LATEST TIPS AND STORIES
Being last is a win in Kenya
This story comes from our recent trip to Matungen, Kenya. We traveled with good friends – who else can you talk into a homestay in a village that has rarely hosted visitors – we were four adults, two 14-year-old girls, and one 17-year-old boy. To … Read more... about Being last is a win in Kenya
Zapotec New Year en Fuego
"I think we are 'off guidebook' now." "Yes. Yes we are." Scroll to the bottom for a video of Zapotec New Year festivities. Fire glowed everywhere in the darkness. The low hum of conversation punctuated by bursts of loud laughter … Read more... about Zapotec New Year en Fuego
Three Ways to Give Gifts for Good
We generally support giving experiences over things, but when a gift is called for we love these nonprofits and small enterprises make the world a better place. Here are three ways you can give gifts for good. Clandestina A scrappy Cuban artists … Read more... about Three Ways to Give Gifts for Good
Girls Code Camp in Oaxaca +1 Boy
Elliot and I entered through the Center’s big wooden door. It was noonish with a hot sun so we welcomed the shaded entrance. There was a serene and quiet contrast to the bustle and car noises of historic downtown Oaxaca. We were greeted by the … Read more... about Girls Code Camp in Oaxaca +1 Boy
Tour with Nonprofit En Vía Modeled Empowerment
One of the ways we connect our kids to people in the communities we visit is to partner with potent local nonprofits. This August, En Vía in Oaxaca expertly hosted seven 13-year-old girls from our Riveted Girls camp. Using their words: … Read more... about Tour with Nonprofit En Vía Modeled Empowerment
Break out of Kids’ Comfort Zones
Ready for a family camp? Check out our New Year's Adventure in Oaxaca. Who needs a comfort zone anyway? “Who is winning?” “Did I get my points for eating grasshoppers?” “How do I get points for a selfie, I don’t have a phone!” “How many … Read more... about Break out of Kids’ Comfort Zones
Human Pyramids in Oaxaca? Yes!
If someone asks you to help build a human pyramid in the middle of Oaxaca's oldest plaza – definitely say “yes!” We were there with seven 13 year old girls for our Riveted Girls Oaxaca summer camp. Our goal was to travel responsibly, get to know … Read more... about Human Pyramids in Oaxaca? Yes!
Lighten Up: Backpacking With Kids and Llamas
Our dusty rental car pulled off the dirt road onto the Wallowa Llamas farm after a 6-hour drive from Seattle. It was the end of June with nearing purple skies and we had just passed through Halfway, Oregon - a town so small that the one and only main … Read more... about Lighten Up: Backpacking With Kids and Llamas
Trips are Like Chips: 3 Ways to up the Wow!
I had my nose pressed hard against the glass. So did Beija…and her breath was fogging the window, obscuring my view. The gray sky was somehow the gray-est sky I had ever seen. The improbable mix of the blackest sharp-edged lava and the greenest … Read more... about Trips are Like Chips: 3 Ways to up the Wow!
Best Cameras for Kids Street Photography
[Updated July 2021] So what's the best entry-level camera for your budding young street photographer? (Short answer: there are lots of great cameras and a handful that can lead to frustrating experiences.) Well, we've spent four summers with more … Read more... about Best Cameras for Kids Street Photography
How To Get Your Kids Travel Journaling
Travel Journal Resistance Beija scrunched up her face and face and irritably informed me that she didn’t “feel like it” when I pulled her travel journal from my bag. Again. Same scrunched up face, different day. From really early on we tried to get … Read more... about How To Get Your Kids Travel Journaling
Riveted Kids + Crooked Trails = ♥
Who is coming to Oaxaca with us? Crooked Trails! It is a pretty good deal for us, them, and YOU! We have a history, Crooked Trails and Riveted Kids. You might wonder why, as experienced travelers, we have worked with a travel group instead of … Read more... about Riveted Kids + Crooked Trails = ♥
Grow Global Citizens: 3 Trips to Take Now
Sow the Seeds of Global Citizenship All of us human-types rely on each another to thrive. I lift you, you lift me. We need to think outside our political borders to heal social, economic, and environmental wounds that have been sustained in the … Read more... about Grow Global Citizens: 3 Trips to Take Now
A Peru Classic: Chicha Morada
Bright strawberries dotted the gardens in front of us. The puppy and little boys charged down the path between the rows, risking the safety of the berries and the promise of a sweet, juicy explosion. "Son todos orgánicos. Los utilizo para hacer la … Read more... about A Peru Classic: Chicha Morada
Summer Camp: 5 Life-Changing Spots Left!
I want your kid for one week this summer. I'll return them a bit different than I found them. A little more confident. More independent. With a layered and nuanced understanding of the world. We have five spots left for our two Oaxaca camps this … Read more... about Summer Camp: 5 Life-Changing Spots Left!
Peru Reading List: Get Your Llama On!
In November 2017 we headed off to Peru with these books in our pockets. Ok, not exactly - our Kindles were all loaded up. We would have to get larger pockets to carry all of these and that doesn't exactly align with my core value of packing light. … Read more... about Peru Reading List: Get Your Llama On!
Sacsayhuaman Walk: 10 Views Into Cusco Life
While doing handstands by a twenty-foot tall massive Incan wall we caught the attention of two Peruvians walking towards Cusco’s ancient ruins. The two men asked to get a picture with us - not a normal occurrence, but sure, why not? We pulled out our … Read more... about Sacsayhuaman Walk: 10 Views Into Cusco Life
Fly Little Bird: Teens, Travel, & Independence
It all started ten feet in the air. Beija was two, she decided to get to the top of the playground climber, I stood about ten feet away watching her progress, other parents at the park were…freaking out. Was I positive she wasn’t going to get hurt? … Read more... about Fly Little Bird: Teens, Travel, & Independence
Go Deep in Peru by Hiking Moray, Maras, Salinas
“La madre se murió ayer." Their mother died yesterday. Maria told us solemnly, gesturing to the two tumbling puppies at her feet. “Una víbora le picó." She was bitten by a snake. Maria’s broad-brimmed hat and the bright pink and orange striped bundle … Read more... about Go Deep in Peru by Hiking Moray, Maras, Salinas
4+ Altitude Sickness Remedies & Preventives
Looking back, maybe I was a little unsympathetic. “Really? You are going to take a nap? The ridge view awaits!” It was our first family trip at altitude and we’d finally dropped our packs in Chugchilan, Ecuador on our Quilotoa Loop adventure. I could … Read more... about 4+ Altitude Sickness Remedies & Preventives