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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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How Virtuoso Adds Value

Here’s a great example of how families can save money and get more value by booking through a Virtuoso travel advisor.

A client recently inquired about a vacation to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows on the Big Island of Hawaii. Mauna Lani is wonderful family resort, with a wide range of accommodations from regular hotel rooms to beachfront bungalows with private pools. Camp Mauna Lani is a complimentary program for kids 5-12, where they explore tidal pools, fishponds, and petroglyphs, and make Hawaiian crafts.


The resort is also only US property in North America honored as one of the world’s Top Luxury Eco Friendly Beach Destinations by Condé Nast Traveler because of its environmental stewardship.


My client inquired about a promotion he saw on the resort’s website, a special winter promotion offering 20% off all rates. A Standard room would be $296 night plus taxes (no resort fees at the Mauna Lani). Because I am a Virtuoso Travel Advisor, if I booked his stay, he would pay this same rate, but would also receive these exclusive amenities:

– Automatic upgrade at time of booking, That means he would pay for a Standard room but be booked into a Garden View room, which normally cost $352 per night.

– Daily buffet breakfast for two (a $100 daily value)

– Deluxe fruit basket

– Early check-in and late check-out , subject to availability

The difference in value for a weeklong stay: over $1100!


There are hundreds of Virtuoso hotels and resorts worldwide. If you are planning a luxury vacation, why not get the most for your money and book through a Virtuoso travel advisor.

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

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Europe Travel Alert FYI

On October 3, the US State Department issued a travel alert for Europe. It did not mention any countries or cities specifically, and it did not advise against traveling to Europe. However, the government is reminding US travelers to be aware of their surroundings, take normal safety precautions and register their travel plans with the US Embassy.

The following quote is from a briefing yesterday by Under Secretary Patrick Kennedy:

“Well, we’re not saying don’t travel to Europe. We’re not saying don’t visit tourist — major tourist attractions or historic sites or monuments. In the State Department website we offer some very practical situations. Make sure that you’ve registered with the American embassy. If you — avoid public demonstrations, avoid civil disturbances. Don’t discuss your travel plans or where you’re going with others or where others may overhear them. Know what you’re doing, be aware of your circumstances around you. If you see something that looks untoward, move away from it and inform law enforcement personnel. If you see unattended packages, or such, move away from them and inform law enforcement.”

Here are links to more information:

October 3 travel alert

Transcript of State Department briefing

Wall Street Journal article

State Department’s travel registration website

Note that travel insurance generally does not provide coverage for trip cancellation due to a travel alert. Usually they only cover for trip cancellation in the event of a terrorist act in your destination, as deemed by the US government. For answers to specific questions regarding coverage, travelers should contact the insurance company directly at the customer service number noted on your policy. If you are interested in purchasing travel insurance, contact me for quotes and additional information.

If you have questions about a specific destination, or about the alert, visit the State Department’s website for the most up to date information. You can also subscribe to the Twitter feed for the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs to get real time updates and post questions.

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10 Travel Tweets That Made Me Smile

@LuxuryTravelMom “Vacation is….a candy necklace for breakfast “

@Gadling “Myth busted: The lav in first class smells better than the lav in coach. Wow.”

@EpsteinTravels “WARNING! Do not walk on fire when attempting to catch birds!”


@Heather_Poole [a flight attendant] “This is how my kid plays remote controlled airplane – “Sorry, Sir, this plane is broken. Gonna have to find another one” (He travels 2 much)”

@LuxuryTravelMom “AND the world’s largest sombrero, can’t believe Conde’ Nast hasn’t written this place up yet!”

@travlersbarista “How Farts won the road trip – http://su.pr/1Q40qR ”

@TravelSavvyMom “5 Things I Learned When My Daughter Threw Up on a Plane: http://su.pr/1PZFBv”

@LuxuryTravelMom “On Kamp Kiawah agenda today, “Alligator Hunt”, boys upset that it doesn’t include guns or “gatocide”


@TravelSavvyMom “Bring plenty of new toys—$50 for 3lbs of plastic crap will seem like the deal of the century at 3am in a London hotel”

@jenniferweiner “In non-lit news, have been potty-training child.She won’t use the potty, will take off diaper, pee outside. So basically, she’s housebroken.”

Ok, the last one one’s not travel-related, but it made me laugh out loud.

You can follow me @FamilyTreks.

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Ten Not So Well Known Reasons To Buy Travel Insurance

Most travelers know the obvious reasons to buy travel insurance, that you might get sick or injured at the last minute and have to cancel your trip. But there are many other things that can go wrong where travel insurance can help limit your financial loss, as well as reduce stress and hassle of dealing with unforeseen problems.

