travel with kids - Pitstops for Kids

Five best things to do when you visit Miami

May 5, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

By far one of the most enticing things about visiting Miami, Florida is the fact that no matter when you go, you can almost always count on getting some sunshine. Yes, south Florida enjoys warm sunny weather all year round. Now couple that with the fact that it has some of the best beaches in America (starting, of course, with the iconic Miami Beach) and you have a beautiful destination worth visiting every single time.

During this time of uncertainty, outdoor activities offer the best ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring Miami, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

Of course, if you are going to visit an oceanside city there is simply no way that you can go the entire trip without sunbathing at one of the iconic beaches and getting a glorious tan while you are at it. However, once you are done with all that, or when you are taking a break from laying in the sun, you might want to enjoy these other wonderful attractions that can only be found in Miami, Florida. Here are 5 of the best things to do when you visit Miami.

Take a Ride on the Metromover

Miami has one of the most spectacular skylines in the country. One of the best ways to see it is to party at its iconic rooftop bars at night the other is to ride the metromover during the day. While the locals might think of the metromover as an overcrowded necessity, as a visitor it is by far one of the best ways to get a good look at the city from above. You can simply take a ride from Brickell all the to the Arsht Center and back. That should give you enough time to fully appreciated the alluring architecture that riddles this sunny city.

Go Shopping at the Bayside Marketplace

While Miami has an assortment of well-known chain stores, if you want to find some of the most unique items for sale then you should visit the Bayside Marketplace. Here you will find an array of boutiques in what is America’s most exciting outdoor style malls. The Bayside Marketplace is located right along Miami’s waterfront and it is the place to go if you want to do more than just shop. You can mingle with the locals who come out in droves to soak up the wonderfully lively atmosphere full of live music and all sorts of entertainment.

Rent a Boat and Sail Out into the Ocean

It is true that there is a lot of fun to be had at the beach. You can sunbathe, workout and deep your toes in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. However, if you want to really get out there and have some serious unbridled fun then you should consider renting a boat and sail out into the ocean with a few of your friends. You can do some fishing, more sunbathing, swimming and take awesome selfies showing off your wonderful tan while sipping champagne on a boat in Miami. There are very few better ways to make your friends green with envy.

Where to stay: When visiting Miami, families will want to choose between a midtown or downtown Miami hotel or a South Beach hotel. Miami hotel options are abundant! Bear in mind that while South Beach hotels often have beach access, they also have livelier crowds. Opt for the best environment for your family.

Go Swimming in the Venetian Pool

Miami is one of those metropolitan cities that pays tribute a wide variety of cultures that make it such a warm and vibrant place to be. You can get a taste of Cuba in “Little Havana” or you could experience a little bit of Venice in the Venetian Pool. The Venetian Pool is a historic facility that attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year. Built in 1923, the Venetian Pool can be found in Coral Gables and it was built out of a coral rock quarry. This gorgeous pool holds about 820,000 gallons of water at any given time and is fed by an underground spring water. When summer hits and the pool gets very busy, it gets emptied out and refilled every single day. They even stop selling tickets at some point so you have to book early.

Pay Crandon Park a Visit

If you travel a little south of Miami Beach, right across Rickenbacker Causeway you will come to Key Biscayne. This is one of the most beautiful locations in this part of the planet. As tiny as it is, Key Biscayne has some of the most stunning beaches and outstanding park areas in the region. Out of all these wonderful parks, Crandon Park is by far the most visited and most popular in the area. The reason for this is that the reef here makes swimming a joyous activity. The park also has a Nature and Amusement Center that offers extraordinarily entertaining wholesome family fun. So if you are traveling with the kids be sure to take them over to Crandon Park for an afternoon of fun lessons and reef swimming.

Of course, you could also do the usual things such as:

Go to a vivacious bar
Visit the Miami Children’s Museum
Cruise down Ocean Drive
Catch a live event

Finally, you simply must visit the Miami Sea Aquarium where you can see manatees, killer whales, dolphins and even sharks. The best way to enjoy Miami is to plan a few trips and create a Miami-focused bucket list. You simply cannot do it all in one visit.

We worked in conjunction with hotels.com to bring you the best of Miami. All opinions are our own.

