travel tips - Pitstops for Kids

The best countries for family vacations: where to go now

January 27, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

The best gift every parent can gift to his child is the ability to travel. But to travel anywhere without much of the thought giving is not really considered being an excellent way to do it. To gift your children all the best, you should, at least, try to consider visiting these countries I am going to mention below.

The team behind the Travel Ticker helped me to find these countries, and I can’t wait to share the list with you. All of them are truly amazing, and just perfect for a fun, educational and pleasant family vacation!

Greece – for better history knowledge

This is nothing surprising – Greece is the mother of the whole western culture. From architectural to philosophical traditional and Greek mythology – everything originated in this amazing country thousands of years ago. So logically, the best place to learn all about what Greeks gave to us is in Greece!

The best destinations to visit with children definitely can be in Athens, the historical center of the whole civilization, also Crete and Rhode Island’s too. In Greece, you can even get into a tour about Troy war and visit all the exact places ancient Greek consider being holy. For example – a birthplace of the love goddess Aphrodite!

Tip: Hostel Bay Greek island hopping ferry routes are a great way to visit the Greek islands.

Belize – for the chance to meet exotic animals

Belize, a small country in the Caribbean should also be worth considering if you want to travel somewhere not that far away and full of interesting activities you can do with kids. The island is pretty isolated, so wanderings around here won’t be interrupted by tons of cars. And that also means that here you won’t meet millions of tourists too – so it can be a perfect place for relaxing and pleasant vacations with children for sure.

Kids here can meet real exotic animals like monkeys, crocodiles or turtles and have a blast while diving, snorkeling or just biking around this small country. Just don’t forget to apply the sun cream because you are definitely going to spend your whole time outdoors!

Bali – for another chance to meet animals and amazing local culture

Bali, a tropical paradise, can also be an amazing holiday destination for families of any size and age. Many hotels even offer special packages with events to entertain the little ones while you can enjoy yourself somewhere light and warm.

Kids here can also enjoy surfing, hiking, museum seeing, biking, sailing, animal visiting, elephant safari-ing, water slide riding or just hanging on the beach building castles. In Bali, you can also visit some traditional festivals and celebrations which all welcome kids too. So, Bali really has it all to make a perfect time with your family!

Japan – for unusual and exotic culture

As foreign visitors to Japan know, sometimes the locals will keep their distance. But not so when you are traveling with babies or children! In fact, everywhere you are going to visit you will always hear a silly Japanese word “kawaii” which literally means “cute!” And that always means friendly locals and a great place to be, am I right?

Traveling with children can also open some doors for you. It can be easier to negotiate the price in markets or even to hunt geishas in Kyoto to take some pictures with you. Every Japanese person will love to come by and check out your cute baby for sure. And that will actually erase the borders and let you experience a bit of the real Japan easier.

Netherlands – for active fun

And finally, Netherland should get an honorable fifth place in this list too, since this amazing country is super family and kids’ friendly. Filled with kid-friendly food such as French fries and pancakes, tons of kids’ parks and museums specially made for children to be able to touch and fell it is a real dream come true! You can really say, that both the capital Amsterdam and the whole country is just one giant playground for your little ones.

If that is not enough for you, then I can also add the fact, that here renting a bike and biking throughout the city and the whole country if you wish, is a piece of cake. Netherlands government really worked hard to develop one of the best bicycles infrastructures in the world, and it would be a sin not to try that out with kids too!

How to plan a stress-free family holiday while pregnant

November 25, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Welcoming a new arrival to your growing family is an incredibly joyous occasion albeit with one small exception; planning your family holiday! During this time it can seem daunting to plan a relaxing vacation abroad which will accommodate for all of your pre-natal needs. To help rectify this issue, here are some helpful hints that I’ve found can reduce the stress that often accompanies planning a family holiday while pregnant:

Investigate airline policies before booking flights:

‘Flying whilst pregnant’ is not a term which appeals to many expectant mothers. Fortunately, I’ve found that if you carry out some online research into airline policies before booking your flights then you can choose the method of travel which best suits you. In these instances, I agree with Flashpacker Family blogger Bethaney Davies who advises;

“Flying can be uncomfortable at the best of times… Look into the quality and comfort of the airline, especially the seats, before you book any flights. If you can afford it, business class makes for very comfortable pregnant flying!”.

In this manner, I have also found it useful to capitalise upon airline early boarding policies. By investigating their guidelines with regards to pregnant women and contacting these particular airlines before arriving at the departure gate, you can board early without a fuss and present any medical notes that need to be shown which deem you are safe to fly. Not only will these steps avoid any inconvenient documentary complications upon boarding, but they will also equip you with additional time to settle your children, get yourself comfortable and put on some DVT socks before take-off! Once in the air, I would also advise you to drink plenty of water to remain hydrated and to take short walks along the aisle at regular intervals to boost your blood circulation.

