family travel - Pitstops for Kids

Plan your next family trip to Houston

May 12, 2022 By Amy Hagstrom

Houston is a vibrant city with a lot to do and see. But, what you might not know is that Houston is a great place for family vacations.

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or looking for something to do since you just moved into your Apartment in Houstin, Houston, Texas has been taking the country by storm in recent years. It’s been ranked as one of the top cities in America and has been attracting tourists from all over the world.

Planning your next family trip to Houston? We’ve put together some of our favorite things to do when visiting this amazing city in Texas.

The Rodeo

The Houston rodeo is one of the most popular annual events in Texas. More than one million people attend this event every year.

Rodeo has been a part of Texan culture for more than a century now and it has become a tradition to go to this rodeo as soon as it starts even if you live outside Texas.

The rodeo typically happens in the Spring with some major country music stars also performing. If you don’t get a chance to see the rodeo, you can still experience live bull riding which happens in Houston and throughout Texas often.

Catch a Sporting Event

Houston has a variety of major sporting events that can provide you with unforgettable memories. One of these is the Houston Astros.

Houston is the perfect place for sports. With multiple professional sports teams and a lot of local and international events, it’s easy to find a game to watch while in Houston.

If you’re an NFL fan you can catch a Texans game, if you’re a baseball fan you can catch the Astros, and if you’re a basketball fan you can grab some tickets to the Rockets.

Kemah Boardwalk

Kemah Boardwalk is a good place for people who want to experience old-fashioned American family fun.

The Boardwalk has a popular water park with a roller coaster, live music, food and drinks. It’s also a great place for people to bring their families and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Even if you live in Houston permanently or temporarily, you won’t mind coming back to the Kemah Boardwalk again and again.

Fun Happens in Houston

Houston is one of the best places to visit in the United States. From museums to parks, there are plenty of things to do for everyone.

Houston is a great place for travelers because it has a diverse selection of activities and attractions that will appeal to all types of people. Whether you want an adventure or something relaxing, there is always something fun to do in Houston.

Cruise planning: Cruise line comparison chart and more

August 3, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

A cruise is a great way to enjoy multiple destinations while only unpacking once. Cruisers combine the convenience of an all-inclusive resort with the adventure of ports of call and international experiences. However, planning a cruise involves a special set of considerations that planning your average trip does not. How will you get to your departure port? Should you book excursions ahead of time? What does your ship include in the fare? Here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect cruise, using our cruise line comparison chart and more!

Cruise line comparison: what Type of Cruiser do You Want to be?

Source: Fix.com Blog

The first decision to make in the cruise planning process is to pick the type of cruise that’s best for you. If budget is a primary factor, a large, budget cruise ship will work nicely. Most sail for 5–7 days to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Central America, and Alaska. Large cruise ships mean bigger crowds but they offer more onboard amenities, like multiple restaurants, pools, rock-climbing walls, and bigger gyms and spas. They’re almost always family friendly and have many dining options. If budget is not a concern but onboard amenities are still important, opt for a mid-sized luxury ship, which will be more personalized with great service and (usually) true all-inclusiveness, with drinks and exercise classes included in your fare.

If unique ports of call and an active itinerary are more important to you than onboard amenities, consider a small cruise ship. These ships, which hold fewer than 200 passengers in most cases, are highly personalized, and they can stop at smaller ports off the beaten path. Many small cruise ships include daily opportunities to snorkel, kayak, hike, and photograph wildlife, but they will cost more than traditional cruises.

Once you’ve decided on the type of cruising that works for you, it’s time to pick a cruise line. Compare lines by looking at their destination ports (where do you want to leave from?), the itineraries they offer (this is where you’ll choose between tropical cruises, Alaskan cruises, and European cruises, for instance), and their levels of inclusiveness.

Note that while virtually all cruise lines include room and board in their fares, some are truly all-inclusive, including alcohol, all excursions, and activities. Most charge extra for drinks, some onboard activities, and all excursions. Almost all lines prohibit bringing your own liquor or beer onboard, though most allow up to two bottles of wine. Ships store wine and liquor purchased at ports until disembarkation. Cruise lines that do not include alcohol in their cruise fares offer alcohol packages; do the math to determine whether such a package makes sense for you.