Five pet-friendly road trip ideas

June 3, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re planning a road trip with the kids, you won’t want to leave your furry family members behind! It just wouldn’t be a vacation without them. Yet just like travelling with the little ones, a bit of advance planning can make a world of difference once you’re on the road. To get started, you’ll want to choose road trip destinations that are ideal for both kids and pets. Here are five of the best!

See also: pet friendly road trip tips!

Five pet-friendly road trip ideas:

1. The Grand Canyon

Some of America’s top destinations are more pet-friendly than others. National Parks like Yellowstone are always a hit for the kids, but they’re not so great for dogs who aren’t allowed in many campgrounds. The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a notable exception. Your pooch will be allowed to tackle the trails along with the kids, making this a great road trip pit stop for the whole family. Remember to bring plenty of snacks and water for everyone, as temperatures can soar and the trails go on for miles.

2. Nevada and Las Vegas

Las Vegas may not be the first road trip stop to come to mind when you’re thinking about where to take the kids and pets. While you can’t take Fido into the casinos, there are plenty of dog-friendly stops along the strip including many restaurants and shops. Many of the larger hotel chains also offer pet beds and food bowls upon request. The kids will be entertained by live shows and swimming pools, and outside of the city there are plenty of attractions to drive to. Don’t miss Red Rock Canyon, only a 30-minute drive away.

3. Upstate New York

Explore New York State with a drive away from Manhattan towards the Adirondacks. Road trip destinations like Mirror Lake are family and pet-friendly. A prime example is Lake Placid Lodge, which offers cabins fully stocked with homemade doggie treats and pet beds. The children will love wandering around the numerous hiking trails in the area, while upstate NY’s charming villages are filled with boutiques and organic cafes for the grownups.

4. North Carolina

North Carolina’s scenic highways are tailor-made for family fun. Get away to sandy beaches where the kids and pets can run free, or head to Jockey Ridge State Park to tackle the impressive sand dunes. Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk, which offers sweeping views and plenty of ice cream stands for the kids.

5. The California Coast

Finally, a classic road trip idea is to wind your way up or down California’s scenic coastline. Whether or not you have a Mustang convertible to feel the wind in your hair, you’ll be able to soak in Pacific views and plenty of sunshine. California’s a particularly pet-loving state, with dog friendly restaurants and local festivals ready to welcome your furry friend. Pet-friendly beaches are clearly marked, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Make the most of your family road trip by including destinations like these, which are capable of accommodating everyone.

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What to do in Boston with kids: Fun things to explore on the Rose Kennedy Greenway

July 22, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Experience the entire Greenway on foot by starting at either Chinatown Park in the south or at the North End Parks. In addition to the wide open green spaces, perfect for tossing a ball or playing tag, you can enjoy walking the paths surrounded by beautiful plantings, unique art installations, historic landmarks, attractions; Not to mention the breezes and views of Boston Harbor and the waterfront as you go!

Fun Things to Explore with Kids on the Rose Kennedy Greenway:

Wondering what to do in Boston with kids? Some of our favorite highlights for kids include:

1. Greenway Carousel

This one-of-a-kind carousel located in the heart of Boston featuring 33 New England native animals. These unique carousel creatures were inspired by the drawings of Boston schoolchildren and brought to life by a local artist. Entirely ADA accessible, and fun for all ages, take a spin on a sea turtle, a lobster, an owl, a whale and more!

Steps from Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Christopher Columbus Park, and the Boston Harbor Walk, (not to mention, the North End!) you’ll enjoy a cool ocean breeze with views of the City in every direction!

2. Harbor Fog Sculpture

This interactive installation in the Greenway’s Wharf District area, between the New England Aquarium and the Boston Harbor Hotel, is both a cooling fountain and a contemporary art piece. Consisting of three contemporary tiki-like geometric structures, surrounded by large granite blocks, the motion-activated piece releases mist and fog and emits colorful lights when people walk nearby. Kids love to frolic through it, as they cool off on a hot summer day.

3. North End Swinging Benches

These popular benches are a great place to sit and relax, just steps away from the North End. Picture a bench, that’s a swing. They face Boston’s downtown area and overlook a wide grassy area with gardens along the Greenway, as well as the lower patio of water jets that you can kids of all ages can play around in and cool off in during the summer.