Implement emergency contingency plans:

In my experience, I’ve found that if you dedicate some time to planning for any emergency that may occur whilst you are abroad then you can grant yourself peace of mind throughout your family holiday. Even when I think that I’ve accommodated for every eventuality, I still invest in a family travel insurance policy to account for any circumstances that I might have overlooked. As this guide for expectant mothers conveys;

“Having the right travel insurance for your holiday is always important, especially when you’re pregnant. Expecting a child makes you more vulnerable than the average traveller to potential risk. On the off-chance you do need to cancel your trip and hurry home or require medical care, travel insurance will have you covered”.

If you look for travel insurance policies which will cover you and your family against the cost of lost luggage, stolen or damaged possessions, cancelled flights and accommodation as well as any medical expenses you may incur, including the cost of transporting you home should you fall ill, you can remain calm and confident that you, your family and your baby’s welfare will be safeguarded whilst abroad.

Don’t underestimate the importance of taking breaks:

Above all else, if you wish to have a stress-free holiday whilst pregnant, you should make your rest and recuperation periods a priority. As travel blogger Frances M. Thompson explains;

“While my initial reaction was to see tiredness as an inconvenient side effect of pregnancy that I had to battle with, a firm but fair piece of advice from my midwife soon made me realise tiredness was my body’s way of telling me it needed all the energy it could gather to put into growing my baby so I’d better rest up to gather more for it to use “.

Consequently, regardless of whether you plan a beachside break, a weekend away in a capital city or a relaxing retreat in the countryside, I’ve found that taking frequent pit stops throughout your holiday itinerary will enable both parent and baby to remain happy and healthy. By interspersing your family-friendly activities with relaxing excursions, such as sunbathing or even a few prenatal massages at your hotel or holiday resort, you can ensure that your family enjoy a memorable vacation whilst simultaneously safeguarding your health and the development of your baby.

What terrorism won’t take from me

November 19, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

As many readers know, we plan to travel to Paris next month. I’ll be very honest: current events have us unsettled and saddened on many levels, including, of course, the impact on our trip plans. Here is why we’re still going.

Terrorism won’t take my love of travel. A few, cowardly, misguided, damaged people won’t steal the joy I feel researching trips, complete with Google Maps and Rick Steves guidebooks scattered across my dining room table, TripIt open on my screen. Terrorism won’t take my children’s excitement upon holding a boarding pass in their hands, or their view of clouds and city lights and oceans and sunlight from their window in 32B or 18A. It won’t take our enthusiasm to try that talked-about Parisian cafe or our laughter when we stumble over new words and order the wrong thing. It won’t succeed in keeping our passports locked in a filing cabinet at home.

Terrorism won’t take my kids’ global citizenship. It won’t stop them from feeling wide-eyed awe at the sight of the Eiffel Tower or their amazement at glimpsing a Rodin or a Monet. It won’t take the smiles from their faces as they meet kids who are just like them, except that they dress differently and speak differently and eat different foods. It won’t stop my boys from joining pick-up games of soccer in Manhattan parks or conducting paper airplane-making sessions over the seat back of an international flight. It won’t stop them from making that mind-blowing connection that the kid in the school uniform in Costa Rica is just like all the kids they know, scrambling to get his homework done on the bus. Or that the mother stopping to comfort her fussy baby in a cafe in Brussels is just like their mother, and the mothers of all their friends back at home. And that the fathers are like their fathers, the brothers like their brothers.

Terrorism won’t take my optimism that people are good and the world is beautiful. It won’t succeed in polarizing my family; we will not see terrorist acts as foreign problems or regional problems, but as global problems. We won’t hide at home, pretending we’re safer here than anywhere else. Terrorism won’t make me hate or suspect or fear based on a person’s religion or looks or language.

Terrorism won’t take my compassion. It won’t harden my heart to the suffering, the hurt, and the struggles both in my city and in my world. It won’t succeed in making me circle the wagons. It won’t stop me from saying ‘yes’ to my teens’ service trip to build homes for those who sleep on the ground, or my child’s desire to send aid money to those who are hungry or displaced or in the wrong place at the wrong time. It won’t stop me and mine from realizing that families are families everywhere, parents do their best everywhere, and children have the right to feel safe and healthy everywhere. Not just here. Not just me.

