Adventures in Cinque Terre

Austin Adventures has added a new Italy tour for families to the unique, remote, and gorgeous region of Cinque Terre (“Five Lands”). This 6-night trip, pending COVID regulations, will take place this summer on June 13-19, July 4-10, or August 15-21.  The stunning and dramatic seaside region suits adventurers of all generations with gorgeous viewpoints, rich cultural heritage, and excellent cuisine. Your family will experience each town with the following adventures:

• Hike through the famed five villages on the Cinque Terre footpaths
• Cycle through vineyards and olive groves
• Kayak to a UNESCO world heritage site, an island named Palamaria
• Swim in the sea for a water-side view of the magnificent Riomaggiore
• Explore caves and coves hidden along the magical coastline near Levanto

Time in Florence before or after your Austin Adventure makes for an ideal Italian family trip.

Free Night in Machu Picchu

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is currently offering a third night and child-free promotion through December 19, 2021. The luxury resort, located at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain and near the Machu Picchu Pueblo railroad station, sits on 12 acres of cloud forest with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways, and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas.  The huge amount of birds and orchids here are out of this world!  Rates include buffet breakfast, a la carte dinner, a welcome gift, afternoon tea, happy hour, and programmed guided excursions such as bird watching, nature walks, and twilight tours. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Peru is currently open to travelers with a negative COVID test.

New Airline Apps

American Airlines and United Airlines just rolled out their new travel apps addressing the current pandemic and its constantly changing travel requirements.  These apps allow you to upload a negative test result and other documentation needed for cross-border entry. They also serve as a source of information to learn what restrictions and requirements are imposed at your destinations. Following a CDC order, all international travelers require a negative COVID test before being allowed to board US-bound flights.  Next month, United’s app called Travel-Ready Center, will also allow you to book a COVID test, video chat with a United agent, and eventually include visa requirements by country.  Download this app or American’s VeriFLY health passport for ease of travel!

Seven New Editions

This year Marriott is expanding their portfolio of upscale Edition Hotels with seven new and unique properties opening all over the world.  Exciting new hotels that are designed to reflect the local culture will open in Rome, Madrid, Dubai, Reykjavik, Tampa, Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and the second property in Tokyo.  We are excited to see an upscale hotel coming to downtown Reykjavik in Iceland where there are only a handful of luxury options.  The 253-room hotel will open this summer with a rooftop lounge and restaurant and is located adjacent to the prominent Harpa Concert Hall.  The Rome property near the Via Veneto will open in the fall and be an intimate experience with only 95 rooms.  It will showcase a restaurant, rooftop terrace with pool, gym, and small spa.  Also opening in fall are the Madrid property near Puerto del Sol with 200 rooms, the Tokyo hotel in Ginza with 78 rooms, in downtown Tampa with 172 rooms, and in downtown Dubai with 210 rooms.  Next winter will see the opening of the Riviera Maya, Mexico property in the new Kanai resort development with an uber-modern design and 180 rooms. 

Accor Additions

Accor, following in the footsteps of Marriott, has announced the launch of their Apartment & Villas website.  The site is entirely dedicated to the rental of private residences and extended-stay hotel properties. You will find more than 50,000 apartments, villas, studios, bungalows, and private homes available. The options are drawn from their 15 extended-stay serviced hotel brands (including Adagio, Mantra, and Hyde Living), as well as the company’s portfolio of branded private residences, which are privately owned and frequently included in managed rental programs (like Raffles Residences,  Banyan Tree Residences, Delano Residences, Fairmont Residences, SLS Residences, etc.) and one-of-a-kind private rentals (onefinestay), in over 350 destinations.

Cooking Around the World

Looking for a unique, engaging, and tasty way to spend time on a zoom call this holiday season with your family or friends? Eatwith can help.  They can arrange a cooking expert who will create a family-friendly meal that you can all prepare together while also learning about your chef’s local history and culture. Choose from cooks from 130 different countries!  Online cooking classes and workshops are relaxed, hands-on, and tailored to your family’s unique needs. Eatwith is the world’s largest community for authentic culinary experiences which includes lessons from former MasterChefs.  For greater flexibility, cancellations are allowed 48 hours prior.

GAdventures’ Bubble

Private and small group touring is very popular right now in the time of COVID. GAdventures is offering a collection of 80 tours that not only allow your family group to travel on a completely private “bubble” tour, but also includes added savings! Book a group of eight people, and one spot is half price. With 12 people, one spot is free. Your private tour can also be combined with any current promotions. Choose the date that works best for you and your family and we can personalize your tour with a variety of unique activities to experience and learn more about the local culture. Also, enjoy the added health and safety measures of the Travel with Confidence policy which features new health and safety procedures. These policies have the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp and the guidelines were developed in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic.  Tours are available throughout the world including Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Four Seasons Private Retreats

Looking for a luxury villa travel experience with resort-style amenities? Four Seasons Resorts offers 750 private residences and villas in many of the world’s most spectacular destinations. Your family can experience the best of indoor-outdoor living, with fully equipped modern kitchens and private pools in a variety of beach, mountain, and urban settings. Many of the properties include private butler services and are now offering discounts of up to 30 percent off, $1,000 in resort credits, or special rates with a stay of a week or longer. Choose from locations around the world throughout North America, Central America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa including many popular destinations for our families such as Anguilla, Nevis, San Diego, Miami Beach, Jackson Hole, Vail, London, and Puerto Vallarta.

Moroccan Royalty

Families can experience the royal treatment with the Royal Mansour Marrakech’s Family Getaway package that is valid from January 4 to March 15, 2021. Stay a minimum of 3-nights in a glorious 2-bedroom Privilege Riad with VIP welcome, full daily breakfast, airport arrival, and departure fast track services, private transfers, one dinner, an hour massage for two adults, access to the children’s program (ages 4-10) plus welcome gifts and surprises for your children. The two-bedroom and two bath accommodation has over 4,600 sq. ft. with a rooftop terrace and pool. This luxury hotel showcases just 53 residences…all in the traditional riad style with interior courtyards and surrounded by lush gardens. Plus enjoy several dining options, pools, and spa along with an extensive children’s program. The palace was commissioned by the king of Morocco and crafted by an army of skilled artisans. It is nicely located in the city center and on the edge of the historic Medina. Morocco is currently open to US tourists with hotel reservations.

FoodieKiDs

Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts recently launched an innovative new culinary concept this month called FoodieKiDS. The hotel chain’s all-new children’s menu was created after extensive global research in which more than 5,500 parents of children under 12 years old, from six different countries, were interviewed about their children’s eating habits. As expected, findings showed that parents were frustrated by the lack of healthy and varied food options on hotel menus. Many parents reported that their children eat more junk food on vacation and don’t like to try new foods if the dishes don’t look particularly appetizing. Jumeirah also brought children into the developmental processes; so they could be sure that this new menu only includes dishes that have been specifically endorsed by their younger target market.  The result is a pairing of nutritious and wholemeal ingredients with a fun touch of imagination and creativity. Thanks for caring!