Norway by Disney
Adventures by Disney is offering a new tour of Norway based on the new Disney animated feature film “Frozen.” The tour features activities derived from the adventures of the film’s main character Anna, who sets off to find her sister Elsa and save her kingdom from being stuck in an eternal winter. The program features an eight-day, seven-night itinerary that includes visits to the Norwegian villages of Bergen, Flam, Geiranger and Oslo, with activities designed to accommodate the needs, interests and traveling styles of multiple generations traveling together. Bergen is the model for the film’s fictional kingdom of Arendelle. Your family will meet local storytellers, fishermen and farmers on the trip, travel by speedboat in Norwegian fjords, visit the capital city of Oslo, take a rafting trip on the Voss River, learn about Norwegian folk dance, visit glaciers and waterfalls and participate in trout fishing.
Ireland Family Discovery
Collette Vacations recently launched a new seven night Ireland Family Discovery tour,
an immersive experience designed to delight multiple generations. Your family will enjoy two nights in Dublin, two nights in Killarney and 3 nights in County Clare. The tour includes a guided tour of Dublin onboard the Viking Splash amphibious vehicle, train to County Cork, kissing of the Blarney Stone and an organized scavenger hunt within the gardens of Dromoland Castle. Other highlights are a “Taste of Ireland” dinner, visit to the Gap of Dunloe, King John’s Castle, Cliffs of Moher, visiting a local farm with cooking class, Dromoland Castle falconry demonstration and Medieval banquet. Two of the summer departures are already sold-out; so it’s wise to book now for other available summer dates (June 21, July 14 and August 2) or plan for an April 18, 2015 trip! Rates include 12 meals and start at $2,149/adult and $1,399/child 14 and under depending on your room configurations.
Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem
The new Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem will be opening in May 2014. The hotel is located at the intersection of King David, Agron and Mamila Streets just a short walk from the Jaffa Gate and the Old City. The hotel was originally built in 1929 with an ornately carved façade that was meant to be a showpiece of Arab architecture in Jerusalem. It has been extensively renovated and will house 226 rooms, three restaurants featuring local products, a rooftop bar, spa with indoor pool and a massive ballroom as well as 30 private residences. Waldorf Astoria hotels are part of the Hilton family.
Safaris in South Africa
South African Airways Vacations debuted a series of new family safaris that start at $3,398 per person including transatlantic air. The eight-day Best of South Africa includes three nights in Cape Town and three nights on safari at one of four safari lodges. The stay in Cape Town includes a choice of tours of the area. The safari portion includes twice-daily game drives to observe African wildlife in the bush. Packages can be custom-built with optional activities and excursions including junior tracker and ranger training programs, travel through the Cape Garden Route and a visit to Victoria Falls in Zambia. Save $125 per person when purchased by October 15.
San Miguel Rosewood
The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is offering a family package that includes accommodation, 25 percent off your second 
room, 10 percent off spa treatments and American breakfast at the 1826 Restaurant. Plus two children under the age of eight eat free from the children menu when dining with parents. Big kids need a night out? The hotel will provide two complimentary hours of babysitting during your stay while you explore San Miguel. The package is valid through 2013. San Miguel del Allende is an enchanting artists’ village nestled in the mountains north of Mexico City with handsome colonial villas, cobblestone lanes and church spires. The Rosewood is cradled within the historical heart of downtown with 67 beautifully appointed accommodations, spa, signature restaurants, a rooftop lounge, pools, outdoor amphitheater, art concierge and luxury residences.
Austin Adds Destinations
For 2014, Austin Adventures is adding new family programs in Montana, Belize, Australia and Botswana to their list of 33 
exciting family adventure tour options. Their family programs provide an extra guide and van, special equipment (such as tag-along bikes) and separate activities for children; so adults can have some “down time.” The trips have plenty of options and flexibility with the perfect blend of cross-generational activity, R&R, comfort and adventure to satisfy adventurers of all ages. They are tailored to appeal to families with children ages 7 and up (5 and up in Costa Rica and 6 and up in Yellowstone). National park concessionaire Xanterra is slated to purchase Austin Adventures shortly which will provide a wider range of variety with their national park programs.
Ritz Carlton in Israel
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company will open its first hotel in Israel before the end of the year in Herzliya, a Mediterranean seacoast town north of Tel Aviv with a growing technology sector. The new The Ritz-Carlton is located on the Herzliya Marina overlooking the ocean. The property has 197 rooms, including 82 suites, all with ocean views. The hotel’s spa and fitness center also have ocean views and the pool will be on the rooftop. Sailing, surfing and other water sports are available near the hotel. The hotel’s Herbet Samuel restaurant will feature a kosher menu by Chef Yonathon Roshfeld with Israeli and international wines. Ritz Carlton Residences will take up the top six floors with spacious studios, one- and two-bedroom units, duplexes and penthouses.
Get More in London
Your family can stay right next to royalty at Buckingham Palace at The Rubens hotel in London. 
With their Get More for Your Family package, you will get two nights of accommodations in guaranteed connecting or adjoining rooms and buffet breakfast daily. Also choose between a complimentary family dinner at Old Masters Restaurant, a pastry chef experience for kids, princes and princesses afternoon tea overlooking the royal mews or a family picnic. The Rubens loves to help kids feel welcome, and provides your children with stickers and coloring books, evening turndown with milk and a treat, and more. The package is valid until December 31.
Catering to Teens
A variety of hotels around the world have your teen in mind with special rooms, services and amenities. Scotland’s Gleneagles Hotel, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, recently debuted three teen guest rooms. These private attic spaces have a large lounge and come fully loaded with teen-friendly amenities like Playstations and iPod docks. Rooms are separate from the parents’ accommodations to give both parents and teens a break from each other. The property also has a handful of handful of family rooms with bunk beds for younger children. In Australia, the Marriott chain plans to hire virtual “teen concierges” to help build city guides for their peers staying in properties in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Travel tips will be written by teens for teens on social media platforms. “This City, My Way,” is set to debut in September. On-site teen concierges will be available during the school breaks. And at the Four Seasons Marrakech, adolescents have their own Young Adult Centre reserved for 13-to-17-year-olds who can watch movies, play video games on the Wii and PlayStation, and have free reign over the ping pong, foosball, and pool tables.
Ski Europe with Club Med
Club Med wants your family to discover the untamed, natural beauty and grandeur of the French Alps, one of the world’s 
most popular ski destinations. Your family can enjoy exclusive air-included packages from select gateways for as little as $2,899/person. Your package includes round-trip flights to Geneva, transfers from the airport to the resort and back, lift tickets, professional ski lessons from the French Ski School instructors, accommodations, dining and all-day snacks, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages day and night, access to a range of non-ski sports and lessons, Children’s Clubs from 4 years old, an indoor or outdoor pool and live nightly entertainment. Club Med makes skiing in Europe simple!