Terrorism won’t take our memories. It won’t take our round-the-dinner-table stories of past trips, like the time we saw a glacier calve in Southeast Alaska or the time Dad fell asleep on the bus in Spain or the time Mom saw someone try to pee on Stonehenge. It won’t make us look back on seeing the wonders of the Washington Monument cast in the glow of Independence Day fireworks or the twinkle of holiday lights on Champs Elysées or the Statue of Liberty against a perfect blue sky glimpsed from the deck of a ferry. It won’t take cozy pubs in Dublin or family photos at Mt. Rainier or tours of Pompeii. It can’t have the taste of pastel-hued macarons or chocolate crepes or poutine. It doesn’t get to take local wine or medieval castles or orca sightings or museum openings or cenote rappelling.

Because that’s ours. And yours. And all the other citizens’ of the world.

Don’t let terrorism take that from you.

Looking to help? Check out this post on Trekaroo with trusted donation ideas!

Touring breweries and wineries (and how to take home souvenirs)

November 6, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Indulging in a libation or two while on vacation has always been popular, but with the number of microbreweries and wineries popping up all across the country, it’s now a legitimate way to experience a new destination. Here’s how to drink in the local culture, touring breweries and wineries on vacation, even with the kids in tow.

How to find the best local beer and wine:

You’ve arrived at your destination, and would love to get to know the wine or beer scene. The best way to go about this is with some pre-trip research, on-site polling, and dining. Ask the folks at your local hotel for recommendations, or talk to waiters or tour guides. They’re locals, and will know if there’s a craft brew or wine that’s the pride of the town. Pop into the visitor’s center or welcome center and ask about wine or beer trails. If you’re in a city or agricultural region, the answer is overwhelmingly, yes!

How to enjoy local beer and wine with kids in tow:

It can be tricky…as parents you want to unwind and enjoy a local craft brew or spend a few hours at a winery, but you also want to enjoy a family-friendly vacation. Here’s how to do both!

Make it about the process or the place, not about the booze. If an afternoon’s activity is all about tasting beer, and you’re 10, you’re not going to have fun. But if it’s all about the cool fermentation process during a factory tour, kids may dig it. Find a brewery that offers behind-the-scene tours of their floor, or look for a winery with an activity, such as a grape stomp or even rows of vines to stroll through.

Designate it as a picnic spot. Many wineries allow outside food to be brought in. We try to pair a winery visit with a local hike or biking trip, visiting at the end of our outdoor activity. This way, the winery is the destination for everybody, and the kids have the payoff of fun food while Mom and Dad taste.

Find wineries with outdoor space. Related to the tip above, a winery with outdoor space allows kids to play and explore, crucial to the experience. Many wineries have lawn games for families to play, or resident pets, like friendly dogs or bunnies. More and more wineries even offer planned kid activities.

Head to brewpubs instead of tasting rooms. A tasting room is going to be boring for kids, if they’re permitted inside at all (not likely). The good news: most microbrews are attached to restaurants, and almost all of them are highly kid-friendly, thanks to yummy pub food. Ideally, head to a pub that makes its own brew on-site, but lacking this, find a pub with local beers on tap. Parents will still taste the local culture and kids will get a great burger.

Enjoy local beer and wine in your vacation rental or room. Can’t find a kid-friendly venue to taste wine and beer? Head to a local grocery store, armed with knowledge about local brews and bottles. Look for cans of locally brewed beer and bottles of local wine, and enjoy after the kids settle in for the night.

Look for a local craft brew or wine at sporting events. Local pride is strong at sporting events and ski resorts. Take a careful look at the menu before ordering standard domestic beer…it’s very likely they’re serving the local brew alongside the usual suspects.

Attend a festival: One of the most fun ways to experience the local beer scene, brewfests or events like Bluegrass and Beer are almost always family affairs (just do your research to ensure there will be kid-friendly activities). Most brewfests we’ve attended included games for kids, music and dancing, and even activities like bungee jumping and ropes courses for kids to enjoy while parents sample brews.

How to take it home with you:

Beer and wine make for great souvenirs, albeit tricky ones to transport. When visiting breweries, bring your own growler to take some suds home with you or to enjoy in the days following your visit. At wineries, cases can be shipped home for you, but if you want only a few bottles, consider investing in a wine transportation sleeve. Our picks:

Hydroflask growler: I’m an Oregonian, so local Hydroflask is the only growler option for me! This 64 ounce flask keeps beer cold up to 24 hours, which means you can enjoy a pint or two the night of a brewpub visit, but also enjoy another round the next night…even if you’ve moved on. The walls are insulated, and totally temperature controlled. Pour your beer from the growler into the Hydroflask True Pint glass (which are also great for keeping kids’ water cool by their bedsides at night). Pick up the growler for under $45 on Amazon.

