Choose the Right Cruise for Your Family

When clients come to me looking for a “fun for the whole family” vacation with lots of activities for the kids but still gives Mom and Dad time for relaxation, a family cruise is almost always among my list of recommendations.


Cruises are an excellent way for families to see the world and have a ton of fun along the way. Cruise ships have become almost like a destination unto themselves… and they take you to some pretty exciting and scenic locations as well.

There are so many fantastic ships and itineraries out there that it can be hard to pick the one that is right for you.


Here are my top tips for things to consider for your first family cruise…


Get the kids involved in planning.

Find out what your kids feel is the most important part of a cruise vacation. Are they excited by the activities on the ship or by the adventures they can have in port? Are there specific things they want to experience or are looking forward to? There is something for everyone but knowing where everyone’s priorities lie will help you sort through the options.


Does size matter?

When it comes to choosing the right cruise ship for your family, size does matter. Smaller cruise ships feel more intimate, and your family may have an easier time finding your way around on board. You’ll have more interaction with the crew as well, but you may be one of the few families onboard. On the other hand, the larger “mega ships” have more activities and more options for dining. There may be more extensive kids programming available on the larger ships if that is something that is important to you.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class Ship

photo ©Royal Caribbean International

Short trip or longer escape?

Whether you are looking for a long weekend or a two-week holiday, there are cruise options available. Consider the amount of time you have for your vacation. Longer cruises allow for more sea days in addition to your days in port. Don’t underestimate the importance of having some time to explore and enjoy your cruise ship. Sea days often provide the relaxation that you are hoping to get from your vacation.

Relaxing on a Sea Day

How important are the dining options?

For many of my clients, dining is a huge part of their cruise vacation! Cruise lines can vary widely in their approach to dining. From the atmosphere to type of cuisine, the options are just about endless. Do you want traditional cruise dining with an assigned dining time, dining room and table where you get to know your wait staff and table mates? Or would you prefer a system with multiple dining options where things operate more like a restaurant where you can either make a reservation or show up when you are ready to eat and wait for the first available table? Do you want a ship where all of the dining options are included in the cost of your cruise, or do you want the opportunity to pay a nominal fee for specialty or premium restaurants on board (though free dining options are always available as well!)?



What type of accommodations do you want?

A cruise ship may feel like a floating hotel, but the type of rooms available are much less flexible. Many staterooms are only set up to accommodate 2 or 3 people with a limited number of rooms designed for 4. Families of 5 are even more limited in their choices. While some ships have a handful of larger rooms for groups of 5, others do not have options for more than 4 people. Are you looking for rooms that connect with a door between them? Those can be limited as well. You may need to book early to make sure you can get connecting rooms.


Stateroom considerations go far beyond just occupancy. How important is the view outside your room… or are you okay with sacrificing a view at all to save money? For some families, the ability to relax on your balcony while you have breakfast is non-negotiable. For others, an inside stateroom with no window at all is perfectly fine, but that saves hundreds is absolutely fine. And where do you want to be on the ship? Is proximity to the “action” like the dining rooms, kids’ clubs, and other activities important to you? Is anyone in your party susceptible to sickness? If so, your cabin location becomes very important.



Top Tip… Get Help from an Expert

An expert travel planner knows the right questions to ask to match your family to the perfect cruise ship and itinerary. They will also guide you through the process of selecting a stateroom that meets all of your needs and expectations and will assist you with planning activities and shore excursions that will be fun for all members of your travel party.


Travel professionals often have access to special pricing or amenities that are not available to the general public. Whether or not your selected sailing has special pricing available, a travel professional such as those here at Cruise Planners-Unique Family Adventures are well versed at ensuring that you get the best possible pricing for your cruise. They can advise you on your best options for everything from pre or post cruise hotel options to travel insurance and shore excursions. We have agents who have cruised as children and now are cruising with their children.

Things to Consider when Planning an African Safari

An African safari is on the travel bucket list of many of our clients. It’s absolutely a life-changing experience you will never forget.

Planning a luxury safari is one type of vacation where the advice of an expert travel professional is invaluable! From selecting the right location, the right time to see and experience the things you want to see, the perfect accommodations, the proper documentation, and the ideal safari guide, you’ll appreciate having someone “in-the-know” taking care of the details.

