travel planning - Pitstops for Kids

How much to tip: hotel and family vacation guidelines

September 12, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Don’t you hate that feeling when you don’t know whether you should tip or not? I do! And the more I travel and write about travel, the more I realize how many families are confused how much to tip. Hotel rates aside, when should we tip? Who should we tip, and how much? There’s no ‘correct’ way to tip, and opinions vary. However, after years of tipping during travel and talking with travel industry professionals across the US and Canada, I’ve compiled the following vacation tipping guidelines for family trips.

Tipping in hotels:

Everyone knows to tip their waiter (though more on that in a minute) and their cab driver, but the majority of tipping confusion happens once parents reach their hotel. In three-to-five star hotels, tipping is expected, and how many hotel staff members earn their living. Here’s what we do:

Valet:

I love valet parking, mostly because I hate finding parking spaces in cities. When I chose to valet park, I know I need to add the cost of tipping into my budget. There’s wisdom in the advice to tip at the onset of any interaction for best service, but we tip a valet whenever we receive our car. Since we go in and out of valet several times during any hotel stay, we spread our tip among several valets this way.

How much to tip: we tip a valet $3-$5 whenever our car is brought to us.

Front desk:

Ok. While tipping hotel housekeeping is a given for me, I do not tip the front desk staff member when I check into hotels. However: this man or woman does hold the most power to assist you during your stay. He or she has the ability to upgrade you in numerous ways, and I do know travelers who routinely tip their front desk agent in hopes of getting a better room.

How much to tip: If you decide to tip your front desk agent, you need to start with at least a $20. If he or she takes the time to help you with an extra service, such as sending something up to your room, finding that item you left behind, or acting as a concierge, tip in this case as well.

Doormen and bellmen:

Tip these guys! These men (or women, despite the antiquated job titles) rely heavily on tips. When they ask if I’d like help with my bags, I say ‘yes’ unless I truly only have one to roll behind me. Once upon a time, I thought the polite answer was, ‘No, I got it, thanks,’ while dragging half a dozen bags behind me. Not so! This is their job, and they get paid when they do it.

How much to tip: we tip $1 per bag, every time they’re touched. On average, when our family of five checks into a hotel and the bellman brings up our five bags, I tip $5. If we have extra items, such as shopping bags, backpacks, etc, I up it to $10.

Room service and poolside service:

We absolutely always tip for room service, and tip pool-side or other resort-grounds service when applicable. Sometimes a charge will be placed on your hotel tab: in this case, it’s very easy to tip when you sign for the item. This works best at the pool, where you won’t want to fiddle with cash.

How much to tip: we tip $3-5 for a standard room service delivery.

Housekeeping:

Another hardworking group that’s often overlooked. I worked in housekeeping two full summers as a teen, and will never take their work for granted! Some families prefer to tip housekeeping one time at the end of their stay, but since staff often rotates, and to ensure goodwill exists during our stay, not just after we’re gone, we tip daily.

How much to tip: we tip $1 per day per person in the room. If you tip daily, be sure to leave the tip under the little card or note usually left by your housekeeper, so they don’t mistake it with cash you’ve simply left out.

Spa staff:

If you visit the spa during your hotel stay, it customary to add a tip to your total at checkout. This is perhaps the easiest tip to leave at a hotel: simply add the amount to your total when paying at the desk. If you put your spa service on your room charge, leave a cash tip at the counter for your spa staff member.

How much to tip: I tip 10% of the cost of my service.

Tipping for tours and experiences:

Tip your guide! But tipping tour guides can be tricky: it’s hard to know when it’s appropriate. In general, I’ve found that any tour guide working for a private company (such as a concessionaire within a national park or a city or nature tour business) accepts tips. Tip at the end of your interaction together, when you’re thanking him or her for your day. If you’re in doubt as to whether to tip, ask! I always say, “This was great! We had such a nice day. Are you able to accept tips?”

Note regarding all-inclusive, multi-day tour experiences: if you’re with a travel company for multiple days, such as a tour through Europe or a guided rafting trip, tip at the end of the vacation. Budget this tip into your vacation cost: we’ve tipped as much as the cost of one person’s airfare for very high-end multi-day tour experiences. Keep in mind that some local experts during your trip (such as a guide while on an African safari) do not work directly for your tour company and may expect a separate tip. Your tour company can advise you on this.

How much to tip: we tip 10% of the total cost of the tour (single day or multi-day). If our day snowshoe tour is $50 per person and we spent $250, we tip $25. If our (hypothetical) safari is $10,000, we’d tip $1000.

Tipping drivers:

I tip all drivers, from cab drivers to airport shuttle drivers to tour bus drivers. How much to tip: $1 per person for shorter drives or shuttle drivers helping with luggage. For drivers taking us around all day, we tip at least $20.

Tipping on cruises:

Like tipping for multi-day tours or all-inclusive experiences, tipping on cruises should be considered part of your cruise cost. If necessary, budget accordingly. Many cruise lines make tipping easy by offering a standard tip percentage to be added to your onboard charge at the end of a cruise, but you can also tip independently. When servers, housekeeping, and bartenders remain constant on cruise ships, we tip once at the end of the cruise. No need to mess with cash every day. More details on tipping on a Disney cruise.

How much to tip: we use this cruise tipping chart. It’s designed for Disney cruises, but will work as a guideline for any cruise experience.

Tipping in restaurants:

I think we all know what to do here. I tip 20% if service is good, and more if I’m dining with a baby or toddler who spills half his or her food on the ground (I also try to pick up what I can). I don’t know if I’ve ever not tipped, but I definitely leave closer to 10% if service is bad. While in restaurants, don’t forget about the bartender: if you start your meal at the bar and migrate to a table, leave a tip on the bar. This advice may not be applicable often if traveling with kids, as you’re not likely to be in the bar area.