Wine skin: Pick up a padded or inflatable wine skin to transport wine bottles home without damage. You’ll need to check your luggage if flying, but if you’ve left room in your bag for a few bottles, this is still more economical than shipping wine home. We like this reusable wine skin that comes in a two-pack.

Top 5 Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness in Children When Traveling

October 16, 2015 By Sharlene Earnshaw

You’ve just booked the perfect trip. You and your family are about to experience the adventure of a lifetime. But if you have small children, motion sickness might put the breaks on your travels. Whether you’re traveling by boat, car, plane or train, small children are prone to nausea, light-headedness, and fatigue while traveling.

Motion sickness is usually brought on by mixed signals in the brain, usually when our eyes experience something different from our bodies. If a young child is traveling at high speeds for the first time and they’re situated in the back seat of a car or the passenger cabin or a plane where they can’t see where the vehicle is headed, their bodies might have trouble adjusting. Motion sickness is usually more common in children under the age of 10. Follow our tips to prevent motion sickness in kids and don’t let nausea and upset tummies interrupt your family’s vacation.

Provide a Distraction

A fun distraction is one of the best ways to prevent motion sickness is kids. You can focus their minds on other things by reading them a story, playing their favorite song, or engaging them with a fun game. You can also talk to them about the trip and explain the ins and outs of traveling. Encourage them to look out the window to help them understand how and why they’re moving.

Let Them Breathe

If you feel a bout of motion sickness coming on in your child, give them more room to breathe. Roll down the window in the car, open any vents nearby while turning up the cool air, or step outside when possible. Fresh air and an increase in oxygen will help settle your kids’ aggravated stomachs. Also get rid of any strong smelling foods, scents or odors that might make motion sickness worse.

Naptime

Use naptime to decrease your child’s sensory input. Fast-moving video games and movies can make things worse. Instead, give them room to rest their head and help them drift to sleep to lessen the effects of traveling. Some well-deserved peace and quiet can also help move things along.

Choose Pre-Trip Meals Carefully

Make things easier for yourself as a parent by feeding your children bland, easy-to-digest foods. Vomiting and upset stomach are much easier to avoid if your kids have had a mild meal before traveling. A peanut butter and jelly, crackers, or a grilled cheese can make for an excellent pre-trip meal.

Cool Them Off

If your child starts to feel sick while traveling, try combating the effects of motion sickness by cooling them down. A cold wet towel on the forehead can help with sweating and fatigue. Cold water can help reduce nausea and upset stomach.

When trying to prevent motion sickness in kids, a gentle touch is usually the most effective. Your child will slowly learn to adapt to the side effects of traveling with age. You can also talk to your doctor about certain medications used to relieve the effects of motion sickness. If you’d prefer more natural options rather than synthetic medications, you can try ginger pills before you travel or many stores carry topically applied essential oils that are applied behind the ears and help calm the nerves in the ear that cause motion sickness.

When in doubt, help you child relax and give them a chance to catch their breath. Now you can play some travel games in the car! Happy travels!

About the Author: Megan Gallagher works with Motioneaze, an all-natural, over-the-counter remedy for motion sickness symptoms.

Five questions to ask yourself before buying travel insurance

October 2, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

When should you consider buying travel insurance? This is a question I am asked regularly, and frankly, it’s one I’ve been mulling over when booking my own travel adventures as well. I’ve bought travel insurance for two family trips in recent years: for a vacation to the Caribbean uncomfortably close to hurricane season, and for our upcoming two-week trip to Europe.

I don’t believe families need to buy travel insurance for every trip. How to know which ones are ‘insurance-worthy’? Ask yourself these five questions:

1. Am I already insured?

You may assume you are not, but if you booked your entire trip on a major credit card, you may already have the perk of limited coverage. Personally, I do not book all my travel via credit card, which works for our family to reduce debt. However, I do miss out on the built-in travel insurance some card companies offer. Double check!

2. Is this a ‘bucket list’ trip?

Is this vacation a trip of a lifetime? In other words, will it be hard to financially recoup? If you will not be able to replace your trip financially within the foreseeable future, should something prevent you from going, you should consider insurance. For us, our European trip falls under this category. Should we not be able to go, it will take considerable time to make up for the financial loss.

3. Will I be traveling during the winter or hurricane season?

Flight delays and cancellations can happen anytime, but if you like to travel during the shoulder season or off-season, you may find yourself flying in extreme weather seasons more often than you’d like. If your trip will be in winter or during hurricane season, you may rest easier knowing you’re insured. The insurance we purchased for our winter trip to Europe covers weather-related delays. If our flight is canceled and we miss a hotel or apartment stay, we will be reimbursed.

