travel tips - Pitstops for Kids

Tips for buying airfare from third party airline booking sites

August 15, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’ll be among the many families deciding to buy airfare this year, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of third party airline booking sites competing for your business. Buying airfare using third party airline booking sites can reward you with the lowest fares possible, but you do need to go into the process with eyes wide open.

Related post: find the lowest airfare for your trip, every time!

Buying airfare using third party airline booking sites

You’re already familiar with third-party booking sites, even if you’re not familiar with the term. You’ve heard of online travel agencies such as JustFly, among others like Expedia or Kayak. To understand how you can get a great deal through third-party sites, it’s important to understand how they work.

In the airfare pricing industry, there are 4-5 big aggregators of the price and available data called global distribution systems. According to Hopper.com (which is not a third-party site selling airfare, but rather an airfare prediction app), when you go to a third-party site and search for flights, that site will make a request from those four systems. They’ll send it back, with the trips you could buy, and what they cost. Much like hotel booking sites, third-party booking sites can block out seats in bulk, bringing the price down for you.

Essentially, you’re bringing in a middle-man when using third-party sites, which could–but does not always–complicate your travel day. For these reasons, I do recommend booking travel directly through your airline when possible. However, I understand that sometimes, getting the lowest fare during your flight search is essential to your travel plans. We, personally, have used third-party booking sites for this reason. Here’s what you need to know.

Tips for using JustFly and other third-party booking sites:

We used JustFly during our recent trip to Europe. Why? We were operating under a strict travel budget, and when searching for airfare, JustFly offered the route we needed for about $100 less per person. Since we’re a family of five, saving $500 on airfare was significant to our budget.

Using JustFly allowed us to take our trip within budget, so in this case, it was absolutely the way to go. However, we knew that by using a third-party booking site, there were a few things we needed to keep in mind.

Customer service is key: Like with any service, it’s crucial to book with a company that offers good communication and customer service. Why? If anything goes wrong with your reservation, you’ll need to work through your booking site. I like to get on the phone with a booking site right away, before finalizing my reservation, as a test run of sorts before there’s a real problem. Then I usually call again before my flight to confirm my reservation and make sure everything is in order. When I did this during my JustFly booking for Europe, I was very happy with the level of service. It’s also reassuring to know I’m not alone…JustFly gets solid reviews from consumers. I got through to JustFly right away, and spoke to pleasant, competent representatives.

The airline will not make you a priority: Anytime you use a third-party booking site, it will show up on your airline reservation. Depending on the airline and their level of customer service, this can sometimes mean you’re treated like a second-class citizen (of the airline, not of the booking site). At the airport, the airline will prioritize those passengers who are loyal to their brand and book through their channels. How this can manifest itself: you’ll be last priority for rebooking in the case of a cancellation caused by the airline, and unlikely to receive seating upgrades. How to combat this: be sure to list your frequent flier number on your reservation, which you can do when booking on JustFly.

Be ready for some back and forth: When you book through a third-party site, you’re bringing another ‘cook into the kitchen’, so to speak. When you have an issue, your third-party site may tell you to call the airline to resolve it, and the airline may tell you to call the booking site. Patience is key. When we booked through JustFly, we had one flight on our itinerary change flight numbers a few days before departure. This was the airline’s doing, but we were alerted to the change via JustFly. I called them to make sure our itinerary was intact, and was told to call the airline. When I gave the airline my booking number, they tried to send me back to JustFly. It took some insistence and patience to get the issue sorted, simply because there were two agencies involved. How to combat this: be prepared for this possibility, and allow yourself time to resolve it by watching your airline reservation carefully in the days before departure.

Prepare for possible seating issues: In most cases, booking early ensures families can score seats together on a flight, but when booking through a third-party site, sometimes those seat choices don’t carry over. We only had a problem with this once when we booked JustFly, and it may have been because it was on an international leg of a flight. We picked our seats when we booked our flight with JustFly (months in advance), but when we checked in for the flight, the airline hadn’t carried the seat reservations over. We were guaranteed seats, just not the ones we’d picked. The airline told us we were out of luck (see point #1), and we were forced to ask fellow passengers to switch seats. It all worked out, but wasn’t fun. How to combat this: check on your seat reservations through the airline 72 hours before departure, before you check-in for your flight. After you check in, they cannot make seating changes.

The bottom line:

While more complicated and with potential for more issues than booking directly through an airline, booking via a third-party site like JustFly is a tool to have in your travel planning tool belt. For those times when budget is priority #1, JustFly can be a great way to get the fare you absolutely need. If you go into it knowing what to watch for, you’ll have an experience that meets your expectations and, at the end of the day, gets you a great fare. After all, using JustFly, we ended up here, able to enjoy Christmas in Florence!

While this post was written in conjunction with JustFly, I was given full freedom to my opinion, in order to give my readers my best, honest advice.