As noted above, these tipping guidelines are not meant to be absolutes. The tip amounts listed are what our family uses as a guideline; when we can, we tip more. We are almost always on a tight budget when we travel. Your family’s budget may vary. No matter what your budget, I believe it’s better to tip what you can rather than tip nothing at all.

I invite you to share your own tipping standards in the comments, whether you’re a traveler, work in the travel industry, or both! If I’ve missed a main category of travel industry personnel to tip, please let me know.

Photo credit: Roosevelt New Orleans, Flickr/LightCollector

Best hotel reward programs for your family: SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON

September 9, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

If you vacation often as a family, you know that hotel room rates add up. Parents can save money with their loyalty! In my experience as both a traveling mom and a travel writer, hotel loyalty programs consistently save me money. Having a handful of hotel loyalty cards in my wallet (in fact, I have all of the below), I enjoy perks that pay off during our trips.

hotel rewards programs

The best hotel reward programs offer money-saving perks that go beyond earning free stays. Below are our personal favorites of the best hotel loyalty programs for US travel:

Kimpton In-Touch Guest Rewards:

The Kimpton In-Touch Guest Rewards loyalty program gets first pick from me for one reason: free minibar items with every stay! Of course, it’s also no hardship staying at a Kimpton Hotel. This brand takes great care when choosing their hotels’ locations, often renovating old buildings in downtown districts instead of building new ones. But a Kimpton hotel stay can be costly, so what do you get for your loyalty?

Kimpton In-Touch is free to join, and includes a free night stays earned after seven, free in-room wifi (normally a charge), and a $10 ‘Raid the MiniBar’ credit, which I always find convenient. At some Kimptons, membership also earns you reduced valet parking, and member or not, most Kimpton hotels host evening wine receptions to sweeten a stay.

Starwood Preferred Guest:

As a Starwood Preferred Guest (or SPG), you save time by gaining access to their absolute best rates on the SPG website. And many travelers don’t realize that Starwood includes nine hotel brands, including Westin, Regis, Sheraton, and more. You’re never limited. You receive 2 Starwood points for every dollar spent, which can then be redeemed for a free room. There are no blackout dates. Because Starwood includes so many brands, I like that I’m always reminded of a hotel’s Starwood status upon check-in; I’ve never not been reminded to use my card to redeem my points.

Marriott Rewards Program:

I like the Marriott Rewards Program because there are multiple ways to earn points. You earn via stays, of course, but travelers can also earn extra points by booking travel services through their partners, who include Hertz, Travelling Connect, and CruisesOnly. You can earn additional points through booking airfare with many airlines. If you spend often on airfare and rental cars, a Marriott reward card may be the way to go.

Like Starwood, Marriott encompasses many hotel brands, ranging from economy brands such as Courtyard by Marriott, great team hotels like Residence Inn Marriott, and Ritz Carlton for luxury travel. You could earn points during the kids’ soccer games, then spend them on your summer vacation.

Hyatt Gold Passport:

I love Hyatt hotels, but travelers don’t even have to be staying at one to earn Hyatt Gold Passport points. Just dining in one of their restaurants or opting for a service in a Hyatt spa will allow you to earn points. You get five points for every dollar spent (more than most loyalty programs), can convert points to miles, and there are no blackout dates for standard rooms. After five Hyatt stays, you unlock free wifi and a 15% point bonus.

How to go wine tasting with kids: tips on visiting wineries as a family

September 5, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

With vineyards springing up all over the U.S., wine tasting has become more popular than ever. Visiting wineries is a great way to assist a local economy, taste local pairings, and learn about an area’s agriculture. In fact, vineyards are now a big part of agricultural tourism. But what if you have the kids along? Can you go wine tasting with kids? We believe the answer is yes. Follow the tips below to have a fun, successful, and positive experience at a winery with kids.

Pair vineyards with outdoor activities:

Instead of telling the kids that they’ll be touring tasting rooms all day (get ready for a negative reaction on that one), pick one winery you’d really enjoy visiting and pair it with a family outdoor activity. Many wineries and tasting rooms are ideally located in the countryside surrounding tourist destinations and cities: think of your wine tasting day as an opportunity to explore a rural area. Outside of Portland, Oregon, for instance, lies the Willamette Valley brimming with wineries…and family fun. Before heading the casual and cozy Alloro Winery, we opt for a bike ride or a side trip to nearby Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum for hands-on, kid-centric entertainment.

No matter what region you’re visiting, before your wine tasting, parents can take the kids on a hike in the area, rent bikes and go for a bike ride, or tour a local museum or amusement park. Consider your wine tasting to be a complement to this family day outside, not the sole reason for it.

Select no more than one winery per visit:

Multi-vineyard wine trails are a lot of fun…for adults. Most kids, however, are pretty much of the opinion that if you’ve seen one vineyard, you’ve seen them all. Most tourists spend an average of one to two hours at a winery: plan for one and done to avoid tired, bored kids. Which winery to pick? Ask your hotel concierge or another local for the scoop on the most family-friendly winery in the region, or pick one closest to other area attractions.

Opt for a family-friendly tasting experience:

Yes, they do exist! The emphasis of a successful family day at a winery is not on the wine itself, but rather on the ambiance and togetherness. That said, my kids will tell you it’s not much fun if everyone has something good to drink except for them. We pick wineries that serve sparkling cider or root beer to the kids while adults enjoy tasting flights, and those that will put together a kid-friendly snack, such as a cheese plate.

