Travel Tip: Smart Traveler Reminder

Just a reminder that the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to register their international travel plans so the Department of State can quickly and accurately reach them in case of emergencies. Benefits include receiving real-time updates on health, weather, safety, and security conditions in the destination country; access to information from the local U.S. embassy to help with trip planning; and assistance from the embassy or consulate in contacting you during emergencies such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or family crises.

Trip Review: A South African Reunion

The Rotblatt family of four—parents and two adult daughters—came together for a special trip to South Africa, where one daughter is clerking for a judge in Johannesburg. It was the perfect opportunity not only to visit, but also to gain insight into her professional and cultural experiences. Their journey began in Cape Town, an ideal place to unwind after the long flight from Cleveland, Ohio. They stayed four nights at the charming Blackheath Lodge, our favorite upscale boutique hotel in the beachside neighborhood of Sea Point. Their two-bedroom Villa Lauren provided a spacious, apartment-style accommodation that allowed for both comfort and family gathering time. They loved the property’s style and convenient location.  The family enjoyed their private city tour that revealed Cape Town’s diverse neighborhoods and rich history topped off with a visit to the summit of Table Mountain. Another day brought a full-day private tour to Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, with stops in picturesque beach towns along the way, including a memorable visit to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

From Cape Town, the family flew to Hoedspruit for a safari adventure at Xanatseni Private Camp in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, where they stayed three nights. They let us know that the staff went above and beyond, ensuring every detail was perfect. Their spacious two-bedroom suite was both beautiful and tranquil, featuring a full kitchen (with the option to dine in), a private boma, a plunge pool, and their own private safari vehicle and guide making for an exclusive and unforgettable experience!

Next, they traveled north to Victoria Falls for a two-night stay at the lovely Insika Lodge on the Zimbabwe side of the town of Livingstone. They found it to be a beautiful and well-located property with delicious food and excellent service. Highlights here included a guided tour of the falls, and a luxury sunset river cruise complete with appetizers and drinks.

The final leg of their journey brought them to Johannesburg, the current home of their younger daughter. For three nights, they stayed at the stylish Hyde Rosebank, which, like their other accommodations, was both elegant and conveniently located. Their time in “Jo ’burg” included visits to the Apartheid Museum, a stroll through the Linden neighborhood, shopping at the Rosebank Mall, and private tours of Constitution Hill’s Human Rights Precinct and the Constitutional Court where they met their daughter’s colleagues and enjoyed lunch with her boss, a Constitutional Court judge.

From start to finish, the family shared that every aspect of their trip was perfect. Transportation ran smoothly, tours and experiences were exceptional, and the hotels offered top level service. Everywhere they went, they encountered kindness, hospitality, and a warm welcome making the trip not just a family reunion, but an unforgettable shared adventure.

Travel Tip: Medical Transport Offer

Virtuoso is offering us discounted rates for MedJet.  This annual program is excellent coverage and peace of mind to supplement your other travel insurance needs.  Their medical transport membership program focuses on air medical transport to a hospital of your choice when hospitalized more than 150 miles from home. They don’t restrict transport to the nearest acceptable facility and don’t require a finding of “medical necessity” for transport. Their Medjet Assist program is now $175 for an annual individual membership or $235 per family (two adults and up to five children) while the expanded Medjet Horizon plan is $315 and $400.  Special discounts for ages 75 to 84 are also available.

Trip Review: Silversea on the Med

Our very own Mindy and her husband Rich vacationed with Silversea this summer.  Their June journey aboard the Silversea Silver Ray, sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona, exceeded all expectations. Launched in 2024, the Silver Ray is the cruise line’s second ship in the Nova class and sails with 728 guests. Even at full capacity, the ship never felt crowded, thanks to its spacious layout and thoughtful design that preserved a sense of tranquility throughout their voyage.

The culinary experience onboard matched the excellence found elsewhere. Every meal was delicious with an impressive range of cuisine and beverages. The waitstaff and bartenders were friendly, professional, and always one step ahead, anticipating their needs and ensuring each dining experience was flawless.

Every staff member they encountered on board was professional, attentive, and warm. Special shoutouts to their cabin butler and room attendant for all their attention.

The ship offered a full roster of activities, including daily trivia at 4:00 pm, a fun way to meet other travelers over drinks and compete for Silversea merchandise. Bingo, an onboard casino, and a variety of lounges and bars ensured there was always something to do, day or night.

