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Pampering Kids in Paris

Paris has become a popular destination for families, and the Four Seasons George V is doing more than ever to ensure that every child’s stay is memorable. Claudia Caringi, the Recreations Manager, personally greets families upon their arrival and is at their complete disposal to arrange a fun-filled stay in the City of Light!


Upon checking in, children are invited to pick a welcome gift from a toy basket. Then they are given suggestions of fun things to do and places to see within the hotel and out in the city. Each family receives a personalized itinerary to reflect the age and interests of each child.

Is 8 year old Matty into the “gooey is great” phase? How about a visit of the Parisian Catacombs! Does 6 year old Jenny want to be an artist when she grows up? What better way to merge culture and fun than a full day trip to Giverny, where Jenny could set up her easel in the countryside that has inspired Claude Monet, alongside an artist who could help her paint her first canvas? For budding chefs, a private pastry workshop can be scheduled with advance notice. Children can test their newly inspired talent by baking and decorating French madeleines, which are later packed up and brought back to their room for Mom and Dad to taste.


Teenagers are also catered to, either with recommendations on the trendy shopping venues or our new “My First Beauty Session” in our Spa, where a beautician teaches the tricks to a tasteful and fresh make-up.

Rooms are prepared with delicious amenities from the Pastry, seasonal fruits, and fruit juice or lemonade. And children also receive a Four Seasons George V t-shirt along with age-appropriate toiletries and bath linens. Parents arriving with children under 3 will find their rooms equipped for comfort and security, including play pens and electrical outlet covers.
In a city blessed with endless opportunities to merge fun and culture, the George V offers exemplary Four Seasons service to its younger guests with as much devotion as for its adult ones.


Guests who book through a Virtuoso travel advisor receive the following complimentary amenities:

– Upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability
– Daily continental breakfast for two in La Galerie Restaurant or via Room Service
– 85 EU spa credit once during stay

For more information about planning a great family vacation to Paris, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

Paris Family Vacation

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A Family’s Most Memorable Vacation

I have a client who has been booking trips with me for many years. She tries to take at least one family vacation each year, and spends a reasonable amount of money. She does not book luxurious trips, but not bargain basement ones, either. She is not wealthy by any means; in fact, several times she had to wait to make her reservations until she had enough money saved up. Whenever she got some extra money, such as a tax refund, she called me to plan another trip. Some might consider that a bit irresponsible, but family vacations were a priority for her.

A few years ago, she took a Caribbean cruise with her husband and two boys. This was a trip funded on an unexpected windfall. They had a great time, came back with wonderful pictures. Talked about how they couldn’t wait to go on another cruise together.

Four months later, her husband died in a tragic accident. He was young, fit, healthy, someone you would expect to be around for a long time. Their two boys were still in school. Of course, the family was devastated.

A few months later, I saw her after she returned to work. Pictures of their cruise were on display in her office. I had wondered since the accident if she regretted spending the money now that finances were going to be even tighter for her as a single mom.

Instead, she told me how thankful she was that they chose to use the money for the cruise, and that they were always talking about how much fun they had. It was very comforting for her sons to look at the pictures and know they had that wonderful time with their dad in the last few months of his life. Those memories were helping them cope with their loss. It was a rough time, but they would pull through, and she was eager to plan another trip to keep their life as normal as possible.

Of course, we all try to spend as much quality time with our kids as we can, and in our busy schedules, it often means fitting in a game of mini-golf or spending an afternoon at the beach. But there’s something special about going away together. It allows families to really focus on one another, without day to day distractions getting in the way. (I know I am not the only mom who can’t help thinking “When I get home I need to …” or “What I am going to make for dinner tonight?” during my “quality time.”)

I certainly don’t advocate anyone spending beyond their means for a family vacation. It can be as simple as a weekend camping trip. The point is to have a change of scenery, and to have nothing on your schedule but enjoying each other’s company. Your kids will love you for it.

Now go away.

