Every December, we take time to reflect upon the past year of travel, and select five experiences---yes, just five!---that we crown the best of the year. Last year, our top travel experiences of 2013 took us from Alaska to the Caribbean. This year, we're focusing on the American West and MidAtlantic, showcasing everything from five-star city hotels to cabins. We stand behind these picks as … [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...]
Budget airlines: Tips and tricks for a smooth flight
November 26, 2014 By
With a family of five, we often fly on budget airlines, and while abroad, budget airlines in Europe. While we certainly enjoy the comforts and perks enjoyed on higher-priced air carriers, on many trips, the savings on these low cost flights outweigh the lack of perks. However, it's important for families to know what to expect (or more accurately, what not to expect) when buying budget airline … [Read more...]
Broadening Children’s Horizons Through Travel
July 29, 2014 By
If your kids play computer games that take them to other worlds, exploit that interest by traveling to places which inspire them. Parents and kids can broaden their horizons through exposure to another culture, its cuisine and customs, and still have a ball on vacation. Try Ancient Greece or Egypt Bargain holidays could allow a visit to Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs awaiting new explorers. … [Read more...]
Teaching kids airplane etiquette: how to create good fliers
July 22, 2014 By
We've all been there, either as parents or innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire: a disastrous flight during which kids are causing more than their share of trouble. Sometimes it's unavoidable: a tired baby a parent is trying to console, a sick child, a long layover. Other times--and I know you've seen this--kids behaving badly on planes when it's avoidable with a few lessons in manners. … [Read more...]
How to find kid-friendly golf courses from California to Florida
March 26, 2014 By
Ever since my three kids--now 14, 12, and 9--took up golfing, we've planned some of our family vacations around the sport. Parents who golf--or parents of golfers--understand the unique challenge in finding golf courses for kids: you want to experience unique or famous golf courses while on vacation, but you also need to find courses that meet the needs of your kids. Nothing ruins your … [Read more...]
Best family travel experiences of 2013 (that you can book for 2014)
December 20, 2013 By
Our last post of the year is always a round up of best trips we’ve experienced in the last 12 months. 2013 has been rich with travel for the Pit Stops for Kids crew, with top trips ranging from icebergs in Alaska to snorkeling in the Yucatan. For our family, it was certainly the year of ‘outdoor travel’. Below, find our top five travel experiences of 2013, with links to information on the … [Read more...]
Travel gift for families: The Family Traveler’s Handbook
December 13, 2013 By
Today, instead of offering a travel gift idea for kids, we're reviewing a great travel gift from which the whole family can benefit. The The Family Traveler's Handbook by Mara Gorman is a slam dunk of a stocking stuffer for any family on your list this season. This guidebook isn't geared toward a single destination or style of travel; rather, it's your new bible for family travel inspiration and … [Read more...]
Trips to Ireland with kids: tips for exploring Dublin, Cork, and Galway
October 5, 2013 By
Our Pit Stops for Kids international travel tips section is growing! Have you noticed? While the bulk of our travel focus remains on US and Canadian destinations, we encourage families to expand to international travel as well. Trips to Ireland with kids is often recommended because, in our experience, Ireland is one of the most accessible countries to visit with kids, and an easy place to start … [Read more...]
Why we picked a small ship cruise: Small ship cruise Alaska booking tips for families
October 2, 2013 By
Yes, families can and should book a small ship cruise Alaska! The day we disembarked from our Alaskan Dream Cruises small ship cruise, we toured a museum of SE Alaska in Ketchikan. It took my kids about 15 minutes to view the entire facility, so I stopped them at the exit to ask why they'd spent so little time inside. My oldest replied, "We already saw everything in this museum in 'real life' … [Read more...]