Many wineries now allow picnics and other food items to be brought in by guests. Check ahead of time to make sure the one you want to visit has this policy, and if so, bring a spread! Look for wineries with plenty of outdoor space, and a staff who will welcome your kids. During a recent visit to Cliff Creek Cellars on the Upper Rogue Wine Trail of Southern Oregon, our kids were greeted by the vineyard dog and offered their pick of bocce ball or other lawn games by the winery staff.

Get on winery mailing lists to learn about events and festivals:

Many wineries host summer concert series, holiday events, and other family-friendly happenings. One of our favorite Easter Sundays was spent at Troon Vineyard, where the kids enjoyed an elaborate Easter egg hunt while adults enjoyed tastings and brunch. Other wineries in our region host bluegrass bands (perfect for dancing to, if you ask any toddler), art festivals, and local charity events. During the summer months, kids can spot hang-gliders coming in for landing at many Applegate Valley Wine Trail vineyards.

Above all, be responsible:

Of course, you want to be safe and set a good example to your children whenever you consume alcoholic beverages. If you think you’ll need it, hire a wine tour service to drive you to the tasting room and back again, or set out on a short walk with the family post-tasting before you get behind the wheel of your car. Most wineries don’t mind a bit if you linger: bring extra outdoor toys for the kids or even a pack of cards and play a family game before heading home.

Best budget-friendly destinations

July 17, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Traveling is a wonderful notion, as you get to spend some time at your favorite place(s). You can refresh your mind, and eliminate all the stress that a normal lifestyle leaves on you. It is certainly a great activity to stay creative, constructive and healthy. But traveling does require a lot of money, and it is very difficult to plan and execute a trip on a budget. However, my travel advice to the esteemed reader will be to visit destinations that are budget-friendly and offer exquisite getaway. In this blog post, I am going to tell my readers which holiday destinations they can visit in a budget, and enjoy a great time. So read this article and learn about different budget-friendly holiday destinations.

Best budget-friendly destinations for holiday:

However, before I present my best budget holiday destinations, I will like to tell my readers about a great way to save their valuable money. Whenever you want to travel, you can find cheap flight tickets offers from the platform of a renowned travel agency. They will not only find cheap flights for you to your destination, but also find cheap hotel accommodations, travel transfers, and local transportations. This is the best way to travel, and when you have a budget to follow, there is no better way.Best budget friendly destinations for holiday

Laos

Located in South East Asia, Laos is truly a fun destination. Although this country is massively overlooked due to its location, it is still an amazingly beautiful place to visit with friends, family or loved one. This landlocked country is sparingly populated with mountainous terrain and a forest landscape that covers 70% of the total country’s area. With such an amazing terrain, Laos is a perfect getaway for some amazing activities such as trekking, mountain climbing, kayaking, hot air ballooning, zip-lining, and much more.

Argentina

Argentina is one of the cheapest countries to travel in the world. This fact will make it one of the most ideal places for anyone who wants to travel on the budget in 2019. As Argentinian currency is massively devaluing in comparison with any Western currency, it is becoming much easier to explore this place. You can visit the highest mountain in the world outside the Asian continent in the Andes, which is known as Aconcagua. You can also visit Patagonia for some elite trekking and mountain climbing experience. The famous cities include Cordoba, Salta, and Buenos Aires. You can also visit the infamous waterfalls of Foz do Iguacu. Enjoy every bit of this country in a budget and post all the pictures on social media.

Georgia

Georgia is a Caucasian country on the borders of Asia and Europe. This country is quite inexpensive to visit, and a truly beautiful place to visit. You can visit this place in the lowest bucks, and get amazed by all the sceneries and serene cities. This place has all the potential to become your first love for all the good reasons. The mountains of Caucasus are truly beautiful and unique, as well as never-ending grass plains, cultural cities, and villages. You can also visit the black sea that touches the shores of Georgia.

Nepal

Nepal is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world. The best thing about this country is that it can be visited on a very low budget. This country has the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, along with some other highest peaks of the Himalayas and the world. For this reason, Nepal is a tourist magnet for everyone especially mountain lovers. This country has other places to offer to such as wildlife parks, cultural cities, temples, markets, and much more. Plan a trip to Nepal and you will never regret it.

Romania

Romania is a very beautiful country in Europe, and it has great potential to exceed all the limits of expectation of any visitor. This Transylvanian country has some of the most cultural medieval towns, cities, churches, food, and an amazing Carpathian mountain range. Little is known or marketed about this country, but once you visit it, it can become your favorite destination. The legend of Dracula originated from Romania, and the Dracula castle is still a place to visit for all the tourists.

Mexico

Mexico is known all over the world for all the bad things. However, it is not exactly the case. This country is a very naturally gifted place and opens to all the tourists for exploration. The best part about this country is that it is quite inexpensive. There are a lot of high altitude plains, beaches, mountains, hill stations, historical places, resorts, cultural cities, and much more.

Turkey

Traveling to Turkey is every traveler’s dream, and with the recent economic crisis, visiting this country in a budget is quite easily possible. Turkey is a transcontinental country, and it is rich in culture. There are many Roman ruins, as well as Ottoman remains that you must visit. There are also other amazing landmarks and significant places such as Cappadocia, Anatolia, Pamukkale, and much more.

Philippines

The Philippines is one the first choice for any visitor for an amazing tropical beach holiday. This country has more than 7000 islands, and this provides an amazing chance for everyone to choose which island he or she will prefer to visit. The Philippines is also culturally very rich, so you can expect to see some unique stuff in its cities and towns. Above every other feature, this country can be visited in a limited budget.

