There’s nothing like a family road trip to get everyone excited to check out another area of the country. For your next adventure, up your road trip game with a camper van rental from GoCamp. We checked out the “Airbnb of camper vans” for ourselves and would totally recommend it for your next family camping weekend, especially with fall camping on the horizon. It comes with all the gear you need, plus a comfy spot to sleep away from the bugs. You’re going to love it!
1. Your GoCamp van comes with everything you need.
Gone are the days of packing a car full of gear for your next camping trip. GoCamp vans come with literally everything you need to cook, wash dishes and enjoy the campfire. In addition to the sink, our van had a solar-charged Yeti cooler and all the cooking gear needed to make some mean camping tacos. Pots, pans, a camp stove with propane, a French press for the all-important coffee, and place settings for four people were all included. The van's owner even let us use some of his camp chairs. All we had to bring was our clothes, sleeping bags for the kids, some food, and some firewood. That's it!
The main drag of the family road trip is arguably the constant dining out. The GoCamp vans save you the aggravation (and funds) that requires by bringing your kitchen with you. While all the rigs are set up slightly differently, our Sprinter van had a pump-powered sink where we could wash dishes and an indoor area if we needed to cook out of the elements. It also came with a folding table to set up a kitchen outdoors.
Bedding for the lower mattress was provided and the kids in the upper bunk brought their sleeping bags to make it easy. Sleeping in the Sprinter van was actually quite comfortable, much better than the usual camping sleep that's for sure!
3. A camper van will have you sleeping in style.
Kate Loweth
There's something about bringing your bed with you that makes traveling in a GoCamp camper van especially epic. The GoCamp fleet of camper vans is anything but cookie-cutter. Scroll through their available rigs and you'll find everything from old-school Volkswagen Vanagons to Mercedes Sprinter vans. Different sleeping arrangements appeal to different families with some offering interior sleeping quarters and some roof-top popups or tents. The Sprinter van offers the largest option with seating for five and sleeping quarters (via a double bunk) for four.
4. No RV spot needed.
Kate Loweth
Perhaps our favorite aspect of the GoCamp camping experience is that you don't need to search high and low for those high-demand RV campsites. A traditional campsite is plenty large enough to fit your camper van, your kids, and the gear. This gives you the flexibility to book your campsites as you go or try your luck at a first-come-first-served campsite.
5. More time for hiking.
Kate Loweth
An additional bonus comes when you arrive at your campsite and don't have to spend time finding a (hopefully) flat area and setting up your tent. Your all-weather sleeping quarters will keep everyone warm and happy, and you'll have more time to spend exploring your campground.
We loved tooling around the Northern California coast on our recent GoCamp adventure because the van was so fun to drive and easy to maneuver. No blind spots or special parking spots were needed, the van could take us anywhere we wanted to go. The kids especially loved that our van was named "Vanica Patrick" and they enjoyed talking about our new friend Vanica all weekend long.
7. GoCamp is ready to kick off your next road trip adventure.
Kate Loweth
Your GoCamp rental comes with 125 miles per day included in your rental (with additional miles incurring an additional charge). Rentals range from $105-250/night and are a minimum of three or four days depending on the season. Check the rent-a-van page for current availability and see if there's availability near you.
Anytime you can get a deal on LEGO kits is a parent’s dream come true.
While LEGO stores don’t tend to share their deals in advance, there are a few sneak peeks the brick maker is sharing, in addition to other retailers who are already marking down towns of products. Keep reading to get some early sale picks!
American families have proven the urge to travel after being cooped up from home, with demand for accommodations higher than ever. And while vaccines may be more accessible in the U.S. than ever, the spread of new variants and lower vaccination rates in developing countries continue impact our ability to move freely through the world.
Which is why Expedia Group, the travel giant that includes brands like Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo and more, is working to make sure those who are traveling again are doing so safely and responsibly in a way that ultimately slows the spread of COVID.
5 Tips to Help Keep Your Family Safe while Traveling
1. Mask up while traveling. This one is obvious, as masks continue to remain one of the most simple and effective ways to limit the transmission of the virus, aside from the vaccine. Traveling requires being in close quarters, like planes, trains, in rideshares, etc. so it’s important to mask up to reduce the spread.