Planning Your Cruise Transportation and Getting Settled

Once you’ve settled on a cruise, it’s time to figure out how you’ll get to your embarkation port. One thing all cruises have in common is that they will leave without you. Therefore, plan to arrive the day before your departure if you’re flying to your port and plan to arrive several hours before boarding time if driving. You can even plan to drive the day before and stay the night at a port-side hotel (many will allow you to park your car there instead of at the port for less money).

If you’re flying to your port, look for a pre-cruise hotel that offers a shuttle service to your cruise or that is within an easy Uber fare. Check in online before you arrive to the port for ease of boarding; almost all cruise lines offer this service. Be sure to bring the paperwork that your cruise line requires, including your passport. Most cruise lines allow you to start the embarkation process by 11:30 am on the day of departure, which gives passengers time to eat a leisurely lunch while waiting for their staterooms to be ready.

Tip: Pack a day bag with swimsuits and essentials so you don’t have to wait for your bag to be delivered before enjoying the pool. Consider booking a massage or other spa service for your embarkation day to get you into “cruise mode.” These services are usually discounted on the first day.

Making the Most of Cruise Excursions

While onboard amenities are fun, you probably aren’t going on a cruise just to stay on the ship at every port. To avoid long lines at guest services during your cruise, book your excursions online before departure if you’re booking them through the cruise line. If you’re booking excursions independently, plan to book them for mid-morning on your days in port since many large cruise ships give priority disembarkation to passengers booked on cruise-specific excursions. Booking independently has its perks, however – you’ll usually save some money, you’ll help the local economy by paying tour operators directly, and you’ll avoid crowds of cruise passengers. To find safe, reputable excursions on your own, contact the local tourism board before your trip and make arrangements with verified businesses ahead of time. However, it’s important to remember the first rule of cruising: your cruise WILL leave without you if you’re not back on time. If your ship has limited time at a port (under 6–8 hours), it’s usually safest to book official cruise line excursions that guarantee your prompt return to the ship.

Planning to Disembark

At the end of your cruise, you’ll likely have an early-morning disembarkation. The process is known to go slowly since all passengers need to go through customs, but you can make it go faster by hanging onto your carry-on luggage (instead of putting it out the night before). Have your paperwork ready, and schedule a late-afternoon or evening flight home to be on the safe side.

Source: Fix.com Blog

Dog friendly travel: Four tips when traveling with dogs

April 27, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

John is the founder of Perfect Dog Breeds a magazine focused on helping match dog-parents and dog breeds.

Whether you have a long road trip planned or you’re just popping to see your aunt there are certain things to think about before you load Fido into that SUV. Dog friendly travel is natural and easy for many pets, but there are times when dogs can get unsettled and stressed. We have put together our top tips for making any trips, long or short, as stress-free as possible for you and your pooch! Here’s what you need to know about traveling with dogs.

Image Credit: Well Pet Coach

For dog-friendly travel, get the right gear

We’re not talking snazzy collars or personalized water bowls for the car, we’re talking safety gear. Fido needs to be restrained on all trips – no matter how long or short.

Some owners choose to crate train their pooch in the car, some choose to attach a specific car harness to the seatbelt. This will largely depend on the style of your car – whether there is room in the trunk for a crate, or whether Fido has to go on the back seat.

If you choose the crate, it’s best to crate train him well before your first trip so he’s comfortable being locked in for periods of time. Likewise, allow Fido to get used to wearing a harness outside of the car! Lure Fido into the harness by holding a treat in the neck space. Praise and reward him whilst he is wearing it and distract him with a chew or toy. He’ll soon accept it when it’s associated with good things!

For treats, make sure to pack the extra delicious meaty kind to keep your dog happily busy throughout the ride. Dogs that are not used to long car rides can easily get anxious on trips; it helps to keep them occupied with a tasty treat or their favorite toy since it aids in reducing their stress levels.

Don’t forget an emergency kit for your pet! When traveling with pets, the emergency kit should include:

First aid supplies
Necessary paperwork
Extra water
Extra food
Medications your pets might be taking
A leash for your pets
Treats or toys

Has Fido ever been in the car before?