Travel gear: Smart items to pack in your personal item

July 17, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Whether it is a family trip, vacation, trekking trip, or a business trip, everyone faces the problem of packing the right stuff into our handbag, tote, backpack or other personal item. Packing for a trip needs planning that is a lot demanding than planning for the trip itself. For this reason, I have come up with a strategy about smart things that need to be in our handbag or a carry-on bag before anything else for much safer and happier travel.

Traveling smartly: smart items to pack in your personal item

This is an era of smart products, and from our laptops to mobile phones, everything is smart. These items have made our lives easier and much more comfortable. Smart, multi-tasking things are the best to keep in your handbag as they take small space, and can help us do multiple tasks with them. In the past, everyone had to carry heavy laptops in our backpacks. And setting them up to do even a simple task of booking an online ticket was near impossible at any holiday destination.

However, smart products such as mobile phone and tablets have made our lives easier and simpler. Being smarter, and evolving with smart products have brought a lot of positive changes to our lives. On my last trip to Thailand, I was able to find a handsome discount on my flight ticket. All I did was to click on flights-to-bangkok.co.uk, and all the discount deals, cheap flight ticket, accommodation, and traveling transfers were in front of me. Smart traveling always pays off.

Why a handbag?

A handbag or tote is everyone’s best friend on a traveling trip as it seems so compact, yet it offers a great deal of space. It keeps reminding everyone that they need to pack little and light, however when people exceed that limit, it still has enough room for extra essentials.

Smart items to pack in your handbag

It doesn’t matter that you are an experienced traveler, or going on your first trip, you always need to plan your packing. You need to make a check of everything that you may need where you are going. You also need to make a checklist of all the important documents that you may need to keep. Following is a list of smart things that every traveler needs to pack in their handbag. These items will make their traveling much easier and comfortable. So read on and do carry these items on your next trip.

Medicines and prescription drugs

Most people make the mistake of packing their medicines and prescription drugs in their luggage. This doesn’t seem a big mistake a person can make; however, if you come across any need in an emergency, you will have nothing to do instead of waiting out all journey. People who rely heavily on their prescribed drugs and meds, it is imperative for them to carry their stuff in a handbag instead of luggage as they may need them during their time in the air. Airlines also misplace or even lose the luggage sometimes, so it is wise to keep all the important medicines in your handbag or carry-on bag.

Collapsible water bottle

Most airlines don’t allow water bottles in your hand-carry or personal item bags. But keeping a collapsible water bottle may pass the security checks. We don’t recommend you to take what isn’t allowed on the plane. However, air compression can get you thirsty more often, and you cannot call a host that often. So it is wise to keep one collapsible water bottle in your carry-on.

All kinds of documents

Keep all your documents in your handbag. Airlines can misplace your luggage and we don’t want you to go through all that inconvenience of reissuing those documents or finding your bag.

Tablets, Laptops, and mobile phones

When you are traveling, it is important to keep all your electronic items such as a laptop, tablet and mobile phones in your handbag. These items are prone to stealing, and luggage is vulnerable as it isn’t with us all the time. Airport authorities also handle our luggage with no care at all and just toss our stuff here and there. Our valuable electronic items can easily break in the transit, which can become a great source of inconvenience.

Charging devices

When we are on an airplane, or at an airport, we tend to kill our time but we have limited options. In this scenario, our laptops or mobile phones are the best sources of entertainment we have. However, their battery can easily run out, which leaves us asking other people for their chargers. To skip the embarrassment, it is imperative to keep all your chargers in the handbag.

Universal plug/adapter

When traveling abroad, we come across charging plugs that have the weirdest opening sockets. This leaves us no choice but to wait until the end of our long journey and recharge our phones and laptops at our hotel. To avoid this inconvenience, always carry a universal plug or adapter with you, so that you can use it anywhere you want to charge your phone.

One extra pair of undergarments and socks

Keeping one extra pair of undergarments and socks in your handbag is surely a smart move. Sometimes you travel to places that are hot and you can avail a chance to take a dip in a fountain or a pool. However, you don’t because you have no extra pair of undies and socks. For this reason, keep one extra pair all the time in your handbag. When traveling in a plane, you can also need a pair of socks to keep your feet warm, as air temperature can drop with air compression.

Mouth freshener

Mouth freshener is a smart item to carry in a handbag. Sometimes traveling takes a very long time to reach your destination, and you don’t get a chance to brush your teeth after eating something or taking a nap. Nobody wants a bad odor to come out of his or her mouth. For this reason, it is wise to keep a mouth freshener sweet or gum.

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.

Camping packing lists and tips

July 15, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Family camping trips are an excellent way to spend time together in the outdoors and enjoy a vacation on a budget, provided you have some camping tips and hacks up your sleeve. Otherwise, it can take as long to prepare and pack for a camping trip as the trip itself! To ensure that you’re ready for that next weekend trip to the woods, use the following camping packing lists and tips.

