I love a good quote (and bet you do, too). I get excited whenever I find a sentiment that’s perfectly expressed. There’s something universal about a good quote.

That’s what I sought when hunting for these staycation quotes. They’ll make you look forward to spending more time at home. The quotes will change your perspective on what is possible with a staycation. They’ll give you staycation ideas, too!

But first: If you’re not familiar with this term, here’s how I define staycation: A staycation is time you spend at home or near home with the intention of creating a restful, exceptional or memorable experience.

In other words, staycations get you the wonderful feelings of a vacation—without traveling far.

Take as many staycations as you want!

Now that we’re all on board with how awesome staycations can be, it’s time to get excited! You can plan staycations anytime. Take a few days off work or take advantage of a plan-free weekend. Without the expense of flights, gas or hotels, you can take as many staycations as you want every year.

Here I’m sharing my favorite staycation quotes. Below, you’ll find inspiration, ideas and even permission to let everything go and simply do nothing. Feel free to use these staycation quotes for Instagram captions, too!

And while you’re looking for inspiration, check out my latest book for staycation ideas!

Quotes for Staycation Inspiration

“Sometimes, home has a heartbeat.” -Beau Taplin

“Laughter is an instant vacation.” -Milton Berle

“Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful.” -Hazrat Inayat Khan

“No matter where you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” -Anthony J. D’Angelo

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” ― Mason Cooley

“We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already.” -J.K. Rowling

Staycation Quotes about the Comfort of Home

“Home is where the heart is.” -Pliny the Elder

“He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” –Jane Austen

“There is no place more delightful than one’s own fireplace.” –Cicero

“Home is a shelter from storms.” -William J. Bennett

Staycation Quotes about Stillness

“Simply wait, be quiet, still. The world will freely offer itself to you.” -Franz Kafka

“Being still does not mean don’t move. It means move in peace.” -Eyen A. Gardner

“How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterward.” -Spanish proverb

“Rest until you feel like playing, then play until you feel like resting, period. Never do anything else.” -Martha Beck

“The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.” — Rumi

“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it.” -Robert Orben

Returning Home Quotes

“Our homes should inspire us to go out into the world to do great things and then welcome us back for refreshment.” –Melissa Michaels

“The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” –Wendy Wunder

“Every traveller has a home of his own, and he learns to appreciate it the more from his wandering.” –Charles Dickens

“A man travels all over the world in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.” -George Moore

Couples Staycation Quotes

“So I’m going home/Back to the place where I belong/And where your love has always been enough for me.” -Daughtry

“We were together. All else has been long forgotten by me.” -Walt Whitman

“Home is wherever I’m with you.” -Edward Sharpe

“When we have each other, we have everything.”

“At night I dream that you and I are two plants that grew together, roots entwined, and that you know the earth and the rain like my mouth, since we are made of earth and rain.” -Pablo Neruda

“Together is a beautiful place to be.” -Nubya Garcia

Are you feeling inspired by these staycation quotes? Do you have some to share? Please let me know in the comments below.

PS – Don’t forget to buy your e-book or paperback of 50 Fun Staycation Adventures for Kids. If you’re looking for fun family activities, I’m betting you’ll agree with the many readers who made the book a #1 Amazon Bestseller: These staycation ideas are fun, inexpensive and unforgettable.

The post Staycation Quotes: 27 Inspiring Quotations for Your Next At-Home Vacation appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

When I was recently traveling in South America, I made a side trip to Rosario, Argentina—a seemingly out-of-the-way city that doesn’t make it on many tourist recommendations. My reasons were very personal, though: I headed back to Rosario to visit my host family from when I studied abroad in college 14 years ago. My return trip was much overdue, especially since a whole bunch of babies had been added to the family since I was there in 2004!

Rosario, Argentina was quite different from when I studied there—the city has become more affluent and travel-friendly, adding bistros and breweries and bike sharing programs. One thing stayed the same, though: Street art in Rosario is still going strong.

Naturally, I explored the city with an eye out for murals (that is, when I wasn’t snuggling babies and playing hide-and-seek with my adopted niece!).

Even if you don’t make it to Argentina anytime soon, please continue reading so you can enjoy the street art in Rosario with the photos below. 

Street art in Rosario, Argentina: Murals everywhere you go

In general, Argentine police tend to be less harsh on street artists, so many murals stay up for years—even when they are unsponsored. Police forces have directed resources to other concerns, leaving artists to express themselves via street art in Rosario and elsewhere.

As you’ll see, this attitude—and the public’s embrace of street art—has led to both beautiful and thought-provoking pieces.

You’ll see street art in Rosario all over the city, though less in the more recently revitalized areas (e.g. along the Parana River). That said, just about every blank wall in this South American city is fair game for a facelift.

A South American city embraces counterculture street art

Street art has its roots in counterculture and rebellion: Historically, artists have left their mark in the dead of night, and murals often portray popular—and often controversial—images.

Street art isn’t always illegal, though.

There is a section of street art in Rosario where the city sponsored artists to paint the metal grates of businesses in a commercial area. The way they were painted means the street art can only be seen when the businesses are closed—before 7am and in the evening after 5:30, generally.

The effect is that you think you know what this part of the city looks like, but it is completely transformed after these businesses close.

This street art in Rosario is also a wonderful example of how forward-thinking cities can beautify what otherwise is plain, and also support its creative community.

Political street art in Rosario, Argentina

Argentines love a good debate, and it’s hard to have a conversation in Argentina without talking about soccer/futbol, the economy or politics. Naturally, then, street art in Rosario is often a mode of political expression.

It’s common to see street artists create murals demanding justice or exhorting passersby to “never forget.” These political murals often reference La Guerra Sucia, or Argentina’s Dirty War, in which thousands of citizens were “disappeared” by the military government.

Visitors to Rosario, Argentina might not know all the context for the city’s murals, especially its political street art. But that’s one reason I love street art so much: It encourages conversations that wouldn’t happen otherwise.

So when you travel to Rosario, Argentina, ask the people you meet about the murals you see. You’ll learn a lot—and have unforgettable conversations.

Rosario, Argentina: An unexpected—but worthwhile—destination

If you travel to Argentina, Rosario is worth a visit. A less than 4 hour bus ride from Buenos Aires, Rosario is becoming a destination in its own right. With craft breweries, a vibrant arts culture, the Parana River, the monument to the country’s flag and much more make a visit to Rosario a worthwhile detour.

When you’re here, don’t miss the street art in Rosario. In fact, it’s hard to miss—just keep your eyes, and your mind, open.

The post Explore street art in Rosario, Argentina: Hidden gems in South America appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

But you don’t need that. After all, you’ve worked hard to plan, schedule and make this family trip happen. All you want is fun quality time with your kids and your partner—so you need the kids’ sleep routine to hold steady.

I’m 100% with you precisely because I’ve done family vacations with sleep… and without. (It’s no surprise that we all prefer the well rested vacations.)

Here’s where you should really pay attention: In this blog post, I’m going to share 13 tips to protect your kids’ sleep schedule on vacation. Yes, I have earned—and tested—these nuggets of wisdom, but I’ve also brought in the brilliant Brittney Stefanic, a super-successful sleep consultant (who, by the way, lives what she preaches with her 2-year-old son).

Brittney is a traveler at heart, and she loves to explore the country with her husband and son. In fact, they recently finished a 4-week bi-coastal trip, including adventures in Colorado and North Carolina! She knows firsthand that when you don’t sleep, life is way too hard—especially on vacation—so she works with families with young kids to help everyone get the rest they need.

So don’t leave your littles’ sleep on vacation to chance. Safeguard your kids’ sleep schedule on vacation—and have a beautiful, relaxing and rested trip!

13 tips to save your kids’ sleep schedule on vacation—approved by a sleep consultant!

1. Split the difference on time zones

How to deal with changing time zones and kids’ sleep is one of the most common questions I get about family travel, and for good reason: It’s so confusing! Heck, even adults have trouble adjusting to a new time zone.

Brittney has a rule of thumb that works for her sleep consultancy clients and her own family: If you stay four days or more in your destination, split the difference between your home time zone and the time zone in your vacation spot.

For example, if you’re going from the West Coast to the East Coast and your daughter’s bedtime is usually 7pm, put her to bed at 8:30 eastern time—halfway between the two time zones.

2. Darkness #ftw

Tape tin foil to the inside of windows—this budget trick is like blackout curtains but super cheap, portable and easy to buy no matter where you travel. You can also blackout your windows with black garbage bags and painter’s tape.

In fact, this tip helped my kids sleep in an extra two hours on vacation—and I now swear by it. This is the #1 sleep hack I share with my friends when they travel!

3. Naps—at whatever cost

Schedule long drives during nap time so your kids will fall asleep in the car. The naps aren’t as awesome as they would be at home, in their bed and surrounded by loveys, but they’re better than skipping a nap entirely.

Level 10 travel tip: Use screen time strategically. We splurged for an in-car DVD player when we bought our minivan, but I don’t let my kids watch a movie during nap time because there’s no way sleep would win over My Little Ponies.

4. Lovey lifeline

Bring everything your child uses to sleep at home: lovey, white noise machine, sleep sack, blankie, extra binkies, etc. The last thing you want on vacation is a sleep strike because you forgot your child’s favorite Elmo doll.

