Trip Review: NC Mountain Escape

Lauren and her family traveled to Blowing Rock and Asheville, NC last week to escape the Florida heat and relish in the boundless nature and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  We have done multiple driving trips this summer with our safety and health at the utmost importance.  For the ride, we packed plenty of drinks, food, table covers, hand sanitizer, wipes, and masks and enjoyed picnic lunches at the rest stops.  We stayed our first four nights at the family-friendly Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock in a spacious condo. The resort offers 1- to 3-bedroom units along with a lodge and inn. Each day we hiked different trails of varying lengths and abilities and witnessed gorgeous waterfalls and vistas, historic homes, and saw lots of families of all ages enjoying the great outdoors.  Other resort activities include a stocked lake for fishing, tennis, pickleball, disc golf, children’s summer camp, and spa.  The pool and gym were closed.  Outdoor adventures abound in the area including a zip line, white water rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, and more.  The resort’s delicious on-site restaurant has plenty of outdoor dining and tables inside that were spaced out appropriately.   In the charming town of Blowing Rock, there were plenty of dining options with outdoor seating and the shops were open. 

To get to Asheville, we drove the Pisgah District section of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway for about 90 miles. The parkway actually runs a total of 496 miles: from the Shenandoah Mountains National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.  The views along the way were breathtaking and the ride slow and steady on the winding mountain road.  Highlights included amazing biodiversity, plenty of hiking trails, the Linville Gorge (the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon), and Mount Mitchell (the highest mountain peak in the eastern U.S.).  A travel planning app can assist you along the way.  In Asheville, we stayed in the historic residential neighborhood of Chestnut Hill just outside of the downtown area.  The Princess Anne Hotel was our home for the next two nights.  This deluxe inn with 16 suites was built in 1924.  It was a great value with hot breakfast and free baked goods included throughout the day. The hotel had paused their afternoon wine & hors d’oeuvres hour for safety reasons and instead threw in a nice bottle of wine.  Our spacious one-bedroom suite had a fully stocked kitchenette.  It was fun to explore the fiercely independent and funky downtown area on foot. We also spent a full day at the expansive Biltmore Estate touring the 250-room mansion, meandering through the myriad of gardens, and taking in the new Downton Abbey exhibit.  The Biltmore House is the largest private residence in America.  Adult and children’s audio guides usher you through the house or choose a variety of private tours for more behind-the-scenes action.  You can also experience the entire 8,000-acre property with bike rentals, horseback riding, carriage rides, hiking trails, or off-road in a Land Rover.  There is also a lake for watersports and fishing, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, a winery, shops, restaurants, and more.  Plan to spend the day or stay a few nights in their various accommodation options.  Overall this road trip was a great success and we look forward to planning another one soon!

Trip Review: Winter in Spain

The Shumskas Family from Piperville, PA traveled to Spain for an 8-night getaway just after Christmas. December is a lovely time to experience Southern Europe with comfortable temperatures and lots of holiday festivities. The family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children ages 20, 16 and 11) began their trip in Barcelona. They stayed in a spacious and modern 3-bedroom apartment for four nights. Sensation Sagrada Familia is an apartment hotel with front desk services located in the upscale Eixample neighborhood and near the famous basilica. The family enjoyed several privately guided tours to help keep them all engaged due to the range of ages. They started off with a Gaudi themed tour that included Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and La Pedrera apartments. Another tour followed the footsteps of Picasso through his favorite places in the Gothic Quarter and a tour of the Picasso Museum. Their food tour of the Barcelona markets was also a highlight and conducted by a local chef. A 3-hour train ride took them from Barcelona to Madrid where they again opted for another spacious 3-bedroom apartment at the Erik Vokel Madrid Suites.  This apartment hotel was their home for another four nights and ideally located in the heart of the Malasana district, next to the Gran Via. In Spain’s capital city, the family had a privately guided tour of the Royal Palace and surrounding neighborhood. They also took a quick, 30-minute train ride to Toledo for a privately guided tour. The city is well known for its mixture of Christian, Arab and Jewish monuments, located within the fascinating walled historic center.  They found the cathedral in Toledo to be a highlight of their trip and a sharp contrast to the more modern Sagrada Familia. Their New Year’s celebration included a home cooked meal in their apartment and a walk around Madrid to see all the holiday festivities. They explained that it was very easy to navigate each city by taxi or uber; even for their family of 5. Overall a great way to end their holiday break and enjoy special family time.

