Bali Bound

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, has introduced a new Luxury Family Holiday package.  Along with a two- or three-bedroom villa, receive daily breakfast in your villa or the on-site restaurant; one in-villa family dinner; one 90-minute Mepijet Massage at Mandapa Spa for two people (when staying in a two-bedroom villa) or four people (when staying in a three-bedroom villa); an exclusive Mini Explorer program at Mandapa Camp for children ages 4 to 12; Bali Safari & Marine Park entry tickets; and return airport transfer.  Located in Ubud, Bali, each gorgeous villa features a large, private swimming pool; an outdoor rain shower; indoor and outdoor living and dining areas; and more. A minimum of three nights is required.  Resort recreation including a swimming pool with majestic view of rice paddies, yoga classes, spa, bike rentals, gym, spa children’s programming and Balinese cultural activities.

Adventures by Disney Adds Iceland

Recently, Adventures by Disney announced its newest destination-Iceland!  In 2018, your family will navigate the diverse landscapes of this unique country and explore the natural powers of majestic waterfalls, massive glaciers and stunning volcanos. This new 8-day, 7-night, action-packed vacation takes you from Reykjavik and the Golden Circle in the South to Akureyri and Lake Myvatn in the North. Prepare to be immersed in rich Icelandic culture and unparalleled natural beauty that join forces through this land of fire and ice.  The itinerary includes a visit to the iconic Thingvellir National Park, Godafoss Waterfall and Kerid Crater.  Prepare to unwind and relax at the soothing Blue Lagoon and Myvatn Nature Baths. Explore the high seas with a spectacular humpback whale-watching expedition.  Even more thrilling, you’ll come face-to-face with magnificent glaciers on a scenic cruise, and even hike on the massive ice caps themselves. Embark on a whitewater rafting adventure through the glacier river of Skagafjordur and trot through the scenic countryside on an Icelandic horse. Hike along, and even behind, some of the region’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls, including Seljalandsfoss and Godafoss.  Unique culinary stories are also a large part of this vacation, as you learn to make bread baked using geothermal heat. You can also discover the secret to Iceland’s traditional smoking process.

Also in 2018, the tour company’s itineraries to Germany, Costa Rica and Ireland have been updated and reimagined, expanding upon the already rich authentic experiences and local storytelling of these destinations. In all, Adventures by Disney will offer trips to more than three dozen destinations in 2018.

New From Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures has announced several new and exciting destinations and experiences for families for the end of 2017 and into 2018.  Book now for the best availability!

Alberta-Banff Winter: The snowy peaks of Banff National Park provide a backdrop for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Guests arriving “home” each night can sip hot chocolate or a glass of wine beside a fireplace before dinner. This six-day/five-night program is available departing on December 17 and December 31, 2017.

Montana/Wyoming Western Adventure: Austin Adventures is headquartered in Billings, Mt., so this new itinerary was relatively easy for the company’s planning team, which highlighted favorite places where locals love to play. For example, the relatively undiscovered Beartooth Pass allows passage through the quiet side of Yellowstone via Cooke City. Lamar Valley, populated by bears, wolf, bison and pronghorn, plus the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River are a preample for Cody’s Monster Lake Ranch, a resort for families looking for a Wild West experience. This six-day/five-night family program will depart on July 1 and August 5.

Holland/Germany Amsterdam to Aachen: This multisport adventure takes your family by bicycle and foot from Amsterdam’s tulip markets to Aachen’s famous cathedral. Taste a caramel-filled stroopwafel in a café, cycle the flat and scenic landscapes of the Dutch countryside, and explore Germany’s westernmost city of Aachen with a knowledgeable guide. This seven-day/six-night program is available for families departing June 10, July 1 and July 22.

Bon Voyage on La Compagnie

Travel in style to Europe this summer!  La Compagnie, the all business class airline flying from Newark to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport, is celebrating its third anniversary with a discounted summer offer for families.  The Family Trip airfare promotion is only $1,000 round-trip per child and $1,300 round-trip per adult. This saves children $800 and adults $500 on tickets that normally start at $1,800 round-trip and is not much higher than regular coach fares.  The offer runs from July 10 to August 27.   Launched in July 2014, La Compagnie is a business-class airline operating two Boeing 757s on regularly scheduled transatlantic flights. Each aircraft is outfitted with 74 lie-flat seats and includes such amenities as Samsung Galaxy Tablets, Caudalie cosmetic kits and a “La Carte” dining service.

