Travel Tip: Global Entry Update
While Global Entry may be temporarily suspended due to the partial government shutdown, we’re optimistic that it will resume soon.
In the meantime, it’s helpful to remember that once service is restored, using the Global Entry Mobile App can make the arrival process even faster. The app allows you to confirm your arrival airport, take a live selfie for biometric verification, and complete your customs declaration directly from your phone.
At many airports, travelers who submit through the app can use a designated mobile entry lane, which is often even shorter than the standard Global Entry kiosk line saving you additional time when clearing passport control.
Trip Review: A Med Cruise
The Richman family from Baltimore set off on a memorable Mediterranean cruise adventure, traveling with cousins-both families made up of parents and two young adult children. Their journey took them through Spain, France, and Italy aboard the Celebrity Ascent, one of Celebrity Cruises’ newest ships. They especially appreciated the wide variety of onboard dining and entertainment options. To keep costs efficient, they selected two deluxe inside cabins and were pleasantly surprised by the comfort and space.
The families flew into Barcelona (this was a round-trip sailing), and spent two relaxing nights at Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona, conveniently located near Plaça de Catalunya. This gave them time to decompress and explore the city before embarkation.
To help them make the most of their time ashore, we arranged several private excursions tailored to their interests. Their first stop, Marseille, served as a gateway to a six-and-a-half-hour private guided tour of Aix-en-Provence and the charming fishing village of Cassis.
In La Spezia, the group experienced one of the trip’s highlights: a private boat tour of the stunning Cinque Terre. They explored the coastline, went for a swim and enjoyed local cuisine all while avoiding the large crowds typically found in the towns.
Their next port was Civitavecchia, where we arranged round-trip transfers into Rome for a fun and immersive six-hour golf cart tour of the city’s highlights including a private tour of the iconic Colosseum.
The Richman Family shared that each excursion was extremely well organized and seamlessly executed. They felt confident about returning to the ship on time and consistently praised their guides for being knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. One of the reasons they chose this particular sailing was that it featured only one day at sea as they much prefer maximizing time in port and sightseeing.
Overall, the trip was a great success, filled with meaningful family time and unforgettable experiences.
Trip Review: Australia and New Zealand Adventure
The Kaplan family, parents traveling with their young adult children from the Philadelphia area, spent their holiday break exploring the best of Australia and New Zealand. The Family Traveler designed a completely custom itinerary tailored to their interests, travel style, and budget, covering Sydney and Cairns in Australia, followed by Queenstown, Rotorua, and Auckland in New Zealand over a three-week journey. Given the length of the trip and the active nature of their plans, the family selected comfortable mid-range hotels, knowing they would be out adventuring most of the time.
They shared that the trip was simply wonderful, filled with memorable experiences from start to finish. In Sydney, they loved both the city itself and the sense of community. Highlights included private guided tours of Sydney and a day trip to the Blue Mountains. While the location of the Amora Hotel Jamison was excellent, the property felt a bit tired and understaffed during the busy holiday period.
In Cairns, summer heat and humidity were intense, but the experience was elevated by an exceptional guide, Gavin, whose expertise as a naturalist made for a standout day to Daintree and Cape Tribulation. The family was thrilled to see rare wildlife, including a cassowary and the famous crocodile “Scarface” during their Daintree River cruise. They also enjoyed the Skyrail Gondola and the Kuranda Scenic Railway, though both showed signs of age. Their stay at the Crystalbrook Riley was comfortable and well-located.
Queenstown quickly became a favorite. The family loved the town’s charm and the variety of activities, including a spectacular helicopter flight to Milford Sound, scenic boat rides, and winery visits. The helicopter experience stood out in particular, thanks to an excellent pilot and seamless execution. Shopping and dining in town were also highlights, though the Rendezvous Heritage hotel did not meet expectations.
Next, they traveled to Kaikoura, where they were captivated by the dramatic landscape and warm, welcoming locals. A hands-on cooking class was a major highlight, as was ocean kayaking, which they enjoyed despite some initial hesitation. Their stay in the Family Tree House at Hapuku Lodge was visually stunning and beautifully appointed with modern amenities.
In Rotorua, the family stayed at the Pullman and enjoyed learning about the region’s geothermal features and Māori culture. Hiking and a visit to Hobbiton exceeded expectations, made even more magical by the lush blooms of the season. A dental emergency unexpectedly led to a memorable interaction with the local community, adding a unique personal moment to the trip.