The Camp Kitchen

Organizing and packing your camp kitchen is often the most complicated part of preparing for a camping trip. The workaround is having dedicated camping pots and pans, utensils, and kitchen gadgets stored apart from your home kitchen, which will save you time and effort in packing and unpacking daily supplies. Here’s what you need:

Kitchen Packing List:

Camp stove: Opt for a lightweight backpacking stove or traditional car camping stove.
Fuel: Make sure you have the correct propane fuel for your stove.
Plates, cups, and eating utensils (1 per family member): Use paper products or opt for reusable mess kits, which are available in outdoor stores.
Tablecloth: Buy a cheap one at a dollar store.
Dishwashing tub: Opt for a plastic tub or nylon, sealed, collapsible tub.
Dishwashing supplies: Paper or cloth towels or dishrags; dish soap; and sponge.
Matches
Fire starter
Ice
Cooler
Tarp
Grill (optional): Most campsites provide a grill over the fire pit.
Camp table (optional): Helpful for organization, but not necessary.
Kitchen tools/utensils: Spatula, all-purpose knife, potholders, serving ladle, butter knife, tongs, long skewers for s’mores or meat-on-a-stick, and tin foil.

Try this kitchen packing hack: Store your kitchen tools and utensils in a toiletry bag or other small bag to keep them organized and clean between uses at a dusty campground. It will be easy to hang them from a tree branch for easy use when you’re at your site.

The Camp Sleeping Quarters

Everyone wants to be warm and cozy at night! Whether you’re camping in warm or colder climates, everyone in your family will need the essentials to ensure that they’re safe at night. Store tents and sleeping pads in a second large tote, making it easy to pack up the car and head to the campsite at any time.

Sleeping Packing List:

Tent(s): Opt for one large family tent or 2–3 smaller tents. Larger tents have the advantage of space, but small tents fit in cozier campsites.
Sleeping bags: Buy sleeping bags rated at 20 degrees F, unless you know you’ll be camping in colder climates. A 20–40 degrees F bag works for most camping experiences. Down or down-alternative bags pack down smaller and are lighter and warmer than cotton or nylon/polyester bags.
Sleeping pads: Opt for thick blow-up mattresses for car camping, or save space with backpacking pads that inflate with just a few breaths of air.
Ground tarp: Don’t skip the ground tarps. They protect your tent floor and keep the dew and cold at bay.
Towels and personal hygiene items: One per family member!
Flashlights or headlamps: One per family member. Everyone should have their own light source for safety and convenience.
Lantern: One per family will do. Ideally, your lantern can transition from kitchen area to tent and back.

Try this sleeping quarters hack: Buy a ground tarp one size larger than your tent, and use the overhanging space as a place to take off shoes and wipe off feet before entering the tent.

The Campfire Area

Camping just isn’t camping without a comforting campfire, right? The campfire area is important, but there’s good news: it’s easy to pack for!

Campfire area packing list:

Firewood: Buy on-site, or save money by buying it at a local grocery store.
Matches and fire starter: You’ll already have these in your camp kitchen supplies. The type of fire starter you use is up to you; we like fire disks or fire cubes.
Axe or hatchet: Useful for breaking down firewood. Store away from children.
Camp chairs: Some campsites include a bench around the fire ring, but for most, you’ll want collapsible camp chairs. To save space in the car, opt for the smaller, lighter versions sold in backpacking stores.
S’mores: Be sure to bring the ingredients for this tasty campfire treat!
Deck of cards or board game: Everyone enjoys playing a game around the fire.
Lantern: This item is already with your sleeping supplies!

Try this campfire area hack: Never bring firewood all the way from home. It takes up lots of room in your car or truck, which could otherwise be used for other items, and it could be banned from your campground if you’re driving any distance. Campgrounds often require local wood to be burned in an effort to reduce foreign insect species from invading new areas.

Miscellaneous Items Campers Love

Think you have everything you need? Probably not! Read the list of extras below and decide what you can’t live without!

Insect repellent or wristbands
Sunscreen
Toilet paper and shovel (if you don’t have a campground restroom)
Inflatable wading pool for small children to play in
Playpen for babies to stay off the dirt (sometimes)
Clothespins and a clothesline to hang wet clothing
Extra sheet or towel to hang in the tent to create “rooms”
Hammock
Baby wipes to clean hands and faces
Camera
Water/wading shoes
Small net and bucket to use in streams
Small toys for kids to use in camp
Bikes or scooters for larger campgrounds

Source: Fix.com Blog

Four different kinds of travel accommodation for a budget vacation

February 4, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Choosing a place to travel to and listing out all the key destinations you need to visit are very easy tasks. You can just pick out which country you have been meaning to visit, say New Zealand, for instance. Do a quick Google search of the must-visit places and what to do there like sight seeing by Lake Wakatipu, get a car hire in Christchurch, or do an alpine hike.

But getting the best kind of accommodation might take you a while to do. Some may consider it an easy task; but with the number of accommodation types available for you these days, it can a bit of a doozy. Here we list down the different kinds of travel accommodations that you can choose from if you are on a budget.

