Travel Tip: Grandparent Travel

No matter the destination or type of trip you choose, here are some suggestions from Travel & Leisure magazine for a successful vacation experience:

• Involve grandchildren in the planning process, giving them some choices of activities or destinations. Even younger children should be given some options, so they feel included from the beginning.
• Prepare grandchildren for the destination by providing books, maps, websites, videos, or other materials that acquaint them with the plans and generate interest.
• Discuss with parents the child’s likes, dislikes, health requirements, medications, bedtimes, use of electronics, and house rules that may need to continue on the trip. Grandparents might want to be a bit more flexible — it’s a vacation, after all — but should respect the parents’ guidelines.
• As far as packing, be specific with the grandchildren and parents about what to bring and limitations. Make sure it’s clear who will bring things like first-aid supplies, snacks, and vitamins.
• Bring along sufficient chargers for phones, iPads, and other electronics.
• Be sure your grandchildren have books, puzzles, games, electronics, or their preferred individual entertainment for lengthy travel hours as well as downtime.
• Discuss spending money — who will provide it and how much. For international travel with older kids, using another currency is a good math lesson and learning experience.
• Make some plans for activities, but don’t overdo it. Trying to do too much can be stressful and tiring. Some downtime each day is usually a good idea.
• When glitches, delays, or problems arise, resolve them calmly and with good humor. Your grandkids will learn a valuable lesson about travel and life.
• If the budget allows, take advantage of “front of the line” passes, especially with little ones who might become bored or restless with long waits.
• Especially for international travel, carry copies of the child’s birth certificate, photos, and parents’ consent letter indicating their permission to travel with the children. Have health insurance information, policy details, and parents’ permission for medical treatment in the event of an emergency.
• Younger children might want to have a favorite teddy bear or blanket for bedtime.
• After the trip, share photos, encourage your grandkids to create a scrapbook or photo album, or have a few snapshots framed as reminders of the trip. During the trip, be sure to send a few photos to parents each day.

Trip Review: Panama

The Vachani Family (2 adults and 2 boys ages 7 and 11) from Philadelphia traveled to Panama over winter break for some relaxation, culture and nature exploration. They stayed at the Westin Playa Bonita about an hour south of the airport and found the beachfront hotel to be comfortable and uncrowded.  The activity at the resort they enjoyed most were the pools, but they also had fun shell hunting on the beach with its rocky tide pools. There is a children’s program, spa and gym at the resort as well. Their one bedroom ocean view suite with a separate living area provided ample space for the family. This club level suite also included top floor lounge access where breakfast and evening snacks were included and more great views. The hotel restaurants were limited for dinner and the food wasn’t too special; so they used Uber for cheap rides ($6 each way) into town for additional dining options. The highlights of the trip were the partial transit tour of the Panama Canal and the Monkey Island visit via boat. The boys said it was the best day of the trip!  Monkey Island is home for four monkey species and located on Gatun Lake, a man-made lake created out of the building the Panama Canal.  They also hired a driver to show them around the city with its quaint Old Town. The hotel surprised mom for her birthday with a cake and champagne…a nice touch. Our arranged transfers also went smoothly and safely for an overall great getaway!

Travel Tip: Airport Lost and Found

Did you know that the TSA keeps items left behind at security checkpoints for a minimum of 30 days and posts phone numbers on its website (https://www.tsa.gov/contact/lost-and-found ) where travelers can contact the lost and found departments at each airport? Keep in mind that airports and airlines will have their own lost and found procedures for things left in the terminals and on airplanes. To help get your stuff back, we suggest you tape a business card to your laptop and smartphone. Also while standing in line, take time to consolidate all of your small items and pocket items and bring an extra plastic bag to stow them in your carry-on just for the scan. We look forward to the introduction of advanced 3D X-ray scanners that will allow us to keep our electronics in our carry-ons. Hopefully this year?  And what about those liquids and gels that that don’t meet the TSA code? If you can’t get the items into a checked bag, look out for Airport Mailers (now in 22 US airports) and similar companies to pay to have them mailed home.