You’ll often see people carrying white boxes tied with string around these parts. Those are full of cannoli and pastry from either Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry. This park is the perfect spot to grab a table to enjoy these delicious desserts, especially as dusk falls.

4. Rings Fountain

Located in n Wharf Districts Park, across from the New England Aquarium, is a wonderful urban spray park, where you can cool off in the hot Summer days. Rings Fountain has 64 nozzles that create circles of water, the fountain runs May through October. During the evening hours, colorful lights dance with the water spray for a truly magical summer in the city experience.

Families can come together and enjoy some water play in the rings fountain, toddlers, teens and children of all ages will enjoy getting drenched in water in the Summer. Food trucks are always on hand from May through September, and there are also many restaurants nearby as well as the food court at Quincy Market and Fanueil Hall.

5. Codzilla

Codzilla – Looking for a bit of a thrill? Get ready for Codzilla! Located in the Boston Harbor next to the Aquarium, Codzilla is Boston’s first and only high-speed thrill boat ride featuring a brightly colored hull and two turbo-charged diesel engines generating 2,800 horsepower.

The ride starts off at a slower pace until they get out of the Harbor. That’s where you get to hear the legend of Codzilla. Once you make it out to open water, the music gets loud and the boat goes fast! Lots of speed and fun splashy turns await you.

If thrill rides aren’t your thing, Boston Harbor Whale watching tours also depart from this dock, so you really have a lot of fun excursions to choose from.

6. Rotating Whimsical Art Exhibits:

Everyone looks forward to the rotating art installations that change annually on the Greenway. The exhibits often include lots of whimsical art, that is great for photo ops, inspires conversation and is just pleasing to the eye.

Dewey Square, across from South Station, features a giant mural that changes every year. It’s a mesmerizing process to watch, and once it’s done, the city gets to enjoy it for the entire year. There is always something new to see and interact with on the Greenway.

You never know what you might come across. Is this the Wicked Witch of the West’s house? Or just a yellow meeting house on it’s side? How many different Pig Sculptures can you find on this artists scavenger hunt? You can even find exhibits that have an element of augmented reality to them. Just download the app and watch as the art transforms.

7. Chinatown Parks

A lovely oasis at the southern end of the Greenway, this one-acre linear park contains design elements drawn from Asian traditions and art work. The area contains a serpentine walkway edged by bamboo within bright red sculptural elements and a unique fountain that suggests a waterfall and shallow riverbed.

Right outside the historic Chinatown Gate, you’ll find a colorful geometric play structure that is usually being enjoyed by young children, as well as the local Tai Chi club practicing meditation under nearby trees. You can often find lively board & card games being played by locals in the shaded area by the gate.

Don’t miss your opportunity to grab some dim sum, or a bowl of noodles and dumplings for lunch in one of the many nearby restaurants.

There are so many more things to do in Boston with kids, and the Greenway provides a nearly 17-acre oasis of green space to enjoy a good number of them. They say the best things in life are free, and it’s pretty cool to know that can be especially true in Boston.

Stacey Sao is the managing editor at BostonCentral, a website that specializes in helping parents find fun and free things to do with kids in Greater Boston.

What to do in Lubbock Texas with kids

September 27, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

We highly recommend the dining and winery scene in Lubbock Texas for couples and friends on a Grown-Up Getaway, but what if you have the kids in tow? There’s a lot to do in Lubbock with the kids, from learning about ranching history to learning about the musical legacy of one of Lubbock’s most famous teens, Buddy Holly. Here’s what not to miss, plus where to eat with kids in this fun college town in West Texas.

National Ranching Heritage Center:

This center, which was built in public-private cooperation with Texas Tech University and the Ranching Heritage Association, is free to the public, with a 19-acre historical park outdoors and several galleries indoors. You’ll want to dedicate most of your visit to the outdoor section (which closes at 4 pm daily). I loved that it encourages families to walk and explore, guiding you on a chronological tour of Texas ranching homes and structures from the late 1700s to the 1950s.

You’ll want a few hours to tour the houses, which you can peek into and view, and the windmills, stables, outbuildings and locomotives that tell Texas’ ranching history. It’s all well-persevered and well done, and indoors, you can find a few more modest exhibits (an exhibit on cowboy boots was my favorite) and a few temporary visits (I was lucky enough to be there when the Lonesome Dove exhibit was on loan, with artifacts and directing notes from the celebrated mini-series).