5. Same-old, same-old

Keep the sleep environment as consistent as possible. If your kids are used to own their own crib, for example, don’t make them bed-share. If they don’t sleep in the same room as you, reserve a suite with separate bedrooms or get an AirBnB with as much space as you need.

6. Come on, feel the noise

Use a white noise app (I use and like White Noise; free). Even if a white noise machine isn’t a make-or-break deal at home, when you’re trying to protect your kids’ sleep schedules on vacation, they’re a life-saver. Your kids might be sleeping more lightly because they’re in an unfamiliar situation. Or you might find yourself in a situation like we did when we visited Seattle, when we stayed on a 5:30am garbage day route. Either way, white noise is your kids’ sleep schedule’s friend.

7. Bring sheets

One time I stayed at a hotel with Kiwi when she was about 8 months old. She stayed in a hotel pack n play, and when she woke up, she had hives all over her body. That was the last time I’ve ever used hotel sheets for my kids’ bedding.

Both of my kids have super-sensitive skin, so now I pack sheets from home. I know they’re used to the gentle detergent we use every day, not the heavy-duty cleaner they use at hotels, so I don’t have to worry about skin reactions overnight.

8. Less is more

Don’t overcommit yourself and your vacation schedule. When we traveled to San Diego as a family, I was tempted to DO ALL THE THINGS because hey, when’s the next time we’d be in San Diego? After a few days of overscheduled vacation, 2-year-old Peeper crashed, and we ended up spending 3 hours in a hotel room while she napped—during perfect beach weather. Womp-womp.

Now when I plan a family vacation, I plan on doing only two activities per day—one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. We’re less rushed, and we do a much better job of protecting the kids’ sleep schedule on vacation.

Brittney approves of my 2 activities rule. “That limit leaves time for a nap,” Brittney says. “It also cuts back on overstimulation: We’re so excited about all the new things to try and do, but the newness and cognitive challenge is more intensified for children, which can really throw off their sleep.”

9. Eat dinner in

I’m pretty sure you’ve experienced this just like me: You do a bunch of family-friendly activities when you’re on vacation and finally head to dinner. But by the time you order, get food, eat, pay the bill and collect the kids from their meltdown on the french fry-strewn floor, it’s late.

So at least once during your family vacation, skip that routine and eat in. Get takeout or cook something familiar (boxed mac n cheese, anyone?) at your AirBnB. “Eating in is especially helpful when you have a couple of late nights in a row,” Brittney says. “Keep the evening like your typical routine at home. The more relaxed time will also act as a reset if you’ve fallen into some bad kids’ sleep routines on vacation.”

10. Protect your (sleep) boundaries

I’d bet these words have come out of your mouth: “Just let the kids have fun on vacation; we’ll get back into a sleep routine when we get home.” But letting them stay up as late as they want and sleep in as long as they want will be hard to correct once you get home.

Instead, Brittney recommends, hold fast to your sleep boundaries. This can be harder if you vacation with other families that are more lax about their kids’ sleep schedule on vacation. If the cousins get to stay up late to eat popcorn and watch movies every night, your kids will want to, too. But guess whose kids will be overtired, cranky and a pain to be around the next day? Answer: Not your well rested angels!

Here’s where I, personally, make an exception: If there’s a once-in-a-lifetime special occasion, I’ll bend the rules for my kids’ sleep schedule on vacation. For example, we’re going camping during the Perseid Meteor shower this month, and I’m going to let my kids stay up. Normally I’m doing my darnedest to get them to bed by dark, but I’m totally willing to compromise so that they can see comet debris burning in the upper atmosphere at 37 miles per second.

11. Everybody puts Baby in the corner

Raise your hand if you’ve set up your baby’s pack n play in a closet while on vacation: I have! #noshame This make-do technique gets the thumbs-up from pediatric sleep expert Brittney. “If it means the best sleep for everyone and it’s safe, then there’s no need to second guess yourself,” she says.

If you still feel weird about it, listen up: Brittney—the expert sleep specialist—recently put her son to bed in a pack n play in a closet at her mother’s house while they vacationed. If this trick is good enough for a pediatric sleep consultant, it’s good enough for me.

12. Shrug off the #fomo guilt

Resist friends and family’s pressure to stay at gatherings that would disrupt children’s sleep schedule. (One way to do this: Describe their crankiness—and the disruption that would cause the next day—if they don’t get their much-needed sleep.)

If your loved ones continue to press you to let the kids stay up, suggest that they get to handle all the childcare the next day while you sleep in/get a massage/visit an antiques store/enjoy time free of a meltdown-y child.

13. Alternate busy days

Sometimes packing a day full of activities is unavoidable—like if you’re part of a wedding party. On vacation days like that, your kids might skip a nap or stay up late.

Follow up hectic days like that with a low-key day, Brittney recommends. “It can help get everything back on track,” she says. “You’re more likely to follow your at-home routine and get back on your kids’ sleep schedule on vacation.” So plan for a mellow day at the beach or the pool, or simply playing board games in your AirBnB.

Get more sleep on vacation

When you have all these tips and tricks to protect your kids’ sleep schedule on vacation, you’re basically guaranteed to get the R&R you want—and so deserve.

What sleep hacks have you tried? What’s your #1 way to make sure you and your kids sleep on vacation?

Brittney Stefanic has much more sleep wisdom to share! You can visit her website to learn more about ways she supports clients, follow her Pinterest which is full of sleep tips, like her Facebook page for virtual sleep Q&A sessions and stalk her on Instagram to see adorable pictures of her son!

PS – If you’re staying at a hotel, you definitely want to read my other post on getting kids to sleep more on vacation: How to get more sleep when sharing a hotel room with kids!

The post Foolproof your kids’ sleep schedule on vacation: 13 expert tips appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

A park or playground.

Hear me out. True, you can play on a playground in your hometown, and a city park might not give you a one-of-a-kind experience you can get only in your destination. But you’ll never regret the time you and your kids spend at the playground on vacation—and in fact, adding it to your vacation itinerary can work wonders on your kids’ attitude (and your stress level!). Here’s why.

5 reasons to add a playground to your family trip itinerary

1. Playing at a park lets your kids burn off energy

If your littles are anything like mine, they finish road trips and plane rides with, ahem, an abundance of energy. Letting them loose on a playground allows them to stretch their legs, get the activity their growing bodies need and just be silly. Trust me: You’d rather have your kids burn off energy at the playground and not the local art museum.

2. Parks are familiar

Especially if your kids are very young or nervous about new places and situations, building something familiar into your family trip itinerary will be comforting. Your kids are less likely to melt down later if they’ve already done something they love—and that they’re used to from their routine at home.

3. Locals’ tips and advice

Here’s my favorite part about adding parks to every family trip itinerary I plan: Hitting up a park gives me the perfect opportunity to meet local parents. These are the people who will give you insider tips on where to eat, play, explore—and what to avoid.

4. Playgrounds make kids happy

Family vacations are all about, well, family time. Planning a trip itinerary only on what you want to do—museums, walking hip neighborhoods, shopping, exploring antique stores—is a sure bet to make your kids cranky. Build in a playground stop and they’ll be in a good mood the rest of the day (like when you stop in at an art gallery, or whatever else you have on your family trip itinerary).

5. Playgrounds let kids be kids

When families go on vacation, kids are often asked to be on their best behavior: They have to eat unfamiliar food at restaurants, stick close to a parent on busy sidewalks, be quiet in museums and otherwise restrain themselves at every turn. But at a playground—the destination they’ll be so glad you included in your trip itinerary—they’re free to be their usual, rambunctious selves.

Have you and your kids ever stopped at a playground on vacation? How did it work out? Do you have other tips to plan a family vacation?

The post Planning the perfect family vacation: The destination you need on every family trip itinerary appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Just last weekend we headed down to Eugene for the day, and I don’t even mind the 2-hour drive from Portland because my girls always have so much fun!

But it’s not good enough to keep these amazing activities in Eugene to myself; I just had to share my favorites with you all! From splash pads to science museums, wetlands, bike paths to cherry orchards, when it comes to kids’ activities in Eugene, Oregon, you’ll be treated to magical outdoor fun.

Don’t take my word for it, though—try them out next time you travel to Eugene, or pin this post and save for later!

This post contains affiliate links. When you click and buy, I earn a small commission that helps me continue to bring you free travel content. This does not alter the price you pay. Thank you for supporting To & Fro Fam!

The best things to do in Eugene with kids this summer

Make this summer the best yet with these kid-friendly activities in Eugene. Oregon outdoor fun is never in short supply here—and these ideas are guaranteed to please the whole family!

Cool down in the river

When you visit Eugene with kids, do like the locals, and float the Willamette River. Depending on how young your kids are, you might prefer the super-calm, rapid-less Mill Race. You can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard to explore this side channel of the Willamette. (There are rentals at Amazon Park, among other places.)

This is one of the best things to do in Eugene, Oregon so make sure you head to the river for some fun in the sun!

Level 10 travel tip: You’re in a city, but keep your eye out for wildlife here. You might spot a great blue heron, turtles, fish or even a fox!

Splash at the EWEB Fountain

On a hot day, the EWEB Fountain—just a few minutes away from shopping and dining hub 5th Street Market—is a bustling center of joyful activity for families in Eugene. Wear a swimsuit (or the wicking performance fabric dresses from Columbia that are basically my summer uniform) so you can play—and cool off—too!

