Top travel destinations for families of 2012

December 31, 2012 By

pit stops for kids

The East and West Coast crews of Pit Stops for Kids traveled throughout the U.S., Western Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean in 2012, bringing pit stops, resort lodging picks, attractions, outdoor activities, and travel tips to a record number of readers. We’re so glad you were along for the ride! The collage above only represents a small percentage of the best travel locations we visited in 2012, but we want to take a moment to highlight some of the destinations that most stood out.

Favorite family-friendly resorts of 2012:

1. Northstar California, both in winter and in summer

2. Velas Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

3. Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, Parksville, BC Canada

4. Brasada Ranch, Bend OR

5. Willoughvale Inn and Cottages, Lake Willoughby, VT

Favorite family-friendly activities of 2012:

1. Whale watching with Remote Passages, Tofino BC

2. Gravity-based mountain biking, Lake Tahoe, CA

3. Kayaking with Wanderlust Tours, Bend OR

4. Biking with Spokes, Vancouver, BC

5. Backcountry skiing with Cascade Huts, Mt. Hood OR

Favorite camping and national park experiences of 2012:

1. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island Canada

2. Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine

3. Silver Falls State Park, Salem OR

4. Moran State Park, Orcas Island WA

5. Channel Islands National Park, Ventura CA

Favorite Disney Experiences of 2012:

1. Launch of the Disney Fantasy, Cape Canaveral, FL

2. Castaway Cay, Bahamas

3. Opening of Cars Land, California Adventure, CA

4. Educational Animal Kingdom attractions, Disney World, FL

5. The new Buena Vista Street, California Adventure, CA

Favorite museums and tours of 2012: 

1. California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA

2. Sertoma Butterfly House, Sioux Falls, SD

3. Jelly Belly Factory Tour, Fairfield, CA

4. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, VT

5. Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver, BC

Happy New Year, Pit Stops for Kids readers! Here’s to a 2013 with exciting new destinations!

Open letter to the airline industry

June 8, 2012 By

open letter to the airline industry
Dear Airline Industry,

I know you’re hurting. I know money is tight these days (trust me), and I know new ways of ‘packaging’ airfare is required in this economy. I also know that I’d like to ride out the turbulence of these tough times with you. I’ve been in love with air travel since I munched my first honey-roasted peanut at 10,000 feet at the age of seven, and like many, many other families, sharing my love of air travel with my own children is important to me.

But you’re making it hard to stick by you. At a time when luxury resorts and cruise ships across the world are rolling out the red carpet for kids (I have personally worked with Expedia.com, Omni Resorts, and Preferred Hotels in their efforts to create family-friendly programs and offerings), you’re making it increasingly difficult for families to arrive at their destination. I’d say that traveling families are the ones suffering, but the truth is, airlines are shooting themselves in the foot.

How so? Let’s start with this month’s headliner: airlines charging for ‘premium’ coach seats. Premium…coach? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Before you hold families hostage in this manner, follow the trail of logic: who typically pays for airline upgrades? Business travelers. Solo travelers. Couples celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon. Not family travelers, I can assure you. When I shop flights for my family of five, I’m looking for the best deal, and nothing more. After all, I still need to shelter, feed, and entertain my motley crew all vacation long.

So let’s apply this logic to an actual scenario: Business traveler Joe has upgraded his coach seat to premium level. (I’m trying not to laugh, really.) He’s happily sitting in his aisle seat for which he’s paid an extra $44. Single Traveling Parent Jane, her preschooler, and her toddler walk down the aisle to find their seats. Because Jane has not (and would never) pay to upgrade her seats, she has two middle seats and one window, necessitating a separation from at least one small child. As this is logistically ridiculous, the call to action falls on poor Business Traveler Joe, who has two choices, neither of which are attractive: 1. vacate the seat he just paid extra for, to allow Jane’s family to stay together, or 2. hold his ground, and entertain an unaccompanied toddler for the duration of the flight. Airline, you’ve accomplished two things here: you’ve angered Joe, who’s probably a frequent flyer and loyal customer, and you’ve upset Jane (who probably tweets). But wait, you have your $44, so you’re good.

