Travel Tip: Covid by Country

It’s a very fluid world we currently live in. To help us sort out what is happening in the world, the International Air Transport Association has developed an interactive world map detailing Covid-19 entry regulations by country. The map pulls data from IATA’s Travel Information Manual Automatic database, which updates on restrictions and required documentation for international travel more than 200 times daily. Countries on the map are color-coded by the level of restrictions, and specific information on restrictions are viewable when clicking on a country. Check out https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm.

Trip Review: New Hyatt Ziva

The Grossman Family from Philadelphia (parents, teen and young adults) traveled to the brand-new Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana this past December.  They loved their free upgrade to the club level thanks to our tour operator’s added benefits package.  They had two comfortable and spacious connecting rooms, received VIP check-in and check-out and had access to the club lounge.  There was plenty of bedding for this family of 5 with a king or two queen beds plus a queen size sofabed in each room! They also let us know that they appreciated the short ride from the airport to the hotel, a really large gym that was also used by the adult-only Hyatt Zilara side, lovely grounds and views, waterpark, watersports (based on weather and ocean conditions), poolside games and good security throughout the resort.  Overall they commented that the resort size was very manageable.  For dining, they were quite happy with the staff’s assistance with special food requests.  They said that the restaurants options were plentiful.  Like at the Hyatt’s other properties, guests on the Zilara side can dine at all restaurants, but families can only dine on the Ziva side.  Fortunately their 16 year-old looked old enough that they weren’t questioned when dining on the Zilara side as the resort is bracelet free!  They also liked that there were two shows each night with an earlier one geared for families with young children and the later one for older children and adults as the theater is also shared by both sides of the resort.  They showed their gratitude to the staff with added tipping.  Not required, but greatly appreciated. The family found plenty of activity and relaxation at the resort that they did not venture off property during their week’s stay.  A pleasant week of special family time.

Trip Reviews: In Memory of the Avid Traveler

In early May, Lauren and Mindy’s dad passed away at the age of 88.  Ed Goldenberg lived a full life and we celebrate his accomplishments as a dedicated husband, father to four girls, candy maker, fundraiser for Jewish charities, military man, genealogist and avid traveler. It was his and our mom’s wandering spirit that helped bring us to where we are today as The Family Traveler.  Their global personal, business and charity related travels brought the world back into our home.  Our own family’s travels actually began with car rides to nowhere. Dad loaded us all in the car and just drove without any destination in mind while he shared with us his passion for maps and exploring.  When we passed the car road test, our family of six began our annual winter pilgrimage to the laid back Florida Keys using the Auto Train beginning with its inaugural season.  The train ride was always a memorable part of the experience reconfirming that the destination is just part of the journey.  We also relished going to various trades shows with three generations of candy makers and extended family in tow showing us how a family business operates.  We especially appreciate dad’s desire to round up the family to celebrate many special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and graduations in destinations near and far including our favorite multi-generational gatherings.  London, New York, Florida, Greece, Jamaica, Israel and more is where we met up, celebrated, laughed, explored, played, loved and created memories to last a lifetime.  Thanks dad for enforcing our family bonds, showing us the world and for always being our number one cheerleader. 

Travel Tip: Passport Updates

Based on the U.S. State Department’s most recent update on May 1, passport operations are extremely limited.  If you apply or renew (or if you applied prior to March 19, 2020), you will likely experience significant delays of several months before you receive your passport and have your citizenship evidence documents returned (even if you requested expedited processing).  It is not even possible to check on the status of your previously filed application as that information is not being updated until regular passport services resume. The passport service is asking that you wait to apply for passports until normal operations are resumed unless there is a life-or-death emergency.  If that is the case, below are the steps to take:

• You must need to travel within 72 hours due to
  a life-or-death emergency which is a serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate
  family, including parents, children, spouses, siblings, aunts, uncles, etc.
• You must provide a passport application with supporting
  documents including proof of the life-or-death emergency such as a death
  certificate, mortuary statement, or signed letter from a medical facility.
• Proof of life-or-death emergency documents
  must be in English or translated into English.
• Proof of international travel for the
  emergency is also required.  This includes documentation such as a
  reservation, ticket or itinerary.
• To make an appointment for an emergency passport,
  you must call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778
  (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY), Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time.
  Outside of those hours, call 202-647-4000.  At this time, some passport
  agencies are completely closed to the public.

If you are considering international
travel, keep in mind that some countries require that you have a passport that
is valid for six months beyond your travel dates and may also require that you
have several blank pages left in your passport.  It is also recommended to
check the Department of State and Center for Disease Control websites for travel
advisories.  You should also plan to check on travel restrictions that may
have been instituted in the country or countries you are hoping to visit.

