Pros and cons of private campgrounds: alternatives to state and national parks

May 4, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

At Pit Stops for Kids, we love state parks and national parks for overnight camping and family outdoor adventure. But those campgrounds fill up fast during the peak summer season, and sometimes, they’re not ideal for RV camping families. If you need last-minute reservations or camping sites for larger RVs, check out the following private family campground resorts, all of which have locations across the U.S.

Tip: The following campgrounds fill up fast during the peak summer season, and sometimes, they’re not ideal for RV camping families. If you need last-minute reservations or camping sites for larger RVs, make sure you have all the necessary camping essentials, and check out the following private family campground resorts, all of which have locations across the U.S.

Thousand Trails:

Thousand Trails is unique in that it’s a club: for one annual membership, families can camp in unlimited family campgrounds across America. There are several levels of membership, and families who frequently RV camp in specific regions (what Thousand Trails calls ‘zones’) of the country report that they save planning time and quite a bit of money. Like most private family campgrounds, Thousand Trails offers more than just campsites: families have access to camp stores, laundry facilities, pools, and recreation like putt-putt golf or go-karts, depending on the resort. Most Thousand Trails properties are near tourist destinations, and there’s a wide variety especially around the Great Lakes region and coastal California.

Sun RV Resorts:

Like Thousand Trails, Sun RV Resorts are located across the U.S. with a high concentration in the midwest. Properties range from Wisconsin to Florida, and most everywhere in-between. With an emphasis on longer stays, some Sun RV Resorts even boast sports leagues to join. If you’re not an RV camper, there are a few properties with cabins to rent for the night or the week. Sun RV Resorts has some of the most competitive pricing for large, pull-through RV slots.

KOA Kampgrounds of America:

KOA has had it’s ups and downs in our personal experience: we’ve had great stays and lousy stays. What makes all the difference? The property. Since KOAs are individually owned, it’s hard to recommend the brand across the board: we recommend checking individual campground listings on family travel review sites like Trekaroo. We’ve personally had a great time renting KOA’s Kamping Kabins (ignore the annoying purposeful misspelling, if you will). With comfortable beds, tables, heaters, and electricity, these cabins are a good alternative to RV camping or even a motel room. Most KOAs have pools and other on-site recreation to entertain kids, and while many area near tourist attractions, and equal number are convenient to major freeways, making them good road trip pit stops.

Photo credit: Grand Canyon NPS

Five easy tips for saving money when traveling with kids

April 15, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

With the summer travel season nearly upon us, the urge to see the world and take in the sights can understandably be higher than ever. However, while traveling with the kids is an amazing opportunity to explore new destinations from a fresh perspective, it can quickly get costly if you don’t plan ahead and stick to a budget. Still, if you find that sitting at your desk too long is leading to unwanted neck cracking and tension — and you’re starting to get more than a little bit stir crazy — then you’ll want to check out these five easy tips for saving money when traveling with your children.

Tips for saving money when traveling:

Be Flexible with Dates

If you’re planning your perfect weekend getaway this summer, you may want to take a closer look at the word “weekend”… and definitely try to steer away from it. During peak travel periods, weekend excursions can unfortunately be much more expensive than weekday travel, adding to your vacation costs. This is not only true for flights, which can be almost half the price on Sundays or Tuesdays, but it’s also true for hotels. The same hotel that may go for $350 per night on Friday and Saturday can be just a fraction of that rate during the weekdays.

Skip the Restaurants

Of course, one of the more fun things about traveling is checking out new restaurants and local hole-in-the-wall diners. However, if you’re looking to save cash when traveling, you may want to give those restaurants a hard pass. Not only are they quite expensive, but they’re also packed with hidden grease and salt, too. That said, if you can’t give up the thrill of trying new fare when traveling, you should maybe consider dining in for breakfast or lunch. Preparing your coffee and some bagels in your hotel room, or packing sandwiches for the road, can save you big bucks when on vacation.

Go Far (Or Stay Near!)

Depending on where you decide to go, your destination alone may be a major consideration for slashing the price you pay. For instance, once you add up airfare and resort fees, you may find it wiser to just stay within driving distance. (Road trips, anyone?) On the other hand, faraway destinations can also be much more affordable than you might realize. When you consider the cost of living in other regions and how far your dollar may go, gathering up the kids and boarding a plane to a faraway, exotic destination may actually be the wiser financial decision for your next family vacation.

Check Out Bundles

With many tourist hotspots driving up prices for all the added-on perks, you may think that less is more when trying to save money on your next trip. That may actually be the complete opposite, though! Many locations may try to draw in travelers by incentivizing doing more during your stay. For instance, getting multi-passes from your destination of choice may actually be a huge money saver, allowing you to maximize your time there. Consider picking up tourist passes from the city center of your destination, and don’t be afraid to compare prices. You may find yourself saving quite a bit by doing it this way!