Their vacation began in Lisbon with a stay at the AlmaLusa Baixa hotel, ideally located overlooking the Praça do Município. Mindy would highly recommend this boutique property—it’s within easy walking distance of many sites and excellent restaurants.

Their itinerary took them to a lovely mix of destinations in Spain including Cadiz, Malaga, Cartagena, Valencia and Mallorca as well as stops in Gibraltar, Casablanca and Tangier.

During the sailing, Mindy booked excursions in the early mornings to avoid the heat of the day. Returning in time for lunch allowed them to fully enjoy the ship’s amenities in the afternoon. The pool was a favorite spot. Poolside service was exceptional.  Attendants delivered drinks and food directly to their loungers, so they never had to move!  Mindy also thoroughly enjoyed daily games of pickleball, a popular activity among fellow guests (who probably never won a game off her).

Among all the excursions (they booked both Silversea included tours and some private options), Mindy’s favorite was a visit to a family-owned orange grove in Valencia. This experience went beyond a simple tour…it felt like a connection to the very soul of the region. The visit showcased not just the agricultural heritage of the area, but the warmth and authenticity of the people who call it home.

Overall, the ship, service, itinerary, and overall attention to detail created a truly luxurious and memorable voyage.

Trip Review: Family Cruising in the Med

This past May, the Gaugler family—parents and three young adults—came together from across the U.S. to enjoy a memorable Mediterranean cruise. Their journey began at JFK, where they flew to Athens and stayed at The Modernist Athens Hotel in the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood, benefiting from perks via Tablet Hotels. This boutique hotel, housed in a former Canadian embassy, provided a chic and comfortable start to their trip.

Their first day in Athens included a privately guided four-hour walking and orientation tour, followed by an early morning exploration of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum the next day. Afterward, they headed to Piraeus to board the Sun Princess, a newly debuted ship.  They stayed in two balcony cabins. They opted for the Princess Plus package, which they found worthwhile for its inclusion of drinks, desserts, fitness classes, Wi-Fi, and gratuities—though the limited package availability in their triple cabin proved a slight inconvenience. Despite this, they found the ship fabulous and cherished their sea days spent relaxing or exploring onboard activities.

At each port, they chose mostly privately guided tours tailored to their interests. Highlights included:

• Visiting the ruins of Delos while docked in Mykonos.
• Exploring Kotor and Budva from Montenegro’s new port of Bar.
• Touring Corfu’s landmarks followed by a delightful lunch in the Old Town.
• Discovering Messina’s charming towns and the Ganzirri Lakes in Sicily.

Their sailing ended in Barcelona where they spent a night at the Renaissance Barcelona in the Eixample neighborhood, enhanced by Marriott Luminous benefits. While in the city, they visited Casa Batlló, marveling at its newly restored façade, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of Barcelona.

The family described the trip as seamless and perfectly organized, despite the complexity of coordinating flights, transfers, hotels, and tours. Corfu and Barcelona stood out as their favorite destinations, leaving them eager to return for further exploration.

Travel Tip: Tourist Information

In most major cities, local or national tourist bureaus establish offices, kiosks, or information centers to assist travelers. These resources often provide free maps, various discounts, and valuable insider tips, including recommendations for dining, special events, and local attractions. They’re a fantastic resource to enhance your trip—don’t miss out on stopping by!

Travel Tip: Aviation Consumer Protections

With the busy summer travel season approaching, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your rights as an air traveler. The Aviation Consumer Protection website provides detailed information on the protections available to you during air travel, covering areas like refunds, delays, cancellations, and more.

Key Areas of Protection

1. Refunds
   • Airlines must refund ticket costs in certain cases, such as flight cancellations or significant delays.
2. Flight Delays and Cancellations
   • When delays or cancellations are within the airline’s control, they are required to provide assistance and, in some cases, compensation.
3. Bumping and Oversales
   • Airlines must follow specific rules when overselling flights, including offering voluntary compensation for passengers who agree to take a later flight.
4. Disability Accommodations
   • Airlines must provide reasonable accommodations for passengers with disabilities and are prohibited from discrimination.
5. Tarmac Delays
   • Airlines have strict limits on how long they can keep passengers on the tarmac without deplaning.
6. Baggage Handling
   • Airlines are responsible for checked baggage and must compensate for lost, delayed, or damaged items.
7. Discrimination Protections
   • Airlines cannot discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or ancestry.
8. Additional Protections
   • Consumer protections extend to ticket purchases, family seating, frequent flyer programs, charter flights, and privacy concerns.

