10 easy ways to decorate your hotel room for the holidays

The Pit Stops for Kids crew will be spending the holidays in a Tahoe vacation home this year, so I'm making plans now to make our stay as festive as we'd enjoy at home. If you, too, will be spending your winter holidays away from home, we have 10 easy ways to decorate your hotel room for the holidays...or any condo or vacation home! Decorate condo or hotel room windows or porch with a string … [Read more...]

Gift-free holiday: Why we opted for no presents at Christmas

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...]

Russian Tea at the Heathman Hotel Portland

The historic Heathman Hotel in Portland has offered a holiday tea service for decades. New in 2016, chef Vitaly Paley brought Russian flare to the service with his festive, elegant Russian Tea. Within days, all available reservations for the service, offered between November 25 and January 1, were filled. Due to the popularity of the holiday tea service, there will be two seatings on Saturdays … [Read more...]

Florence Italy at Christmas

Last holiday season, we made a last minute decision to add Florence, Italy to our European family vacation. We arrived in Florence on December 24, Christmas Eve, and left December 27. While planning, I worried that perhaps, spending Christmas in Florence wouldn't feel festive...after all, their seasonal Christmas markets close before Christmas Day. However, I couldn't have been more wrong. … [Read more...]

Guide to Paris Christmas markets

One of our favorite memories of a Paris Christmas was touring the many Paris Christmas markets across the city. Some Christmas markets pop up fairly spontaneously from year to year, but there are a few staples you'll find to be consistent. Here's where to go to find Paris Christmas markets, plus tips for best enjoyment of these seasonal wonders. Top Paris Christmas markets: The biggies each … [Read more...]

Holidays away from home: Tips for preparing kids

At least every other year, we travel during the holiday season. This means my kids are pretty accustomed to celebrating holidays away from home, and as a parent, I'm pretty good at making Christmas special...wherever we are. This year, we'll be celebrating Christmas Day in Italy. In the days leading up to the holiday, we'll be renting a HomeAway apartment in Paris. Here's how we'll celebrate the … [Read more...]

Fun holiday events at favorite hotels this season

Will you be celebrating the holidays on vacation this year? If so, we have a round-up of holiday events at hotels, with deals and and happenings at some of our favorite resorts and family vacation hot spots. Read on to learn where to book your holiday getaway, whether you're headed to sand or snow: Tropical and beach holiday events: Head to South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, … [Read more...]

Exploring Christmas markets in Belgium

For our upcoming European vacation on a budget, we researched Christmas markets in France, Italy, and Belgium. While the country is still on high alert as officials ensure safety following the Paris terrorist acts, sources from both Flanders and Visit Brussels say that as of this posting, Christmas markets in the area will proceed as planned. Here's what we learned about exploring Christmas … [Read more...]

Four pit stop-worthy children museum holiday exhibits

'Tis the season to travel, and while braving those interstates, you and your family will need places to stop along the way. What better opportunity to visit one of these four children museum holiday events  at children's museums across the country! Each are sure to get your family in a festive mood during the holiday travel season! If traveling on I-75: Stop at the Cincinnati Museum … [Read more...]

Mt. Hood Railroad Polar Express

110 Railroad Avenue Hood River, OR It's that time of year...when everyday roadside attractions become magical! The Mt. Hood Railroad offers scenic tours through the Hood River Valley and the Columbia Gorge, and during the holiday season, they take a detour to the North Pole! Let your kids read along with the Polar Express story as the train makes its journey to the North Pole, meet Santa, and … [Read more...]