Remember the Kids

When traveling with your children, you’re not actually thinking about forgetting them, are you? While that may seem like a silly idea — after all, your goal is to bring them along, not just dump them in the hotel — you may be forgetting something very important about traveling with the kids. Many places offer incentives for families, such as free airfare for kids under the age of two, or free breakfasts at certain hotels for your children. When looking to keep your costs down when traveling, don’t underestimate the money you’ll save simply by bringing your children along with you.

Traveling with your family doesn’t have to be an unpleasant foray in cutting corners and missing out on all the fun stuff that you want to do. In fact, a family vacation can be one of the most rewarding ways to bond with your kids, allowing you to make the most out of your time with them and creating amazing memories together. By following these five easy tips, you can save tons of money on your next trip, making it all the more easy to save up for future travels with your family!

Dog-friendly travel destinations

March 18, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

What a better time to plot travel plans than summer? Now that the sun’s out and about, it’s the perfect time to bask in the sun and enjoy the warm weather with your family—including your tail-wagging best friend!

Our dogs become our family the moment they enter our houses. They keep us happy and entertained with their silly antics and cheer us up when we’re down in the dumps. Your four-legged best friend has stayed by your side through your ups and downs, which is why it’s only great to take him along on a great summer vacation.

Traveling with a dog can be a bit challenging, but the good news is there are numerous places in the U.S. ready to welcome you and your fur baby.

In this article, we have fetched some of the best pet-friendly vacation spots in the United States. From hiking trails to pet-friendly hotels, dog parks, and beaches, here are the best dog-friendly centers in the country:

1. Sedona, Arizona

Go on a trip over the picturesque landscape of the red rock country in Sedona, Arizona. Active, outdoorsy dogs will surely have a fun time of their lives inside the Slide Rock State Park, a 43-acre park situated in Oak Creek Canyon just outside Coconino National Forest, widely known for iconic red rocks, alpine tundra, and Ponderosa Pine Forests.

Alternatively, you can register for pet-friendly tours that provide camping trips, backpacking, and tours to Indian ruin sites. You can also try out dog-friendly Red Rock Magic Trolley Tours such as Bell Rock Tour and Boynton Canyon Tour. And after a long, tiring trip, you can reward your pooch with a delicious treat at the Whiskers Barkery, a toy and treat store located at Sinagua Plaza.

However, if you opt for a chill, afternoon stroll, you can visit the Sedona Dog Park, the first and only dog park in the city, and enjoy the breathtaking desert landscape.

2. Lake Placid, New York

If you’re looking for the perfect vacation spot wherein you can enjoy the lush, majestic mountain views with your dog, then Lake Placid is the ideal destination. This quintessential romantic vacation getaway is an all-around destination, offering outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, and hiking all in just a single trip. You may be overwhelmed by the number of activities, but ensure to never miss out on a stroll along Mirror Lake, a 2.7-mile paved trail that provides fresh air and lush views.

Also, make sure not to miss a drive up to Whiteface Mountain along the roads of Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway! This roadway is only open in the summer, so make sure to get the most out of the wonderous views by taking Instagram-worthy shots of your fur baby!

3. Boise, Idaho

Get ready for a fun-filled playtime and pack up your dog’s toys and accessories! Boise is an expansive travel spot that provides numerous community parks, hiking trails, and dog-friendly places where your furry friend can play freely. For starters, you can venture into their top parks, including Morris Hill Park, Pine Grove Park, and Esther Simplot Park.

Morris Hill Park is perfect for afternoon picnics with the family. It features a fenced 1-acre dog area, 2 playgrounds, and doggie drinking fountains to accommodate your pooch’s playtime.

4. Sanibel Island, Florida

Summer vacation is not well-spent without going to the beach. Let your tail-wagging friend enjoy the sun and sand at Sanibel Island, wherein he can jog, swim, and roll over the warm sand. What’s amazing about this island is that almost all beaches are pet-friendly. Of all the dog-friendly beaches, we highly recommend going to Gulfside Beach (commonly known as Algiers Beach) wherein you can take advantage of picnic areas, outdoor showers, barbecue grills, and a whole lot more.

Also, make sure to don’t forget to bring your dog to J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, an underdeveloped mangrove system and one of the top attractions in Sanibel Island. Here, you and your pooch can explore the wetlands and spot manatees, herons, and other migratory birds.

Pet-friendly accommodations are also opening their doors for you and your dog to rest for the night.

So, which travel destination are you excited to go to? May you enjoy the summer with your furry best friend!

Author bio

I am Mike, a dog fanatic and writer from the beautiful city of Los Angeles, California in the United States. I’ve done my best to mix those two passions into something interesting and helpful on my website, Dog Embassy.

