Travel Tip: Books to Inspire

Thanks to Wherever Travel for this great article.

Engaging stories can bring a country or a city to life for children while introducing them to different cultures. Whether you want children to learn about a place where your family plans to travel, or just want your children to know more about the world, you can be sure reading about different places will help them become better travelers. For prospective travelers, choose books not just set in a destination, but that also have a real sense of place. Classics like Johanna Spyri’s Heidi and Ludwig Bemelmans’s Madeline stories reveal landscapes, landmarks and local customs as they tell engaging stories. The following books engage young readers with stories that speak of their setting, its people and often its history:

Japan: I Really Want to See You, Grandma by Gomi Tarō
France: Paris by Phone by Pamela Druckerman
Italy: Big Anthony: His Story by Tomie dePaola (or Strega Nona series by dePaola)
Canada: Carson Crosses Canada by Linda Bailey
England and Scotland: The Highland Falcon Thief by M. G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman
Scotland: The Children of Castle Rock by Natasha Farrant
London: The Queen’s Hat by Steve Antony
Kenya: Warrior Boy by Virginia Clay
China: Red Butterfly by Deborah Noyes
Berlin, Germany: Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kästner
Scandinavia (historical): Riddle of the Runes by Janina Ramirez
South Africa: Journey to Jo’Burg by Beverley Naidoo
Jamaica: When Life Gives You Mangoes by Kereen Getten
India: The Time Traveller and the Tiger by Tania Unsworth
Rome (historical): Roman Mysteries series by Caroline Lawrence

Trip Review: Cruising the Adriatic

The Family Traveler’s Mindy and her husband Rich recently sailed on the Windstar’s tall sailing and 342-passenger Windsurf from Venice to Athens in late August.  The 8-night itinerary was also a themed culinary cruise through Windstar’s partnership with the James Beard Foundation. 

Their trip started in Venice a day before the cruise sailed with a stay at La Commedia, one of The Family Traveler’s favorite 4-star hotels.  It also gave them a chance to buy a few essential items since their luggage had not yet arrived! Thankfully, their travel insurance came through to help cover the cost of some needed replacements.  Venice, with its canals and historic charm, was a beautiful start to their journey. It was fun to wander around and soak in the city’s atmosphere before heading to the ship.

One of the standout features of their cruise was the exceptional customer service, particularly from the guest relations team. It took four days for their luggage to catch up with them, but the staff went above and beyond to assist. They dutifully tracked down the bags, gave them a gift shop credit to buy some essential items, and offered free same-day laundry service while they waited for their luggage to be delivered.

The food on board was another highlight thanks in part to being a specialty sailing. Dining options included a traditional restaurant and two specialty restaurants, one of which was an outdoor venue with stunning sunset views—perfect for a relaxed evening meal. The culinary themed cruise featured a Michelin-star chef onboard and included food demonstrations, wine pairings, and even a chance to shop at local markets with the chef to pick out fresh products that would later appear on the menu. Every night, the restaurants showcased menus created by different Michelin-star chefs, offering a true culinary adventure.

While the service and food were fantastic, they found the evening entertainment a bit lackluster and the cabins in need of a refresh.  A renovation just began this month with common areas and suites with other cabins to be renovated down the road.  They did enjoy the staff talent show on the final night, which was a surprise.

Excursion highlights included a private tour of Olympia while in Katakolon, Greece. This was a truly special experience, exploring the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. The guide they hired at the entry was knowledgeable, and the site itself was awe-inspiring. While in Corfu, Greece they enjoyed a food tour and honey farm visit sampling local delicacies and learning about traditional Greek food. They explored Monemvasia, Greece on their own and found this tiny, picturesque village built into a cliff a hidden gem. The views were breathtaking, and the experience of exploring the narrow, winding streets felt like stepping back in time.  Montenegro was their favorite stop. They loved the mix of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Other ports included Zadar, Hvar and Dubrovnik in Croatia.

After the cruise, they spent a night in Athens and visited the iconic Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum—without a doubt, one of the best museums in the world. The history and artifacts were fascinating, and the views of Athens from the top of the Acropolis were stunning.

