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.

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.

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.

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.