Trip Review: Hard Rock Happiness

Jen of The Family Traveler and three generations of her family (5 adults and 4 children ages 9-13) traveled to the Hard Rock Riviera Maya over winter break. Staying at a resort with lots of tween-friendly activities was a priority and the Hard Rock delivered. The families appreciated the wide range of offerings like the Woodward Center (an action sports facility with a reasonably added cost), waterpark, zip line, large pool with waterslide, the Escape Room (for an added fee, but they escaped!), music programs and more. Jen especially loved all the rock and roll music playing everywhere, the layout of the property with different beach areas and the man-made lagoon that was calm for water sports like kayaking and snorkeling. They loved feeding the lagoon fish who swam around them. They also got to feed the local monkeys; so take a banana or two from the buffet.  Jen mentioned that there was lots of seating by the pool and beach; so they didn’t have to wake up early to secure. Daily activities around the pool kept the children entertained with games and a fun foam party. The families got to watch basketball games at the sports bar and the children played lots of basketball on the resort’s half court.  Plus ping pong, billiards, soccer and volleyball on the beach and in the pool. Their room did have a large jacuzzi in the middle (it was originally designed as an adult-only property), but at least the bathrooms were spacious with double sinks and lots of counter space.  Rooms have a king or two double beds, but there are also guaranteed connecting rooms and larger two-bedroom suites.  Jen found the service to be top notch and very friendly. She especially liked the running path around the property; one of the best she has been on at a resort. The food was also quite good for an all-inclusive although restaurant reservations were a challenge (only available two days in advance). The reservation desk opened at 7:00am; only ideal for early risers. Their favorite dining experience was the steakhouse, but they also liked the Chinese, Asian and Italian restaurants and even the buffet. On Christmas Eve, the resort hosted an outside dinner party for all the resort guests with lots of entertainment. Santa even gave out gifts to every youngster. Jen also noted that the adult-only side of the property (The Haven) is open to families during winter and spring breaks for additional dining options. It’s an easy walk or golf cart ride. Overall Jen loved the casual, chill and hip atmosphere of this resort. Definitely less formal than other all-inclusives she stayed in. A successful trip for her extended family! for all!

Trip Review: Portuguese Paradise

Lauren’s family traveled to Portugal this fall for an extended stay that included time in Lisbon, The Algarve and Porto regions.  Lisbon affords amazing water views and it very family friendly.  It offers a rich history, creative culture, tons of museums, unique neighborhoods and amazing food and wine. The capital city is hilly, but is still fun to explore on foot. Funiculars, tuk tuk tours and other public transportation also make it easy to get around.

Our apartment rental (booked through a management company for added assistance) was located off the Avenida da Liberdade, an area where many of our families stay.  It was a great location due to plenty of local restaurants, easy access to public transportation, upscale shopping, parks and more. On our first day we took a tour on a Hop-On/Hop-Off bus; an ideal way to get your bearings. Other highlights for us included the Castelo de Sao Jorge for amazing city views, attending a Fado concert in a water cistern (amazing acoustics!), wine tastings, the Tile Museum, Carmo Church, street markets and more. 

A private day trip with Wondervan to nearby Sintra provided us with so much Portuguese history and nature. We visited the captivating Quinta da Regaleira along with a stop in Cabo de Rocha; the westernmost point of Europe. It was quite a windy place, but views for miles. Our ride back to Lisbon took us through Cascais; an upscale beach town.

We trained from Lisbon to Albufeira and were met on arrival by a pre-arranged tuk tuk driver for a private tour of the city that ended off at the Hilton Vilamoura Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa. This modern and comfortable family resort has several tiered pools, huge spa, plenty of dining options, excellent golf and spacious gym. Vilamoura, a planned resort community, showcases miles of biking/walking paths, a variety of hotels and a busy marina full of great restaurants and shops. From the marina, we took a speed boat to explore a beautiful stretch of coastline and the famous Benagil Cave.  We also rented bikes to ride along the promenade of nearby Quarteira Beach.  A driver from My Day Trip drove us to the town of Evora on our way back to Lisbon. This quaint town overlooks a rich, wine region and showcases an amazing Roman temple. We also explored the town’s cathedral and meandering streets.