Here are some of the top things you should keep in mind when planning a luxury African safari…

Where to go?

Africa is a vast continent with diverse cultural and wildlife experiences. While many people consider a safari to be a “once in a lifetime” trip, the truth is that you can plan multiple safaris without repeating experiences.

Over 50 million tourists visit Africa each year with the majority coming from the US, UK, and France. US visitors tend to favor Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, Ethiopia, and South Africa. The French prefer Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, and Mauritius. British tourists opt for Egypt, Gambia, South Africa, and Mauritius.

What to see?

Deciding where you want to visit can feel overwhelming but knowing precisely what animals you hope to see on your safari can easily help narrow down the choices. During our vacation consultation, we will discuss what experiences you are looking for, and your travel advisor will offer suggestions based on those preferences Africa offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world.

While there are a considerable number of animal species in Africa, most first-time safari guests are hoping to see “the big 5” during their time in Africa. The big five is made up of lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and Cape buffalos. If this is what you are looking for, then your choices will include Botswana. Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Another popular request is for gorilla trekking. If you are hoping to commune with a silverback and company, then you’ll want to focus on Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is for the individual that is in good shape, as you will be hiking in the mountains with a guide cutting a path for you to find the gorilla family.

Where to Stay?

There are a wide variety of options available for accommodations on your safari vacation. For a luxury safari, most guests tend to choose either a five-star safari lodge or a luxury tent camp. Quite often when we help our clients to plan a safari, we recommend that they allow for enough time to experience both options in multiple locations.

A safari lodge or game lodge will typically feature more resort-like amenities while a luxury tent camp is often the ultimate authentic experience.

andBeyond Bateleur Camp in the Masai Mara
Photo ©andBeyond

The primary differences between a safari camp and a safari lodge tend to be the size (lodges, in general, are bigger), amenities, and of course having four solid walls around you! Don’t let the name fool you; there are tent camps available that are almost decadent in their level of luxury! Where do you think the glamping movement came from? African tented safari camps.

Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp

        Photo ©Cottar’s Safari Camp

When to go?

In real estate, location is everything. When it comes to a safari vacation, timing is everything!

Visit at the right time, and you’ll be treated to a fantastic experience with abundant wildlife that takes your breath away. Plan your trip during the wrong time and you the animals may be few and far between.

The best advice tends to be to plan your trip during the dry season when water is a bit scarce. The animals will seek out watering holes, and this makes it easier for your guide to predict where and when you are likely to find them. It is also easier for safari vehicles to navigate the dirt roads of the game reserves.

One of the most amazing experiences happens each year from June to September with the great Wildebeest migration in the Serengeti National Park. While this is peak season, and that is reflected in the price tag, it has earned the title of “the Greatest Show on Earth!”

These are just a few of the things we take into consideration when planning a luxury safari for our clients. Other factors include how to get around, what type of travel documentation is required, if any vaccines are recommended, safety, and what (if any) ways our client would like to give back to the local communities. Thinking of going solo, our top choice small group safaris, only 16 people is Abercrombie & Kent. 

Ready to experience an African safari for yourself? It all starts with a personalized vacation consultation. Click here to request an appointment We’ll discuss the details and what you are looking for. We’ll give you our suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan an unforgettable safari experience.

You Only Have 18 Summers and 936 Weekends till your Kids Head Off to College

I admit it. The ending to Toy Story 3 tears me up. Every. Single. Time. 


It starts with the scene where Woody watches through a hole in the box as Andy says goodbye to his Mom, who has just walked into his room and is struck by how different it looks with all of his favorite things packed away for college, and it doesn't stop until the credits roll. 


I know I'm not alone. The ending to this family favorite movie tugs at the heartstrings of every Mom out there.


We know it's going to happen. In fact, we WANT it to happen. We want to see the children we've so longingly raised to the brink of adulthood go off to college and start the next exciting chapter of their lives. 


The problem is we still see them as the toddler who so defiantly declares "I do it myseff" as they learn to dress themselves. 