Start slowly. If Fido hasn’t been in the car before, you need to plan well in advance to get him used to traveling! Open the trunk or the back doors and let Fido sniff around and explore. If he’s going in a crate, open the crate and allow him to explore. Throw some treats into the crate. Don’t lock him in, just let him get comfortable.

Give him a treat in the crate and close the door. Let him out as soon as he’s finished his chew. You want him to associate the crate with good experience. If he’s being attached to a harness, clip him in and praise and reward him. Give him a chew on the back seat; release him as soon as he’s finished. Again, you want the same association.

Start With patience

After Fido has explored the car and isn’t really that bothered by it, start with a short journey – 5 minutes maybe. Praise and reward Fido when you’ve reached your destination or when you’ve come back home.

Some owners give their dog chews during the journey but here you run the risk of Fido choking or even being sick due to the motion of the car. DogGear would always advise keeping the treats for when you stop.

When traveling with dogs, easy does it

Slowly increase the length of your journeys. Watch for signs that Fido isn’t coping for example, whining, crying, whimpering, pacing, excessive panting, yawning or foaming at the mouth. These are all signs that he is stressed, so pull over as soon as it’s safe and take Fido out of the car. Let him calm down before you continue on your journey.

If possible, ask a helper to come along on your first few journeys so they can keep an eye on Fido’s behavior. You can then keep your attention firmly on the road. The last thing anyone wants is a lapse in your attention on the road because you are wondering what Fido is doing or if he’s OK.

Plan ahead for dog friendly travel

Once you are confident that Fido is comfortable in the car, you can plan your trips. Look for truck stops with open spaces where you can easily take Fido potty. Remember to take your poo bags and some bottled water with a bowl. Before you head off, take him for a walk and work on some mental stimulation. This will likely tire him out so he’s more likely to settle and even sleep in the car!

Whilst most dogs happily tolerate traveling, these steps will certainly help you on your way to making those trips as stress-free as possible. Plan ahead, get the right safety gear to restrain him and stock up on some tasty treats and chews to help Fido associate the car with good things! He’ll soon realize that those car trips usually end up as a wonderful adventure (vet visits aside of course)!

Three west coast trip must-visit destinations for families

April 13, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

The west coast of the USA is one of the most stunning road trips in the world. It is a trip that offers so much: ferry rides in the Puget Sound, hikes through the redwood forests in Oregon, wine-tasting in Napa Valley, the windy roads of San Francisco, beach lounging on Cannon Beach, the bright lights of Las Vegas, and amazing coastal drives for hours. Below are three west coast trip must-visits!

1. San Francisco

San Francisco is a hub of excitement and the cultural, commercial and financial heart of Northern California. The city is the 13th most populated in the U.S. but has the second-highest population density in the county, with only New York being busier. The city is famous for its restaurants and some of the best chefs in the country are lucky enough to call this home. San Francisco’s most famous waterfront community is at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can experience some fantastic food and enjoy some of the best dinings the world has to offer. San Francisco is very proud of its cable car system. It is the last manually operated system in the world today. At its peak, you would find 23 cable car lines in the city, but today we have just three left. Nearly all of the people that ride the cars today are tourists looking to try something different when in town.

2. Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona, has a population of over 200,000 and boasts more than 300 days of annual sunshine. Over seven million people visit Scottsdale each year, as it has a reputation for being a posh resort town where the rich and famous come to play and shop. But there is plenty to do in this city besides lounging at exquisite resorts and eating at fine restaurants. In fact, Scottsdale is loaded with museums and attractions that are both easily accessible and free, suiting the budget traveler’s itinerary and wallet. Scottsdale Homes for Sale are selling at a record rate. Single-family rental homes have grown up to 30% within the last three years. Almost all the housing demand in the US in recent years has been filled by single-family rental units.

3. Oregon

It doesn’t matter what part of Oregon you’re visiting, you’re bound to find something interesting to explore. After all, the state is home to acres of untamed evergreen, glacial lakes, and a rugged, windswept coastline. But visitors exploring the Beaver State will also uncover decidedly hip cities, rural cideries, and sprawling vineyards. Whether you’re touring Oregon for the first time or you’re a regular, repeat visitor, these are nine points of interest in Oregon that prove there’s more to the state than Portland.