All this said, there is danger of getting a one-sided history of Texas ranching, as the signage and displays in the 19-acre historical park details white settler and rancher history while giving far less attention to the Comanche history that’s tied to it. We were lucky enough to tour the grounds with someone knowledgeable in all Texas history, and I do feel that visitors are denied some knowledge of that violent time period from the perspective of the Native American.

Buddy Holly Center:

While not huge, the Buddy Holly Center, located near downtown Lubbock, provides a good overview of the tragically short life of singer and songwriter Buddy Holly with a main gallery with useful timelines of popular music and artifacts, a short film (helpful if your kids don’t know who Buddy Holly was upon arrival here) and an adjacent living history exhibit, the house of Holly’s friend and band member Jerry Allison, recreated to the period. The only thing I think the center was lacking: some of Holly’s better-known music playing as you toured. It’s $8 admission, $5 for kids, and if you’re interested in paying your respects, Holly is buried in the cemetery nearby (as a Buddy Holly Center attendant for directions).

Note: In spring of 2020, a huge downtown development project, the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts & Sciences, will open across from the civic center, offering theater space and event space with the capacity to host Broadway productions and world-class musical guests.

Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue:

Both a lunch hot spot and an attraction in its own right, Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue is THE place to go for lunch. It will be packed, but the line goes quickly. Order at the counter (combo plates start around $9, or you can order sandwiches starting at $8). They’re best known for their amazing beef brisket, but you can also sample sausage, ribs, pulled pork, and chipped beef. For me, the sides are just as important, and at Evie Mae’s, you can choose from cheesy grits, green beans, pinto beans, potato salad, and more. Definitely get the cornbread, and utilize the free toppings bar with jalapenos, onions, pickles and the like. And I saved the best for last: in the center of the restaurant, an iced galvanized bucket keeps FREE beer cool. Yes, free.

The owners of Evie Mae’s have been at their current location since 2016, and orginally got into barbeque simply because they wanted to weld a smoker…then needed to learn how to use it. They use only prime Angus beef, and all items are gluten-free, except for the white bread and buns. My only disappointment: they use styrofoam cups and plates. Here’s hoping they make a switch soon.

Cast Iron Grill:

For breakfast, go to the Lubbock joint all the locals love: Cast Iron Grill. This lively breakfast spot is casual, quick, and filling, run by a woman who takes her Christian faith seriously (you’ll note all the religious sayings on the walls right away). If you’re not religious, however, as I’m not, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the Cast Iron’s Grill’s famous pies at lunch or their huge breakfast platters in the morning. Expect basic coffee, friendly waitstaff (all wearing cowboy boots) and a loud, fun atmosphere.

Road Trip Safety: What to do if your car breaks down

July 19, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

A few years ago, we were ten minutes into a six-hour road trip when we ran over a nail in the road and got a flat tire. Yep, only ten minutes in…and while it was a bummer to be sidelined so quickly, at least we were close to home. Within a few hours, we were back on the road. But what if you were further afield?

Any time your car breaks down, it’s natural for panic to set in—but what if you’re miles and miles into a road trip? What if you’re in unfamiliar territory and have no cell phone signal? As difficult as it is, don’t panic. Here are a few things to do if you have to take that gut-wrenching park on the side of the highway:

1. Move away from the car if you see smoke. It’s very unlikely for modern cars to catch fire, but it does happen. If you see smoke or otherwise suspect staying in or near the car is dangerous, move away. Your safety is the top priority.

2. Put on your hazards and set out flares if you have them. Flares should be part of any roadside emergency kit. However, if you don’t have them, at the bare minimum put on the hazards. This will minimize your risk (and the risk of a car accidentally hitting yours).

3. Call for help if you have a signal. Most insurance companies include roadside assistance with policies. However, the waits can be long. If you do have a roadside assistance program, call them first so you can get help as soon as possible. Next, call someone nearby who may be able to help. If that isn’t an option, call someone you trust to let them know what happened and where you are.