4. Did I book a tour or cruise leaving on a specific date and time?

If you’re flying to connect with a cruise ship or major tour operation that will leave without you if you’re not on time, consider travel insurance! Anything can happen, and delays are, of course, a regular occurrence. Even if it’s not your fault you arrived at the cruise terminal an hour late, you’ll still be left behind.

5. Do I have a job that’s hard to leave?

We fall into this category…not because of my job, which is travel-friendly, of course, but because of my husband’s. Even after requesting (and being granted) time off, work-related emergencies are always a possibility. We found an insurance policy that included work-related trip cancellation, which is not always part of the package. Of course, any good policy will include illness or (god forbid) death-related cancellation, which is always good to have. Life is unpredictable.

Five easy steps to finding and buying insurance:

This is the easy part, believe it or not! Here’s what I did to identify and buy the right travel insurance for our trip:

Double check that I’m not already covered (we do not have a credit card that covers us, and our medical insurance does not cover international travel).
Compare insurers.
Fill in the trip information needed to get a quote.
Looking at your results, click on 2-3 policies and click on the ‘compare’ tab. Click on ‘details’ to see exactly what each section of the policy means. Decide how much medical coverage you need based on personal health and travel risks involved.
Buy right on the site! Be sure to print your policy.

Top hotel chains for family travelers

August 26, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

We get asked for hotel recommendations all the time. And we have plenty to give: after all, we spend over 100 nights per year in hotel rooms, suites, vacation rentals, and condos. While specific hotel picks in family travel destinations are important, it can be equally useful to know which are the top hotel chains for family travelers…no matter where you’re going.

We have our favorites, which we’ve broken down into a variety of family travel categories, with the overall winners below:

Best boutique/lifestyle hotel chain:

We love frequenting boutique hotels with kids, especially during city travel when location and character are most important to us. The best boutique and lifestyle hotels offer something beyond the cookie cutter amenities of more mainstream chains, with X-factors like rooftop decks, s’mores on the courtyard, wine hours, and funky furniture. They can turn a standard stay into a memorable one! The only downside: sometimes, boutique hotels will lack amenities such as free parking or complimentary breakfast, so budget accordingly.

Winner: Kimpton hotels

Kimpton wins at making families feel welcome with special touches in many of their city hotels such as goldfish ‘pets’ and hot cocoa bars for the kids. Our favorite Kimpton stay included a family game night hour and resident dog in the lobby. Read a review of a favorite Kimpton property.

Runner up: Lark hotels

Many boutique hotels are located in urban areas and–let’s face it–cater mostly to business and adult travelers. Lark is different in that their properties tend to be situated in popular vacation destinations, such as Nantucket or Newport.

Best ‘bang for your buck’ hotel chain:

Let us elaborate: when we say ‘bang for your buck’, we’re talking about value, not cheap prices. Our picks in this category include hotel chains that focus on giving the most for the price, including extras that will save families money as they vacation.

Winner: Grand Hyatt (club level)

For years, I assumed that upgrading to club level at a Grand Hyatt hotel would be a frivolous expense. Not necessarily. Upgrading is typically only $75 more per night, and gives families access to a club level lounge serving food and drinks all day long. With some planning, families of 4-5 people can save far more than the price of the upgrade by eating in the lounge most meals. Plus, it’s far more convenient and comfortable than finding dining options out every day during a city trip. Read a review of a Grand Hyatt club level stay.

Runner up: Embassy Suites (Hilton)

Embassy Suites could have also won in our ‘all suites’ category, but we’re placing it here because most properties in this brand offer value on multiple fronts. Not only do families get the space to spread out in suites, but the free breakfasts are the highest quality in the business. Some properties also offer complimentary cocktail hours. Review of our favorite Embassy Suites.

Best luxury hotel chain:

Ready to splurge? Many deserving hotel brands vied for our top spots in this category, and quite frankly, we have our favorites across many brands at specific locations. But this post isn’t about specifics…it’s about winners across the board. Who we picked:

Winner: Ritz Carlton

Time and again, Ritz Carlton delivers on prime location, beauty, service, and amenities. Will a Ritz stay set you back? Absolutely. Expect to pay extra for freebies at budget resorts, such as parking, breakfast, and WiFi. But also expect to be wowed with things like butler services, turn-down, and amazing ambiance. Read about our favorite Ritz Carlton stay.

Runner up: Fairmont

I’ve always loved Fairmont hotels due to their physical beauty, inside and out. At many a Fairmont, families will feel like they’re staying in a castle or mansion. Details abound, such as infused water in the lobby, cookies at bedtime, and planning programming just for kids. Read about our most magical Fairmont stay.

