Travel Tip
Taxis are a great way to get around when traveling, but keep in mind its very easy to get ripped off as well. 
Most taxi scams revolve around overcharging. Check the meter when you first get into the cab to make sure it’s at the zero rate, make sure the driver turns it on when you head off, and then watch to ensure that the meter total is corresponding with the posted per-kilometer or per-minute rate. If you notice the meter is “broken,” speak up right away and agree on a set fare to your destination, but remember to make this agreement before you’re too far away from a place where you can easily grab another cab. Taxi rip-offs can occur anywhere in the world where cabs are in use. You’re less likely to run into hassles if you take licensed cabs rather than gypsy cabs.
Trip Review
The Comer family from Philadelphia (with two teens age 14 and 17) made a return trip to Nantucket and the Jared Coffin House this summer. 
The family likes that the 43-room hotel has an Old World charm with modern amenities and a new restaurant. It’s central location in town makes it an easy walk to the harbor, beach, shops, art galleries, restaurants and is right across from the fabulous Nantucket Candy Co. The Comer’s explored the island many different ways. Fun activities included bike rides to Surfside Beach with it’s awesome waves, a 20 mile bike ride to the lighthouse plus 100 steps to reach the beach below the bluff and deep sea fishing with the opportunity to see the seals hanging out on a natural sandbar. For a rainy day the family recommends the Whaling Museum and its interactive exhibit that retells the story of Nantucket’s great whaling days and it’s skeleton of a 46 ft. sperm whale that washed ashore a decade ago. Overall another successful and relaxing trip to this quaint island 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Trip Review
The Mintz Family from Boston (2 adults and 2 teens ages 16 and 14) enjoyed a relaxing stay at Ceiba del Mar, a small and deluxe resort near Puerto Morelos in the Riviera Maya. 
The family spent a few days relaxing at this 88-room property playing pool volleyball, walking the beach to town, doing yoga, indulging in exotic spa treatments and dining on great food. They commented that the staff was extremely friendly, that the tropical landscaping and architecture was gorgeous and they loved the bread and coffee breakfast baskets that came complementary to the room. With their rental car, they also were easily able to explore the region. They had a great time at Xplor where they zip lined, rafted and swam through stalagmite caves and took ATV rides. They also took the ferry to Isla Mujeres and rented a golf cart to get around the Playa Norte area. Other outings included a great snorkel trip where the coral was breathtaking and witnessing the Mayan Ruins at Tulum with a privately guided tour (who can be hired at the entrance). The Mintz family enthusiastically recommends Ceiba del Mar . 
Travel Tip
The cell phone companies are constantly tweaking their data, text and phone plans which can help you save when traveling. Contact
your cell phone company to see if your phone will work abroad (or if they will send you one that will) and before each trip check the cost of the various plans depending on your needs. Cell phone rentals with either prepaid plans or pay-as-you-go plans are worth comparing too and we are happy to arrange them for you. Also check out new apps that are available to help you compress the amount of data you download to help you save even more.
Travel Tip
Arranging constituent visits to the White House and to the sessions of Congress is one of the duties of your representative and senators. Contact the offices of the House of Representatives (http://www.house.gov) or the Senate (http://www.senate.gov) in advance to arrange your visit when visiting Washington, DC.
Trip Review
The Hillman family of four (2 adults and 2 teenage girls) from Philadelphia recently returned from a great adventure to the Grand Canyon South and West along with some time in Las Vegas. The family flew into Phoenix and started their trip at the Grand Canyon with a stay at the historic El Tovar. Early morning hikes helped beat the heat and food at the hotel was plentiful and delicious. The family moved onto Grand Canyon West to Hualapai Lodge where they found excellent service and a comfortable and quiet room (a train runs nearby). 
