Carmel Getaway

Carmel Valley Ranch’s Bring the Family package offers the perfect getaway for families. Available for a two-night stay, it includes a spacious two-bedroom suite, an activity guide, a 60-minute massage or facial, round of golf and a welcome amenity for the kids. To give mom and dad a well-deserved break, the package also includes a special Kids Night Out for the children and dinner for two at Valley Kitchen.

The California resort offers a variety of unique activities for kids, such as Meet the Artisan (featuring the cheesemaker, beekeeper, farmer, executive chef, and more), a Teen Pickleball Mixer, and Kids Night Out at Spa Aiyana. On Friday and Saturday evenings, children aged 9 and older can enjoy kid-friendly massages and facials at the spa (with a parent present for kids aged 9-12).

The ranch is packed with activities for all ages, including fitness classes, ranch adventures, guided off-road jeep tours, archery, hiking, falconry, and much more! Recently, the resort has renovated its pool area, kids’ club space, and family game area, as well as added new fire pits to enhance the family-friendly experience.

Galapagos Family Discount

Lindblad Expeditions is offering an incredible 50% discount on cabin fares for children and young adults aged 22 and under on select Galapagos sailings. This is a fantastic opportunity for your family to embark on an unforgettable adventure! Explore the awe-inspiring Galápagos Islands aboard one of four luxurious ships. Discover diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, whether you’re zodiacing to pristine beaches, kayaking along volcanic shores, or snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, and vibrant fish in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Witness wildlife up close, from lounging sea lions on the beach to massive colonies of marine iguanas and nesting seabirds.  Fantastic children’s and teen program are also included.  Book your journey by June 15, 2025, on select voyages.  Choose from Exploring Galapagos (10 days), Galapagos Escape (7-8 days), and Ultimate Galapagos Holiday (12 days), with your trip duration also covering time in Ecuador before and after the cruise.

Babies for All Seasons

Four Seasons Punta Mita has launched Babies for All Seasons, the first program of its kind within the Four Seasons brand, specifically designed for families traveling with infants and toddlers. Introduced earlier this month, the program builds on the resort’s popular Kids For All Seasons initiative by offering customized amenities and services for babies from birth to 18 months, enhancing the luxury travel experience for families with young children.

Key features include:

• A specialized baby dining menu with house-made purees crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients like avocado, apple, banana, and vegetables.
• Complimentary access to premium baby equipment such as Stokke highchairs, changing pads, Diaper Genies, Boppy breastfeeding pillows, baby bathtubs, playmats, floaties, and age-appropriate toys.
• Baby-focused spa treatments at Apuane Spa, including Baby Yoga classes and Baby and Me reflexology sessions for infants 6 months and older.

Located in Riviera Nayarit, just a short drive from Puerto Vallarta, Four Seasons Punta Mita offers casita-style guest rooms, well-appointed villas, and beach homes. The resort, which underwent renovations in 2020, is currently offering a 4th Night Free promotion for stays through December 18, with a 4–14-night stay and additional Virtuoso or Four Seasons Preferred amenities.

Marriott Expands in Kenya

Marriott International is expanding its luxury safari portfolio with the addition of two new properties in Kenya: the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp and the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp. Set to open in August, the Ritz-Carlton camp will mark the brand’s debut in the luxury safari camp segment. Nestled within the Masai Mara National Reserve on an island in the Sand River, the camp will be designed as an elevated “treetop retreat,” offering stunning views of the annual Great Migration. It will feature 20 tented suites, each with private plunge pools, separate living areas, and both indoor and outdoor showers. The camp will also boast a restaurant with a wine cellar, a stargazing sky deck, a traditional boma, a spa and wellness center, a swimming pool, cultural experiences, and a photography studio.

The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp is slated to open early next year, located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains in Kenya’s Solio Game Reserve. This property will offer 20 tented accommodations, including two two-bedroom suites perfect for families. Key features will include multiple wellness facilities, four dining options, a spa, pool, fitness center, and a conservation house. Families will also enjoy a range of exciting activities, such as horseback-riding safaris, night game drives, guided walks, quad biking, and visits to a private rhino orphanage.

Trip Review: A Galapagos Holiday

The Phillips family from Bethesda, MD—parents and their two children, ages 15 and 13—recently returned from a dream winter vacation to the Galápagos Islands. Their adventure began in Quito, Ecuador, where they spent two nights unwinding at the JW Marriott Hotel. Due to Quito’s high elevation, mom needed oxygen, but it was easily provided.

Next, the family flew to San Cristóbal in the Galápagos and boarded the luxurious Silversea Origin for a round-trip expedition to 12 stunning destinations. The journey offered a variety of experiences, from discovering incredible wildlife to soaking in the islands’ natural beauty. Although mom wasn’t initially keen on cruising, she was pleasantly surprised by Silversea’s outstanding service. Her seasickness patch also came in handy when the seas got a little rough.

The highlight of their trip was the chance to interact with wildlife, including sea turtles, manta rays, stingrays, penguins, and sea lions. Exploring the islands with a naturalist made learning about the Galápagos’ history and ecosystem both educational and enjoyable for everyone in the family.  They had a blast with activities like zodiac cruises, hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling at every stop.

Their connecting balcony cabins included butler service, providing comfort and convenience throughout the trip. The Phillips family particularly appreciated the quality and variety of the food, and this holiday sailing was filled with other families on board. They were especially impressed by the Ecuadorian staff, whose pride in their country and commitment to environmental conservation were evident in every interaction.

This unforgettable adventure, planned nearly two years in advance to secure the best cabins and pricing, left the Phillips family with lasting memories they’ll cherish forever.

Travel Tip: Real ID Alert!

The REAL ID enforcement date is May 7, 2025! This means that starting on this date, a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification will be required to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. 

What does this mean for me?

• If you don’t have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, you may experience delays when flying. 
• You can apply for a REAL ID in person at your state’s DMV. 
• You can use an interactive tool to check if you’re REAL ID ready: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id 
• You can check if your driver’s license or ID has a star (and/or flag) or says “Enhanced”. 
• If you’re not sure if your card is REAL ID compliant, contact your state driver’s license agency. 

What are acceptable forms of identification? A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, A state-issued identification card, A U.S. passport, A state-issued enhanced driver’s license, and A passport card.