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The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe: Ski Paradise for Families

Today I am going to write about a amazing ski resort. Now it may seem strange that I am covering this topic when most people are pretty tired of cold weather and eagerly waiting for summer. But the fact remains, if you want to plan a family ski vacation for next Christmas or winter break, you need to think about booking it now!

There are many great ski destinations, but I have admit I am biased towards California, and specifically Lake Tahoe. The views, great weather, and abundance of local activities are hard to beat. And now families have a great option for a luxury ski vacation which will please all ages: The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe.

This relatively new resort (opened December 2009) was not quite what I expected. It being a mountain lodge, I anticipated a rustic décor, including knotty pine, antlers, and Native American textiles. The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe does rely heavily on outdoor themes, featuring wood, water, and granite throughout the property, but it’s done in a simple, modern style with clean lines and earth tones.

Despite its modest size, only 170 rooms & suites, it offers all the services & amenities of any large resort. And perched high on the mountain above Northstar Village, it has spectacular views and true ski in/ski out access. It is literally surrounded by ski runs, and from every vantage point in the hotel (fitness center, spa, meeting space, rooms, or club lounge), skiers can be seen zipping down the slopes.

My favorite feature is the ski valet. Guests check their gear with the valet for the duration of their stay, then when ready to ski simply call ahead to have everything ready & waiting for them. Even their boots will be warmed up! Beginning skiers can hitch a ride with “The Sherpa” to mid-mountain for lessons or to access easier trails and the cross country area. (I really like cross-country skiing at Northstar. Because the trails are up on the mountain, you can get great views easy on the easy trails.)
After a day on the slopes, guests can relax in the The Living Room, with floor to ceiling windows, a large central fireplace, and bar. There is a fire pit on the terrace, with live music occasionally, and guests can purchase a s’mores kit. And the family pool is maintained at 92F in winter, offering comfortable swimming year round. For guests who want to go out, a gondola runs to the Village for shopping, dining, ice skating, and more entertainment. Staying in? Try the “Experiential Shower” in their beautiful spa, which is included in the resort fee.


All rooms are spacious, but best for families are the one bedroom suites, which have a king bed, and separate living room with sofa bed. And there are two full baths with showers, making it easy for the whole family to get cleaned up quickly after a day of skiing. All the suites connect to a room with 2 queen beds, great options for larger families, or those traveling with grandparents.


The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe is also a great warm weather destination, with plenty of outdoor activities in the area, from fishing & kayaking to hiking and cycling. You can even take the ski lift to the top of the mountain!

To get the best rates and amenities, such as complimentary breakfast and an upgrade (based on availability), contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Family Feeding Frenzy

When airlines quit serving meals, many travelers felt annoyed and inconvenienced. As a mother of two rapidly growing children, I was truly alarmed. How in the world was I going to keep my kids fed on long flights? Because as every parent knows, a hungry child is a an extremely grumpy child!

On vacation last summer, we faced one of the longest flights we have ever been on as a family: 7 hours nonstop from Puerto Rico to California. And my son, almost 13 yrs old, was an eating machine.



As my husband and I were packing up the night before our flight home, we surveyed the kitchen of our villa, wondering what to do with the sandwich supplies we had purchased with good intentions, but never got around to eating. We could certainly make sandwiches to take on the plane, but how were we going to carry them?

Then my husband had a brilliant idea. With the help of our son, he emptied the entire loaf of bread onto the counter and set up a sandwich-making assembly line. In no time they had a dozen ham, turkey, and cheese sandwiches made, which he then restacked and inserted back into the bread bag. We tied it up, stuck it in the refrigerator, and it was ready to go the next morning.


As we walked through the airport with our “loaf” I am sure we got a few stares. (And we did receive a bit of extra attention from a sniffer dog at San Juan International Airport. The DEA agent actually had to encourage him to move away from us.) But I bet some of those looks turned to envy as we pulled what seemed to be an endless supply of sandwiches out of that bag throughout the flight.

We have a trip to France coming up in April, our first flight will be 10 hours long. So we are already talking about using this same strategy for keeping our kids full during the trip.

Do you have any tips for feeding your kids on long plane rides? What foods have you found pack well and keep kids full? Please post your comments here!

