5 Travel Tips for 2024

by Leave a Comment

As 2024 approaches we all start to plan our 2024 vacations! What better way to start the year than having an incredible adventure to look forward to? As you begin to consider your 2024 plans – here are our top tips and good travel practices for the coming year:

1. A Minimalist Approach to Packing

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination and discovering your luggage is nowhere to be found! Left with the few items in your purse, you’re suddenly spending the first few days of your trip buying new clothes and trying to track down your lost luggage. In 2023 there was a lot of lost luggage as airlines struggled. For 2024 we recommend embracing the ‘carry-on only’ style of travel. Minimize your wardrobe, do a spot of laundry, and follow our carry-on-only packing guide to have peace of mind and start your vacation the moment you land!

a golden vally of vineyards and trees with a winding river off to the side in Portugal
[Vineyards and the River Duoro in Porturgal – Photo Credit: Eduardo Lages via Unsplash]

2. Slow & Sustainable Travel

Embrace the joys of slow travel this year. Instead of trying to see it all – consider an immersive experience in one or two destinations. Places like Portugal, Kyoto Japan, and Southern Italy are all known for their slower pace of life. They’re perfect starting points to help you slow down and get to know a place more intimately.

Slowing down goes hand in hand with traveling more sustainably. By slowing down and spending more of your money in one community – you support the locals and emit fewer emissions. Pair this with a reusable travel mug, water bottle, and slower train travel and you’re on your way to being a sustainable traveler!

3. Book Early & Check Your Passports Immediately

Kayak has found that eight months is the true sweet spot to start planning your vacation. Last year was a big year for travel and this year promises to be the same. So starting early and booking early can ensure you get the exact vacation you hope for! Imagine all the hotels, tours, and experiences are available for your exact dates. 

Along with booking early, checking your passport expiration dates as early as possible is a must this year. Renewing your passport can take up to 4 months! Don’t leave it down to the wire when you’re stressed about whether or not you’ll be able to take the fabulous trip you have planned! Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least three to six months from your travel dates. You can check passport requirements here.

[Photo Credit: Spencer Davis via Unsplash]

4. Don’t Underestimate the Value of Travel Insurance

In a world of Covid and lost luggage, unexpected emergencies, and last-minute changes – travel insurance has never been more important. Travel insurance can help cover you in so many situations. If your luggage is lost – it can cover the cost of new clothes. If you or a travel partner suddenly tests positive for COVID-19 – it can cover those non-refundable expenses and changes. If your flight or train is delayed because of a strike and you miss a few days of your vacation – it can cover your unused hotel rooms and date changes.

Ann next to an Elephant at the sanctuary in Thailand

If you’re going to spend money on a trip – it’s worth spending a little extra to ensure you don’t lose it all when the unexpected happens.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures — read about her trip to Thailand here!

5. Stay Informed With the Best Apps

We are firmly in the age of apps. So why not use them to help you stay up-to-date and informed during your trip? Ensure you know how to use your phone abroad and then use it to its fullest! Use a reliable weather app to check each morning so you know what to wear. Always download your airline’s app to keep track of your flights and be able to check in with ease. Download the U.S. government’s safety app (Smart Traveler) to see what visas and vaccines you’ll need before traveling and where to find help if you need it during your trip. Whether you’re using them to calculate the exchange rate, look up the best route from one site to another, or keep track of all your expenses – apps are infinitely useful! These are our 7 top apps for your travels.

We hope you’re ready and excited to start planning your 2024 travels! Whether you’re following the eight-month suggestion and getting ready to plan for summer, looking to plan a quick getaway this spring, or already excited to start planning your December 2024 adventure – we are ready to help you every step of the way!

An Adventure in Portugal

by Leave a Comment

Kendra and Shad love to visit places where they can be active and adventurous. Places with stunning scenery, a bit of hiking, and incredible food. We knew the perfect destination for their 2023 adventure that would incorporate all of the above: Portugal. Here’s their feedback:

Hotels

The Sintra Boutique Hotel (Sintra) was wonderful. The concierge was super helpful, the location was convenient, the room was comfortable, and the food at breakfast was the best (of the hotel breakfasts) we had during our trip.

