Peugeot Open Europe

Considering an extended stay in Europe to have more time to relax and explore?  Auto Europe’s Peugeot Open Europe program brings you the best available prices and unparalleled savings on a car rental of 3 weeks or more.  Peugeot offers you the unique opportunity to lease a car for a low daily rate with unlimited miles plus roadside assistance. The short term lease program provides you with a new Peugeot brand vehicle direct from the factory. Advantages of this program include a tax free lease contract, full insurances (including 3rd party liability and theft) with no excess fees for travel in 40 countries, and a brand new vehicle that is registered and insured in the your name.  All Peugeot vehicles are left hand drive and equipped with air-conditioning, anti-lock braking system, central locking & auto lock, cruise control, electronic anti-theft device, electronic front windows, electronic stability programming, front air-bags, power steering, radio, MP3 compatible, Bluetooth & USB port and safety jacket & triangle.  All wagon models have luggage covers. The program is available to residents outside of the European Union who are at least 18 years old with a driver’s license in good standing.  We need at least four weeks to organize the lease.  Book by the end of this year for 21 or more days for 2017 and get up to 15 additional days free in France or 5 additional days outside France.  Traveling for less time?  You can also save up to 25 percent with Auto Europe on manual cars booked for 20 days or less.

Low Cost Air to Europe

Low Cost Air to Europe

Norwegian announced it will operate new flights from four cities – Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Newark and Oakland to Barcelona, Spain, starting in June 2017. Launch fares in economy to
Barcelona from both Fort Lauderdale and Newark start as low as $189 one-way, including taxes; fares from both Los Angeles and Oakland start from $199 one-way, including taxes. The lowest fares in Norwegian’s Premium Cabin to Barcelona from Newark start at $649 one-way including taxes; Premium fares from both Los Angeles and Oakland start at $849 one-way including taxes. Premium service includes a dedicated check-in counter, additional luggage allowance, fast track security, lounge access, priority boarding, sleeper seats, all meals and drinks.  Barcelona is the seventh European city with nonstop service to the U.S. in Norwegian’s ever-growing route network. The carrier offers a total 44 routes from the U.S., 37 of which are to Europe and seven are to the French Caribbean. Upcoming routes from the U.S. include Las Vegas to London launching on October 31; Las Vegas to Oslo launching on November 1; and Fort Lauderdale to Guadeloupe launching on December 17.  Norwegian operates one of the world’s youngest fleets comprised of brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliners.  All long-haul flights include both a Premium and an Economy cabin.

New Family Tours

Two of our favorite tour operators have new destinations on offer for families:

Backroads has recently unveiled its new Nova Scotia Family Multisport Adventure Tour for exploring the province’s local coastlines and villages. The action-packed days include whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, kayaking along the islands of Blue Rocks and eating fresh digby scallops. Your family will also have the chance to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenberg, as well as Annapolis Royal, Canada’s birthplace. Departures are available between June and August 2017. Children (4-17) receive 10-20 percent off depending on the room configuration.

Abercrombie & Kent recently announced its new Connections Boutique Group Journeys for 2017, which includes an 11-day family-friendly itinerary in Iceland. Your family will arrive in Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik, where you can go fishing with local pros and eat your catch for dinner. Your children can enjoy learning about Viking seafarers around a campfire and ride horses along a black-sand beach.  Other highlights include driving along the Langjokull ice cap, touring lunar-like Landmannalaugar by Super Jeep and mountain bike and swimming in the Hofsos thermal pool.  Children under 12 sharing with an adult save $400.

Private Louvre Access

Tauck has partnered with the Louvre for a once-in-a-lifetime after hours visit to this amazing museum.  During their Tauck Bridges’ Castles & Kings tour with departures on the July 2, 9 and 23 ONLY, your family can enjoy the legendary museum, complete with a scavenger hunt for the children, at your own leisure.  All of Tauck’s after-hours visits are built into its all-inclusive prices.  The eight-day Castles & Kings tour begins in London, with a city tour on a private, double decker bus. Your family will spend five days in London visiting the Tower of London, Thames by speedboat, the London Eye, Windsor Castle, a show on the West End, the British Museum and a London spy walk, perfect for the children. On the fifth day, your family will board the high-speed Eurostar train to Paris. The tours sixth day will be spent touring Chateau de Versailles and other sites of Paris; before departing, the tour stops at Notre Dame and, of course, Musee du Louvre as well.

Thomson’s Smart Traveler

Thomson Family Vacations, like The Family Traveler, recommends that you book early and has created a new program as an incentive.  Their new Smart Traveler Advantages are included when you book at least nine months in advance:

• Free flight insurance for each member of your booking. This insurance covers up to 100% of the cost of your flights.
• Free cancellation insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason up to 120 days prior to your departure and receive a full 100% refund of your otherwise non-refundable trip deposit.
• Get a free GoPro Hero Session camera to capture all of the action and memories during your adventure.