Best budget hotel chain:

When we say ‘budget’, we don’t mean cheapest. ‘Cheapest’ is a very simple thing to find–a quick scroll through Expedia will find your winner. ‘Budget’ to us means cheapest with amenities we need. What amenities are these? How about free parking, free WiFi, and free breakfast. What might but might not be included: customer service worth mentioning, location, pools, or rooms beyond the uninspired standard.

Winner: Holiday Inn Express (IHG)

It’s nothing flashy, but consistently, we’ve had good stays at Holiday Inn Express hotels. When you just need a place to lay your heads, and want competent service, clean rooms, and a free breakfast that doesn’t suck (or only sucks a little), this is your pick.

Runner up: Best Western Plus

For us, Best Western Plus would have made the top spot, but many properties have room rates a bit too steep for us to consider ‘budget’. However, like Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Plus properties can be counted on to be quality stays, and often have extra amenities like nice pools or on-site dining.

Best suites-only hotel chain:

Yes, you can find a suite in any price range, but for families, finding a economic hotel that still provides ample space is like hitting the jackpot.

Winner: Marriott Vacation Club

We’ve yet to meet a MVC property we don’t like. Like Grand Hyatt or Embassy Suites, this chain is all about value over budget price. Families get condo-like suite living with full kitchens (a big savings when vacationing and eating out), plus tons of family-friendly programming options in vacation destinations. MVC properties shine on the amenities front too: they have some of the best pools, beaches, and playgrounds we’ve seen, and most include free parking. Read about just one of our top Marriott Vacation Club stays.

Runner up: Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Always in a vacation destination that appeals to families, Holiday Inn Club Vacation properties are similar to MVC, with a (usually) lower price tag. While they don’t have quite the polish of the latter chain, they do offer up value for families in condo-style vacation villas, amenities like nice pools and dining options, and sometimes, shuttles to popular sights.

Best moderate luxury:

What sort of category is this? The one for those of us who enjoy luxury, but can’t always swing a Ritz stay. If that’s you, read on.

Winner: Preferred hotels

Definitely check the PreferredFamily.com website before looking for a Preferred hotel in your vacation destination, because most of these hotels have independent names. However, across the brand, they shine as moderate luxury options that include family amenities that may be missing from top luxury brands, such as child proofing in rooms, family-friendly dining, and toddler pools. Read some of our tips on the PreferredFamily blog list.

Runner up: Omni hotels

Often located in cities popular for family travel, Omni hotels give parents luxury while offering kids fun amenities, like backpacks and kid packets upon check-in. You’ll still pay for extras like parking and breakfast at most Omni hotels, but their prime locations and spacious rooms may make up for this. Read a review of our favorite Omni.

Tip: learn how to use IHG points toward your next hotel stay, no matter the category.

What is your favorite hotel brand for family travel?

Earth Day every day: outdoor adventures that teach kids to love nature

April 22, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

In our part of the world, Earth Day usually dawns chilly and soggy. For many years, I dutifully took my kids out to the local celebration (always held outdoors, of course) so we could freeze for a few hours while batting around an oversized globe-patterned beach ball, learn about sustainable housing and bio-diesel, and eat local produce. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wrong with any of that. But in the past few years, we’ve found a better way to celebrate. We now strive to honor Earth Day every day.

How? By teaching our kids to appreciate nature and the outdoor world that surrounds us. When kids have seen, felt, and interacted with nature firsthand, they’re much more likely to relate to it and strive to protect it as they get older. It’s true that as an outdoor columnist for OutdoorsNW, I have ample opportunity to expose my kids to the wilderness in our region, but the great thing about the outdoors is how accessible it is. Outdoor adventures are usually low-cost (or free), within easy driving distance, and great exercise. The following are our favorite ways to get outside with kids:

1. Go camping.

Camping is cheap, it’s available no matter where you live, and while it takes some effort, it’s a major kid-pleaser. Check out our favorite campgrounds along the Pacific coast, or check your own state park listings for a one-tank-of-gas-or-less getaway. If you’re ambitious, plan a multi-night backpacking adventure.

2. Kayak or river raft.

Kayaking and rafting are great ways to introduce kids to water sports. Families can start on still lakes and rivers, and most locations include a guide who can help you get started. You can opt to be on the water for only a few hours if desired, and can return to comfortable lodging afterward. Kids dig kayaking and river rafting because it’s more exciting than hiking, with the same explorative benefits. Our top favorite kayaking and river rafting adventures have included a family float along the Deerfield River in Massachusetts with Zoar Outdoor, an autumn kayaking trip in Oregon’s Cascade Lakes with Wanderlust Tours, and kayaking Vancouver Island Canada’s Ucluelet harbor with Majestic Ocean Kayaking.

