Destination Spotlight: Iceland

Iceland has become an increasingly popular destination for luxury travelers. It is the perfect trip for seasoned travelers, solo travelers, or adventurous families looking for a unique experience. Iceland is considered to be one of the safest countries on earth, so it is a popular destination for solo female travelers.

Northern Lights from Southern Iceland

An Icelandic vacation can be filled with outdoor adventure or laid back and focused on its vibrant art and restaurant scenes. Regardless of what brings you to Iceland, it’s guaranteed to be a vacation you will never forget.



Most visitors are attracted to Iceland’s unique and varied landscape – this ice-capped, unspoiled, land is almost indescribable. Iceland’s dramatic vistas take center stage in many movies and tv shows. Its spectacular black volcanic fields, rocky beaches, majestic mountains, impressive glaciers, and vast areas of pristine snow have been the setting for productions such as Interstellar, Thor: The Dark World, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Game of Thrones.

With its location on the rim of the Arctic Circle, it is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the exciting activities include…

•        Swimming in the warm aquamarine waters of the Blue Lagoon while surrounded by lava fields covered with snow

•        Exploring the black volcanic rock, dramatic geysers, lava tube caves, and red-hot lava fields

•        Relaxing in one of the many hot springs

•        Freshwater diving between tectonic plates in the Silfra fissure

•        Taking a geothermal bread-baking class

•        A four-wheel drive tour of the rugged glacial valley of Thorsmork

•        Discovering glacial lakes and hike, or even snowmobile, across ancient glaciers

•        Taking in the dramatic view of frozen waterfalls from a helicopter tour

•        Going fishing in the Eastern Fjords and spotting the puffins 

•        Learning about fairies and elves at the Skogar Museum

•        And of course, the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights

Mt. Kirkjufell during the midnight sun

Choosing the best time to visit Iceland depends on what you hope to see and do on your trip. During winter your adventure will include the frozen waterfalls, glacier hiking, and even scuba diving in the ice fissures. The best time to view the Northern Lights is between December and April.



Winters in Iceland are not as extreme as you might think. The Icelandic winter is relatively mild for its latitude. The lowlands of southern Iceland average around 0 °C (32 °F), while the highlands average around −10 °C (14 °F). The winter weather is often subject to abrupt and dramatic changes, so it is best to plan to be flexible in the event of a shift in the availability of activities due to weather.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

During the summer from May to July, you can experience the “midnight sun” which peaks on June 21st with the summer solstice where the sun is visible for 24 hours. Spring and summer are best for exploring the mountains, camping, fishing, and whale watching. Keep in mind that June through August are the busiest travel times for Iceland so you will want to plan your trip well in advance.

summer landscape in Iceland

The summer weather is quite mild, and though it is considered “warm” to Icelanders, you are likely to want to have a sweater or light jacket with you each day. The average high during the peak of the summer season is 10°C (50°F), and even on the warmest days it rarely gets above (68°F).







Ready to start planning your next luxury vacation? The perfect vacation begins with scheduling your complimentary consultation. Click here to request a time for us to talk. We’ll discuss the details and what you are looking for. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.

How to Manage the Crowds at Walt Disney World

“photo ©Matt Clare”

“When should we plan our trip to Walt Disney World if we want to avoid the crowds?”
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been asked that question! I used to have specific times I recommended and could confidently tell clients that the crowds would be “very light.”
That’s no longer the case. Even during the “slow” times, you are still going to encounter crowds on your Disney vacation. The good news is that the masses don’t have to impact your trip at all negatively.

I’ve put together a list of some of my top tips for managing the crowds at Walt Disney World…

Be realistic in your expectations.

There are plenty of “crowd calendars” available online to help you find the weeks where the parks are going to be less crowded. Just keep in mind that “less crowded” is relative.

It doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to walk right on to your favorite attractions with little to no wait at any time of day. If that is your expectation, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

What it does mean is that you are unlikely to be standing shoulder to shoulder with other guests as you walk down Main Street USA on your way into the Magic Kingdom!

 

“photo ©Allie Caulfield”

Plan ahead.

A Walt Disney World vacation requires a lot of planning!

There are three things I recommend you plan in advance…

1.          Know what park you will be in for each day

2.          Plan and schedule your FastPass+ attractions for the day

3.          Make Advance Dining Reservations for any table service meals you plan to have for the day

Planning out your days so that you know what park you will be at each day and making your FastPass+ reservations in advance will make a massive difference in helping you to minimize the time you spend waiting in line.

I know what you may be thinking, we don’t want our trip to be overly scheduled. We want to go-with-the-flow. That’s an excellent idea but trust me when I tell you that once you see what a difference a small amount of advance planning makes, you’ll find it very worthwhile.

Creating a theme park touring plan is one of the services I provide to my clients as part of their vacation planning package. Following the advice in these touring plans can make the difference in your family feeling tired, frustrated, and spending most of your day in lines, or knowing the ins and outs of the crowd patterns, ticking off your “must-see attractions” (sometimes more than once!), and enjoying the day without feeling overwhelmed.

Arrive early…

It’s your vacation and waking up early may not sound like the kind of relaxation you had in mind, but the first hour to hour and a half the parks are open the crowds and lines will be at their lowest levels. As the day goes on, the crowd levels (and the heat!) will continue to build.

Arriving at the parks just before they open officially and heading straight for the “headliner” attractions is one of the best ways to ride them without waiting in long lines.

Use Extra Magic Hours Wisely

Each day Disney opens one of the theme parks one hour early, and/or keeps one of the parks open for 2-3 hours after its regular closing time just for on-site resort guests.

I typically only recommend the morning Extra Magic Hours to my clients if they know for sure they will be at the park before it opens so they can really maximize that hour. It’s also incredibly helpful if they have “park hopper” tickets.