The AP Oriental (Portimão) was gorgeous. Front desk staff was friendly and helpful, the room was spacious and comfortable. The food was great; the pool was quiet and clean. The weather didn’t cooperate for us to spend time on the beach, but it looked like a beautiful set up. Convenient location to walk everywhere, including along the boardwalk and beach. It was nice that it was a quiet, adults only hotel. The trade off was that most of the other guests were much older (more of a 50/60+ crowd). Wi-fi was a bit spotty.

Brown’s Central (Lisbon) was right in the thick of things. If you like to be where the people are, it’s the place for you. That being said, once inside the room it was quiet and comfortable. The decor is hip and unique. The bar downstairs had great bartenders and drinks. Walkable to many points of interest, bars and restaurants – just make sure you’re ready for cobblestones, narrow side walks and some hills/stairs. And A LOT of people.

Excursions

We LOVED the food tour in Lisbon. Our tour guide was super knowledgeable and gave great info everywhere we stopped, plus additional tips and recommendations. 10/10 would recommend.

The boat tour of the caves was so much fun. It was a little choppy the day we went out, but definitely worth the hour or so we were on the water. The boat was smaller than some other tours, so while we traded off some comfort, it allowed us to get closer to/into some of the caves, including Benagil.

It was nice to spend a night in Sintra. While crowded during the day with day trippers, it was peaceful to walk around at night. We had a delicious dinner, got some gelato and walked around town. We visited Peña Palace, which is a must see. Unfortunately there was a workers strike the second day and we weren’t able to visit the Moorish castle, but we still hiked up to it and saw the outside

We spent an afternoon in Cascais and would highly recommend anyone going to Lisbon make the trip, even for a few hours. We also stopped at St Vincent lighthouse in Sagres (aka the southernmost point in Portugal).

Food

The food was incredible. Restaurant F in Portimão was our favorite meal. Everywhere we stopped on the food tour in Lisbon was also amazing.

Pastéis de Belém may be touristy, but it really is worth it. We didn’t go inside, but we took pastéis to go and ate them in a nearby park.

The southernmost point of Portugal featuring sea and lighthouse

Overall, we had a wonderful time! Thank you for helping us plan this trip and for making such great recommendations!

Top 5 Family Vacation Styles

by Leave a Comment

Family vacations are a cherished time for bonding, creating memories, and expanding horizons. With a myriad of options available, finding the perfect style to suit your family’s preferences and interests can be an exciting beginning. Knowing what type of vacation you’re looking for is the first step in planning the perfect family vacation! Here’s our guide to the top five family vacation styles:

1. All-inclusive Resorts: For Families Seeking Relaxation

All-inclusive resorts offer a convenient and stress-free vacation experience, catering to families who prioritize relaxation and pampering. These resorts provide everything you need under one roof, from accommodations and meals to a variety of activities and entertainment.

For large multi-generational groups, this is a great way for everyone to enjoy different activities while having a central home base. Those with little kids will enjoy the chill beaches and easy-access pools. While the hard-to-please tweens and teens can find more adventurous experiences like zip lining, water parks, and snorkeling. Destinations like Punta Cana, The Riviera Maya, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, and the Bahamas are a perfect place to start.

[Photo Credit: Megan & Jim from Shared Adventures]

Pros:

  • Effortless planning and budgeting
  • Endless options for activities and entertainment
  • Childcare and kids’ clubs for worry-free relaxation
  • Diverse dining options to suit all tastes

Cons:

  • Limited exploration of the surrounding area
  • Potential for feeling confined to the resort
  • Higher cost compared to other options

2. Cruises: For Families combining Adventure and Relaxation

Cruises offer a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, allowing families to explore multiple destinations while enjoying the amenities and activities onboard. They are a great way to see multiple destinations while only unpacking once. Like all-inclusives, cruises are great for multi-generational families where everyone can do their own thing while still having a central home base. But they have an added sense of adventure and multiple unique destinations in one trip.