These features are an excellent value and great trip protection!  The GoPro is one of the newest models.  It’s lighter and also waterproof. You’ll get some of the best and most memorable action shots from any vacation you’ve ever taken.  When booking in advance we generally find the best airfares (especially when traveling with multiple family members).  Plus you get the dates and trip you really want. Also, anticipation is great.  There are proven health benefits to looking forward to taking a trip.  The earlier you book your family vacation the more you can look forward to it!  Thomson offers amazing adventure trips of various styles on six continents.

Designer Milan

The luxury Armani Hotel in the heart of the fashion district of Milan welcomes you with their Stay With Your
Family package.  The package includes an Armani Deluxe Room with American breakfast, 25% discount on your second room also with American breakfast, children’s welcome gift, special in-room amenities, cocktail in the panoramic Armani/Bamboo Bar for the family and a free room upgrade and late check-out based on availability.  One free rollaway is available for children under age 12.  Steeped in Armani style, every detail at this hotel is designed to offer you a discreet, personalized service to make you feel totally at home.  TThe Armani style and philosophy defines every detail of the 95 guestrooms and suites. Each element has been personally designed by Giorgio Armani and chosen for sculptural, aesthetic and sensual qualities.  The hotel showcases a spa, gym and restaurant.

Experience Japan

We are really excited to see a hotel showcasing so many wonderful cultural experiences for families.  At the Ritz Carlton Kyoto, Japan, your family can participate in:

Samurai Experience: Learn basic kenbu moves with a real samurai sword and dressed in traditional costume. At the end of this activity, a stage performance by a kenbu master will make it a complete experience to remember.  

Treasure Hunt: Seven Buddha statues are hiding somewhere in the hotel – and it’s up to your family to find them, using the secret treasure map.  Gifts to the winners!

Kimono Experience: Immerse yourself in history as you stroll through the old streets of Kyoto dressed in a traditional kimono. As part of the experience the hotel staff will be happy to help you to choose your favorite colors, patterns, and designs of kimono.

Hand Made Soap Workshop: Try your hand at soap-making at Shabon-ya, Kyoto’s famous purveyors of natural, organic soap.

Japanese Sweets: Exquisitely crafted wagashi sweets have been enjoyed in Japanese since ancient times. In this workshop, Japanese sweets artisans will teach you the art of creating your own traditional Japanese confectionery, which you can enjoy with a cup of matcha tea.

Origami and Play: In this creative workshop your family can learn how to create traditional designs such as paper cranes, or try fun alternatives like jumping frogs or Ninja throwing stars.

Sushi Masterclass: Don a chef’s apron and learn how to make perfect sushi maki rolls under the expert guidance of Mizuki sushi chef. Your class ends with a tasting session, giving your family the chance to sample your creations.

Scottish Golf Getaway

The Fairmont St. Andrews in Scotland is offering your family a second room for half off.  Their Family Offer also includes full Scottish breakfast, full access to the spa while children age 7 and under eat free before 7:00pm.  The 520 acre five-star golf resort with 209 rooms and suites showcases cliff top view of St. Andrews and the North Sea.  It offers two excellent golf courses (The Kittocks and The Torrance), restaurants, 209 rooms and suites, kids game room, spa and indoor pool.  There’s also a 106 seat in-house movie theater that shows family-friendly films.  Let us help you plan an extended itinerary throughout Scotland or include other parts of the UK.

British Toy Experience

The Langham London is set in one of the city’s grandest buildings at the top of Regent Street on the West End and with Hamleys, the world famous toy store, just a few minutes’ walk away. To take advantage of their location, the hotel is offering a Family Package that includes guaranteed adjoining rooms at half off (for age 15 and under) or a Family Room, English breakfast for four, a VIP tour of Hamleys, a Hamleys themed Afternoon Tea, Kidzania tickets with a stay of 3 nights or more and internet access. Their newly refurbished and spacious Family Rooms offer charming views of All Souls Church, thoughtful amenities and two Queen beds and sofa bed.  The property celebrated its 150th anniversary last year and offers 380 rooms, suites and apartments, spa and gym with indoor pool and several dining options.

Save with A&K

Your family can save up to $500 on select Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) family trips with their Connections Summer in Europe Sale. Eligible itineraries include amazing and upscale trips to Italy, Spain, Central Europe, Amsterdam, Paris and London as well as Scotland and Ireland. All of A&K’s Connections Europe Family Journeys are led by a resident tour director, allowing parents to spend worry-free time with their children. Solo extended family members can also save an additional $500 off the single supplement.