Why? Because the morning extra magic hour park will usually be the most crowded park for the remainder of the day. Even if guests aren’t taking advantage of the Extra Magic Hours, many of them will head to that park since the tv in their room and the schedule on the info screens in the hotel lobby feature that as the park of the day.

If you aren’t going to take advantage of the full 60 minutes of minimal wait times, choose a different park for the day.

 

“photo ©Anna Fox”

Stay super late…

Early mornings not your thing? No worries!

Evening Extra Magic Hours are ideal for families with older kids and teens who are wholly opposed to getting up early, even if it means shorter lines! During the busiest travel seasons, evening Extra Magic Hours may have one of the parks open until as late as 2 am, and you can bet the crowd level is low for that kind of late-night fun! The lines, even for headliner attractions, are almost nonexistent by the end of the night.

A pro tip for late-night touring… adrenaline and activity will keep you going while you are having fun, but once you sit down and stop moving, fatigue can set in quickly. Waiting for the bus back to your resort can be tough at the end of a long night.

Consider taking the monorail to one of the resorts and catching an Uber, Lyft, or MinnieVan back to your resort. The nominal charge is worth it when you are dropped off as close as possible to your door and into your bed much faster than if you had waited for the bus!

Take a break.

Mid-day is when both the crowds and the heat index are at their peak, so it’s the perfect time for a break.

Consider planning a sit-down, table service lunch. You’ll escape the heat for a bit and get off your feet. Having a chance to sit down in the A/C and enjoy a good meal can be precisely what cranky kids (and parents!) need mid-day.

Or think about returning to your resort for a break! Take a nap… go for a swim… relax for a while and head back to the parks in the evening with renewed energy.

Parades and Fireworks Draw the Crowds

Disney does a phenomenal job with their night-time entertainment! Their parades and fireworks are top notch, and most people will secure their spot to watch both well in advance of the show starting… which means they won’t be riding your favorite attractions!

If you’ve already seen the parade or fireworks show (or the rides are more important to your family than the fireworks!), this is one of the best times during regular park hours to head to the parks most popular attractions.

Ready to start planning your next visit to see Mickey and friends? The perfect vacation begins with scheduling your complimentary consultation. Click here to request a time for us to chat [<<- LINK]. We’ll discuss the details and what your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.

Why You Really Need That Blue Book

In the past I have written about bucket list travel and if yours includes foreign destination you are definitely going to need a passport, so go ahead and get one. Why? you never know when that great value to a location comes up and don't you want to be ready to take advantage of it? Processing times listed at on travel.state.gov site range from 4-6 weeks. If you have a passport, check the expiration date, because a good rule of thumb for foreign travel is your passport needs to expire 6 months after your return date, and while anyone age 16 and over passport is good for 10 years, in reality it's really 9 years and 6 months. Do you really want to be sweating out waiting for the Fed Ex truck to deliver a new passport a day before you leave?

So maybe really exotic "foreign" locations aren't what you are looking for, but you may not realize that you do need a passport even closer to home. Thinking about getting to a warm weather location in the middle of winter? Let's face it Southern Florida can get too chilly in January & February to sit on a beach. By not having a passport, you are limiting yourself to only a few places to get out of the cold, like Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. If you are looking for all inclusive resorts, the majority are found in Mexico, Jamaica and Dominican Republic.  I spent some time researching flights and resorts for a colleague, who had clients that couldn't get to St Thomas, USVI because of weather and no passports, remember those 3 snowstorms that hit the Northeast last winter? She ended up sending them to Florida and the clients saw the light and are applied for passports when they return. So if you are thinking warm weather for next winter get that passport application filled out.

While a certified birth certificate will be accepted on "closed loop cruises" , Caribbean cruises embarking and ending in US ports, a passport is a much better option to take  along. It is actually recommended by the cruise lines and myself. Why? What happens if there is an family emergency and you need to fly home from a foreign port? Or if you get injured or sick and have to be taken off the ship? Plus from a practical stand point, it's much easier carrying a sturdy passport than an older birth certificate that can easily be torn. Plus countries are requiring passports, like Martinique. If you are on a sailing including that island you will need a passport.

Thinking of an Alaskan cruise+land tour, well you are going to need a passport, because you will start or end your adventure in Vancouver Canada. Yes you need a passport to fly into and out of Canada, even though the majority of the trip will be spent in the United States. Also some of the longer Canada/New England cruises start or end in Quebec City. You may also need one if you are doing a land tour in New England, because some do cross over into Canada.

So go ahead and apply for that passport, it's your key to the world.

Our Story of Travelling with Autism

People always look at me strangely when talking about Disney, because it just doesn't fit with what others think I like. Given the choice, I would rather stay in a real castle somewhere in Europe, but there is something when you walk into Magic Kingdom and look up Main St and see the castle it chokes me up and I will tell you why. It was one of the places that helped our special needs child turn into a confident traveler.

My eldest son is high functioning autistic, being diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when he was 5 years old. As he puts it now at age 23, he did have "issues" and of course these issues meant that travelling was a challenge when he was younger. Our #1 priority is and was to get him to a level where he can as we put it "function in the real world". We have been lucky to be backed up with a wonderful medical team and a school district who have seen his potential. Of course, getting him used to travelling had it's bumps in the road, but not road blocks. He's now in college working on his accounting degree.

This is one reason I have become  a Certified Autism Travel Professional, and I applaud IBCCES for establishing this program along with their program to certify resorts/hotels/theme parks.