1. You arrive for your cruise and but your luggage doesn’t.

2. You house is burglarized the day before you leave.


3. You are in a traffic accident on the way to the airport and miss your flight.

4. You get sick or injured while on a cruise ship and need to see the onboard physician, which is not covered under your regular health insurance.

5. Your company requires you to relocate to another state.

6. Your childcare provider falls ill and you have no one to watch your children during your romantic getaway.

7. Your travel supplier declares bankruptcy.

8. You a member of the military and are called for emergency duty due to a natural disaster.

9. You will forfeit pre-paid tuition and expenses for a study abroad program if your child is unable to travel due to injury or illness.

10. A volcano erupts and shuts down almost all flights to and from an entire continent. (Ok, so that one maybe is more well known.)

(Note that restrictions may apply to coverage limits for the above situations, or require additional upgrades beyond the basic travel insurance policy.)

When purchased directly from an insurance company, policies are very affordable, often just 2-5% of the value of the trip. That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind before and during your vacation.

For more information about travel insurance, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.
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Ten Random Things I Learned This Week

1. San Juan airport has a staffed Unattended Minors Lounge. First time I have seen that, it’s an interesting idea. I wonder if they let you leave all your bags with them, too?

2. The Base Camp Concierge at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole will send guests on a geocache treasure hunt, for 10 hidden treasures around the resort. Exclusive amenities for clients of Brownell!


3. How to tweet.

Follow FamilyTreks on Twitter

4. A new 3-D King Kong attraction has opened at Universal Studios Hollywood. It looks really cool!


5. A contact lens case is a good place to store a diamond that has fallen out of its setting while on vacation. (Can’t believe I found it in my pocket!)

6. Some car rental companies in Europe make you drive to another location to pick up a GPS. How inconvenient! AutoEurope mails the GPS to your home before you leave, with the appropriate maps pre-loaded.


7. Carlisle Bay in Antigua has a screening room which runs kids’ movies during the day. Guests booked through a Virtuoso agency receive a complimentary upgrade (based on availability) and a $100 spa credit.

8. Guests who check-in to Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe on a Tuesday or Wednesday get unlimited spa treatments that day. If you arrive after 6 pm, you get the treatments the next day. (Offer is valid in Deluxe OV Jr Suites or higher, through December 22.)

9. We can still have lots of fun in the rain, even if it’s a downpour.


10. I should paint my nails after snorkeling.

For help planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.
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Don’t Be Tripped Up by Travel Insurance

It’s not only a waste of money to pay too much for travel insurance, but if it’s the wrong type of policy, a family can still end up losing their entire vacation investment should they have to cancel a trip unexpectedly. And as I have pointed out before, often the insurance provided by a travel supplier, such as an airline or cruise line, is not the best choice for travelers.

As with any purchase, the keys are to know what you need, and understand what you are buying. That means actually reading through the policy so that you understand what is and isn’t covered, rather than assuming it will cover you ‘no matter what.’ The most common mistake I see travelers make is purchasing insurance because they have a specific concern, such as a family member who is ill, or an uncertain employment situation, but the policy they chose specifically excluded these situations. Hurricane coverage is also frequently misunderstood. Your resort may offer a “Hurricane Guarantee” but they are certainly not going to reimburse you for missed flights!


To avoid purchasing the wrong policy, read through the list of benefits to verify that they cover anything that might cause you to cancel your trip. (This type of detail may not be in the brochure. You need to find a dcoument called Description of Coverage, Schedule of Benefits, etc.) For example, a basic policy may not offer coverage for work-related reasons, which is often needed by lawyers, doctors, and business owners. This is where insurance sold by travel suppliers may fall short, and they usually charge more to boot! But with a third party insurance policy, you can purchase an inexpensive upgrade which will provide this additional coverage.
It helps to understand insurance terminology, and many policies provide a glossary. Important definitions to check are “trip delay,” “trip interruption,” “family member,” and “pre-existing condition.” For example, does trip delay coverage start after 3, 5, or 12 hours? Is flight cancellation due to inclement weather covered, or just for mechanical problems? Does the policy cover non-related traveling companions and domestic partners?