2. Travel for the greater good. Expedia Group recently announced an initiative to support UNICEF’s global COVID-19 response by donating of $10 million to vaccine efforts. To get involved, travelers can download any app from one of the Expedia Group brands, such as Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity and Vrbo, plan and purchase a trip through the platform and in turn, they can help get a vaccine to someone in the world who needs it.
3. Enjoy the great outdoors. Nature destinations have provided solitude for travelers over the last year, due to the ability to easily socially distance and, essentially, disconnect. This trend is here to stay, with beaches, mountains, lakes and national parks remaining the popular areas to visit, even as we head into the fall.
4. Don’t get left behind. More and more businesses, attractions and destinations are requiring people to show proof of vaccination. So, if you haven’t felt motivated to get your shot(s), know that you might not be able to have access to dining, entertainment or other activities during your next vacation without it.
5. Be a savvy traveler. Travelers are eager to get out there again, but with travel guidelines changing so frequently, it’s important to stay up to date with restrictions and policies around your travel bookings. Double check your accommodations’ cancellation policies, keep local advisories like curfews or closures in mind and be prepared to submit documentations like COVID test results or vaccine cards.
Of course, it’s up to each individual family to decide their comfort level for taking trips again, and all are encouraged to check and adhere to local and national health guidelines and travel restrictions. Travelers are known to be passionate about exploring the world and making connections, but now it’s time for each individual to do their part so the world can truly open again.
Melanie Fish is Vrbo’s travel expert and speaks to journalists daily about the fastest growing segment in the travel industry – vacation home rentals. She has shared travel trends and tips at the New York Times Travel Show, in magazines including Glamour, and on regular #TravelTuesday TV segments.
Good news and bad news. Bad news: Your sleep quality takes a dramatic dive once you become a parent. Good news: There are a lot of other parents out there who can sympathize. New data from SWNS drives that point home and shows that more than half the moms and dads surveyed would even consider hiring a babysitter to take over the bedtime routine.
If you have a hard time falling asleep at night, sneak a nap during the day or struggle to get your kids down, you’re not alone! The survey of 2,000 American parents of kids 18 and under found that our lovely offspring are the main reason for sleep deprivation. Forty-six percent of respondents said kids are the main reason they can never fall, or stay, asleep. Almost three-quarters (72%) said they’ll go for a daytime nap when possible. And almost half (44%) don’t drift off to dreamland easily once it’s finally time for bed.
While the average kid bedtime is a reasonable window between 8-9 p.m., we all know it’s not easy getting there. One-third of parents said putting their kids to bed is the biggest sleep routine challenge. Babysitters are traditionally reserved for date nights, but more than half of parents said they’d consider hiring one just to handle bedtime. An unlikely, but admittedly appealing-sounding arrangement some nights.
Mattress company Sealy commissioned the study, which was conducted by OnePoll. Tired parents also reported falling asleep everywhere from the kitchen table to the salon chair. But there’s more good news: It doesn’t last forever (thanks, teenagers). In the meantime, can we recommend a coffee subscription?
Nestled along the San Francisco Bay in the Dogpatch neighborhood is the brand-new Crane Cove Park. This unique seven-acre bayfront park quietly opened at the end of last year and it offers a little something for everyone. From barbecues to a rocky beach, Crane Cove takes its historic surroundings and makes it into something families can enjoy for years to come. We checked it out and have the full scoop on what you need to know when you visit!
Port of SF
This public open space is the brainchild of the Port of San Francisco and it aims to preserve historic maritime resources while providing a major open public space full of opportunities for exploration. Crane Cove gets its name from the two cranes that remain preserved in this seven-acre park. Officially, they are Cranes 14 and 30, but unofficially they are named Nick and Nora after characters from the movie "Thin Man." Children will admire their stature, while adults can admire their history.
Jennifer Snyder
Probably the biggest draw of this park is the rocky beach where children can wade the slightly-warmer-than-Ocean Beach water while watching the paddle boards and boats sail by. Children may swim anywhere within the buoy limits but there is no lifeguard on duty. Pro tip: being water shoes and maybe even a wetsuit for the little ones. The rocks are tough on their sensitive feet, and the water can be quite chilly.