Hotels

If you want to have all the amenities and facilities during your trip. Then a vacation may be the best choice for you. They have services that can make you super comfortable and relaxed after your trip outside. Contrary to popular belief, hotels can be cheap. You just have to consider their location and hotel classification. Also make sure to check if they have discount promos available so that you can reserve rooms for multiple nights without breaking bank.

Short Term Rentals

This is becoming a very popular choice recently. Short term rentals is what others fondly call an airBnB. This is literally your home away from home. Locals would rent out their homes or apartments for travellers. Again, the price range would depend on the location, but it is relatively cheaper than a hotel for sure. The best part is you can bring in food to cook and prepare for yourself while enjoying an unobstructed view and experience of local life.

Hostels

These are dormitory style accommodations where you share the rooms with other people. It is a very popular choice for backpackers on spring break vacation that are only going to stay for the night, or other budget travellers who do not mind the company. Do not be dismayed by its dorm style arrangement, there are hostels that provide a unique setting that can compete with low star hotels.

Couchsurfing

Another home away from home setting is couch surfing. This is where people open up their own homes and allow you to live with them. This could be fun for travellers who want to learn more about the country they are in. While this is not something most families would choose, couch surfing with your kids is not impossible. You simply have to look for the right host. There are websites that can help you find a good home to stay in like Stay4Free, Hospitality Club, and Global Freeloaders. To avoid dangerous situations, make sure that the person’s profile is complete, that they have a picture of themselves uploaded, and that there are reviews from trusted travellers on their page. You can always opt out once you see their place and feel that you want a different accommodation.

The best part about knowing all of these is now you can choose an accommodation that will fit your travel budget and itinerary. So look at your plans again and see which one will be perfect for you. Happy trip!

Family mountain biking tips and gear

June 29, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Our family loves mountain biking. Many outdoor-focused resorts now offer mountain bike rentals and mountain bike single track, and we discovered the sport while traveling. Right away, our kids wanted to mountain bike at home, too. Here’s what we’ve learned about finding family mountain biking trails (at home and while on the road), how to best transport your bikes, and the gear it’s helpful to have with you.

Where and how to mountain bike while on vacation:

Even if you can’t or don’t want to get into mountain biking at home (after all, there’s lots of gear to buy), all families can try mountain biking while traveling. Look for family resorts that focus on outdoor activities and nature, ski resorts in the summer, and state parks. Many resort towns offer bike rental shops, and ski resorts will often have rentals available slope side. Our favorite resorts for mountain biking offer gear for kids, a variety of single track for all abilities, and amenities for after biking, like pools or spa services.

The Lodge at Eagle Crest, Oregon: This Central Oregon family resort has everything you’d want, including a full bike rental shop with sizing for young kids to adults. There are easy paved bike loops for those who want a tame experience, plus miles of single track (dirt paths) accessible directly from the property for those who want a challenge. Plus, Eagle Crest has golf, pools, restaurants, and playgrounds. Read a full review.

Northstar California: We love to mountain bike at ski resorts! Northstar, located in North Tahoe, CA, has some of the best gravity-based mountain biking for families. What does ‘gravity-based’ mean? It means the trails all run downhill, with lifts to carry you (and your bike) back up. The trails are marked easy (green) to advanced (black), just like during the ski season. You’ll also find fun elements like bridges and berms to play with. We recommend taking a lesson at a ski resort like Northstar. Another favorite location: Park City Mountain Resort! Read a full review.

State parks: State parks in many states offer easy access to mountain biking trails. The only downside: usually you’re on your own for bikes, so bring them with you or look for a local bike rental shop. To find state parks with the best single track, try state park pages by state, such as this one for Florida or this one for Utah.

How to get into mountain biking at home:

Once you’ve tried out the sport on vacation, I bet you’ll want to check out the mountain biking scene near your home as well. We’ve found that the best way to enjoy family mountain biking at home is to:

Get a bike rack for easy transport to trails
Get to know your local bike shop
Join a Facebook group or club

You can read below for detailed info on getting a bike rack to fit your car. But first, a word on the importance of a local bike shop: these establishments serve several purposes. The staff at a good bike shop can help you maintain your bike, whether it’s a fancy model or just a starter bike, and educate you on bike tire pumps, locks, and the best trails near your home. We could learn a lot about caring for our bikes ourselves, but instead, we just bring our bikes into our local shop for inexpensive tune-ups every so often. Our bike shop also posts information about local bike clubs and groups for fun rides, plus maps of area trails.

The best way to find local single track trails is to ask people in the know, whether that be your neighbor whose always on his bike to the bike shop pros. We have several mountain bike and hiking networks within a few miles of our house, and our teens will often load up the bikes and ride for a few hours in the evenings.

Gear you’ll need to mountain bike on your own:

If you want to mountain bike at a resort, likely the only thing you’ll need is a water bottle. Everything will be provided. But at home, here’s the very basics of what you’ll want:

Mountain bike: I’m a firm believer that mountain bikes don’t have to be top of the line…to start out with. Look for a bike with good shocks, mountain biking tires, and a fairly lightweight frame. You don’t need full suspension on your first bike, and kids’ bikes can have even fewer frills. This guide to buying your first mountain bike is helpful. Our kids started out with Trek bikes with just a few gears, and grew into their bikes with more bells and whistles.

