Adventures for Families

My Blog Has Moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 00:13:00 +0000

Please visit my new website and blog at Suzette Mack Travel.

All the blog posts have been transferred to the new website, so you still have access to older posts.

It's a new look and logo, but I offer the same service and amenities! Contact me at suzette@suzettemacktravel.com to start planning your next adventure!

My adventure in the Galapagos with Lindblad Expeditions!

Why Families Love Lindblad Expeditions in the Galapagos

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 22:07:00 +0000

When I was given the opportunity to travel on Lindblad's new ship, the National Geographic Endeavour II, I jumped at it. Not just because they pioneered tourism in the Galapagos. (It's their 50th anniversary this year!) Or that they are a leader in expedition cruising. But because they also have a reputation for exceptional family experiences, and I wanted to see for myself what families could expect.

Our beautiful ship!

Excited to board! And one of my colleagues can confirm
that these do inflate when dropped in the water. (Oops!)

Here are the features that make Lindblad Expeditions a great choice for families, including multi-generational groups:

Personal Service - Every crew member pitched in to make sure all guests were cared for. Above and beyond gestures were common, such as soup being delivered to a passenger confined to his cabin because of a severe cold, or my roommate's camera being retrieved after she left it on the plane from the mainland. One guide even made it his personal mission to ensure a guest got over her fear of snorkeling, and she did! So parents can be assured the staff will go out of their way to accommodate their special needs.

Embarrassed to admit I spent a good hour hunting for my reading glasses.

First snorkel of the trip for me and my buddies!

Onboard amenities - Being one of the largest ships in the islands, the Nat Geo Endeavour II offered lots of common areas for people to spread out including:

- A library with equipped with books, board games, puzzles, and computers. It was a favorite place for kids to gather.

- A spacious lounge at the front of the ship which offered a gathering place to socialize, with beautiful views, and a fully stocked bar.

Early risers got this view stepping outside from the lounge.

- A fitness center so nobody had to miss a workout, and even a spa so parents could get some pampering.

I will confess this is the only time I was in this room.

- A spacious top deck equipped with tables, umbrellas, and chairs, chaise lounges, and couches. It was perfect for sunbathing, socializing, and a "pirate" cocktail party held at sunset while crossing the equator. It was a fantastic location for early morning yoga classes, too.

They daily loading and unloading of equipment can be fascinating for kids to watch.

A typical afternoon before dinner.

My reading nook

Family-friendly cabins - There was plenty of room for storing belongings, including ample space under the bed for empty suitcases. Connecting cabins are available on all decks, plus there are larger suites that sleep three. All beds can push together to form a queen or split apart into two singles.

The floor stayed this clear the entire trip!

Book this suite if you want more elbow room in the bathroom

Activities for everyone - The broad variety of activities ensured everyone could find something to do, no matter their age or fitness level. There were usually two hiking options of varying length and difficulty. Water sports included kayaking, paddle boarding, and of course snorkeling, sometimes twice a day. Zodiac and glass bottom boat rides were available for anyone who wasn't comfortable being in the water.

Yes, you could get this close, and sometimes closer.

Zodiac boats rides are fun for all ages!

And of course,

The children's program - Already regarded as one of the best in the industry, it was re-introduced this year as the National Geographic Global Explorers program. Kids received an expedition guide, had daily challenges, and participated in photography and video workshops. (Even parents wanted to sit in on these!) There were other onboard activities led by the staff, culminating in zodiac driving lessons.

Hot off the presses!

Nobody seemed to mind this homework

Learning how the islands formed

Though it is the largest boat allowed in the Galapagos (96 passengers) it didn't feel too crowded, and we became one big happy family. We got to know other passengers by name, and the kids had soon started reserving their own table in the dining room. At the farewell party, we hugged and thanked our guides as we laughed over shared memories.

Javier, one of our fantastic guides.

Families who want to travel to the Galapagos need to plan ahead. Holiday periods and summer months book up early, often more than a year in advance, and connecting cabins and suites are very limited.

Selfies with giant tortoises are a must!

Families also need to be aware of the travel logistics before committing to flights. Working with a Galapagos specialist can help ensure a seamless and hassle-free trip, plus you'll get insider tips on packing, what to expect, and more. They can also advise on relatively easy "add-on" destinations like the Amazon or Machu Picchu.

For more information about travel to the Galapagos, send an email to suzette@family-treks.com.

This youngster agrees, the Galapagos is great for families!

Summer Vacation Solutions

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Thu, 25 May 2017 16:25:00 +0000

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.

Sail Roundtrip out of San Francisco with Crystal Cruises

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 21:48:00 +0000

Travelers in California have more options to cruise with ease and avoid airport headaches next year. Crystal Cruises is offering two sailings roundtrip out of San Francisco aboard the Crystal Symphony in 2018:

You can even see the parking garage from here.

Hawaii Sojourn

July 15 – 31, 2018

17 days Roundtrip to Hawaii

Coastal Collection

July 31 – August 10, 2018

11 days Roundtrip to Cabo San Lucas

Guests who book with me are automatically enrolled in the complimentary Virtuoso Voyages program, which include these amenities:

> An Exclusive Shore Experience

~or~

$200 - 250 Shipboard Credit Per Person

> A private cocktail reception

Crystal offers a true all-inclusive luxury cruise, including:

Gratuities
One evening of specialty restaurant dining
Champagne, fine wines, premium spirits, non-alcoholic beverages
Other drinks like specialty coffees and smoothies
24-hour room service and in-room minibar
Wi-Fi/Internet

Special events like wine or cheese tasting

and much more!

Silk Road Specialty Restaurant

Silk Road Menu

ANYTHING you order at this bar is included.

I was able to tour the Crystal Symphony in San Francisco last fall, and I was impressed with her elegant decor, the quality of the food, and the variety of public spaces, which means it never feels crowded.

Lots of room to gather, bring some friends!

Outdoor dining is the best.

I love these colors!

Learn photo/video editing or web design at Computer University@Sea

Here are recent testimonials from 2016 travelers:

“Wow. Our trip was FABULOUS, Suzette! Crystal Cruises = perfection. We will never be able to cruise on any other line because of how spoiled we are!!! I can't recommend Crystal enough. The service is impeccable. The boat is beautiful. The food is amazing. We never waited nor wanted for anything. We loved it!!!”

– Alaska Honeymooners

“We laughed harder than we have in years and spent quality time together that you just can’t get when emails and texts are coming in every minute. We can’t wait for our next adventure at sea!”

– Haisley Smith, Brownell Vice President of Marketing and Development

(You can read her full review at http://www.brownelltravel.com/blog/just-back-from-haisley-smith/)

The comforts of home

Crystal has also extended their Crystal Clear Choice promotion through June 30 on select 2017 and 2018 cruises, including some Alaska sailings! Receive your choice of:

- Fare reduction up to $1000

- Air credit up to $1100

- Onboard credit up to $1250

And it’s combinable with Virtuoso Voyages amenities!

Email me for more information, and to be sure you get the best fares and amenities.

Bon Voyage!

Spring Break Trips That Don't Require a Passport

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 17:08:00 +0000

It's not too late to plan a spring break trip! And you don't even need a passport, check out these great options:

ARIZONA

You have to forego a beach, but not beautiful resorts with fabulous pools!

I love the desert scenery.

My Recommendation: The Canyon Suites at the Phoenician

A serene retreat at the base of Camelback Mountain, a "hotel within a hotel." Families will appreciate the kids' club for ages 5-12 and access to The Phoenician's 7 pools and 165-foot water slide as well as a private infinity pool.

Making a splash with young kids.

Special Offer: 4th night free April 5 - December 24, 2017

Virtuoso Amenities

- Room view upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

- Full breakfast daily for 2

- $100 Food & Beverage credit (Additional $100 food and beverage credit when staying 3 or more nights in a Canyon Suite, through March 5)

- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

- Complimentary Wi-Fi

HAWAII

Even if you've been before, remember that each island is unique and offers activities not found anywhere else.

Unscheduled stop at a roadside market

My recommendation: Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Every room is an 800 sq ft 1 bedroom suite, which normally goes for premium pricing at other resorts. So families get space & privacy, plus a beautiful, quiet beach, two level pool with waterslide, and adults only pool. It's one of my personal favorites.

Special Offer: 5th night free through March 31

Virtuoso Amenities

- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

- Daily buffet breakfast for 2

- $100 Spa Services credit

- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

- Complimentary Wi-Fi

PUERTO RICO

A Caribbean gem that has it all: beautiful beaches, culture, historic military forts, street art, and unique natural attractions like El Yunque rainforest and bioluminescent bays.

What kid doesn't like seeing cannons up close?

My recommendation: Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve

This luxurious island sanctuary has only 115 oceanfront guestrooms spread across 50 acres and one mile of beach. Larger families can book a residence on the beach or even a 5-bedroom hacienda. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program offers exciting and memorable adventures, such as snorkeling, hiking and exploring an archaeological site on property.

One of the US's pretties beaches!