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Half Off for the Half-Pints

The following resorts are offering 50% off a second room for children:

Hotel Plaza Athenee, New York City * Virtuoso *
In March, July and August, the hotel offers 50% off a second connecting room, continental breakfast daily, four tickets to the Central Park Zoo, and milk and cookies at turndown. Chidlren also receive a gift bag containing a coloring book, plush toy penguin, Yankees baseball cap or crystal bracelet and more. Read about our family vacation last summer!


Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda * Virtuoso *

Children also enjoy complimentary access to Explorers Kids Camp and kids under the 12 eat free from the children’s menu. Book by April 26 for travel through Dec. 31. Also includes Virtuoso amenities on the first room: upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), daily full breakfast for two, and $100 food & beverage credit.


Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo * Virtuoso *
Second room half off for travel April 8 through December 17, excluding Thanksgiving week. Preferred Partner amenities for the parents’ room include daily full American breakfast for two, a $100 golf credit, and complimentary upgrade, based on availability at time of check-in. And Kids for All Seasons Program is always free, at all Four Seasons resorts.

Westin St. John Resort & Villas, USVI
Offers 50% off second room for stays June 1 through August 31, if booked by May 31. Also $200 worth of resort credits for mom and dad. Book by May 31 for stays June 1 through August 31, 2010.


Grand Hyatt Kauai *Virtuoso *
Families can combine Sunshine on Sale promotion with the Family Plan, to receive both a 5th night free and a second room at 50% off. Offer valid through 2010, minimum 5 night stay required. (Read my hotel report.)


Ritz-Carlton Cancun * Virtuoso *
Ther Love & Family Package allows kids to have a special evening of their own at the Kids Camp while parents still away for a romantic candlelight dinner for two. In addition to 50% off the second room, families receive daily breakfast for two, beach toys, a five course dinner for two, and one Kids Night Out for up to two children.

For help with planning a great family vacation, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

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On Vacation, Happy Kids = Happy Parents

My friends told me it would happen, and I heard about it happening to others. But I never actually thought it would happen to us. I guess I had been in denial, I was sure this was not something that my family would go through. We planned ahead, and carefully raised our kids to avoid this problem. Things were going to be different for us!

Alas, we were wrong. On our last trip, it happened. We heard what every parent dreads: “I’m bored.” “Why didn’t we just stay home!” I cringed as these words came out of my 12 year old son’s mouth.

Now granted, this was not one of our “big” vacations. It was just an overnight getaway only a few hours from home. I had been frustrated that we had not spent much time enjoying the tourist attractions right in our own backyard. So when we had a free holiday weekend, we took a quick trip up to Pt. Reyes and Tomales Bay, just north of San Francisco. I was looking forward to a fun family adventure: we could visit a spot along the San Andreas fault where it ruptured in 1906, see a beautiful stretch of California coastline, and also go whale-watching. What’s not to like? First stop, the visitor center, and a short interpretive trail along the fault line. The complaints started rolling in: “I hate these trails!” “ Dad’s going to want to stop & read every sign!” “It’s so boring!” “I want to go to a beach!” Given that we had experienced several earthquakes recently, I thought the kids would really be into this. But even my daughter, who’s usually very enthusiastic, had a frown on her face. Apparently the recent quakes had the opposite effect: she was worried that the ground was going to open up right beneath our feet and she couldn’t wait to get back to the car.
Next stop, the Pt. Reyes Lighthouse. But getting there required going to another visitor center to purchase bus tickets, and then waiting for the bus. We were at a pretty beach, so both kids’ eyes lit up and they asked, “Can we go play in the sand?” Well, of course the answer was “No,” as we had to get on a bus, so now there was more grumbling and moaning. I was really getting worried that our “fun family outing” wasn’t going to be so fun.

Finally we arrived at the lighthouse, which is exceptionally picturesque perched at the bottom of a very steep cliff. Steep as in over 300 steps almost straight down! This time I was the one not so enthusiastic, trying to decide whether going down or up was going to be more painful. But things were looking up for my kids, who couldn’t wait to race down the stairs. Now I was hearing “Cool!” and “Wow!” The situation was looking better!