The final leg of the trip took them to Dublin for four nights, where they stayed with their son who had just moved there. Dublin was recently named the friendliest city in the world, and they could see why. The locals were warm and welcoming, and the city itself is filled with history and charm. They visited iconic sights like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and Dublin Castle and also enjoyed exploring the city’s pubs and sampling some fantastic food in the smaller, ethnic restaurants that abound.

A day trip outside the city to explore Powerscourt Gardens and Wicklow Mountains National Park was a trip highlight. Powerscourt, with its stunning gardens and views, is a must-see. They also took in the wild beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, which feature dramatic landscapes and the tranquil Glendalough, a monastic settlement surrounded by lakes and ancient ruins.

Overall the trip was relaxing, tasty and full of new places to explore. No trip would be complete without a bit of adventure—whether it’s lost luggage or navigating the streets of a new city. Travel isn’t just about the destination, but also the unexpected moments that make the journey memorable.

Travel Tip: Mexico and UK Updates

We’re pleased to share that Mexico has removed additional customs charges for travelers bringing in multiple electronic devices. ¡Gracias!

Meanwhile, starting January 8, 2025, travelers to the United Kingdom will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Applications open on November 27, 2024, at a cost of £10, valid for two years or until your passport expires.

Note that the UK’s ETA is separate from the planned European ETA for mainland Europe, which has faced ongoing delays. Visit the official UK website for details and updates: Apply for an ETA.

We’ll keep you informed if any changes arise!

Trip Review: Punta Cana Adult Getaway

This summer, our Jen, her husband, and six other couples from the Philadelphia area and Northern New Jersey traveled to the adult only and upscale Sanctuary Cap Cana in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, to celebrate their 50th birthdays together.

The group stayed in Castle One Bedroom Oceanside Suites and Castle Junior Oceanfront Suites where all the views were amazing and the rooms modern and inviting. One highlight of staying in this section was having a dedicated butler who provided attentive and responsive service, making sure everyone’s needs were met. Their presence added an extra touch of luxury, and their attention to detail made the stay even more relaxing and enjoyable. Birthday cakes in each room was an added surprise.

They even discovered a secluded pool at the end of the Castle building, which became a private hangout spot. The main pool and beach always had ample seating, which the group appreciated, along with the overall excellent service and helpful staff.  They founds lots of quiet nooks and crannies throughout the resort to enjoy time together.

The group pre-booked most dinners, with a minor $15 per person fee for securing reservations at select restaurants; the fee could be applied toward wine or premium dishes. They enjoyed meals at Blue Marlin (seafood), Wok (Asian), Capriccio (Italian), and the Steakhouse, with consensus that Capriccio and the Steakhouse were the top dining spots. They also spent a fun, relaxed evening in Sanctuary Town, enjoying pizza, pasta, salads, and burgers. Overall there were plenty of good food options.

They enjoyed a variety of resort activities, from water aerobics and beach volleyball to corn hole, darts and bike riding. Many enjoyed arts and crafts, with some creating painted vases as memorable keepsakes. The spa was another highlight, with those who indulged in treatments raving about its top-tier quality.  Several of the men enjoyed a round of golf at the renowned Punta Espada Golf Club, known for its stunning oceanfront holes. They returned with high praise, calling the course one of the best they’d ever played.

Overall, Sanctuary Cap Cana provided the perfect setting for this milestone celebration. With beautiful accommodations, excellent service, and a variety of activities and dining options, the resort ensured an unforgettable 50th birthday experience for Jen and her friends.

Trip Review: An Alaska Celebration

This summer, three generations of the Gottlieb family, ranging in age from 9 to 78, gathered from coast to coast in Alaska to celebrate a special 55^th wedding anniversary. The group of 12 chose to travel with traveled with Adventures by Disney, having had great experiences with the tour operator in the past. Their adventure through The Last Frontier combined stunning natural landscapes with immersive cultural activities, blending outdoor fun, wildlife encounters, and local traditions.