3. Hike!

It doesn’t get more basic than this. Take the kids, give them a backpack and walking stick (both optional), and drive to the nearest trail head. Don’t know where to find one? Start at your local outdoor store and pick up a local hiking guide or simply ask the salesperson. Bring sunscreen, water bottles, and a picnic, and you’re all set. To keep kids motivated and entertained en route, allow them to set the pace and stop to explore, even if it means climbing every third tree or stopping to build (and dismantle) a dam along a creek. If you want to make a vacation of it, start with our top five Western mountain lodges, and spend your days on the trail and your nights in comfort.

4. Horseback ride.

Many rustic or outdoor resorts now offer horseback riding. For roughly the cost of any outdoor excursion (or round of golf or spa treatment) you can introduce your kids to the cowboy (or girl) lifestyle…for a few hours. We love horseback riding while on vacation because it accomplishes two important goals: fun for the kids and the chance to see more of the outdoors up-close. Even kids as young as five can often ride solo. Our favorite horseback riding operations have included those at Brasada Ranch and Colter Bay in Grand Tetons National Park.

5. Mountain bike.

Mountain biking is an expensive way to enjoy the outdoors if you own your own bikes and equipment, but surprisingly affordable to rent for the day at most local bike shops (whether you’re on vacation or at home). Because you can’t always mountain bike on pedestrian trails (but sometimes can), it’s important to pick up a cycling trail map where you rent your bikes. If you want to go extreme, try gravity-based mountain biking at a ski resort in summer. It’s one of the activities my kids (and I) have enjoyed most in the past few years! Learn more by checking out our biking experience at Northstar California.

Five budget travel hacks you thought you’d outgrown

March 20, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

You traveled extensively as a young adult, but now you’ve settled down with a job and kids. Think your budget travel days are behind you? Think again! The following budget travel hacks can still be implemented with kids in tow. All that’s needed is a little flexibility, nostalgia, and sense of adventure!

1. Take the bus or train:

Train travel is admittedly less convenient in the US than many points abroad, but great deals and experiences can still be had. Get out of the ‘road trip by car’ mindset and save on gas money on your next trip by booking Amtrak or VIA Rail (in Canada). Reserving sleeper compartments is a blast, but often more expensive than flying to your destination. Instead, use the Amtrak Fare Finder to locate Saver and Value coach seat fares for day time rail journeys. Stay the night in cities in-between for a road trip on rails. On VIA Rail, rail passes can be bought for youth, perfect for regular routes (such as to Grandma’s house). Plus, the scenery on VIA Rail cannot be beat. Grab a seat in an observation car and soak in the views for a fraction of the price of airfare. Read an entire post on affordable rail travel.

2. Stay in a KOA:

Have you visited a KOA Campground recently? They’re no longer you mom’s budget campground. KOAs are designated as Journey, Resort, or Holiday campgrounds now, making it easier to discern before booking what might be in store. What’s a Journey campground? It’s a pit stop…a place to stay near major roads and interstates while you’re traveling. Given the choice between a basic roadside motel room or a campground with a cabin and plenty of outdoor space, we choose the latter every time. Want to ‘glamp’ instead of camp? Try a KOA Destination or Holiday property. They’ll be located near major attractions and have plenty of on-site activities. We think there’s a time and place for both types of KOA resorts, and you’ll save money every time.

3. Eat at farmer’s markets:

Remember your bohemian days, when you ate and drank your way around new cities, soaking up the culture and learning about its people and history through tactile experiences and carefree exploration? You can still do this with kids…er, sort of. While the ‘carefree’ aspect of your trip may be lost to nap time schedules and early bedtimes, families can still find the heart of any city’s personality in farmer’s markets and street fairs. Instead of stopping at a fast food restaurant en route, seek out the area’s farm-to-fork offerings. On weekends in cities and agricultural areas, this will likely be in the form of a farmer’s market. On weekdays, look for food trucks or natural grocery stores. Buy the makings of a picnic, and eat at a public park, historical site, or designated nature area. The food is likely to be fresher, healthier, and cheaper, and everyone will burn off energy.

4. Stay cheap on a farm or ranch:

Farm stays are the very definition of family travel chic…they’re adventurous, ultra-local, and an absolute blast for kids. The nightly rate at most farm stays may not be cheaper than your standard B&B or hotel, but all those extras you usually have to buy when traveling with kids will disappear, like entertainment and food. Kids are content to roam the farm, help with chores, and play in a hayloft instead of requiring expensive admission tickets to museums and attractions. Farms and ranches offering stays range considerably, so do your research before pulling in. While some farms offer complete cabins or condos for families, others provide single guest rooms. The best will cater to families with included interaction with any animals on premises.