4. Start walking if you have no cell service but know a store is nearby. Maybe you recently passed an interstate gas station or saw signs for a small town within a couple of miles. Only start walking if you’re confident that you can safely and quickly get to a business where you can then call for help. If possible, walk against traffic so you can see cars as they approach.

5. Make a sign for jumper cables and wait by your car if you know your battery is dead. It’s rare that a car will stop working suddenly on the highway because of a dead battery, but it can happen—especially if you recently turned the car off. If you’re certain that’s the issue and have jumper cables, hold them up to passing cars. If you don’t, make a “jumper cables” sign with your hands to let passing cars know what you need. It shouldn’t take long for someone to stop.

The best way to avoid getting stranded is to take precautions. Make sure you’ve ticked off these tasks before taking your next road trip:

1. Get your car serviced. Regular maintenance is the best way to stay safe and spot any troubling signs before they get out of control. Maintenance checks are fast, affordable, and save you money in the long run. Aim for at least one car service per year.

2. Make a roadside kit and always keep it with you. This should include jumper cables, safety items such as pepper spray, solar-powered chargers, a wind-up radio, road flares, and a first-aid kit. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but you’ll be glad to have it if you do.

3. Choose a wireless plan with good coverage. It’s tempting to save money on a bargain carrier, but you’ll regret it if you travel to a more rural area without coverage. The best way to get help is simply to make a phone call. Don’t opt to take that away from yourself.

In the worst-case scenario, you might have to sell your car if it breaks down. If you must, you can find a company near you. For example, a company like Junk That Car in Temecula will purchase your car and tow it away getting rid of the hassles associated with a broken-down car.

Another way to increase safety on a road trip? Don’t go alone. There’s safety and power in numbers.

Travel Gear We Use: Best tote bags for travel

October 20, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

We’ve already declared our favorite travel day pack, perfect for carrying all your necessities (and the kids’) during a typical day traveling, but what about the larger tote bag you need in airports and on the road? I’ve tried over a dozen travel-sized tote bags recently, in a quest for the best. Here’s the winning list.

Best tote bags for travel:

Duluth Trading Company Lifetime Leather Tote Bag:

It’s so pretty, you’ll wonder if this leather tote really is a durable as Duluth Trading Co says, but it really does seem to be ‘lifetime’ worthy. This substantial, full-grain leather tote is timeless, and the oiled leather ages beautifully. I worried about scratches and rips; after all, I’m not gentle on my bags. But the scratches I’ve put on my leather tote so far have faded to nothing within days (and Duluth says they have cream you can buy to care for your leather bag, too). While I wish this tote had a few more internal pockets, it has one deep zippered one, and best of all, the top zippers closed. As you’ll see as you continue reading this post, a zippered top matters a lot to me. I need my stuff secure, especially on planes, where it can all spill out so easily. This tote also has two side water bottle pockets, which are slim, but perfect for my Swell bottles I like to use for travel. You’ll pay a hefty $170 for the Lifetime Leather Tote Bag, but…lifetime, guys.

Note: if you like the idea of a lifetime leather bag but don’t want a tote style, Duluth’s Lifetime Leather Crossbody Bag is also a contender. It has more internal pockets and even a key fob, which I love. I actually like the style better…it’s almost a hobo bag…but I couldn’t give it top billing because the top doesn’t zipper shut (though it has a nice magnetic closure).

Fjallraven Totepack No. 1:

Fjallraven makes some of my favorite travel bags (their duffels are excellent), and this tote converts from a backpack to a tote and back again. Honestly, I almost exclusively use it as a tote, because for backpack mode, it uses the shoulder straps, which I find less comfortable in the backpack configuration. That said, it can be handy to convert it when you need to be hands-free. The Fjallraven Totepack is made of a wonderful waxed canvas material that is weather-resistant and doesn’t show dirt. This is a substantial bag that has some heft, and keeps its shape, another plus for travel days. The top zips closed (of course), and you get a roomy zippered outside pocket, too. There’s also a smaller inside pocket that zips as well. It comes in an absolute ton of colors, which is fun, and sells for $110. You can also go bigger with the Totepack No. 2.

