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!
Trip Review: A Multi-Gen Hawaiian Adventure
The Gould Family of 7 (three generations including grandmothers, parents, and three children ages 15, 15, and 12) escaped the Pennsylvanian winter in December and spent 12 days soaking up the sun in Hawaii! They began their vacation on Maui with a 5-night stay at the all-suites and newly renovated Fairmont Kea Lani. The breathtaking setting, impeccable service, great food, tons of activities, and beautiful suites were greatly appreciated by all. While the youngest child preferred to hang out at the resort with its amazing pools and slides, daily activities, cultural events, and more, the rest of the family took turns exploring the island in several different ways. Their favorite was the helicopter ride, during which they marveled at the insane aerial views and loved hearing about the history of the island from the pilot. A classic Hawaiian luau, watching the sunrise at Haleakala, and a slightly boring zip line rounded out their Maui experiences. Their next stop was the Big Island where they first flew into Hilo for an overnight at the Volcano House hotel. This hotel sits right on the edge of the rim of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The group enjoyed some incredible hiking down into the crater and New Year’s Eve with a volcano view at the hotel restaurant. The following day, the family drove onto the Kohala Coast with a stop along the way to see the black sand beaches where they were treated to watching several sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. The Fairmont Orchid was their home for the next four nights and they loved the low-key vibe of this hotel. Some of them took surf lessons in Kona and really enjoyed a half-day private fishing charter which resulted in one of the teens catching a 300-pound blue Marlin! Mom let us know that this was a vacation that everyone loved. It was a special trip during which they created lifelong memories that they will never forget!
Trip Review: Jen’s Cruise Holiday
Jen and her extended family (5 adults and 4 teens aged 14-17) sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas for a week out of Port Canaveral over the winter break. At the time, this was the largest ship in the world, and it did not disappoint! The ship made four stops at CocoCay in The Bahamas, Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya in Mexico, and Roatan in Honduras. At CoCoCay, RCCL’s private island, part of the group went to the large and impressive water park. Unfortunately, the weather was overcast and chilly, so their time there was shorter than expected. In Cozumel, the family stayed together for a snorkel, beach, and island jeep tour which included a delicious lunch of fajitas and a tequila tasting. The snorkeling was short but exhilarating, as was the rest of the day. They loved exploring this compact island. At the next stop in Roatan, they split up into three groups – Jen and her family went ziplining and to a beach. The ziplines were long and fun through the dense forest mountains. The whole operation was run efficiently and there was a ton of staff. The beach area was busy, and the water was beautiful. They enjoyed a most delicious lunch of fresh paella at a restaurant right on the beach. Some of the others went on a horseback riding excursion and the rest went on a wildlife tour where they saw monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and other animals. Holding the sloths was a big highlight. At the last port in Costa Maya, part of the group rented a golf cart and toured around town, making many stops along the way to soak up the culture, try different foods, visit the beaches, and of course, more tequila-tasting. All small group excursions were booked through Shore Excursions Group except the cruise line’s waterpark.
Everyone loved the ship, service, amenities, and food and remarked how easy the boarding process was (this ship can sail with up to 6,988 guests!). They found the staff to be hardworking, friendly, and super accommodating. The ship was huge and there was so much to explore. There were always tons of activities and things to do and see – you could never be bored. Even just walking around the ship was fun. There was live music and entertainment everywhere and the artwork on the ship was striking. Their days at sea were busy and fun lounging at the many pools. The pool water was warm and there were plenty of lounge chairs (although the staff didn’t clear away cups and plates very often). There were also slides, surf rider, rock climbing, basketball, and mini golf. They also enjoyed an art auction, trivia events, and watching the Eagles game and other NFL games in the sports bar. The shows at night were great – high energy, always packed and the performers were very talented. The casino provided additional entertainment and they spent plenty of time there too. The food was delicious and plentiful, with so many options for every meal and snacks. They ate in the main dining room for most nights – the service was great and there were always vegan options that Jen loved, especially the desserts. The lobster night was especially amazing! They went to two specialty restaurants, the Italian restaurant (Giovanni’s) and the steakhouse (Chops Grille) where both meals were excellent. The taco restaurant may have been their favorite for lunch, and everyone loved the candy store. Their cabins were a nice size and well-appointed. There was so much storage! The group had both ocean view and Central Park balcony cabins. Having an ocean balcony made the room feel bigger. Overall a fun multi-gen vacation with fond memories for all.
