Trip Review: A Med Cruise

The Richman family from Baltimore set off on a memorable Mediterranean cruise adventure, traveling with cousins-both families made up of parents and two young adult children. Their journey took them through Spain, France, and Italy aboard the Celebrity Ascent, one of Celebrity Cruises’ newest ships. They especially appreciated the wide variety of onboard dining and entertainment options. To keep costs efficient, they selected two deluxe inside cabins and were pleasantly surprised by the comfort and space.

The families flew into Barcelona (this was a round-trip sailing), and spent two relaxing nights at Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona, conveniently located near Plaça de Catalunya. This gave them time to decompress and explore the city before embarkation.

To help them make the most of their time ashore, we arranged several private excursions tailored to their interests. Their first stop, Marseille, served as a gateway to a six-and-a-half-hour private guided tour of Aix-en-Provence and the charming fishing village of Cassis.

In La Spezia, the group experienced one of the trip’s highlights: a private boat tour of the stunning Cinque Terre. They explored the coastline, went for a swim and enjoyed local cuisine all while avoiding the large crowds typically found in the towns.

Their next port was Civitavecchia, where we arranged round-trip transfers into Rome for a fun and immersive six-hour golf cart tour of the city’s highlights including a private tour of the iconic Colosseum.

The Richman Family shared that each excursion was extremely well organized and seamlessly executed. They felt confident about returning to the ship on time and consistently praised their guides for being knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. One of the reasons they chose this particular sailing was that it featured only one day at sea as they much prefer maximizing time in port and sightseeing.

Overall, the trip was a great success, filled with meaningful family time and unforgettable experiences.

Trip Review: Australia and New Zealand Adventure

The Kaplan family, parents traveling with their young adult children from the Philadelphia area, spent their holiday break exploring the best of Australia and New Zealand. The Family Traveler designed a completely custom itinerary tailored to their interests, travel style, and budget, covering Sydney and Cairns in Australia, followed by Queenstown, Rotorua, and Auckland in New Zealand over a three-week journey. Given the length of the trip and the active nature of their plans, the family selected comfortable mid-range hotels, knowing they would be out adventuring most of the time.

They shared that the trip was simply wonderful, filled with memorable experiences from start to finish. In Sydney, they loved both the city itself and the sense of community. Highlights included private guided tours of Sydney and a day trip to the Blue Mountains. While the location of the Amora Hotel Jamison was excellent, the property felt a bit tired and understaffed during the busy holiday period.

In Cairns, summer heat and humidity were intense, but the experience was elevated by an exceptional guide, Gavin, whose expertise as a naturalist made for a standout day to Daintree and Cape Tribulation. The family was thrilled to see rare wildlife, including a cassowary and the famous crocodile “Scarface” during their Daintree River cruise. They also enjoyed the Skyrail Gondola and the Kuranda Scenic Railway, though both showed signs of age. Their stay at the Crystalbrook Riley was comfortable and well-located.

Queenstown quickly became a favorite. The family loved the town’s charm and the variety of activities, including a spectacular helicopter flight to Milford Sound, scenic boat rides, and winery visits. The helicopter experience stood out in particular, thanks to an excellent pilot and seamless execution. Shopping and dining in town were also highlights, though the Rendezvous Heritage hotel did not meet expectations.

Next, they traveled to Kaikoura, where they were captivated by the dramatic landscape and warm, welcoming locals. A hands-on cooking class was a major highlight, as was ocean kayaking, which they enjoyed despite some initial hesitation. Their stay in the Family Tree House at Hapuku Lodge was visually stunning and beautifully appointed with modern amenities.

In Rotorua, the family stayed at the Pullman and enjoyed learning about the region’s geothermal features and Māori culture. Hiking and a visit to Hobbiton exceeded expectations, made even more magical by the lush blooms of the season. A dental emergency unexpectedly led to a memorable interaction with the local community, adding a unique personal moment to the trip.