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Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote:

If you want something more sporty (though certainly no more rugged than the above totes), the Patagonia travel tote fits the bill, and best of all, stuffs down into its own small travel pouch. Everyone needs at least one tote or backpack that stuffs down to stash in their bag. This one has significant straps, which is rare on a stuff-able tote, and like the Fjallraven, it converts to a backpack. You get a zippered top, a big interior zippered pocket, and mesh outside water bottle pockets (though I don’t find them quite deep enough). You can compress it down as needed, and it’s only $80.

Baggallini Balance Tote:

I didn’t expect to love this large yoga tote so much, but I keep reaching for it on travel days. It is roomy but squishes down under the seat nicely, zips closed, and has tons of compartments and pockets inside, a nice Baggallini standard. You can fit a lot in it, and the side pockets are roomy enough for any kind of water bottle. The back panel of mine has a sleeve to slip over my roller bag handle, which is an awesome feature, but it doesn’t look like the current version still has that…bummer. It does have straps for your yoga mat, if you’re using the bag for its intended purpose, which I have only done sparingly. It’s $118, and will last you a long time…though I find that the somewhat shiny nylon does show dirt and stains easily.

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Do you have a favorite tote? What is your best tote bags for travel pick?

Top family-friendly resort towns in the U.S.

June 19, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

The United States is a hugely diverse country with hundreds of thousands of unique locations spread out across a wide space. Choosing an American vacation destination is difficult in any situation, but especially so with a family in tow. With every additional trip taker comes another person’s enjoyment and happiness to consider. Selecting where to travel will require, to some extent, successfully finding a place where everyone can have a great time

Top family-friendly resort towns:

While it’s true you can only please everyone some of the time, some people every time, but never everyone all the time, there are American vacation destinations which are more likely to keep everyone happier than others. Here are the most family-friendly destinations in the US and some basic tips on planning a trip there:

Palm Springs, California

Once the resort town where Hollywood A-listers went to escape the pressures of Tinseltown, Palm Springs now caters to a more middle class demographic without skimping on the luxuries provided to the likes of Clark Gable and Frank Sinatra. Not to mention the addition of numerous family-friendly experiences including hiking trails, water park, record-breaking aerial tramway, and hot air balloon rides.

However, the signature experience for families staying in Palm Springs is booking several days in one of the city’s iconic resort options. Those choosing a Palm Springs family resort can easily find one with amenities and activities for just about any age group. Whether it’s laying by the pool, swinging golf clubs, or learning to pilot drones, the daytime fun culminates with pristine accommodations overlooking said pool or the surrounding beauty of California.

Breckenridge, Colorado

While Aspen will always be the iconic American ski resort destination in terms of premium luxury, Breckenridge, Colorado exists as an accessible alternative for working families. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is the ideal ski resort town for families interested in snow-based adventure, time spent in a spa on the outer deck, and all the other trappings of the idyllic alpine experience.

In addition to these signature elements of a cold climate resort, Breckenridge offers a variety of things to do in the warmer months. These include zip lining, fly fishing, historical walking tours, escape the room, and much more.

Branson, Missouri

Bart Simpson once quoted his father Homer as saying Branson, Missouri is what Las Vegas would be like “if it were run by Ned Flanders.” For readers unfamiliar with the animated series wondering what the joke is, Ned Flanders is the very wholesome, very Christian, and very family-friendly neighbor to the Simpsons. While poking fun at the sentimental and old-timey atmosphere of the Ozark resort town, it’s an accurate description which in no way knocks this iconic American family vacation destination.

In addition to watching performers presumed to have retired decades ago, Branson offers a number of exciting, unique, and ultimately unforgettable experiences for the whole family. These include the amusements and thrills of Silver Dollar City, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, and Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors.

Orlando, Florida

Where do we begin? 50 years ago, Orlando was little more than a swampy, sleepy town for retirees looking to get away from it all after a lifetime of hard work. Then Walt Disney showed up and decided to build the most famous family friendly resort destination in the entire world. The rest, as they say, is history.

Yet there’s more to do in Orlando besides visiting Minnie and Mickey, though a family can easily spend an entire week on Walt Disney World grounds and never get bored. Additional Orlando-based attractions include Universal Studios Florida, Gatorland, Medieval Times, and the Kennedy Space Center.

From coast to coast, the United States is in no short supply of family-friendly vacation destinations. If the challenge revolves around finding a place to please everyone under one roof, resort towns are the way to go. Among them, the aforementioned are proven to be the best.