From the lighthouse, we started scanning the horizon for whale spouts. “This could be ugly,” I thought, “If we don’t see a whale I will never get these kids out here again.” A few minutes later, a shout of “There’s one!” and the kids were hooked. No more complaints the rest of the afternoon. On the bus ride back to our car, the kids happily talked about the day, and kept an eye out for more wildlife, including elk, deer, and hawks.

Whew! We dodged a bullet on this trip, though I see that it may take a bit more work to keep my kids engaged as they grow older. I need to be sure that we budget time for the little things they enjoy most, like playing on the beach. And any opportunity to see wildlife is a sure hit.

There is more good news. My son told me last night he wants to see the fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits – music to my ears!

For help with planning your next family adventure, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.
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A Virtuoso Mother Knows Best

Virtuoso recently published the digital version of the 2010 Best of the Best Hotel Guide. The guide includes the luxury hotels and resorts around the world which not only offer clients of Virtuoso agencies exclusive amenities, such as complimentary upgrades, spa services, food and beverage credits, and airport transfers, to name a few.

Here are some of my favorite recommendations for families:

Fairmont Kea Lani – An all-suite hotel on Maui’s Wailea coast, featuring spacious one bedroom suites and private villas with plunge pools, a family pool with waterslide, and one of the best restaurants on the island.



Virtuoso amenities: Complimentary upgrade based on availability, daily buffet breakfast for two, and an Ohana gift basket.

Esprit Saint Germain – A serene boutique hotel on Paris’s Left Bank that strives for a “home away from home” feel, and offers adjoining rooms in their Family Promotion.

Virtuoso amenities: Complimentary upgrade based on availability, daily American breakfast for two, bottle of red or white wine served with assorted French cheeses, baguette, and crackers.

The Goring – A family run boutique hotel in London right next to Buckingham Palace, which offers connecting rooms for families, and special amenities and activities for kids.



Virtuoso amenities: Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking, daily English breakfast for two, Goring jam, fresh flowers, and fruit.




Rosewood Little Dix Bay – A low key resort on a beautiful crescent beach in Virgin Gorda, with spacious suites and villas, and one of the best children’s facilities in the Caribbean.

Virtuoso amenities: Complimentary upgrade based on availability, daily buffet breakfast for two, coconut macaroons, fresh flowers, $100 spa credit.



Ritz-Carlton Cancun- All rooms have ocean views, and three rooms are specially designed for families traveling with infants. Their Mayan Adventures program is fun and educational for children ages 4-12.



Virtuoso amenities: Complimentary upgrade based on availability, daily buffet breakfast for two, $100 food and beverage credit.

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

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Big Fun in the Big Apple

One of my favorite movies of all time is “Big” starring Tom Hanks, about a boy who wishes to be grown-up, and then has that wish granted by a mysterious carnival game. Everyone remembers the scene where he dances with his boss on the big piano in the toy store.

So I got a kick out of a new program recently introduced by Kitt Garrett: a private dance lesson on the big piano at FAO Schwarz – before the store opens to the public!

Kitt is a New York City insider who knows just about everyone and everything in the Big Apple. She is my best resource for clients who want exclusive experiences, from a guided walk with a professor of art or architecture, to a shopping tour in the Garment District, to private cooking or dance classes.

“Dance on the Big Piano” is a part of a custom New York City vacation package which can include the following options:

– Roundtrip Airport Transportation
– Hotel Accommodations
– Broadway Theater Tickets and Backstage Access with a Cast Member
– Private Tour at the American Museum of Natural History with Preferred Space Show Seating

– Private Scavenger Hunt at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

– Lunch at the River Café with Private Guided Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
– One Hour Harbor Tour
– Two Hour Private Bike or Pedi-Cab Tour of Central Park
– Visit to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with a Private Guide
I don’t have a price as the program is completely customized, depending on the client’s interest and budget. It’s safe to say it’s not the cheapest way to visit NYC. As we found on our trip this past summer, many of the tourist attractions are easy to see on your own (though advance planning is recommended to avoid long lines during peak times).