It's hard to realize that once they move all of their prized possessions into a dorm room somewhere, our family dynamics change forever.  


Yes, they will always be "our baby," and they'll still be back home for breaks, summers and maybe even for a while after graduation, but we can't deny that from that point on, it will be different.


At the start of each school year, we see all the Moms posting on Facebook about dropping their babies off at college and those who have kids starting their junior and senior years in high school are realizing that all too soon, they will be in that place. 


It’s a bittersweet mix of sadness and excitement. 


If college feels like it will be here before you know it and you wish you could slow down time, then there is no better time to create those memories that they will remember forever. Make these last few months (or years!) before they fly the nest truly count.


Families who travel together develop life long bonds that don’t easily happen any other way.

We only get 18 summers with our kids before they are wrapped up in college, jobs, friends and boyfriends/girlfriends. 


Wouldn’t you love to make that last summer unforgettable?


Planning a fantastic vacation for your family during that last summer is a great way to do just that.

Look back at your childhood...aren't those vacation memories some of the most vivid and special? Getting out of our daily grind, focusing on spending time together and getting to unplug and relax with those we love the most is more than just a vacation.


It's an investment in your family. 


It's memories they will carry with them long after you are gone. It's the things they laugh about and tell their children stories about for years to come. My eldest Alex had his graduation trip a year late, as he hit the ground running by taking summer school and with his brother's activities there was no way to squeeze it in. Three years later, both of them say it's the best trip we've taken(12 night Mediterranean cruise, with private guides in Rome and Venice).  Here's the itinerary we did, I still think this is one of the best itineraries in that area of the world. 

Vision of the Seas 12 day itinerary with Venice


My graduation trip was a week in Copenhagen Denmark for spring break and for those who know me seeing Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark's birthday celebration was something I remember to this day. 

Beyond that, giving your children the gift of travel, exposing them to different cultures and experiences is priceless! They'll learn far more from those experiences than they will in any classroom!

Whether it is something as simple as meeting favorite childhood characters onboard a Disney cruise or as dramatic as climbing those final steps and having the sun gate at Machu Pichu come into view… well, those memories will be priceless for them, and for you. 

photo ©Disney

A graduation vacation can serve as the exclamation point at the end of their childhood. What better gift is there for starting the next phase of their adult life?



If you are ready to start planning a graduation vacation for your family, we would be happy to help you get started planning one. 


It is always our goal to help you say goodbye to everything that is frustrating about travel from time spent researching to language barriers so that they can see the world as they never dreamed possible and experience more than they ever could on their own. 


You've got enough to worry about...from college applications to figuring out how to fit all that stuff in a tiny dorm room! Let us take care of making sure your family's graduation vacation is everything you've dreamed of, and more!

What Is a Luxury Travel Advisor?

I’m going to let you in on an “industry secret…”



When you get a group of travel professionals together, it’s not uncommon for us to ask each other what type of title they use. You may be most familiar with “travel agent,” but many of us feel that doesn’t adequately capture what it is we do. We become travel advisors, travel consultants, travel designers or any number of creative titles that attempt to convey what we do for our clients.



It doesn’t matter what we call ourselves; there is no way to describe what we do each day in a title.



You may be wondering what exactly it is we do? What do we bring to the table that you wouldn’t get by booking your vacation online?



Here are just a few of the things we do for our clients…



We are great listeners.



This is one of the most essential skills for a travel advisor to have. We listen to what you say when you talk about your vacations. We ask questions to get a better idea of your tastes, likes, and preferences. We pay close attention so that we can get a clear picture of your needs, concerns, issues, and expectations. It’s crucial for us to understand these things so we can best anticipate your needs and make the best recommendations for you.

Wonderful view in Venice

We are master troubleshooters!



It’s our job to take care of all of the nitty gritty details of your trip and to manage the whole thing from start to finish. We’re here to help you out if things don’t go as planned. If you run into travel delays or any issue, you can look to us to sort it out for you. Because of our vast industry connections, we are often able to resolve things much faster than you could on your own.



We pride ourselves on our attention to detail.