Special Offer: Stay Longer promo with discounts of 10-30%. The longer you stay the more you save!

Virtuoso Amenities

- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

- Full breakfast daily for 2

- $150 Resort credit

- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

- Complimentary Wi-Fi

AMELIA ISLAND

The northern coast of Florida offers southern charm, as well as miles of unspoiled coastline, pristine beaches, and even some pirate history!

Barrier island bliss

My recommendation: Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island

One of the most popular beach destinations on the East Coast, this luxurious barrier island hotel is surrounded by 13 acres of island beachfront. Activities abound, including 18 holes of PGA championship golf, 4 tennis courts, and charming Fernandina Beach just 10 minutes away with boutiques, antique stores, and excellent restaurants.

Elegant, classic, and oceanfront

Special Offer: Book an Oceanfront Suite for at least two nights and receive a connecting room for only $149 per night, through April 30.

Virtuoso Amenities

- Full breakfast daily for 2

- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

- $100 Spa Services credit

- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

- Complimentary Wi-Fi

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

One of the most accessible destinations, with lots of nonstop flights from around the country. A Mediterranean climate means outdoor activities are available year-round, and it offers incredible diversity: mountains, desert, and coastline a short drive from Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Disneyland!

Butter beer at Universal Studios!

My recommendation: Terranea Resort

Active families will love this luxury eco-resort's Aqua-Terra Adventures program, staffed by naturalists, ornithologists, and artists. Activities range from kayaking, tidepooling, and surfing to cycling, painting, and hiking. They even have a falconry program!

A private playground just outside LA

Special Offer: Save 30% on reservations 5 nights or longer through Feb 28.

Virtuoso Amenities

- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

- Full breakfast daily for 2

- $100 Resort credit

- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability- Complimentary Wi-Fi

For help with planning a spring break getaway, contact suzette@family-treks.com

You could be here soon!

Spectacular Spring Break Savings!

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 23:01:00 +0000

"I don't really care about saving money on my vacation." Said no one ever.

If you want to plan a spring break getaway, NOW is the time to book. I have been able to find some great early booking values, most of which are only available because of our agency's preferred status with a particular resort, or through a tour operator who only works with travel professionals.

Here is a recap of the savings I found for clients in the past week:

$11,000 savings on a multi-gen family vacation - Grandpa wanted to take his kids and grandkids to Florida in April, so he needed to book a combination of rooms and suites. This was the amount saved over the rate published on the resort website after applying a Virtuoso discount and an exclusive 4th night free offer.

One Bedroom Oceanfront Suite

One of the beautiful oceanfront pools

Lucky kids!

This same family could have stayed at another resort offering a 50% discount on ALL junior suites booked in combination with a 1 BR suite. It would have totaled to >$1000 per night savings over the published rates. What a great deal for families who want a connecting room for the kids, and suites have kitchenettes as well!

This beach!

Hawaii Villa Savings - I found a Book Early offer for March on 2 and 3 bedroom Maui villas through a supplier who only works with travel advisors. The client is saving thousands of dollars since they needed multiple villas for their party.

Space, privacy, and your own plunge pool

Views of Lanai from a practically private beach.

Haleakala - One of Maui's spectacular natural wonders.

$1500 savings on a 1 Bedroom Suite - The same tour operator also has Book Early rates on hotel rooms and suites at many resorts. This luxury resort is my favorite for families on Maui!

A waterslide, swim-up bar, adults only pool, huge spa,
award-winning restaurants, and a gorgeous beach.

And this view! What more can a family ask for? Well...

...How about complimentary breakfast every day?
(A Virtuoso amenity exclusively for my clients.)

I was even able to find a great deal for a client traveling to Europe over the holidays: a 200£ savings per room per night for New Year's Eve. And they will get the Virtuoso amenities which include daily breakfast and a 100 USD equivalent hotel credit.

This room is worthy of a special occasion.

This place will be hopping on NYE!

To be frank, there generally there aren't a lot of Christmas "deals" to be found. I do have the advantage of knowing suppliers that often have rooms blocked at a below market rates. But inventory is limited, so the early bird has the best chance to score one of those rooms.

Even if you end up paying the published rates, remember that you still get a better value when I book you, because of our preferred agency amenities, such as daily breakfast for two, upgrade on arrival if available, and resort credits.

It's understandable that many travelers want to wait until after the holidays to start planning trips for next year. But it's likely the best offers will be gone by then. Imagine how relaxing it would be to not only have your spring break travel planning out of the way, but also know you have saved yourself a lot of money!

So give yourself the gift of a more restful holiday season by sending an email to suzette@family-treks.com, and from there I'll do all the work!

I'll take this image over sugarplum fairies dancing in my head any day.

Why I Chose Mauna Lani Bay For My Hawaii Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 15:49:00 +0000

This summer our family vacationed on the Big Island of Hawaii. We had not been there in many years, so we were eager to go back now that the kids were old enough to do some of the more adventurous activities.

Zodiac snorkel tour

There are so many great resort choices that it can be quite overwhelming to decide where to stay. And even though I had it narrowed down to a Virtuoso resort, there were four from which to choose. They are all unique in style, location, and amenities,and understanding these differences helped determine which was the best fit for my family.

I know we would have had a fantastic trip no matter where we stayed, but here are a dozen reasons we chose The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows.

1) The coral reef in front of the hotel offers easy access to great snorkeling. And turtles are seen frequently near shore.

Maui visible in the distance

Coral in front of Mauna Lani

Getting underwater video of a turtle

2) Connecting rooms are practically guaranteed due to the number of them available.

Queen beds!

3) There are natural lagoons throughout the grounds, filled with fish, turtles, eels, and even a shark!

The resort was built around the original fishponds.

4) Their resort credit is one of the most inclusive in Hawaii, including use of snorkel gear, spa and gear rental discounts, 10% discount on lunch and dinner at two of the restaurants, self-parking, 30 min of long distance and international calls daily, wifi, cultural activities, and more.

Family favorite: Macadamia encrusted mahi mahi over fried rice

5) They are devoted to preserving the cultural history of Hawaii. A self-guided tour over 27 acres of historic parks visits ancient shelter caves, petroglyphs, and a prehistoric fishing village. Or guests can go on a tour with the resident historian.

Interesting history lesson about Mauna Lani

Petroglyphs hidden in plain sight

6) The Mauna Lani Beach Club is a easy walk or short shuttle ride away, offering a great swimming beach, another beachfront restaurant and more excellent snorkeling.

The Beach Club is visible in the top left,
an easy 10 min walk along the waterfront.

7) It has authentic Hawaiian ambiance including a large,open air atrium with lush vegetation and ponds filled with their youngest turtles waiting for their turn to be released. Kids gather to watch the turtles get fed in the afternoon.

What a welcome sight! Live music here each evening, too

8) The grounds are compact, so it's easy to get from room to pool to beach to poolside restaurant and bar. And there is plenty of lawn space and uncrowded beachfront with cabanas included in the resort fee.

View from our room (could see fireworks from here, too).

It was never hard to get one of these cabanas.

9) A quiet black sand beach is just a few minutes drive away within the resort complex, which also has great snorkeling.

Practically have the bay to ourselves

10) The Mauna Lani Resort shopping center has a full service grocery store, several restaurants, coffee and ice cream shop, Snorkel Bob's, and complimentary activities like a weekly Polynesian hula show.

Lei making class!

11) They have a reputation for warm hospitality and great service. The staff is well-trained and genuine, they treated us like guests in their home.

Soon an attendant will be by with ice cream

12) And by timing our visit over the Fourth of July holiday, we got to experience their signature event: Turtle Independence Day! Young turtles raised in their ponds are released to the ocean in a traditional ceremony.

This little guy is getting his freedom soon.

The days leading up to the event are fun and educational for families, as they can watch researchers measure and inspect the turtles to ensure they are ready for release. Children staying at the hotel are chosen by lottery to escort the turtles from the pond to the ocean during the ceremony.

Making sure this guy is big enough to have a fighting chance in the ocean.

The entire community comes out for this annual event.

Let me go, let me go!

And did I mention the snorkeling??

My clients receive these Virtuoso amenities:

* Upgrade one category at time of booking subject to availability

* Daily buffet American buffet breakfast two

* $100 resort credit

* Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Loco moco breakfast!

They also have five 2700 sq ft bungalows, great for larger families, multi-generational groups, or couples traveling together. They all have two master bedrooms, a private kitchen, and plenty of living space. Outdoors is a 1,300 sq. ft. private terrace with a Jacuzzi and heated swimming pool. And through Dec 20 they are offering one of the best all-inclusive values in Hawaii.

Spacious and bright living and dining area.

A lagoon provides separation from the beachfront path.

The Bungalow Inclusive Experience includes:

* Transportation to and from the airport and/or a premium rental car

* Daily $500 Credit for Mauna Lani golf or spa

* Pantry stocked on arrival with non-alcoholic beverages, fruits & snacks * Welcome bar set-up

* Daily afternoon amenity

* Breakfast, lunch and dinner for up to 6 guests (excluding alcohol)

Canoe House oceanfront dining

A great sunset on our last evening

For assistance with planning a fantastic vacation to Hawaii, and to receive the Virtuoso amenities, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

There can never be too many sunset pictures!