There’s more. Because you’re charging for premium seats, Airline, and separating family groups, family travelers now have to pack more carry-on luggage. And you know you already think we pack too much! As a family travel writer, I’ve long advocated packing carry-on only or one carry-on per family (you’re welcome), but because I now have to plan for the contingency that my school-aged children will sit apart from me, each child needs his or her own backpack full of entertainment (and food…don’t get me started on that). More carry-on bags mean a greater burden on the already overloaded overhead luggage compartments (which, of course, is due to fees placed on checked luggage, but we won’t go there, either). So in this second scenario, in which I’ve boarded your plane with five carry-ons instead of one, what you get is increased stress, chaos, and crowds in your already over-stressed cabin. Not only are your overworked flight attendants negotiating my seats with disgruntled business travelers, but they’re now also trying to stuff my backpacks into bins. Backpacks that would not have existed had you not 1. charged me for checked bags (whoops, I went there) and 2. charged me to sit with my kids.

Airline, I’m not mad. Really. Some family-friendly airlines I love quite dearly. Mostly, I’m worried for you. You can run all the flashy promotions you’d like (some of your kids fly free deals are excellent), but at the end of the day, families won’t remember what deal you’re running on your website. They won’t care how convenient you made online check-in or how shiny your homepage is. They’re accustomed to the ordeal of security, and they’re even planning on you losing their luggage. What they will remember: the seven circles of hell you did or did not put them through in order to get from Point A to Point B.

Family travel is only gaining in popularity. The industry brands I work with every day, from eco-tour operations to luxury resorts, know this. But the travel industry cycle we’re all a part of only works if we can get where we’re going.

Please get on-board. We miss the family-friendly skies.

Sincerely,

A Family Travel Writer

How to prepare for a Disney cruise

March 14, 2012 By

At Pit Stops for Kids, we cover all modes of family travel. However, there’s one major category of family travel we’ve neglected (until now): family cruising. On March 26th, the Pit Stops kids and I will be embarking upon the brand new ship in the Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Fantasy. We’ll be reporting on our experience here and for Expedia.com.

There’s only one problem: we don’t know what the heck we’re doing. We’re complete cruising newbies at Pit Stops for Kids: while we love the open road, cities, and National Parks and wilderness, we’ve yet to tackle the high seas. How do we prepare for something we’ve never experienced?

How to prepare for a Disney Cruise

Learn what to expect.

Preparation is key to any family vacation, so from now until departure day, I’ll be following my own advice and researching our destination(s) extensively. To prepare for our trip, I turned to the same resources I hope you’re all using to plan vacations: family travel bloggers. The Disney Fantasy has yet to embark upon its first public sailing, so I read up on coverage of its sister ship, the Disney Dream. Hip Travel Mama offers a great overview of what to expect on-board from a parent’s perspective, and Ciao Bambino lists their top ten surprises on the ship. Also incredibly helpful are these tips on getting the most out of a Disney cruise. This video of the AquaDuck water roller coaster from The Vacation Gals was enough to get my kids jumping up and down, and for specific questions, I’ve always found the Disney Moms Panel to be a useful resource.

Identify concerns, then be proactive.

We have the following concerns (all of which we’ll be addressing post-cruise, in case you do, too):

1. Will the ship feel too crowded for our tastes?
2. Will Calvin, notorious for losing his lunch in both cars and on planes, suffer from seasickness?
3. Will our outdoor-adventure loving style of travel be stifled on board a ship?
4. Will a large-ship cruise be ‘green’ enough to appease our eco-conscience?

To ensure a good vacation experience, I’ve purchased Sea Bands, researched the Disney Cruise Line green initiatives (more on that to come), and learned as much as I can about any itinerary stops ahead of time (internet connection is notoriously unreliable onboard, so last-minute research may be frustrating). This way, we can get off the ship and explore the way we prefer to.

Lastly, I want help from you!

If you’ve taken a family cruise, please share a tip in the comment section below, on the Pit Stops for Kids Facebook page, or on Twitter @pitstospforkids! I’ll be retweeting one suggestion per day up until the day we embark, and after our trip, I’ll be featuring the top ten reader suggestions in a video on Expedia.com!

Photos courtesy of Disney Cruise Line.

What you need to know about health insurance while traveling

March 11, 2012 By

family travelSpring break family travel is just around the corner, but unfortunately, cold and flu season is not yet over! If you’re planning a family vacation, will your health insurance cover you on the road? Should you add holiday health insurance to your vacation budget? What other steps are necessary to ensure emergency medical treatment for your family?