We love putting together the pieces of your travel itinerary as if it were a big, beautiful puzzle! We make recommendations for things that will provide you with an added layer of convenience, security, or simply to surprise and delight you. We’ll take care of the mundane details like keeping track of important dates, paperwork requirements, and other logistics. It’s our job to make sure your vacation is seamless and that you don’t have to worry about any of the things that can make travel stressful or frustrating.

Do you know the cost for 2nd & 3rd checked bag?

We’re continually building our network to benefit YOU.



From connecting with other travel professionals with expertise in specific types of travel, destinations, or properties to meeting the general manager and sales managers or places we visit, we are always working to create connections that can help us take better care of our clients. Since no travel professional can have personal experience for every destination, we use our colleagues when we need to. If we haven’t been to that specific city you want to visit, there is someone on our contact list who has… and who can give us the inside scoop and direct us to the hidden gems you won’t want to miss.



We spend a significant amount of time… and money… traveling to do site inspections and research new destinations. While that may sound glamorous, and you may have been a little jealous when you saw our Instagram photos from fabulous places, it really is work! We took those fantastic pictures during the very brief downtime we had in a day spent walking the resort with a sales manager and touring multiple different room options, getting a walk-through of the spa (alas, no treatments for us!), the pools, the kids activities, the restaurants, and sitting through a lengthy sales seminar. We do this so we get to check out places you may want to visit, but also to meeting and get to know the staff. An email sent to a general manager we know personally may result in a complimentary bottle of wine or even a room upgrade for you.

Required meeting with Celebrity's President on board the Edge.

No time to sit in the pool.

We work for YOU.



We work with various travel partners and suppliers to book your vacation, but we work FOR you. Should anything go wrong during your travels, we go to bat for you. We represent your needs and your interests… and we know who to call to get things fixed. We are in your corner from the time your vacation is booked until you arrive safely back home.

Sometimes a passport isn't enough, you need a visa. 

We consider you a friend.



You aren’t just a client. We consider you a friend… or even like a member of our own family, and we take care of you the same way we would a friend or family member. We smile when we see your name on our caller ID. We think about your bad knee when we plan your itinerary. We remember that you love to play tennis when you travel. And like a good friend… we don’t hold back when we give you our advice. We won’t hesitate to tell you when we think you might be making a mistake. If you come to us with a suggestion that we believe might not meet your expectation… we’ll let you know. We’ll let you know when it makes sense to spend a little more to get a better experience, and which corners you can cut without having a negative impact on your vacation.



Another little secret I’ll let you in on… we absolutely love hearing from you about your experience. It makes our day when you text us from your vacation to show us the amazing view from the hotel we recommended. It delights us when we hear how much you loved the tours we put together.

We look forward to checking in with you when you get back home… and we are so appreciative when you reach out to us to plan your next vacation.



Ready to start planning your next getaway? The perfect vacation begins with scheduling your complimentary consultation. Click here to request a time forus 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.

6 Over The Top Romantic Vacations For Couples

Private pools, breathtaking views, dedicated 24-hour butler service, delicious cuisine, impeccable service, and decadent suites are a few of the things that come to mind when you think of the ultimate romantic luxury vacation. Whether you are planning your honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or just ready for a dream-come-true romantic holiday, we’ve got something spectacular for you!



Escape to an elegant but rustic riverside lodge in New Zealand, bask in the seclusion of a private island resort, relax at a luxury spa, or delight in a five-star hotel on the Grand Canal in Venice. Here are some of the world’s best luxury vacations for couples…





Blanket Bay – New Zealand

photo ©Blanket Bay

Blanket Bay is a stunning rustic luxury lodge in the shadow of the snow-capped Southern Alps on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand. Voted one of the world’s best lodges by the likes of Conde Nast Traveler, Virtuoso, The Robb Report, National Geographic, and Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, Blanket Bay is a year-round adventure getaway. Enjoy activities such as fly-fishing, heli-skiing, hiking, kayaking, 4WD tours, vineyards, flight-seeing over the World Heritage Fiordland National Park or Milford Sound, and so much more then retire to your luxurious room or suite at the lodge before an evening of elegant dining and fine wine.