Six Trips Which Should Be Booked at Least a Year in Advance

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 18:03:00 +0000

Some destinations require advance planning due to limited availability, high popularity, or both. Often the best options book up early, and in some situations there may be only one good option! If any of these are on your list for 2017, you should start planning now.

African Safari

The best Africa lodges and tented camps are small and intimate, often less than a dozen rooms, so there isn't much space to begin with. Safaris are popular for family reunions or celebration trips, so it's not uncommon for one group to book the entire property. Families should note that lodges might have only one family suite which can sleep 4 people, otherwise you will have to book two separate rooms.

Who says you have to rough it while on safari?

The other key to a fantastic safari is having the right guide, and the most knowledgeable and respected ones are booked year round. Even the escorted tours, that generally stay in larger lodges, are fully booked a year out.

My client's South Africa wildlife encounter.

Alaska

Due to a short travel season and high demand, hotels are booked to capacity every summer. The problem is exacerbated when cruise lines block chunks of hotel space far in advance, and I've had to reach in my bag of insider tricks to get even one room for my clients. Wilderness lodges are small, and I know at least one in Denali that is already sold out for most dates in summer 2017.

This beautiful lodge, built by the owner, has only 14 rooms.

Lucky family got a clear view of Denali!

Want to travel on an expedition cruise so you can get up close to nature? They carry less than 100 passengers so you have to grab your spot early. You can find space on large ship cruises on fairly short notice, but the options will be limited. Your choice of cabin location or itinerary may not be available. In my experience, the best rates and perks come with booking earlier rather than later.

My clients got up close to a calving glacier on their Lindblad cruise.

Tuscany Villa

Yes, there are lots of villas available at any given time if you are searching on the internet. But if you want to book a property that you know has been vetted by a reliable source so there will no unpleasant surprises on arrival, you need to plan early. And if you want one with everything on your wish list (a pool, near a quaint town, centrally located, etc.), all the more reason to plan early. Those villas you see available in April for summer travel? There's a good reason they are still on the market.

Wine-tasting with a fabulous view.

An easy day trip to Florence

Iceland

Its popularity has skyrocketed for travelers seeking adventure, especially as it's considered one of the safest European destinations. Unfortunately the tourism infrastructure has not kept up with demand, so hotels and our preferred tour partners are heavily booked. Reykjavík is a decent sized city, but finding accommodations in the countryside can be quite tricky. And when you find yourself in a remote location with limited resources, you definitely want to be traveling with someone reliable.

Clients captured this gorgeous double rainbow on their epic family adventure.

National Parks

The national parks are always popular, especially with families, but even more so as travelers prefer to stay close to home rather than venture out of the country. Because of the convenience and historical aspects, staying at a lodge within park boundaries is highly desirable, so even the most modest accommodations book up early.

Can't get much closer to the Grand Canyon rim than by staying at El Tovar

A little chilly on top with the residual snow,
but great weather for a hike into the canyon

This year's centennial celebration increased demand, and I expect spillover into 2017 from travelers who got locked out this year. Guided hiking and cycling trips are especially popular with active travelers, but their set departure dates mean you have to book early.

There is much more to Yellowstone than Old Faithful!

Any Destination Over the Holidays

It's not uncommon for the top beach and ski resorts to have waiting lists more than a year in advance. And most have strict minimum night stays, so you need to make sure you've blocked enough vacation time. The best rooms and suites (and guaranteed connecting rooms for families) are always the first to be snatched up.

Ski out right from the terrace at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe

The new Four Seasons Ko'Olina on Oahu does not have
a waiting list for the holidays. Yet.

Imagine how happy and relaxed you would be to know you have the trip of your dreams planned out a year in advance. And research shows that the anticipation of a trip is what makes us happiest, so why not extend that feeling as long as possible?

Whether you plan to travel next week or next year, just send a note to suzette@family-treks.com and we'll get started setting up something for you to look forward to!

Our Amalfi Coast visit

High Adrenaline Hawaii

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:55:00 +0000

I recently vacationed on the Big Island of Hawaii with my family which includes two teens. We had not been there since they were very young, so this time we got to experience some more active adventures.

This island has a large variety of unique activities, so if you are looking for more to do than just lay on the beach or by the pool, it could be the perfect destination for you. Check out some of the fun things we did:

Stargazing at Mauna Kea

While looking through telescopes is not a high energy activity, getting to the top of the volcano does take some effort. The Visitor Information Center is at 9200 ft, and at nightfall temperatures drop into the 50’s or below. So we packed long pants, hats, gloves, and sweatshirts along with our bathing suits. If you have a “true” 4WD drive vehicle you can drive to the 14000 ft summit on a steep gravel road (check safety guidelines first).

Setting up the telescopes

Here you have one of the clearest night sky views on the planet, we could easily see the Milky Way with the naked eye. We also saw Jupiter, Mars and Saturn through telescopes, and watched deep space images on video monitors.

The Milky Way seen from Mauna Kea

Zodiac Raft Trip to Kealakekua Bay

Inacessible by car, Kealakekua Bay is one of the most protected harbors on the island and has exceptionally clear water. It is also the site of the Captain Cook Monument, the only foreign-owned land in the United States. The crew will fill you in on the whole story. You can also book catamaran trips and kayak trips, but if you like speed and watching dolphins surf next to you, the zodiac boat is the way to go.

Chasing a fish off a volcano

Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

There is a lot to see here, and I generally recommend my clients spend a night or two at the summit. (I review the pros and cons with my clients as we design their itinerary.)

Checking out a steam vent with a GoPro

Walk through a lava tube

We powered through a full day trip from our resort, and were still able to drive the entire length of Chain of Craters Road, have dinner, then go back to see the glow in the caldera after dark.

Kilauea by day and night

What’s exciting right now is a new lava flow which started right before our arrival. It does require advance planning as views are only accessible from a parking area about 45 minutes outside the park entrance, and you must hike a few miles along an emergency road.

Note: Lava conditions can change in hours, so visitors need to read the current updates on the NPS website, and talk to rangers before heading out on any hikes.

Lava arches at the end of the road

Night Snorkel With Manta Rays

This was not only the highlight of our trip, but could very well be one of the most amazing wildlife encounters we will have in our lifetime. Because of the particular tour we booked, we had at least a dozen huge manta rays (3-10 ft. wing span) swimming within inches of us. Yes, it was scary at first, but it didn’t take long to relax, realize we were safe, and enjoy the experience. You can see a video my son took with his GoPro here.

This isn't a spaceship, it's the underside of a manta ray!

And More Snorkeling!
The Big Island is known for some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii and we were not disappointed. This is one of our favorite activities (we call ourselves "snorkel snobs"), so we chose a resort that had good snorkeling on site and several good beaches nearby, including one with black sand. There were also lots of turtles at our resort, so it was not unusual to see them in and out of the water.

Great snorkeling right at our resort

Lots of coral reefs and fish like this Moorish idol

Naptime!

There are many other fun adventures on the Big Island that we didn’t have time to fit in our trip:

Waterfall zip line ~ ATV or horseback riding at Waipio Valley ~ Swim with dolphins

Akaka Falls

Helicopter flightseeing ~ Lava hike ~ Bicycling tours ~ Scuba and SNUBA

Lava fields

For more information about how to plan a fun Hawaii vacation for your family, send an email to suzette@family-treks.com.

Beating the Heat at The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 18:40:00 +0000

I recently traveled to the Palm Springs area for my nephew’s graduation. My sister and I grabbed the opportunity for a one night girls’ getaway, and I instantly thought of the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage, a property I have been eyeing for a while. I have many clients who travel to this area to visit family, or attend events like the Coachella Music Festival.

Palm Desert

The desert is hot in summer, of course, but this particular weekend it was even hotter than normal, with temperatures around 115 by mid afternoon. Now why would someone want to spend good money at a luxury resort in these conditions?? Would you do anything other than sit in your room?

Note the time at the top

Well, in fact I learned that this is the BEST place to be when temperatures are soaring, for several reasons:

> If you are going to be stuck inside, why not be stuck inside a beautiful resort with an elegant bar and restaurant with views, or a spacious room with comfy beds?

Inviting seating area in the lobby

Indoor - outdoor decor

Lots of space in even the entry-level rooms

> Most homeowners' pools are too warm to enjoy when temperatures soar above 100 deg. But the Ritz Carlton’s pools were chilled, so they were refreshing, and after a quick dunk we were even comfortable sitting on the lounge chairs for quite a while.

Checking out the family pool from the poolside bar

> The resort had many outdoor shaded seating areas. And while it’s still hot in the shade, it is cool enough to be tolerable. When you've been out in 115 deg temps, the upper 90's feel relatively cool.

Outdoor bar seating

A quiet area in the shade around the corner from the bar

> There are misters outside the rooms and around the pool, so you don't even have to get completely wet to be comfortable.