Travel Tip: Write to Unite

Here’s a wonderful way for your family to relive your favorite travel memories through poetry, short story or otherwise with a Write to Unite campaign:https://www.writetounite.co.uk/ . Children, teens and adults are all encouraged to participate!

Trip Review: Where Will You Go Next?

We are leaving this item blank and hope to feature your next family getaway soon!

Travel Tip: Real ID Extension

UPDATE: U.S. air travelers have been given another year to meet the Real ID deadline once airline operations return to normal. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the October 1, 2020 deadline for all U.S. airline passengers to have ID’s with uniform federal security requirements will be pushed back to October 1, 2021.

Trip Review: NYC Getaway

The Harrison Family of Collinsville, IL shared a mother/daughter getaway to New York City.  They stayed at the InterContinental Times Square for easy access to theater and centrally located to see all their favorite city sights.  They enjoyed their stay and lovely city views from their room.  With the New York CityPASS in hand, they had the flexibility to go to the top sites on their own time frame and without waiting in long lines.  Their adventures took them around the city to visit the Statue of Liberty (with pedestal tickets confirmed in advance), the Empire State Building, 911 Memorial and more.  They had fun walking over the Brooklyn Bridge despite the chill in the air and enjoyed exploring the Dumbo neighborhood with its unique shops and dining.  Food was also a highlight of the trip with visits to Grimaldi’s Pizza in Brooklyn, Carlos’ Bakery and the M&M Store where Mary was offered personalized candy, but let them know she doesn’t need since her husband’s name is Michael!  Mom and daughter also took in Time Square and went to see Mean Girls on Broadway.  Their first trip to the Big Apple was a great success.

Travel Tip: Grandparent Travel

No matter the destination or type of trip you choose, here are some suggestions from Travel & Leisure magazine for a successful vacation experience:

• Involve grandchildren in the planning process, giving them some choices of activities or destinations. Even younger children should be given some options, so they feel included from the beginning.
• Prepare grandchildren for the destination by providing books, maps, websites, videos, or other materials that acquaint them with the plans and generate interest.
• Discuss with parents the child’s likes, dislikes, health requirements, medications, bedtimes, use of electronics, and house rules that may need to continue on the trip. Grandparents might want to be a bit more flexible — it’s a vacation, after all — but should respect the parents’ guidelines.
• As far as packing, be specific with the grandchildren and parents about what to bring and limitations. Make sure it’s clear who will bring things like first-aid supplies, snacks, and vitamins.
• Bring along sufficient chargers for phones, iPads, and other electronics.
• Be sure your grandchildren have books, puzzles, games, electronics, or their preferred individual entertainment for lengthy travel hours as well as downtime.
• Discuss spending money — who will provide it and how much. For international travel with older kids, using another currency is a good math lesson and learning experience.
• Make some plans for activities, but don’t overdo it. Trying to do too much can be stressful and tiring. Some downtime each day is usually a good idea.
• When glitches, delays, or problems arise, resolve them calmly and with good humor. Your grandkids will learn a valuable lesson about travel and life.
• If the budget allows, take advantage of “front of the line” passes, especially with little ones who might become bored or restless with long waits.
• Especially for international travel, carry copies of the child’s birth certificate, photos, and parents’ consent letter indicating their permission to travel with the children. Have health insurance information, policy details, and parents’ permission for medical treatment in the event of an emergency.
• Younger children might want to have a favorite teddy bear or blanket for bedtime.
• After the trip, share photos, encourage your grandkids to create a scrapbook or photo album, or have a few snapshots framed as reminders of the trip. During the trip, be sure to send a few photos to parents each day.

Trip Review: Panama

The Vachani Family (2 adults and 2 boys ages 7 and 11) from Philadelphia traveled to Panama over winter break for some relaxation, culture and nature exploration. They stayed at the Westin Playa Bonita about an hour south of the airport and found the beachfront hotel to be comfortable and uncrowded.  The activity at the resort they enjoyed most were the pools, but they also had fun shell hunting on the beach with its rocky tide pools. There is a children’s program, spa and gym at the resort as well. Their one bedroom ocean view suite with a separate living area provided ample space for the family. This club level suite also included top floor lounge access where breakfast and evening snacks were included and more great views. The hotel restaurants were limited for dinner and the food wasn’t too special; so they used Uber for cheap rides ($6 each way) into town for additional dining options. The highlights of the trip were the partial transit tour of the Panama Canal and the Monkey Island visit via boat. The boys said it was the best day of the trip!  Monkey Island is home for four monkey species and located on Gatun Lake, a man-made lake created out of the building the Panama Canal.  They also hired a driver to show them around the city with its quaint Old Town. The hotel surprised mom for her birthday with a cake and champagne…a nice touch. Our arranged transfers also went smoothly and safely for an overall great getaway!