Budget-friendly Spring Break destinations you haven’t thought of

March 15, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Planning a Spring Break vacation? With only a week or so off school, it can be hard to find a vacation that’s both easy to plan and easy on the wallet. Below, we have over a dozen ideas throughout the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for budget-friendly Spring Break destinations.

Desert destinations:

An easy way to enjoy a warm-weather vacation while saving money is to head to the desert instead of to the beach. Bonus points if you can easily drive to any of these California and Southwest locations:

Borrego Springs:

Never heard of it? I’m not surprised! This oasis in Southern California is generally off the radar, but a great fit for active families. Head to the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort, a boutique clamping resort where families can stay in vintage Airstreams and hike trails location less than two miles from the resort. February, March, and April is the time to come to see wildflowers, and always, the night sky displays brilliant views.

Death Valley National Park:

Located an easy drive from Las Vegas, NV, Death Valley is our top pick for outdoorsy families looking for a warm-weather destination. Camp in the park to save money, or stay at Furnace Creek Resort. Our kids love the wide open grassy spaces, the tennis and basketball courts, and the spring-fed pool. In the park, multiple hikes await: go in the mornings and evenings and spend the middle of the day swimming!

Scottsdale, Arizona:

Family travel website Global Munchkins recommends Scottsdale for spring break…even if you’re not a baseball fan. For a splurge, stay at the Westin Kierland Resort and get a full water park for the price of your stay. Be sure to take kids to the fun shops and dining options in downtown Scottsdale, and visit Phoenix, and sure, spring training, while you’re in the area!

Tip: Pick up youth baseball equipment to ‘get in the game’ before a trip to watch spring training!

On the way to… destinations:

Let’s get real: sometimes, you’re spring break trip is really just a stopover en route to Grandma’s house, a sporting event, or a longer vacation. We’ve compiled the best ‘on the way to…’ locations from top bloggers.

Bowling Green KY:

Often a stopover on the way to Florida or other southern locales, Bowling Green, Kentucky is right on I-65 and is home to an astounding 21 cave tours in the immediate area. Road Trips for Families highlights the best, along with dining and lodging recommendations in the city. If nothing else, be sure to see Mammoth Cave National Park, and perhaps stop at an area museum. You can even at at a dairy and see a car museum on the same day!

West Georgia:

Already vacationing (or living) in Atlanta or St. Simon’s Island? Field Trips with Sue has a full itinerary of West Georgia for an affordable spring break getaway. Highlights include Providence Canyon, Gaines (complete with frontier fort) and the Warm Springs pools. This type of tour offers kids a lesson in history and ecology without them realizing they’re learning…away from school.

French Lick Springs:

For those in the middle of the country, AdventureMom suggests taking a chance on scenic French Lick Springs Resort, Indiana. This resort is known for its stunning architecture, but it also offers activities year round (not just in the summer months). Families can have kids join the kids club, play foot golf, learn about the history of the hotel, and swim in the pools year round. Oh, and parents can get a spa treatment.

Beach destinations:

Want to be warm and feel sand between your toes? You can still book a beach vacation at spring break affordably! Here’s where to go:

St. John, USVI:

Going to the Caribbean for spring break may not seem like a new idea, but St. John is an unique location you may not have considered. Trekaroo recommends spending your Virgin Islands vacation on St. John because of its low-key, quiet atmosphere, and the many outdoor activities afforded. Virgin Islands National Park is here, complete with multiple hiking trails and beaches, and snorkeling is abundant. Stay in a vacation home to save money!

Ventura, CA:

Just an hour north of Los Angeles, Ventura County West is an easy-to-reach section of the California coastline. Families get both seaside charm and inland adventure. Don’t miss the whale migration at this time of year, taking place through mid-April. When we visited, we used Island Packers; rates start at $37 for adults and $27 for kids. Time your visit right, and you may also see the Celebration of the Whales Festival (March 20, Oxnard) or the California Strawberry Festival (May 21 & 22, Oxnard). Either way, definitely head out to the Channel Islands!

Zihuatanejo, Mexico:

I’d never heard of Zihuatanejo until it was recommended by Pint-Sized Pilot: see the top 10 things to do in this Mexican beach destination! This authentic, non-touristy resort village is quiet, scenic, and affordable with local eats. Visit Zihuatanejo markets, enjoy its festivals, and play in its beaches. It’s located on the Pacific side of Mexico, by Ixtapa.

Loreto, Mexico:

Located on the gulf side of Baja California, Loreto is a great pick for families who want to find an alternative to the all-inclusive resort scene. Walking On Travels recommends finding accommodations in town in her Loreto travel guide, to take advantage of local dining opportunities and the town vibe. Snorkeling, whale watching, and swimming is not far away!

Ski destinations:

Haven’t gotten enough ski days in yet? I’m with you! Some of our favorite spring break ski destinations are smaller, hometown resorts that won’t break the bank.