As we’ll be in Florida and the Bahamas in a few weeks, and my youngest son Toby is currently being monitored for a (non-threatening) heart condition, I’ve been asking myself all the above questions in preparation. Here’s what I’ve learned about travel health insurance, including steps to take before traveling to ensure you and your family are covered:

1. Check your current health insurance coverage.

Health insurance plans vary greatly in the U.S. (I probably don’t need to tell you that!). Don’t assume yours will cover you while traveling outside the United States. (Medicare will definitely not.) Make sure care providers are available at your destination. To expedite medical visits (whether foreign or in the U.S.), bring along insurance cards and doctors’ contact information for all members of your family.

2. Consider buying travel insurance.

If your primary insurance is not comprehensive on the road, consider buying extra travel health insurance, or when applicable, group health insurance. Meant to supplement your primary coverage, keep in mind that travel insurance will usually cover emergency visits only. Be sure to ask specifically about deductibles and read the fine print! Usually, you’ll be expected to pay costs out-of-pocket and submit for reimbursement. If longer care is needed, bring back documentation to reimburse to your primary care provider.

3. If you’re a frequent traveler or staying in a single country for an extended time

, consider purchasing global insurance or temporarily gaining universal insurance in the country you’re visiting. This is easier than it sounds (again, it’s hardest in the U.S.!) Note: if your travels take you to at-risk countries your medical insurance will likely not be honored, unless you buy supplemental coverage.

4. If you do need medical attention while traveling

, utilize hotel concierge services or front desk personnel to find the best medical facility for your needs. If it’s not a life threatening emergency, it can be helpful to place a call to your at-home care provider to ask for referrals in an unfamiliar city, and it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with local emergency contact numbers.

Hopefully you’ll never need medical care while on vacation, but with preparation, most situations can be cared for quickly, allowing everyone to return to vacation fun!

Photo credit: Fiona Brown

Seeking ohana in Kauai’s quiet spaces

January 26, 2012 By

This post is sponsored by The Hawaiian Islands, where you could be Living in the Moment on the Island of Kauai.

Miles past the smattering of resorts, tourist destinations, and restaurants dotting Kauai’s scenic coastline, a rusted pick-up truck sits at the end of a dirt drive, waiting to be loaded with the week’s mango crop. My three-year-old nephew, barefooted and shirtless, hefts one in, grinning as it rolls loudly across the dented truck bed. His mother snaps a photo, catching the blur of his hibiscus-patterned swim trucks against the backdrop of the truck’s rainbow-tinted plates. 

north-country-farms

It’s their second day of vacation on Kauai’s North Shore, during which they’re staying at North Country Farms in Kilauea, just one of many tucked-away places in which families can slow down and find peace in the Garden Isle. A family-owned and operated organic farm, North Country Farms offers more than just a place to lay one’s head: it’s a quiet respite for adults that simultaneously provides endless entertainment for children. Their two guest cottages include dining areas and kitchenettes, and throughout their stay, kids and adults alike are encouraged to pick all the fruit desired from the surrounding orchards.

Down nearby (and ridiculously scenic) Kuhio Highway, additional genuinely Hawaiian experiences await (though I’ve heard there’s a killer shaved ice stand en route). Kids will appreciate the short commute to the sanctuary of the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge, where the slopes of an extinct volcano provide able space to run and play and spot green turtles, monk seals, and even humpback whales.

north-shore-kauai

Up the shore, the Na Aina Kai botanical gardens include playgrounds for little ones amid 240 acres of gardens, forests, and beaches. Bring a picnic meal to enjoy at a North Shore beach afterward; Anini and Ke’e are rarely crowded. (Ke’e is perhaps the calmest we’ve seen, making it perfect for babies and toddlers.)

Of course, the most hidden-away spots on Kauai can’t be reached by car. For a moderate hike even the youngest island visitors can manage (while still yielding big rewards), leave Ke’e beach to join the adjacent Kalalau Trail. Two miles in, families will be treated with Hanakapi’ai Beach, where shallow creeks and caves demand exploration.

Evening meals can be had back in the town of Kilauea, where the local fish market promises the freshest catch. Afterward, the sunset over the volcanic rock of the coastline beckons. Kids go to bed tired and get up with the sun on the Garden Isle, but that’s ok: back at North Shore Farms, the roosters will be crowing, anyway, and the organic coffee’s perking.