So here are some of our strategies we have used in our travels with special needs,

#1 Prepare and repeat- This was huge in getting him used to TSA security. We practiced at home a lot and then took a road trip to our airport so he could see how it went before he actually had to do it.
Of course now, we have Global Entry with TSA pre-check, so this makes things easier. Also TSA now has TSA Cares

 #2 Sleeping arrangements-How fun was a vacation going to be if we asked him to share a bed with his brother? It would have been an absolute nightmare of no one sleeping, and let's face it no kid special needs or not is in risk of a meltdown with a lack of a good night's rest. So we always looked for accommodations that were multi bedrooms or connecting staterooms on a cruise ship. And as I always tell families, would you spend a week in your master bedroom with your family? Well that's what you are doing when you put 4 people in one hotel room. Plus it gives mom & dad privacy too, wink wink if you know what I mean.

 #3 Plan to include their interests- My son is a history buff, so Pearl Harbor was a must on our trip to Hawaii. Given the choice, he would rather see interesting things than sit on a beach all day. So you can imagine he was over the moon on his delayed grad cruise in Europe and one of his bucket list items is to do a Danube river cruise to see the major cities of the former Austrian-Hungarian Empire

#4 Don't rule out Disney- Yes they have accomodations for special needs, but we have never used them in our trips. By knowing how to "do the parks" we were able to avoid long lines both in Orlando and Anaheim. And the more times we went to Disneyworld, the more comfortable he got with the whole travel thing, from standing in a crowd waiting to watch the fireworks, to trying new foods and liking them. And I will say this from a consumer point of view, not just a certified Disney expert, there is a Disney Difference from the theme parks, resorts, cruise line and tour company.

#5 Cruise- I have been cruising since 1980 when my mom took us on the "Love Boat" aka Pacific Princess to Alaska and as a parent myself I find it a great way to travel with kids period. I'm pampered by not having to cook,clean or worry about did we take the wrong way. It's a super way for those on the spectrum to travel. You are in the same bed every night and come back to familiar food.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands 

#6 Plan downtime- Having some time when they can just watch tv, get on the computer or do whatever your special needs child does to release anxiety is good. Vacation time is structured differently than what they are used to at home and even with preparing and knowing ahead of time, you sometimes may have to cross an activity offer your list or plan that downtime into your schedule. Even if you don't have special needs children, edit your must see list. A vacation is supposed to be re-charge your batteries and connect as a family. Each family is different, but you don't need to take a vacation to recover from your vacation.

Taking a break for lunch

How to Avoid the Eye Roll, Top Tips for Europe with Teens

Whether you are at home or halfway around the world, parenting teenagers can be a challenge! It's a time you may see as both a blessing and a curse, especially when it comes to travel. You are finally past the obstacles of strollers, nap-time breaks (for the kids at least!) and need to tailor itineraries to accommodate the attention span and energy level of younger kids. They are finally old enough to appreciate the different cultures, history, and cuisine of the places you visit.

 Of course, while it's often better than what you see at home, they also bring them the eye-rolling, attitude, and need to document everything on Snapchat. But even with all of that, the teen years are the perfect time to expose your children to international travel. For many families, a trip to Europe is on the family bucket list.

Top Tips for Vacationing in Europe with Teens

Involve Them in the Planning

Even if they haven't traveled internationally before, many teens are fairly savvy travelers already. They are almost all savvy internet researchers!

Ask them to do some homework during the planning phase and let you know of any "must-do" activities or "must-see" landmarks. You might be pleasantly surprised by what they come up with!

Put Them in Charge

Don't worry. I'm not suggesting you give them carte blanche to plan the whole trip. But putting them in charge of certain aspects of the trip (and empowering them to take charge) provides a great learning opportunity.

This can be as simple as giving them a budget for their spending money, snacks, and other incidentals and allowing them to manage it entirely on their own. Or consider putting them in charge of something like checking the Metro maps and figuring out the route to your next destination. Both will develop skills you'll want them to have as they move into adulthood… and they will appreciate being trusted with these tasks.

Unplug… at least Part-Time

Before you leave home, have a family discussion about the cost of international data plans, texting, and phone calls. Set clear expectations about how and when they will be able to communicate with friends back home, their favorite social media pass, and game time. Having those conversations in advance will save you from having to argue about it as you make your way to the top of the Eiffel Tower!

You'll also want to make sure you do have a plan for giving them some "tech time." Look for hotels and accommodations where they can spend some time online in the evenings and occasional breaks at a coffee shop or restaurant with WiFi available. Finding a balance of allowing them the normalcy of communicating with friends will go a long way towards cooperation and paying attention during the rest of the day.

One more tip… unless you do decide to invest in the international data plan or buy an international SIM card to use on the trip, make sure they put their phones in Airplane Mode to avoid unexpected roaming or data charges.

Plan Some Outdoor Activities

When you ask teens what their least favorite part of a European vacation, the reaction is usually the ABCs… "not another bloody cathedral!" 

Europe is full of fantastic museums, cathedrals, and other landmark buildings… but that can quickly become tiresome to teens. They need a break from all that history sometimes! Balancing your time spent in historical sites with outdoor breaks will help tremendously. Fortunately, plazas, parks, and greenspace are also easily found in Europe. Consider renting bikes, rollerblades, Segways, or even mopeds for an afternoon of outdoor fun.

Hopping on the back of a Vespa to tour some of Rome's top sights might just be the perfect way to follow up a long afternoon touring the Vatican. It is the perfect balance of culture and fun!

Find the Local Teens

Pay attention to where you may find groups of local teens gathered. Allowing your teens to interact with locals their age is the best way for them to see what makes us different, and exactly how much we have in common, with other cultures.

You may find groups of teens playing soccer in a park, cafes that have teens hanging out, shopping centers with trendy shops, or even local universities. These are often activities that can't be planned in advance, but when you stumble upon these opportunities… seize them! They are almost always guaranteed to become a highlight of the trip.

Seek Out Teen-Friendly Restaurants and Accommodations

While fine dining may come to mind when you think of European vacations, it's not always something that excites teens. They are unlikely to appreciate the experience of a Michelin starred restaurant. Consider limiting fine dining experiences to lunch rather than dinner. The pace of lunch is usually a little faster than dinner, which can take hours. You'll get the experience without as much complaining from the teens!

