and ways to make our life better. And all this is impossible without education.