Helmet and pads: Helmets while mountain biking, are of course, essential. Do you need a motorcycle-style helmet with face guard? Probably not, at least until you start doing some serious vertical. However, it’s worth investing in a good pair of padded shorts. We have been happy with G-Form Pro-X compression shorts. These breathable, thin compression shorts fit well under athletic shorts or pants and give kids (and adults) just enough added padding to make those inevitable falls less painful. Best of all, G-Form’s shorts are versatile: invest in them once, and your kid or teen can wear them during biking, skiing, skating, and even sports like soccer. With three active boys, they’re now a staple in our closets.

We also recommend knee pads and shin guards, ever since our oldest bashed his shin hard enough to leave a scar when falling (the pedal hit his shin bone). At very least, plan to ride with long pants and a lightweight but long-sleeved shirt.

Bike rack: If you’re biking as a family, you’ll need a bike rack for your car sooner rather than later. When we got ours, we started mountain biking at least twice as often, because suddenly, it wasn’t a hassle to get out there. The easiest and cheapest way to transport bikes on your car is with a trunk-mounted bike rack. Our favorite is the Yakima Fullback. It fits on most cars, and is easy to take on and off. The downside: you have to remove it to access other things in your truck or far-back of your car. If you have a hitch mount and can spend a few more bucks, opt for a hitch-mounted rack that swings away from your vehicle for ease of use. Our favorite is the SportRack Ridge Swing. Roof-top racks are also available, but most only hold one bike per rack.

Teach Proper Technique:

Kids who have previously only biked on pavement need to learn proper mountain biking technique before tackling single track. Teach kids what’s commonly known as “default position” or “attack position”: stand with pedals level, elbows bent, and weight centered over the bike. Remind kids to remain relaxed; no stiff muscles or death grips allowed.

No matter the terrain, whether it be steep, rocky, or technical, teach kids to keep their head up and their eyes focused on the trail ahead of them, not on the obstacles they’re currently trying to avoid. Looking at obstacles such as trees, trail edges, or boulders just about guarantees you’ll hit them. Encourage kids to practice often, even if just at home. Grass, dirt, and even curbs, gutters, and stairs can be great places to hone mountain biking skills between trips to the trail.

Safety first

Mountain biking can seem intimidating to some kids. Others will be fearless. Both reactions can end in injury. Hesitant kids may try to navigate tricky terrain too slowly, losing balance in the process, and overconfident kids can tackle terrain at too high a speed, resulting in a spill. Help fearful kids by encouraging plenty of practice at home, on flat ground. Repetition is key to gaining confidence. Teach overconfident kids by example, displaying caution where relevant. Never push kids onto terrain they don’t feel ready for, or into a group of riders above their ability level.

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Source: Fix.com Blog

Do you mountain bike as a family? What are your tips?

Tips for traveling with pets

June 5, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Plenty of families will be hitting the road with Fido this summer. We get it: our dogs are part of our family, too! If you’re planning to bring your dog (or even cat) on your family vacation, we have tips for traveling with pets!

Tips for traveling with pets by plane:

In general, we recommend traveling with pets by plane only when you have to, such as during a long-distance move. This is especially true if your pet will need to be transported in the plane’s cargo hold instead of in the cabin. We have written an extensive post on air travel with pets, which can help you decide whether air travel is right for your dog, cat, or even bird. Pay attention to various airline policies, as they do differ, and the fees related to flying your pet. Always check with your veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy enough for air travel, too. If you want to be extra careful, it would be smart to take out a pet insurance policy so that your pet stays healthy and safe during your trip.

Tips for travel with pets by car:

In many ways, traveling with pets by car is easier and simpler than by plane, simply because you have control over the situation. We all know to NEVER leave a pet unattended in a car, especially in summer, but there are additional things to remember when road tripping with your dog.

Roadside rest stops and public parks are man’s best friend’s best friend: At rest stops and parks, pets on a leash can get out of the car, relieve themselves, and get some energy out. Remember that many state parks and county parks do not allow dogs at all, so it’s easiest to stick with city parks and roadside rest stops. Getting to a stop and realizing your dog can’t get out of the car is the worst! Always carry a leash, even if your pet knows how to behave without one, because they are required in almost all public spaces. Be sure to know if there are natural dangers to your pet that may not exist at home, such as foxtails growing nearby, ticks, or predators.
Look for dog parks and dog beaches en route: Even better than a public park (but sometimes harder to find), dog parks allow well-behaved dogs to run unrestricted by a leash. Our kids love them, too, because they get to love on many different dogs. I guess it’s dog therapy on the road! Designated dog beaches are available along many coastlines and at large lakes.
Call campgrounds ahead of time to confirm pet policy: The last thing you want to do is arrive at your campsite to realize pets are not allowed. Almost all have leash laws, but some also have noise ordinances you may need to note if you have a dog that likes to bark. Plan activities that include your pet, to minimize the number of hours Fido is ‘home alone’ at the campsite.
Look for pet-friendly hotels ahead of time: There are actually a surprising number of pet-friendly hotels. Most hotel booking sites have a pet-friendly search option, but we prefer looking on Official Pet Hotels. When budgeting for your vacation, remember that often hotels tack on extra fees for traveling with your pet, or place you in pet-designated rooms.
Pick a hotel that is not only pet-tolerant, but pet-loving: If you’re willing to pay, luxury hotel brands such as Ritz Carlton and Fairmont embrace pets, rolling out the red carpet with doggie beds, a pet room service menu, and more. Our favorite hotel brand for pet travel is Kimpton…many of their hotels have pet mascots in the lobby, showing their pet-friendliness day in and day out.

