Specials and News

Around the World with The Family Traveler

US/Canada Travel Ideas

Tahoe Gathering

Edgewood Tahoe Resort, nestled on the shores of Lake Tahoe, offers a Family Resort Package perfect for creating unforgettable memories. Enjoy 50% off a second room for your children and a complimentary welcome amenity for the little ones. This package requires only a two-night minimum stay and is available until June 15, then again from September 8 to November 15. As we are member of Virtuoso and Preferred Hotel elite programs, you will receive added perks.

This South Lake Tahoe gem provides everything you need for an idyllic family getaway, including spacious accommodations in rooms and suites.  Larger families and multi-generational groups will appreciate the spacious villas with 2 to 5 bedrooms that were introduced in 2021. The resort brims with activities for all ages, from water sports and nature hikes to kids’ programs, lawn movie nights, golf, and more. Seasonal and holiday events abound.

Cruises

French Family Barging

Luxury barge cruises offer families a unique and intimate way to explore Europe’s charming rivers and canals. This summer, European Waterways is extending special discounts for families and multi-generational groups, including up to 20% off private charters. Highlights of these limited time offers include:

  • 20% off the eight-passenger Anjodi cruising the Canal du Midi in France, with departures on July 20 and August 3. After the discount, whole boat charters are $36,000, saving $9,000 off the original $45,000 price.
  • 20% off the 12-passenger L’Impressionniste in Burgundy, France, departing July 13. Charters are $71,600 after the discount, a $17,900 savings from the original $89,500 price.
  • 20% off the 20-passenger La Bella Vita, cruising through Venice and the Veneto in Italy, departing July 27. The discounted price is $80,800, a $20,000 savings off the original $101,000 price.

Each cruise follows the barge’s Classic Cruise itinerary but allows up to four excursions to be tailored to your family’s preferences. Whether cycling through vineyards, exploring quaint villages, savoring local cuisine, or engaging with regional artisans, the experiences cater to all ages. Unique options include visiting a medieval castle construction project and an interactive museum highlighting the epic clash between Julius Caesar and the Gallic leader Vercingetorix.

European Waterways ensures a family-friendly experience with complimentary amenities such as safety gates, highchairs, cribs, children’s bikes with helmets, and car seats upon request. While parents and grandparents enjoy four-course gourmet meals paired with fine wines, child-friendly menus and flexible mealtimes are thoughtfully provided by the chef.

Tropical Fun

Bali Bound

Relaxing tropical vacations abound in some of the most beautiful and exotic locales around the world.  An episode of this season’s Amazing Race sparked an interest in seeking out family promotions in the beautiful Nusa Dua area of Bali, Indonesia.  There is even a local company offering their own Bali version of the Amazing Race with similar roadblocks and detours as seen on TV! 

The Ritz Carlton, Bali is promoting an elevated Private Paradise Villa Experience with one- to three-bedroom options.  Your family will stay in a gorgeous villa with a private pool where you can even experience the Instagram worthy floating breakfast. With a minimum of a 2-night stay, you will also receive Virtuoso benefits along with a $200 hotel credit, in-villa breakfast, airport transfers, elevated welcome amenities and turn down service, in-villa check-in and 24-hour butler service. The Ritz Kids program is also included with daily indoor and outdoor children’s activities.  Plus daily resort activities abound such as morning ritual, sport activities, yoga, stretching, cooking class or latte art class – based on a daily schedule.  There is also a local shuttle to get around the area for shopping and dining.  This promotion is available to book by December 20th, 2025, for travel through December 28! 

International Exploration

Free Nights in London

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, located in the heart of St. James in London, invites families to experience unparalleled luxury with expanded Virtuoso benefits and a special offer: every third night free through December 19, 2025!

This exclusive promotion also includes:

  • Daily breakfast at Kona restaurant
  • $100 food and beverage credit
  • 20% off signature treatments at the Indian-inspired spa, with access to the gym
  • One-way airport transfer with a minimum four-night stay
  • Complimentary upgrade, subject to availability

Please note: Some blackout dates apply. Once home to the Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen of the Royal Court, this historic property echoes a rich heritage spanning over 400 years, dating back to the time of Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth I.

Families will appreciate the spacious suites, offering up to three bedrooms, full kitchens, living and dining areas, and more than 1,270 square feet of space that sleep up to six guests and include butler service for an elevated experience.

Discover the charm of this storied property while enjoying exceptional amenities and thoughtful touches, making it a perfect choice for your next London adventure.

News

Trip Review: Festive Europe

The Boghosian Family of Swarthmore, PA enjoyed an enchanting winter getaway filled with German and Austrian holiday traditions. Their six-night journey included stops in Munich and Salzburg, with two adults and two children, aged 12 and 15, in tow.

The adventure began with a three-night stay at the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski in Munich. This historic luxury hotel, established in 1858 and located on the prestigious Maximilianstrasse, offered the family premier accommodations with Virtuoso benefits. They found the rooms impeccably clean, comfortable, and quiet, and especially appreciated unwinding with drinks in the elegant lobby lounge after their daily explorations. Munich’s highlights included breathtaking views from St. Peter’s Church, the grandeur of Nymphenburg Palace, and the enchanting Christmas markets, especially those at Marienplatz and the Munich Residenz.

From Munich, they took a brief two-hour train ride to Salzburg, where they stayed for three nights at the IMLAUER Hotel Pitter. This deluxe, family-owned property, situated across from Mirabell Palace & Gardens, has been welcoming guests since 1864 and recently underwent renovations. The Boghosians stayed in two classic rooms with breakfast included, enjoying the hotel’s central location and modern amenities.

Their Salzburg experience kicked off with a magical Christmas classical music concert and dinner at the historic Fortress Hohensalzburg, a 900-year-old venue accessed by funicular. The family raved about the talented musicians and the delightful dinner, although they noted the lack of ventilation in the concert hall as a slight drawback during peak cold and flu season.

The festive charm of Salzburg captivated them as they explored the bustling Christmas markets on December 24 and 25, complete with pop-up choral performances near the cathedral. Christmas Eve dinner at Pitter Keller impressed them with its delicious cuisine and excellent service. Another highlight was the Hellbrunn Palace Market, which transformed the palace courtyard into a fairy-tale setting adorned with 400 conifers, 13,000 red ornaments, and twinkling lights. The family found this market particularly enchanting. Throughout their trip, they indulged in an array of German delicacies and dined at some exceptional restaurants, with the vibrant atmosphere of the Christmas markets and the stunningly decorated cathedrals standing out as trip highlights. A train back through Munich afforded a non-stop flight home. 

Travel Tip: Eurostar VIP Services

Well’Com is a new and premium service designed to elevate your Eurostar train travel experience with VIP Meet & Greet, Luggage Porter services, and private transfers. Available in Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Brussels, this service lets you select any or all options for a stress-free journey.

For departures, a Well’Com team member will meet you curbside to assist with luggage, guide you through check-in, immigration, and security, and escort you to the lounge and from there to the train.

For arrivals, a dedicated greeter will meet you at the train door, handle your luggage, and ensure a smooth transition to your private driver.

Book both departure and arrival VIP services to enjoy an exclusive discount, making seamless travel even more rewarding.