June Mountain:

Located adjacent to Mammoth Mountain in Northern California, smaller June Mountain offers affordable lift tickets and lessons amid the most scenic runs out there. In the backyard of Yosemite National Park, June also has a very friendly atmosphere…the lodge is cozy and warm, the instructors cheerful and not rushed, and the lift lines are usually nonexistent. Stay near Mammoth to get the best of both worlds!

Angel Fire:

Heading to New Mexico this spring break for some warm sunshine and some skiing? Get both by combining a trip to Santa Fe with a stay at Angel Fire. Trekaroo recommends this ski resort because of its great amenities for families at The Lodge and the ability to night ski here (a big plus for teens). For spring breaks without much snow, there’s a wide variety of summer activities at Angel Fire as well.

City destinations:

We love city vacations, and during spring break, we like to head somewhere that’s less likely to have frigid temperatures and snowstorms. These outside-the-box ideas fit the bill!

Seattle, WA:

Blog With 2 Kids in Tow recommends Seattle and neighboring Bainbridge Island as a temperate getaway with both an city and outdoor-venture vibe. Kids love taking the ferry, checking out the city markets, and burning energy in the excellent city parks. If the weather turns rainy, as it does in this part of the state often, several high-quality kids museums and science museums await.

Tallahassee, Florida:

Don’t overlook Tallahassee for family fun in a warm-weather environment. Family Travels on a Budget recommends this nature-studded city for its zip-lining, kayaking, and hiking. Wakulla Springs State Park offers river boat tours, and in the winter and early spring, it’s possible to spot manatees as they migrate up the river. Horseback riding and lighthouse tours are also on offer for families.

Bonus spring break pick:

The Burren, Ireland:

Ireland Family Vacations, the expert on all things families and Ireland, recommends this unique part of Ireland specifically during the spring. During this low-tourist season, families can spot baby animals in nature sanctuaries, go on cliff walks, and try kid-friendly foodie tours. Learn more at Ireland Family Vacations!

Want even MORE ideas? Here are an additional 18 spring break destinations!

Pin this post!

Photo credit | Photo credit

10 easy ways to decorate your hotel room for the holidays

December 4, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

The Pit Stops for Kids crew will be spending the holidays in a Tahoe vacation home this year, so I’m making plans now to make our stay as festive as we’d enjoy at home. If you, too, will be spending your winter holidays away from home, we have 10 easy ways to decorate your hotel room for the holidays…or any condo or vacation home!

Decorate condo or hotel room windows or porch with a string of battery-operated Christmas lights. Find these at your local dollar store! Tip: you can wrap them around the handle of strollers or even around ski helmets to be festive on-the-go!
Buy a local wreath or garland. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, explore your immediate area by looking up a farmer’s market or holiday bazaar, where you can buy a locally-sourced wreath for your condo or vacation home door.
Check condo and vacation home storage closets for decorations. Most will have a stash of holiday decorations stored in a utility closet or pantry. Ask the home owner or lodging association if it’s ok to put these up (and take them down). I’ve never been told no!
Bring a holiday-themed tablecloth and candles for the table. It’s a small touch, but it goes a long way!
Buy a permit and cut down your own tree upon arrival. Going somewhere rural? Look up where to buy a Christmas tree permit before you leave home, and stop by for it en route to your condo or vacation home. Your first vacation activity can be a hike through the snowy woods for your own tree!
Decorate your cruise ship cabin door. Buy or make your own holiday magnets for cruise ship cabin doors, which are magnetic. The practice can get quite competitive, so bring your A game!
Play holiday tunes. Don’t underestimate the power of music to set a holiday mood. Bring a portable speaker and sync it with your smart phone or an iPod set on a holiday radio station.
Have a small tree delivered. Don’t have time or space for a regular-sized tree? Buy a small, live potted tree to use as a table-top centerpiece. Purchase at a local nursery, and decorate with a select few of your favorite ornaments from home, or order one.
Bring holiday bedding. Kids love curling up in their very own holiday-themed sheets and blankets, and these decorate the room, too. Bring your own bedding from home, or make a gift of new holiday bedding, which is easy to bring to a condo or vacation home.
Decorate yourselves! Buy the family holiday-themed pajamas to wear, or a matching set of Santa hats. When you’re all dressed up for the holidays, the feeling of celebration will live in your vacation home, hotel room, or condo with or without the decorations.

Remember: in addition to decorating your temporary living space, you’ll want to safeguard your actual home while you’re away. During our absences, we ask a friend to check on our house regularly, leave porch and holidays lights lit, lower heat and unplug appliances, and let ask multiple neighbors to watch our home.

Best family vacations during a time of social distancing

November 12, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re an adventurous family, you’re probably itching to travel again. Travel is coming back, but it will look different than in the past. We took an amazing rafting trip–and felt completely safe–in the midst of CV-19, for instance. Then, we ‘glamped’ in a rural location. The key: focus on outdoor-centric vacations that naturally promote social distancing.

