With the right card your family may board its next flight a little faster.

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There’s plenty to think about when planning and packing for a family camping trip with children under 5 years – especially if this is the first time you’ll be camping with your little one(s). I’ve covered the topic in detail in Travels with Baby, but I was recently reminded how location, location, location can make such a difference when camping with small kids. 

When picking your family’s campsite, avoid these locations if you can:

1. Next to water – The lakeside view might be lovely, or the sound of a trickling stream, but how many changes of dry clothing did you bring for this weekend getaway? You may end up constantly chasing your toddler out of the creek throughout your stay, and of course with small kids it could be a serious safety hazard. What’s more, being closest to the water may also put you in the thick of mosquitoes come dusk.

2. Next to the restroom – In the case of pit toilets, the reason may be obvious. But the constant traffic to the john, flushing noises, conversations, and lights can be very disruptive to young sleepers who are already excited enough about sleeping in the tent. Even with a potty trainee along for the adventure, you may rest better a comfortable distance away from the restrooms (and keep your training potty in the tent if you’re nervous about a potential midnight run).

3. Next to the garbage / recycling – Sure, if someone asked you if you’d prefer to be in this site, you’d probably say, “No thanks!” But if it’s one of the last campsites left when you arrive on a Friday evening, just think of those investigative raccoons and skunks that might traipse through your site en route, and the college students who may unload their case of beer cans at an unsettling hour. Try for a different space if possible.

So where does that leave you to pitch your tent or park your campervan? Hopefully at the farthest end of the loop where the bulk of campers, once settled, will be less likely to pass by on their way to the general store, or restrooms, or garbage bins. There will be plenty of time to make new friends when you’re in the mood for a stroll. 

For more help planning camping trips with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, see Chapter 2 of Travels with Baby, and check out some of the related posts and pages below. And if you’ve got your popcorn ready, here’s my segment from View from the Bay.

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When I recently discovered www.bayareaonthecheap.com, I knew this site could have as much value to those of you planning family travel to San Francisco and the Bay Area as it could for those of us calling it home.

This comprehensive site is a great first stop to find coupons and special deals on everything from your tickets and sightseeing passes (including California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco Zoo, or Red and White Fleet cruises on the SF Bay) to where to buy the cheapest gas for your rental car and find FREE WiFi spots throughout San Francisco and the greater Bay Area — which can be especially helpful when you want to check in online for that return flight or share some of your travel photos with friends on the fly.

Bay Area restaurant coupons, farmers markets, and flea markets can be found at the site as well, plus listings of upcoming cheap and free festivals and fairs.

For more budget travel tips for your family’s visit to San Francisco, see my “Cheap and Free San Francisco” recommendations in the related posts and pages below.

Related posts and pages:

Safe journeys,
 
Shelly Rivoli
Author of Travels with Baby and the new Take-Along Travels with Baby
https://travelswithbaby.com/   Travels with Baby on Facebook
 
All content of this blog (c) Shelly Rivoli

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Another visit to Old Town San Diego was a great reminder of how much fun is to be had in San Diego, even on a budget. I’m partial to Old Town, I’ll admit, as I had a serious Little House on the Prairie obsession as a kid and for some reason it reminds me of this. Plus, my Grandmother lived in the Cosmo Hotel building (currently undergoing restoration) when she worked as a riveter during World War II. Not to mention, I find the modest courtyard of the Estudillo House (above) to be one of my favorite spots in California–especially when it’s filled with the strains of classical guitar music by a local musician as it was on this particular afternoon. If you get to San Diego, don’t miss it–or any of these other great opportunities at Old Town.

1. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride. Unlike the outrageous gondolas of Venice or carriages of Central Park, buggy rides in Old Town San Diego are a mere $3!

3. Eat ice cream. A few bucks depending; child sizes available.

6. Get a family-size fresh-squeezed lemonade. $2.

This post is part of the Photo Friday fun at DeliciousBaby.com.

