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Posts Tagged ‘family vacation’

For the most memorable vacation, explore the world with your family

posted: Nov 17, 2014 by: with: 2 comments

When it comes to international family travel, it’s amazing how times have changed. My parents never even thought of taking me on a trip overseas, and while I took my children on international trips when they were younger, I suspect it was only because I worked in the travel industry. Most of friends told me I was crazy to take my five and eight year olds “overseas.” But today, international family travel has almost become the norm, as more and more parents, children, and grandparents embark on multigenerational journeys together.

A recent AAA survey found that multigenerational travel is one of the hottest trends in the travel industry today, with about 36 percent of travelers planning to take a multigenerational trip in the next year alone. Families are seeking new ways to form life-long bonds and create lasting memories, and nothing does that better than sharing in the joy and excitement of international travel.

Here at Friendly Planet Travel, we’ve seen this trend firsthand, as more grandparents and parents continue to turn to us to help them book unforgettable family excursions. That’s why we’ve just unveiled our latest family-friendly travel packages that take families to some of the most exotic destinations in our world. Our tours visit seven countries — Costa Rica, Japan, Thailand, Kenya, Greece, South Africa, and China — at special, family-friendly departure times and rates, with discounts up to $950 for children under 12.

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6 tips for traveling internationally with your grandchild

posted: May 29, 2014 by: with: 1 comment

My husband and I recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Brazil. The Brazilian beaches, nightlife, culture, and food were spectacular, but the true highlight was vacationing with our 14-year-old grandson, Ben. This was the first time my husband and I planned an international excursion with a grandchild — without his parents — and the experience was one we’ll never forget.

Travel opens a young person’s eyes like no other experience. It introduces them to foreign sights and sounds that free their minds and expand their world views. Travel teaches life lessons, like that people who look, speak, eat, dress, and behave differently are still people just like you.

By traveling to Brazil with Ben, my husband and I also expanded our own world views by viewing the country through his fresh, curious eyes and savoring new experiences through his enormous appetite for adventure. Ben’s excitement began the moment we stepped off the airplane, and he remained in a state of wonder for the entire trip. We watched him soak up every detail, ask questions, embrace a new culture and people, and try strange foods, and we were delighted as every one of his firsts transformed into our own.

The experience not only influenced our views of Brazil, but it also forged bonds among us that would never have been possible under other circumstances. Traveling without Ben’s parents allowed us to truly get to know one another in a new way, and appreciate each other far beyond the traditional grandparent and grandchild relationship.

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The perfect Mother’s Day gift: International travel

posted: May 8, 2014 by: with: No Comments

It’s almost Mother’s Day, and as a mother and grandmother, I wanted to take a minute to share some motherly advice. While all moms appreciate the traditional Mother’s Day flowers, cards and the occasional breakfast in bed, the ultimate present has always been spending time with our children and yes, our grandchildren. I’ve watched my kids grow from wobbling toddlers to successful adults, and looking back over the years, the moments that bring the biggest smiles to my face are those spent enjoying time together.

With that in mind, I suggest rethinking the traditional Mother’s Day gifts this year, and consider giving Mom a present that will create lifelong memories for your family — a mother-and-child trip to an exotic destination that both of you are dying to visit and enjoy together.

In my more than 30 years in the industry, I’ve heard countless stories about how travel has built bonds and strengthened relationships. In fact, a lot of those stories are mine, having traveled internationally with both my own kids and grandkids. Not only do families learn about new cultures, they learn about each other and gain a new level of appreciation for one another. In case you haven’t discovered any mutual travel “must visits” of your own, here’s my Mother’s Day gifting guide to help you choose the perfect destination for you and your mom.

The first-time-traveler mom: Italy

Italy is a perfect destination for first-time international travelers. Your mom will fall in love with the welcoming Italian people and feel completely at home in the relaxed culture. Stroll through the winding cobblestone streets of Venice, a city that floats on water, and watch gondoliers serenade patrons as they glide along the city’s 177 canals. Travel to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and shop for gold, jewels, and art on the Ponte Vecchio, a walking bridge lined with high-end stores. Then gaze upon Michelangelo’s famous statue of David. End the trip sipping bold red wines at a café in Rome and wandering through the ruins of the famed Coliseum. Whether you and your Mom love cooking, art, music or just plain strolling, you’ll find boundless opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime.

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