Costa Rica has a landscape brimming with opportunities for active adventure. National parks provide safe and pristine environments for rambunctious children to explore. If your youngsters have exhibited interest in climbing, jumping, gliding, or bouncing, make sure to fit some of these activities into your Costa Rica itinerary. You can usually find a tour that offers some combination of the … [Read more...]
Five unusual outdoor lodging picks for families
March 27, 2015 By
Ever wanted to stay the night in a yurt, overlooking the ocean? How about a rustic cabin in the mountains, a tree house in the woods, or even a fire lookout with sweeping views? All of the above are easily accessible to all travelers – no wilderness experience necessary! Extend the camping season with these year-round lodging experiences, and learn where and when to book them. Yurts: Comfortable … [Read more...]
Five reasons to book Alaska small ship cruises
February 9, 2015 By
A year ago, we wrote extensively about our small ship cruise experience with Alaskan Dream Cruises. If you liked what you read (and saw in our small ship cruise review video), now is the perfect time of year to book your summer cruise. However, I realize Alaska small ship cruises are a serious vacation investment. If hikes, kayaking, wildlife viewing and shore excurions are on your list, you'll … [Read more...]
Tips on living abroad: A Better Life for Half the Price
January 30, 2015 By
If you're a serious lover of travel, it's crossed your mind at least once, and you probably flirt with the idea regularly: what if we were to move outside the country, and explore a different culture indefinitely? As a travel writer who could work from anywhere, I've considered the idea more than most parents I know. Most recently, I toyed with dipping my toes in the expat waters when I … [Read more...]
Best of 2014: Best destinations for families you can book now!
December 22, 2014 By
Every December, we take time to reflect upon the past year of travel, and select five experiences---yes, just five!---that we crown the best of the year. Last year, our top travel experiences of 2013 took us from Alaska to the Caribbean. This year, we're focusing on the American West and MidAtlantic, showcasing everything from five-star city hotels to cabins. We stand behind these picks as … [Read more...]
Flying for the fun of it: Take a trip with San Juan Airlines
October 27, 2014 By
Yes, you read that right: flying can be fun! In an era when it's 99% hassle (even for kids!), I had a great time remembering what I love about flying when I spent a morning with San Juan Airlines. Check out my flight from Seattle to Friday Harbor, WA: Yes, I'm smiling. Actually, I grinned most of the flight. Why? On a small plane--in this case, a Cessna 172 three-seater--it's easy to remember … [Read more...]
Couples getaway: Oregon cycle tour with LifeCycle Adventures
October 22, 2014 By
At Pit Stops for Kids, we’re fans of adventurous travel for kids, so it will come as no surprise that when we want to get away for an adults-only vacation, my husband Charlie and I prefer an active, outdoorsy pursuit of our own. We also love wineries, outside-the-box local lodging, and farm-to-fork dining, indulgences absolutely possible to enjoy with kids, but— if we’re being honest here … [Read more...]
Family dude ranch vacation: a stay at Triangle X Ranch
October 8, 2014 By
There are many family dude ranch vacation options to choose from, and the time to book for next summer is...now. Dude ranches fill up fast, as many families book repeat visits. What sets Triangle X Ranch apart? Let’s start with the family history. And I’m not talking about the Turner family history, even though this Wyoming family has owned and run the ranch for five generations (and counting). … [Read more...]
Educational Travel: Sending your child on a teen service trip
September 10, 2014 By
Remember that post from a few months back, where I discussed our preparation for our teen Nate's teen service trip with Adventures Cross Country? We're back with a full trip report! If you're considering sending your teen on a service trip next summer, read on! Spoiler alert: he loved it! Last July, Nate embarked on Adventures Cross Country's Costa Rica Classic trip, which comprised of 14 days … [Read more...]
The north shore of Kauai with babies and toddlers
August 5, 2014 By
The north shore of Kauai, Hawaii, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth for a Hawaiian holiday, but it can be tricky to manage a kid-friendly family vacation without a few insider tips! Kauai is a small island, but indirect, winding, two-lane roads and local traffic can slow families down, making outings longer than they appear on the map. We’ve put together a brief list of some … [Read more...]