For another week-end jaunt, we headed north by train from Lisbon to Porto and stayed along at the newly opened Vila Foz; a member of the Design Hotel chain. This 19th century manor house in the upscale Foz do Duoro neighborhood was quite relaxing, had a gorgeous spa, indoor pool and gym, several dining options and our room had lovely ocean views. In Porto, we enjoyed tasting port wine in the caves in Vila Nova de Gaia (across the Duoro River from Porto) and wandering around the city with its plethora of churches, amazing tile work and historical buildings. A privately guided day trip with Your Tours to the Duoro Valley gave us great insight into the region’s wine industry.  Our guide Pascal went the extra mile to teach us about the culture of the region.  We drove through quaint towns and took a peaceful ride on a Rabelo boat that were used to bring wine barrels from the valley to Porto for storage and distribution.  Our visit to the Quinta Seara d’Ordens winery for a private tour and tasting was very special.  Our return trip to Lisbon with My Day Trip included a stop in the walled city of Obidos known for its castle, cute churches, quaint shops and ginja; a cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup. Yum!

The last few days were spent at the waterfront Altis Belem Hotel & Spa; the area just west of Lisbon.  The hotel was super modern and each room uniquely designed with a country theme.  Belem was full of wander.  We learned about Portugal’s many explorers at the Padrao dos Descombrimentos monument with amazing city views from the rooftop.  We also explored the Los Jeronimos Monastary where Vasco DeGama is buried, appreciated the modern art at the Museu Colecao Berardo, went to the top of the Belem Tower and ate lots of the best pasteis de natas (Portugal’s national pastry treat) at the famous Pasteis de Belem.  Belem was the ideal way to end a truly awesome vacation!

Travel Tips: The SlumberPod

When traveling with small children, quality of nighttime sleep can make or break having an enjoyable vacation. Some children who sleep well at home struggle to sleep in hotel rooms. Check out the SlumerPod, designed by a mother/daughter team, that is a quick-assembly private pod that helps your babies and toddlers get a good night’s sleep especially when sharing a room. It completely encloses a travel crib, is tall enough for a toddler to stand inside, and packs down small enough to fit in carry-on luggage. Most importantly, it provides a safe, easy, and portable solution to make vacations more restful and fun for everyone. The company will be featured on Shark Tank on January 5!

Trip Review: A French Football Adventure

The Shehu/Brown family (2 adults and a daughter, age 12) traveled to France and Switzerland this summer.  Their extensive trip was designed around tickets to two games of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Paris and Lyon.  The family began their trip in Paris for a six-night stay at the Hotel La Villa des Artistes.  Located on the Left Bank in the Montparnasse neighborhood, they found their loft suite to be nice and cozy with an elegant bathroom and would gladly stay there again.  Pre-booked activities included a bike tour of Versailles and a timed visit to the Eiffel Tower.

The family then took the train to Tours for a four-night stay in the beautiful Loire Valley.  They picked up a rental car to best explore this region full of amazing castles, quaint towns and an abundance of fresh produce and wine. Highlights included renting bikes and also learning about Leonardo DaVinci, who died in Amboise 500 years ago. The family got to see a special exhibit at the Chateau Clos de Luce that included a tapestry of the Last Supper (never before seen outside of the Vatican Museum).  They learned a lot about DaVinci: the inventor, artist, musician, architect, engineer, anatomist, botanist, geologist, historian and cartographer!  They stayed in a Family Suite at Auberge du Bon Labourer located in Chenonceaux (and this castle’s former coaching inn) and raved about the hotel’s gourmet restaurant.  A 5-star experience!

Next up was a 2-night stay in Lyon to attend the World Cup Final and witness the American team win for the fourth time!  They arrived by train and stayed at the Mercure Lyon Centre Chateau Perrache in a Privilege Room.  The hotel was located in the city center and close to public transportation.

The last stop was to Geneva, also by train, for a 3-night stay in a Junior Suite at the Hotel New Midi.  They liked that the boutique hotel overlooked the Rhone River, was across from the Old Town and close to the train station to get around.  From Geneva, the sports minded family took a day trip by train to Lausanne and spent several enjoyable hours at the Olympic Museum.

