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.
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.
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 55th 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!
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.
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!
Trip Review: The Stone’s Family Heritage
The Stone family, a mother and two adult daughters from Southern California, embarked on a meaningful journey to the United Kingdom last month to trace their family heritage. With a detailed family tree in hand, they enlisted The Family Traveler to craft a fully customized tour spanning 3 nights each in London, Cornwall, Belfast, and Edinburgh. Local heritage associations helped with locating their ancestors’ former homes, burial sites, and wedding locations, while our private guides provided insight into local historical and cultural contexts, offering an invaluable glimpse into their ancestors’ lives.
Their adventure began in London at the Bankside Hotel, where they enjoyed elite hotel amenities and immersed themselves in the city’s culture with afternoon tea and a West End show. Highlights included visits to Westminster Abbey, Imperial War Rooms, Globe Theater, Leadenhall Market, and Tower of London. Then they traveled by train to Truro in Cornwall; a scenic 3 1/2 hour journey. There, with the help of a private guide (and possible long-lost cousin) they explored family landmarks from the mid-1800s, such as ancestral homes, mills, and burial sites, while discovering the region’s mining history and scenic countryside.
From nearby Newquay, they flew to Edinburgh and stayed at The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, which included a free Black Cab tour to explore the city’s history and culture, including murals depicting Belfast’s tumultuous past. A private Genealogy Tour in Belfast provided deeper insights into their Scots-Irish and Ulster Scots heritage, with visits to Belfast City Hall, historic churches and a 12th-century castle. At the Discover Ulster-Scots Center, they loved learning more about their family who lived in this region in the 1700s. So much history! A walk along the waterfront led them to the Titanic Exhibit, which they loved.
They flew onto Edinburgh where they stayed at Cheval Grand which was enhanced with Virtuoso amenities. Their time here included a guided and private van tour to the top of Carlton Hill where they could see both Old Town and New Town, as well as the walls that surround the city. This day was filled with many exciting highlights such as the first Protestant Church, the monument to Greyfriar’s Bobby, and Holyrood Palace. On another day they visited Mary King’s Close and Edinburgh Castle, complemented by afternoon tea there. A stroll through St. Margaret’s Chapel evoked strong familial connections and cherished memories.
Returning to London by train for their final night at Heathrow, they reflected on their enriching journey through their family history, praising their accommodations’ charm and the personalized experiences tailored by genealogists and private guides. The Trip Plans app facilitated seamless navigation throughout their complex itinerary. Summing up their experience, they expressed profound emotions, describing the journey as an unforgettable bonding experience filled with cherished memories.
Trip Review: Riviera Maya Wellness
The Saline Family (2 adults and daughter, age 15) traveled to the Riviera Maya, Mexico over spring break to the gorgeous Palmaia Resort. This unique property focuses on health and healing and features both an adult section and a family section. The Salines let us know they LOVED everything at Palmaia and said it was an amazing experience. They found the service to be excellent and said everyone was very attentive, accommodating, and cooperative. They also noted that the facilities were very clean and well maintained, and that there was a sense of calm and warmth throughout the entire resort that created a tranquil ambiance.
Their spacious Family Suite (with a king bed + bunkbeds) had a beautiful ocean view, and the beach was gorgeous! Not only was the food delicious and made with fresh ingredients, but mom was really impressed by the flexibility and accommodation extended to accommodate their dietary restrictions. They really appreciated the resort’s willingness to cater to specific needs and preferences, even by preparing items not listed on the menu! The family loved the daily activities that were offered, especially the yoga and meditation classes, which were spectacular. Mom and daughter went to a few of the painting and drawing classes that were terrific as well. The spa looked beyond amazing, but the services were a bit expensive, so they passed on booking any services there. Mom did see a woman coming out of the spa who said it was the most amazing massage/experience she had ever had! Overall, a truly wonderful and relaxing getaway. They did not want to come home!
They family also had an unforgettable experience with a private tour to a number of small and local cenotes. The private excursion offered a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural history of the Yucatan. The family said that each cenote had its own charm and unique features and that exploring the cenotes around Tulum was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. It was an added bonus having lunch at a Mayan village and to be reminded that it is possible to live life off the grid!
Trip Review: Multi-Gen Galapagos Cruise
The Sedaka/Wagman multi-gen family of 7 from New York, NY and Bethesda, MD (grandparents, parents and 3 children ages 7, 9 and 11) traveled to Galapagos over spring break for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Their cruise package included a hotel night in Guayaquil before and after the cruise along with all of their transfer needs. The cruise began in Baltra, Galapagos onboard Lindblad’s National Geographic Endeavour II for a 7-night sailing around these unique islands that ended in San Cristobal. They visited six different islands to experience an amazing array of nature and wildlife on both land and sea. Their itinerary was jam packed! Some of their activities included snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, zodiac rides, and more. The parents and grandparents let us know that everyone really enjoyed the whole experience and praised the ship staff, especially for their Young Explorers children’s program. Each day, the children met with dedicated staff to do an activity and discuss what they have seen. They each had notebooks to check off and identify different species. The children also loved swimming with, and walking alongside, all the wildlife. The family also found the boat to be lovely with top-notch service. Some of them had some issues with seasickness, even though they had chosen the larger boat. Overall, the Lindblad staff took great care of the family from the moment they got off the plane in Guayaquil (and calmed their nerves on the current political situation in Ecuador) until they went through security on the way home. Grandpa said, “I don’t think you could really ask for more.”
Trip Review: Puerto Rico Getaway
The Slepian family (parents and three young adults from ages 19-22) spent five nights in Puerto Rico at Las Casitas Village in Fajardo this past January. This luxury property is located at the highest point of a 300-foot hill, so the family could enjoy beautiful sweeping Caribbean views and sunsets from their private balcony. They stayed in a three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa, which provided the perfect amount of space for their family of five. Having a full kitchen with a picky eater in the family was ideal. The family enjoy relaxing at the resort pools and the unique private island that showcases a lovely beach and watersports. A highlight for all of them was renting jet skis, but found that the resort gym’s cardio equipment was in need of some repair. They were particularly happy that they rented a car because it allowed them to explore more of this beautiful island. They took full advantage of what Puerto Rico has to offer! They spent one evening kayaking in a bioluminescent bay – a once in a lifetime experience that they raved about. Another day, they drove to El Yunque rainforest and hiked around. When they wanted a break from nature, they drove to Old San Juan, visiting the famous forts and exploring the Old Town. When they didn’t feel like cooking or eating at the resort restaurants, they ventured out to Luquillo Beach, home of the famous food stalls, and enjoyed an amazing dinner at La Parillo. Their favorite meal of the trip was brunch at Las Vistas Café, a lovely little place close to the hotel in Fajardo. This trip was the perfect combination of island activities and relaxing at a luxury resort, and truly had something special for every member of the family!