Level 10 travel tip: What’s even better than splashing in a fountain? Riding through a fountain on your bike! Reach the EWEB Fountain via the bike path that runs along both sides of the Willamette River.

Pick your favorite flavor at Prince Puckler’s

This is always a highlight for my kids when we visit Eugene! Prince Puckler’s is a Eugene landmark (and one where even President Obama visited—and ordered mint chocolate chip!).

Regardless of whether you’re the leader of the USA or not, you can find your own favorite flavor at this ice cream parlor next to the edge of the University of Oregon campus and Hayward Field.

Level 10 travel tip: Take your ice cream to Washburne Park, one block south of Prince Puckler’s. You might see college kids walking slack lines or playing hacky sack while you eat your ice cream.

Hike Mt. Pisgah in Eugene, Oregon

Looking for fun family activities in Eugene? Why not hit the mountains! If you visit Eugene with kids in the summer, you’re better off hiking Mt. Pisgah in the morning. There are plenty of trails to choose from (look up options here), but many of them are exposed to the sun—not great for kids at midday.

Level 10 travel tip: If you do go later in the day, bring swimming suits. Mt. Pisgah has many calm stretches of river where you can splash!

Visit 5th Street Market

This historic, upscale market in downtown Eugene is fun for kids as well as grown-ups. My girls love the fountain on the ground floor, and there’s a toy store upstairs.

Level 10 travel tip: There used to be a rooster that lived at the market. It’s long gone, but there are plenty of references to 5th Street Market’s former mascot. Encourage your kids to look for roosters in the market’s decor and art—it’s like a scavenger hunt!

Hit up the Saturday Market

Every Saturday, just about the entire city of Eugene heads downtown. The Saturday Market is filled with handicrafts, food, musicians, a farmer’s market, and lots of opportunities for unbeatable people watching.

My kids get insanely excited about the balloon animals and the homemade artisan popsicles for sale at the west end of the farmer’s market.

Level 10 travel tip: Let your kids loose at the drum circle, which goes nonstop at the Saturday Market’s northeast corner. Little ones love moving to the rhythm of drums and the occasional digeridoo!

Pick fruit at Eugene’s orchards and farms

Depending on when you visit Eugene in the summer, you can choose from picking strawberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches, apples, and pears. Detering Orchard and Lone Pine Farms (where, actually, I worked for a summer!) are a few of our favorites.

Some farms have animals, pie tastings and other produce for sale, too. This is yet another one my (and my kids’) favorite Eugene attractions! 

Explore Alton Baker Park

This giant park near Autzen Stadium is a wide-open space for kids to run, play, and imagine all sorts of adventures. The best part is the island at the center of the duck pond, which you can reach by the big stepping stones. There is also a native pollinator garden and big concrete sculptures perfect for hide and seek.

Climb into a whale at Skinner’s Butte Park

I have fond memories of playing in this park when I was younger, especially the concrete whale. My kids love it just as much and exploring the playground is one of our best things to do in Eugene. 

Since I was little, though, it’s been totally updated. Skinner’s Butte Park now also has a three-story play structure with multiple slides, a mini-log cabin and a “spray and play” water feature, plus much more.  There’s no questioning why Skinner’s Butte Park is one of their favorite playgrounds when we visit Eugene in the summer.

Stop and smell the flowers at the Rose Garden

June is the best time for the blooms at this Eugene Rose Garden, but it’s pretty any time of year, especially in the Eugene summer. 

See birds up-close at the Raptor Center

In Eugene’s South Hills, a bird sanctuary helps injured avians recover and houses ones that can’t be returned to the wild. You and your kids will see eagles, crows, vultures, owls and other raptors at this wildlife center.

You’ll also learn a lot. For example, did you know that turkey vultures can spit caustic stomach acid when they’re threatened? Well, now you do!

Level 10 travel tip: Check out the Eugene Cascades Raptor Center’s web site for listings of presentations with the center’s birds, where kids can get an even closer look at these amazing avians.

Swim at the Amazon Pool

At the Amazon Pool, there is splashy fun water activities for kids in Eugene of all ages. When you visit with your family, the older ones can do cannonballs off the diving board while the littles play in the shallow pool.

The fountains that sprinkle water from above are great for everyone and after a day splashing in the pools, you’ll agree that this is one of the best places to visit in Eugene!

Disc golf at Dexter Park

About 25 minutes south of Eugene, you’ll find a high-quality disc golf park at Dexter State Park, which is an awesome way to spend the summer in Eugene with kids. Disc golf is a low-pressure game where you throw a small frisbee toward a basket. Young children can hike while the grown-ups play, and older kids may give you a run for your money. 

If you don’t feel up to driving out to Dexter, try the disc golf parks at Alton Baker Park near Autzen Stadium and Westmoreland Park in West Eugene.

Level 10 travel tip: Bring your BBQ supplies and make a day’s outing at Dexter. There are plenty of grills at this state park, as well as boat docks and a swimming area.

Win a gold medal at Hayward Field

Ok, your kids might not actually win any medals at this internationally renowned track (except in their imagination), but it’s fun to pretend! Some of the greatest runners of the last several generations have raced here, and it’s hard not to feel inspired to sprint just a little faster when you run on the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.

Get pedal power

There’s a reason Eugene was certified as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community: The entire city embraces 2-wheeled locomotion. Click here to get a map of Eugene’s hundreds of miles of bike paths or pick up a guide at the city’s many bike shops.

Some of my favorite stretches: both the North and South Bank of the Willamette, and the path that winds around the wetlands in West Eugene near West 11th Avenue.

Level 10 travel tip: Cycle along the West Eugene wetlands path in the morning or evening. It won’t be as sunny and hot, and you’ll hear the red winged blackbirds and other avians that call this area home. Keep an eye out for nutria, too, the large water-loving rodents!

Beat the heat at the Wave Pool in Eugene

Still not convinced that Eugene is the best place to visit with kids? Well, if you’re done with UV rays, head inside at this gigantic swimming pool complex. Splash! at Lively Park has different sections, including a wading pool with fountains, a wave pool that simulates the ocean and a big water slide. 

Cheer on the Em’s

Eugene’s minor league baseball team, the Emeralds, now play at PK Park next to Autzen stadium. Root for the home team while eating peanuts, heckling batters and eating ice cream out of tiny plastic baseball caps.

See the night sky in the middle of the day

Summer days are long, but you can catch a sight of the stars anytime at the Eugene Science Museum’s planetarium. This family-friendly museum also has interactive exhibits on meteorites, wind turbines and much more. 

Explore the University of Oregon campus

Summer in Eugene with kids is the perfect time to wander the University of Oregon campus. Since school is out, campus is much less crowded than it is during the school year. Who knows—the university visit may inspire your kids to get excited about college!

Level 10 travel tip: Let your kids climb the many-branched trees throughout the U of O campus—and don’t forget to snap a picture of their monkey moves!

Discover street art

Eugene has some lovely murals across town—make it an adventure to find as many as you can! Or just keep your eyes open for them and stop to take a picture in front of the ones you see.

The best kids’ activities in Eugene, Oregon: I’ve got you covered

I love spending time with my family in Eugene and it’s one of my favorite places to visit in Oregon. There are so many more things to do this summer in Eugene with kids—and with adults! Do you have any tips?

Pin this post for later so you’ll remember these ideas for Oregon summer fun!

And if you’re visiting Eugene, OR, don’t forget to book your hotel. The city hosts a lot of events in the summer (from track meets to the annual Bach Festival) so reserve your accommodations early!

The post 21 FUN things to do in Eugene with kids this summer appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

I have experienced this trade-off plenty of times on my own family trips, and science agrees: Spending money to save time makes people happier, according to research from Canada. 

The concept makes even more sense when you think about family vacations. After all, taking a trip is all about spending quality time together—and stress-free, relaxed time is worth a lot to you. So budgeting for some time-saving extras on vacation can be a much better use of your money than, say, a fancy dinner (which your kids might not eat anyway) or a few new DVDs for the road trip. Research shows it’ll make you all happier, too.

Paying a little extra money to save time—and save your vacation

Take, for example, a call I got from my husband one day: I was in Detroit for work, and he and the kids were joining me there for a quick family vacation. (Yes to mixing business and fun!) But he did not sound relaxed; in fact, he was calling me to say they might not make the flight.

In fact, he was driving down the freeway toward the airport and didn’t think he’d have time to park in economy, unbuckle the car seats, wrangle three suitcases, board the bus to the terminal, check in, go through security and make it to the gate.

A bit of quick googling on my phone led me to a solution: airport valet parking. Eric was completely skeptical, and I’m pretty sure he felt a hefty dose of guilt when considering paying more for parking when there were plenty of spots in the economy lot. But, I reasoned, paying for valet parking was way cheaper than rebooking three flights.

In the end, he did opt for airport valet parking—and loved it. The folks there not only parked the car for him, saving loads of time and hassle; they also helped get the suitcases and car seats inside the terminal. Eric and the kids not only made the flight; they had a few extra minutes to play in the PDX airport playground and grab a snack.

Sure beats running through the airport with two kids!

