Northstar California with kids: an Aspen Grove mountain condo stay

Families visiting Northstar California have a dizzying array of lodging options.  If you're staying a week or more, or have a large group, we recommend a home rental in one of Northstar's mountain neighborhoods. If you want luxury and ski-in, ski-out pampering (recommended with small kids or short visits) or want to be close to the action, book a stay in the Northstar Village with Tahoe Mountain … [Read more...]

Best family travel experiences of 2013 (that you can book for 2014)

Our last post of the year is always a round up of best trips we’ve experienced in the last 12 months. 2013 has been rich with travel for the Pit Stops for Kids crew, with top trips ranging from icebergs in Alaska to snorkeling in the Yucatan. For our family, it was certainly the year of ‘outdoor travel’. Below, find our top five travel experiences of 2013, with links to information on the … [Read more...]

Travel gift for families: The Family Traveler’s Handbook

Today, instead of offering a travel gift idea for kids, we're reviewing a great travel gift from which the whole family can benefit. The The Family Traveler's Handbook by Mara Gorman is a slam dunk of a stocking stuffer for any family on your list this season. This guidebook isn't geared toward a single destination or style of travel; rather, it's your new bible for family travel inspiration and … [Read more...]

Home (Away) for the Holidays: Preparing for winter driving

During the holiday season, the Pit Stops family is often on the road, en route to Lake Tahoe, California or Central Oregon for a family ski vacation. If you'll be traveling in winter weather as well, revisit our Home (Away) for the Holidays series, with tips on getting a holiday vacation rental, playing in the snow, and preparing for a winter vacation. Our first challenge? Packing all the … [Read more...]

Canyons Resort Park City with kids

We love Park City Utah skiing with kids! And we know there are several resorts and lodging options in Park City, but when we go, we always ski at Canyons Resort Park City. It's kind of like ordering the same thing off a great menu every time...when you know you love something, why take a chance on something else? What's to love at The Canyons Resort Park City with kids: The amazing terrain! … [Read more...]

Trips to Ireland with kids: tips for exploring Dublin, Cork, and Galway

Our Pit Stops for Kids international travel tips section is growing! Have you noticed? While the bulk of our travel focus remains on US and Canadian destinations, we encourage families to expand to international travel as well. Trips to Ireland with kids is often recommended because, in our experience, Ireland is one of the most accessible countries to visit with kids, and an easy place to start … [Read more...]

Why we picked a small ship cruise: Small ship cruise Alaska booking tips for families

Yes, families can and should book a small ship cruise Alaska! The day we disembarked from our Alaskan Dream Cruises small ship cruise, we toured a museum of SE Alaska in Ketchikan. It took my kids about 15 minutes to view the entire facility, so I stopped them at the exit to ask why they'd spent so little time inside. My oldest replied, "We already saw everything in this museum in 'real life' … [Read more...]

New attractions at Great Wolf Lodge: play ShadowQuest and mini golf

The following is a guest post written by Northwest parent and travel writer Carrie Yu. When the weather in the Pacific Northwest turns to rain (and even when the sun is shining), families in the region love to head to Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington, for some serious fun. Just in time for indoor water fun this autumn and winter, new attractions at Great Wolf Lodge include … [Read more...]

Back-to-School family travel ideas

If you're lucky, you may have time for one more family vacation weekend before the kids have to hit the books. Ease into fall with these back-to-school family travel ideas, and if you can't travel, use our Little Passports promo code to keep the love of travel alive all year! Kids will begin learning before school is in session, whether or not they can enjoy one last summer trip. Visit a local … [Read more...]

Top three hidden gems of the Caribbean for families

As a top destination for cruises and tours, the Caribbean has no shortage of enticing tropical landscapes and attractions. The region’s predictably warm, balmy weather and aquamarine sea attract visitors year-round. And yet, the Caribbean still harbors some lesser-known places which can offer a more low-key excursion. These are not the types of places you’ll find all-you-can-eat buffets or … [Read more...]