On the way to Auckland, a visit to the Waitomo Caves proved to be an awe-inspiring experience. Their time in Auckland was equally enjoyable, highlighted by a private sailing excursion with an energetic young crew who made the outing especially fun. The young adult children also loved the Auckland Bridge Climb. A guided food tour offered both culinary delights and historical insight, and while the MSocial Hotel was somewhat quirky, its central location was appreciated.

Overall, the Kaplan family thoroughly enjoyed their journey, which offered a rich balance of adventure, culture, wildlife, and natural beauty. The trip provided meaningful opportunities to connect with two distinct countries and created lasting memories for every member of the family.

Trip Review: Serve and Reset in Spain

Lauren and her young adult daughter spent the holiday season in Spain, combining an active tennis-focused getaway on Mallorca with restorative wellness time at SHA Wellness Medical Clinic near Alicante. Our journey began at Rafa Nadal’s Tennis Academy in his hometown of Manacor, Mallorca. The massive facility is an ideal destination for tennis and padel enthusiasts of all levels. The daily camps, including a special Christmas Camp with added strategy sessions, featured nearly an hour of conditioning, two hours of structured tennis drills, and an additional hour of court time each day, along with access to the Academy’s impressive fitness and spa facilities with an abundance of fitness classes, hydrotherapy circuit, and indoor pools. Campers could choose half-board or full-board dining, enjoying plentiful, health-forward options at the Grand Slam–themed restaurants. Lauren and Anna stayed seven nights in the on-site hotel, enjoying a clean and comfortable accommodation.  To our package we also added on airport transfers, a private lesson and a massage.  The facilities also included an extensive pro shop, stringing services, Nadal boutique, and museum celebrating his career. The sprawling complex includes a total of 45 tennis courts: 23 hard courts (four indoor) and 22 clay courts (seven semi-indoor) as well as a robust padel program, with campers coming from around the world, including families with children enrolled in junior programs and parents in the adult camp. Best of all, the camp can be booked for just a day or extended for as long as desired.

After a week on the courts, we headed to SHA Wellness Medical Clinic for a rejuvenating spa experience. Upon arrival, comprehensive health testing helped determine a personalized wellness plan. The resort, with 100 rooms and 31 residences, offers a wide range of structured wellness and medical programs focused on detox, weight loss, longevity and more though Lauren and her daughter chose the flexible Stay Your Way option to fully enjoy the assessments, nutritious cuisine, treatments of choice and daily activities. Guests can also take part in fitness classes, wellness talks, cooking demonstrations, evening films, and more, all supported by an attentive and welcoming staff. Currently rooms are being renovated, but one building at a time.  The lobby area has already been renovated.  Our spacious bay-view room offered stunning vistas of the Mediterranean coastline, perfectly positioned between Altea Bay and the Sierra Helada Natural Park, just 45 minutes north of Alicante Airport. 

Trip Review: A Disney Gathering

Three generations of the Silverstein family with eight adults and five children ages 1–7 gathered from South Florida and North Carolina for a four-night stay at Walt Disney World in Orlando. They chose to stay at the Bay Lake Tower, one of Disney’s Vacation Club properties and next to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, for its excellent value and convenience.  The one-bedroom suites gave each family plenty of space, privacy and full kitchen facilities, and the property monorail and park bus access from The Contemporary. They especially loved the easy 10-minute walk on a wide sidewalk to the Magic Kingdom.

The resort’s amenities were a hit with all ages, including a pool with both large and small water slides, bocce ball, and a small practice putting course. Since some family members had been to Disney before, each group selected different parks and experiences to try around Orlando. The entire family came together to experience the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, while smaller groups branched off to enjoy SeaWorld and its dolphin and penguin encounters, EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival, and Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure with Express Passes for easy ride access with toddlers.

Using the My Disney Experience app, they mapped out Lightning Lane selections in advance based on the grandchildren’s preferred rides and height requirements. Coordinating Lightning Lane access around the same times made for smooth meetups, while still allowing them also to enjoy age-appropriate attractions, stage shows, and the afternoon parade.

Dining as a party of 13 was a bit of a challenge, as Disney has limited availability for larger tables. They booked multiple reservations in advance, adjusting and canceling as needed. Most nights were spent eating together, and one evening they opted to bring food back to a suite for a low-key dinner. Some restaurants initially hesitated to accommodate an open stroller which is tricky with babies but eventually made accommodations.