Seven destinations for family biking vacations

February 15, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Introducing your children to an active lifestyle has become more challenging with skyrocketing technological innovations. During family biking vacations, kids can quickly develop poor fitness and eating habits that lead to chronic diseases later in life without consistent physical activity. Limiting your child’s screen time to roughly two hours per day and encouraging spending time outdoors can significantly impact their mental and physical well being.

Guide your family through health-based lifestyle changes by speaking to them about the importance of physical activity and maintaining a health and fitness routine yourself. If your children are less than enthusiastic about routine workouts and dietary additions, enroll them in an exciting sport or plan an exercise-centered vacation to get them in the spirit.

In particular, biking trips are an excellent way to prevent your family from becoming sedentary couch potatoes while strengthening your bond and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Traversing unfamiliar locations at your own pace sans tour group is an engaging, fulfilling way to explore the world around you.

Before you embark on a cycling adventure, you’ll need to prepare your bikes for transportation. Investing in a durable rack is crucial when lugging your beloved two-wheeler across the country. If you want to forgo the frame, carefully secure your bike with self-gripping straps to ensure safe, stress-free travels. Now that you’re ready to embark on a new adventure, examine the best cycle-friendly destinations and head out for the family trip you won’t soon forget.

Choosing a bike for your youngster

Before you land on the perfect destination, equip your youngsters with a sturdy, well-made bike. Parents should choose models that are lightweight and easy to maneuver, like those with aluminum frames. Determine which tire size works for your child, as the wrong measurements can result in discomfort and loss of control. If your children are toddlers, a 12-inch model should do the trick. For older kids aged six to ten, a 20-inch bike should do the trick.

Discovery Trail, Washington

Discovery trail in Washington is a scenic route, comfortable for all ages. Landing at 8.5 miles, riders will cut through sand dunes and meander along rolling curves. Awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean offer a diverse landscape, and 20-foot trees will make your family feel like forest wanderers.

Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike Trail, Kentucky

This green park features beautiful paved trails, swimming holes, and 365 miles of underground caves. Your family will jump at the chance to explore the grounds between cycling sessions, and the covered pathways are ideal for beginner bikers.

Shining Sea Bikeway, Massachusetts

Shining sea bikeway sits alongside Cape Cod’s peaceful shoreline. Sailing along the ocean on an established pathway will allow your family to relax as you glide by the sweet serenade of the sea. As you traverse the sandy beaches, look out for wildlife and curious otters and snap a photo for long-lasting memories.

Shark Valley Trail, Florida

At Shark Valley train in Florida, your children will beam at the opportunity to bike amongst mighty gators. Cycle through the gorgeous Everglades and safely travel past dozens of gators for a thrill of a lifetime. The vibrant green ecosystem and warm weather make for an unforgettable getaway and easy-going bike ride.

Mid-Mountain Trail, Utah

Located in the mountainous Park City, Utah, this trail is ideal for families looking to push their endurance and improve their cycling skills. Twenty-five miles of trail steadily climbs to mountain peaks, connecting three iconic ski resorts. This quintessential track is beloved by locals and biking tourists alike, often names one of the best in the country.

Memorial Park Trails, Texas

These Houston trails allow you to explore the park at your own pace. Although some routes are more explored than others, your kids will likely come across countless friendly tikes on bikes. Other trails, like Little Cambodia, feature a more challenging terrain and separation, creating an intimate, private biking experience.

Teaching your kids healthy habits starts by getting them excited about exercise. Biking vacations allow your children to enjoy physical activity while becoming a tradition your family looks forward to all year long.

Tips for keeping kids healthy on family trips

September 24, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

A great family road trip can teach valuable lessons and help your child expand their world view. It can also, though, put them at risk of getting sick. Motion sickness, changes in climate, and lots of germ-ridden tourist stops can spell trouble for children with susceptible immune systems.