While fine dining may not be their cup of tea, that doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy authentic culinary experiences. Street vendor food, trendy cafes, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and even lively trattorias with local sporting events shown on TVs will all be big hits with the kids.

Unlike US hotels, most European hotel rooms will not accommodate more than two people. Your travel advisor will be able to suggest hotels that may be the exception to that rule, or to help you find family-friendly hotels that will meet your family's needs. Your travel advisor can also assist you in finding non-hotel accommodations such as furnished apartments, villas, or similar options. These non-traditional options allow your family to spread out a bit. Many of our clients enjoy having a kitchen available so they can shop the local markets and cook up some of the regional cuisines!

Introducing your teens to new cultures, foods, experiences, and people on a European vacation will create lifelong memories they will treasure forever. You'll enjoy watching them discover new parts of the world and the conversations it is sure to spark. There is no better time to plan an international vacation!

 The perfect family vacation starts with a travel consultation. Just click here to visit my online calendar and find a convenient time for us to chat. We'll talk about what kind of trip you are looking for and how I can help. After that, I'll put together a no-obligation quote for you to review and we can get started planning!

Top 5 Beach Resort for Kids

Top 5 Beach Resorts for Kids

For most people, the word "vacation" conjures up mental images of sinking your toes in the sand, splashing in the ocean, lounging by a beautiful pool, and maybe even sipping a tropical drink under a palm tree. Of course, not all resorts are ideal for families.

We've rounded up some of our top picks for beach resorts for families. Whether you prefer a vacation filled with relaxation and pampering, or an action-packed adventure, there is something for your family on this list…

Here are our top 5 recommended beach resorts for kids…

Hilton Waikoloa Village - Big Island, Hawaii

photo @hilton Waikoloa Village

Looking for an option that is equal parts luxury and fun? The Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii fits the bill! 

 Situated on a peaceful lagoon and packed with amenities, the Waikoloa Village resort has something for everyone. The kids can play the day away at one of the three unique pools while Mom relaxes at the spa, and Dad heads off to one of the two championship golf courses. 

The list of activities, with an impressive amount of variety, seems endless! Swim with dolphins, snorkel with sea turtles, dine at the authentic Polynesian Luau, slide down the 175-foot waterslide, explore the property to admire the 1,800 museum-worthy paintings, masks and carvings, take in a hula class (not into dancing? How about lei making or 'ukulele classes?), bike around the sprawling village, or send the kids off to enjoy the crafts, games and water activities at Camp Menehune (the hotel's kids' program) while you relax in the spa with a Hawaiian lomilomi massage

Azul Beach Resort - Riviera Maya, Mexico

@photo Azul Beach Resort

When you arrive at the Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya, located about 20 minutes from the Cancun airport in the quiet town of Puerto Morelos, it feels like a boutique spa resort. You are met with the scent of aromatherapy as you take in the amazing view of the azure Caribbean waters framed by rows of candles and flowing fabric. But don't let that first impression fool you! This all-inclusive resort is ULTRA family-friendly and caters in particular to young families. 

The friendly staff will greet you with a glass of chilled champagne. The kids aren't left out of the special treatment! They will be welcomed with delicious fruit smoothies and an exclusive check-in just for them! 

The resort partners with Fisher-Price and has toys available for your room or suite along with baby monitors, strollers, bottle warmers, changing tables and more. They even have the most adorable child-size bathrobes for the kids to enjoy!

 The Azulitos kids' clubs have a massive list of activities for kids up to age 12 each day. Activities include immersive and interactive activities that involve local art, music, and dance to give little ones a chance to experience the culture of Mexico. The resort even offers babysitters that can watch the kids on the property if Mom and Dad want to head off to the spa or have a date night at one of the Gourmet Inclusive restaurants. Teens aren't left out of the fun either! They'll enjoy their own space to chill and hang out at Extreme Breeze Teens. 

To top off the evening, order up a "Family Movie Night!" The resort will deliver family-friendly DVDs, popcorn, and drinks to your room or suite so you can relax and enjoy a family evening in!

Hotel Del Coronado – Coronado, California

photo @travelandlei

If you've ever visited Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World, the Hotel Del Coronado, or "The Del" as the locals call it, will feel quite familiar. Disney mimicked the red-roofed, turreted towers, elegant white verandas, and glittering grand lobby (complete with a birdcage elevator) of the Del when they built their flagship resort. 

The hotel may have a glamorous and elegant vibe, but don't worry about the kids being out of place. They'll receive VIP lanyards at check-in that will guide them on a scavenger hunt around the sprawling property. They'll also receive a schedule of all of the kid-friendly activities such as surf or boogie board lessons, pool times, and where to find all of the tasty snacks and treats. 

The beach at the resort is often featured in lists of the best beaches in North America. There is never a shortage of teens catching a wave on surfboards, boogie boards, or just body surfing. Younger kids are found splashing in the waves and building sandcastles on the shore. They'll also enjoy spotting military helicopters and jets flying overhead and navy ships in the distance. 

Be sure to watch two blocks down to the Old Town Trolley and hop on one of the 90-minute narrated tours of San Diego's top attractions. The kids will love the corny jokes along the way! You can even catch another trolley to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, the harbor and USS Midway, or Old Town San Diego. 

The Breakers - Palm Beach, Florida

photo@theBreakers

Looking for an East-Coast option within the US? The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach is one of the best beach resorts in Florida. Not only does it have a prime-beach-front location, but it also boasts a huge list of family-friendly activities for all ages. 

