Remote Field Trip
Are your children itching to get out of the house and outside as part of their virtual education? The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island has partnered with coral reef conservationists, the Reef Institute, to offer an exciting, five-day Barrier Island Ecology Field Trip. The instructor-led class is for school-age children. It is designed to complement earth-science studies and foster a passion for both marine ecology and biology. Your children will witness and explore the native dune ecosystem by kayak and boat to sample and study the region’s complex water system and estuaries. They will also examine the local wildlife, learn about wave systems, do a microscopic analysis of beach wildlife, and more. The course dates are February 21-26, March 21-25, or April 19-23. The program includes teacher fees, course materials and supplies, breakfast/lunch/snacks, and more. Hotel stays are additional, but the resort has a dedicated study room for children. While your children are engaging in science, parents can enjoy great golf, tennis, spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fine dining, bike rentals, and more!
Day Trip in the USA
For several years, The Family Traveler has booked Day Trip for point-to-point private transfers for our families traveling throughout Europe. We have also used the service many times ourselves. The beauty of a pick-up and drop off at your hotel or accommodations along with recommended stops along the way make traveling to multiple destinations so easy and fun. It’s also cost-efficient and avoids having to schlep your bags through airports and train stations. We have learned a lot about local culture and history from our drivers as well. Day Trip has recently landed in the United States! Services are available from and to locations in various parts of the country. For greater flexibility, cancellation is available 24 hours prior.
Onsite COVID Tests in Miami
The W South Beach became the first luxury hotel in the U.S. to offer convenient on-site Covid-19 PCR testing exclusively to its guests and staff as part of its partnership with New York’s leading medical concierge, Sollis Health. The testing center is located on the hotel’s ground floor. In-room testing is also available. Your family can book a test through a QR code in your suite and get the results within 24 hours. The center also has on-call doctors and is part of the hotel’s $30 million renovation that was unveiled in November. The update included a full redesign of the 408 oceanfront guest suites, a new spa concept, refreshed artwork, and more. Our families appreciate the W’s spacious suites (1-3 bedrooms and some with private pools) complete with washer/dryers, full kitchens, and up to 3,000 sq. ft.! Hotel amenities include a rooftop tennis court, full-size sports court, pool, cabanas, gym, refreshed spa, and several terrific dining options.
Children Ski & Rent Free
This ski season, children will once again ski free and get free ski rentals at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Choose any condominium or home rental for four nights or more, and also receive 10 percent off your lodging. Children ages 12 and under ski free for each paying adult. Your family lift tickets (a 3-day minimum) will be waiting for you upon arrival and in-home ski delivery is also available. This exclusive package is valid for stays through December 19, 2020, January 5-February 10, 2021, and February 22-April 11, 2021. Some vacation rentals do require a longer stay and this promo must be booked by December 15, 2020. The ski resort is close to several national parks, the town of Jackson, and a plethora of winter activities such as tubing, sleigh rides in the Elk Refuge, ice skating, snowshoeing, and more.
Ritz Carlton Paradise Valley
As the first Ritz-Carlton to be built in North America in over a decade and the centerpiece of the luxury development of The Palmeraie, The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley, is scheduled to open late in 2021 in the Phoenix area. The luxury resort will feature 215 hotel rooms with private entrances, detached casitas, and oversized suites spread across 20 acres. Our families will appreciate the added space available in the 81 residential villas and 39 estate homes. A first for The Ritz-Carlton brand, the resort and villas will have ionized air throughout. The showcase will be the main pool, which spans nearly 400 feet, making it one of the longest resort pools in North America. Other highlights will include a world-class spa, fitness center, walking/jogging trails with fitness stations, amphitheater, and a secret garden.
Magic is Here
Your family can now save up to $500 on a 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels. This promotion is valid for stays most nights through December 25. For extra peace of mind, any Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees will be waived up to the date of check-in. The health and well-being of Disney’s Guests and Cast Members continue to be a top priority. They have implemented an abundance of measures to promote enhanced cleaning, physical distancing, and reduced contact. Please note that theme park reservations are now required for capacity purposes. Disney also announced dates for its 5th annual Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts which will take place from January 8 to February 22. This terrific festival showcases the culinary, performance, and visual arts with a variety of fun and special experiences for the entire family.
Alisal Academy
On the California Coast, school is in session at the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort in Solvang. This resort-style dude ranch has introduced a midweek package called The Alisal Academy Package that includes a variety of learning adventures:
- Breakfast & dinner with alcoholic and nonalcoholic
beverages - Hooves and Horseshoes Class with interesting facts about
horses - Barnyard scavenger hunt: Explore and find animals from
around the world - Fishing lesson, fishing pole & bait at Alisal Lake
- Guided wildlife walks around the lake – discover tracks
and eagle nests - Variety of arts & crafts: Hands-on flower and tree
planting, clay play, candle making, sand painting, and more - Polaroid Instamatic Camera to document your trip
- Two activities per day; choose from:
- Group trail
rides
- Golf green
fees with cart
- Group trail
- In-Room Welcome Amenity
Accommodations that can sleep up to five offer plenty of privacy and high-speed remote internet access necessary for efficient learning. This cost- saving package is available through May 28, 2021 with a two-night minimum. Children ages 6 and under are free!
Orlando Schoolcation
In Orlando, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort has taken e-learning a step further by organizing supervised schoolwork sessions. Classes are held in a quiet and airy learning space with premium wi-fi. Your children will be physically distanced with a maximum of six students per room. The program is available Monday through Friday for $50 per child for a half-day (9:00 am-12:00 noon) and $100 per child for a full day (9:00 am-3:00 pm) with lunch and an optional enrichment period (such as Arts and Crafts and Physical Education) included. Currently, you can take advantage of the hotel’s Experience More package through December 18 with a $200/night credit for a room or $500/night for one- and two-bedroom suites. Credits can be used for study sessions! After school, families can take advantage of the resort recreation and amenities such as Explorer Island waterpark, tennis, golf, cooking classes, gym, spa, and more. And of course, Walt Disney World next door.
Custom RV Trip Planning
Ready to explore the USA in an RV? Perhaps homeschooling on the road while exploring places that are part of your children’s studies? Overseas Leisure Group has launched a Discover America series of luxury RV trips to make the trip as easy as possible. Let us create a custom and memorable itinerary that is either self-drive or with your own driver that includes outdoor activities such as fly fishing, hiking, biking, and river rafting. We also reserve your nightly campsites or you can stay at a variety of hotels, villas, ranches, or resorts along the way. Choose from RVs ranging from luxury Mercedes vans for two or three people to a top-of-the-line 45-foot coach for six that includes a “presidential suite on wheels.” An added concierge service can provide technical assistance, cleaning, groceries, meals, maintenance, and a chauffeur for transportation when the RV is parked.
Cheeca Lodge Expansion
Cheeca Lodge & Spa is expanding and now offering large family-sized accommodations! The upscale resort on Islamorada in the Florida Keys recently acquired 10 stand-alone casitas, two restaurants, and associated facilities from the Moorings, its neighbor resort to the south. This section’s beach, tennis courts, and premium pool will remain exclusive to casita guests, but you also have full use of the amenities and recreation at the main resort including watersports, golf, spa, kids club, bikes, pools, and fishing from their 525-foot-long pier. Your family will appreciate the spacious accommodations in one- and two-bedroom homes; some with awesome oceanfront views. These Key West-style casitas range from 750 to 2,100 square feet and include large porches, full kitchens, butler service, and a washer and dryer. Private chefs are also available…perhaps a fresh seafood feast?