Tips for keeping kids healthy:

To keep everyone right on track and healthy, follow these health tips. This expert advice can help your kids make the most out of this family trip, without having to miss out and stay homesick.

Equip Yourself For Weather Conditions

If you are a native to warmer weather, traveling somewhere in a higher altitude could spell trouble for your child’s lungs. Harsh, dry air can lead to chapped and bleeding lips, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. For young children, this can make enjoying the vacation almost impossible.

There are lots of ways to protect your kids from harsh weather and dry air. Here are what the experts recommend.

Moisturize

To keep your child’s lips and skin safe from chafing, drying out, and bleeding, bring along simple moisturizers. Lip balm and body lotion are both great for the skin. Reapply these lotions on your child throughout the day to keep their skin protected.

Other than transdermal moisturizing, it is vital to keep the entire system hydrated and moisturized. Difficulty breathing or a sore throat could be a result of the dry air. Use a state of the art humidifier during the night while your child sleeps. This will rehydrate their damaged system and keep them healthy despite changing climates.

Of course, the simplest solution to stay healthy is to drink plenty of fluids. Bring a portable water bottle with you wherever you go so that you can continue to refill and hydrate all day.

Sooth and Medicate

For a sore throat, coughing is natural, but it tends to exacerbate conditions. Bring cough drops with you everywhere to prevent intense bouts of coughing. You can also soothe your throat with specific teas with lots of honey.

There are tons of over the counter medicines to help clear up mucus and prevent infection. These are essential to staying healthy and preventing one sickness from spiraling into a worse one. Weather can bring on cold symptoms. If untreated, these can lead to worse bacterial infections that can last for weeks or even months and may require antibiotics.

Keep a Schedule

One of the most significant risks to your child’s health is their sleep schedule. Not getting enough sleep means putting your child at a disadvantage when it comes to fighting off illnesses. If you have lots of busy days planned with a full itinerary, be sure to leave lots of wind-down time. This way, your kids can get a nice nine or ten hours of rest before tackling the new day.

Scheduling time for rest is essential, and so is scheduling healthy meals. If you don’t make time to invest in preparing healthy snacks, your child could get so caught up in the excitement that they forget to eat, equally as unhealthy is choosing a junk food alternative at the last minute just because it is easy. Keeping a schedule means always leaving enough time to eat and sleep. Your children deserve to spend time taking care of their bodies, even on vacation.

The Bottom Line

However you choose to travel, your kids can always stay healthy if they follow these expert tips. While you are bound to encounter illness or symptoms at some point, this advice can keep setbacks like the common cold or a dry throat from becoming something worse.

Summer in the Berkshires: Zoar Outdoor river rafting

August 27, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

The largest of three area river rafting outfitters, Zoar Outdoor offers all levels of tours down the scenic Deerfield River, from family float trips to advanced whitewater day trips. Located in beautiful Charlemont in the heart of Massachusetts’ Berkshires, Zoar is one part family resort (tent cabins and lodge rooms are available), one part adventure center (guests can try their skill on the climbing wall, bike, hike, and zip line while visiting), and one part rafting outfit.

During a time when many vacations are not possible, outdoor activities offer the ability to safely social distance, especially if families road trip or are visiting locally. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring the Berkshires, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

Where to stay in the Berkshires: Lodging is available throughout the Berkshires and I would have loved to experience a night or two in this beautiful location! The town of Lenox has the most options available, which puts families close to Jiminy Peak ski area, which offers up fun in all seasons.

We visited Zoar on a late June afternoon for their Family Float Trip, which departed at 3:15 pm and ended at approximately 7 pm, and included a picnic dinner on the river, provided by Zoar. Depending on how many guests have reserved space on the trip, tours may depart with several rafts in the party or just one; on the afternoon of our trip, we were a solitary raft seating six guests and one guide.

Our guide, Matt, was a natural on the river, having grown up on the Deerfield, floating and rafting from an early age. One of over 50 well-trained Zoar guides, Matt was a wealth of information about the local natural landscape and wildlife (as well as what to do with kids in the area). Clearly skilled at his job, it was a pleasure to spend our hours on the river with him. The kids agreed; they loved the ways in which he kept what could have been a sleepy river float an adventure. Matt made sure we found all the ‘white water’ we could, stopped in the deeper pools for swimming opportunities, and taught the kids a great game that involved balancing on the edge of the raft while he spun it in circles. (Oh, and he knew to hide the cookies at dinner until everyone had eaten their sandwiches and salad.)