What is there to do? Well, let's start with four oceanfront pools, a top-notch 6,100-square-foot Family Entertainment Center, snorkeling on a fantastic coral reef just off the beach, scuba diving lessons, beach bonfires, ecotours, kayak and paddleboard rentals, basketball, dodgeball, two pet tortoises (with scheduled daily feedings), a playground, golf, tennis, croquet, bike and beach-cruiser rentals, saltwater aquarium, an enormous game room, kids clubs for ages 3-12, shopping, a world-class spa, and excellent restaurants. 

To top it all off, the service is exceptional! The staff is there to make sure that everyone in your family is well taken care of at all times.

Beaches Turks & Caicos – Turks & Caicos

photo @Beaches.com

If you've ever looked into an all-inclusive vacation for your family, you've likely come across Beaches Turks & Caicos. This resort is consistently ranked as the top Caribbean all-inclusive resort for families, and it's easy to see why. 

The 758-room resort is a destination in itself with four distinct villages – Caribbean, French, Key West, and Italian – that are themed in keeping with the architecture of their namesakes. 

The kids are sure to love the massive 45,000 sq foot water park that features eight waterslides, a Body Glove Waves surf simulator, a 650-foot lazy river, and the SkySlide – the tallest in Turks and Caicos. If that isn't enough water fun for you, the resort also has TEN other freshwater swimming pools, four whirlpools, and a scuba diving pool. And let's not forget the drop-dead gorgeous, world-famous 12-mile stretch of Grace Bay beach, which is often ranked as the #1 beach in the world!

This all-inclusive resort has 21 restaurants, 15 bars (including swim-up bars) a massive kids camp with certified nannies, teen night club, Sesame Street character visits, Xbox Play Lounge, Hobie Cats, paddleboards, kayaks, beach volleyball, basketball, pool tables, tennis, a luxurious spa, and so much more!

Don't miss the nightly entertainment experience, Voilà. Beaches has partnered with Creativiva Caribbean to produce this "storytelling spectacle featuring art, theatre, acrobatics, and must-see surprises." As of this writing, there are four weekly live performances on the resort's main stage: Alice in Wonderland, Treasure Island, Jungle Book Live, and Dolce Vita. The Creativiva performers will also be joining in the fun at the weekly Beach Party Night, bringing with them a carnival vibe you won't want to miss!

How to Manage the Crowds at Walt Disney World

“When should we plan our trip to Walt Disney World if we want to avoid the crowds?”
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been asked that question! I used to have specific times I recommended and could confidently tell clients that the crowds would be “very light.”
That’s no longer the case. Even during the “slow” times, you are still going to encounter crowds on your Disney vacation. The good news is that the masses don’t have to impact your trip at all negatively.

photo ©Matt Clare

I’ve put together a list of some of my top tips for managing the crowds at Walt Disney World…

Be realistic in your expectations.

There are plenty of “crowd calendars” available online to help you find the weeks where the parks are going to be less crowded. Just keep in mind that “less crowded” is relative.

It doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to walk right on to your favorite attractions with little to no wait at any time of day. If that is your expectation, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

What it does mean is that you are unlikely to be standing shoulder to shoulder with other guests as you walk down Main Street USA on your way into the Magic Kingdom!

Plan ahead.

A Walt Disney World vacation requires a lot of planning!

There are three things I recommend you plan in advance…

1.          Know what park you will be in for each day

2.          Plan and schedule your FastPass+ attractions for the day

3.          Make Advance Dining Reservations for any table service meals you plan to have for the day

Planning out your days so that you know what park you will be at each day and making your FastPass+ reservations in advance will make a massive difference in helping you to minimize the time you spend waiting in line.

I know what you may be thinking, we don’t want our trip to be overly scheduled. We want to go-with-the-flow. That’s an excellent idea but trust me when I tell you that once you see what a difference a small amount of advance planning makes, you’ll find it very worthwhile.

Creating a theme park touring plan is one of the services I provide to my clients as part of their vacation planning package. Following the advice in these touring plans can make the difference in your family feeling tired, frustrated, and spending most of your day in lines, or knowing the ins and outs of the crowd patterns, ticking off your “must-see attractions” (sometimes more than once!), and enjoying the day without feeling overwhelmed.

photo ©Allie Caulfield

Arrive early…

It’s your vacation and waking up early may not sound like the kind of relaxation you had in mind, but the first hour to hour and a half the parks are open the crowds and lines will be at their lowest levels. As the day goes on, the crowd levels (and the heat!) will continue to build.

Arriving at the parks just before they open officially and heading straight for the “headliner” attractions is one of the best ways to ride them without waiting in long lines.

Use Extra Magic Hours Wisely

Each day Disney opens one of the theme parks one hour early, and/or keeps one of the parks open for 2-3 hours after its regular closing time just for on-site resort guests.

I typically only recommend the morning Extra Magic Hours to my clients if they know for sure they will be at the park before it opens so they can really maximize that hour. It’s also incredibly helpful if they have “park hopper” tickets.

Why? Because the morning extra magic hour park will usually be the most crowded park for the remainder of the day. Even if guests aren’t taking advantage of the Extra Magic Hours, many of them will head to that park since the tv in their room and the schedule on the info screens in the hotel lobby feature that as the park of the day.

If you aren’t going to take advantage of the full 60 minutes of minimal wait times, choose a different park for the day.

Stay super late…

Early mornings not your thing? No worries!

Evening Extra Magic Hours are ideal for families with older kids and teens who are wholly opposed to getting up early, even if it means shorter lines! During the busiest travel seasons, evening Extra Magic Hours may have one of the parks open until as late as 2 am, and you can bet the crowd level is low for that kind of late-night fun! The lines, even for headliner attractions, are almost nonexistent by the end of the night.

A pro tip for late-night touring… adrenaline and activity will keep you going while you are having fun, but once you sit down and stop moving, fatigue can set in quickly. Waiting for the bus back to your resort can be tough at the end of a long night.