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Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Vancouver

This post is courtesy of Tourism Vancouver.

Vancouver is home to dozens of well-known visitor attractions, activities and landmarks. For visitors and locals that want to steer away from “typical” Vancouver experiences there are plenty of cool things to do that we bet you didn’t know about:

1. Feed, touch and get splashy with a beluga or dolphin during a behind-the-scenes animal encounter at the Vancouver Aquarium.


2. Pitch ‘n putt into the twilight hours surrounded by giant cedars in Stanley Park.

3. Learn about Vancouver’s darker side with the Vancouver Police Museum’s “Sins of the City” walking tour. 4. Ride a tandem bike around the 8.8 kilometre Stanley Park seawall.

5. Sing your heart out at a real Japanese-style karaoke bar.

6. Embark on a self-guided culinary walking tour of Vancouver’s street food scene: sample pulled pork sandwiches, fried oyster po’ boys, steamed pork buns, chanterelle mushroom poutine and duck salad.

7. Zipline between mountains at top speeds of 80 kilometres per hour atop Grouse Mountain.

8. Learn how to master sword arts such as the rapier, side sword, sword and shield, and long sword at Academie Duello.

9. Sample three different types of locally handcrafted sake at Osake on Granville Island.

10. Staying at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver? Take one of their K9 Ambassador dogs for a walk (their names are Beau and Mavis).


Vancouver is a great destination for families in and of itself, but you can also visit before or after an Alaska cruise, or as part of a more extended British Columbia itinerary.


For more information, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.

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The Best Luxury Resort Deals for Families

Here are some great promotions for families offered by luxury resorts and hotels around the world. Some are available only for a limited time, but others can be booked year round (blackout dates may apply).

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, Big Island of Hawaii
Second room 50% off through Dec. 23, 2011. A special note regarding this resort: Even their regular rates are a good value because they offer so many complimentary cultural activities, beach activities. And no charge for parking or internet access either!


Grace Bay Club, Turks & Caicos
Virtuoso promotion through Dec 16: 4th night free, bottle of champagne $100 dining credit, upgrade subject to availability, and daily breakfast for up to 2 guests. A family-friendly resort with Kids Town, an extensive children’s center complete with tree house, and a full roster of excursions, educational programming and kid friendly amenities.

The Goring, London
“Look Under the Pillow” rate of £525.00 per night for a family with up to 2 children 17 and under. Includes two rooms, full breakfast, cookie making with the pastry chef, non-alcoholic cocktail mixing in the bar, Nintendo Wii in the room, homemade cookies & milk at bedtime, bread bag for feeding the ducks, and a kids’ only competition. And of course, a special gift under your pillow! Available select dates Feb through Oct.

Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver
Parents can book a luxurious Executive King Balcony room for themselves, and receive the connecting Superior Twin room with 2 double beds for the kids at 50% off. Includes Virtuoso amenities of daily deluxe Breakfast for 2, $100 spa credit, welcome amenity and upgrade based on availability. This new hotel offers an outdoor infinity pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and complimentary internet.

Ritz Carlton Hotels, New York City
Exclusive for my clients! Stay at Central Park or Battery Park and receive a 3rd night free, full breakfast daily, and a $100 hotel credit. Central Park guests receive guaranteed upgrades in select room categories, and all Battery Park guests will be upgraded to Club Level.


Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
Receive complimentary Club access when booking a suite from Jan 28- Feb 6 and from Feb 25th – March 16. A family friendly hotel on 12 acres of oceanfront property just 5 miles from downtown Miami, offering water sports, 11 tennis courts, a spa, and oceanfront Ritz Kids’ program.

The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Virtuoso Exclusive Experience* is available April 21 – June 19, 2011
Welcome amenity, buffet breakfast for two daily, and free self parking. A family favorite in the upscale Wailea area that has been recently renovated. This all-suite resort features a lagoon pool with a waterslide, a wading pool, and an adult’s only pool. Oceanfront villas with private pools are also available.

Fairmont Southampton or Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Bermuda
Both resorts offering free second room and Explorers Kids Camp is free through April 30. Plus kids eat free from the restaurant children’s menus.