The family float trip covers over eight and a half miles of river, stopping for a dinner of sandwiches (which guests can fix for themselves from an array of cold cuts, veggies, and condiments), pasta salad and salsa and chips (made fresh daily), cookies, lemonade, and water. The entire experience was very peaceful; I don’t know whether it was the time of evening our trip departed or just luck, but we were the only raft on the water through miles of quiet twists and turns, lovely green river banks, and great views. It was the perfect length and rafting level for families with young kids in tow (minimum age is five), and yet was still entertaining for my 12 and nine year olds. If everyone in your party is over age six, the Zoar Gap tour, with a minimum age of seven, might be an even better fit. It covers a different section of the same river, and adds more white water elements.

There’s no need to bring anything with you; Zoar suggests locking valuables in your car, then holds your keys for you in a lock box to prevent losing them to the river. I brought my water-resistant camera with me (at my own risk), and in hindsight, would have dressed the kids in long-sleeved shirts or sweatshirts under their floatation devices (which they could have taken off if needed), because after swimming in the Deerfield, they did get a bit chilled. Other than that, we needed nothing but sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimming attire or shorts and t-shirts.

Directions: Zoar Outdoor is located at 7 Main Street, Charlemont, MA. From I-91, take the Greenfield exit (26), then exit onto MA-2 Mohawk Trail. Follow MA-2 approximately 17 miles to Zoar.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the Deerfield River as guests of Zoar Outdoor. While we appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review. We have a partnership with Hotels.com, which allows us to keep our activity reviews front and center.

Black Hills mountain biking for families

August 6, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

The Black Hills of South Dakota never fail to surprise…and impress. This western region of South Dakota is known as the home of Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and of course, for its Wild West history (Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane called the Black Hills home). More recently, however, the Black Hills have been recognized as an emerging mountain biking region, known for its amazing range of trails that includes everything from accessible paths and great beginner terrain for families to more advanced trails for avid bikers . Here’s where to go…

Mickelson Trail

Families looking to add some mountain biking to their Black Hills road trip or vacation should start with the Mickelson Trail. This 109-mile trail curves through several Black Hills historic towns, including Deadwood, Hill City, and Custer. It’s a rail trail, which means it follows an abandoned railroad line, and is therefore a good grade for family riding (in other words, it’s not too steep).

There are 15 trailheads at which you can start your rail trail journey, assuming you’re not going to do the whole thing. Along the way, trestle bridges and rail tunnels add fun for kids, and the scenery is always gorgeous as the trail cuts through the limestone and granite of the Black Hills. It’s easy to follow the Mickelson Trail for a full day, stopping for a nice lunch and some sightseeing en route.

We recommend: Take the section from Hill City to Custer, which is about 15 miles from the Burlington Northern Hill City trailhead to the Harbach Park trailhead in Custer. This map is a useful planning tool.

Alkali Creek Trail

Families who have intermediate riders and are ready for a bigger challenge than the flat Mickelson Trail may want to try Alkali Creek. The entire length of the trail is 18 miles, but there’s not too much elevation gain. From I-90, you’ll want to take exit 34 near Black Hills National Cemetery, turn right (north) and follow the road for about one mile. For a bigger challenge, try Terry Peak, which is located past Deadwood by the Terry Peak Ski Area in the town of Lead.

Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park Trail Network

For families with beginner and intermediate riders who want a trail system that has a bit of everything, and is based close to Rapid City, the Hanson-Larsen network is located just outside town and offers great views of the city. Head up Skyline Drive to find it (park at Founders Park on Omaha), and be ready for some elevation gains and losses. The circuits are short however, allowing families to tailor the length of the ride to suit. Note: The Skyline Drive Trail is located just past Dinosaur Park in Rapid City, but its trails are more advanced.