Safe journey,

Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guidebook Travels with Baby
The Ultimate Guide for Planning Trips with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children
Visit https://travelswithbaby.com/ for more tips and family travel resources

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As I’ve blogged before, there’s much more vacation to be had in San Diego than standing in lines on hot asphalt for kiddie rides or watching fish leap from water — and paying a whole ‘lotta money for the average family of 4 to do so (though if it’s in the budget and up your alley, by all means have a great time).

If you’re looking for a truly budget-friendly family vacation that won’t break the bank, or just some cost-saving alternatives to round out your vacation time, San Diego has a lot to offer. Palm trees, beaches, and warm weather aside, be sure to check out my post Stretch Your Family Vacation Dollars in San Diego.

One other place you won’t want to miss on your family vacation in San Diego is Balboa Park — a place you could easily spend a fun-filled day with young children without spending much money. While there are several museums and events there that you may also like to pay admission for, check out some of our favorite activities for around $2 – or less! Click the video above (or here) to see.

What’s better than that? Staying in San Diego for FREE, of course — in a 1-bedroom suite with your family’s breakfasts included, a full kitchen at your disposal, a great swimming pool, and in a picture-perfect location just minutes from other great activities. Enter to win my current giveaway before midnight 5/11/10!

Safe journey,

Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby
The Ultimate Guide for Planning Trips with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children
https://travelswithbaby.com/

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For most northern Californians, the Sonoma Coast is synonymous with wine tasting, fine food, spendy spas, and “grown up fun.” It’s not the first place that comes to mind when you think of an affordable family vacation. However, the scenic Sonoma coastline is peppered with great beaches—38 beaches in fact. And best of all, Bodega Bay and the Sonoma Coast make a great getaway with kids. Even on a budget.

If you’re looking for a good weekend trip from the Bay Area, or would like to plan a side trip during your family’s visit to San Francisco, take note. Here are 10 ways to enjoy your trip to Bodega Bay without breaking the bank.

1.    Fly a kite. Always a popular beach pastime, kite-flying is fun for all ages and affordable. If you don’t already have one, look to the local kite shops for a great “starter kite” for your kids. Prices start around $12 for basic kites, and your kite will serve you well for years to come.

2.    Build a driftwood fort—or just borrow one for the afternoon. Several of the beaches along this stretch feature great driftwood forts, and with the collections of driftwood on the shore, it’s easy to feel inspired. This fabulous fort at Salmon Creek State Park (above) kept our girls busy for hours.

3.    Build sand castles.And sand people. And sand cars. And… you get the idea.

4.    Go tide-pooling. There are some great tide pools at some of these beaches, the top-recommended beach for tide pools is Shell Beach.

5.    Watch the surfers. Always fun.

6.    Watch the whales. This is prime whale-watching territory, and there are some great vantage points just from scenic turnouts along the highway and easy hiking trails (click here for an idea). Best viewing (and photographing) is in the morning when the sun’s angle is favorable.

7.    Have a picnic.Sure, the beach is a natural spot for a picnic, but you might also enjoy some of Bodega Bay’s other sites such as this picture perfect churchyard on a rise overlooking rolling pastures.

8.    Play T-ball on the sand with your tots, or fling a Frisbee with older kids.

9.    Go camping. While there are great deals to be had at the local inns and hotels, there are also several campgrounds along this stretch of coast. Click here for more information about camping in Sonoma’s regional parks, including Doran and Westside in Bodega Bay, and Gualala Point and Stillwater Cove on Sonoma’s north coast. State Park campgrounds include Wright’s Beach and Bodega Dunes among others, click here for more information.

10.    Watch those waves. Sometimes when you travel with little ones, it’s easy to get caught up in their activities (and entertainment, and eating, and…). Don’t forget to take a little time while you’re on the beach to just take in the view… and breathe. Nice, isn’t it?

More tips: While Doran Beach Sate Park, with the Pacific on its two-mile front and Bodega Bay at its back, has a $6 day use parking fee, most of the other beaches along the Sonoma Coast are completely free (even Salmon Creek, which has ample parking and restrooms).

For lodging info, check out the Travels with Baby review of Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa.

Safe journey,

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