Four Seasons Costa Rica
Fifth night free in rooms, and sixth & seventh night free in villas, through Dec 16. features ladybug & butterfly releases and fish feeding daily. Lots of on-site activities including bocce ball, volleyball, tennis, cycling, and more. A note to families regarding all Four Seasons resorts: The children’s program is always complimentary, and exclusive Preferred Partner amenities for my clients include daily full American breakfast for two, upgrade based on availability, free internet in suites and one amenity of the hotel’s choice (for Costa Rica, it’s a $100 spa credit).

Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort, Riviera Maya
Virtuoso Exclusive Experience available through Pleasant Holidays May 1 – July 5 Includes upgrade upon arrival (if available), welcome bottle of tequila, 20% discount on spa services, roundtrip private airport transfers. A new all-inclusive resort which has been receiving rave reviews from travelers and agents for its spacious family suites, some with private plunge pools.

Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando
Exclusive Harry Potter package including back stage tour of the Hogwarts Castle and early entrance to the theme park. The resort sits on 500 acres of a nature preserve and features ladybug & butterfly releases and fish feeding daily. Lots of on-site activities including bocce ball, volleyball, tennis, cycling, and more.

Hotel Esprit Saint Germain, Paris
Paris for Families offer including connecting Deluxe Rooms, daily breakfast; wine and French cheeses and breads upon arrival; complimentary mini bar in your room; and much more. Virtuoso rates from 700 EU per night for four people for travel March 1 – May 31, 2011.

For help in planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Advisor at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Tips for Teaching Kids to Snorkel

One of my family’s favorite activities is snorkeling, and it’s not uncommon for us to spend several full days in the water when on vacation. My kids started snorkeling when they were very young, so I’d like to share a few tips from our experience.

Don’t forget the sunscreen! Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a nasty sunburn on the back of the legs, back, and shoulders because you didn’t use high SPF, waterproof sunscreen in those exposed locations.

Buy an inexpensive set of snorkel gear before your trip. Have the kids practice using the mask and snorkel in the bathtub or a swimming pool. You can also practice in the hotel pool before heading into the ocean. The first skill they need to master is breathing calmly through the mouthpiece while floating face down.

Pick calm water for your first outing, preferably a lagoon or protected bay. Waves can be intimidating, especially if your child is not a strong swimmer. (For extra safety, have your child wear a life vest, it does not interfere with snorkeling.) Ask a local dive shop for advice. The “best snorkeling spots” in a guidebook aren’t necessarily the easiest. And while you want to see some fish or coral in order to get your child excited, at this point you don’t need anything more exotic.

Make a game of it. In a pool or calm shallow area, make a path for them to follow out of rocks, bright toys that won’t float away, or shells. Encourage them to follow the path to the “treasure” without raising their head from the water. If your child is ready to try diving in snorkel gear, put rocks or pennies on the bottom of a pool for them to retrieve.

Book a guided snorkel tour later rather than earlier in your trip, after your child has time to practice and become comfortable with their gear. This is where having your own set really pays off, as you will save time having to re-adjust new gear for them, and you won’t have meltdowns because the tour company’s gear “feels funny.” (Parents of sensitive kids know what I am talking about. My 13 yr old STILL only tolerates one particular brand of socks.)

Don’t book an open water excursion. It’s can be intimidating even for an adult to jump off a boat and have to tread water while adjusting their mask. And as we learned on our trip to Puerto Rico this summer, it’s even more difficult to get in & out of a kayak in open water! Find a boat trip that lets you off on a beach or anchors in shallow water. If you have any doubts, call the tour company to get more information. Also ask if they have a snorkel raft/kickboard with a window as a backup plan in case your child gets fearful using the mask.
Buy a disposable water camera (I’ve found inexpensive ones at Wal-Mart). Though my daughter has years of experience snorkeling, at times we have been in situations which frightened her, such as a sudden downpour during our aforementioned kayak trip. But when I pointed out fish or pretty coral formations, she became so engrossed in taking pictures she completely forgot her fears. In fact, she pushed me out of the way to get a better shot!

Stay in touch, literally. While snorkeling, it’s hard to see people directly in front or behind. My daughter and I hold hands so we can both relax knowing that we won’t get separated. And nothing is sweeter than holding hands with my little girl as we float silently through a water wonderland.