Our private patio with misters and a shared firepit

Sure doesn't feel like it's 115 now!

We were at the resort for exactly 24 hours, and we relished every minute. We enjoyed a fantastic wine tasting while waiting for our room, hosted by a rep from Michael David wines.

Big reds - yummy!

Ready for a group of locals to visit

Once in our room, we quickly changed and headed over to the quiet adult pool, with fabulous views across the valley.

So peaceful!

Location, location, location!

We had to drag ourselves away for our dinner reservation at State Fare, and when I heard they were known for their hamburgers, I knew exactly what to order. And my sister was happy to try the fried avocados that she had heard others rave about.

It was as good as it looks. And those fries!!

Guests dining at the steakhouse have a fantastic view of the valley

After dinner the temperatures had dropped to more reasonable levels, so we strolled around the grounds. We knew the rooms on the west side were getting a great sunset view, as we could see the last rays glowing on the mountains across the valley.

Firepit rooms next to the lawn are perfect for families,

Never tired of the reflecting pool, which was always changing

Kids were playing lawn games as parents watched from their patios with fire pits, and some guests were eagerly waiting for the telescope to be set up for stargazing. There were plenty of private spaces around the resort where guests could sit and chat.

Whimsical decorations

Bye bye sun, hello cooler temps!

The next morning we grabbed our coffee and found a quiet spot to read and enjoy the view, then took a tour of the spa.

Morning light

Great nighttime and daytime views from this spot

Another look at those firepit rooms

The co-ed lounge at the spa

For our remaining hours in paradise we hung out by the main pool, which was just steps from our outdoor patio. After lunch, we relocated to our patio with the misters to enjoy our last few hours of our girls' getaway. It was with great reluctance that we packed our bags and headed home.

Yummy poolside tacos!

Really, we have to leave?

When I book clients at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage, they receive these complimentary Virtuoso amenities:

* Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

* Daily buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests

* $100 resort credit

* Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Yes, this breakfast is free for my clients!

And more breakfast around the corner (surrounded by wine)

So don't be scared to head to the desert in summer. It might turn out to be a really cool vacation!

Gift Ideas for Grads Traveling Away to College

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Sun, 01 May 2016 16:22:00 +0000

Here are some of my favorite travel accessories, which would make great gifts for graduating seniors. We sent our first child across the country to college this year with several of these, which came in handy for his trips back and forth.

Clear plastic carry-on bag for liquids – It will hold up better than a ziploc bag through multiple trips.

311 TSA Rules: 3.4 oz, 1 qt , 1 bag

Luggage scale – To discourage the teen’s instinct to shove as much stuff into one bag as possible.

Don't stuff hockey bags to capacity!

Duffle bag that collapses easily and compactly – Can serve as an extra carry-on bag when they pull out all the extra things from their checked bag.

Go Sharks! (Had to get that in for playoff season)

Cable lock – To secure bags when traveling by train or when waiting in airports. They can also keep items secure in a dorm room.

The 3 ft long cable can link several bags together,
or secure one to a stationary object

Durable luggage tags – A colorful one is easy to spot on a luggage carousel.

But don't store your jewels in checked bags.

Packing cubes – Full disclosure: my kids still don’t want to use them, but they’ll appreciate having them some day!

Probably my favorite travel accessory

Portable charger – I love my Jackery, it's a lifesaver on a long flight or a long layover in an airport that has limited outlets.

Also has a light!

Even if your student is going to school in the US, they will probably have opportunities to travel internationally. When the time comes, they'll appreciate these items:

Dual voltage extension cord – So they can charge all their electronics at once (regular extension cords used around the house need a converter).

The Luggage Valet has one USB and three 3-prong outlets.

Universal travel adapter – So they can keep up with social media in multiple countries.

If your electronics and chargers are dual voltage all you
need is the appropriate adapter.

If you see something like 100/240V or 110~220V on the label
then you don't need a converter.

Here's a tip for summer: Apply for or renew their passport if necessary so they have a valid one when they head off to school.

And if you'd like ideas for a celebration trip, so your grad can try out his or her new gadgets, just send a note to suzette@family-treks.com.

Book London Now for Deals Later

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 20:45:00 +0000

There are some offers available right now for London, valid for travel throughout the year. Some expire next month, and others are limited to availability. If you plan ahead, you can get a great deal with some of our favorite hotels and tour guides.

The Corinthia Hotel

Combining traditional grandeur with modern freshness, the redesigned Victorian building is ideally located in the heart of London, facing the River Thames. It is a short walk from many of the city’s major attractions, and offers an exquisite light-filled lobby, a spacious exterior courtyard, and the most breathtaking spa in London, housed across four floors.

The best spa in London

Annual Sale

Up to 30% off the best available rates. Must be booked by April 30.

Family Friendly Package

Two connecting rooms (if available at time of booking) or nearby, for one discounted rate. Parents will receive a bottle of champagne, and children will receive a game console and some treats. Valid for stays until Dec 30, 2016.

Rooms average 485 sq ft

My clients receive Virtuoso amenities on these offers as they do when booking regular rates:

English Breakfast for two people per room,
Noon arrival (subject to availability),
Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability),
£85 Hotel Credit (once per stay)
Water and fruit

(Blackout dates and minimum stays may apply)

The Milestone Hotel

London's quintessential luxury boutique hotel, a magnificent 19th-century architectural treasure centrally located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Each of the rooms, luxury suites, and long-stay apartments are dressed with fine fabrics, fresh flowers, antique furnishings, and rare artworks, plus 21^st century technology. The hotel has two staff members for every guest, ensuring personal care to every detail. Family friendly amenities include Mini bathrobes & slippers, a teddy bear book and a chocolate mouse on turndown, and even baby intercoms.

Every room is unique

Brownell Travel Exclusive Amenities:

$100 food credit per room per stay
Additional $100.00 food credit for bookings of two or more nights
English Breakfast for two each day
Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
Book a suite for 3 or more nights and get a one way airport transfer
Book an apartment for 4 or more nights and get a one way airport transfer

Spacious apartments for long stays

The Egerton House Hotel

A beautiful townhouse dating back to 1843, enviably located on a tree-lined street in fashionable Knightsbridge (just a short walk from Harvey Nichols and Harrods). The hotel features its own private art collection, and all of the 28 guestrooms and suites are individually designed. Head barman Antonio Pizzuto has spent 40 years perfecting his art, and is known for the best martinis in London.

It's 5 o'clock somewhere!

Brownell Travel Exclusive Amenities:

Full English Breakfast daily
£100 Food Credit
Exclusive pair of member tickets to current exhibitions at The Victoria and Albert Museum with access to the members lounge. (These tickets are impossible to get!)
Afternoon tea for 2 on one day during their stay
Martini Master class
Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
Book a suite for 3 or more nights and get a one way airport

Authentic London townhouse in a residential neighborhood

Family Sightseeing Tours

Context Travel is offering 10% off family tours around the world if booked by April 30. Client favorites in London include:

British Museum for Families

Join an archaeologist in the discovery of the British Museum: one of the largest repositories of ancient art in the world, and an amazing backdrop to a family-oriented exploration of the ancient world and its traditions, religions, and lives. Families will learn about how the museum was founded and how the passion for collecting is still alive today. Using fun educational tools, they’ll pick a theme or a particular civilization and follow its development throughout time while navigating the museum.

Hands on learning

Tower of London for Families

Known for its feathered inhabitants, for its gruesome executions and its famous prisoners, the Tower is the site of intriguing stories that inspire and fascinates young visitors. Why do the ravens live in the Tower? Was the Tower really used as a zoo? Led by a specially trained family-friendly historian guide, the tour provides an interactive learning experience for children and introduces them to British history

Kids love the macabre!

Drawing London: A Hands On Art Workshop

A hands-on tutorial on how to engage and hone your powers of observation and expression, under the auspices of a professional artist and art teacher. The tour starts at the artist's beautiful flat, and while sipping a cup of tea, families are introduced to materials and a demonstration of some basic drawing techniques.

Anyone can be an artist

They can even arrange for a a private tennis lesson on Henry VIII’s court!

Context regular tours are a good value even when not on sale. And if you have 4 or more in your group it's less expensive to book a private tour!

Contact me if you'd like more information, or are ready to book so that you get our exclusive amenities.

My clients love London!

Why JK Place Firenze is the Most Romantic Hotel in Florence

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:25:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of visiting JK Place Firenze on my trip to Italy last summer, and I was blown away by how unique and awesome it was.

As we approach Valentine's Day, I found myself thinking about the hotel, how it would be an excellent for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. Here's why:

* Private and sophisticated - LIke a home away from home with lots of private spaces. There's no lobby, you "check in" in the library.

Cozy!

* Great location - On pretty Santa Maria Novella Piazza with a view of the church, convenient to the train station and shopping, and away from the heaviest tourist traffic

Do you like this...

.. or this?

* Romantic accommodations - Only 20 rooms, all unique. The Penthouse has a private balcony with a clear view of the Domo.