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Teaching Kids About Travel Photography Etiquette

July 28, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Everyone takes photos when traveling—it’s part of the whole experience. Now if you enjoy traveling to new and exciting places with your kids, then at some point they are going to want to take some photos of their own. Children today are particularly tech-savvy and can work most devices without needing much instruction, so photography is something that you can (and should) allow and encourage them to learn. Parents can even provide their children with a simple, kid-friendly camera to practice on, so that they won’t have to keep whipping out smartphones or iPads (a surefire way to attract thieves) to capture the sights.

But before you give your child a camera, remember that there are certain rules in travel photography that everyone (even non-professional shutterbugs) need to adhere to. Here are some of the most important rules of photography etiquette that you need to teach your kids:

Always ask permission from a parent, guardian, or any adult companion.

In travel photography, the golden rule is to ask permission from the people whom you plan to feature in your photos. But for your children, the golden rule should be to ask you for your permission before taking photos of anything—at least until they are old enough to know how to discern which situations are appropriate for taking photos and which are not. This way, you can properly guide them, as well as facilitate their interactions with the locals. After all, someone will still need to ask permission from whomever your child wants to take photos of—a crucial step that you cannot forego, particularly in foreign countries where the customs and norms may be different from where you are from.

Having your child inform you first before taking pictures prevents him from breaking certain social rules (regarding photography)—and getting himself into trouble—in the country you are visiting. Some places, like in Indian or Japanese temples, have a strict ban on any type of photography. In other places, it may be considered rude to take photos of people in the street. You cannot expect your child to be aware of or remember all these different rules, so it’s best to have him ask you before he whips out a camera.

Respect personal boundaries.

If you have yet to teach your kids about the concept of personal space and boundaries, then this is the perfect time to address it. Unlike adults, children are accustomed to affectionate physical interactions (mostly with their parents, grandparents, siblings, and even their friends). It is completely normal for a child to, say, touch his mother’s face or sit on his father’s lap, which is why he might find it strange that this type of interaction may not be accepted or welcomed by other adults.

Before you decide to trust your child with a camera on your travels, you need to teach him about the “personal bubble.” Most children would normally have no qualms about thrusting a camera into someone’s face or squeezing beside someone to take a quick selfie, so it is important for your child to understand that some people are very particular with their personal space and may possibly take offense when other people—children included—violate their sense of space by entering their “personal bubble.”

Avoid using the flash (unless absolutely necessary).

As you probably already know, some tourist spots—particularly art galleries, museums, or zoos—do not allow flash photography within the premises. But children aren’t particularly fond of reading signs, so there’s a very good chance that they wouldn’t automatically know this important rule. Therefore, you need to make sure that your child is made aware of these crucial rules and that he learns how to turn the camera’s flash on or off before allowing him to take photos in public places. Otherwise, this can lead to some very embarrassing situations.

Also, people generally don’t like having a bright camera flash go off in their faces, so make sure that your child knows to turn off the flash when taking photos of the locals and other tourists.

Don’t block the view.

Children aren’t always aware of what is going on in their surroundings, so it’s important to remind them that they have to be mindful and considerate of other people when taking photos. For instance, when you visit a tourist hotspot like a historical landmark or any of the other popular photo-op spots, there will most likely be a horde of other tourists and photographers there who are also trying to take photos of their own. Remind your child not to block anyone’s shot or “photobomb” another tourist family’s photo session. Teach him to patiently wait his turn until other people are finished, so that he can take his photos without bothering anyone or ruining other people’s photo-ops.

Being polite when taking photos in tourist spots must be a continuous learning process—it doesn’t end with just telling your kid what he can or cannot do. Keep an eye on your little one’s behavior, remind him if you must, and don’t forget to give words of affirmation every time he does something right.

Jet lag: kids get it too! Tips for dealing

March 23, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

On my kids’ first cross-Atlantic journey, we did everything we could to ease the effects of jet lag. We drank a lot of water, got as good a night’s sleep beforehand as possible, and established a ‘bedtime’ on the plane. And everything went well…until our 11-year-old began vomiting as we weaved our way through customs. Not a pleasant story, I know, but nausea is a more common symptom of jet lag than you’d think. Read on for what to watch for, best prevention, and how to deal with jet lag…kids, adults, everyone!