For more details or to file a complaint, visit Aviation Consumer Protection. Stay informed and travel confidently this summer!

Trip Review: A Deer Valley Ski Adventure

This winter, the Silverstein family—three generations from Florida and North Carolina—gathered at Deer Valley for an unforgettable and annual ski vacation. The group of 10 with 6 adults and 4 children ages 1-6 faced a last-minute challenge when a water leak rendered their original Park City rental unusable. Thankfully, Villas of Distinction and their local rental company swiftly found a new home that met their needs: a spacious retreat in the exclusive Deer Crest Estates in nearby Deer Valley.

Nestled in a gated community, the new rental provided private ski-in/ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort’s slopes, stunning views, and proximity to Main Street. The spacious home featured a hot tub, personal theater, and game room—perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. While the property showed minor wear, it offered ample space for everyone to relax and enjoy each other.

The trip focused on skiing, a highlight for the younger generation and excellent ski conditions for the more seasoned adult skiers. The family’s school-aged children, ages 5 and 6, loved their ski school experience so much they were in tears when it was time to leave—a sure sign of a successful adventure and newly honed skills for future trips.

To make the trip more seamless, the family rented SUVs on arrival; so they could easily get around town for dining and visiting an indoor play area with all the children one day.  They also relied on Baby Quip rentals to ensure their youngest members had everything they needed. Meanwhile, Ski Butlers provided convenient ski rental delivery, streamlining the preparation for their days on the slopes.

The Silverstein’s Deer Valley getaway showcased the magic of a well-coordinated family vacation, complete with unforgettable memories across generations.

Trip Review: Festive Europe

The Boghosian Family of Swarthmore, PA enjoyed an enchanting winter getaway filled with German and Austrian holiday traditions. Their six-night journey included stops in Munich and Salzburg, with two adults and two children, aged 12 and 15, in tow.

The adventure began with a three-night stay at the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski in Munich. This historic luxury hotel, established in 1858 and located on the prestigious Maximilianstrasse, offered the family premier accommodations with Virtuoso benefits. They found the rooms impeccably clean, comfortable, and quiet, and especially appreciated unwinding with drinks in the elegant lobby lounge after their daily explorations. Munich’s highlights included breathtaking views from St. Peter’s Church, the grandeur of Nymphenburg Palace, and the enchanting Christmas markets, especially those at Marienplatz and the Munich Residenz.

From Munich, they took a brief two-hour train ride to Salzburg, where they stayed for three nights at the IMLAUER Hotel Pitter. This deluxe, family-owned property, situated across from Mirabell Palace & Gardens, has been welcoming guests since 1864 and recently underwent renovations. The Boghosians stayed in two classic rooms with breakfast included, enjoying the hotel’s central location and modern amenities.

Their Salzburg experience kicked off with a magical Christmas classical music concert and dinner at the historic Fortress Hohensalzburg, a 900-year-old venue accessed by funicular. The family raved about the talented musicians and the delightful dinner, although they noted the lack of ventilation in the concert hall as a slight drawback during peak cold and flu season.

The festive charm of Salzburg captivated them as they explored the bustling Christmas markets on December 24 and 25, complete with pop-up choral performances near the cathedral. Christmas Eve dinner at Pitter Keller impressed them with its delicious cuisine and excellent service. Another highlight was the Hellbrunn Palace Market, which transformed the palace courtyard into a fairy-tale setting adorned with 400 conifers, 13,000 red ornaments, and twinkling lights. The family found this market particularly enchanting. Throughout their trip, they indulged in an array of German delicacies and dined at some exceptional restaurants, with the vibrant atmosphere of the Christmas markets and the stunningly decorated cathedrals standing out as trip highlights. A train back through Munich afforded a non-stop flight home. 

Travel Tip: Eurostar VIP Services

Well’Com is a new and premium service designed to elevate your Eurostar train travel experience with VIP Meet & Greet, Luggage Porter services, and private transfers. Available in Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Brussels, this service lets you select any or all options for a stress-free journey.

For departures, a Well’Com team member will meet you curbside to assist with luggage, guide you through check-in, immigration, and security, and escort you to the lounge and from there to the train.

For arrivals, a dedicated greeter will meet you at the train door, handle your luggage, and ensure a smooth transition to your private driver.

Book both departure and arrival VIP services to enjoy an exclusive discount, making seamless travel even more rewarding.