Some have canopy beds

Chic but comfortable

* Spa access - Two minutes away is Olimpo SPA Steam Bath

Couples massage anyone?

* Pretty rooftop terrace - With daybeds to snuggle on after a long day of sightseeing.

Peace and quiet and fresh air

* The tiramisu - Some say the best in the city.

They say the shortest distance to the heart is through the stomach.

Presentation is everything!

* The general manager - One of the most important features of any hotels is who’s at the helm. Claudio Meli is passionate about providing the best possible experience for his guests, and that attitude trickles down to every member of staff. After talking to him for a short while, you'll learn he's a devoted husband and father, a true romantic at heart!

JK Place is also a great value when you book through a Virtuoso travel advisor and receive exclusive Virtuoso amenities:

- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Continental breakfast daily for two
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Breakfast at "home"

Are you ready to take your Valentine to Florence?? Then contact me!

The Best Luxury Resort Values in Hawaii

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 17:55:00 +0000

There are so many great resorts in Hawaii, how do you pick one? Hopefully this guide will help you find the best value for your money!

Oahu: The Modern Honolulu

A member of the Ritz Carlton hotel group, The Modern is cosmopolitan and chic, with a splash of Hawaiian whimsy. It’s luxurious and intimate, yet has all the amenities one expects of a luxury hotel including spa, nightclub, and two pools. The oceanfront location is close to great beaches, shopping, and restaurants.

If you book an ocean view room through a Ritz Carlton STARS agency, you are automatically upgraded to a Studio Suite if available, which has a king bed, sofa bed, and a private terrace. And there are no resort fees, even high speed internet is included!

Modern rooms at The Modern Honolul

Insider Tip: Several Daybed Experience Packages are offered which include unlimited use of a daybed for the entire day,a 3-5 course tasting menu, and wine or cocktails. You can upgrade to add a 30 min couples massage.

Pearl Harbor

Kauai: St. Regis Princeville / Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa

Frankly, there are limited 5 star options on Kauai, so the rates don’t vary dramatically, and they offer the same Virtuoso amenities: daily breakfast for two, amenity valued at $100, upgrade on arrival if available. But they offer two different experiences.

The St Regis Princeville is perched on Hanalei Bay, boasting one of the most scenic views in the world, perfect for a romantic getaway. The north shore is known for its spectacular unspoiled scenery, which is why many movies have been filmed here (and many celebrities have made it their second home). It also offers some of the best adventure activities and snorkeling on the island.

Hanalei Bay

The Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa has a slight edge if traveling with young children, with its lagoon style pool and fun waterslide, plus they will guarantee connecting rooms in advance. There is plenty of on-property entertainment, and a luau is offered twice a week. It is not on a swimmable beach, but they have a sandy lagoon, and are only a few minutes from Poipu Beach. The island’s south shore is a good location in the winter months, as the north shore beaches are not safe for swimming with the high surf.

Grand Hyatt waterslide

The island is not that big, so no matter where you stay, it’s not a long drive to any activity or attraction

Insider Tip: Take a snorkeling cruise to the Napali Coast in the morning, then drive up Waimea Canyon in the afternoon to get a birds’ eye view of the same coastline.

Napali Coast

Big Island: Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows

This low key resort on a beautiful white sand beach is a lesser known gem, but guests tend to return over and over because of the great service and authentic Hawaiian ambiance. Rates are some of the best for a resort of this caliber, and Virtuoso clients are upgraded at time of booking if possible, making it an even better deal. Daily breakfast and $100 resort credit are also included in the Virtuoso amenity package. The resort fee is also one of the most inclusive to be found.

One of the nicest Big Island beaches

They recently announced the Bungalow Inclusive Experience which includes accommodations in a 2 bedroom bungalow, private roundtrip airport transfers (or a rental car), daily $500 spa or golf credit, and 3 meals a day for up to six people! The bungalows are 2,700 sq. ft. including two master bedrooms, wet bar and full kitchen, and a large private outdoor space with jacuzzi and heated swimming pool.

Snorkeling with turtles is always a highlight

Insider Tip: Baby turtles are raised in salt water ponds on the property. If you visit during the Fourth of July holiday, you can watch them be released into the ocean.

Maui: The Fairmont Kea Lani

This is not only the best value on Maui, but possibly the best value in all of Hawaii. Suites command premium rates at most resorts due to limited availability. But every room at the Kea Lani is an 800 sq ft one-bedroom suite! With huge bathrooms, entry foyer for stashing gear, queen size sofa sleeper, wet bar, and spacious lanai, they are perfect for families. Larger groups or couples traveling together will appreciate the space and privacy of villas near the beach, which have a full kitchen, dining area, and private plunge pool.

Virtuoso guests receive complimentary daily breakfast, $100 spa credit, and upgrade on arrival if available.

Two level family pool with water slide

Insider Tip: If you have young children, book one of the twelve poolside suites which is just steps from the family pool.

Haleakala

You may be thinking “What about Lanai?” Well, you really don’t have much choice there, but what a choice it is! The Four Seasons Manele Bay is re-opening on Feb 1 after a renovation, and they are celebrating with a 4^th night free offer and guaranteed upgrade at time of booking (through April 30), exclusive to clients of Four Seasons Preferred Partner agencies. Four Seasons resorts are always a great value, because they include so much in the rates, such as internet, snorkeling gear, and the Kids For All Seasons program.

Four Seasons Lanai beach

If you're ready to head to Hawaii then click here!

Private Guides - Your Best Travel Investment

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 02:23:00 +0000

On our trip to Italy this summer, I tried out several companies we use for private tours. My expectations were exceeded, and our experience was so much better than if we had done it alone.

Vatican Museums - The crowds were so overwhelming, I could not imagine visiting without a private guide. She was able to pull us aside as dozens of large tour groups filed by with headsets on, and then show us something interesting (even for the kids) that everyone else was missing.

Couldn't even see the pictures when the hall was filled with tour groups

While many people just popped their heads in the papal apartments, we were learning how different Raphael and Michelangelo were both in artistic style and personality. Before entering the Sistine Chapel, we relaxed in the beautiful courtyard as our guided explained what to look for when we got inside.

Prepping for the Sistine Chapel

Pompeii - We took a day trip to Naples from Rome, and I previously wrote about our experience hiring a private driver. Before we headed off for our drive along the Amalfi coast, he dropped us off for a 2 hour tour of Pompeii with a guide. I had heard it was huge but had no idea until I saw it for myself. It literally is a city, with block after block of streets that all look alike, and minimal signage.

The streets go on and on and on...

Most guests take a self-guided tour with headsets, which can run out on the busiest days. Our guide, who also led school field trips, expertly led us around the site so we could understand what life was like for residents. Often other visitors nearby leaned in to listen, as the stories she told were not found on any signs.

Learning about the "McDonalds" of Pompeii

Tuscany - We explored with our own car most of the time, but one day we had the luxury of a private driver. Finally my husband and I both got to relax and enjoy the scenery rather than focus on a map and scan for road signs.

Wouldn't you rather enjoy this view while someone else drives?

We visited a honey farm, a cheese farm, and a winery where we had a wonderful lunch prepared by the owner. He also took us to the hilltop village of Montalcino so we could see the fort. He dropped us off outside the castle so we could enjoy the scenery rather than waste time in the car looking for parking.

This Brunello wine came home with us.

Say cheese!

One day we drove ourselves to Volterra, where we met another guide who grew up there. She showed us around the ancient Etruscan village, and took us to the shop of an alabaster artisan I had met in San Francisco, when his replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa was put on display.

If this looks familiar you may have seen it in a Twilight movie,
this is the home of the Volturi

A master in alabaster

Florence - We day tripped by train from our resort, so our time was limited. The guide we hired for a city orientation tour met us at the train station, and she took a few minutes to get a feel for how we’d like to spend our time. Since we had seen enough churches and museums, she took us to the food market, which we would have never discovered on our own.

Before the lunch rush.

Then she led us on a tour of the city, guiding us through side streets so we avoided the worst of the crowds. She pointed out where Leonardo di Vinci and Michelangelo once stayed, and told the back story on funny signs we saw everywhere.

Hunting for these signs amused the kids.

We planned to visit the Accademia on our own, so she had done us the favor of reserving our tickets in advance. She ended our tour at the will call window (which was practically impossible to find unless pointed out), made sure we got in the right line (there were 3 very long ones), and recommended a nearby cafe for lunch.

The original David

When you hire a private guide, you will save time, you will learn more, your kids will have fewer melt downs, and overall you will have a better experience. Whenever we’ve visited a town or museum on our own, we found ourselves wandering a bit aimlessly. (And in the summer heat, efficiency is key, you want to make every step count!)

Wish we had a guide at the Colosseum, very few signs here

If you have a special interest in art, history, food, etc., then you’ll really appreciate having a guide who is an expert in that field, rather than taking a generic city tour where the guide is reciting a memorized spiel.

Beautiful Florence, one day is not enough!