Consider taking the monorail to one of the resorts and catching an Uber, Lyft, or MinnieVan back to your resort. The nominal charge is worth it when you are dropped off as close as possible to your door and into your bed much faster than if you had waited for the bus!

photo ©Anna Fox

Take a break.

Mid-day is when both the crowds and the heat index are at their peak, so it’s the perfect time for a break.

Consider planning a sit-down, table service lunch. You’ll escape the heat for a bit and get off your feet. Having a chance to sit down in the A/C and enjoy a good meal can be precisely what cranky kids (and parents!) need mid-day.

Or think about returning to your resort for a break! Take a nap… go for a swim… relax for a while and head back to the parks in the evening with renewed energy.

Parades and Fireworks Draw the Crowds

Disney does a phenomenal job with their night-time entertainment! Their parades and fireworks are top notch, and most people will secure their spot to watch both well in advance of the show starting… which means they won’t be riding your favorite attractions!

If you’ve already seen the parade or fireworks show (or the rides are more important to your family than the fireworks!), this is one of the best times during regular park hours to head to the parks most popular attractions.

Ready to start planning your next visit to see Mickey and friends? The perfect vacation begins with scheduling your complimentary consultation. Click here torequest a time for us to chat . We’ll discuss the details and what your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Royal Caribbean for a Family Cruise

Once upon a time cruises were considered a refined, maybe even stuffy, vacation where the average passenger was well past retirement age. Not anymore!

Today's cruise ships are stacked with fun for the entire family. Water parks? A bar with a robot bartender? Ice skating rink? World-class Broadway-style entertainment? YES, PLEASE!

I'm often asked what cruise line I recommend for family vacations. While there isn't one answer that is right for every family (I pride myself on getting to know my clients and making a custom recommendation tailored to their family's vacation style), Royal Caribbean is almost always high on my list of recommendations.

Here are my top 5 reasons for recommending Royal Caribbean for family cruises.

Family Suites

You will very rarely hear the word "spacious" and "stateroom" in the same sentence. In the past, finding a stateroom that would accommodate a family of 4 could be a challenge, and finding something for a family of 5 was darn near impossible. Even finding connecting staterooms was difficult as most cruise ships had a minimal number available and they booked up quickly. 

The newer Royal Caribbean ships were designed with families in mind. There are considerably more connecting staterooms in all category levels as well as family staterooms that can sleep up to six in one room. 

Planning a multigenerational trip with a larger group? You may want to consider one of the Royal Family Suites that comfortably accommodate up to 8 people and give you family space to hang out and relax. While a regular stateroom may not be considered spacious, you'll be impressed with the amount of space and amenities you'll enjoy when you book a suite!

If you really want to go all out and blow your kids minds, book one of the Ultimate Family Suites onboard the Symphony of the Seas! These two-bedroom suites will sleep up to 8 and have the most kid-tastic features such as a floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall, a slide from the secondary bedroom down into the living room, a dining room table that magically transforms into an air-hockey table (or is it the other way around!), and a movie room with a popcorn machine and a 3D television. And it doesn't stop there! Open the doors and head out to your 212 sq ft wrap-around balcony with a climbing playscape, a ping-pong table, a full-size hot tub, and unparalleled ocean views. It's truly the ultimate in family accommodations!

Ultimate Family Suite on board the Symphony of the Seasphoto ©SBW-Photo

Kids Clubs for Ages 6 months to 17 Years

No matter what age your kids are, there is a kids club with dedicated space and age-appropriate activities just for them. 

Traveling with a baby? You'll find planned 45-minute interactive playgroups, interactive classes with enriching activities, and an expertly staffed nursery where your little one can stay with the childcare staff while you enjoy dinner, the spa, or just some adult time. (Check with your travel advisor… nursery drop off is not available on some ships).

The kids' clubs are divided by age group. The Aquanauts for ages 3-5, Explorers for ages 6-8 and Voyagers for ages 9-11. Teens are split into younger teens (ages 12-14) and older teens (ages 15-17). Each age group has its own dedicated spaces and supervised activities. There is never a dull moment and plenty of opportunities for your kids to make new friends and enjoy time on their own.

They even have a "Late Night Party Zone" for kids from 10 pm to 2 am for parents who want to enjoy a date night on their vacation. The kids' clubs are included in the cost of your cruise, however additional fees may apply for some activities, nursery drop off, and the late-night party zone.

Adventure Ocean on Allure of the Seasphoto ©Royal Caribbean International

Nightly Family Entertainment

After a day of fun in the kids' clubs, you may want to get the family together to enjoy some evening entertainment! There is no shortage of entertainment options for the whole family.

Royal Caribbean is known for their award-winning Broadway-style shows. The shows will vary based on the ship, but you'll find shows such as Mamma Mia, Hairspray, and the Queen Tribute, We Will Rock You. It's a great way to introduce your kids to this type of show in a more relaxed environment (and a slightly abbreviated show).

But it's not just musical theater! There are plenty of other entertainment options available as well. On Oasis Class Ships, head to the open-air-theater to be wowed by the professional acrobats, divers, and synchronized swimmers. The aqua-theater has two 30-foot diving platforms, tightropes, and the deepest pool at sea. The show is like nothing else you've experienced before!

On many ships, you can also enjoy Royal Caribbean's original productions in their ice-skating rink. These dramatic shows feature professional skaters, dazzling costumes, and engaging choreography.

With all of these different options, you can enjoy a different type of family entertainment each night…. All included in the cost of your cruise!

Hairspray on Symphony of the Seasphoto ©SBW-Photo

Tons of Dining Options… and you won't have to dress up for dinner!

