Travel Gear We Use: Best tote bags for travel

We've already declared our favorite travel day pack, perfect for carrying all your necessities (and the kids') during a typical day traveling, but what about the larger tote bag you need in airports and on the road? I've tried over a dozen travel-sized tote bags recently, in a quest for the best. Here's the winning list. Best tote bags for travel: Duluth Trading Company Lifetime Leather Tote … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Best first aid kits for family travel

Several years ago, I became certified as a wilderness EMT and decided to create my own first aid kit for family travel. I created the ultimate kit: I left nothing out, and when I was done, there was no medical emergency I was not prepared for. The only trouble: my kit was the size of a pillowcase and had cost me almost $60 to put together. I'm often asked how to make a homemade first aid … [Read more...]

Adventure and travel subscription box gifts for dads and grads

Have a dad in your life who loves travel? How about a recent graduate who is ready to start exploring the world? If you want to give something more original than cash this June, consider the following gift subscription boxes and experiential gifts that promote adventure both across the US and abroad. Travel subscription box gifts for dads and grads: Cairn subscription box:  We've reviewed … [Read more...]

Summer travel wear for men who don’t care about travel wear

I have three men in my house...at least, I have three people who wear men's size clothing. Two of them are teens. Since I review and write about travel wear all the time, you'd think they'd understand the benefits of quality travel pants and shirts and appreciate the importance of performance fabrics. But to be honest, they simply can't be bothered. They want to wear what is comfortable, and in … [Read more...]

Aventura Clothing capsule wardrobe for spring travel

This spring, 'capsule wardrobes' are all the rage, and I understand why. The idea of putting together a collection of coordinating and complimenting pieces of clothing makes for a more organized day-to-day life and certainly makes packing easier for any trip. I've actually been creating capsule wardrobes for years, without knowing it had a name...I'm minimalistic by nature and probably just … [Read more...]

Central America packing list and gear picks

Heading to Central America? You're going to need to pack smart, for both sun protection and insect protection. And of course, you'll want to be comfortable in humid and tropical weather. We just returned from Panama and Costa Rica, where we stayed relatively cool and safe from the elements by following this Central America packing list. Central America packing list: 2-3 lightweight, … [Read more...]

How to take travel photos on your phone

There are many benefits to using your phone to take photos while traveling. First of all, when you learn how to take travel photos on your phone, you won’t have extra equipment to pack; chances are, you’re already bringing your phone. It’s always with you during the day, and thanks to excellent technology, your phone probably comes packed with features better than or at least equal to those on … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Winter jackets that pack down small

Winter is a tough time of year to pack light, but it IS possible to do so. The easiest solution: winter wear that packs down small. We love our 'puffies'! The best packable jackets keep kids and parents warm during winter travel, but fit well into suitcases for carry-on travel: What Pit Stops for Kids' Dad is wearing: Arc'teryx Atom LT: No one does lightweight, quality, technical jackets … [Read more...]

Family ski wear checklist: What you need and which brands are best

Ski season is upon us, and if you're a skiing family, you're busy cataloguing your gear and checking to see what fits each family member. If you don't ski often, you may not be outfitted yet at all. If you only ski once a year or so, we highly recommend using a ski wear rental service like Get Outfitted (see our full review), but if you plan to go several times this winter, it's worth investing in … [Read more...]

Travel style for men: Best travel wear brands

We have three men in our house...at least when it comes to clothing size. Our Pit Stops Dad and our two teenage sons all have a no-frills travel wear style, and they're never interested in a lot of shopping. But I know how important it is to buy quality travel clothing that can last a long time, stand up to wear-and-tear, and perform in a variety of weather conditions. If the men in your life … [Read more...]