You don’t have to hire a guide everywhere you go. But consider investing some of your travel dollars in locations where a private guide will make the difference between a good vacation, and a great vacation.

Water taxi to the Venice airport, another worthwhile splurge

Ten Tips for Driving in Tuscany

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 15:31:00 +0000

After a week of driving all over Tuscany this summer, I compiled this list of tips. (Kudos to my husband who enjoys the challenge of navigating in a foreign country, can drive a stick shift, and is good at parking in very tight spaces.)

Get an international driver’s license – If stopped without it, you can be fined, or even threatened with confiscation of the car. Note that it must be used with a valid driver’s license from your home country, so don’t leave your US license at home.

Ready to go!
Consider manual transmission – It can be much less expensive than renting an automatic. But you need to be very comfortable driving a stick shift, because there are lots of hills. Add car rental coverage to your travel insurance policy, it’s cheaper than buying the rental company’s insurance. (You are getting a travel insurance policy, aren’t you??)

The views are worth the climb!
Look for alternate car pick up locations - If you are not picking up a car on the day you fly in, you don’t have to make a trip back to the airport. Consider taking a train to a town near your final hotel or villa and picking up a car there. But be sure to book early and check the rental location hours.

Great place to start the trip.
Take a GPS – Unless you have unlimited data, it’ll get very expensive to rely on your phone. Some car rental companies, like Auto Europe, offer GPS with their rentals. We also rented a personal wifi hotspot with unlimited data, so we were able to use both while navigating. The GPS gave us step by step directions, and the maps app gave us an overview of the area when the GPS directions didn’t seem to make sense and we needed to improvise.

The scenery goes on and on...
Get a good map – It’s likely you’ll get lost at some point, or run into a dead end, even with a GPS. A map can help you get back on course, and also it’s easier to ask for help from a non-English speaking local with a map to point to.

Uh, are we sure we're supposed to turn here?
Preload GPS coordinates – These are especially handy for rural destinations. To find them, right click on the red pin icon in Google Maps, and select “What’s here.” A screen will pop up with the GPS coordinates.

Hidden gem!
Plan your strategy- Review the route in advance, and check the GPS (or your map app) against a physical map so you can get your bearings. By in advance, I mean the night before, not 15 min before you leave.

Typical Tuscan "highway"
Search for parking garages or other landmarks - This is often more helpful than just entering the name of a city, which will lead you to the center of town. For example, there are several ways to approach Siena, and it’s confusing to know which highway exit to take. We looked up the name of a garage that had plenty of parking and an escalator, and the GPS took us right to it. (However in Pisa, we had a hard time finding the public parking lot and basically stumbled across it by accident. The best laid plans…)

We could see dirt in-between the stones
from the Palio Horse Race a week earlier.
Be prepared for roundabouts – They are not difficult, just different if not used to them. They are well marked, you just have to pay attention to which exit you need. The good news is, if you miss it you can just go around again.

No pics of roundabouts so will have to
make do with this view.
Plan for the unexpected - Getting lost is inevitable, but that’s half the fun. Allow plenty of time for your outings so an unplanned detour is a fun adventure rather than source of stress!

Is any trip to Tuscany complete
without a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

What Not to Do When Visiting the Amalfi Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 20:48:00 +0000

On our trip to Italy this summer, we did not have enough time in our schedule to spend a few nights on the Amalfi Coast, but we did have time for a day trip from Rome. It's really easy logistically, a little more than one hour train ride. But the easy logistics end once you get to the Naples train station.

If you do not hire a car and driver/guide to take care of you from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart, you will likely end up regretting it. This is one place where you simply cannot "wing it."

A few days before our arrival, construction shut down several roads around the train station, causing gridlock in all directions. As a result, our driver/guide, Gianluca, had to allow an extra hour of driving time on each end of our visit. (There went two hours out of our day. First lesson learned, plan for delays.) But thanks to his insider knowledge of the streets around the train station, he expertly got us out of the city, though at times I did need to shut my eyes.

The scenery only gets better from here.

Once out of town, we got to relax and enjoy the views of Vesuvius and the coastline as we headed to Pompeii, where he dropped us off to meet our guide. I have always heard that the size of the ruins surprises tourists, and yet I was still surprised. And very happy to have a guide who expertly led us to specific areas to explain daily life in the ancient city in a way that kept my teens engaged.

Pompeii is so big, it doesn't appear crowded even
during peak season. Except if following the
people wearing audio headsets.

Block after block of city streets, and few signs
explaining what you see.

Our guide's visual aids helped bring the ruins to life.

After our tour, Gianluca was waiting to whisk us off to Sorrento, his home town. Since we were behind schedule due to the chaos in Naples and we would soon have hangry kids, he called ahead to a restaurant so that we would be seated and served immediately. Within 45 min we had ordered, eaten, received our complimentary limoncello shots (another good reason not to drive), and were back out the door. For anyone who has eaten in a restaurant in Italy, you know what an amazing feat that is!

How could we not order pizza??

Yes four glasses, drinking age limits are loose.
Kids weren't interested so mom & dad got two each!

The next few hours were spent shopping and sightseeing in Sorrento and Positano. There was absolutely no parking, but Gianluca has connections. He called ahead to have them hold us a spot right in the center of town then we hopped out, had time to stroll, shop, and get limone granitas.

Beautiful ceramics in Sorrento

One of the few flat areas in Positano

After many stairs, we reached the Positano beach

Afterwards we hopped back in the car and enjoyed the stunning scenery while Gianluca dealt with the jam-packed streets, tour buses backing up to negotiate hairpin turns, and motorbikes and pedestrians who seemed to appear out of nowhere. (I glanced back to see my son grinning ear to ear with his phone held up to the window recording it all.)

Gianluca didn't slow down!

Until we got here

We arrived at the train station with time to spare, bid a fond farewell to Gianluca, and were back in Rome just in time for dinner.

So no matter how experienced a traveler you are, here is my advice if you are considering exploring the Amalfi Coast on your own: Don't do it! Whether you arrive by train, plane, or cruise ship, it pays to hire a local expert so you can have a fun and stress-free experience. And whether you have 4 hours or 4 days, I can work with my local experts to plan a great itinerary maximizing your time in this beautiful area.

Aaaah-malfi, I can't wait to see you again.

When in Rome (With Kids)

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:48:00 +0000

We started our Italy adventure in Rome. a five night stay at the Westin Excelsior. This is a Virtuoso hotel located on the Via Veneto, next to the US Embassy. So my clients receive complimentary daily breakfast for two, upgrade on arrival if available, and a $100 food and beverage credit. And if you are a Starwood SPG member, you get a discount on lunch and dinner as well.

Deluxe twin room...

...with plenty of space and great A/C

Here are my top tips when visiting Rome with kids.

* Hire a driver to pick you up at the airport. You've had a long flight, you're tired and hungry, and it's crowded. It's a relief to see someone waiting for you outside customs, who will whisk you to an air conditioned car for the 30+ min drive into the city.

* Take an umbrella stroller which is easy to collapse and carry. Better yet, use a backpack. Many streets are bumpy and difficult to navigate.

It's not fun to schlep a stroller up the Spanish Steps

* It's hot and humid in summer, so always carry a water bottle. You can fill them at fountains and water spigots around the city. (Yes, it's safe to drink). Plan to rest in the afternoon at the hotel when temps are highest, then visit piazzas in the evening when it's cooler and kids will be less cranky.

Kids are happy to have water when it's fun to get

* Use the bathroom before going to train station. They are not centrally located and you have to deposit coins to enter.

* A hop on/off bus tour is a great way to get oriented to the city early in your trip. But don't purchase tickets in advance. All companies stop at the same places and run the same route. But if there are service problems on a particular line, you might have long waits between buses, or find that some don't even have seats available. There are "sales reps" at each stop, so try to find out from them if there are any service issues. We also got off and walked between two stops, just to have an opportunity to explore some small streets far from our hotel, which turned out to have nice shops and cafes.

* Buy Colosseum tickets for the kids, in advance. Though children get free admission to the Colosseum, you have to show their ID, even with pre-purchased tickets. If you can skip this step, you will truly have"skip the line" access. Visiting the Roman Forum first? Make sure you know which exit is closest to the Colosseum and allow plenty of time to meet your guide.

* Always have some cash on hand. Small cafes and street vendors often don't take credit cards. And coins are handy for public toilets.

* Book a family-friendly guide for the Vatican Museum. It'll make the experience better for the entire family because the crowds can be overwhelming. Our guide found a pleasant place for us to sit in the courtyard where she could give us some background information and also explain what we'd see in the Sistine Chapel later, since she wouldn't be allowed to talk in there.

One of the rare places without crowds in the Vatican

* Note that pasta is "first course." If that's all your kids (or you) order, note that it may come out before the other dishes, and the server may not bring any other food until the pastas is finished! So if you want a pasta dish to arrive at the same time as everyone else's main entree, ask the server to bring it with the second course (or "with the meat"). When someone only orders one course, servers will often ask when to bring it, but if they look puzzled, just explain what you want.