For help with planning the perfect vacation for your family, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Advisor, at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Las Casitas Village Review (Puerto Rico)

In June we spent 8 nights in Puerto Rico at Las Casitas Village at El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa. With a 13 yr old boy and 10 yr old girl, we need more spacious accommodations when traveling. So when reviewing hotel options for this trip, it was obvious that a villa at Las Casitas was going to be the ideal choice.

(NOTE: These pictures do not do the island justice. A low pressure system which turned into Hurricane Alex after our departure was parked over the island, causing rain & clouds.)

When we checked in, our expectations were exceeded as our casita was absolutely HUGE! It was 1800 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and separate dining area. The master bedroom had a king bed, lots of closet space, and opened to a balcony with table & chairs. The kids’ room had two queen beds and a large dresser, plenty of space to store their clothes. Their bathroom was smaller but had 2 sinks and a tub/shower combo. The living room also had a sofa bed so it could have easily accommodated two more people.
Guests of Las Casitas can use all of the facilities of El Conquistador, but the privileges are not reciprocal, so we always felt like we were members of an exclusive club. Because they are perched on a bluff, both resorts offer beautiful views of the ocean and other islands in the distance. I would highly recommend booking an ocean view casita, as the views were gorgeous. We could see St. Thomas from our balcony on a clear day.
The walk from Las Casitas Village to the main hotel was quite long and involved many steps, so those who are mobility-challenged might find getting around difficult. But there is a shuttle service between the resorts as well, and if it was raining, they would drop you off as close to your casita as possible. I have to admit, I was at first at bit dismayed to see how far we had to walk, but I quickly got over that. It was enjoyable because of the lush landscaping, and the kids could look for geckos and lizards along the way. I also appreciated the extra exercise after indulging in treats all day.
A funicular, or tram, runs from the resort down to the marina, where there were more shops & restaurants, a small water park (additional fee), and a ferry to the resort’s private island. The ferry ride was only 10 min, and it was nice to have exclusive use of a beach, so we didn’t see this as a huge inconvenience. There is also a very nice public beach a few minutes’ drive away.

As villa guests, we had the option of eating at the main hotel buffet, but more often we chose to eat at the small outdoor dining area at Las Casitas. It was rarely crowded and service was more personal, but we had the same buffet and cook to order options. There was a small café next door to the infinity pool, but most dining was at El Conquistador, and there was quite a large selection from casual diners and poolside pizza to four gourmet restaurants.
The casitas are ideal for families traveling together, because of the extra space and conveniences of home. But they are also grouped in courtyards so several casitas share their own “private” pool & hot tub – an ideal setup for a larger group of travelers. For a change of scenery, or activities like pool volleyball, casita guests can also venture over to El Conquistador.

The large resort complex offers lots of options for all ages and interests, which makes it an excellent choice for family reunions, weddings, or corporate events. Activities on-site included tennis, golf, & scuba lesson, and excursions could be arranged through the activity center or the marina. On rainy days, movies & games were offered for kids, and for adults there was a small casino, plus live music in the lobby in the evening. We really enjoyed having the many activities of El Conquistador available to us at the, but being able to retreat to our quiet oasis at Las Casitas when we needed some downtime.

The resort is located about 1 hour from of San Juan, in a location convenient for enjoying the many outdoor activities for which Puerto Rico is known. You can read about those in one of my earlier posts.

For more information about planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Playing in Puerto Rico

I always knew we would take a family vacation to Puerto Rico, I just didn’t know when (so many places, so little time!). After a more “urban” vacation last year, to Walt Disney World and New York City, we were ready for something a bit more natural. So it was a an easy decision, as I knew this was a destination that offered our favorite things: lots of outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking, interesting historical sites, and beautiful Caribbean beaches.


Here are some highlights of our trip:

El Yunque Rainforest – The only tropical forest in the US, it feels a world away from the beaches and city, like stepping back in time. An easy hike led to a beautiful waterfall, but the real fun was in the journey along the way. The park is not only a scenic wonder, it is of great scientific importance, too. It contains over 240 species of trees and plants, and rare wildlife including the Puerto Rican Parrot, which is one of the ten most endangered species of birds in the world.