Dining has always been a very important feature of cruises… but things have certainly changed as more cruise lines moved to focus on families. On Royal Caribbean ships, dinner is still an event each evening but it is no longer as structured as it used to be. And (much appreciated by the kids!) you no longer have to dress up for dinner unless you want to. You'll find passengers wearing everything from casual cruise wear to cocktail attire… the choice is yours. It is your vacation after all! 

In addition to the traditional main dining rooms and casual buffet options, you'll find an assortment of specialty dining options. Enjoy burgers and shakes at Johnny Rockets, take in the table-side show at Teppanyaki, savor the mouthwatering steaks at Chops, or indulge in the delicious pasta dishes at Jamie's Italian… once again, the choice is yours!

 Want a date night for Mom and Dad? Send the kids to the late night kids club and make a reservation for one of the fine dining establishments. Enjoy a specialty cocktail and a quiet dinner for two… you deserve it!

While dinner in the main dining room, buffets, and select casual restaurants is included in your cruise fare, many of the specialty restaurants require an additional fee. Talk to your travel advisor about the restaurants that your family may be interested in. They may recommend a specialty dining package that will save you money on your dining experiences.

Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine onboard Symphony of the Seasphoto ©SBW-Photo

You'll never hear them complain about being bored!

If you've never cruised before… or even if you've never sailed with Royal Caribbean… you may have a hard time wrapping your head around just how much there is to do and see on the ship. 

 Wondering what types of activities you'll find waiting for you? How about…

a rock-climbing wall, surf simulator, sky diving simulator, zip line, mini-golf, water slides, ice skating, trivia contests, dance lessons, wine tastings, escape rooms, culinary classes, bingo, casino games, live music, karaoke, comedians, movies, dance parties, history and port lectures, art auctions, behind-the-scenes-tours… and so much more. (Note that not all activities are available on all ships. If there are specific activities that you are interested in, your travel advisor can direct you to the ships you should consider).

Many of the newer ships are like floating cities. They are made up of up to seven different "neighborhoods" and are taller than the Eiffel Tower, and every square inch is packed with fun for your family!

Ultimate Abyss onboard the Symphony of the Seasphoto ©SBW-Photo

The perfect family cruise starts with a vacation consultation. Just click here to contact me. We'll talk about what kind of cruise you are looking for and how I can help. After that, I'll put together a no-obligation quote for you to review and we can get started planning!

Travel With Teens

 My parents always asked my input on vacations when I was a teen, maybe they were crazy but they did want to know. Now I didn't have 100% of the say(I wasn't paying) but we would have discussions. And I always appreciated the opportunities that my parents gave me to travel when I was a teen or during college. A week or two away from my friends didn't sway me when I had a chance to go to Europe for 2 weeks. From a young age I have never let a good travel opportunity slip away.

So now that I am a parent of two teens I try to get them involved but sometimes I wonder why I bother? Was I this bad? I know my schedule wasn't as busy as my kids. But here are some of my favorite issues when planning travel with teens.

1. If you have 2 or more you'll end up with an equal number of ideas. Well, both of my sons have different interests, that 's fine. But the majority of the time I think the one does it just to aggravate the  other. So that pleasant discussion has one leaving in a huff while the other has a smirk on his face and you are back to square one. So Mom makes the decision. Sorry guys, you missed your chance has come out of my mouth more than once.

2. Does your teen have a busier schedule than you? Between school, sports and other extracurricular activities trying to fit a vacation is like putting a puzzle together. This is where plans A,B & C come in. Maybe plan A is that longer trip. Well this year you can only slot one week in, fall back is plan B and sometimes it's only a long weekend plan C.

3. What to do with the friends issue, if your teen will be in a better mood with a friend on the trip invite them. Be very straight forward on what you are going to pay for on the trip with the friends' parents when asking permission. Not having this discussion can make for some awkward moments on your trip. Depending on where you are going and the age of the teen, you should discuss what to do in an emergency and also check if a cruise line requires some sort of paperwork for this situation.

4. Give the teens down time away from the grown ups, this could consist of letting them veg with their phones, tablets. Of course if you are on a cruise ship this is an issue, unless you pony up for a Wi-Fi plan. Nothing is more fun than a teen having tech withdrawal on vacation. So let them know up front.

5. Include activities/interests your teen would like to avoid the "I'm bored out of my scull" look. Take some time to do some research on activities or places that would interest your teen. So if it means shopping or stopping at some roadside attraction(world's biggest whatever) do it, it may put a smile on everyone's face.

6. Perhaps look at a specialized family tour, there are many companies that offer tours especially geared toward families. Most suppliers will let you know the ages and mix of genders of the kids on the tour. You get to drop being the family tour guide and hey maybe your teen meets some new friends.

Just as you used to plan vacations around the kids nap/sleeping schedules when they were little, when they get older it pays to include them and their interest in your vacation planning. Sure a few funny sulky teen stories are good, but don't you want to have those memories where your teen is enjoying themselves.

Solo Travel Tips & Ideas

 "Why don't you find someone to go with you?" Have you ever heard that from a travel supplier if you are looking to take a trip by yourself? Let's be realistic not everyone has a partner or a spouse and it can be for a variety of reasons that you really shouldn't have to explain. Or I have friends that their spouse doesn't want to go. Not all of us have wanderlust and while I think that is weird it's okay. And friends, well maybe they have a variety of reasons why they don't want to go. And nothing will ruin a good friendship faster than traveling with someone who perhaps doesn't have the same routine as you.

Don't worry, the travel industry is slowly coming around to the fact that solo travel is a growing segment and many companies are looking to tap into this growing market. And not everyone is making you pay the full solo supplement.