Prevention of jet lag in kids is best:

As noted above, there are steps you can take to help ease the effects of jet lag in kids. Here they are in a nut shell. (And no, we have not found any of the gimmicky natural remedies to work.)

Drink lots of fluids, especially water. We already drink a large amount of water per day at home, so we thought this would be no problem in flight. However, water is only available every so often. Bring your own refillable water containers and stock up in the airport before your flight or flights. Sip often.
Pound the Vitamin C. It helps to stay heathy when dealing with jet lag, and traveling across time zones can really wear out your body. This includes your immune system, and the immune systems of kids. We brought Airborne chewables to take every few hours, plus mandated that kids order at least 1-2 glasses of orange juice during complimentary drink services onboard.
Get sleep the night before. Of course, this is easier said than done if you’re overnighting in an airport hotel or if you have an early morning departure. But do your best. Don’t be tempted to think kids will sleep better on the plane if they skip sleep the night before. An overtired body doesn’t deal with jet lag well.
Bring pillows, eye shades, ear plugs, and a plan for ‘bedtime’. Again…this is easier said than done. We established a time for our kids to stop watching airplane movies at their seat and lean their seats back to try to sleep. It sort of worked. Banning drinks with caffeine in the evening helped.

Dealing with jet lag once you arrive:

Drink more water. Be aware that public drinking fountains may be scarce (we find them much more plentiful in the States than abroad). Be prepared to spend a significant sum on bottled water.
Get Vitamin D, but continue with Vitamin C. Get outside as soon as you can. Take a walk in the neighborhood of your hotel or vacation rental. Avoid going into darker spaces the day you arrive, such as museums or movie theaters.
Put your watches and clocks on local time immediately, and make yourself (and your family) honor it. Yes, it may feel like 3 am to you, but if it’s lunchtime, eat lunch and be as active as possible. Do your best to prevent naps. It’s far better to allow an early bedtime than to allow kids to nap immediately, unless of course, you want to be up all night.
Leave an ‘empty’ morning in your itinerary for the day after you arrive. We’re early risers, but after arriving in Paris at about 3 pm local time and pushing ourselves through to 8 pm before going to bed, we still woke at 8 am. We needed those twelve hours of sleep, so I’m glad I didn’t plan a morning activity.
Consider a sleeping aid for Night 1. We opted to medicate with a mild sleeping pill. This is a personal choice of course, but we found that it helped our older kids fall asleep more easily those first few nights.

A dose of realism: what to look for and expect:

Difficulty getting to sleep: This seems odd, but even if you or the kids feel very tired, it can be hard to get to sleep if your body thinks it’s mid-day. We found this problem persisted for 4-5 days. To combat it, we did move bedtime back (which allowed for some later evenings out), but still forced ourselves to lie in bed with the lights off before we felt tired. After several days, our bodies made the minor adjustment to be truly on schedule. A natural sleeping aid, reading, or a cup of non-caffeinated tea at bedtime helps, if that’s your thing.
Nausea: Our son started feeling nauseous and dizzy on the last leg of our three-leg set of flights. By this time, he’d been awake almost 24 hours, with only a few cat naps. Luckily, we grabbed an air sickness bag from the plane before we disembarked, because he lost his breakfast by the time we were queuing for customs. Not fun, but we dealt with it with water and some fresh air. He felt fully recovered by the time we arrived at our accommodations.
Constipation: Pack an over-the-counter medication of your choice. Check in with kids about their bathroom habits during the first few days. If you have teens, this will embarrass them horribly, which is a fun silver lining.
Headaches: We also brought Tylenol for headaches, which are common while fighting jet lag. Ultimately, sleep and hydration will fix this problem best.

Realistically, you may not be able to prevent young kids, or even teens, from falling asleep upon arrival. We let ours take a nap between shorter flights (we landed in Rome and took a small jet to Paris) but once we had arrived at our final destination, we immediately went outside, grocery shopped, and explored our neighborhood. Were we tired? Goodness yes. Was it hard to deal with the language barrier while fallowing a grocery list in an unfamiliar store with tired kids? Double yes. But it was worth it when we fell into bed that night!

What are your best tips for combatting jet lag? I’d love to hear them in the comments.

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.