But Kitt’s programs are perfect if looking for something “over the top” to celebrate a special occasion, or as a special reward for a corporate incentive trip. And working with Kitt ensures clients a seamless, hassle-free experience with full VIP treatment.

For more information about planning a memorable trip to New York City, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.
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The Best Family Adventures in the UK

I asked Jonathan Epstein of Celebrated Experiences about his favorite hotels for families in the UK, outside of London (which has so many family-friendly hotels it was worth its own blog post.) Here is his top list:

Sheen Falls Lodge (Ireland): Kids can not only learn how to fish, but also how to smoke them. Nearby is Lorge Chocolate which offers classes for all ages on preparing and handling chocolate confections. There is a great swimming pool on the property, which offers a variety of rooms, suites and villas at guaranteed USD rates.

Ashford Castle (Ireland): Regarded as one of the world‘s finest castle hotels, it is full of history and dates back to 1228. Perfect for families, there is a myriad of things to do from falconry and horseback riding to fishing and boating. Rooms and suites are uniquely decorated, but offer modern amenities.

The Torridon (Scotland): This is the most authentic Highlands destination, a 58 acre estate nestled between mountains and a loch. Families will find outdoor activities ranging from kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking to fishing and archery. It even won the prestigious award “Scottish Activity Hotel of the Year.” This is Jonathan’s favorite family destination in Scotland.
Mount Juliet (Ireland): Kids can have the best equestrian experience here, not only riding and jumping, but even taking an exclusive tour of the Ballylinch Stud Farm to see the fowls. Nearby, families can also visit many local craftmakers who specialize in silver, glass, crystal, and leather. There is also a Jack Nicklaus designed Championship Golf Course, spa, and indoor pool.

Bovey Castle (England): Located in Dartmoor National Park, a 2 hr train ride west of London, Jonathan says this is the best hotel in the UK for families. In addition to activities such as falconry, tennis, and cycling, kids can collect eggs in the morning, make apple cider, or participate in dozens of activities in the Bovey Rangers program.

I work closely with Jonathan and his staff to create a memorable and fun trips for all ages, whether it’s a short weekend getaway to a themed Harry Potter tour to a custom journey exploring your family history. For more information about planning your next family vacation, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Where The Wild Things Are

Ok, maybe you think traveling with your kids is all the wildlife you need. But honestly, there is almost no better way to ensure kids have fun on vacation than to take them where they can see cool animals up close.

Here are some of our most memorable animal encounters:

Riviera Maya – The jungle extending from Puerto Morelos to Tulum is home to not only dozens of great family-friendly resorts, but also to many lizards. At the Fairmont Mayakoba, we couldn’t take two steps without seeing a gecko or iguana, and there was even a resident alligator in the canal! And Akumal Bay will always have a special place in our hearts, after hours spent snorkeling with manta rays, turtles, and even the occasional barracuda.

Alaska – While grizzlies have the most fearsome reputation, we had more encounters with black bears, including a very persistent guy who kept following us around on a backpacking trip in the arctic. Watching bear cubs tumble down a hillside in play (from a safe distance via spotting scope) was adorable. But one of my favorite experiences was kayaking in a small arm of Glacier Bay alongside seals that delighted in surfing with the incoming tide. San Juan Islands – One of the highlights on our Backroads family cycling trip was a wildlife-watching cruise. There are resident orcas in the waters off San Juan Island, which can also be observed from land at Lime Kiln Point State Park, along with the occasional minke and gray whale. It’s also a great destination for bird-watching.

Yellowstone – A visit to our nation’s first national park is like going on a safari – wide open spaces and lots of big game. The kids squealed in delight as a bison practically stuck his (her?) head through our car window. And a bear foraging alongside the road was a real traffic stopper. We also saw moose, bald eagle, antelope, and heard there were also some wolves in the area, though we didn’t get a chance to see them.