[Photo Credit: Clare via Shared Adventures]

a large cruise ship wth a colorful design on the side in Alaska

Pros:

  • Variety of destinations and attractions
  • Amenities and entertainment onboard
  • Dining options included in the package
  • Opportunities for sightseeing and excursions

Cons:

  • Limited time at each destination
  • Crowds
  • Confined Spaces

3. Theme Parks: For Families Seeking Excitement and Entertainment

Enter a world of excitement and entertainment, catering to families who love thrilling rides, captivating shows, and immersive experiences. Theme parks always have something new to do since they are always opening new rides and experiences.

the water, ferris wheel and roller coaster of Disneyland's California Adventures Theme Park

With endless entertainment options for all ages from heart-pounding roller coasters to enchanting shows – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.  A theme park vacation is perfect if you don’t want to take a week-long holiday or are looking to include it with other activities in the area.

[Photo Credit: Brandi Alexandra via Unsplash]

Depending on the ages and interests of the family, you can enjoy more character-centered parks like Disney and Universal or amusement parks with lots of great big-kid rides like Bush Gardens. Theme parks provide a setting where families can connect, create lasting bonds, and experience the magic of storytelling and imagination.

Pros:

  • Endless entertainment options for all ages
  • Opportunities for character interactions and themed experiences
  • Variety of dining and shopping options within the park
  • Accessibility and adaptations
  • Convenient accommodations & amenities

Cons:

  • Crowds and long wait times for attractions
  • Lots of walking throughout the day
  • Higher cost of admission and food
  • Potential for overstimulation, especially for younger children

4. Nature Adventures: For Families Seeking Connection

Nature adventures immerse families in the wonders of the natural world, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife encounters, and outdoor exploration. Perfect for families with tweens and teens, visiting a destination like Costa Rica provides a little bit of everything from family resorts to adventure activities like kayaking, zip-lining, and wildlife encounters.

Nature adventures offer experiences that will captivate and inspire every member of the family. Whether you’re visiting the rainforests of Costa Rica the marine wildlife reserves in Florida or the wonders of an African Safari.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures]

two guys snorkeling in the bright blue water of the Galapagos

Pros:

  • Connection with nature and appreciation for the environment
  • Opportunities for physical activity and outdoor education
  • Memories of shared experiences in nature

Cons:

  • Requires adaptability to weather conditions and potential challenges
  • Limited access to amenities and technology
  • Safety considerations and proper preparation are essential

5. Cultural Adventures: For Families Seeking Immersive Experiences

Cultural adventures expose families to different cultures, traditions, and historical sites, fostering global understanding and appreciation. Many international destinations are family friendly and even geared towards the younger generations, like Portugal, Spain & Italy.

A family at a wine tasting table with views overlooking the sea in Santorini Greece

From ages ten and up– picking a city or two to explore not only creates long-lasting memories but also exposes the family to new cultures, unusual experiences, and diverse foods! It’s also a perfect way to enjoy a family vacation when everybody’s all grown up.

[Photo Credit: Alicia & Jay from Shared Adventures — read about their family trip to Greece here!]

Pros:

  • Broadening of horizons and cultural awareness
  • Opportunities to learn about different languages, customs, and traditions
  • Memories of unique experiences and connections with people from diverse backgrounds

Cons:

  • Requires adaptability and openness to different cultures
  • Potential for language barriers and cultural sensitivities
  • The cost of travel and activities may vary depending on the destination

Which style of vacation fits your family? What kind of vacation sparks your imagination and fits with your family’s needs? Let us know when you’re ready to discover the perfect destination based on your family’s travel style!

A Family Adventure in Greece

by Leave a Comment

Long-time clients Alicia & Jay came to us for some help with a bucket-list trip to Greece with her mom, dad, sister, and brother-in-law. The whole family wanted a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, luxury hotel amenities, gorgeous beaches, and incredible food! We were thrilled to put it all together for them. Here’s their feedback:

We can’t thank you enough for planning such a perfect family trip to Greece! We had an amazing time! We had beautiful, warm, and sunny weather for most of the trip.

