Travel Tip: TSA Updates

The Families on the Fly program from DHS and TSA is designed to make airport screening easier for families with children. Key features include dedicated family lanes at select airports allowing more space for strollers, diaper bags, and carriers. The program is now available at 13 airports around the country. For a limited time, enroll in TSA PreCheck and get $15 off the second enrollment when two family members sign up together. Children 17 and under are free!

Another development is the TSA Digital ID that allows you to use your digital driver’s license or state ID via apps like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet at over 250 airports. This process uses facial comparison technology for verification, but you must still carry a physical ID for verification while they streamline this method. To use a digital ID, add your state-issued ID to a digital wallet app, ensure it is from a participating state, and be prepared to present both the digital and physical versions at checkpoints. 

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.

Trip Review: A Skip-Gen Disney Cruise

What could be better than taking your grandsons (ages 5 and 7) on their very first Disney Cruise? We can’t think of a thing!

This August, the skip-gen Silverstein family from Parkland, FL, and Raleigh, NC, set sail from Ft. Lauderdale’s Port Everglades aboard the Disney Dream for a 4-night Bahamas cruise. Their connecting balcony cabins gave everyone the perfect mix of space, comfort, and importantly enough bathrooms!  We love that Disney also splits the bathing area from the toilet area on their ships.

Their first stop was Nassau, where they had booked a Disney excursion to Atlantis for the famous waterpark experience. But when lightning struck (literally), the excursion was canceled. Undeterred, the family hopped in a taxi and headed to Atlantis on their own, exploring The Dig, the resort’s incredible aquarium inspired by the lost city of Atlantis. The boys were mesmerized by the vibrant marine life. Lunch at Shake Shack, inside the aquarium, was another highlight especially when the large fish and sharks swam right up to the glass beside their table. Arriving early paid off with a perfect view!

Next came Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, where the boys loved snorkeling in the crystal-clear water with pop-pop after finding lounge chairs by the shore. Back on board, the family dove into Disney’s Midship Detective Agency, a ship wide interactive game that turns families into sleuths. The mission? Solve the mystery of the missing 99 Dalmatian puppies! Was it Cruella de Vil or one of six other mischievous Disney villains?

The boys also enjoyed the ship’s pools and waterslides, and even mom-mom joined in the fun, braving the tunnel slide with her older grandson (the younger one’s turn will come next time!). Pop-pop, meanwhile, enjoyed the quieter corners of the ship and appreciated the cruiseline’s thoughtful touches like wagons available for the longer walks at Castaway Cay.  They all enjoyed the food!

It was a magical multigenerational adventure filled with Disney fun, family laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Travel Tip: Argentina’s New Requirement

All non-resident foreign travelers entering Argentina must now have travel medical insurance, as mandated by Decree 366/2025. The requirement applies at all entry points, including airports, border crossings, and ports. The insurance policy must provide coverage for medical and hospital care, accidents or illnesses, 24/7 emergency assistance, COVID-19 treatment, the traveler’s full stay, and evacuation or repatriation. 

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!