Luxury Montana Ranch

Looking for an upscale ranch experience?  Check out The Resort at Paw’s Up which offers a variety of 3-, 4- and 5-night family packages.  All of the packages  (Familymoon, Family Values, Family Glamping and Spring Break) include your lodging, all meals and airport transfers.  Added benefits vary by package and may include daily activities, a Chuckwagon dinner, cattle drive, kids camp and more.  This 37,000 acre working cattle ranch is 45 minutes east of Missoula with upscale accommodations in both homes and tents.  The homes feature full kitchens, loft game room, three spacious master suites and private deck.   The one and two bedroom tents (for glamping=glamorous camping) have king size beds, fine linens, wall art, electricity, bathroom, fireplace, daily housekeeping and your own personal luxury camping butler!  Horseback riding, wagon rides, guided hikes, pony rides, river rafting, mountain biking, archery, ATV tours, sporting clays, hot air balloon rides and more will keep your family active.  The kids camp for ages 5-12 runs for full or half days and a Junior Wrangler program has full-day programs at the Saddle Club for age 8-14.

Disney Goes Hollywood

Adventures by Disney unveiled a new Southern California group excursion called Lights…Camera…Magic! which can be added to your Disneyland vacation (including room only reservations). Immerse your family in the magic of Disney and the history of Hollywood. You will live the Disney legacy beginning with a special tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA. The story of The Walt Disney Company comes to life as you tour the historic Studio Lot, explore the Disney Archives, shop at the Studio Store and enjoy lunch at the Studio Commissary.  Then go behind the scenes for a private visit to the famed Grauman’s Chinese Theater or the Kodak Theater, home to the Academy Awards, and explore Hollywood Boulevard. Later, the tour takes a drive down the legendary Sunset Strip to Beverly Hills, where you can stroll along Rodeo Drive. Then, it’s off to famed Malibu for a reception at Gladstone’s beachfront restaurant, a celebrity favorite. As with all Adventures By Disney excursions, the tour will be guided by two Disney-trained adventure guides who treat guests to VIP attention and “magical moments,” including fun Junior Adventurer activities designed especially for younger children.  The rate is $199/adult and $189/child (age 4-9) which includes coach bus transportation, lunch, appetizers and drinks. The tour is available through March 2.

Twilight Tour

Twilight fans will appreciate Clipper Vacations’ Olympic Loop “Twilight” Tour featuring sightseeing in Forks and La Push, Washington. This 3-day/2-night, self-guided tour has your family exploring many areas mentioned in the series all around Port Angeles, Forks and La Push. You can visit the various shops and areas within Port Angeles where Bella and Edward walked; or visit Forks to see the police station and Forks Community Hospital, where Bella’s father and Dr. Cullen work, respectively.  You can also visit the beach where Bella learns the truth about Edward, and the surrounding forests where Jake often patrolled for stray vampires.  Accommodations are included at either the Kalaloch Lodge in Forks or Lake Quinault Lodge in nearby Quinault. Standard rates start at $166/person double per night.  Rental cars, ferry packages (including from Vancouver), and extensions with additional accommodations are also available.

New from Shoretrips

We are excited to announce that Shoretrips, our choice for cruise excursions, is adding shared and guided van tours in Europe for next year.  Previously only private tours were available which in Europe can be quite pricey.  The shared van tours hold up to 8 people and are perfect for first time visitors.  Van excursions are available in Cannes, Marseilles, Nice and Villefranche, France (as well as Paris for non-cruisers); Athens, Greece; Rome, La Spezia, Livorno and Naples, Italy; St. Petersburg, Russia; Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Spain and Kusadasi, Turkey.  Shoretrips is also adding tours in Australia, Asia and Dubai as the cruise lines expand service or the size of ships in all of these exciting regions.