Gear you’ll need for traveling with pets:

Of course, you know you need your pet’s leash and collar (with ID if the pet is not micro-chipped), but consider bringing the following as well:

Bedding and/or old beach towels for your pet: The beach towels can double as mud and dirt control after your pet has played in the sand, water, or park, and then Fido can sleep on them at night.
Pet-designated water and food bowls: You can buy collapsible soft-sided pet bowls on Amazon, which are easy to clean and pack. Or, any durable, non-breakable set of bowls will do.
Crate: If your dog is crate trained, bringing his or her crate makes a lot of sense. Your dog will have a designated place to sleep and rest, and it can help contain your pet in the vehicle, too.
Dog medical kit: Yes, you read that correctly. I’m sure you carry a first aid kit for your family when you travel, and your dog needs one too. We love Adventure Medical Kit’s Adventure Dog Series; the Trail Dog kit we use is only $24 on Amazon. In the kit, you’ll find a splinter picker/tick remover, plenty of bandages, including an elastic bandage that doesn’t stick to fur for wrapping injuries. You also get wound-cleaning supplies, hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting, paw care items, and saline solution, all in a waterproof zip-lock style baggie for safe-keeping.

To find perfect accessories for your pet, check MyPetNeedsThat for their pet products and gadgets reviews.

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Source: eReplacementParts.com

Apps to make your traveling easy and enjoyable

May 24, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

When planning to tour the world, the last thing that you wish to happen would be to get stranded because you do not know where to find a hotel room or did not get a notification about the flight’s rescheduling. Use these apps to travel around the world with ease.

How To Travel The World With Ease: best travel apps to use

Do you take traveling to be a hobby? Then you might have come across two or three events that made you think again about the choice of your hobby. Perhaps, it was that long and boring trip, or maybe the challenge in finding an appropriate room for you to stay that matched your tastes and preferences? Generally, going on a trip can be involving and stressful at times, but it does not have to be so every time if you package it well. This article reveals appropriate ways to make your trip around the world enjoyable and fun by embracing technology.

Best travel apps to use when going on a trip

Most fans of traveling have a common principle – anytime is travel time. Undoubtedly, traveling around the world is exciting and comes with numerous lessons. On the other hand, you need to be prepared for a couple of inherent issues while on a trip. The appropriate use of technology is what can help you remedy some of these problems with different applications on the laptop of your smartphone. All you need to do is identify the best app that will give you a better experience on your trip. This guide provides an overview of several apps that you can install on your mobile devices to ease the hassle of traveling in any part of the world. The list coves apps that focus on different aspects of travel such as how to get to your destination, the activities you can engage in, communicating, as well as apps that make your payment for services and products easy and safe.

Airbnb –Book accommodations with ease

In the past, when going on a trip, you did not have any option other than staying in a hotel. Presently, Airbnb makes it possible for anyone to identify a place where they will be staying. It is possible to stay at the center of any city if you like, or in a little cottage on the outskirts of any town. With Airbnb, you book your accommodations with ease and get access to a few guides on where to go for sightseeing.

Netflix –get entertained with your favorite movies

Netflix remains the best travel app that every traveler should consider having. Although it requires you to subscribe to a given package, it comes with much flexibility and freedom. For example, it is now possible to download anything from the app to view it on your devices, and offline viewing is thus possible. If you are engaging in a lengthy trip, you will need Netflix to get the hours passing.

The app in the Air

This application is useful as a guide on flight updates, navigation tips and maps for airports, changes in the gate. All the alerts are available in real-time, implying that you will not have to rush to an airport terminal anymore since you get all information on your mobile device for ease of planning.

Booking.com –hassle-free hotel booking

Booking.com is available in different parts of the world and makes it easy to book hotels. Its database has more than a million hotels that you can review for the best deals in different locations. In addition, its community of over 100 million users can be of significant help when you have not yet decided which hotel is best for you. Booking.com is fast and efficient and provides you with a confirmation instantly after you have booked your hotel. The confirmation gives you access to a paperless check-in as well as offline maps to give you a glimpse of the area.