Kate Loweth
On the opposite side from the beach is a green space complete with picnic tables and a barbecue grill for public access. The convenient proximity to Third Street provides a wealth of coffee shops and restaurants for the parents in case you have a hungry child on your hands. Pro tip: Check out Neighbor Bakehouse for yummy treats and a little pick-me-up.
Jennifer Snyder
Just in case all of this isn't enough, there is lots of pavement for walking, biking, or scooting not only along the perimeter but also near a preserved railroad track that the kiddos will find exhilarating. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is located at 18th and Illinois, and parking can be found along Illinois street. Pro tip: bring quarters, most parking is metered until 6pm.
This summer there will even be a Stand-up Paddleboard Summer Camp for children ages 8-15 years old at Crane Cove Park. If you have a little adventurer on your hands and you're in need of some "me time," this might be the perfect solution. The camp will be held Mon.-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Note: Due to COVID, currently there are only Port-a-Potties available for any bathroom emergencies, or costume changes.
Crane Cove Park
18th and Illinois Streets
San Francisco, CA
Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Online: sfport.com/crane-cove-park
A new study conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Carter’s has found some surprising results amidst the pandemic. Despite the fear of navigating the current time, the majority of parents surveyed say that having a baby is the reason they’re optimistic––not scared.
The study revealed that nearly three quarters of parents believe this generation is not associated with stress, but rather optimism and hope. That’s why Carter’s is coining this new era of pandemic babies “Generation Optimism.”
New babies also brought joy to the entire family, especially those little smiles and baby laughs, which 79 percent of respondents said made their day better.
photo: iStock
The pandemic also required parents to adapt, with 45 percent of parents sharing pregnancy news via social media instead of in person. Over half of those surveyed also shared that the majority of stress during this time came from doctors appointments, and that heading to the hospital was the most stressful time of having a baby.
Have you hit the road since the pandemic started? The challenges of social distancing helped to spur a resurgence in the American road trip. A new survey from Chevrolet and The Harris Poll shows that 80% of Americans say road trips helped improved their sanity over the past six months.
Labor Day is one of the nation’s busiest travel weekends. In advance of the holiday, Chevrolet worked with The Harris Poll to survey over 1,00 Americans to discover how they have spent their time on the road since the pandemic started and the effect it has had on their mental health.
“The open roads are a welcome change, and for decades, many Americans have embraced the outdoors with the Tahoe and Suburban as the ultimate road trip vehicles,” said Bob Krapes, Chevrolet Trucks marketing director. “This desire to pack up family and cargo and get out is part of these iconic SUVs’ DNA. The all-new 2021 Tahoe and Suburban have been completely redesigned to offer more space, comfort and technology to make road trips enjoyable and memorable.”
A majority of those surveyed said that their car allowed them to get out of the house safely for a much needed change of scenery with many venturing out to explore outdoor destinations such as beaches and hiking trails. 20 percent visited a national park for the first time and 1 in 10 Americans went camping for the first time.
80 percent said that going on a road trip has been “one of their happiest moments” since March. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed said they value road trips more than they did before the pandemic.
It is predicted that road trips will continue to surge. Of those planning to road trip through the end of the year, 41% plan to travel by car over Thanksgiving or the winter holidays.
This Fall Harry Potter fans will have a new way to relive the magic of their favorite film with the deluxe pop-up book Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Guide to Diagon Alley and Beyond. Families will be able to unfold this detailed pop-up book to create a dynamic 3D diorama of Diagon Alley. Step into favorite storefronts ilike Ollivanders, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, and the Leaky Cauldron, plus other wizarding world locales like the Ministry of Magic and platform nine and three-quarters.
Unfold the book to create a 4-foot diorama of Diagon Alley. Recreate favorite scenes with the 14 character paper dolls including Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasly, Hagrid and more. Pull dozens of tabs and explore intricate pops that bring Diagon Alley to life. Rescue a Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon from the depths of Gringott or help Harry navigate out of Knockturn Alley after a Floo powder mishap. Learn facts and secrets from the making of the Harry Potter films throughout.
According to Mugglenet the book is “Packed with amazing moments and hidden surprises… a landmark new pop-up book guaranteed to delight wizarding world fans everywhere.”
