Trip Review: Southern France Soujourn

Lauren and her daughter Anna explored Southern France over the recent winter festive period. We began our adventure in the stunning Côte d’Azur, staying at the charming 1932 Hotel & Spa Cap d’Antibes, a boutique MGallery property in Juan les Pins. Our junior suite came with a delightful balcony, and we loved the breathtaking mountain-to-sea views from the rooftop terrace. We enjoyed our leisurely 30-minute walk to Antibes, where we immersed ourselves in the festive Christmas markets, soaking in the holiday atmosphere.

From Antibes, we traveled by train to Arles, spending a night at the Jules César Arles Hotel & Spa, another MGallery property. We were captivated by the city’s incredible Roman ruins and the rich artistic history of Vincent van Gogh. The narrow, winding streets seemed to tell stories at every turn. Our real adventure began when we boarded the AMA Kristina for a seven-night river cruise along the Rhône, sailing north from Arles to Lyon. We made a smart choice by upgrading to two connecting balcony cabins, which gave us extra space and flexibility.  The ship was totally decked out for the holidays, creating a very festive atmosphere.

The cruise was a winter wonderland of experiences with glorious sunshine for most of the sailing. In Avignon, we explored the Palace of the Popes on our own and wandered through vibrant street markets, food halls, shops and ate some crepes. A particularly memorable cruise excursion took us to the fairytale-like town of Les Baux and the charming village of St. Remy. Each additional stop offered something unique – from exploring the walled town of Viviers to a delightful wine and chocolate tasting in Tournon. On a chilly and cloudy day in Vienne, we stayed on board and enjoyed a cozy day watching movies and taking a fitness class.

Our journey along the Rhone and its many locks reached its pinnacle in Lyon, where we hiked up to the spectacular Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviere. It was a spectacular site inside and out, and the city views were expansive. We couldn’t resist shopping at the famous French pharmacies, marveling at their incredible selection of natural products. The AMA cruise was excellent – the staff incredibly welcoming, and our final evening at the Chef’s Table was a culinary highlight. We met many friendly fellow travelers, from families to solo adventurers, all enjoying the holiday season in their own special way. AMA offered an varied selection of excursions to fit every passenger’s needs.

Lauren trained up to Paris to fly home while Anna was able to take a short flight from Lyon back to her home in Prague.  Overall, a magical way to spend the holidays!

Travel Tip: Gift Card Exchange

Unused gift cards abound.  United now lets you convert those cards into frequent flyer miles with their MileagePlus Gift Card Exchange Program.  Just visit the airline’s website’s “trade gift card” section to initiate the exchange process. For every $25 in gift card value, members receive 670 United MileagePlus miles.   The process is entirely digital, eliminating the need to mail physical gift cards. Just select the merchant’s name from a list of participating retailers and enter the card’s balance. The system then presents an offer detailing the miles available in exchange for the card’s value. Once accepted, the transaction is typically processed immediately, though some may take up to five business days to complete.  There are no exchange limits, you can trade an unlimited number of gift cards although it is still important to evaluate the exchange rate. Depending on the gift card’s value, it might be more cost-effective to use it for its original purpose or sell it through other platforms.

Trip Review: Mother/Daughter Down Under Adventure

The Wexler Family, a mother-daughter duo from Novi, MI, recently embarked on an incredible journey through Sydney, Australia, and both islands of New Zealand this fall, with a custom tour package curated by The Family Traveler.

Racheal, who had just finished a study abroad program on Australia’s Gold Coast, reunited with her mom, Karen, for a 4-night stay in Sydney at the InterContinental. They loved the hotel’s prime location and their beautiful room, which overlooked the gardens with a small view of the Opera House. Virtuoso perks like daily breakfast were a bonus! One highlight of their stay was a full-day small group tour to the Blue Mountains, complete with breathtaking views at Scenic World, up-close animal encounters at Featherdale Wildlife Park, and a relaxing ferry ride back along the Parramatta River.

From Sydney, they flew to Queenstown, New Zealand, where they spent three nights at the Heritage Queenstown. Queenstown stole their hearts—it’s easy to see why with stunning views of snowcapped mountains and Lake Wakatipu right from their room. Their steamboat dinner cruise that went right by their hotel to Walter Peak High Country Farm was a standout experience, featuring a delicious farm-to-table meal and a chance to see the farm in action. Unfortunately, a planned flight to Milford Sound was grounded due to weather, but they made the best of their time in Queenstown.

Next up was Christchurch, reached via a scenic bus tour through Mt. Cook. While weather conditions including snow rerouted their journey, the refunds were handled smoothly. They enjoyed a 2-night stay at the Crowne Plaza, complete with another great breakfast. A highlight was exploring the Riverside Markets, and sharing their hotel with the New Zealand rugby team made watching the All Blacks’ game at the bar even more exciting.

In Rotorua, they stayed at the Regent Hotel for two nights, a cozy spot near Eat Street which showcased plenty of dining options. They enjoyed exploring geothermal parks and thermal hot pools on a small group tour. That evening, they attended a Māori dinner and cultural performance—a memorable experience filled with songs, dances, and traditions that deepened their appreciation for local indigenous customs.

For their final leg, they used Day Trip for a drive from Rotorua to Auckland, making a stop at Hobbiton along the way. Despite its touristy vibe, they enjoyed exploring the iconic film set from The Lord of the Rings. Their last three nights were spent at the Cordis in Auckland, a lovely hotel located atop the hill from the marina. During their stay, they took two small group tours: a morning city walking tour and an afternoon rainforest and beach excursion. They noted that a longer hike would have made the latter tour even better.

Overall, it was a packed itinerary, but the Wexlers felt that the excursions were perfectly timed to maximize their experience. It was a memorable adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and lots of quality mother-daughter time.

Travel Tip: TSA Wait Times

Don’t forget to download the The MyTSA app before your next trip to provide information on wait times at airports and border crossings.  You can also reconfirm what items can be brought through security and review other tips for travelers from TSA.  When driving across borders, the CBP Border Wait Times (BWT) app shows estimated wait times for crossing the U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico land borders. These are updated hourly and listed for commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles and pedestrians.

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