Here’s one scenario I learned about recently. Let’s say a group of friends who are not related book a cruise together, and purchase insurance. A few weeks before the trip, when most of the cruise fare is nonrefundable, one family has to cancel due to a medical emergency. Their insurance policy covers them, but can the rest of the group also cancel and get a refund? If they purchased the cruise line insurance, probably not. However, if they had purchased a third party travel insurance policy which includes coverage for traveling companions, then the rest of the group could cancel as well.
No matter how you book your vacation, consult a professional when buying travel insurance. Any travel agent should be happy to help you sort through the various options to select the policy that is right for your family. For more information, contact Suzette Mack 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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Things to Know When Booking a Family Vacation to Europe

Most European hotels accommodate only two guests, which can be challenging and expensive for families planning a trip overseas. Many hotels have “triple” rooms that will accommodate three, and some even have “family rooms” or suites that sleep four. But families need to be very careful when booking these rooms, especially if trying to make their travel arrangements online.

There are two problems travelers can run into. First, the hotel may appear to have no rooms available, when that is not the case. Because these types of rooms are limited, hotels often require that the rooms be reserved directly with them, so they can block them off immediately and ensure they are not overbooked. Thus triple and quad rooms may not be offered online. The second is especially problematic because it is invisible to the traveler. Sometimes the booking engines are either not properly designed, or their database is incorrect, and they will allow a reservation to be made in a room even if there are too many occupants.

This happened to one of my clients, who booked two triple rooms with a well known internet travel company at what appeared to be a great price. I was working on other parts of her trip, so as a favor (and because I was suspicious), I called the hotel to confirm their reservation. I was informed that the family’s reservation was for the wrong room type! Apparently the travel supplier was supposed to call the hotel and request the triple rooms before confirming reservations to make sure they were available, which they obviously did not do. My clients would have shown up in Rome, during high season, to find out that two of them had no place to sleep. Fortunately our agency had a good relationship with this hotel, and they corrected the reservation at my request.


So the moral of the story is: confirm, confirm, confirm! Or better yet, call a travel professional who is knowledgeable in booking Europe hotels. They can not only find the right hotel at the best price, but will have connections locally to ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises when you arrive, and may even be able to obtain complimentary amenities or upgrades.

Instead of booking two hotel rooms, another option for families is an apartment or villa rental. This provides more space, privacy for the parents, and many of the conveniences of home such as a kitchen and laundry facilities. And often a two or three bedroom rental is no more expensive than two hotel rooms, and sometimes even cheaper. In my next post, I will give some specific recommendations from my favorite source for Europe apartment rentals.

For more information about planning a family vacation that exceeds your expectations, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.

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What Families Need to Know about Travel Insurance

Before you dismiss the idea of purchasing travel insurance, think about the possible scenarios which could cause you to cancel, postpone, or return early from a trip. The obvious ones come to mind first: illness, accident, or a death in the family. But there are others that travelers least expect which can also put their hard earned vacation money at risk:


> Your home is burglarized or damaged in a fire.

> A work-related emergency comes up, or your business partner becomes seriously ill

> The friend or nanny who was going to watch your children while you are on an adults-only getaway falls ill

> Friends you were traveling with cancel due to an unexpected emergency

> You lose your job, or are required to relocate

> You are involved in a car accident on the way to the airport

> Your cruise line, airline, tour company, etc. goes bankrupt

> Bad weather forces your cruise ship to miss a port where you had booked a private, nonrefundable tour

> The family members or friends you are visiting fall ill and cannot host you

> A terrorist incident occurs at your destination

Many travel insurance policies reimburse travelers for money lost due to the above causes, but there may be special conditions which must be met. For example, one company requires that insurance be purchased within 21 days of the time the reservation is made for full coverage, otherwise some scenarios such as supplier bankruptcy are not included. The clock starts ticking at the first purchase, so this can adversely impact travelers who buy their airline tickets first, then wait a few weeks to reserve their hotel. So it is important to think about insurance right from the start of travel planning, not add it on as an afterthought.

Travelers certainly can research policies on the internet or call an insurance company’s customer service number to find out what is covered. But the best way to buy insurance is through a travel professional. They undergo training on the various products, receive regular updates on policy changes, and can help explain the myriad of technical terms in the “fine print.” And perhaps most importantly, as insurance claims are not always “black and white,” it is very helpful to have an advocate on your side that has a long-standing relationship with the insurance company.

Also beware of the offer to purchase the travel supplier’s insurance, which often simply requires checking a little box at the end of your reservation. In general, purchasing the insurance offered by your travel supplier is not recommended. Often it not only costs more than third party insurance, but does not provide as much coverage. However there are exceptions, so a travel professional can explain the pros and cons of all options available.

Hopefully now you are convinced you need travel insurance, but you may be worried about how much it costs. Coverage for a $4000 vacation for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) would start at $76. That is the total for the family policy, not per person. That’s pretty inexpensive for peace of mind!

For more information about travel insurance, or help with planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com

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