The package included a full day rafting trip which the Hillman’s said they would do again in a heartbeat. It was really hot, but the trip started early in the morning and river temperatures are always cold. Their raft driver was great – very personable, funny, and listened to them as to what they liked which was to find the biggest white water. The food at the lodge was decent and so plentiful that the hotel wrapped up their first night’s dinner leftovers for them and reheated it for them for the following evening! Onto Hoover Dam which was awe inspiring and beautiful. The Hillmans suggest at least 4 hours at the dam as you will wait in some lines for elevators and such. Afterward, the family headed out to the BC Flightlines. The zip lining was awesome with great views of the desert and Lake Mead. The family then ventured onto Las Vegas where they were treated like royalty at the Las Vegas Hilton (thanks to The Family Traveler’s VIP letter). The hotel provided a fresh fruit basket/tray in each room (which was devoured after their day in the desert) and they also were given VIP lounge access where the private concierge assisted them with restaurant recommendations and shows. The rooms and beds were most comfortable and they loved the complimentary robes and slippers. The Hillman girls commented “let’s be VIPs on all our trips”!
Travel Tip
European banks have switched over to a more secure credit card authorization process with a chip and PIN system. US banks have not yet made this switch. So while our country catches up with the technology, it is wise to bring multiple credit card with you when traveling to Europe. The European credit card machines are still supposed to take both types of cards, but the people working at the places where you use your card may not understand that our cards still need to be run through the machine to read the magnetic strip. They may need to try more than once to get the charge to go through. We have not heard of major issues using ATM machines, but travelers checks can be a good back up.
Trip Review
Lauren and Mindy’s family group of 17 ascended on Skytop Lodge in the Poconos this month in celebration of our father’s 80th birthday. 
Skytop provides a beautiful mountain setting with historical charm along with a variety of accommodation options (hotel, cottages and an inn). We stayed in the inn with connecting rooms for families, a lounge area for gathering and its own dining room. Our parents stayed in the main hotel built in 1928 and a member of the National Historic Trust. Our family took advantage of a variety of activities including golf lessons, paint ball, clay pigeon shooting, archery, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, spa services, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, kayaking and more. Daily activities abound with group nature hikes, yoga, tennis and golf clinics, kids club and more in the warmer months while winter sports prevail in the colder months. There is definitely something for everyone which makes Skytop an ideal all seasons destination for multiple generations and groups of families. Dining is included in your rate and while food is plentiful, the quality was hit or miss. But the staff is kind enough to prepare any special requests and buffets for breakfast and lunch provide plenty of choices for all. A special Family Gathering Packages is offered with 10 or more rooms booked for at least 2 nights. It includes 10% off your rooms, sheet cake and private hospitality room, a framed family portrait and personalized t-shirt (see ours below).
Trip Review
Mindy’s family of 4 (with children ages 13 and 12) spent their spring break in Southern California taking in the sights of Los Angeles and the San Diego area. 
The family really enjoyed both of their hotel stays at the Inter-Continental in Century City, not far from Beverly Hills and at the Park Hyatt in Carlsbad, just north of San Diego. A highlight of the Los Angeles part of the trip was the Warner Brothers Back Lot tour and seeing the TV sets from their favorite shows and learning about how movies and TV shows are produced. They also window shopped on Rodeo Drive, checked out the DASH store in Calabasas, hung out in Venice Beach, Hollywood and the Santa Monica Pier, saw the houses of their favorite stars and visited the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. The focus of this free museum is on education and is dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of Ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria. A variety of special events can enhance your visit. In the San Diego region, the Valenci’s hiked at Torrey Pines State Park, explored La Jolla, Carlsbad and San Diego, went to the San Diego Zoo and watched the Phillies beat the Padres at Petco Park in celebration of Jordan’s 14th birthday! Overall a great trip filled with a variety of activities and adventures. 
Travel Tip
Save it for a rainy day! Before you head off on your next trip, it’s wise to make a list of places to visit in case of inclement weather. While we hope the weather will be perfect when we travel, it is not always the case. Check with The Family Traveler, through guidebooks and on-line for ideas that work well indoors for your family. This can include museums, historical homes, libraries, cooking classes, films, indoor game centers and more. Be creative and whatever comes your way will be a great adventure. Don’t forget the umbrellas…