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. 

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.

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!

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!

Trip Review: Portuguese Paradise

Lauren’s family traveled to Portugal this fall for an extended stay that included time in Lisbon, The Algarve and Porto regions.  Lisbon affords amazing water views and it very family friendly.  It offers a rich history, creative culture, tons of museums, unique neighborhoods and amazing food and wine. The capital city is hilly, but is still fun to explore on foot. Funiculars, tuk tuk tours and other public transportation also make it easy to get around.

Our apartment rental (booked through a management company for added assistance) was located off the Avenida da Liberdade, an area where many of our families stay.  It was a great location due to plenty of local restaurants, easy access to public transportation, upscale shopping, parks and more. On our first day we took a tour on a Hop-On/Hop-Off bus; an ideal way to get your bearings. Other highlights for us included the Castelo de Sao Jorge for amazing city views, attending a Fado concert in a water cistern (amazing acoustics!), wine tastings, the Tile Museum, Carmo Church, street markets and more. 

A private day trip with Wondervan to nearby Sintra provided us with so much Portuguese history and nature. We visited the captivating Quinta da Regaleira along with a stop in Cabo de Rocha; the westernmost point of Europe. It was quite a windy place, but views for miles. Our ride back to Lisbon took us through Cascais; an upscale beach town.

We trained from Lisbon to Albufeira and were met on arrival by a pre-arranged tuk tuk driver for a private tour of the city that ended off at the Hilton Vilamoura Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa. This modern and comfortable family resort has several tiered pools, huge spa, plenty of dining options, excellent golf and spacious gym. Vilamoura, a planned resort community, showcases miles of biking/walking paths, a variety of hotels and a busy marina full of great restaurants and shops. From the marina, we took a speed boat to explore a beautiful stretch of coastline and the famous Benagil Cave.  We also rented bikes to ride along the promenade of nearby Quarteira Beach.  A driver from My Day Trip drove us to the town of Evora on our way back to Lisbon. This quaint town overlooks a rich, wine region and showcases an amazing Roman temple. We also explored the town’s cathedral and meandering streets.

For another week-end jaunt, we headed north by train from Lisbon to Porto and stayed along at the newly opened Vila Foz; a member of the Design Hotel chain. This 19th century manor house in the upscale Foz do Duoro neighborhood was quite relaxing, had a gorgeous spa, indoor pool and gym, several dining options and our room had lovely ocean views. In Porto, we enjoyed tasting port wine in the caves in Vila Nova de Gaia (across the Duoro River from Porto) and wandering around the city with its plethora of churches, amazing tile work and historical buildings. A privately guided day trip with Your Tours to the Duoro Valley gave us great insight into the region’s wine industry.  Our guide Pascal went the extra mile to teach us about the culture of the region.  We drove through quaint towns and took a peaceful ride on a Rabelo boat that were used to bring wine barrels from the valley to Porto for storage and distribution.  Our visit to the Quinta Seara d’Ordens winery for a private tour and tasting was very special.  Our return trip to Lisbon with My Day Trip included a stop in the walled city of Obidos known for its castle, cute churches, quaint shops and ginja; a cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup. Yum!

The last few days were spent at the waterfront Altis Belem Hotel & Spa; the area just west of Lisbon.  The hotel was super modern and each room uniquely designed with a country theme.  Belem was full of wander.  We learned about Portugal’s many explorers at the Padrao dos Descombrimentos monument with amazing city views from the rooftop.  We also explored the Los Jeronimos Monastary where Vasco DeGama is buried, appreciated the modern art at the Museu Colecao Berardo, went to the top of the Belem Tower and ate lots of the best pasteis de natas (Portugal’s national pastry treat) at the famous Pasteis de Belem.  Belem was the ideal way to end a truly awesome vacation!