Morocco

Located in the northern part of Africa on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco is one of the primary choices for all budget travelers. This country is rich in white and beautiful beaches, as well as cultural cities that can amaze you beyond any description. One of the best destinations in Morocco in Tangier, which is influenced a both modern, and ancient cultures. The old city is full of stalls and streets, with people selling food items, drinks, different stuff such as electronic items, computers and much more.

Iran

Located between Middle East Asia, and Central Asia, Iran is an oil-rich country. But due to Western sanctions, the economy is always struggling, which makes it one of the cheapest traveling destination in the world. With serene beaches on its coasts, as well as great access to the Caspian Sea, this place is truly magnificent for every traveler. There are also cultural cities such as Tehran, Qom, Bandar Abbas, along with historical places such as Persepolis, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, and much more for everyone to explore. You can also visit the mountainous region of this country, and be amazed at nature’s marvels.

Six family-friendly U.S. cities to visit this summer

July 15, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

We’re officially in full swing of summer, and you may be attempting to do some last-minute family vacation planning. Even if you’re not ready to pack up the kids and head to Europe, there are plenty of amazing destinations right here in the U.S.

The following is a round-up of six family-friendly cities you can visit in the U.S. this summer or at any time, and some highlights of those cities to help you with planning.

Six Family-Friendly U.S. Cities to Visit This Summer

Nashville:

Nashville, Tennessee is a fabulous city to visit, no matter your age, but it’s also extremely family-friendly. During the day you can wander along Broadway and hear the music pouring out of the honky tonks. Some of them may even let people in of all ages, as long as it is daytime and not in the later evening hours.

Nashville has a lot of casual eateries, you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, and there’s also the Grand Ole Opry.

The Grand Ole Opry has nightly shows appropriate for all ages.

The Gaylord Opryland Hotel is a good option for families in terms of lodging because it’s huge and caters to families with things like an indoor steamboat ride.

San Diego:

San Diego has warm, temperate weather at any time of the year, and it’s beautiful. You can go to Balboa Park with is a famous zoo that also has gardens and museums.

With a Balboa Park Explorer Multi-Day Pass, it’s possible to see The San Diego Zoo and get entrance to the other museums for an entire week.

When you tire of the museums like the TheNAT San Diego Natural History Museum, head to the beaches or the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument.

New York City:

New York City isn’t always considered a family-friendly destination, but it should be. Also, some of the most amazing aspects of the city won’t cost you anything, like walking through Times Square or Central Park. The Museum of Natural History is great for kids too.

There are some plays on Broadway that are family friendly if you can score tickets including Aladdin, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Frozen, and for older kids, Hamilton.

Washington D.C.:

Going to Washington D.C. is a learning experience, but it’s done in such a fun way that your kids probably won’t even notice the educational aspect. Washington, D.C. is also a fairly affordable city for visitors.

The Smithsonian Institute boasts 19 free museums, and of these, some of the most notable are the National Zoo, the Air & Space Museum, and the Museum of Natural History.

The moments that will leave your kids in awe include the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial.

There are many kid-friendly hotels in the area as well. One hotel located near many of the must-see attractions is the Hyatt Place Arlington/Courthouse Plaza. Your family will have easy access to the Metro, which will bring you to all major attractions, which will reduce the stress of driving through D.C.

Boston:

Another location where history can come alive for kids is Boston. If you do opt for Boston, you might want the Boston CityPass. The Boston CityPass offers discounted admission to some of the most popular attractions in the city including the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science, the Skywalk Observatory, and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum and Library.

You can also grab food at Quincy Market, or take a picnic in the Public Garden. Walk along the Freedom Trail, or take a self-guided tour of the campus of Harvard while you’re there.

There are Friday movie nights during the summer at the Hatch Shell, and admission to the Museum of Fine Arts is free for kids under 17 on the weekends.

San Antonio:

Finally, if you want to make your way down south, consider San Antonio. San Antonio is the perfect family-friendly destination, and like many other cities on our list, it’s a place you can ensure is fairly affordable.

The San Antonio Riverwalk is beautiful, and you’ll hear live music, you can take boat rides,and there are plenty of restaurants along the way. There is the old town so you can see the architecture and enjoy boutiques, and you can take in the history at The Alamo.

For the kids, there’s SeaWorld San Antonio as well as Six Flags Fiesta Texas. San Antonio is even home to Morgan’s Wonderland, which is the only amusement park in the U.S. designed for kids with special needs. There are the DoSeum interactive children’s museum and Natural Bridge Caverns for families with kids too.

San Antonio is hot in the summer, so be prepared, but you can go year-round and enjoy fairly mild weather along with great things to do.

Tips for celebrating the 4th of July in Washington DC

July 4, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Will you be in our nation’s capital for Independence Day? We were there last year, and it was one of the memorable holidays we’ve celebrated while traveling! The number of activities, programs, and performances, as well as the sheer number of people, can be intimidating, so we’ve compiled our top tips for celebrating the 4th of July in Washington DC:

1. Book a hotel within walking distance of the National Mall:

No matter what you decide to do on the 4th, it will probably happen on or around the Mall. And trust me, you don’t want to have to park a car anywhere in the vicinity on July 4th. Taking a cab is tricky too, since so many road closures are in effect (your fare could be high as cabbies take detours). When we visited, we took the Metro to the Mall on the 4th of July to save our feet from extra mileage, but walked back when the festivities were over. When we passed the first two Metro stations en route, the line to simply access the escalators spanned almost a block! Be in walking distance and you’ll be happier for it!