From the magical mind of Matthew Reinhart, creator of the Clio Award-Winning Pop-Up Guide to Hogwarts and one of the world’s bestselling and most acclaimed paper engineers this book will be released Oct. 27. It will retail for $75.
Make this holiday magical with the ideal gift that will delight Harry Potter fans and Wizarding World-loving families.
Potterheads have a new way to connect with their fandom. A trailer for Harry Potter: Puzzles and Spells, a new Harry Potter mobile game by Zynga Inc. and Portkey Games (from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment), has been released. A new website for the game has also been launched allowing those anticipating the game’s release to sign up for updates.
The trailer visits many familiar locales from the Harry Potter series including Diagon Alley, Platform Nine and Three Quarters and the Hogwarts Express. The website promises that many notable characters will appear in the game as players progress through levels.
The game will feature match-3 style puzzles and daily event challenges needed to level up the customizable in-game characters. Players will be able to unlock and upgrade spells in the game by removing hazards and obstacles within the game. Players will gain collectible cards after each puzzle that is solved, with a magical creature earned once collections are complete, to assist players with solving puzzles.
The game will also feature spell upgrades themed around lessons at Hogwarts, such as Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts and more. Players will be able to team up, join clubs take part in exclusive club events and share Hogwarts house pride.
A worldwide release date has not been announced yet. Updates are available on Zynga’s social media platforms and the official Harry Potter: Puzzles and Spells website.
It’s been a few weeks now and it’s possible that your time in quarantine is wearing on you. The days seem to blur into one another and it can feel like you’re living the same day over and over again. As a friend said to me, the weekends aren’t feeling like weekends anymore. And to add to it, you’re in tight quarters with partners, family, kids, maybe your in-laws and you know that the only way through this time is to keep these relationships fun, easy, and tension-free. And while you know this, you’re probably wondering how to accomplish it, because every day is bringing new challenges and battles. To make your time with those you’re sequestered with easier, try adding the following practices to your day.
1. Ask for what you need. If there was ever a time to start asking for what you need it’s now. And to ask for what you need you first have to figure out what it is you do need. Do you need your partner to let you know when they have work calls, when they’re in the middle of something, when they’ll have time to watch the kids? Do you need your kids to have independent playtime, yoga time so you get some exercise in as well, or have them make their own breakfast and lunch? Do you need time for yourself to go on a walk, sit in silence with a cup of tea? What do you need to make this time in quarantine easier for you? Once you’ve identified it then it’s time to ask for it. Asking for what you need helps your relationships in quarantine because you won’t be bottling up wants that lead to frustration that turns into passive-aggressive behavior or shutting down or lashing out.
2. Listen to what others need. While it’s important for you to know what you need and ask for it, it’s equally important that you create a safe and open environment for those you’re with to share with you what they need as well. To do this it starts with cultivating non-judgmental attention. To see the person through loving eyes, as someone you care for, want to be supportive of and to help. How can I be helpful to this person is something to ask yourself during an interaction. This question will help you stay present in your conversations. So when you begin to notice you’re judging, thinking you know better, distracted, thinking about what you have to do, what you want to say, what you think the other person is thinking, that’s when you say to yourself, I want to be helpful instead.
3. Lower expectations of self and others. The pressure we put on ourselves can really impact our relationships in quarantine. Our expectations of this time can cause more fights, meltdowns, and an overall sense of less than or not good enough, which creates more unease in our relationships. When you notice yourself forcing or stressing, see if it’s out of an expectation you have that’s not being met. To release some of your expectations, make a list of yours for yourself, your partner, your children. Then choose two from each list that you can start to pay attention to. When you notice them come up, silently say to yourself, there’s my expectation, I’m going to move it to the side and see if I can allow this moment to be as it is—no forcing or wanting it to be different.
Trying out the three practices above will give you more of an opportunity to relax with those you’re in quarantine with and make it easier for you to create more fun moments to look back on.
Cynthia Kane is a certified meditation and mindfulness instructor and the founder of the Kane Intentional Communication Institute. She is the author of How to Communicate Like a Buddhist, Talk to Yourself Like a Buddhist, and the upcoming book, How To Meditate Like A Buddhist.