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!

Travel Tip: Airport Lost and Found

Did you know that the TSA keeps items left behind at security checkpoints for a minimum of 30 days and posts phone numbers on its website (https://www.tsa.gov/contact/lost-and-found ) where travelers can contact the lost and found departments at each airport? Keep in mind that airports and airlines will have their own lost and found procedures for things left in the terminals and on airplanes. To help get your stuff back, we suggest you tape a business card to your laptop and smartphone. Also while standing in line, take time to consolidate all of your small items and pocket items and bring an extra plastic bag to stow them in your carry-on just for the scan. We look forward to the introduction of advanced 3D X-ray scanners that will allow us to keep our electronics in our carry-ons. Hopefully this year?  And what about those liquids and gels that that don’t meet the TSA code? If you can’t get the items into a checked bag, look out for Airport Mailers (now in 22 US airports) and similar companies to pay to have them mailed home.

Trip Review: Hard Rock Happiness

Jen of The Family Traveler and three generations of her family (5 adults and 4 children ages 9-13) traveled to the Hard Rock Riviera Maya over winter break. Staying at a resort with lots of tween-friendly activities was a priority and the Hard Rock delivered. The families appreciated the wide range of offerings like the Woodward Center (an action sports facility with a reasonably added cost), waterpark, zip line, large pool with waterslide, the Escape Room (for an added fee, but they escaped!), music programs and more. Jen especially loved all the rock and roll music playing everywhere, the layout of the property with different beach areas and the man-made lagoon that was calm for water sports like kayaking and snorkeling. They loved feeding the lagoon fish who swam around them. They also got to feed the local monkeys; so take a banana or two from the buffet.  Jen mentioned that there was lots of seating by the pool and beach; so they didn’t have to wake up early to secure. Daily activities around the pool kept the children entertained with games and a fun foam party. The families got to watch basketball games at the sports bar and the children played lots of basketball on the resort’s half court.  Plus ping pong, billiards, soccer and volleyball on the beach and in the pool. Their room did have a large jacuzzi in the middle (it was originally designed as an adult-only property), but at least the bathrooms were spacious with double sinks and lots of counter space.  Rooms have a king or two double beds, but there are also guaranteed connecting rooms and larger two-bedroom suites.  Jen found the service to be top notch and very friendly. She especially liked the running path around the property; one of the best she has been on at a resort. The food was also quite good for an all-inclusive although restaurant reservations were a challenge (only available two days in advance). The reservation desk opened at 7:00am; only ideal for early risers. Their favorite dining experience was the steakhouse, but they also liked the Chinese, Asian and Italian restaurants and even the buffet. On Christmas Eve, the resort hosted an outside dinner party for all the resort guests with lots of entertainment. Santa even gave out gifts to every youngster. Jen also noted that the adult-only side of the property (The Haven) is open to families during winter and spring breaks for additional dining options. It’s an easy walk or golf cart ride. Overall Jen loved the casual, chill and hip atmosphere of this resort. Definitely less formal than other all-inclusives she stayed in. A successful trip for her extended family! for all!