2. Take an afternoon siesta:

If you start your Independence Day watching the parade down Constitution Avenue and end it with the firework display and Capitol 4th concert, you’re looking at a 14-16 hour day. Opt to focus on the morning activities or evening activities, or, if you must do both, take an afternoon break. We spent 3 pm to 6 pm at our hotel, resting, watching TV, and snacking. If you can’t make it back to your accommodations, rest on a blanket in the shade or take an extended break in a museum cafe, enjoying the A/C.

3. ‘Preview’ the parade:

Don’t want to stake your claim curbside on Constitution Avenue by 7 am to watch the parade? Neither did we. Instead, we arrived on the Mall around 10 am, and headed to the Smithsonian museums (they’re all open on the 4th). During our walk along the Mall from the Smithsonian Metro stop, we viewed a good number of the inflatables, floats, and bands queuing up for their position in the parade. We were happy with this sneak peek and even heard bands warming up. The museums were quiet and uncrowded until the parade wrapped up around 1 pm. If you’re not a ‘parade person’, this is the way to go!

4. Watch the Capitol 4th dress rehearsal:

Likewise, if the idea of crowding onto the Capitol lawn with 200,000 close friends on the 4th doesn’t suit you, go to the dress rehearsal of this top tier outdoor concert on July 3rd. It starts at 8 pm, and is free and open to the public. Unlike for the real deal, there’s no need to get there earlier than 7 pm. Bring a picnic or grab hot dogs from street side vendors, and enjoy a patriotic evening…a day early.

5. Plan your fireworks location with views and kids in mind:

We were told there’s no reason to go snag a spot to watch the fireworks until approximately 6:30 pm (fireworks start at 9:10 pm). We doubted this advice, and got to a spot just under the Washington Monument by 5:30 pm. We should have listened…the lawn didn’t fill up until about 7 pm. Before arriving, we could have eaten a relaxed meal at our hotel or spent more time in the museums. Here’s a rundown of the best fireworks viewing locations in DC (and their pros and cons):

Washington Monument: This is where we ended up, and we loved this location. It’s in one of the security-controlled areas, which means you go through security at one of (I believe) four entrances along this part of the Mall. There’s no alcohol allowed, and of course no firearms or other weapons. We felt very safe. Security didn’t take long to go through (people stagger their arrival), and by setting up our spot on the hillside just under the monument, we had unobstructed views of the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool (where the fireworks are set off). Limited food vendors are located inside the secure area (overpriced hot dogs, funnel cakes, and sandwiches).

Lincoln Memorial: We heard this is a fun place to be, but also more crowded, and less comfortable (you’re sitting on the steps if you get there early enough, and sitting on the sides if not).

On the Mall in front of the Smithsonian museums: This is another secure area (as is Lincoln) and offers lots of entertainment while you wait. Your views of the fireworks will be against the backdrop of the Washington Monument (you won’t see the Lincoln Memorial or Reflecting Pool). During the day, we enjoyed playing pick-up soccer games on the grass, and checking out the Smithsonian Folk Festival. As evening descends, these entertaining options give way to blankets and lawn chairs. You’re closer to more food options here. Tip: to get healthier food, we went into the National Museum of Natural History’s cafe, and got sandwiches, salads, and trail mix to go. It was still expensive, but much higher quality than the food vendors onsite. From our Washington Monument location, it was a hike to get this food, but worth it.

On the White House lawn: I was tempted by this secure location simply for the novelty of it (you can sit in the Ellipse area), but in the end, it was a smaller space with more trees, and we didn’t like the view as much.

At the Capitol: This is ground zero for the concert, and where you’ll want to be if you didn’t see the dress rehearsal and wanted to stay late to listen. The concert starts at 8 pm. It’s also one of the most crowded locations.

Throughout the day on the 4th, impromptu concerts, bands, festivals, and games pop up all over the Mall, so try to stay as spontaneous as possible. Enjoy your Independence Day in the nation’s capitol!

Five resort towns with 4th of July parades

June 30, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Due to summer travel plans, we usually spend 4th of July away from home. Sometimes, missing our hometown 4th of July parades bums the kids out, so wherever we find ourselves, we try to seek out the local parade festivities. As a result, we’ve experienced new customs, enjoyed local culture and foods, and Toby, always outgoing, has always made new friends. Below, find details on the 4th of July parades in five of our favorite resort towns across the U.S.! Maybe they’ll be on your family vacation route this holiday. Happy birthday, America!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming:

Jackson Hole’s Howdy Pardners 4th of July parade always begins on Snow King Avenue from the Rodeo Grounds to Glenwood, continues on Broadway, and ends on Willow Street. If you’re staying in town, grab a curbside seat early in the day. While one parent holds everyone’s place (a thankless job!), the other can take the kids over to the Amazin’ Jackson Hole Maze for some water gun fight action. Kids rent water guns, pick teams, then spread out in the large maze area complete with water barrels for refills and platforms for scoping out the enemy. Kids are paired as best as possible by size and age, but very young kids may get scared. The parade starts at 10:30, but families will want to stay for the 6 pm town square frontier shoot out or the evening rodeo.

Where to stay: overnight a short car drive away in Grand Tetons National Park’s Colter Bay Village to combine a small town holiday with national park adventure. Alternatively, stay in town in a VacationRoost vacation home.

Park City, Utah:

This iconic ski town is transformed in the summer months to reflect Park City Utah’s love of the rugged outdoors in warm weather. Start your day with muffins or scones in one of the town’s many breakfast restaurants, or participate in 5K run. Then get a spot for the parade down the main street, which includes over 70 floats and an Air Force fly-over. You’ll still have most of the day to go mountain biking or hiking to escape the crowds, or you can stay for the fireworks.