The trip began in Anchorage at the Marriott and a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, followed by a biking and kayaking adventure around Eklutna Lake. Next, they headed to Talkeetna with a stay at the Talkeetna Alaska Lodge where a separate adult and children’s dinner was followed by additional children’s activities.  The following day after a morning guided stroll, they hopped on the Alaska Railway dome car for a scenic train ride to Denali National Park during which the children had time to complete their Junior Ranger Activity books. They visited the park’s Visitor Center, enjoyed a float trip on the Nenana River and had time to explore the park at their leisure. Their home in Denali was the Grande Denali Lodge.  The journey continued to Girdwood, including a stop at a dog-sledding kennel and a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm en route to the Alyeska Resort. From Alyeska, the family experienced gold panning, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a private wildlife presentation, and another float trip on the Spencer Glacier, topped off with a delicious salmon bake dinner.

The Gottlieb family told us they enjoyed every moment together in the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness. They raved about their wonderful guides and were thrilled to have clear weather, which gave them a perfect view of Mt. Denali.  Overall and special and memorable trip!

Travel Tip: Mexican Customs Warning

Mexico has customs rules that have been in existence for some time, but only recently begun enforcing new regulations regarding the number of electronic devices travelers can bring into the country. Each passenger is allowed to bring one portable computer OR similar device (such as a laptop, tablet, or iPad) without incurring any import fees. If you bring additional devices, they may be subject to import duties, which can start at 19% of the device’s value and potentially be higher depending on circumstances.  There are also limitations on other electronics and gear, such as up to three cell phones, two cameras, and one pair of binoculars. Exceeding these limits can result in extra charges upon entry​ as well. 

Effective immediately, please be aware of the following guidelines concerning the import of electronic devices for travelers to Mexico.

Allowed Items: 1 laptop or similar portable computing device (e.g., iPad)

Limited Items:  

• Up to 3 cell phones
• 1 GPS
• 2 cameras
• 1 pair of binoculars
• 4 fishing poles

Travel Tip: Pooling Miles

United Airlines has recently introduced MileagePlus Miles Pooling, a new feature that allows MileagePlus members to combine their miles into a shared account. With this innovative option, groups of up to five members—whether family or close friends—can now contribute and redeem miles together in one linked account.

United is the first major U.S. airline to offer this feature, making it easier than ever to share and use miles collectively. Any MileagePlus member over 18 can become a pool leader and create a pool for free by logging into their account on United.com. The pool leader can invite up to four other members, regardless of age, if they have an active MileagePlus account. There is no minimum age to join MileagePlus.

Once logged in, members can easily contribute miles to the group pool and redeem them for award flights on United and United Express. There are no limits on the number of miles that can be contributed to an active pool. Importantly, contributing miles to a pool does not affect an individual member’s Premier status. Only members who travel on a ticket purchased with pooled miles will earn eligible Premier qualifying points (PQP). However, members cannot pool PQP, Premier qualifying flights (PQF), PlusPoints, or TravelBank cash.

Trip Review: A South African Adventure

The Ramey Family of five from Ardmore, PA, recently embarked on a memorable journey to Southern Africa.  The family group spanned three generations from ages 18 to 80! Their adventure began in Cape Town, South Africa, where their college-aged son was preparing to start a semester abroad. Despite a day’s delay and the last minute need to rebook some tours due to a United flight cancellation, the family soon settled into Blackheath Lodge, a charming boutique hotel in the Sea Point neighborhood of Cape Town. They described their three-night stay as cozy and welcoming, with excellent service and delicious food.

During their time in Cape Town, the family enjoyed several guided tours, including a half-day city tour with a visit to Table Mountain and the city’s historical neighborhoods, a half-day wine tour in the beautiful Stellenbosch region, and a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula region. They were particularly impressed with one of their guides, who was not only warm and knowledgeable but also flexible with their tour changes and some rain.  She even kindly offered to assist their son during his stay.