Trip Review: A French Football Adventure

The Shehu/Brown family (2 adults and a daughter, age 12) traveled to France and Switzerland this summer.  Their extensive trip was designed around tickets to two games of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Paris and Lyon.  The family began their trip in Paris for a six-night stay at the Hotel La Villa des Artistes.  Located on the Left Bank in the Montparnasse neighborhood, they found their loft suite to be nice and cozy with an elegant bathroom and would gladly stay there again.  Pre-booked activities included a bike tour of Versailles and a timed visit to the Eiffel Tower.

The family then took the train to Tours for a four-night stay in the beautiful Loire Valley.  They picked up a rental car to best explore this region full of amazing castles, quaint towns and an abundance of fresh produce and wine. Highlights included renting bikes and also learning about Leonardo DaVinci, who died in Amboise 500 years ago. The family got to see a special exhibit at the Chateau Clos de Luce that included a tapestry of the Last Supper (never before seen outside of the Vatican Museum).  They learned a lot about DaVinci: the inventor, artist, musician, architect, engineer, anatomist, botanist, geologist, historian and cartographer!  They stayed in a Family Suite at Auberge du Bon Labourer located in Chenonceaux (and this castle’s former coaching inn) and raved about the hotel’s gourmet restaurant.  A 5-star experience!

Next up was a 2-night stay in Lyon to attend the World Cup Final and witness the American team win for the fourth time!  They arrived by train and stayed at the Mercure Lyon Centre Chateau Perrache in a Privilege Room.  The hotel was located in the city center and close to public transportation.

The last stop was to Geneva, also by train, for a 3-night stay in a Junior Suite at the Hotel New Midi.  They liked that the boutique hotel overlooked the Rhone River, was across from the Old Town and close to the train station to get around.  From Geneva, the sports minded family took a day trip by train to Lausanne and spent several enjoyable hours at the Olympic Museum.

They flew home from Lyon and spent their last night at the NH Lyon Airport Hotel.  They used My Day Trip car service to get there with a stop at the Cerdon Caves along the way.  The family said these caves were beyond belief despite the 40-degree temperature at the bottom.  They found their driver and car to be an upscale experience and appreciated the beautiful scenery and even the crazy mountain roads.

Trip Review: A Greek Island Getaway

The Kitei Family of Downingtown, PA and New York City (parents and 3 young adults) recently returned from an 8-night getaway to Greece.  Their trip began in Athens with an overnight at the Royal Olympic Hotel and time to explore the Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum with a privately guided tour; one of the highlights of their trip.  They flew onto Crete which they found both rustic and calmer than Athens due to less tourists.  Next up…the Greek Islands.  On arrival into the Chania airport on Crete, they took a private tour to the nearby Palace of Knossos, the monumental symbol of Minoan civilization.  They found the ruins to be fascinating.  Their unexpected favorite Crete excursions was while visiting alocal olive oil producing farm where they milked goats and learned to make cheese, homemade stuffed grape leaves and tzatziki.  Their stay at the Elounda Gulf Villas found them upgraded to a fabulous four-bedroom Royal Rooftop Suite!  The family said the resort was beyond perfect with stunningly beautiful grounds and an incredible staff.  From Crete, they took a 2 ½ hour ferry ride to Santorini.  They found the island to be magical and one night really enjoyed the glow of sunset while tasting wines at the Domaine Sigalas Vineyard.  They also loved the hike from the towns of Oia to Fira along the pedestrian cobblestone path and enjoyed their last sunset on the water, taking in the beautiful coastline from a catamaran. They stayed at the charming Kirini Hotel in Oia.  Overall the trip was one they will not forget with a perfect mix of taking in the sites and relaxing with family.  They let us know all of their transfers, excursions and arrangements were flawless and now they are wondering where to go next?