One suite had a view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, though the late-night Electrical Water Pageant at 10:00 p.m. proved loud for some trying to sleep after long park days. A highlight for the grandparents was riding the monorail one evening to reminisce about past Disney trips including a visit during its first year back in 1971.

Trip Review: A Skip-Gen Disney Cruise

What could be better than taking your grandsons (ages 5 and 7) on their very first Disney Cruise? We can’t think of a thing!

This August, the skip-gen Silverstein family from Parkland, FL, and Raleigh, NC, set sail from Ft. Lauderdale’s Port Everglades aboard the Disney Dream for a 4-night Bahamas cruise. Their connecting balcony cabins gave everyone the perfect mix of space, comfort, and importantly enough bathrooms!  We love that Disney also splits the bathing area from the toilet area on their ships.

Their first stop was Nassau, where they had booked a Disney excursion to Atlantis for the famous waterpark experience. But when lightning struck (literally), the excursion was canceled. Undeterred, the family hopped in a taxi and headed to Atlantis on their own, exploring The Dig, the resort’s incredible aquarium inspired by the lost city of Atlantis. The boys were mesmerized by the vibrant marine life. Lunch at Shake Shack, inside the aquarium, was another highlight especially when the large fish and sharks swam right up to the glass beside their table. Arriving early paid off with a perfect view!

Next came Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, where the boys loved snorkeling in the crystal-clear water with pop-pop after finding lounge chairs by the shore. Back on board, the family dove into Disney’s Midship Detective Agency, a ship wide interactive game that turns families into sleuths. The mission? Solve the mystery of the missing 99 Dalmatian puppies! Was it Cruella de Vil or one of six other mischievous Disney villains?

The boys also enjoyed the ship’s pools and waterslides, and even mom-mom joined in the fun, braving the tunnel slide with her older grandson (the younger one’s turn will come next time!). Pop-pop, meanwhile, enjoyed the quieter corners of the ship and appreciated the cruiseline’s thoughtful touches like wagons available for the longer walks at Castaway Cay.  They all enjoyed the food!

It was a magical multigenerational adventure filled with Disney fun, family laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Trip Review: A South African Reunion

The Rotblatt family of four—parents and two adult daughters—came together for a special trip to South Africa, where one daughter is clerking for a judge in Johannesburg. It was the perfect opportunity not only to visit, but also to gain insight into her professional and cultural experiences. Their journey began in Cape Town, an ideal place to unwind after the long flight from Cleveland, Ohio. They stayed four nights at the charming Blackheath Lodge, our favorite upscale boutique hotel in the beachside neighborhood of Sea Point. Their two-bedroom Villa Lauren provided a spacious, apartment-style accommodation that allowed for both comfort and family gathering time. They loved the property’s style and convenient location.  The family enjoyed their private city tour that revealed Cape Town’s diverse neighborhoods and rich history topped off with a visit to the summit of Table Mountain. Another day brought a full-day private tour to Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, with stops in picturesque beach towns along the way, including a memorable visit to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

From Cape Town, the family flew to Hoedspruit for a safari adventure at Xanatseni Private Camp in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, where they stayed three nights. They let us know that the staff went above and beyond, ensuring every detail was perfect. Their spacious two-bedroom suite was both beautiful and tranquil, featuring a full kitchen (with the option to dine in), a private boma, a plunge pool, and their own private safari vehicle and guide making for an exclusive and unforgettable experience!

Next, they traveled north to Victoria Falls for a two-night stay at the lovely Insika Lodge on the Zimbabwe side of the town of Livingstone. They found it to be a beautiful and well-located property with delicious food and excellent service. Highlights here included a guided tour of the falls, and a luxury sunset river cruise complete with appetizers and drinks.

The final leg of their journey brought them to Johannesburg, the current home of their younger daughter. For three nights, they stayed at the stylish Hyde Rosebank, which, like their other accommodations, was both elegant and conveniently located. Their time in “Jo ’burg” included visits to the Apartheid Museum, a stroll through the Linden neighborhood, shopping at the Rosebank Mall, and private tours of Constitution Hill’s Human Rights Precinct and the Constitutional Court where they met their daughter’s colleagues and enjoyed lunch with her boss, a Constitutional Court judge.