Polar Bear Adventure

Looking for a unique Thanksgiving getaway?  From November 21-26, Natural Habitat Adventures will give families the opportunity to visit Churchill, Manitoba, which is a native home to polar bears. During the Churchill Arctic Family Adventure, the conservation-focused operator’s newest family tour, your family will spend six days in the outpost town of Churchill meeting locals and exploring the wild landscape.  Other highlights of the trip include a classic northern dogsled ride, a full day on board a custom-built Polar Rover — a monster-truck-size transport built to travel smoothly over the tundra — and a helicopter ride in search of polar bears.  Guests must be at least 8 years old to attend, and groups are limited to 17 people.

Galapagos for Families

Looking for a unique summer getaway?  Abercrombie and Kent is offering an $800 discount for children under age 18 when sharing a cabin on their 10-day Family Galapagos trip.  Cruise these amazing  islands aboard a small expedition ship for seven nights with two nights before and after the cruise in Guayaquil, Ecuador.  Your experiences include walking among giant tortoises, marine iguanas and sea lions; kayaking or snorkeling; and child-friendly activities such as wildlife photography, scavenger hunts, Spanish lessons and art-making.  Twice daily shore excursions are limited to 12 guests for more interaction with your naturalist guide.  Choose from summer and winter break sailings.  New this year for A&K’s family tours are Japan and Iceland.  Call us for more details!

Eden Renewed

The Eden Hotel, ideally located near the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese in Rome’s old town, reopened in April.  The luxury hotel, which was built in the late 1800s, has been closed since November 2015 for an extensive restoration project.  They’ve reduced the number of rooms from 121 to 98, which means more suites and bigger standard rooms with high ceilings and tall windows to frame the city’s skyline. The hotel is filled with classic Italian style.  Their Family Time package includes 50% off a connecting room when you book a Classic Suite connecting to a Prestige Room with a View to create a spacious two bedroom suite plus buffet breakfast for the whole family, children’s welcome gift and complimentary Wi-Fi.  Blackout dates may apply.  The hotel features several dining options including a rooftop restaurant with spectacular city views, spa and gym.

Anantara Vilamoura Algarve

Anantura, a Thai luxury hotel chain with over 40 hotels across Asia, the Middle East, Indian Ocean and Africa, is making their way to Europe.  Their first hotel just opened in Portgual’s Algarve (they renovated an existing resort).  The Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort is a 280-room property located just 15 minutes from the Faro airport.  It showcases six bars and restaurants, golf, tennis, gym with fitness classes, five pools and more.  For children, the Adventurers Creche and Adventurers Kids Club will offer arts and crafts, cooking classes, an open-air cinema, adventure safaris, and more. Teens will have The Hub to hang out at, as well as golf clinics and a dance academy.   To celebrate, the property is offering 10-20% off with stays of 3-7 nights with breakfast included.

Discover London

London is one of our most popular cities for our families.  It’s a great first experience in Europe.  One of our favorite hotels in this capital city, the Rosewood London, is offering a Family Moments package.  It includes two rooms or a suite with second bedroom, full English breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children (up to age 16), children’s programs, selection of game consoles and a guaranteed late check out until 2:00 pm.   A two-night minimum is required.  Another good promotion is a 3rd night free for stays between July 20-September 10.  This luxury hotel, set in an ornate Edwardian mansion, is well located in High Holborn near Convent Garden and the British Museum.  It has 306 rooms and suites as well as two restaurants, spa and gym.

Portugal Stopover

Portugal is becoming more popular each year for our families looking to explore new Southern European countries thanks to its rich history, gorgeous coastlines, lower prices for hotels and great food and wine.  TAP, Portugal’s national carrier, offers a stopover program that allows up to three free days in Portugal on your way to other destinations.  The airline has recently expanded this program to include a free stop in Lisbon or Porto when traveling to the Algarve coast or the islands in the Azores or Madeira.  The airline’s Portugal Stopover program was first launched last summer.   The airline currently operates 30 flights a week between Portugal and the US.