And antipasta is before the first course.
(Thank goodness for all that walking to burn this off!)

* Let kids burn off steam at Pincio Gardens at the top of the Spanish Steps. You can rent pedal cars, Segways, and surrey bikes, there are vendors selling gelato, drinks and snacks, but most importantly, there's lots of shade! It has sweeping views of the city, and it's a great place to watch the sunset.

Great place to hang out on a summer day.

* Add an extra day in Rome to day trip to the Amalfi Coast. It's just a one hour train ride, and you can hire a driver guide to pick you up for a full day of sightseeing. (Talk to them about your itinerary before booking the train tickets.) A guide is a must at Pompeii, especially with kids, due to the size. There aren't many signs so the only alternative is audio headsets, and they can run out in peak periods. And don't you think your kids have headphones on enough already?

Enjoying the view while someone else
hassles with the driving.

Our guide explains why this is
the "McDonalds" of Pompeii

I would love to design the perfect Italy itinerary for your family. Just send an email to suzette@family-treks.com.

Roman Forum

What I'll Miss Most About Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 17:11:00 +0000

I am on Italy withdrawal after our two week family adventure to Rome, Tuscany, and Venice (including a day trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast). Here is what I am missing already, in no particular order:

* Steamed milk instead of cold cream served with coffee in the morning and fresh squeezed orange juice as the norm

* Watching artisans work in their studios

* Water fountains everywhere (a real treat coming from drought-stricken California)

* Pasta as first course at lunch AND dinner

* Cheese and Tuscan ham as an acceptable appetizer before the pasta (I have never liked cheese but I learned to love pecorino, especially with the right honey)

* The pleasant surprise of stumbling across a beautiful statue or church while strolling narrow cobblestone streets

* Yummy unique pizzas

* Stunning art and architecture

* Lounging around a pool with beautiful views of Tuscan hills, and chatting with families from other parts of Europe. (It's interesting to learn how much is the same no matter what part of the world you are from.)

* Amazing limoncello from the biggest lemons I've ever seen

* And the wine!

Ok, most of these are about food but is that really so surprising?

Stay tuned for more posts about our amazing Italy adventure.

Ten Reasons to Vacation in Puerto Rico

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 23:26:00 +0000

My family vacationed in Puerto Rico several years and loved it. (Read about our trip here.) We are an active family, and we found plenty to do during our 8 day stay.

Kayak and snorkel trip

There's even more to love about Puerto Rico now, and here's why you should go.

1. It's exotic but easy. No passport needed, no international phone calls or data roaming charges, no international calls, no currency exchange or foreign transaction fees

2. Old San Juan is a UNESCO World Heritage site with lots of history and charm, and interesting architecture. And there are two cool forts to explore: El Morro and San Cristóbal.

El Morro

Old San Juan

3.The food is great, and foodies will especially enjoy the Saborea culinary festival in April. Rum lovers can visit the Bacardi factory, or attend the Taste of Rum festival in February.

4. It has the world’s longest single line zip line at Taro Verde Eco Park.

Taro Verde zipline

5. There are 5 bioluminescent bays in the world and Puerto RIco has 3 of them. Our night kayak tour was one of our most memorable activities, ever.

6. El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in US, with 40 species of plants and trees. You might even get to spot the rare Puerto Rican parrot, there are only 30 left in the wild.

Rainforest nature trail

7 The up and coming Santurce neighborhood is drawing crowds to see its vibrant street art. They host an art festival in August.

One of many street murals

8. Camuy River Cave Park is the third largest underground cave system in the world.

9. It has award-winning beaches, some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, including Flamenco and Palomino Island. (The latter is a private island available to Las Casitas Village and El Conquistador Resort guests. Read my trip review here.) Surfers should head to Sandy Beach in Rincon.

Flamenco Beach

10. There are great luxury resorts, including the Ritz Carlton Reserve Dorado Beach and St. Regis Bahia Beach. And when I book your stay you get the following exclusive Virtuoso amenities:

Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

Daily full breakfast

$150.00 resort credit

Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

St. Regis Bahia Beach

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

Daily full breakfast

$100 dining credit

15% off golf and spa services

Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

For help with planning a great getaway to Puerto Rico, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

Sunrise

One of a Kind Family Celebrations

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Fri, 01 May 2015 17:38:00 +0000

We’re coming up on graduation and wedding season, so today’s post is about celebration trips. Here are my top suggestions for a one-of-a-kind trip to celebrate a special occasion or milestone birthday or anniversary.

My criteria:

- It’s multi-generational, with accommodations and activities suitable for all ages

- It offers unique and exceptional experiences in the destination

- Meals are included or there is ample onsite dining. No hassles figuring out what to do for dinner!

- There is a supervised children’s program or ample activities for kids
- It requires minimal advance planning on the travel organizer's part. Just book it, show up, and have a fantastic time!

Lindblad Expedition Cruise- No casinos or nightclubs, instead travelers get up close to wilderness and wildlife. Great destinations for families are Alaska, Baja California, and the Galapagos. There's hands on learning for everyone, kayaking and snorkeling right off the boat in warm waters, and intimate, personal service since ships have less than 100 passengers, and most less than 70! There is no minimum age on family sailings, and kids under 18 get $500 off.

Virtuoso amenity: $25 onboard credit on all sailings, additional credits and exclusive discounts on select sailings.

You won't have this view of glaciers calving
from a traditional cruise ship.

If they were any closer they'd be swimming with them!

Alaska Wilderness Lodge – This is another trip perfect for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts, the land version of an expedition cruise. Expert guides and naturalists lead activities such as hiking, fishing, bear watching, and glacier climbing during the day, and then you have downtime or educational presentations at night. The type of activities vary greatly by location and time of year, so research is key to find the best fit. And advance planning is a must, as it’s not uncommon for them to book up a year or more in advance for peak periods.

Wilderness doesn't mean roughing it- fresh crab!

Relaxing after a full day of activity

Caribbean Villa Resort – There are lots of private villas and homes available, but if you book one that’s part of a resort, you get the benefits of both worlds: the services & amenities of a luxury hotel, plus the space and privacy of a home away from home. It's the perfect compromise if you have some who want to relax beach or poolside, and others who want to be on the go. It’s also a good option for families with very young children.

5 bedrooms and more available!

Great gathering spaces

Check out:

Round Hill Jamaica – 26 private villas, 100 acres of lush gardens, a pristine crescent beach, and complimentary children’s program starting at age 3

Virtuoso amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests

$100 spa credit

Early check-in/late check-out

Private pool (and lawn) with a view

Fun for little ones

Escorted Family Tour – This is a great option if your family wants to see as much as possible in a limited amount of time, but doesn’t want the hassle of managing travel logistics. These small group tours visit popular sights in destinations ranging from national parks to European cities to Africa. Families get lots of quality time together, but also get to socialize with other adults and children. (Great for families traveling alone!) Most widely known is Adventures by Disney, but Tauck and A&K also offer family departures. Active families should check out cycling, hiking or multi-sport trips with Backroads

Adventures by Disney in the Southwest

Guest or Dude Ranch – What’s the difference? A very simple distinction is that guest ranches offer ala carte activities and more flexible check in /out dates, where a dude ranch is all inclusive, generally runs Saturday to Saturday and has scheduled trail rides. But every ranch is unique so again, this is a trip that requires careful research to find the right match. Guests can do as much or as little as they want, so it suits a variety of interests and activity levels. Accommodations range from lodge rooms to large private homes to luxury tents. And don’t worry about it being too rustic, gourmet dining and other resort-style amenities like a pool and spa are often available.

Heading out on the trail

Learning to rope

Check out:

The Resort at Paws Up – A guest ranch in Montana’s gorgeous Big Sky country, with 28 luxurious vacation homes and 30 luxury tents with private baths and a Camping Butler.

Virtuoso amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests

Complimentary round-trip private airport transfers

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

A $300 activity credit

Bottle of wine in room on arrival

Private luxury at Paws Up

Brush Creek Ranch – An all-inclusive luxury dude ranch on 30,000 acres of Rocky Mountain wilderness in Wyoming. Rates include on site activities and trail rides, and the Lil Wranglers program for ages 4-8. Ages 9 and up can participate in most ranch activities.

Virtuoso amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests

A complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people

Choice of complimentary Cattle Drive, Scenic Float, Premium Fly Fishing or Wing Shooting Experience for 2 guests

Early check-in/late check-out

Wyoming scenery

Imagine waking up to this view!

If your group is large enough, you can buy out an entire property or tour. This is the ultimate celebration trip, completely private and customized, something to remember forever!

Are these choices overwhelming? No worries, just drop me a note at suzette@family-treks.com and I’ll help you design the perfect celebration for your family.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Announces Best Values of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:23:00 +0000

If you're planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, you need to know about the great values being offered at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. If you have flexibility in your schedule, you can time your trip to get the lowest rates of the year, a resort credit, and Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities if you book through me.

The absolute lowest rates of the year are for travel in September and October, if you book by June 30 for at least 5 nights. (Other value dates are June 20 – 30 and November 7 – 20.)