5. Backpack:

Have you been reminiscing about that summer you backpacked around Europe? Kids can certainly accompany you, though in some cases, hostels that charge a price per ‘head’ won’t be as economical as they were when you were single. Instead, look for European campgrounds located just outside major cities (some of the best we’ve seen are located in Croatia and Slovenia). If you’re craving a wilderness adventure, don’t shy away from backpacking in national parks or national forest service land with kids. Families who are prepared for a backpacking trip, and remain flexible en route, can have a very rewarding and low cost adventure the kids will remember for years. Learn how to plan a multi-day backpacking trip.

What are your best budget travel hacks? What ways does your family save money while traveling?

How to use Airbnb to rent a room (and when to consider it)

February 23, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

We often recommend booking a vacation rental when traveling with kids: doing so allows families to travel more authentically, comfortably, and cheaply. But would you rent a single room in a stranger’s home?

The vacation rental site airbnb offers rental homes and apartments to traveling families, much like companies such as HomeAway or VacationRoost. However, they also list single rooms, which are rented out in local’s homes. Honestly, I’d always prefer renting an entire home or apartment, as I’m a private person, but sometimes, cost or availability in the city to which I’m traveling has me considering a room rental.

My airbnb room rental experience:

In anticipation of using airbnb for an upcoming family trip to Europe, I decided to rent a room in Salt Lake City during the annual Outdoor Retailer show. It was the perfect time to try airbnb, as the city’s hotel rooms were sold out or unreasonably priced for this major event. I was traveling to Salt Lake City solo, so I needed less space, and was on a budget. I wouldn’t be in my room much during the day, so a nice hotel experience wasn’t necessary.

Checking airbnb four months prior to the show, I had no trouble finding suitable rooms to rent. My criteria:

The room needed to be on or near a public transit line, in a safe neighborhood.
The room needed to include a private bathroom.
The room needed to be under $50/night. Bonus: it would be great if the home owner on the listing didn’t look too shady.

I quickly found this room listing which met my criteria. It lists for $30/night (far lower than a hotel room rate, of course), and comes with a private bathroom. The host is a woman with kids, which made me comfortable (wrong or right, this was my feeling as a woman traveling alone).

Once I’d contacted the host via airbnb and was accepted, I paid for the room via invoice through the site and was given a receipt, plus additional information from the host (such as the exact address). I was then sent a reminder text the week before my trip. My total payment was $157 for four nights ($30/night, plus cleaning fee and service fee from airbnb).

How did it turn out? I had a very pleasant stay. The house was in a nice, quiet neighborhood only 15 minutes from everywhere I needed to be. While, true, I was a guest in a stranger’s home, I never felt ‘weird’ about it…at least not much. While I was welcomed, the host family did their thing, and I did mine. I was given a key to the house, and told which areas were ‘mine’ to inhabit. My space was in the finished basement, which worked out just fine. If I’d had the whole family along, I would have felt like too much of an intrusion, so for those times, I’ll look for airbnb rentals where families can rent the entire house. For a solo adult, or a couple, however, my arrangement was perfect. Here’s a shot of my room:

Tips for renting a single room on airbnb:

1. Know what you’re getting. Because airbnb rental rooms are listed by individuals and are located in private homes, every one will be different. Some come with a shared bathroom (shared with the host family), while others are shared with other guests in additional rooms. If you want a private bathroom, search with this in mind.

Some room rentals come with breakfast, but most come only with kitchen space, so you can bring your own food with you and cook as needed. In some cases, mingling and socializing with the hosts is encouraged, and in others, discouraged. Searching the site, I didn’t have much trouble deducing which rentals had a lively social atmosphere and which were quieter. It helps to read the user reviews to know if hosts or other housemates were loud, enjoyed music late at night, or were generally unfriendly.

2. Remember you’ll be in someone’s home. Obviously, this means you’ll be respectful of property and people, but it also means there might be environmental elements you are not used to. The hosts may have pets (this is disclosed) or may smoke in the home. Most seem to allow smoking (outside) and alcoholic beverages, but some do stipulate rules, as is their right.

3. Research a potential rental room’s neighborhood. You are not given an exact address until your rental request is accepted by the host, but each room listing does include a city map and a fairly accurate idea of where the house is. Make sure it’s in a safe neighborhood, will offer public transit if you need it, or parking space for your vehicle.

Have you rented a vacation room in a private home? What was your experience?