Outdoor vacation ideas for families needing to social distance.

Note: Be careful if you’re doing activities requiring a release of liability waiver, and make sure that you’re thinking ahead to any safety concerns that might be specific to your destination.

Once you’ve considered safety, the following are some tips and ideas to plan an adventure-friendly family vacation.

Rafting in the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a beautiful bucket list-type trip. Rafting can be one of the best ways for your family to explore the area.

There are options such as what’s offered by the Grand Canyon Expeditions Company that will take you along 277 miles of rafting for eight days. Alternatively, any rafting company, like OARS, can take you out into the wilderness for a rafting, kayaking, and camping adventure.

You can camp at night, and the trips are well-planned in terms of adventure but also safety. This trip is recommended for kids eight and older.

South African Safari

International travel is limited right now with the ongoing COVID-19 situation, but when it resumes, consider a trip to South Africa.

Many companies offer kid-friendly safari adventures so you can see giraffes, lions, and leopards in their natural habitat.

Some of the high-end lodges in South Africa offer things like fine dining and pre-planned kids activities, so everyone in the family is happy.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (or any national park!)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is the country’s most visited park. It is a domestic and socially-distanced destination as well if you’re looking for a trip you can do now.

The Smoky Mountains feature hikes, such as the 80-foot Laurel Falls hike. You can walk or drive Cades Cove, and there are also more tourist attractions like the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge.

Costa Rica

There’s no one specific way to enjoy adventurous travels in Costa Rica. The whole country is known for outdoor adventure.

Some families opt for multisport trips that might include rafting, jungle hikes, and surfing. You can do ziplines in the cloud forest canopy, learn more about the rainforests’ wildlife, or visit the Arenal Volcano.

The White Mountains New Hampshire

New Hampshire is an underrated travel destination.

There are rustic lodges and huts that you can visit while you’re in the White Mountains. For example, there’s Lonesome Lake Hut, which is inexpensive, and you can access it via hiking.

There’s also Cardigan Lodge, which is just two hours from Boston and accessible by car.

Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a good adventure destination in the summer and the winter. You can stay at a working ranch and visit nearby Grand Teton National Park. If you stay at a ranch, there are activities like guided fishing tours, floating trips on the Snake River, horseback riding, and nightly cookouts.

During the winter, Jackson Hole is known for skiing.

If you’re not a skier, you can take a winter tour of Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Park from a snow coach. You can take a dog sledding tour, go snowshoeing, or take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge.

The Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps might be among the most breath-taking scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world.

You can plan a family trip to hike and explore the alps organized by a company, or you can plan it on your own.

The Alps, along with hiking, are known for river rafting, dog-sledding, and bike riding. You can visit restaurants perched on mountain tops and enjoy local cheese. There are beautiful chalet hotels and even the train rides are stunning.

Scuba Diving in the Keys

Finally, the Florida Keys aren’t known for their beaches, but they are known for their snorkeling.

If your kids are old enough, you can make your way through the keys by boat and snorkel the best spots.

A lot of the resorts will offer scuba diving options. For example, Hawks Cay, located in Duck Key, can arrange scuba diving.

If you want something longer or further offshore, many companies will arrange that as well.

If you really wanted to be adventurous you could rent a catamaran and stay there as you wander through the Keys. There are scuba and snorkeling options for families with kids of all ages.

Top spots include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Sombrero Reef, and Looe Key.

Pit Stops for Kids’ Pre-Road Trip Checklist

October 12, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

My Busy Kit is a must in the ‘carry-on’ bag!

As my family and I gear up (literally speaking!) for our upcoming 22-day road trip throughout the western states, piles of equipment, duffel bags, coolers, and the like are starting to dot the landscape of our family room. As I always wonder before an extended trip, I’ve been asking myself: is this all really going to fit into our minivan?

Somehow, it always does. The key to this magic trick? Organization, organization, and more organization. In case you, too, have a trip to pack for, here’s how we divide up all that stuff that accompanies a single family on a road trip:

One ‘checked’ bag per person.

No, we’re not flying on this trip, but the same rule applies (and if it’s over 50 lbs, I pocket the penalty cash…just kidding). Each person in our family is allotted one checked bag, and they all go in our car top duffel so that they’re out of the way until we stop for the night.

Our Family Car Organizer all stuffed and ready to go!

Two family ‘carry-on’ bags.

I know that many families opt to have each child carry his or her own stuff in individual bags, but we’ve found that causes too much clutter with three kids, especially since they bring so many like items.

Our first carry-on (usually our large Tuffo Family Car Organizer) is filled with activities for the car.* These include everyone’s books, travel journals, small toys, My Busy Kits, coloring books, auto Bingo checklists and other car games, and non-perishable snacks like jelly-bellies, goldfish crackers, and the like.