From start to finish, the family shared that every aspect of their trip was perfect. Transportation ran smoothly, tours and experiences were exceptional, and the hotels offered top level service. Everywhere they went, they encountered kindness, hospitality, and a warm welcome making the trip not just a family reunion, but an unforgettable shared adventure.

Trip Review: Silversea on the Med

Our very own Mindy and her husband Rich vacationed with Silversea this summer.  Their June journey aboard the Silversea Silver Ray, sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona, exceeded all expectations. Launched in 2024, the Silver Ray is the cruise line’s second ship in the Nova class and sails with 728 guests. Even at full capacity, the ship never felt crowded, thanks to its spacious layout and thoughtful design that preserved a sense of tranquility throughout their voyage.

The culinary experience onboard matched the excellence found elsewhere. Every meal was delicious with an impressive range of cuisine and beverages. The waitstaff and bartenders were friendly, professional, and always one step ahead, anticipating their needs and ensuring each dining experience was flawless.

Every staff member they encountered on board was professional, attentive, and warm. Special shoutouts to their cabin butler and room attendant for all their attention.

The ship offered a full roster of activities, including daily trivia at 4:00 pm, a fun way to meet other travelers over drinks and compete for Silversea merchandise. Bingo, an onboard casino, and a variety of lounges and bars ensured there was always something to do, day or night.

Their vacation began in Lisbon with a stay at the AlmaLusa Baixa hotel, ideally located overlooking the Praça do Município. Mindy would highly recommend this boutique property—it’s within easy walking distance of many sites and excellent restaurants.

Their itinerary took them to a lovely mix of destinations in Spain including Cadiz, Malaga, Cartagena, Valencia and Mallorca as well as stops in Gibraltar, Casablanca and Tangier.

During the sailing, Mindy booked excursions in the early mornings to avoid the heat of the day. Returning in time for lunch allowed them to fully enjoy the ship’s amenities in the afternoon. The pool was a favorite spot. Poolside service was exceptional.  Attendants delivered drinks and food directly to their loungers, so they never had to move!  Mindy also thoroughly enjoyed daily games of pickleball, a popular activity among fellow guests (who probably never won a game off her).

Among all the excursions (they booked both Silversea included tours and some private options), Mindy’s favorite was a visit to a family-owned orange grove in Valencia. This experience went beyond a simple tour…it felt like a connection to the very soul of the region. The visit showcased not just the agricultural heritage of the area, but the warmth and authenticity of the people who call it home.

Overall, the ship, service, itinerary, and overall attention to detail created a truly luxurious and memorable voyage.

Trip Review: Family Cruising in the Med

This past May, the Gaugler family—parents and three young adults—came together from across the U.S. to enjoy a memorable Mediterranean cruise. Their journey began at JFK, where they flew to Athens and stayed at The Modernist Athens Hotel in the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood, benefiting from perks via Tablet Hotels. This boutique hotel, housed in a former Canadian embassy, provided a chic and comfortable start to their trip.

Their first day in Athens included a privately guided four-hour walking and orientation tour, followed by an early morning exploration of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum the next day. Afterward, they headed to Piraeus to board the Sun Princess, a newly debuted ship.  They stayed in two balcony cabins. They opted for the Princess Plus package, which they found worthwhile for its inclusion of drinks, desserts, fitness classes, Wi-Fi, and gratuities—though the limited package availability in their triple cabin proved a slight inconvenience. Despite this, they found the ship fabulous and cherished their sea days spent relaxing or exploring onboard activities.

At each port, they chose mostly privately guided tours tailored to their interests. Highlights included:

• Visiting the ruins of Delos while docked in Mykonos.
• Exploring Kotor and Budva from Montenegro’s new port of Bar.
• Touring Corfu’s landmarks followed by a delightful lunch in the Old Town.
• Discovering Messina’s charming towns and the Ganzirri Lakes in Sicily.