Is Mexico safe for traveling families?

January 23, 2012 By

The short answer: it depends on where you go. Asking whether Mexico is safe for traveling families is like asking whether the entirety of the U.S. is safe, or the Caribbean, or anywhere else you may wish to travel in the world. One cannot judge an entire country by unsafe activities in isolated parts.

For the long answer, I spent several days last month in Puerto Vallarta with the e-Commerce manager of Velas Resorts who, in addition to graciously (and enthusiastically) playing tour guide throughout her city of Nayarit and neighboring Puerto Vallarta, helped to put me at ease about the safety of the region.

The good news: traveling families can (and should) visit this beautiful Pacific coast of Mexico. Taking the following common sense precautions will ensure a happy (and worry-free) vacation:

1. Lock up valuables. Use your in-room safe! Store valuables whenever you’re out (even to meals). It may be an overreaction, but most hotels and resorts prefer you utilize the resource of your safe. That’s why it’s there!

2. When outside your room, take only what you need. All-inclusive resorts and resorts that allow room charges make this easy. During our stay at Velas Vallarta, my wallet and all cash was stored in my safe 90% of the time. When I did need money while away from the hotel, I found that all I needed was a small amount of cash, one credit card, and my phone. You can use a money belt, but you will probably feel safe without it.

3. Book excursions and activities through your hotel or resort. This is not to say you shouldn’t venture beyond your resort…you should! But use the resource of your hotel’s concierge or activities planner. He or she can book second party tours on your behalf, and/or recommend reputable and professional companies. If nothing else, a conceierge can point you and your family in the direction of the best beaches, snorkeling, or shopping.

4. Don’t drink the water. After talking with my host for some time about the safety of her country, I asked, mostly in jest, whether the advice not to drink the water in Mexico was a false rumor as well. Her face fell as she asked urgently, “You’re not drinking the tap water, are you?! Don’t drink the water!” So yeah…don’t. In all high-quality resorts such as Velas Vallarta and neighboring Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, families will be served safe, bottled water in their restaurants (so yes, you can order a glass of it there), and tap water, as Americans think of it, is not served (or used at all in food preparation) at all. Outside of restaurants, traveling families need to follow due diligence: this means no glass of water taken from the kitchenette tap at bedtime, no swallowing rinse water while brushing teeth or in the bath or shower. Kids, especially, have a hard time remembering all this, and parents do need to remind them. Instead, have bottled water by the bed and in the bathroom, and along with you on any outings.

5. That said, drink lots of water! It’s important to stay hydrated in the warm Mexican sun, especially if you’ll be consuming your share of tropical drinks by the pool (or pursuing strenuous activities such as hiking, snorkeling, or paddling). All-inclusive resorts such as Velas Vallarta makes this easy; bottled water is continually supplied. If you don’t have such service, be sure to make a stop at a grocery store (or Wal-Mart) after arriving to stock up.

6. Lastly, don’t be an easy target for scams. Upon arriving past customs at Puerto Vallarta airport, families face a gauntlet of official-looking taxi drivers, shuttle services, and the like, all ready to take you to your resort (often combined with a ‘resort credit’ or ‘discount’). These are actually time share affiliated. My advice? Pass right by this onslaught to curbside, where taxi cabs await. Better yet, arrange for a specific shuttle or car service ahead of time. On public beaches and streets, comparison shop before purchasing souvenirs, and when possible, arrange for tour experiences such as snorkeling or deep-sea fishing through the concierge at your hotel, not through beach or street vendors.

Camping with babies and toddlers: gear up!

January 12, 2012 By

The first time my family and I took our eldest son out camping, it was a three-day backpacking trek into Oregon’s Columbia Gorge near Multnomah Falls, and he was 13-months old. Were we crazy? Well, yes, but we had a great time introducing baby Nate to the outdoors we loved, and I believe the experience (and others that followed) helped him acclimate at a young age to the idea of roughing it.

