While visiting Peru, I saw all the bucket-list sites I planned to see: Machu Picchu, the Incan towns of the Sacred Valley, and beautiful Cusco. I hiked, I took hundreds of photos, and I took in the colorful marketplaces Peru is known for. But in addition, I saw and experienced things I had no way of knowing I wanted—perhaps even needed—to see and do. I met jewelers at Arte Magico employing … [Read more...]
Travel products to protect against Zika Virus
September 9, 2016 By
We love family adventure, but we're careful to be mindful of threats to family safety while we travel. Before you go to Central or South America, or the Caribbean, make sure you pack these travel products to protect against Zika or other mosquito-borne illnesses. And of course, always consult a health care professional before any trip to a destination known to have a Zika threat, to discuss any … [Read more...]
Hitting the road with a pint-sized co-pilot: Safety tips for single parents
February 8, 2016 By
Just because you are a single parent with small kids doesn’t mean you can’t – or shouldn’t – get out there and see the world! It does, however, mean that there are some safety considerations particular to your situation that you should think about before hitting the road. Join a car club If you aren’t already a member of an auto club such a AAA, now is a great time to sign up. Should … [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...]
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...]
Leave No Trace principles every family needs to know
April 6, 2015 By
With Earth Day coming up later this month, April is the perfect time to talk about caring for our public lands. My kids have heard the Leave No Trace mantra since early childhood, but it's always good to brush up on best practices for preserving the wilderness we love. This season, Leave No Trace launches a multi-year, Leave No Trace in Every Park campaign. Subaru/Leave No Trace … [Read more...]
Winter driving tips for holiday road trips
December 3, 2014 By
It can happen in an instant, and last February, it did: one moment, we were making the turn from an icy highway onto a ski resort access road, and the next, we were sliding into a snowbank, nose first. Luckily, everyone was ok, but our car suffered upon its impact with the wall of snow. After rolling into the parking lot, we spent valuable ski time accessing the damage and making sure our car … [Read more...]
Philadelphia with the kids: where to go and what to see
June 4, 2014 By
If a fun-packed trip with the kids is planned, Philadelphia with the kids should make the shortlist of top places to visit. Situated in the mid-Atlantic region in the south eastern part of Pennsylvania, Philly is a big city with big-hitting attractions to match. Being the fifth most populous city in the United States, Philadelphia gives places such as New York and Chicago a run for their money in … [Read more...]
Home (Away) for the Holidays: Preparing for winter driving
December 10, 2013 By
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...]
A stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
April 16, 2012 By
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our family's favorite--if not thefavorite--DisneyWorld resort. When readers ask me, "Why pay to stay at a DisneyWorld resort?" I always cite Disney's impeccible attention to detail, from the in-room touches to the grand lobbies to the on-site restaurants...always themed to perfection. No where is this attention to detail more evident than at Animal Kingdom … [Read more...]
