Trip Review: Jen’s Low Country Getaway
The Family Traveler’s Jen and husband Ken explored The Netherlands and Belgium this past July. Their adventure began in Amsterdam, where they stayed at the stylish W Amsterdam which is centrally located to see all the city sights. Although the weather was a little too chilly for them to enjoy the panoramic rooftop pool, they certainly made the most of their time in the city.
Their Amsterdam exploration included visits to the Van Gogh Museum, the Rembrandt House Museum, and the Anne Frank House, which they found especially informative and memorable. They also enjoyed a small-group, half-day excursion to Zaanse Schans booked through Project Expedition, where they saw the Netherlands’ iconic windmills and enjoyed demonstrations of traditional cheese- and wooden-clog-making, along with plenty of delicious food tastings. An Amsterdam canal cruise with an open bar was another fantastic experience and a definite highlight of their stay.
Food was a major part of the Amsterdam experience, too. Jen and Ken enjoyed memorable dinners at Lucius and Bougainville and absolutely loved the pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam!
From Amsterdam, they went on to Belgium, traveling by private transfer with Daytrip. They stayed at the Ghent Marriott Hotel situated directly along the historic Korenlei quay overlooking the River Lys in the heart the old city center and The Dominican centrally located in Brussels. They loved both properties.
In Ghent, they enjoyed a private walking tour booked through Get Your Guide before heading to Bruges for a private tour with Tours By Locals. Both guides were excellent, but their Bruges guide was an exceptional highlight. His fascinating insights and impressive depth of knowledge brought the city to life. He also recommended lunch at Le Mystique at Hotel Heritage, which turned out to be a particularly memorable meal. They also enjoyed another beautiful canal cruise in Bruges.
In Brussels, Jen and Ken explored independently, taking in the major sights and soaking up the atmosphere of the city. Highlights included a tour of NATO Headquarters and a visit to the Royal Palace of Brussels.
And, of course, the food continued to be a highlight throughout Belgium! They enjoyed memorable meals at Le Homard Rouge and Le Marmiton. Ken especially loved the mussels, while both made sure to indulge in plenty of Belgium’s famous fries along the way.
Throughout their journey in both the Netherlands and Belgium, they also loved sampling the local beers and chocolates and browsing the local shops. One of their most exciting purchases was a piece of artwork by local Ghent artist Johan Lootens which was a wonderful way to bring a little piece of their European adventure home with them.
The architecture throughout the trip was another highlight for Jen and Ken. They particularly enjoyed seeing the variety of architectural styles across the different cities, from Amsterdam’s distinctive historic canal houses to the beautiful and character-filled buildings of Ghent, Bruges, and Brussels. Each city offered its own unique architectural personality and added another fascinating dimension to their travels.
Breakfast at all of their hotels was delicious and provided the perfect start to each day of exploring. From museums and historic sites to private tours, canals, incredible food, local beer and chocolate, and discovering unique artwork, Jen and Ken’s July adventure through Amsterdam, Ghent, Bruges, and Brussels was filled with memorable experiences from beginning to end.
Trip Review: An Italian Art Adventure
The Gottlieb family from Jacksonville, FL, grandparents traveling with their 18-year-old grandson, celebrated his high school graduation with a special arts-focused journey through Italy. Their itinerary included Rome, Florence and Venice, making it an ideal first Italian adventure as a multigenerational family.
Their trip began with two nights at Singer Palace Rome, where they especially loved the warm and welcoming staff. In Rome, they enjoyed a variety of private half-day tours of the Colosseum area, the Jewish Ghetto and the Vatican. They were particularly impressed with their guide for Jewish Rome but noted that every guide throughout the trip was outstanding, sharing not only their knowledge but also their genuine love for their city and its history.
On their journey north, they stopped in Siena for a privately guided tour of this beautiful medieval city, followed by lunch before continuing to Florence. Their three-night stay at Grand Hotel Minerva was enjoyable, especially the rooftop bar with its spectacular panoramic views of Florence.
Their private and eclectic half day tour experiences in Florence included a city highlights tour, visits to the city’s renowned art museums and a fascinating artisan tour featuring traditional workshops for paper making, goldsmithing and mosaics. The family told us the artisan experience was a real treat and one of the unexpected highlights of the trip. To cap off their Florence stay, they enjoyed a memorable pasta and tiramisu-making class in a chef’s home, which doubled as a delicious and memorable dinner.
From Florence, the family traveled by train to Venice, where they spent two nights at Violino d’Oro Venezia, ideally located right on a canal. They loved the hotel’s unique layout, which spans three interconnected buildings…a maze they quickly learned to navigate! In Venice, they capped off a great trip with several more half day tours of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and also a private boat excursion to the islands of Murano and Burano. Here they met local lace and glass artisans and even participated in a private glassmaking workshop. Their Italian adventure came to a colorful close with a Venetian mask-painting workshop. And a private canal boat ride back to the airport for their trip home.
The Gottlieb family’s trip is a perfect example of why custom travel is such a wonderful way to experience the world as a family. Every element was thoughtfully chosen around their interests, ages and budget, creating a trip that felt personal and meaningful to everyone. It was certainly jammed pack, but worthwhile for the amount of time they wanted to travel. And, as they told us, “Every little detail turned out just over the top!”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