From Cape Town, the family flew north to Kruger National Park for a three-night stay at Lukimbi, a private game reserve. The family raved about their safari experience, highlighting the outstanding customer service and the comfort provided by the rangers and guides. They especially enjoyed a special outdoor dinner on their last night at the reserve.

After their time in Kruger, their son returned to Cape Town, while the rest of the family continued their trip by traveling north to Victoria Falls for a three-night stay. They found their accommodations at Insika Lodge on the Zimbabwe side of the falls to be beautiful, though they noted some shortcomings in service and limited food options. Here they explored the falls (the world’s largest sheet of falling water!), took a sunset cruise, and enjoyed a bike tour to explore the area.

The trip concluded in Botswana with a second safari experience along the waters of the Okavango Delta. Their stay at the tented Saguni Safari Lodge offered busy days, excellent service, and a uniquely different safari experience. The family was thrilled to have followed our recommendation to do two safaris, as they encountered a wider variety of animals and had particularly close encounters at Saguni.

Overall, this once-in-a-lifetime trip was a diverse and enriching experience for the entire family, filled with unforgettable moments and connections across Southern Africa.

Travel Tip: New Aruba Fee

Visiting the beautiful island of Aruba now comes with a new opportunity to contribute to its ecology efforts. A $20 sustainability fee, introduced by the Aruba Tourism Authority, will be collected from travelers arriving by air. This fee will be used to upgrade existing sewage water treatment plants, improve infrastructure, and build a larger facility in the future.

To pay the fee, your family will fill out the Embarkation & Disembarkation (ED) Card online, with options to use a credit card or Apple Pay. Note that cash payments on arrival are not accepted, and the fee must be paid before checking in for a flight to receive clearance to travel.

The sustainability fee is a one-time charge per calendar year, with repeat travelers exempt on future visits. Additionally, children under 8 years old, travelers arriving by cruise, Aruba residents, and certain Aruban students are exempt from this fee. This initiative complements the existing $3 environmental tax, furthering the island’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and resources.

Trip Review: Multi-Gen Japan Adventure

The Delatorre and Laguio families, hailing from Green Oaks, IL, and Manila, embarked on a multi-generational family trip to Japan in late June. The group included grandparents in their 80s, parents in their 50/60s, and young adult children in college. They began their journey with a 3-night stay at the Conrad Tokyo, enjoying the perks of Hilton Impressario’s added amenities that included breakfast, hotel credits, VIP status, and free upgrades to bay view rooms! The family had a wonderful time at this modern hotel, especially appreciating their club-level access on the 37th floor, which featured four complimentary food and beverage presentations daily, along with all-day non-alcoholic beverages. The lounge, newly renovated with a dedicated concierge, provided a luxurious experience and also amazing views.

Their Japan experience kicked off with a private tour of the Imperial Palace and Gardens, catering to the grandmother’s love for temples and gardens. In the afternoon, some family members had a blast exploring the streets of Shibuya by go-kart, a popular activity often dubbed the “Mario Kart” experience. The following day, the family, known for their love of food, took a privately guided City Highlight/Food tour, gaining insights into Japanese culture and history. They visited several shrines, the Tsukiji Outer Food Market where they enjoyed lunch, a department store food section in Ginza, and the vibrant Harajuku area. We had arranged a private van to facilitate their travel around the city with ease.

From Tokyo, the family took a high-speed train to Kyoto for a 4-night stay at The Thousand Kyoto hotel, conveniently located next to the train station. On their first night, they embarked on another privately guided food tour, although the focus on temple food wasn’t a big hit as none of them were vegetarians. For two and a half days, they toured Kyoto with a private guide using a van for the full day tour. They traveled all over the city exploring pavilions, rock gardens, the bamboo forest, temples, Gion, and the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. These tours offered a diverse array of sites, catering to the interests of all family members. A full day in Nara was guided privately and also with the convenience of a van. It included visits to palaces, temples, shrines, and Nara Park, where interacting with the deer was a trip highlight.

Overall, the family cherished their time together in Japan, enjoying its unique culture, history, and of course the cuisine!