At Pit Stops for Kids, we love state parks and national parks for overnight camping and family outdoor adventure. But those campgrounds fill up fast during the peak summer season, and sometimes, they're not ideal for RV camping families. If you need last-minute reservations or camping sites for larger RVs, check out the following private family campground resorts, all of which have locations … [Read more...]
Five easy tips for saving money when traveling with kids
April 15, 2021 By
With the summer travel season nearly upon us, the urge to see the world and take in the sights can understandably be higher than ever. However, while traveling with the kids is an amazing opportunity to explore new destinations from a fresh perspective, it can quickly get costly if you don’t plan ahead and stick to a budget. Still, if you find that sitting at your desk too long is leading to … [Read more...]
Dog-friendly travel destinations
March 18, 2021 By
What a better time to plot travel plans than summer? Now that the sun’s out and about, it’s the perfect time to bask in the sun and enjoy the warm weather with your family—including your tail-wagging best friend! Our dogs become our family the moment they enter our houses. They keep us happy and entertained with their silly antics and cheer us up when we’re down in the dumps. Your … [Read more...]
Budget-friendly Spring Break destinations you haven’t thought of
March 15, 2021 By
Planning a Spring Break vacation? With only a week or so off school, it can be hard to find a vacation that's both easy to plan and easy on the wallet. Below, we have over a dozen ideas throughout the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for budget-friendly Spring Break destinations. Desert destinations: An easy way to enjoy a warm-weather vacation while saving money is to head to the desert instead of to … [Read more...]
10 easy ways to decorate your hotel room for the holidays
December 4, 2020 By
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...]
Best family vacations during a time of social distancing
November 12, 2020 By
If you’re an adventurous family, you're probably itching to travel again. Travel is coming back, but it will look different than in the past. We took an amazing rafting trip--and felt completely safe--in the midst of CV-19, for instance. Then, we 'glamped' in a rural location. The key: focus on outdoor-centric vacations that naturally promote social distancing. Note: Be careful if you’re … [Read more...]
Pit Stops for Kids’ Pre-Road Trip Checklist
October 12, 2020 By
As my family and I gear up (literally speaking!) for our upcoming 22-day road trip throughout the western states, piles of equipment, duffel bags, coolers, and the like are starting to dot the landscape of our family room. As I always wonder before an extended trip, I've been asking myself: is this all really going to fit into our minivan? Somehow, it always does. The key to this magic trick? … [Read more...]
Vacationing for better mental health
April 28, 2020 By
If you're reading this post during a time of social distancing, now is the time to plan and prepare for your next journey! When thinking about steps you can take to improve your mental health, don’t forget to consider the often overlooked benefits of taking a vacation. Whether you’re interested in the natural beauty of a state park or looking to let your hair down in a big city, getting away … [Read more...]
Five family outdoor adventure vacations worth planning for
February 24, 2020 By
Embarking on a jungle trek in search of sloths. Skiing fresh powder accessible only by snow-cat. Climbing up a waterfall using only a rope tied to a tree. These kinds of adventures are not behind you now that you have kids. If anything, with the right planning and the right guides and tour operators, they’re perfect for families who want the chance to explore the outdoors beyond a nature walk or … [Read more...]
Guide to flying budget airlines in Europe
January 30, 2020 By
If you’re like me, you find those super cheap budget airline ticket prices very tempting. €25 per person from Paris to Rome? €45 to Copenhagen? Sign us up! These prices are not too good to be true; families really can get fares like these on airline tickets in Europe. Fail to read the fine print, however, and you’ll end up paying more. Much, much more. Here’s what you need to know before flying … [Read more...]
