Travel Gear We Use: Best cameras for small hands

A good camera or HD video device is essential gear for most families traveling today. We agree, and take it one step further: it's wonderful to put the camera in the hands of a child. Kids become more engaged with their surroundings when they have some control over documenting the trip, and we find our tweens and teens pay better attention on historic site visits or at natural attractions when … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Eagle Creek USB Universal Travel Adaptor

Twenty-five years ago, I went on my first international trip on my own. One of my first purchases for my journey through Europe was a travel adaptor. It came in a big bag with lots of various-sized plug adaptors. A few months ago, I finally upgraded. As it turns out, gone are the clunky, multi-piece travel adaptors. Instead, adaptors now come in one sleek unit, and include USB ports. I … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Fall styles from Aventura Clothing

I'm happy to announce that once again, I have signed on to be an ambassador for Aventura Clothing. What does this mean to you? Just like last year, Pit Stops for Kids readers will get 60% off all Aventura Clothing. To get a 60% off Aventura Clothing code, leave a comment and it will be emailed to you, or opt in for our quarterly newsletter (see banner on homepage). I also get to tell you … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: One really good shell

With the arrival of fall, now is a great time to talk about one travel gear essential every person should have in their closet: a really good, high quality shell. A shell is not an insulated jacket, nor is it a rain jacket, though it does need to be waterproof. It goes over a base and mid-layer in winter, or can stand alone over a t-shirt or light cotton layer in summer. Shells pack down … [Read more...]

GetOutfitted camping gear review

Remember our #1 ski tip from last winter? We described how to use GetOutfitted to outfit yourself, or supplement your outfit, for winter sports. We used GetOutfitted to 'rent' a pair of ski pants for my husband, who didn't want to invest in a new pair mid-way through the ski season. Now, GetOutfitted is also renting camping gear. I am in love with this idea. Even though we personally own … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Best water bottles for kids

Next up in the Travel Gear We Use series: best water bottles for kids! We go absolutely nowhere without our water bottles...one per family member. They need to be durable, spill proof, fit in car cupholders and backpack water bottle pockets, and be fun or trendy enough that my kids (ages 14-8) will actually want to keep track of them. Here's which water bottles for kids make the cut: Sigg … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Best diaper bag for active families

Today on Travel Gear We Use, we're excited to showcase the best diaper bag we've seen in a long time. The Timbuk2 Stork looks and acts like a rugged messenger bag, but has everything families with babies need while on the go. When my kids were babies, this bag was not yet available, but ironically, I used a standard Timbuk2 bag as a diaper bag, because it was tough enough for our travels and … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Child Safety Products

There's nothing quite as stressful as keeping an eye on a child in a big crowd. Whether you're in a theme park, on a crowded city street, or in a busy national park, these child safety products will give you some peace of mind. Every child safety product listed below has been reviewed and/or personally used by me or my East Coast editor. While we do accept product advertising on Pit Stops … [Read more...]

Travel gifts for kids: best hydration packs for all-season use

As an extension of our Travel Gear We Use series, we also feature some of our favorite travel-related gifts for kids. First up: best hydration packs for kids. I used to think that hydration packs were 'overkill' when it came to kids' outdoor gear, but I've completely changed my mind! My kids love using hydration packs during outdoor-adventure travel, and I love that they stay hydrated. Best … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Ski day accessories

Today on Travel Gear We Use, we're talking ski accessories. The following ski gear items are products we use either to make ski days more fun or more affordable. Both are high on my list when planning ski trips! Goggle Graffiti: Haven't heard of Goggle Graffiti, or seen it on the slopes yet? Neither had we, until we tried it out. These fun labels attach to your kids' goggles, and add both … [Read more...]