On the way to Auckland, a visit to the Waitomo Caves proved to be an awe-inspiring experience. Their time in Auckland was equally enjoyable, highlighted by a private sailing excursion with an energetic young crew who made the outing especially fun. The young adult children also loved the Auckland Bridge Climb. A guided food tour offered both culinary delights and historical insight, and while the MSocial Hotel was somewhat quirky, its central location was appreciated.
Overall, the Kaplan family thoroughly enjoyed their journey, which offered a rich balance of adventure, culture, wildlife, and natural beauty. The trip provided meaningful opportunities to connect with two distinct countries and created lasting memories for every member of the family.
Travel Tip: Know Your Flight Rights
Check out https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard for the most updated information about your rights as an airline passenger. Their dashboards below provide information on the airlines’ commitments to families flying with young children and customers experiencing significant flight disruptions due to circumstances within the airline’s control. DOT encourages airlines to continue to strengthen their customer commitments and DOT will update and expand these dashboards as needed.
Travel Tip: Touchless ID
TSA’s Touchless ID program is rolling out at more major U.S. airports, making the security experience faster and more seamless for eligible travelers. Available to select TSA PreCheck members, Touchless ID allows you to verify your identity using facial recognition with no need to present a physical ID or boarding pass at designated checkpoints. You simply opt in through your airline profile, and a live photo is matched to your passport or Global Entry image already on file. The program is expanding across key hubs with all the major US airlines, and while participation is optional, it’s quickly becoming a convenient perk for frequent flyers. You should still carry a physical ID, as it may be required in non-participating lanes or as a backup.
Trip Review: Serve and Reset in Spain
Lauren and her young adult daughter spent the holiday season in Spain, combining an active tennis-focused getaway on Mallorca with restorative wellness time at SHA Wellness Medical Clinic near Alicante. Our journey began at Rafa Nadal’s Tennis Academy in his hometown of Manacor, Mallorca. The massive facility is an ideal destination for tennis and padel enthusiasts of all levels. The daily camps, including a special Christmas Camp with added strategy sessions, featured nearly an hour of conditioning, two hours of structured tennis drills, and an additional hour of court time each day, along with access to the Academy’s impressive fitness and spa facilities with an abundance of fitness classes, hydrotherapy circuit, and indoor pools. Campers could choose half-board or full-board dining, enjoying plentiful, health-forward options at the Grand Slam–themed restaurants. Lauren and Anna stayed seven nights in the on-site hotel, enjoying a clean and comfortable accommodation. To our package we also added on airport transfers, a private lesson and a massage. The facilities also included an extensive pro shop, stringing services, Nadal boutique, and museum celebrating his career. The sprawling complex includes a total of 45 tennis courts: 23 hard courts (four indoor) and 22 clay courts (seven semi-indoor) as well as a robust padel program, with campers coming from around the world, including families with children enrolled in junior programs and parents in the adult camp. Best of all, the camp can be booked for just a day or extended for as long as desired.
After a week on the courts, we headed to SHA Wellness Medical Clinic for a rejuvenating spa experience. Upon arrival, comprehensive health testing helped determine a personalized wellness plan. The resort, with 100 rooms and 31 residences, offers a wide range of structured wellness and medical programs focused on detox, weight loss, longevity and more though Lauren and her daughter chose the flexible Stay Your Way option to fully enjoy the assessments, nutritious cuisine, treatments of choice and daily activities. Guests can also take part in fitness classes, wellness talks, cooking demonstrations, evening films, and more, all supported by an attentive and welcoming staff. Currently rooms are being renovated, but one building at a time. The lobby area has already been renovated. Our spacious bay-view room offered stunning vistas of the Mediterranean coastline, perfectly positioned between Altea Bay and the Sierra Helada Natural Park, just 45 minutes north of Alicante Airport.
Travel Tip: TSA Updates
The Families on the Fly program from DHS and TSA is designed to make airport screening easier for families with children. Key features include dedicated family lanes at select airports allowing more space for strollers, diaper bags, and carriers. The program is now available at 13 airports around the country. For a limited time, enroll in TSA PreCheck and get $15 off the second enrollment when two family members sign up together. Children 17 and under are free!
