Trip Review: Mother/Daughter Relaxation and Restoration
This spring, the Becker Family (a mother/daughter due from Naples, Florida, and New York City) enjoyed a five-night nature getaway at El Silencio Lodge in central Costa Rica.
Their experience began with a smooth airport arrival and a beautiful 1.5-hour private transfer to the lodge. Along the way, their driver stopped at one of his favorite restaurants for lunch, making the journey part of the experience.
They found the lodge to be absolutely exceptional. The spa was a particular highlight, with some of the most talented therapists they have experienced anywhere in the world.
The food was excellent and easily accommodated their dietary needs. The lodge grows and harvests much of its own food, including produce, eggs, and trout from its own farm. One morning, they even had the opportunity to collect their own eggs for breakfast!
They also loved the fresh mountain water flowing through the property. The water is filtered and treated with UV light, making it delicious and readily available throughout the resort.
The staff was another highlight. They found everyone to be warm, welcoming, and incredibly helpful. One of their favorite experiences was spending time with the stable manager and helping groom the horses.
The variety of activities and excursions was wonderful. A coffee tasting was an unexpected favorite, while several hikes with an extremely knowledgeable eco-naturalist provided fascinating insights into the region’s flora and fauna. They also enjoyed a cooking class, night walk, ziplining, and birdwatching.
Their spacious suite was another highlight, complete with a jacuzzi and beautifully appointed, high-quality furnishings and linens.
The resort was especially quiet earlier in their stay, although more families began arriving toward the end of the week. Overall, they found the property to be incredibly peaceful and restorative.
Travel Tip: South Africa Customs Declaration
More and more countries want us to pre-authorize our stays in their countries to make traveling through passport control and customs a little smoother (and probably with less staff).
South Africa is now requiring that all travelers entering or leaving the country to complete a mandatory online customs declaration within 24 hours of departure. The digital declaration, which replaces paper forms, applies to citizens, residents, and foreign nationals traveling through air, land, sea, and rail borders.
Travelers must complete the declaration through the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS), either via the SARS Customs Online Traveller Declaration Portal or the SATMS mobile app. The app is preferred for multiple entries as it will save your details.
Passengers transiting through South Africa who remain within designated airport or port transit areas are exempt.
After submitting the form, you will receive an electronic confirmation by email. This confirmation should be saved on a mobile device or printed for presentation to customs officials upon arrival or departure.
Failure to submit a declaration or providing false information may result in border delays, financial penalties, or the forfeiture of undeclared goods or cash.
Travel Tip: Touchless ID Update
Google Wallet has become the first digital wallet to integrate with TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, allowing you to verify their identity using facial recognition instead of presenting physical ID or boarding passes at security checkpoints. This feature is available at 65 airports nationwide and works with over 100 TSA PreCheck partner airlines.
How it works with Google Wallet:
- Check-in: Travelers check in with a participating airline and add their boarding pass to Google Wallet.
- Opt-in prompt: Eligible travelers with an eligible digital ID will see a “Get started” button in Google Wallet and will be redirected to the TSA consent page.
- Consent: Travelers authorize sharing their digital ID and boarding pass in Google Wallet with TSA.
- Confirmation: TSA confirms enrollment and sends a success code to Google Wallet.
- Indicator: Google Wallet updates the traveler’s boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator.
Trip Review: An India Adventure
Lauren recently returned from a travel agent reward trip to India. The journey was hosted by Ventours, an exceptional India-based tour company specializing in travel throughout South Asia, and the trip featured stays at five stunning Oberoi luxury hotels along the way.
The adventure began in the capital, New Delhi, with several days of exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, temples, mosques, and government buildings. Highlights included weaving through the vibrant streets of Old Delhi by bicycle rickshaw and visiting the National Gandhi Museum for a moving look into the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Lauren’s stay at the elegant Oberoi New Delhi provided the perfect introduction to an upscale India travel experience, offering luxurious accommodations, excellent dining, a beautiful spa and pools, and sweeping views of the city. We were also treated to a memorable lunch and private tour at The Imperial Hotel, a historic luxury property that has been an oasis in the heart of the city since the 1930s.
