Most self-respecting Disney budget blogs will tell you the Disney Dining Plan is not a savings. If you plan to stay in a condo with a kitchen and cook meals in-house, pack peanut butter sandwiches for the parks, and eat at quick-service restaurants only, they're right. But while the plan may not give you a lower bottom line while enjoying the parks, we believe it does add to your overall value, … [Read more...]
Touring breweries and wineries (and how to take home souvenirs)
November 6, 2015 By
Indulging in a libation or two while on vacation has always been popular, but with the number of microbreweries and wineries popping up all across the country, it's now a legitimate way to experience a new destination. Here's how to drink in the local culture, touring breweries and wineries on vacation, even with the kids in tow. How to find the best local beer and wine: You've arrived at … [Read more...]
Five questions to ask yourself before buying travel insurance
October 2, 2015 By
When should you consider buying travel insurance? This is a question I am asked regularly, and frankly, it's one I've been mulling over when booking my own travel adventures as well. I've bought travel insurance for two family trips in recent years: for a vacation to the Caribbean uncomfortably close to hurricane season, and for our upcoming two-week trip to Europe. I don't believe families … [Read more...]
Educational travel: hotel programs that teach while vacationing
September 11, 2015 By
Will you be pulling your kids out of school this year for travel? You can admit it here...we do it too! While we believe that travel aids a child's education, we also value the lessons they're learning in school. Therefore, when we do take kids out of class, we try to find museums to visit or hotel programs for kids that offer classes, lessons, or special programming. Below, our favorite hotel … [Read more...]
Top hotel chains for family travelers
August 26, 2015 By
We get asked for hotel recommendations all the time. And we have plenty to give: after all, we spend over 100 nights per year in hotel rooms, suites, vacation rentals, and condos. While specific hotel picks in family travel destinations are important, it can be equally useful to know which are the top hotel chains for family travelers...no matter where you're going. We have our favorites, … [Read more...]
How to use IHG Rewards Club points this summer
June 11, 2015 By
This post brought to you by IHG Rewards Club. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Pit Stops for Kids. Summer is the busiest travel season of the year for families. But if you travel year-round, as we do, it's also the season to build up hotel reward points! Think you don't travel 'year-round'? Do you travel with your children for sports tournaments or dance competitions? Do … [Read more...]
Spring travel wear picks and 60% off Aventura Clothing
April 24, 2015 By
I'm an ambassador for Aventura Clothing because I believe this brand is one of the absolute best in women's travel clothing. Their clothing is affordable, comfortable, stylish, and high-quality, plus can easily be mixed-and-matched on travel days. Many items are made of organic cotton, which I find packs well and doesn't wrinkle. Every spring and fall, Aventura Clothing comes out with a new line. … [Read more...]
Facing serious concerns when traveling with kids: how to get past the ‘fear factor’
April 1, 2015 By
Any parent traveling with kids off the beaten path has fielded questions from nay-sayers: “Are you sure it’s safe to travel to Mexico?” “You’re taking your kids how far along what trail?” “How long will you be gone?” “Solo, you say?" As a parent who makes her living encouraging people to travel with their kids, I bristle at these fear-based inquiries. They are not … [Read more...]
Five budget travel hacks you thought you’d outgrown
March 20, 2015 By
You traveled extensively as a young adult, but now you’ve settled down with a job and kids. Think your budget travel days are behind you? Think again! The following budget travel hacks can still be implemented with kids in tow. All that’s needed is a little flexibility, nostalgia, and sense of adventure! 1. Take the bus or train: Train travel is admittedly less convenient in the US than many … [Read more...]
How to use Airbnb to rent a room (and when to consider it)
February 23, 2015 By
We often recommend booking a vacation rental when traveling with kids: doing so allows families to travel more authentically, comfortably, and cheaply. But would you rent a single room in a stranger's home? The vacation rental site airbnb offers rental homes and apartments to traveling families, much like companies such as HomeAway or VacationRoost. However, they also list single rooms, … [Read more...]