Our second carry-on is filled with electronics. For this, I use my trusted Timbuk2 laptop messenger bag. In it are more than enough compartments to fit (and keep organized) my laptop, the kids’ Nintendo DS units, everyone’s camera (yes, everyone has one…you can buy used digital cameras for a steal on Ebay these days!), iPods, our portable DVD player and portable TV (which we use for a second screen), DVDs and Nintendo games, and all the various chargers and cords. (Don’t forget headphones and a duel headphone adapter!) Within the main bag, we use gallon-sized zip-lock bags to keep the components of each type of electronic item separate.

A plastic grocery bag.

Actually, let’s make that several plastic grocery bags. What are they for? I bet you can guess! But besides car sickness and other unforeseen emergencies, they’re great to slip around a car hook as a garbage bag and as a temporary home for wet shoes, swimsuits, soiled clothes, and the like.

A cooler with ice.

We pack lunches, snacks, and drinks whenever possible. Not only does it save money on the road, but eating pre-packed food ensures that we’ll stop at more scenic locations for our breaks, like roadside viewpoints or parks, rather than fast food joints. Besides, traveling with kids is nearly as hard as running a marathon…best if everyone fuels up with healthy options! And when you simply can’t find a decent place to stop, or one person declares he will simply die of hunger if he doesn’t eat right now (is that just my kids?)…you have assess to your food right in the car!

Add pillows (if there’s room), a diaper bag (if you have a little one) and there you have it…everything we take with us in the car. After all, when your square footage is lacking, less is definitely more!

Vacationing for better mental health

April 28, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re reading this post during a time of social distancing, now is the time to plan and prepare for your next journey!

When thinking about steps you can take to improve your mental health, don’t forget to consider the often overlooked benefits of taking a vacation. Whether you’re interested in the natural beauty of a state park or looking to let your hair down in a big city, getting away from your normal surroundings could be the change of routine that you need.

Mental health is an all encompassing term that refers to your social, psychological and emotional wellbeing. Your grasp on such things is how you either foster or sabotage interpersonal relationships. It dictates how well you cope with stress and challenges and, more importantly, how you recover from them. It is important to know that you don’t necessarily need a masters in mental health counseling to take steps to strengthen your psychological happiness.

Traits

Being mentally healthy doesn’t simply mean that you are not inflicted with certain illnesses of the mind; it’s much bigger than that. Having good mental health means you enjoy life. You are confident and secure in who you are and you enjoy living your life to its fullest. You know what makes you happy and you aren’t afraid to pursue it. Being confident with who you are will make you less apprehensive about trying new things and meeting new people. You won’t be discouraged from adapting to any changes that life throws at you; instead, you will take it in your stride. Having a strong mental position allows you to bounce back from adversity and take life’s curveballs in your stride. You know how to adapt, be flexible and strike a balance between work and play.

It is important to understand that even with the best mental health you will have stress and anxiety. It’s not necessarily what life brings you, it’s how you deal with it. Life is full of ups and downs. It is normal to experience stress, sadness and disappointment; in fact, it is unavoidable. The most important thing is to remain focused and positive. Even if you don’t readily see the solution to whatever you are going through, being able to tell yourself that you will get through it and overcome it is the biggest part of overcoming adversity.

Get Away

Whereas it is commendable to be a hard worker and dedicated to your career or profession, it is also important for your mental health to get away and have a change of scenery. When you plan a break, whether it’s a week or two vacation or just a weekend away, you have something positive to focus on. Allow yourself the opportunity to get excited about what your upcoming event may entail and the memories that you will make. When it comes to true happiness, that is found in actual experiences as opposed to objects or things you may be able to buy. You can’t put a price on memories with those you love.

When you are feeling depressed, it is common to withdraw from interpersonal interactions. Even though you may think that solitude will help you because you don’t feel like you can face being social, it’s one of the worst things you can do. Human beings are social creatures. You need human interactions. When you feel low or sad, even though a phone call may help you, the best solution is to visit with a friend or family. Allowing yourself to share the in person company of a close friend who is a good listener and won’t judge or criticize what you have to say.

The journey to good mental health begins with being self-aware. Evaluate your life and interactions and make sure you are still enjoying things you always have. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Five family outdoor adventure vacations worth planning for

February 24, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

Embarking on a jungle trek in search of sloths. Skiing fresh powder accessible only by snow-cat. Climbing up a waterfall using only a rope tied to a tree. These kinds of adventures are not behind you now that you have kids. If anything, with the right planning and the right guides and tour operators, they’re perfect for families who want the chance to explore the outdoors beyond a nature walk or zip-line.

