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Don’t panic if you haven’t planned summer vacation yet. There are still many options available, and you can even get some pretty good deals.  I have many offers in my inbox, I just pulled out a sampling of what’s available around the globe.

Kids Free in the Galapagos

With Lindblad Expeditions’ 50th Anniversary Savings, book a Galapagos trip by July 1, 2017 and the first child travels free, the second at 50% off on select departures!  Snorkel with sea lions, hang out with giant tortoises, hike right next to iguanas and blue-footed boobies and kayak along the most idyllic bays. You’ll do, see, and learn more with the most experienced Expedition Team in the islands! 

Yes you can get this close! 
Bucket list item- check!
Fun for all ages!


And if you can’t make it this year, book any 2018 expedition before June 1, and you’ll be guaranteed the 2017 rates.

I had the pleasure of traveling to the Galapagos with Lindblad in March, check out more of my photos here.  

Cruise to the Great Land

Several lines still have space available for Alaska this summer.  Crystal Cruises is offering Kids’ Sail Free when sharing a cabin with 2 adults on most departures.  That can be combined with their Crystal Clear Choice promotion which offers a choice of savings, including a $600 per person onboard credit!  AND my clients also get an additional onboard credit courtesy of Virtuoso.

From ship to glacier in a few hours

Regent Seven Seas is offering a Book Now Bonus on all sailings, including $250 per person shipboard credit for Alaska.  And if you select a Virtuoso Voyages sailings, you also receive your choice of amenity, either a shipboard credit or an exclusive shore excursion.

Glacier Bay is just one of several locations
where you can see spectacular glaciers

Seabourn’s Extraordinary Opportunity Event runs through June 13, with special savings on select 2017 departures including:
• Three Veranda Suite Category Upgrade
• Veranda for Oceanview category Upgrade
• Onboard credits up to $1,000


Say Aloha to Hawaii

Four Seasons Resorts on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island are offering resort credits of up $200 per night for select dates (credit varies by room category booked).  The Four Seasons Resort Lanai is offering a $1000 activity credit for guestrooms, and $2000 for suites.  Stay longer than 5 nights and the credit increases, and all this can be combined with our Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities.

Maui beaches rock!

Kings Pond is fun for families who like to snorkel
at Four Seasons Hualalai

Hit the Beach in Miami

Acqualina Resort & Spa in Miami is offering a Family Escape Package through Sep 30, including

  • Daily access to the Children’s Center, home to the AcquaMarine program offering educational marine-themed programming for children ages 5-12
  • Access to the resort’s beachfront basketball, soccer lawn, foosball and ping pong tables.
The kids may never want to leave

  • Daily activities for toddlers including bike time on a no-pedal Strider Balance Bike, stretch sessions and relay races on the beach
  • A $40 spa credit for up to two adults 
  • Daily buffet breakfast for two (or four in a two-bedroom suite)
  • Complimentary Valet Parking
  • Complimentary Wifi

Parents may never want to leave, either!


Caribbean Getaways

Ritz Carlton Reserve Dorado Beach is offering a Stay Longer promotion, with 10-30% savings on Ocean View and higher rooms.  The longer you stay, the more you save.  And you receive a $50 per night resort credit, as well as Virtuoso amenities.  No passport needed to visit Puerto Rico! 

Besides these beautiful rooms, they have residences
and a 5 bedroom plantation


Shore Club Turks & Caicos lets you stay for 7 and play for 5 when booking a full size suite or penthouse. Rates include breakfast daily, free calls to the USA & Canada, Kids Club for 4-12, use bicycles, tennis court, fitness center, and non-motorized water sports, and wifi.  And of course you can enjoy their four pools: Adults Pool, Family/Resort Pool, Colonnade Pool and lap pool.

An exclusive retreat on Long Bay Beach

Nicaragua Ecolodge Package

My “go-to” Central America supplier is offering an amazing program that includes two of the most authentic and luxurious ecolodges in Nicaragua at a fantastic low price.  You first visit Jicaro Island Ecolodge, one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, located on a private island on Lake Nicaragua.  

You don’t have to rough it at an ecolodge

Then you are transferred to Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge, a Virtuoso property located right on the beach.  You can choose from a wide selection of tours in each location, including visits to volcanoes, artisan markets, and colonial towns.  Rates include 3 meals a day at Jicaro, and breakfast at Morgan’s Rock, plus other value-added amenities.

This beach!

Don’t let summer slip away without making some fabulous family memories! To get started, contact Suzette at suzette@family-treks.com.

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.