Need a US passport for kids? Getting your child his or her first passport doesn't have to be as intimidating as it sounds. Yes, you need to clear an afternoon or morning to the task, and yes, there's a wait time involved, but the process is simpler than most people realize. Here's what you need to know for getting a US passport for kids: Where should I go to get the passport? In most cases, … [Read more...]
How we planned our European trip on a budget
January 6, 2020 By
This winter, the Pit Stops for Kids crew will be heading to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy. Our entire trip has been planned with budget in mind, by necessity! If your family, like ours, wants to plan a European trip on a budget, we have tips below! We will travel in an off-season. Yes, Paris in springtime is lovely, and Scandinavia in the summer is just about perfect. But … [Read more...]
Where to ski in Utah: Brighton Resort
January 2, 2020 By
If you just read my post reviewing Utah skiing at Solitude Mountain Resort, you know that Brighton Resort is its closest neighbor, nestled right next door in Big Cottonwood Canyon outside of Salt Lake City. Both resorts offer incredible ski terrain for experts and backcountry skiers and snowboarders, both offer a friendly, local vibe, and both have enough skiable terrain for a family to be happy … [Read more...]
Vail luxury ski hotel: Sonnenalp hotel review
December 16, 2019 By
I have been lucky enough to stay in many luxury ski hotel properties, from Whistler to Tahoe to points east. My stay at The Sonnenalp, a Leading Hotels of the World property in Vail, Colorado, met the expectations that properties like the Fairmont or the Ritz Carlton had set for me, but also exceeded those expectations in subtle ways. What do I mean by this? The Sonnenalp Hotel, which is a true … [Read more...]
Germany with kids: Five Bavarian cities not to miss
December 9, 2019 By
If the Germany of your imagination is storybook towns, medieval villages, vineyards and church steeples, you need to include the region of Bavaria (and its subsection of Franconia) in your European trip plans. After touring Germany with Vantagetravel.com, I compiled a collection of not-to-miss destinations throughout Bavaria that will satisfy kids' need for fun and exploration and parents' … [Read more...]
Gift-free holiday: Why we opted for no presents at Christmas
November 11, 2019 By
When we decided the best time for our family's bucket list trip to Europe was Christmas break, we, as parents, realized how unrealistic it would be to buy Christmas presents on top of the cost of the trip. While we would be budget traveling through Europe, we would still spend far more than the average amount we set aside for holiday spending. In addition, it simply wouldn't be practical to try to … [Read more...]
Travel planning: When and why to partner with a family vacation planner
November 4, 2019 By
Here at Pit Stops for Kids, we're of a DIY mentality. If you're a regular reader here, you probably are, too. We encourage you to travel by offering as much useful, free information as we can, so you can make informed decisions before booking your family vacations. But...and this is a big but! We have used a family vacation planner for some very specific trips, and think you should, too. Bringing … [Read more...]
The Wizarding World at Universal Studios Hollywood: What to know before you go
October 28, 2019 By
If you have kids who live and breathe all things Harry Potter, and you can't take them on a trip to the motherland, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is the next best thing. With the Wizarding World is now open on both coasts, we opted to check out Hogwarts and Hogsmeade in Hollywood. Read on for our best planning tips: Don't forget to budget time for one of the best … [Read more...]
Traveling the Canadian Rockies on VIA Rail
October 24, 2019 By
Overnight passenger train travel can be more expensive and slower than air travel today. So why should you go? And where? Train across Canada: after spending two nights traveling the Canadian Rockies on VIA Rail's Canadian, the 'why' is easy to answer: in an age when traveling to a destination has become only about getting from Point A to Point B in a rushed, often stressful manner, a few days … [Read more...]
How to find the lowest airfare prices for any trip (STEP BY STEP)
October 10, 2019 By
Securing low airfare doesn't have to be frustrating, stressful, or futile! Cheap flights are out there, if you know where to look and how to book! You can take control of your airfare purchasing by planning ahead…far ahead. Here's how to find the lowest airfare prices for your family...consistently: Step 1: Be thinking about airfare even before knowing when and where you're going. To find the … [Read more...]