Ideas to invest extra in your family vacation

You totally don’t need anyone’s permission to spring for a slight upgrade like airport valet parking—but if spending a bit more to save your vacation is still giving you a hangup, hear this: You’re worth it. Your family vacation is worth it. And the memories you’ll make together are certainly worth it.

So take science’s finding that spending a little more to save time and upgrade your fun will make you happier (on vacation and every day!). Here are some ideas to do just that.

• Stay in a prime location. You’ll pay more for hotel or house rental, but you’ll spend less time driving to all the fun things you’ve planned for your vacation.
• Pay for better parking. See my example above if you don’t believe me that a little extra money can make a big difference in enjoying your vacation.
• Get grocery delivery. If you’re staying at a house for an extended time, you’ll want to stock the fridge—but going to the grocery store is a drag when there are fun vacation activities you’re dying to do with the kids. Instead, buy staples online and have them delivered to your rental house.
• Order ahead. You can call a restaurant (or room service) on your way so you don’t have to wait for the kitchen to make your food. This one actually doesn’t necessarily cost money, but it will save you from distracting hungry kids while you figure out your order!
• Fly direct. Sure, you may pay a bit extra for fewer layovers, but think of all the stress you’ll avoid on your family trip.

We’ll be spending the money to save time—and have a more relaxed vacation—from now on. How about you?

Has spending a little extra money ever helped save your vacation? What extras do you budget for on vacation?

The post Spend a little, save your vacation with this science-based travel hack appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

My older sister turned 40 this year, and she decided she wanted to celebrate in Peru. Who was I to deny her birthday wishes? So she, my brother and sister-in-law, and a handful of friends jetted down to Peru to celebrate the great luck we have in knowing my sister. (I love you, Beth!)

The Moray ruins in Peru are concentric circles carved into the mountain, where Incan communities cultivated crops.

Toward the end of our trip, Beth and I wanted to see a bit more of Peru, so I looked into Peru Hop’s day trips from Lima. We ended up doing a two-day trip to Paracas, Huacachina and Nazca.

I didn’t know what to expect, and I was wary of bus tours that tend to cater to backpackers and travelers just barely in their 20s. I was pleasantly surprised with our whole experience, though.

Here, I share everything you need to know about budget-friendly bus travel in Peru in this 100% unbiased, unsponsored Peru Hop review.

Read this Peru Hop review before booking your trip

Peru Hop buses

Peru Hop replaces its buses every three years, so the fleet is always in top condition—and it showed on our recent day trip from Lima. The seats were comfortable and reclined (although I recommend you don’t fully tip your seat back—otherwise, you’ll encroach on other passengers’ space). The buses were always clean.

There are two bathrooms in the back, which you can use while the bus is moving—crucial for longer stretches. (Our trip from Huacachina back to Lima was about 4 hours nonstop). It’s important to know that you can only pee in the bus toilets; they’re not equipped to handle #2 or toilet paper.

Peru Hop guides

Our Peru Hop leaders were always friendly, approachable and extremely helpful. They all spoke fluent English and Spanish; some of them also spoke Portuguese.

The guides sometimes offer information about Peru and what you’re seeing. For example, one guide explained that Lima’s population boomed in the ‘60s-80s when people in the rural areas fled fighting and terrorist attacks; squatter’s laws mean that they legally own property after living on it for 10 years.

I have to give a special shout-out to Natalia, our guide from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina. She (and the other Peru Hop leaders) did an excellent job of managing many passengers, making sure we were all where we needed to be on time, and doing so with grace and a sense of humor—without seeming pushy. That is not an easy job.

Peru Hop itineraries and tours

Although Peru Hop doesn’t operate tours and activities—it contracts with local companies at the different locations it serves, thereby supporting community-based economies and entrepreneurs—I completely appreciated having a trusted recommendation for organized sightseeing.

After a week and a half of traveling in Peru, I definitely felt the decision fatigue of figuring out where to stay, eat and visit. I was more than happy to cede some decision making to Peru Hop, especially because a 2-day trip from Lima included two things to do in Peru I had been eyeing on Pinterest for months: Huacachina and the Nazca Lines.

(See my comprehensive post about everything you need to know about Huacachina for more on this desert oasis town!)

Here’s the thing: Peru Hop, which has a 96% 5-star rating on Trip Adviser, serves thousands of passengers a year. They must work with reputable, safe, high quality operators if they want to maintain their reputation. This is why I felt comfortable going with all their recommendations for activities, tours and even restaurants.

The Peru Hop 2-day trip from Lima

Beth’s birthday group spent quite a long time in Lima; we wanted to end the trip by getting out of the big city for a bit and seeing other parts of Peru. If you’re thinking the same thing, I’m so glad you’ve found this Peru Hop review. (If you’re spending time in Lima, click over to my post on the best of Miraflores.)

We were picked up in front of Starbucks in Barranco at 6:30am. The Peru Hop guide, Natalia, literally hopped off the bus to greet us: She had our names on a list on a clipboard, and there was zero confusion of where we were meant to go.

Peru Hop trip to Paracas and the Ballestas Islands

After a 1.5 hour bus ride, we arrived in Paracas, a beach town south of Lima. As it’s winter in Peru in June, Paracas was sleepy and slightly foggy, so it didn’t immediately feel like a must-see destination. From Paracas, we took a 2-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, a national preserve set aside for wildlife conservation.

The hands-down highlight of the boat tour to Ballestas Islands was seeing Humboldt penguins. They were unbelievably cute, and we saw them waddle/fall down the rocks to the edge of the water, then jump in to go fishing. We also saw sea lions and approximately 79 bajillion birds that all nest on these rocky outcroppings.

I was impressed that the boat ride was smooth—I’m pretty sure no one felt sick at all. The boat captain did a wonderful job of maneuvering the boat so each side got to see the animals and rock formations.

On the boat tour, we also saw the Candelaria, an ancient engraving in the sandstone near Ballestas Islands. Historians don’t know a lot about the mysterious design (does it represent a cactus? something else?). It does look like the famous Nazca Lines (more on those later!) but they differ in many ways, too.

Peru Hop trip to Huacachina

Next, we drove about 2.5 hours south to Huacachina, the desert oasis town. After lunch, we took a dune buggy and sandboarding tour on the towering sand dunes surrounding Huacachina.

Again, here’s where my trust of Peru Hop partners came into play. Although zipping up and down sand dunes like they were rollercoasters was somewhat terrifying, I was more excited-scared than afraid-for-my-life scared. Peru Hop has been working with local companies for years and so knows which ones have the best reputation for safety.

The dune buggy ride was beyond fun, and I absolutely loved sandboarding. I also appreciated that our dune buggy guide, Orlando, gave us plenty of time to take pictures (and Boomerangs!) on the otherworldly dunes. When you’re in a one-of-a-kind place like Huacachina for such a short time, you definitely don’t want to feel rushed, and I never did with Peru Hop’s operators.

Peru Hop trip to Nazca Lines

When I first researched visiting Nazca and flying over the Nazca lines, I was totally overwhelmed. There are about a half-dozen airlines that operate flights, but every blog post on this iconic Peruvian adventure warns of disreputable companies with sketchy safety records. The thing was, I had a hard time figuring out which ones were legit and which weren’t.

This is again where Peru Hop’s help made me feel taken care of. With a guide’s help, we booked our Nazca Line flight on FindLocalTrips.com. The Peru Hop guide also explained all the must-know details, like how much cash to bring for the airport tax, and to ensure we brought our passports.

Then Peru Hop arranged transport for our small group to Nazca. We drove the roughly 3 hours on a comfortable bus, which dropped us off directly at the Nazca airport. We were picked up after our Nazca flight and brought into Nazca town, where we were later picked up to be taken back to Huacachina, and then back to Lima.

Peru Hop review: Pros & cons

Pros

Convenience. I was happy to let an experienced company arrange activities and tours because I already knew I wanted to do the trips—e.g. to the Nazca Lines and Huacachina.

Safety. Peru Hop hires and trains safe bus drivers. I felt totally comfortable with our drivers.

Cost. I thought Peru Hop’s prices were totally reasonable. Had I paid for the same activities a la cart, I would have paid a lot more—and had way more of a logistics headache.

Straightforward pricing. Peru Hop was completely transparent about what a trip would cost and what it included—there were no surprises. The company didn’t try to upsell me, either.

Clarity. I always understood where we were going, what was happening next, and when I needed to be at the meeting point for the next leg of the trip. The guides invited questions at every stage, and they never made me feel stupid when I needed clarification.

No gimmicky sales stops. Most tours you go on include “educational” activities that are little more than high-pressure sales stops. Peru Hop didn’t shoehorn these kinds of stops into the itinerary; every stop was clearly outlined, so there were never any surprises.

Cons

Driving time. Over our 2-day trip from Lima, we spent about 13 hours on a bus. This of course isn’t Peru Hop’s fault; it’s just the nature of going a far way to see Peru’s spread-out attractions. I would have preferred to spend more time in our destinations (which is also an option with Peru Hop, since itineraries are customizable and flexible), but Beth and I only had two days and wanted to see and do as much as we could. That said, know that a 2-day trip from Lima includes a lot of bus time.