Where to stay: Westgate Park City Resort is far enough from town (located at The Canyons Resort) to offer some tranquility when you’re ready for it.

Seaside, Oregon:

Families celebrating the 4th of July in Seaside might just as likely be wearing windbreakers as swim suits and shorts, but fog, wind, or sun, the party is happening! The Celebrate Freedom 4th of July parade starts at the Seaside Museum, ending at the annual Old-Fashioned Social. The party goes on all day until it’s dark enough for fireworks on the beach. While not waiting for the parade, buy taffy at the famous Seaside Candy Man or make sand castles on the wide, open beach.

Where to stay: find a vacation home near the beach and rent it for the whole week to enjoy the town before and after the crowds descend.

Branson, Missouri:

Among the most patriotic resort towns in America, Branson’s celebration starts with a parade-type event families can participate in! The Spirit of ’76 celebration at Branson Stockstill Park and Branson Landing traditionally starts at 9 am, during which you can join others donning their red, white, and blue for a family-friendly event. Ice cream and flags are complimentary, which you can bring with you to one of the many fireworks displays on nearby Table Rock Lake or in Moonshine State Park.

Where to stay: the Chateau on the Lake Resort is the site of the best evening fireworks, and offers swimming, boating, a full-scale spa, and dining for the remainder of your vacation in Branson.

Stowe, Vermont:

The Moscow parade starts the celebration, which doesn’t end until Stowe’s annual fireworks display. Between events, check out the Village Festival from 11 am to 3 pm, for face painting, music, carnival-type activities for the kids, and a full seven miles of shopping. The parade starts at 10 am, and kids can watch local softball and soccer tournaments, a 4th of July tradition in Stowe.

Where to stay: Settle in near Stowe at Smuggler’s Notch Resort, where kids will stay just as busy the rest of the vacation week with kids’ club activities, hiking and biking, golf, and kid-focused parties.

Photo credit: inparistexas

This post written in partnership with VacationRoost.

When to upgrade to Park Hopper tickets at Disney theme parks (and when not to)

May 16, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

When buying Disney theme park tickets, families have the ability to upgrade to Park Hopper tickets. What does this mean? Instead of gaining admittance to one park per day, you have access to all four (plus water parks, if desired). Do you ‘need’ Park Hoppers? Most families believe the answer is yes, but in fact, it depends on your family’s plans in the theme parks, style of touring, and organization. Read on to find out when it’s really valuable to upgrade to Park Hoppers at Disney theme parks and when it simply doesn’t make sense.

Park Hopper myths:

1. It’s easy to ‘hop’ from park to park. The term ‘park hopper’ implies it’s only a hop, skip, and a jump from one Disney theme park to the next. In fact, it can take up to an hour to ‘hop’, depending on your luck with bus schedules and how crowded Walt Disney World is at the time of your visit. During a non-peak week in late April, it took me 45 minutes to get from Animal Kingdom to the Magic Kingdom, for example. Why? Disney busses don’t go directly from park to park. Rather, they go from park to hotel resorts, or from parks to the Ticket and Transportation Center, where you ‘hop’ onto different lines.

Even commuting from the Magic Kingdom to Epcot, both on Monorail lines, requires a transfer and occasional resort stops en route (plan on 30 minutes, depending on Monorail queues). Planning to drive your own vehicle? You still need to commute to your current parking lot, drive over, then park and commute again. This is not to say to avoid Disney transportation: we’re fans. Just know that while reliable and relatively stress-free, Disney transportation is not swift.

2. You can hop to a second park late in the day and still ride major attractions. Again, it depends on the season and how busy the park, but sometimes you can, and sometimes you can’t. If you spend your day at Epcot, for instance, and decided to hop to Hollywood Studios at 2 pm to ride Tower of Terror, you may run into difficulty if Fast Passes have run out for the day. Because your party cannot all obtain FP until they’re all in the park, there’s no way to secure Fast Passes until you’ve ‘hopped’.

3. The Park Hopper add-on barely costs anything. In fact, at $35 extra per ticket (over $50 extra with water parks), the cost adds up! Savings can be in the hundreds of dollars to opt out of Park Hoppers. If your family typically tours a park for most of any given day, then enjoys resort time, or likes to spend time in other areas not requiring theme park admission, such as Downtown Disney or Wide World of Sports, you may have no need of a Park Hopper. Just be sure to plan to attend evening shows and entertainment at the same park you visited earlier in the day. (This will take planning.)

You need the Park Hopper add-on if:

1. You plan to take advantage of a morning Extra Magic Hour and then get out. This is a wise strategy, as the Extra Magic Hour park tends to become overcrowded after the hour is up and regular park guests arrive on top of the resort guests. If you plan to leave a park by 10 am and hop to another, you’ll likely have time to arrive before lunch and secure the Fast Passes you need for the afternoon.

2. You plan to utilize the Park Hopper just for evening dining and entertainment (not rides). If you like the idea of arriving at a park early in the morning, focusing on rides, then leaving for a mid-day rest, then heading to a different park for a relaxing dinner and evening entertainment, the Park Hopper may be a great value to you.

3. You’re visiting at a very low-crowd time of year. In this case, you may not need a full day to accomplish what you want in one park, and your transportation time may be lower due to smaller crowds.

Glamping trips to book this summer

May 9, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Have you ever enjoyed turn-down service…in a tent? How about foot warmers, breakfast in your camp bed or nightly s’mores service? Even if you’re a hardcore camper, happy to rough it, c’mon…this sounds pretty great, right? Get your glamp on at the following glamping resorts in the western U.S.

