Travel Tip: Japan Airport Automation

Japan is super popular right now.  As a reminder, Japan has streamlined airport arrivals at major hubs like Narita, Haneda, and Kansai by expanding digital customs and immigration. By utilizing the Visit Japan Web portal, you can now complete paperwork in advance, generate QR codes, and use new automated joint kiosks and e-Gates to bypass traditional queues.

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.

Travel Trip: Schengen Immigration

With all Schengen countries now using the new Entry/Exit System, some delays at major European airports are expected this summer. The new biometric registration process (facial scan and fingerprints) can take a bit longer than traditional passport stamping, though once completed, the registration is valid for three years. Some Schengen airports are offering self-service biometric kiosks, so it’s worth looking for those upon arrival. If you are connecting through a Schengen airport, immigration processing takes place in yourfirst country of arrival,even if you are only in transit. At many airports, we can arrange an expedited VIP arrival service that may help streamline the process. Let us know if you’d like pricing. Sweden and Portugal are already using a new app-based processing system, and hopefully other countries will follow soon.

Travel Tip: Global Entry Update

While Global Entry may be temporarily suspended due to the partial government shutdown, we’re optimistic that it will resume soon.

In the meantime, it’s helpful to remember that once service is restored, using the Global Entry Mobile App can make the arrival process even faster. The app allows you to confirm your arrival airport, take a live selfie for biometric verification, and complete your customs declaration directly from your phone.

At many airports, travelers who submit through the app can use a designated mobile entry lane, which is often even shorter than the standard Global Entry kiosk line saving you additional time when clearing passport control.

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.

Travel Tip: Know Your Flight Rights

Check out  https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard for the most updated information about your rights as an airline passenger. Their dashboards below provide information on the airlines’ commitments to families flying with young children and customers experiencing significant flight disruptions due to circumstances within the airline’s control. DOT encourages airlines to continue to strengthen their customer commitments and DOT will update and expand these dashboards as needed.

Travel Tip: Touchless ID

TSA’s Touchless ID program is rolling out at more major U.S. airports, making the security experience faster and more seamless for eligible travelers. Available to select TSA PreCheck members, Touchless ID allows you to verify your identity using facial recognition with no need to present a physical ID or boarding pass at designated checkpoints. You simply opt in through your airline profile, and a live photo is matched to your passport or Global Entry image already on file. The program is expanding across key hubs with all the major US airlines, and while participation is optional, it’s quickly becoming a convenient perk for frequent flyers. You should still carry a physical ID, as it may be required in non-participating lanes or as a backup.

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.