Turtle Island – Fiji

photo ©Turtle Island

Turtle Island is a 500-acre private island resort in Fiji. With only 14 guest accommodations and 14 beaches, you can be guaranteed seclusion if that is what you are looking for! Whether you want to fill your vacation with activities, or lounge the days away in a hammock, Turtle Island can make your dreams come true. Available activities include horseback riding, private picnics on the beach, scuba diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, hiking, and more.



The resort’s 14 private bures are spaced far enough apart to give a feeling of real privacy as if you are on your own private island. The bures are furnished with handcrafted furniture and lots of attention to detail. Each couple is assigned a dedicated bure manager who is there to take care of your every need and ensure that your vacation is as picture perfect as the view!





Dukes London – United Kingdom

photo ©Dukes London

With its location in a historic courtyard on St. James’s Place near Buckingham Palace, Dukes London is the picture of elegance in the heart of London. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this gorgeous property recently completed a multi-million-pound renovation that included all of its 90 rooms including 18 suites and the stunning Penthouse Suite.



The location is perfect for exploring London’s most famous attractions. Enjoy a romantic walk in the park, check out the many museums, take in a play in the West End, and enjoy the diverse culinary options nearby. Be sure to check out Dukes Bar, famous for its martinis. They even offer a Martini Masterclass where you can learn how to make the renowned Dukes Martini. Honorable mention The Goring, where the Duchess of Cambridge stayed the night before her wedding and where Her Majesty hosts her Christmas party for her staff.





SLS South Beach – Florida

Premier Ocean View Room at SLS South Beach

photo ©SLS Hotels

If a lively Miami vacation sounds appealing, look no further than the SLS South Beach hotel. The vibe here can best be described as “high energy glam.” Its elegant guest rooms designed by Philippe Starck with panoramic views are a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach. With its central location on Collins Avenue, you’ll be close to all the action! The pool deck is the center of activity at the hotel, and it’s definitely the place to see and be seen in South Beach. Don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity or two enjoying the sun in one of the private cabanas.



The hotel offers two hot restaurant options. At The Bazaar by José Andrés enjoy Latin-influenced treats created by the by celeb chef himself. If sushi is more your style, you’ll love Katsuya where Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi serves up innovative sushi and robata dishes (we recommend the caviar-topped salmon sashimi).





Miraval Spa – Arizona

photo ©Miraval

With Zen garden, 400 acres of hiking trails, multiple swimming pools (including a tri-level pool complete with cascading waterfalls), whirlpools, and acupressure stone walk, Miraval is one of the premier destination spa resorts in the world. Each guest’s stay is tailored specifically for their needs. Guests can take part in spa treatments, fitness classes, nutrition classes. The spa alone has over 100 facial and body treatments available and is focused on the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of guests. Resort amenities include horseback riding, tennis courts, and golf at The Golf Club at Visoto, an 18-hole, par-72 golf course about 20 minutes from the resort.



The resort offers 117 elegant private casitas situated in five distinct villages around the resort. Each casita is furnished with hand-carved wood furniture, beautiful French doors, and stocked with aromatic amenities and plush robes.





Palazzina G – Venice, Italy

Signature Grand Canal Suite at Palazzina G

©Palazzina Grassi

The Palazzina G, the first hotel in Italy by the renowned designer Phillipe Starck, is a favorite of celebrities visiting Venice. Guests include Johnny Depp (who spent three months at the hotel while filming in Venice), Angelina Jolie, and other Hollywood A-listers seeking a discreet five-star experience. Upon arrival in Venice, a speedboat can be arranged for guests with check-in taking place en route to the hotel allowing you to walk in, Prosecco in hand, and head straight to your room. The goal is to create the experience of arriving at a private guest house rather than a hotel. As a matter of fact, the street entrance is located off of a tiny side street and is identified only by a bull’s head marker.



The rooms and suites are contemporary in design with white walls and furnishings. Oversized mirrors contribute to an open and light feeling. Rooms in the 16th century part of the building offer beautiful views overlooking the Grand Canal. One feature we love is that breakfast can be ordered from room service to be delivered to any area of the hotel.





Planning the perfect romantic escape begins with scheduling your vacation consultation call. Click here to request a time for us to meet.  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.