Over the top:

The Resort at Paws Up, Montana

Located on Montana’s Blackfoot River, Paws Up going above and beyond for its tent camping guests, with private camp butlers, a concierge tent serving gourmet breakfast, snacks, and drinks, and luxury bedding. Plus, daily activities at Paws Up can include cattle wrangling, helicopter rides, hot air balloon journeys, and fly fishing.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, British Columbia

Each private tent at Clayoquot is described as five-star luxury, with an African safari experience feel in the heart of the Canadian wilderness. Sign up for spa treatments, fish for salmon, head out of bear sighting expeditions, or rock climb or mountain bike during your days here.

Bull Hill Guest Ranch, Washington

At the northeastern edge of Washington State near the Canadian border, guests at Bull Hill experience authentic ranch life, but sleep in comfort in glamping safari tents, each with a private bath or shower, wide front porches, and lodgepole railings.

Fireside Resort, Jackson Hole Wyoming

Jackson Hole has its share of luxury accommodations, but at Fireside Resort, you can pretend you’re roughing it in your own tiny house-style cabin. Enjoy a full kitchen, curl up by your own fireplace, and cross-country ski from your front door in winter. There’s an outdoor fire pit if your camping experience won’t be complete without a campfire!

Glacier Under Canvas, Glacier National Park, Montana

Under Canvas is a glamping resort company that currently operates in Glacier, Zion, Moab, and Yellowstone. At their Glacier location, safari-style tents and teepees are available just a few miles outside the national park, with the option to elevate your experience to a deluxe tent, cabin, or treehouse.

Dunton River camp, Dunton, Colorado

Dunton River Camp operates three camps in Colorado, but the Dunton Hot Springs location is the place to be for alpine meadow views, hot springs, and open-air tenting. Need more cover? Wooden cabins are on offer in addition to the river tents.

AutoCamp, Russian River, California

Camp overnight in an Airstream trailer decked out with showers, hotel bedding, and extra touches. Only 90 minutes north of San Francisco, AutoCamp’s Russian River location is within easy distance of the Sonoma wine scene and plenty of outdoor recreation in the California redwoods. Choose between Airstream camping or luxurious canvas tent glamping.

Terra Glamping, California

Located on the northern California coast on Highway 1, all of Terra Glamping’s ten safari tents have ocean views. Ideal for whale watching, stargazing, or simply relaxing in a hammock or with a good book in hand, the Terra Glamping experience comes with hot showers, a deluxe continental breakfast, and memory foam mattresses.

Less ‘glamp’, more ‘camp’:

Doe Bay, Orcas Island Washington

A long-time retreat with a friendly commune feel right on the coast of Orcas Island, Doe Bay caters to earth-friendly types with organic produce at their on-site market, tent camping spaces, yurts and canvas tents, and clothing-optional outdoor soaking tubs and saunas.

Lakedale Resort, San Juan Island, Washington

Neighboring Orcas Island, San Juan Island’s Lakedale Resort offers the perfect glamping vacation for families with children, with tents that include breakfast and hot water bottles delivered to your bedside, or cabins next to all the lakeside action, which includes kayak rentals, paddle boards, arts and crafts, and more.

Willow Witt Ranch, Ashland, Oregon

A farm stay perfect for families that includes canvas-sided, wood-floored tents in addition to farmhouse accommodations, Willow Witt is tucked into the mountains about thirty minutes from Ashland in Southern Oregon. Meet the farm animals, hike on nearby trails, and enjoy the communal outdoor kitchen.

Treebones, Big Sur, California

Stay in a canvas yurt perched on the edge of the California coastline. You can even camp in the ‘human nest’, a cozy shelter that resembles a bird’s nest. Treebones boasts an organic garden, inspired architectural designs, and even a sushi bar on premises. Note that Highway 1 south of Treebones is currently closed after the impressive winter storms of 2017. Approach from the north.

River Dance Lodge, Kooskia, Idaho

Located near Lewiston, Idaho, River Dance Lodge offers glamping tents outfitted with old-fashioned pitchers and wash basins, wood stoves, and clawfoot tubs heated by propane (think hot tub!) within listening distance of a rushing river. Guests utilize a shared washroom. Plus, you’re within a stone’s throw of the best of Idaho’s outdoor recreation, including river rafting, lake swimming, and fishing.

25 Unplugged family vacation ideas

May 6, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

When planning your next family vacation, do you daydream about a mythical place when cell service drops to zero and the front desk staff has no WiFi code to give? Such places exist, and they’re ripe for family adventure! From budget-friendly to bucket list-worthy, these diverse getaways all guarantee time away from screens…for both your kids and you.

Western states:

Experience the Wild and Scenic Rogue River: In the heart of Southern Oregon, the Rogue River offers 84 miles of wilderness untouched by roads, power lines, or cell service. OARS rafting trips on the Wild and Scenic are ideal for families seeking togetherness with a splash of excitement.

See Mt. Rushmore by bicycle: Bicycle Adventures’ six-day family cycling trip through South Dakota may not be completely devoid of connectivity at all times, but your kids won’t have a free hand to hold a phone…they’ll be too busy cycling the Mickelson Trail, the top-rated paved bike path in the US, past Crazy Horse, the Badlands, and the Black Hills.

Camp in a yurt on the Oregon coast: The Oregon State Park system is peppered with cozy, warm, and welcoming yurts in their campgrounds, which are open for families year-round. And it’s hard to beat the $40/night price tag. Alternative: take a PacNW coastal road trip!

Overnight in a treehouse: Out ’n About ’Tree-sort’ is located near the Oregon-CA border along the Redwoods Highway. Kids can climb rope ladders, pick their bunks, and even zip-line the next morning.