Cruising- Yes cruising is one of the more solo friendly ways to travel. Norwegian Cruise Line introduced the Studio Cabin on the Norwegian Epic back in 2010 and it has been a fixture on all their new ships. It's a stateroom designed for solo travelers and they also have a studio lounge that is for the studio passengers use. There is where you meet up for dinner, so you don't need to eat by yourself if you don't want too. And it's a great way to meet others, I sailed in one of these cabins on the Epic a few years ago yes I went all by myself. After the first dinner a bunch of us arranged to head out to Maho Beach in St Maarten to watch the airplanes land. Had a great time and you will find a wide age range of people who book the Studio cabins. Cunard added solo staterooms to the legendary Queen Mary2. Smaller ship? Silverseas has low single supplements of 25% along with some of the other luxury lines.

River Cruising- River cruise lines can also be a good choice. The majority waive single supplements on certain cruises and some have solo cabins, like Tauck does on their newer ships. But since they limit the waiver booking early is good idea.

Land- If you are looking at tours, Globus will offer to match you with a roommate, but if no one requests your departure they will waive the single supplement. Now if you are looking at higher end tours, they usually offer a better value in regards to the single supplement than say a cruise. Tauck and Abercrombie & Kent are two companies that value solo travelers. While not a luxury product, G Adventures offers various small group travel styles with trips from the Arctic to Tanzania and also will match solo travelers and has a low supplement if you don't want to share.

So there are really not many excuses to stay at home and not explore the world if you are a solo traveler. Give it a try, you'll see the world and maybe make a friend or two along the way.

18 Family Vacations-Exotic Destinations

 Eighteen summers… 936 weekends… at first it sounds like a lot of time, but as the saying goes the days may be long, but the years are short.

It can feel a bit like one day you are buckling them into a car seat before you go anywhere and the next you are loading the car full of things to move them into their dorm room as they start college and wondering where the time went.

Making the most of those 18 summers with family vacations is one of the best ways to strengthen family bonds and create memories they will treasure long after you are gone.

This article completes our series on 18 of our favorite destinations to visit before your kids fly the nest. In the first article we listed six options in, or departing from, the US.   And in the second, our top recommendations for European vacations you won’t want to miss.

 In this article we’ll share our favorite exotic vacation destinations to add to your list…

Australia – Great Barrier Reef and Uluru

Australia is popular for its unmatched wildlife… cuddly koalas, the many species of kangaroos, and dangerous predators like the thorny dragon and the inland taipan snake. The wildlife, however, cannot compare to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Whether you choose to dive, snorkel, or even experience the Reef on a semi-submersible tour, you won’t want to miss this underwater adventure. The outer reef may be more popular, but for families with children, consider visiting the Low Isles. You’ll still get the “wow factor” of the reef, but this area is shallower and gentler and even has sandy beaches on which to relax.

You should also consider visiting the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, The park is home to the largest sandstone monolith in the world, called Uluru or Ayers Rock. Kids will be enchanted by the Aboriginal myths, legends and traditions of the area.

Peru – Machu Picchu

While it may not be the typical vacation that comes to mind with young kids, with so much to do and see in Peru, a trek to Machu Picchu definitely makes our list!

The ancient ruins of the Incan civilization had been hidden for centuries before they were discovered and later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No one knows the origin and purpose of these ruins. Was it a religious site, or the famed lost city of the Incas? Let your children wonder and marvel at the possibilities.

If you want to make your vacation educational as well as fun, this is one trip you shouldn’t miss, and it’s perfect to combine with the our next suggestion…

Galapagos Islands

Machu Picchu is not the only adventure South America has to offer. Nature is at its prime on the Galapagos Islands, where animals roam freely and interact with humans with zero fear. You can get up close and personal with giant tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies who can change your children’s relationship with wildlife.

 It doesn’t matter what month you travel in; due to its location on the equator, the weather is perfect year-round in Ecuador making this one destination that is easily fit in during various school holidays.
A small ship cruise is a popular option for getting around to see as many different islands as possible. There are a limited number of land-based hotels and tours as well. We’ve carefully curated a list of family-friendly cruises and tour guides to make your Galapagos experience the perfect mix of education, adventure and fun!

A Safari in Africa

An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be truly life changing. Seeing animals like lions, hippos, zebras, and elephants up close in their natural habitat is awe inspiring. Our experience and relationships with family-focused tour operators will help explore the local culture and arrange unforgettable experiences for your family.

 The memories you make hot-air ballooning over the Maasai Mara, having a picnic lunch among the giraffes, and watching a family of elephants gather at the watering hole steps away from your safari camp will be absolutely priceless. We can also arrange for you to adopt an orphan elephant and you can visit them in Nairobi.

China

From the bustling city and skyscrapers of Shanghai to the beaches of Hong Kong there are so many great experiences awaiting your family in China. Explore the Summer Palace and take a dragon boat ride in Beijing. Climb the most child-friendly portion of the Great Wall in Mutianyu where you can even take a toboggan ride down one section of the wall.

Take in the spiky peaks of the karst countryside of Yangshuo on a bicycle tour. Be enchanted by the adorable chubby pandas at the Chongqing Zoo or the Chengdu Panda Base. See the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian. Or spend a fun-filled family day at Hong Kong Disneyland. There is definitely no shortage of fun and exciting activities in China to create an unforgettable family vacation.

Southeast Asia – Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand

If you would like to visit several countries over a small period of time within a single vacation, you can sail your boat to South East Asia. Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are full of such wonder and adventure for you and your family.

In Thailand you can interact with elephants or relax at one of the many serene islands. Cambodia will take you through its jungles to discover the mysteries of Angkor Wat or you can scuba dive at Koh Rong Island on an underwater adventure. The historical connection is strong with Vietnam for American visitors and your children will enjoy learning about it while exploring the culture and landscape. One extra perk: the food is to die for!

Be sure to check out the first two articles in the series to uncover our top US based destinations, and our favorite European destinations to visit with your kids before they fly the nest.

The perfect family vacation begins with scheduling your complimentary consultation. Click here to request a time for us to chat [<<- LINK]. We’ll discuss the details and what your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.