Culebra Island – A visit to Culebra takes a little bit of planning, but is well worth the effort. If I had any qualms about my family’s seaworthiness, the test was passed on the 90 min ferry ride through choppy waters (flights are available, too). But the bumpy ride was well worth the trip, not only to see Flamenco Beach (shown above), one of the most beautiful in all of the Caribbean, but also to kayak & snorkel in an amazing, but off the beaten path, preserve. Our tour company, Kayaking Puerto Rico, was not only professional and knowledgeable, but they catered to the kids in our group that ranged from 6 to 13 yrs of age. And they took photos during the whole trip using a high quality waterproof digital camera which we were welcome to download from their Facebook page.


Old San Juan – The city itself is gorgeous with narrow cobblestone streets and brightly colored buildings. But the 200+ year old forts, El Morro and San Cristobal, were the highlight, with 18 ft high thick stone walls, cannons, and sentry boxes dramatically suspended over the corners offering panoramic views of the ocean. While my kids, like many, can only tolerate so much history in one day, they were happy to spend hours just exploring the labyrinth of tunnels, spiral staircases, and dungeons.

Bioluminescent Bay – Though it was the most touristy of our outings, it was also one of the most memorable. After a relatively short and easy paddle through a mangrove forest at sunset, we reached the center of a large lake. It was nearly pitch black as we sat lined up in our kayaks, bobbing quietly. Then the guide gave the signal to swish our hands in the water. The silence was broken by the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as the water mysteriously lit up with thousands, if not millions, of tiny glowing particles which cast an eerie glow in water’s wake. We had fun splashing each other with our paddles to watch the bright speckles run down our legs and backs like little sparks. This was truly a wonderful and amazing natural phenomenon, and we would not hesitate to experience it again.

Many Southern Caribbean cruises depart out of San Juan, so it’s easy to visit these sights before or after a cruise. Most of them are a 45 – 60 min drive away from the port, so I’d suggest at least 2-3 nights at one of the beach resorts along the coast for a great pre- or post-cruise trip.

I am going to post a review soon about our hotel, Las Casitas Village at El Conquistador Resort. It is great for families, and would be perfect for a destination wedding or family reunion.

For more information about planning your family’s next adventure, contact Suzette at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Top Ten List for Family Travelers

This weekend I attended Brownell Travel’s annual sales meeting in Atlanta. I spent an intensive two days meeting with travel suppliers from all over the world to find out the latest news for families. Here is my top ten list from the weekend:

1. Ireland is an amazing value right now due to their struggling economy. Families can have an affordable European vacation while at the same time helping a country in need. There are activities to please all ages, from fishing & falconry to castle and farm visits, and family-friendly accommodations, including connecting rooms, are the norm.


2. The Mansion on Peachtree, a Rosewood hotel in Atlanta, is offering “Elf on the Shelf” packages over the holiday, and guests of all ages can join the search for the elusive little elf. A whimsical tea service will feature a book reading and signing by the authors.

3. The lodges run by explora in Patagonia and Atacama not only welcome kids, they offer family rooms. With all meals, excursions, drinks and transfers included, it’s an easy way to visit some of the most dramatic and remote areas on the planet.


4. Brendan Vacations has added four new family trips, including “Monkeys, Jungles, and Volcanoes” in Costa Rica and “Trails of Liberty” in the eastern US. Designed for all ages, the family trips include rooms that sleep four, and kid-friendly activities such as making a chocolate bar at the Hershey factory.

5. A ski butler at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch makes getting on & off the slopes with kids easier. When you’re ready to hit the slopes, your equipment will be ready and warm. And at the end of the day, there is no need to go back to room before heading out for a meal or another activity. They also have a hot chocolate sommelier!

6. Crystal Cruises’ Family Memories program provides special amenities with a minimum of only 3 cabins booked together, including prepaid gratuities, shipboard credits, and a family photo. And children under 17 are free when sharing a cabin with two adults.

7. Sardinia is easy to visit being only an hour flight from Rome or Milan. With gorgeous beaches and a Mediterranean feel, it is a relaxing way to wrap up a tour of Italy, especially when traveling with kids.


8. Alnwick Castle, which portrayed Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies, is 3 hours by train from London, a reasonable day trip for fans. The current home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, it offers fun activities for kids including knight training and Dragon’s Quest.

