Deer Valley’s New East Village

Deer Valley’s East Village is redefining luxury mountain escapes with its first all-new ski village in 40 years. This season, the resort boasts 300 acres of newly opened skiable terrain, 20 additional runs, and three state-of-the-art chairlifts. At the heart of the expansion is the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, which debuted in November 2024, offering 436 elegant rooms and suites, along with 55 exclusive residences.

To celebrate the hotel’s launch, indulge in the Go Grand Opening package, featuring a $200 hotel credit and a limited-edition merchandise bag. Alternatively, choose Hyatt Prive rates, which include daily breakfast, a $100 hotel credit per room, a welcome amenity, connecting rooms, early check-in, and premium service. Spacious residences with up to three bedrooms provide room for the whole family.

The hotel’s extensive amenities include a gourmet restaurant, game room, kids’ club, fitness center, heated outdoor pool, and hot tubs. A luxurious spa is set to open mid-year. For skiers, an on-site skier services desk, in partnership with Deer Valley Resort and Ski Butlers, provides convenient ski valet and rental options. While not classified as “ski-in, ski-out,” the hotel is just a short walk—approximately 100 yards—or a quick shuttle ride from the new Keetley Express lift.

Along the Rhone

Adventures by Disney is set to debut an exciting eight-day, seven-night river cruise through southern France in 2026. Sailing along the picturesque Rhône River aboard AmaWaterways’ luxurious AmaKristina (which Lauren from The Family Traveler sailed last December), the itinerary will take your family from Lyon through Provence, with stops in Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, and Arles.

Highlights include outdoor adventures such as biking excursions, kayaking beneath the historic Pont du Gard aqueduct, and riding a steam train through the stunning Doux Gorges. Foodies can savor local flavors with cheese, chocolate, olive oil, and wine tastings, including visits to the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards.

For art enthusiasts, the cruise offers painting classes along the colorful Ochre Trail in Roussillon, silk-weaving demonstrations in Lyon, and visits to St. Paul de Mausole, where Vincent van Gogh painted The Starry Night. History buffs will enjoy exploring Roman ruins in Lyon and Nîmes, medieval villages, and the captivating sites of Les Baux-de-Provence.

Up to five guides will accompany each cruise, offering specialized activities for young travelers called “Junior Adventurers.”  In 2026, Adventures by Disney will host five sailings along this route, including four family-friendly departures and one designed exclusively for adults. Bookings are now open! Don’t miss the chance to embark on this magical journey through the heart of southern France.

Viceroy Los Cabos Virtuoso Exclusive

Experience a relaxing family getaway in Cabo with this exclusive offer from Viceroy Los Cabos. Stay 4+ nights in a Villa, Casita, or Penthouse and enjoy your choice of a complimentary family cooking class featuring local cuisine or a sommelier-led wine tasting in the hotel’s wine cellar along with a variety of added amenities. Whether creating culinary memories with your little ones or sharing a refined experience with your adult children, this is the perfect way to bond and experience all that Cabo has to offer:

Your package includes:

• Daily breakfast in the hotel restaurant or in-room dining.
• Dedicated butler service.
• Personalized welcome card and amenity.
• $100 resort credit per bedroom, per stay.
• Complimentary airport transfer (round trip).
• Upgrade upon availability.
• Early check-in and late check-out, based on availability.
• Private use of the movie theater once per stay.
• Complimentary access to the V Team Kids Club.

Luxury Tokyo Hotel Offers

Japan is a top destination for families right now, and we’re thrilled to highlight some incredible family-focused packages available at Tokyo’s finest hotels.

• The Peninsula Tokyo: The Tokyo Family Moments package offers a host of family-friendly perks, including daily breakfast for two adults and two children under 12, tickets to the captivating teamLab Planets Tokyo exhibit, early check-in from 6:00 am and late check-out until 10:00 pm, special welcome amenities, and complimentary access to the hotel’s swimming pool.
• The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo: Kids will love the Ritz Kids Adventure package, featuring daily breakfast for two adults and one child under 12, a Ritz Kids Night Safari complete with a tent and camping amenities, a free rollaway bed, curated children’s activities, slumber party treats, and a 10,000 JPY hotel credit for spa or dining. Families will also receive complimentary dinners at the hotel’s Towers restaurant with free children’s menu options for under age 12.
• Mandarin Oriental Tokyo: The Families by M.O. offer provides up to 50% off a second room with a minimum two-night stay, complimentary meals for children under 12 from children’s menus, added kid-friendly amenities, bespoke activities for young travelers, and a complimentary rollaway bed.

Trip Review: A Southern Africa Adventure

The Kaplan family (parents and college aged children), from outside Philadelphia, embarked on a 13-night Southern African adventure over winter break. Their journey began in Cape Town, an ideal spot to unwind after the long flight. For four nights, they stayed at the Table Bay Hotel on the vibrant Victoria & Albert Waterfront, a convenient location especially for nightly dinners. During their stay, they enjoyed a half-day private city tour that showcased Cape Town’s highlights, diverse neighborhoods, and breathtaking views from Table Mountain via the Aerial Cableway. The next day, they embarked on a full-day private tour to Cape Point, visiting the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, the Cape Point Nature Reserve, and charming towns along the route. They also ferried to Robben Island to learn about Nelson Mandela’s inspiring story and struggles.

From Cape Town, the Kaplans flew to Hoedspruit, transferring to the luxurious Ngala Tented Camp, a private safari retreat near Kruger National Park overlooking the Timbavati Riverbed. During their three-night stay, they enjoyed multiple game drives and were thrilled by the abundance of wildlife. Next, they flew from Kruger Airport to Victoria Falls for a three-night stay at the Old Drift Lodge on the Zimbabwe side of the falls. Their time here included a guided tour of the iconic falls, thrilling game drives, zip lining and a peaceful sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

The final leg of their journey brought the Kaplans to Botswana, offering a starkly different landscape and environment. A charter plane from Kasane brought them to Gomoti Plains Camp in the Okavango Delta for a three-night stay. Here, they experienced unforgettable game drives and explored the delta’s waterways by mokoro canoe.

At both camps. the family was awestruck by the stupendous animal sightings, including all of the Big Five, countless other species, and even some elusive animals.  Both private, tented camps impressed the Kaplans with their exceptional food, hospitality, and top-notch accommodations. They were especially touched by the warmth and graciousness of the local staff and guides, who eagerly shared their culture, natural environment, and deep pride for their countries. The Kaplan family declared everything about their trip to be perfect and cannot wait to return to Africa!

Travel Trip: Family Treasure Hunt

Before your next family trip, create a simple treasure hunt list tailored to your destination for a fun way to explore a new destination. Include items like “Find a street performer,” “Try a local snack,” or “Spot a unique souvenir.” Your children and grandchildren will love the sense of adventure, and it keeps them engaged while exploring. Bonus: it’s a great way for the whole family to connect with the culture and environment of the place you’re visiting!