Get Slimed on NCL

Norwegian Cruise Line is extending the Nickelodeon family entertainment to a third ship, the Norwegian Gem, beginning in February. Each cruise will feature a live Nickelodeon-themed show in the main theater, Nick Live Poolside! with games and activities by the pool, character breakfast with characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora’s Dance Party. Other family activities include Nick Jr. Story Time, family trivia and arts and crafts sessions.  The ship is sailing seven-day Bahamas and Florida voyages from New York City through September 1. Ports of call include Port Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau.  Nickelodeon-themed shows and activities were first introduced in April 2010 on Norwegian Jewel and in July 2010 on Norwegian Epic.

Behind the Scenes with Celebrity

Junior Alaka’i Nalu

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on The Big Island of Hawaii  is showcasing a unique program for active and ocean loving children and teens ages 10-17.  In this 3-day program participants will learn the basics of first aid, CPR, pool and ocean safety, rescue skills (including jet ski rescue), two-person and six-person traditional outrigger canoe training, snorkeling, fishing and more. Graduates receive an official certificate of completion.  The resort has several valuable promotions as well. Get a second room for family or friends at half price for a minimum stay of four nights.  Your two rooms do not have the be in the same category, but booked together for the same dates.  Or book a suite for five nights or more and receive a $1,000 resort credit.  The credit can be used towards almost anything, from recreation to spa services or romantic dinner – anything that you can charge to your suite.   The Four Seasons Hualalai is a natural tropical paradise with newly expanded spa, beachfront dining, new deluxe suites, Jack Nicklaus signature golf, gym with fitness classes, full tennis program, children’s camp (ages 5-12), teen center, rock climbing wall, surf lessons, family dinners on the beach and more.  Their Hawaiian Cultural center runs exciting and educational programming such as star gazing, ukulele and Hawaiian language lessons, local crafts and hula classes.

Apple App

Apple Vacations has created an On The Go mobile app for iPhone and Android cell phones.  When traveling to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, the app will allow unlimited calling to any U.S. number, unlimited text/messaging, unlimited posts and discounts on excursions.  You can also check flight status, weather and destination activities and also download your itinerary from WiFi hotspots at hotels, resorts and other locations.  The price is currently $14.99.  Guests staying in preferred club rooms and suites at Secrets, Dreams and Now Resorts and Spas as well as well at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita get the app for free.  The app will be available throughout Mexico and the Caribbean soon.

Meal Plan at Mayakoba

Save 25 percent off unlimited food and beverage packages at the luxurious Fairmont Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.  Your package includes your accommodation in a room or suite, unlimited all day meal service at La Laguna, Las Brisas (AAA 4-Diamond Award), the Lobby Lounge, beach and pool and unlimited all day beverage service at La Laguna, Las Brisas, the Lobby Lounge, two swim up bars, Tikki bar, pool and beach. Choose from an extensive selection of fine beers, wines and liquor, specialty coffees and teas, soft drinks, juices and more. Packages also include on-property nature walks, bird watching and boat tours, complimentary use of BMW bikes to tour the property, three hours per day of supervised Kids Club activities for children 4-12 years old, food and beverage gratuities and applicable taxes.  Rates start at $499/night for two adults.  Children up to age five dine for free when accompanied by an adult and selecting from the kids menu.  Children 6-12 years old pay a meal supplement of $59/night and children 13-18  years old pay a meal supplement of $119/night.  Note that black-out dates apply and some specialty food items have a supplement.

Special Israel Tours

From August 7-22, Arza World is offering Israel For Me, a unique tour for eight families with special needs children ages 6-13 that includes five days of day camp at the Shutaf Inclusion Program in Jerusalem.  This exciting tour makes Israel accessible for the whole family with trained staff support at the hotels and tour bus.  The trip includes 14 nights of accommodations, daily breakfast, 5 dinners, 10 days of touring, all entrance fees, rafting on the Jordan River, ziplining, the Sound and Light Show at David’s Citadel and participation in an archeological dig.  Families will also appreciate Arza World’s specially priced air and land tour, Israel 360, that departs June 28-July 6 starting at only $2,572/person with air from New York.  The tour includes four nights in Jerusalem, two nights in the Galilee and one night in Tel Aviv with breakfast daily.  Your family will experience Kabbalat Shabbat services at the Western Wall, a walking tour through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, a guided visit to the Jerusalem Archeological Park, Yad Vashem, jeep tour in the Golan Heights and Ceasarea.  An optional trip to Masada and the Dead Sea can be added. Book early as spaces are limited!