Five family outdoor adventure vacations to take with your kids:

A jungle cruise you can’t find at Disney:

Have you heard of Uncruise? It’s a company doing exactly what the name implies: taking your preconceived idea of what a ‘cruise’ entails out of your mind, and replacing it with something better. We took Uncruise’s adventure itinerary through Panama and Costa Rica, where every day started with a briefing on the day’s excursions over a gourmet breakfast. Unlike on a large ship, you’re off the ship (in a new destination) at least twice per day, hiking the jungle, kayaking, paddle-boarding and swimming, and wildlife watching. Uncruise vacations are offered throughout the year, with nice discounts in the shoulder seasons (mainly non-holiday periods when kids are in school). Read more about Uncruise’ Panama and Costa Rica itinerary.

A bucket-list trip to the land of Machu Picchu:

Every day of a Vantage Adventures trip to Peru, you’re outside and doing things that feel like a challenge, whether that challenge is walking up seemingly endless stone steps to the top of a UNESCO-protected antiquity or gathering ingredients for a group dinner at a bustling Cusco outdoor market. My point: adventure doesn’t always have to mean ‘extreme’ adventure. ‘Soft’ adventure can bring families together just as easily, and young kids can participate. Get a glimpse of what’s in store in Peru.

A whitewater camping trip:

When you raft an American river with OARS, my hands-down favorite family rafting operation, you get a camping trip and rafting trip in one. Even if you’ve never slept a night in a tent before embarking on a river, you’ll feel like an expert by the time you’re done four or five days later. Many families report that this is where their own traditions of camping began. If you’re a family accustomed and experienced in the outdoors, OARS will still bring on the challenges with whitewater, personal ‘ducky’ kayaks to command, and side hikes up to jumping rocks, to hot springs, and to waterfalls. Learn more about OARS trips.

An RV vacation under the Midnight Sun:

Maybe you’ve been on an RV vacation road trip, but have you done it in Iceland? In summer, the sun literally never sets, which means adventure is a 24-hour endeavor (much to my kids’ delight). Once you get the hang of driving one of Iceland’s many camper rentals on their narrow roads, you’ll be off and running…to glaciers, hot springs, geothermal pools and hiking trails. Do as much or as little as you want, and plan your itinerary as you go. Read more tips on Iceland camper vacations.

A week of Wild West adventure:

Maybe you’re not ready to tackle a glacier yet, or you don’t know if you can trek all the way to Central or South America. Maybe you just want to get your kids on horseback, learn to fly fish, or spend your days hiking and biking. A dude ranch vacation is like summer camp for grown-ups, because you’ll play right alongside your kids all day, and never have to worry about cooking, planning, or driving. Just wait for the dinner bell each evening (and maybe try your luck at rodeo or gymkhana games). Read our guide to planning a dude ranch vacation for next summer.

Why you want to invest in travel insurance for any family adventure trip:

Adventure trips that involve specialized guides, exotic destinations or extreme conditions are expensive and can sometimes be delayed or derailed by weather or other aspects out of our control. We never pay for a bucket list-worthy trip without buying Allianz Travel insurance. The Allianz Premier Plan is one of their annual plan options and covers everyone in your household…perfect for families. It gives me the peace of mind I need to hit that ‘book’ button. Why Allianz Travel? Read why this is the travel insurance we trust here.
Your credit card or health insurance at home may not cover you in full, and your airline won’t reimburse you or offer you credit in the case of weather-related delays or cancellations.
You want to be covered in case YOU have to cancel, for whatever reason.
You definitely want to forego all of that extra coverage every car rental company wants you to tack onto your reservation.

**General tips to ensure you won’t need to use that travel insurance:**

Fly into your departure destination at least a full day before any adventure cruise. Remember, if you’re delayed for any reason, the ship will not wait for you.
Opt for public transportation when possible, and hire local drivers in difficult-to-navigate areas.
Pay attention to seasons and weather. Will it be hurricane season where you’re going? How about wildfire season (in the American West?). Always, always invest in travel insurance when traveling during high-risk seasons.
Always pack a well-stocked first aid kit, that includes any prescription or over-the-counter medications your family regularly needs. For our crew, this means stashing plenty of antihistamine tablets for those of us with severe seasonal allergies and minor food allergies.
Prepare for any weather discomfort with the right clothing. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy the best of everything, but it does require an investment. Think sun protection and layering: make sure everyone in the family has wool or synthetic base layer items to wear against the skin for any outdoor adventure trip, wool socks, and a down or down-alternative puffer jacket and rain jacket.

This post is written in partnership with Allianz Travel, my preferred travel insurance provider. All opinions are my own.

