Let’s get real about WiFi usage and fees while traveling internationally as a family. When we travel, we embrace being off-the-grid most of the time, but we absolutely need wifi at various times. Sometimes, this is due to necessity: we need turn-by-turn directions out of a foreign city, or we need to call the credit card company to check our damage (I mean, balance). Other times, someone needs to … [Read more...]
Travel Gear We Use: The Seventy2 Survival System bug-out bag
March 25, 2020 By
You may not be a doomsday prepper or preparing for a zombie apocalypse (or maybe you are), but every family should have a car bug-out bag, ideally for each family member and certainly for road trips and emergencies. Opt for the Seventy2 Survival System from Uncharted. Preppers define bug-out bags as gear they can grab quickly in case of emergency, that's ready to go when they are. The … [Read more...]
Best essential oils for travel
August 9, 2018 By
Like everyone else (it seems), I've recently started using essential oils in my home and for my family. While I don't deem them lifesaving (gasp!), I do believe essential oils add to our family's well-being and overall health. Why not take this show on the road? We have a round up of the best essential oils for travel (and when to use them): Three best essential oils for travel: Motion … [Read more...]
Travel Gear We Use: Best day pack for international travel
February 10, 2017 By
I've been conducting travel bag reviews here and at Practical Travel Gear since 2009 and 2011 respectively. That's a lot of reviews! I've tried crossover bags, messenger bags, backpacks, totes, and roller bags. Finally, I think I've nailed it. I think I've found the best day pack for international travel, especially with kids in tow. That's right... The Eagle Creek Catch … [Read more...]
Gift for outdoor adventurers: Cairn subscription box review
November 8, 2016 By
I adore subscription boxes. Maybe it's the thrill of getting regular packages in the mail, or the fun of never knowing exactly what's going to be inside, but we've tried several varieties, from kids' craft boxes to snack boxes. By far the best we've seen, however, for our crew? The Cairn box. Named after one of my favorite sights along mountain trails, the trusted rock cairn, … [Read more...]
WiFi hotspot in your car: ZTE Mobley review
November 4, 2016 By
AT&T reached out to us to product test their mobile hotspot, the ZTE Mobley. We said we'd give it a whirl on a seven-hour road trip, because I was curious about the pros and cons of having a WiFi hotspot in your car: after trying it out, would we want to keep it? Would we decide we needed it, or not? We opted to set up the ZTE Mobley mobile hotspot in our Toyota van for use during a … [Read more...]
Products for parents who work on the go
October 21, 2016 By
None of us want to, but sometimes as parents, we simply must work on the go. My job has me working on the fly on airplanes (pun intended), in cars, and in hotel rooms on just about every trip we take, and while I'm the exception, I know most parents have to check in with work at least a few times during most family vacations. Below are my favorite products to help ease the pain of working … [Read more...]
Travel Gear We Use: best overnight backpack brands for kids and youth
May 6, 2016 By
As an editor at Practical Travel Gear and a gear reviewer for OutdoorsNW, I test a lot of travel products and outdoor gear. Some of this gear we keep and continue to use as a family, and some of it gets pushed to the wayside. Some of the most-frequent questions I'm asked on Pit Stops for Kids is related to what to pack, what to bring, and what to wear. Our Travel Gear We Use series will address … [Read more...]
Oboz Sundog review: hiking shoes that please the teen
May 15, 2015 By
I have a 13-year-old who loves hiking, but hates hiking boots. We've tried just about everything, from rugged backpacking boots that I hoped would look 'cool' to very simple Columbia low-cut hiking shoes that practically slid onto his feet. It didn't matter: he always preferred to hike in his Keen sandals. I'm a huge fan of Keens for outdoor adventure and travel: we believe about 80% of all … [Read more...]
Spring travel wear picks and 60% off Aventura Clothing
April 24, 2015 By
I'm an ambassador for Aventura Clothing because I believe this brand is one of the absolute best in women's travel clothing. Their clothing is affordable, comfortable, stylish, and high-quality, plus can easily be mixed-and-matched on travel days. Many items are made of organic cotton, which I find packs well and doesn't wrinkle. Every spring and fall, Aventura Clothing comes out with a new line. … [Read more...]
