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!