The Top Disney World Deluxe Resorts
Wondering which of the deluxe Walt Disney World properties is worth the big bucks? It largely depends on style and location; some are built around the Magic Kingdom, some are adjacent to the other theme parks. While the Magic Kingdom resorts are easily serviced by monorail, we urge families to pick the resort closest to their favorite park to minimize the walk/ride time. What Disney World luxury...
Read More 8 min read
Amanjena, Peaceful Paradise In Marrakech
A day at the Amanjena Resort in Marrakech is like a tour of the palace depicted in the tale "One Thousand and One Nights." Simply put, it's a more refined narrative of Arabian life than is usually available to the average traveler, even in the elegant and very Moroccan rose-red city of Marrakech. But that is the Aman...
Read More 4 min read
Aulani, A Disney Resort And Spa In Hawaii
"Disney Goes Hawaiian" is how this family sees Aulani, the company’s first and already successful venture running a themed beach vacation resort not related to an amusement park. “This is AWESOME!” I crane my neck over the swells to see my 12-year old son Will ride the rolling blue water. Then my husband Bob pops up on his board and holds that Hawaii Five-0 theme song pose, looking...
Read More 8 min read
Guide To Family Cruising Aboard Celebrity Cruises
Although Celebrity Cruises is known best as a luxury line -- and that implies adults -- it also offers a wide selection of family-friendly programming, suitable for passengers of all generations. Celebrity Cruises is a great pick for multi-generational cruisers, as it is generally known for hosting a mature and sophisticated crowd. They manage to keep a high level of elegance,...
Read More 3 min read
Every Generation Loves A Crystal Cruise
Two teens love the ultra-service, fine dining, extraordinary European ports of call, and time spent with Grammy aboard a classy Mediterranean Crystal cruise. I have made a tradition of exposing each of my five grandchildren to a European trip, and I recently completed the cycle. Although I had taken Cydnie to Holland when she was 8, it was time to add to her education now that she is...
Read More 6 min read
Fairmont San Francisco Does Family Well
At the Fairmont Hotels & Resort's flagship property, the beautiful Fairmont San Francisco, my family was lucky enough to find out what the "Affordable Luxury for Families" concept was all about. The Fairmont, recipient of several historically accurate facelifts since its 1906 opening, boasts its original grandeur without sacrificing any of the modern conveniences one...
Read More 4 min read
A Club Med Sandpiper Bay Family Vacation
At Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Americans no longer need a passport to enjoy an exotic, all-inclusive family beach vacation packed with children's activities. Club Med's legendary tropical village ambiance -- minus the beads -- has been remade in central Florida at the very sporty Sandpiper Bay. The resort is thriving after a $27-million investment a few years back that...
Read More 7 min read
Bahamas: Nassau And Paradise Island Guide
If you’re looking for a destination that offers a unique experience, yet is family-friendly and easy to travel to (and navigate), then Nassau and Paradise Island in the Bahamas are among the top Caribbean picks. The Bahamas is actually a group of over 700 islands, 30 of which are inhabited. The capital of Nassau -- found on New Providence Island and just a short bridge from Paradise Island...
Read More 9 min read
Switzerland’s Peak Experiences
Switzerland in summer is a sensual overload: cool mountain breezes and deep blue lakes, blisteringly hot cobblestone lanes and chilled ice cream treats. Travelers who want to understand why affluent Europeans have vacationed here for generations must experience Switzerland from above and below. In just four nights, our family time-traveled from the 19th century splendor of a grand castle wrapped...
Read More 5 min read
Hard Rock Hotel At Universal Orlando
"I love Rock n' Roll" might as well be the refrain at this elegant Orlando outpost of the Hard Rock dining and hotel empire. Its rockstar and kid appeal begins with reflective columns in the lobby and an Instagrammable white marble staircase which leads to framed gold records, photo murals of pop stars, a hipster kids club lounge and guitars to play in the gaming arcade. Glass cases...
Read More 4 min read