Guide to flying budget airlines in Europe

January 30, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re like me, you find those super cheap budget airline ticket prices very tempting. €25 per person from Paris to Rome? €45 to Copenhagen? Sign us up! These prices are not too good to be true; families really can get fares like these on airline tickets in Europe. Fail to read the fine print, however, and you’ll end up paying more. Much, much more. Here’s what you need to know before flying budget airlines in Europe:

Ryan Air tips:

The mack daddy of budget airlines (and certainly the first I became familiar with), Ryan Air offers insanely low prices. However, know the rules to avoid extra fees:

1. Print boarding passes before your flight. I don’t mean just check in before your flight, make sure you have your confirmation number, or find that booking email on your phone. I mean PRINT YOUR BOARDING PASSES. Otherwise, you face a steep fine for them to print them at the desk. Is this silly? Of course it is.

2. You can (and should) check in with Ryan Air one week before your flight. For us, this meant that during a recent trip to Europe, I checked in for my Ryan Air inter-city flight scheduled for mid-way through our trip before I could even check in for our cross-Atlantic flight. When you check in and print your boarding passes, you’ll be required to enter every person’s birthdate and passport number.

3. When booking, be sure to buy adult tickets for adults and kid tickets for kids (under 16), no matter the difference (or not) in price. If you don’t, you’ll be unable to check in your child when promoted for his or her birth year if you’ve accidentally booked an adult ticket. If for any reason you can’t print your boarding passes, use the online chat option to resolve the problem immediately. I chatted with a Ryan Air representative when I couldn’t print my 16-year-old’s pass and screen-captured the conversation in which he stated a gate agent would print the boarding pass at no charge. They complied at the gate because the conversation was noted in their system and I had the screen capture. Just saying, ‘they said it would be ok’ is not enough.

4. Ryan Air now allows one carry-on and one personal item, just like in the US, though the officially carry-on size is one inch smaller. We had no problem boarding with 22 inch carry-ons, but we also made sure to queue up right when boarding was called to avoid being one of the last to board. These are the people whose bags were scrutinized.

EasyJet tips:

There’s nothing easy about flying EasyJet, but it’s certainly cheap. Here are a few tips:

1. Note their carry-on restriction of only ONE bag per person. This does not mean a carry-on and a personal item or backpack, but rather only ONE piece of baggage total. Families can check bags if needed, for 25 euros online, 35 euros at the check-in desk, or 45 euros at the gate. Ouch. Here’s what we did: each person in our family had a carry-on and a backpack. We put all our extra shoes and laundry in our largest carry-on, and paid to check it online for 25 euros. We then had just enough room for everyone to stuff their backpack into their carry-on for the flight, with one person carrying only the largest backpack. Whew!

2. Queue up to board early. If the boarding time is listed as 8:30 am, for instance, you’ll see people queuing as early as 8 am. By all means, join them, because like with Ryan Air, those last few to board have their carry on bag size analyzed more carefully. Though I will note that during the busy holiday season, a gate agent came down the line and measured each and every person’s bag. Talk about stress!

3. Bring water and snacks onboard. Nothing will be complimentary onboard. For those who have flown Frontier or Allegiant in the States, you know the drill.

General tips and cost traps:

Budget airline gates are almost always located at secondary or smaller airports, which in turn are almost always further away than the main airport serving a city. Take this into account: while some of these airports are served by metro trains or shuttles, expect to pay more per person on ground transportation. If you have an early flight, you may even need a private car service or taxi transport.

For example, we had a 9 am flight out of Paris’ BVA airport, located further afield than CDG or even ORLY. While 9 am seems like a civilized flight time, we had to leave our accommodations at 6 am to get to the airport by 7:15 am. We used this airport shuttle service which picked us up at our door. Had we used the bus service offered, we would have had to leave earlier…too early to take the metro to the bus line. The takeaway: if you know you’ll be taking public transit to a distant airport, opt for a later flight time because the whole process will take awhile. If you need to fly earlier in the day, budget for a shuttle or car service. We paid $125 on ground transportation in this case. If we’d had a later flight, the bus would have cost us around $75. We still saved more than if we’d flown a more expensive airline, but the ‘hassle-factor’ is strong here.

For shorter airport transfers, consider booking a private car service in advance. Often not much more expensive than public transit for a family of 4-5, a car service is far more relaxing and convenient. We used Blacklane from CDG to our Paris accommodations, and liked them so much, we booked them again instead of a taxi when we needed early morning transportation from our accommodations to a tour office.

Don’t dismiss a taxi as an option. When we needed to get from our downtown Rome accommodations to FCA, the Da Vinci airport train would have been 14 Euros per person (almost 75 for our family of five) whereas a taxi cost us 60. Negotiate a price with the driver before you get in the cab. (In Rome, only take white taxis…the others are unofficial and illegal.)

We love multi-day metro passes in major cities, but these passes often do not include outer zones serving airports. Be prepared to buy one-way fare for each person if you book a later flight on any airline.

Even taking these ground transportation expenses into account, all our budget airline flights cost us less than their standard airline counterparts. By planning far ahead of time, using Ryan Air and EasyJet can absolutely be worth the hassle. Just don’t expect to come out ahead if you’re planning on the fly (no pun intended).