Is your young one ready to camp or backpack once the snows melt and the sun shines? To make the trip easier on the adults in the group), I offer the following well-earned tips:

1. Bring a backpack baby or toddler carrier. We loved our sturdy REI backpack carrier, but that was, ahem, over a decade ago. If you’re looking for more updated equipment, I recommend Kelty’s line of carriers, and look for my review of their newest at Practical Travel Gear soon. (By the way, at the Campfire live chat, we’ll be giving one away.) Not only is a backpack carrier useful for its intended purpose of carrying the baby while hiking, it serves as an excellent mountain high chair. With a squirmy toddler and a rustic camp, the only other place you might find to serve him or her dinner is on the ground. Bear in mind: if one adult is ‘packing’ the baby, the other(s) are overly burdened with necessary supplies. Either pack light (good luck with a kid in tow) or invite friends (good luck with that, too, come to think of it).

2. If you’re car camping instead of backpacking, utilize a portable bed such as Regalo My Cot Portable Bed It’s more to pack than a traditional backpacking pad, but little children and babies slip and slide all night long on the regular ones. Dress babies warmly at night, and play by the same rules at home (no extra bedding around faces, etc). Obviously, you’ll want to camp in a warm climate while kids are very small.

3. If your child is walking, put bells on his or her shoes. Yes, they get annoying, but this wasn’t going to be the trip in which you waited patiently for hours for a glimpse of wildlife, anyway. Bells keep kids within close proximity and provide peace of mind. Bright colored clothing is a must, too!

4. Stick as much as possible to your child’s normal foods. Yes, changes will have to be made to accommodate for packs and weight, but in general, pack your child’s familiar foods. Great backpacking fare includes fruit leather, trail mix (for older kids), organic pouched baby food (like these from Ella’s Kitchen), and instant soup.

5. Don’t slack on sun protection, bring basic medications, and pack a big first aid kit. Give up on keeping the kid clean, however. Just really…give up. Now. Preferrably before you even leave. In all seriousness, a little dirt won’t hurt, and you can’t avoid it. Just bring wet wipes and antiseptic wipes in case of cuts (and to wipe down hands before meals), and plan on a soapy, long bath upon return to civilization.

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Lastly, don’t be afraid! Just get out there and go! Your camping or backpacking trip will be more work than most, but the rewards will take your breath away (even more than a steep climb with 40 pounds of toddler on your back)!

Winter camping: extend your outdoor travel season

December 22, 2011 By

‘Tis the season for everyone at the Around the Campfire community to be talking about winter camping. What’s quickly become apparent, however, is that everyone’s interpretation of ‘winter’ and ‘camping’ is different. As an avid camper and backpacker, I’m glad to know so many versions of outdoor overnights exist; no matter what your comfort level or geographic location, there’s a way to continue to camp with your family in the winter months.

camping-in-winterUnless you’re a hardcore snow camper setting out on snowshoes or skis (next month, my family and I will be that brave!), you’ll need think outside the box to get full enjoyment out of your winter camping experience. The following tips will ensure happy campers while enjoying campgrounds and recreational sites during the winter months:

1. Seek out alternative shelter. You don’t need an RV to camp in winter! If you’re camping in a wintry climate that eliminates the possibility of tent camping, look for a state or national park that offers overnights in yurts, cabins, or teepees. Oregon State Parks offers all three, complete with heaters, electricity, and cozy beds. And if you camp in a less developed campground, take a look at this review for bringing a heat source with you! In fact, winter is our favorite season to camp in state parks: reservations for those coveted yurts are easier to come by, and parks are nearly empty!

2. Go south or go coastal. An obvious solution, if you can swing it, traveling south to camp rewards families with the same low crowds in weather that might feel downright balmy to northerners. My favorite picks include Georgia’s Reed Bingham State Park and Florida’s Florida Caverns State Park. For those in driving distance of coastal regions, heading toward the shore or beach can ensure milder weather. Plus, those seasonal storms off the ocean can be exciting (as long as you’re prepared!).

3. Sandwich backcountry overnights with lodge or hotel stays. Programs like CascadeHuts, which operates a network of backcountry huts in the Mt. Hood national forest of Oregon, provide warmth, shelter, and safety to backcountry campers. (We’ll be reviewing our own experience hiking the Mt. Hood wilderness with CascadeHuts next month!) Similar networks exist in or near most national parks, providing families with a string of cozy accommodations. When tackling difficult camping adventures such as this (especially for the first time), plan to sandwich outdoor stays between nights in hotels or lodges with more of the comforts of home.