Volunteer Vacations

Considering a volunteer vacation for your next family trip?  United Planet’s 1-12 week trips around the world are also suitable for families.  Teen only programs are also available.  Your trip not only includes volunteering, transfers, accommodations and meals, but excursions and cultural activities.  Optional excursions can also be added.  You also receive extensive pre-departure training, a full orientation on arrival with a local United Planet coordinator, language lessons in some destinations and travel insurance.  Here is your chance to live and work in a local community and give back to those in need.  Projects take place in Cambodia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Romania, South Africa, Tanzania, Tibet as well as in the USA. For families with younger children, volunteer work in orphanages in Romania, Peru, Chile, and Nepal are ideal.  Families can also teach English; contribute to environmental preservation; and more!  Accommodations can be a homestay, hotel, hostel or guest house depending on the location and number of people traveling.  Family discounts include a second parent and children 12 and over for 10 percent off while children under age 12 pay half.  Travel with friends, extended family, religious groups, school groups, etc. can also be arranged.  Program costs are also tax deductible.  Your family can also apply for scholarships and grants to help offset your travel costs.

Ski Banff

Through May 27, your family can ski and play for free at The Fairmont Banff Springs.  Your package includes deluxe accommodations and tri-area ski passes for  up to two adults and two children, per room, per night, valid at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Ski Banff at Norquay or a $200 CAD in resort credit in place of each ski day.  Shuttle service between the ski hill and The Fairmont Banff Springs, complimentary ski and snowboard storage, 15 percent off equipment rentals and milk and cookies in the room on arrival are also included.  Plus kids five and under eat free and family pets are welcome. Rates start at only CAD $339 with a minimum three-night stay. This majestic castle in The Rockies is located in the heart of Banff National Park.  Other winter activities abound include dog sledding, canyon ice walks, ice fishing, skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and curling!  The resort also features bowling, spa, kids club (age 6-13),  indoor and outdoor pool and more.

Travel Tip

The Family Traveler is happy to announce our affiliation with Little Passports, a company started by two moms who created the program to expose their young children to world culture.  A topic dear to our hearts.  Through characters Sophia and Sam, your children can learn about a different country each month and shorter subscriptions are also available.   Little Passports is ideal for children ages 5-10.  Each global adventure package includes a letter addressed to your child from Sam and Sofia, fun souvenirs, an activity sheet, a photo from the country, a passport stamp, a map marker, a suitcase sticker, and a collectible boarding pass to access more online games and activities.  Little Passports souvenirs are fun, memorable and educational. Look for a link to Little Passports on our website soon!

Trip Review

Four generations of the Longwill family from Pennsylvania, Delaware and Florida traveled over the December holidays to the Ritz Carlton in St. Thomas.  While the multi-generational family travels together every year in late December, this year was extra special.  The Family Traveler helped to arrange a vow renewal ceremony to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Longwill.   On their exact anniversary date, the family gathered at The St. Thomas Synagogue.  Built in 1833, it is the second oldest and longest in continuous use under the American flag. The Longwill’s were very impressed with the facilities including mahogany pews and the sand covered floor as well the rabbi who conducted the ceremony like a wedding.  The daughters gave away mom and the brother walked his dad down the aisle.  They described the experience as “magical”. While on the island the family rented cars which was great for exploring and going out for meals.  While at the hotel, the children spent most of their time in the water, swimming, and using the non-motorized water vehicles.  The weather was gorgeous and a good time was had by all!