Standard accomodation. Just before we arrived in Huacachina, I realized we’d been booked in the standard partner hostel, the Casa de Arena—aka backpacker party central. Beth and I are happily past that stage of life and wanted no part of a hostel scene next to a nightclub. I wish we had been given the option of choosing where to stay when making the Peru Hop reservation; I would have gladly paid extra for different lodging. Unfortunately, I didn’t know I should email Peru Hop to book a different location.

Thankfully, though, our Peru Hop guide Natalia helped sort us out: She reserved a private room at a quieter hostel for us on the fly. When we arrived in Huacachina, the Wild Olive knew to expect us and had a room ready. I did have to pay for the separate lodging (though we got a discount as Peru Hop customers); then I had to request a lodging refund via email from Peru Hop, which I got within a couple of days.

Bottom line: Should you book a Peru Hop trip?

Ultimately, my Peru Hop review is strongly positive: I would recommend taking a Peru Hop trip to just about any traveler who wants to see more of Peru without spending a ton of money.

I found Peru Hop to be:

• safe
• efficient
• helpful
• reliable
• comfortable

Peru Hop allowed me and my sister to visit Huacachina and fly over the Nazca Lines in just the two days we had available. Without booking this 2-day trip from Lima, I wouldn’t have been able to organize such an ambitious outing. Dune buggying, sandboarding and flying over the Nazca Lines are unforgettable experiences my sister and I shared, and I’m so glad we took the time to see more of Peru. I hope this Peru Hop review helps you decide if this South America bus travel is right for you.

How to make the most of a Peru Hop trip

Book your trip in person, if possible

You can reserve your Peru Hop itinerary in-person at a handful of Peru locations, including their office in Miraflores, Lima. This method is better than booking online because you can, for example, arrange for non-standard lodging (and avoid the stress of having to make a last-minute change, like we did).

Use your Peru Hop discounts

You’ll get a Peru Hop bracelet to wear during your trip, which gets you a discount at partner restaurants and hotels. Remember to show your waiter or hotel your bracelet so you don’t pay full price, which is a great perk that comes along with being a Peru Hop customer.

Bring snacks

You won’t always have a lot of time on each planned stop to buy food, so bring snacks to eat on the stretches when you’re driving long ways.

Don’t be late

No one wants to wait for you while you take one more picture or haggle for a cheaper t-shirt. Arrive at the meeting place on time so everyone can get to the next stop on schedule.

Speak up and ask questions

I found Peru Hop guides and staff to be incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. They seemed well trained and ready to help—but they wouldn’t have known how to be of assistance had Beth and I not spoken up.

Reminder: This Peru Hop review was unsolicited and unsponsored. My sister and I paid 100% of our 2-day trip from Lima, and no one from the company knew I would be writing a Peru Hop review.

Have you been to Peru? What was your favorite part of the country? And if you’ve taken a Peru Hop trip, I’d love to hear your thoughts—both pros and cons—in the comments below!

The post A complete & honest Peru Hop review: Cheap travel in South America appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

PDX is consistently voted the country’s best airport, and it’s not just because of the carpet. The Portland airport is great for adults (breweries! whiskey flights! wine bars! mimosas at the Country Cat!), but it’s also wonderful for kids. Between the kid-friendly restaurants, family entertainment and smart design, PDX is my favorite kid-friendly airport. If you’re flying through the Portland airport with kids, take advantage of the airport’s kid-friendly features.

Getting to your destination can make anyone cranky—and little kids have even less patience than us wise, calm, serene adults. (HA!) So a kid-friendly airport like PDX makes life a little easier on us parents. In fact, my kids now actually like hanging out at the airport!

Next time you’re flying through the Portland airport with kids, then, seek out these family-friendly perks.

Why flying through the Portland airport with kids WON’T make you swear off family travel

1. Log on to free wifi

If your kids are approaching a post-TSA meltdown (and I can’t say I blame them), save your data and log on to the PDX free wifi. The wifi in the Portland airport is famously fast—and good enough to stream Puffin Rock, Paw Patrol or whatever uber annoying show your kid is obsessed with this week. 

2. See part of a movie at the Hollywood Theater

A free movie theater is just one more reason why flying through the Portland airport with kids is the best. Not all films there are family-friendly, but check the current showing schedule for kid-friendly flicks. On a recent day, short films included overhead drone footage of Oregon, a stop-motion animation about a frog and a documentary about crows.

3. Wear your Timbers jersey

If you fly Alaska, wear your Portland Timbers jersey and you get to pre-board with all the fancy first class folks!

4. Buy kid-friendly (and healthy!) snacks

Skip the sugar crash and pick healthy, kid-friendly snacks for your pre-boarding wait—and the flight ahead. Fruit bars, squeezie pouches, popcorn, cheese and protein plates and more are great options. Stock up because flying through the Portland airport with kids who are hangry is never fun!

5. Look out the window

There’s something magical about seeing gigantic planes close up. Kids also love to watch aircraft taking off and landing.

Level 10 travel tip: An enormous window at the end of terminal C gives an unobstructed view of the runways. If you are flying out of terminal C or have extra time, walk down this way for primo views. Bonus: The window is right next to a playground!

6. Take a foot selfie

PDX tore up a bunch of its legendary carpet, which oddly enough developed a cult following, but you can still take a foot selfie along with thousands of other travelers! #pdxcarpet

7. Pick a kid-friendly restaurant at PDX

If you’re looking for something fast, Cafe Yumm is my go-to. It serves kid-friendly (and customizable) bowls with a base of beans and rice. If you have more time, Portland favorite Country Cat is a fairly recent addition to PDX, and their homemade biscuits with jam are a huge hit with little ones.

Level 10 travel tip: Country Cat also serves cocktails. The 5 o’clock rule guidelines totally don’t apply when you’re flying with kids. Mimosas away!

8. Stop by an airport play place

My kids find airport moving walkways more fun than just about anything else, but when I get tired of apologizing to passengers for my girls, I steer them to an airport play place at PDX.

PDX has several play places, including one on each side of the airport. TK SPECIFICS

Level 10 travel tip: Make sure your kids wash their hands right after using the airport play places. You don’t want to start a family vacation by catching a bug!

9. Listen (or dance!) to live music

Unless you’re flying super-early or super-late, musicians perform across the airport throughout the day. I’ve seen not only people playing the piano and saxophone but also the marimba and even the African kora. A little live music is a great inspiration for your kids to dance out their energy when flying through PDX.

10. Look up at the Clock Tower

The beautiful, weathervane-like art at the Clock Tower in terminal C is a great place for kiddos to explore for a few minutes. Invite them to find the different animals and scenes atop the towers.

This light-filled atrium is also the best place to eat a meal in the Portland airport, IMHO. Kid-friendly restaurants here include Cafe Yumm, MOD Pizza (which also serves a gluten-free crust) and Mo’s Chowder (get the kid-friendly fish and chips, yum!). There are plenty of tables in this atrium to sit and have a pre-flight meal.

11. Run sprints on an out-of-the-way moving walkway

If your kids are anything like mine, they love getting on and off the moving walkway. Unfortunately, other travelers are trying to use it for its actual purpose: getting to where they’re going faster. Great news for your kiddos: The long hallway that connects the two ends of the airport has several extra-long stretches of moving walkways, perfect for letting kids sprint to their heart’s content.

12. Take a break at a nursing room

There are roughly a dozen nursing rooms throughout the Portland airport, great for breastfeeding moms or moms who exclusively pump. They’re first-come, first-served, so if the one you go to is locked, ask a PDX staff for help. They should be able to help you find someplace private and close to breastfeed or pump, like the conference center.

If you’re pumping at the airport, take a look at my post on my other blog, Ten Thousand Hour Mama, for tons of tips on pumping at the airport.

13. Watch the dogs

Also in the connector highway between the two ends of PDX, an animal relief center offers an unexpected way to entertain kids. Your littles can watch through the room’s window as dogs dart around the room. The combination of finally getting to run off-leash and all the intense smells makes dogs particularly hilarious!

Flying through the Portland airport with kids definitely isn’t at the top of my favorite family activities, but it’s not on the worst-ever list, either. So when you’re flying in or out of Portland, take advantage of PDX’s family-friendly airport perks. You, your kids, and the rest of the travelers on your plane will be glad you did!

If you’re planning a family trip, you’ll definitely want to check out my $3 hack to make packing all your kids’ stuff totally simple. After all, I swear by this trick and it has helped so much by eliminating the hassle of packing suitcases.

Do you have any tips for flying with kids through the Portland airport or anywhere else? Please share in the comments!

The post 13 must-know tips for flying through the Portland airport with kids appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

My sister and I didn’t spend a ton of time here, which is how most travelers see Huacachina. I could have stayed another day, but unfortunately we both had planes to catch and so had to cut our visit short.

I fell in love with this strange, otherworldly desert oasis town, though, and I’m pretty sure you will, too. Here’s everything you need to know about Huacachina to make your visit unforgettable. Read on for tips on dune buggy tours, sandboarding tips and where to eat in Huacachina. Save this post for later by pinning one of the images below—you definitely won’t want to forget Huacachina, Peru when you’re making your bucket list or planning your trip to South America!

What to know about Huacachina: the nitty gritty details

1. Plan for partying

Huacachina is a party town. Thursday through Saturday nights are the loudest, and it’s hard to escape the noise, even if you’re not staying in a backpacker’s hostel. (A nightclub’s noise carries and echoes in the dunes.) If you’re not the partying type, visit Huacachina Sunday through Wednesday, and select one of the quieter lodgings. (I stayed at Wild Olive, which was quite mellow, and the price included breakfast.)