They flew home from Lyon and spent their last night at the NH Lyon Airport Hotel.  They used My Day Trip car service to get there with a stop at the Cerdon Caves along the way.  The family said these caves were beyond belief despite the 40-degree temperature at the bottom.  They found their driver and car to be an upscale experience and appreciated the beautiful scenery and even the crazy mountain roads.

Travel Tip: Preventing an Airplane Cold

Unfortunately flying, especially in winter, can make catching a cold rather easy.  Low humidity is the big culprit for keeping your immune system operating at its best.  Next time you and your family fly…help reduce your chances with the following:

Staying Hydrated: Sipping water regularly throughout the flight is most effective.  Remember that alcohol and caffeinated drinks can dehydrate you more.  Nasal mists, hot drinks, misting your face and breathing through a damp washcloth can also help keep your defenses strong.

Keep Your Hands Clean: The simple act of washing your hands with hot water and soap is a formidable rampart against the transfer of harmful microorganisms. If possible, wash your hands before any in-flight meals, and after your flight as well.  Hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol and sanitizing wipes to clean your tray tables, seat belt buckle and armrest can help too. Touch as little as possible.

Dental Health: Mouthwash can add another layer of protection and keep your throat moist.  Just make sure your bottle is TSA friendly at 3 ounces or less.

Take your Vitamins: While there is no conclusive data, multi-vitamins and especially vitamin C may keep colds or worsening symptoms at bay.

Prevent Airborne Germs:  If needed, a face mask can prevent infection and also keep from spreading infection.  Your overhead air vent can also steer germs away from your face; best to feel the air on your hands when they’re in your lap.

Any other recommendations that you can share?

Travel Tip: Driving Guides

Our families have been enjoying GyPSy Guides.  The narrated driving tour app uses your device’s location service to automatically trigger and play entertaining commentary about your surroundings as you drive along scenic driving routes.  Your location is determined by GPS satellites; so no data roaming, cell network or WiFi is required while touring.  Tours are now available in 25 locations throughout the US and Canada including for all four major Hawaiian Islands; national parks such as Zion, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Glacier and Yosemite along with scenic roads in Vermont, the Overseas Highway in The Florida Keys and Icefields Parkway.  Just download the app over a WiFi network before you go and listen to off-line!   A few guides are free (Calgary to Banff), but most range from $3.99 on up to $19.99 for a bundled guide.  Check your cell phone app store to download.

Trip Review: A Greek Island Getaway

The Kitei Family of Downingtown, PA and New York City (parents and 3 young adults) recently returned from an 8-night getaway to Greece.  Their trip began in Athens with an overnight at the Royal Olympic Hotel and time to explore the Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum with a privately guided tour; one of the highlights of their trip.  They flew onto Crete which they found both rustic and calmer than Athens due to less tourists.  Next up…the Greek Islands.  On arrival into the Chania airport on Crete, they took a private tour to the nearby Palace of Knossos, the monumental symbol of Minoan civilization.  They found the ruins to be fascinating.  Their unexpected favorite Crete excursions was while visiting alocal olive oil producing farm where they milked goats and learned to make cheese, homemade stuffed grape leaves and tzatziki.  Their stay at the Elounda Gulf Villas found them upgraded to a fabulous four-bedroom Royal Rooftop Suite!  The family said the resort was beyond perfect with stunningly beautiful grounds and an incredible staff.  From Crete, they took a 2 ½ hour ferry ride to Santorini.  They found the island to be magical and one night really enjoyed the glow of sunset while tasting wines at the Domaine Sigalas Vineyard.  They also loved the hike from the towns of Oia to Fira along the pedestrian cobblestone path and enjoyed their last sunset on the water, taking in the beautiful coastline from a catamaran. They stayed at the charming Kirini Hotel in Oia.  Overall the trip was one they will not forget with a perfect mix of taking in the sites and relaxing with family.  They let us know all of their transfers, excursions and arrangements were flawless and now they are wondering where to go next?