Athens

As you already know, when we arrived in Athens on Saturday morning, there was a mixup with our transportation and we ended up just taking taxis to the hotel. However, after this, the trip was mostly seamless! The Athens Gate Hotel was wonderful and very helpful in confirming our transportation for the following day. When we arrived on Saturday, we had lunch and explored Hadrian’s Arch and Monastiraki Square. We had drinks and dinner at the Athens Gate rooftop, which had beautiful views of the Acropolis.

On Sunday, we had our tour of the Acropolis. When we got to the meeting point, there was no one there to meet us for the tour. We contacted the tour company and they arranged for someone to meet us back at our hotel so we could leave from there. The tour of the Acropolis was amazing and our tour guide was incredible. It was definitely good to do it early in the day because it was 90+ degrees, and it wasn’t too crowded as we were climbing up, but on our way down we noticed that the crowds had increased significantly.

After the tour, we grabbed lunch and headed to the airport.

Crete

We absolutely loved the Minoa Palace Resort in Crete! What a beautiful resort, which certainly earns its 5-star status.

We spent the next four days mostly between the beach and pools and walking to nearby restaurants for dinner. The hotel staff couldn’t have been nicer, arranging taxis and even salon appointments for us. We loved our rooms with the private pools!

The Cretan Cooking Class was an incredible experience and one of the best meals we had the entire trip. It was amazing to see the family’s villa high up in the mountains with incredible views.

We also explored Chania Old Town on Wednesday, which was beautiful. We stopped for lunch along the water at the perfect time because the skies opened up and gave us quite a storm. I think that was the only time it rained the entire trip in Greece!

Santorini

I think Santorini was collectively our favorite place! The Petit Palace Hotel blew us away with its incredible views. Talk about a grand entrance – the hotel’s entrance is literally two doors on the side of a cliff and all you see is the water below when you walk through. Our rooms were again spacious and impressive – from the unique bathrooms to the balconies. We saw the best sunset of our entire trip from our hotel room balconies. The hotel had a shuttle that runs back and forth to Fira, and the staff was very helpful with arranging taxis for us elsewhere.

We spent time exploring both Fira and Oia, which was my favorite place, as well as the black sand beaches – we spent a day at one of the beach clubs called Wet Stories. Marissa, Joe, and Bob did a hike from Fira to Imerovigli, which they said was amazing! We also did a tour and wine tasting at Santo Wines, which was great!

The highlight in Santorini for all of us was the Sunset Boat Tour. The tour ended up being all adults and relatively small (we lucked out with a fun group). The crew was spectacular and the food they prepared was delicious. We all swam in the Aegean Sea and enjoyed drinks, good music, and beautiful views.

Conclusions

We all agreed that it was so nice to have one extra night in Athens at the end of the trip. We loved the Sofitel – the convenience of the two-minute walk from baggage claim was ideal. We had dinner at their rooftop restaurant and it was great to be able to freshen up and get a good night’s sleep before the long flight back to Boston.

Overall, you knocked it out of the park again! This was the most memorable family trip. Thank you from all of us for planning the best escape to Greece!

 

Facebook-square Instagram Linkedin Pinterest-square

You provided excellent guidance for us. I appreciated that you really had us think about what was most important to us when we were selecting the right cruise – and not to totally focus on what other people had to say. THANK YOU for helping to make this a memorable trip for our family! It really was a trip of a lifetime!

– Clare and Mark (family cruise to Alaska)

The level of service we experienced was out of this world (and we did NOT make it easy on Ann). We weren’t quite sure where we wanted to go, when we would be able to go, or what “vibe” we were going for. After asking us some key questions (what we liked, didn’t like, why, etc.) Ann helped us narrow down our trip details and planned the honeymoon of our dreams. She helped book some of our excursions, answered some emergency questions while abroad and was always available/willing to help. I think it’s safe to say we won’t be using anyone else for future travel planning – Ann is a rockstar!

– Carli (Italy and Spain)