Paddle the San Juan Islands marine trail: Join Crystal Seas Kayaking for a multi-night kayak trip from a basecamp at San Juan Island, Washington, to a smattering of outlying islands along the famed marine trail. Camp in tents at night and learn to navigate your sea kayaks during the day.

Backpack the Jefferson Park Wilderness: Located in Central Oregon near the tiny town of Sisters, the Jefferson Park Wilderness can be accessed via the Pacific Crest Trail and offers some of the most dramatic scenery of the entire Oregon section. Families can backpack the area in 2-3 days, or plan a day hike from rustic Ollalie Lake Resort.

Herd sheep on a Leaping Lamb Farm Stay: Located in the coastal mountain range by Corvallis, Oregon, Leaping Lamb Farm offers families a cozy cabin stay complete with farm chores in the mornings, and the run of the farm the rest of the day. Hike, tend to animals, or just read a book on the porch for a long weekend.

Cruise through Southeast Alaska: Families can experience SE Alaska like a local with Alaskan Dream Cruises, which depart from Sitka on small, 30-40 passenger vessels. The ship stops daily in small, native-owned ports where families kayak, hike, and learn about the coastal wilderness.

Yosemite National Park ‘in reverse’ backpacking trip: Want to experience Yosemite in the summer…without the crowds? Start at Tuolumne Meadows and end on the valley floor, hiking a portion of the John Muir Trail with a Yosemite Backcountry Permit. Until your last day, you’ll be able to count the number of people you pass on one hand.

Houseboat on Lake Powell: Spanning Arizona and Utah, Lake Powell isn’t precisely isolated, but cell service is pretty much non-existent, which means you can get there easily then spend up to a week in complete relaxation with your crew.

Mountain states and Midwest:

Raft the Lower Salmon: With OARS at the helm, a trip through the gorges of the Lower Salmon River in Idaho isn’t as risky as it sounds. Mostly, it’s all fun and games, with sandy campsites and delicious food to round out days of sunshine and Class III rapids.

Navigate the Gates of Lodore: Rafting the Green River in Colorado with OARS will uncover American Indian ruins and evidence of the lingering wild west, but no bars on anyone’s phone.

Get in the saddle at Three Bars Ranch: A dude ranch vacation can be the ultimate family retreat, and at Three Bars, you get to enjoy a ‘family camp’ atmosphere with the Canadian Rockies as a backdrop. Cell service can be found if you seek it out, but don’t worry about the kids noticing: they’ll be too busy with their adopted horses for the week.

Explore the backcountry of the Tetons: Families may think they’ve seen Grand Teton National Park…until they experience three days of Lake Jackson kayaking with OARS. The wilderness is stunning, and even in the peak of summer, no one else is in sight for hours.

Stay in a ghost town at Dunton: Dunton, Colorado is a 200-acre restored ghost town that has been transformed into a remote mountain escape. You’ll lose cell service before you even get there, transporting you back a century as you stay in a cabin near a saloon, dance hall, and hot spring.

Cowboy up at Colorado Vista Verde Dude Ranch: Yes, another dude ranch, because this one is open year-round! At Vista Verde, families have no access to wifi, and fill their days riding or, in winter, skiing at nearby Steamboat Springs.

Canoe the Boundary Waters: Start in Ely, Minnesota, where Boundary Waters Outfitters will get you geared up for a guided family trip of this remote wilderness area. Families will be removed from everything except the sound of an oar on the flat, calm surface of the water.

East Coast:

Hike hut-to-hut with the Appalachian Mountain Club: AMC lodges are located through New England along the Appalachian Trail. Families can hike hut-to-hut for a backpacking trip they’ll never forget, or hike one-way into the Highland Center, where they can be outfitted for day trips in summer or winter.

Milk cows near Shenandoah National Park: Belle Meade Farm is located in rural Virginia, an easy road trip from Washington DC but a world apart. Families can help care for animals, swim in the large outdoor pool or the swimming pond, and easily access the less trafficked entrance to Shenandoah National Park.

Channel your inner Thoreau at Spencer Pond camps: Stay in an off-the-grid mountain cabin in rural Maine at Spencer Pond where you can fish, hike, hunt, or paddle the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Chances are good of seeing moose!

Enjoy R&R at Little St. Simon’s Island: This privately-owned island off the coast of Georgia is only accessible by boat, but the cabins here are not just for luxury travelers. While you are served gourmet meals, accommodations are quaintly rustic, and the emphasis is on nature and outdoor living. Read another review!

Unwind at Little River State Park: Vermont state parks are an oasis for nature-loving families, and one of the best for a low-tech, budget family vacation is Little River State Park. Families can combine camping with extensive interpretive programs and tours of the area’s history.

Experience an old-fashioned family camp at Mt. Snow: If you’d rather someone else do the cooking during a Vermont getaway, head to Mt. Snow for their family camp, which includes an unplugged itinerary ideal for family reunions and multigenerational vacations.

Set sail with a Windjammer cruise off coast of Maine: You don’t have to know how to sail—yet—to go on a Windjammer cruise. But you’ll be amazed what you learn as you sail up the coast of Maine, taking in the sights and enjoying wonderful cuisine.

Boat on Smith Mountain Lake: The beauty of a houseboat trip is the guaranteed alone time with your family; on Smith Mountain Lake in southwest Virginia, you may have the lake nearly to yourselves.

Bond as a family at High Hampton Inn and Country Club: Kids will think of High Hampton as the most amazing summer camp in the heart of North Carolina. Parents will immediately recall the movie Dirty Dancing. Either way, everyone wins.