XE Currency – helps you know the rate of currency conversion

If you are traveling across borders, it is no doubt that you will need to have XE Currency installed on your mobile devices. It is an application that helps you to establish the rate at which you exchange certain currencies. Its conversation rates are precise and accurate, irrespective of what currency you intend to convert.

Citymapper –for ease of navigation

Getting lost in a foreign city is easy. However, Citymapper helps you to move around with ease as though you were a local. This app is available in many cities of the world, hence offering you much convenience when finding your way around any city abroad. Whether you are using the rail or road, Citymapper gives you live updates about any closures to expect as well as delays. In addition, it is quite simple to use and gives the option of saving maps offline for later references.

iTranslate –communicate in any language

Most often, you travel to countries in which locals speak a language different from yours. iTranslate is a simple app that you can install on your mobile device; you can speak into your device and it gives a translation of what you have said in the language of your listener. Then the listener can talk, and the speech is translated into your language. With over 90 languages to translate, you can be assured to move to any place without fear of a language barrier.

Traveling the world is fun but not when you do not know where to stay, how to move around, how to exchange currency, or even how to communicate with people speaking a language you do not understand. However, technology has made traveling hassle-free with the availability of travel apps discussed above, and many others you may explore in your App Store or Google Play. As you make your trips with ease, do not forget to order your dissertation help at https://thesispanda.com/buy-dissertation. It will make your traveling even more peaceful, knowing that someone reliable is handling your assignment.

Flying tips with kids and babies

May 23, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

The travel season is upon us, and if you’ve delayed that family vacay because you’re worried about travel with children and in particular, flying with kids, fear not! You’ve got this! Here are our top flying tips with kids:

No matter how savvy a traveler you are, the rules are different once you’re trying to book a flight (usually to save money) and travel enjoyably with kids in tow. Here’s how to get from Point A to Point B without misery, and maybe even have a little fun!

Booking Tips With Kids

Naturally, when you book airline tickets for family travel, you expect to sit together. Unfortunately, this is no longer guaranteed, or even the norm in some cases. To ensure you sit together, start by booking early and selecting seats at booking. This is the most obvious and certain way to sit together on the plane.

Next, check your reservation before departure to make sure your seat reservation hasn’t changed. I know, right? But they do that to you sometimes. If there’s a problem, call to talk directly to an agent. Explain your situation calmly and politely, and ask the agent not if something can be done, but what can be done. The nicer you are, the more the agent will want to help you. This may not be fair, but it’s human nature.

Always beware of booking seats on third-party sites. Sometimes, there’s a disconnect between third-party booking sites and airline sites. For instance, if you book your reservation on Travelocity and select seats on their website, this information may not make it to the airline agent.

For this reason, booking directly from the airline is best when flying with children. Sometimes the lowest fare wins, we know, but for the reason above, book through the airline when possible. Desk agents can see who you booked through, and can offer more upgrades or help to “loyal” customers. You’ll be better off in the case of delays or cancellations if you book directly, too.

If you can’t book seats together at booking, book all aisle or all window seats. These seats are much better “commodities” than middle seats when you need to trade with other passengers later. Another option: elect to book seats with a middle “buffer.” Book the aisle and the window, leaving the middle. This middle seat will be among the last seats booked, increasing your chances of having an empty middle seat to spread out in. However, if it does fill up, the decent thing to do as a fellow human being is to offer that person the aisle.

To help you out, use a seat alert at a site like SeatGuru or ExpertFlyer. These sites show interior maps of almost all airplanes, allowing you to see the best seating options at a glance. Unless desperate, do not pay at the gate for premium seats. Some airlines use this tactic to increase revenue, but in almost all cases, seating can be arranged once onboard, if you have young children.

Finally, if you still can’t resolve your seating arrangement, you’ll have to ask fellow passengers to switch (see how below).

Seating Tips: In The Trenches

It should be acknowledged that paying passengers should never have to resort to begging strangers to have mercy on them and “allow” them to sit next to their own children. However, it often comes to that. Here’s how to go about it for the best results:

Start by going to your assigned seat and waiting there. No one will appreciate your cluttering the aisle, least of all the onboard flight attendants.
Politely let the attendants know what you need. Their main objective is to get the flight in the air on time, so they’ll almost always help you in your quest.
Start with the passengers in your direct vicinity, politely explaining the situation (pointing out your helpless child rows away). Have something decent to trade if possible. Note that the passenger sitting directly next to your young child is the most likely candidate to trade.
If the first person you ask refuses (it’s their right to do so), just keep asking. Someone will cave, if only to end the awkward begging session.
If you have older kids or teens, do NOT expect anyone to trade. You can ask – we have – and get lucky, but after a polite ask, drop it. We were once subjected to a huge fit by an adult passenger insisting on sitting next to his girlfriend on a two-hour flight. Don’t be that guy.

Car Seat and Stroller Hacks

If you’re bringing your car seat on board, make sure it’s FAA-approved (there will be a sticker on the seat). Board early if it’s an option. It’s not easy to maneuver a car seat down that narrow aisle! Don’t be surprised if a flight attendant comes by to check your installation.