Our next stop was Khajuraho, located in the heart of India about 400 miles southeast of New Delhi. Our stay at the newly opened Oberoi Rajgarh Palace was truly unforgettable. This beautifully restored 350-year-old Bundela dynasty palace sits atop a hill with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The renovation preserved many original architectural details, including the grand stone steps once used by elephants carrying goods to the palace. We stayed in the villa section, where the spacious and elegantly appointed rooms featured garden tubs and serene garden views.
One of the most exciting experiences in the region was a safari through the nearby Panna Tiger Reserve. After exploring the reserve in open-air jeeps and spotting monkeys, deer, sloths, and countless bird species, we were rewarded with an incredible sighting…a Bengal tiger on the hunt. We watched in awe as it successfully caught two deer. Today, more than 120 tigers call the reserve home.
Another highlight was visiting the remarkable Khajuraho Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between 950 and 1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty. Originally consisting of 85 temples honoring both Hindu and Jain traditions, 22 remain today. These stunning sandstone temples are celebrated for their intricate carvings, remarkable symmetry, and masterful construction achieved entirely without mortar.
We then traveled to Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Agra entered a new chapter in 1526 with the arrival of the Mughal Empire under the reigns of Emperors Akbar, Jehangir, and Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal itself was commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved fourth wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who requested a monument to symbolize their love before her passing. Visiting at sunrise offered a quieter and more peaceful experience, with cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and breathtaking views of the magnificent white marble mausoleum as it glowed in the morning light.
Our visit to Agra Fort revealed another layer of the city’s rich history. Surrounded by towering red sandstone walls, the fort is home to palaces, mosques, and grand audience halls that beautifully blend Islamic and Hindu architectural traditions.
Our stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas was exceptional, made even more memorable by stunning views of the Taj Mahal right from our rooms.
Next on the journey was Jaipur, famously known as the “Pink City” for the distinctive rose-colored buildings throughout its historic old town. Highlights here included visiting the beautiful City Palace, which remains the residence of Jaipur’s royal family, and exploring the impressive Jaigarh Fort overlooking the city.
A special experience was our site tour and lunch at the Taj Rambagh Palace, a magnificent former royal residence transformed into one of Jaipur’s most luxurious hotels. Surrounded by expansive gardens and filled with uniquely designed rooms and elegant details, the palace offered an unforgettable setting and a wonderful lunch in its European-inspired restaurant.
We also toured the hilltop Naila Fort, an exclusive Oberoi residence featuring four beautifully appointed bedrooms, staff, large pool and kitchen ideal for multigenerational families or groups traveling together.
Our stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas was equally memorable. Designed to resemble a centuries-old Rajasthani palace, the resort blends royal architecture with peaceful gardens and luxurious accommodations. During our visit, the property was especially lively thanks to peacock mating season, with dozens of peacocks and peahens roaming the grounds and providing a colorful yet noisy backdrop to our stay. One of the most meaningful moments was participating in a traditional Hindu blessing ceremony at the resort’s on-site temple.
We ended our Indian adventure back in Delhi at the The Oberoi, Gurgaon, a modern and perfect spot to end this unique experience. Many thanks to Ventours and The Oberoi Hotels for their amazing hospitality and for arranging this special trip.
Travel Tip: Japan Airport Automation
Japan is super popular right now. As a reminder, Japan has streamlined airport arrivals at major hubs like Narita, Haneda, and Kansai by expanding digital customs and immigration. By utilizing the Visit Japan Web portal, you can now complete paperwork in advance, generate QR codes, and use new automated joint kiosks and e-Gates to bypass traditional queues.
Trip Review: Galapagos Sailing Adventure
In mid-April, The Family Traveler’s Mindy and her husband sailed around Galapagos aboard the National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions Endeavour II, a small expedition ship carrying just 98 passengers. While the ship was not overly luxurious, it provided everything they needed for a comfortable and immersive experience. Amenities included a small gym, library, and a spacious lounge where daily briefings and educational lectures were held. A team of seven naturalists, each specializing in different areas, accompanied the voyage and enriched the experience by helping guests better understand the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos. They were approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely engaged with passengers throughout the trip.
The highlight of the journey was the incredible variety of activities offered each day. Early mornings began with optional yoga or guided hikes, ranging in difficulty but always rewarding and physically engaging. Breakfast, usually served buffet-style with an omelet station, was a favorite way to start the day and especially paired with the ship’s excellent coffee. After breakfast, guests could choose between snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and occasionally paddleboarding. Each passenger received their own snorkel gear and wetsuit for the week, which made daily excursions seamless and comfortable.