Beautiful views from all the rooms

In fall, Ocean Golf rooms start at $645/night, and this deal can be combined with the Resort Credit Promotion, also requiring a minimum 5 night stay. Here are all the dates the resort credit is available for the various room categories:

Suites - $1000 credit

Apr 20 – Jun 30, 2015
Aug 22 – Nov 20, 2015
Nov 28 – Dec 18, 2015

Ocean-View Room, Prime Ocean-View, Oceanfront - $500 credit

May 03 – May 31, 2015
Jun 20 – Nov 20, 2015
Nov 28 – Dec 18, 2015

Ocean-View Golf, Poolside, Partial Ocean-View - $250 credit

Aug 22 – Nov 20, 2015
Nov 28 – Dec 18, 2015

Lava rock shower!

Families can get 50% off a second room on these dates:

Apr 20 – Jun 30, 2015
Aug 22 – Nov 20, 2015
Nov 28 – Dec 18, 2015

And don't forget that the Kids for All Season program, for ages 5-12, is complimentary!

Want to golf every day? Then check out the Unlimited Golf package, which requires a 3 night minimum stay:

Unlimited daily golf for two guests with each night purchased, including access to the driving range and a shared cart, and daily buffet breakfast for two.

Apr 20, 2015 – Dec 18, 2015

Jan 03, 2016 – Apr 30, 2016

Having fun on the Jack Nicklaus
signature golf course

Children are welcome on the course, too! Juniors 13-17 pay reduced fees, and kids 12 and under play for free, with a paying guest.

No matter what promotion or room type you book, as my client you also receive these exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities:

Daily full American breakfast for two people per room
$100 food and beverage credit
Upgrade based on availability at time of check-in

If you'd like to know more about the amazing resort, or would like me to find the best rates for your family, just send an email to suzette@family-treks.com. My contacts will personally oversee your reservation to make sure you have an amazing room and an amazing time!

Wish you were here?

Starwood Luxury Collection Update (aka More Perks For You!)

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 18:07:00 +0000

I attended the Starwood Luxury Collection Showcase this month in San Francisco, hosted by one of the member properties, the historic Palace Hotel. I got to speak with sales representatives from dozens of hotels and resorts around the globe, including Hawaii, Europe, South America, and even Dubai!

Some visitors from Spain

Three great beach getaways

Here are a few interesting facts I learned:

Le Meridien London has family rooms that sleep 4. There are only a dozen of them so you need to book early!

St. Regis Deer Valley is not only offers quick ski in/out access to the slopes, but has a ski in bar.

Apres-ski in Deer Valley

The Phoenician and The Canyon Suites in Scottsdale has a 2 acre cactus garden on property with nature trails, and every Friday and Saturday at sunset they have a bird of prey show. They also added Surge, a water spray playground last year.

The Canyon Suites (top left) have a private lobby & pool,
but full access to all Phoenician Resort facilities

St. Regis Istanbul just opened in March, has 3 pools, and is across from the city's largest park, a great location for families.

St. Regis Bora Bora can arrange a very special wedding proposal. They will fly you and your special someone in a helicopter over a beach where coconuts will spell out Will You Marry Me?

Was the answer "Yes?"
Then you can conveniently plan your wedding before you leave!

The Greece Destination Program gives travelers reduced rates when they stay 7 or more nights in any combination of participating hotels in Athens, Costa Navarino, Mykonos, Santorini, and Eloundra.

Las Alcobas will open in Napa Valley within the next year. All rooms will be at least 600 sq ft with balconies and outdoor fireplaces, located in a rural setting in walking distance to downtown St. Helena.

Now let's talk about amenities! (One of my favorite topics to write about!)

In 2013, Starwood introduced Luxury Privileges, a preferred partner program, similar to Virtuoso, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, and Ritz Carlton STARS. Brownell Travel is a member of all of these "by invitation only" programs due to its elite agency status.

So that means my clients will receive amenities when I book their stay at Luxury Collection properties, including:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for two
Welcome amenity value at $100
Complimentary in-room internet
Early check in and late check out, subject to availability

Additionally, there are occasional exclusive Luxury Privilege deals, such as 3rd night free being offered at the St. Regis Monarch Beach in Orange County through May 31.

Beautiful SoCal sunset at the
family-friendly St Regis Monarch Beach

How do you get these amenities? You don't have to have any special Starwood status, or even a Starwood number (though I highly recommend you get one). All you need to do is let me book your stay, and then I'll ensure you receive the best amenity from any program applicable to that particular hotel.

Starwood has plans to add many more hotels to Luxury Collection over the next 5 years, so stay tuned here for the latest news.

To find out how to get the most perks for your next getaway, send an email to suzette@family-treks.com.

LA's Best Airport Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 20:19:00 +0000

When talking about “airport hotels” what usually comes to mind is a budget chain hotel with plain rooms, a shared airport shuttle, and continental breakfast (or if you’re lucky you might get steam table bacon and eggs).

Travelers making quick trips to a city want something close to the airport, and are used to compromising their standards for convenience. But that isn’t necessary if traveling to Los Angeles, as there’s a hidden gem just 10 min from LAX!

The Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey is a tranquil seaside hideaway only 6 miles from the airport where travelers can escape the hectic city pace. And it packs many surprises for first time visitors.

At first glance it looks like a typical city hotel, but once on property guests discover all the amenities of a full service resort: the only waterfront swimming pool in Los Angeles, a beautiful lawn used for events and outdoor movies, an outdoor fire pit, 2 lighted tennis courts, a gym, and even bicycle rentals.

And it’s only 1 mile from Venice Beach and minutes away from Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, so it’s a great option for business travelers who want to bring the family along.

The proximity to LAX also makes it the perfect gathering spot for family members flying in for family events, holidays, or even a reunion. I recommend booking a room on the exclusive Club Level for even more value, where complimentary drinks and snacks are offered several times throughout the day. It’s perfect for keeping those always hungry kids satisfied!

For a quick trip, check out the Lavish Layover package:

Overnight accommodations in a Deluxe guestroom or Club Level guestroom
Private roundtrip airport transfer to LAX
Early check-in or late check-out
$25 hotel credit

My clients will be upgraded on arrival if space is available due to our Ritz Carlton STARS status.

When booking regular rates, my clients will exclusive Virtuoso amenities:

Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
A choice of:
a full day bicycle rental for two or 2 hours of tennis court rentals

And you don’t even have to worry about where to go for dinner, as they have a beautiful waterfront restaurant with fire pits right on the tables!

24 Hours in a Ritz Carlton Club Lounge

noreply@blogger.com (Suzette Mack, LLC - Virtuoso Travel Advisor) — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 18:49:00 +0000

Well, I didn't actually spend the whole 24 hours there, but it was so nice I would have been perfectly comfortable crashing on a couch for the night!

During a recent stay at the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey near Los Angeles, I decided to visit each of the four food presentations offered daily so I can show you why booking a Club Level room is a great value.

At Marina del Rey, the Club Level is like a “hotel within a hotel” as it is open only to guests on the 11th floor. This boutique hotel feel offers guests a very exclusive experience that isn’t found in other luxury hotel brands.

Breakfast 6:30 -10:30 am

Clients who book with me receive complimentary breakfast as a Ritz STARS amenity, but it’s nice to have the Club breakfast available if you are in a rush and need “grab & go” food. If you are traveling with teenagers, you can send them into the lounge for a second breakfast when they inevitably become hungry a short time later.

Lunch Noon – 2:30 pm

It's advertised as a "light lunch" but you can certainly fill up on all that is offered. This was a convenient way to grab a quick meal right before we checked out.

Hors d’oeuvres 5 – 7:30 pm

Who can resist happy hour with free flowing wine, champagne and gourmet finger foods? And soft drinks for the kids, of course. This is a great place to gather if you are traveling with business associates or family members.

Evening Sweets 8-10 pm

Dinner at the Cast & Plow restaurant was phenomenal, but we were too full to order dessert. We weren't to be denied, though, so after letting our food rest a bit, we headed to the Club Lounge to find a election of yummy treats including cupcakes and chocolate truffles, an espresso machine, and a table full of after dinner liqueurs.

If you need a snack at other times of day, the Lounge is always stocked with coffee, sodas, bottled water, and cookies. Our favorite: Double Chocolate & Sea Salt! (I have the recipe, you can email me for it.)

Other perks of having Club Lounge access included free WiFi, a dedicated concierge, a private business center, and free pressing of two items each day.

And here’s a great offer exclusive to clients of Ritz Carlton STARS agencies, valid through the end of the year: Spend two consecutive nights in a One Bedroom Executive Suite and receive complimentary Club Lounge access!

Even if you don't stay in a Club Level room, when you let me book you at any Ritz Carlton, you still get a great value including complimentary breakfast, an automatic upgrade (based on availability), and a special welcome gift, due to our agency's Ritz STARS status.

Ritz Carlton New Orleans Club Lounge

Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe Club Lounge