Another development is the TSA Digital ID that allows you to use your digital driver’s license or state ID via apps like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet at over 250 airports. This process uses facial comparison technology for verification, but you must still carry a physical ID for verification while they streamline this method. To use a digital ID, add your state-issued ID to a digital wallet app, ensure it is from a participating state, and be prepared to present both the digital and physical versions at checkpoints.
Trip Review: A Disney Gathering
Three generations of the Silverstein family with eight adults and five children ages 1–7 gathered from South Florida and North Carolina for a four-night stay at Walt Disney World in Orlando. They chose to stay at the Bay Lake Tower, one of Disney’s Vacation Club properties and next to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, for its excellent value and convenience. The one-bedroom suites gave each family plenty of space, privacy and full kitchen facilities, and the property monorail and park bus access from The Contemporary. They especially loved the easy 10-minute walk on a wide sidewalk to the Magic Kingdom.
The resort’s amenities were a hit with all ages, including a pool with both large and small water slides, bocce ball, and a small practice putting course. Since some family members had been to Disney before, each group selected different parks and experiences to try around Orlando. The entire family came together to experience the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, while smaller groups branched off to enjoy SeaWorld and its dolphin and penguin encounters, EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival, and Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure with Express Passes for easy ride access with toddlers.
Using the My Disney Experience app, they mapped out Lightning Lane selections in advance based on the grandchildren’s preferred rides and height requirements. Coordinating Lightning Lane access around the same times made for smooth meetups, while still allowing them also to enjoy age-appropriate attractions, stage shows, and the afternoon parade.
Dining as a party of 13 was a bit of a challenge, as Disney has limited availability for larger tables. They booked multiple reservations in advance, adjusting and canceling as needed. Most nights were spent eating together, and one evening they opted to bring food back to a suite for a low-key dinner. Some restaurants initially hesitated to accommodate an open stroller which is tricky with babies but eventually made accommodations.
One suite had a view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, though the late-night Electrical Water Pageant at 10:00 p.m. proved loud for some trying to sleep after long park days. A highlight for the grandparents was riding the monorail one evening to reminisce about past Disney trips including a visit during its first year back in 1971.
Trip Review: A Skip-Gen Disney Cruise
What could be better than taking your grandsons (ages 5 and 7) on their very first Disney Cruise? We can’t think of a thing!
This August, the skip-gen Silverstein family from Parkland, FL, and Raleigh, NC, set sail from Ft. Lauderdale’s Port Everglades aboard the Disney Dream for a 4-night Bahamas cruise. Their connecting balcony cabins gave everyone the perfect mix of space, comfort, and importantly enough bathrooms! We love that Disney also splits the bathing area from the toilet area on their ships.
Their first stop was Nassau, where they had booked a Disney excursion to Atlantis for the famous waterpark experience. But when lightning struck (literally), the excursion was canceled. Undeterred, the family hopped in a taxi and headed to Atlantis on their own, exploring The Dig, the resort’s incredible aquarium inspired by the lost city of Atlantis. The boys were mesmerized by the vibrant marine life. Lunch at Shake Shack, inside the aquarium, was another highlight especially when the large fish and sharks swam right up to the glass beside their table. Arriving early paid off with a perfect view!
Next came Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, where the boys loved snorkeling in the crystal-clear water with pop-pop after finding lounge chairs by the shore. Back on board, the family dove into Disney’s Midship Detective Agency, a ship wide interactive game that turns families into sleuths. The mission? Solve the mystery of the missing 99 Dalmatian puppies! Was it Cruella de Vil or one of six other mischievous Disney villains?
The boys also enjoyed the ship’s pools and waterslides, and even mom-mom joined in the fun, braving the tunnel slide with her older grandson (the younger one’s turn will come next time!). Pop-pop, meanwhile, enjoyed the quieter corners of the ship and appreciated the cruiseline’s thoughtful touches like wagons available for the longer walks at Castaway Cay. They all enjoyed the food!
It was a magical multigenerational adventure filled with Disney fun, family laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Travel Tip: Argentina’s New Requirement
All non-resident foreign travelers entering Argentina must now have travel medical insurance, as mandated by Decree 366/2025. The requirement applies at all entry points, including airports, border crossings, and ports. The insurance policy must provide coverage for medical and hospital care, accidents or illnesses, 24/7 emergency assistance, COVID-19 treatment, the traveler’s full stay, and evacuation or repatriation.