Level 10 travel tip: If you just can’t abide the party vibe, you can stay in nearby Ica. It’s just a few minutes away from Huacachina by taxi. The most out-of-the-way hotel within Huacachina is the Hosteria Suiza; the Casa de Bamboo is on the quieter side, too.

2. Don’t expect 5 stars

Much of the lodging in Huacachina is quite basic. Windows don’t have a lot of insulation so you’ll hear whatever is happening on the street, and you definitely can’t flush toilet paper down the toilet. You come to Huacachina for the otherworldly sand dunes, though, not for impressive hotels.

Level 10 travel tip: The swankiest lodging in Huacachina is the Curasi Hotel. It’s still pretty basic, compared to what you may be used to, but it’s less of a backpacker vibe and it has a pool with a view of the oasis.

3. Respect the dunes

Make sure you don’t drop anything, even a scrap of paper. Garbage is a huge problem in tourist centers like Huacachina, and you’ll see evidence of people’s carelessness on the dunes.

Level 10 travel tip: If you’re staying for a few days, look into volunteering with Eco Dunas Huacachina. They’ll take you up on the dunes, where you’ll learn about the local ecology and help pick up trash, preserving this incredible place for everyone.

4. Don’t bother with taxis

The small oasis town of Huacachina is tiny, but that won’t stop taxi drivers from trying to take you places. You can walk anywhere in Huacachina within a few minutes.

5. Don’t mind the dogs

Like in the rest of Peru, Huacachina has a lot of stray dogs—and people’s pets that wander on their own. They walk through hotel lobies and restaurants alike, looking for handouts. I recommend not feeding them—you might not be able to get rid of them.

Level 10 travel tip: Huacachina’s streets are kept pretty clean by workers who sweep up garbage and waste, but watch where you step anyway—you don’t want to walk through dog doo.

6. Take care for safety

Anywhere you travel, you’ll need to take commonsense measures to protect yourself and your belongings: Secure your passport and extra cash in a safe, be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit, public places. Huacachina is a tourist center, which means you’re susceptible to people triyng to take advantage of the concentration of money. We didn’t have any problems at all (in fact everyone was super nice), but beware pickpockets.

7. Don’t expect an early rising town

Huacachina is a backpacker’s paradise, and people tend to party at night. Accordingly, mornings start later than you may be used to. (At our hotel, breakfast began at 8am.)

What to pack for Huacachina

8. Plan for the arid air

The climate here in the desert oasis town of Huacachina is, of course, very dry. Bring along body lotion and eyedrops. (I didn’t plan ahead and my eyes burned the whole time from being so dry!)

Level 10 travel tip: If you forget your eyedrops, ask at a pharmacy in town for gotas lubricantes para los ojos.

9. Bring fannypacks back

I don’t keep it any secret that I’m a huge fan of fannypacks. (I rock one very similar to this space kitty fannypack all the time and get compliments on it all the time! – affiliate link) No matter your opinion on them, there’s no denying their practicality on Huacachina’s dunes. In it you can stash your room key, phone and sunglasses. Twist it around to your back when you slide down sandboarding.

Level 10 travel tip: For extra protection for your phone, bring a ziplock baggie. You can put your phone in it when you’re not using it, further guarding it against sand.

10. Bring enough cash

Huacachina doesn’t have an ATM, so take out enough cash to get you through your stay in Huacachina. Many places take cards, too, but will charge a fee.

11. Wear layers

Huacachina is in the middle of the desert, so the temperature drops immediately after sunset. I wore a sweater plus a jacket at night.

12. Find out if you need a towel

Much of the lodging in Huacachina is hostel-style, which means it doesn’t provide a towel. Check with your hotel to ensure they provide towels and soap; otherwise, bring your own.

What you need to know before a dune buggy tour

13. Research dune buggy tours

It seems as if there are more dune buggies than people in Huacachina, and just about everyone will try to sell you a tour of the dunes. Do your research first to ensure you book with a reputable and safe company. FindLocalTrips.com books with reputable groups.

14. Your dune buggy guide may not speak English

If there’s anything in particular you need to communicate with your dune buggy guide (and you don’t speak Spanish), make sure you tell him before you head out to the dunes, when someone nearby can help translate. In the group of about 5 guides I interacted with, none of them spoke English.

15. Protect your belongings on the dunes

When you dune buggy up Huacachina’s famous dunes—and you definitely should—leave your nice camera in your hotel. Bring, instead, just your phone. You’ll get great photos without running the risk of bumping your DSLR on the buggy’s rollercoaster ride or dropping it in the sand.

16. Bring water

Your throat will be parched after breathing the arid air (and screaming your head off on the rollercoaster-like dune buggy ride), so definitely bring a bottle of water on your dunes tour.

17. Try sandboarding

Before I got to Huacachina, I was on the fence about sandboarding. After all, I’ve never snowboarded or skiied (crazy, right?). Turns out, though, you should not stand up on the sandboards unless you’re very experienced; the rest of us slide down on our bellies, face-first.

Sandboarding this way is simple enough that even total newbies like me can do it—and have a blast. I laughed the entire way down!

18. Your feet are your brakes

You’ll hear your dune buggy guide yell “Baja los pies!” when you’re sliding down the dune on a sandboard—that’s because dragging your feet behind you slows you down. So if you’re going too fast, or you need to steer, use your feet.

19. Zip your pockets

When you slide down the dunes on sandboards, sand flies everywhere. Sounds obvious, but in my excitement, I forgot to zip my pants pockets. I ended up with about a pound of sand in my pants as a result.

20. Wear sunglasses

Yes, your sunglasses protect your eyes from the glare, but they’ll also stop sand from getting in your eyes. I wore my sunglasses even after sunset for this reason.

Level 10 travel tip: If you forgot your sunnies, there are people walking around selling them. You can also buy a bandana to wear over your face, which is what the locals do to protect from the sand.

21. Stay for sunset

When you book your dune buggy tour, go around 4pm. You’ll have lots of time to bomb around the dunes in the sun—and wrap up right before sunset around 5:30. Watching the sun dip below the dunes is a gorgeous sight.

Where to drink and eat in Huacachina

22. Know what you’re getting into with the BBQs

When you arrive in Huacachina, someone might try to sell you an entry to a BBQ. The price may be right, but find out first if they also have an all-you-can-drink special at the same time and place. If that’s your thing, great, but if not, know there will be a gaggle of 20-somethings drinking as quickly as they can there.

23. Find good vegetarian food

If you’re vegetarian, there are good places to eat in Huacachina. Casa de Bamboo has plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options (we tried the quinoa risotto and the Thai curry, which was actually spicy—unusual in Peru). Desert Nights has a veggie burger special, with a house-made veggie patty plus a small salad and delicious fries for 20 soles, or less than US $6.

24. Eat with a view

When you’re staying in the oasis town of Huacachina, you should definitely eat your meals somewhere you have a view of the oasis. Desert Night’s rooftop patio has the best view in town.

25. Use your discount promotions

If you go to Huacachina with a tour group (which is what we did—we went with Peru Hop and had a great experience), take advantage of discounts it offers. Peru Hop, for example, partners with several restaurants in town and you’ll get up to 20% off listed prices. Just show your bracelet. We often stopped at these places because I trusted them more: After all, the tour company wouldn’t continue to partner with them if their clients got sick!

If you didn’t go with a tour, your hotel or hostel may offer discounts at its own restaurant and bar or at partnering ones. Ask when you check in.

26. Drink a lot of water

It’s easy to get dehydrated in the desert, so be proactive and drink more water than you think you’ll need. 

27. Look for cervezas artesenales

To be honest, I don’t have a high opinion of cocktails in backpacker-heavy locations: The mixed drinks tend to be poorly made. So instead of ordering cocktails like Peru’s signature pisco sour, opt for one of the country’s wonderful craft beers. Ask your waiter which cervezas artesenales they have. We drank Candelaria La Peruana, a light amber ale that was beautifully refreshing on a hot, dry day.

What to do in Huacachina

The main activities in Huacachina are dune buggy tours and sandboarding. If you already finished your high-speed sand adventures, here are additional ideas.

28. Rent a paddle boat

You can pedal boat around the oasis pool at the center of Huacachina for about 20 soles per half-hour (approximately US $7). There are several places to rent boats; they’re impossible to miss.

29. Walk up the dunes

Even if you did a dune buggy tour already, it’s a blast to walk up the sand dunes. It’s most popular to do so at sunset—just bring a light jacket, as the temperature drops quickly.

30. Pop into the library

There is a small but sweet library in Huacachina with quite the collection of philosophy and Peruvian culture books, in addition to other topics. Most are in Spanish.

31. Relax in a tree

Perhaps the best view in all of Huacachina is a tree that overlooks the oasis pool across from Nuna Cocina Bar. Climb up and watch the pedal boats go by.

32. Walk the horseshoe promenade

The U-shaped boardwalk around the oasis is peaceful in spite of the men trying to get you to rent boats and come to their restaurants. Take a slow stroll along the pedestrian-only path, which stops at the dunes on both ends.