Where To Rent Bikes

For families not road tripping with their mountain bikes, there are numerous places to rent bikes while on vacation in the Black Hills. We rented bikes at Rabbit Bicycles in Hill City because this shop is directly on the Mickelson Trail, making it very easy to go from renting to riding. They also offer a shuttle service for families who want to go one way on the trail and then be transported back.

Alternatives certainly exist: If you think you’ll want to ride bikes in many locations, and are flying or driving into Rapid City, consider renting at ACME Bicycles or Black Hills Bicycles in Rapid City. We also noted rental locations in Spearfish and Sturgis.

Tip: Make sure everyone in the family has a properly fitting helmet while riding, as well as shin guards and arm pads for single track (not necessary on the Mickelson Trail). We recommend G-Form pads.

This post was written in partnership with Travel South Dakota, and based on my personal experience in the Black Hills region. Interested in traveling to South Dakota? Get a free travel guide!

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.

Exploring Tucson with kids

March 9, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

Looking for a winter getaway? Thinking ahead to Spring Break? Tucson delighted us with genuine nature and wilderness, a lively, historic downtown, which has been newly revitalized, and resorts with all the amenities for a sunny vacation. We’ll definitely be back!

Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring Tucson, so start here as you plan your wintery vacation.

When picking a hotel, remember that Tucson’s warm weather makes outdoor space crucial: you’ll want a resort with all the amenities, with leisure space for soaking up the sun and a refreshing pool. If you plan to golf, hiking, or horseback ride, staying at a resort out of town will put you close to the outdoors. If shopping and dining is the central focus, stay right in town!

What to do in Tucson with kids:

Saguaro National Park:

This park of desert landscapes has two entrances, and two ‘sides’. Its two sections are on either side of the city of Tucson. The park is named for the large saguaro cactus, native to its desert environment. And yes, this is the type of cactus you picture when you think of the Southwestern desert. On the west side, Signal Hill Trail leads to petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people.On the east, Cactus Forest Drive is a loop road with striking views of the desert landscape. There is a robust array of ranger-led programs and junior rangers at the park; they even have Not-So-Junior Rangers, catering the the retirees who visit.

If you can’t make it into the park, try Sabino Canyon, just outside of town. This awesome hiking park has a tram system to take families to the top of a canyon loop, which they can then hike down (or stay on the tram). For families with kids ready to do more hiking, there are many loops that don’t necessitate the tram at all. Just be sure to take plenty of water, and a hat/sun protection. There are bathrooms and drinking fountains on site.

Tucson Botanical Gardens:

Open 8:30 am until 4:30 pm daily, the botanical garden is a great spot to hit in the morning, while the desert sun is still mild. There’s a butterfly garden, and plenty of meandering walking trails, plus tours if you’re up for it (the bird tour is a good one). It’s $13 for adults and $7.50 for kids; consider becoming a member if you think you may visit more than once a year.

Horseback riding:

Check out Houston’s Horseback riding with kids. There are many options in and around Tucson, however, as well as several dude ranches, should you want to make an entire vacation of it. On average, two-hour rides are around $60.

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum:

See raptors, visit the ‘Cat Canyon’, check out a desert garden, feed birds in an aviary, and hike short nature trails and loop trails at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, celebrated as one of the top museums in the Southwest. Kids can easily spend half a day or more here, so plan accordingly! There are indoor and outdoor attractions, so bring sun protection and water. Check out the hours of operation here. Adults are $20 (age 13 and up), kids are $8 (under three are free).

Where to eat:

Tucson has been recently awarded with the UNESCO designation of World City of Gastronomy. The city’s cultural heritage is celebrated in its food, which is very multicultural. For a memorable meal, head to Downtown Kitchen, the Flying V, or, especially with kids, the Tucson Tamale Company and Cup Cafe. Many restaurants are within a few blocks of each other in Tucson’s downtown area, so make an evening out of it and wander a bit after dinner, keeping an eye out for ice cream and cocktails (if desired).

Tip: wherever you lay your head will become your oasis in hot and dry Arizona. Make sure your hotel or rental has a swimming pool, shaded grounds, and some indoor activites in addition to the standard tennis courts, fitness center, and workout clubs.