4. Carry the right gear. Obviously, the more comfortable your family is, the more fun you’ll have. For winter camping (even in mild climates), we bring down, 0 degree sleeping bags (Kelty makes good quality ones for a reasonable price), propane heaters, and lots of extra clothes so everyone has dry layers. In snow, appropriate clothing is a must, and in any area, hats, gloves, and raingear are a good bet.

5. For a winter experience without the overnight, seek out sno-parks. Most mountainous interstates and highways have several sno-parks along its route: look for them as you would rest areas or service stations. In addition to providing some quick snow fun for kids, sno-parks often boast cross-country ski trails, winter animal sanctuaries, or sledding hills. Overnight camping is sometimes permitted (though you’ll need to go prepared for a night in the elements).

One Tank Wonders: where to travel after school starts

September 12, 2011 By

Our family vacations extensively during the summer months, but by autumn, school and sport schedules once again reign. Do we stop traveling? Never! But our adventures do take place closer to home. In fact, some of our favorite trips have taken place less than one tank of gas away from our hometown. Shorter trips are less stressful, usually less expensive, and easier to plan. You can be in the car by breakfast and home by nightfall if needed, or you can opt to pack for only an overnight.

zip line with kidsHere in Oregon, the following are some of our favorite one tank wonders. If you live here too, I hope you’ll check them out!

Crater Lake National Park: Crater Lake is not just one of the true wonders of the world; it’s also full of kid-friendly activities in (almost) all seasons. Roads can close in the middle of winter, but spring and late fall afford snowshoeing, while summer and early fall offer perfectly clear days and miles of hiking trails. We always stop by Union Creek on Highway 62 on the way, where Beckie’s features the best milkshakes and burgers money can buy, and Natural Bridge campground gives kids a glimpse of the icy river rushing through lava tubes.

Bend: This Central Oregon high desert town offers whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, and more volcanic activity at Lavalands Recreational Area. Families will also love the High Desert Museum and in the winter, the skiing at nearby Mt. Bachelor. Stay in Sunriver, or to splurge, Camp Pronghorn.

Oregon Dunes Recreational Area: This past summer, we discovered the fun of camping on the Oregon dunes. Spread out by the Pacific near Reedsport, this section of land is protected from recreational vehicles, and is ideal for hiking and playing on. Families can camp directly adjacent to the dunes, and spend the day on the coastline, or driving to the nearby Sea Lion Caves.

Oregon Caves and Out and About Treesort: Cave Junction, Oregon is less than one hour from our home, and offers the fun of sleeping in your own treehouse! While at the resort, horseback ride or zip line, and be sure to bring food to cook in the communal kitchen or over the bonfire. A short drive up a scenic highway away is Oregon Caves, where kids can spelunk during 90 minute guided tours through the caverns.

I’d love to hear about your one tank wonders! This week, I’m discussing the topic over at the Around the Campfire online community. Come share your own one tank wonder!

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Road-trip troubleshooting: when things go wrong on the road

July 25, 2011 By

I’ll admit it: I’ve run out of gas on the road during a family vacation. (I’ve also had a U-Haul trailer break down on me in the middle of the night in the middle of Washington State, but that’s another story.) It wasn’t much fun, and I’ll tell you what I wish I’d had at the time (both times): Allstate’s Good Hands Roadside Assistance.

Now I do (which as the laws of the universe dictate, means I’ll probably never be stranded again, right?). But the best part is, this Murphy’s Law guarantee of stress-free travel comes completely free: you don’t pay a dime for signing up for Allstate’s Roadside Assistance, and you never pay unless you use it. Regular readers of Pit Stops for Kids know that when we find a product that we find beneficial (and use ourselves) for traveling families, we promote it. Traveling with kids can be challenging enough at times, and we’re all about making it easier, more fun, and hassle-free, which is why you can sign up right here in this post. It takes about two minutes, and doesn’t require digging into your wallet or looking up any complicated personal information, I promise.

Of course, even once you have roadside assistance, it’s good to take practical measures to be prepared while on the road with kids. To that end, we always toss a few blankets and a small case of water bottles in the back of our vehicle (they come in handy during picnics and roadside stops), carry a spare tire and jump kit at all times, and bring car chargers for our cell phones. And ever since that day we ran out of gas, we take signs like this one (near California’s Death Valley) seriously:

Enjoy your summer, and safe travels! See you on the road!