33. Collect recuerdos

Huacachina’s artisan shopping isn’t extensive, which is actually a refreshing change. At the few handicraft and tourist stalls, you’ll find postcards, souvenirs and woven hats in the typical Peruvian style.

Ultimately, I recommend anyone with a few extra days in Peru travel to this desert oasis town. Pretty sure reading everything you need to know about Huacachina convinced you, too.

Add Huacachina to your Peru itinerary, jot it down on your bucket list or save this pin for later. Between Huacachina’s sandboarding, dune buggy rides and otherworldly landscapes, you won’t regret a visit.

The post 33 things to know about Huacachina: Peru’s otherworldly desert oasis appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Yes, it’s a bummer to forego local delicacies, and figuring out how to eat gluten-free when you travel takes extra work. But if you’re celiac, you have no choice, and if you’re just sensitive to gluten, you’ll feel much better if you stick to your regular diet.

Here’s the good news: Figuring out how to eat gluten-free when you travel isn’t as hard as you think. I’ve managed quite well in my travels, and I’m here to share my best tips on keeping your diet clean and keeping you healthy. Bon voyage, and bon appetit!

Top 11 ways to eat gluten-free when you travel

1. Research gluten-free restaurants

This sounds like a “duh” tip, but it should be your first step. Before you travel abroad, google “gluten-free restaurant” and whatever place you’re visiting. Don’t stop there, though.

Next, add those locations to a google map. Unless your itinerary is set in stone, your plans will probably change, so having these good-to-go restaurants on a map you can access will help you find a place to eat, no matter where your travels take you that day.

2. Go for gluten-friendly cuisines

Some types of food are more gluten-friendly than others. Italian cuisine, for example, is a lot tougher to eat GF than, say, Mexican. So when you’re traveling and can’t find a specifically gluten-free restaurant, look for Mexican (or other Latin American), Japanese, Thai and the like. You’ll be able to eat gluten-free when you travel with these cuisine choices.

3. Find vegetarian restaurants

Vegetarian restaurants tend to cater to more health-conscious eaters, so gluten-free choices are often marked on these menus.

4. Memorize how to say “gluten” and “wheat” in the local language

Look up—and write down—how to ask if the food has gluten in it. “Contiene trigo?” means “Does this have wheat in it?” in Spanish—a phrase I sometimes used when traveling in South America recently.

This delicious bowl from Verde Te Quiero Verde in Rosario, Argentina was so healthy and satisfying!

5. Look up local dishes

If you’re traveling in Italy, you’ll find pasta on most every menu—not exactly gluten-free friendly. But when you’re working out how to eat gluten-free when you travel, think of other signature foods in your destination—like caprese salad in Italy.

When I was in Peru, for example, I always knew I could ask for ceviche or tacu tacu, a fried rice dish, at pretty much any Peruvian restaurant. Knowing there will always be something you can eat will take out a lot of the stress of being a gluten-free traveler.

6. Ask in advance

If the group you’re traveling with has plans to go to a specific restaurant, call ahead. That way you can ask if there are gluten-free dishes and even ask for modifications. They’re much more likely to be able to work around your dietary restrictions if you ask in advance.

Chia in Cusco, Peru was an all-vegan restaurant with a ton of delicious gluten-free food.

7. Get help from the front desk

It can be hard to figure out how to eat gluten-free when you travel if you do it on your own, so ask for help! If you don’t speak the local language, enlist the help of your hotel’s concierge (or your AirBnB host). They’ll be able to communicate your needs on your behalf.

8. Seek recommendations from travel boards

Search travel message boards for location-specific tips on how to eat gluten-free when you travel. If nothing pops up that’s relevant to your destination, ask on a travel message board: Other travelers are likely to weigh in.

Isolina Taberna in Lima, Peru had a wealth of gluten-free foods. The beans were out of this world!

9. Bring snacks from home

Raise your hand if this has happened to you, too: You’re traveling abroad and you haven’t eaten anything for a while, and all of a sudden you’re hangry—and the only food around is delicious-smelling donuts some nice old lady is selling on the street. Not a good combination when you’re traveling internationally (or anywhere, for that matter).

To avoid those hangry moments, bring a supply of GF snacks from home: ones you know you like and are shelf-stable. For example, on a recent long trip to South America, I brought an entire box of Paleo Cave Man bars as well as a bunch of Lara Bars (my fave flavors are cherry and peanut butter chocolate chip). Yes, they weighed a lot, and yes, I felt semi-ridiculous importing so many snacks, but I was absolutely glad to have them. I made sure I always had a bar (or two) in my bag or purse before I left the hotel each morning. And I can’t tell you how many times those snacks saved me! (affiliate links)

10. Eat a hearty breakfast

Most hotels offer breakfast as a complementary part of your stay. Take advantage and load up on gluten-free foods. My go-to breakfast choices: eggs, fruit and oatmeal.

Depending on where you’re traveling, you might have additional options that seem unconventional to Americans but will still give you a good base for a full day of traveling. In England and much of Europe, for example, you’ll find baked beans at breakfast; in South America, I was often offered slices of ham or turkey and cheese; in Japan, you might eat salad, fish and soup first-thing.

11. Visit a local grocery store

There may be days when you simply didn’t have good luck finding gluten-free food when you travel. On those days, make sure you have GF choices back at your hotel room that are heartier than trail mix or granola bars.

One of the first things I do when I arrive at my travel destination is go to a grocery store. While I’m there, I pick out one or two gluten-free staples (on a recent trip, I bought GF granola and almond milk). Other ideas: cold cuts, peanut butter and bananas, fruit and yogurt, or veggies and avocado. Most lodging has at least a small mini-bar fridge where you can store perishable foods.

Bottom line: It’s far from impossible to eat gluten free when you travel. You can absolutely stay healthy even while exploring the world—and eating your way around the globe.

You might not be able to eat baguettes in France or alfajores in Argentina (womp-womp), but when you eat gluten-free when you travel abroad, you’ll keep your tummy happy—so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Do you have any trips on how to eat gluten-free when you travel?

The post 11 super-helpful tips to eat gluten-free when you travel abroad appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Take a look at my favorite things to do in Miraflores, Lima from my recent trip to the incredible city. Add these to your itinerary—or pin this post for later. Whether you’re traveling to Peru right now or South America is on your bucket list, you’ll want to visit Miraflores, Lima.

Not convinced yet? You will be by the end of this post!

This post is not sponsored. I tried and loved everything on this list personally, and I think you’ll love these things to do in Miraflores, too!

11 Unforgettable things to do in Miraflores, Peru

In no particular order, here are my top 11 things to do in Miraflores!

1. Stroll along the Malecón

A boardwalk winds along the edge of the cliff overlooking the ocean throughout Miraflores. For fresh air, ocean views, and a pedestrian-friendly outing, you can’t beat the Malecón. There are also bike rentals at the Larco Mar, the high-end mall that overlooks the ocean, and you can cycle along the Malecón’s bike paths (painted red).

If you’re wondering what to do in Miraflores with kids, the Larco Mar also has a playground named after Paddington, who arrived in London from Peru.

Level 10 travel tip: Look north to see Lima’s lighthouse, which warns passing ships from crashing into the rocks here.

2. Go cat-spotting at Parque Kennedy

The triangular park in Miraflores, Lima is called by its whole name, Parque Central, on many maps, but most people call it Parque Kennedy. It was named for the American president but these days it’s more famous for the hundreds of stray cats that call it home.

Locals leave them food and volunteers give them veterinary care, so they seem quite happy. They’re also friendly, so if you’re missing Fluffy at home, you can always get your cat fix here.

Level 10 travel tip: In the evenings, you might find an informal and impromptu dance party in one of the mini-amphitheaters in Miraflores, Peru’s Parque Kennedy. Join the crowd if you know salsa or bachata, or simply admire everyone else’s moves.

3. Get a taste of pre-Incan history at the Huaca Pucllana ruins

The contrast between 1,500-year-old pyramids and the chichi homes of Miraflores is a perfect expression of Lima: grounded in history but always pushing forward.

The hour-long tours are mandatory at Huaca Pucllana—no roaming about on your own—but you’ll learn much more about the three pre-Incan cultures who worshiped at this Miraflores, Peru ruins that way. The mud bricks that form these pyramids are still mostly intact and survived earthquakes—and the motorcross races that used to take place here before the ruins were excavated, protected, and preserved.

When researching things to do in Miraflores, don’t miss these urban ruins. 

4. Have a fabricgasm at the Amano Textile Museum

Wandering throughout Lima, you’ll see plenty of examples of Peru’s signature textiles—some mass-manufactured, some painstakingly hand-woven—and you’ll learn about this tradition’s roots at the Amano Textile Museum in Miraflores.

This impressive collection stands out with its detailed explanations in both Spanish and English so you get a sense of history along with the wow factor of centuries-old textiles. Plan for about an hour exploring this impressive museum in Miraflores, Peru, which displays ceramics and other art in addition to its comprehensive collection of pre-Incan textiles.

Level 10 travel tip: For an additional 20 soles (US $7), you can see the archives of blankets, clothing and more that aren’t on display.

5. Taste all the pisco at the Pisco Musuem

Ok, so the Museo del Pisco isn’t actually a museum, but if you come with an open mind, you’ll still learn plenty about Peru’s national drink from the incredibly friendly and knowledgeable waiters. The second (and admittedly less atmospheric) Pisco Museum location in Miraflores is right next to Parque Kennedy, and its expansive cocktail list will take a while to look through.

