Products for parents who work on the go

None of us want to, but sometimes as parents, we simply must work on the go. My job has me working on the fly on airplanes (pun intended), in cars, and in hotel rooms on just about every trip we take, and while I'm the exception, I know most parents have to check in with work at least a few times during most family vacations. Below are my favorite products to help ease the pain of working … [Read more...]

My oh my: Which insulated water bottle to buy?!

At each season's Outdoor Retailer show (where new products from outdoor and travel brands are showcased and introduced), one or two top travel trends always emerge. This summer, one of those trends was insulated water bottles. It started with HydroFlask, and now, it seems every water bottle company has their own version of a double-walled, vacuum-sealed, stainless steel water bottle. Which to buy … [Read more...]

Travel products to protect against Zika Virus

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...]

Travel Gear We Use: GoTenna review

When we visited Paris last winter, we spent a wonderful day in the Louvre. At least, it was mostly wonderful, except for the two hours we spent looking for each other. My husband had our two older sons in one section, and I had our youngest in another, and our plans to 'find each other later' went woefully sideways. We both had phones, but had put them in airplane mode to save on our international … [Read more...]

Aventura capri breakdown: Which Aventura capri pant to buy

For today's Travel Gear We Use, I want to take a moment to compare various style of my favorite travel pants and capris. If you've checked out Aventura Clothing, you can probably see why this brand is my favorite for traveling in. Aventura clothes are almost all organic cotton, which don't wrinkle, they're designed for an active lifestyle, and they're comfortable and practical. Me, wearing … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Ecoths shirts for teen travel

We've been singing the praises of men's clothing line Ecōths for several years now. Part of my favorite clothing company, Aventura, Ecōths is all about comfortable, practical men's wear that's environmentally and socially responsible. Not only are many of the offerings made from recycled or organic materials, Ecōths' GOOD SAM program has donated over 150,000 meals across the US to local food … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Fall styles from Aventura Clothing

I'm happy to announce that once again, I have signed on to be an ambassador for Aventura Clothing. What does this mean to you? Just like last year, Pit Stops for Kids readers will get 60% off all Aventura Clothing. To get a 60% off Aventura Clothing code, leave a comment and it will be emailed to you, or opt in for our quarterly newsletter (see banner on homepage). I also get to tell you … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: One really good shell

With the arrival of fall, now is a great time to talk about one travel gear essential every person should have in their closet: a really good, high quality shell. A shell is not an insulated jacket, nor is it a rain jacket, though it does need to be waterproof. It goes over a base and mid-layer in winter, or can stand alone over a t-shirt or light cotton layer in summer. Shells pack down … [Read more...]

New travel gear: Tuo Travel Undergarment Organizer

We love using packing cubes. I'm a huge believer in organized luggage, with everything in its place. It saves parents time and sanity when on vacation with kids. This is why I'm excited to introduce a brand new packing solution: the Tuo Travel Undergarment Organizer. This innovative product is still in Kickstarter, with pre-orders accepted. The Tuo will retail for $60, but backers get a great … [Read more...]

GetOutfitted camping gear review

Remember our #1 ski tip from last winter? We described how to use GetOutfitted to outfit yourself, or supplement your outfit, for winter sports. We used GetOutfitted to 'rent' a pair of ski pants for my husband, who didn't want to invest in a new pair mid-way through the ski season. Now, GetOutfitted is also renting camping gear. I am in love with this idea. Even though we personally own … [Read more...]