9. The iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice has introduced “The Smile Club,” a complimentary program for children ages 4-12 to play and experience Italian culture, leaving parents free to go sightseeing or just relax. Activities include traditional Venetian arts & crafts, pizza-making, treasures hunts, and fruit-picking, and even mini-manicures.


10. Viviani Wine Country Specialists can craft a family itinerary for all ages in Napa & Sonoma, from a private safari (yes, a safari in California!), to kayaking and cycling, to sailing on San Francisco Bay where kids can try their hand as captain.

This just scratches the surface of the information I received this weekend. Over the next few weeks I’ll write in more in-depth about specific suppliers & destinations. In the meantime, if you’d like help with planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Kids’ Trip Review: Adventures by Disney™

Adventures by Disney™ was created especially for families, with breathtaking guided group vacations spanning six continents. My nephews recently traveled on their Southwest Splendors trip, so I interviewed them to learn more.


Devon (9), said the guides were “the best.” They made sure there was something for everyone to do that they liked. His favorite part was rafting on the Colorado River. “It wasn’t really scary, and you got to swim in the river.” It was a mellow ride in most places, with a few rapids in others. The food was “very good,” and they served things like steak, chicken, and corn. Sometimes they ate out, and sometimes the guides made dinner for the guests.


Tristan (12), also enjoyed the trip very much. When comparing it to other family vacations, he said it was unique in that they visited several states, and they were traveling with other families rather than alone. He made a lot of friends on the trip.

His favorite part was also rafting, and he liked the food, and that he could have as much as he wanted. He also said the guides were “really nice” and liked to play games with the kids. They were also good at pointing out things that had to do with movies, or were important historically.


He recommends an Adventures by Disney™ trip to other families because they will get to do a lot of fun things, but their schedule will not be “over packed.” Typically they had a group activity in the morning, and then the afternoon was free for an optional tour or relaxing. It’s also a great trip because the kids will make new friends, and “the hotels are amazing!” He especially liked El Tovar at the Grand Canyon, which had incredible views.

They also brought home nice souvenirs from the trip, including an Adventures by Disney™ backpack, and collectible pins which they earned from activities along the way.

And what did Mom have to say?

“The best thing was that is was active, informative and gauged so that guests of all ages were interested. The guides were absolutely top-notch and did everything in their power to make it enjoyable. If you ask the kids, they probably said all the snacks and surprise gifts were the best.

I HIGHLY recommend their trips.”


For more information about Adventures by Disney™, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Advisor at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Guest Blogger: Caribbean Cruise Review

Today I am featuring a guest blogger. One of my clients recently cruised on Royal Caribbean with her family which includes three 12 year old daughters. Here is her review and pictures.

What is your idea of adventure? I like to do it all, but with the help of Suzette Mack, I was able to narrow it down to a Caribbean Cruise on Royal Caribbean. The cruise took us to Haiti, Grand Caymans, Cozumel and Jamaica. Suzette not only booked the most amazing balcony suite on the ship, she also organized our transportation and hotel stays prior to the trip. With her help our vacation was stress free and I will be forever grateful to her.

If you choose to do this amazing trip, I recommend the following. Be sure to book the zip line in Haiti prior to boarding the ship, if you don’t you’ll be green with envy, when you see people flying above the ocean.
Next in Jamaica, we recommend Dunn’s River Falls. We actually went outside the protective walls and hired our own driver for $30 to take us to the falls. Once there it was $15 pp to climb up. It was amazing and luckily we arrived prior to all the tour groups.
In the Grand Caymans, be sure to book a venture to Stingray Island. It is surreal to be surrounded by Stingrays.

Finally, in Cozumel, our girls took the swim of a lifetime with the dolphins. They were able to kiss, ride on and dance with the dolphin.

As for the Freedom of the Seas, what a spectacular ship! Our girls enjoyed the rock wall, water park, and the endless pizza. For the adults, every night a new show, trivia games, dancing, and the food, WOW!
Again, thanks to Suzette for working with me on this vacation. Without a doubt, this was the most perfect family vacation that we have ever been on.

For more information about planning your own “perfect” family vacation, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

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