If you don’t need your car seat, car seats can be checked at the gate or at check-in, both free of charge. If your seat has wheels or attaches to a stroller or frame, by all means, bring it directly to the gate. Gate-checking is the only way to guarantee your seat actually goes on your plane and will be waiting for you at arrival.

Bringing a stroller? Like car seats, strollers can be gate-checked or checked upon arrival at the airport free of charge. If you gate check, it will be waiting for you in the jetway upon arrival (you’ll need to wait for it for a few minutes).

Tip: Don’t want to hassle with baby gear in transit? Rent strollers, car seats, and even high chairs and cribs at the arrival terminal or in your destination city.

Airplane Etiquette With Kids

Kids, just like everyone else, become citizens of that small metal tube we call an airplane the minute they board. Make sure they learn how to be good citizens. The best way to teach them is by example, of course. Seeing Mom and Dad acting politely and generously toward fellow passengers goes a long way. Here are a few additional tips to make your life easier on board (as well as everyone else’s).

GET MORE FLYING ETIQUETTE TIPS!

Get rid of as much gear as you can before boarding. Parents of young kids have enough on their hands – they don’t need to fight for overhead space, too. If you’re headed to your final destination, consider volunteering to gate-check your carry-on bags, stroller, and car seat (if you’re not using it on the flight).

If you’ve done tip 1, don’t board too early. Ignore the offer to board first with young kids. Who wants to sit on the restrictive plane longer than necessary? Now, if you have carry-on bags to stow in overhead bins, by all means DO board first.

Help kids avoid kicking the seat back in front of them by sitting cross-legged. This seems to be the number one complaint of solo and adult passengers on planes in regard to children, but sometimes, toddlers’ legs are just the right (or wrong) length. Yes, you can and should teach kids not to purposely kick the seat, but for those ages during which it’s unavoidable, this is a solution.

Bring appropriate entertainment. You’ll want to carry on toys with magnetic strips and few pieces. That collection of cars or Legos Junior loves? This is not the best use of them. If your young child is going to watch media, but sure to use child-size headphones and splitters to ensure no one else has to hear cartoons.

GET LONG HAUL FLIGHT TIPS!

Source: Fix.com

How to get through a guided tour with kids

May 15, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Are you struggling with ideas for your family vacation this summer? Why not do something different this year and visit one of Americas most famous cultural landmarks, such as going on a tour in New Orleans or San Francisco? We are big fans of guided tours; we would have been lost in destinations such as Pompeii and Paris (and even Gettysburg and San Francisco) without someone explaining what we were looking at.

With a tour, you pick the itinerary, and the tour guides do the rest. Activities and accommodations are all arranged for you, all you need to do is arrive and have fun. A guided tour is a fantastic experience for you and the kids, but traveling with children can require some planning on your part.

Find a Reputable Tour Company That Deals with Children

The first step in planning your family tour is selecting the best tour operator in the city you want to visit. Search online for operators that specialize in handling kids. Your choice of service provider should have stellar reviews on both social media and Google.

Most tour companies have family packages offered at discounted rates, with all-in-one holidays that include accommodation, transport, and meals for you and the kids.

Research your Itinerary Beforehand

After narrowing down your options for the best tour operator, download their itinerary and review it with your partner before committing and money to it. Look at the list of destinations on the itinerary, will they be of interest to your children?

Don’t forget to include your kids in your decision, and if you want to show your children areas of the country that have cultural and historical significance, make sure you blend in some fun at a local theme park, zoo, or aquarium to balance the learning with the fun.

Prep Your Kids for the Group Tour

Group tours cover a lot of ground over a week, so make sure that your kids are up for it. Sit your kids down and review the itinerary with them, show them exactly what you’ll be doing and where you’ll be visiting. Tell them that they’ll be doing a lot of walking, and then take them out to the mall for a pair of new sneakers, and some ice-cream.

Get your kids excited about the activities and search online for pictures of the places you’ll be visiting to get them excited about the trip. If this is your first trip out of town with your kids, make sure that they understand they’ll be living out of hotels. Throwing your children into a hotel environment can be bewildering for them.

It’s vital that you create a separation strategy in case your kids get lost. Make an info card that they can keep in their pockets and tell them where to go to get help if they can’t find you. Being lost in a new city is a terrifying experience for any child, so make sure you have a plan for this possibility, even if it doesn’t occur.

Keep Them Interested

Bored children become unmanageable very quickly. If you don’t keep the attention of your kids, they’ll become unruly and rowdy, or just downright crazy. Make sure you engage with your kids every step of the way and don’t leave them unattended, ever.

While most tours offer meals included, they won’t remember the snacks, so make sure that you have some healthy options on hand in case they get hungry in-between meals. Granola bars, fresh fruit, and low-calorie flavored waters are your best bets. Try to minimize their sugar intake on tour, sugar crashes will make your kids go haywire and ruin the outing.

Remember to check if your tour operator offers discounts on airfare, flying across the country with the whole family can be expensive, so inquire about this service.