Their sailing ended in Barcelona where they spent a night at the Renaissance Barcelona in the Eixample neighborhood, enhanced by Marriott Luminous benefits. While in the city, they visited Casa Batlló, marveling at its newly restored façade, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of Barcelona.

The family described the trip as seamless and perfectly organized, despite the complexity of coordinating flights, transfers, hotels, and tours. Corfu and Barcelona stood out as their favorite destinations, leaving them eager to return for further exploration.

Trip Review: A Deer Valley Ski Adventure

This winter, the Silverstein family—three generations from Florida and North Carolina—gathered at Deer Valley for an unforgettable and annual ski vacation. The group of 10 with 6 adults and 4 children ages 1-6 faced a last-minute challenge when a water leak rendered their original Park City rental unusable. Thankfully, Villas of Distinction and their local rental company swiftly found a new home that met their needs: a spacious retreat in the exclusive Deer Crest Estates in nearby Deer Valley.

Nestled in a gated community, the new rental provided private ski-in/ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort’s slopes, stunning views, and proximity to Main Street. The spacious home featured a hot tub, personal theater, and game room—perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. While the property showed minor wear, it offered ample space for everyone to relax and enjoy each other.

The trip focused on skiing, a highlight for the younger generation and excellent ski conditions for the more seasoned adult skiers. The family’s school-aged children, ages 5 and 6, loved their ski school experience so much they were in tears when it was time to leave—a sure sign of a successful adventure and newly honed skills for future trips.

To make the trip more seamless, the family rented SUVs on arrival; so they could easily get around town for dining and visiting an indoor play area with all the children one day.  They also relied on Baby Quip rentals to ensure their youngest members had everything they needed. Meanwhile, Ski Butlers provided convenient ski rental delivery, streamlining the preparation for their days on the slopes.

The Silverstein’s Deer Valley getaway showcased the magic of a well-coordinated family vacation, complete with unforgettable memories across generations.

Trip Review: Festive Europe

The Boghosian Family of Swarthmore, PA enjoyed an enchanting winter getaway filled with German and Austrian holiday traditions. Their six-night journey included stops in Munich and Salzburg, with two adults and two children, aged 12 and 15, in tow.

The adventure began with a three-night stay at the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski in Munich. This historic luxury hotel, established in 1858 and located on the prestigious Maximilianstrasse, offered the family premier accommodations with Virtuoso benefits. They found the rooms impeccably clean, comfortable, and quiet, and especially appreciated unwinding with drinks in the elegant lobby lounge after their daily explorations. Munich’s highlights included breathtaking views from St. Peter’s Church, the grandeur of Nymphenburg Palace, and the enchanting Christmas markets, especially those at Marienplatz and the Munich Residenz.

From Munich, they took a brief two-hour train ride to Salzburg, where they stayed for three nights at the IMLAUER Hotel Pitter. This deluxe, family-owned property, situated across from Mirabell Palace & Gardens, has been welcoming guests since 1864 and recently underwent renovations. The Boghosians stayed in two classic rooms with breakfast included, enjoying the hotel’s central location and modern amenities.

Their Salzburg experience kicked off with a magical Christmas classical music concert and dinner at the historic Fortress Hohensalzburg, a 900-year-old venue accessed by funicular. The family raved about the talented musicians and the delightful dinner, although they noted the lack of ventilation in the concert hall as a slight drawback during peak cold and flu season.

The festive charm of Salzburg captivated them as they explored the bustling Christmas markets on December 24 and 25, complete with pop-up choral performances near the cathedral. Christmas Eve dinner at Pitter Keller impressed them with its delicious cuisine and excellent service. Another highlight was the Hellbrunn Palace Market, which transformed the palace courtyard into a fairy-tale setting adorned with 400 conifers, 13,000 red ornaments, and twinkling lights. The family found this market particularly enchanting. Throughout their trip, they indulged in an array of German delicacies and dined at some exceptional restaurants, with the vibrant atmosphere of the Christmas markets and the stunningly decorated cathedrals standing out as trip highlights. A train back through Munich afforded a non-stop flight home.