The canchitas (fried and salted corn) are the best I tried in Peru, and the rest of the tapas menu is delicious, too (try the fried cheese served with guacamole—you won’t be disappointed). Your list of fun things to do in Miraflores must include trying pisco, and you might as well drink it at one of the more respected bars in Lima.

Level 10 travel tip: Don’t limit yourself to iconic pisco sours here, and to make the most of your visit, come with friends (as long as they’re friends who are willing to swap tastes!). My hands-down favorite cocktail in Peru was the Flor de la Canela, which included a beautiful blend of cinnamon and cardamom and was a refreshing departure from the often-sweet cocktails made from pisco. Another standout: the Cocamanto, which draws just a hint of flavor from the coca leaf.

6. Join the faithful at the Iglesia de la Virgen Fátima

This church in Miraflores isn’t typically open to tourists, but if you stop by during mass times—generally 7 and 9am on weekdays and Saturdays and throughout the day starting at 7:30am on Sundays—you’ll get an authentic taste of Lima life while admiring this gorgeous iglesia.

The stained-glass windows let in the morning light in, and faithful locals slide in throughout the service. Stay for a few minutes after mass finishes to wander in the church and admire the artwork.

7. Let the local ceviche blow your mind

Ceviche (or cebiche, as it’s spelled in Peru) is raw fish or other seafood cured in an acid, typically lemon juice.

Such a simple explanation doesn’t even begin to describe the incredible tastes of the ceviche and tiraditos (thin strips of raw fish and other seafood, similar to ceviche) served at La Mar Cebichería. It’s not easy to choose from the traditional dishes served here, but my favorite was the tiradito chalacos.

Level 10 travel tip: This Miraflores restaurant is large, so it can accommodate bigger groups if you make a reservation or are prepared to wait. If you do need to wait for a table, they’re happy to seat you at the bar or bring you a menu so you can plan out your delicious meal to come.

8. Watch fútbol with locals in Miraflores

Soccer—or football/fútbol, to the rest of the world outside the US—is a force that brings people together. Peruvians are no exception.

If you’re looking for things to do in Miraflores, simply head to the concentration of bars around Parque Kennedy. At any given time, there’s probably a soccer match going on. Cheer for whichever team the locals are rooting for and make some new friends!

9.Feel the love at Parque del Amor

On the Malecón, you’ll find an entire park dedicated to love. The sensual statue at the park’s center gets the most attention, but I was even more smitten with the mosaic walls that wend around the park.

Quotes from love poems are set into the walls, and you’re sure to find a few favorites.

10. Eat tamales that will make you turn vegetarian

Peru’s tamales aren’t the Mexican ones you’re used to, but one taste of Panchita’s veggie tamales will have you swear off meat for good (or at least as long as you have a steady supply of these beauties).

When looking for where to eat in Miraflores, don’t miss Panchita’s criolla cooking. 

11. Sample local beer im Miraflores

Peru’s craft beer game is strong—and you can taste your way through about 20 local cervezas at Curaka Bar in Miraflores. One of my favorites: the Magdalena Pálida. If you can’t decide what you want, order a tasting flight and find your own new favorite!

Still wondering what to do in Miraflores, Peru

Bottom line: If you’re looking for things to do in Miraflores, there’s plenty to choose from. When you travel to Lima, Peru, don’t miss Miraflores, the neighborhood that offers so much!

And if you’re wondering where to stay in Miraflores, definitely check out my review of the Dazzler Hotel, Lima.

The post 11 BEST things to do in Miraflores that will make you fall in love with Lima, Peru appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

A writer’s retreat staycation to level up your blog

Being a travel blogger as a side hustle isn’t always easy. I love nothing more than exploring a family-friendly destination with my kids (or a kid-free getaway!), but then I have to actually find the time to write about my adventures. I love writing blog posts, too, but while juggling my full-time job and motherhood, my to-write list is always long—and daunting. That’s why I recently reserved an entire day for a writer’s retreat staycation—and here’s why you should, too.

Setting aside a whole day to do nothing but work on my blog made me more productive. It helped me bank a reserve of travel blog posts to draw from during busy weeks. It allowed me to focus on creating great content my fans love to read. And it cut out distractions—even the cutest distractions in the world, aka my kids.

What allowed me to spend a whole day focused on travel writing instead of laundry and fixing snacks and pretending not to see the stack of unopened mail on the counter? Building the writer’s retreat staycation around a brilliant concept I just learned about: Hotels By Day. The startup, which you may remember from its appearance on Shark Tank, partners with hotels around the world to open up rooms during the day. So if you have a day-long layover en route to a far-flung destination, or you want a place to clean up for a wedding and use the pool after a day of hiking, you can reserve a room with Hotels By Day. Or, of course, you can do a “daycation” writer’s retreat like my blogging bestie Jenni from A Well Crafted Party and I did.

7 steps to write a library of blog posts in one day

Pretty sure it’s safe to say all of us bloggers want to create better content more quickly—right? Batching blog post writing—in the right environment and with the right productivity hacks—helps you write more (and more engaging!) posts. Here’s how to plan the ultimate blogging writer’s retreat staycation.

1. Post up in a place without distractions

Jenni and I got into our room at Portland’s The Jupiter and it was clean, uncluttered and definitely free of My Little Ponies all over the floor. In other words, it was the serene opposite of my house.

Booking a daycation with Hotels By Day for our local writer’s retreat gave me the space to concentrate on writing great blog posts. Because my attention wasn’t being constantly pulled this way and that, I was able to get more done in these hours than I could ever dream of at home.

2. Pack your writer’s essentials

When we went on our writer’s retreat staycation, I packed the notebook I use for brainstorming posts, my bullet journal with my hashtag lists, post-it notes—and a pack of La Croix. You see, we all have quirky routines that put us in the writing mindset, and mine just happens to be sparkling pamplemousse. #dontjudge

3. Articulate your writing goals

To have a successful writer’s retreat staycation, you first need to figure out what you aim to accomplish—and be specific. For me, I wanted to write a bank of travel blog posts that I could have ready to publish during the busy weeks when I don’t have the time to write a post from scratch. You may want to spend your time researching long-tail keywords and brainstorming post ideas, or rebranding your web site, or go my route and just write. But regardless of what you do, pick—and stick with—one theme, at least for a chunk of time.

This productivity hack is called batching, and research shows it’s much more effective than our usual way of working. When we multitask—e.g. begin to write a blog post but then remember that you need to create a pin for it so you go through your images and then remember another point you want to add to your post—your productivity dips 40%.

So be clear about your goal for your writer’s retreat staycation. You can write it on a post-it note to steer you back to your task when you’re tempted to peek at reddit, or you can share it with your writing partner like I did with Jenni. Just make sure you know what you’re doing—and what you’re not doing.

4. Fuel your creativity

If you’ve rented a room for the day, you may be tempted to hole up and not leave—but don’t forget to eat! Jenni and I ate breakfast at Moberi and lunch at Prasad East, where we indulged in 100% healthy and delicious food that wouldn’t make us feel sluggish afterward. Make sure to take food breaks! A hungry brain is not creative.

5. Channel encouragement and inspiration

Sometimes it’s hard to get in the blog writing zone—whatever you type doesn’t seem right. In these moments, I like to draw inspiration from other writers.

That’s why I made a set of cards with quotes on writing. (I even made them pretty, because glitter washi tape makes everything better!) When I’m feeling stuck, I pull out a card at random and use the advice from the quote on writing to push me out of my rut.

And hey, you can too! Download my free quotes on writing printable for a little inspiration. And if you’re like me and want to go just a tad bit extra, gussy them up with washi tape. #teamglitter

6. Get a change of scenery

Just because we booked a Hotels By Day room didn’t mean we had to stay behind that closed door (although have you seen the doors at The Jupiter? They’re chalkboards! Yes, we took advantage).

So no matter where you’re doing your writer’s retreat staycation, move every so often. Getting out of your chair wakes you up and increases blood flow (and therefore nutrient-rich, creativity-boosting blood to your brain). A change of scenery may help spark new ideas, too.

At The Jupiter, we hung out for a bit in the hotel lobby, which was filled with the attention-grabbing photo composites of Portland icons created by Beth Kerschen. Oh, and the lobby had coffee and tea, too. #caffeine!

Plan your next writer’s retreat staycation

Jenni and I vowed to do another writer’s retreat staycation—or daycation, or destination—soon. I was blown away by how much more productive I was writing blog posts when I wasn’t doing anything else. (I know, shocking!)

We don’t have another writer’s retreat on the books yet (because life), but this one won’t be our last. Whether we book our writer’s retreat spot again through Hotels By Day, or rent a house together on the beach, or simply take over a local cafe, we’ll be rocking the writer’s retreat staycation before long. If you want your choice made easy, though, book through Hotels By Day because a day-long hotel stay is a savvy way to plan a writer’s retreat.

Want to join me? Reach out via my contact page. Whenever you’re in Portland I’d love to connect with fellow travel bloggers or travel-loving parents!

The post 7 steps to write a library of posts in a day—with a writer’s retreat staycation appeared first on To & Fro Fam.