Canada – Near the top of my list of amazing animal experiences was during a trip to the Canadian Rockies one year around Labor Day. Fall is the elk breeding season when these beautiful creatures literally can be found walking the streets of town. But the real treat was when a bull decided to make the lawn of our cabin along the Athabasca river home to his harem. Every evening we had a herd right outside our door, and we listened to the haunting melody of the elk bugling, one of the most unique sounds I have ever heard in my life.

There are many other great family vacations that offer amazing opportunities to view, and sometimes even interact, with wildlife. Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Africa, just to name a few. These are the kind of vacations that not only create memories to last a lifetime, but can also change your life.

For more information about planning your next family vacation, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Princess Dreams Come True at Disney

Recently a client took advantage of the dine free promotion at Walt Disney World, saving hundreds of dollars on her family’s vacation. And she was in for an even greater surprise when she arrived, having been upgraded to a large suite in honor of her birthday.

Not just any suite, but the 3000 sq ft Vice Presidential Suite with six plasma TV’s, five balconies, and four bathrooms! The suite is in the Tower Club, which means they also enjoyed access to a private lounge that served complimentary snacks, beverages, and cocktails throughout the day, and offered spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom.

Now I can’t guarantee an upgrade like this for everyone, but I promise to always ask my contacts at the resorts to take extra special care of my clients. And all guests have the chance to be treated like royalty when visiting Walt Disney World.

Many little girls dream of being a princess, so no better way to have that fantasy come to life than at the Magic Kingdom. The magical day starts with the full treatment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: hair, makeup, nails, costume. Then the beautiful princess and her courtiers (i.e. parents) enjoy a wonderful meal right in Cinderella’s Castle, hobnobbing with Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, and of course, the castle’s namesake.
For more royal entertainment, little princes and princesses can enjoy the buffet at Norway’s Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot, or the Perfectly Princess Tea Party at the Grand Floridian where they will receive a tiara or crown. And young ladies wanting to meet Prince Charming should plan to head back to the resort for Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner.
The free dining offer has expired, but guests can still save big on a Disney World vacation with the Free Nights promotion which is still available. Guests who pay for 4 nights can get up to 3 more nights free, including a 7 day park ticket for the price of a 3 day ticket. The offer is valid for travel most dates through 3/27/2010, if booked by December 20. For more information contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Six Ways Families Can Save Money on Travel Insurance

1. Don’t automatically buy the insurance offered by the travel supplier – Some suppliers do offer insurance which provides excellent coverage at a good value, but more often than not their policies cost more and provides less coverage. Read the terms and conditions carefully.

2. Buy a policy that offers free coverage for children – Insurance sold by airlines, cruise lines and tour companies is usually offered at a fixed price per person, which makes it more expensive for larger families.

3. Buy early – And buy as soon as the first component of a trip has been booked, even if it’s a refundable deposit. Procrastinating or waiting until all trip details are finalized can limit coverage, and buying early may also provide free upgrades.
4. Add a rental car upgrade rather than purchasing CDW from the rental company – This is especially true when renting in countries like Mexico where CDW is mandatory. For example, Hertz charges $40 per day for insurance, but upgrading a travel insurance policy to include one week of rental coverage is less than $50.

5. Shop around – Most travel insurance policies are comparably priced, but they do increase rates by age. So a policy from one company may cost more for a 50 yr old traveler than another, based on how they set up the age brackets. Also, a basic policy might cost the same between two companies, but upgrade options could be priced differently.

6. Buy from a professional – Travel agents can sell insurance to anyone, even travelers who have booked a trip on their own. They receive ongoing training, so they have the latest information on traveler’s concerns such as swine flu and can explain what is and isn’t covered. They know what questions to ask to ensure a traveler is purchasing the right policy for their needs, and also get them the best value.
If you would like more information about travel insurance, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.
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