For Mindy and Rich, the true magic of the trip was the opportunity to experience the wildlife up close. The animals of the Galapagos seemed completely unafraid of humans, creating the feeling that visitors were stepping into their world rather than the other way around. From giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies to sea lions, reef sharks, and the famous Galápagos penguins (the only penguin species found north of the equator) every day felt like a safari on land and sea.
Several families were onboard, and it was clear the children, especially tweens and teens, were having an unforgettable experience. The Young Explorer program offered age-appropriate activities separate from parents, allowing younger travelers to explore independently while staying actively engaged throughout the voyage.
Evenings were relaxed and low-key, though there were memorable cultural experiences woven in, including an evening of traditional Ecuadorian music, dance, and cuisine, as well as a visit from local artisans showcasing their crafts. The food overall was very good, though Mindy felt the menus could have offered a bit more variety. Dinner options typically included fish, meat, or vegetarian selections, with chicken and pasta also available thanks to the younger guests onboard. Wine, beer, and cocktails were included in the fare.
Passengers quickly became friendly with one another, and communal dining encouraged conversation and connection. By sitting with different couples and families throughout the week, guests naturally found new friends with shared interests and travel styles.
Unlike many traditional cruises, the atmosphere onboard was intentionally casual and relaxed. There was no need for formal wear as shorts at dinner were perfectly acceptable and fit the laid-back spirit of the expedition.
For Mindy and Rich, the Galapagos truly lived up to its reputation as a once-in-a-lifetime journey, and they wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to go.
Trip Review: Mother/Daughter Scotland Getaway
Lauren and her daughter ventured to Scotland a few weeks ago to take advantage of Anna’s spring break from teaching. Lauren is still dreaming about her stay at Mar Hall. Just outside Glasgow, this newly reimagined estate feels like stepping into a piece of Scottish history with all the modern comforts. The renovations are gorgeous. The garden suite was so vibrant and opened onto a beautiful private patio. Lauren loved spending time in the new spa, gym and indoor pool, and the cozy touches like the libraries, game room, and movie theater made it feel like a home away from home. With afternoon tea, lovely dining, lush grounds, golf, and even an on-site apiary, there’s something special around every corner.
Edinburgh completely lived up to its charming reputation. A grand castle perched above the city sets the tone, watching over both old and new. Lauren and Anna wandered the cobblestone streets, enjoyed a lovely midday tea at the Signet Law Library, explored an emerging artist exhibit at the Royal Scottish Academy, and caught a West End preview of One Day: The Musical. They also strolled through the charming neighborhoods of Dean and Stockbridge while taking in the city’s beautiful parks, monuments, colorful streets, markets and university grounds. The Sheraton Grand in the West End theater district made the perfect home base for four relaxing nights in this unforgettable city.
The final stop was Pitlochry, an easy and scenic two-hour train ride from Edinburgh. This charming Victorian town sits along a river, surrounded by the rolling hills of Highland Perthshire. Highlights include abundant hiking and walking trails, the town’s dam and salmon ladder, a lovely mix of shops and restaurants, and a renowned theater. Lauren and Anna loved being surrounded by nature and abundant wildlife. The songs of the birds was entrancing. They spent two nights at the Pine Trees Hotel which is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. The staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The all day snacks and daily baked goods were a highlight. A thoughtful touch was the hotel’s mudroom, equipped with raincoats, walking sticks, trollies, and wellies…perfect for staying prepared in Scotland’s ever-changing weather.
A last night at an Edinburgh airport hotel within walking distance of the terminal ended a memorable trip.
Travel Trip: Schengen Immigration
With all Schengen countries now using the new Entry/Exit System, some delays at major European airports are expected this summer. The new biometric registration process (facial scan and fingerprints) can take a bit longer than traditional passport stamping, though once completed, the registration is valid for three years. Some Schengen airports are offering self-service biometric kiosks, so it’s worth looking for those upon arrival. If you are connecting through a Schengen airport, immigration processing takes place in yourfirst country of arrival,even if you are only in transit. At many airports, we can arrange an expedited VIP arrival service that may help streamline the process. Let us know if you’d like pricing. Sweden and Portugal are already using a new app-based processing system, and hopefully other countries will follow soon.
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.
